Marking Two Decades of Grassroots Accomplishments

vol 30, no. 33 May 13, 2015 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Affinity in Chicago’s Pride Parade, 2007. Photo by Tracy Baim Affinity at 20 Marking two decades of grassroots accomplishments

PART ONE OF TWO social background of anyone who cares to stop by, they would By Gretchen Rachel Hammond find Affinity’s door wide open and inside safety and an exuber- ant welcome. It is late on a Wednesday evening. While the darkening streets Chris Smith was one of the nine people who founded Affinity of Chicago have long since emptied of commuters on their way in 1995. She was to remain with the organization for 13 years home, at the Affinity Community Services offices located just in the capacities of co-chair and then president. off a modest Hyde Park shopping center, the small cadre of “Some of the initial thinkers were rooted in larger commu- staff and volunteers are still at their desks. nity processes,” Smith told Windy City Times. “There were folks Just as there was 20 years ago when a group of determined like me who were part of other organizations around the city, advocates organized around a dire need for services and social Black LGBT folks in particular, who were contemplating the al- justice geared toward the Black LGBT community on Chicago’s location of LGBT resources and services throughout the city.” South Side, there is still far too much to do. They envisioned advocacy and assistance on the South Side On one wall of a long, narrow conference room adjacent to of Chicago delivered by and for Black LGBT people. “We began Affinity’s set of confined offices, a dry erase board notes up- to hammer out a mission, vision and developed the social pil- coming tasks and projects. There is no space at the bottom to lars of what would become Affinity,” Smith recalled. Red Reckoning add anything else. She became a co-chair of the organization alongside accom- Reba McEntire talks about LGBT fans, Yet despite the overwhelming list and cramped surroundings, plished non-profit consultant Lisa Marie Pickens. In the sum- being a redhead. the space is infused from end-to-end with energy, determina- mer of 1995, Affinity’s list of tasks and projects required to 15 tion and an immediate sense that no matter what the race, Photo by Albert Sanchez sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, age, economic or Turn to page 8

LGBT VETERANS DIRECTOR Dee Rees AIDS FOUNDATION To be honored on Memorial Day. On her HBO movie ‘Bessie,’ directing Queen Latifah. Gala honors Ernie Rodriguez Artist’s rendering by Tod Tatsui Photo by Frank Masi/HBO (pictured) and Tom Kehoe. 4 14 Photo courtesy of AFC 7

JULY 7–26

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NEWS LGBT veterans to be honored 4 download GRAND OPENING Obits: Heffernan, Hayes, Davis 6 this issue AFC to honor Rodriguez, Kehoe 7 and browse the archives at Affinity marks 20 years 8 th In the Life 9 www.WindyCitytimes.com MAY 16 Viewpoints 10 ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Dancin’ Feats 11 Knight: Dee Rees talks ‘Bessie’ 14 Reba McEntire interview 15 Guild Literary Complex holding event 16 vol 30, no. 33 May 13, 2015 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Affinity in Chicago’s Pride Parade, 2007. Sutton Foster talks ‘Younger’ 17 Photo by Tracy Baim Affinity at 20 Marking two decades of OUTLINES grassroots accomplishments

PART ONE OF TWO social background of anyone who cares to stop by, they would Classifieds; Dish (Commons Club) 19 By GRETCHEN RACHEL HAMMOND find Affinity’s door wide open and inside safety and an exuber- ant welcome. It is late on a Wednesday evening. While the darkening streets Chris Smith was one of the nine people who founded Affinity of Chicago have long since emptied of commuters on their way in 1995. She was to remain with the organization for 13 years home, at the Affinity Community Services offices located just in the capacities of co-chair and then president. Reporter wins award; Baim honored 20 off a modest Hyde Park shopping center, the small cadre of “Some of the initial thinkers were rooted in larger commu- staff and volunteers are still at their desks. nity processes,” Smith told Windy City Times. “There were folks Just as there was 20 years ago when a group of determined like me who were part of other organizations around the city, advocates organized around a dire need for services and social Black LGBT folks in particular, who were contemplating the al- justice geared toward the Black LGBT community on Chicago’s location of LGBT resources and services throughout the city.” South Side, there is still far too much to do. They envisioned advocacy and assistance on the South Side Billy Masters 21 of Chicago delivered by and for Black LGBT people. “We began On one wall of a long, narrow conference room adjacent to Affinity’s set of confined offices, a dry erase board notes up- to hammer out a mission, vision and developed the social pil- coming tasks and projects. There is no space at the bottom to lars of what would become Affinity,” Smith recalled. Red Reckoning add anything else. She became a co-chair of the organization alongside accom- Reba McEntire talks about LGBT fans, Yet despite the overwhelming list and cramped surroundings, plished non-profit consultant Lisa Marie Pickens. In the sum- Force routs Crush; Hall of Fame bowling 22 the space is infused from end-to-end with energy, determina- mer of 1995, Affinity’s list of tasks and projects required to being a redhead. 15 tion and an immediate sense that no matter what the race, Photo by Albert Sanchez sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, age, economic or Turn to page 8

LgBT VeTeRAnS diRecToR dee ReeS AidS FoUndATion To be honored on Memorial Day. On her HBO movie ‘Bessie,’ directing Queen Latifah. Gala honors Ernie Rodriguez Artist’s rendering by Tod Tatsui Photo by Frank Masi/HBO (pictured) and Tom Kehoe. 4 14 Photo courtesy of AFC 7

JULY 7–26

‘HOME’ bound Windy City Times reviews the New York City production of the Tony-nominated Fun Home. Photo by Jenny Anderson

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Relationships & the Law Today

