ACLU, Lambda File for Marriage in Illinois

‘lesbian nuns’ co-editor dies WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 May 30, 2012 PAGE 4 vol 27, no. 32 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.comTIMES ACLU, Lambda file for marriage in Illinois

ADAM LAMBERT INTERVIEW page 26

The plaintiffs in the marriage-equality lawsuits include Angelica Lopez and Claudia Mercado (with their two kids) as well as Carlos Briones, Richard Rykhus and their son Ty (right photo). Right photo by Jennifer Schuman; left photo courtesy of Lambda Legal.

IML 2012 BY KATE SOSIN September 2005 and are raising a son together. But in Il- The case hinges on the assertion that everyone has a page 29 linois, their marriage translates to a civil union, a status right to marry the person that they love and that denying Representing 25 couples throughout the state, Lambda they struggle to explain to their seven year-old, Ty. same-sex couples marriage rights deprives them of equal Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of “It’s important for him to know that this family is as treatment under the law. Illinois have filed two separate but coordinated lawsuits important as any other,” Briones said. “Civil unions brand these couples as worth less than against Cook County aimed at winning marriage equality Briones and Rykhus are one of nine couples represented other families, and children feel that,” said Taylor. in Illinois. in the ACLU suit, which opens with plaintiff stories. Taylor added that for many families, the symbolic sig- “We cannot justify waiting any longer,” said Camilla John Knight, ACLU LGBT project director, argued that nificance of having a civil union is not on par with mar- Taylor, national marriage project director of Lambda Le- civil unions have had a year to work but have failed to riage. gal. grant the same benefits and protections promised to The couples say that civil unions also fall short in prac- The May 30 lawsuits, filed in the Circuit Court of Cook LGBT families as marriage. Many civil-union couples have tical ways. County names Cook County Clerk David Orr (Orr has per- had to prove their status to hospitals and other agencies Humboldt Park couple Angelica Lopez and Claudia Mer- sonally been supportive of LGBT rights for years). with paperwork, a burden not placed on married couples, cado keep documentation of their family in their car at In both lawsuits plaintiffs argue that civil unions, Knight said. all times, in the event that they cross state lines into which began in Illinois almost a year ago to the day, “There’s just no other way to meet the constitutional Indiana to barbecue with friends. Their glove compart- have failed to deliver on the promise of equality both requirements,” he said. ment contains birth certificates for their two children, practically and symbolically. An additional 16 couples are represented by Lambda adoption decrees showing that both of them are legal “When you’re a kid, you don’t dream about growing up Legal, 15 of whom already have civil unions. The couples parents, their civil union certificate and power of attor- SUMMER QUEER to get a civil union,” said Richard Rykhus, a plaintiff in all attempted to obtain marriage licenses from the Cook ney documentation for each other. the ACLU suit. “You dream about getting married.” County Clerk but were denied. The lead plaintiffs in that MOVIE PREVIEW Rykhus and his partner, Carlos Briones, have been case are Jim Darby and Patrick Bova, longtime activists Turn to page 6 page 22 together 11 years. The two were married in Canada in for LGBT veterans’ rights. 2 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES When A Great De al Matters, Sho p Ro b Paddor’s... NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS ‘Lesbian Nuns’ co-editor dies 4 Summer entertainment special 15 Evanston Subaru in Skokie Obama and the LGBTs; Milk 5 Theater specials 16 Anti-homophobe website; parade 6 ‘Jersey Boys’ interview 21 Gay ex-Chicagoan in White House 7 Summer queer movie preview 22 CHICAGOLAND’S ONLY STELLAR CARE AWARD DEALERSHIP ‘Queer Is Community’ event 8 Film reviews: Moonrise Kingdom 23 For Outstanding Customer Service Anti-bullying bill 9 ‘Drop Dead Diva’ Brooke Elliott 24 #1 Cyberbullying; Obama’s Milk party 10 Adam Lambert interview 26 Safe Schools Alliance video 11 Dish: New England Seafood Co. 28 SuBARu Montrose Rocks’ new era 12 IML photos 31 DEALER Gay in the Life; T in the Life 13 Billy Masters 33 iN iLLiNOiS Viewpoints: Strong; Letters 14 2008 OUTLINES 2009 † Real estate; classifieds 30 Rob 2010 Calendar Q 32 2012 RECIpIENT Sports: Chicago Dragons 34 Paddor Bill 2011 Photos on cover (left, from top): Rosemary Keefe photo courtesy of Nancy Manahan; Adam Snowden 2012† Lambert PR photo; photo from IML by Ross Forman; still of Penelope Cruz in To Rome with Love

CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, VOICE OF Y SINCE 1985 THE OMMUNIT BI AND TRANS C 12 May 30, 20 , no. 32 WINDY CITYvol 27 an ‘lesbi nuns’ Co-editor dies TIMESindyCityMediaGroup.com www.W PAGE 4 ambda file for aClu, l llinois marriage in i DOWNLOAD THIS! Go to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com adaM laMbert ieW interV PAGE 26

s and their Rykhu Richard s Briones, ell as Carlo ids) as w r two k o (with thei a ia Mercad yone has t ever g pez and Claud bda Legal. rtion tha denyin ca Lo f Lam he asse and that e Angeli urtesy o es on t ey love to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. lud co e hing at th em of equal suits inc The cas erson th ives th ality law an; left photo ghts depr age-equ fer Schum t in Il- marry the p iage ri arri gether. Bu right to les marr in the m to by Jenni son to status ex coup rth less than intiffs ght pho aising a ion, a same-s s as wo The pla oto). Ri nd are r a civil un the law. couple ylor. t ph 2005 a to old, Ty. eatment under ese t,” said Ta son Ty (righ tember e translates year- as tr l tha c sig- Sep marriag seven mily is unions brand th , their to their this fa “Civil and children fee lies, the symboliith mar- linois explain amilies, y fami par w gle to now that other f hat for man is not on they strug for him to k ted ded t ion a tant ones said. sen Taylor ad l un - SIN e, Lambd impor Bri les repre having a civi in prac SO tat “It’s any other,” f nine coup ies. ance of fall short BY KATE out the s f tant as one o f stor nific also through impor ykhus are h plaintif d that l unions couples rties Union (ACLU)sui ots es and R opens wit gue riage. y that civi a Mer- 2012 ting 25 vil Libe ated law Brion which director, ar d to sa Claudi iMl esen Ci din lity t, project faile The couples pez and at 31 Repr he American but coor e equa the ACLU sui LGBT ut have to ca Lo heir car PAGE l and t rate arriag in CLU to work b sed ays. le Angeli ly in t Lega o sepa inning m n Knight, A a year tical w es into ve filed tw ed at w Joh had rotections promi ave ldt Park coup state lin Illinois ha ty aim ions have and p couples h Humbo tation of their fami art- ok Coun aid Camilla civil un vil-union cies at they cross comp against Co ger,” s e same benefits Many ci er agen cado keep documenevent th glove lon Lambda Le- ant th arriage. the riends. Their o children, ing any or of gr es as m hospitals and oth ples, es, in with f their tw in Illinois. t justify wait ect T famili us to all tim rbecue s for e legal canno e project dir LGB eir stat laced on married cou ba ficate them ar “We marriag of Cook prove th ot p Indiana to irth certi h of attor- al t Court had to burden n onal ns b that bot er of Taylor, nation e Circui per- perwork, a onstituti ment contai showing e and pow th (Orr has with pa eet the c decrees certificat uits, filed in vid Orr ay to m on gal. 0 laws Clerk Da ars). ight said. a adopti other. e May 3 ounty or ye s, Kn o other w y Lambd ents, their civil unionor ea ch 6 Th s Cook C ghts f l union ere’s just n d. ented b par o page ty name e of LGBT ri at civi “Th he sai e repres couples cumentation f turn t Coun portiv he day, ements,” ples ar ons. The ney do sup fs argue th go to t requir 6 cou i sonally been its plaintif year a ditional 1 have civil un rom the Cook laws u st a ality both An ad eady censes f at END OF MONTH both lmo f equ e li th In Illinois a omise o marriag ntiffs in Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! an in the pr Legal, 15 of whomobt alrain lead plai ivists ich beg on g up ed to ed. The me act wh o deliver growin empt ere deni a, longti ailed t cally. about n all att k but w ck Bov have f ’t dream ntiff i ty Cler atri cally and symboli n us, a plai Coun arby and P practi a kid, you do Rykh D . you’re d Richard ried.” case are Jim ghts “When ,” sai etting mar been ans’ ri ivil union bout g ave r LGBT veter ream a riones, h in fo to get a c t. “You d los B a CLU sui tner, Car ed in Canad ueer the A is par e marri er Q and h wo wer suMM eW Rykhus e t PreVi years. 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Walt Disney Productions even sought permission to use it as a prop in the 1986 film ONLINE AT Down and Out in Beverly Hills. The sale of four WINDYCITYMEDIAGROUP.COM ‘Lesbian Nuns’ stories to Forum, a men’s magazine owned by Penthouse, Ltd., however, triggered feelings of NATIONAL NEWS extreme rage, powerlessness, and grief among lesbian feminists who objected to the thought co-editor dies of a serious work being turned into fuel for pru- by Tracy Baim rient readers’ sexual fantasies. Ironically, while heated arguments and accusations dominated Dr. Rosemary Keefe Curb, 72, co-editor of one meetings like Women in Print and NWSA and of the bestselling lesbian books of all time, Les- filled the pages of lesbian publications, audienc- —1,000 protest N.C. bian Nuns: Breaking Silence, has died of comes who heard Curb and Manahan speak and the anti-gay preacher plications from lung surgery. Curb, also known thousands who read the book were captivated, as Rosemary Keefe (her family name), was co- inspired, and touched by its positive message of —Gay exec Fred editor with Dr. Nancy Manahan of the 1985 col- self-empowerment.” Hochberg (left) among lection of several dozen essays by current and Lesbian Nuns is “the groundbreaking book it Obama appointees former nuns. is touted to be,” wrote reviewer Jorjet Harper Before retiring and moving to Albuquerque, in the April 25, 1985, issue of Chicago’s GayLife —Gen. Colin Powell NM, Keefe Curb was dean at the University of newspaper. backs marriage Wisconsin-Superior, and a professor of English “Lesbian Nuns was a transgressive, ground- equality and women’s studies at the school. breaking and gleeful publication,” said Linda Keefe received her Ph.D. in English from the Bubon, co-owner of Women & Children First University of Arkansas in 1977. She had an MA Bookstore in Chicago. “It’s hard now to remem- in English from the same school, and a BA in ber what an uproar it caused. Barbara and Don- Women & Children First, several lesbian ex-nuns biology from Rosary College, now known as Do- na (from Naiad Press) were beside themselves in attendance connected with each other and minican University, in River Forest, Ill. with all the requests from mainstream maga- began getting together monthly,” Manahan said. The book achieved national attention through zines and newspapers to interview Rosemary “In 1997 at a Women and Children First reading media appearances by Keefe Curb and Manahan, and Nancy. We had them at the bookstore (on for my next book On My Honor: Lesbians Reflect and its visibility was raised higher when it was Halsted Street, in 1985) on Pride weekend, and on Their Scouting Experience, one of the mem- banned in Boston and attacked by representa- as I recall, we were packed. As a former Catho- bers of that group told me they were still meet- tives of the Catholic Church. The Boston NBC lic schoolgirl who ‘prayed for a vocation’ from ing!” affiliated cancelled an appearance by the co- Rosemary Keefe in June 2011. Courtesy of second through eighth grade, I found the book Co-editor Keefe Curb told The Los Angeles editors after pressure from the Catholic Church Nancy Manahan absolutely fascinating. I remember Rosemary as Times, in a May 1, 1985 article, that the book there. brave, vivacious, and funny.” “opens doors for anyone who’s ever felt an out- endearing people I’ve ever known,” adding that The editors did have a successful appearance In her introduction for Lesbian Nuns, Keefe sider, who ever felt they had to pass for main- for three decades they have received letters in on the Phil Donahue show in April 1985, and Curb discussed her own convent experiences, stream.” response to the book. She said that many les- and said she wondered, after she left, just how Keefe told off our backs magazine in May 1985 bians were inspired to come out as a result of many women of her generation chose being a that she felt the book received so much media reading Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence or see- nun because they were lesbian and it was a safer attention because of the “double marginality of ing the media coverage of the book. choice. She wondered how many became nuns lesbians and nuns.” Joanne Passet is doing research on the Les- “not only as a response to a call from God but as Whatever the reason, the book is still remem- bian Nuns publication phenomenon. As a result a refuge from heterosexuality, Catholic marriage bered for its groundbreaking effort to “break the of Passet’s research, both Manahan and Keefe and exhausting motherhood.” silence” on women’s sexuality. had spent many hours reflecting on the impact Keefe and Manahan had previously published Keefe Curb also edited the Applause Books of their book. their own stories in The Lesbian Path. That pub- title Amazon All-Stars: Thirteen Lesbian Plays, “The impact was that for the first time the lication’s editor Peg Cruickshank introduced the with essays and commentary. It was a finalist for word ‘lesbian’ and the concept of lesbianism was pair in June 1981, and suggested to Grier that a Lambda Literary Award in 1997. discussed openly on TV, very widely, on radio, she ask them to edit a book on the topic. Prior to becoming dean and professor at the in newspapers, in the mainstream, and the gay Chicagoans were among those impacted by the University of Wisconsin-Superior (she was dean press, here as well as abroad, because it was Lesbian Nuns book. Julie Valloni was partnered 2000-2003 and professor 2000-2007), Keefe was published in so many countries,” Manahan said. for 28 years with Frances Celine Leahy, a nun at Missouri State University (professor of English “It really was a silence-breaking book, just like from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. 1993-1999 and head of the Department of Eng- the title said.” Frances was out to her friends, and the couple lish 1993-1998). At Rollins College, she was an Naiad went through four printings of the book, both read the Lesbian Nuns book. Valloni’s English and women’s studies assistant, associate and sold the mass distribution and paperback mother even purchased it, thinking she would and professor from 1979-1993, and director of rights to Warner Books in 1986. Lesbian Nuns: find Frances in it—but she did not appear in the women’s studies there from 1982-1992. Breaking Silence was translated or reissued in book. Keefe is survived by her partner Doris Burkem- Australia, Brazil, English, France, Germany, Hol- Valloni said that Frances, who died in 1999 per, her daughter Lisa DeVore and granddaughter land, Ireland, Italy and Spain. Naiad Press gained at age 85, was happy to be seen at a gay bar or Cheyenne. visibility, if not large sums of money, from the pride parade, but that she also felt most at home See more information and photos online sale of serial rights to 19 publications, includ- in the convent—and as an older nun, her own at http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/ ing Ms., Christopher Street and Philadelphia Gay health and financial security were tied up in the lgbt/Lesbian-Nuns-co-editor-Rosemary-Curb- News, and ABC-TV purchased movie rights (but a went on a national tour for the book, includ- Catholic system. dies/37855.html. film never was made), according to Passet. ing several stops in Chicago—at the bookstores “At Rosemary’s and my 1985 appearance at “With her immersion in feminist theater, cre- Women & Children First and Unabridged, and ation of a women’s studies program at Rollins Mountain Moving Coffeehouse. College, and active involvement in the National But it also caused controversy within the les- Organization for Women and National Women’s bian community when its publisher, Naiad Press, Studies Association [NWSA], Curb epitomized sold syndication rights to the Forum men’s mag- the lesbian feminist of the 1970s,” Passet said. azine (owned by Penthouse) without the input “While Curb and Manahan objected to the of the writers of those essays. While Naiad had undercurrent of sex that filled their publisher’s proper legal rights to do so, many feminists promotional copy and dominated a number of criticized the selling of women’s words without the interviews, they nonetheless viewed each their okay. Naiad’s owners, Barbara Grier and interview as an opportunity to educate the pub- Donna McBride, defended their efforts, saying lic about lesbians.” Passet said. “An overnight it was one way to get the stories out to more sensation, their book appeared on the shelves women across the country. of gay and women’s bookstores, but also was a Keefe Curb and Manahan criticized the sale of featured display in B. Dalton and Waldenbooks. the rights to Forum, but it was out of their con- As sales reached unprecedented numbers for a trol. Keefe told Gay Community News at the time Naiad Press book, the co-authors jettisoned to that she felt “awful” about the Forum publica- near-celebrity status as thousands of readers en- tion of some of the works. countered the book in book racks at drug stores, Manahan, reached from her home in Min- supermarkets and airport terminals. neapolis, was emotional about the loss of her “Bookstore signings and presentations at colleague. They had stayed friends and were in women’s music festivals and women’s studies close touch during their 30-plus years as friends. conferences kept the book in the public eye, as “What a smart, passionate, funny, extraor- did the ABC-TV purchase of movie rights and the Rosemary Keefe (left) and Nancy Manahan on the 20th anniversary of the Lesbian Nuns book, dinary social activist she was,” Manahan said, mass-market paperback release by Warner books October 2005. Courtesy of Manahan “one of the most completely alive, engaged, and WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 5 the National Election Pool exit poll sought to other Americans, are living in the failed Obama identify “gay, lesbian, and bisexual” voters. All economy.” Obama campaign voters gave only a slight edge to Democrats that Citron predicted a “roller-coaster ride” for the year (52 to 48 percent), while gay voters issued campaign, “particularly in battleground states” a 78 to 22 percent preference for Democrats. such as Florida. He said the LGBT Obama cam- reaches out to gay voters Jimmy LaSalvia, executive director of the gay paign would be doing numerous events at gay conservative group GOProud, scoffed at the idea pride events around the country next month. By Lisa Keen the Obama campaign could win over LGBT Re- There is a “San Francisco East Bay Area LGBT Keen News Service publicans. family and friends” event planned for June 17. “If the left believes that President Obama To find events in a particular area, visit LGBT. The Obama campaign said it would be making has the gay vote locked up, they are sadly mis- barackobama.com/lgbt/events. a determined effort to turn out LGBT Americans taken,” said LaSalvia, in an email response to ©2012 by Keen News Service. All rights rein November “regardless of their political affili- reporter. “The truth is that gay people, like all served. ation.” Jamie Citron, national LGBT note director for the Obama for America re-election campaign, made the statement May 23 during a telephone press conference with reporters. Citron introduced outgoing Human Rights Campaign Presi- dent Joe Solmonese as co-chairman of the LGBT arm of the Obama for America campaign. Solmonese, too, said the campaign would at- tempt to convince “every member” of the LGBT community and “Republicans in particular” to support the president’s re-election. Solmonese said that HRC has and will put a “big focus” on helping members of the LGBT community “understand the distinction” between President Obama and Republican presidential nominee-apparent Mitt Romney. While there was “some confusion” about Re- Joe Solmonese. Photo by Rex Wockner publican presidential nominee John McCain’s positions on gay issues in 2008, said Solmo- nese, Governor Romney “has very clearly com- Solmonese. “So it’s incredibly important that mitted” to pushing for a federal constitutional every member of our community—including Re- amendment to ban same-sex marriage. President publicans—understand that distinction.” San Diego names street after Harvey Milk Obama opposes such an amendment and has In 2010, between 26 percent and 29 percent In San Diego, Blaine Avenue was renamed Harvey Milk Street during a May 22 ceremony, SanDi- called for repeal of the federal Defense of Mar- of LGBT voters supported Republican candidates, ego6.com reported. City officials believe the street is the first in the country to honor the late riage Act (DOMA), which bans federal recog- according to mainstream exit polls and a Keen gay-rights activist, who would’ve turned 82 that day. nition of same-sex marriages licensed in the News Service examination of heavily gay precinct Milk was one of the first openly gay politicians to hold public office when elected to the board states. records. Looking at data going back to 1990, the of supervisors in San Francisco in 1977. Former Supervisor Dan White fatally shot Milk and San The constitutional amendment, said Solmo- lowest gay vote for Republicans came in 2008, Francisco Mayor George Moscone the following year. nese, is “the ultimate deal-breaker for us.” when only 19 percent of gay voters supported Photo by Rex Wockner “It’s absolutely the last line in terms of really Republican McCain. The lowest gay Republican discriminating against this community,” said vote prior to that came in 1990, the first year

