talking with laurie anderson page 14 WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Jan. 5, 2011 TIMES vol 26, no. 14 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Gay mayor goes to the U.S. House

By Ross Forman gery chico David Cicilline was in Washington, D.C., for a December meeting of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, on which he serves. He then made interview his way over to the House of Representatives for its debate and vote on page 6 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Cicilline, the first openly gay mayor of a U.S. state capital (Providence, R.I.), watched first-hand—from the House floor—when the repeal of DADT was passed. “Being there was great, wonderful. It made me incredibly proud,” said Cicil- line, a Democrat who has spent the past eight years as mayor of Providence and, on Jan. 3, 2011, moves into the U.S. House of Representatives for Rhode Island’s 1st congressional district. He announced his candidacy for the House last February, for the seat vacat- ed by fellow Democrat Patrick J. Kennedy—and Cicilline ultimately defeated Republican John Loughlin by about 10,000 votes. “I thought [voting to repeal DADT] was a really important vote because there had been so much discussion about the valor and bravery of members David Cicilline at a May 2010 press conference. Photo courtesy of Cicil- of the LGBT community in the military, and the idea that 13,000 individuals line’s office Turn to page 4 TALKING WITH ers’ cases are still pending. NICOLE HOLLANDER —Election rejection: For the most part, gay page 16 Local and lesbian candidates did not fare well in the Feb. 2 elections, as individuals lost while vying happenings for everything from the Illinois General Assembly to judicial seats. One bright spot is that Mary in 2010 Trew, who lost a tight race for a post in the Cook by ANDREW DAVIS County Circuit Court, was appointed by year’s end. Here are a few of the headlines that will make —Putting a Spin on it: The Boystown night- 2010 a year to remember, from rallies/protests club Spin became the subject of a lawsuit regard- to agency developments: ing a contractual dispute. The suit alleged that —There goes the judge: Tom Chiola, the first representatives of Spin failed to fulfill the terms openly gay elected individual in Illinois, has an- of an arrangement made when plaintiffs Andrea nounced his retirement from his 16-year Cook Cruzatti and Maria Christina Wiesmore—acting County Circuit Court judicial position. He made as A&C Productions—booked and promoted a history when he won his rigorous campaign for February show by Kid Sister. Cook County Circuit Court judge in 1994 in the —The Baim game: In an eventful year for film review: eighth Judicial Subcircuit. He later branched Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim, she pub- out into acting, taking part in the production lished the book Obama and the Gays: A Political blue valentine F**king Men at Bailiwick Chicago. Marriage and was named the inaugural recipient page 15 —Red Line attack: Three men attacked Daniel of the Chicago History Museum’s OUT Fellow- Hauff, a gay individual, Jan. 10 on a Red Line ship. State Rep. Greg Harris addresses the civil- train. Hauff avoided further injury by smearing union bill’s merits. Pic by Catherine Sikora blood on his attackers and saying he was HIV- Turn to page 8 positive, although he wasn’t. The alleged attack-

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WINDY CITY TIMES Proud to serve the Chicago LGBT community since 1985 WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS National events of 2010 4 Scottish Play Scott 11 Gay mayor now in Congress 4 Theater reviews 12 Biden: Marriage equality inevitable 5 Debated Smithsonian film debuts 13 Gery Chico interview; Gould 6 Laurie Anderson; Humphrey DVD 14 Starcom; BEHIV 7 KATM: Blue Valentine 15 Local happenings in 2010 8 Nicole Hollender; That’s What... 16 Gay in the Life: Sprunger 9 Real estate: Aqua, Obama 17 Viewpoint: Gates; HBHC letter 10 Billy Masters 21 What’s Photos on cover (left, from top): Image of OUTLINES Laurie Anderson by Leland Brewster; Gery Real estate; classifieds 18 Chico photo courtesy of Brooke Anderson; Calendar Q 20 Nicole Hollander photo by Kat Fitzgerald; Sports: Cleveland, Red Stars 22 missing Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine by Davi Russo

TALKINGA WITHNDERSON LAURIE roup.com indyCityMediaG www.W ay mayor goes G .S. House to the U DOWNLOAD THIS! from this Go to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com

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W YEAR FROM HAPPY NE spots Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! night picture? online exclusives at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com SHOW TIME Bent Nights looks at the year in concerts, including Crystal Bowersox at the Lights Festival (left).

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Anthony Paull Read about some (above) gives us of the top LGBT YOU. another Dating travel spots, such do ‘tell’ Diet column. Read Craig Teichen’s piece on activism as Rio de Janeiro in the face of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and Photo courtesy of Paull (above). its repeal. Photo from Lawrence Ferber Work out for FREE GERY ON Read more of Joe Erbentraut’s interview going ‘off’ January 2 – 9, 2011 at with mayoral candidate Gery Chico. all 70 Chicago Park

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT This week’s entertainment round-up District fitness centers! includes bits on Annie Lennox, Rupert Everett and Tyler Perry. Plus, if you register January 2 – 9 for the WCT talked with Ben Folds of NBC’s winter session (January – March), you’ll get plus The Sing-Off as well as the show’s most DAILY BREAKING NEWS recent champions, Committed (above). a free Nike fitness gift, while supplies last.

n i g h ts p o t s Peace out, A look back at 
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December 22, 2010 2010 2010: A Year In Review For more information about your Chicago Park District visit THE BEST photos Show #397 www.chicagoparkdistrict.com, from 2010, or call 312.742.PLAY (7529) or 312.747.2001 (TTY). plus all your New Year’s eve events! City of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, Mayor Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners Chicago Park District, Timothy J. Mitchell, General Superintendent & CEO Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES ONLINE AT MAYOR from cover National WINDYCITYMEDIAGROUP.COM were [kicked out] of the military because of NATIONAL NEWS their honesty about who they were seemed to news me incredibly tragic and unjust,” Cicilline said. “This was great for our country, great for our in 2010 national security, great for our community. by ANDREW DAVIS “For me personally, it was a very proud mo- ment. I was very proud of the members of Con- It certainly was an eventful year for the LGBT gress, and then [the] members of Senate. It —Tea Party targets community on the national front. (Do George made me very proud and gave real meaning to Mass. Repub. Sen. Rekers, Constance McMillen and Dan Savage ring some of our core values as Americans—integri- Scott Brown (left) a bell?) Here is the list of national highlights ty, honesty, equality, and just all of the things and lowlights for 2010 (in chronological order): that this country stands for.” —Transgender advances: President Obama —Apple rejects Cicilline, 49, served in the Rhode Island appointed transgender individuals Dylan Orr anti-gay app again House of Representatives for eight years before and Amanda Simpson. Simpson, 49, is a na- moving into City Hall in Providence. He was a tive of Chicago and began work Jan. 5 as senior —N.Y. Post calls lawyer before running for the legislature, and technical advisor in the Bureau of Industry and Elton John, partner took office in January, 1995. He came out dur- Security. In a related development, the Obama ‘Elton and wife’ ing his time in the legislature. David Cicilline. administration, through the Office of Person- Cicilline now joins a small group of high-pro- nel Management, started to list gender identity file openly gay politicians, such as U.S. Reps. among the classes protected by federal Equal Barney Frank, Jared Polis and Tammy Baldwin some good things for my country.” Employment Opportunity policies. closet last year, including musician Ricky Mar- as well as Houston, Texas, Mayor Annise Park- Cicilline, in this exclusive interview with —Sworn in: Annise Parker, 53, was formally tin, talk-show host Stephanie Miller and country er. Windy City Times, spoke about several other sworn in as the 61st mayor of Houston, Texas. singer Chely Wright. Wright was grand marshal “I have enormous respect for [each],” Cicil- topics. She officially became the first openly gay person of Chicago’s gay-pride parade. line said. “They have done so much and have —The next session of Congress: “I’m very, very excited. It’s hit me—the work has begun. to be elected as mayor of one of the country’s —Beating cancer: Lesbian tennis icon Mar- been the pioneers. I feel very honored to join five most populated cities. tina Navratilova was diagnosed with breast them, and hopefully my presence here [in D.C.] We’re already busy putting together staff, put- —Change in New Hampshire: New Hamp- cancer. Navratilova, who was diagnosed with a will add to our success as a community and ting together an office in the district and in shire became the fifth state to allow same-sex the work that still needs to be done to achieve Washington.” marriage, joining Massachusetts, Connecticut, full equality for all members of the LGBT com- —Bullying: “It is a very serious issue,” Cicil- Iowa and Vermont. munity.” line said. “We have to ensure that every single —What can Brown do for you?: Massachu- So when will sexual orientation no longer be child and young person who is studying in our setts Attorney General Martha Coakley was ex- a topic of note in politics? public schools is safe, and has the opportu- pected to assume the late Sen. Ted Kennedy’s “I don’t think we’re far from that,” he said. nity to study and learn, and achieve their full seat—but she was upset by Republican Scott “To the next generation, it’s almost a non-issue potential free from the fear of any violence, Brown, dashing hopes for immediate advance- [already]. bullying or just being unsafe. That’s a basic ment on measures of interest to the LGBT com- “We’re continuing to make progress in our necessity in a learning environment. munity. However, Brown was one of the few march toward full equality. We continue to “The fact is, bullying goes on all the time in Republicans who voted for the repeal of “Don’t make progress and, over time, we’re going to, schools all across this country, and it happens Ask, Don’t Tell” in December. without question, reach a place in this country disproportionately to LGBT youth. We have to —AIDS council named: Health and Human where there’s full equality for members of our take it seriously. There has to be good educa- Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced community, where we have all of the rights and tion programs, good adult intervention, and the appointment of 24 new members to the responsibilities of every other person in this good training. Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PA- country. “We’ve had incredible tragedies [in 2010 due CHA). Among those named were actress Rosie “The repeal of DADT is really important, a to bullying], not just in our community, but Perez, The Black AIDS Institute Executive Direc- very historic event. And that hopefully will with other young people throughout the coun- Dan Choi. Photo by John Fenoglio tor Phill Wilson and Dartmouth College Presi- set an example for other organizations and in- try. dent Jim Kim. stitutions that currently discriminate against “[The bullying] absolutely cannot continue to happen in schools in this country. It’s heart- —Mother’s day: The United States Supreme non-invasive form, had a lumpectomy and en- people based on their sexual orientation, that breaking when you hear the stories, and infuri- Court denied review in a custody dispute Feb. dured six weeks of radiation therapy in order to is something that should not continue.” ating.” 22 involving a non-biological lesbian mother overcome the cancer. And that definitely includes the Employment Cicilline said now is the time to implement a whose former partner, the child’s biological —To one’s health: After signing a memo Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a proposed serious, national effort to eliminate bullying in mother, was seeking to strip her of any parental directing the secretary of health and human bill in the U.S. Congress that would prohibit schools. And that requires an investment of re- rights. services to take steps to address hospital visi- discrimination against employees based on sources, training, education, and development —Capital idea: Washington, D.C.’s marriage- tation and other health care issues affecting sexual orientation or gender identity by civil- of a protocol to monitor and evaluate these equality legislation became law in spite of LGBT families, President Barack Obama called ian, nonreligious employers with at least 15 anti-bullying efforts. a Herculean effort by opponents to block its Lambda Legal client Janice Langbehn to express employees. “[The bullying is] not going to end on its implementation through both legal action— his sympathies for the tragic loss of her partner, “We have work to do to pass ENDA and [on] a own; it requires engagement from the commu- including a last minute Hail Mary pass to the U. Lisa Pond, and the treatment she suffered. lot of other fronts, too,” Cicilline said. “So long nity, from parents, from young people them- S. Supreme Court and Chief Justice John Roberts —I fought the law...: LGBT groups and public as we continue to push, work hard, and con- selves,” Cicilline said. “We cannot take [this for a stay—as well as legislative maneuvering in figures spoke out against the immigration law tinue to make our case as a community then subject] lightly. We have to make a real effort the House and Senate. enacted in Arizona April 23. The statute requires we continue to see more and more equality, to respond to this issue; we owe it to the kids —Prom date: In Mississippi, Itawamba Agri- police to check an individual’s immigration sta- and it eventually will get to the point where in this country to do it.” cultural High School cancelled prom when Con- tus whenever an officer suspects an individual we’ve achieved full equality for our community To that, Cicilline directed the school super- stance McMillen wished to bring her girlfriend may be in the U.S. illegally. The law has been in this country. intendent in Providence to examine all of the as her date. Among what ensued were a fake dubbed, “Papers, please.” “I don’t really know the whole landscape, training and education on anti-bullying, to de- prom—and an agreement by the school district —By George: George Rekers, a prominent an- where the votes are [regarding ENDA]. But, termine if additional training was necessary.” to pay McMillen $35,000 and enact a nondis- ti-gay activist who co-founded the conservative from my perspective, I think ENDA has to be a “I think it’s crimination policy. Family Research Council, was reportedly caught top priority for our community. The idea that —Illinois passing civil unions: a step on our march toward full equality. I’m a —Shocking stat: At the 2010 National STD with a male prostitute at the Miami airport. Re- you can still be discharged from employment proponent of civil marriage; I think that’s what Prevention Conference, a CDC analysis revealed kers posted on Facebook, “I deliberately spend in many states because of your sexual orienta- full equality means,” he said. “The more states that men who have sex with men are at least time with sinners with the loving goal to try to tion is something we need to address now. It’s that pass it, and the larger states that pass it, 44 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV help them.” a great injustice. I think it’s contrary to the that brings more national attention to it—and than other men, and 40 times more likely than —Guilty: In Puerto Rico, Juan José Martínez core values of this country.” it’s just part of an ongoing effort to achieve women. In coming up with those numbers, how- Matos pled guilty for the brutal murder of gay Cicilline hits the gym daily before heading to full equality.” ever, the CDC assumed demographic percentages teenager Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado that oc- work. He’s lifting weights at about 5:30 a.m., Cicilline tagged some found questionable. curred in November 2009. Matos—who had and in the mayor’s office often by 7:30 a.m. —The Chicago mayoral race: Mayor Daley as “a good friend.” Daley hosted —Protesting: Gay-rights activists staged sit- been charged with stabbing Mercado to death He often has work commitments until 11 a fundraiser for Cicilline in Chicago when he ins at the Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, before decapitating, dismembering and burning p.m., or so. ran for Congress. The two served together in Calif., offices of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy his body—was sentenced to 99 years in prison. “The job of mayor is pretty inclusive, but for- the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Cicilline has a Pelosi March 18, demanding that voting on the —DOMA down: In two decisions, Common- tunately I love doing what I do, so it doesn’t cousin who lives in Chicago, and his finance Employment Non-Discrimination Act take place wealth of Massachusetts v. HHS and Gill v. Office really feel like work,” Cicilline said. “It’s been director came from Illinois. on the House floor. At the White House, “Don’t of Personnel Management, United States District a great job; I’ve enjoyed it tremendously. “I don’t know any of the [mayoral] candi- Ask, Don’t Tell” activists Lt. Dan Choi and Capt. Judge Joseph Tauro held section three of the “I’ve loved being mayor for the last eight dates other than Rahm Emanuel, who I don’t Jim Pietrangelo were arrested after they hand- Defense of Mariage Act (DOMA) unconstitution- years. I’m very proud of all we’ve gotten done, and now am really looking forward to Congress know [personally],” Cicilline said. cuffed themselves to a fence. Turn to page 5 —Outgoing: Celebrities came out of the and fighting for my State and hopefully doing WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 5 But I also have a lot of very close friends who NATIONAL from page 4 are married gay or lesbian couples. And squar- ing that circle is something that I have not al. Tauro said that DOMA interfered with the tra- done yet, but I’m continually asking myself this ditional state right to define marriage and forced question, and I do think that -- I will make this the state to “violate the equal protection rights observation, that I notice there is a big genera- of its citizens.” tional difference. When you talk to people who —Addressing an epidemic: Suicides among are in their 20s, they don’t understand what the LGBT teens—a problem that was well-known holdup is on this, regardless of their own sexual within the community but rarely addressed— orientation. And obviously when you talk to became one of the biggest stories of last year, older folks, then there’s greater resistance.” if not the biggest. As dozens of teens commit- The L.A. Times editorial board criticized ted suicide, a nation responded (thanks in part Obama’s statements Dec. 30. to Dan Savage’s “It Gets Better” project) and Vice President Joe Biden. “The president could spare himself that strug- mourned. gle if he would analyze the issue logically,” the —Winning strategies: The White House re- newspaper said. “If he did, he would recognize leased the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) that it’s irrational, once same-sex couples are and accompanying NHAS Federal Implementa- VP Biden: given the practical advantages of marriage, to tion Plan. As for monies, $30 million of the Af- deny them married status. Civil unions, while a fordable Care Act’s Prevention Fund was to be Gay marriage vast improvement over the absence of any rec- dedicated to the strategy’s implementation— Bishop Eddie Long. ognition of same-sex relationships, are almost although activists expressed concern that new by definition second-class arrangements. The funding may not be available for the plan. inevitable on the TV megahit American Idol, Ellen DeGe- BY REX WOCKNER temptation is to think that Obama knows this, —Games controversy: The City of Cleveland neres departed as judge. The new line-up con- and that his reluctance to endorse marriage sent a letter to the Cleveland Synergy Founda- sists of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Ste- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden told ABC News on equality is more political than personal.” tion stating that the Federation of Gay Games ven Tyler. Dec. 24 that the nation will reach consensus on Indeed, in early 1996, then-state-Senate can- (FGG) was terminating Synergy’s license agree- —The doctor is out: Radio personality Dr. supporting legalization of same-sex marriage. didate Barack Obama wrote to the Chicago gay ment for Gay Games 2014 and that the city was Laura Schlessinger is on the hot seat after using “I think there’s an inevitability for a national newspaper Outlines (now known as Windy City halting all payments to Synergy. Another orga- the “N-word” repeatedly on the air during an consensus on gay marriage,” Biden said. “That is Times), “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, nization, the Cleveland Special Events Corp., has Aug. 10 show with a caller. She later apologized my view. ... It is evolving. I think the country’s and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriag- formed to bid, but Synergy has filed a lawsuit and ended that show—but is now on XM/Sirius evolving.” es.” WCT has reproduced the letter at tinyurl. against the FGG, claiming breach of contract and radio. President Barack Obama has made similar com/wctlet1. defamation. —Time for recess: President Obama was us- statements. —Assistance: Bill Kelley —Target on your back: Target was in the mid- ing the recess appointment to install openly gay On Oct. 27, Obama told gay blogger Joe Sud- dle of a political firestorm when it was discovered nominee Richard Sorian as assistant secretary bay: “(Y)ou’re right that attitudes evolve, in- that the company (along with Best Buy) sent for public affairs at the Department of Health cluding mine. And I think that it is an issue Navy commander’s $150,000 to MN Forward, a Minnesota political and Human Services. In March, he used the re- that I wrestle with and think about because action committee (PAC) that was backing anti- anti-gay videos cess appointment to put lesbian law professor I have a whole host of friends who are in gay Owen Honors, captain of the Norfolk, Va.- gay gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. Target and activist Chai Feldblum on the Equal Employ- partnerships. I have staff members who are in based USS Enterprise, produced several videos CEO Gregg Steinhafel sent a letter of apology to ment Opportunity Commission. committed, monogamous relationships, who are filled with raunchy and even anti-gay content his employees, although the company declined —Ken do: Ken Mehlman, George W. Bush’s raising children, who are wonderful parents, and made aboard the Navy carrier several years the Human Rights Campaign’s suggestion to do- 2004 campaign chief and the former chairman I care about them deeply. And so while I’m not ago, according to a Huffington Post item. nate an equal amount of money to a pro-gay of the Republican National Committee, came out prepared to reverse myself here, sitting in the The Virginian-Pilot released the video Jan. candidate or organization. Emmer conceded the of the closet Aug. 25 in an interview with The Roosevelt Room at 3:30 in the afternoon, I think 1. race to DLF candidate Mark Dayton. Atlantic. He was the most powerful Republican it’s fair to say that it’s something that I think a In the video, which was filmed in 2006 and —Prop and go: U.S. District Court Chief Judge in history to openly identify as gay. lot about. That’s probably the best you’ll do out 2007 (when Honors was the executive offi- Vaughn Walker ruled Aug. 4, 2010, that Califor- —Crime time: Eight teenage and adult males of me today. ... The one thing I will say today is cer), sailors are in drag; use anti-gay slurs; nia’s Proposition 8 violates the U.S. Constitu- were arraigned Oct. 10 regarding an Oct. 3 attack I think it’s pretty clear where the trendlines are and simulate a rectal exam and masturba- tion’s guarantee of equal protection and due on a teenager in New York City on charges in- going ... the arc of history.” tion. process. Currently, the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of cluding sexual assault, robbery and hate crimes. In a Dec. 22 interview with The Advocate’s Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and executive Appeals is weighing the case—and it is expect- Gang members heard that one of their recruits Kerry Eleveld, Obama continued: “Joe asked me director for Servicemembers Legal Defense ed to go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, happened to be gay, and allegedly stripped him, the same question. ... The sentiment I expressed Network, said in a statement that Honors regardless of the appeals court’s decision. beat him and sodomized him with a plunger then is still where I am -- which is, like a lot of “was acting more like the president of a frat —Confirmation: The U.S. Senate confirmed handle—something they also reportedly did to people, I’m wrestling with this. My attitudes are house rather than the executive officer of the the appointment of Solicitor General Elena Ka- two others. evolving on this. I have always firmly believed U.S.S. Enterprise.” gan to the U.S. Supreme Court Aug. 5—but not —Pulpit talk: Jim Swilley—the pastor of in having a robust civil union that provides the Honors was slated to be relieved of duty without complaints from nearly every Republi- Church in the Now, the Georgia institution he rights and benefits under the law that marriage temporarily, according to On Top Magazine. can opposing her nomination. The vote was 63- does. I’ve wrestled with the fact that marriage Some women sailors claimed to have com- 37. Turn to page 23 traditionally has had a different connotation. plained about the videos, but were ignored. —”American” woman: After just one season