by Leslie A. Gutierrez Possible Outcomes From the Same-Sex Marriage Debate Before the Supreme Court On April 28, 2015, the U.S. Supreme as and just less than two-years ago in U.S. Court heard oral argument on the legal v. Windsor, he voted in favor of striking challenges to bans on marriage rights for down the section of the federal “Defense same-sex couples in Obergefell v. Hodges. of Marriage Act” law that defined marriage Specifically, the Court was tasked with as between a man and woman only. addressing two questions: (1) whether Thus, even without Justice Roberts’ Stanley Jenczyk, chairperson of the monument committee and junior board member of the states must perform same-sex marriages; vote, if Justice Kennedy follows his prior Chicago Chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), with an early draft of the and (2) whether states must recognize pattern of analysis, the Supreme Court design. same-sex marriages performed in another should issue a national mandate for mar- Photo by Tracy Baim state where such marriages are legal. riage equality with a 5-4 decision. Both The Supreme Court is comprised of Justice Roberts and Justice Kennedy nine Justices. The “liberal bloc” of the asked tough questions to both sides dur- LGBT veterans to be Supreme Court consists of Justice Ruth ing oral argument, not giving any clear in- Bader Ginsburg, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, dication as to which way they will decide. Justice Elena Kagan, and Justice Stephen While the ultimate decision is still up in honored on Memorial Day Breyer. All indications suggest that they the air, we do know that there are a few will rule in favor of marriage equality. The outcomes. By Carrie Maxwell “Being associated with AVER with this dedica- clear conservatives on the bench include First, marriage equality could lose 5-4 tion ceremony adds a strong and respectable Justice Antonin Scalia, Justice Samuel if both Justice Roberts and Justice Ken- The first federally approved monument honor- partnership to our diverse resume, a partner- Alito, and Justice Clarence Thomas. There nedy side against same-sex couples. Most ing LGBT veterans will be dedicated Monday, ship we hope to nurture throughout the years.” is little doubt that they will side against legal scholars believe that such a decision May 25—Memorial Day—at the Abraham Lin- Prior to the ceremony, OCC will receive AVER marriage equality. The remaining two Jus- is unlikely, but possible. If that were the coln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, one veterans, distinguished guests and other tices—Chief Justice John Roberts and case, same-sex marriage would still be le- hour south of Chicago. guests/participants attending the ceremony Justice Anthony Kennedy—provide the gal in the states that currently allow it. The monument, which was spearheaded by and will stand as flag bearers at the entry way ambiguity. However, the remaining states would be Stanley J. Jenczyk, junior board member of of the Memorial Walkway and along the path- Justice Roberts is one of the more con- permitted to continue to ban and/or re- the Chicago chapter of the American Veteran’s way leading to the monument site. OCC mem- servative Justices on the bench and has a fuse to recognize same-sex marriage. for Equal Rights (AVER), was approved late last bers will wear a rainbow bandana tied around record of casting votes in favor of conser- Second, the Court could rule narrowly, year by Robert E. Walters, the Department of their right upper arm as a way of honoring the vative outcomes far more often than not. answering no to the first question but yes Veterans Affairs Acting Undersecretary of Me- LGBT members who are buried at that cemetery. However, in in recent years, he has voted to the second question. In other words, morial Affairs. Army Major Melinda M. Rayter, who organized consistent with the Court’s liberal bloc the Court may find that states do not “When I went to check out the monument’s OCC’s involvement in the ceremony, is an ac- have the obligation progress this past week, one of the co-owners tive duty nurse anesthetist for the 909 Forward to perform same-sex of the company who is making the monument, Surgical Team, AVER member and OCC prospect. “Both Justice Roberts and Justice Kennedy marriages but that John Gast, handed me the Navy medallion that Rayter will serve as the officer in charge of the they must recognize will be affixed to the monument,” said Jenc- Flag Line while her wife Flo Rayter, civilian and asked tough questions to both sides same-sex marriages zyk. “John didn’t know that I was a veteran of OCC member, will serve as the director of the during oral argument, not giving any clear conducted in other the Navy and when I told him that, both of us Flag Line during the ceremony. The non-com- indication as to which way they will decide. states, though it is thought it was kismet that he showed me this missioned officer in charge of the Flag Line will difficult to imagine medallion out of the five other medallions that be Army Staff Sergeant Laura Bulvas, veteran of While the ultimate decision is still up in how the Court could will be affixed to the monument. Holding that Operation Iraqi Freedom. the air, we do know that there are a few conceive of a legal medallion in my hand moved me and reminded “I would be happiest if some LGBT veteran outcomes.” distinction between me of my service to this great nation. I’ve wait- who had to serve under the burden of DADT the two. Nonethe- ed for four long years to see this monument for throughout their entire career would be in- less, if the Court LGBT veterans come to fruition. This ceremony spired to come to the monument ceremony feels unready to will be a fulfillment of America’s promise of so that they could stand in the flag line and on several occasions. Some legal schol- hand down a broad, sweeping decision honoring all who have served in every branch be proud, validated, recognized and welcomed ars believe he may vote in favor marriage that would make same-sex marriage the of the military.” home by their own community,” said Rayter. equality. That said, many believe that if law of the land, this option provides the “This is the first monument for LGBT veterans “I’m hoping that the Flag Line becomes a part he does rule in favor of marriage equal- Court a way to grant some rights but post- created by LGBT veterans that will be dedicated of an annual Memorial Day tradition that rec- ity, he will choose to write the opinion pone the question of full marriage rights. at any cemetery in the National Veteran’s Cem- ognizes the sacrifices and contributions that that will accompany the ruling and he will Finally, the Court could issue a com- etery System,” said Chicago-AVER Vice-Presi- the LBGT community has made in the service likely write it in a narrow way, limiting the plete victory for same-sex marriage. If the dent/Secretary James Darby. “I never believed and defense of our nation.” opinion’s applicability to marriage rights court decides that there is a constitution- anything like this could’ve happened because “My role will be to represent all of my LGBT only (without leaving any room for the al right to marry and that states are re- we’ve been discriminated against for so long in brothers and sisters past, present and future opinion to be applied to extend further quired to perform and recognize same-sex many areas of life including the military with who have served in the Armed Forces,” said rights to LGBT individuals and families). marriages, then same-sex marriage will be However, same-sex couples do not need allowed nationwide. Such a decision will the now-defunct Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) Bulvas. “Many of my brothers and sisters were Justice Roberts’ vote to achieve victory. also deem all current same-sex marriage policy. This ceremony is going to be an incred- dishonorably discharged or lived a life in secre- Even if Justice Roberts votes against bans are unconstitutional and all states ibly emotional experience for all of us.” cy due to the fact that their sexual orientation marriage equality, the tie-breaker will that currently have such bans in place will The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. along wasn’t permitted in the Armed Forces, resulting belong to the infamous “swing-vote” on have to begin issuing marriage licenses to and within the Memorial Walkway and will fea- in some cases in losing all their rights to medi- the bench—Justice Kennedy. In the past, same-sex couples. ture music by the Windy City Gay Chorus; bless- cal and educational benefits and pensions. I’ll Justice Kennedy has voted in favor of gay The Supreme Court will release its rul- ings from Rabbi Cindy Enger, Fr. Chris Myers stand there proud on Memorial Day to represent rights. He voted in favor of striking down ing on Obergefell v. Hodges in June. and Rev. Wayne Bradley; remarks from elected all those to whom this monument represents.” “laws against sodomy” in Lawrence v. Tex- officials including Rep. Robin Kelly (whose dis- “I’ve served for 13 years and I couldn’t be trict includes the cemetery), and a Flag Line more proud of our armed forces. In that short led by members of Organized Chaos Chicago time, I’ve seen tremendous strides in recog- (OCC), some of whom are active duty or veter- nizing that all whom have served are equal,” ans of the military. said Staff Sergeant Diana Cantu-Army Reserve; Leslie A. Gutierrez is an Associate at Clark Hill PLC and focuses her practice on “Organized Chaos Chicago continues to veteran of two tours in Iraq and one in Af- business litigation and estate and trust litigation. evolve into the type of organization that I’m ghanistan, OCC member and Flag Line partici- proud to be a part of. We support nonprofits pant. “The U. S. military should serve as an through our rides, fundraising and volunteer example of positive change towards inclusion efforts,” said Kathy Guzman, president of OCC. See page 5 WINDY CITY TIMES May 13, 2015 5 VETERANS from page 4 peal had to be sought through the Congress Survey on Black and the courts. Nearly 14,000 services mem- for all, even in the oldest of institutions. I’m bers were discharged before the Don’t Ask, lesbian history honored to represent Organized Chaos Chicago Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 was signed into Longtime Chicago lesbian activist and for this historic dedication. May it always stand law by President Barack Obama. Work on open historian Melvyna Gaynor is seeking survey as a reminder of how far we have come as a trans inclusion continues today. respondents for her new history project. country.” The monument is intended to replace the his- She would like people to answer the “This event serves as vindication for the time tory of disregard and disrespect with recogni- questions below to help us compile data I spent in the Army being forced to lie about tion. essential to producing a video documenta- who I was and for the years I spent living in It will consist of a black granite centerblock ry on the Black LGBT community in Chicago fear of being persecuted just for who I was holding a pink granite triangle, centered in a from 1970 until today. and who I loved,” said Army Captain Rachael pink granite wall displaying, in bronze, the ser- Email [email protected] for more Travis; veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom- vice seals of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, information. Afghanistan, West Point graduate, OCC member Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. and Flag Line participant. “It’s still extremely It will be inscribed with the words, “Gay, painful to me to know that I was good enough lesbian, bisexual and transgender people have HBHC seeks advisory to die for my country, but at the same time Stanley J. Jenczyk (left) with Larry Simpson served honorably and admirably in America’s that same country would not hesitate to pun- at AVER 2014 Veteran’s Day dinner. armed forces. In their memory and apprecia- board applicants tion of their selfless service and sacrifice, this As part of its ongoing community en- ish me for loving who I loved. To me this cer- Photo by Hal Baim monument was dedicated by Chicago Chapter gagement mission, Howard Brown Health emony serves as a great reminder for how far outright ban supported by regulation stating American Veterans for Equal Rights ‘AVER’ (… Center (HBHC) calls for new applicants we’ve come, but how far we still have to go to that homosexuality was incompatible with mil- with liberty and justice for all).” for its Community Advisory Board (CAB), address many of the injustices that I witnessed itary service (the bans did not deal separately Guests are encouraged to arrive at the site a board that provides feedback on HBHC’s during my time in the service.” with transgender people). After the policy was no earlier than 1:30 p.m. for the ceremo- community health programs. For example, the military is still grappling challenged and became an issue of public deny. A free bus will be provided by AVER for Like HBHC’s client base, the seven to 15 with the full inclusion of openly transgender bate—and it became a campaign issue for Bill transportation to and from the cemetery at members of the CAB represent the diversity service members. Clinton in 1992—a compromise “Don’t Ask, the Center on Halsted. Boarding will begin of the community. LGBT service members served throughout the Don’t Tell” policy was instituted after Clinton at 11:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served In order to be eligible, CAB applicants history of the U.S. military. During some of signed the bill into law in late 1993. The new basis. No RSVPs are required for the ceremo- must have received services from HBHC that time, gays and lesbians served under an policy was supported by an actual law, so re- ny or transportation services. within the last two years. Other CAB mem- bership requirements state that applicants must: —Attend at least nine of the 12 CAB meetings each year —Read information sent to the CAB to prepare for meetings —Provide thoughtful feedback at meetings —Promote HBHC in the community —Make suggestions about what you think the community needs It’s the right time to change the story of HIV, but we can only move forward —Participate in CAB photo on HBHC website, annual report and other materials. with your unwavering support. To apply, visit howardbrown.org/application and download the CAB application Our 30th Year Gala will be a rallying point for our most dedicated supporters to stand with AFC form. The form can be submitted in person in this unprecedented moment in the history of HIV. Recent medical breakthroughs and shifts in the at any HBHC location, or emailed to Andie Baker at [email protected]. Applica- health care landscape have put AFC in its strongest position ever to prevent new infections and tions are due Sunday, May 31. better support people living with HIV and AIDS. HIV/AIDS Response Act advances The African-American HIV/AIDS Re- sponse Act (HB1004), which state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) sponsored, passed through the Illinois House by a 114-to-0 vote. In addition, the act, which was set to expire in 2016, was extended to 2026. HB1004 was then brought to the Illinois Senate’s Public Health committee on May 6, successfully passing the “first reading.” According to the General Assembly website, the chief Senate sponsor is John Cul- Saturday, May 16, 2015 lerton (D-Chicago), with Emil Jones III (D- 6:00 p.m. Reception Chicago), Daniel Biss (D-Skokie), Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) and Jacqueline Col- 7:30 p.m. Dinner & Program lins (D-Chicago) added as alternate chief co-sponsors. Dancing until midnight Q Syndicate runs HIV/AIDS column HILTON CHICAGO Q Syndicate has launched a new column, “Positive Thoughts,” a partnership with 720 South Michigan Avenue Music by four of the leading HIV/AIDS resources DJ Kiss across the country. Editors of HIV Plus, Master of Ceremonies Positively Aware, POZ and The Body are, on an alternating cycle, contributing monthly Tickets available at Amy Landecker columns to the international LGBT service via QSyndicate.com. aidschicago.org/gala Positive Thoughts columnists include Di- ane Anderson-Minshall, editor-in-chief of HIV Plus magazine and HIVPlusMag.com; Jeff Berry, editor-in-chief of Positively SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNERS Aware magazine and PositivelyAware.com; Aetna Better Health Lady Gregory's Irish Bar & Restaurant A&U Magazine BestGayChicago.com Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr., editor-in-chief of POZ Bell Litho, Inc. MillerCoors Chicago Cut Steakhouse Orbitz Chicago Magazine magazine and POZ.com; and Myles Helfand, ChicagoPride.com Cigna-HealthSpring Public Communications Inc. GRAB Magazine editorial director of TheBody.com. Janssen Therapeutics Wilde Bar & Restaurant Windy City Media Group 6 May 13, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES years working for the American Medical Asso- “Friends are the family you choose.” As all who the age of 17. Two years later, he was awarded ciation in Chicago, most recently serving as loved him knew, Kevin had chosen wisely and First Prize at Australia’s most prestigious music its director of educational services. Kevin was well. contest, the Australian Broadcast Commission’s also a longtime member of the Illinois Alliance Friends have created a GoFundMe account to Concerto and Vocal Competition. for Continuing Medical Education, serving the help defray the medical and funeral costs. It Davis’ professional performance career cen- group in a variety of leadership roles, including can be found at http://www.gofundme.com/ tered on the accompaniment of both vocal and as its president. kevinheffernan. instrumental soloists, including Australian dra- For nearly 20 years, Kevin was a proud mem- matic coloratura Dame Joan Sutherland, Ger- ber of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC), man lyric mezzo-soprano Christa Ludwig and which served as a perfect outlet for his lifelong Australian lyric bass-baritone Walter Berry. love of show tunes, particularly those of com- In addition to concert appearances in the poser/lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Earlier this United States and Canada, Davis also per- year, in recognition of his encyclopedic knowl- formed, lectured and led master classes around edge and deep affection for all things Sond- the world, including Japan, Mexico, Australia, heim, Kevin was awarded an honorary doctoral Cuba, South America and the Caribbean. degree in Sondheimology by Sondheim him- A professor of piano, Davis joined the Bienen self. Along with the signed diploma, presented School faculty in 1965; he retired in 1998. Fol- to Kevin at a gathering of family and friends lowing his retirement, he was the manager and in January, Sondheim included a note to his designer of the University’s Study Abroad pro- husband, David, that read, “I am enormously gram in Thailand for eight years. touched by your letter, and I blush with flat- Davis was the son of Lewis and Sadie Zines tery of your gift to him.” Davis. He is survived by one brother, Winston Kevin Heffernan. At Kevin’s wake, a CGMC ensemble sang Davis, of Melbourne, Australia; by his Thai Photo courtesy of Michael Curran some of his Sondheim favorites, including “Old companion and friend, Anan Pomthong; and by Friends.” The chorus had already sung this song many of his devoted students, colleagues and PASSAGES to Kevin once before—during a rehearsal for friends here and around the world. Kevin Heffernan the group’s upcoming show. The chorus called Davis’ friends in Thailand are planning a Kevin Vincent Heffernan—devoted spouse of Kevin, who was already gravely ill, and all 100+ memorial service in mid-June in Pattaya. For Alonzo D. Hayes. David Biele, beloved brother, uncle, and godfa- members sang to him over the phone in a pow- more information, email benstheaterjomtien@ Photo courtesy of Michael Curran ther, loving friend to too many and best friend erful show of brotherhood and support. gmail.com. of his lucky canine companion Penny—died Kevin’s funeral Mass was held at Old St. Pat- April 25 of esophageal cancer. He was 43. rick’s Church, with music overseen by Patrick PASSAGES Educated in Catholic schools from elemen- Sinozich, CGMC’s former artistic director. CGMC tary through graduate school, Kevin graduated sang Sondheim’s “No One Is Alone.” Pals Mark Alonzo D. Hayes CDPH reopens STI Alonzo D. Hayes—a U.S. Marine Corp vet, from the University of Notre Dame, with a B.A. Sherman and Perry Simmons joined longtime retired Chicago Public School teacher, mentor, clinic in Austin area in English and theology. A proud gay alum- friend Lillian Murphy as soloists. Along with good Samaritan and brother—passed away May By Matt Simonette nus, Kevin was an active member of its Gay David, dear friends Michael Curran, Ryan Ko- 6. He was 85. and Lesbian Alumni Association, serving as its shar, Russ Martin, Jason Ott, Tim Shields, Mi- Al will be sorely missed by his loving family Chicago Department of Public Health has president for many years ; additionally, he was chael McGarry and Tim Ryan served as pallbear- of friends: Sam, Bob, Bee, Juanita, Fred, Pedro, moved its Austin-area STI Specialty Clin- recently given its Distinguished Alumni Award ers. Carl, Stephanie, Leslie, Edward and many oth- ic to a new location, which is now open for his years of service to the group. Kevin also In a life full of honors and recognition, Kevin ers. for business three days a week. The new earned a M.A. in educational leadership and received one more the week before he passed He was preceded in death by parents James facility is at 4909 W. Division St., Suite policy from Loyola University and had begun a when his friends at CGMC announced they were Monroe Hayes and Jessie Logan Hayes and 411. Hours of operation are Mondays and doctoral program at DePaul University when he dedicating their upcoming production—“We’re brothers Emmett, James and Edward Hayes. Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Tuesdays 9 withdrew to focus on his health. Still Here,” a celebration of Sondheim’s mu- Interment of cremated remains with military a.m.-5 p.m. Phone (312) 746-4871. Before retiring in December, Kevin spent 10 sic—to Kevin. Kevin was often heard to say, honors will take place at Abraham Lincoln Na- Among the services offered are routine tional Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, on Monday, testing for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis and May 18, at noon. chlamydia, as well as other less-common In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in sexually transmitted infections. Same-day his name to the National Association for the HIV testing results are provided. Treatment Advancement of Colored People (www.naacp. for common STIs, when possible, is admin- org). istered on the spot, or medication can be Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illi- dispensed at the clinic visit. nois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society. Additionally, all female patients are of- com fered routine screening for common vagi- nal infections, including trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. Laurence Davis, NU Other services include free male and female condoms; HIV counseling, including piano scholar, dies linkage to care services for HIV-infected Northwestern University Professor Emeri- persons; partner notification services; tus Laurence Davis—a professional pianist- and referrals for pre-exposure prophylaxis accompanist, longtime Bienen School of Mu- (PrEP). sic educator and former associate conductor/ Services are available to persons age principal coach-accompanist for Lyric Opera of 12 and older, and parental consent is not Chicago—died April 23 in Evanston following a required for teens. Uninsured patients, or brief illness. He was 86. those otherwise unable to pay, are wel- A native Australian, Davis received numerous come. musical prizes as a young pianist, including Other STI Specialty Clinics are located in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph piano competition, at Englewood, Roseland, Lake View and West Town. For more information, visit http:// bit.ly/1rNfcBY. Inauguration plans revealed Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced the schedule for the upcoming Henry Maier inauguration weekend. Festival Park The swearing-in on Monday, May 18, will be preceded by a citywide day of community service on Saturday, May 16, and arts in the parks on Sunday, May 17. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! The inauguration—which includes the swearing-in of the mayor, City Clerk Susana Mendoza, City Treasurer Kurt Summers and www.pridefest.com all 50 members of the City Council—will be held at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., at 10:30 a.m. on May 18. Laurence Davis. Visit www.cic2015.org. Photo courtesy of Michael Curran WINDY CITY TIMES May 13, 2015 7