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adler.edu Adler School of Professional Psychology 17 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60602 6 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES Cynical website tracks homophobe outings by Charlsie Dewey for George W. Bush’s re-election campaign; and former California state Sen. Roy Ashburn, all of “The lady doth protest too much”—at least that whom are listed on the website with rainbow- seems to be the case with many outspoken anti- colored stars next to their entry to indicate that gay rights politicians. A new website, GayHo- they have since completely flipped on the issue mophobe.com, takes aim at these very people of gay rights and become LGBT-rights advocates. in positions of power who spout an anti-gay “It’s important to show that people can agenda only to be outed later. It also tracks how change. That getting outted is not the horrific many days it’s been in between each outing and end that many of these people perceive and you provides a link to information on the circum- can be a conservative, like Roy Ashburn is, he’s stances of the allegations. still a Republican, you can be a conservative and The website, which launched last September, you can be out, be who you are, and not have to started as a humorous way to make a statement be a closet case.” about what Sai [no last name] told Windy City Still, for all the listings of individuals who Times he keeps seeing play out in the national have come out proudly and changed their stance media, people in positions of power who are vo- on gay rights, there are many more who haven’t. raciously touting anti-gay platforms only to be There are also several people who are not on living closeted gay lives themselves. the list that people might expect to see there. He started the site a few days after the out- Sai points to his criteria. First, the person has to ing of Puerto Rican Sen. Roberto Arango. Arango be in some position of power, politically or so- denied posting semi-nude photos of himself on cially. Second, they have to be using that power the gay app Grindr, but quickly resigned from his to promote or support an anti-gay agenda. And, position. third, they have to turn out to be closeted. All “Of course I do have very serious perspectives three criteria have to be met to be included on on gay rights and so forth. ... That’s part of the the list. conversation that is already going on in public, As he’d hoped, the site is gaining a nice mo- and this is a humorous take on it,” said Sai. “It’s mentum online, being mentioned often on Twit- meant to be very funny.” ter as well as garnering almost 400,000 unique Sai, who is queer and a former Chicago resi- page visits and 600,000 page hits. It has also dent, does not consider himself to be an activ- added two theme songs: Katie Goodman’s “Prob- ist, but he does believe that GayHomophobe. ably Gay” and Jonathan Mann’s “Gay Homo- com can add something to the conversation phobe.” LGBT military, veterans, band Sai is not profiting from the website. Instead, march in Memorial Day parade he said that 100 percent of the net proceeds The Chicago chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (gay veterans) and the Lakeside from advertising are donated to Truth Wins Out, Freedom Band were joined by two members of The Gay, Lesbian and Supporting Sailors (GLASS) “an organization fighting the ex-gay bullshit es- of Great Lakes Naval Base as they marched in Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade May 26. poused by so many homophobic closet cases in The veterans also paid their respects at the grave of Allen Schindler May 27. Schindler, a power.” The last donation totaled $1,520 and Chicago-area native, was murdered in 1992 by his own shipmates because he was gay. Chicago’s he is expecting the next donation to be nearly gay veterans conduct a ceremony there twice a year. Congressman Mike Quigley, fourth from right $400. in second photo, joined the gay veterans for the parade. Photos by Jean Albright; more online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ‘Be-All’ transgender conference thru June 2 The transgender conference known as Be-All bly earlier this year, but that measure failed will take place May 29-June 2 at the Downers FILE from cover to move. Grove Double Tree Hotel and Conference Center. Both the ACLU and Lambda Legal say that Among the scheduled activities are a recep- Even still, they concede that having a civil same-sex couples cannot wait any longer. tion/dinner for new attendees; a golf outing; a union is not a guarantee that their relation- “We’ve always said that civil unions were hospitality suite; and a 30th-anniversary gala ship will be recognized. not the end that we were fighting for,” said with live bands and fireworks. “It’s really confusing for a lot of people,” Knight. “We’ve been talking about this for a There will also be seminars, such as “Veter- said Mercado. “What is a union?” long time, but we thought it was important to ans’ Benefits Basics,” “Changing male voice to Because their second child was born after give civil unions a chance to work.” female voice: Feminization Laryngoscopy” and their civil union, both Mercado and Lopez are According to Taylor, the Lambda suit is more “Finding Your Inner Beauty,” among others. legally his parents in Illinois. However, Mer- than a decade in the making. See www.be-all.org. cado completed a second-parent adoption for Lambda has sued in other states for mar- Sai. Photo by Julia Wolf him to ensure she would be a recognized par- riage equality in recent years including in ent in other states. When they went to pick Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Hawaii, Pantoja tribute June 1 up the birth certificate, only Lopez, the birth A tribute to Dr. Antonia Pantoja will take place California and Washington. mother, was allowed to pick up the certifi- The Illinois suits seek both marriage cer- through its humorous perspective. He compares Friday, June 1, at the Institute for Puerto Rican cate. Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St., 6:30-9:30 tificates for the plaintiff couples as well as a the humor of the site and what it is trying to “Here I am standing in line, watching my statewide ruling that would allow couples to express to that of Ruben Bolling’s 2007 “Tom p.m. partner sit by the person who instructed us Pantoja was an educator and social-justice ad- marry. the Dancing Bug” comic announcing the new that only one of us has to go,” said Lopez. While the suits are directed at the Cook gay stereotype. vocate who founded Aspira, “the only national Marriage equality activists have long argued Hispanic organization dedicated exclusively County Clerk, their success would presumably Although the site is meant to make people that civil unions set up a “separate but equal” set a precedent for the entire state, Taylor to developing the educational and leadership laugh, Sai said he does hope that it will contrib- dynamic, in which same-sex couples are de- said. capacity of Hispanic youth,” according to its ute to the larger picture and make it more dif- nied marriage simply for the sake of setting The Cook County clerk’s office has been the website. In 1996, she received the Presidential ficult for people in a position of power to have a them apart from heterosexual couples. target of an untold number of marriage equal- Medal of Freedom. In 2002, she came out as les- platform of homophobia because it will help add Since civil unions went into effect last ity protests over the years, but current Clerk bian in her autobiography. She passed away that to the increased political and cultural pressure June, Windy City Times has documented sev- David Orr has also been a longtime supporter same year. on them. eral instances where government entities, of LGBT rights. In an interview last year with The Legacy Walk will recognize Pantoja and GayHomophobe.com is not just a site for hospitals, organizations and employers ei- Windy City Times, Orr said he had a very dif- her contributions Oct. 11. shaming politicians and others in positions of ther failed or struggled to react accordingly ficult time not issuing marriage licenses to Tickets to the June 1 event are $10-$20; see power who turn out to be gay. Sai uses a star to the new unions. The Illinois Department same-sex couples who asked, sometimes to http://legacyprojectchicago.org/Antonia_Pan- system to indicate a person’s actions follow- of Revenue initially announced that same-sex the point where he wanted to protest with ing his outing. Several people included on the toja_Tribute_Tickets.html. spouses would not be able to file joint state them. website have actually ended up coming out and tax returns, but later reversed that decision “It was a drag,” he said. “And the only thing speaking in favor of gay rights. amid protest from LGBT advocates. that really keeps you going is the hope that Sai gave the example of John Smid, former Openly gay state representatives introduced things will get better.” leader of ex-gay organization Love in Action; a marriage-equality bill to the General Assem- Ken Mehlman, who served as campaign manager WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 7 Sutley, is one of the highest ranking lesbians in on achieving the president’s goals. the president’s administration. “At some point, I’d like to return to Chicago Gay ex-Chicagoan “Chairwoman Nancy Sutley has dedicated her and find a way to contribute to the city I love so life to improving and protecting our environ- much. Time will tell when and how that contri- ment, and has been a leader in the LGBT com- bution will be, because for now, I’m focused on gets White House post munity,” Ayala said. “I look forward to the op- this new role and enjoying my time in D.C.” portunity to learn from her and to work with her

By Ross Forman Obama’s administration, and look forward to be- Cheng, married in New York City. They will be ing able to help spread the word about the great riding in a convertible near the front of the Miguel A. Ayala—a Whitney Young High School things being done to help protect our environ- parade. alum who launched the first LGBT student orga- ment,” said Ayala, who noted that his job goals Also, Mayor Rahm Emanuel officially pro- nization in a Chicago public high school and is a are to “harness the power of social media and claimed June Pride Month. In doing so, he member of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of traditional press to make CEQ a name people rec- urged “all Chicagoans to recognize the many Fame—has been named the deputy director of ognize.” contributions the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and communications at the White House Council on Ayala said he learned of the job online and Transgender communities have made to our Environmental Quality (CEQ). applied. He admitted that “it also helped to city.” Ayala, 33, is now living in Washington D.C. have the support of the Congressional Hispanic “I am very excited to be serving in President Caucus, the Victory Fund’s Appointments Project and several of my previous su- Affinity has new pervisors.” The CEQ post “is an oppor- board president tunity to continue serving my Affinity Community Services (Affinity) has country and be a part of the a new leader at the helm, as Kelly Saulsberry great work President Obama is Evan Wolfson. Photo by David Shankbone became the group’s third board president at doing, and helping make sure the organization’s May 22 board meeting, ac- the average American knows cording to its website. about what that work means Pride Parade Saulsberry assumed office from Lisa Marie to them.” Pickens, co-founder of Affinity and its board Ayala was the co-chair and marshal named president for the last five years. Pickens will on the board at large of the Evan Wolfson, founder and president of the remain on the board of directors and lead The Gay, Lesbian and Allies Sen- marriage-equality group Freedom to Marry, Affinity Archives Project. ate Staff (GLASS) Caucus. “By will be the grand marshal of Chicago’s Pride Affinity’s founding board president, Christi- serving as a resource to LGBT Parade that will take place Sunday, June 24. na Smith, stepped down in 2007 after nearly staffers in the U.S. Senate, we Before founding Freedom to Marry, Wolf- 10 years of service. were able to create a commu- son served as marriage project director for Affinity is a social-justice organization that nity for staff, and be helpful Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund; was works with and on behalf of Black LGBTQ com- to interns and others looking co-counsel in the Hawaii marriage case that munities, queer youth and allies to identify to work in the Senate, while launched the ongoing global movement for emergent needs, create safe spaces, develop also engaging the Senate the freedom to marry; and participated in nu- leaders and bridge communities through col- community at large on issues merous gay rights and HIV/AIDS cases. lective analysis and action for social justice, affecting our community,” he After New York state legalized same-sex freedom and human rights. For more info, said. marriage last year, Wolfson and his partner, visit www.Affinity95.org. Miguel A. Ayala. Photo by Denis Largeron The chair of the CEQ, Nancy