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')&&M[ijBeoebW7l[dk[š9^_YW]e"?B,&,(,šÈ --)$*,+$(,,(šY^_YW]emWbZeh\$eh] 6 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES right thing and the chips fall where they fall. including only what you like or what you think But I imagine, where you’re really at with this is the case. You include facts, that’s history and Gery Chico right so I couldn’t adopt a socially conservative social studies. To not take account of histori- position anyway. cal facts of a movement to provide people equal There are many Catholics who believe like I do, rights or dignity is just wrong. You must incor- on his who believe in equal rights for people. There are porate those kinds of stories in a fact-based cur- many, many political leaders—Mayor Daley, Gov. riculum. mayoral run Quinn—who believe similarly and, you know WCT: Tell me about bringing Todd Connor on what, this is what eventually causes attitudes to board as your campaign co-chair. BY JOSEPH ERBENTRAUT change over time ... I just act it and don’t think GC: I’m acting on my words. Most of my col- that much about it, but I’m sure there’s some leagues in this race will come down, give you In a race where polling data and campaign cash backlash. I know in some of my own fundrais- a couple of lines and walk right through. We’re have consistently favored one particular con- ing calls, people have refused to donate to me not doing that. We’ve been there for years and tender over all others, to call mayoral candidate because of my positions, but you know what? staked out clear positions on the toughest is- and attorney Gery Chico an underdog is a patent That’s the way it is. We don’t pander. sues so that people know where we stand. Todd understatement. But, as Chico’s campaign heads WCT: Speaking of bullying and harassment, Connor is an exemplary American with his ser- into the home stretch, it is clear this veteran of I know this is a big issue for you in terms of vice to the country and service locally. He is a city government has not lost any steam in his LGBT and all students essentially, and some very decent human being who happens to be hopes to eclipse his main rival Rahm Emanuel. If leaders have suggested LGBT history being gay. anything, recent polling suggests Chico is pick- discussed in CPS classrooms. What are some As I said at the town hall meeting [at the Cen- ing up some momentum. specific ideas you have to address this is- ter on Halsted], I think the Todd Connors of the With less than two months to go before the sue? world—and a whole lot of other people I’ve met election, Chico sat down with Windy City Times GC: I was involved with the adoption of cer- along this campaign—are the face of the new to address his LGBT platform and why he feels Gery Chico. Photo from Brooke Anderson tain training and subject matter in the curricula Chicago. I really believe that, and so I think it’s his competitors cannot match his record. before, now I would do it again with the under- a very powerful action taken on top of a prin- Windy City Times: It’s been a big end of standing and knowledge that we’ve picked up cipled set of statements that have endured over the year for the LGBT community here in Chi- ricula in the schools and that our police depart- over the nine or 10 years since I’ve been gone, the years for me and demonstrate who I am. cago, with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) be- ment is properly trained [on] all matters involv- to make sure that that’s incorporated in the cur- Read more of Gery Chico’s interview—in- ing repealed and the civil-unions legislation ing the LGBT community. We want them to be riculum. cluding what he feels he brings to the table passing in Illinois. What are your thoughts on sensitive to what all the people are experience. Look, I think you teach subject matter that that the other candidates do not—online at these advances? I’ve already said I want to maintain or increase is a fact and reality and you don’t color it by http://www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Gery Chico: Obviously, I’m very pleased about the HIV/AIDS funding. Those are at least four the movement in Congress and the president [things] that I think we would launch pretty signing the bill on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is long quickly. Some of them are just natural as we’re PASSAGES overdue. I mean, the day has come and gone putting together a government, you’ll have to when we should be worried about that policy. include people from all quarters so we want to The Rev. John C. That shouldn’t even be on the books. ... With make sure we’re doing that there. ‘Mr. Tupperware’ the passage of civil unions in Illinois, a lot of Along the way, you’ll obviously have the op- couples will now have peace of mind about their portunity as the mayor to talk about matters Gould The Rev. John C. “Mr. Tupperware” Gould ability to plan their affairs and have some pre- that are beyond the purview of the mayor’s of- passed away unexpectedly in his Chicago home dictability in the future as to what they can do fice per se—matters such as [DADT], civil unions Dec. 29, 2010; he was 54 years old. with their partners and that’s another large step and any other issue that comes up and you’ll Famous for his infectious, child-like enthu- in the right direction to become a much better have to speak to it. I see those things as out- siasm for life and twisted sense of humor, society. side the purview [of the office] but important Gould brought joy into the lives of everyone he WCT: And how are you feeling at this point to society to weigh in and be a voice on those met—and some whom he didn’t even know. in your campaign? matters. Gould was born Oct. 18, 1956, in Lamar, Mo., GC: I feel very good about the race and how WCT: When you were a Senate candidate in to Donaldean (O’Neal) and Edward Gould, who we’re doing. I think we have done the things 2004, you were the only candidate in that immediately knew they had a big bundle of ex- that our strategy has us doing. We’ve executed race to endorse marriage equality, and you cessive energy on their hands. At 7 years old, well. Things are coming together the way we an- also made headlines when you spoke out shortly after moving to Galesburg, Ill., John ticipated and clearly after the first of the year against government funding of faith-based launched the G and J Restaurant, an at-home things are going to get turned up a little bit. initiatives. Do you think the city’s contract- The Rev. John C. “Mr. Tupperware” Gould. backyard restaurant featuring an eight-hole WCT: What led you first into politics? Did ing with faith-based agencies that may have mini golf course, tetherball, rock band venue you ever anticipate or dream you would be discriminatory policies toward LGBT people— and seasonal ice rink. The five-year venture not good friends, laughter, road trips and the thrill here in this position? such as the Salvation Army or Lutheran Child only launched John’s love of amusement parks, of getting the ultimate ride on every coaster GC: No, nope ... I started out as a city in- and Family Services, which refuses to license but was also his first in a long line of success- possible. tern in 1977 and look at me, I’m running for the same-sex adoptive parents, as one example— ful entrepreneurial endeavors. After graduating Gould was well known for his famously twist- mayor of Chicago. You never know where your should be reconsidered? from Galesburg High School in 1975, where he ed sense of humor. From taking a pair of den- path will take you ... I had [the] good fortune of GC: Well, I don’t know. Honest to God, I don’t was heavily involved with the Prairie Players, tures into Berlin and randomly setting them being given a number of top level assignments know that I want to do that. What I don’t think John earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology on the bar, to going into Manhole wearing a and I’ve tried to do them to the best of my abil- we should do is get into religious tenets. I and economics at Knox College in 1979. toupee (or sombrero) with a 1970s leisure suit ity and just about every government I’ve had the would much rather keep a separation of church With six years as top salesman and store man- (in the 1990s and not on Halloween), to mak- privilege of leading has done better, consider- and state and I would rather speak on the moral ager for Pacific Stereo in St. Louis and Chicago, ing sure you woke up cuddling a prosthetic leg ably better than we were predicted to. high ground of the propriety of those matters Gould became one of Chicago’s top Tupperware when you passed out on his couch, Gould loved I think now, with Mayor Daley leaving, if rather than use the machinery of government to salesmen. He quickly shot to fame as “Mr. Tup- to see others’ reactions to his arbitrary antics. you’re a good citizen and you have some experi- get in and try to change religious views. I think perware,” with features in newspapers, maga- If you watch closely, you can spot Gould in ence and you have some skill, you offer it up that goes beyond the scope of what government zines and on television covering an astounding the audience during uncountable episodes of to public service. You don’t step back and say, should be doing. 30-year career with the company. As the pho- Oprah and The Jerry Springer Show. In 2004, “What can I do to make my own personal life And we have to remember, too, we don’t want tographer for Gab magazine in the mid-’90s, Gould acquired his divinity degree from a cushier?” I don’t think that’s what this is about. to harm the many people that these agencies Gould had everyone in Chicago snuggling up questionable online school, earning the title I think that we’re a city, we’re a people, it all serve, whether it’s Lutheran Services or any to him to get their picture in the publication. of “Reverend”—he took great joy in telling goes back to what I said earlier. You’re part of other [agency], the people they’re serving need Gould also consulted on marketing and group people he could legally perform their wedding a community and if you think you can lead and that help, whether it’s meals or shelter. For sales with Nuns4Fun Entertainment, producers ceremonies. think you can do a good job which will make a the principle that maybe you and I agree on, of Late Nite Catechism, Sunday School Cinema, Gould was preceded in death by both parents; whole lot of peoples’ lives better, it’s incumbent I don’t think we should hurt the homeless or Saints & Sinners, Mother Superior’s Ho-Ho-Holy his feline family members, Roger and Danny; upon you to do so. the hungry by trying to leverage this municipal Night and Put the Nuns in Charge! Gould, who and many good friends. John is survived by his WCT: If elected, what will be your first pri- help. It would hurt those people. I can’t hurt successfully beat HIV for more than 20 years, partners-in-adventure Duncan, Cornflake, Baby orities specifically pertaining to the city’s another guy to help another guy. I don’t believe also loved his volunteer work for non-profit or- Girl, Jennifer Peach, Julie Johnson, Alexis LGBT communities? in that. ganizations including Stop AIDS Chicago, Vital “Helen” Berry, Cathy Menendez, Randy “Darcie” GC: Obviously, equal employment. We want to WCT: You identify as a Catholic and that’s Bridges and Felines, Inc. A civil-rights activ- Botkin, Jeanne Meldahl, Vicki Quade, Doug Al- make sure that we have a government that is important to you. Are you concerned that ist at heart, Gould was among the first three len Hochstedler, Martina Garza, Matt “Cousin” representative of the communities that we serve your progressive views on LGBT and other is- white men ever allowed into The Generator Dontje, Uncle James O’Neal, and others who so we can probably do a better job of including sues may alienate some socially conservative who didn’t work there. will try to remember him the way he wanted— the LGBT community in our government posi- voters? Gould loved life and everything about it, but with fun and laughter. tions. We can look to do more with economic GC: I hope that’s not the case ... I think the his biggest passion was roller-coasters. As a Those wishing to honor Gould may make development in the way we relate to the busi- attitudes are changing much more so even over dedicated 25-year member of American Coaster donations in his name to Vital Bridges and/or nesses that are from the community. As a city, the last six years. Since I ran for the Senate, I Enthusiasts, Gould traveled the globe to ride as Felines, Inc. They are also strongly encouraged we have our own direct purchasing power. know that polling—I’ve never done this [Licks many roller coasters as possible. These adven- to drop a fake eyeball in a stranger’s cocktail Bullying is something that I want to really finger, points toward the ceiling] anyway, so I tures combined all of Gould’s favorite things: just to see the reaction. concentrate on and make sure is part of our cur- don’t pay much attention to that. I try to do the WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 7 Respect for diversity within our companies will individuality, but also really encourages you to lead to respect for diversity in our communica- use your personal strengths towards the growth BEHIV director tions and campaigns, and the Index is a good of some of the world’s most creative, well-known benchmark for our collective progress as an in- brands. We’re all just people trying to connect resigns; board dustry in this area.” with people in the best way we can, inside and SMG employs about 1,000 people in its Chi- out, and that’s a really good feeling.” ‘takes pause’ cago office, with a mix of males and females, HRC releases an annual Corporate Equality By Joseph Erbentraut and a very diverse workforce. “We really work Index that details the progress of LGBT rights hard to create a work environment that is inclu- in Corporate America. Beyond the index report, Following the sudden exit of its executive sive and rewarding for people from diverse back- businesses rated 100 percent are recognized in director and questions surrounding its fund- grounds with diverse interests, and that takes the companion document Best Places to Work ing, the HIV/AIDS organization Better Exis- into account that not all people are inspired and list, released at the beginning of each calendar tence with HIV (BEHIV) has seemingly found motivated by the same things,” Stevens said. year. itself in a state of limbo heading into the “We have many, many ways for people to get The Corporate Equality Index 2011 report is new year. involved and make a difference with their teams available at http://www.hrc.org/cei. The group’s now-former executive director, both at work and in the community. Eric Nelson, resigned from his position Dec. “Starcom MediaVest Group has spent the year 20, replaced in his absence by acting Interim Alyson Stevens. reinventing itself as a company dedicated to hu- Executive Director Julie Supple. Though BE- man experience, meaning, we’re aiming to look HIV Board President Matthew Gibbs said Nel- at and understand people from a growing variety son is “on good terms” and “still has a good of perspectives, to create for them the sort of relationship” with the organization, his de- Chicago brand experiences and interactions they want. parture has caused the board to “take pause” In short, our 100 percent is a strong sign we’re before looking to the organization’s future in company providing our own people with a satisfying hu- 2011. man experience, and empowering them to better Black gay “There’s no juicy gossip here and there’s no shines in HRC understand all sorts of people—which improves caucus holding fire to put out at this time,” Gibbs told the our business.” Windy City Times. “But with that departure, Stevens said the five-year stretch truly shows ‘Conversations’ Jan. 8 we’re just getting our arms around the long- report—again term assessment of our financial status ... By Ross Forman that SMG’s management “has made respect for The Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus (CBG- With his departure, we wanted to get a better GLBT people and all human beings a consistent MC) is holding its first “Conversations” series feeling for that.” Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) has this perfec- priority, which lays a solid groundwork for more at the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, 11th Floor, Gibbs said normal operations at BEHIV will tion thing down pat. positive momentum and action moving forward. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. continue at its Edgewater office at 1244 W. For the fifth year in a row, the media agen- “As a company, we have continually strived The day will consist of workshops and ses- Thorndale until Jan. 1, when the board will cy network scored 100 percent on the Human to achieve high standards of policies, benefits, sions. CBGMC will use what is said to inform “really dig in and look at what things look Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality In- training and employee engagement each year. its future work. like going forward.” dex. SMG’s perfect score in the advertising and Even in the most challenging economic times, Breakfast and lunch will be served at this With the holiday season, Gibbs said, it marketing category was based on the criteria of we continue to offer same- or opposite-sex do- event. would not be possible for the board to discuss employer equal opportunity, employee benefits mestic partner coverage on all of our benefits, RSVP at http://www.itd.depaul.edu/quick- the matter before then. He further denied ru- and company-wide diversity programs. two weeks paid parental leave for new parents as data2/viewwebform.asp?id=6186. Find out mors that BEHIV clients had been sent letters “We’re thrilled about our performance on the well as their spouses and partners, and two paid more about the caucus at http://www.lov- regarding upcoming changes or disruptions in Corporate Equality Index as it reflects our con- days off annually for marriage or commitment ethybrotha.com. services. tinuing tradition of and support for diversity,” ceremonies. We recently enriched our Adoption Gibbs suggested other HIV/AIDS agencies said SMG Executive Vice President and Global Assistance offering, covering two weeks of pa- Durnil to head in Chicago may be finding themselves in a Talent Director Bernard Bedon. “Starcom Me- rental leave plus $5,000 in adoption assistance similar position in the coming months as re- diaVest Group applauds the work of the Human to employees.” youth foundation cipients of the federal Ryan White Act fund- Rights Campaign as we aim to promote and sup- Stevens said SMG’s strong push for diversity Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a Indianap- ing in 2011 (covering March 1, 2011-Feb. 29, port initiatives for our gay, lesbian, bisexual and helps create “more creative solutions to what- olis-based nonprofit that provides alterna- 2012) have yet to be announced. transgender employees. We will continue to work ever the market sends our way.” tive education opportunities for at-risk high BEHIV was founded in 1989 and, like oth- to enrich our employee population with varied SMG, for instance, supports a variety of school students throughout the United States, er similar agencies in the city, has been no backgrounds and unique perspectives to deliver L.I.N.K.S. (Lifestyle and Interest Networks for has named J. Michael Durnil as its new presi- stranger to financial uncertainty in recent innovative ideas, foster growth and connect Knowledge and Support) communities. “These dent/CEO. history. In 2009, the organization closed its with people in our diverse world.” communities serve to provide a sense of con- A native of Decatur, Ill., Durnil earned his Evanston office and temporarily disbanded its Added Alyson Stevens, SMG senior vice presi- nection among different groups of employees Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy education programs due to delayed receipt of dent/global director, human experience strat- depending on their background, interests and Studies from Loyola University-Chicago, and state funding. The organization provides case egy: “Five years with a perfect score? Not to be beyond,” Stevens said. both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from management, housing, prevention, HIV/STI cliché, but it feels pretty fabulous. Honestly, we So how will SMG score perfection again in Illinois State University. He has served as a testing, mental health and substance abuse consider it a real point of pride, representative 2011? village commissioner in Arlington Heights and counseling and support, massage and art- of our long-standing and rigorous dedication to “We understand that the requirements will get Schaumburg, and was once interim president therapy services. all forms of personal diversity here at the agen- much more rigorous in 2011, but we are looking and senior vice president for GLAAD (the Gay cy—in terms of how we relate to consumers and at ways to strengthen our already rich benefits and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). how we nurture our own talent.” and perks package, as well as training programs Since its inception in 1998, SYF’s nationally Stevens, 37, who has worked for SMG for 14 and to continue to support our employee-led recognized program has graduated more than years, said it’s very important for companies GLBTA affinity group,” Stevens said. 7,000 at-risk students at a 90-percent rate, from the advertising industry be properly repre- “We’re particularly proud that we’ve been the and nearly $8.6 million has been awarded in sented on the Index, “as it’s our shared profes- leading advertising and marketing company in post-secondary scholarships. To learn more, sion to speak to people from all walks of life, the index for so many years. It’s good to belong visit http://www.syf.org. fairly and respectfully, on behalf of marketers. to a group of people that not only respects your