AFC gala to honor TM Rodriguez, Kehoe By Ross Forman

Ernie Rodriguez will be honored Saturday, May 16, at the 30th Year Gala of the AIDS Founda- tion of Chicago (AFC), to be held at the Hilton Chicago. He will be presented with the Lori Kaufman Volunteer Award after working and volunteering in the HIV/AIDS community for 22 years. It goes back to his friend Rick Jones, who presents: died from AIDS in 1995, just a couple years after being diagnosed. “It was really hard when he died,” said Ro- OUT of the OFFICE driguez, 52, who lives in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. “He was my best friend; we talked every day, several times a day. Then one Please join us to kick off day I didn’t hear from him, or the next day, or that whole weekend. When I finally heard from Pride Month at a festive him, he told me that he needed to go to the ER after-work LGBTQ (emergency room).” Jones was immediately diagnosed with AIDS. client appreciation mixer Tom Kehoe. “We’ve come further [in the fight against benefiting: Photo courtesy of AIDS Foundation of Chicago HIV/AIDS] than I ever thought we could,” Ro- driguez said. “Ten years ago, when I took [my of Chicago,” he said. “It is one of the biggest current] job with Gilead Sciences, we were at honors I can imagine. It was really kind that a time [in medical history] that I was really my fellow board members thought that I de- excited about. served an award like this; I was pretty excited “We’ve gone from [HIV/AIDS patients need- and happy,” to learn about the award. ing to take] 30, 40 and 50 pills a day to [need- The pain of Jones’ passing is still there, “like ing only] one pill a day. It’s been quite an evo- it just happened yesterday,” said Rodriguez, lution of treatment.” who admitted that he’s not sure he’ll be able to Rodriguez, now the community liaison for share the story, relationship he had with Jones Gilead Sciences, also is the vice-chair of AFC’s at the AFC Gala without tearing up—even board of directors. He started in the HIV/AIDS though it was 20 years ago. industry in 1993 at AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA). Tom Kehoe said it is “overwhelming and un- deserving” of the honor he is set to receive from AFC. Tuesday, June 2nd “I feel like I am just doing what I should be doing, or what everyone else does do—giving 5:30 to 8 pm back to the community. I’m glad to give back, THE GODFREY HOTEL assist those who need a little help,” he said. Still, AFC is celebrating its 30th year of ser- 127 W. Huron at LaSalle, Chicago vice on May 16 at the Hilton Chicago—and Kehoe is one of two longtime supporters who Open bar sponsored by will be honored at the gala for their contribu- Constellation Brands tions to AFC and the HIV/AIDS community. He will be presented with the Community Impact Light fare Award. Kehoe, 47, who grew up in suburban Mount Prospect and has lived in Chicago for the past 20 years, is the president of an event-design company, Kehoe Design. RSVP TODAY Ernie Rodriguez. Kehoe, who has been on AFC’s board for eight at dreamtown.com/lgbt Photo courtesy of AIDS Foundation of Chicago years, said he was really surprised to receive the honor.. or call 312.373.8900 “I have always been impressed by the work He is originally from Los Angeles and has done by the AFC board and have just wanted lived in Chicago for about 10 years. His partner to support [the organization] more and more,” of eight years is Ryan McArdle, 38. he said. “Seeing the people involved with AFC, “When I started working for APLA, we only and sharing their passion, has always been my event sponsors: had four medications available for people, so drive. They really put their heart and soul into people weren’t taking medications that were helping others, and the way they help others completely effective, but it was the best they is so diverse—from counseling to medical to could do. The side effects were pretty difficult housing and so much more.” for people to live with, and [thus] not every- Kehoe said his work with AFC continues to one chose to go on treatment,” Rodriguez said. get better and better. “The work I now do for Gilead and the vol- “Working with AFC has helped me be aware unteer work for AFC is what has motivated me about so much of the gay community, which I after all these years. I’ve dedicated my life to was not aware of,” he said. “The work AFC does, HIV, while I myself [am HIV-negative], yet it is and how it affects so many people, that was the disease that I have worked so hard to get such an education. people on medication for treatment [of] and “Being part of the [AFC] Board has been an into care.” amazing education and a huge motivation in In addition to Rodriguez, AFC will honor how to be thankful for everything that I have, Thomas Kehoe with the Community Impact and it motivates me to do more for others.” Award. AFC will commemorate 30 years of action Rodriguez said he is “dumbfounded, blown 1950 N. Sedgwick Chicago, IL 60614 | dreamtown.com/lgbt | 312.373.8900 with the HIV/AIDS community during its away” to be honored “because I don’t think I’m 30th Year Gala, taking place at the Hilton anything special compared to anyone else; I Chicago on Saturday, May 16, 6 p.m.-mid- just do what’s asked and try to help in the best night. Actress Amy Landecker (Transparent) way that I can.” will be mistress of ceremonies. Tickets are This award “means the world to me; it re- $500 per person and $5,000 per table; call ally does, because I love the AIDS Foundation 312-334-0935 or visit www.aidschicago.org. 8 May 13, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES AFFINITY from cover engage the community began to form. Remembering the initial challenges in the accomplishment of that list Smith said “what is old is still new and what’s new is old. We were thinking about how we would engage our own constituents around the issue of visibility, service delivery and advocacy. We had to think about how to approach funders, a strategy of organizing around a lack of service and visibility. We couldn’t decide which issue to focus upon—youth, LGBT health issues. As we grew, we evolved many of those arms and expanded our approach but we started with a broad mission that focused on our lives as people of color.” Finding donors who would help Affinity get off the ground and nurture its fledgling programs was not easy. Smith said that the organization functioned without a major source of funding until the Crossroads Fund stepped up in 1997. “We had operated for two years out-of-pock- et or with in-kind donations,” she said. “Even when we moved from our donated space to a place with a lease there was still the business of constructing enough resources to keep the organization growing. Funding was and con- tinued to be an ongoing source of vigilance around what was required to keep Affinity’s The first meeting of Affinity Community Services in June 22, 1995 on the campus of IIT. Back row, from left: Barbara Smith, Pat Mickey, Lisa doors open. There was this notion that you Marie Pickens and Chris Smith. Front: Ted Dobbins, Karen Long and Julie Coles. Not pictured were early Affinity organizers Melissa Liddell, needed to have enough recognition to even Melissa Petty and Laujaunesse Jordan. get funding and once you were in the pipeline Photo by Tracy Baim you needed additional partnerships and deliv- erables. We were always in this nexus of try- ing to make the leap from one level of funding safety and affirmation that would form part of our own constituents and create our own agen- eled to otherwise,” Smith said. “It was not as stream to the next. Even after we developed a Affinity’s call to action during It Takes a Vil- da. All of this was being done by the hands of racially diverse as Hyde Park and there were track record and history beyond five or 10 years lage: Breaking the Silence on the Sexual Abuse women of African descent.” safety issues because of the violence towards there were still [national] foundations who felt and Exploitation of our Youth. One of those women was to effect operational LGBT folks. But they showed up—some driv- we were too small, too focused or didn’t repre- “There was a passion that was in all of us change in Affinity so profoundly that the dis- ing, some biking and some on public transpor- sent a large enough swathe of the community.” for many years,” Smith said. “Our work was de- ciplined financial management and models for tation. That for us was a signal of the need for Yet in the tradition of Affinity’s decade-long pendent upon how we were able to fund our budgeting and accountability she instituted a public space for community.” event Burning Bowl, the organization’s then- advocacy efforts. But we organized around our continue to this day. Smith’s mother Barbara Smith remembers a thousand moments that all-volunteer team dispensed with the chal- passion. We recognized that there was not as “Robbie” Smith was a founding member of the signaled she was part of something both vital lenges that stood in their way. They hosted much focus or interest around Black women volunteer-led Affinity Trail Blazers, which cen- and historic. “There were just these small and drop-ins, research projects and eventually went and girls to develop themselves politically, tered upon the challenges facing the commu- large ways,” she said. “When a woman leav- on to programs such as Affinity Scholars, pro- emotionally, spiritually, educationally and so- nity’s seniors. ing her marriage found her way to our location viding youth with training in social justice, cially. There was always a need for us to spend “Her accounting and her capacity around and to programming; frightened to come in but community organizing and nonprofit manage- time in quite aggressive education. A huge part nonprofit management gave us the tools we encouraged to find her way there. When we ment. Those youth in turn wrote the pledge of of our work early on had to be how to empower needed to organize and build our mission, marched in the Bud Biliken and Pride parades which was very important to us in terms of together, when a parent brought an LGBTQ our passion and our work,” Smith said. “Her youth to a group so fearful but acknowledging business acumen around the ways a nonprofit the support that was needed. There was trust needed to look for people of color was right on on so many levels that individual lives would Ehrlich Dental point. We didn’t get to be just Black lesbians be protected and nurtured [at Affinity]. The or- “A great dentalGeneral & experience... Cosmetic Dentistry“ who wanted to organize but we managed that ganizing just began to grow and mushroom in “ I have never felt more at ease in a doctor’s ofﬁ ce...” work, the funding associated with it and with a way that was going to live beyond its found- “I have never felt more at ease in a dentist’s office.” an intentional approach to give a voice and a ers.” Over 150 patients have reviewed our work and awarded us a 99.4% positive patient rating! capacity to a community of folks who didn’t Smith said she is proud of the leadership at Read reviews for yourself at www.demandforce.com/dentist/ehrlichdental • Licensed Sedation Dentistry have it.” the helm of Affinity throughout and follow- Robbie passed away in February of this year. ing her tenure there. “They are young women • Check Out Our Reviews Online Her legacy is not only to be found in Affin- on fire,” she said. “They are politically active Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago ity’s business practices but in the multitudes and organized in ways we didn’t think about 3118Call N. 773-935-0300 Sheffield Ave. of people whose voices are amplified from the 20 years ago—passionate, structured and with www.ehrlichdental.com diminished and ignored to a power that now a critical thought approach on how to engage Chicago, IL resonates and is heard not just within the communities.” (773)Joshua 935-0300 H. Ehrlich, DMD PC, General & Cosmetic Dentistry boundaries of the LGBTQ community but in Next week: Part two of Windy City Times’ 3118 N. Shefﬁ eld Ave. Suite 1N, Lakeview, Chicago, Illinois 60657 state and national political arenas. feature on Affinity’s 20th-anniversary year www.EhrlichDental.com The organization was initially based at Moth- will involve a talk with two of the group’s EDUCATION BA: University of Chicago, DMD: Tufts University, GPR: Rush University er Drexel Hall—a community site that was to officers: Executive Director Kim Hunt and serve as the first of Affinity’s four homes. “That Board Vice-President Anna DeShawn. Serving Lakeview & Beyond! Joshua H. Ehrlich, DMD community was one folks would not have trav- WINDY CITY TIMES May 13, 2015 9 Kim Chi is a live-action anime character who works as a high fashion model. She’s a Boystown regular, known for big conceptual outfits with a matching headpiece. “I like to look completely different every time I’m in drag and narrate a story visually from head to toe.” Her roots are in Halloween years ago, dressed for the occasion. “We had so much fun, we kept going out dressed up,” she said. Chi has regular gigs around town. She is the main host (and art director) at all the Neverland Productions events, such as the pool party, scheduled for June 27, followed by the Bougie Ball at the Metro that night, and then the Pride closing party at The Mid on June 28. Chi also a regular cast member of Trannika’s Most Wanted at Scarlet Bar and she makes regular appearances at the Drag Matinee at Berlin Nightclub on Saturdays. in the LIFE Kim Chi TEXT BY ROSS FORMAN Drag, she said, gives her the chance “to the runway with cutting edge models,” she PHOTOS BY ZAPATA PHOTOGRAPHY, create a persona for yourself and transform said. into whomever you want to become.” Chi said the best part of her job is simple: LUCKEYBOI PHOTOGRAPHY AND Chi now has “so many different looks, [thus] working alongside her best friends, such as FIERCEFINDER STUDIO it’s kind of hard to pick just a few,” she said. Trannika Rex, Shea Coulee, Valentine Addams, “Performance-wise, I like to make people Kahmora Hall and Beverly Lately. • Age • Favorite drink laugh, whether they’re laughing at me or There is a drawback to drag, too. “Wearing “The persona of Kim Red Bull: Summer laughing with me,” she said. “I consider myself six-plus inch heels for long periods of time” is Chi is 16, but on a edition a kooky, nerdy person and I make lot of meme the worst part of the job, she said. technical level, I’ve • Favorite movie references or throwbacks in the numbers I been existing on Hercules perform. When I host events, I like to throw this planet for 27 on impossibly large outfits and struggle to stay years.” • Favorite TV show ? “I could watch alive in the club.” • Neighborhood 30 Rock and Chi also aids other performers with their ?LGBTRIVIALGBTRIVIA Andersonville costumes. Community over ? The gay author of The When asked how much her outfits cost, Chi • Hobbies and over.” Celluloid Closet said this Brunching, simply replied, “Too much.” ? • Little-known fact about his life with AIDS: thrifting, crafting, Chi said she wants to work in drag “as long “I studied origami as my body allows.” Eventually, she wants to “If I’m dying from anything, biking and creating for several years in it’s from indifference and costumes. transition into a career as a creative director or Korea. I’m a paper- editor for a fashion magazine, or publish one red tape.” Who was he? • Relationship status folding expert.” of her own. “I would love to feature conceptual Answer on page 18 Single editorials with boundary pushing clothes off CMI_Full_Page_v4_Final_Print.pdf 1 3/3/15 9:20 AM

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Proudly LGBT-owned and -operated A pioneer in LGBT research, founded in 1992 Your information is conﬁdential, used for research purposes only. BAy AREA REPoRTER I BAy WINdoWS I BETWEEN ThE LINES I dALLAS VoICE I GA VoICE You will not be contacted for marketing purposes. NGLCC-Certiﬁed LGBT Owned Business Enterprise GAy CITy NEWS I SoUTh FLoRIdA GAy NEWS I WAShINGToN BLAdE I WINdy CITy TImES Advertise in America’s premier LGBT publications today! Call 212-242-6863 10 May 13, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES viewpoints stay in men’s facilities may be changing. In provide transition-related health care is cruel 2002, Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimi- and unusual punishment in violation of the WINDY nation Act (PREA), which outlines steps that U.S. Constitution. prisons, jails, confinement facilities, and immi- Still, survivors of sexual assault must be gration detention facilities should take to stop aware that under the Prison Litigation Reform CITY Jael sexual abuse. PREA requires prisons to make Act (PLRA), people in custody who wish to file HUMPHREY housing decisions on a case-by-case basis. a lawsuit in federal court must first file an ad- An increasing number of localities—includ- ministrative grievance and “exhaust” all of the ASK LAMBDA LEGAL ing Cook County, Illinois; Cumberland, Maine; procedures available in their facility. The bulk TIMES Denver, Colorado; and Washington, D.C.—have of lawsuits filed by prisoners are dismissed be- VOL. 30, No. 33, May 13, 2015 Stop prison rape had success with policies that classify people cause they do not know that they must first file The combined forces of Windy City Times, by gender identity rather than sex assigned at a grievance within the time period provided by founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, founded May 1987. Q: My friend is a transgender woman in a men’s birth. their facility and pursue it through every level prison. Last year she was raped, and I’m afraid PREA has other standards to protect LGBT of appeal. it’ll happen again. Why can’t she be moved to a people from sexual abuse. For example, facili- Enforcement and education are an uphill PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR women’s prison? ties must screen incarcerated people for vul- climb. Lambda Legal is fighting to make sure Tracy Baim nerability and separate them from likely abus- that transgender people everywhere are treated A: Your friend would probably be much less ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky ers; proactively investigate all complaints; with respect and that legislation like PREA is MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis likely to suffer sexual assault if she was housed limit the use of solitary confinement (which implemented and enforced in all 50 states. BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine with other women in a woman’s facility. But can cause serious psychological damage); train For more information, visit http://www. DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright unlike Laverne Cox’s character in Orange Is the staff about issues specific to transgender peo- lambdalegal.org/know-your-rights/prison- ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson New Black, transgender incarcerated people in SENIOR REPORTER Matt Simonette ple; and have a written policy mandating “zero ers/transgender. Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, Kirk the U.S. are still usually housed according to tolerance” toward sexual abuse. If you have any questions, or feel you have Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, Gretchen the sex assigned at birth, instead of by gender While PREA carries financial penalties for been discriminated against because of your Rachel Hammond, Rafael Alanis identity. This practice makes transgender peo- states that do not comply, it unfortunately sexual orientation, contact Lambda Legal’s NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 ple more vulnerable to harassment or attack by SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, Lisa does not allow individuals to file a lawsuit Help Desk at 866-542-8336 or www.lamb- Keen, Yasmin Nair staff or fellow incarcerated people. A California in court if it is violated. However, the 1994 dalegal.org/help. THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan study found that transgender people were 13 Supreme Court decision Farmer v. Brennan pro- Jael Humphrey is a Lambda Legal criminal CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. times more likely to be sexually assaulted than vides grounds for transgender people to argue justice and police misconduct strategist. BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair non-transgender people in prison. SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman that the failure to protect them from sexual ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS The practice of forcing transgender women to abuse and other violence and the failure to Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet local LGBT media, we need to ensure that our Whitehall Street military induction. These in- Harper, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Sally Parsons, Melissa community’s history struggle be preserved, not stitutions and events had different flavors, but Wasserman, Joe Franco, Nick Patricca, Liz Baudler, revised. Likewise, many LGBT historians are be- they all qualify as parts of a movement, even Rex Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, Kate Sosin, Angelique ginning to speak up. though an evolving one. A movement doesn’t Smith, Meghan Streit In a chat with William Kelly, who was one consist of street demonstrations only.” SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan Mark of those marchers outside Independence Hall, Another way to judge our struggle is from Mattes he reminds people of the earlier struggle. He court cases and what the public knew or saw CIRCULATION SEGAL says: “Frank Kameny and associates formed the about our community before Stonewall, when CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright Mattachine Society of Washington, an inde- our community was transferred from a mild- DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, Sue MARK MY WORDS pendent organization, in 1961. Harry Hay and mannered, polite one to an OUT and PROUD and Victor WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead others formed the original Mattachine group in-your-face struggle. That is the basis of the programmer: Martie Marro) The most important even earlier, in 1950. ONE, Inc., got its start in historic exhibit that will open at the National the 1950s and successfully took a case to the Constitution Center on June 5 for a summer Copyright 2015 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media LGBT history column Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back Supreme Court while producing a pioneer news- run. The exhibit will show how, in many ways, issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). you’ll ever read stand-distributed periodical, “ONE.” Daughters court cases were the first line of defense in Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and of Bilitis was formed in 1955. San Francisco’s breaking that wall of invisibility that the LGBT no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. There is a national spotlight on the 50th an- SIR was quite active already in 1965 when I community had. And making the law the issue All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned niversary of the first LGBT demonstrations in first got involved in the movement. Lisa Ben comes at a perfect time, as the U.S. Supreme for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing front of Independence Hall that took place ev- was putting out “Vice Versa” in carbon-copy Court will rule on marriage equality in late and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, ery July 4 from 1965-69. While it was a pivotal cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own form in the late 1940s. And, of course, grand- June. This exhibit is one of the few ways you’ll and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City change in the struggle for equality, some are daddy of them all though extremely short- get a chance to understand their ruling, and Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of revising our history out of context by stating it lived, Chicago’s Society for Human Rights was it’s all based on history and those laws used in a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the is the 50th anniversary of the LGBT movement. around in 1924. the past against our community. sexual orientation of such person or organization. While That simply is not true. Also, there were street protests in Los An- Mark Segal is publisher of Philadelphia we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept As the coordinator of the National LGBT His- geles and San Francisco prior to 1965, and in Gay News. responsibility for advertising claims. tory Project along with many of the nation’s 1964, Randy Wicker organized a picket of the (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com we love and made a commitment to each other. where the bill ultimately passed, 21 senators podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com No state, country or governing authority can voted against it. tell someone who they can and can’t love, but Twenty-one people out of 59 went on the WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, Robyn and having our marriage legally recognized pro- record as saying that our love is inferior and 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A vides us protections we would have otherwise does not deserve equal rights and protections (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) Michelle been denied—protections we would not have under the law. Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. LYTLE received just seven months earlier. There are states who feel so strongly about Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. Last year, when Illinois was debating the bill this that they are taking their fight to Supreme OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE that would legalize same-sex marriage in our Court this summer. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com www.WindyCityQueercast.com Getting married state, we, like many of our friends watched it We both wanted to share with everyone

