TLC’S CHILLI (RIGHT) on film, new music WINDY CITY PAGE 24 THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 March 26, 2014 vol 29, no. 26 TIMESwww.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Trans* events to mark diversity alcc’s ANN By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer joked ‘Yeah, if there was a top 100, I’d be 99.’” launched the website.” HILTON D’orsay wondered who else might be on the list and In just 48 hours, D’orsay and Richards received 200 FISHER REFLECTS This coming weekend will see two important trans*- asked people to comment on her Facebook page.“I nominations. By the time the process closed, the related events in Chicago—and the genesis of these saw it, threw in a couple of names and went to bed.” numbers had ballooned to 500. To coincide with the ON LEGACY happenings is pretty intriguing. Richards said. International Day of Trans Visibility, the first names page 6 Early in 2012, Chicago resident Jen Richards But she couldn’t sleep. Richards thought about what on the Trans 100 were announced March 31, 2013, at launched WeHappyTrans.com as a way of countering 100 trans names on a list could mean to the commu- Mayne Stage in an event that Richards said was cre- the unfavorable depictions of trans-people in the me- nity—an open celebration of trans people of all races, ated and run from the bottom up for trans people by dia through the reinforcement of a more positive mes- backgrounds and ages engaged in advocacy by keep- trans people. sage of the trans experience. ing the lights on at a small community trans-support Last year’s list included Janet Mock, Laverne Cox, Ky- In the fall of that year, Richards saw a post on group or blogging to raise awareness of trans issues or lar Broadus, Jennifer Finney Boylan and Monica Rob- the Facebook page of Antonia D’orsay, the executive actively engaged as career athletes, musicians, actors, erts. The event was sold out before D’orsay and Rich- director of This is H.O.W., a Phoenix, Ariz.-based or- writers, lawyers, doctors and many more occupations. ards had even begun to actively advertise it. “When ganization dedicated to the betterment of the lives of Richards and D’orsay started messaging each oth- we first started, people said ‘you’re not going to find trans people. er. Richards even woke up her web collaborator on 100 trans people out and doing advocacy work’,” Rich- “Toni had been estranged from her son,” Richards WeHappyTrans.“We collectively decided it could be a said. “When he got in touch with her, he said ‘you really cool thing,” Richards said. “Within a few hours, Turn to page 8 seem to be kind of famous among trans people.’ Toni we had created a Trans 100 nomination form and

LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH MARKS Vernita Gray, longtime activist, dies ONE-YEAR Vernita Gray, one of Chicago’s longest and most prolific activists ANNIVERSARY for LGBT rights, has died. She was 65. pagE 10 A memorial will be held Monday, March 31, 1 p.m. at the Goodman Theatre. Gray and wife Pat Ewert were the first same-sex couple mar- ried legally in Illinois, Nov. 27, 2013, after winning a court victory because of Gray’s critical health situation. That paved the way for additional court rulings that hastened marriage in Illinois ahead of the original June 1, 2014 implementation of full marriage equality in the state. Gray, a native Chicagoan, graduated from St. Mary High School and Columbia College. She came out as a lesbian soon after she attended the 1969 Woodstock music concert in New York, where she learned about the Stonewall Riots. A longtime cancer survivor, Gray lost her battle early in the morning of March 19, with her wife by her side. Friends and family had visited with Gray in her final weeks, as she said her goodbyes. She was laughing and giving advice up until the end. writer harry Gray’s cultural and activist interests were varied. She was a nimmo deciphers poet who knew how to rally the troops at events, including fact from anti-violence marches and most recently the Oct. 22 March on fiction Springfield for Marriage Equality, her last public speaking en- gagement. pagE 25 Gray at the March on Springfield Oct. 22, 2013. Photo by Hal Baim Turn to page 12

Bernard Bartilad ® SVP, Commercial Division Manager means business 312.633.0211 MB Financial Bank in every community. 1.888.i bank mb . mbfinancial.com Member FDIC 2 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES CHICAGO WINTER = DEPRESSING NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Dental care, Medicaid and HIV 4 Scottish Play Scott 17 CHICAGO SUMMER = EXCITING! Mich. marriages on hold 5 Theater reviews 18 ALCC leader reflects on legacy 6 SPRING MOVIES/MUSIC SPECIAL 20 Trans* events’ Richards, Ross? 8 Hannah Thomas 20 Are you Lighthouse Church 10 Rapper Dessa Darling 24 Remembering Vernita Gray 12 Knight: Spring preview 22 Gay in the Life 15 Tamar Braxton 23 “summer body” VIEWS: Clewer; Damski 16 Chilli of TLC 24 Books: Harry Nimmo talks 25 ready? Dish: Italian eats 26 Billy Masters 29 Images on cover (left, from top): PR photo Books: Peggy Shinner 30 of TLC’s T-Boz and Chilli; photo of Ann Hilton CALL NOW Fisher by Ed Negron; photo of Pastor Jamie OUTLINES Frazier by Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer; Classifieds 26 and Mention photo of Harry Nimmo courtesy of Nimmo Calendar 28 Windy City Media to Schedule Your

985 THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’SUNI GAY,TY SINCE LESB 1IAN, TLC’S CHILLIT) on 14 (RIGH BI AND TRANS COMM 6, 20 , neW March 2 . 26 fILM l 29, no MuSIC WINDY CITYvo PAGE 24 up.com indyCityMediaGro TIMESwww.W Complimentary

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Rachel Hoge talks WCT’s Dish takes a about being part FRED RECKONING look at Sophie’s at of BUILD (Broader In an op-ed, Kim Flowers discusses the Saks Fifth Avenue, Urban Involvement decision not to have a funeral for anti- which serves & Leadership gay activist the Rev. Fred Phelps. goodies like crab Development). cakes (above). Photo from Hoge PR photo oH, LORDE Lorde recently performed at Chicago’s FLOWER POWER Aragon—and had the audience spellbound.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Find out the latest about Anderson Cooper, Dan Bucatinsky and Wendy Williams.

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show plus concluded this past weekend at Navy Pier. DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo by Andrew Davis

2014 PREDICTIONS WITH nightspots MISS CLEO

NVRLND’s ROYAL “QUEEN OF HEARTS” Show #566 Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES stemmed from differences in Medicaid and Ryan White’s payment structure—Medicaid is fee-for-service while Ryan White funds are Budget bite: largely distributed through grants to providers. But Williams added that Ryan White-funded providers were definitely seeing more dental patients. Dental care, “What is clear is that we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of dental visits over the past few years from residents requiring quality care,” she said. “In FY2012, there were more Medicaid and HIV than 12,500 visits—an increase over the 9,200 visits in 2010—and in the first two quarters of By Matt Simonette which to pay. 2013, we know providers saw significantly more But thanks to a shift in the state’s budget, Mona Van Kanegan. Photo by Matt Simonette clients than the original planned numbers.” Most Americans—and by extension, their pol- those funds are becoming increasingly difficult According to Williams, CDPH has not yet icy makers—view dental care as either being for the state to leverage, according to provid- compiled the number of visits, but said the about receiving superfluous cosmetic proce- ers. Van Kanegan called the Ryan White money, the emergency room setting than provide ac- agency provided $1.1 million for dental ser- dures or getting relief from tooth pain, said Dr. “the funds of last resort. Unfortunately, they’re cess to regular preventive care. Van Kanegan vices in the greater Chicago area in 2013. Mona Van Kanegan, DDS. Rarely do they think now becoming funds of last resort more often.” said that a dental-related emergency room visit “Persons on Medicaid used to be able to go of it as an integral part of their overall health. John Peller, vice-president of policy for AIDS costs about ten times what a preventative care to a variety of providers,” Peller noted. “Now “Your mouth is the first part of your diges- Foundation of Chicago (and its incoming in- regimen would. they can only obtain services from providers tive system, and it’s what most people use to terim president), said, “As a whole, our health Van Kanegan also noted that there were affiliated with Ryan White. Medicaid has com- communicate,” added Van Kanegan, who is care system thinks of oral- and physical-health 77,000 emergency-room visits in the Chicago pletely abdicated its responsibility, and there’s co-director of Chicago Community Oral Health as two disconnected things, and the conse- area for non-injury dental issues during 2008- less money to go around.” Forum, a community initiative committed to quences of that for low-income people can be 2011: “The emergency room provider provides improving oral health services and programs for devastating.” what they can—antibiotics, pain medication— Getting treatment Chicagoans. “It’s also what you use to express but that problem doesn’t go away. That person Van Kanegan is also director at both the confidence and self-esteem. If you are missing SMART mistake is going to be back in there to alleviate infec- Oral Health Program Development at Heartland teeth, or in pain, you’re obviously not going to In 2012, the Illinois legislature and Gov. tion and pain again.” Health Outreach and Midwest AIDS Training & be smiling very much.” Quinn passed the SMART Act, which scaled The Affordable Care Act for the moment can’t Education Center. She sees a panel of about Monitoring oral health is even more impor- back health care services to fit available fund- provide much remedy, as it requires dental cov- 250 patients, many of whom are HIV-positive, tant for persons with HIV/AIDS. According to ing sources. Medicaid spending for adult den- erage for children, but not adults. The ACA of- in part-time clinical work for Erie Family Health the U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser- tal care was cut completely, except in cases fered few incentives to states to expand Medic- Services. vices, about a third of people living with HIV of extraction. Many services leading up to aid benefits beyond what were already in place Most patients with HIV/AIDS she sees are have an oral health condition related to their the extractions would have to be conducted when the legislation took effect; states want- trending younger, she noted. “They usually infection. in emergency rooms. Impoverished Illinoisans ing to add benefits had little financial reason need pretty extensive periodontal therapy. Healthcare providers and policy advocates with tooth problems have few remedies save from the federal government to do so. They usually need multiple teeth out, and mul- are conscientious about maintaining access to for having their teeth pulled. This is not a Experts say that it will cost about $36 million tiple teeth repaired and restored to replace oral health services for lower-income persons problem unique to Illinois either; according a year to reinstate comprehensive adult dental some ability to chew.” with HIV/AIDS; in Cook County they can obtain to the American Dental Association, only 11 benefits in Illinois. Under the ACA, the federal There is no assurance that patients requiring dental health services through providers such states offer extensive Medicaid coverage for government would pick up half that cost for more expensive or complex work will be able to as Heartland Alliance and the Ruth M. Roth- adult dental services. the first three years. But policymakers have so have all their dental needs met. stein CORE Center. Those services are largely Experts agree that the 2012 cut did noth- far been reluctant to take on the long-term ob- “Sometimes it’s difficult—if it’s a surgical covered under Part A of the Ryan White pro- ing to save the state money. Research shows ligation, for fear that other health appropria- extraction, I have to send them somewhere gram, when a patient has no other means by that it’s more expensive to treat patients in tions will then be reconsidered and throw off else and there’s no guarantee that it will get the state’s already precarious finances. done, or that the patient can get care, because “They’re afraid that by making that money they’d have to pay out of pocket. Once in a available, they’ll be opening up Pandora’s Box,” while, a very generous private practitioner can said Ramon Gardenhire, who has lobbied to help me out and they figure out a way to pro- have the funds restored on behalf of both Ser- vide the service for free,” said Van Kanegan. vice Employees International Union and AFC. When she sees new patients, Van Kanegan But in 2013 state Sen. Donne Trotter spon- first addresses immediate problems, then does sored legislation that would restore adult cov- a thorough exam of hard and soft tissue in the erage; it passed the Senate 42-16 last Novem- oral cavity, checking closely for conditions such ber. The bill is currently with the House Rules as candidiasis, Kaposi’s Sarcoma or Epstein- Committee, and is sponsored in the House by Barr Virus. A large percentage of persons with state Rep. Mary Flowers. HIV will experience an oral infection at some Trotter told the Illinois Issues Blog in No- point; Van Kanegan has seen numbers ranging vember that the money needed to reinstate the from 30-80 percent. “A dental professional has cuts was already budgeted, and a wiser deter- to treat it so it doesn’t spread or prevent that mination of how the funds were to be spent person from taking care of themselves,” she was needed. “The elimination of the adult den- noted, adding that dentists also have to check means tal programs certainly was more than just skin- for co-morbidities such as diabetes or cardio- ning the cat,” Trotter said. “It was beheading vascular disease; both are chronic conditions ® the cat.” that have close relationships to oral health. “When the SMART Act was being discussed, Van Kanegan tries to develop a long-term business everything was on the table and we had a plan with most patients and admits it takes target that we had to meet,” said state Sen. a lot of gumption for many of them to adhere Heather Steans, a co-sponsor of the bill. “The to it. “They might be struggling with drug use dental coverage was the item that was most or uncontrolled health issues. Managing their in every problematic for me. Now there is a sense that home lives can be difficult. They have chal- [restoring the funding] is good not just for lenging lives, so I give them a lot of slack.” health outcomes, but also in terms of overall But she has had numerous patients whose community. costs.” dental health has managed to turn around. She said a patient had recently asked her to take a Funding strain picture with him when she’d finished an exam; Some advocates argue that until the Medic- he was going to be speaking in public about aid situation is resolved, the city’s Ryan White overcoming a fear of the dentist. funds will be strained by the cost of dental “He was really afraid,” she said. “But he feels Bernard Bartilad care for persons with HIV/AIDS who otherwise so much better as a result of overcoming his SVP, Commercial Division Manager might have been covered by Medicaid. fears. He was so focused on completing his 312.633.0211 “When we get requests for help in accessing treatment.” care, dental care is always on the ‘top five’ list It’s an outcome she would like to see even more, provided funding for dental services can MB Financial Bank of what people need,” said Peller. . Chicago Department of Public Health, which be readjusted in the state. 1.888.i bank mb mbfinancial.com Member FDIC administers Ryan White grants to health pro- “The reality is that the money is already be- Commercial Banking l Business Banking l Personal Banking l Wealth Management viders locally, has not captured any data di- ing spent in hospital emergency rooms,” said rectly linking reductions in Medicaid funds to Van Kanegan. “We’re talking about the money an increase in spending for Ryan White, said that’s already being spent on cycling patients Marjani Williams, CDPH’s HIV/STI Informa- in and out.” tion Coordinator. The uncertainty, she added, WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 5 Judge issues stay in Michigan marriage case By Lisa Keen challenge a state law barring unmarried cou- Keen News Service ples from adopting. April DeBoer and longtime partner Jayne Rowse were seeking to adopt The Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals issued a three children they had been raising together. stay at 5 p.m. March 22 of a district court de- But while hearing arguments in that case last cision issued the day before that struck down year, Judge Friedman suggested the plaintiffs Michigan’s ban on same-sex couples marrying, amend their lawsuit to challenge the law bar- but hundreds of couples had already married ring same-sex couples from marrying. by that time. The Tenth Circuit will hear oral arguments in Michigan’s first marriage of a same-sex cou- a case from Utah, Utah v. Kitchen, on April 10. ple took place just after 8 a.m. March 22 in Earlier this month, the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court Mason, just south of Lansing, Mich. The couple of Appeals removed the Nevada and Hawaii was Marsha Caspar and Glenna DeJong, both in consolidated cases from the court’s calendar their 50s, who have been together for 27 years. for April 9 in San Francisco. The Fourth Cir- The Detroit Free Press reported that at least cuit U.S. Court of Appeals recently scheduled four other counties had office hours on Satur- oral arguments in two lawsuits challenging day and issued marriage licenses to same-sex Virginia’s ban on same-sex couples marrying. couples. In Oakland County, the paper said, The American Foundation for Equal Rights case, Michigan couple getting their marriage license. Photo by Steve Friess a line stretched out the door when the office Bostic v. Virginia, and the ACLU-Lambda case, Interesting factoid: From 1996 to 1999, one on the same day Friedman issued his decision opened at 9 a.m., and marriages were being Harris v. Virginia, will be heard May 13. of Judge Friedman’s law clerks was Judith Levy, in the DeBoer case. performed in auditoriums and hallways. Like Michigan, the other four cases—from the lesbian recently confirmed by the U.S. Sen- ©2014 Keen News Service. All rights re- At least some of the rush was fueled by the Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas—are ate to serve on the Detroit federal court. Levy served. knowledge that Michigan Attorney General Bill just arriving at their respective circuit courts. was sworn into office at the Detroit courthouse Schuette filed an emergency order Friday eve- ning seeking a stay of U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Friedman’s ruling that the Michigan Marriage Amendment was unconstitutional. In issuing its stay, the Sixth Circuit said the order would remain in place until March 26 so there could be “a more reasoned consideration of the motion to stay.” Plaintiffs attorney Dana Nessel said attorneys have not been alerted to provide oral argument so she assumes the ap- peals court will make its decision Wednesday based on briefs due Tuesday at noon. Nessel said the plaintiff couple, April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, opted not to seek a marriage license Saturday, noting that to do so at this point in the litigation, they could lose legal standing to pursue an appeal if the Sixth Cir- cuit overturns the district court decision. “Our clients have decided to get married when they can legally stay married,” said Nes- sell, “and their marriage cannot be deemed il- legitimate.” A federal judge in Detroit ruled March 21 that Michigan’s ban against same-sex couples mar- rying violates the couples’ constitutional rights to equal protection. The Michigan decision, from U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Friedman (a Reagan ap- pointee) falls squarely in line rulings from fed- eral district court judges in eight other states in the past year since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) with U.S. v. Windsor. The other eight are all on appeal to their various courts of ap- peal. Some suggest the Michigan case, DeBoer v. Michigan, may have a better chance at reach- ing U.S. Supreme Court appeal because, unlike the others, it involved a two-week-long trial. Friedman issued the DeBoer ruling two weeks after hearing closing arguments in the trial that gave the state of Michigan a chance to establish a rationale for banning same-sex couples from marrying. Friedman said he found the testimony from the state’s star witness, California sociologist Mark Regnerus, to be “entirely unbelievable and not worth of serious consideration.” He said he was unable to accord the testimony of three other state witnesses with “any sig- nificant weight,” because it was “largely un- believable” and represents “a fringe viewpoint that is rejected by the vast majority of their colleagues across a variety of social science fields.” Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette filed an emergency request for a stay of Friedman’s decision and an appeal of the decision to the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Human Rights Campaign President Chad Grif- fin said the Michigan decision shows that the “momentum for marriage equality is undeni- able.” DeBoer v. Michigan started out as a lawsuit to 6 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES charm extended to self-awareness in readily said she can’t wait to see him take on expand- admitting she could be a little more organized. ing ALCC’s services, including new outreach While it wasn’t public at the time of the in- programs. terview, ALCC recently announced Thomas D. Ann Hilton Fisher’s retirement event will Yates, an honored legal advocate who joined take place Thursday, April 3, 6-9 p.m., at the organization at the end of 2013, as her Winston & Strawn LLP, 35 W. Wacker Dr., replacement. Fisher called him “terrific” and 46th floor. See www.AIDSLegal.com.