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MARINE DRIVE www.ehrlichdental.com CHICAGO, IL 60640 1-800-888-0560 www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com Serving the Community! 8 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES LOCAL from cover school and community-based comprehensive Bridges and Center on Halsted’s SAGE program. sexual health education programs in 2011. The —Selma Diaz: Diaz, a transgender woman, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was found May 16 by Chicago police officers in —Kelly girl: Dana V. Starks, chairman and com- announced the awards Sept. 30. Montrose Harbor. Although her death was ruled missioner of the City of Chicago Commission on —Terrorism target?: In one of the most a suicide, friends and neighbors disputed the Human Relations, announced that Mayor Richard bizarre stories from last year, the local LGBT conclusion. M. Daley appointed Elizabeth A. Kelly, Ph.D., as synagogue Congregation Or Chadash was one of —Janine Denomme: Denomme, a lesbian or- the new chairperson of the Commission’s Ad- two Jewish places of worship that were initially dained priest, passed away May 17. Denomme, visory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and thought to be the targets of a terrorist plot that 45, was director of youth programs for the Center Transgender Issues. was foiled Oct. 28. It later was discovered that on Halsted and an active Catholic who served as —Trial and error: Federal regulators decided terrorists intended to blow up the cargo planes. a lay preacher, church musician, parish council not to disqualify Northstar Medical Center’s Dr. —School daze, part two: A week set aside member, spiritual director and religion teacher. Daniel Berger, whose clinic had submitted false to promote anti-bullying at St. Charles North She was ordained a month before her passing. information in a drug trial. Berger, who has been High School became enveloped in controversy as —George: The green macaw, 36, was original- the subject of a Food and Drug Administration Trevor Hall (left) with friend. Facebook photo some students decided to show their opposition ly owned by the late cartoonist/activist Danny (FDA) investigation following alleged impropri- run with permission to the LGBT community. Three male students Sotomayor. The bird then lived with business/ eties at the center, had reached an agreement wore T-shirts with the slogan “Straight Pride” life partners Art Johnston and Pepe Pena for two with the FDA that will allow him to continue on the front and a Bible verse from Leviticus on decades. coordinating HIV/AIDS drug trials. —Sign language: Addressing a problem whose the back. —Sandy Woulard: The transgender woman —Agency drama: Howard Brown Health Cen- publicity was beginning to mushroom across —School daze, part three: Openly gay Chi- was a homicide victim, as she was shot in the ter had an eventful 2010—which may be an the nation, Gov. Pat Quinn signed the Jason cago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman stepped chest in Hamilton Park. She was found June 21. understatement. President/CEO Mike Cook and Flatt Act, which provides for suicide detection down from his post Nov. 29 after serving fewer —Albert Gaskin: Gaskin, a groundbreak- CFO Marc Joslyn were fired amid allegations of and prevention training, over Pride Weekend. He than two years in the position. ing real-estate agent, died July 1 at age 76 financial mismanagement. New President/CEO also signed an anti-bullying bill. —Historic passage: The Illinois Senate after battling prostate cancer. Gaskin—who promised transparency, and the center man- —Cuffed: Local gay-rights activist Marc Love- passed the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection is survived by his partner of 41 years, Robert aged to surpass its goal of raising $500,000 in less was arrested and charged with simple bat- and Civil Union Act 32-24 on Dec. 1, completing Bachand— was the first African-American mem- 50 days. In addition, the board is being totally tery after allegedly shoving the Coalition for a historic sweep through the General Assembly. ber of the North Shore Board of Realtors. revamped. Justice and Respect’s (CJR’s) board chair, John Openly gay state Rep. Greg Harris described the —Robert Mazzacone: Mazzacone, 55, deliv- —Transitions: Jim Lobianco, an openly gay Hickman. (Charges were later dropped.) Multiple pressure to pass the measure as “enormous. ... ered Chicago gay publications, including Windy man who was deputy commissioner at the Office allegations then transpired, from both Loveless We had to turn the tide.” City Times, for many years. of Homeless Services for the City of Chicago, left and CJR. —Splitsville: Rick Garcia—seen by many as —Lael Scoglio: Scoglio passed away July 29 his post after having an accident while report- —Testing, testing: Cook County Jail resumed the voice of local LGBT activism—was let go in her Chicago home of cancer; she was 62. She edly driving drunk. He is now executive director HIV/STD testing for the first time since 2007. from his position as director of public policy for founded the Northside Parent’s Network in 1980 of StreetWise, Inc. Cook County Board Commissioner Bridget Gainer Equality Illinois. However, Garcia has not gone and chaired Kindred Hearts, a women’s support —End of an era: Local gay newspaper Chicago announced a program that will screen county away quietly, as the activist and Equality Illinois organization in Evanston, for many years. Sco- Free Press closed. CFP was launched in August detainees for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and CEO Bernard Cherkasov (among others) have glio also helped her husband, Frank, operate the 1999 by former staffers of Windy City Times. syphilis, and revealed a new 22-room intake fa- weighed in on the situation. Burgundy Inn, a popular North side Chicago res- Those two papers battled it out in the communi- cility. —Not home alone: The Center on Halsted taurant, for three decades. ty and the courts for a year before Jeff McCourt —Exodus: Mary Ann Smith, alderman of Chi- launched its new homesharing program, which —Martin Gapshis: Gapshis, an openly gay shut down WCT and then sold it to Outlines cago’s 48th Ward on the North Side (which in- aims to help LGBT seniors and provide afford- Chicago business owner and philanthropist, died Publisher Tracy Baim, who had co-founded WCT cludes Andersonville and Edgewater), announced able housing to renters. The provider will have at age 63. Gapshis, who was inducted into the with McCourt, Bob Bearden and Drew Badanish she was not seeking re-election—joining at least to have a minimum of two bedrooms in his or Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2007, in 1985. Baim merged Outlines newspaper with seven other aldermen (including 43rd Ward Al- her home, apartment or condo, and the renter was honored at Center on Halsted’s 2010 “Hu- WCT in the fall of 2000. In addition, WCT marked derman Vi Daley and 46th Ward Alderman Helen will have to have an income of at least $750 per man First” gala. As co-chair of the center’s capi- its 25th anniversary in 2010. Shiller). month and be willing to live with an older LGBT tal campaign, he helped raise $20 million for the —Marking 25: The AIDS Foundation of Chi- —Protest: In what Gay Liberation Network’s adult and provide assistance with household construction of the organization’s current Lake cago marked its 25th anniversary with a gala Andy Thayer called Arlington Heights’ largest chores and tasks. View location. that raised more than $500,000 as The Bangles LGBT demonstration ever, more than 120 pro- —Laird Petersen: Laird Petersen died from a performed. Also marking a quarter-century: the testers filled the sidewalk in front of Arlington Passages: series of infections Oct. 6 in Richmond, Va.; he LGBT organization Asians and Friends. Heights’ Christian Liberty Academy Aug. 5 to —Flo McGarrell: The transgender multidis- was 53. A Chicago native, Petersen contributed —Marching on: The Chicago Dyke March took condemn Americans for Truth About Homosexu- ciplinary artist/activist was killed Jan. 12 in nearly 30 years of service to Chicago’s LGBT com- place in the neighborhood of South Shore this ality’s “Truth Academy.” the earthquake that devastated Haiti. McGarrell munities and counts more than $12 million he summer, with an ending rally in Jackson Park. —Dean’s list: A historic conference took place earned his MFA from the School of the Art Insti- raised for LGBT community-based organizations. Following a 2009 decision for the march to re- Aug. 6-7 in Chicago when a group of lesbian and tute of Chicago ( SAIC ) in 2004. Petersen was a board member and director of main in the same neighborhood for two consec- gay presidents of higher-education institutions —Jim Dohr: Dohr, a gay-rights activist who development for Gay Horizons (now the Center utive years, the march will take place in South convened at the Adler School of Professional was very active in the leather scene, passed on Halsted) and helped lead the agency out of a Shore this year as well. Psychology and Roosevelt University. away at 59. He worked at the Chicago Depart- $190,000 deficit into a $1.2 million budget. —Game over?: The Chicago Red Stars, a local —Art and soul: After 17 years serving the ment of Health as director of administrative ser- —Alicia Amador: Long-time Mujeres Latinas women’s professional team, changed coaches— Chicago community, the Aldo Castillo Gallery vices. en Accion staff member, friend and compañera but the biggest change took place when the closed Aug. 28. Director Aldo Castillo accepted —Renae Ogletree: Chicago activist Ogletree, Alicia Amador died of cancer Oct. 7 from cancer; team decided to suspend operations, at least for the role of associate director at the Miami Inter- 59, died April 23, after a battle with lung cancer. she was 56. She was a founding member of Ami- 2011. national Art Fair. Ogletree’s most recent job was with the Chicago gas Latinas, Chicago’s Latina lesbian organiza- —Off the Mark?: Then-Republican U.S. Sen- —Hero effect: Openly gay Trevor Hall, 17, Public Schools, in the post-secondary education tion. ate candidate Mark Kirk became the subject of saved another teen from drowning at Silver Lake and student development office of high schools —Dillie Grunauer: Grunauer, 78—the long- gay rumors, as blogger Mike Rogers—who has a in Kenosha, Wis., on Aug. 23. However, there and high school programs. Inducted into the time partner of Renee C. Hanover—died after reputation for outing politicians—claimed that was a harsh aftermath: The Aurora Medical Cen- Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1998, a long illness. Grunauer was a neurologist with Kirk was a closeted gay man. Kirk denied the ter billed him $2,000 for the tests it performed Ogletree was involved in dozens of organiza- Cook County Hospital since the late 1970s. She claim, and eventually overcame misstatements on Hall. However, after public pressure, the hos- tions and issues. was well-respected in her field, very involved about his own military career to narrowly defeat pital relented and waived the bills. —Earl “Peacock” Battles: Battles—an out- with Jewish organizations and the State of Is- Democrat Alexi Giannoulias for Barack Obama’s —Daley news: In an announcement that had spoken individual known for his longtime activ- rael, and active in the gay-rights movement. former seat. local, national and even international ramifica- ism—died May 19, at age 56. Battles was also —Rosalind Glanton: The longtime community —Gless is more: Actress Sharon Gless re- tions, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley announced involved with Test Positive Aware Network, Vital activist died suddenly Nov. 8. Glanton was rec- ceived the “Bridge to Unity” Award from the he would not seek a seventh term in the Febru- ognized for her work as a founding board mem- Lesbian and Gay Police Association-Gay Officers ary 2011 elections. Daley, who has been mayor ber of Affinity at the agency’s 15th anniversary Action League of Chicago at the 14th Annual of Chicago since 1989, has been one of the most benefit at Sidetrack in October. As a photog- International LGBT Conference for Law Enforce- pro-LGBT public officials in the country. His an- rapher, Glanton helped document hundreds of ment & Criminal Justice Professionals. She also nouncement led to a wealth of potential suc- community events, and produced a calendar of attended a release party for the lesbian-themed cessors, including former Obama Chief of Staff African-American women. (and Chicago-made) film Hannah Free, in which Rahm Emanuel and former U.S. Sen. Carol Mose- —Quinn Collins: Collins, the transgender she starred. ley Braun. man who inspired Chicago’s first PFLAG support —I love a parade: The prestigious trophy —Like a Rock(ford): Representatives from group for parents of transgender kids, was killed known as the Stanley Cup made an appearance Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and in early hours of Nov. 1 in New Buffalo, Mich., at Chicago’s pride parade, and it was carried by Gays, the Gay Liberation Network, and Diversity when his stopped 2007 Honda Accord was rear- (now-former) Chicago Blackhawks defenseman of Rockford showed up to protest the Exodus ended on I-94. He was 38. Brent Sopel. Also, the Chicago Cubs (who has International “ex-gay” conference in Rockford —Jamie Moravec: Moravec, who played three one gay owner, Laura Ricketts) were in the pa- Sept. 25. Among those present were Amy Pirtle sports in Chicago’s gay leagues, died Nov. 14 rade, in the person of legend Ernie Banks. and her 15-year-old son, Bobby, who just re- from injuries sustained in a fall from his fifth-

cently came out to his family. floor condominium in the Uptown neighbor-

—School daze: Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn ap- Renae Ogletree. Photo by Hal Baim hood. He was 35.

proved $8.1 million in new federal funding for WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 9

Sunday, Jan. 9 4:30 p.m. a Rhonda Schiff Every Imaginable GAYin the Shade of Gray Benjamin Sprunger LIFE Saturday, Jan. 15 Text and PHOTOS by Chuck Kramer Actor 7:30 p.m. Sappho’s Salon Featuring Carolyn Gage and Sister Tara presenting The Lesbian Tent Revival

5233 N. Clark (773) 769-9299

[email protected] Benjamin Sprunger is a busy man. www.womenandchildrenfirst.com He is currently starring in the Griffin Theatre production of Company at Stage 773. “I always Parking Available Wheelchair Accessible wanted to be an actor,” he said. “I majored in theater in college in Ohio and after I graduated, I came to Chicago specifically to work in theater. I went to L.A. for a while, did theater, film, TV work, but the Chicago theaters kept calling me back to do shows so I decided to return in 2006. “I came out to myself when I was 18. Being in the theater department provided an insulated en- DOWNLOAD THE vironment that made it easy. Coming out to my parents was much harder. They’re very religious and there was some distance in our relationship at first, but they’ve come to accept me as I am.” Sprunger works as an accountant for Live Nation Entertainment during the day, but his heart lies in theater. Realizing that he owes a lot to the off-Loop theater community and About Face, in particular (“I’ve done six shows with those people. We’re close and I do what I can to support them”), he raised funds for the theater last year by entering five bar contests (wet boxers, etc.) and donating his winnings. iPhone app He is also a member of the Lutheran Gay Chorus, which puts on programs in various churches every two months or so. “I do it because I enjoy it and it also helps me keep my voice in shape,” he explained. In addition, he recently served as a judge in the Great Gay Screenplay Contest, organized by David Zak, a friend at Pride Films and Plays. “I was on the screening committee, narrowing the entries down to five semifinalists. I won’t be part of the final judging because of scheduling con- flicts but it’s been interesting.” Sprunger and partner Erik Burns travel frequently, and will go on a gay cruise to the Bahamas and St. Martin next spring and then attend a wedding in the Mexican Riviera. They will then go to the mountains in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. “Three years ago I discovered a new passion—snow- boarding—and since then, we do a gay ski week each year.” He feels the greatest danger facing the LGBT community is complacency: “I know myself that I feel good about where I’m at. I have some professional success and don’t experience any direct discrimination or insults. I have a settled life with a loving partner. I own my own condo, I have a car—an old car, but it’s paid for—and I’m somewhat complacent.