live as it streamed online. We were surprised what they are fighting so hard against: http:// “Windy City Media Group generated enormous On Dec. 13, 2014, we did something that’s il- by how emotional it was to hear the arguments vimeo.com/117874688. interest among their readers in this year’s LGBT legal in 14 states—we got married. for equality and how ... dehumanizing it was to Thank you so much to everyone who has Consumer Index Survey. Out of approximately 100 We live in Chicago. We have supportive fami- hear the arguments against it. been a part of our lives. Again, we are so lucky print and online media partners who participated lies and friends. We’ve never been made to feel in the survey, Windy City was the best performing For many people, marriage equality isn’t a to live in an area of the country where we can regional media in the U.S. Only survey partners uncomfortable or ashamed of our love or our debate. It’s just right. But it’s important to be ourselves and feel loved and supported do- with a nationwide footprint were able to generate sexual orientation. We walk down the street keep in mind that there are people out there ing so. a greater number of responses.” —David Marshall, holding hands. We kiss in public. We refer to actively fighting against it. People who don’t We are both confident that with the Supreme Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc. each other as “my wife” at work and when talk- believe that two people of the same sex can Court ruling this summer, the rights and pro- ing to people we meet for the first time. We support each other, love each other or even tections that we are now able to benefit from, FOUNDING MEMBER never think twice about it. raise a family together. People who don’t be- will become accessible to all people across the We are lucky for all of that. We are lucky to lieve that they should have the same protec- United States. live in a community and be surrounded by peo- tions that any other couple has. People who ple where our love isn’t any different. are actively preaching that a family should dis- Love is love, Had gay marriage not passed in Illinois, we own a brother/sister/son/daughter rather than Robyn + Michelle Lytle still would have stood up in front of the people accept, support and love them. Even in Illinois,

FOUNDING MEMBER

FOUNDING MEMBER WINDY CITY TIMES May 13, 2015 11 WINDY CITY TIMES DIVERSIONS THEATER • FILM • ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS

‘Project(s)’ manager 12 WCT reviews the The Project(s), featuring Penelope Walker (above). 17 19 Photo by Michael Brosilow

DANCIN’ FEATS Chicago dance is super-gay by Lauren Warnecke dealing with, or finding meaning in that tilt…” I don’t judge or even really object to peo- I feel really fortunate to be a small part of ple using violence as a way to get someone’s Dancin’ Feats’ nearly 10-year legacy profiling attention. Indeed, plenty of Facebook walls dancers and topics of interest from the LGBTQ pointed out that the first gay pride parade was community, and we are still finding plenty of a riot as we watched a Baltimore CVS burn on “gay dance things” to cover. Maybe this is our televisions. But then the newscast cut to pretty obvious, but Chicago dance is actually the Baltimore Symphony playing a free con- super-gay. Some of the people I talk to say cert downtown, and I was reminded that art that queerness is but one part of a myriad of is as powerful a weapon as anything else. Per- other characteristics—that being queer does formances like POST Q challenge us to think not have a prominent place in the dances differently, and organizations such as Dance they make. Conversely, some use dance as a for Life use dance as a catalyst that has had platform from which to express queerness and a tremendous impact in the LGBT community. queer themes. Gay-related dance has been going on for a Indeed, the queer dance community is as di- while in the neighborhood venues, but even verse as the LGBTQ community at large, but it downtown in a company like The Joffrey Bal- hasn’t always been that way. Historically (and let, we can see what a dramatic change has stereotypically), many gay male dancers were occurred from the time and culture in which dancing in heteronormative roles oozing with founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino machismo, while the women assumed delicate, lived. I recently happened on a free screening submissive personas. The community denied of the 2012 film “Joffrey: Mavericks of Ameri- its sexuality even as its members were rapidly can Dance,” reminding me that Joffrey and dying of AIDS. In parallel with the rest of so- Arpino were in a relationship during the early ciety, dance has grown more accepting of its years of the company. Despite Joffrey’s even- Dancers Ricardo Santos and Lucas Segovia (right) in Crossing Ashland. LGBTQ members, who are increasingly trans- tual death from AIDS, his status and sexual parent. This shift manifests in dances that identity were never discussed. Photo by Christopher Duggan feature men partnering men, women partner- Fifty-eight years after the company’s founding women, and a refreshing level of gender ing, the Joffrey Ballet would host choreogra- dancers and hearing war stories from the front Carmilla), and Nana Visitor of Broadway and ambiguity in movement, characterization, and pher Brock Clawson and the company premiere lines of contemporary dance, from a lesbian’s Star Trek: Deep Space 9. costumes. Dancers are coming out in droves, of his work “Crossing Ashland.” The piece fea- perspective, Julie Keck wrote the script for Characters in the series struggle with issues and the community is showing increased rep- tures a sensual duet that included a cast of two Full Out, which is being produced by tello CEO related to being out (or not), heteronormity in resentation from lesbians, genderqueer people, men, and Clawson and artistic director Ashley Christin Baker and directed by Jessica King; the the dance world and survival as an artist. Audi- and transgender people. In sharp contrast to Wheater (both openly gay) freely answered cast is led by Webster, local dancer Jess Duffy, ences will be able to see the series this fall on the Memories Pizza debacle, the difference be- questions about love and marriage in the Q&A Kaitlyn Alexander (star of the lesbian series tellofilms.com. tween the dance community and communities that followed a sneak preview presented in at large is that no one really seems to care. collaboration with the Center on Halsted. In a The original article is at http://www.chi- Actually, the underground dance commu- brand new collaboration, Tello films, the highly Steppenwolf’s Lavey cagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/ nity has been pretty gay for awhile. Poonie’s successful producer of original lesbian web se- news/ct-steppenwolf-artistic-director-mar- Cabaret is a multimedia variety show created ries, recently began filming “Full Out,” a six- recovering tha-lavey-hopsitalized-20150506-column. in memory of the life of Chicago dancer/chore- episode dance drama inspired by members of from stroke html. ographer Poonie Dodson, who died of AIDS in Chicago’s dance community—think “Breaking Martha Lavey, the artistic director of the 1993. Poonie’s has been off and on for the past Point,” but lesbians! Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago since 1995, decade or so, but recently saw a resurgence is in a Chicago hospital, recovering from a with Joe Varisco’s series POST Q, a variety show Going “Full Out” stroke, The Chicago Tribune noted. held in late April at Links Hall. I reviewed POST tello films is currently in production in Chica- In a statement released on Thursday, Step- Q on SeeChicagoDance.com, despite the fact go for its 14th original lesbian series, Full Out, penwolf said that Lavey was “showing clear that it had very little dance, because of the a narrative dance series centered on a closeted improvements each day,” and said that “her currency it might have among dance audiences: ballerina and her struggle to reenter the dance family is in Chicago by her side and has re- “I watched Poonie’s Cabaret/Post Q on the world following a devastating injury. quested that everyone respect her privacy at same night as the Bruce Jenner interview, five The project was first conceived last year this crucial time in her recovery process.” days after the death of Freddie Gray in Balti- when I and Dance Crash company member Kai- Lavey, 58, suffered the stroke at home May more. Everything in the world seems to be on tlin Webster helped tello pull off its first dance 4, incoming Steppenwolf artistic director Martha Lavey. a grand tilt… like everything could change at mob scene for the series Rent Controlled. Af- Anna D. Shapiro said. a moment’s notice. Art is a way of processing, ter seeing how fun it was to collaborate with Photo by Jim Luning 12 May 13, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW for the voyage and acclimation to their surroundings—notably, a DIY New Year’s cel- White Road ebration and the rescue of the cat after an Playwright: Karen Tarjen accidental plunge into the icy waters. The At: Irish Theater of Chicago at jolly-jack-tar adventure takes an unexpected the Den, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. turn, though, when the Endurance is crushed Tickets: 773-398-7028; by floating ice, forcing the men to camp on www.irishtheatreofchicago.org; $26-$30 a stationary floe. They subsequently take a Runs through: June 13 lifeboat across open sea, hike over moun- tains and toboggan down frigid inclines until BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE they arrive at a British island outpost. This is a considerable volume of interactive Prevailing commercial practice dictates that landscape to replicate in a studio carved out stories set in exotic climes still revolve on of a Wicker Park loft, but the Irish Theatre of human relationships—falling in love, com- Chicago (fka Seanachai Theatre Company) ac- ing of age, settling old scores—with their complishes it through precisely coordinated environment relegated to background deco- physical expertise. Under Robert Kauzlaric’s ration or propulsive coincidences. Karen Tar- direction, the 10-member ensemble’s body jen’s account of Ernest Shackleton’s attempt language conjures buffeting waves, grinding to navigate the Antarctic circle in 1912 re- glaciers, precarious alpine ascents and every jects this approach, however. The lonely ex- adversarial encounter documented by Shack- plorers may soliloquize to absent wives and leton’s intrepid band of brothers. Smooch mothers, but ultimately, we know nothing Medina’s scenic projections and Victoria De- of the characters’ personal histories beyond Iorio’s score of Alfred Newman-tinged inci- their relevant work skills and widely varying dental music create a suitably swashbuckling countries of origin. ambience, while Elise Kauzlaric’s dialects They are an appropriately diverse lot, befit- establish individual personalities for us to ting such an expedition: Dogs are needed for cheer. land travel and a cat is required to keep the Tarjen’s narrative, based as it is on a single vessel free of rats, so an animal handler is line of development—i.e., Do they survive hired. An experienced captain, a carpenter the journey or don’t they?—is not without versed in nautical know-how, a field physi- its occasional muddy moments (the recovery cian and a multilingual quartermaster (who missions need to be launched much more Eunice Woods in The Project(s). happens to play the banjo) are, likewise, promptly, for example), but there’s no deny- Photo by Michael Brosilow necessary. A photographer to document the ing the visceral exhilaration of a classic man- voyage is also deemed a desirable addition against-nature yarn. There’s the humbling THEATER REVIEW sonal and involving, through the eyes, ears, to the sundry personnel constituting the factor, too—whatever your rueful memories words and music (Jakari Sherman) of those crew of the sailing ship Endurance. of this last winter in our city, at least you The Project(s) who were there (and some still are). We meet We follow them through their preparations didn’t have to shoot your beloved Fido. Playwright: PJ Paparelli wonderful people: a 95 year old man whose (also director) and Joshua Jaeger grandmother was a slave, two life-long best At: American Theater friends and housing council leaders, a photog- Company, 1909 W. Byron St. rapher and teacher for whom the projects were THEATER REVIEW Tickets: 1-773-409-4125; home, a passionate expert on public housing. All characters—even several white ones—are Bad Jews www.atcweb.org; $43-$48 Playwright: Joshua Harmon played by a versatile and personable ensemble Runs through: June 21 At: Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. of eight African-American actors, most with a Tickets: 773-975-8150; few years on them which adds to their cred- BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL www.theaterwit.org; $20-$36 ibility and warmth. Runs through: June 7 The Project(s) will surprise you with what it Still, The Project(s) states early-on that public housing has become negatively synonymous has to say and the entertaining, compassion- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE ate way in which it’s done. Still, it feeds its with Black culture and then proves the point. It might diffuse this issue by including some own stereotype (see the end of this review). A chai is a kind of Jewish medallion, belong- early white residents (if still around) and cur- The title refers both to public housing and to ing, in this case, to a recently deceased clan rent non-Black residents (and there must be creating this show through extensive inter- patriarch and thus, coveted by two of his some). The play scoffs at the CHA but wisely views with those whose lives have intertwined grandchildren, not for its material value, but doesn’t make it the Great Satan, which would with subsidized housing in Chicago. for what it symbolizes—and therein lies the be too easy and not really accurate. I already knew the horrors of Chicago slums source of the conflict in Joshua Harmon’s play. going back to the 1880s, and I knew the 1960s Since hostilities commence mere seconds after Chicago City Council had rejected scattered- c the curtain rises and proceed to swiftly esca- site, low-rise public housing in mixed-income CRITICS’ late at full-out take-no-prisoners volume, any neighborhoods. Here are some things I didn’t personal information about the combatants know. Chicago public housing is nearly 80 years PICKS soon becomes lost in the flying verbiage. old. The original low-rise projects were racially- The setting is Manhattan’s posh Riverside mixed housing for carefully-screened working All’s Well That Ends Well, Stage Left Theater Drive, where the Haber sons share an apart- poor, paying 30 percent of their income in rent. at Theater Wit, through May 24. Shakespeare’s ment down the hall from their parents. Bunk- Self-governing councils within each project “problem play” emerges as a comedy after being with them while in town for the funeral were substantially successful. Residents of the ing relocating to a Hollywood-Gangster/Mafia is cousin Daphna (née Diana) from Schnecks- 1940s, 1950s and even into the 1960s viewed fantasyland somewhere between Little Caesar ville, Pennsylvania, a senior at Vassar College Ian Paul Custer in Bad Jews. public housing as a godsend. The switch to and Goodfellas. MSB whose post-graduation plans center on joining Photo by Charles Osgood high-rise public housing in the ‘60s was re- Doubt: A Parable, Writers Theatre, Glencoe, her boyfriend in the Israeli army and pursuing quired to secure Federal dollars. through July 19. Director William Brown’s site- rabbinical coursework—fealty to blood she be- Harmon, too, invites us to cringe in disgust Critical change occurred in 1962 with the specific production of John Patrick Shanley’s lieves entitles her to possession of the talisman at Daphna’s self-righteousness, ignoring the Robert Taylor Homes, a massive project hous- Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is pitch-perfect her “poppy” protected through the holocaust. desperate search for identity fueling her eth- ing 27,000 people. To fill it, the Chicago Hous- in the very appropriate library space of Glencoe Older brother Liam, on the other hand, majors nocentricity. Ironically, the uproar generated ing Authority (CHA) leased apartments to Union Church. SCM in Asian studies at the University of Chicago, by these equally stubborn zealots distracts us welfare recipients for the first time, thereby A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the where he met the conspicuously gentile girl from suspicions regarding Jonah’s passive de- decimating the rental income base necessary Forum, Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773, friend to whom he wants to give the heirloom meanor and his downright creepy memorial to for proper upkeep. Also, 70 percent of the resi- through May 24. Two-thousand year old Roman as a betrothal gift. Melody (whose surname we his late grandsire. dents—19,000—were children. When those farce meets 20th Century American burlesque never learn), the recipient of this gesture, is Luckily for director Jeremy Wechsler, comic kids became adolescents, the breeding ground in a musical that’s brisk, bawdy, funny, frantic, a New England WASP more sweet than smart, actors are accustomed to playing extreme perfor gangs—and gang control of specific proj- romantic but definitely NOT bashful. Songs by while younger brother Jonah keeps his head sonality types, and so arrive with the stami- ects—was created. Sondheim, too! JA down at school in Vermont. na and vocal muscles necessary to emote in When the high-rise projects finally were torn Red Handed Otter, A Red Orchid Theatre, So who loved Grandpa more? Does loyalty to triple-forte without running out of breath for down in recent years—in favor of scattered- through May 24. Some people are better at kin lie in preserving the past or embracing the the ninety minutes before their author does. site, low-rise public housing, at last—the forging relationships with animals than with future? Does veneration of a physical object, Cory Kahane, Erica Bittner, Ian Paul Custer and carefully marked gang turfs were destroyed. other humans, and if you’re one of these, you’ll however steeped in filial sentiment, border on Laura Lapidus keep a firm grip on their larger- Mixed like a jigsaw puzzle, rival gang members love Ethan Lipton’s band of pet-loving misfits idolatry? Theater Wit is marketing Harmon’s than-life characters and the even larger issues launched the new turf wars and drive-by shoot- immediately. MSB play as a comedy, but the laughs dwindle very raised by their squabbles to emerging as more ings which plague Chicago now. —By Abarbanel, Barnidge quickly. Liam vilifies his cousin with a vehe- than talking/shouting heads, but people whom The great success of The Project(s) is that it and Morgan mence horrifying his prospective fiancée, but we might want to meet again a few years later. delivers all this in a way which is highly per- WINDY CITY TIMES May 13, 2015 13 SPOTLIGHT