Ann Hilton Fisher. Photo by Ed Negron Outgoing ALCC director From left: Cindy Sproul, owner of the Rainbow Wedding Network; Kevin Sullivan, registra- tion assistant; and Barbara Martin, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza’s director of catering reflects on life sales. Photo by Carrie Maxwell

dings—and has been part of the green room in public service Rainbow Wedding for the VIPs at the Oscars for the past 10 by lIZ BAUDLER ground check—managed to get that informa- Network holds years. tion removed from all Illinois police records in See www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com for “A life in public service is the key to personal Cook County in a single night. The successes LGBT expo more information. happiness,” Ann Hilton Fisher said in an in- tie directly to Fisher’s self-described third ele- By Carrie Maxwell terview a few years ago. And as the outgoing ment of happiness: the gratitude. It’s the link Anti-bullying bill executive director of the AIDS Legal Council of through all of Fisher’s stories, heartwarming “Same Love, Same Rights” was the theme of Chicago (ALCC), she should know. One would and horrifying. the sixth annual Chicago LGBT wedding expo headed for think a multi-decade career in legal advocacy She shared two uncomfortably recent ex- at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza March for some of the state’s most vulnerable citi- amples of status bigotry, among many. A man 23. About 1,000 people attended the expo House floor zens might burn Fisher out. Instead, even as downstate found that the medical assistant that the Rainbow Wedding Network hosted. By Matt Simonette she prepares to retire from the job at the end who tested him revealed to all of her gay Among the 50 vendors participating were of March, her voice still radiates with evident friends that he was positive. He moved from HRC, Entertaining Company, wedding venues A bill strengthening anti-bullying laws in Il- passion. At the end of her 17-year tenure, she the town where he had a job and a life. Another such as Cantigny Park and GayWeddingChi- linois passed the House Elementary and Sec- credits three things with keeping her going: man called Fisher: His neighbor had intercept- cagoSite.com, Terry’s Toffee, Cybee Stix, the ondary Education Committee March 20 and engagement, meaning and gratitude. ed his mail, found out he had HIV, told another Cook County Clerk’s Office, Get on the Floor will soon be read in the full House. It was not a boring job, she said, because neighbor and that woman posted a sign on her Dance Company, hotels, caterers, ring com- HB 5707—which state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, “there’s always something new, always some- window that read “HIV Awareness” with a big panies and photographers. D-Chicago, sponsored—defines “policies on thing interesting, involves my heart, involves arrow pointing toward his house. While Fisher Franny Streder and Lynn Sorrentino of Get bullying” and “restorative measures,” and my mind, get to work with great people.” is harsh about the situations, she said she’s on the Floor Dance Company provided the requires that schools and school districts After working in legal services on Chicago’s honored to be available for these men and oth- entertainment with a couples dance perfor- compile data about bullying incidents. West Side, Fisher started at ALCC in 1997, ers like them. mance, “Equality on the Floor.” “It’s ready to be heard on the floor, but we keeping some of the same clients in the pro- As counterpoint, she picked up a recent Addressing the crowd, Rainbow Wedding need to have conversations with some of the cess. She came in at the end of the years when handwritten letter from her paper-strewn desk. Network co-founder Cindy Sproul shared the stakeholders,” said Cassidy. a positive HIV test was a death sentence and It’s from a woman who, 10 years ago, found history of her company which began before The provision for data collection is one of when there were funerals every week. At that herself saddled with her dying daughter’s chil- any state allowed same-sex couples to be the most important facets of the bill, Cas- point, the new drug cocktails were becoming dren, one severely disabled. Fisher and ALCC legally married. Sproul noted that they pro- sidy said. “What I hear from people so often, available—and the focus of the council be- assisted with the daughter’s last days, getting duce about 30 LGBT wedding expos a year in when they speak with schools or police, is came not on supporting the dying and their her work benefits and life insurance, and nego- cities around the country. that they are often told, ‘You are the first loved ones, but the living. The morning of our tiated the children’s custody. The last 10 years “Last year over 10,000 couples visited ones this has happened to’—that opens the interview, Fisher had held her last ever board were unimaginably rough on the grandmother, Rainbow Wedding Network shows across the door to blaming the victim. With this, you meeting, and looked back over the meeting poor and dealing with a disabled husband, yet country,” Sproul said. “The number one thing can go back and verify that something else notes of her first to recall that in 1997, ALCC she still found the time and desire to write that couples can do is to spend their money happened on a particular date.” started a back-to-work project simply because Fisher her thanks, a feat the director does not on businesses that support the LGBT commu- A previous bill that addressed bullying clients were getting better. take lightly. “This woman is a saint.” Fisher nity such as the vendors here today.” passed the House, but missed in the Senate Fisher emphasized, “My clients are not dying said. “What I did is so small.” A number of vendors handed out raffle by just one vote, in 2012, when conservative of HIV, but living with HIV” and they were not Gratitude works both ways, as Fisher specifi- prizes, including the grand-prize drawing of politicians complained that the bill would their statuses. cally thanked the gay community for continu- an overnight stay with a $100 gift certificate lead to schools directly addressing homo- She talked of years-long relationships with ing to support and raise funds for a disease to the bar and parking from the expo site sexuality in the curriculum. clients from affluent professionals to indigents that has affected people of practically every host hotel, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. “This is a much stronger bill that includes with haphazard access to services, “clients who background. Many of the donors, she said, Other raffle prizes included a wedding for 30 some things that we had to leave out be- become so incredibly grateful if I can get them are still upper- or middle-class gay men who guests with all the trimmings at Pine Manor fore,” Cassidy said. a Social Security check of $721 a month.” She remember the horror of the 1980s and feel in Mount Prospect, Ill.; swag from the Hu- talked about accompanying a man with men- moved to contribute. She praised the Chicago man Rights Campaign; and items from Terry’s tal-health issues and HIV, who still lives with activist community for staying tight-knit and Toffee, among many others. Correction In last week’s issue, Jerre Dye should have the grandfather who raised him, to a case- for having long-running, successful events, Photographer Dustin Keirns of Weddings been credited as the playwright, not the di- worker’s appointment where he finally received and described the network of integrated case by Dustin noted that the most striking dif- rector, of Cicada; Erica Weiss is the director. benefits. Fisher revealed that her pride is his management and advocates as “the best in the ference he sees when he shoots a same- In addition, the show had a workshop pride in finally helping out his grandfather, and country.” sex wedding ceremony is that many of the production in Memphis in 2009/2010. This she even knows his favorite TV show—The Real On a personal note, it’s easy to see why so couples eschew traditional wedding photos, newly reworked script is the first professional Housewives of Atlanta. many people put their faith in Fisher through- which gives him creative rein to tell their production of Cicada. It is a world premiere These interactions drove home the job’s out the years. Her voice was the voice of a unique love story. and new work.. meaning to Fisher and the people she serves. storyteller, full of emotions. While clearly Terry Opalek, co-owner of Terry’s Toffee, Windy City Times regrets the errors. Other victories are broader, like the time well-informed when discussing policy, she still explained that along with the business’ ALCC—through a few phone calls about a job has a sense of humor, joking about speaking two stores, it also provide services for wed- applicant’s HIV status on his criminal back- in outlines as a lawyer thing. In addition, her T:10" WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 7 T:13.5"

Woman without health insurance forced to give up vanilla soy lattes to pay medical bills. GetCovered. Don’t drink bad coffee.

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Hubbard St., and is open Nominations for the 2014 Trans 100 list to people of all gender identities interested in opened last November. By the time they were seeking peace, happiness creating Web or mobile apps for the transgen- closed Jan. 15, Richards said there were over der community, including developers, artists, 600 entries. Richards—who co-directs the By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer designers, entrepreneurs, activists and com- Trans 100—has been joined by an entire team munity members. Game critic Mattie Brice will of people engaged in preparations for a week- When Angelica Ross was stationed in Japan be on hand for a March 29 fireside chat with end of trans-related celebration activities that with the U.S. Navy, her shipmates dangled participants. begins on March 28 and culminates with the her out of a third-story window, demanding “People can come with ideas or a desire to announcement of the 2014 Trans 100 list on that she admit that she was gay. participate and break into teams according March 30. “They knew this black blonde-haired boy to the kind of projects that you want to do,” That team is a multifaceted and multital- didn’t belong when she showed up to the Richards explained. “All the projects will be ented cross-country representation of the physical with her toenails painted,” she presented and Trans*H4CK will award winners.” trans community that includes D’orsay as co- would later write on her Facebook page. The grand-prize winner’s project will be fea- director; songwriter, artist, actor and activist Ross left the military after that incident. tured during the Trans 100 event March 30 at Angelica Ross serving as co-producer and host; Other people might have been so terrified Mayne Stage—a one-of-a-kind gala that will celebrated artist and educator Rebecca Kling as and angry enough to spend their time rag- ing against the world, but Ross had other plans, describing herself as a “promoter of peace and happiness.” In that capacity — when she isn’t working as the TransWorks coordinator at the TransLife center of the Chicago House—Ross is a web developer, singer/songwriter, actor, activist, speaker and spokesmodel. On March 30, Ross will host the Trans 100, an event she co-produced alongside her roommate, friend and co-director, Jen Richards. She promises an array of stunning dresses for the occasion, but took time out of preparations in order to chat with Windy City Times. Angelica Ross. Photo by Jessica Sladek Windy City Times: How did you get in- volved with the Trans 100 event? Angelica Ross: I’ve been friends with Jen way by the producers of that show? for a long time, but I came in as the editor of AR: At the time, no. Only because I walked Jen Richards. Photo by John Sturdy the video of the first Trans 100. It was one of into that space very aware of its dynamics, those things where I knew it was an amazing and so I tried to use them to my benefit. In the green room, I’d have discussions with production manager; Lambda Legal Community idea. So I just rolled up my sleeves and got include keynote speeches by actress/advo- other girls on the issues of being trans and Educator Crispin Carmona as volunteer coordi- involved. It was a great moment and I just cate Laverne Cox and athlete/advocate/Project having to live with other people’s perspec- nator; and the Center on Halsted’s Precious Da- wanted to be a part of it. I Am Enough founder Kye Allums as well as tives of being “deceivers.” vis managing tickets and VIP coordination. The WCT: What does an event like the Trans performances by rapper Kaycee Ortiz and a Chi- WCT: It sounds like the Trans 100 is a Trans 100 also has received invaluable support 100 mean to you? cago showgirls revue that host Ross is putting very public way of changing perspectives. from organizations such as Chicago House— AR: Well, the media has had its own way of together. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the AR: Yeah, but it would be nice one day to acting as a fiscal agent enabling the Trans 100 depicting trans life. event will run 7-9 p.m. not to have to single out trans people and to accept donations—GLAAD and This is H.O.W. WCT: Not always successfully, when we As there is a limited number of seats, prin- instead say that we are just human beings. Meanwhile, Richards said a group of 25 cu- are forced to deal with people like Katie cipally, tickets to the free evening are offered I’m reaching my limit of teaching and talking rators has been painstakingly researching the Couric, Maury Povich and Piers Morgan. by invitation only to both last year’s and the trans all the time. I want to just be the wom- nominees, voting in a series of rounds in order AR: Right. People don’t know the breadth 2014 Trans 100 alongside any and all members an that I am. But I know that I have gifts to determine who will make the list. According of our community and the strengths and the of the trans community. Cisgender people are I can use for this right now. I look forward to the Trans 100 website, nominees “have to talent we have because they haven’t been also welcome to remaining tickets. Richards to a time when I can just focus on being a be making a difference in the day to day lives paying attention. Meanwhile, we’ve been added that the event will streamed online at musician, writer and a Buddhist. of trans people in a tangible way. That means organizing, connecting and supporting one http://gigity.tv/event/26151/. WCT: Is that the religion you were that whatever it is they are doing, it has to be another. So this event, for me, uplifts and “We are demonstrating the capacity and brought up with? significantly related to changing things for the trains us as a community to stop feeling like passion of transgender people,” Richards said. AR: I was raised in the Pentecostal church better in practical ways for trans people. we are in competition with each other. “We’re a living example of the breadth, diver- in Racine, Wis., with people speaking in Richards added that she wanted the list to be Our community can be very judgmental. sity, range, skill and incredible passion, dedica- tongues and passing out and all that good representative of the community, “so we make Whether you’re a showgirl, sex worker, work tion, hard work and love that is so abundant in stuff. My assessment, in hindsight, is that sure that we show as wide a range as possible at a nonprofit or an entertainer we know—as our community.” there were a lot of people who were faking of age, gender expression and identity, race, trans people—no path is easy, so instead of Richards said she hopes the visible success this “close relationship with God.” I was in a geography and area of work,” she said. judging one another, we need to be able to stories of the Trans 100 will counter the shame gospel group at 16 and I believe my gifts in However, Richards said she wants the com- add understanding. I think that, this year, and self-hatred so many trans people feel, par- music and singing were spiritual, and that’s munity to be aware that the Trans 100 is not with the showgirl review as part on the show, ticularly when they are living stealth lives. “We when I felt a more authentic connection with a competition of any kind. “It’s not a top 100 we’re saying this is a night to celebrate all are encouraged by society to be separate and religion. I was the type who would preach list, it’s not a best-of list or a popularity con- different types of people in the community. against each other,” she said. “It tells us we and read my Bible but it got to a point that test,” she stated emphatically. “It’s a sampling WCT: I’ve been guilty of being judgmen- are not worthy and we should be ashamed and I was doing some of that to try and “pray of the kind of work we’ve done in our communi- tal myself. I used to watch the girls, for disappear. If all you know is what you see on away the gay.” ty. It’s meant to give you a sense of the diver- example, who appeared on Springer and television, you will have a very dim view of Once I realized who I was and when I sity and range of the people in our community Povich and think “they are doing nothing trans people.” started to get suicidal around it, I felt like and the kind of projects they’ve undertaken.” but a disservice to me as a trans person. I The Trans 100 has already had an impact that God spoke to me. I was told, “You are try- Also important to Richards was to create at am not represented by those people.” has been starkly illustrated through the emails ing too hard to make me love you. I made least a six-month distance between this event AR: One thing that people find surprising that fill Richards’ inbox. They are from trans you. I know who you are. I know the gifts and the Trans Day of Remembrance. “We need about me is that I’ve been one of those girls. people who were living stealth lives and now you have. Just move forward.” My decisions that day, but it’s just as important to celebrate I’ve been on Maury Povich twice. I viewed it feel safe to emerge from the shadows. since then have always come from a place of those who are alive now,” she said. as an opportunity to overcome the fear of “They want to be visible and to be part of intention and courage. I left my home and The Trans 100 has grown to an entire week- being clocked and called “a man” and all that the trans-community,” she said. “There was a that church and drove to Rochester, N.Y., and end of celebration that includes the work of sort of stuff because once you have a whole person of a particular race and gender on last that’s where I started doing drag but I was one of 2013’s featured speakers. Dr. Kortney audience yelling that at you, there really is year’s list. That person received a communica- told by others that I looked like a “tranny.” I Ryan Ziegler is an award-winning filmmaker, no way to go down from that. I even talked tion from someone of the same race and gen- thought it was so offensive. visual artist and scholar. As a response to chal- to the production staff and tried to give der who said that they had been suicidal and WCT: I always found that to be a hate- lenges the trans community faces such as un- them a trans-competency training around that, when they saw the list and saw that there ful word. It’s been used so many times employment, homelessness and discrimination, what was wrong with what they were doing. was someone like them who was succeeding, it by people on the far right: those sorts of Ziegler founded Trans*H4CK. The organization They changed some wording of their show ti- gave them hope to keep going.” people who use the word “freak” in the has hosted Hackathon events in Oakland, Ca- tles after that. I think the girls who do go on For more information, visit www. same sentence. lif., and Las Vegas, where programmers, cod- shows like that are sold on the “any publicity thetrans100.com or connect on Face- AR: I hate it too but, at the same time, I ers and others can create trans-related Web- is good publicity” kind of deal. It’s sad but book and Twitter. For more information on based projects such as apps and websites. The at the same time I don’t blame them for it. Trans*H4CK, visit www.transhack.org or con- goal, according to the Trans*H4CK website, is WCT: You didn’t feel exploited in any Turn to page 9 nect with Trans*H4CK on Twitter. WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 9 ROSS from page 8 intentions and vision. vested interest in the community. WCT: What else can we expect? WCT: Can you be more specific about that? WCT: Focusing on the Trans 100 event, AR: I’ll give you this little tidbit: The show- AR: We’ve seen, in big and small ways, a lot you’ve been saying on Facebook that you’ve girls revue has a couple of Chicago legends per- try to respect the fact that other people have of appropriation of people’s stories that have had a lot of dresses made for it. How many forming. I will be returning to the stage as a claimed that word. As a black woman I can say turned into a commodity to attract funds or are we talking about? showgirl during that medley and intend to slay that, just like the “N” word that’s been used whatever the case may be. We’ve always had AR: I haven’t landed on a number yet. So far the crowd with a great performance! hatefully or as a punch line, there are certain this assessment from the outside of who we it’s four, but I probably don’t know what I’ll be For more information, visit www.thet- communities who have taken the word “tranny” are and what we need to “cure us” or “fix us.” wearing until the actual night. rans100.com. and owned it. I can accept it but I won’t use A lot of programs try to appear that they are it myself. I hope that one day we can let go of informed but they aren’t in a real way. I’ve all the labels. Like when I go to work, I put on known girls who have worked for a non-profit the “trans uniform” but in my personal life, I and left because they can’t handle the poli- HBHC seeks HIV-medication take that off and I’m a woman. That’s all I am. tics or the organization benefitting from grant WCT: Speaking of uniforms, tell me about applicants guide for med money that doesn’t trickle down to the people your days in the military. that actually need the help. When you’re in the AR: When I was in Rochester, my mom disap- for advisory board plans available community, you want to roll up your sleeves Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) is Monday, March 31, is the deadline to enroll proved of me but she would still send me boxes and fix what needs to be fixed. seeking new applicants for its Community in a plan on the Illinois health marketplace. of food and stuff. She said, “You’re going to WCT: At the last Trans Day of Remem- Advisory Board (CAB), an organization that The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has hell but I love you.” I tried to see if I could brance, people said that the “T” in LGBT is provides feedback on HBHC’s community gone through the available Illinois market- conform, so I enrolled in the navy. I turned 18 silent. Do you agree with that and, if so, health programs. place plans and put together a guide on the in boot camp and was shipped off to Japan. what can we do to be more a part of the The board will meet once a month, and CAB cost of HIV medications for each plan. After four months, I hightailed it out of there. greater community? will have between seven and 15 members. For those who qualify for the AIDS Drug As- WCT: It was there that you were hung out AR: It’s complicated because we have fun- In order to be eligible, CAB applicants must sistance Program (ADAP), and choose a plan of a window? damental and differing issues. Society has a have received services from HBHC within the that is compatible with that program, ADAP AR: They were people I thought were friends. whole struggle separating sexual orientation last two years. HBHC has also outlined the will cover premiums and any out-of-pocket I went to a party and there was a lot of drink- and gender identity. But there’s a wedge that’s membership requirements for potential CAB costs for HIV medications. ing. There were girls and guys in the room. The developed between gay men and trans women. members, which include: The guide is at http://www.hivhealthre- door was locked behind me and I was inter- Same thing that I’ve seen happen between les- —Attend at least 9 of the 12 CAB meetings form.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IL- rogated. This one guy was asking me if I was bian women and trans man where they can no each year HIV-Med-coverage-Marketplace-March-20-2. gay and I don’t know if it was because he was longer relate as a community. There’s a lack of —Read information sent to the CAB to pre- pdf. drunk but he kept repeating to me, “Say ‘I’m understanding from the “L” and the “G” in a pare for meetings not gay.’” He grabs me and hangs me out of the way that we have been pigeonholed as enter- —Provide thoughtful feedback at meetings window and he keeps repeating it. They finally tainers for the rest of the LGB community. —Promote HBHC in the community WCT up for Lisagor let me out of the room and I went to the chief. WCT: But people like Bryan Fischer and —Make suggestions about what you think But they came up with the story that the Scott Lively don’t make that differentiation. the community needs journalism award reason why that happened was that I wanted Windy City Times is a finalist for a Chicago They hate us equally. —Participate in CAB photo on HBHC web- to suck all the guys off in the room and they Headline Club Peter Lisagor Award for edito- AR: Look—we’ve got to all make a commit- site, annual report and other materials got upset. It was my first taste of real human rial writing for a non-daily newspaper. ment to true equality. So when certain things To apply, visit howardbrown.org/applica- indecency. They discharged me with no ben- The submission is for a series of 2013 edi- become an alarm, like trans women dying, we tion and download the application form. efits—just a plane ticket home. I didn’t want torials by WCT Publisher Tracy Baim on the should all sit up and take notice. Events like The form can be submitted in person at any to sacrifice my life anymore for other people. battle for marriage equality in Illinois. Pride are all centered around gay men and les- HBHC location, or emailed to Andie Baker at It was a strong catalyst for me to start transi- The winners will be announced at the an- bian women. I go to events like that and I’m [email protected] . tioning. There’s a momentum in our community nual awards ceremony Friday, May 2. bored to tears. So trans people have to work The application deadline has been extend- now, and I feel prepared for the things I’m do- See full list of nominees at http://www. really hard to make it real because they already ed to March 31. ing but it’s a real battle because not everyone headlineclub.org/. are coming from a place of not really having a who smiles and sets up programs have the right