Photo courtesy of S prunger. of Photo courtesy “But I think we need to remem- You can also view each issue ber that we’ve only come so far, that as a PDF on your iPad through there are still many barriers that need www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com to be knocked down and we need to keep working at that.” the stats His vision of the future includes the possibility of parenting: “I haven’t re- Name ally thought about it too, too much, Benjamin Sprunger but I would like a child. I’ve thought about it in that glowingly distant way Age without thinking about the conse- 36 quences but it would be nice to rear and teach a child. We’ll see.” Occupation Actor Relationship status Have your In a committed relationship premiums Hometown Columbus, Ohio increased Hobbies recently? Music geek: Has 8,000 songs in his iTunes library See me: Charles T. Rhodes, Favorite food Agent Cereal—of all kinds 2472 N. Clark Favorite movie 773.281.0890 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Empire of the Sun (not in NJ) Photo courtesy of Sprunger. State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois 10 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES VIEWPOINTs WINDY CITY about our struggles. Sometimes afterwards we ally quit attending the ministry meetings and TIMES would go for coffee and desserts. I wasn’t sure church services. During a summer break, I lost VOL. 26 No. 14, Jan. 5, 2011 MARK how hymns and apple pie were going to make some weight and that fall I met my first real The combined forces of Windy City Times, me straight but I was playing along. I learned boyfriend. founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, GATES the basic theories of Exodus: that homosexuality My three years in Exodus were ultimately a founded May 1987. wasn’t real, that gay people were just confused failure in the sense that I didn’t become a het- PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR straight people, that gay sex was a sin similar to erosexual or develop even a trace of attraction Tracy Baim idolatry. The theories seemed a bit far-fetched for the opposite sex. but I did my best to embrace and understand But Exodus did produce some positive results ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky them. in my life. I embraced its clean-living lifestyle at MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis Surviving the BUSINESS MANAGER Meghan Streit My life started to improve. My full-time dead a time when I had developed a lot of bad hab- DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright end job went back to part-time. I moved back in its. I met a lot of interesting people and got to ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson ex-gay program with my parents to save money. I quit smoking, travel to places I hadn’t been before. I learned SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Terri Klinsky, Amy boozing, and boy-chasing. I went back to junior how to organize my life, to be proactive and to Matheny, Kirk Williamson, Dave Ouano The following is a personal essay by a gay man PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Cynthia Holmes not simply react all the time. formerly of northwest Illinois who now resides in college and my grades climbed until I was on the NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Williamson But there was also damage done. I don’t think NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 Vancouver, British Columbia: dean’s list. I finally became organized, keeping Exodus or its practices can make a gay person SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie I was involved with an Exodus-affiliated min- a datebook to keep track of when papers and bills were due. My life seemed to be on the right straight. But the practices can make a gay per- J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, istry for about three years in the late ‘80s. Com- Yasmin Nair, Emmanuel Garcia son feel nothing, which is what I experienced. pared to many ex-ex-gays, my tenure was brief. track. THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan Exodus managed to take all of the joy out of CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. But the effects, some positive, some negative, My first Exodus conference in Minneapolis was my sexuality and it’s taken years to get the joy BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair have been lasting. Here is my story. like something out of a dream. I’d never felt so happy. The whole conference seemed bathed back. But happily, I’ve been in a fairly healthy ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS I graduated from a Midwestern private Christian Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, 12-year relationship with a special guy. Sexual- high school in the mid-80s. Like many schools, in euphoria. The music was emotive and amaz- Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Catey Sullivan, ity is a gift to be treasured. Zachary Whittenburg, Jonathan Abarbanel my high school was filled with homophobic stu- ing. The sessions were both down-to-earth and The poisonous teachings of Exodus and the COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Susie dents. My classmates were cheered on by the inspiring. It was like God Himself was walking around the conference, bestowing grace on all Church still rumble through my head in the voice Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Lisa Church. But beneath the posturing, there was Keen, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Mark Corece, of Marley’s ghost: “You could be straight if you’d also a delicious level of unresolved homoerotic the participants. Sabine Neidhardt, Sam Worley, Billy Masters, John stuck with it. God has turned you over to your Fenoglio, Chuck Colbert, Micki Leventhal, Sarah tension. After graduation, I burst out of this After the conference, I devoted more and own desires. Gay relationships don’t last.” Of Toce, Rachel Pepper tension and into junior college, where no one more time to Exodus-related activities. When not sleeping, studying, or working, I was either course, these are all lies but still stick with me SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel watched or cared where I went or what I did. I Ferrand, Hal Baim, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia, and have affected me and my relationships over plunged into the gay underground of my dying reading an Exodus-related book, listening to a Dave Ouano the years. Since gay relationships don’t matter, industrial hometown which offered little warmth teaching tape, reading my bible, resisting temp- CIRCULATION the lie whispers, why put any effort into them? or compassion to chubby 18-year-old. tation, trying to distract myself from tempta- CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright Unfortunately, Exodus creates a black-and- DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, I lacked funds, beauty and a 30-inch waist. So, tion, beating myself up for not resisting tempta- white world where gay people are either in re- Sue and Victor although I burned with desire, few men were in- tion, or over-eating. In addition to my grades, covery or “in the lifestyle.” As a result, many terested in me until I met my boyfriend in junior my weight was also up since gorging myself with young men have embraced lives of abandon be- college. With no gay role models, I had no idea food seemed to be the only vice endorsed by my church. cause they can’t change and think their lives Copyright 2011 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media how to build a relationship with him. Thus be- Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back aren’t valuable. gan a fairly short string of men who I dated for The next year, I went to the Exodus conference issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). in LA. In contrast to the joyful conference in The best thing I learned in Exodus is that I can Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, a few weeks or months and then recoiled from. and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and control the quality of my life and my choices. During my ruinous dating life, I was smoking Minneapolis, the general tone of the Los Ange- no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. But Exodus didn’t teach me this; I had to learn All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy both cigarettes and pot. I was also flunking out les conference was negative and weary. When it on my own. City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned of junior college. Showing up to computer class the organizers tried to get all of the partici- for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, stoned wasn’t a path to the Dean’s List. When I pants to be photographed for the infamous “we mark publishes a weekly podcast at Musings have changed!” photo, only a few hundred par- of a Tech Writer. His Web site is http://www. cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own was 19, I came out to my shattered mother and and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City unfazed father. My mother’s prying became too ticipated. I declined because didn’t think I was beyondexgay.com/narratives/mark. Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of straight enough. I regarded those brave enough a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy much so I moved out my parent’s house into a City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the freezing, mouse-infested apartment on the top to be in the photo as farther along the path to A note of thanks sexual orientation of such person or organization. While golden heterosexuality. we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make floor of a house. this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept Most of the ex-gays I met at the conference To pay the bills I dropped out of junior college Dear Editor: responsibility for advertising claims. were working off a life sentence. They still had and went to work full-time at my dead-end part- Less than two months ago and shoulder- (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 homosexual cravings but managed them, the e-mail: [email protected] time job, trying to survive on $500 per month. ing a severe cash shortage that threatened way an alcoholic managed their disease. Their My life was a mess. The final straw was when my to close Howard Brown Health Center, we future, my future, would be one day at a time www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com bisexual boyfriend broke up with me because he turned to the community that Howard Brown radio: WindyCityQueercast.com and involve endless books, tapes, bibles, and didn’t love me, after two weeks. In my 20-year- has served for 36 years and we asked for a video: QueerTVNetwork.com temptation. Unless there was a divine miracle, old mind, there were only two worlds: the world lifeline. I would never feel about women the way a het- WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, of the church and the world of sin. I’d been liv- The need to raise $500,000 in 50 days in erosexual man felt about women. To me the “ex- 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA ing in the world of sin and was becoming a loser order to keep the doors open seemed nearly gay” label felt more and more like a deception, (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) so I thought I’d better get back to the Church. impossible to obtain without a miracle. How- a lie both to myself and any woman I would be I also saw so many of my friends who were “in ever, it happened when more than 1,400 do- Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. involved with. Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. the lifestyle” becoming HIV-positive and dying. nors answered the Lifeline Appeal. Thanks to Nightspots One night at dinner an Exodus leader an- Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now I needed a safe place to pull myself together. the community’s overwhelming generosity nounced that she was engaged to marry a man online only I started to attend the Church associated with and grassroots support, the appeal has raised Deadline The 10th of month prior. she had no sexual feeling for. She said that she my Christian high school and reconnected with more than $660,000 and donations continue OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE trusted God to provide those feelings on her www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com my old high school friends. They seemed to be to come in. wedding night. I applauded like everyone else prospering both spiritually and financially. They As we prepare to begin a new year, we are but shuddered on the inside. were starting families and had good jobs. I grateful for the lifeline that we received in a www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com My involvement with Exodus continued for an- wanted to be like them. And I also wanted to time of great need. We want to thank the com- www.WindyCityQueercast.com other year or so but I didn’t attend any more www.QueerTVNetwork.com get back into a relationship with God. I saw an munity for helping Howard Brown reach this conferences. I had pulled my life together, but ad in the church newsletter seeking members for momentous victory. We are deeply touched at 22 I was exhausted from the struggle with “Windy City Media Group generated a new support group of people struggling with and inspired by the outpouring of contribu- myself. I was tired of examining life instead of enormous interest among their readers homosexuality. I had never struggled with ho- tions and sacrifice to create this “miracle” living it. And the sheer amount of time analyz- in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index mosexuality or even put up much of a fight. I result. ing my every thought and motive was astound- Survey. Out of approximately 100 wasn’t crazy about being gay, but it was part Success of the Lifeline Appeal demonstrates ing. All this introspection was also becoming print and online media partners who of who I was as long as I could remember. I the importance of Howard Brown in the com- exhausting. I had become so adept at jamming participated in the survey, Windy didn’t really have a problem with it, but God and munity, and we pledge to continue the im- down my sexual feelings that I was becoming City was the best performing regional the Church did, as I was often reminded. If God portant work of providing quality health and numb. And this lack of interest in any kind of media in the U.S. Only survey partners didn’t want me to be gay, I thought I would try wellness services to the community. sex scared me more than the monotony of my with a nationwide footprint were to please Him by trying to be straight. On behalf of the entire Howard Brown monastic existence. I knew that it wasn’t normal able to generate a greater number of So I called the number in the newsletter and family—from dedicated staff members to the for a 22 year-old guy to have no sexual desires. responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research began a friendship with the leader of the group, donors to our clients—we share our sincerest This alone was enough to scare me away from Director, Community Marketing, Inc. who was suffering from a broken engagement to appreciation and deepest gratitude for your Exodus. an ex-gay man. The small group was made up support. I also had fundamental doubts about the of a few women and guys who met every week Yours in good health from Howard Brown, Christianity being preached from the pulpit of for about an hour and a half in the office of a Jamal M. Edwards, President and CEO my church. “If I disagree with almost everything Christian psychologist who was later convicted Karma Israelsen, Board Chair-elect being said here,” I asked myself one Sunday of bank robbery. We sang and then chatted Mark D. Andrews, outgoing Board Chair morning, “what am I doing here?” So I eventu- WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo courtesy of Paradise Point ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE Estates.com The Obamas’ winter home in Hawaii is featured in our real-estate section. See page 17. THEATER REAL ESTATE SPORTS One in a ‘Million.’ Making waves. Fallen Stars? Page 12. Page 17. Page 22.

Photo by Sara Von Fire pit at Chicago’s Aqua Photo of Megan Rapinoe in action by Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing courtesy of the Chicago Red Stars

SCOTTISH In terms of casting, Griffin is very proud to PLAY SCOTT boast that both his productions of As You Like It and The Music Man feature completely Chicago- based acting companies. Gary Griffin “In neither case did I set out to say, ‘I’m going to do this as Chicago-only,’” Griffin said. “When gets around we started our casting process and worked our BY SCOTT C. MORGAN way through it, it was the Chicago actors that felt most right to create those companies. So When it comes to musicals, operettas and, now, we have fortunately a repertory company of Shakespeare, out Chicago director Gary Griffin Shakespeare and musical theater here and it’s has certainly been getting around. And he’s not just been fortunate that I’ve been able to do just wowing the Windy City, either. projects where they’ve been available.” Time is running out to catch Griffin’s super- Griffin said that since many of the local actors lative revival of Meredith Willson’s The Music already know each other from previously work- Man for Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (play- ing together, there’s pre-existing trust in the ing through Jan. 9), while performances resume rehearsal room and much more willing to explore Jan. 5 for the remaining seven performances and take risks than with actors who might be of Griffin’s 1920s take on Gilbert and Sullivan’s unfamiliar with each other. comic operetta The Mikado for the Lyric Opera of Not that Griffin is against using out-of-town Chicago. actors in favor of a Chicago-centric view of cast- ing. Instead, Griffins said that he often wants Later this month, Griffin returns to New York Left: The cast of As You Like It. Right: Gary Griffin. Left photo by Peter Bosy. to direct the City Center Encores! concert stag- to expose visiting performers to how strong the ing of Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson’s Lost in talent is in Chicago and how local actors work the Stars (an ambitious 1949 musical adapta- It begins previews Jan. 5 and ends March 6. Griffin said they opted for an early 19th-century together with a strong sense of community. tion of Alan Paton’s anti-apartheid novel Cry, the Griffin is happy to have a full plate of work, Regency-period setting for the work. “I have thought that out-of-town artists learn Beloved Country) for a Feb. 3-6 run. And Griffin though he recently pointed out that the differ- “The period reflected a lot about what we more from us more that we learn from them,” returns to Canada’s Stratford Shakespeare Festi- ent productions roll out on very different time- thought were important things that we might Griffin said. “That overused word ‘ensemble’ in val (where he previously helmed hit productions tables. be able to explore,” Griffin said. “We thought Chicago maybe gets a bad rap, but it is alive and of West Side Story and Evita) to stage Lerner and “What’s fascinating, for me anyway, is that that Celia and Rosalind felt like characters that working.” Lowe’s beloved 1960 musical Camelot from April they all have different pre-production process- easily could fit comfortably in the universe of For more information on Chicago Shake- 16 to Oct. 30. es,” Griffin said, noting that Lyric Opera of Chi- intelligence and wit of Jane Austen.” speare Theater’s As You Like It, visit http:// But Griffin’s most pressing assignment is cago productions are often planned years in ad- Griffin said the Regency fashions were also ex- www.chicagoshakes.com. For more informa- his current one: Shakespeare’s romantic cross- vance with technical lighting rehearsals months tremely masculine and feminine period in terms tion on the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s The Mika- dressing-filled comedy As You Like It for Chicago ahead in the summer. That’s compared to City of the look and silhouette. do, visit http://www.lyricopera.org. For more Shakespeare Theater (CST). Griffin has carried Center Encores!, where rehearsals with the cast “The way the clothes defined sexuality fasci- information on Marriott Theatre’s The Music the title of associate artistic director for 10 sea- are only 10 days. nated us,” Griffin said, focusing on the heroine Man, visit http://www.marriotttheatre.com. sons at CST, where he’s made most of his impact “They all have different trajectories of arriv- Rosalind’s decision to disguise herself as a man For more information on Lost in the Stars at staging musicals by composer/lyricist Stephen ing,” Griffin said. “I love that no process is the through much of the play. “I was more inter- City Center Encores!, visit http://www.nyci- Sondheim. same, but at the same time on paper, it’s like ested in looking at not so much the matter of tycenter.org. For more information on Cam- With As You Like It, it’s the first time Griffin ‘Wow, how do you do that?’” confusion, but the matter of roles and identity elot at http://www.stratfordfestival.ca. has tackled a main stage Shakespeare produc- When interviewed mid-December via tele- and the play to me has so much to say about ac- Please send theater news and other related tion for CST, aside from his Short Shakespeare! phone, Griffin said he was “deep in the Forest of tually exploring your identity not knowing what tidbits to [email protected] and family-friendly adaptations of A Midsummer Arden” for rehearsals of As You Like It. Collabo- you like when you get into the forest and the to [email protected]. Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet. As You Like rating with costume designer Mara Blumenfeld, whole journey of finding out what you do like.” 12 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES CRITICS’ PICKS