e If you somehow missed Jersey Boys during its previous runs in Chicago between 2007 to 2010 and for two months in 2012, it is back again as part of a national tour. Bop along to tunes like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and more as you learn about the unlikely rise to pop stardom fame of Frankie Valli and The Four Melancholy Play. Seasons in this hit 2005 Broadway Photo by Chris Zoubris jukebox musical. Jersey Boys continues through Sunday, May 24, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. Tickets are $32-$112; THEATER REVIEW the original Melancholy Play back in 2002. Now call 800-775-2000 or visit www. that Melancholy Play has been adapted into a broadwayinchicago.com. Melancholy Play: full-blown musical with a score by composer Photo by Jeremy Daniel Todd Almond, it’s only natural that Piven to a chamber musical premiere it. Book and Lyrics: Sarah Ruhl; Now a musical, Melancholy Play once again Music: Todd Almond focuses on the beautiful but depressive bisex- At: Piven Theatre Workshop, ual bank teller Tillie (Stephanie Stockstill) and 927 Noyes St., Evanston the various people who fall under her alluring Tickets: 847-866-8049 or spell. These folks include her generalized Eu- www.piventheatre.org; $20-$35 ropean therapist Lorenzo (a mustachioed Ryan Runs through June 7 Lanning), tailor Frank (Chris Ballou), physicist- turned-hairdresser Frances (Lauren Paris) and Scored for a string quartet with Aaron Benham so there wasn’t so much of a transformation BY SCOTT C. MORGAN her British nurse lover, Joan (Emily Grayson). as the pianist/music director, Almond’s score when she proclaimed her newfound happiness. It’s precisely Tilly’s depressive nature that flows in and out like recitative and fits in with The rest of the cast is impressive by being so Former Chicago-area playwright Sarah Ruhl helps make her so attractive to everyone. Yet the chamber nature of the intimate venue. In vocally assured and dedicated to their charac- is famous (some would say infamous) for the once she becomes truly happy (for whatever fact, the music makes the quirkiness and daffi- ters’ dilemmas. large amount of whimsy infused throughout reason), all her admirers and lovers are thrown ness of the characters and the fantastical situ- So if whimsy isn’t your thing, it might be her writing. It’s certainly the case with Piven into a tailspin by the sunny change in her dis- ations feel far more acceptable by heightening best to keep away from the new musical ver- Theatre Workshop’s Midwest premiere of Mel- position—so much so that one woman turns the unreal nature of it all. sion of Melancholy Play. But as a Piven home- ancholy Play: a chamber musical, which is a into an almond. So everyone tries to find a way Director Polly Noonan has created a simple coming for a Tony Award nominee and success- homecoming for Ruhl. to transform her back to a human again. and largely amusing production that capital- ful playwright like Ruhl, Melancholy Play serves Ruhl received much of her extracurricular As forewarned, this is truly whimsical stuff. izes on the charisma and comic timing of her as a marker to the importance of this Evanston- theater schooling through Piven while grow- But with Almond’s added musical score and the fine cast. Stockstill certainly makes for an en- based company and its important impact on ing up. And Piven stood by Ruhl by mounting dedicated and enthusiastic performances of the trancing Tillie. Yet Stockstill seemed a bit too American theater. some of her early works, such as premiering cast, this doesn’t feel as cloying as it could be. cheery in Tillie’s questioning depressive state, NOW EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 14 “A FLAWLESS WORLD PREMIERE” –CHICAGO SUN-TIMES “★★★★ NOTHING LESS THAN SUBLIME” –DAILY HERALD

JANE AUSTEN’S

book, music and lyrics by PAUL GORDON

directed by BARBARA GAINES A NEW MUSICAL “IT WILL SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET .” –THE FOURTH WALSH Megan McGinnis and Sharon Rietkerk, photos by Jeff Sciortino “INSTANTLY MEMORABLE” –CLEF NOTES SATURDAY “A MOVING MUSICAL PORTRAIT” OCTOBER 3 –CHICAGO TRIBUNE TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 15 AT 10AM TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE CHICAGO THEATRE BOX OFFICE, OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000 THECHICAGOTHEATRE.COM The Chicago Theatre provides disabled accommodations and sells tickets to disabled individuals through our Disabled Services department, which may be reached at 888-609-7599 any weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ticketmaster orders are subject to service charges.

MAJOR 2014/15 SEASON The Harold and Mimi SUPPORTERS Steinberg Charitable Trust 14 May 13, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES KNIGKNIGHT at the movies

By Richard Knight, Jr.

TELEVISION

Out director Dee Dee Rees on the set of Bessie. Rees talks Photo by Frank Masi/HBO ‘Bessie,’ Latifah

The film world is littered with also-ran second efforts from directors whose debut features took the world by storm but whose follow-ups missed the mark. There are simply too many to count. challenge; the thing that I most wanted to re- talks she says what she thinks, she doesn’t al- I think she really internalized what was hap- But with Bessie—the biopic of renowned spect was Bessie’s voice. I just wanted to re- ways say everything that she’s thinking. So I pening in the moment. She was really brave 1920s-era blues singer Bessie Smith that ally make sure that I was bringing forth her wanted to see that kind of “inner churn” within and when she was ready to go, she said, “Let’s premieres on HBO this Sunday, May 16—out authentic voice; not her anecdotal voice; not this complicated woman. The person that she go,” and we cleared the set, and she came in writer-director Dee Rees can set that worry her “commercial voice.” It was really difficult was onstage wasn’t necessarily the person that and she did it. She would listen to Bessie’s mu- aside. Rees’s follow-up to 2012’s Pariah, the to find that voice because there’s not a lot of she was inside. I used a lot of steady cam to sic and get in the zone and then be ready, fully autobiographical teenage coming out story of documentation. I mean, everything about her help do that—to give it that floating feeling, immersed, ready to go there with no vanity, no an African-American lesbian, is no less lyrical, is conflicting down to her birthdate. So that is that in-and-out kind of thing. We’re constantly ego. I love that moment—we’re truly behind no less complex, no less gorgeously shot (by the thing that I wanted to honor—you know— caught in the line between the inner and the Bessie’s eyes. Jeffrey Jur), and is also driven by a compelling and to your point—to reclaim it by letting her outer worlds. WCT: I also love the scenes between she lead performance. speak for herself and not let others do that. WCT: There is a dream state—a sort of and Mo’Nique—the relationship between That would be the one given by Queen Lati- I tried to understand what she thought about melancholy haunted thing that happens the two women is fantastic and the chemis- fah, who sings up a storm as Bessie Smith and the world; what she loved, what she was wor- along with all this raucous joy. It’s a really try is really palpable. Did the two actors get who brings a mixture of passion, unbridled ried about, what she hated, and what she was full, rich piece. Did you sit down with Queen together to do that? fury and deep melancholy to her ferocious, insecure about. The best way to start to know Latifah and talk about your vision? DR: Mo’Nique was also amazing and she’s no-holds-barred performance. Latifah, who has an artist is through their work so that was like DR: I’d been writing it for about two years ready at [the drop of] a dime. She’s in it and always had a strong bond with her audiences, a doorway into her life. when HBO came to me and said, “Do you want is game for anything. It was really a great cast is sensational portraying the legendary blues WCT: What spoke to you so strongly about to direct this?” I said yes and I sat down with to work it—everybody was really on it and singer. the material? her and tried to explain why I was the director ready. I like to work one on one with actors She is surrounded by a cast that includes DR: I had known about her—she was some- for the piece. I was always writing it with an so I had her and Mo’Nique in my office and Mo’Nique (as Smith’s mentor, Ma Rainey), one who my grandmother would play. My mom eye to direct—I hoped it would come around. they were bouncing off each other in character Khandi Alexander (as Smith’s sister), Michael had a cast album of a play that was a send- I talked to her about the character and the re- and they’re telling these war stories and ex- Kenneth Williams, Mike Epps, Oliver Platt and up of Black vaudeville. It was called One Mo’ lationships and, for me as a director, it’s all ploits—you know, they’re building that shared Time, and she would play that for me as a kid about the relationships. history, that camaraderie, so they’ve created and we would dance around; that was my first Since I had written it I had the narrative this shared history before we get to the set. taste of that world and the kind of un-self- authority, I felt. I just tried to convey to her I did that with all the actors. She and Khandi conscious, unconcerned-with-the-mainstream that I understood the world and that I knew Alexander, who plays her sister, were screaming artistry that it was. It was entertainment by where to put the camera and get the perfor- at each other in my office so that by the time Black people for Black people and I loved how mances. [Laughs] I talked about wanting to we got to the set the tension was there. On set, they created for themselves without concern use the songs, and not just the famous ones, I’m using the composition and the blocking to for the larger world. Also, I loved that Bessie to show her journey as a character through the heighten the drama to put them in opposition was a Tennessee woman and I’m a Tennessee film and some of my writing inspirations—Ja- with each other. woman, too. maica Kincaid and Angela Davis—to help get WCT: I loved that the film is very upfront WCT: I understand that Queen Latifah had at what I considered the core of the character: about Bessie’s bisexuality—that we see this on her “to-do” list for 22 years. her “motherlessness.” her intimate sexually and emotionally with DR: That’s right—this project has been WCT: Queen Latifah is one of those per- women and with men. around. I came on in 2012, the last two years; formers—whatever the medium—that you DR: Yeah—they’re trippin’. [Laughs] I re- but, for me, it was a chance I didn’t blink at. go to. She has always had that audience rap- ally wanted to present Bessie’s sexuality in a I wanted it to be from a woman’s perspective. port but it’s great to see her take risks—to matter of fact way. That’s one of the things You know, to me, I thought that she was a radi- watch her dive into one of these multi-fac- that attracted me to the project: Here’s this cal feminist even though there wasn’t a name eted characters. I’m thinking of her charac- Tennessee women who loves women as well as for that and she didn’t label herself that. But ter in Living Out Loud, for example, though men—like, I gotta tell that story! That was al- if you get into those lyrics—it’s ironic, cynical, this goes way beyond that. ways going to be a part of it for me, and (the it’s like humorous, it’s like coded—I just really DR: Yeah, she gives a really brave perfor- character of) Lucille (Tika Sumpter) was always liked her work. mance and really went there for me and I was a key character. Even her recordings don’t capture her fully very proud of it—even though it was scary and She really shows Bessie in a loving, healthy Queen Latifah in Bessie. because they are censored in some ways—the she might blink for a second. For example, the relationship that is not sensationalized. It’s Photo by Frank Masi/HBO lyrics she would sing at the live shows wouldn’t scene with the mirror where she’s confronting not flash; you feel that Lucille loves Bessie. be the lyrics that got recorded. But the fact herself I had to explain, “This is about taking It’s a made-up character [a combination of sev- Charles S. Dutton. Through Smith’s hardscrab- that she was bucking at the system—the fact off all the armor and this is why we see Bes- eral women], but you feel that Bessie has this ble early life and bumpy career the film artfully that this was social protest—this was a po- sie the way we see her through this mirror.” deeply fulfilling relationship with a woman— explores the world of Black entertainers in the litical statement. The fact that she was daring The wig comes off, the clothes come off, the but that this woman wants more and can get 1920s and 30s—a world rarely explored in cin- enough to do that at a time when Black people make-up comes off and what are you left with Bessie to say, “I love you.” But Bessie never ema and that much more eye opening because had very few rights—which persists—were all but yourself and the choices that you’ve made. tells anybody that she loves them. of it. reasons I wanted to be involved. You’re forced in such a moment to take an in- WCT: Ironically, this 1920s-set piece has Bessie—which Latifah executive-produced— WCT: It makes sense why Queen Latifah ventory of your life and your loves. this very modern feel to it in the way it pres- doesn’t skimp on exploring the intricacies of would work on this for so long. This is a re- WCT: Did she having any hesitation about ents the blurring of gender lines and that this emotionally damaged woman who elec- velatory experience. As you say—the pub- the nudity? Were you at a point in the di- sexuality is a bit more complicated. I want trified audiences with her red-hot talent and lic Bessie Smith, the woman who sang the rector-actor relationship where she was like, to point out before we wrap that I love how that includes her forthright bisexuality. Smith’s kinda dirty songs in honky-tonks and died “Okay, I’ll jump off the building for you?” you meld these beautiful, complex charac- complicated relationships—both female and early—only scratches the surface and the DR: I would call them questions of any good ters with extraordinary technique, and I love male—are front and center throughout the film movie gets beneath that facade. The music artist, not hesitations. We talked about it and that you allow Bessie to remain a mystery. and are presented without judgement. is fantastic to begin with and then you have [director of photography] Jeff Jur pulled an DR: That was a definite choice to not show Windy City Times: Bessie is like a window this deep, mysterious character at the cen- image that I think is called “Brown Girl with her death. That’s the one thing people seem to onto a world that you just don’t explored in ter—who, to your credit, remains a mystery. Earring.” We showed her a painting—This is know about her and to me, I wanted to give movies. In a way, you are reclaiming history, DR: Unknowable—that’s right. [That], I what it’s going to look like”—and when we Bessie the win. I wanted to end on the tri- right? think, is respecting her. A lot of the moments were able to show her the visual and why, she umph; I wanted to tell you the things that you Dee Rees: Yeah. I mean, for me, the biggest we find her pondering—although, when she was game. didn’t know. WINDY CITY TIMES May 13, 2015 15 Now, as she releases her 27th studio album, tor the Reba queen to ensure her victory? WCT: And people didn’t treat you any dif- Love Somebody, the country icon’s ready to RM: Good lands—that’s a hard question! Be- ferently because of it? take some serious stands. cause Wynonna is such a character! I love her RM: Oh, I didn’t care! In our chat, McEntire stressed the impor- with all my heart. Dolly is bigger than life, and WCT: What has made you gravitate toward tance of gay marriage, how “sad” it is to know I love her with all my heart. So I’d say, get out themes of empowerment, then? that some country artists feel they can’t come there and work your tail off! RM: Because I think they’re important. To out, and her message to parents who can’t ac- WCT: Throughout the years, there’s been be encouraging. These songs are encouraging; cept a child who’s not straight. some pretty darn good Rebas. I’m sure they’re encouraging to folks. Every song I sing Windy City Times: You grew up in a town you’ve encountered some yourself. has a message, and it might not be for me and with, like, 16 people and lots of cows. I Totally, absolutely! I’ve had a Reba imper- I might not have experienced what’s going on imagine there weren’t a lot of gay people in sonator in my [touring] show before, and David in the song, but I think it’s for somebody who Chockie, Oklahoma. [Lowman aka Coti Collins] came off the stage needs to hear it. I’ve had people come up to Reba McEntire: Nope, nope. Not at all that one night and he said he’d done such a good me before saying, “You have no idea how so- I know of, or in high school. I guess in col- job of impersonating me in the song “Fancy” and-so song changed my life. It helped me lege was the first time I was around any gay that the limo driver opened the door for him. through a bad situation.” God knows what he’s MUSIC people, and they became my friends first and WCT: Have you ever been mistaken for a doing. He gives me the gut feeling to say yes then I found out they were gay, so there ya go! fake Reba? to this song, yes to that song. And it might Didn’t change my opinion of ’em; I still liked RE: Not that I know of! not have anything to do with my career, my The word of ’em a lot. WCT: Female country artists aren’t getting lifestyle, but he’s got somebody down the road One was a very dear friend of mine who the same radio airplay as their male coun- who needs to hear it. helped me a lot with my singing and my music, terparts these days. Why aren’t the ladies WCT: Would you consider recording a coun- and he was just a super sweet, gentle man who getting a fair shake? try song inspired by a gay person’s story? loved music with all his heart. I’m pretty sure RM: It goes cyclical. It’s always in phases, RM: It just depends on the song. If it touches Reba that was my first introduction, the first time I and it’ll come back around. In my 40-year ca- my heart, absolutely. met anyone who was gay. reer, I’ve seen it go from very contemporary WCT: Your daughter-in-law, Kelly Clarkson, WCT: As a longtime ally, how important are country music to very traditional, and then it told me recently that she didn’t care if one LGBT equality and same-sex marriage rights goes back to contemporary and then you can’t of her kids turned out to be gay. And then to you? get a male song recorded or a male on the ra- you actually backed her on that on Facebook, RM: Very important. I just went to my first dio, and then you can’t get a female song re- posting “amen!” on the article. As a grand- gay wedding a couple of months ago in Cali- corded or a female on the radio. parent and a parent yourself, what kind of fornia for Michael and Steven, my two great It’s gonna come back. It’s been the good message do you hope to send by affirming friends. They’ve been together for 20 years! I ol’ boy season right now, but it’ll change. It’ll your open-mindedness when it comes to thought that it was not fair, and I didn’t under- go back to more romantic, more females. But loving and caring for a child regardless of stand why they couldn’t get married. It wasn’t we’ve gotta promote these younger females sexual orientation? because they just wanted to get married. If one coming on. I’m with ya. There’s a bunch that RM: What a child needs when they’re growing of them had gotten injured and gone to the have been lost in the shuffle—female sing- up is support and love, mainly love. Love can hospital, the other one couldn’t make decisions ers—that I don’t know they’ll get a second go a long, long ways whether they’re gay or for them. It’s very upsetting. It’s not only for chance, but they’re out there. We just need to not. All the troubles and the problems and the convenience or for romantic reasons—it’s for get them on the radio and get them out to the obstacles that they are going to face in their practicality. For practical reasons! I get a kick public to listen to. lives are going to be astronomical, especially out of what Dolly said: “Why shouldn’t they get WCT: Who comes to mind? in their very young, inexperienced minds. And married and be as miserable as the rest of us?” RM: Brandy Clark. My gosh, that girl! I’ve got if they do happen to be gay, that’s going to [Laughs] three or four songs of hers on my new album. be a harder hurdle to get over. What a par- WCT: You don’t seem so miserable in your She’s got great material. I mean, Miranda’s re- ent needs to do more than anything is jump Photo by Big Machine marriage, though. corded them. All the girls have recorded her in there with love and support. You made ’em. RM: No, not at all. But I don’t understand songs. They’re a gift from God. Love ’em as they are. Country icon on attending her first why people have a problem with it. I’m a very WCT: I have to know: When’s the big hair WCT: With Billy Gilman, Ty Herndon and gay wedding, the ‘practicality’ spiritual person, but I don’t judge. I try not to; coming back? Brandy Clark, there’s been a recent wave of LGBT rights and I’m only human. To each his own, and every- [Laughs] I can’t get [my stylist] Brett Freed- of country musicians coming out. What are being a proud redhead body is different. God did not make us all the man to get it that high anymore! My good your thoughts on these artists taking that By Chris Azzopardi same. So, I just pray for an open mind and a friend Shane Tarleton is always saying, “Get step and coming out publicly? loving heart, and I think that’s all I can do. that big hair out. Jack it up to Jesus!” RM: It’s really, really sad what they’re living Even by phone, Reba McEntire makes you feel WCT: In your four decades as a country mu- WCT: Is that your real hair? with before they decide to come out. And then right at home. “Thanks for the visit; I’ve en- sician, how much progress do you think the RM: Yeah, it’s my real hair now. I did wear why they decide to come out, and how they joyed visitin’ with you!” the singer drawls, genre has made when it comes to embracing wigs when I did Annie Get Your Gun, and then deal with it after they’ve come out—the pres- wrapping up our conversation as if I’d just LGBT fans with open arms? on one tour where we went from Reba in 1974 sure society puts upon them, their families and stopped by for buttered grits and a cup of hot RM: Well, I’ve always embraced gay and les- to present Reba, I did wear the big wigs and what they put upon them, whether they ac- coffee. bian fans with both arms. I have a huge gay had my short hair at the end. And I’ve done it cept it or they don’t. You know, my new album A music, television, film and theater super- following! on vacation, ya know. You go from the swim- is called Love Somebody … I wish it’d been star with a trove of prestigious awards, McEn- WCT: Absolutely. But country music as a ming pool to getting ready for dinner in 30 called Love Everybody. You gotta love people tire is enormously famous, but talking to her, whole—do you see progress when it comes minutes when you’re wearing wigs! They’re for who they are. Accept them, and then go you wouldn’t know it. She comes across more to LGBT equality? great! on with life. like a friend. Fancy? Not so much. And she cer- Yeah, I do. There are more [artists] speaking WCT: Redheads sometimes get a lot of flak WCT: Love Everybody—the title of the next tainly won’t let her rabid gay following down— out about it, but I can’t really speak for anyone when they’re young. As a redhead in a small album. she has delighted in a friendship with the LGBT else other than myself. town, what was it like for you? Did you ever RM: I’m gonna work on that! community since the beginning of her 40-year WCT: If Reba, Wynonna and Dolly drag feel like an outsider? Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndi- career. queens were to compete, how would you men- RM: No, absolutely not. I loved my red hair. cate, the international LGBT wire service. My mom was a redhead, so I felt she gave me Reach him via his website at www.chris- her red hair. I’ve always been very, very proud azzopardi.com. CCULTURULTUREE CCLUBLUB of it. presenting organization of Reeling: The Chi- Cinema Q V Film cago LGBT International Film Festival) and The Legacy Project. Series through May This series contains mature subject matter; The free film series Cinema Q returns (and viewer discretion is advised. Email qfsoci- celebrates five years) with four film screen- [email protected] or visit www.ChicagoCul- ings Thursdays throughout May at 6:30 p.m. turalCenter.org for more information. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Wash- ington St. The movies slated to be shown are Violette (May 14), about the personal life and work of bisexual French feminist writer Violette Leduc; Beautiful Boxer (May 21), the true story of trans female kickboxer Parinya Cha- roenphol; and the 1971 film Death in Venice (May 28). The Queer Film Society (QFS) is presenting in partnership with the Chicago Department Violette. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and in association with Chicago Filmmakers (the 16 May 13, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBT cabaret focus You are invited! of upcoming Guild Literary Complex benefit