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FEATURED ARTIST LINCOLN @ “HOUSE OF WISDOM” – THEODORE GALL WISCONSIN 8 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES Groups respond to legislative moves on Medicaid, HIV The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus (CB- GMC) praised the Illinois General Assem- bly’s Black Caucus for opposing Medicaid- and HIV-funding cuts, according to a press release. Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed a cut of $2.7 billion from the state’s Medicaid system and an additional 50-percent cut to community-based HIV prevention, hous- ing, corrections, minority health-promo- tion and harm-reduction programs. “The state’s fiscal crisis must be re- solved without devastating cuts to Med- icaid, which help hundreds of thousands of families in Illinois every day, including many African-Americans with disabilities, seniors and children,” said Ramon Garden- The panel at Queer Is Community. Photo by Kate Sosin hire, AFC’s director of government rela- tions. Nair and Jamie Royce are contributing writers “It’s time that the Illinois General Assem- for Windy City Times.) bly follow the lead of the Black Caucus in Queer activists talk Panelists and audience members tackled ev- finding a balanced approach to fit Illinois’ erything from a debate about what “queer” budget issues, but do it in way that grows means, whether or not there was a “queer com- the economy, creates jobs and protects racism, transphobia munity” and what should be done to ensure that Medicaid.” media portrayals of queer life are accurate. “Experts in infectious disease tell us that Huffington Post writer Zach Stafford spoke of regular HIV testing, linkage and reten- at Center event the need to break down “who we are willing to tion to care and adherence to medications respect and why.” among HIV-positive people are all ele- Community,” The two said they wanted to pre- BY KATE SOSIN Panelists unraveled the controversy surround- ments needed to stop the epidemic,” said empt the summer’s controversies by creating a ing a recent New York Times obituary, in which CBGMC Chair Keith Green. “When we con- positive event. More than 100 people packed into the Center on transgender performer Lorena Escalera was de- sider other social determinants of health The evening started out with an informal Halsted’s Hoover-Leppen Theatre May 27 to talk scribed as “curvaceous” and in other ways that that exacerbate the epidemic, such as un- speak-out outside the theatre, followed by per- about racism, transphobia and a host of other activists said unnecessarily over-sexualized her employment, stigma, poverty, and poor ac- formances and then a panel discussion with the “isms” that some say are plaguing Chicago’s LG- life and marginalized her death. cess to care, it is vital that funding levels performers. BTQ communities. In one tense moment, Soto argued that trans- are sustained for these essential services, navidson presented a piece that explored “Queer is Community,” an evening of conversa- gender people should be forgiving of those who which will inevitably lower community transphobia within the queer community. Pre- tions and performances, was held as a response make honest mistakes, to which one person viral loads and reduce the likelihood of cious Jewel of the Center on Halsted spoke of to “When in Boystown,” a controversial blog yelled, “Yeah, blame the victim!” transmitting the virus to others.” the need to move beyond conversations about that launched earlier this spring. Organizers Audience members followed up by weighing in In a separate release, Howard Brown bullying and same-sex marriage. Brian Turner of claim that the blog’s play on Lakeview stereo- on Soto’s statement, and the conversation even- Health Center (HBHC) lauded the General TaskForce Prevention and Community Services types is racist, transphobic and body-negative. tually subsided. Assembly “for tackling the daunting task paid tribute to Paige Clay, a transgender woman The event—which included a speak-out, However, a great deal of focus was placed on of Medicaid budget reform,” acknowledg- from Chicago who was recently murdered, and performances and a panel discussion—also the Center, just two days after queer organiza- ing the Save Medicaid Access and Resource talked about the intersection of transphobia and appeared to be fueled by the controversies tion Gender JUST released a statement accusing Together (SMART) Act (Senate Bill 2840). racism. surrounding crime and race that rocked the the Center of not installing “restorative justice” “Failure to act and do nothing to salvage Tony Soto of The Qu website discussed the neighborhood last summer. practices for youth. Illinois’ Medicaid program would have crip- ways that he was a “blissfully ignorant” gay “This neighborhood has a history of exclud- Center CEO Modesto Valle recently told Windy pled our State’s healthcare system,” said man before he began to think about gender and ing people and trying to eject people from the City Times that the Center used restorative jus- HBHC Public Policy Director Clint W. Sabin. neighborhood,” said ellie navidson [sic], an or- queer issues. Yasmin Nair of Gender JUST argued tice practices for people who are caught steal- ganizer of the event. against using stories for political purposes and ing from Whole Foods, which is attached to the Boystown became embroiled in controversy spoke against relying on same-sex marriage to Center. ‘Burlesque Brunch’ to Last summer when residents launched a Face- solve widespread lack of access to healthcare. Valle said that those who do steal from Whole benefit Lambda Performer Rebecca Kling presented tongue-in- book page called “Take Back Boystown.” Many Foods can return to the Center through a re- On Sunday, June 3, TheQu.co is kicking cheek apology for being transgender. Jackie said they believed that violent crime in the storative justice process of meeting with those off Pride Month with “The Ultimate Bur- neighborhood was on the rise, while others ac- Guerrero performed a glittery burlesque piece. involved. lesque Brunch: A Benefit for Lambda Le- cused residents of unfairly scapegoating queer Jamie Royce, backed by Chicago’s Queer Choir, However, Gender JUST organizers have alleged gal.” The event will take place at Sidetrack, youth of color. presented a poem on being queer and femme- that no such process has been made public. The 3349 N. Halsted St., 12-3 p.m. navidson and co-organizer Nico Lang had dis- identified. The evening was emceed by local co- group launched a petition just days before the Founded in 2011, TheQu.co is an LGBT cussed the controversy when planning “Queer is median Adam Guerino. (Disclosure: Both Yasmin event calling on the Center to implement restor- news and entertainment website. Among ative justice. At least 65 people had signed it as those performing at the brunch are Cruel of May 28. Valentine, Tito Bonito and Holly Deck, Chicago’s Dedicated and Center representatives could not be reached among others. Xandra Fairlawn is hosting. Comprehensive LGBT Program for comment over the holiday weekend. The L Stop is co-sponsoring the event. ALEO In the end, the event seemed to highlight a Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at VAT CHICAGO LAKESHORE HOSPITAL Valeo at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital fissure between some in Chicago’s gay and les- the door; passes are available at www. provides comprehensive psychiatric bian scenes and a mostly younger generation of brownpapertickets.com/event/246851 or and addiction-related treatment for self-identified “queer” people. (Queer, a term gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender Carbon Hair Salon, 3009 N. Halsted St. that has been reclaimed in recent years, is of- and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. The program offers a safe, affirming ten used both as alternative umbrella term for therapeutic environment for members “LGBT” identities and as a political identity set Hirshman’s ‘Victory’ of the LGBTQ community. The Valeo apart from a more mainstream gay rights move- signing May 31 staff is comprised of well-trained, ment.) Linda Hirshman will be signing copies of experienced gay and gay-sensitive Donations at the event were collected for The her most recent book, Victory: The Trium- behavioral health professionals from Crib, a low-threshold shelter in Lakeview for LG- a wide variety of disciplines. phant Gay Revolution, Thursday, May 31, at BTQ youth. 200 S. Michigan Ave., 22nd floor. Guerino said that “Queer is Community” will A cash-bar reception will take place at 4840 N. MARINE DRIVE continue to exist as a Facebook page, and that 5:30 p.m.; dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. CHICAGO, IL 60640 organizers may hold future meetings and events. Dinner is $30; RSVP with The Cliff Dwell- The Facebook page can be found at www.face- 1-800-888-0560 ers at 312-922-8080. www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com book.com/qiscommunity.

WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 9

Center, 400 S. State St. Anti-bullying bill PFLAG ‘Heartland’ On Wed., June 13, Chicago author Ann event June 6 Laughlin will read from and sign her latest On Wed., June 6, the 2nd annual “PFLAG novel, Runaway, in the video theater (lower in jeopardy over National Celebrates the Heartland” will be level) at 6 p.m. held at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal- On Wed., June 20, Sukie de la Croix will LGBT support sted St. discuss and sign his new book, Chicago Whis- The event will be 6-8:30 p.m., with honors BY KATE SOSIN ed groups when they voted against the measure. pers: A History of LGBT Chicago Before Stone- Cassidy said that conservatives who had ne- beginning at 7 p.m. Center on Halsted CEO wall, in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at 6 A bill aimed at strengthening anti-bullying pro- gotiated amendments to the bill went back on Modesto “Tico” Valle and About Face Theatre p.m. tections in Illinois has been postponed after their word when they voted against it. will be the honorees. Visit www.chicagopubliclibrary.org or call Senate conservatives voted down the measure, “They have attempted at every step of the way Roosevelt University President Charles Mid- 312-747-4050. a move believed to be a reaction from LGBT sup- to take out protections for gay kids,” she said. dleton and Council for Adult and Experiential port. However, supporters say the bill is not dead Learning President/CEO Pamela Tate are event co-chairs. DIFFA gala June 9 Bill HB 5290, introduced by lesbian Rep. Kelly yet. DIFFA (The Design Industries Foundation Tickets are $75-$200 each; visit www.pflag. Cassidy, would bolster the state’s anti-bullying State Sen. Heather Steans postponed a vote, Fighting AIDS)/Chicago is holding its Believe org. code by creating model policies for schools in saving the legislation from defeat. The bill is 2012 GardenGala Saturday, June 9, 6:30 p.m.- 2013. headed back to the General Assembly before it 2 a.m., at the Marriott Downtown Chicago, The bill is not LGBT-specific. Rather, it adds to returns to the Senate. Library Pride events 541 N. Rush St. the current code, which already contains LGBT Cassidy believes the bill is still likely to pass June 13, 20 GardenGala will feature an organic farm- protections along with several other identity by the end of the week. It was rejected by just to-table dining experience and live auction one vote, and two supportive senators were not The Chicago Public Library (CPL) continues categories. The amendment would mandate edu- bookended by a cocktail reception and the present for the vote, said Cassidy. its “Celebrating Diversity” series in June with cation, emotional support, counseling and other dancing/desserts segment. community-based solutions intended to address “But it’s a weird time of year,” she said. “Any- the observance of Pride Month. Tickets are $500 each; see www.DIFFAChi- root causes of bullying. thing can happen.” As part of this year’s observance, CPL will cago.org. Cassidy said she believes the bill was voted present two author programs on selective down because some conservatives equated the LGBT topics at the Harold Washington Library

Celebrate pride month tickets start State Rep. Kelly Cassidy. with the sky as low as bill with her own sexual orientation. $13 “It’s not a gay bill,” Cassidy said. “The bigger message is just how far the anti-gay forces will go.” exclusive offer Leading up to the vote, the Illinois Family In- stitute, an anti-gay organization, rallied against the bill, citing support from LGBT groups and Enjoy one game this June for $25 or enjoy Cassidy. all four for just $80. All PRIDE month “All the various organizations committed to packages include a special Sky PRIDE gift. using public schools to normalize homosexuality are trying to make the case that opposition to their anti-bullying laws, policies, and programs friday, june 1 @ 7:30pm constitutes support for bullying, and our law- Sky vs Washington Mystics makers are falling for it,” the institute wrote on friday, june 8 @ 7:30pm its website. Sky vs Tulsa Shock The organization specifically names support from Equality Illinois, the American Civil Liber- wednesday, june 13 @ 7:00pm ties Union and the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Sky vs Seattle Storm which works with LGBT youth, as proof that the friday, june 29 @ 7:30pm bill is the work of LGBT activists. Sky vs Phoenix LGBT groups have voiced support for the bill in the recent weeks. To take advantage of this offer or for more But Sarah Schriber, policy director for the Illi- nois Safe Schools Alliance, pointed out that the information on this special offer call text sky to 57711 for a chance bill had widespread support, including the back- shelli at 312.994.5980. to win 2012 season tickets ing of Prevent School Violence Illinois, a coali- tion of more than 50 groups that supported the *standard rates apply passage of anti-bully legislation in 2010. “On the one hand, I can’t image why [it was voted down],” said Schriber. “It’s such a straightforward administrative bill.” Schriber contended that opponents singled for more info visit chicagosky.net or call 866.sky.wnba out LGBT protections from a long list of protect- 10 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES “The bill was raised in the Senate as ‘part of consider overriding vetoes by the governor. the homosexual agenda.’ The things people said “The bill is just one vote shy of the required Cassidy, Steans host on the Senate floor were disgusting,” said Matt majority, and it is likely Sen. Steans will try Muir, district office director for Kelly Cassidy. again before the session ends in the next week,” “But prospects look good. We were only down by according to a statement passed out at the cyberbullying forum one vote.” event. However, the anti-bullying bill is not dead; it “Obviously, cyberbullying is becoming a pretty has just been postponed. The Senate could vote big issue with the rise of Facebook and other By Jamie Anne Royce once threats are involved, and Krok will make on it again this week before the legislative ses- sites,” said Muir. “This is something really im- arrests if the harassment doesn’t stop. sion ends, according to Muir. It could also be portant to Kelly and Heather, and we’ll keep State Sen. Heather Steans and lesbian state “There are no laws against talking stupid, but voted on again during the veto session near the pushing on it.” Rep. Kelly Cassidy collaborated on a presenta- there are laws against threats,” said Krok. “Be end of the term, when the legislature meets to tion about combatting cyberbullying for parents careful. What you post can get you in trouble.” and community members. In one case Krok worked on, a boy was being Det. Alan Krok, a member of the Chicago Police harassed by a peer who made fake Facebook ac- Department Special Investigation Unit and of counts and posted comments calling him gay. Obama campaign holds the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, His fellow students piled on with additional led the presentation at Sullivan High School in hurtful comments, with the harassment continu- Rogers Park May 23. He routinely investigates ing at school. Finally, the boy called Krok to tell Harvey Milk Day cases of cyberbullying, child porn operations him he couldn’t bear the bullying any longer and and online sexual predators. he was going to kill himself. There aren’t many laws targeted at cyberbul- “When you’re online saying this stuff, you party in Chicago lying, but Krok has charged people with harass- don’t see the person on the other end crying,” ment by electronic means. Usually cases escalate said Krok. “It’s the message we give to kids in BY KATE SOSIN behind Obama’s campaign after he came out the first grade. It’s the golden rule—‘Do unto for same-sex marriage. others as you would have them do unto you.’” With excitement still buzzing over President “I felt it was a deeply moral thing for him to “These are not bad kids at all. Bullying has Obama’s recent support for marriage equality, do,” Crain said. gone on forever. They’re just taking advantage an estimated 40 LGBT Chicagoans chose to Crain used to reject campaign donation ap- of the technology,” said Krok. spend Harvey Milk Day with his Chicago cam- peals, even though she planned to vote for To combat cyberbullying, Krok urged parents paign staff. Obama come November. The moment she saw to familiarize themselves with the technology, Team Obama and openly gay Ald. James the president supported same-sex marriage, what websites their children visit and who they Cappleman held a Harvey Milk birthday party she went online and donated to his cam- interact with on the internet. May 22 at the Holiday Club in Uptown, with paign. “This is nothing more than honing parenting the focus on encouraging LGBT Chicagoans to Brandon Fox planned to back Obama regard- skills,” said Krok. “Communication is paramount. volunteer for the campaign. less, he said. Don’t think of the internet as a babysitter.” “This campaign is about continuing the “The marriage announcement was surpris- If someone is experiencing harassment, Krok change that Barack Obama started,” said Nel- ing, but he had my support 100 percent,” Fox recommends saving all the messages and con- lie Sires, Obama campaign LGBT outreach co- said. tacting law enforcement. ordinator for Chicago, in a volunteer pitch. Fox said he was more interested in the pres- Staff members for the senator and represen- Cappleman echoed the need for continued ident’s pro-LGBT policies than he was in his tative discussed anti-bullying legislation and change in the country, and also encouraged words. the concerns of parents, urging them to contact attendees to get out the vote. Still, for some like Cunyon Gordon, Obama’s their offices if they need anything. “We’re going to really have to put feet to marriage support may have been too little Cassidy introduced House Bill 5290 to bolster the ground,” he said. too late. Gordon questioned why LGBT people the state’s anti-bullying code by creating model LGBT rights hero Harvey Milk was briefly forgave the president for holding out on the policies for schools in 2013. The House approved honored on the anniversary of his birth, but marriage issue. the measure, but it failed in the Senate May 22. the main focus was on Obama’s re-election “We just celebrate as if he came roaring in The bill is an amendment to current anti- bid. a champion of our cause, but he didn’t come bullying legislation that would mandate educa- Attendees were shown a documentary-style roaring in,” she said. tion, emotional support, counseling and other Det. Alan Krok. Photo by Jamie Anne Royce campaign commercial that touted Obama’s Gordon said the president has been too con- community-based solutions intended to address approaches to the economic crisis, healthcare ciliatory with conservatives, something over- root causes of bullying. reform, the war in Iraq, the killing of Osama looked by progressive people because he seen bin Laden and the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t as better than Republican candidates. Tell,” among other things. Gordon did not realize she was coming to an Still, much of the talk among partygoers Obama event, she said. She thought she was centered on Obama’s recent announcement coming out to celebrate Harvey Milk’s birth- that he supports marriage equality. day. Andrea Crain said that she only put weight