Jun’ichiro Cats, Theo Ubique at No Exit Cafe, extend- Sekino. ed through Feb. 20. Oooh, I taw a puddy tat—the furry felines dancing on little cat feet all but curl up in our laps, but where else in this tiny room can playgoers see every whisker-twitch and hear every frag- ile meow of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular musical score? MSB Liberace, Milwaukee Repertory at the Sekino’s works at Stackner Cabaret in Milwaukee, through Jan. 16. In a closeted age, pianoman Wlad- Floating World ziu Valentino Liberace—that’s Liber-AH- Floating World Gallery (FWG), 1925 N. Hal- chee, kids—flaunted it and made them love sted, is running the exhibition “Behind Paper it, his flamboyant escapades re-created in Walls: Self Printed Masterworks by Jun’ichiro this solo musical salute to Milwaukee’s fa- Sekino.” The exhibition features more than vorite homeboy. MSB 100 woodblock prints, many of them never The Importance of Being Earnest, Remy before exhibited. The exhibition opened Dec. Bumppo, through Jan. 9. Non-campy and 3, 2010, and runs through Jan. 14, and is low-key, this is an self-assured production supported by an impressive 90-plus-page cat- of Wilde’s witty play, which both honors alog containing essays by Sekino’s son; gal- and sends up 19th-century society and the lery owners Bill and Roberta Stein; and FWG 19th-century well-made play. JA Director of Exhibitions Elias Martin. Peter Pan (A Play), Lookingglass Theatre, From an early age, Sekino (1914-1988) through Jan. 23. Before the super high-tech studied printmaking and oil painting and British tent version arrives in Chicago later learned the Japanese woodblock method and this year, catch this revisionist homegrown Western techniques of etching. He was influ- adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of enced by styles of old Japanese and European the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Yes, you can masters. see all the ropes and harnesses for the fly- Blue Man Group. Photo by Ken Howard Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, ing effects, but it’s still theatrically magi- 1-5 p.m. and by appointment. For more infor- cal. SCM volunteer usher in 2000, 2003, and two times in PERFORMANCE REVIEW mation call 312-587-7800, fax 312-575-3565 —By Abarbanel, Barnidge 2005. or e-mail [email protected]. and Morgan Blue Man Group Certainly there is a touch of wear and tear Playwrights: Chris Wink, about the stalwart show, what with years of Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton splattered and drummed neon paint peeking At: Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted around the edges of the upper wings. And if MUSICAL REVIEW Phone: 773-348-4000; $49-$69 Blue Man Group were conceived today, the over- In an open run all sound might have had more of a hip hop edge Million Dollar instead of the loud grunge rock thrashing that BY SCOTT C. MORGAN underscores much of the proceedings. Quartet Playwrights: Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux But the beauty of the revue-style makeup of At: Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Can a show still be hip when it’s been mass-pro- Blue Man Group is that it also allows for changes. Tickets: 773-935-6100; duced and customized to multiple cities around Videos about mind-blowing mathematical fractal http://www.apollochicago.com; $64.50-$80 the world? In the case of Blue Man Group, the art have been jettisoned in favor of video bits Runs through: May 29 (at least) long-running performance art hit that incorpo- that astutely denigrate manufactured pop stars rates mime, rock-and-roll drumming and comi- of today who are better known for their dance BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL cally existential questions about modern art and moves than their digitally cleaned up vocals. technology, the answer would be a surprising And the fact that Blue Man Group has promi- Million Dollar Quartet is the Little Show That “yes.” nently built-in audience participation into its Could, chugging merrily along for 30 months True, if you’re finally seeing Blue Man Group running order (particularly the ever-delightful in a commercial production at the Apollo The- this late in the game after its 1992 off-Broad- Twinkie dining sequence), there’s a guarantee ater. Last April it leapt to Broadway, earning way debut (where it had the original show sub- that each show will be unique and memorable. three Tony Award nominations and one win (by title: Tubes) and its 1997 Chicago bow at the Though I could predict many of Blue Man openly gay singer Levi Kreis). Meanwhile, it Briar Street Theatre, then you’re probably not Group’s gags and routines in advance, it was still chugs on in Chicago. It’s “inspired by” the fac- that much of a trend-setter. After all, Blue Man a delight to see how they would dazzle and play tual December 1956 jam session of Elvis Pres- Group only came into consciousness for the ma- out with at this particular performance (which ley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee jority of Americans when they were shilling Intel by the way, was completely sold out). Lewis in the primitive studio of Sun Records microchip processors in a national ad campaign So I’m happy to say that Blue Man Group Million Dollar Quartet. Photo by Sara Von in Memphis, Tenn., where each of the four cut last decade. remains as sleek, smart and silly as ever. Who his first hit. With so few shows opening in the final week cares if you can also get it in Boston, Las Vegas Sullivan effectively underplays Cash, while Da- I attended a late-afternoon holiday matinee. of 2010, I decided to revisit the Chicago produc- or Orlando? Blue Man Group is a theatrical fran- vid Lago captures Elvis’s spirit and moves, al- Everything onstage was just ducky but the tion of Blue Man Group to see how the mute and chise that repeatedly justifies its indomitable though not his height. (Elvis was six feet tall.) nearly-sold-out audience was bizarre, split 50- mostly monochromatic men were holding up. It staying power. Kelly Lamont, as Elvis’ singing girlfriend, adds 50 between grandparents and grandchildren, was my fifth visit after seeing the show asa visual and vocal flash. with Granny/Gramps evidently trying to con- Of course, Million Dollar Quartet is ersatz vince the young’uns that they were hip and history, and is honest when it says it’s “in- rebellious 50 years ago. Alas, their kidneys StatiCCreep spired by” the jam session. The raucous string couldn’t hold out for the 105-minute show, of greatest hits the boys rattle off bears very Exhibition at and dozens of codgers walked in and out of little resemblance to the actual jam, which was the intimate house to pee, crossing corners of heavy on gospel music, Bill Monroe songs and Las Manos Jan. 14 the stage as the band played on. I’ve never The StatiCCreep Exhibition of Sequential Art acoustic instruments. The jam is just an excuse witnessed anything like it. will be shown at Las Manos Gallery, 5220 N. for a jukebox musical with a thin storyline and At $80 top, it’s not an off-Loop bargain but Clark. The exhibition’s opening is Friday, Jan. a meaty dose of rockabilly history, courtesy of you get an awful lot of musical bang for your 14, 6-10 p.m., and will run through Sunday, studio owner and producer Sam Phillips (played bucks. Million Dollar Quartet has been well- Feb. 6. to tremendous effect by the personable Tim maintained during its long run and the cur- Sequential art (of which the best-known ex- Decker), who serves up narration directly to rent strong cast is dead-on in physical and ample is comics) refers to the utilizing an order the audience. musical impersonations of the four great stars. of images to tell a story or convey informa- Be warned that Million Dollar Quartet is much, It’s fiendishly difficult to find capable singer- tion. much louder and more jangly than the original actors who also can play musical instruments Las Manos Gallery show more than 100 origi- artists ever sang these songs, and louder than at a professional level and look/sound like nal, hand-drawn and painted pieces by more necessary. Critics back then thought rock was the people they are portraying. Gabe Bowl- than 20 artists, including Nicole Hollander, An- the devil’s music or a Communist plot, but it’s ing plays Carl Perkins to a fare-thee-well and drew Pepoy, Corinne Mucha, Steven Krakow and easy to understand this show’s appeal today: It doubles as lead guitar with all the right chops. Hilary Barta. See http://www.lasmanosgallery. offers a goodtime dose of “roots” rock played Lance Lipinsky dazzles as boogie-woogie piano com or e-mail galleryassistant@lasmanosgal- at modern volume by faithful interpreters. man-gone-crazy Jerry Lee Lewis. Sturdy Sean lery.com. WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 13 THEATER REVIEW The Lonesome West Playwright: Martin McDonagh At: The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Phone: 773-283-7071; $25-$30 Runs through: Jan. 30

BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE

There’s a reason why this play is so seldom pro- duced—and it’s not just Martin McDonagh’s pen- chant for thinking up grotesque special-effects beyond the capabilities of most storefront com- panies (in this case, a collection of religious fig- The Lonesome West. urines melted in the oven of a shiny new kitchen range, with the appliance later shotgunned for room, allows us to discern the turning of the its crime). No, the chief obstacle to McDonagh’s wheels in the minds of these characters—specif- unpleasant tale of two bachelor brothers with ically, the brothers’ propensity to start quarrels nothing to do but get on each other’s nerves just after a moment when one or the other comes is that a lifestyle based in squabbling quickly too close to a genuine emotion, hinting at their ceases to be interesting to any but the abusive bellicosity’s FUNCTION as a means of staving off participants. Even the question of whether one pain. And the heightened focus on the victims of them murdered their equally bad-tempered Da infected by their misanthropy—Brittany Burch’s fails to engage our sympathy, let alone curios- defiant Girleen Kelleher, peddling bootleg whis- ity. key to finance her escape, and Paul D’Addario’s Playing this material as grumpy-old-men com- despair-racked Father Welsh, whose dying wish edy would ease the audience’s discomfort, but is for reconciliation—further evidences the fes- fortunately, Gift Theatre has veteran director tering cruelty endemic to existence in this bar- Sheldon Patinkin helming their production. Un- ren coastal community. der his guidance, John Gawlik and John Kelly Aftermath. Photo by Johnny Knight Though not noticeably protracted in length, Connolly carefully track McDonagh’s hidden this grim parable is not easy to watch. Patinkin clues to the continuance of Coleman and Valene tan recording studios or blinking in the lights and his cast never let us make light of the Con- THEATER REVIEW Connor’s hostility: why, when they find each of tawdry sound stages helmed by mocking TV nor family’s troubles and the destructive fall- other’s company so repugnant, do these lonely emcees. And when we hear the familiar chords of out engendered thereby. Because without fully Aftermath middle-aged men still occupy the same house? Playwright: Ronan Marra the Mick Jagger-Keith Richards anthem, “Sym- comprehending the agony inflicted by unexor- What was the source of their acrimony? Is theirs At: Signal Ensemble, 1802 W. Berenice pathy For The Devil”, the image first meeting cised demons, how are we to appreciate McDon- a purely personal malaise or the product of a Phone: 773-347-1350; $20 our view (front and center, just like in the album agh’s almost-invisible ray of hope, bought at social environment so toxic that its once-abste- Runs through: Jan. 23 covers) is Brian Jones, the visionary who first great sacrifice, pointing the way to a reluctant mious parish priest has taken to drink? set the Stones to rolling, his gaze tearfully fixed peace? This attention to text over attitude, coupled BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE on the path of his decline, dying in mysterious with the vantage offered by the Gift’s 30-seat circumstances at the age of 27. When we think of “jukebox musicals,” what Signal Ensemble has mostly worked in spaces first comes to mind is a string of Top-40 songs too small to allow for high-tech theatrical fak- photographer Peter Hujar, who had died of and medleys safely located in a distant past ery. Their production of Old Wicked Songs, to Debated AIDS-related complications. Wojnarowicz never now suffused with nostalgic glow. Whether the cite one example, featured two actors actually completed the work and, in 1992, also suc- Hollywood-bio or the behind-the-music variety, playing Schumann on the piano that figures so Smithsonian cumbed to AIDS. whatever setbacks the protagonists may con- prominently in the dramatic action. Aftermath’s The raw and provocative subject matter of A front, the evening always ends on a triumphant premiere in the Raven complex studio likewise film comes Fire in My Belly, shot mainly in Juarez, Mexico, note to send patrons home secure in their con- required its cast to replicate every pinky-riff on to Chicago and carries a deeply spiritual undertone—par- viction that hey-hey-my-my, rock-and-roll will the Fender stratocaster with an accuracy patently ticularly in one shot that particularly incensed By Joseph Erbentraut never die. discernible to audience members for whom each Catholic League president Bill Donohue, incom- This is not the kind of feel-good docudrama note is permanently etched in memory. While its ing U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, A Fire in My Belly, the film that has been at the that Ronan Marra wanted to write. And so revival in Signal’s own venue offers slightly more and Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., who launched their center of controversy since it was pulled from though his subject is the legendary Rolling breathing room for spectators, the carefully-se- campaign against the film’s inclusion in Hide/ the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery’s Stones, Aftermath does not celebrate the band lected cast repeating their roles—notably Aaron Seek: An image of ants crawling over a crucifix. LGBT-geared Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire who refused to stop the music, but instead ac- Snook as the tragic Jones and Nick Vidal as the Cantor described the film as “an outrageous use in American Portraiture exhibit, is coming to knowledges the sacrifices necessary to their pragmatic Jagger—immerse themselves no less of taxpayer money,” and called for the closing Chicago in a special exhibition at the Univer- achievement of eternal life. Oh, we get a few totally in their high-profile personae to evoke, of the entire exhibit. greatest-hits re-enactments—not accompanied without impersonating, the iconic heroes who sity of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. The Smithsonian Foundation responded by foleyed-in screams and cheers, but performed set out to change the course of 20th-century Greenwood, through Sunday, Feb. 6. to the criticism by removing the film Dec. 1, live by five scruffy young musicians, still uneasy popular music, and did. The unfinished 13-minute film was edited claiming “the way in which it was being inter- in their ambitious new roles, shivering in spar- by artist and activist David Wojnarowicz dur- preted by many overshadowed the importance ing 1986-1987 as a tribute to his lover, lauded and understanding of the entire exhibition.” The film’s removal has ignited widespread pro- tests from the art community and resulting in many art institutions screening the film out of SPOTLIGHT protest. University of Chicago graduate student Jenn Sichel, who worked as a research assistant to the Hide/Seek exhibit, has become a leading voice speaking out against the apparent cen- sorship. It’s hard to believe that a graduate of Brigham Young “The show is under serious attack from the University would become so famous for writing plays right ... I am outraged — almost 20 years and directing films populated with such nasty (and some after his death, Wojnarowicz is still being si- critics would say mysogynistic) characters. Yet that’s a lenced!” wrote Sichel in a message that’s been hallmark of Neil LaBute, who has found a local cham- widely distributed across the Internet in recent pion in Profiles Theatre. Hear from LaBute himself in An weeks. “Please help me in rallying behind the Evening with Neil LaBute, which also features readings show. We need an army of support.” from his work as part of a one-night-only fundraiser for In addition to screening Wojnarowicz’s origi- Profiles Theatre. The event begins with a 6:30 p.m. re- nal, 13-minute film and a seven-minute follow- ception and 7:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, Jan. 8, up on a continuous loop, the Smart Museum at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. Tickets are $60; also plans to hold a faculty panel discussion call 773-549-1815 or visit http://www.profilestheatre. on the debate surrounding the work at a yet- David Wojnarowicz. org. Photo of LaBute courtesy of the company. to-be-determined date in January. See http:// smartmuseum.uchicago.edu. 14 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