SUNDAY By Carrie Maxwell MAY 17, 2015 Six years ago, the Guild Literary Complex (the 6:00 P.M. Guild) conceived of an annual benefit where social and literary themes could be explored in a fun setting. Last year’s event, REVEAL 25, celebrated the Guild’s 25th anniversary with a focus on 25 writers. UPTOWN UNDERGROUND This year’s event, “Wink & Whisper: A 1920s 4707 N BROADWAY LGBT Cabaret,” will take place Sunday, May 17, CHICAGO, IL at Uptown Underground, which is rumored to

i be a former Capone speakeasy. The event will feature a variety of performances from LGBT St. Sukie de la Croix. and allied performers who will be celebrating Photo courtesy of de la Croix

i Wink & Whisper the LGBT community of the 1920s through mu- A 1920s LGBT Cabaret sic, song, comedy and dance. Mabley), the jazz group Chicago Diamond Trio, The Guild Literary Complex’s 2015 Benefit Founded in 1989, the Guild, according to musician Nick Sula, author Jennie Brier (who its website, “is a Chicago-based literary orga- will provide historical observations about the nization presenting and supporting diverse, 1920s), poet Coya Paz and, at the dance party, divergent, and emerging voices through pro- DJ Reaganomix. gramming that is as dynamic as Chicago it- “At Wink & Whisper, guests can expect a self. Actively working with individuals and compelling and memorable event featuring a organizations from all of Chicago’s many neigh- celebration of Chicago’s LGBTQ history as well borhoods, the Guild seeks to connect seeming- as the present and the future,” said Rich. “Per- ly disparate groups and geographies through formers were chosen because of their immense literature—bringing unexpected writers, pro- talent and their willingness to manifest the grams, and audiences together.” spirit of the Roaring Twenties. The night will be The theme of this year’s event was inspired a tonic, just as the Guild is a tonic for Chicago’s by St. Sukie de la Croix’s book Chicago Whis- arts landscape. As a literary presenter, we cross TOP PHOTO: TAMALE SEPP, SECOND ROW PHOTOS (L-R): VALLERY DOLLS, COYA PAZ, DIRTY DEVLIN pers: A History of LGBT Chicago before Stone- and connect lines between identities, cultures, wall. Women & Children First will have copies generations, educational experiences, and ar- Get your shimmy on as we celebrate and Since 1989, the Guild of his book for sale at the benefit. tistic visions. Wink & Whisper will showcase Literary Complex has been “I moved to Chicago from England in 1991 what the Guild does best on a grand scale.” re-imagine the vibrant atmosphere of a community-based literary and began writing for the local gay press soon Guests are invited, but aren’t required, to organization presenting afterward,” said de la Croix (who will be unable dress in 1920s attire and compete in a costume Chicago’s prohibition-era LGBT nightlife! and supporting diverse, to attend the event). “Chicago Whispers start- contest with prizes being awarded to the best Our evening of whoopee includes music, song, comedy, divergent, and emerging voices through innovative ed as a weekly column for Windy City Times and dressed. dance, and commentary with emcee Tamale Sepp, pianist public programs. The included random memories of senior members Wink & Whisper sponsors include Crew Bar + Nick Sula, historian Jennie Brier, performers Vallery Guild believes that vibrant of Chicago’s gay community. I talked to a guy Grill; Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine; Dolls, Switch the Boi Wonder, Dirty Devlin, Toni Asante literature contributes to in his nineties and he remembered going to a Uptown Underground; Vincent Restaurant; society, community, and WCPT AM & FM and Windy City Media Group. Lightfoot, Coya Paz, and the Chicago Diamond Trio. speakeasy with a drag show during prohibition. good times. The event is open to the public ages 18 and Plus, stay late for an after glow dance party with DJ That got me started writing my book about that time. When [Director] John Rich from the up and will run from 6 p.m. to midnight. Tick- . Wink & Whisper is inspired Reaganomix (FKA) by Chicago Whispers: A History Guild Literary Complex contacted me with the ets range from $12 (for the dance party only) Everything’s jake with a selection of complimentary libations of LGBT Chicago before idea of Wink & Whisper, I was overjoyed that to $200 (for premium reserve seating) and in- Stonewall, by St. Sukie de la clude admission to the after party which begins and hors-d’oeuvres. Come as you are, or in Roaring Twenties my book had inspired others to create art.” Croix (The University of Multidisciplinary performer Tamale Sepp will at 9 p.m. fashion*—there will be prizes for best glad rags! Wisconsin Press, 2010). emcee the event. Performers will include Val- To purchase tickets, visit www.wink-and- All proceeds benefit the Guild Literary Complex. The Guild Literary lery Dolls, Switch the Boi Wonder, Dirty Dev- whisper.brownpapertickets.com. See www. *But no firearms, real or otherwise, please. Complex is a 501 (c) 3 non- lin, Toni Asante Lightfoot (as Jackie “Moms” guildcomplex.org for more information. profit. A portion of each ticket price is tax deductible as allowed by law. ‘Sweet Tea’ at NU Questions? in May, June [email protected] Jane M. Saks and Project& bring Dr. E. Pat- 877-394-5061 rick Johnson’s hit one-man show Sweet Tea: guildcomplex.org Black Gay Men of the South for a special en- gagement at the Hal and Martha Hyer Wal- lis Theatre at Northwestern University, 1949 Campus Dr., Evanston, on May 28, 29, 31 and June 3-7. (L-R): NICK SULA, SWITCH THE BOI WONDER, TONI ASANTE LIGHTFOOT. Based on his award-winning book, John- son stars in this one-man exploration into CHICAGO DIAMOND TRIO 6-7pm the Southern Black gay community. “Sweet Tea is not a show fixed in history,” MAIN SHOW BEGINS at 7 pm said Jane M. Saks, Project& president and DANCE PARTY w/ DJ REAGANOMIX (FKA) 9pm-Midnight artistic director, in a statement. “It is a production of this moment, lending its voice to Advance tickets and info at the necessary global conversations around race, sexuality and identity.” guildcomplex.org/wink-and-whisper Additionally, Project& will work to develop and produce its newest collaboration with Wink & Whisper is an 18+ event Johnson—Honeypot: Black Southern Women Who Love Women—into a national production. The evening shows for “Sweet Tea” are at Wink & Whisper is sponsored by 7:30 p.m., with the Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5-$15; visit https://www. communication.northwestern.edu/wirtz/spe- cial_events. E. Patrick Johnson in Sweet Tea. Visit ProjectAnd.org. Photo from Keisha McClellan Interested in being a sponsor? Great! Email [email protected] for special opportunities. WINDY CITY TIMES May 13, 2015 17 NUNN ON ONE Shakespeare Theater. I’m really excited because I get to see her in that. It will be a fun trip. I love Chicago, so I am excited to come back. Sutton Foster grows WCT: It’s a musical version, which makes it different. Have you seen any new musicals recently? ‘Younger’ on TV, will SF: Fun Home on Broadway is pretty extraordinary. It’s a masterpiece and unbelievably moving. I saw Hamilton off-Broadway, which is entertain at Goodman Gala trailblazing. We are going to see The King and I tomorrow night and Hand to God on Saturday. by Jerry Nunn meaning anything goes. The more individual We want to try to see everything so we can be you are is important as opposed to conforming as well educated as possible. Broadway baby Sutton Foster just keeps get- to a certain type of look. People now express WCT: Sounds like you are busy with the TV ting Younger. However, she now tackles a TV themselves to anything that is hip or cool. The show, but keep me posted about any new show. Many fans know her humble beginnings more individualistic you are the better. I think Broadway shows you are in. from a breakthrough role in Thoroughly Modern that is great compared to being the ideal. SF: We have some irons in the fire and now Millie that won a Tony Award for Best Perfor- WCT: How is working with Hilary Duff? that we know our schedule for the fall we can mance. She took home another Tony for Any- SF: She is a great and an inspiring person. schedule something for the spring in New York. thing Goes, with multiple nominations over the She’s a mom and really has her shit together. Keep your ears open—maybe we will have years for parts in The Drowsy Chaperone, Shrek She’s been famous for a long time since a kid something on the books soon! the Musical and Young Frankenstein. and really had to grow up in the limelight. Sutton Foster headlines the Goodman Gala Her new project, for TV Land, is called Young- She’s handled it all really well. We have a ton at The Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus er, in which she plays Liza Miller, who returns of fun on the set. You have no idea when you Sutton Foster. Dr., on Saturday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. with to work posing as a 26-year-old assistant who head into things what people are like or what tickets starting at $1,000. Call 312-443- is really 40. The show also stars Hilary Duff and to expect. Everyone exceeded my expectations. SF: Yes; we were married in October. Things 3811, ext. 586, or visit www.goodmanthe- Debi Mazar, and is created by Darren Star, who We all genuinely get along and have a great are good. It has been a great couple of years. atre.org for more information. was behind Sex and the City. time. We are all very different so it is cool. It’s been really nice. I am looking forward to Catch her on Tuesdays with more at www. Foster returns to Chicago this time to sing at WCT: Everything is coming up roses for coming to Chicago. My best friend is doing tvland.com with her own website at sutton- the spring Goodman Gala and we called her to you, personally, I know you married recently. a production of Sense and Sensibility at the foster.com. talk about it. Windy City Times: You are performing at the Goodman Gala. How do you pick your set list? Sutton Foster: What is great is that my music director and I are meeting today so we can figure out what we are doing for the gala. We are working toward a new album. We pull from the old and new repertoires. We might even try some brand-new songs for the very first time. It is fun because as we do different concerts across the country it changes every time. This helps in the search for the sound on this new album and what it will be like. These events are a good way to try some stuff out. WCT: It’s a “Roaring Twenties” theme so I am not sure what to wear. SF: Oh, that is good to know. That might in- fluence our song selection. WCT: Are you mainly based in New York? SF: We have a place here and in Los Angeles as well, my husband is in California. Right now it is going where the work is. The television show that I am working on shoots in New York so we are spending a lot of time there. WCT: How is the experience being on Younger? SF: It is awesome. We just finished filming the first season in December and we are half- TickET way done airing the season on Tuesday nights. It has been a fantastic experience. I have nothing but genuinely great things to say about it. It is amazing cast, a really great group of givEaway! people. I’m so proud of the show and how it turned out. We just were picked up for a second season so we start filming again of September of this year. OpEning She is a really fun character and I am excited to see the journey she gets to go on. WCT: I noticed Debi Mazar is on there as a gaME lesbian character channeling a little Rosie O’Donnell. SF: Oh yeah, maybe...[Laughs] Fri., June 5, 2015 WCT: The creator of Younger is gay, so it is great to see him putting LGBT characters vs indiana on the show. SF: Absolutely. What I love about it is it’s 7:30 p.m., just the norm. That’s just what it is so it is very fantastic. We have had a couple of gay allstate arena characters on the show. There are some partially gay characters too. Someone said they were 60-percent gay and gREaT floor and I’m like, “Okay!” We have all sorts of different kinds of people. center court tickets! WCT: What is one thing you have learned from pretending to be 26 years old? SF: So much of what I admire about the twen- tysomethings right now is how social media is a huge thing. When I was in my twenties we Email [email protected] for your chance to win didn’t have that. My first cell phone was when I was 26, now babies are swiping on iPhones. Deadline May 15, 2015 A big thing is the attitude of personal style 18 May 13, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES this spot further, but the initial impression is fraiche and arugula. The all-natural eight-ounce that it’s a combination of sophistication and burger (nicely cooked) came with bacon and all whimsy. the trimmings—plus a choice of cheddar blue, I also dined at the Commons Club, which chipotle cheddar or baby Swiss cheese. the DISH sounds like it could be everyone or (in a twist The shortrib sandwich (with horseradish) was Weekly Dining Guide in of irony) for a very few. Fortunately, it is defi- topped with massive onion rings, while the WINDY CITY TIMES nitely the former at a spot that somehow man- chips ‘n’ dip (a British dish that should be a ages to look retro and futuristic simultaneously. surprise to no one) was an appetizer consist- The Shag Room alone is, as they say, worth the ing of plantain chips with jalapeno, lime and SAVOR: price of admission; it’s an area with curved cilantro (which was TOTALLY unexpected). The couches surrounding a huge ottoman. (Bosses, dining experience concluded with sticky toffee Commons Club think about holding office meetings here.) pudding that was the second-best I’ve ever had. There’s also a chair at one of the dining-room (Sorry, but I still dream about the sticky-toffee tables that basically looks like half a birdcage concoction I had last year at Gordon Ramsay’s at Virgin Hotels on legs—very fun. restaurant in Las Vegas.) 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WWiinndd CitCit TimesTimes