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Sale Ends June 30th Ameriprise Financial is proud to be recognized with another perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. Call for Exceptional Brokerage, investment and nancial advisory services are made available through FREE In-Home Appointment Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. 800.245.7790 © 2011 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. www.DraperyConnection.com Ext. 10 Ask for Jessica Jessica’s Web Page WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 11 to raise awareness about LGBTQ high school stu- lot of things we aren’t involved in that we can dent’s experience.” be more active in like running as a community Alliance highlights “I’m glad that our video and personal stories member for local school council in Chicago or will inspire youth not only in Illinois but all running as a community member for a seat on across the web. I’m glad I got to take part in your local suburban school board.” LGBT issues with this. It means that now ISSA is helping young ISSA provides professional development for people both directly and indirectly with this teachers, assistance in creating gay-straight video,” said Crystal Ramirez of Lincoln Park High alliances (currently there are 140 high schools School. GSA’s and one middle school GSA in Illinois) and online video Abe Akande of Lyons Township High School support for teachers in places where LGBT-inclu- said, “The video is more than I expected. It got sive curriculum is not accepted. By Carrie Maxwell up with the “dear 40-year-old me” concept (re- my point across and it made people see who we See www.illinoissafeschools.org for more minding their adult selves about the work they really are. It humanized the LGBT youth commu- information. To view the video, visit www. The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance (ISSA) youth did as teenagers to make things better for the nity and made people see our bare hearts, and it youtube.com/watch?v=ZvuIVfzGtww. committee released a video, “Dear 40-year-old LGBT community), a flip on the “dear 16-year- hit close to home for a lot of people.” me,” last month through an in-kind grant from old me” films that have already been released by Sullivan was in attendance during the filming EPIC (Engaging Philanthropy, Inspiring Cre- other individuals and organizations. and said she wasn’t surprised by what the stu- atives; http://iamepic.org/). A number of students were involved in the dents said. However, she was moved her to tears ‘Pride and Joy’ at With the video, ISSA’s youth committee hopes project both in the city of Chicago and the sur- hearing how much they are impacted by their Circuit June 18 to inspire more involvement by young people rounding suburbs. ISSA didn’t choose the stu- present situations, including unsupportive fami- The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of and adults to make schools and communities dents who took part in the video, they all volun- lies and/or schools. Although some students Fame will present its annual Pride and Joy safer places for all students, especially LGBT teered. The video was shot during ISSA’s youth come from unsupportive environments, Sullivan Reception Monday, June 18, 6-10 p.m., at youth. summit, which was recently held at Evanston noted that they still have strong and powerful Circuit Night Club, 3641 N. Halsted St. Since April 19—when the video went live on Township High School. visions for their present situation and the fu- Tickets are $20. They’re available from ISSA’s YouTube channel—it’s been viewed by “It’s so inspirational to have people come ture. board members of Friends of the Chicago about 44,000 people. up to me to say that they saw the video,” said As for future outreach Sullivan said, “I really Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, from current “We were very surprised and honored at the Grace Gonia of Lyons Township High School. encourage LGBT and allied adults to be active on Hall of Fame inductees and at the door at video’s popularity since we are a tiny organiza- “It’s incredible that it got so much attention youth issues within the schools or with home- Circuit. tion,” said Shannon Sullivan, executive director and I hope that other organizations can use it lessness or the child welfare system. There are a of ISSA. “The young people feel that way too and they are honored that people would take the time and respond the way that they did. Huff- ington Post picked it up and from there it’s been on blogs, various newspapers and other websites like Buzz Feed, SheWired, Devour, Chicagoist. We So far out, are getting calls from reporters across the country and it’s something we never anticipated.” “Youth committee members are basically the you’ll fi t right in.

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SYMMETRICAL OR $ Shannon Sullivan. Photo from Sullivan ALL-WHEEL DRIVE .9% 239 FINANCING PER MO.† 2 0 leaders of all of our work at the alliance,” Sul- LIFETIME WARRANTY Just add tax, title, $3995 down payment, 1st. mo. payment and license ($4234 total) $0 sec. livan added. “They meet quite often with staff, Dep., $0 Acquisition fee due at 36 month 12K mi./yr. lease inception. With approved credit. other volunteers and ISSA board members to help guide our decision making process because The go-anywhere 2012 Outback. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Plenty they are the ones who are most impacted by the of interior space and ground clearance. You get it all, plus 29 mpg.* work that we do.” The goal of this project, Sullivan explained, Anyone who chooses their own road has just met the perfect partner. was to assist ISSA with its messaging surround- Love. It’swhat makes a Subaru, a Subaru. ing the issues that they work on and how that impacts students. ISSA reached out to EPIC, a Chicago-based group. According to its website, 88 NAPERVILLE the organization “pairs hand-picked volunteers from the advertising and design industries with OGDENOGDE AVE. 1210 E. OGDEN AVE. ORCHARD RD. At Naperville/Wheaton Road Chicago-based nonprofit clients dedicated to 55 education, children and families.” 355 294 Call Clifton 630-445-2565 EPIC put together a team and the team de- 80 www.geraldsubaru.com cided that ISSA needed to produced a short film featuring young people. The EPIC team and ISSA Subaru is a proud partner of Leave No Trace and a Proud Sponsor of National River Cleanup. *EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i CVT models. Actual members, including the youth committee, came mileage may vary. †MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Dealer sets actual price. Outback 2.5i Premium pictured has an MSRP of $26,740.

SUBOUT_7.625X9_051112.indd 1 5/14/12 12:34:25 PM 12 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES Coordinating Committee founders had such a mand for a 5 p.m. closure, according to a previ- civic-minded focus. ous Windy City Times story. Organizers start new “We understood the importance—unlike the Rocks Coordinating Committee president Ariq apolitical [individuals] who fought us—of vis- Cabbler didn’t dispute the violence claim. How- ibility of public policy decision-makers,” he said. ever, Cabbler stressed the effects of an earlier chapter with Black “That visibility translates into helping public closing time. policy.” “The 3 o’clock-to-6 o’clock window is critical,” Before the Rocks Coordinating Committee was Cabbler told Windy City Times, referring to the created in 1996, house music producer Frankie most popular HIV-testing hours. “If we have to LGBT Pride event Knuckles played out of the back of his van at close at 5, that means we have to shut down Belmont Rocks. by 4:30,” he added. “The people attending this By JASON CARSON WILSON “As far as I can remember, African Americans event will bear the brunt of it.” have always gathered separately from the pa- The city and organizers disagree that the All of the rainbow’s colors weren’t always wel- rade,” O’Connor said. “There was a time we were event was being closed early. Then-City of Chi- come at the Pride Parade. not effectively reached out to.” cago LGBT liaison Bill Greaves said the city only Montrose Rocks creative director Anthony Gal- Frankly, he said, Belmont Rocks was a direct asked that the public address system be shut off loway said that exclusion inspired the Windy response to the “inability of promoters to ad- at 5 p.m. Ironically, the PA system is Montrose City’s African-American LGBT community’s event. equately and legally have a party on the lake- Rocks’ biggest draw—and problem, according to Galloway said people of color initially gath- front.” O’Connor said “the Chicago Police ran us Greaves. ered at Belmont Harbor in the 1970s—until the off the lakefront” in the 1980s. “We’re not saying that it’s these people who event’s growth led them to Montrose Harbor. “They said we were not a part of the pride come here that are causing the violence,” he They’ll gather again right after the 2012 Gay events,” he said. said. “It’s not even the people who come here Pride Parade June 24. Montrose Rocks is literally Now, thanks to Montrose Rocks, both women after the parade. It’s another element that is a party with more than one purpose. and people of color have become more involved drawn here after 5 o’clock [by the entertain- The event, Galloway said, is credited as the in pride events. Early in the morning, O’Connor ment] that is causing the problem.” nation’s largest one-day HIV-testing site, re- said, the event is more family-oriented. By af- Galloway said the Rocks Coordinating Commit- sponding to then-President Bill Clinton’s 1997 ternoon, younger gay men make their grand en- tee has been working with Chicago Police De- call. With that said, it’s now focusing on overall trance after the parade. partment District 19, Chicago Park District and women’s health as well. “We make sure there’s a public awareness 46th Ald. James Cappleman’s office to resolve “We want to be inclusive of the entire LGBT about HIV/AIDS, because [some] organizations the closing time issue. He said they were close community,” Galloway said. clearly weren’t doing their job,” O’Connor said. to a “tentative” compromise on a 7 p.m. closing In addition to breast and cervical cancer, “We have service providers who normally do this time. the event also offers resources and information work.” Tressa Feher, Cappleman’s chief of staff, said about domestic violence. However, according to Montrose Rocks had ended festivities at 7 things are on the right track. Galloway, Montrose Rocks provides more than p.m.—until violence prompted city pushback. “Everything is moving forward with the health advice and testing. Violence led to Chicago Police Department’s de- event,” Feher said. “It will stay the same.” “It brings a sense of community,” he said. “It’s essential that an event like this occurs.” Research apparently reveals LGBT people— TJ Williams: Riverside is not alone. Rev. Otis Moss III with a community of supporters—have better of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago (the church of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Presi- health outcomes. Also, Lakeview isn’t the only Anthony Galloway. Photo by Darren Calhoun Mobilizing neighborhood where LGBT Chicagoans live. dent Obama’s controversial former pastor), “We know that our community is spread out all Black churches for made headlines recently by backing the president’s support for marriage equality and call- over Chicago,” Galloway said. O’Connor said. “We had a legal right to get the LGBT equality ing on other Black churches to do the same. While Montrose Rocks is a well-known HIV- permit and we used that permit.” BY KATE SOSIN “The institution of marriage is not under testing venue, entertainment is a major draw as That permit allowed Montrose Rocks to show- attack as a result of the President’s words,” well. Since organizers are still planning, Gallo- case entertainment, a vital health service, a For TJ Williams, being Black, gay and heavily Moss wrote. “Marriage was under attack years way couldn’t reveal any anticipated acts. How- platform to policymakers as well as LGBT con- involved in the church is not a contradiction ago by men who viewed women as property ever, neo-soul artist Kenchris and a complete stituent access to those power players. or an identity of great complexity. and children as trophies of sexual prowess. drag show have been among past attractions. In addition to Davis, U.S. Reps. Bobby Rush Homophobes in the Black church, he said, Marriage is under attack by low wages, high “We’re planning a spectacular event,” Gallo- and Jesse Jackson Jr. as well as late former Cook “have forsaken the legacy of the Black Church” incarceration, unfair tax policy, unemploy- way said. “We’ll pulling people from [all over] County Board President John Stroger, Jr. and as a pillar of justice and social change. ment, and lack of education.” [Windy City the community.” state Rep. Constance Howard have headlined the Williams is a student, a gay man and an or- Times attempted to contact Moss on numer- Montrose Rocks will also feature U.S. Rep. event. O’Connor is a former staffer for Howard. ganizer on a mission to amplify the voices of ous occasions. However, he had not respond- Danny K. Davis. So, music—and messages—will Montrose Rocks, he said, honors the African- Black gay preachers who support LGBT equal- ed as of the press deadline.] be prominent. That suits event co-founder and American lawmakers, advocates such as The Civil ity, of which there are many, he said. Other Black churches have added their voic- Rocks Coordinating Committee president emeri- Rights Agenda’s Rick Garcia and the unsung he- “I want folks in the African-American comes to a growing chorus of those who support tus Michael O’Connor just fine. roes who were at New York’s Stonewall Inn— munity inspired to understand that LGBT marriage equality. But for those not ready to “We wanted more than a party,” O’Connor said birthplace of the modern LGBT civil-rights move- rights are civil rights,” Williams said. go public with their support for LGBT causes, about the efforts of him, Marc Loveless and ment. At a time when some have equated Black said Williams, Black churches are increasingly Lloyd Kelly to launch the Montrose Rocks event, “We’ve honored anyone who’s successfully churches with homophobia, especially in the lending support to LGBT movements in a qui- several years after the original Belmont Rocks achieved what we consider community service,” wake of President Obama’s recent support of eter way: they’re backing President Obama on celebration had started. O’Connor said. marriage equality, Williams is fighting to por- other issues at a time when his leadership has “It’s the largest [organized] African-American O’Connor said the Rocks Coordinating Com- tray a different image of the Black and faith- been called into question. presence on the lakefront,” he said. mittee is the only active organization to honor ful. Williams argues that the media has largely It became the first group with a legal right to African-American policymakers as well as allies Williams is a Master of Divinity student at portrayed Black churches as monolithic, in- gather. publicly. He stressed why he and fellow Rocks New York Theological Seminary. He is also a “We decided we were going to be proactive,” terviewing homophobic Black ministers but member of the Riverside Church in New York not ones that embrace LGBT people. City, a church that has been open and affirm- “I often ask myself why the media is missing towards LGBT people since 1985. Williams ing this,” he said. “If you’re going to give married his partner, Brad Williams Hauger, press to these homophobic ministers, then there last year. call up these clergy that are well-studied and Williams grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. His believe in justice for all.” mother was an evangelist who equated LGBT Williams is taking matters into his own rights with her own struggles as a woman hands. He is planning a large press confer- early on. ence at June 7 that highlights the voices of “She saw this connection between sex- Black clergy who support President Obama’s ism and misogyny and homophobia [in the stance on marriage equality. The details of church],” Williams said. that event have not yet been announced. Williams’ upbringing and his own sense of Williams believes that Black churches, justice led him to seek out a church that em- built on a foundation of equality and justice, braced LGBT people and continued to push for should naturally step up to support LGBT fairness. That church, for him, was Riverside. rights. Riverside has a legacy of social justice. Dr. “We find it very foreign when we come Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “Beyond Viet- across folks that don’t understand that civil- nam” speech there in 1967. Today, the church rights narrative,” Williams said. “The legacy bills itself as open and affirming on its web- was always about justice.” site, listing same-sex weddings alongside heterosexual ceremonies. WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 13 Ryan Ochoa Loren has gone from being intrigued about yoga to becoming a certified instructor over the past year or so. “For me, yoga is a way to relieve stress, and was a way to add ROBERT’S CYCLE GAYin the something different to my workout; I [initially] just wanted something different, a new alternative to increase my work- Sales • Service • Parts out,” Loren said. “I never envisioned I’d become a yogi.” Raleigh • D/Back • KHS LIFE Sure enough, he’s been trained for hundreds of hours and is We service all makes and models now the assistant manager for the South Loop branch of Core- Ryan Ochoa Loren even the ones our competitors don’t. 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Yoga is a great way to do something different, SALE ENDS JUNE 2 nd out of the ordinary.” Void With Other Discounts Or Specials As a yogi, Loren instructs people of all shapes and sizes, including many associated with University Mention you saw us in Windy City Times of Illinois-Chicago, which is nearby. Age One of the most popular classes at CorePower Yoga is Hot Power Fu- 30 sion, where the temperature in the studio is set to 105 degrees with 30 percent humidity. $ OAccessorieFF s $ OFAccessorieFs Neighborhood minimum purchase minimum purchase Lincolnwood “I really enjoy my job; it’s exciting. I get to interact with beginner 5$25 10$50 students to some who have been practicing yoga for 10 years,” Loren SALE ENDS JUNE 2 nd Void With Other Discounts Job title said. Or Specials. Limited To Stock On Hand. 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Rhodes, He. “It’s been kind of a difficult situation because, remember once before, I never was judged. I Agent Identifies as thought I was at a point in my life because my 2472 N. Clark Trans boy. grandmother had to actually get used to me. State Farm773.281.0890 Mutual Automobile Insurance Company But in my earlier teens, I was wearing women’s (not in NJ) Life’s work: clothes and lipstick and just go to work. I saw State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois “I am Miss USA, and I do work actually for the myself growing and expanding … and saying my community like I did once before … to build mother didn’t want me living there because I Friday, June 1 community and strengthen it a little more. And was gay or because she was queer or because to actually do a little more for myself like get- she knew another guy that was gay that always 7:30 p.m. Jeanne Cordova ting my own business started.” harassed her. That’s what took me out of the When We Were Outlaws situation to be the queen and to be the diva of Spinsters Ink Interests them all.” “I love bingo and volleyball.” In Conversation with Achy Obejas Do you consider yourself an activist? Lives in: ““I can see that all things are possible through Tuesday, June 5 Oak Park Christ. Without him, I could never have gotten 7:30 p.m. up and done all the stuff I have. ... I never Eva Gabrielsson School thought HIV was a curse. That’s what I want the Swedish American Museum “I’m at the Christopher House. I go there for people to believe—to believe in themselves, to 5211 N. Clark St my GED program, and I’m going to start the Art believe in their truth.” Institute in June … fashion design and graphic 5233 N. Clark and architecture.” Whom do you admire most? (773) 769-9299 “I would say fashion icons and singers all over When did you start questioning gender? the USA.” “I actually stepped out into the world when I was 19.”