9 am Noon and 3 pm Dress Rehearsal Day Shows

@saicfashion 10 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES The Lighthouse Church marks one year of inclusive services By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer up to confronting the issues in our lives,” he passionately stated. “Might I just suggest that On April 6, 2013, Jamie Frazier—an openly your balcony of haters who are watching and gay Black minister—launched the Lighthouse wondering if you will die during the pause in Church of Chicago. With the motto “Passionate your lives might just be unpleasantly surprised about Jesus. Serious about Justice,” Thursday that this pause will shift you to the next di- nights at the Daystar Center in Chicago offered mension of where God wants you to be.” a church environment free from homophobia, After the service, many people seemed reluc- judgment and ostracism, and abundant with af- tant to leave. They stayed for the small selec- firmation, inclusion and unity. tion of drinks and pastries available. Christo- In an interview with Windy City Times last pher Lewis was attending the Lighthouse for year, Frazier said that he hoped to transition the first time since he discovered a card ad- the church into Sunday morning services by vertising the church at a study group for Black February 2014. He said that he “hungered for a men. “I am totally blown away,” he said. “I’ve place in which one could experience lively and been searching for something like this and to spirited gospel music, prophetic preaching, and find it was an automatic connection. When I a loving community.” met with Pastor J. he asked me ‘what can the If the morning of Sunday, March 8, was any church do for you?’ That has never happened indication, Frazier has found it. Since October to me before!” Rev. Jamie Frazier. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer 2013, the Lighthouse Church of Chicago has Lewis—who was reluctant to wipe either been located in the Coach House of the Gless- the sweat from his brow or the elation from and that people have the right to be happy. on one another and love one another,” Frazier ner House Museum on Prairie Avenue in the his face— said he has come a long way in his It’s only a matter of time before the light be- said. “I encourage more people to try faith South Loop. The room once served as John and journey to Frazier’s church. “I was out on the comes so contagious that it blocks out the dark again. Because we need more people to make Francis Glessner’s stables. street, selling drugs and gang banging,” he re- voices.” the kind of changes that we want to make in The irony of similar humble beginnings for membered. “But like Pastor was talking about Part of the Lighthouse mission of social jus- this city.” both the Lighthouse and Jesus Christ aside, today, I stepped back and God opened up to tice involves the education and wellbeing of For more information on the Lighthouse Frazier said that the move was one of neces- me and showed me that I am valuable and I am the congregation and the community. Frazier’s Church of Chicago, please go to www.light- sity. “The Daystar Center informed us that we worth something. I am out and proud.” upcoming sermon on March 30 will be part of housechicago.org. would no longer be able to worship there,” Fra- Looking back over the past year, Frazier is a series called “I’m Covered” which details how There is also a gofundme campaign for the zier smiled. “Some of that I think had to do proud of the growth of the Lighthouse. “When to ensure good healthcare, particularly through Lighthouse Church. Donations can be made at with the noise level because the center is con- we started off on Thursday nights we had three the Affordable Care Act. http://www.gofundme.com/2x372k. nected to a coffee shop. So we started look- or four people,” he smiled. “Now we typically “We’re building a community where we lean ing for a place where we could make a joyful see between 20-30 on Sunday mornings. It’s noise.” been incremental but it takes a while for peo- That joyful noise began at 8:30 a.m. with a ple to trust that this is a community that will spirited discussion between early bird arrivals embrace the fullness of their identity and to Pro-marriage and Frazier—lovingly referred to by attendees trust that the God we preach and present is as “Pastor J.” The subject centered around one who heals and loves and does not condemn people who feel that a pause button has been and hate.” Republican candidates pressed on their lives be that in matters of a Frazier said that some of his new members career, a marriage, searching for acceptance or come to the church wondering when the hate survive election challenges in relationships. “I’ve heard pastors say that speech is going to begin: “It takes coming nothing increases one’s prayer life like trial,” again and again for them to realize that the By Matt Simonette against Bob Grogan, a DuPage County audi- Frazier told the group. “Sometimes during a hate isn’t there but what is there is love and tor from Downers Grove, the Chicago Tribune pause or a setback, we are in such desperate acceptance.” The three Republicans who crossed party reported. He next faces Democratic state need for God, such desperate need of a break- Frazier labeled the five passages in the Bible lines to vote “yes” to gay marriage in Illinois Sen. Mike Frerichs for the treasurer’s post. through, it pushes us into prayer. Sometimes, that are often referred to by other pastors in all survived challenges in their party prima- Grogan told the Daily Herald in November for us to recognize that God is able to bring order to condemn LGBTQ people —such as Le- ries March 18. that he would not make an issue of the mar- peace, it is best learned through strife.” viticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26—as “clobber State Rep. Ron Sandack, of Downers Grove, riage vote, as he felt it did not pertain to the “In my life’s journey I’ve had a few pauses,” passages.” He said that he encourages his con- won with an extremely narrow victory—just state treasurer’s duties. one member nodded. “Incarceration was like a gregation to take their own power back and to more than 150 votes. Of the three Repub- Marc Solomon, national campaign director pause for me. My last incarceration was really understand that the basic story of scripture is licans, he had the most difficult campaign of the marriage equality organization Free- significant. I used to cry out ‘why am I like I love, inclusion and liberation. “When we read and was indeed taken to task for the vote dom to Marry, thanked Illinois rights and am? What’s wrong with me?’ In my seeking God those passages in Leviticus and Romans, what by his opponent, Downers Grove social stud- political organizations in a March 19 state- I found answers that were always there.” we see there is a history lesson and not a tran- ies teacher Keith Matune. Matune’s support- ment. “I’m not doing nothing but looking for a scendent truth,” he stated. ers distributed campaign flyers that showed “Last night, Illinois Republican lawmakers job right now and it’s teaching me patience,” He added that using scripture to harm rather Sandack speaking at a rally in support of who voted for the freedom to marry batted another man smiled. “The pause has given me than help and to condemn rather than support marriage equality, and implied that he was a thousand in the GOP primaries,” said Solo- time to self reflect and get myself together. I is a form of terrorism. “I don’t worship the Bi- a radical because he was standing next to mon. “Their victories—three out of three—in am closer to God because of it.” ble. I worship Jesus,” Frazier said. “For me, the Andy Thayer of Gay Liberation Network. San- spite of desperate and ugly attacks from op- After the discussion, the Coach House was Bible describes what that relationship can look dack said that he supported marriage equal- ponents of equality show that using marriage filled with the kind of raucous noise level Fra- like. The danger that the far right has slipped ity because it was a positive reflection of as a wedge issue no longer works and that zier had referred to as the service began with into is that they have turned the instrument “family values.” backing conservative principles of freedom, songs lead by a choir of four and taken up by into the end. They have taken a conduit that “I expected it to be close,” Sandack told family, and individual liberty will prevail. Our the rest of the congregation. They covered a helps get us to God and they have turned that the Chicago Tribune March 19. “This was an side was smart and strategic in these races wide spectrum of races, backgrounds, sexual conduit into God. They have begun to worship extremely difficult race. There were clear is- and stood up for those who stood with us. preferences and identities but seemed com- words on a page rather than the one to whom sues of divide. I’ve been trying to expand Thanks to Equality Illinois and the Illinois pletely allied in both smiles and tears. the words point. They have a literalism that I the party’s base and get more people into Unity PAC for their leadership.” “There are moments of our lives that we think makes God cry.” the party and focus on the issues that affect Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, feel distant and disconnected from God,” Fra- Frazier described the Lighthouse as a space all families, which is the financial future of added in a statement, “The primary victo- zier said during his passionate sermon. “You where people—no matter who they are— can the state.” ries guarantee that the issues important to read the scriptures and they sound like hollow talk, share, laugh and worship. “We must not State Rep. Ed Sullivan, of Mundelein, beat LGBT voters, our allies and fair-minded Il- promises. You bow your head to pray and it allow the hatred to win. I think the soul has his opponent, Bob Bednar, also of Munde- linoisans will be well-represented in the fall seems as if you are talking to air because you an enormous capacity for self healing and re- lein, who is treasurer of the Lake County Re- campaign. Now we must build on our efforts hear nothing coming from the mind and mouth generation,” he said. “I’m inviting them to the publican Party. Sullivan announced his sup- and work even harder to ensure that Illinois of God.” greatest party that’s out there.” port for marriage equality in April 2013, and remains a pro-equality state after the Nov. 4 In looking for answers, Frazier covered texts Frazier said that he was not surprised by both has said that his mother-in-law is a lesbian. general election. This is no time to let down found in the the Old and New testaments of the the failure of the Defense of Marriage Act and Lastly, state Rep. Tom Cross, of Oswego, our guard in the belief that our hard-fought Bible, finding a positive message in each. He the passage of marriage equality in Illinois in gave up his seat to run for the office of state victories and future advancement are guar- never once spoke about abominations, damna- the year since his ministry at the Lighthouse treasurer, which now-former gubernato- anteed.” tion, detestable actions or the threat of hell. began. “Love has always triumphed,” he said. rial candidate Dan Rutherford vacated. Cross For more election news, see page 14. “We have to be honest about what we are “What we have seen in this nation is a res- won nearly 57 percent of the vote in his race facing and experiencing because that opens us urrection of truth, that love will win the day WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 11 LGBTQ homeless youth summit May 2-5 CHICAGO—Windy City Times is hosting a sum- etc.), public policy (city, county, state, feder- mit May 2-5 on LGBTQ youth in the Chicago al), legal issues (emancipation, public safety), region, to assess the current issues impacting education and job training, healthcare access, homeless youth, and new solutions to these mental health and substance abuse. complex issues. Kim Hunt, executive director While attendance at the summit is focused of Affinity Community Services, is the summit’s on youth, non-profits, service providers, gov- director. ernment and foundations, the summit does The title of the summit is “Owning Our Lives: need help from the general public. This is how Dream It. Speak It. Do It!!” The website for the LGBTQ and allied communities can be en- registration, donations and full information is gaged: http://chicagosummit.lgbthomelessness.com/. Donations to help cover the costs of the sum- Each of the summit’s three days will have a mit, including stipends for youth attending, different area of focus: food, staff, and other expenses. —Friday, May 2, 2-8 p.m. Experienced facilitators are needed for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital first two days. Open to people 25 and under who have been Volunteers are needed with the following impacted by homelessness. skill sets: Video taping, photography, note- Registration: FREE taking, general support. —Sat., May 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The summit is a followup to the award-win- University of Illinois at Chicago, Behavioral ning Windy City Times Generation Halsted se- Sciences Bldg, 1007 W. Harrison St. ries. That series of articles, plus several other are we doing to fight for the cause? The time The Crossroads Fund is the 501(c)(3) fiscal Open to youth, nonprofits, government agen- important reports on issued related to LGBTQ starts NOW!” LayMorris said. partner of the summit. The The foundations cies, politicians, foundations, activists, service youth, are available for download on the sum- The summit has several goals, including: and groups so far assisting with the summit providers, academic researchers and individuals mit’s website. —Looking at the complex causes of home- include: True Colors Fund, Polk Bros Founda- working on these issues. “Windy City Times wants to bring a public lessness tion, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Lefkof- Registration: $45 adults, youth free spotlight to these issues, inviting all major and —Shining a light on existing work being sky Foundation, Pierce Family Foundation, As- —Mon., May 5, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. smaller agencies and individuals addressing LG- done traea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, Affinity Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 BTQ youth, including youth themselves, to par- —Reporting on the gaps and needs Community Services, Lambda Legal, AIDS Foun- N. State St. ticipate in a new way of working together, sim- —Listing short-term and long-term strate- dation of Chicago, Chicago House and Howard Report to government agencies, politicians, ilar to the diverse and transparent approach to gies Brown Health Center. The venues donating foundations (private, public and corporate the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality —Creating action steps their facilities are: Ann and Robert H. Lurie foundations encouraged to attend), academics, in 2013,” said summit host Tracy Baim, Windy “Addressing LGBT youth homelessness re- Children’s Hospital, the University of Illinois at and donors. City Times publisher, and founder of the march. quires a team effort. This summit presents Chicago Gender and Sexuality Center, and the Registration: FREE Additional Summit Team members are youth an opportunity for everyone—from policy mak- Museum of Broadcast Communications. The first two days of the summit will be bro- organizers Breezy Connor, Keyshia Lay Morris ers and faith leaders to advocates and activ- Information and links to registration and do- ken down into general plenary sessions and and Zanareyah Phillips; and Bonn Wade, adult ists—to come together and find new ways to nation pages here: facilitated workshops focused on areas in- ally. address an ongoing challenge,” said Commis- http://chicagosummit.lgbthomelessness. cluding: Housing issues (shelters, DCFS, HUD, “Marriage is behind us. Housing is next. What sioner Bechara Choucair, M.D., Chicago Depart- com or email: [email protected]. ment of Public Health.

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“It’s very difficult to really put into words all that Vernita meant Vernita Gray: A community remembers to me. Knowing her for almost 30 years, I met her just as I was get- “Today we mourn the passing of “The President extends his condo- so close and how many of us felt that deepest sympathy - her vibrancy and ting quite active in the LGBT com- a fearless woman who spent her life lences to the family and friends of same sense of her constancy in our verve will be deeply missed.” munity. She was on a very short fighting for equality and civil rights. Vernita Gray, especially her widow lives. She leaves a huge hole in so —Ald. Harry Osterman list of best friends, confidantes and Vernita Gray was an inspiration Patricia Ewert. Vernita led a life many hearts but the way she lived, partners-in-trouble-making and par- to all who crossed her path, from committed to achieving justice and and faced her death, inspires me to “For me Vernita was the heart and tying. I’m hoping that some of her President Obama who knew her by peace for all Illinoisians, including emulate that generosity of spirit she soul of our community. I feel blessed graciousness and eternal optimism name to the victims of violence she the LGBT community. Her legacy is embodies.” to have known her and will miss her has rubbed off on me.” comforted and the young people for an Illinois that is more just and fair, —State Rep. Kelly Cassidy dearly.” — Mary Morten, The Morten Group whom she was a fierce advocate. Her and we are all the better for her ef- —Ald. Deb Mell legacy can be felt in the many insti- forts. She will be missed.” “Vernita was larger than life, and “Vernita was a powerful voice, a tutions she supported and by every —Shin Inouye, Director of Spe- she was threaded through every “Today, we remember and cel- pioneer activist and early advocate LGBT couple in Illinois who is now cialty Media, White House Office of chapter of my experience with the ebrate the life of Vernita Gray, who for our community. She was an un- free to marry the person they love. Communications LGBT community. From her fierce ad- was a pioneer in the Chicago LGBT ashamedly out and proud African My thoughts and prayers are with her vocacy in the state’s attorney’s of- movement. I was fortunate to have American, queer woman organizing wife Pat Ewert, her family, and the “It’s fitting that Vernita Gray and fice to teaching about tolerance in worked with her for thirty years and and providing strength and sup- community of friends who loved her her partner Pat became the first gay schools, she was a force to be reck- she had a positive effect on every- port for others in a time when most so dearly.” couple to wed in Illinois. Vernita’s oned with. Even when she was very one she met. Equality in Illinois LGBT people could not even begin to —Mayor Rahm Emanuel entire life was spent blazing a trail. sick, she was one of the strongest would not be where it is today with- imagine coming out. The only reason I was honored to stand with her at women I knew. I will miss her.” out her activism and leadership.” we have non-discrimination statues “Vernita Gray was one of the most last year’s March on Springfield for —State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz —Ald. Tom Tunney and marriage equality in Illinois, energetic pioneers of LGBT rights in Marriage Equality. Chicago’s LGBT why many of us live out and proud Illinois. Her lifetime of service, in- community has lost a dedicated ad- “I was saddened to learn of Ver- “Vernita was a fearless visionary and many young people now don’t cluding 18 years in the Cook County vocate, but Vernita will rest in peace nita’s passing. She was a tenacious, and could often see what eluded hesitate to come out, is because of State’s Attorney’s Office helping having made a real and lasting dif- creative and compassionate advo- everyone else. She lived what she people like Vernita. LGBT crime survivors, helped pave ference in the lives of gays and les- cate and mentor who contributed believed, that she and all of us be- “Vernita helped form the LGBT the way for a more just and equal so- bians in Illinois and across the na- immeasurably to the LGBT commu- long everywhere and no one can population in Chicago into a com- ciety. Her passing will leave a hole in tion.” nity and the cause of justice every- stop us from living our lives freely munity. She will remain a pillar of our hearts, but her legacy and tire- —Sen. Richard Durbin where. As much as I miss her pres- and with love. She saw herself as a the LGBT community and the greater less efforts have brought about the ence in the community, I’m happy hippy and loved all her tie-dye wear. Chicago community. We all stand tall change she believed in and fought “Vernita’s tireless work on behalf that her commitment to her wife But her real gift was a true belief and have been able to accomplish for everyday of her life. My thoughts of the LGBT community inspired me Pat could be recognized during her in the power of peace and love that incredible things together because and prayers are with her wife Pat Ew- to be an advocate for equality. She lifetime not only by her friends and reached beyond boundaries of race, we stand on her shoulders. All of ert, her family, friends, and the com- will be dearly missed, but I know family, but also by the law of this culture or class. Social injustice— our lives are the better for the way munity who lost a strong advocate.” that her passion for justice will con- state. My thoughts at this time are when presented—was called out Vernita lived her life. Her impact on —Cook County Board President tinue to inspire advocates for gen- with Pat and all who loved Vernita.” immediately; she could do it with our community and country are im- Toni Preckwinkle erations to come. My sincerest con- —State Sen. Heather Steans finesse, she could do it loud, or she measurable. dolences go out to her wife, family could use her poet words to inspire “I will always be in awe of Ver- “Vernita Gray was a passionate and friends.” “Vernita Gray was a trailblazer us all that social injustice would nita Gray. She will continue to be a and driven advocate for equality in —U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley who inspired many with her self- not, would not, define us. She had powerful role model for me and our Illinois. She recognized that no one less commitment to equality and a special place in her heart for youth community on how to live one’s life should have to wait for equal rights “Vernita Gray was a remarkable civil rights. Vernita effected change and she was drawn to them as they with pride, courage, determination, when it comes to love. She fought woman, a groundbreaker and pioneer until the end with her final victory were drawn to her. Like a pied piper honesty and empathy. Her life was a for what she believed in and made a who fought tirelessly for equality for for marriage equality. I’m so grate- her entourage wanted only to bathe blessing to us all.” difference for people across Illinois. the LGBT community. She inspired so ful Vernita’s loving relationship with in the light of her love. We have —Laura Ricketts, co-owner, Chi- “Vernita was a leader in the fight many people, including me, and will Pat could be recognized by our great all suffered a profound loss, whether cago Cubs and founder, LPAC for marriage equality, and a part of be missed greatly. She and her wife state before she passed.” you depended on her to help laugh the anti-violence movement whose Pat Ewert were pioneers of same sex —Cook County Clerk David Orr your way out of life’s challenges, “She never grew cynical or jaded poetry resonated with so many, in- marriage in Illinois, and their love needed that ass whipping you would at any part of the movement. When cluding President Barack Obama. touched everyone around them. Ver- “Vernita was a very special person not allow anyone else to mete, or the young and energetic 15-year- “While Vernita was with us she nita will always be remembered for who had a tremendous impact on the you had temporarily lost your way old came in with a million differ- helped spread love and strength and her strength, advocacy, compassion lives of LGBT people of all ages in and she helped guide you out. She ent ideas, she would just sit back we are all blessed to have known and and joy of life.” Chicago and beyond. Her warmth and held many hands, saved many lives, and ask, ‘Okay, how are you going learned from her. —U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky generosity along with her unbending and demanded that we be the best to do it?’ She was in the movement “I join the people of Illinois in of- tenacity in working with government we could be. My children and I were for 40 years, and she would always fering thoughts and prayers to her “It’s hard to remember a major on behalf of her very special inter- especially blessed to have shared a be ready for the next thing—often wife Pat Ewert and their family. Ver- event in my life that didn’t some- ests separate her from so many oth- love that will forever guide us.” before the rest of us knew what that nita Gray will continue to inspire all how include Vernita. She has been a ers who championed similar causes. —Commissioner Mona Noriega, ‘next thing’ was.” those she touched during her time constant through so many changes. Along with many others in the com- Chicago Commission on Human Rela- —James Bennett, Lambda Legal here on earth and we are forever What’s been so striking to me over munity, I am saddened by her loss, tions grateful.” these last weeks as we all said good- and offer her wife Pat, her family —Gov. Pat Quinn bye was how many people she held and all of the LGBT community my Turn to page 13

GRAY from cover can president, especially from her hometown of In the 1970s she was an editor and wrote in France in 1972. Chicago. She first went there for a June 2009 for the Lavender Woman newspaper. She also She told Keehnen and Baim: “This all came Pride reception. The next time, in October of worked on her own writing and poetry, even- about because I was going to the Lutheran She worked in the Cook County State’s At- 2009, was for Obama’s signing of the federal tually releasing the chapbook Sweet Sixteen. church and had met some people who were torney’s Office for 18 years, including in the hate-crimes law, something she had supported After encouragement from award-winning poet from France and were going to this monastery position of victim/witness assistant, where she for many years. Gray’s most recent visits were Gwendolyn Brooks, Gray too creative writing called Taizé [a monastic community in the helped LGBT crime survivors, and as an out- in December 2009 and 2013, for White House classes at Columbia College. Saône-et-Loire department of France’s Burgun- reach worker on LGBT issues. Prior to that, she holiday celebrations. She attended the 2009 She called herself a hippie, and often signed dy region]. … [One] of my main jobs was, they owned the popular Sol Sands restaurant in Up- event with her good friend Mary Morten. For her work with the final word “Peace.” She told had a room full of typewriters with all different town, and had worked for the phone company one visit, she went with Renae Ogletree, who biographers Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen, languages. I would answer all the letters … . and for Playboy magazine. at the time was in the final months of her un- who will soon release the book, Vernita Gray: The monastery was really about social action. Gray was one of those people you might run successful battle with cancer. From Woodstock to the Whitehouse: “I certain- “When I returned to Paris in March, I vis- into at any kind of event and among any sort of Gray was a ubiquitous activist. In the early ly embraced the hippie values of being who you ited a bookstore there called Shakespeare and crowd—at every Chicago Pride Parade since the 1970s, she was instrumental in starting the are and changing the world and revolution— Company. Someone there told me they knew first in 1970, at a community gala or fundrais- first gay and lesbian helpline in Chicago in her revolution happening for Blacks and revolution James Baldwin and they knew when they ex- er, at the Dyke March, at a women’s music fes- own apartment—the phone number was FBI- happening for women and revolution happen- pected him to be coming to the bookstore. … tival, at a poetry slam reading her own words, LIST. Her one-bedroom place on 56th Street ing for gay people. Once that light bulb went Sure enough, that day I was at Shakespeare or even at the White House—which she visited and Drexel Avenue also served as an overnight on about the revolution happening for gay and Company and he walked in the door. I was four times during President Barack Obama’s ad- shelter for a number of teens who had been people, it was like I found myself. Being a gay in awe. I said I really like your writing. And he ministrations. kicked out by their families because they were hippie then became my life.” smiled. I was just inspired. He was really one of As a young girl she watched Dr. Martin Lu- gay, lesbian or transgender. Gray gave them a Two trips also shaped Gray in her younger my heroes. I also knew that just because I was ther King, Jr., try to desegregate the heavily place to go and was there to lend a hand when years. One was a cross-country trip with gay gay, that did not mean I wanted to move to divided city of Chicago. Her visits to the White they needed someone. She was also a founder men in a red Cadillac convertible in the early France like James Baldwin. I really wanted to House brought tears to her eyes because she of the Women’s Caucus of Chicago Gay Libera- 1970s. The other trip was more monumental— never thought she would see an African-Ameri- tion in 1970. first to Paris, and then to the Taizé monastery Turn to page 13 WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 13 GRAY from page 12 Gray’s activism and community involvement: go back to Chicago, back to my gay community. That was important to me. The social-work as- pect of the monastery was very inspiring. That A photographic look back really prompted me to do things. It reignited that spark.” Gray was an activist who juggled her love of community with her love for friends and partners. She had several long-term relation- ships, including one in which she helped raise two children. Gray and Ewert met on a women’s cruise in 2009, and became engaged later that year. They had a civil union when those became legal in 2011, and held a big ceremony that same year. After their 2013 marriage, President Obama sent congratulations: A love like yours is truly something to treasure.” She had a love of music, dancing, game shows and food—especially chocolate. She and Ewert loved their dog, Sophie. For her work, Gray has received dozens of Gray in the “gay love Cadillac” with gay friends on a cross-country trip, early ‘70s. Photo Vernita Gray at Gay Horizons (now Center on Hal- honors. She was inducted into the Chicago Gay by Maher Abmad sted), 1980s. Photo by Lisa Howe-Ebright and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1992. She received the prestigious Stonewall Award, the Horizons Community Services Human First Award and many other accolades. Right: Gray at After a battle with breast cancer in the early a 2009 rally 1990s, Gray’s struggle with cancer took a turn for gay murder for the worse two years ago. She knew her time victims in was limited, but she shared it with the com- Puerto Rico. munity, advocating until the very end for full Photo by Hal equality. Baim Judge Patricia Logue, former head of Lambda Legal Midwest and a longtime lesbian activist herself, performed the marriage ceremony for Gray and Ewert in front of several dozen family and friends. In her remarks, Logue called the event “a very personal yet historic occasion— Left: Gray with Mayor Daley, Clarence Wood, Rep. Larry McKeon, and two children she an event long-awaited and hard-won, (and) was helping, Hall of Fame 1992. Right: Gray in 1993 at a hate-crimes press conference. one that crystallizes the impact of equality Photos by Tracy Baim. and inequality in all our lives. And once, again, Left: Ewert and as so often happens in our nation’s long civil Gray, at their civil rights journey—we are assisted by a federal union ceremony court decree in favor of justice and humanity at Millennium for a minority group.” Park, 2011. Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Illinois filed Photo by Kat marriage the case Nov. 22, two days after Gov. Fitzgerald. Right: Pat Quinn signed the marriage law into effect, Gray (right) and seeking immediate action due to Gray’s failing Ewert were wed health. Judge Thomas Durkin issued the deci- Nov. 27, 2013 by sion Judge Pat Logue. Among Gray’s survivors, in addition to her Photo by Hal wife Pat Ewert, are her mother Fran Hairston; Baim stepfather Howard Hairston; cousin Dameon Christian; goddaughter Shantell Steve; her many longtime friends including Mona Noriega and her children Camille and Ramon; Fay Rob- inson; Kay Miles; Mary Morten and Willa Tay- lor; Paul Fairchild; Jim Bennett; and hundreds more. ers, she be remembered with generous contri- to create and grow. Her bright, forthright, and In lieu of flowers, donations should be made QUOTES from page 12 butions to Affinity, Broadway Youth Center of upbeat personality made her steady approach to Affinity Community Services, Broadway Howard Brown Health Center, or the Center on even more effective. Her thousands of fans Youth Center at Howard Brown, or Center on “Vernita Gray was a friendly giant, a titan Halsted. We are touched and honored by her and friends will miss her, but in her honor we Halsted. in our community. I don’t recall when we met, thoughtfulness and unwavering commitment to should keep doing our share of work to relieve but I remember being at the Democratic Na- social justice. injustice, soothe suffering, and bring solidarity tional Convention in Denver in 2008 with Ver- “As we say our last good byes, we honor her out of discord. Condolences to Pat Ewert and nita when we nominated one Barack Obama for legacy of proud activism and altruism. V, we the rest of Vernita’s birth and chosen family.” President. She was pretty excited. I remember will miss you and continue to carry the touch —William B. Kelley, Activist/Attorney Here is an excerpt from Gray’s 1985 chapbook hearing Vee speak with compassion and un- of your passion for community.” of her poetry, Sweet Sixteen, from the poem of derstanding about the plight and slights that —Kim L. Hunt, Affinity Community Services “You are my family. Vernita, thank you for the same name: LGBT elders suffered in nursing homes. She was —David Munar & Imani Rupert, Broadway welcoming me, encouraging me, teaching me, a fierce advocate, generous and wise. We would Youth Center at Howard Brown Health Center sharing with me and loving me. this journal of poetry all be well served to have a lot more Vee in us.” —Modesto Tico Valle, Center On Halsted “I am thankful that God gave me a beautiful is a celebration —Commissioner Debra Shore, Metropolitan person to love. You said that we are going to of my 16th anniversary Water Reclamation District “One of our community’s great icons is gone. dance. So I will dance and enjoy life and re-