50%50%TT hheeaattrr Sold!Sold! 2015-16 THE BOY FROM OZ By Martin Sherman and Nick Enright SSerieseries WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015 PRIDE FILMS & PLAYS @ STAGE 773 The Award-winning musical about the THE GLASS MENAGERIE dazzling life and talents of Peter Allen. By Tennessee Williams SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2016 THE (curious case of the) THE HYPOCRITES @ DEN THEATRE The critically-acclaimed and compellingly WATSON INTELLIGENCE re-imagined revival returns! By Madeleine George THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015 COCKED THEATER WIT By Sarah Gubbins A Chicago Premiere comedy from the lesbian FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016 writer of Seven Mammoths Wander New England. VICTORY GARDENS THEATRE A World Premiere thriller from the 104th REVUE lesbian playwright of The Kid Thing. OF SECOND CITY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015 DREAMGIRLS SECOND CITY By Henry Krieger & Tom Eyen Hilariously smart comedy from THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 the outstanding Second City! PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE @ STAGE 773 The Tony and Academy Award-winning musical THE LISBON TRAVIATA from the Jeff Award-winning Porchlight By Terrence McNally THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 COMPANY ECLIPSE THEATRE @ ATHENAEUM By George Furth and Stephen Sondheim An extremely funny and deeply moving play of an WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016 opera queen’s devotion to the divine Callas. WRITERS THEATRE Experience this brilliant and beloved musical in the brand new Writers Theatre.

ACT NOW! fofo allall 88 hows!hows! LIMITED AVAILABILITY EMAIL$265$265 [email protected] FOR AN ORDER FORM Shows, locations, dates/times subject to change. No requests for alternate dates will be guaranteed. 20 May 13, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES

ed donations is $20 for 2 drink tickets and artistic director, Jimmy Morehead, as Monday, May 18 COMMUNITY one raffle ticket. Jell-O shots and addi- the chorus celebrates Sondheim’s 85th TransSafe Drop In Resource Center Trans tional raffle tix will be for sale as well. All birthday. 8:00pm North Shore Cen- and gender non-conforming. Hang out, to raise funds for TPAN. Go to www.ridefo- ter for the Performing Arts 9501 Skokie socialize, enjoy some food. Access medi- CALENDAR raids.org for more info. 6:00pm - 12:00am Blvd. Skokie, IL 60077 http:// Tick- cal, hormones, legal, housing, social, em- Big Chicks 5024 N Sheridan Rd Chicago ets: http://cgmc.org/event/2015/ ployment New day and location. 1:00pm Queer Prom 2015 The 10th annual Queer were-still-here-cgmc-celebrates-sond- - 4:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N Hal- Wed., May 13 Prom, dancing, food, information and re- heim-85?utm_source=CGMC+Patrons&utm_ sted Chicago http://www.chicagohouse. AIDS/HIV Advocacy Day AIDS Foundation sources for LGBTQA youth & adult allies. campaign=96b6643900-CGMC_Sea- org/?post_causes=translife-center providing bus and food for those going Tickets at door: 21 and under $10, adult son_Announcement_2014&utm_ Chicago inauguration Mayor and members to Springfield to respond to budget that youth allies $20 6:30pm - 11:30pm Na- medium=email&utm_term=0_601dfe8691- of city council. 10:30am The Chicago contains a $1.6 billion cut to Medicaid, a tional Museum of Mexican Art 1852 W. 96b6643900-251170761 Theatre (Chicago) 175 N State St Chicago $6 million slash to HIV funding line rep- 19th St. Chicago http://www.facebook. AC@: An intimate evening with Anderson http://www.cic2015.org resenting a 25% cut and a reduction in com/events/896671253688413 Cooper and Andy Cohen Deep talk and School to Prison or Cradle to Career: Imag- funding for the African American HIV/AIDS Anne Steele Award winning out singer from shallow tales. Tickets go on sale 11 am ining a Different Pipeline What is the Response Fund by 66% to $500,000. Reg- NYC with a brand new EP, “What’s Mine”! Feb. 13 8:00pm The Chicago Theatre school to prison pipeline and how and why istration free and required for all activities. Old and new stories in an exciting night of (Chicago) 175 N State St. 800-745-3000. did it evolve? 2015 Children’s Summer In- 6:00am - 8:30pm Illinois State Capital, song. $22. 8:00pm - 9:00pm Davenport’s Tickets: http://ticketmaster.com stitute Carol Harding Lecture Series pres- Springfield, IL Tickets: http://wfc2.wired- Piano Bar and Cabaret 1383 N Milwaukee ents. 8:30am - 4:30pm Philip H. Corboy forchange.com/o/8810/p/salsa/event/ Ave Chicago Tickets: http://reservations. Sunday, May 17 Law Center, 4th flr, 25 E. Pearson St., Chi- common/public/?event_KEY=72365 STEELE OF THE NIGHT davenportspianobar.com/events/anne- Remembering the Pink Triangle: A public cago 312-915-6481 Tickets: https://epay. She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry Resur- steele/ event Commemoration of the fate of gay luc.edu/C20996_ustores/web/store_main. rects the buried history of the outrageous, May 15-16 people in Nazi Germany. Learn how the jsp?STOREID=199&SINGLESTORE=true often brilliant women who founded the Saturday, May 16 Pink Triangle came to mean “never again” modern women’s movement from 1966 to Singer Anne Steele will Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance See the mock-up of “The Pink Triangle” Tuesday, May 19 1971 from intellectuals like Kate Millett perform at Davenport’s, 1333 (LGBTQ) Support meeting to talk about ill- plaque that will be joining the Legacy Pride Idol: Audition Round An ongoing to the street theatrics of WITCH (Wom- N. Milwaukee Ave. nesses, symptoms, treatment, doctors, and Walk this fall. A Legacy Project event talent competition for the ultimate prize en’s International Conspiracy from Hell!). personal issues such as dating, relation- 11:00am Center on Halsted 3656 N Hal- PR photo of a $1000 prize package. Open to all tal- Through May 14. 6:00pm Gene Siskel Film ships and work. Center on Halsted 3656 N sted Chicago Tickets: https://www.drop- ent. If your act can fit in a bar and you Center 164 N State Chicago Tickets: www. Halsted 11:00am - 12:30pm Center on box.com/s/4iqermw2mpf6or9/The%20 think you have what it takes, then give it siskelfilmcenter.org/shesbeautifulwhensh- Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chicago http:// Pink%20Triangle%20_%20May%2017%20 a try. Audition rounds through May. Finals ological father, Crystal Pain. Runs through esangry dbsa-glbt-chicago.com Event.pdf?dl=0 in late June when the top three finalists July 10. 7:30pm - 10:30pm Mary’s Attic United States Holocaust Memorial Mu- Limited Partnership: Film on 1970s gay PFLAG Monthly Meeting at Center on perform at Pride North onstage. 7:00pm - 5400 N Clark Chicago seum: Some Were Wives, Some Were marriage screens Uncovers the often un- Halsted Each third Sunday. Questions 12:00pm The Glenwood Bar 6962 N Glen- Doubt: A Parable Pulitzer Prize-winning Mothers: Female Perpetrators during told history of marriage activism leading to [email protected] wood Ave Chicago http://www.facebook. play about authority, suspicion, ambiguity the Holocaust Learn about a generation to this point. Followed by a panel discus- 2:00pm - 4:15pm Center on Halsted 3656 com/theglenwoodbar and religion: a progressive young priest’s of young women swept up in the fever- sion with Windy City Times Publisher Tracy N Halsted Chicago 630-415-0622 http:// Nominee Night See the Jeff-nominated conduct comes under question. Writers ish nationalism of the Nazi party, many Baim, attorney and activist Nebula Li, and www.pflagillinois.org stars of this year’s hit musicals, showcas- Theatre presents through The show runs of whom traveled east with the expanding Anna Salgado, a queer, undocumented im- PFLAG DuPage Chapter Meets the third Sun- ing Chicago’s theatre scene. General $20, July 19. Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 7:30pm “frontier”-where they witnessed and par- migrant. Click on the heading for full in- day of each month 2:00pm St. Paul Lu- VIP $30, VIP-two-some $50. 6:30pm (with select 2 0pm Wednesday matinees). ticipated in exploitation, persecution, and formation. RSVP online. 2:00pm Chicago theran Church, 515 S. Wheaton Ave. Whea- Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted St. 800-838- Thursdays & Fridays: 8 pm, Saturdays: murder. 7:00pm - 8:00pm Anshe Emet Cultural Center 78 E. Washington St. Chi- ton http://www.pflagillinois.org 3006 http://www.sidetrackchicago.com/ 4:00pm and 8 pm, Sundays: 2 pm and 6 Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway, 202-488- cago Tickets: http://limitedpartnership- Wink & Whisper: a 1920s LGBT Cabaret The Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets. pm 8:00pm Glencoe Union Church, 263 0460 Tickets: http://www.ushmm.org/ chicago.eventbrite.com Guild’s benefit party. Tamale Sepp is em- com/event/1409949 events/hitlers-furies-may13 Park Ave, Glencoe The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) cee, Nick Sula on piano. 6:00pm Uptown 30th Year Gala Amy Landecker, of Ama- Underground , basement Uptown Broadway Wed., May 20 Friday, May 15 Thursday, May 14 zon’s Golden Globe winning comedy series Building, 4703–4715 N. Broadway St., Chi- Best of Chicago Welcome Party Hosted by Unity in Community: A Ride For AIDS Fun- MIRACLE! by Dan Savage Midwest premiere Transparent, will be master of ceremonies. cago http://www.guildcomplex.org Tick- Mr. Chicago Leather 2015 Luis Tipantasig. draiser It’s a celebration all night long! directed by Derek Van Barham. Featur- $500 per person. $5,000 per table. For ets: http://wink-and-whisper.brownpaper- Berghoff beer tastings, free Chicago Red Four outstanding community partners: ing David Cerda, Laura Coleman, Sydney more information and to reserve tickets, tickets.com/ Hots (those are hot dogs). 9:00pm - Fred Says/Team Fred; Chicago House; Genco, Ed Jones, Steve Love and more. call 312-334-0935 6:00pm - 12:00pm 4:00am Touche 6412 N Clark St Chicago About Face Theatre and Center on Halsted, MIRACLE! tells the story of Helen Stellar, a Chicago Hilton and Towers 720 S Michigan http://www.touchechicago.com young deaf and blind drag queen who loves all sponsoring teams this year. Fun and Ave., http://www.aidschicago.org to perform under the watchful eye of her fellowship and dancing to the fabulous Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, “We’re Still drag mother who just happens to be her bi- sounds of favorite diva Madonna. Suggest- Here” Meet Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Windy City Times reporter wins Lisagor Gretchen Rachel Hammond, a senior staff reporter for Windy City Times, won a Peter Lis- agor Award from the Chicago Headline Club for her four-part series on violence against transgender women on Chicago’s West Side. The category was in-depth reporting in community media. The first part of the series looked at the case of Eisha Love, a transgender woman sitting in Cook County Jail for more than two years awaiting trial in a case where she claims she was the victim, not the perpetrator. As Ham- mond wrote: “[As] a transgender woman of color living in Austin, a neighborhood on Chi- cago’s West Side, Love was a part of an entirely different world that hardly anyone outside of those streets seemed to either care about or Tracy Baim (center) with scholarship recipient Kasey (left) and Imani Rupert (right, director notice at all.” of BYC of HBHC). Back-Nicole Johnson-Scales and Robert Sullivan, both of First Third Bank. The other articles in the series took a more Photo by Hal Baim in-depth look at the cases of violence against other transgender women in that area of the Leigh, founder and publisher of Today’s Chicago city. Fifth Third Woman; Allen Lynch, Medal of Honor recipient; Parts one and two of the series ran Sept. 27, Antonio Ortiz, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit 2014; part three ran Sept. 24, 2014; and part Bank presents High School; Dr. Cheryl Whitaker, president & four ran Oct. 1, 2014. Here are links to the community awards CEO of NextLevel Health; and Bernarda Wong, series: Fifth Third Bank held a community leader founder and president of the Chinese American http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/ awards at the Chicago Cultural Center May 1. Service League (she was unable to make the lgbt/Trans-woman-claims-self-defense-in- Bank President & CEO Robert A. Sullivan and event so a colleague accepted on her behalf). case/49008.html; Nicole Johnson-Scales, Fifth Third’s senior vice Each recipient was presented with $5,300 http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/ president of community development, pre- to give out in scholarships or other support. Mother-of-Eisha-Love-Heartbreak-and-cour- sented the awards to eight individuals and one Baim split her funds between the GED program age/49009.html; community organization, A Better Chicago. of Broadway Youth Center at Howard Brown http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/ The individual honorees were: Tracy Baim, Health Center, and Kasey, one of the three lgbt/A-tale-of-two-murders-Connected-or- publisher of Windy City Times, as represent- featured youth in the Chicago-made, award- not/49089.html; and ing the LGBT community; Chrishon Lampley, winning documentary The Homestretch, about http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/ Gretchen Rachel Hammond. founder of Love Cork Screw Wines; Sherren youth homelessness. One-night-in-the-area-of-Austin/49141.html. Photo by Tracy Baim WINDY CITY TIMES May 13, 2015 21 BILLY MASTERS