DVD REVIEW Laurie Anderson: Hubert Humphrey’s

legacy on film All hands on tech Review by Tracy Baim

made you more private? I was just a few years old when Hubert H. Hum- LA: Depends. We have friends, a nice scruffy phrey ran for president during the tumultuous kind of place to live and nobody bothers us. Ev- 1968 Democratic primary race. Somehow, his eryone is walking their dogs. It’s great. name must have struck a chord, because even WCT: You are originally from Glen Ellyn, Ill. though I was five, I remember campaigning LA: Yes, I am. for him in my neighborhood, shouting his WCT: And you’re coming to Chicago. name as I wheeled my wagon around look- LA: I love Chicago! I was just there because I ing for lost treasures. I had no idea about his received an award from the Chicago Youth Sym- Laurie Anderson. Photo by Tim Knox; pic be- politics, or any politics; I just liked his name. phony Orchestra. It was their first alumni award low by Leland Brewster Fortunately, in hindsight, it looks like he and I was super-proud to get it because I loved was a pretty decent choice and certainly being in that orchestra. It was really fun to re- WCT: Can you give people a sense of what would have been better than Richard Nixon, hearse and be in the exact same building as be- your performance at Harris will be like? who won in the general election. fore. LA: Well, lots of images. That’s the different But while Humphrey never moved into the WCT: I want to say congrats on your Grammy thing I’ve been doing lately. This one has a lot. White House, he had an immense impact on BY JERRY NUNN nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Perfor- I have gone pretty far away from doing pictures our nation through his work as a U.S. Senator. mance. with rectangles so there is a silver projection on PBS Distribution has a wonderful documentary Laurie Anderson needs to be seen live as a per- LA: Thank you! different surfaces. I’m sick of looking at com- now available about his career, called Hubert formance artist and musician to experience the WCT: Why did you decide to call the album puter screens, movie screens and all the screens. Humphrey: The Art of the Possible. full effect. She’s bringing her highly original Homeland? It’s just too flat. So I wanted to make a really The documentary does a terrific job of point- performance piece, “Delusion”—consisting of LA: I started writing it in the Bush days when vivid—not three-dimensional, but a sense of ing out the important contributions of this music, puppetry and visuals—to Chicago. An- I was really frustrated and angry so no American curving around objects. For me it has become a former Minneapolis, Minn., mayor. He worked derson shared some insights Nunn on One by could hear that phrase without having heavy new obsession of projecting images like that. on civil-rights and Cold war issues, often be- telephone before her trip to the Windy City. quotes around it. And it has gotten more ex- WCT: Are you performing “O Superman?” hind the scenes, but he was also not afraid to Windy City Times: Hello, Laurie. How are treme in living here; the paranoia, the way that LA: No. I haven’t done that in so many years; take on the establishment in public. you today? people’s lives are being more and more restrict- I did that around 9/11. I was actually in Chicago As PBS states: “Humphrey left behind a Laurie Anderson: I am having computer prob- ed, it’s not a great direction. Especially when on 9/11 when I sang that song for the first time legacy few presidents can match. As a soldier lems. Why does everything go down when I am you are running around the holidays, it’s really in 20 years. I’m not a person to sing old songs. of the New Deal and the Great Society, he trying to leave the house? torture to be searched all the time and watch I try to do new songs. That was a greatest hit, amassed one of the most prolific legislative WCT: I have no idea. It’s funny how you children get searched as well. so I did sing that song around that time and it records in senate history, sponsoring hundreds have such a technologically driven career, and Last time I was in Chicago I saw three little was so eerie. Were you living in Chicago at that of bills—from Medicare to the Peace Corps to now you have computer issues. boys being searched all over their bodies. They time? the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. But Humphrey’s LA: Doesn’t everyone? The more tech you have were standing there going, “Momma, is every- WCT: Yes, I was. most enduring achievements were in the areas the worse the problem. thing okay?” I don’t want to live in a place like LA: I remember people were going, “Maybe WCT: Definitely. that. L.A. is next or London or Chicago.” LA: I have gotten used to it. If you think WCT: I listened to your track “Only an Ex- WCT: Yes, it was scary being in a big city. things are going to run smoothly; then, you are pert,” and it was all about the recession. LA: You forget that the first 48 hours was when out of your mind. LA: Oh, isn’t it amazing? How come the first you didn’t know what was going on. It could WCT: How do you feel technology has guys were never brought up to account for any- have been the end of the world. When you write changed? Has it been hard for you to adapt to thing? Not one person in the elections had to about power, war and love, they don’t tend to go things? stand up and say, “I kind of did a stupid thing.” away, just switch focus. I wrote that song about LA: Well I’m always updating like everyone It’s happening all over again. I used to think the Iran-Contra affair, this crazy attempt to res- else and trying so hard not to get sucked into that my formula was when conservatives were cue all of these hostages in the desert where it, but it’s harder and harder. The book that is empowered it will be politics and when liberals helicopters just crashed and burned. Technol- on top of my list these days is How to be Idle where empowered it will go back to poetry. It’s ogy was just falling apart. The same thing with by Tom Hodgkinson. He writes about technology too much to complain about. 9/11: “Wow we are really vulnerable. Even with and what you think you’re doing, like, “Who told WCT: Is your music therapy for yourself as all of our stuff they can get us.” When you look you that in order to be a good person you have well as the audience? at what Bin Laden did 10 years later as everyone to be working?” Its unthinkable to people now; LA: I don’t want to say therapy because I think is being searched in the airport, you go, “I won- they are fixing their e-mails and can’t even walk that’s more of an individual thing. I try not to der who won that round?” out the door. It is sad with what is happening. use people to vent. I try to make things where WCT: That’s a good point. It was great talk- WCT: What do you think of Facebook? other people can understand on another level ing to you and good luck with your comput- LA: I hate it! I don’t want any more friends. not just so they can feel sorry for me. That is not er. I have enough, thank you very much. Do I care the theme of what I am doing. Instead of having LA: Thank you so much! what they are doing? Not at all, not one single to put it in a sentence, why not keep it in the For the Laurie Anderson experience, tickets of civil and human rights. Propelled to party bit, and I’m not going to tell them what I am language of your mind? I’m quoting a little bit are available at the Harris Theater box office, prominence during the 1948 Democratic Na- doing either. It’s insane. I don’t have to keep of a speech my mother did on her deathbed. It 205 E. Randolph, by calling 312-334-7777 or tional Convention, the 37-year-old mayor of people posted on my comings and goings. I am was so touching. by visiting http://www.harristheaterchicago. Minneapolis delivered an historic speech di- more of a hermit and I really like to be private, It’s going to be weird doing it in Chicago, org. Connect with more Anderson at http:// rectly challenging the racist leadership of the which is a stupid thing to say from someone who where she died—[it’s] kind of intense for me. www.laurieanderson.com. U.S. Senate. Almost two decades later, Hum- gets onstage and prances around. In that sense it is very personal but also a lot of phrey’s extensive network of church and civil WCT: I get it. Has being married to Lou Reed political stuff into the mix as well. rights leaders helped him to break the longest filibuster in senate history, resulting in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” Yes, Humphrey was in some ways a “Forrest Gump” of the era, in the right place, and do- ing the right thing, at the right time, even well before it was popular. His actions alien- ated much of the southern Democrats, who eventually left the party because of their ha- tred of equal rights for Blacks. While Humphrey died in the 1970s, before gay rights became more politically popular, it is likely he would have also been an ally of our movement as well. His legacy is incredible, and this film is an excellent refresher course on a man that stood firm in his beliefs. He was a true hero of his time. I just wish I could have voted for him in 1968. The DVD runs about two hours and costs $24.99. See www.shopPBS.org. WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 15 unravels, we come to understand her point of after being sought out by a young songwriter in view as well. Country Strong. The plot sounds like a tanta- The sexual allure the two share for each other lizing, female variation on Tender Mercies (with KNIGHT is at the heart of the relationship and, in the Tim McGraw, Tron Legacy’s Garrett Hedlund, and film’s penultimate sequence, David cajoles Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester co-starring) but AT Cindy into joining him at a fantasy motel for unfortunately the movie wasn’t screened in time THE the night, booking the “future” room for their for Windy City Times’ deadline. tryst. Like many real-life relationships the night MOVIES portrays sexual familiarity masquerading as true Film notes: intimacy among other emotional plights plagu- —Dyke Delicious, the popular, long-running ing the couple. Gosling and Williams are fearless monthly social/screening event series co-pre- in these scenes (the film was at one point given sented by Black Cat Productions and Reeling an NC-17 rating) and the willingness of the two returns for an eighth season this Saturday, Jan. By actors to go the distance is essential to putting 8, with An Evening with Coquie Hughes at Richard Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams in Blue across the difficult material. Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark). Hughes is Knight, Jr. Valentine. Photo by Davi Russo Williams matches Gosling’s intensity but from an independent filmmaker whose features have a very different place. The more David pushes focused on issues pertinent to lesbian and bi- ing of Kirsten Dunst as the young wife—it’s still forward, the more Cindy withholds. Not unlike sexual families in African-American culture, such worth a look. This is thanks to Gosling’s alter- Gosling, Williams has forged her own path in as Gotta Git My Hair Did, Daughters of the Con- Blue Valentine; nately creepy but tantalizing portrait of the seri- movies, moving away from traditional leading- crete, If I Wuz Yo Gyrl and the 2010 mockumen- ously damaged young heir and his scenes with lady roles into much more tricky territory. The tary My Mama Said Yo Mama’s A Dyke. Hughes film notes Frank Langella as his sinister father. result has been one memorable performance will present clips and discuss her micro-budget I have no such reservations however, for direc- after another (most recently in Shutter Island) working methods. Social hour starts at 7 p.m., It’s official: All Good Things and Blue Val- tor David Cianfrance’s emotionally searing Blue and she’s just as much up on the high wire in with the screening at 8 p.m; there’s a $10 do- entine, two new films starring Ryan Gosling, Valentine, which he co-wrote over a period of Blue Valentine as Gosling is. nation. (Advance RSVP suggested and can be confirm him as the heir to the “beautiful but years with Joey Curtis and Cami Delavigne. The The risky work by the two stars is enthralling e-mailed to dykedelicious@chicagofilmmakers. tortured” movie persona created by Montgomery movie is a non-linear portrait of a relationship but it’s the missing pieces to the relationship org.) Call 773-293-1447 or visit http://www. Clift, Marlon Brando and, especially, James Dean gone sour that is astonishing in its detailed that nags at one at the movie’s conclusion. (Al- chicagofilmmakers.org in the 1950s. Brooding and beautifully hunky acting from Gosling and his equally moving co- though Cindy’s past is revealed, for example, we —Trouble in Mind, writer-director Alan Ru- in both these new movies (his first since 2007’s star, Michelle Williams. As Dean and Cindy—a don’t get nearly as much insight into what makes dolph’s dark, cool 1985 neo-noir has finally been criminally overlooked black comedy, Lars and furniture mover and medical assistant—move the rather odd David tick.) On first examination, released by Shout! Factory in a 25th-anniversary the Real Girl), Gosling exhibits a mix of dan- toward what might be the end of their romance this would seem to be a flaw in Cianfrance’s special edition. Kris Kristofferson and Lori Sing- ger, sullenness, sensuality and tenderness that the biography of their life as a couple is slowly conception, but I think it’s actually inspired. As er star in this romantic crime drama that fea- has become his standard bearer—an irresistible revealed in splintered flashbacks of joy, sexual Blue Valentine points out in its tremendously tures an ultra-moody synth-jazz trumpet score mix for certain moviegoers (this one included). excitement and pain. bittersweet way, we can never entirely know who by Mark Isham. The stellar, quirky cast includes It makes perfect sense that reportedly Gosling’s By giving us one piece of the couple’s rela- we’re holding in our arms and we may never be the tragically underused Genevieve Bujold, Keith favorite film, 1955’s East of Eden, arguably con- tionship at a time, Cianfrance alters expecta- sure at what moment they fell for us—or fell Carradine, Joe Morton, John Considine and Di- tains the greatest of Dean’s three movie perfor- tions and allegiances as the movie progresses. away. vine in his finest screen performance out of mances. For example, David has what appears to be a Also in theaters this week: In recent months drag. Although All Good Things, which is based on a sublime relationship with the couple’s daughter, Gwyneth Paltrow has won a host of new fans Check out my archived reviews at http://www. real-life story of wealth, power and the unsolved Frankie (the natural and unaffected Faith Wlad- showing off her vocal chops in a guest spot windycitytimes.com or http://www.knightatthe- murder of the wife of a seriously disturbed scion kya), and we’re irritated that Cindy doesn’t seem on Glee and she now returns to a starring role movies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the to a family fortune (Gosling’s part), is seriously to appreciate his ease and light-hearted abilities in movies as a country/western singer on the latter website. flawed—due to a convoluted script that seems with the little girl. However, as the relationship skids who finds herself on the comeback trail to be missing whole sections and the miscast- GET GIVE TESTED. &TO TPAN.

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TEST POSITIVE AWARE NETWORK 5537 N. BROADWAY ST., CHICAGO | (773) 989-9400 | WWW.TPAN.COM 16 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES Nicole Hollander: ‘Sylvia’ PERFORMANCE cartoonist gets animated That’s What by Yasmin Nair younger I was part of a class action suit against She Said on the Sun-Times having segregated classified ads. In February, Nicole Hollander’s long-standing We won that and I was so thrilled to be part of talents, U-Hauls comic strip, Sylvia, was axed by the Chicago that. by Sarah Terez Rosenblum Tribune, leaving the cartoonist without a place WCT: Is cartooning for the papers a dying in her hometown paper. The strip is still carried art? And is the future one where people like Forty years since Stonewall and—while social by 30-odd newspapers, but Hollander decided to have a presence online as much or more than transformation is dawdling but undeniable— take the irascible and sharp-tongued Sylvia into in the papers? when it comes to entertainment, lesbians still another dimension. This year, she hired social- NH: I don’t think that newspapers are dying have few options. Too often, subpar performers media consultant Alicia Eler to work with her immediately. I think it’s a long, slow death. … gain renown in the dyke community simply be- on crafting a web presence for her character. they’re slowly becoming less of a venue and of cause, to borrow a fighting chant, they’re here Hollander, famously liberal on social issues like course, with new cartoonists there was always and they’re queer. gay marriage, updates a new blog [http://www. tremendous competition to get into newspapers. However, once in a while, a performer hits badgirlchats.com] with commentary and archi- And when there are fewer [papers], then what the scene who’s more than a big fish in a small, val cartoons. She recently published The Sylvia do you do? I think some people go into standup, gay pond, or, in the case of L.A.-based duo Chronicles: 30 Years of Graphic Misbehavior from into comedy, into acting. But I think there are That’s What She Said, two talented someones. Reagan to Obama [The New Press, $19.95, 144 a lot of online comic cartoon communities and Pianist Kathryn Lounsbery and singer Amy pages] In a recent interview, she spoke about they have their subscribers and people who are Turner joined forces in 2007 to create a sing- Sylvia’s new life, the future of cartooning, and interested in following them. The question for ing dancing comedy extravaganza with cross- what it means to be a Chicago feminist. all of us is, how do we get more attention? over appeal. Both skewering and celebrating Windy City Times: What would you say is WCT: Is cartooning more difficult for women lesbian stereotypes, “That’s What She Said” different about working on the blog as op- to get into? give the discerning lesbian hope. posed to producing cartoons on deadline? NH: …there has always been a dearth of wom- Windy City Times: What brought you to- Nicole Hollander: I just find it more of an im- en in comics. It was and is controlled by men. gether? mediate connection. I like the style of writing Even if a woman is the features editor…There is Amy Turner: I was performing at Second because I can just write and write and write and an unofficial group of guys who decide who gets City’s Musical Improv shows in Los Angeles and cut, but you don’t have to cut the way you do in the paper. Now, I have to say that without the Kathryn was working as a pianist there. She for a strip because a strip has to be much shorter help of male editors, I would not have gotten in. saw a couple performances and approached me and much punchier. And I can draw it out and But really, I think it’s a harder road for women, to work on something original. It evolved into That’s What She Said. have a couple of jokes within the same piece much, much harder. I think that for these edi- bouillabaisse of Sapphic flavors. and I like that. tors, one woman is really quite enough, thank Kathryn Lounsbery: …that simmered for over you very much. As for women’s humor—I think a year of stirring. I have no problem coming up with ideas be- WCT: What’s your current favorite song in that we have a different experience growing up WCT: What unique talents do you each cause I respond to something that’s happening the show? and living, period. And so a lot of what we write contribute? in the news right I can change my mind. If I KL: Lately, I’ve been loving our Disney spoof. about has to do with that particular situation AT: Kathryn is a classically trained pianist so want to talk about Sarah Palin and why I think It runs the gamut from funny to heartfelt. We and our responses to it. When we were growing she has chops, but she [also] plays all styles of she has no idea in the world about what mama both get a little choked up. up, we understood male humor because that was music so well. grizzlies are really like—then I can do that im- WCT: Your U-Haul music video has gotten the world. It’s like speaking two languages. So I KL: I feel the same about Amy. She’s a total mediately. And then I can go into my archives worldwide attention. What was it like to think that women are not afraid of male humor, natural. She also can play the Hawaiian nose and find a cartoon about her. It might not have make? they laugh at it. I think it’s a mistake to exclude harp. to do with what I’m writing about but it has to KL: We had never shot a video, [but] we put us. AT: I’m kind of a prodigy. do with her and with my different characters’ re- out the word, got amazing people and shot WCT: Who are the upcoming cartoonists and KL: You should audition for America’s Got sponses to her. So it’s just incredibly more flex- probably 25 hours of footage. And we got to where do you see their work heading? Talent. The world needs more Hawaiian nose ible. shop for food for everyone, which is the best NH: I think they went into the graphic novels. harp right now. WCT: You’re very much a Chicago car- thing in the world. Alison Bechdel had a fabulous strip, which had WCT: Kathryn, as a musician, what drew toonist—and Sylvia is very much a Chicago AT: Our really good friend, Bob [Koherr], also a range of characters that was extraordinary and you to comedy? feminist. Is that a reflection of your own up- a director, was the driving force. It truly could she followed them every week. Well, she went KL: I’ve always been a ham, so it was tough bringing in this city and the influence of the never have happened without him. The amaz- on to write a graphic novel. That’s what she had for me to only play piano. Creating this show women in your family? ing thing about U-Haul is how far it’s traveled. to do. Linda Barry is an amazing, brilliant artist was an amazing opportunity to indulge in all NH: It’s what I know and it’s my style of talk- We got into San Francisco’s Frameline Festival. and she writes books. Not in the newspaper. aspects of showmanship (showwomanship?). ing. I think we speak alike although, because KL: Fifteen hundred people at The Castro WCT: Does writing for the web change your WCT: Share some musical/comedic influ- she’s a cartoon, she’s much faster than I am. I’m Theater reacting to our video was surreal. style in any way? ences? a kind of slower formulator of things. But what WCT: In addition to the funny stuff, you NH: Not the drawing, because I have to do a AT: We are Christopher Guest freaks. I think of her as a Chicagoan is that she’s very wrote “Why is my Right Wrong,” a Prop 8 certain kind of thing for the syndication. And KL: “Waiting for Guffman” and “Best in straightforward and she is sarcastic and ironic protest song. Any thoughts on the adminis- my writing may be informed by what I’m doing Show” are therapy. We watch them every three in the way that Chicagoans are. And she is a tration’s handling of gay rights? on the blog. But I can’t really analyze it. I can months. Chicago feminist because I think of Midwestern KL: I think Obama has good intentions and generate more ideas and use them in two dif- AT: And quote them daily. feminists as thinking about jobs. They’re very will do what he can. People need to be patient, ferent places. That’s helpful. It gets you going. KL: As for music, there is just too much to practical. And my family was always looking for [but] that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to And since I’m doing something every day for the recommend. a new job. My father, because he’d always get be vocal about pushing forward with equality blog, there isn’t a time when I can really stop AT: I actually think that shows: every song fired [when] he lost his temper. My mother, just issues. thinking about it. Which is sort of fun. Other- we write is in a different style. We usually pick because she would get bored. So that’s part of WCT: What are you looking forward to wise you can procrastinate forever. Maybe not a topic and then just improvise. my growing up. On the west coast, I couldn’t about performing in Chicago? forever, but for a very long time. KL: We have an Olympus digital recorder talk to people because they were spiritual and AT: These shows have been a long time com- that’s always on [so] we can be free and not I wasn’t; I was just practical and when I was ing. We had some dates scheduled two years have to write anything down. ago [that] we had to postpone. AT: Then we load the recordings, listen, tran- KL: So we’ve had Chicago blue balls for a scribe and start whittling down. while now. Also, I’m from Milwaukee so it feels WCT: You have some racy material. Any Comic like a homecoming; so many of my really good awkward stage moments? strips by friends from high school and college are in Chi- AT: At a ski lodge above a restaurant, the Nicole cago or nearby. staff came up during our set to ask us to keep Hollander. AT: Oh, and also Superdawg. And Ann it down, as there were “children in the restau- Images Sather. rant.” I was just about to sing a song [about] courtesy of KL: I’ve never had White Castle. I heard they a certain part of the female anatomy. It was an Hollander have chicken rings. That is culinary excel- awesome moment. lence. WCT: What kind of audiences does your AT: It always comes back to food. show attract?