To nominate a person [email protected] for T in the life, email: Kate Sosin www.womenandchildrenfirst.com [email protected] Parking Available Wheelchair Accessible 14 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY VIEWPOINTS TIMES ingly wastes precious resources and millions of to look at how far we must go to attain equality? VOL. 27, No. 32, May 30, 2012 CHARLENE dollars in trying to pierce the narrow ideology Large equality organizations are gifted at The combined forces of Windy City Times, and damaging beliefs of folks who refuse to ac- throwing enormous events to keep the conversa- founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, STRONG knowledge that equality is truly a civil-rights is- tion of our inequality in the spotlight. As a com- founded May 1987. sue. munity, we soak it all up. We secure the most PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR How insignificant I felt at that moment; I beautifully glamorous actors and celebrities and Tracy Baim know all too well from my own personal loss show the world our solidarity—our movement that if I had the right of marriage and the rec- for equality. We express that we are just like ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky ognition of my relationship of 10 years I would everyone else and deserve to be treated with MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine It’s time to not have faced the unimaginable treatment and dignity. Thousands and thousands of dollars are DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright humiliation the evening my wife died in a tragic spent to facilitate these lavish events as we put ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson carry the water flood. It changed me and galvanized my deter- on our tuxedos and watch the stars walk the red SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Terri Klinsky, Amy Matheny, Kirk Williamson, Dave Ouano, Kirk Smid mination—inspiring me to make a difference to carpet. We write our checks … never really quite I had the great pleasure of participating in a PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Cynthia Holmes educate and advocate for others to do some- understanding where or how that money is being NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Williamson global discussion presented by the World Affairs thing more than nothing. The loss and struggles spent to secure civil rights for our community. NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 Council called Gay Rights as Human Rights. The I experienced five years ago schooled me and Currently, there are a handful of states that SENIOR WRITERS Kate Sosin, Bob Roehr, Rex event focused on LGBT equality and the atroci- Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Per- inspired me; I am not the same woman I was be- recognize marriage for same-sex couples. At last ties that many people face simply because of egrin, Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair, Erica Demarest fore the tragedy, and I am determined to apply count, 30 states slammed the door on same-sex THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan their sexual orientation. The purpose of the sym- the lessons I learned and the fire in my heart to marriage and the march is on to take the few CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. posium was to get people to think about gay BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair create and affect significant change in our soci- states that have marriage and reverse those rights on a much broader scale. The discussion SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman ety. I am committed to doing this with dignity, decisions. It is 2012 and, as a nation, we are ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS seemed more than appropriate with the endorse- grace and compassion. moving at a glacial speed toward reversing the Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence Fer- ment of same-sex marriage by President Obama After listening to the pain that so many are discriminatory effect of the federal Defense of ber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel fewer than two weeks prior. COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet suffering to this day because of the cruelty and Marriage Act (DOMA). I will not ever believe Jessica Stern, program director of the Interna- Harper, Meghan Streit, Alex Lubischer, Charlsie lack of compassion and dignity expressed by that securing marriage equality state by state Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Tyler Gil- tional Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission others, it was my turn to take the stage and should be our focus. If the Federal Government lespie, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Sally Parsons, (IGLHRC), led the evening with many accounts of Emmanuel Garcia, Jamie Anne Royce, Joe Franco address the audience. I knew that it was time made the specific step to enact DOMA, then why real-life stories that illustrated how far we still SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel to speak about what I had not before said— are we left to state by state decisions and the Ferrand, Hal Baim, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia, must journey for real equality for all citizens. It that it was our responsibility to help carry the bigger issues that continue—such as HIV/AIDS, Dave Ouano, Tim Carroll was a reminder of how little has changed regard- water for our brothers and sisters. Whether you workplace discrimination and bulling—get less CIRCULATION ing humanity and the lack of dignity that many identify as gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, attention? It is a national distraction with dire CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright continue to endure simply because they don’t fit DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, queer, intersex or any other classification, it is civil-rights consequences. the social norms of narrow concepts that serve Sue and Victor our responsibility—and mine as well—to reach This is the moment for a revival. This is our WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead pro- no one but one’s own agenda and political op- out to make a difference for that one person you time in history to stand together as a commu- grammer: Martie Marro) pression. may never meet in a tiny African village. nity and as a nation to speak out for those who Also on the panel was the esteemed Rev. Dr. The person who doesn’t have the educational don’t have the resources and have nowhere to Copyright 2012 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Kapya Kaoma, a human-rights activist from Af- Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back background to write a letter to their congress- turn. The lessons that can be learned working rica. He spoke of poverty and lack of services issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). man or, as many arm chair warriors do in this together as a community are great. The momen- Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, for many in the LGBT community in Africa. He and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and country, go on YouTube and rant about what is tum of our civil-rights movement rests on the explained people in the civil-rights movement no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. wrong with very little talk about a solution. passion of its people. We are those people—the All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy there face tremendous financial, educational will be treated as unconditionally assigned I suggest we need something big to shake us, ones whose time has come. City Times and communication struggles. The government, for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing to bring us together: I suggest we need a re- The time is now. It’s time we all start carrying and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, he said, commits atrocities against LGBT people cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own vival. We need a good old-fashioned awakening the water. in Africa and unless the United States lends its and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City of our soul as a community—as a global com- Charlene Strong is a nationally respected Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of powerful hand to assist, LGBT individuals face a a person or organization in articles or advertising in munity—that is concerned about the bigger advocate for civil-rights and marriage equal- Windy bleak future. City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the picture of inequality. A revival is a moment to ity. She is a prolific writer and speaker, and sexual orientation of such person or organization. While As I listened to the stories this thought struck we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make be inspired. As a child growing up in the South, the subject of the award-winning film “for me: As a U.S. citizen, I am terribly comfortable this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept I remember watching the meeting and social- my wife...” She is an appointed Washington responsibility for advertising claims. and selfish. I felt ashamed and bewildered that izing—and praying—when families would come state human-rights commissioner and the co- (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 in 2012 the focus organizations that work for together to find inspiration to work on behalf of founder of LFB Advocacy Group, a strategic e-mail: [email protected] or LGBT equality and legislation are continuing to [email protected] their faith. There’s something to be learned from consultancy focusing on civil-rights and so- be tasked with the never-ending battle for mar- that fire in the belly moment. People are looking cial justice. riage equality in this nation. Frankly, I feel it is www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com for a leader—a message—but are we prepared radio: WindyCityQueercast.com a pervasive and exhausting argument that seem- video: QueerTVNetwork.com

WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 U.S.A LETTERS (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. including the gay and straight alderman and cies that demonstrate a staunch commitment Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. Going public OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE organizations that support this legislation. My to LGBT equal rights. Qualifying agencies must www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Dear Editor: concern is that some individuals are using this show proof of their clear non-discrimination www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com very public debate as a proxy for their own petty policies, staff sensitivity training, family train- www.WindyCityQueercast.com www.QueerTVNetwork.com I am responding to your informative article concerns of division and retribution. ing initiatives and gender-inclusive language in “Transgender ordinance sets off EQ IL-TCRA fall- I have the highest respect for both Bernard their internal and external communications. “Windy City Media Group generated out,” written by Kate Sosin. Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, as I do for The best interest of children should always be enormous interest among their readers I think Kate’s article highlights a difference Anthony Martinez of The Civil Rights Agenda. It the first and foremost concern in any foster care in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index in our political leadership vision about strategy is my hope that they will insure the focus of this or adoption. As an adoptee, I know that “best Survey. Out of approximately 100 when it comes to legislation. There are those debate is on strategy and not personalities. interest of the child” means unconditional love, print and online media partners who who believe that the quality of our equality an unwavering commitment to parenting and participated in the survey, Windy legislation should be based on our community’s Joe Murray fostering a sense of safety, home and belonging. Executive Director City was the best performing regional needs, while others believe that passage of even I also know that none of this is pre-determined media in the U.S. Only survey partners Rainbow Sash Movement weak legislation is important because that can by the age, gender identity, sexual orientation or with a nationwide footprint were be built upon. marital status of parents. able to generate a greater number of I think both views have their merits, but even Family affair I applaud the efforts of HRC to ensure that responses.” —David Marshall, Research above both of these views the question that members of the LGBT community have equal ac- Director, Community Marketing, Inc. must be asked, is this very public eruption over Dear Editor: cess to adoption services while simultaneously strategy helpful to our community unity or not. giving children an equal opportunity to find a What is troubling to me is that I sense that As an adoptee and LGBT ally, I wholeheartedly loving family. real issue is not the legislation, but rather some support the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC’s) of the personalities involved. efforts on behalf of prospective adoptive LGBT Sincerely, I think there can be legitimate differences on parents. Sara Feigenholtz strategy; however, there should be no differ- Windy City Times recently reported on the Hu- State Representative ences in the ethical way we treat each other. man Rights Campaign’s pioneering All Children- 12th District There are a lot of wonderful people involved, All Families program to recognize adoption agen- WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 15 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo from Pride Films and Plays

‘JIM’ DANDY Richmond Jim (above) is one of the productions in WCT’s summer LGBT roundup. See below. DISH MUSIC MOVIES Chips don’t lie. Gossip girl. Pop tart. Page 28. Page 25. Page 22.