She will never be replaced.” member you. out of the closet “We extend our deepest condolences to the —Art Johnston, co-founder, Equality Illinois “Vernita always accepted me for the person and into the streets wife, family and friends of Vernita Gray. She I am on the inside, despite my lack of money left an indelible mark on our hearts and com- “Vernita Gray stood up for us long before it at times and my struggles. She made me feel coming out munities with her compassion, fierce advocacy, was safe, acceptable or lucrative. She stood up like I mattered, and she also inspired me to wicked sense of humor, and deep commitment when it was dangerous. And even when she was be comfortable with my sexuality regardless of a celebration of my/self to community empowerment. ill her voice never wavered. She helped build anything. I will always love her.” a self i have nurtured “Vernita’s contributions to LGBT activism are the firm foundation that we all stand on to- —Kennette Crockett and Jacquelyn Haas substantial. And beyond her accolades we re- day.” my sultry separatist self member the love and kindness she showed ev- —Rick Garcia, The Civil Rights Agenda “Vernita was to us what love is for the heart. strong eryone she encountered, whether an old friend She opened us up and made us reveal the best black or new acquaintance. “Vernita was a vibrant presence who inspired of ourselves, because she expected nothing womyn “Even in our mourning, Vernita reminds us of many people and served many others, both di- less” who loves wimmin her character and moral compass. She has re- rectly and through institutions that she helped —C.C. Carter quested to her next of kin that in lieu of flow- 14 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES —Toni Berrios, 39th House District, Loss: voted “yes” to SB10 after voting against civil One of the most tumultuous races in this pri- unions, but said he changed his mind since Few surprises dot mary saw the defeat of longtime incumbent gay marriage “promotes conservative values.” Toni Berrios, who is daughter of Cook County During the campaign, Matune’s supporters re- Assessor Joseph Berrios and who has strong leased flyers decrying the vote that attempted primary elections connections to the Chicago “machine.” Ber- to depict Sandack as a radical. rios lost by about 475 votes to Will Guzzardi, a —Don Harmon, 39th state Senate District, writer and activist who narrowly lost to Berrios Win: Harmon defeated attorney Bob Galhotra, NEWS ANALYSIS BY ANDREW in the last election. Guzzardi (an LGBT ally who who criticized Harmon’s close ties to the Demo- DAVIS AND MATT SIMONETTE is a former Windy City Times 30 Under 30 hon- cratic Party, easily topping him 82 percent to oree) depicted himself as a more progressive 18 percent. Harmon co-sponsored SB10 in the Not too many surprises were expected during and less-entrenched alternative to Berrios. state senate and is a top lieutenant to Senate the Illinois primary elections March 18—and —Jaime Andrade, 40th House District, Win: President John Cullerton. the results mostly went along those lines. Andrade, formerly an assistant to Ald. Dick Mell —In a GOP primary for state rep (48th Dis- One unexpected result was in the Republican and sergeant at arms to the Chicago City Coun- trict), Peter Breen—a vice president and senior gubernatorial race, where millionaire business cil, will retain the post that he took over when counsel of the Thomas More Society who spoke Bruce Rauner edged Kirk Dillard. Rauner was Mell’s daughter Deb took over her father’s job. out against the marriage-equality bill—de- expected to win, but the final gap was prob- Andrade, who captured 51 percent of the vote, feated Sandra Pihos, and now moves on to the ably narrower than he wanted, as he garnered faced a number of challengers: lawyer Aaron General Assembly, barring a last-minute entry 41 percent of the vote to Dillard’s 37 percent. Goldstein, activist Wendy Jo Harmston, engi- by someone from another party. Breen handled Bill Brady, who almost defeated Democratic in- neer Mark Pasieka and lawyer Nancy Schiavone. litigation when the Thomas More Society repre- cumbent Gov. Pat Quinn four years ago, mus- Melanie “Mel” Ferrand, who is lesbian, tried to sented county clerks opposed to gay marriage tered 15 percent of the vote, while Dan Ruth- run but was disqualified because of a filing er- in a lawsuit originally brought against Cook erford—whose campaign went into free fall ror. County Clerk David Orr, who refused to fight Christian Mitchell won his General Assembly after a male employee accused him of sexual —Ed Sullivan Jr., 51st District, Win: Sullivan, the suit. primary race. Photo by Matt Simonette harassment—took 7 percent. Quinn, who easily a Republican, announced his support for SB10 defeated challenger Tio Hardiman, already had last April, explaining that his mother-in-law Gay candidates an anti-Rauner ad ready to air on television month’s primary election, including a race for was a lesbian and that he was prepared to de- Only six candidates in the March 18 primaries March 19, WGN-TV reported. state comptroller between Republican incum- fend his decision on SB10. He defeated Bob were openly gay. Two of those candidates— In the race for state treasurer, Republican bent Judy Baar Topinka and current Democratic Bednar, treasurer of the Lake County Republi- state Reps. Kelly Cassidy and Sam Yingling— state Rep. Tom Cross (who voted for the mar- Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon—two individuals with can Party. ran unopposed but will face Republican chal- riage-equality bill) defeated DuPage County LGBT backing. —Kathleen Willis, 77th District, Win: Incum- lengers in November. State Rep. Greg Harris Auditor Bob Grogan 57 percent to 43 percent. Voter turnout was again notoriously low. For bent Kathleen Willis defeated Antonio “Tony” was unopposed in the primaries and does not Cross will now go up against Democrat Mike example, in Elk Grove Township, it was 3.75 Favela, a recent law school graduate. Willis, have a challenger in the general election. Frerichs in November. percent; in Barrington Township, it was 1.48 formerly a librarian admitted close ties with Two openly gay candidates were running for In the U.S. Senate race, the GOP primary percent, according to the Cook County clerk’s House Speaker Michael Madigan, but main- judgeships. Judy Rice won, landing 53.61 per- also featured a surprisingly close race, as Jim website. tained that she exerted control over her own cent of the vote for the 7th judicial subcircuit. Oberweis defeated Doug Truax 55 percent to voting record. “I’m not going to deny that I James Crawley captured only 24.05 percent of 45 percent. Oberweis was criticized for recently General Assembly races have the support of the Illinois Democrats, but the vote and lost to Andrea Michele Buford. taking a trip to Florida, which had some specu- Illinois marriage equality activists worked they don’t control me,” she told Daily Herald in Meanwhile, Jorge Zavala Jr., a 26-year-old lating that he was overconfident about how the diligently through the winter to support leg- February. graduate student at DePaul University, cap- race would end. Oberweis’ win makes for an in- islators who in 2013 cast votes in favor of —Ron Sandack, 81st District, Win: Repub- tured only 583 votes in his attempt to win the triguing November general-election match-up gay marriage. Eight legislators—seven in the lican incumbent Ron Sandack’s run against seat of 4th District U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez. Za- with incumbent U.S. Dick Durbin. House, one in the Senate—faced primary chal- Downers Grove school teacher Keith Matune vala, with 8.43 percent of the vote, fell behind Regarding the U.S. House, 4th District race, lenges, but not always for reasons that had to was extremely close as of publication time, Gutierrez, with 72.96 percent, and another op- Democratic incumbent Luis Gutierrez easily do with the marriage vote. As of press time, six with Sandack having captured 50.1 percent ponent, Alexandra Eidenberg, with 18.61 per- won his contest, defeating Alexandra Eiden- of those legislators were certain to stay in of- of the vote to Matune’s 49.9 percent. Sandack cent. berg and openly gay opponent Jorge Zavala. fice; one was defeated while one race had not The U.S. House, 9th District, appeared to have yet been called. an intriguing twist as Susanne Atanus—a Re- —Christian Mitchell, 26th House District, Ferrand sues law ter an opponent filed an objection. publican who recently told Windy City Times Win: Mitchell narrowly won against community Ferrand is now asking for $250,000 from that she blames gays and abortionists for the organizer Jhatayn “Jay” Travis. Mitchell, at 26, firm over botched Johnson and his firm, Korey Cotter Heather polar weather Chicagoans have endured— is currently the House’s youngest member and & Richardson. “Plaintiffs were injured and edged David Earl Williams III to set up a No- was a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill. election filing damaged in that Mel Ferrand has been pre- vember showdown with Democratic incumbent He is a protégé of Cook County Board President By Matt Simonette cluded from appearing on the ballot for the U.S. Sen. Jan Schakowsky. Toni Preckwinkle. He had a difficult election, Illinois State Representative for the 40th The Cook County commissioners’ races ran however, when Travis lined up support from Melanie “Mel” Ferrand, who was thrown off District. As a direct and proximate result, pretty much according to form, as incumbents several unions, among them Chicago Teachers the primary ballot because of a paperwork Mel Ferrand was caused damage to her per- easily won most of their races. An exception Union and AFSCME District 31. error, is suing the attorneys that were in sonal and professional reputation and career. was the 1st District race that featured five can- —Thaddeus Jones, 29th House District, charge of her filing. Furthermore, as a direct and proximate re- didates. With 211 of 235 precincts reporting, Win: Jones, of Calumet City, defeated Ken- Ferrand, who is a lesbian, intended to run sult, Plaintiffs have lost over $250,000.00 Richard Boykin led with 30 percent of the vote. neth “Kenny” Williams of South Holland, for- as state representative for the 40th District, in campaign expenses, including the money (Also, Luis Arroyo Jr. upset incumbent Eddie merly the president of the Thornton Township a post vacated in 2013 by now-Chicago Ald. spent litigating the objections to Mel Fer- Reyes in the 8th District race.) Cook County High School District 205 School Board. Jones Deb Mell. Jaime Andrade Jr. was appointed to rand’s candidacy,” said the complaint, which Sheriff Tom Dart easily defeated three chal- was an early supporter of SB10 and reportedly fill Mell’s spot, and successfully campaigned also said that Johnson initially admitted to lengers, garnering 70 percent of the ballots outspent Williams significantly, but multiple to keep the seat March 18, despite a crowded the error. cast. sources said organizers were worried that many field of opponents. “After the mistake was discovered, he took November’s general election promises to of the church communities in the district might According to Ferrand’s complaint, filed full responsibility for the error, then, when bring more intriguing contests than this have resented the marriage vote. March 19, attorney Daniel Johnson incor- push came to shove, he stuck his head in the rectly submitted a receipt for a Statement sand,” said political consultant Lowell Jaffe, of Economic Interests issued by the office of who Ferrand also retained in the election. the Cook County Clerk, rather than one from Chris Varones, a spokesman for Johnson, the State of Illinois, as is required with pri- on March 21 called the lawsuit “frivolous,” mary candidate filings. Ferrand attempted to according to the Illinois Observer. correct the filing, but was ultimately unable David A. Axelrod & Associates is handling ALEO PRIDE to have her name reinstated to the ballot af- Ferrand’s malpractice lawsuit. VAT CHICAGO LAKESHORE HOSPITAL > Addictions Treatment Chicago’s Dedicated and Comprehensive LGBTQ Program > Detox A Safe, Affirming, > Behavioral Health Therapeutic Environment Free Assessments > Dual Diagnosis 24 Hours per Day/365 Days per Year

> Intensive Outpatient Program 4840 N. MARINE DRIVE CHICAGO, IL 60640 1-800-888-0560 www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 15 Dr. David Schrader joined the CCPA faculty in 1986 and is the professor of music in the Core Studies Department. As a teacher of music history, he views himself as an ombudsman between academe and performance. He has been become renowned as a virtuoso on instruments that include the harpsichord, organ, clavichord and piano and his talents have taken him GAY in the throughout the United States and Europe. In Chicago, he can be seen performing in venues from the Haymarket Opera, to the Grant Park Symphony to the Ravinia festival, during CCPA student recitals and concerts and with Baroque Band—an ensemble began in 2007 that has quickly earned a name for LIFE itself as one of America’s most exciting period-instrument orchestras. On Sundays, he plays the organ for the Church of the Ascension—a position he has held for 34 years. Dr. David Schrader Schrader was adopted at six weeks old. His parents acquired his first piano when he was 8. He started playing the organ at 16 and the harpsichord as Text AND PHOTOS By a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder. “Music of all kinds was one of my first thought processes,” he remembered. “Like literature is precious GRETCHEN RACHEL BLICKENSDERFER to someone who teaches English.” In recalling how attitudes to LGBTQ musicians have changed over the years, Schrader remembered his days as an undergraduate piano student. He was informed by his teacher Storm Bull—a former student of Béla Bartók—that a judge in a competition he had entered was biased against his sexual orientation. ”I can’t say that’s happened since,” Schrader recalled with a laugh. “I think there’s been a passing of the old guard. No profession can avoid it. I mean, my God, if you took LGBTQs out of the church, the whole institution would stop.” Age “Accomplished” Neighborhood Rogers Park Job title Professor of music, Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) Core Studies Department Relationship status Happily partnered to Patrick for 22 years; married in Montreal in 2005 Bucket list item To support historically informed musical groups Favorite composer “Whoever I happen to be working on at the time. At the end of the March, I’m doing two pieces with Baroque Band by two composers: Carl Phillip Emanuel and Wilhelm Friedemann. I Schrader was 19 when he came out. In 1983, he discovered he was HIV positive. “I’ve always been philosophical about things like this,” he said. “I call them ‘S.O.B.’s- Sons of Bach.’” just kind of went on. There was a while I would be looking through trade journals and I’d see who died. I didn’t really get scared until the summer of Music he dislikes ’85. I got really sick and I was wondering when I would check out.” “Jazz: It doesn’t move me.” Schrader said that, while society may be open about discussing LGBTQ issues, he believes it to be generally more sexually conservative, especially Favorite European country amongst his LGBTQ students. “Some people get caught up right about AIDS education,” he said. “Some think, to their woe, that it is simply a condition “England is the one I’ve been to the that can be managed.” most and there is nothing I don’t like Although he will never conduct a student interview without his office door open, Schrader said that he doesn’t have much to fear from LGBTQ about it.” detractors. “I’ve always adopted a two-pronged philosophy,” he said. “Until I know differently, everybody loves me and I’m going to kill them with kindness.” Schrader is proud of the many students he has sent into the musical world. “I’ll go to a concert and find out that one of my former students is in the orchestra and think ‘all right, I’m doing what I trained for.’” 16 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES VIEWPOINT WINDY CITY not the first time I had discounted it. It was TIMES RON however, a time I regretted my reaction to her VOL. 29, No. 26, March 26, 2014 concerns. The combined forces of Windy City Times, CLEWER Within a few hours we would learn Kevin had founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, been stabbed to death in the bedroom of his founded May 1987. apartment. My father found him at the foot of PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR his bed. He was in the fetal position, back up- Tracy Baim ward and my father saw every one of the 42 stab wounds his killer delivered him. My father ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky never escaped this vision and I believe it partly MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis Forgiving and BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine led to his early passing 13 months later. DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright remembering My mother struggled as well, and died 12 ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson months after Kevin and two weeks before my SENIOR REPORTER Matt Simonette On March 24, 2004, Lake View resident Kevin dad. In this time, while divorced and living Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, Kirk Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, Clewer, 31, was found in his apartment mur- separate lives, they were both very active and Gretchen Blickensderfer vocal in helping to find my brother’s killer. I dered, the victim of multiple stab wounds. The Kevin Clewer. Photo courtesy of Ron Clewer PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Scott Duff case has not been solved. On the incident’s 10th believe the intensity and focus, as well as frus- NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 anniversary, his brother Ron has written this tration, added to the heartache of losing their SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, viewpoint. child contributed to both of their deaths. time. Kevin was gay and there were people Yasmin Nair, Kate Sosin CS Lewis said, “Everyone thinks forgiveness This time was a sea of confusion, chaos, who condemned him for this “decision.” I was THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan is a lovely idea until he has something to for- fear and pain and in partnership with police told by a minister he was in hell. My brother’s CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. give.” I have had many opportunities to for- and community all we heard was, “answers sexuality is a position I will not debate [at this BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair would come.” The night of the 24th, the police SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman give; this is about one of them. Forgiving has moment] but suffice it to say I was and remain ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS taken me nearly 10 years. questioned my father and I and others about proud of him. He was a man. He was a son, a Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence I spoke about this idea last week with my Kevin’s life, looking for anything that may brother and an uncle, and he was incredible in Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan children. Both girls said life in the past 10 help find his killer. A few weeks later, I remem- all of these roles. Who has the right to judge Abarbanel COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet years has changed dramatically—true for most. ber sitting in Area 3 Homicide offices talking him or the circumstances that led to his death? Harper, Meghan Streit, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Also true for most is that there are pivotal through more details and saying out loud, “I In this regard then what right do I have to Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, points that bring these changes to life. How we hope we won’t be having these discussions 10 counter judge? Who will break the cycle? Who Sally Parsons, Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, react to them defines us. Pivotal points launch years from now;” assuming Kevin’s case would will initiate peace? I have come to believe the Francesca Royster, Nick Patricca, Liz Baudler be solved. It’s been 10 years later ... with no SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, paths to healthy, productive outcomes or sadly surest path to victimization is to not forgive Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan victimization. Rarely it seems outcomes are resolution—an no answers. and to harbor judgment. I believe I am obli- Mattes somewhere in the middle. Over the years, inconsistencies and allega- gated to break the cycle. CIRCULATION Never having taken the victimization path I tions of impropriety in Kevin’s investigation Ten years later, I still think of my brother CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright struggled with a detour resulting from an ab- have been reported. So, too, reported was almost daily, as well as my dad and my mom. DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, that the lead detective was engaged in a per- Sue and Victor surd, pivotal point. The moment didn’t only af- I wonder how I and my remaining family will WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead fect me; it was critical for many and I believe sonal litigation that may have taken his time react if answers do come. programmer: Martie Marro) their struggles are similar. and focus from the investigation. It was this I have realized for me to live a healthy life, potential distraction and the lack of prog- I remember March 24, 2004, as if it was yes- the one my family would want me to live, I Copyright 2014 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media terday. The past few months have brought the ress in Kevin’s case that allowed us to push must find the balance in keeping Kevin’s mem- Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back memories closer and more alive. The notifica- and receive an assignment of his case to the issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). ory and his case going. In finding balance, I Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, tion from this day changed me; at first in the Cold Case division. Did the police fall down in believe that also means I need to forgive those and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and wrong direction and now, I am hopeful for the Kevin’s investigation? I don’t really know. By around him, around me within the investiga- no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy better as I have struggled to discover the posi- experience I do know that the “system” can tion. People have faults; faults make us human. City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned tive I know my family would want me to find. use improvement, and I am hopeful it comes. This forgiveness is long in the making and I for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, It was late morning on that March 24 when Being told that the Chicago Police Department believe I am finally there. cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own my mother called. I was in a meeting and let has no obligation to keep the family advised is To clarify, forgiving doesn’t mean I am giving and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City the last thing one wants to hear, even if it is Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of her go to voicemail. A while later she called up. I still believe even though, to date, there a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy again and then again. I listened to the voice- the legal answer. I have realized this system is are no new proactive investigative initiatives. City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the made up of people, all with their own faults. sexual orientation of such person or organization. While mails and heard her say my brother didn’t show The police still say it will take someone coming we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make up for work. I was frustrated, but had I listened Over these years, I have thought a lot about forward. this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept better I may have reacted differently. Until those around my brother at the time of his If you know anything about my brother’s responsibility for advertising claims. my aunt called, I believed my mom was over- death. I have cast blame and doubt for years. death please call the Chicago Police at 312- (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 Who was I to judge? I think about that often. e-mail: [email protected] or reacting when she said she was worried that 744-8261 and reference case number HK- [email protected] something had happened to my brother, Kevin. I think about it in relation to all of those who 259944: Kevin Clewer. It’s been 10 years—for- This wasn’t the first time my mom worried and judged my family and my brother during this give yourself and share what you know. Peace. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com

WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, of others—lovers, strangers, doctors, police Kleenex box? No. In biology, tissue refers to a 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 (?)—they don’t run the whole works either. collection of skin layers and cells. “An aggre- U.S.A JON-HENRI (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) Living is a chance, not a fault. They may put gate of similar cells and cell products forming DAMSKI me to sleep, like I put King Kitty to sleep after a definite kind of structural material.” Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. he lived with me intimately for 16 years. He The more general definition of tissue charms Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE never woke up. Did he know what I knew when me even more. “A woven fabric, especially one www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com I put—or had the doctors put—him to sleep? of light or gauzy texture.” Texture and tissue www.WindyCityQueercast.com Was that his fault, their fault, my fault? are related words, for they both come from the Cancer is a pretext for this operation which Latin texere, “to weave.” From which we get “Windy City Media Group generated Tissue is the issue will put me to sleep for a few hours. My doctor our common words now used in fancy criticisms enormous interest among their readers and I both agree on that. But I am not going about writers, readers: text, subtext, context. in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index The following is an excerpt from the late Chicago to get specific here, with the whys and where- Life and writing biology and matter are each Survey. Out of approximately 100 writer Jon-Henri Damski’s 1997 anthology dead/ fores. I am just going to reiterate that no one a “fabric,” a “fabrication.” Scary. I can come print and online media partners who queer/proud (Firetap Press). is at fault. This sleep will be a virtual sleep, a apart or be put back together like a sentence participated in the survey, Windy To be healthy you must have the courage to virtual reality and I am only virtually in their by the grammar of our surgeons with their skin City was the best performing regional be insane. On Friday, my doctors are going to hands, as I have lived up until now virtually in grafts. media in the U.S. Only survey partners put me to sleep. For an hour or two, my life will my hands. Our egos like the idea that we are “whole with a nationwide footprint were be in their hands. With this interruption, I am Living is a chance thing. On the bubble of subjects,” a singularly well-put-together item able to generate a greater number of not quite in the spirit of Christmas. How can I chaos, it has no deeper substance that its sur- that will last forever. But in truth, we are just responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc. sort all this out? face; no more profound meaning than its prob- part of a woven fabric, a soul on a string held I have given my body over to strangers be- abilities. together by nursery fabrication. We are not the fore. Why should I make a fuss over giving it to After they put me to sleep, they are going to whole matter; we are just an isolated patch a surgeon? I really don’t. Something inside me cut into my tissue. I like that word tissue. First of the whole matter. A little stitch in the Big says there is a no-fault principal at play here. it makes me think of Kleenex. Kleenex is such Quilt. First, my body isn’t exactly mine! It takes an a warm fuzzy item to have around the house, I also like the notion that my writing is just ego even larger than mine to pretend that I run that I always think of pleasant things when I like a bunch of tissues coming out of a box. things and that I am in charge of all my body hear the word tissue. parts and functions. My child-brain, however, always wondered: Turn to page 29 Also, when I give my body over to the hands How can tissues be on or in my body? Am I a WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 17 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Alan Markfield

HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO From left: Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy star in the superhero film X-Men: Days of Future Past. See page 22. THEATER DISH BOOKS ‘Fur’ sure. His name is Luca. Shinner happiness. Page 19 Page 26 Page 30 Photo from Venus in Fur Photo of 312 Chicago Chef PR photo of Peggy Shinner by Liz Lauren Luca Corazzina by Andrew Davis

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT “I think that’s very daring on Aditi’s part to Indian-American intersex be able to pres- ent a character who could so easily been mar- comedy show debuts ginalized, who is actually a bea- BY SCOTT C. MORGAN can Theater Company and Woyzeck and Pony con of hope and with The Hypocrites. strength,” Volkoff Andrew Volkoff has been on the job for about “It seemed like the perfect match since both said. “I think we nine months, but it’s only now that he’s mak- of our theaters deal with identity issues,” said need more stories ing his Chicago directorial debut as the new Volkoff, happy to work with Silk Road Rising’s like that.” artistic director of About Face Theatre, one of out co-founders Jamil Khoury and Malik Gillani Once Volkoff the city’s leading theater companies dedicated on Brahman/i. “That sense of community of starts Brahman/i, to producing works by and about the LGBTQ three gay men coming together to share this he’ll have his community. story with the world has been a really gratify- hands full with And Volkoff’s debut show is most definitely ing experience. I’ve learned a lot from them About Face Youth something that has never been seen in town and I think they’ve learned a lot from me. To Theater’s biennial before: a co-production with Silk Road Rising be able to be making this with other folks from summer produc- of Aditi Brennan Kapil’s Brahman/i: A One- the community has been really gratifying.” tion (which he Hirjra Stand-Up Comedy Show—which is about Once Brahman/i was programmed, Silk Road hopes to move to a South Asian intersex or “hirjra” person. Rising and About Face immediately pursued lo- an annual basis), “When I first read this, I was absolutely cal actor Fawzia Mirza to star in the show. Not and finding new blown away by the intelligence and daring of only does Mirza have many previous Silk Road Andrew Volkoff. Photo courtesy of About Face Theatre offices for About humor that she employed in putting the piece Rising credits, but she’s had plenty of expe- Face Theatre. But together,” said Volkoff, adding that he was al- rience commanding the stage in one-woman in the meantime, ready familiar with Kapil’s work since they are shows like her self-written and -produced Sex Volkoff hopes that his About Face di- both alumni of Macalester College in St. Paul, Signals, which is a sexual-violence prevention “The art of stand-up comedy and the art of rectorial debut with Brahman/i will be another Minn. “I knew I wanted to do something that show that tours to universities and military in- one-person storytelling, they’re similar but diverse milestone for the company. was diverse and that kind of embraced the stallations. then they’re different because one is very Brahman/i: A One-Hirjra Stand Up Comedy community beyond the traditional sense of “I was really excited after I read the full comedy specific,” said Mirza, adding that her Show is presented by About Face Theatre and the LGBT community. … A South Asian inter- script,” Mirza said. “You know, for me, a lot character gets lots of support onstage from the Silk Road Rising at Pierce Hall at the Histor- sex character has rarely, if ever, been seen on my work is based on me being South Asian accompanist played by Damian Conrad. “The ic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washing- stage, and I felt it was important to begin that or queer and on identity and duality, and so lead character is telling stories of being a kid ton St. Previews are March 27 through March conversation.” for me this was a total no-brainer when I was and the struggles of being in high school, and 30, with an official press opening 7:30 p.m. To help bring the Chicago premiere of offered the part. I couldn’t wait to do it and growing up Indian and finding out that they Thursday, April 3. Brahman/i to life, Volkoff teamed with Silk bring life to the character.” have both male and female genitalia and what The show and runs through April 27. Per- Road Rising since the show fit perfectly with Mirza relates to Brahman/i in part to her cul- that was like in school and what that was like formance times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, the company’s focus on productions influenced tural background and notions of being part of a with their parents and what it’s like as an 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 4 by Asian and Middle Eastern peoples and set- Diaspora, and she is very amazed at how Kapil adult.” p.m. Sundays. Preview tickets are $20/$10 tings. weaves in lots of history and politics on the Volkoff is also impressed that Kapil is also students and seniors. Regular-run tickets So Volkoff is continuing another About Face colonization of South Asia. assuredly making the point that the comedian are $35/$20 students and seniors; call 312- Theatre precedent of collaborating with other But what really impresses both Volkoff and of Brahman/i is not a victim, and that humor is 857-1234, ext. 201, or visit www.silkroad- companies, like when previous artistic director Mirza about Brahman/i is that Kapil does all of used to create a safe space. Bonnie Metzgar co-produced Rent with Ameri- this in the format of a standup comedy routine. rising.org or www.aboutfacetheatre.com. 18 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW lywood screen writer. They are most notori- ously associated with the Florida land boom- Road Show and-bust of the 1920s and the creation of Boca Playwrights: John Weidman (book), Raton, Fla. Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Their picaresque and high-stakes lives make At: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier them colorful theatrical characters but not he- Tickets: 1-312-595-5600; roes, and every story needs a hero. The authors www.chicagoshakes.com; from $48 allow Addison to find the love of his life in a Runs through: May 4 gay twist (without apparent historical basis), and then make him knowingly complicit in al- BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL lowing his brother to destroy the relationship. Indeed, in the show’s last 15 minutes Hollis, When Road Show—then called Bounce—had the boyfriend, becomes the protagonist to Wil- its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre son’s antagonist while Addison remains pas- in 2003, it had two fundamental problems. sive. Even if not intended, Addison becomes a First, its world-class musical theater creators gay man who doesn’t believe he deserves hap- promoted it as a musical with an emphasis on piness or love, which is neither PC nor appeal- comedy, and it wasn’t very funny. Second, its ing. lead characters were scoundrels. One was like- Road Show is staged because Stephen Sond- able and the other unlikeable, but both were heim wrote the score, which is clever, pleasing scoundrels nonetheless and inherently unsym- and signature Sondheim but not innovative. pathetic and unheroic. The authors long ago gave up trying to make it Retitled Road Show, Bounce was heavily re- funny (which doesn’t mean there aren’t laughs; worked for Washington, D.C., and New York there are), yet it lacks the depth and power of and emerged shorter, leaner and tighter, but other Sondheim-Weidman shows, Pacific Over- it never quite succeeded. Now, director Gary tures and Assassins. Road Show has had years Griffin gives it new life with an all-together of development and reworking and it may be admirable production filled with clever staging time simply to lay it aside. and musical devices, and sporting a top notch Nonetheless Sondheim and Chicago Shake- cast nearly all from Chicago. But it’s still about speare Theater (CST) aficionados should see it. two scoundrels and there’s the rub. Griffin’s staging in CST’s smaller theater is mas- Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England. Photo by Charles Osgood Road Show tells of real-life brothers Addison terful, utilizing a 12-person cast doubling on Mizner (1872-1933) and Wilson Mizner (1876- musical instruments (piccolo, clarinet, violin, 1933), taking considerable liberties with facts etc.) and moving seamlessly. Lead performers barriers, a protestor in mammoth mask and THEATER REVIEW and timeline. Both were darlings of high soci- Michael Aaron Lindner (Addison) and Andrew puppet-prosthetics attempting a huffy exit, ety which didn’t stop them from robbing high Rothenberg (Wilson) are outstanding and of- Seven Homeless and the Pratt’s chief custodian—played by society blind. Chicanery notwithstanding, for a fer striking physical and vocal contrasts, while Steve Herson with an impeccably non-rhotic period of years Addison was a legitimate and Robert Lenzi, as Addison’s lover, is passionate Mammoths Wander regional accent—sharing the local newspaper nationally-renowned architect while Wilson and handsome. Kudos to musical director Mi- coverage of the town and gown debate over New England was a successful Broadway playwright and Hol- chael Mahler and pianist Matt Deitchman. Playwright: Madeleine George property rights, what distinguishes this from At: Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. standard-issue screwball sitcom is the sympa- Tickets: 773-975-8150; thy George mandates for her characters and the THEATER REVIEW www.theaterwit.org; $20-$36 seriousness she ascribes to their problems. Un- Runs through: April 27 der Jeremy Wechsler’s direction, Meighan Gera- Chapatti chis, Kristen Magee and the always-riveting Playwright: Christian O’Reilly BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE Laura T. Fisher likewise endow their personae At: Northlight Theatre at the North with strength and intelligence, while generat- Shore Center for the Arts, First, an explanation of the title: The Pratt Mu- ing enough warmth to melt the ice imprisoning 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie seum of Natural History houses seven woolly the furry giants—whose bones do eventually Tickets: 847-673-6300; mammoth skeletons, donated by a wealthy find a new home—so long ago. www.northlight.org; $25-$75 alumnus of the small Massachusetts college Runs through: April 13 where they reside. Decades later, this cam- pus repository is mostly utilized by students BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE (and a few faculty members, too) as a trysting CRITICS’ PICKS place for age-old fertility rites, ostensibly be- In the Ireland depicted by plays exported to the United States, it is always the mid-20th cause “nobody ever goes there.” The trustees, Ghost Bike, Buzz22 Chicago at Green- century. The dynamic in this sweet tale of therefore, have pragmatically decided that the house Theater Center, through April 6. The golden-year romance is universal, but also land it occupies would be better utilized as the company that brought us She Kills Mon- distinctly old-world. In our society today, site of a new freshman dormitory—a proposal sters in 2012 takes us on a bicycle ride Christian O’Reilly’s elderly couple, whose ani- raising questions regarding the disposal of the through a multicultural realm of the dead mal companions serve them as both totems prehistoric pachyderms. with a grief-stricken teenager whose an- and factotums, would be beset by social This isn’t really the story that Madeleine ger at the loss of her best friend fuels her workers and AARP reps nudging them toward George wants to tell, however. Instead, she in- mission to defy the Grim Reaper. MSB quasi-intimate relationships while impeding troduces Cynthia—”Cindy” to her intimates— King Hedley II, Congo Square Theatre the leisure and privacy necessary for such al- Wreen, the school dean who not only must field Company at Athenaeum Theatre, through liances to blossom. arguments over the value of the past versus the April 6. In the Athenaeum’s intimate Our setting is an appropriately cozy village needs of the present, but who has just learned space, August Wilson’s florid prose lends where, even in the author’s “present” (circa John Mahoney in Chapatti. Photo by that her former domestic partner, Greer, has a gritty urban tale of remorse and nemesis 2010), you hear no mention of senior-citizen Michael Brosilow stage-four cancer and is undergoing experi- all the grandeur of Wagnerian opera. MSB centers or Internet cafes. Dan is a retired mental medical treatment. Cindy generously Rent, Paramount Theatre, Aurora, blue-collar bachelor who sorely misses the es. One can sense O’Reilly striving to balance offers Greer a bed for the duration of the thera- through April 6. Out director Jim Corti now-deceased woman whom he loved for the verbal flow between these contrasting peutic regimen, giving no thought to how this isn’t entirely beholden to the original pro- 30 years, his grief so inconsolable that he personalities, resulting in a few too many will affect the considerably younger paramour duction of the late Jonathan Larson’s Tony vows to join her in the afterlife—once he graveside apostrophes before the underlying already comfortably settled in their quasi-mar- Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical ascertains that his faithful terrier, Chapatti, source of Dan’s regrets is revealed. The ruse ital boudoir. (Yeah, they’re all lesbians, but the about New York artists in the early 1990s will be comforted by a good home. Betty is by which Betty corners Dan into deciding his author sees no need to comment on it, so why dealing with poverty, addiction and HIV. a likewise spouseless home-care nurse to future—a regency-romp charade mandating should we?) And that’s a good think in this large-scale an invalid dowager and a swarm of purring the assistance of hitherto-unwilling auxiliary Fortunately, New Age disciple Andromeda production that maintains the theater’s feline co-residents. One day, Dan and Betty personnel—also grows protracted reaching earned her degree in anthropology, making her Broadway-caliber track record. SCM cross paths, literally, at that hub of pet own- its anticipated resolution. view the reconfiguration of household dynam- A Tale of Two Cities, Lifeline Theatre, ers’ social activities, the veterinarian’s of- Oh, but who cares when you have John ics as an opportunity to observe “alternative through April 13. As is their wont, Lifeline fice. The dog-man later helps the cat-lady Mahoney and Penny Slusher at their most kinship structures” far more intricate than has pared down the famous Dickens tale cope with a crisis, leading to disclosure of charming, lending their talents—well-honed those of Friends, the popular 1990s television to its essential love triangle story, cutting personal histories, after which Betty helps by BJ Jones’ savvy direction—to a play cal- series constituting her hitherto most in-depth away the multiple subplots and second- Dan cope with his lingering loss, leading culated for appeal to aging baby-boomers, field study. As each of the women struggles ary characters to shape a fast-moving and to more secrets coming to light, and if you to dog and cat lovers, and to anyone claim- with her own individual crisis, the sororal ten- clear narrative. It’s a handsome show, too! can’t see where this is going, you need a les- ing Irish ancestry? As with Northlight’s 2013 sions ultimately resolve themselves—with the JA help of some whiskey, medicinal cannabis and son in Birds and Bees. Stella and Lou, the play’s spare scenic re- A hazard of two-actor dialogues is the of- quirements also render it attractive to the- primordial pantheism. —By Abarbanel, Barnidge ten-unavoidable propensity for one charac- aters with small budgets and those with core Despite the inclusion of gags like the diorama and Morgan exhibit’s mannequins voicing the conversation ter to tread water while the other progress- ensembles of—ahem!—mature actors. of bored students gawking through the glass WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 19 SPOTLIGHT

The lives of urban gay males are explored in the 2005 off-Broadway revue Songs from an Unmade Bed, in which lyricist Mark Campbell collaborated with a different composer for each song in an exercise of creative promis- cuity. While the original production just featured one per- former, Pride Films and Plays has opted to engage three performers for the show’s Chicago professional premiere. Pride Films and Plays’ Songs From an Unmade Bed runs in previews 7:30 p.m. March 27 and 28 at the Apollo The- ater Studio, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. Regular-run showtimes Amanda Drinkall and Rufus Collins in Venus in Fur. Photo by Liz Lauren are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, through April 27. Previews are $15. Regular-run tickets are $25-$30, with a $5-off discount for students and seniors; call 800- Fur will rear its head again repeatedly in Chi- THEATER REVIEW 745-3000 or 773-935-6100 or visit www.pridefilmsand- cago storefront theaters, there are plenty of plays.com for more information. reasons to catch it first locally at the Good- Venus in Fur Photo of Kevin Webb and Jordan Phelps courtesy of Playwright: David Ives man—especially if size matters to you. Pride Films and Plays At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Tickets: 312-443-3800 or www.goodmantheatre.org; $25-$86 Runs through: April 13