AT: Very diverse. Our most recent L.A. show That’s What She Said plays Davenport’s had an especially mixed crowd: gay, straight, Piano Bar Jan. 7-8 and 8 p.m. Go to http:// old and young. If someone only saw the audi- www.davenportspianobar.com for tickets. ence and had to guess what kind of show was To learn more about Kathryn and Amy, visit going on, they would never have guessed les- http://www.thatswhatshesaidshow.com. bian cabaret. WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 17

Obama’s winter home

MONTHLY REAL ESTATE SECTION

The second bedroom in a model condo in Aqua. Photo by VHT Photography

an expansive fitness area complete with cardio and strength-training equipment, a whirlpool, Aqua: Making lap pool, steam and sauna, massage and more. (I personally fell in love with the basketball a splash court.) Another unique aspect, Van Horn said, is that different types of glass are used throughout the BinY ANDREW Chicago DAVIS building: “There’s a clear glass located where the balconies are. Where there are no balconies, When looking at Chicago’s Aqua, located at 225 it’s a tinted glass, typically, to reflect the sun. N. Columbus, the aspect of the building that [Gang] calls the areas without balconies ‘pools,’ catches the eye has to be the waves designed by and that creates the look of the building from award-winning architect Jeanne Gang. However, the outside where you have the flat areas.” there is much more to this unique building than By the way, in case you were wondering about meets the eye. numbers, rentals are $1,474-$3,111 monthly, Aqua at Lakeshore East is an 82-story tower and condominiums range from $280,000 to $2 designed to comply with LEED certification. (It million. opened in 2009.) Aqua’s Chicago condos for sale And if all that isn’t enough, the first Radisson are part of the 28-acre award-winning Lakeshore Blu hotel (334 rooms) in the United States is East community located where the Chicago River slated to open on 18 floors of Aqua in the fall of meets Lake Michigan adjacent to Millennium 2011. Approximately half the $125 million will Park and the Loop Business District. be put toward development and furnishing of Aqua is unique in that one may either rent The Radisson Aqua Blu guest rooms, lobby space an apartment or purchase a condo. (Apartments and meeting areas. The remainder of the money and condos are in separate areas of the complex, will go toward other floors containing condos with separate entrances.) The complex also has and apartments. Schaffel and Van Horn said that there will a RentBUY program (as do the Lakeshore East President Barack Obama and his family once again chose Paradise Point Estates in Kailua, eventually be 16 buildings that will make up properties The Shoreham and the Tides) that al- Hawaii, to serve as the Obama Winter White House during the 2010 holidays, according to PR Lakeshore East (currently, there are seven)— lows one to build equity towards the purchase of Newswire. For the third consecutive year, the family vacationed in Plantation Estate, the cen- essentially making this area a mini-city. a condominium. terpiece of Paradise Point Estates. The Obama Winter White House overlooks views of Kailua See http://www.MagellanDevelopment.com Aqua’s distinct exteriors are unlike any other Bay and the Mokulua Islands. The Plantation Estate, available for rental, is fully appointed and http://www.lifeataqua.com. condos in the city. Aqua condos, which range with amenities, as well as custom finishes and furnishings from around the world. Photos of from studios to three-bedroom residences, begin the great room (top) and master bathroom (above) courtesy of ParadisePointEstates.com on the 53rd floor and rise to the penthouse level on the 81st floor. (One of the buzz phrases used is that “The lowest condo is higher than most penthouses.”) and owner of the prominent high-rise near Mil- Finishes in apartments and condos include Real estate news: lennium Park, has agreed to sell to the New York —In the Loop: A Miami developer has pur- floor-to-ceiling windows; tiled entries; full gran- investment firm an unspecified majority stake chased more than 200 unsold units in a South ite kitchens with contemporary wood cabinetry in the building’s 474 apartments, parking and Loop tower, according to Chicago Real Estate and stainless-steel appliances; and in-home commercial space, according to people familiar Daily. Crescent Heights Inc. paid approximately laundry. Moreover, every balcony is unique and with the transaction. See more about Aqua in $45 million for 205 units, or about 83 percent has different dimensions. As for the view, there the main article on this page. of the 248-unit Astoria Tower, which was taken isn’t a bad one to be had—including the six- —Hey, big spender: Despite the sluggish back in June by lender Geneva Capital Group Inc. acre park, whose walkways form the shape of economy, some Chicago homes still managed to Chicago developer William Warman completed a sail, continuing the nautical theme present sell for quite a pretty penny, according to the the 30-story high-rise at Ninth and State streets (Aqua, the Tides, Shoreham). Huffington Post. An 11,000-square-foot home about a year ago. And what amenities! Among the perks re- located at 866 N. Howe (with six bedrooms and —Aqua plan: J. P. Morgan Asset Management vealed during a tour conducted by Magellan De- five baths) sold for $8.5 million—the biggest has agreed to invest about $182 million in the velopment Group Vice President of Marking Tricia sale ever recorded in Lincoln Park. Three condos apartments in the 82-story Aqua tower, the big- Van Horn and Director of Public Relations Larry sold at the Elysian, 11 E. Walton, at prices rang- gest local multifamily deal in more than three Schaffel is a media room with theater-style seat- ing from $6.28 million to $8.18 million, while years, according to Chicago Real Estate Daily. ing. (There’s a weekly movie night but residents The exterior of Aqua. Photo by Steve Hall © a six-bedroom, 5.5-bath single-family home at Magellan Development Group LLC, the developer can rent the room as well.) In addition, there is Hedrich Blessing 1650 W. 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Did you ring in the new year? Wrung out? Well, at least you may have made it into the Nightspots New Year’s 2011 collage. Special content from Thanks for making it a safe, fun and bat-shit crazy night (and following day, in the case of the bottom two bars).

nightspots Check out our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nightspots) for expanded photo galleries. And stay tuned for the next actual issue of Nightspots, hitting stands January 19, 2011.

HYDRATE Photos by Dave Ouano

THE GLENWOOD Photos by Kizzy

CHARLIE’S Photos by Dave Ouano

SPIN Photos by Anthony Meade

MARY’S ATTIC Photos by Pubert

PARLOUR Photos by Mel Ferrand

SIDETRACK Photos by Dave Ouano

THE CALL Photos by Pubert

SCARLET Photos by Anthony Meade

SCOT’S Photos by Mel Ferrand 20 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

First, 5233 N. Clark St., http://www.wom- enandchildrenfirst.com Monday, Jan. 10 Live Band Karaoke with Amy Armstrong Host Amy Armstrong ushers you to your place in the spotlight as you perform live Brought to you by the combined efforts of with the band at Roscoe’s! There’s not a bad seat in the house; 10 p.m., Roscoe’s Tavern, 3356 N. Halsted http://www.ros- MORE OF TORR coes.com Thursday, Jan. 6

Tuesday, Jan. 11 Performance artist/”drag Curious George exhibit opening The in- satiable curiosity of Curious George—the king” pioneer Diane Wed., Jan. 5 little monkey who has captured the imagi- Torr (above) will be at Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen Live at I DREAM OF GENIUS nation and hearts of millions of children Women & Children First, Rehab Join the zany and talented Amy Tuesday, Jan. 18 and adults for 65 years—comes to life at 5233 N. Clark. Armstrong and Freddy Allen for a night of Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chi- cabaret and comedy at Rehab. 9 p.m., Re- Dating for Gay Nerds will take cago. 9:30 a.m., Kohl Children’s Museum, hab Lounge, 3641 N Halsted, http://www. http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org amyfreddy.com/music-and-comedy/ place at Downtown, 440 N. Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Photo from web site State. Art An internationally traveling multi-me- Thursday, Jan. 6 dia art exhibition produced by Art Works ‘80s Top-Shelf Night at Charlie’s Char- for Change. The exhibition brings together Tuesday, Jan. 18 lie’s features half price on any top shelf Photo from 2010 “Nerds” event by works by 32 contemporary artists to ad- Dating for Gay Nerds If finding geek love is drinks you want. DJ Matt spins sweet ‘80s Andrew Davis dress violence against women and girls right up there with learning Esperanto and tunes till 4 a.m. 3 p.m., 773-871-8887, globally, and their basic human rights to scoring a PSP phone on your 2011 to-do Charlie’s, 3726 N. Broadway, http://char- a safe and secure life. 12 p.m., Chicago list, kick off the new year with other smart lieschicago.com Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, http:// singles during resolutions-themed a bash. Open House at “The Crib” Hosted by the 773-435-0130, Illuminati Nigh Club 2354 Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Wood- www.artworksforchange.org Register online. 7 p.m., Downtown Bar, Night Ministry, Lakeview Lutheran Church, N. Clybourn lawn, http://www.affinity95.org 440 N State, http://nerdsatheart.com First Slice Café; 5 p.m., 773-506-6011, Dyke Delicious Screening Series Dyke De- Wed., Jan. 12 Aldermanic candidates’ forum Hear from Lakeview Lutheran, 835 W. Addison Saturday, Jan. 8 licious is proud to kick off season eight Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen Live at the candidates for Alderman for your area. Diane Torr: Sex, Drag & Male Roles: In- Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus Conversa- with An Evening with Coquie Hughes. Rehab Join the zany and talented Amy If you would like to submit a question vestigating Gender as Performance tions with the Caucus Please RSVP online Born in Chicago, Coquie is a driving force Armstrong and Freddy Allen for a night of send it to [email protected] Performance artist Diane Torr has been for the first in a new “Conversations” se- in the independent filmmaking community cabaret and comedy at Rehab. 9 p.m., Re- by Jan. 11. 7 p.m., Inter-American School experimenting with the performance of ries, a safe space filled with brotherly love, and speaks to the issues concerning lesbi- hab Lounge, 3641 N Halsted, http://www. 851 W. Waveland, http://www.lakeview- gender for 30 years—exploring everything where men can be comfortable sharing an and bisexual families in urban African- amyfreddy.com/music-and-comedy/ citizens.org from feminist go-go dancing to masculine their experience of being black and gay or American culture. Her features include power play. A pioneer of “drag king” per- bisexual in Chicago, through workshops, Gotta Git My Hair Did (2000), Daughters Friday, Jan. 14 Thursday, Jan. 20 formance, Torr has been celebrated inter- active discussion sessions. Breakfast and of the Concrete (2004), If I Wuz Yo Gyrl The 22nd Annual Rhinoceros Theater Fes- Women Like Me Are you currently or previ- nationally for her gender transformation lunch served. 10am, Loop Campus DeP- (2001) and her new mockumentary, My tival The longest-running, last-standing, ously married, but think that you might workshops. Her new book blends her own aul University, DePaul Center 11th Floor Mama Said Yo Mama’s A Dyke (2010) - a multi-arts fringe festival in Chicago, the be lesbian, bisexual, or gay? If so, joins memoir and commentary with critical re- 1 E. Jackson, http://www.itd.depaul.edu/ fictitious tale of African-American teens Rhino features works in theater and per- us for Women Like Me, an ongoing wom- flection contributed by renowned perfor- quickdata2/viewwebform.asp?id=6186+ from urban communities struggling with formance from Chicago companies and na- en’s discussion and support group. In mance critic Stephen Bottoms. 7:30 p.m., Affinity’s Burning Bowl Ceremony An af- the fact of having lesbian moms. Coquie tional artists alike. $15 or pay what you an open discussion format, we’ll address Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., firmation ceremony, listing and burning will present a sampling of her work and can at the door, $12 in advance online. topics unique to women who have previ- http://www.womenandchildrenfirst.com negative thoughts, challenges, or out- discuss her guerrilla-style working meth- Through Feb. 14. 7 p.m., Prop Theater, ously identifies as straight, such as: Com- comes from the previous year and listing ods. (various years, total running time 3502 N. Elston, http://www.rhinofest. ing out to family, friends, and at work, Friday, Jan. 7 affirmations, goals, and focus areas for approximately 90 min.); 7 p.m., Chicago com Parent/Child Issues, Marital separation PLAN BE PLAN BE has joined forces with the New Year. The program also includes Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark, http://www. & divorce, Meeting other women, Sexual four other local promoters at Illuminati performances and motivational speak- chicagofilmmakers.org Saturday, Jan. 15 safety, Mental health. Group meets every Night Club to bring you THE hottest LG- ers. Participants are encouraged to bring Blue Suede Shoes: The Ultimate Tribute 3rd Annual Winter Block Party for Chi- third Thursday of the month. Our setting BTQ party all under one roof. 10 p.m., a dessert and pledges for 2011. 1 p.m., Celebrate Elvis Presley’s 76th birthday at cago’s Hip-Hop Arts Created to celebrate is safe and affirming, and there is no The Center for Performing Arts at Gover- Chicago’s hip-hop arts, this annual party cost to participate. For more information, nors State University when “Blue Suede has a free visual art and graffiti gallery please contact 773-388-3319; 6 p.m., Shoes: The Ultimate Tribute” performs for exhibition; marketplace; hip-hop barber- 773.388.3319, 4025 N Sheridan, http:// one night only. 8 p.m., 708-235-2222, The shop; the Vocalo Sampling Showcase with www.howardbrown.org Center for Performing Arts at GSU, http:// Vocalo host Jesse Menendez leading a www.centertickets.net/tickets_events. presentation on the art of sampling; lots Monday, Jan. 24 aspx?id=36684 of special guests; music all afternoon by Josh Moshier’s Studs Terkel Project New some of Chicago’s favorite DJs including jazz composition inspired by the writing Sunday, Jan. 9 Itch 13, Sweatpants Money, DJ Susannah of Studs Terkel, the Chicago historian, au- Urban Village Church service LGBT-wel- Kim; and more! Ticketed programs this year thor, and eclectic disc jockey best known coming worship services at Urban Village include a screening of Copyright Criminals, for recording and sharing the stories of Church 10:15am, Spertus Institute, 610 S. which examines the creative and commer- ordinary people. Free, seating first come, Michigan, http://www.newchicagochurch. cial value of musical sampling, tracing the first seated. 6:30 p.m., Chicago Cultural com/ rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of Center, 78 E. Washington, http://www. Geja’s Cafe Champagne Festival Geja’s Café New York to its current status as a mul- chicagoculturalcenter.org will celebrate the holiday season with its tibillion-dollar industry, and the popular 31st Annual Champagne Festival featur- “First Come, First Served!” one-on-one B- Friday, Jan. 28 ing champagnes and sparkling wines from Boy/B-Girl battle hosted by Chicago’s own emma’s revolution in concert at the Uni- France and California. 1 p.m., 773-281- Legendary Brickheadz. 11 a.m., Chicago tarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge, 9101, Geja’s Café 340 W. Armitage, http:// Urban Art Society, 2229 S. Halsted. See Evanston. Tickets: $18 advance, $22 at www.gejascafe.com/ http://www.wbez.org/event/2011-01-15/ the door. Advance tickets available online Urban Village Church Wicker Park Worship winter-block-party. at http://emmasrevolution.com/live or Services LGBT welcoming worship services I2I-Invisible to Invincible LGBT her/his- at the Unitarian Church of Evanston. For at Urban Village Church are eclectic and tory program Coming Home, Chinese tra- more information email, uce@ucevanston. experiential, practical and intelligent, rel- ditionalism and changing views on same org. 8 p.m., Unitarian Church of Evanston, evant and, hopefully, inspiring. 5:30 p.m., sex love. Free. 2 p.m., Public Library in http://emmasrevolution.com/live 1502 N. Hoyne (at LeMoyne), http://www. Chinatown, 2353 S. Wentworth http:// newchicagochurch.com/ www.chicagoi2i.org Saturday, Jan. 29 Rhonda Schiff: Every Imaginable Shade 9 to 12 Bowling Bowling is the 3rd Satur- Chicago Spirit Brigade: Big Bang 8 The of Gray The story of a family irreparably day of the month from 9 p.m. to midnight. Chicago Spirit Brigade is proud to present damaged by the death of a young boy. The 9 p.m., River Rand Bowl - Des Plaines The Big Bang 8 Paris, Je T’ aime. Come tragic accident that takes his life triggers one, come all, to a delightful evening of years of bitter recrimination between his Sunday, Jan. 16 surprises and excitement at our 8th An- parents, reverberating for decades through HER HRC: A Burlesque Affair HER HRC is nual Fundraiser; 7 p.m., Circuit Night Club, HUGHES GOT IT their lives and those of their two daugh- a celebration of women and a great tool 3641 N Halsted St, http://www.csbstars. ters. Told through the voice of the young- to unite our communities. 11 p.m., @ com/bigbang.html Saturday, Jan. 8 est daughter, Schiff’s novel chronicles a mosphere, 5355 N. Clark, http://www.hrc. family’s undoing and its far-reaching con- org/herhrc sequences. 4:30 p.m., Women & Children The Dyke Delicious Screening Series kicks off season eight at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark, with films by Chicago director Coquie Hughes (above). Get WindyCityMediaGroup.com Photo from Dyke Delicious : online ChicagoPride.com WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 21 BILLY MASTERS This frosty season, warm