would not be on a book tour,” Melissa said. Good to know. Hotelier Ian She also shed light on the train wreck known Reisner is in more as Fashion Police. While choosing her words hot water, Billy carefully, she made it clear that there is bad says. blood with Kathy Griffin: “I haven’t spoken to Photo by her since our last taping.” While she doesn’t Kate Sosin specifically finger Griffin, she does say that some people didn’t show up to meetings or rehearsals, that some people were not team players and that some people made comments about how the revamped show was going to be May 20th young and hip and edgy—implying that Joan was some grandmother (which, admittedly, she “@Louis_Tomlinson Remember when you had was). She also discusses seeing Jay Leno at an a life and stopped making bitchy comments event and that he snubbed her. Leno’s camp about mine?”—Zayn Malik tweets a response said he didn’t see her and if he did turn away, it to one of his former One Direction bandmates. was unintentional. Sigh—is it time for summer With this much bitchiness, we’ve now answered reruns already? And isn’t that a dated term? the question if there is a gay guy in the group. Does anyone under 40 know what summer re- The better question is this: Is there a straight runs were? guy in the bunch? Speaking of summer, the field is getting aw- After two decades of writing this column, I fully crowded as far as entertainment goes in can now say that I’ve seen it all. Last week, Provincetown. I’ve already told you about the Sylvia Ann Driskell filed a lawsuit in the Unit- oodles of special events being hosted by the ed States District Court of Omaha, Nebraska, Crown & Anchor and the Ptown Art House. And against “Homosexuals, Their Given Name Ho- now we know what the Provincetown Theater mosexuals, Their, Alis Gay.” (I assume she is doing. They’re bringing in people like Chris- meant “alias.”) Not surprisingly, she acted as tine Ebersole, Lena Hall, Adam Pascal, Anthony her own attorney for the suit ... which was Rapp, Bruce Vilanch, and Ann Hampton and Liz handwritten. But she really isn’t representing Callaway. I’m exhausted just thinking about it! herself. Oh, no—she filed the lawsuit “as Am- With all these shows going on, when oh when bassador for Plaintiffs God, and His, Son, Jesus will I be able to squeeze in sex? There must be Christ” (typos—or “handwriting-os”—are her an intermission. While I’m looking into that, #NoCover@Sidetrack own). you can get details and tickets at Provinc- ® While the suit charges that gay people have etownTheater.org. violated her civil rights, she asked the court I already told you that sexy Jeremy Jordan 3349 N.. Hallsted to determine “Is Homosexuality a sin, or not would be appearing at the Crown & Anchor. SiidetrackChiicago..com @sidetrackbar a sin.” While I don’t know if any court in the He’s also got a new gig. The former Smash United States rules on “sin,” it is an intrigu- star will appear in the upcoming CBS Super- ing treatise from a troubled mind. I can almost girl series (which got a full-season order). He’ll see the Lifetime movie based on this case ... be playing Winslow Schott, who is actually a perhaps starring Miss Debra Winger. Alas, there villain called The Toyman. The show will also will be no trial. Judge John Gerrard stated that feature Broadway babe Laura Benanti as Super- it is not up to a court to determine whether girl’s mom. Somewhere, Faye Dunaway is comb- homosexuality is sinful. My God, I could have ing out her Selena wig! been a judge! Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Mike in Since we’re updating recent scandals, let’s San Diego: “Longtime reader and subscriber to revisit Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass. You BillyMasters.com. Loved the photos this week of remember them—the gay business partners Zac [Efron] walking around practically naked. who hosted a soirée for Republican presidential But I hear there are even more pics—including candidate, Ted Cruz. To get their side of the one of him naked on a motorcycle. I’m sure you story out, the couple invited a reporter from can find it ... if it’s real.” New York magazine into the penthouse (re- I can find it, and it’s real ... kinda. The pho- ferred to as “the crime scene”). When pointing tos in question have been filtering out from out where Cruz sat, Weiderpass said that this the set of Bad Grandpa. Previously, we shared was also where a group of his friends played snaps of Zac walking around practically naked Naked Twister a few years back—a bon mot I with only a bumblebee strapped to his neth- bet they didn’t share with Cruz! er regions. In the same scene, he apparently hops on a hog and rides away. (I will pause The pair went into great detail about their Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus. for dramatic effect so that you can picture Zac past service to the gay community and how Photo by Ed Negron the meeting with Cruz was more about for- hopping on a hog ... or anything else.) Alas, eign affairs and diplomacy than about any gay the naked guy on the motorcycle wasn’t Zac. agenda. Then Ian tried to explain how running While less scrupulous reporters have said that CGMC shows to Chorale has The Out NYC hotel and nightclub complex has the guy was Zac’s butt double, I did some sniff- been more of a philanthropic endeavor rather ing around and discovered the truth. The guy honor Sondheim May 19 concert than a financial one. He says that his vision was hired to be Zac’s stunt double. OK, so he Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’ (CGMC’s) spring The Chicago Artists Chorale—a new group was to have a venue to showcase gay artists in was a stunt double who also does nudity, but show, “We’re Still Here”—a celebration of of more than 50 members from the area’s the vicinity of Broadway. Commendable. Alas, our sources say Efron had no problem with the lyricist/composer Stephen Sondheim’s 85th professional arts community—will present he didn’t end there., saying, “My only point is, nudity—just with the cycling. You can check birthday—will take place May 16, 23 and 24. the second concert of its inaugural season this has not been a profitable venture. Gays are out the photos of both boys on www.BillyMas- The show will take attendees on a jour- on May 19 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 cheap. They’re frugal; gays are frugal. Let me ters.com. ney of a love story set to some gems from N. Southport Ave., at 7:30 p.m. retract that—gays are entitled... Do you know When Zac (or someone who looks like him) Sondheim’s greatest shows, newly arranged The first portion of the concert will focus how challenging it is to make a penny off a gay is riding bareback, it’s definitely time to end for the chorus, including Company, Follies, on composers from the British Isles, with person? ‘I’m gay, I don’t pay cover.’ ‘I’m gay, yet another column. By the time you read this, Anyone Can Whistle, Merrily We Roll Along, songs by British composers Ralph Vaughan where’s my comp drink?’ No, I’m being serious! I’ll be out of the country to points unknown. Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Williams and John Rutter as well as Irish The Out NYC has not shown a profit yet.” Hey, Just a pre-summer jaunt—all work-related, I Todd, West Side Story and others. composer Charles Stanford. The second por- I’m Billy Masters, and the last time I was there, assure you. While I’m gone, I will keep updat- The May 16 show is 8 p.m. at the Skokie’s tion will highlight the importance of U.S. I was charged for my drinks (although someone ing you at www.BillyMasters.com, the site that North Shore Center for the Performing Arts; ensemble singing through each decade from else paid for them). loves a foreign tongue. If you have a question the May 23 show is 8 p.m. at the Harris The- 1940 to 2015. Melissa Rivers has been making the rounds for me, shoot it on over to Billy@BillyMasters. ater for Music and Dance; and the May 24 Tickets may be purchased by calling the lately to promote her book, The Book of Joan. com, and I promise to get back to you before show is 3 p.m. at Naperville’s Wentz Concert box office at 773-935-6875 or visiting www. During a visit with Howard Stern, she cleared Faye Dunaway learns all the words to “Bidi Bidi Hall. athenaeumtheatre.org. Tickets are $30 for up some misconceptions. First, she did not in- Bom Bom!” So, until next time, remember, one Visit http://www.cgmc.org/2015-events/ adults ($12 for students and members of the herit $100 million. “If it was $100 million, I man’s filth is another man’s bible. were-still-here-spring-2015-show/. theater industry). 22 May 13, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES Chicago Force crushes Crash, is now 4-0 By Ross Forman from 2 yards out. She then connected with Jea- nette Gray for a 70-yard TD pass as the Force The Chicago Force ran roughshod over the built a 16-0 lead after the first quarter. visiting Indy Crash, cruising to a 62-7 win, Gore connected with Jill Airaki at 13:26 of which improved the team’s record to 4-0. the second quarter, then Gore scored another It was the first time a Force foe scored this rushing TD at 6:14 of the second. season. Gore finished with six touchdowns (four pass- After the Force built a 38-0 lead, the Crash ing, two rushing) and was named the Game Day scored on 19-yard touchdown (TD) pass in the Offensive MVP, sponsored by Spin Nightclub final seconds of the first half. and DLG Management. Jamie Fornal said surrendering the touch- “This was a good start to opening up our down was “disappointing.” passing game,” Gore said. “Personally, all I can “But, as Coach [John Konecki] said, it’s bet- really think about was [throwing] two inter- ter [to be scored against] now, so it gives us ceptions.” some things to work on, some things that we Still, Gore threw for 288 yards passing. Bowlers and volunteers at the Celebrity Bowl. definitely need to improve,” she added. Gore connected with Fornal for a 14-yard TD Photo by Tracy Baim Fornal, who was a dominate force on offense pass at 2:59 of the third quarter, and the two and defense, tagged the win as “one of the connected again less than a minute into the best games” of her five-year career. She fin- fourth quarter for an 11-yard TD reception. GLHF bowling Griner, Johnson ished with six tackles and a 53-yard intercep- Melissa Nelson capped the scoring for Chi- tion return for a touchdown. Fornal was named cago, returning a fourth quarter interception benefit raises tie the knot the Game Day Defensive MVP, an honor spon- for a 48-yard touchdown. Just two weeks after WNBA star Brittney sored by Spin Nightclub and DLG Management. “We were starting to gel out there today,” more than $11K Griner and fiancee/fellow basketball player “It was a good all-around effort; everyone said Gore, in her eighth season playing wom- More than $11,000 has been raised so Glory Johnson were arrested on assault and was flying around out there, making plays,” en’s tackle football, her first for the Force. far from this year’s fourth annual “Celeb- disorderly-conduct allegations, the couple Fornal said. Chicago will play host to Kansas City on May rity Bowl” at Waveland Bowl, sponsored by tied the knot in a ceremony in Phoenix, Ari- Chicago quarterback Rachel Gore opened the 16. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. Friends of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall zona, USA Today reported. scoring at 10:06 of the first quarter, rushing in of Fame (GLHF) May 9. Pledges are still com- Griner and Johnson have been engaged ing in for the event, which Dick Uyvari coor- since last August. dinated. Following her arrest, Griner pleaded guilty Ald. James Cappleman, Jonathan Pizer to disorderly conduct and will attend domes- (representing U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley), Gary tic violence counseling. Chichester and Mary Morten were among the People.com reported that, as about 75 bowlers. guests looked on, the brides, both 24, were Friends of The Chicago Gay and Lesbian married beneath an archway at the Pointe Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit that annually Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. Their first dance holds an induction ceremony for its honor- was to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” ees. Chicago is the only known municipal- Johnson, a forward with the Tulsa Shock, ity that so honors its LGBTQ residents. It not wore a full-length, strapless champagne only pays tribute to deserving individuals gown with a small train by Matthew Christo- and organizations, but also documents the pher that she selected from Bridals by Lori in LGBTQ communities’ heritage and diversity Atlanta on an episode of TLC’s Say Yes to the through its annual publication, and its web- Dress. site, www.glhalloffame.org . The GLHF is privately funded through the donations of individuals, businesses and or- Pride 5K run/walk ganizations, along with its 2014-15 sponsors, including BBJ Linen, Center on Halsted, June 25 in Boystown Chicago History Museum, Grab Magazine, The second annual Pride lakefront party Hall’s Rentals, House of Blues, International and Pride5K run/walk will take place Thurs- Mr. Leather, J&L Catering, Joe La Pat & Dick day, June 25. Uyvari, Michael Leppen, Napleton’s North- The race kicks off at 7:30 p.m. near the western Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Nightspots, Lakefront at Fullerton Avenue and Lake Shore Phil Hannema, Rick Aguilar Studios, Side- Drive. When the run is over, DJs Matthew track, Supergurl Images, Waveland Bowl and Harvat and Adam LeBlanc of Sixteen Candles Windy City Media Group/Windy City Times. will be the featured entertainment. See www.windycitymediagroup.com for The fee is $45 ($50 after May 15). Packet more photos. pick-up will take place on Friday, June 19 (6- 10 p.m.), and Saturday, June 20 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal- sted St. Visit http://starevents.com/events/ Chicago Force players Jamie Fornal (left) and Rachel Gore. pride-5k/. Photo by Ross Forman

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