BY SCOTT C. MORGAN

The instant that the Goodman Theatre’s region- “this is the best production of ‘rent’ al premiere of Venus in Fur closes, it’s likely i’ve seen, broadway included.” that every scrappy Chicago storefront theater highly recommended will be vying to get the rights to playwright – Hedy Weiss / CHiCago sun-Times David Ives’ acclaimed Broadway comedy. Venus in Fur not only has a sexy subject mat- ter exploring both the origins and interpreta- “more relatable and tions of sadomasochism (very trendy in this age of Fifty Shades of Grey), but production- deeply touching than any wise it largely just needs a two-person cast and production i’ve seen” a single setting of a New York rehearsal studio. – dean RiCHaRds / Wgn Given its compact size, Venus in Fur seems like an odd choice for the Goodman Theatre’s vast Albert Theatre. Its smaller Owen space “a very fulsome and would have been cozier. That said, director Joanie Schultz uses all the expansive union ‘rent’” grand Goodman production bells and whistles  (out of 4) at her disposal to ensure that any subsequent – CHRis jones / CHiCago TRibune Chicago Venus in Fur productions will forever be compared to her fine staging. Schultz is also smart with her casting, drawing from the New York and Chicago storefront theater talent pool to bring Venus in Fur to blazing life. Venus in Fur is essentially a long audition se- quence taken to sexy, role-playing extremes. Thomas (Rufus Collins) is a playwright/director who is aggravated that he cannot find a smart young actress to star in his theatrical adapta- , tion of the 19th-century novel Venus in Furs 525 600 minutes by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (whose name is spend 150 of them With us... it Will be life chAnging. where we get the term “masochism”). But in walks Vanda (Chicago actress Amanda Drinkall, in her second Goodman appearance), very late and scatterbrained, but determined to be seen for the role of a young woman who “another broadway-caliber is coaxed into becoming a proto-dominatrix. production that feels Drinkall is great as Vanda, both confirming exuberantly alive and fresh” Thomas’ lowered expectations and then con- stantly defying them as she pushes the audi-  (out of 4) tion to uncomfortably darker and deeper plac- – sCoTT moRgan / daily HeRald es. The power play between Collins and Drinkall certainly crackles throughout, and they both handle Ives’ comic blending of theatrical real- “another truly ity and fantasy with aplomb. masterful production” Set designer Todd Rosenthal does a more than respectable job of filling out the Albert  (out of 5) stage with a photo-realistic rundown rehearsal – alan bResloff / aRound ToWn CHiCago studio, while sound designer Mikhail Fiksel and lighting designer Keith Parham both heighten Just 2 Weeks left! thru April 6 its drama by creating an all-persuasive aural “timeless fresh, alive, and and mood-setting atmosphere that ratchets up rip-roaringly fun. don’t miss it.” the sense of unease. (out of 4) Costume designer Jenny Mannis also has a lot  of fun with her mix of period costume add-ons – david Zak / CHiCago sTage sTandaRd and comic notions of sexy S&M gear. My only wish is that Vanda’s final triumphant outfit could have been more over the top. pArAmount theAtre 23 eAst gAlenA boulevArd, AurorA tickets 630.896.6666 or pArAmountAurorA.com So even though its very likely that Venus in 20 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES SPRING MOVIES/MUSIC SPECIAL a different approach. NUNN ON ONE Since I haven’t put out a new album for awhile I have a lot of new songs. I can’t wait to get them out there to people. Hannah Thomas: WCT: I haven’t heard The Smithereens since I saw them play live in Nashville in the ‘90s. Out singer showcases HT: They were famous for the jangle-pop sound, which is totally different than what I voice in various genres do. We have become pretty good friends. He’s by Jerry Nunn a follow-up. got the soul side of things taken care of. He The out and proud singer performed on tour really gets my sound. I can’t wait. Hannah Thomas is breaking down barriers with with the Indigo Girls, appearing on song choic- WCT: Sounds like you have friends in all genre-defying music that is anywhere from es with the duo’s Amy Ray. the right places. country to rock. Thomas, a husky-voiced songstress, heads to HT: [Chuckles] Well, I have been pretty lucky. Her last CD, Goodbye on Wasted Time, con- Chicago this month. I’ve met some really awesome people. tained seven songs. She now she moves in a Windy City Times: Hello, Hannah. Let’s be- WCT: Your song “Sleep When I Die” is new direction with a Kickstarter campaign for gin with your background. about living life to the fullest? HT: Yep, that’s an older one. That is one of my oldest songs and I wrote it at a time where I didn’t even know what that meant. I think it CULTURE CLUB paved the path of where my life was going to go soon in the future. It is where I am living right now. WCT: What will the show at the Elbo Room be like? Will it be a long set? BEING GAY WASN’T PART HT: Let me just say it will be a long set but I am not sure. I have played there before and I loved the room. OF THE MASTER PLAN Hannah Thomas. I love Chicago and can’t wait to be back. I can’t wait to have some of that pizza. I am Hannah Thomas: I am from right outside of going to walk because I need to burn the calo- GOOD BOYS Atlanta. I am have been writing, singing and ries! playing since I was little. I didn’t start doing WCT: Is your hair darker than it was? AND TRUE this professionally until I was 16 years old. HT: It is more natural. I used to highlight it. About two and a half years ago I started tour- BY ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA WCT: I saw on Twitter you are a big Weeds ing full time all over the United States. fan. DIRECTED BY CODY ESTLE WCT: How did you hook up with the Indigo HT: I am now. I am late to the party. When I Girls? have free time I have Netflix binges. MARCH 11 – MAY 3 HT: We met through mutual friends. We were WCT: Doing so much gay press, do you into each other then one day I was talking to identify as a lesbian? RavenTheatre.com Amy and she invited me to sing on some of her HT: I do and I am cool with it. RAVEN solo songs then I wound up doing Indigo stuff WCT: We need girl bars to take you out to or 773.338.2177 THEATRE too. It was pretty much a dream come true. I while in town. have been listening to them my whole life. HT: There is a place called Parlour? WCT: Amy Ray is not only talented, but WCT: Yes. Have you been there? very nice. HT: I was supposed to. We had a date planned HT: She’s a genuine person. You couldn’t ask in Chicago but I wound up not being able to do for a better role model. the gig because I was opening for Terri Clark. WCT: It works with her doing Indigo Girls WCT: Well, this time hopefully you will WorlD PrEMiErE! music and then her own solo work when she 26 singers of Bella Voce have time to go out. I look forward to seeing Performing scores by Eric Whitacre has free time. you perform live. Nan Giordano Artistic Director To celebrate the life of Kevin Flynn HT: It is totally different, too. I’m a big fan HT: Thank you for taking time out to talk to of the punk stuff. Her new country record is me today. Don’T Miss our gala cElEBraTion ! pretty awesome. I had the privilege of singing Thomas plays at the Elbo Room, 2871 N. also in honor of Kevin Flynn on the on that. She sang on my last studio record with Lincoln Ave., on March 30. Visit www.elbo- Pritzker Pavilion stage after the “Pacifier.” I sang on a song called “Hunter’s Saturday, March 29 performance roomlive.com for ticket information with call 312.922.1332 for more details Prayer” on her new album. more on the singer/songwriter at www.Han- WCT: I read singer Shawn Mullins is a nahThomasBand.com. big fan of yours and saw him perform with MarcH 28 & 29 @ 7:30 the Indigo Girls. Do you know him through TicKETs sTarT @ $15 them? Kreis among Harris Theater at Millennium Park HT: I did a TV show a couple of years back called the Georgia All Access Music Search. It Box Office 312.334.7777 those up for harristheaterchicago.org is kind of like an American Idol for Georgia but ESCAPE ORDINARY 205 East Randolph Drive Chicago music experience extraordinary with only original music. He was one of the judges on there. He’s a great guy. I tend to awards run into him all the time. We have done some Openly gay singer Levi Kreis is among shows together. the dozens of musicians nominated for the There is something about that Atlanta scene Chicago Independent Music Awards. with a lot of genuine people. I would definitely The event will take place Sunday, April put Amy, Emily and Shawn in that category. 13, at The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake They are very talented good people. Shore Dr., at 6:30 p.m. WCT: The B-52s are from there, aren’t Levi is among the acts vying in the pop- they? music category. (Among the other nomi- HT: Yes, they are from Athens. nees are ‘90s singer Martika, T Dash and WCT: Do you watch Bravo’s Real House- Hailey Rowe.) Other categories include wives of Atlanta? R&B, metal, alternative, rock, blues/jazz, HT: I have seen some of it. I don’t watch country, hip-pop, electronica and gospel. a lot of TV but I know they filmed one of the Tickets are $45-$105 each; see www.chi- episodes at a venue I played at once. cagoindependentmusicawards.com. About Face Theatre and Silk Road Rising co-present WCT: Your album Goodbye on Wasted Time came out two years ago and now you are A One-Hijra Stand working on a Kickstarter campaign? BRAHMAN/I: Up Comedy Show HT: I just launched that yesterday. I have Levi Kreis. Don Dixon, who will produce. He produced Written by Aditi Brennan Kapil Tickets at the first couple of R.E.M. records, [and] he’s silkroadrising.org March 27 through April 27 worked with The Smithereens. He will play bass aboutfacetheare.com Directed by Andrew Volkoff on it; he plays bass with Mary Chapin Carpen- ter. I’ve got a lot of good musicians coming in. We are going to try to make this different and really focus on the song. We really want to take WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 21 SPRING MOVIES/MUSIC SPECIAL I wrote that lyric with a fictional character in mind: I imagined an itinerant lock pick, travel- ing from town to town, practicing a trade that Female rapper to bring had been handed down in her family for gen- erations. I realized only later, “Oh, hey, I ac- tually travel from town-to-town in the service talents to Chicago of my job.” Seems like my imagination laid a pretty thin veil of fiction in what turned out to By Sarah Toce WCT: How does the creative process work be more autobiographical than I had intended. in Doomtree? Does ego ever play a role, or WCT: You are preparing to embark on a Minneapolis-based rapper Dessa is familiar are you overall supportive of one another’s Midwest tour. What are you most looking with sharing the melodic tales and ails of efforts? forward to? love through spoken word and song, and her DD: Doomtree exists only to support its art- DD: I’ll be touring with my full live band. I’m fans are anxious to listen. Best known for her ists and the art they make. When we’re work- particularly excited to play the City Winery in collaborations with indie, hip-hop collective ing on a collective project, the producers make Chicago—I love convertible venues that have Doomtree, Dessa is poised to make her City music together and the rappers write together. table seated and standing room. They provide Winery Chicago concert debut April 12. When one of us embarks on a solo project, an opportunity to play the space in several Windy City Times: What is the music scene the collective’s infrastructure supports the ef- ways: sometimes as a hard-drinking rap show, like in the Twin Cities? fort—Paper Tiger helps with design, Lazerbeak Dessa Darling. Photo by Bill Phelps sometimes as a listening room, sometimes as Dessa Darling: In Minneapolis, if you ask manages manufacturing and I help write copy a comic. someone on a date, you might suggest going for the press releases. Nobody wants to see a that you’ve “never met a locked door yet.” Dessa Darling will play City Winery Chi- to a concert performed by a local artist. That’s Doomtree solo project succeed as much as the Can you elaborate? Surely you’ve had to kick cago, 1200 W. Randolph St., on Saturday, not true in every American city—and it’s im- other members of Doomtree. some down along the way! April 12 ($25 reserved; $20 standing). Tick- portant. People in this city spend money on WCT: “Call Off Your Ghost” is a hauntingly DD: The complete line is, “I haven’t met a ets are available by calling 312-733-9463, live, local music, which is part of the reason genuine tune in which you share: “You once locked door yet that I couldn’t beat; on this stopping by the box office, or visiting www. we’ve got such great live, local music. said if we were careful that we could do this chain around my neck, I keep my skeleton key.” citywinery.com/chicago. Also, genre is a permeable construct here. all our lives, although one of us got clumsy You mind find a rap act, an indie-rock band and and both of us got wise.” Who did you write an electro-pop outfit on the same bill. Some this song about? Windy City Gay Idol kicks off 12th year markets wouldn’t tolerate that range; they’d DD: I wrote that song about an ex who I was walk out snickering. I think our genre flex- eager to get over, but wasn’t quite sure how to CHICAGO—Windy City Gay Idol, now in its age 21 and above, regardless of sexual orienta- ibility makes Minneapolis fertile grounds for expedite that process. 12th year, kicks off the 2014 search for the tion. There is a $10 signup fee for singers, and innovation—unexpected new combinations of WCT: Have you ever had to be cautious best amateur LGBT singers in the Chicago area. a $5 fee for audience members at all prelimi- sounds, feelings, voices, and aesthetics. about sharing intimate details through your Windy City Gay Idol has grown into the largest nary events. WCT: You are one member of the Minne- work or is it par for the course with your ex- and most highly anticipated annual competi- Complete rules and regulations at www. apolis-based hip-hop collective Doomtree. flames and loved ones? tion in Chicago’s LGBT community. Come sing, WindyCityMediaGroup.com What has been the most surprising thing DD: As a general rule, I try make sure that my or come vote! Windy City Media Group (WCMG) produces about joining a collective? friends, family members, and romantic partners With more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, Windy City Times, Nightspots, OUT! Resource DD: I joined Doomtree before I even had a are not publicly recognizable in my songs—at the person crowned as this year’s 2014 Windy Guide, and WindyCityQueercast.com. WCMG is career as a musician, so working as a part of least not when the content of the song is sen- City Gay Idol will win $1,000 in cash, Smirnoff the producer of these events: Windy City Gay the collective is all I’ve ever known. I’m grate- sitive. They might recognize themselves, but merchandise, a trip for two on the island of Idol, 30 Under 30 and the Windy City Times ful for Doomtree every day, however. I don’t the general listener would not. Privacy can be Curaçao (five nights and includes airfare on Theater Series. To download all of our products know how truly solo musicians muster the opti- tricky to navigate when writing true and candid American Airlines), theater and concert tick- visit www.windycitymediagroup.com. Send mism and energy to sustain themselves. When lyrics. Happily, I’ve got permission to violate at ets, performance opportunities, and more, plus questions to publisher@windycitymediagroup. the coveted title of Windy City Gay Idol 2014. com or call 773-871-7610. this job isBPA2014_WCM_1-4 good, it’s intoxicating. 4.88x6.63 FNL.pdfWhen it’s 1 3/19/14least one 4:15person’s PM privacy: mine. bad, it’s spirit-crushing. WCT: In the song “Skeleton Key” you say The promotion is open to all amateur singers See ad on page 27 for full schedule.

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Original Big Package logo design by Sean Toth Design | Photography by PaternoGroup.com PRODUCTION MAJOR 2013/14 SPONSOR SEASON SUPPORTERS 22 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Behind the Candelabra, Bernard and Doris, Val- entine Road, Six By Sondheim and dozens of other gay-themed and -centric films, HBO has come to be a place where films that once would KNIGHT have been seen in movie theaters are finding AT their way to the Tiffany of cable networks. Kramer’s epically scaled, ‘80s-set drama stars THE Julia Roberts, Mark Ruffalo, out actor Jim Par- MOVIES sons, the openly gay Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, Alfred Molina and out actor Jonathan Groff (star of HBO’s queer-themed “Looking” which will be back for a second season). Directed by the openly gay TV mogul Ryan Murphy, this is easily the most eagerly anticipated movie for By the queer community this spring. HBO has al- Richard ready greenlit a sequel—with Kramer penning Knight Jr. that one as well. Premieres on HBO May 25 Maleficent—It’s “Sleeping Beauty” as retold from the viewpoint of the wicked queen of the title—who is portrayed by Angelina Jolie in Spring LGBT what looks to be an inspired casting choice. May 30 movie preview On the horizon—films to watch for: The Case Against 8, Ben Cotner and Ryan White’s Take heart Chicagoans: The spring thaw is fi- documentary behind the scenes look at the the nally here! Film fans can expect plenty of cin- case to overturn Prop 8 debuts June 6. “Queer ematic treats to savor with the usual dose of As Folk’s” Randy Harrison and Michael Urie as homoerotic content—both overt and covert— a gay couple in the screwball comedy Such amongst these highlights of upcoming titles. Good People has yet to announce is release Unless otherwise noted, the opening date list- Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Photo by Alan Markfield date. Love Is Strange, the latest gay-themed ed refers to at least a one week theatrical run. drama from Keep the Lights On writer-director less unforgettable in this rather gruesome (no a batch of coded queer characters among the Ira Sachs, stars John Lithgow and Alfred Mo- March surprise there) and gritty version of the mate- beloved mutants—several essayed by openly lina as a longtime gay couple; it was strongly Cinema Q IV—The fourth annual Cinema Q rial. The Gene Siskel Film Center is presenting a queer actors (Ian McKellen, Ellen Page, Anna reviewed at Sundance but as of Windy City finishes up tonight at the Chicago Cultural Cen- restored 35mm print. April 18-19 Paquin). Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, Times deadlines still hadn’t announced a re- ter, 78 E. Washington St., with a free screening Sing-a-Long Grease—The Music Box brings Nicholas Hoult, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry, lease date. To Be Takei, a documentary portrait at 6:30 p.m. of De-Lovely, the 2004 biopic of back this annual screening of the 1978 movie James McAvoy and Michael Fassbinder co-star. of actor-turned-gay activist George Takei, was gay composer Cole Porter. Kevin Kline stars as musical homage to the 1950s starring John May 23 also warmly received at Sundance and is also the sex-crazed Cole, Ashley Judd (gorgeous in Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and all the The Normal Heart—After decades of false awaiting a release date—as are nearly a dozen Armani costumes) is his mostly understanding rest of the world’s oldest high school teenag- starts, Larry Kramer’s searing AIDS-themed other LGBT-themed indies that played during wife Linda and a bevy of musical guest stars— ers singing and dancing all those memorable drama has finally been adapted for the movies, the fest. Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, John Barrowman, et hit tunes. A festive pre-show (costume parade, albeit an HBO one. With a history that includes al.—belt out Porter’s greatest hits. The film is etc.) is part of the fun. April 19 lavish and queer-centric which in itself makes it an atypical studio movie. Cinema Q IV is co- MAY presented by the Queer Film Society, Reeling, The Amazing Spider-Man 2—Peter Parker Reeling to take Ferrick, Vega the Legacy Project, and Affinity Community (as essayed by Andrew Garfield) and his lady place in Sept.; at Old Town Services. Media sponsors are Windy City Times, love Emma Stone return in this first sequel to ChicagoPride and the Reader. March 26 the second reboot of this hit sci-fi franchise. call for entries School of Music Noah—Director Darren Aronofsky’s big- May 2 Reeling 2014: The 32nd Chicago LGBT In- Singer Melissa Ferrick are among the up- budget retelling of the apocalyptic Biblical Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return—Ozmania ternational Film Festival is now accepting coming acts at Old Town School of Music, epic story of Noah (Russell Crowe), his ark, fans will no doubt queue up for this animated film and video entries for this year’s festival, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. all those animals loaded up two by two, his musical that features Lea Michele voicing the which will take place Sept. 18-25. Alt-rock singer Ferrick will perform Sunday, dysfunctional family (Jennifer Connolly, Emma role of Dorothy and those of Dan Akroyd, Kelsey The event will screen approximately 75- June 22, at 7 p.m. (Tickets are $26-$28.) Watson, Logan Lerman and Anthony Hopkins, Grammer, Jim Belushi, Megan Hilty, Patrick 100 independent films and videos during Sweet Honey in the Rock, as part of its among them) and all the decadent behavior Stewart, and Martin Short as her familiar Oz that span. “Forty & Fierce 40th Anniversary Tour,” will that started the whole saga. March 28 companions. May 9 Entries are eligible for audience awards be in concert Saturday, April 12, at 4 p.m. Philadelphia—Part of its annual “Movies on and juried cash awards in the categories of and 8 p.m. Admission is $43-$45. APRIL Trial” series, the Music Box presents a rare mat- Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Upcoming acts/events include the Chicago Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Sol- inee screening of this 1993 Jonathan Demme Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Docu- Reel global dance party (March 28), Hugh dier—Hunky heartthrob Chris Evans returns to classic starring Tom Hanks in his Oscar-winning mentary Short, and Best Animated or Experi- Masekela (March 28), John Cale (April 17), his role as the comic book hero, as does Scar- performance as a closeted lawyer fired by his mental Film. Joni Mitchell’s Blue: A Celebration (May 4) lett Johannson as Black Widow while Anthony firm when his AIDS condition is revealed. May 9 To download a PDF of our entry form and and Suzanne Vega (May 15), among many Mackie is a new visitor to the Marvel universe Mother’s Day with Mamma Mia!—What guidelines visit http://reelingfilmfestival. others. Nanci Griffith’s shows, originally slat- as the Falcon. April 4 better way to celebrate mom’s day than with org or submit online through FilmFreeway or ed for April 5-6, have been postponed. Only Lovers Left Alive—LGBT faves Tilda the Music Box Theatre’s interactive screening Withoutabox. The entry form can also be e- See www.OldTownSchool.org. Swinton and Tom Hiddelston star as longtime of the 2008 movie adaptation of the jukebox mailed or snail-mailed upon request; contact vampire loves in what promises to be yet an- musical smash? Meryl Streep stars as the mom [email protected]. other unique film from director Jim Jarmusch. whose daughter (a fetching Amanda Seyfried) CGMC to host ‘Big April 18 is determined to find out which of her mother’s Transcendence—Johnny Depp stars in this three previous lovers (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Elton John movie Package Auction’ special effects-driven sci-fi-themed movie as a Firth or Stellan Skarsgard) is her biological in Chicagoland April 5 scientific genius whose experiments in infusing father by her wedding day. It’s a sun-soaked, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) will host an artificial intelligence with human emotions modern-day “beach blanket” musical with all March 26 its 7th Annual Big Package Auction (featur- become the target of activists determined to those Abba tunes, a surprising gay twist and Fathom Events, CinemaLive and Rocket Mu- ing special guest hostess “Miss Richfield stop him from succeeding. Morgan Freeman, an abundance of shots of Dominic Cooper’s sic Entertainment Group are bringing Elton 1981”) on Saturday, April 5, 5-8 p.m., at Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Kate Mara and Cil- six pack abs. Lesbian director Phyllida Lloyd John: The Million Dollar Piano to nearly 700 Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. lian Murphy (who played gay in Breakfast on directed. My alter ego, Dick O’Day, will host select movie theaters on Wed., March 26, at The event will feature a live auction of Pluto) co-star. April 18 the pre-show beginning at noon (which will 7 p.m. spectacular prizes and packages that (scant- Bears—No, it’s not a documentary about a include a ‘70s costume parade and brunch op- The movie will show in more than two ily clad) men of Boystown will present. Live group of large and hairy gay men. Rather, John tion). May 11 dozen theaters in Chicagoland and Indiana, packages include a wedding package, an Af- C. Reilly (who would certainly qualify in that Godzilla—The initial trailer for this mega- including ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt, 150 rican safari, a trip to New York and a cruise. category if he were gay in real life) narrates a budget entry in the summer movie blockbuster W. Roosevelt Rd.; River East 21, 322 E. Illi- Presale tickets are $25 and include drink nature documentary from Disney that focuses sweepstakes helped ease fears that here was nois St.; South Barrington 30 with IMAX, 175 tickets and hors d’oeuvres; tickets are $30 on real bears—cubs and all—fighting for sur- nothing much more than a variation on gay Studio Dr., Barrington; and Cinemark Melrose at the door. VIP tickets (available for $50) vival in Alaska. April 18 writer-director Roland Emmerich’s cheesy (but Park, 1001 W. North Ave., Melrose Park. include a pre-show “Meet & Greet” with Miss Medea—Avant garde, openly gay (and how) at times guilty pleasure) 1998 version. It co- The full list of participating theaters Richfield and a silent auction preview. Visit Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini put his own stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, (subject to change) is at http://www.fath- www.cgmc.org or call 773-296-0541. unique stamp on this 1969 retelling of Greek Bryan Cranston and Ken Watanabe. May 16 omevents.com/event/million-dollar-piano/ Event sponsors include CRAM Fashion, Grab tragedy with the one and only film perfor- X-Men: Days of Future Past—Out director more-info/theater-locations. Magazine, Westin Hotels, Orbitz, Sidetrack mance by opera sensation Maria Callas in the Bryan Singer helms yet another addition to Chicago and Windy City Times. title role—who does not sing but is neverthe- this sci-fi mainstay which continues to feature WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 23 SPRING MOVIES/MUSIC SPECIAL: NUNN ON ONE TB: Oh my God, yes! I have more gays in my life than girlfriends. WCT: What is the craziest thing a Tamar- Tamar teaches the tian [Tamar Braxton fan] has brought you? TB: It wasn’t crazy but it was very touching. It was a group of Tamartians who had gotten ‘Braxton Family Values’ to know each other on Twitter. When I had lost my voice for a while and had a broken blood [Both laugh.] I had no idea. I knew it was a vessel in my vocal cords, they put together a good show and I know how crazy my family video tape and it was so beautiful. As a matter is but I had no idea it would go to this level. of fact, it is on YouTube now. They were saying WCT: Has your family always been dra- that I would be okay and to keep my head up. matic? It made me laugh and cry at the same time. It TB: Are you kidding me? Always, yes! When was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen we were little we used to entertain ourselves in my whole life. because we are country girls. We would take I never really had friends before. I was bul- the camcorder and make up our own shows. We lied in school and not the in crowd at all. So are still the same Braxtons who you see on TV now it is so gratifying and such a wonderful today. thing to see. People like me for me. I don’t WCT: How did you feel the “Golden Medal have to pretend that I am somebody else. They Moments” episode went, which recapped the except me for the way that I am. It was just the past three seasons? most beautiful thing and it did lift my spirits. TB: I thought it was great and all happy mo- WCT: I can’t imagine you being bullied. BY JERRY NUNN ments from the Braxtons so far. I got a chance Tamar Braxton. Photo from weTV You are so beautiful and very funny. to see everybody grow. You see pictures and TB: Thank you so much but I was, child. Tamar Braxton may be the youngest Braxton home photos. These are the best moments that plane then turn right back around to get on a WCT: I was, too. Being a gay boy in the sister but she is exploding in a big way, thanks we have all shared together. plane again but otherwise he is with us all the South wasn’t easy. to a five-octave range. Her hit album, Love and WCT: It must be like having a video scrap- time. We are the velcro family! TB: I am sure, but look at us now! War (Epic Records), recently received three book. WCT: I was at the show where you per- WCT: Exactly. So now the third season of Grammy nominations. She released a Christmas TB: It is like having a scrapbook except a formed at the Chicago Theatre. Braxton Family Values is over. Do you know album, Winter Loversland, this past holiday scrapbook doesn’t always have the best mo- TB: Okay, that was a lot of fun. about more seasons or more of the show season. ments or have the Braxtons’ craziness. WCT: How was it opening for John Legend Tamar & Vince with your husband? Reality shows have taken brought her into WCT: How has your life changed since hav- on tour? TB: We are in the process of shooting [the the spotlight one with her husband Vincent ing the baby? TB: John Legend is not just a great artist fourth season]. When I go on tour we will be Herbert and with the entire Braxton family. TB: Well, it has changed dramatically. I am a but an amazing human being. I am a huge fan shooting Tamar & Vince, which will be very Braxton Family Values just completed season mom and I never thought that would happen. I of John Legend. From his music and how put interesting this season because we are not at three as it follows the lives of Toni, Traci, am not a typical mom but I’m like, “Wash your together he is you would never know he’s so home and won’t be there at all. We will show Towanda, Trina and Tamar along with their hands before you touch my baby.” I want to be fun and so sweet. He doesn’t take himself too what are lives really truly are on the road. I mother, Evelyn. the one to put him to bed. I want to be the seriously. It was an amazing experience. have no idea what that is like. When I was on Windy City Times: Hi, Tamar. How are you? person that wakes him in the morning. I call WCT: I was trying to set up you performing tour with John Legend it was a only a short Tamar Braxton: I’m excellent. and check on him all the time. at the gay bars afterwards. I needed to see period of time, but this time we will be out WCT: We talked as a group interview with WCT: How did that work while you were on more of those backup dancers. for almost two and a half months. I can’t wait. Toni and Trina when Braxton Family Values tour? TB: Really? You didn’t want to see me—you Read the entire interview with Tamar Brax- first aired. How have you been and did you TB: Logan came along. He comes everywhere just wanted me to bring my dancers, honey! ton online. ever think it would lead to all of this? with us unless it is a really short one day trip. WCT: You love the gays and have a big gay Braxton adventures can be found on WE tv TB: Well, I’ve been great and absolutely not! Sometimes I don’t feel that he should be on a following. and follow Tamar at www.tamarbraxton.com.