“For an actor to be working is a kind of mira- the Hollywood Kids, would say). One of their your hands on a hot... cle, because most actors aren’t. So it’s just silly first dates was going to the Gaylord Texan Ice for a working actor to say, ‘Oh, I don’t care if Show—which I know nothing about, but sounds anybody knows I’m gay’—especially if you’re a like a pretty gay date to me. Of course, we’ve leading man. Personally, I wouldn’t advise a gay got pics of the couple on our website. But that’s leading man-type actor to come out.”—the still- not all. Jeff seems to enjoy showing off on employed Richard Chamberlain gives a bit of Grindr—and let me again remind Joel Shimko advice. that I’m still waiting for a Windows version of Billy’s just left the tundra region known as Grindr. Back to Jeff—he describes himself as 26 Greater Boston and, believe it or not, I took part in a bit of shoveling. Yes, I actually indulged in some manual labor that had absolutely no phy- sique-enhancing side effects, and I’m going to share a tip: If you do it 20 minutes after popping an Ambien, it really isn’t all that bad. In fact, it’s rather enjoyable. Around 5 a.m., I thought I’d clear the driveway at Chez Masters. Took my Ambien, put on Big Mama’s heavy coat (not the first time I’ve slipped into her clothing), threw on my mp3 player and off I went. While I was singing away, the streetlamp began to flicker on and off as if the bulb was about to blow. At that mug of coffee, cider or very moment, the Ambien kicked in. It took me a half hour before I realized I was the only one hot chocolate. dancing in this club. Neighbors were looking out their windows, holding their children close to their bosom as if they were taking a field trip to Stir up the heat Neverland! Something tells me my presence will with favorites like... not be a welcomed one at the next block party. Where were you when the ball dropped? If you were home on New Year’s Eve, you had the choice of spending the night with Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper on CNN, or Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest on ABC. Griffin was on good be- ® havior, yet managed to continuously make Coop giggle like a little girl with demonstrations of the dancing at the Univision pavilion next door. Sidetrack The Video Bar • 3349 N. Halsted • SidetrackChicago.com When she promised to get Andy to take his shirt off, a woman watching from below actually reg- istered a look of horror on her face. Despite earlier assurances that he’d be kiss- ing “girlfriend” Julianne Hough, Ryan Seacrest Guess who gets to call Elton John and David shared that special moment with nine guys. At Furnish “daddy?” the bewitching hour, he found himself wedged between the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on years old, 5’10” and 160 lbs. A picture is worth the Block—girlfriend, please! As for Dick Clark, a thousand words, because not only is his body I’m happy to report there were no major gaffes impressive, but so is his “talent.” Judging from this year and he managed to clock in an extra 23 the position of the hand, the trajectory of the seconds of airtime from last year’s six minutes light, and the angle of the camera, I’m thinking ... but who’s counting? a good eight inches worth of talent. Check out Lessons begin February 1 Elton John and David Furnish had a baby boy BillyMasters.com to see for yourself. over the holidays—Miss Elton musta been car- Lastly, Reichen feels that his time on The A- Starting at $105, you get four lessons rying low and in front. Zachary Jackson Levon List: New York was not representative of who he over four weeks taught by top pros. Furnish-John was born via surrogate on Christ- really is. He’s apparently shocked that the 3,600 You’ll also enjoy two parties, our mas Day. This had been in the works ever since hours of filming was reduced to three hours of the couple was denied the chance to adopt a footage that he watched “sometimes in horror practice lanes and fitness center. Ukrainian orphan who captured Elton’s heart last at all that was left out”. Uh, has he ever seen a year. While the couple continues to support the reality show before? He wants us to know that Don’t have a racquet? Ukrainian tyke, they made plans for a child of far from trying to prove he’s important, he and We’ll lend you one. their very own: “We have fulfilled a dream in Rodiney are “humble, caring, HUMAN BEINGS” finally becoming parents, and are so happy and (his caps and questionable use of a comma). He’s Busy schedule? excited at this very special time.” Congrats! so humble that it only took a few sentences be- We’ve got tons of times Not surprisingly, upwardly mobile Neil Patrick fore he said, “I just celebrated the end of DADT. to choose from. Harris is already angling for entree to the empire I had a really rewarding morning on the Gayle of Elton. NPH tweeted, “Great congratulations to King show, recounting the hard work we have Midtown membership David Furnish & Elton John on the birth of their all done to end this policy.” This statement was son, Zachary! Can’t wait for play dates in the made to somehow support his argument that he not required. south of France.” Oy! and the rest of the alleged “A-List” boys are not Space is limited. Colin Firth once again impresses by giving one “vapid queens.” Honey, if it walks like a duck... of the year’s best performances in The King’s When I’m starting the year with animal im- Speech. But he’s got other ambitions: “I’m dy- pressions, it’s definitely time to end yet another ing to play a transvestite or a stripper or a pop column. You don’t need to go to Old MacDonald’s 773.235.2300 star.” He should do the David Bowie story—then Farm to get the latest dish. Just check out www. he’ll get to play all three at once! BillyMasters.com, the site that is neither humble Clay Aiken recently hit the trifecta by landing nor human. If you’ve got a question burning in- a boyfriend who is an actor, dancer and under- side of you, simply drop a note to me at Billy@ wear model! Hot on the heels of other hoofers, BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to his latest paramour is Jeff Walters, a Dallas-area you before the “quacks like a duck” phase kicks 2020 West Fullerton Avenue actor who Clay originally spotted in a production in! Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is Chicago, IL 60647 of The Rocky Horror Show. Wanna guess which another man’s bible. role he was playing? One that showed off his midtown.com enormous. .. er, “talent” (as my predecessors, 22 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

and will continue to help the league to build Chicago Red its brand of top-flight women’s soccer.” Gay Games IX still Omid Namazi was named the Red Stars’ coach Stars fold— last June, replacing Emma Hayes. The team featured several popular players, including set for Cleveland for now Cristiane, Ella Masar and Megan Rapinoe. By Ross Forman By Ross Forman The 2010 season ran from April to September, and the team ended the season with back-to- Women’s professional soccer has ended in Chi- Gay Games IX still will be held in Cleveland in back wins over the Philadelphia Independence cago. 2014 … or so it appears. and Washington Freedom. The Chicago Red Stars announced in Decem- There is, though, plenty of controversy lin- “It’s a shame that in the great city of Chicago ber that the team suspended operations due to gering about the next quadrennial sports and we can’t support and maintain women’s sports lack of necessary capital. cultural extravaganza, and no answers from the teams,” said Chicagoan Jessica Andrasko. “We “This has been a very difficult and complex event’s governing body, the Federation of Gay support all types of men’s teams no matter decision,” Red Stars part-owner and governor Games (FGG). how successful or not. We should be able to Arnim Whisler said in a statement. “We love Cleveland was awarded the 2014 Games in Oc- support women’s teams. However, I do think this team, our players, staff and fans. Every- tober 2009, when the FGG selected the Ohio city that it is also very important where the venues thing was trending well for our breakthrough over bids from Boston and Washington, D.C. The are located. The next women’s team no matter 2011 season, but the abrupt loss of the Bay Cleveland Synergy Foundation was the winning what sport needs to think carefully about loca- Area team scared away some of our planned host organization. tion.” investors, and we simply could not recover in But then last summer—ironically on the heels The Red Stars were very inclusive in their time.” of Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany—rumors marketing to all Chicagoans, including the Still, the team intends to pursue other soc- started that there were “issues” between the LGBT community through Windy City Media cer-related activities in 2011, and perhaps re- Synergy Foundation and FGG. Ultimately, FGG Group, and the team held benefits for the Les- turn to the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) officials terminated the license agreement they bian Community Care Project in the 2009 and league in 2012. awarded to the Synergy Foundation because, 2010 seasons. “We are building a special environment in according to the FGG, the Synergy Foundation Red Stars fans who purchased 2011 season Chicago for women’s soccer, and we hope our failed to meet its obligations under the agree- and flex tickets will be fully reimbursed. For Photo from the opening ceremony of Gay fans will stick with us during this transition ment. more information about the Chicago Red Stars, Games VIII in Cologne, Germany. Image by year,” Whisler said. “Chicago believes in WPS FGG then announced that the Games would contact the Red Stars office at 708-496-9500. Benjamin Hahn remain in Cleveland in 2014, with a new Cleve- land-based local organizing group. bid for and run the Republican National Conven- FGG awarded the 2014 Games to the Cleveland tion in 2008 and has since changed its name. Special Events Group Corp., a non-profit entity (Minneapolis ended up as host for the GOP con- that consists of both LGBT and non-LGBT orga- vention.) nizations and individuals from the Cleveland and The chairman of the Cleveland Special Events Akron area. Corp., is, in fact, the mayor of Cleveland, Frank And what about the Cleveland Synergy Foun- G. Jackson—and the group’s board of directors dation? includes many other political personnel from Well, it is not going away quietly. The foun- Cleveland and Akron. dation filed a lawsuit against the FGG, charg- And there are not enough LGBT personnel, ing it with breach of contract and defamation many have noted and questioned. for ousting Synergy as the operator of the 2014 The 2014 Games appear to be headed to Games. Cleveland, but who will be the local organizing In its lawsuit, Synergy disputes the claim that committee? And how will the controversies over it failed to meet its obligations, saying it was the past six-plus months affect the 2014 event? the FGG that violated the terms of the license. How will the events be changed by being host- Officials with the Synergy Foundation went Chicago Red Stars in 2009. Photo courtesy of the Red Stars ed, for the first time, by a non-LGBT community the legal route, hoping a judge will declare entity? FGG’s new licensing agreement with the Cleve- There are questions, questions, questions—just land Special Events Corp. “null and void,” thus not a lot of answers. mandatory additional fundraising amount of forcing FGG to return the license to Synergy. SPORTS SHORTS The Washington, D.C. group, Metropoli- $920.) “We believe that the evidence will clearly show tan Washington Gaymes, Inc., was named the SkiBudz’ 5th See http://www.hustleupthehancock.org. that they … are in breach of the license agree- runner-up bidder by the FGG in 2009, so D.C. ment with us and that they have no authority would, apparently, be the city that should host Annual Midwest to award the license to another entity,” Synergy Chicago MSA the Games if the Cleveland hosting group proved attorney Richard Haber told the Washington Gay Ski Weekend unable to fulfill its licensing agreement—and Blade. SkiBudz Chicago and the Midwest’s Gay Ski badminton doubles officials with the D.C. group have said they, too, Winter doubles will return Monday nights be- Haber added that FGG’s bidding rules, which and Snowboard Club is hosting its 5th annual believe FGG rules prevent the federation from ginning Jan. 10 at the Broadway Armory, 5917 he said were part of the agreement with the Midwest Gay Ski Weekend Jan. 7-9 in Wausau, awarding the license to another group in Cleve- N. Broadway. Synergy Foundation, prevent the FGG from Wis. land that did not submit an original bid for the Dates are Jan. 10, 24 and 31; Feb. 7, 14 and awarding the license to an entity other than the This year’s trip will include a special Friday Games in 2009. 28; March 7, 14, 21 and 28; and April 4, 11, 18 ones who submitted bids for the Games—and welcome dinner, skiing and snowboarding at Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson issued this and 25. Team fees are $160, with an additional the Cleveland Synergy Foundation was the lone Granite Peak Ski Area, post-skiing pool par- statement when FGG announced the Games were fee of $5 per player. Cleveland-area group to submit a bid. ty, special Saturday night event and Sunday staying in Cleveland: Team entry deadline is Jan. 17; see http:// So what’s the FGG take on the 2014 Games? brunch. “The Gay Games in 2014 will shine a national www.ChicagoMSA.org. That’s anyone’s guess. Windy City Times has The trip is for skiers and snowboarders of all and international spotlight on the City of Cleve- repeatedly reached out to FGG officials since Oc- levels including beginners (lessons can be ar- land. Our representatives either lead or are tober, but no one has replied to these requests. ranged through the ski area). a part of some of Cleveland’s and the region’s NCAA considering And that’s not it on the 2014 controversy. This year’s host hotel will again be the Jef- most dynamic institutions and will help show The new organizing committee, the Cleveland ferson Street Inn, an upscale boutique hotel transgender policy the world our greatness.” Special Events Corp., was, apparently, formed to in downtown Wausau that is within walking A working group of the National Collegiate distance to great shopping, restaurants and Athletic Association (NCAA) has proposed a activities. policy that would allow transgender athletes to Visit http://www.skibudz.org or “Skibudz” on compete on teams, Inside Higher Ed has re- Facebook; also, e-mail granitepeak@skibudz. ported. org. The interpretation endorsed by the NCAA’s Tennis Committee on Competitive Safeguards and player at Medical Aspects of Sports is almost the same as the Cologne ‘Hancock’ Feb. 27 recommendations issued in a report by the Na- Gay Games. “Hustle Up the Hancock,” sponsored by the tional Center on Lesbian Rights and the Wom- Photo Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan en’s Sports Foundation. Among other things, a courtesy of Chicago, will take place Sunday, Feb. 27. female athlete who is making the transition to Qubesport The full climb is sold out. However, CBS2 Half male would be allowed to play on a men’s team Climb (52 floors) and Lung Health Champion at any time; however, if the athlete wants hor- spots are still available. The total entry fee, mone treatment, then said athlete “must get a due at the time of registration, is $110 for the medical exception for the use of testosterone” half-climb and $110-$130 for the lung health since the NCAA has banned the substance. spot. (The Lung Health Champion slot has a WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 5, 2011 23

MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS CONNEXIONSAGLO ad (WCT) 12/15/09 11:34 PM Page 1 The Law Offices of Ray J. Koenig III and Clark Hill PLC Have faith. Ray is a legal authority on all of his Alexander Weaver practice areas, which include probate, Be true to yourself and find spiritual trusts, guardianship, estate planning, growth in an affirming atmosphere. and elder law, including the litigation AGLOChicago is a recognized Catholic 312-588-5005 of those areas. He is a longtime ministry that offers an accepting place advocate for and member of the to worship and experience the best email: [email protected] LGBT community, and is involved in of our shared faith in Chicago’s several charitable groups, community gay and lesbian community. associations, and professional A Full Service organizations. Ray is a member of Clark Hill PLC, a full-service Join us for Mass every Sunday at 7p.m. law firm consisting of a diverse team of attorneys and Law Firm Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church professionals committed to our clients and our communities. 708 W. Belmont Ave. for the Community Tel: 312.985.5938 | Fax: 312.985.5985 [email protected] | clarkhill.com Archdiocesan Gay & Lesbian Outreach since 1988 www.aglochicago.org/faith

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NATIONAL from page 5 Passages: the ‘70s classic Maude, Mama’s Family and Sordid —Mary Daly: The renowned feminist theolo- Lives: The Series. found a quarter-century ago—officially came gian, philosopher and academic died Jan. 3 at —Gerry Hall: Hall, an American who lived out of the closet. Meanwhile, another Georgia age 81. Among her published works is the 1973 in Copenhagen, Denmark, since 1990 and was megachurch pastor, the Rev. Eddie Long, fought book Beyond God the Father. the communications director for the 2009 World charges that he sexually abused several young —Brendan Burke: The 21-year-old openly Outgames in Copenhagen, died July 17 of an ap- men. gay son of Toronto Maple Leafs and U.S. Olympic parent heart attack at 51. —Southern discomfort: Board Midland Team General Manager Brian Burke died Feb. 5 in —Jill Johnston: Johnston—writer, cultural School District (Ark.) school board member Clint a car crash near the Indiana-Ohio border. and arts critic and legendary lesbian-feminist McCance, in response to a request to wear pur- —Margaret “Midge” Costanza: Costanza, who activist—died Sept. 18 at the age of 81 follow- ple to support LGBT youth, posted on Facebook, died March 23 at age 71, was the first woman to ing a stroke nine days earlier. Through her vis- “Seriously they want me to wear purple because hold the office of assistant to the president of ibility as one of the first publicly out lesbians, five queers killed themselves. The only way im the United States when Jimmy Carter appointed and her access to the “bully pulpit” through her wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide.” her to the position of assistant to the presi- columns in the Village Voice, Johnston gave ex- On Anderson Cooper’s show, AC360, McCance dent for public liaison in 1977. She served as a pression to the growing frustration among les- apologized and resigned from his position. link between the President and a wide range of bians working in the mainstream feminist move- —Family ties: Florida Attorney General Bill groups who previously had limited access to the ment. McCollum announced Oct. 22 that he would not Bishop Gene Robinson. Image by B. Proud White House, including women, youth, seniors, challenge a Sept. 22 state appellate court ruling Photography minorities, gays and lesbians, and the disabled. that overturned Florida’s bar on adoption by gay —Christopher Klucsaritis: Klucsaritis, who men or lesbians, ending the 33-year-old ban. to a new analysis of federal hate-crime statistics wrestled professionally as Chris Kanyon, died —Takeover: On Nov. 2, 2010, Republicans in the latest issue of the Southern Poverty Law April 2 as a result of an apparent overdose from won enough seats in the House to take over Center’s Intelligence Report,�released Nov. 22. prescription pills. He was 40 and openly gay. majority control starting in January 2011. They —Hide and Leak: The U.S. soldier in the —Dorothy Height: Dorothy Height, president also increased their margin in the Senate, from middle of the WikiLeaks scandal involving thou- emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, 41 seats to 47. The shift immediately marked a sands of the military’s classified documents was died at 98. For more than six decades, Height change in the chances of pro-LGBT legislation 23 years old—and gay. Private First Class Brad- fought for civil rights and social justice. She was passing, as the next session will undoubtedly be ley Manning lip-synced Lady Gaga songs while the only woman seated on the podium when Dr. more conservative. However, openly gay Provi- allegedly downloading thousands of classified Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a dence, R.I., Mayor David Cicilline was elected to documents from military computers. Dream” speech, and remained a prominent lead- the U.S. House. (See the cover story.) —Ban overboard: The U.S. Senate approved er of the civil-rights movement for the rest of —Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson: V. Gene Rob- a bill Dec. 18 to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” her life. inson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episco- the 17-year-old law banning openly gay people —Rue McClanahan: The actress, who was a pal Church, announced that he would retire from from serving in the military. The roll-call vote on favorite of the gay community, passed away his position in early 2013. Robinson said that he the measure, which came to the Senate from the June 3 at the age of 76. McClanahan, who would continue to commit his full energy to his House, was 65 to 31 (including six Republicans); played Blanche Deveraux on the still-popular diocese until that date. it had passed the House 250 to 175. President TV series The Golden Girls (which originally ran —Numbers: Gays are far more likely to be Obama signed the bill Dec. 22 at the Department 1985-1992), had suffered a minor stroke earlier Rue McClanahan in Sordid Lives. victims of a violent hate crime than any other of the Interior. this year while recovering from bypass surgery. minority group in the United States, according Among the series McClanahan co-starred in were 24 Jan. 5, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

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