Photo by Meghan Streit Gossip CD cover Press photo

SUMMER THEATER Look at the season’s LGBT theater line-up

BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Owen Bruner Theatre, June 2-July 8. Tony Award- winning actress Phylicia Rashad directs this new Now that Gay Pride Month is upon us, it’s a great American play by Paul Oakley Stovall about a time to take stock of how far the LGBT commu- Hyde Park family who divulge secrets when they nity has come (or hasn’t) since the Stonewall assemble for the first time in five years. 312- Riots erupted in June of 1969 and kicked off the 423-6612 or www.goodmantheatre.org modern-day rights movement for LGBT equality. Exit, Pursued by Bear, Theatre Seven of Chi- One way to reflect is to catch up with a variety cago at Greenhouse Theater Center, June 7-July of shows dealing with aspects of LGBT life and 15. A sassy gay friend is featured in the Chicago history. Some shows do it song, some are per- premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s dark comedy sonal memoirs, while others reflect the time and about a fed-up wife who restrains and punishes place they were originally written. All shows in her abusive husband before she plans on leaving Chicago unless otherwise noted. him. 773-404-7336 or www.theatreseven.org Mahal, Silk Road Rising at The Historic Chi- Swallow Your Pride. Photo courtesy of GayCo New to town cago Temple’s Pierce Hall, June 8-10. A Filipino These world premieres and Chicago-area pre- family dealing with the loss of the strong matri- on masculinity and violence. 773-975-8150 or 3006 or www.pridefilmsandplays.com mieres give you a chance to see how current arch also must deal with assimilation, homopho- www.sideshowtheatre.org Richmond Jim, Pride Films and Plays at Na- playwrights are depicting LGBT issues, be it from bia and more issues in this staged reading of tional Pastime Theater and part of its Naked July an up-to-date or historical perspective. Danny Bernardo’s new play. 312-857-1234 or Out of the past Festival, June 29-Aug. 8. A young man newly ar- Swallow Your Pride, GayCo at Stage 773, June www.silkroadrising.org Revivals of established classics give modern- rived in New York finds himself in a relationship 1-July 7. Chicago’s best-known LGBT sketch My First Time, Broken Nose Theatre at Green- day audiences a chance to reflect on where the with an older man in this slice-of-life drama and comedy troupe celebrates its sweet-16 anniver- house Theater Center, June 8-July 28. The hit LGBT community and its artists were thinking early gay play by Cal Yeomans. 773-327-7077 or sary with a brand new Pride Month revue featur- off-Broadway show by Ken Davenport and folks and depicting in the past. 800-838-3006 or www.pridefilmsandplays.com ing rowdy Dykes on Bikes, nervous politicians just like you is all about people’s hetero- and The Glass Menagerie, Next Up repertory at Butley, Hubris Productions at Greenhouse out for the gay vote and the poor sign spelling homosexual stories reflecting on the first they Steppenwolf Theatre Garage, June 5-24. Ten- Theater Center, July 5-Aug. 11. Simon Gray’s of anti-gay protesters. 773-327-5252 or www. had sex. 773-404-7336 or www.greenhousethe- nessee Williams’ classic 1940s drama is a semi- famed 1970s dark comedy is all about a pompous gayco.com ater.org autobiographical portrait of his broken home English university professor facing the breakup Steamwerkz The Musical, Annoyance Theatre, Seconds from Suicide, Pandemonium Theatre and his regretful memories of his overbearing of both his long-time marriage and affair with June 1-Aug. 3. A sung story about a young gay Group at Greenhouse Theater Center, June 18- mother and fragile younger sister. 312-335-1888 a former male student. 773-404-7336 or www. man who comes to Chicago and befriends an odd 20. Cheryl Thomas’ drama delves into 48-hours or www.steppenwolf.org. hubrisproductions.com assortment of characters who frequent the city’s of the life of a teenager bullied for his sexuality. The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, Glitterati A Steady Rain, Chicago Commercial Collective notorious bathhouse. 773-561-4665 or www. 773-404-7336 or www.greenhousetheater.org Productions and Pride Films and Plays at Luna at Chicago Dramatists, July 7-Sept. 2. The origi- theannoyance.com The Gacy Play, Sideshow Theatre Company at Central, June 20-30. Chad Ryan stars in this 20th nal cast and crew to Keith Huff’s 2007 Chicago Immediate Family, Paul Boskind, Ruth Hen- Theater Wit, June 23-July 29. Playwright Calam- anniversary production of playwright/performer del and Stephen Hendel by special arrangement ity West explores the reality and the mythology David Drake’s one man off-Broadway show about Turn to page 20 with the Goodman Theatre and in association of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, Jr. in a world gay life in New York in the early 1990s. 800-838- with About Face Theatre at Goodman Theatre’s premiere drama that aims to offer a meditation 16 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES SUMMER DANCE ROUNDUP International flair BY VICKI CRAIN Ave., Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 27-29. Times and ticket pricing were not available at press time. Dance in Chicago goes global this summer with Tickets go on sale Monday, July 9; call 312-369- performances representing France, China, Japan, 8330 or visit www.colum.edu/dancecenter. Africa, Argentina and Spain. Deeply Rooted Dance Theater 2 blends bal- The Paris Opéra Ballet takes the Harris The- let, modern and African-American dance in its ater stage with three performances of the clas- annual spring concert. The Dance Center at Co- sic ballet Giselle created for them in 1841, lumbia College, 1306 S. Michigan Ave., Saturday, plus three repertory shows. A live simulcast of June 2, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25; call 312-795- the Wed., June 27, Giselle performance will be 9777 or visit www.deeplyrooteddancetheater. shown in Millennium Park. 205 E. Randolph St., org. Wed.-Saturday, June 27-30 at 7:30 p.m. and Chicago’s own Muntu Dance Theatre cel- June 30-July 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $55-$175; ebrates 40 years of presenting African and call 312-334-7777 or visit www.harristheater- African-American dance with two shows this chicago.org. summer. New Voices/New Vistas at the Harris The Nanning Art Theatre makes its U.S. debut Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph at the Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt Univer- St., Saturday, July 21, at 7 p.m. For more in- sity with Legend of the Sun, presented by the formation call 312-334-7777 or visit www.har- China Performing Arts Agency in association ristheaterchicago.org. Muntu also performs on with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. 50 E. Saturday, Aug. 11, at 8 p.m. at Governors State Congress Pkwy., Tuesday-Wed., June 12-13 at University, 1 University Pkwy., University Park. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35-$55, call 800-982- For more information, call 708-235-2222 or visit 2787 or visit www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium. www.centertickets.net. A shared concert with a local contemporary Five female African choreographers show- troupe and Taipei dance company WCdance con- case their work in two programs of Voices of tinues The Seldoms’ 10th-anniversary season. Strength. The Dance Center at Columbia College, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn 1306 S. Michigan Ave., Thursday-Saturday, Sept. St., Thursday-Saturday, June 28-30, at 8 p.m. 13-15. Tickets go on sale Monday, July 9. For and Sunday, July 1, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15- more information, call 312-369-8330 or visit $20; call 312-337-6543 or visit www.brownpap- www.colum.edu/dancecenter. ertickets.com/event/246618. Luna Negra Dance Theater presents Luna A new work by New York-based choreographer Nueva, an evening of two new works and a Kota Yamazaki/Fluid hug-hug features Ameri- U.S. premiere featuring choreography by Gus- can and Japanese-American dancers along with tavo Ramirez Sansano, Monica Cervantes and dancers from Senegal and Ethiopia. The Dance Argentinian artist Diana Szeinblum. Museum Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., CULTURE CLUB River North Dance Chicago dancers in Risoluta. Photo by Jennifer Girard

Thursday-Sunday, June 7-10, at 7:30 p.m. S. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $25; call 312-369- Tickets are $10-$28, call 312-397-4010 or 8330 or visit www.column.edu/dancecenter. visit www.mcachicago.org/performances/now/ all/2012/752. In the house The Spanish Dance and Music Festival pre- Mordine & Co. showcases works from past and sented by Ensemble Español hits the stage present company members in Next 2012. Archi- with Flamenco Passion. North Shore Center for tectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave., the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, Sunday, June 3, at 3 p.m. This event is free Friday-Saturday, June 22-23, at 7:30 p.m. and (with a suggested donation of $15). For more Sunday, June 24, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $26-$46; information, call 312-654-9540 or RSVP by email call 847-673-6300 or visit www.northshorecen- to [email protected]. ter.org. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago presents its annual Inside/Out Choreographic Workshop per- Dance on film formances at the University of Illinois at Chi- Three local women (Kaitlin Fox, Atalee Judy cago (UIC) Theater, 1044 W. Harrison St. with and Nadia Oussenko) were chosen to participate two shows Saturday, June 23, at 5 and 8 p.m. in the Chicago edition of the monthly film series Tickets are $15-$35; call 312-850-9744 or visit Dances Made To Order. Available online Wed., www.hubbardstreetdance.com. May 30. Prices are $10 Chicago only, $50 for all New Dances 2012 celebrates the 12th year cities. www.dancesmadetoorder.com. for this program that Thodos Dance Chicago is presenting. It will take place at the Ruth Page Footworks Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Friday- Flashback to the ‘80s with Chicago Tap The- Saturday, July 27-28, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July atre’s Totally Tap-ular! at the Athenaeum The- 29 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $28-$35; call 312-266- atre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Saturday, June 6255 or visit www.thodosdancechicago.org. 30, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22-$37; call 773-935- 6875 or visit www.chicagotaptheatre.com. Lastly, the summer wouldn’t be complete with- Based on the classic romance by Jane Austen Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents out these two annual dance celebrations: Rhythm World 2012 Monday-Sunday, July 23- Dance For Life, featuring some of Chicago’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE Aug. 5, at multiple venues. For more informa- top dance companies, benefits the AIDS Founda- tion on classes, workshops and performances tion of Chicago and the Dancer’s Fund. It will visit www.chicagotap.org. take place at the Auditorium Theatre at Roos- evelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., Saturday, Hometown faves Aug. 18, at 8 p.m. A pre-performance gala will River North Dance Chicago hits the outdoor be held at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan stage at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Ave. Tickets are $175-$500; call 312-922-5812 Park for a one-night performance of World Class, or visit www.danceforlifechicago.com. Thursday–Sunday through June 10, 2012 Home Grown. Tuesday, June 5th at 6:30 p.m. The Chicago Dancing Festival expands again Call 773-761-4477 or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com This is a free event. For more information, visit this year to six nights of free dance events end- www.rivernorthchicago.com. ing with a Celebration of Dance at the Pritzker Punk Yankees returns to the Chicago stage as Pavilion in Millennium Park. Events are free, but Lucky Plush Productions revives this 2010 hit. tickets are required and will be available the This will be Friday-Saturday, June 8-9, at 8 p.m. week of July 16. For more information, visit chi- at The Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 cagodancingfestival.com. WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 17

must close june 10!

“Galati and a formidable cast let doctorow’s own lanGuaGe rinG powerfully from the staGe” —Chicago Tribune

world premiere General sherman and his soldiers march throuGh GeorGia, forever chanGinG the march the lives of everyone cauGht in their path. Based on the novel By e.l. doctorow Tickets start at just $20 adapted for the stage and directed By Buy tickets and watch the video at ensemBle memBer frank Galati steppenwolf.org or call 312-335-1650

Lead Production 2011/12 Season Co-Sponsors Lighting Sponsor 18 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW THEATER REVIEW The Marvin Crooked Playwright: Catherine Trieschmann Gaye Story At: Rivendell Theatre, Playwright: Jackie Taylor 5779 N. Ridge Ave. At: Black Ensemble Theater, Tickets: 773-334-7728; 4450 N. Clark St. www.rivendelltheatre.org; $28.50 Tickets: 773-769-4451; Runs through: June 23 www.ticketmaster.com; $55-$65 Runs through: July 29 BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE

BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE Laney writes creepy short stories, usually involving abuse of the blameless and ending in a Our play opens with a projected collage of news- grotesque surprise-twist. The neogothic roman- paper headlines announcing music superstar ticism of her shivery tales lend palpability to the Marvin Gaye’s murder, quickly followed by his anxieties associated with her parents’ divorce, white-suited ghost taking center stage to wel- precipitated by her father’s mental breakdown, come us with a blunt “We may as well talk about as well as her own disabling illness and the it now.” He then proceeds to speak to us about scariness of being 14 years old. Her friend Ma- the insidiously transformative powers of abuse ribel has her church’s doctrine to explain these and doubt, finishing with a call for forgiveness mysteries—most of the time. The accord forged (and an “amen,” which he promptly receives) of by the girls within their respective views of a both himself and his killer. Then, and only then, confusing universe increasingly distances Laney does the band start up. from her mother—a confirmed rationalist, and Crooked. Photo from Rivendell Theatre Oh, and does it ever! You’d think the heavenly therefore helpless to address her daughter’s spir- choir itself was playing Uptown and the angel The Marvin Gaye Story. Photo courtesy of itual hunger—until tensions generated thereby Gabriel sitting in with the brass section. (You Black Ensemble Theater demand the spilling of innocent blood. ideological suffocation (or inadvertent campi- hear that hand-clapping obbligato? It’s not the In the tidily crafted dramas manufactured by ness, its most ready cure), but Sandy Shinner’s actors—that’s the audience.) Among the splen- the ream in playwrighting workshops all over direction never allows the intellectual overload dors of this, the second show to occupy this America, an act of willful self-destruction would or hormonal fumes to overwhelm the personal spiffy new room, is an amplification hookup so CRITICS’ PICKS typically signal an intermission, followed by dynamics for the 80 minutes it takes to bring sensitive as to later permit recurring character another hour of agitated discussion devoted the conflicts to their abrupt conclusion, its vio- themes—the ominous bass line announcing to the behavior suddenly called into question. lence emerging as the more shocking for being Gaye’s father, for example—analogous to those Catherine Trieschmann doesn’t baby us with both unforeseen and eerily inevitable. A Little Night Music, Writers’ Theatre, encountered in opera. That’s right—opera. post-facto CliffsNotes, however. Like her teen- Rae Gray and Hannah Gomez replicate the Glencoe, extended through July 22. This So expect to enjoy plenty of Black Ensemble’s age authoress, she gives us everything we need hesitant curiosity of adolescent females with is a gloriously intimate and chamber-sized trademark renditions of its title icon’s best- to know and then leaves us to sort it out: why poignant accuracy, while Tara Mallen conveys approach to Stephen Sondheim and Hugh known hits—in this case, the sensual “Sexual pubescent girls suffering “growing pains” often just the right level of abject ambivalence in Wheeler’s sophisticated and romantic 1973 Healing” and socially conscious “What’s Going deliberately injure themselves. Why parents who the thankless role of Elise, aka Mommy Clueless. Broadway musical. It’s wonderful to be so On,” along with such early premonitions of treat children like their equals are selfish and The configuration of technical elements to the up close and personal with such great per- fame as “Ten Commandments of Love” and his immature. Why a religion founded on a martyr- dimensions of Rivendell’s storefront have im- formers without the aid of amplification. career-making duet with Tammi Terrell, “Ain’t dom is a dangerous foundation for cosmological proved with this second show (though Regina SCM No Mountain High Enough.” Company regular orientation. The egotism that comes of enlight- Garcia’s handwriting-covered walls push the sce- My Kind of Town, TimeLine Theatre, Rashawn Thompson croons the songs with a lis- enment vs. the auto-abasement promoted by nic design to the edge of precocity), rendering through July 29. Chicago’s police torture some charm that includes the kind of hip action social isolation. this early-summer production a patently servi- scandal of the past few decades is expertly on “Let’s Get It On” that sends female playgoers Confinement to a small room crowded with this cable excuse to explore the burgeoning Edgewa- explored in John Conroy’s fictionalized into paroxysms of vocal ecstasy. (There’s even many estrogen-fueled issues could easily lead to ter Arts District. some chaste laying-on of hands in the front world-premiere drama that pushes audi- rows before the night’s over.) ences to ponder what they would do in the What distinguishes The Marvin Gaye Story from characters’ dilemma-filled situations. SCM fluence in these women’s lives) with a certain a simple song-after-song musical revue is the Take Her To See the Maco Lights, Pro- THEATER REVIEW spirit, as if privileged and honored to take portion of onstage time devoted to the troubled logue Theatre Company at Luna Central sole responsibility in telling their character’s life of this still-lamented artist—specifically, (formerly Live Bait Theater), through June In the Continuum Playwright: Danai Gurira & Nikkole Salter story. Only interacting with each other di- the indelible harm inflicted by his demon-driven 2. If romance is based in uncertainty, can At: Pegasus Players, 4520 N. Beacon St. rectly once at the very beginning of the play, parent upon a son unable to escape his destruc- you get any more romantic than a lovelorn Tickets: 1-866-811-4111 they basically run one-woman shows, acting tive heritage except through suicide-by-design. ghost unsure, himself, of what’s real and www.pegasusplayers.org; $25 against other characters that aren’t there. Does this mean that the show is (at its roots) what’s not in this intimate little play per- Runs through: June 17 Although Bailey comes on strong toward a lesson in dysfunctional family dynamics, with formed across the street from a cemetery? MSB the end, LaThrop captivates from start to fin- Gaye serving merely as a case study? While those BY STEVEN CHAITMAN When the Rain Stops Falling, Circle The- ish as Nia, the teenager who starts to realize seeking wisdom will not leave disappointed— atre, through June 17. A jigsaw puzzle, this she’s losing control of her life when she finds the final number is a syncopated soul arrange- It seems as though all the performance arts Australian play is about four generations, out she’s HIV-positive and pregnant with a ment of “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” after gathered for a conference in the late ‘80s- two families and two continents—but stick promising athlete’s baby. When LaThrop plays all—those preferring their sermons with a cho- early ‘90s and theatre agreed to inherit the with it for its richly poetic rewards in deal- the other characters Nia seeks for advice, reographed backbeat will also go home satisfied. responsibility of chronicling the story of HIV/ ing with love and loss. It’s beautifully acted she transforms completely and convincingly, Can I get a you-know-what? AIDS. In the Continuum premiered in 2005, against gorgeous projections. JA which helps her to nail the ironic tone of the nearly 25 years after the epidemic began, yet —By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan play’s humor. it still covers new—or at least overlooked— Bailey keeps up mostly in exuberance as ground. Abigail, a mother who senses what she per- After a run at the Goodman Theatre in 2007, ceived to be a steady marriage is likely to In the Continuum returns to Chicago thanks crumble now that she has HIV. The characters to Pegasus Players, perfectly fitting the com- she gets to play are less divisive, but she ends pany’s mission of issue-driven theatre that on a high note as a witch doctor, a prostitute crosses all manner of social boundaries. For and—in the last scene—as Abigail again. a play about two young women starring only It’s not easy to command an empty stage, two young women, it’s as brave a production so some scattered scenes drag a bit through- as the story is in the spiritual sense. out the 90-minute run time, but these young In the Continuum tells two parallel stories, women embrace the script in both its lighter one of an African-American teenager in Los and darker moments and the passion shows. Angeles and one of an African woman in Zim- Ultimately, they capture the struggle of these babwe, who learn they are HIV-positive. The women who wish to stay strong in the face impact on their lives is immediate and dev- of this deflating adversity but must come to astating, and the play focuses on the social terms with its futile nature. aftermath of this life-changing discovery— As a presence in the play, HIV is mark- how it exacerbates lives that are already chal- edly silent, but the psychological torment it lenged. brings to these characters speaks to why the Actresses Sam Bailey and Ashleigh LaTh- still-increasing rate of HIV in Black women rop tackle the challenge of portraying these both here and in Africa is so much more than women (as well as several other people of in- a crisis of health. WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 19 THEATER REVIEW static despite director Michael Menendian’s ef- nately, Michael Stegall is a good choice as Wig- fective use of athletic, ballet-like group move- gen, down to his tall rangy build. Kevin Duvall, Bang the ment and tableau staging. The midweek perfor- as Pearson, is rather slim for a catcher but nails mance I saw was lackadaisical, which certainly Pearson’s good-old-boy personality. Tim Walsh is Drum Slowly was part of the problem. Comic moments (there amusing as the cagey, lumpy team executive and Playwright: Eric Simonson, are many) weren’t playing well, and the emo- manager. Jen Short and Kristen Williams do well from the Mark Harris novel tional gut punch of the ending simply wasn’t in the limited women’s roles as dames of differ- At: Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. there. Perhaps it will gel later in the run. ent extremes. Tickets: 773--338-2177; This ambitious production features 15 actors www.raventheatre.com; $30 playing 26 characters in uneven fashion, but Runs through: June 30 perhaps the company can do with the many two-dimensional secondary characters. Fortu- BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL

Sixty years ago baseball stood as “the National Pastime” without dispute. There only were eight teams in each league (none west of Kansas City), no players’ union, and most players still were under-educated, underpaid, hard-drinking, SPOTLIGHT tobacco-chewing, country boys who frequently were racist and chauvinist. Managers and owners weren’t much better—just older and shrewder. This is the world of Bang the Drum Slowly and its fictional ball team, the New York Mammoths. But baseball, which novelist Mark Harris understood intimately, is only the framing device for this story of how men bonded, and expressed Daredevil motorcyclists, contortionists and acro- male loyalty and affection, long before our pres- bats from China are back again to wow local and ent era of guys in touch with their emotions. It tourist audiences at Navy Pier’s 1,500-seat out- centers on star pitcher Henry Wiggen, who’s a door canopied theater now that Cirque Shanghai few years older and a lot smarter than his on- is back with a new show subtitled Year of the the-road roommate, Bruce Pearson, the fatally Dragon to time with the lucky Asian lunar calen- ill third-string catcher whom Wiggen comes to Bang the Drum Slowly. Photo by Dean LaPrairie dar mythological creature. Cirque Shanghai: Year guide and protect. of the Dragon plays through Monday, Sept. 3, at In the process of assisting Pearson, Wiggen Navy Pier’s Pepsi Skyline Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave. also forges a band of brothers out of what merely foundly reflects the last 30 years of LGBT experi- Performances are at 2, 6 and 8 p.m. Wed.s, 2 and 8 had been a team. Think of a typical war movie ence during which so many of us have partici- p.m. Thursdays, 2, 7 and 9 p.m. Fridays, 2, 6 and 8 with a platoon of mixed racial and ethnic types pated in the deaths of friends and lovers. p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 4 p.m. Sundays. Extra shows who face death together. Although only one The stage adaptation necessarily short-chang- are at 2, 6 and 8 p.m. July 3, 8 p.m. Sept. 2 and man is dying in Bang the Drum Slowly, everyone es a lot of character exposition and development 2 and 4 p.m. Sept. 3. Tickets are $15.50-$29.50; eventually must confront the reality of mortality in order to retain the novel’s Huck Finn-like nar- call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com/ and of an athlete dying young. rative voice, delivered by Wiggen in down-home shanghai. Photo courtesy of Cirque Shanghai. Art imitates life imitates art: The story echoes English. Indeed, the series of moral and ethical that of Lou Gehrig, and was a precursor to that decisions Wiggen must make owe a good deal to of Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. It also pro- Mark Twain. However, the adaptation is curiously 20 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES only in your fantasies. Chekhov’s Three Sisters transports us to 19th-century Russia, where people go joyriding in sleighs on sub-zero nights, ‘Limbo’ art show Inside or outside: but since Tracy Letts did the adaptation, look May 31 for surprises in the Steppenwolf production run- Openly gay artist Tully Satre will present ning July 7-Aug. 26 (312-335-1650/www.step- “Limbo” on Thursday, May 31, at the Fine Chicago’s summer penwolf.org). The decorum of regency-era Brits Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Studio are explored in Lifeline’s Pride and Prejudice, 920, 5:30-10 p.m. now extending through July 8 (773-761-4477/ The title refers to Satre’s status after the theater season www.lifelinetheatre.com), and those of the less- UK refused to issue him a student visa af- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE privileged classes in Redtwist’s The Cripple of ter London’s Royal Academy of Arts chose Inishmaan, currently running to June 24 (773- him to be in its postgraduate program. (Full At our latitudes, playgoing is indoor recre- 728-7529/www.redtwist.org) and Ka-Tet The- disclosure: Satre is an occasional writer for ation—except in the summer, when theater, atre’s production of John Godber’s Salt of the Windy City Times.) especially Shakespeare, inexplicably becomes an Earth, July 13-Aug. 19 (1-800-838-3008/www. For more information, email TullySatre@ outdoor activity. In some quarters, this is sold katettheatre.org). gmail.com. under the pretense of replicating the authentic Finally, for the ultimate escape, House The- Elizabethan experience—as if ours was a mari- atre brings back its twice sold-out Death and time climate similar to that of London (on this Harry Houdini for one more stay, following its ‘Iceman’ ends soon side of the Atlantic enjoyed in upper Newfound- out-of-town gig in Florida. If you missed Dennis The major revival of Eugene O’Neill’s The land) and performances given only in daylight Watkins (who can’t keep up this pace forever, Iceman Cometh at Goodman Theatre, star- hours. Fortunately, the Chicago area offers dra- remember) replicating the physically strenuous ring Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy, runs matic fare for those who like citronella or freon. stunts of the iconic illusionist in its four previ- through June 17 in the Goodman’s Albert ous incarnations—at Live Bait, the Viaduct, and Theatre. Bringing the indoors outdoors twice at the Chopin—you can atone for this er- Visit www.GoodmanTheatre.org or call “I love working outdoors!” declares Kevin ror between July 7 and Aug. 17 (773-769-3832/ 312-443-3800. Theis, slated to portray the villainous monarch www.the housetheatre.com). in Richard III for Oak Park Festival Theater in Austin Gardens June 19-Aug. 25, “You feel connected to the other actors the way you don’t Hit the Wall, The Inconvenience at Theater in a theater.” Jack Hickey, who will star in In- LGBT from page 15 on the Lake, July 25-29. Ike Holter’s wildly herit the Wind from June 16-July 14 concurred: and Broadway hit play returns with its dra- acclaimed environmental theater piece com- “There’s an intimacy between actor and audi- matic focus on two cops who inadvertently plete with a live rock band focuses on the ence after the sun sets, when the lights come up return a victim to a Jeffrey Dahmer-like killer. 1969 Stonewall Riots and a tale of 10 unlikely and the stage becomes a glow in the darkness.” www.asteadyrainchicago.com revolutionaries. 312-742-7994 or www.chica- (708-445-4440/www.oakparkfestival.com) The Vortex, Dead Writers Theatre Collective goparkdistrict.com David Rice likewise rhapsodized over First Fo- at Greenhouse Theater Center, July 12-Aug. lio Theatre’s performance site in the Mayslake 26. Before he became known for his sophisti- Still running… Peabody Estate, calling it a “sylvan setting in cated and upper-crust comedies, playwright/ Time is running out to catch these spring the west suburbs [of Oak Brook].” This summer, actor Noel Coward caused a theatrical scandal shows: the venue not only offers a classical rendition with his 1920s drama involving a mother and Angels in America: Millennium Ap- of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice July son caught up with destructive sex and drugs. proaches and Perestroika, Court Theatre, 11-Aug. 19, but staged readings of Shylock And Richmond Jim. 773-404-7336 or www.deadwriters.net now through June 3. Time is running out to His Daughter, Maurice Schwartz’ little-known catch Tony Kushner’s epic 1990s plays set classic from the repertoire of the American Yid- rain or shine, and nobody suffers sunburn or bug Return engagements during the Reagan Administration touch upon dish Theatre recounting Shylock’s perspective bites.” The festival’s roster—playing in National Several shows with LGBT themes or charac- homosexuality, AIDS, Mormonism, McCarthy- on the familiar story (performed in English) July Pastime’s new quarters on Lawrence Avenue ters that played earlier this season are back, ism and so much more. Kushner himself gave 26-Aug. 16. (630-986-8067/www.firstfolio.org) June 29-Aug. 11—features, among other acts, though not always in their original setting, his blessing to artistic director Charles New- Theatre-Hikes offers an athletic as well as an full productions of Jose Rivera’s References to particularly with productions remounted at ell to stage his epic plays. 773-753-4472 or artistic approach to entertainment, configuring Salvador Dali Make Me Hot and Cal Yeomans’ the open-air Theater on the Lake. www.courttheatre.org its texts to a promenade through such horticul- 1979 gay classic Richmond Jim, as well as the Exploited Again! Judy Garland, Liza Min- Her Naked Skin, Shattered Globe Theatre tural museums as the North Park Village Center, Living Canvas dance troupe. (773-327-7077/ nelli & Ethel Gumm, Davenport’s Piano Bar & at Stage 773, now through June 3. Class and the Pullman State Historic Site and the Morton www.nakedjuly.com) Cabaret, June 1-2. Jeff Dean and musical di- sexual boundaries are crossed in 1913 Lon- Arboretum—a concept that founder Frank Farrell Plays with bucolic settings allow us to pretend rector Beckie Menzie offer up their own script don when suffragettes protesting for women’s likens to “getting closer to nature while ‘holding we’re basking in lush pastoral splendor while and song-driven approach to exploring the rights get locked up in the notorious Hollo- a mirror up to nature.’” This summer, Theatre- still safely sheltered from flora and fauna. To mother-daughter relationships of famed gay way Prison. 773-327-5252 or shatteredglobe. Hikes will present Arthur Conan Doyle’s The conclude its season devoted to Eugene O’Neill, icon Judy Garland, her daughter Liza Minnelli org Hound of the Baskervilles (June 23-July 24), Eclipse Theatre presents Ah, Wilderness— and her showbiz stage mother, Ethel Gumm. [title of show], Northlight Theatre, Skokie, The Wind in the Willows (July 14-Aug. 25) and as close as that gloomy author ever came to 773-278-1830 or www.davenportspianobar. now through June 9. Gay friends Jeff Bowen Streeterville (Aug. 18-25). For schedules and writing a boy-meets-girl comedy—at the Ath- com and Hunter Bell are the duo behind this meta locations, log onto www.theatre-hikes.org enaeum July 31-Sept. 2 (773-935-6875/www. Don’t Act Like a Girl, Annoyance Theatre, musical about two friends writing a musical For those who enjoy the proximity of nature eclipsetheatre.com), while Artistic Home offers June 3-24. Wes Perry’s acclaimed comic caba- and the compromises and finagling they do without necessarily wallowing in it, there’s the The American Plan, Richard Greenberg’s comedy ret about his life growing up gay and addled in order to get it Broadway. 847-673-6300 or Skyline stage at Navy Pier, featuring the thrill- of romance at a vacation resort in the Catskills, by prescription drugs in Southern California is www.northlight.org ing acrobatics of Cirque Shanghai, currently playing at Stage 773 July 22-Aug. 26 (773-327- back for a special run of Sunday Pride Month Rent, About Face Theatre and American featuring in its Year of the Dragon line-up the 5252/www.stage773.com). performances. 773-561-4665 or www.thean- Theater Company, now through June 17. Jon- Imperial Thunder motorcycle stunt-aerialists, Exploring more serious themes are Victory Gar- noyance.com athan Larson’s 1996 Tony Award and Pulitzer and continuing through Sept. 3 (www.navypier. dens’ production of Oedipus El Rey, Luis Alfaro’s Or, Caffeine Theatre at Theater on the Lake, Prize-winning musical about New York artists com), and Lincoln Park’s venerable Theater By relocation of the Greek tragedy to a sweltering June 20-24. The English Restoration play- finding love and loss in the age of AIDS (in- The Lake, this year presenting revivals of such Los Angeles barrio where rival gangs roam the wright Aphra Behn is the focus of Liz Duffy spired by the 1896 Puccini opera La Boheme) 2011-2012 shows as Redtwist’s Opus, ETA’s streets seeking respite from the heat, playing Adams’ three-actor farce where a playwright returns in a newly conceived production di- Broke-ology, The Inconvenience’s Hit The Wall July 9-29 (773-871-3000/www.victorygardens. and former spy struggles to finish writing her rected by David Cromer. 773-409-4125 or and—a fitting choice for a lakeside venue— org) and Rasaka Theatre Company, premier- new play amid amorous advances from both www.atcweb.org Building Stage’s Moby-Dick (312-742-7994/ ing Rajiv Joseph’s tale of childhood comrades men and women. 312-742-7994 or www.chi- Sexy Baby: A Docu-musical, Hell in a www.chicagoparkdistrict.com). New to the cir- growing up in troubled times, Gruesome Play- cagoparkdistrict.com Handbag Productions at Mary’s Attic, now cuit is the Riverfront Theater, housed in the gi- ground Injuries, July 5-Aug. 5 (312-777-1070/ 30 Queer Plays in 60 Straight Minutes, through June 23. The bizarre world of child ant tent constructed at Chicago and Halsted for www.rasakatheatre.com). Audiences with vivid The Neo-Futurists, June 21-23. The Neo-Fu- beauty pageants gets skewered in this world last year’s ThreeSixty Peter Pan, but now hosting imaginations can also share in the watery ambi- turists’ annual Pride Weekend Benefit is back premiere camp and drag-filled musical by Da- a series of musical and dance revues May 30- ence of Eastland: A New Musical, Lookingglass’ with short plays touching upon LGBT topics vid Cerda and Scott Lamberty. 800-838-3006 Sept. 30 (888-556-9484/www.riverfronttheater. docudrama of Chicago’s most famous shipwreck, performed to help benefit UCAN’s LGBTQ Host or www.handbagproductions.org com). June 16-July 29 (312-337-0665/www.looking- Home Program.773-275-5255 or www.neofu- glasstheatre.org), or the Chicago Commercial Bodies, MPAACT at Greenhouse Theater turists.org Center, now to June 24. Chuck Smith directs Bringing the outdoors indoors Collective’s revival of Keith Huff’s runaway hit, Opus, Redtwist Theatre at Theater on the Carla Stillwell’s drama about a Baptist Church We associate abbreviated clothing with A Steady Rain, remounted in its original home Lake, July 4-8. A world-class string quartet is reverend and his wife who try to meddle in warmth and sunshine, but National Pastime’s at Chicago Dramatists July 10-Sept 2 (www.as- torn apart by a vicious queen with a business family affairs, particularly with a relative annual Naked July Festival celebrates the teadyrain.com) bent in Michael Hollinger’s acclaimed drama. whom they suspect of being gay. 773-404- human body in the comfort of a temperature- 312-742-7994 or www.chicagoparkdistrict. 7336 or www.mpaact.org controlled environment. “It’s illegal to go naked Huddling in the AC com outside in the city,” artistic director Laurence Sometimes, however, nothing will do but to Bryan reminds us, “Inside, the show goes on, seek an environment wholly unlike your own, if WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 21 SUMMER THEATER PTB: I agree. I have never seen a cast where our camaraderie has formed the work onstage. WCT: How was the South By Southwest festival, Joseph? The ‘Boys’ are back in town JLB: It was a departure for me with billions of people there. (That is an exaggeration.) But it was great to get back to Texas. We played San Antonio in the summer of 2010. ML: His CD is awesome and available on iTunes. JLB: This is my PR team! [Laughs] My album was produced by Charlie Calello, who did all the arrangements of The Four Seasons. ML: He was my character’s replacement. PTB: With the show they didn’t have time to go into the other incarnations of the band. To make it simple they made it just these four guys. ML: These are the four guys that made it into the Hall of Fame, though, so we are the real Jersey Boys! Visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com to purchase tickets before the curtain call Sunday, June 3, at the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.