A heartfelt thank you to the brave

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Visit www.beccakaufmanorchestra.com and www.BeatMixMusic.com VICTOR or call 847.892.4150 to hear the sounds of your next event. NOT PICTURED RENEE SUE ASHINA 24 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES SPRING MOVIES/MUSIC SPECIAL: NUNN ON ONE TLC’s Chilli gets ‘CrazySexyCool’ by Jerry Nunn tion of character whatsoever. She went on a few little interviews and did her thing. The original trio of TLC—composed of Tionne WCT: Dallas Austin was a cutie in the mov- “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Ro- ie. zonda “Chilli” Thomas—was brought together RT: Evan Ross? He did a real good job. He by Perri “Pebbles” Reid and Antonio “L.A.” and Dallas are friends so he was able to talk to Reid. The nicknames only made everything him and get inside information and all of that catchier for public consumption and the hits good stuff. rolled out from the beginning. In spite of spats WCT: Did you actually work with Kandi with their label, management and each other, Burruss, who wrote “No Scrubs?” as depicted in the VH1 movie CrazySexyCool: RT: I am really weird in the studio so I told The TLC Story, the girls have come out on top her, “I really love you but you can’t stay in here even after Lopes died in a car accident. and watch!” I did change up a few words in it The first album spawned three huge singles: because I wanted to make it more me and she “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” “What About Your was totally open and cool with it. It was me, Friends” and “Baby-Baby-Baby,” making them the engineer and She’kspere, the producer who From left: Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of TLC. PR photo famous right out of the gate. recorded the song. I did it in, like, five hours The combination of rap, soul and funk cre- with the background and everything. WCT: You have so many gay fans. We need the latest dance or dance breakdown. We want ated more hits with “Creep,” Waterfalls” and WCT: You were all very hands-on with the to have you play at our gay street festival in people to walk away from our concerts tired. “No Scrubs,” which had them selling more than music. the summer. They just left a fun party and need to go eat 22 million albums in the United States alone. RT: Oh yeah, definitely. We know what we RT: You know what? At the end of the day somewhere and go to bed. In 2014 a fifth album in over a decade is in like. we love to perform. I don’t care who shows up WCT: There’s a buffet at the casino where the works, and a new tour lands them right WCT: Do you watch the Real Housewives or who we are performing for. Put me on the they can eat. outside of Chicago. of Atlanta? stage, mic me up and I am ready to go. RT: Hey! Well, we are going to wear them out Windy City Times chatted with “Chilli” short- RT: I don’t. That one is not my guilty plea- WCT: Hats off to TLC for promoting safe so they can tear up that buffet! ly before her arrival to The Venue in Hammond, sure. I have some others... sex early on. WCT: Do you gamble? Ind. WCT: You did a reality show yourself called RT: Seems like we need to come out with an- RT: I don’t gamble. It was never my thing. Windy City Times: Hi, Chilli. I was up late What Chilli Wants. Would you do that again? other song that promotes safe sex these days. I tried it once on the slots. I played 50 cents last night watching the movie about your RT: I wouldn’t say no if it made sense with Issues like that with safe sex or loving yourself, and I won 25 dollars. I was happy and that was life. the right one. I am not the one to cuss you out we always need to encourage people in these it. Plus there is usually smoke around and I am Rozonda Thomas: Did you cry? and all the stuff that draws people into reality ways, besides a new generation every now and allergic to smoke so I can’t be around it. WCT: No. shows, especially today. That is not who I am. then, you and I are adults but everyone needs WCT: In Indiana they can still smoke in the RT: Come on! If it is something that I am comfortable with to be picked up because someone will put you casino so be careful. What new music do you WCT: Well, I was very emotional. I inter- and the right network, the right audience and down. It could be the job or a relationship then have coming out? viewed Dionne Warwick years ago and she it would make sense, then for sure. you hear a song with the right lyrics then you RT: It will definitely be a busy next two years told me she wanted Keke Palmer to play her WCT: I was thinking Dancing with the can have a better pep in your step. Those kinds for us. We are so excited about that with tours in a movie about her life one day. Stars. of songs are always needed I feel. and a few things we have locked down but RT: What? That is funny. RT: Oh, I would love to do that. That would WCT: Do you work out a lot, with you al- haven’t announced yet. We will very soon. We WCT: You actually landed Palmer to play be fun. You know what is funny? I always used ways showing those abs? have been listening to the songs we have re- you. The response was great from this movie. to think that people who could really dance RT: When I am 89 I will still show my abs, corded and deciding what we want to keep and RT: We were so happy about that. Obviously, shouldn’t be on that show. I don’t know how six-pack on deck! That is my thing. I may not what we don’t. We have to decide who we want it is a blessing to be a part of telling your sto- to ballroom dance and waltz. It looks easy but show all the legs but I will always show my to work with. ry. So many times we see stories like this and when you watch it and see the stars get pre- stomach, maybe my arms or something. We are getting it together and coming up the people aren’t here anymore. pared for it then it’s very different from what I I have been consistent. I have not fallen off with fun ways to present everything because WCT: I miss the bright colors of the ‘80s do. I thought about it again and would like to and had to really get myself back in shape. creativity and being trendsetters is very impor- like that. be on the show. That is what I tell people. You have to just tant to us. It is something that we have always RT: That was the ‘90s. I was still in high WCT: How did you feel about “Unpretty” make sure and not eat some of the bad things done and that is just who we are. It has to school in the ‘80s. Don’t you age me! [Both being on Glee? all the time. For the most part it is about a make sense at the same time. Sometimes you laugh.] RT: Oh my God, I loved it! I was jumping up healthy lifestyle. It is not about diets but find- can be so outside of the box that they don’t WCT: It was interesting that you were al- and down. We have to approve it and I just ing a good workout program that you like and know what you are talking about. We wouldn’t most replaced out of the group. That would thought it was amazing. I was so excited and stick with it. go that route but we want to make sure it’s have changed your life. so happy that they wanted to sing our song on WCT: Was it hard after having a baby? dope. RT: Yeah, it was crazy. there. I am telling you that I was on the moon RT: Heck no. It is so funny because Lisa, my WCT: Where do you want fans to keep up WCT: What was Pebbles’ reaction to the with that. group member, told me with that high-pitched with you? movie? WCT: They mixed it with West Side Story. voice that my stomach actually looked better RT: I definitely tweet. I call all of my Twitter RT: She wasn’t happy with the way she was RT: I know. They got real creative with it. I after the baby. I think it’s because I hit up a followers my “Twitter babies” and they call me portrayed. She was talking about suing, which loved how they did it and everything about it. couple of more sit-ups every now and then after “Twitter Momma.” I am on Twitter a lot but not she can’t sue us because there was no defama- I had zero complaints. I had my son. When “No Scrubs” came out, Tron on Instagram as much. It feels weird to post was still a baby. I lost so much weight when I selfies on there to me but I will do it a little. was nursing. My metabolism was through the WCT: For this tour who is in the lineup? I roof. I had those combinations going on. I had heard Lil Momma was a possibility. to stop nursing so I could gain some weight. RT: She was so amazing in the movie [as “Feed the Children?” That was me! Lopes]. She is such a fan of Lisa. It was a good WCT: How old is Tron now? thing to have her onstage and pay homage to RT: He is 16. Can you believe it? Lisa. We have also talked to Missy Elliott about WCT: They grow so fast.. doing some stuff like that. We knew people in RT: I know it. I have to hurry up and have the industry that loved Lisa and had a rela- another one immediately! tionship with her, not just females but guys, WCT: Does he go on tour with you? too—male rappers like when we had Doug E. RT: Oh, yes. We schedule our tours to happen Fresh with us at the Superbowl Blitz. during spring break or summertime so he is out It is all so much fun and the fans really loved of school. it, which made us feel so good. We are happy WCT: What can fans expect on this tour? with the direction we are going in right now. RT: We are always going to come up with WCT: I look forward to seeing what you something a little different. We don’t like to come up with at the show. do too much to the hits because I know I hate RT: Oh you are coming? We are going to wear it when I go to a concert and they change up you out then you have to go to the buffet! their song. People want to sing along. They TLC creeps over to the Venue, 777 Casino want to hear every ad-lib. We don’t mess with Center Drive, Hammond, Ind., on March 29. it too much but we do beef up the songs a bit. Visit www.horseshoehammond.com for tick- We try to come up with something real cool, et info. WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 25 BOOKS of towns that I’ve known in Iowa and other places. I was from a large family—there were seven siblings in my family—the narrator of Harry Nimmo deciphers the story has only one—two siblings, a brother and a sister,” he shared. Something shifted when Nimmo picked up fact from fiction the proverbial feather pen. “When I first wrote the book I wrote it in the third person, but it just wasn’t working for me. And so I switched to first person and it just in ‘Before Summer’ flowed so much easier,” he said. Writing streams through the author’s blood By Sarah Toce like water on a vine. “I’ve written since I was very small, very Perhaps best beloved in the LGBT community young. I remember when I was in seventh for his in-depth depiction of The Andrews Sis- grade, I wrote what I thought was a novel, ters, anthropologist author Harry Nimmo is and I guess it was—it was about 400 pages,” back in the forefront with a new work of fiction Nimmo said. “Handwritten pages!” called Before Summer (Prairie Avenue Produc- The desire to pinpoint one’s own history and tions). geographical experiences underlined Nimmo’s Before Summer is described as a collection passion to promote the written word. of 16 interrelated short stories about a gay “I suppose that we write to communicate, youth’s coming of age in small town Iowa dur- Harry Nimmo. Photo courtesy of Nimmo to share with others,” Nimmo said. “I’ve writ- ing the 1940s and 1950s. The book is an af- ten my entire life, and in later years after I fectionate and sometimes sorrowful portrait of To be crystal-clear, Nimmo’s new book is a finished my doctorate in anthropology, most of a bygone way of life in a small Iowa farming work of fiction. “It’s not a memoir or autobi- my writings, of course, were anthropological. town and what it was like growing up gay in ography, but nonetheless, it was also selfishly But I always felt that after I had published such a community. In some stories, Lach is the inspired by my experience and my background,” monographs and the articles I wrote that there central character, but in others he is an ob- the author said. was a dimension of that experience doing an- server of other people and the events of their Walking the fine line between fact and fiction thropological research among this group of no- lives. Each story explores Lach’s youth as he is something Nimmo understands and imple- madic boat-dwelling people in the Philippines, realizes and comes to terms with his sexuality ments well. I simply wasn’t conveying.” and the restrictions as well as the possibilities “I don’t find that [to be] a problem. Each Still, something was eating away at Nimmo: of his life. Not to be outdone, Nimmo has an of the stories is fiction and all of the charac- the urge to write fiction. extensive history involved within the timeline ters in those stories are fiction also. But at the “Fiction allows me to say things which I of his own personal life as well. same time, they are composites—every one of cannot say through anthropology. I think if I “First of all, I’m an anthropologist. Profes- just unable to explore some of the experiences those people is a composite of various people wrote about my own life at that period, I don’t sionally, that’s my calling card,” Nimmo said. and some of the places I’d been in a more per- that I’ve known. And that’s the case with the think it would be a very interesting book. And “I’ve done most of my field research in the sonal way.” events, too,” said Nimmo. I started, in fact, writing a memoir, and then Philippines and I’ve written a couple of oth- “In some ways [Before Summer] is a docu- Some of the author and character compari- I decided that if I wrote fiction, I could write er volumes of short stories which are pretty mentation or description of way of life in small sons are straightforward enough for dedicated about the things and say the things I wanted much based on my Philippine experience. But Iowa towns -which is gone. I’ve always wanted readers to figure out. to say, and make it clear that it is fiction,” the reason I wrote those stories and I was at- to write about that, that particular thing. And “The character’s somewhat older than Nimmo added. tracted to fiction was because I felt through then in addition of course, it’s about a young I would be if I were being honest. Also the anthropological writing, the sort of “scientific” gay man who’s growing up in such a town,” town, although it’s somewhat inspired by a writing we try to do within anthropology, I was Nimmo added. Turn to page 28 little town I’ve grown up in, is a composite 26 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES theDISH WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN One note: The music, at least on the night I went, was not quite what I expected. While I That’s Italian! enjoy ‘60s and ‘70s soul ballads, it was initially BY ANDREW DAVIS jarring to hear it—although I can see how the songs were an attempt to add a romantic vibe This week, Savor had the pleasure of experi- to the place. encing two Italian restaurants that differ in several ways, including ambiance and location. However, they also have similarities—not the least of which is great dishes. 312 Chicago (136 N. LaSalle St.; Check out the arancini at Azzurra (left, PR photo) and the pecan tart with pumpkin gelato Celebrations www.312chicago.com) is in the heart of the at 312 Chicago (right, photo by Andrew Davis). Loop, adjacent to the Hotel Allegro—imme- MARRIAGE: diately painting it as a place where everyone cream, I would return for this dish alone. How- tizers range from roasted root vegetable salad from families to top-level executives dine and ever, the pecan tart (with pumpkin gelato) to crostini. (The crispy Brussels sprout leaves Hill/Jones discuss. This place can handle all of them, managed to do something I didn’t think pos- with pecorino were light and delicious, and Couple Chris Hill and Stephen thanks to seating (on two levels) that doesn’t sible: get me to like pecans. the pancetta-wrapped, gorgonzola-filled dates Jones were legally married in allow for a bad view in the place. By the way, what’s in a name? I thought it were a high point.) their Bucktown home March 15. As for the food, telegenic chef Luca Corazzi- came from the zip code, but it’s actually from Entrees were similarly impressive, including They have been together for more na certainly knows what he’s doing—and he the eatery’s opening date (3/12/1998). March a new item: a twist on shrimp and grits that than 27 should, being born in Italian and being the son 12 also happens to be Corazzina’s birthday. incorporates the crustaceans with polenta and years of a chef. (He also worked at the famed Chi- Italian sausage—it’s a total hit. Another must- since cago restaurant Vivo.) A few miles away lies Wicker Park restaurant try is the Tuscan pici with pork shoulder ragu meeting The meal my guest and I had was amazing Azzurra (1467 N. Milwaukee Ave.; http://az- and parmigiano. The savory pork saltimbocca is on from beginning to end. Appetizers included the zurrachicago.com), which has a more rustic one of the items listed under the “piatti unici” Belmont capesante (seared scallops) and buffala (grilled and whimsical feel (check out the Victrola light (“unique dishes”) portion of the menu; stuffed Rocks. buffalo mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto). In fixtures)—but which also has food that can rainbow trout and bison flank steak are among Photo fact, I thought the latter would be the high compete with any restaurant in the city. the other items in that section. by Steve note of the lunch—until the orecchiette tar- Patrons will feel like they’re in Italy as soon Wrap up your time here with a lemon pan- Ewert tufate came along. Made with Italian sausage, as they see the menu, which includes a mix na cotta, which has a sweetness that doesn’t mushroom, black truffle paste and Fontina of northern and southern Italian dishes. Appe- overwhelm, and the chocolate espresso tart.

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women. 8:00pm - 11:00pm 4701 S. King politics, entertainment, celebrity gossip Drive, Chgo, IL http://www.eventbrite. 11:00am - 1:00pm WCPT 820 AM com/e/the-monologues-of-my-hips-tick- Floor Hockey Teams play Sunday nights be- ets-10399843211 Tickets: http://www. tween 6pm and 8pm with each team play- CALENDAR eventbrite.com/e/the-monologues-of-my- ing twice a night. 6:00pm - 10:00pm hips-tickets-10399843211 Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted http:// Brought to you by the Making Out presents: Lip Service Join chicagogayhockey.org/2014/02/20/ combined efforts of performance artist Wes Perry and friends spring-floor-hockey-league/ for this extra-special event. 10:00pm - Hannah Thomas in Chicago (Hannah has) 12:00am Berlin Nightclub 954 W Bel- “the soul of old country, and that will al- Wed., March 26 otherwise) of gay men living in the city. mont Ave., http://www.berlinchicago. ways be there, but she’s also a die hard com rocker with some punk thrown in the Affinity Forty Plus Meeting Includes but is 3:00pm Apollo Studio Theatre, 2540 N ONYX Club night Join the men of ONYX for mix” - Amy Ray of Indigo Girls (Georgia not limited to individuals who identify as Lincoln Ave, Chicago 773-935-6100 Tick- this monthly meetup. 11:00pm Touche Music Magazine - Spring 2013) 7:00pm lesbian, bisexual, or transgender women ets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Pride- 6412 N Clark St., http://www.touchechi- - 9:00pm United States http://www. who are at least 40 years of age. Led by Films-and-Plays-Songs-From-tickets/art- cago.com GET CARTER HannahThomasBand.com Tickets: http:// Glynis Morris. Activities defined by partici- ist/1948147 www.elboroom.com pants. Meets on the 4th Wednesday of the Dangerously Explicit: Painting the Gay Thursday, March 27 month. 7:00pm Affinity Community Ser- Male Experience Since the 1970s, local Saturday, March 29 Frontrunners/ Frontwalkers Chicago Fun vices 1424 E. 53rd St., Suite 306 http:// artists have captured the gay male experi- Monday, March 31 Run/Walk A club for lesbians, gay men, Former U.S. President Memorial Service for Vernita Gray Vernita www.affinity95.org ence on canvas. David Getsy of the School bisexuals, transexuals and friends who Jimmy Carter will sign asked that in lieu of flowers, donations GenderQueer Chicago Grassroots, peer-led of the Art Institute of Chicago chats with are interested in running and walking be made to Affinity Community Services, group that works to create safe spaces for scholars Jim Vopat and Kate Pollasch- copies of A Call to together along Chicago’s great open lake- Broadway Youth Center, or the Center on all of us to talk about, think about, ex- Thames about the work of Etienne, Roger Action at The Swedish front, meeting twice weekly, on Saturdays Halsted. 1:00pm Goodman Theatre, 170 plore, and express gender. They are open Brown, and others. 5:30 PM Reception at 9am and Tuesdays at 6:30pm 9:00am American Museum N. Dearborn St., http://www.windycity- to those who wish to talk and think about 6:30 PM Program $20, $15 for members Totem Pole in Lincoln Park https://www. Center. mediagroup.com/lgbt/PASSAGES-Vernita- gender. GenderQueer Chicago meets every (Includes open bar reception) 5:30pm - facebook.com/groups/52950773133/ Publicity photo Gray-longtime-activist-dies/46665.html Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00PM. 9:00pm Chicago History Museum 1601 The International Vintage Poster Fair More Creating Visi[bi]lity Want to learn more 7:00pm - 9:00pm Center on Halsted N Clark http://www.chicagohistory.org/ than 10,000 original vintage posters of all about Bisexuality?. Special Guest: Br. 3656 N Halsted http://www.centeronhal- planavisit/upcomingevents/out-at-chm subjects and styles will be showcased at Mike Oboza, founder of Bisexual Queer sted.org Tickets: http://www.chicagohistory.org/ the Fair with prices ranging from $100 Alliance Chicago.. Bus cards and Refresh- Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano Cap- planavisit/upcomingevents/out-at-chm present, BALANCING ON THE EDGE/AGE. to $150,000. $15 for a weekend pass. ments will be provided. 6:00pm - 7:30pm tured live from Elton’s residency at The Former President Jimmy Carter Signing his $10 donation. 8:00pm Defibrillator Per- 10:00am - 7:00pm Chicago Cultural Cen- John Merlo Public Library 644 W Bel- Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, new book, A Call To Action: Women, Reli- formance Art Gallery 1136 N Milwaukee ter 78 E. Washington St. http://www. mont Ave http:///www.facebook.com/ the epic concert experience features all gion, Violence, and Power, a book about Ave. http://www.DFBRL8R.org posterfair.com events/1460486757515658 of Elton’s greatest hits. List of locations women’s rights. Tickets are required. A Miss Club Krave 2014 Pageant A $600 Human First Gala Each year, Center on online. 7:00pm Various Illinois movie purchase of A Call to Action from Women prize package awaits the winner. Designed Halsted hosts its annual Human First theaters http://www.fathomevents.com/ & Children First for $30.60 comes with a and promoted by Theresa Dawn and Jason Tuesday, April 1 Performance & Gala to recognize the con- Frontrunners/ Frontwalkers Chicago A event/million-dollar-piano/more-info/ free ticket to the book signing. Pre-order Howell. 8:00pm - 2:00am Club Krave tributions of individuals, businesses and club for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, theater-locations a book and secure your ticket online or by 13126 S Western Ave Blue Island, IL organizations to the LGBTQ community transexuals and friends who are interested Cinema Q IV Film Series: De-Lovely phone. 6:00pm - 8:00pm The Swedish 60406 http://www.clubkrave.com in Chicago welcoming nearly 1,000 civic in running and walking together along (2004) The Queer Film Society fourth an- American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark Affinity Trailblazers (Formerly known as leaders, local, state and federal elected Chicago’s great open lakefront, meeting nual series celebrating outstanding LGBT St. 773-769-9299 http://www.wom- the Senior Group) Community and infor- officials, corporate and foundation spon- twice weekly, on Saturdays at 9am and movies. De-Lovely (2004): Anything goes enandchildrenfirst.com mation for and among seniors to identify sors, and major donors of the Center, and Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Totem pole in Lin- in this vibrant, sophisticated musical bi- challenges of being in the 60+ age group; members of the LGBTQ community and its coln Park, https://www.facebook.com/ opic that frankly examines the life and Friday, March 28 to advocate for individuals in this age allies. The Human First Award recipients groups/52950773133/ complicated marriage of the legendary 2014 Trans 100, Trans H4CK, Dev Boot- group; and to provide support for those include Robert Kohl & Clark Pellett, Evette gay songwriter Cole Porter. 6:30pm Chi- camp Weekend long event in Chicago in- whose partners have health issues. Last Cardona & Mona Noriega and Carol Ronen. cago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington St. cludes transgender game critic and creator Saturday of the month. Please bring a Wed., April 2 Feature performance at the Human First GenderQueer Chicago GenderQueer Chicago http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/ Mattie Brice, Orange is the New Black star dish and/or beverage to share. Info: Phyl- gala is Branden James, an opera singer is a grassroots, peer-led group that works depts/dca/supp_info/cinema_q.html Laverne Cox and I Am Enough founder lis Johnson at seniorgroup@affinity95. Kye Allums and mixer. Events continue and finalist in Season 8 of America’s Got org. 11:00pm - 1:00pm Affinity Com- to create safe spaces for all of us to talk Talent. $500. 5:00pm - 11:00pm Union about, think about, explore, and express Thursday, March 27 through March 29 and 30. Much more munity Services 1424 E. 53rd St. Suite Station 210 S Canal http://community. gender. They are open to those who wish Brahman/i: A One-Hijra Stand Up Comedy info online. 12:00pm Various Locations 306 http://www.affinity95.org centeronhalsted.org/human_2 Tickets: to talk and think about gender. Gender- Show About Face Theatre and Silk Road http://thetrans100.com Tickets: http:// http://community.centeronhalsted.org/ Queer Chicago meets every Wednesday Rising present the Chicago premiere by thetrans100.com Sunday, March 30 Human-First evening from 7:00 to 9:00PM. 7:00pm Aditi Brennan Kapil, directed by AFT Ar- Lincoln Park Lagooners Spring Fling Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago Meet- Strike Out Hunger Bowling Benefit Enter- - 9:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N Hal- tistic Director Andrew Volkoff, with Fawzia Getaway Including breakfast and full ing every Sunday from 10:30 to noon, taining and educational evening to ben- sted http://www.centeronhalsted.org Mirza in the title role. Provocative play use of the pool and hot tub. Hospitality featuring a speaker on a variety of topics- efit Vital Bridges with bowling games with masquerading as a stand-up comedy rou- suite, a perfect gathering place to enjoy -personal ethics, education, psychology, unique themes. 6:00pm - 10:00pm River tine, an Indian intersex person, or hijra, snacks, drinks and games. Visits to mu- politics, philosophy, medical care, equal Rand Bowl, 191 S. River Road, Des Plaines, explores history, mythology, gender roles. seums, walks along the lake, nighttime rights, the environment, etc., followed IL http://www.vitalbridges.org Through April 27. Start times to come. excitement at Madison bars. Must be 21+ by a coffee hour. Free and open to the GayCo Open Bar Party Celebrate intelligent 12:00pm Silk Road Rising, Pierce Hall 5:00pm Quality Inn and Suites, Madison public. Also Sunday School, weddings, comedy, achievements like gay marriage, at the Historic Chicago Temple Building, http://www.lplchicago.com service projects, book group, film group. and find your “drink maximum” at our 3 77 W. Washington St., Chicago 312-857- The Monologues of My Hips Just in time 10:30am - 12:00pm Ethical Humanist hour open bar. $25 at the door 7:00pm 1234 ext. 201 http://www.silkroadrising. for women’s history month LaNita Joseph Society of Chicago 7574 N. Lincoln Ave. - 10:00pm Waterhouse, 3407 N. Paulina org Tickets: http://aboutfacetheatre.com Dance & Cultural Center presents The Skokie , IL 60077 http://www.ethicalhu- Ave., http://www.gayco.com Songs from An Unmade Bed, a musical Monologues of My Hips. A production hon- man.org Rocio Boliver One of the most important nightcap Pride Films and Plays’ explores oring Local Motions Performing Arts Cen- Scott Duff hosts LGBT radio talk show women working in Body Art today will the experiences (romantic, sexual and ter’s dedication of 15 years to empowering LGBT-specific talk show “Out Chicago” on

NIMMO from page 25 A definitive departure from writing fiction, Before Summer may be a work of fiction, but Nimmo’s star rose significantly following the it is also “an affectionate look at that period of Colombian gay release of his biography on The Andrews Sis- my life,” Nimmo said. Returning to the memoir mentality, would ters. “Small towns were characteristic certainly of Nimmo ever consider writing one of his own— soldier tells story “Why did I write that book? I always liked much of the Middle West—they’re still there a real-life memoir? The Andrews Sisters. Throughout my life I’ve today, but the poor things, some of them are in new book “I doubt it,” he said. “You know, in a way, my enjoyed their music. I still play it even though in very, very bad shape. The family structures, Steel and Velvet is the true story of a gay fiction has been a memoir. For example, these my true musical love is classical music. I’m the social organizations, the things like that man in the Colombian army. The author, stories are my very early years up through col- quite proud of that book. I think also, that which were there when I was growing up, much Juan Cordoba (a pseudonym), has been lege and my undergraduate days. And then period of my life when they were popular my of that is gone. Of course those small family granted U.S. asylum and is now living in the stories that I wrote about the Philippine family lived on an army base in upstate New farms—which were typical of my relatives—are Chicago. The book, subtitled A Soldier’s experience, those essentially are stories about York during World War II. That was a very excit- mostly gone too, and corporate farms have tak- Story, has been released in English. my professional years when I was writing and ing time for me as a child, partly because I was en over. Everything in Iowa, anyway, is either Stationed on the border of Egypt and Is- doing research as an anthropologist. And then away from Iowa and experiencing all sorts of corn or soybeans,” said Nimmo. rael, part of an international peace-keep- I’m working currently on another collection new things and people. But also, it was when Certainly the simple lifestyle may be easily ing mission, Cordoba describes the chal- [based upon] traveling quite a bit around the I sort of became aware of the world around me missed in today’s fast-paced society and way lenges of being true to himself and coming world. These stories are, for the most part, the including music and pop culture. And they were of existing. to terms with his own sexuality—within latter part of my life. When you put them all extremely popular at that time on the army “I suppose [this story] will come across as the confines of an all-male military envi- together, I feel in a real sense that they are base. So they’ve always brought back a happy somewhat sad, too, because it is gone. For ronment. memoirs, even though they’re fiction.” time in my life,” he said. some people living in those small towns, it was The hatred and persecution that fol- What does Nimmo think about his life as a How did the opportunity arise? a beautiful life. They lived very fulfilling and lowed the publication of this book, when whole? “I had just finished a rather extensive an- meaningful lives,” Nimmo said. “Others felt re- first published in Spanish, led the author “I don’t think it’s been that exciting or thropological monograph and I started looking stricted and pained by those lives, and I hope to flee his country and seek political asy- maybe that meaningful or insightful. But when around for something else to do,” Nimmo said. I’ve conveyed that, too, with the characters lum in the United States. I put those experiences together and rework “I had always kind of toyed with the idea of I’ve chosen to write about.” See http://www.amazon.com/ them slightly and say the things I want to say, writing something about The Andrews Sisters, Purchase Harry Nimmo’s latest book, Before Steel-Velvet-Soldiers-Juan-Cordoba then to me it becomes more meaningful and and so I did an article and the article eventu- Summer, on Amazon and CreateSpace. dp/1494264811. more me in many ways,” he said. ally grew into this rather expensive book.” WINDY CITY TIMES March 26, 2014 29 BILLY MASTERS

“It was pretty much the gayest gym on the biting (the charges were dropped). Turns out planet and I assumed you were gay because Weir had been doing some fancy legal foot- there weren’t a lot of other reasons to be work behind Voronov’s back. Days ago, Victor there.”—Anderson Cooper recalls the first time tweeted, “It’s true: I am only now finding out he saw Seth Meyers and his impression of the that my husband @johnnygweir filed for di- funnyman. Certainly, I’ve always found the only vorce from me months ago.” Needless to say, reason to be at a gym is to pick up gay men. this ain’t gonna be an amicable split. Voronov’s Many people blindly accept information reps state, “Victor was a highly educated per- when it comes from a credible source. It will son, a lawyer and willfully gave up his career come as no surprise to you that I’m not one of at the request of Johnny to devote himself to those people. I question everything—unless it Johnny as a traditional spouse often does.” comes from Suze Orman. As I was watching the Of course, there are two sides to every sto- ry—and sometimes three. In an email Weir sent to Voronov, it seems that Johnny was less than faithful, and Victor retaliated in a particu- larly hurtful way. Weir wrote, “If you decide to wreck things, please wreck cheaper things than Birkins. The ‘Fuck You’ on the Birkin is kinda cool, though, you artist. I know you don’t care about how I’ll survive if you divorce me, but please leave my Birkin bags, Celine bags and Chanel bags alone.” What drama! That’s what we wanted to see on The A-List! What a missed opportunity. But Weir is keeping a sense of hu- mor about the situation. He claims the worst thing Victor could do “would be to post naked photos that we have between each other. And I look flawless.” One man’s opinion... Thank God we have a positive gay love story to cleanse the palate. It’s been a while since we’ve talked about Danny Pintauro. I think the last story I ran was when he announced his Johnny Weir is undergoing a nasty split, foray into selling Tupperware in Las Vegas. Ap- Billy says. Instagram photo parently he not only found a new career; he also found love. In April, he announced his en- gagement to boyfriend Wil Tabares. The couple financial guru’s latest PBS special, I realized now says that the wedding is imminent: “The that I was completely under her spell within BIG DAY is coming soon! I mean like, REAL 10 minutes. If Suze says invest in municipal SOON! Dan and I are totally excited and can’t bonds, that’s where I’d put my money (assum- wait to...seal the deal.” Congrats, boys. ing I had any to invest). When she warns me Another couple is reuniting, and it feels so to stay away from reverse mortgages, Henry good. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin will once Winkler and Pat Boone are dead to me. But again team for a new series on Netflix. Grace TISSUE from page 16 to come unraveled all the time by infight- does anyone fact-check her? When speaking to and Frankie will be a half-hour comedy about ing and queen wars. We are a drag show, a veiled disguise held together by a show tune. a 22-year-old girl, she said that if that girl put sworn enemies whose husbands fall in love Handy things to blow your nose or mind No wonder we like Auntie Mame and Gypsy, $100 a month in a Roth IRA, she’d have $1 with each other! How these two ex-wives deal on and then throw away. All my work is a story lines of odd ducks who succeed. That’s million by the time she’s 62; but if she waited with this will inevitably lead to madcap may- piece of gauze. Gauze is a “transparent fabric our dearly-wished -for-story, our communal until she was 32 to start saving, she’d only hem. The series, from Friends creator Marta made of plain weave.” Also, surgical dressing fabrication. have $300K. While everyone was applauding as Kauffman, has received a 13-episode order and (something I will be writing) made of “loose Tissue is the issue. Which makes a proper if Suze just sawed someone in half, I tried to is set to shoot later this year. woven cotton.” mockery of all our deadly serious talk about check her math on my trusty abacus. But once Joe Manganiello seems unable to leave strip- More coincidentally, gauze is a word we the issues; it’s just a ball of fuzz. What re- I got to the compound interest, I ran out of ping behind. The sexy True Blood star did quite derive from Gaza, Palestine, where the fab- ally matters is not who wins the next Alongi beads! a bit of research for the role of Big Dick Richie ric came from originally. A place of murky Award, gets into the Hall of Fame, or be- Questionable financial data is popping up in Magic Mike, including talking to a number tissue. That’s why we have about as much comes the next executive director of (fill in in all sorts of places. The Washington Blade of real-life strippers at Dallas’ notorious strip chance of fabricating universal truth as the blank). It is so easy for us self-fabricated recently investigated the American Foundation club, La Bare. He says, “People would walk out achieving peace in Palestine. leaders, royals, subjects and queens, to think for Equal Rights and its work with the two law of Magic Mike saying, ‘I loved it but I wish All this play of words gives me pause. I we are made of stone. To ask the world to firms who fought Prop 8 in California. What the there was more of the guys. I wish I knew more don’t blame anyone, including myself, for kiss our toe. To want statues made of us in Blade unearthed is that the non-profit organi- about them, where they live, who they go out having to be put to sleep. When the French our image. To carry the traces of the worst zation paid in excess of $6.4 million in legal with, what their lives are like.’ So I knew there anatomist and physiologist Marie Francois- patriarchal ego in our dim minds. fees. While it can’t be denied that this is im- was a lot left on the table.” He put his money Xavier Bichal invented the medical term tis- As though any of our issues cuts into the portant work, doesn’t that sound just a little where his mouth ought to be, hired a crew, sue, he put his life and biology into proper tissue. extreme? went to Dallas and began making the documen- context as a “woven fabric.” Out little string Damski (March 31, 1937-Nov. 1, 1997) Even more troublesome is news about Lady tary about these real-life strippers. The flick balls do unwind. Pity, pity. wrote books and also penned columns for Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. I like Gaga was very popular at Slamdance, and Mangani- Out glorious lesbian and gay community is publications such as Windy City Times. and think her heart is in the right place. But ello signed a distribution deal with Main Street only a big string ball of tissue, too. We seem what about those around her? This foundation Films for mid-six figures. Look for La Bare: The (run by her mom) spent over $1.5 million on True Story Behind The Magic to hit art houses legal fees, publicity and Internet consultants. sometime this summer. That’s not an enormous amount, but the dona- When we’re inching closer to a 9 to 5 reunion Angeles actress Jen Kober (The Mindy Proj- tions for the same time period equaled $2.6 courtesy of Netflix, it’s definitely time to end April 7 comedy ect, Curb Your Enthusiasm) and creator/host million. So more than half the donations went yet another column. Would it kill Jane and Lily event to benefit Nikki Levy, as well as local Chicago talent into supporting the foundation. to call Dolly? Surely I can picture her being Fawzia Mirza (Kam Kardashian), Lisa Cordil- None of this was included in an interview married to someone who ended up being gay. LGBT program eone (Easy Abby) and singer JC Brooks (JC Gaga did last week with the latest correspon- Heck, the tabloids run that story with alarm- The event “Don’t Tell My Mother!” will take Brooks & The Uptown Sound). The Joans will dent to join Access Hollywood—Johnny Weir. ing regularity! Of course, you don’t need the place Monday, April 7, at Laugh Factory Chi- perform. The skater gushed, “You’re popping my cherry tabloids to keep tabs on your favorite celebs. cago, 3175 N. Broadway, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 (general admission) and and I’m really, REALLY excited to be interview- Simply check out www.BillyMasters.com—the IMPACT, the LGBT health and development $50 (VIP, which includes the 6:45 p.m. VIP ing you as my first sort of sit-down with Access site that delivers 24/7. If you have a question program at Northwestern University, will reception and reserved seating). See http:// Hollywood”. Gaga smiled (at least I think she for me, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters. benefit from the event. donttellmymother.com/tickets/. was smiling) and said, “I’m very honored to be com and I promise to get back to you before This evening will feature stories from Los taking your interviewing virginity.” Logo produces a made-for-TV movie about Alas, it hasn’t been all smiles for Weir. Only Johnny Weir’s domestic struggles starring Dan- weeks ago, he was sitting in a New Jersey ny Pintauro! So, until next time, remember, one courtroom presenting a united front with hub- man’s filth is another man’s bible. by Victor Voronov against charges of domestic 30 March 26, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES BOOKS Billie Jean King Knives and autopsies to speak at CFW annual luncheon just the start in new Activist/tennis icon Billie Jean King will be the keynote speaker at th Chicago Foundation for Women’s (CFW’s) 29th An- nual Luncheon on Sept. 18 at the Hyatt Peggy Shinner book Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr. The luncheon will celebrate the achieve- By Sarah Toce there was a connection between knives and au- ments of women and girls by bringing to- topsies,” Shinner added. “I knew I had to write gether a diverse audience that includes Local lesbian author Peggy Shinner’s new a book about the body—in some strange way.” business, philanthropy, government, non- book, You Feel So Mortal (University of Chicago The ideas showered on Shinner from there— profit, media and community members. Press) is a daring collection of 12 thought- some modestly, others in a blatant fashion, but Proceeds help CFW achieve its mission to fully crafted and executed essays pertaining to all were asking to be noticed. “The essays came connect need, money and solutions for body image and introspective interpretations one-by-one and then some in clumps,” Shinner women and girls throughout metropolitan of one’s multifaceted beauty in relation to its said. Chicago. original form. Published in The Southern Review, Colorado A networking reception will take place The compilation of personal triumphs and Review, The Gettysburg Review, Daedalus, Tri- 11 a.m.-12 p.m. The luncheon and keynote hardships in You Feel So Mortal is dynamically Quarterly, Another Chicago Magazine, Alaska address will take place 12-1:30 p.m. inclined—from reveling in one’s own inner Quarterly Review, Fourth Genre and Bloom, Visit www.cfw.org/luncheon. beauty, to bra sizes, shapes, colors, hair con- Shinner’s work is, admittedly, digressive. figurations, and more. The witty and provoca- “I wandered my way through [You Feel So tive anthology is poised to turn this passionate Mortal],” Shinner relayed. “My working style is ‘OUT at Wrigley project into one unforgettable journey span- digressive.” Peggy Shinner. ning oceans, continents and heritages. The book winds its way through life and 2014’ to take The book is described by the publisher as death to the annoying act of exhibiting bad “…a collection of searing and witty essays posture. “I’m a sloucher,” Shinner revealed. partner is designer and book artist Ann Tyler. place July 12 about the body: her own body, female and With such touchy docket items, one might They have long resided in Chicago. “OUT at Wrigley 2014” will take place Jewish; those of her parents, the bodies she imagine a backlash could occur…but Shinner In support of You Feel So Mortal, Shinner will Saturday, July 12, at 3:05 p.m. at Wrigley came from; and the collective body, with all its is none too afraid of any of that. be at a book-release party at Women and Chil- Field, 1060 W. Addison St. historical, social, and political implications.” “I don’t feel exposed,” said Shinner. “The dren First, 5233 N. Clark St., on March 30 at Bud Light, MTM Chicago and sUpErGuRL The inception of You Feel So Mortal was a personal details that are parts of these essays 4:30 p.m. On April 15, Shinner will present her ImAgEs, in conjunction with ChicagoPride. unique undertaking. “I studied martial arts for are points of departure for me. It’s a way to book at Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-De- com, are sponsoring the 14th annual a very long time and we were learning how to raise other issues as well. There is a lot of en- fense Center, 1220 W. Belmont Ave., at 4 p.m. event. The Chicago Cubs will host the At- use a knife—not a sharp knife, a dull knife— ergy and excitement involved.” People can purchase their own copies of You lanta Braves. and I found that it set something off in me Shinner has received two Illinois Arts Coun- Feel So Mortal by visiting Women and Chil- Tickets are $57 (terrace reserved pass- … so I started writing about knives,” Shinner cil Fellowship awards, residencies at the Ucross dren First online or in the flesh—so to speak. es) or $130 Budweiser patio deck tickets. said. and Ragdale Foundations, and a fellowship at The book is also available at Barnes & Noble, Those who purchase the latter will receive That exploration led to another tricky subject Ausable Press. Currently, she teaches in the Amazon, IndieBound, Powell’s, and other inde- such perks as a complimentary gift bag. entirely: autopsies. MFA program at Northwestern University. She pendent retailers. For more information about See www.OutAtWrigley.com. “It didn’t take very long for me to see that has taught Seido karate for over 17 years. Her Patty Shinner, visit www.peggyshinner.com.

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