‘Gacy Play’ at Wit June 28-July 29 Sideshow Theatre Company will present the world premiere of Chicago playwright Calamity West’s The Gacy Play at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., June 28-July 29. From left: Jersey Boys Michael Lomenda, Joseph Leo Bwarie, Preston Truman Boyd and John Gardiner. According to a press release, “Developed with Sideshow over two and a half years, West’s play looks under the floorboards of BY JERRY NUNN an audition and had just come off the road with perfect show since the book is written so well a nondescript suburban home, and reveals another show, Young Frankenstein. This was one and it is a timeless story. the many ghosts hiding underneath.” Jersey Boys the musical is right at home in Chi- of my bucket-list roles, so I came right back out PTB: And there is no green makeup! Previews are Saturday, June 23, at 8 cago these days. Based upon the life of Frankie on the road. I didn’t even unpack! WCT: Why do you think audiences are into p.m.; Sunday, June 24, at 3 p.m.; and Valli and the Four Seasons, the story follows the JLB: I have been doing this show since 2007. shows set in the past, like Mad Men and Mil- Wed., June 27, at 8 p.m. The regular run group on their rise to fame. I opened a Las Vegas company first and the tour lion Dollar Quartet? will be Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at The show has toured 38 cities and won Tony as opened in Toronto. It ran there for two years. PTB: Skinny ties and fedoras is all it is! 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 3 p.m. well as Grammy Awards. I have been with the show since before it was ML: I think people look back at fonder times Preview tickets are $20 in advance or Without further ado let’s introduce the four even written! [Everyone laughs.] and the nostalgic feeling of that. It was amazing pay-what-you-can at the door, and regular- Jersey Boys in this cast: WCT: What is the overview of the show for fashion and music back then though they are run tickets are $15-$25. See www.theater- Preston Truman Boyd plays Bob Gaudio, who people that haven’t seen it? seeing it through a different lens. Just like Mad wit.org or call the Theater Wit box office at toured with Young Frankenstein and has ap- All [simultaneously]: It is a rags-to-riches Men and Sopranos, they pull back the curtain to 773-975-8150. peared in Broadway hits such as Singin’ in the story about four blue-collar guys… what they thought it was to the gritty real life Rain and Oklahoma! Joseph Leo Bwarie has JG: They worked their way out of the neigh- behind it. toured 40 cities playing Valli and even per- borhood but didn’t do it by joining the army or JG: We get these 70-year-old women coming ‘8’ the Play in formed on the Tony Awards. the mob. They wrote a hit song. up to the stage door talking about making out John Gardiner who plays Tommy DeVito, and JLB: They worked their way into the hearts of to these songs when they were younger. Rock Island July 7 has starred in the Lion King and TV’s All My Chil- America and the world. PTB: It is really hot! The District Theatre, 1611 2nd Ave., dren. Michael Lomenda returns to Jersey Boys JG: It is a show about the trails and tribula- JLB: They don’t say “making out.” They say Rock Island, will present a reading of 8, as Nick Massi after playing the role in Toronto. tions that they had to over come to be a huge they had a nice kiss… a new play chronicling the historic trial in His favorite past shows have been Hairspray and success that they were and are today. ML: This is kind of a racy show for the theater the federal legal challenge to California’s Miss Saigon. PTB: They were on the road with wives, kids, world. Proposition 8. Windy City Times went to the Bank of America relationships and friendships. WCT: There are a lot of curse words in it. Written by Academy-Award winning writ- Theatre to fist-pump with the four of them. JG: There was changing of the group and new JLB: There are 42 F-bombs! er Dustin Lance Black, 8 will run Saturday, Windy City Times: Hey, guys. Is any one members. ML: It was very Jersey. July 7, at 2 p.m. A portion of the proceeds here actually from Jersey? JLB: It makes it an everyman story because WCT: Jersey Shore! from this event will benefit the American All: No. they have their successes and highpoints as well PTB: When they wrote it, they wanted authentic Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER). Michael Lomenda: I lived there on and off for as the trying times. language of the time. The national website for 8 is three years. ML: Everyone knows the music but not every- JLB: It is a city thing. People show they are www.8theplay.com. WCT: Where are you all from? one knows the story. It is an amazing underdog tough with these words. Chicago doesn’t care. I AFER and Broadway Impact have an- ML: I am from Stettler, Alberta, Canada. story that is fantastic. had my window open at 6 a.m. and heard authentic nounced the full cast for the West Coast WCT: That sounds so macho. PTB: It is kind of like a VH1 backstage pass Jersey language right outside! premiere of 8, according to a press release. ML: I should have brought my 10-gallon hat. behind the music that everyone knows so much WCT: The real Frankie Valli is coming to town The cast includes Kevin Bacon, George John Gardiner: I am from Edgewood, Ky. about but they don’t know how it came to frui- right at the end of the run. Have you all met Clooney, Glee’s Chris Colfer, George Takei, Preston Truman Boyd: Moorhead, Minn. tion. I think many people walk away from the him? Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Rob Rein- Joseph Leo Bwarie: I am from Sherman Oaks, theatre thinking the music is great but didn’t PTB: Yes. er, Jamie Lee Curtis, Martin Sheen, Matt Calif., the heartland… know about the story of these four iconic peo- JLB: He follows us. He lets us play and then says, Bomer and many more. The production— WCT: What was your journey to be a part of ple. “This is the real deal!” penned by Oscar-winning screenwriter and the show? ML: In Chicago they might know more because WCT: Are there any gay members in the group? AFER founding board member Dustin Lance ML: I started in 2008 and got into the travel it was here for so long. PTB: There are gay members in the cast of the Black—ran at Los Angeles’ Wilshire Ebell company sort of the same time that the Chicago WCT: Right. So what makes this cast differ- show. Theatre March 3. company was running, we were running up in ent than previous ones? JLB: We even travel with pets, such as bunnies So far, there is no word of a similar pro- Toronto for a couple of years. I joined the tour PTB: By different, you mean better? [Everyone and birds. duction in Chicago. However, there are six months ago with Preston in Omaha. laughs.] JG: I can’t believe you just segued from gay events planned in the Illinois cities of Ur- JG: I started the show about three years ago JLB: We are the only cast that tours. We are members of the group to bunnies. bana (July 2-3 at Station Theatre), Normal and was in the ensemble. When there was an the guys that live what we talk about in the JLB: I am just saying all kinds, colors and spe- (Sept. 8) and Freeport (March 2, 2013). opening for one of the Seasons, I was lucky show so we have a first hand knowledge about cies! Tickets are $25 each for the Rock Island enough to get promoted. what it is like. We live what we talk about in the ML: We are an equal opportunity employer. production; email tristan@districttheatre. WCT: You worked your way up! show. WCT: What have you learned from doing the com, visit www.DistrictTheatre.com or call JG: Yes, I got to be in the show from the in- JG: We are constantly in a new city with new show? 309-235-1654. side. people joining and leaving the cast so it is a JLB: It has been fun just being in the show as a PTB: I live in New York and an agent got me fresh version of the show. I would call this a family. 22 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES Summer 2012 queer film preview

By Richard Knight, Jr. Conaughey, Joe Manganiello and the openly gay Matt Bomer) in a story about the trials and trib- Summer-movie blockbuster season is in full gear ulations of male stripping. Tatum, who brought and though I missed two of the most hotly an- the dark comedy to director Steven Soderbergh, ticipated summer kick-starters—Dark Shadows started his career taking it all off and has and The Avengers—during my hiatus, there’s wanted to make a film about his eye-opening still a lot more comic book superhero (read: ho- experiences ever since. Whether this will be the moerotic) and action stuff just over the horizon. male version of Showgirls remains to be seen but And though we’re in for a lot of testosterone advance reports (and a progression of shirtless ahead fear not, it ain’t all about the beefcake stills) promise something quite diverting and (no, really). A highly selective list of forthcom- hint at a gay twist. ing summer movies: That same week, Woody Allen stars—along with Alec Baldwin and queer audience faves Pe- June nelope Cruz, Ellen Page and others—in his latest From left: Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum in Magic Mike. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Director Ridley Scott heads back to his roots comedy, To Rome with Love (June 29). The film with Prometheus (June 8), a prequel to his is broken into four separate vignettes but, as 1979 sci-fi classic, Alien. The original Girl with usual, mums the word on the plot details. bat cave for the third (and what he says) is the tempt at rebooting a franchise. Matt Damon as the Dragon Tattoo’s Noomi Rapace heads a cast The man who co-wrote “We’ve Only Just Be- final time withThe Dark Knight Rises (July 20), Jason Bourne, the rogue CIA agent who drove that includes Charlize Theron and dreamy Mi- gun,” “I Won’t Last a Day Without You,” “Rainy which once again finds Christian Bale suiting up the series’ first three films isn’t back but all the chael Fassbender in one of the summer’s most Days And Mondays” and “The Rainbow Connec- and protecting Gotham City. Anne Hathaway co- other characters are, dealing with the fallout anticipated movies. tion,” and won an Oscar for his contributions to stars as Selina Kyle/Catwoman; Tom Hardy is the from Bourne’s actions and finding themselves On the local front, out writer-director Nathan “Evergreen” from 1976’s A Star Is Born is the evil, hulking Bane; and Gary Oldman, Michael dealing with yet another cool, calculated agent Adloff’s feature debut, Nate & Margaret—the subject of what promises to be a fascinating Caine and Morgan Freeman return in the roles in (Jeremy Renner). story of a 19-year-old gay man and his friend- documentary portrait: Paul Williams Still Alive 2008’s The Dark Knight. Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones play a ship with a 52-year-old spinster—is getting a (June 29). Williams’ diminutive presence was The Music Box is bringing back its enormously couple seeking counseling after 30 years of mar- three-day run at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 nearly ubiquitous throughout the 1970s. How- popular Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins (July 21- riage with therapist Steve Carell in the black N. State St. The film (which I’ll review in next ever, he disappeared from the mainstream de- 22), which allows both the young and young at comedy Hope Springs (Aug. 10). Streep has week’s column) plays June 8, 11 and 12. Adloff cades ago, only to resurface in Stephen Kessler’s heart to enjoy Disney’s 1964 supercalifragilis- found financial and critical success (lots of it) in and cast members will be present for a post- documentary, which makes its Chicago debut at ticexpialidocious musical classic that won Julie several movies counter programmed against the screening discussion. the Gene Siskel Film Center Friday, June 29. Wil- Andrews the Best Actress Oscar as the magical summer superhero juggernauts and this could be Tom Cruise shows off his pecs as well as his liams will be on hand at the Saturday, June 30, nanny and brought Dick Van Dyke screen immor- her latest. David Frankel, who guided Streep in vocal chops as rock star Stacee Jaxx in out di- screening. tality for his so-bad-it’s-good cockney accent as her Oscar-nominated performance in The Devil rector/choreographer Adam Shankman’s screen Bert the chimney sweep. Wears Prada, directs. adaptation of Rock of Ages (June 15), the hit July Step Up: Revolution (July 27)—the fourth The Music Box is playing one of the years most Broadway jukebox musical that utilizes a raft of Sony Pictures attempts to reboot a superhero (can there really be four?) installment in the talked about documentaries, The Queen of Ver- ‘80s heavy-metal rock songs for its score. Juli- franchise with The Amazing Spider Man (July series of “dance off” urban films—centers yet sailles (Aug. 3), in which director Lauren Green- anne Hough and newcomer hottie Diego Boneta 3), as cutie-pie Andrew Garfield bulks up and again on a competition between a group of field traces the building of the largest house in play the young lovers; the film also features takes over the role from Tobey Maguire. Marc comely, dance-lovin’ teens of indeterminate age the United States by a billionaire couple—be- Mary J. Blige, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin and Webb directs, following up his charming roman- (this one focusing on competing flash mobs in fore the financial meltdown alters their ostenta- Catherine Zeta-Jones. tic comedy 500 Days of Summer. Hopefully, he’ll steamy Miami). tious plans. The Music Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave., is pro- be able to inject the movie with a healthy dose The late Whitney Houston has her final film gramming a two-month matinee celebration of of freshness and vitality the series desperately August role in Sparkle (Aug. 17), a remake of the 1976 the films of Billy Wilder. One of his best, 1950’s needs. Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale take over backstage quasi-musical in which the title hero- seminal Sunset Boulevard—with Gloria Swan- Former gospel singer-turned-global pop sensa- the roles created by Arnold Schwarzenegger and ine (Irene Cara in the original, Jordin Sparks son, William Holden and Erich Von Stroheim as, tion (and queer audience fave) Katy Perry takes Sharon Stone in a remake of 1990’s sci-fi hitTo - this time out) and her singing cohorts work at respectively, silent film star Norma Desmond, a page from Madonna’s Truth or Dare and is star- tal Recall (Aug. 3). However, this new adapta- their dream of becoming stars. Inspired by the her dreamy boy toy and creepy chauffeur/ex- ring in Katy Perry: Part of Me (July 5), which is tion is said to be closer to the Philip K. Dick Supremes (and written before Dreamgirls), the husband—is scheduled for the weekend of June part documentary, part biopic and all Perry. The novel (boy, was he prolific) upon which both movie is set in the ‘60s and focuses more heav- 23-24. film includes footage from Perry’s recent concert were based. Will this finally be the hit that puts ily on the tricky relationship between Sparkle For gay men and camp-film fans,Magic Mike tour and includes segments on her childhood, the underrated Farrell—who has played gay in and her single mother (Houston)—one that es- (June 29) might just be the most anticipated her quickie marriage to Russell Brand, and charts several films—back on the A-list? calates as fame starts to come. movie … ever. Channing Tatum heads a cast of her phenomenal rise to fame. One final action thriller worth checking out: Hollywood beefcake (Alex Pettyfer, Matthew Mc- Director Christopher Nolan goes back to the The Bourne Legacy (Aug. 3), yet another at-

Sparkle—the last film featuring Whitney Houston (above)—will be released in August. Christian Bale is Batman one last time in The Dark Knight Rises. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 23 MOVIE REVIEWS he plays Henry Burke, an MIT-bound, goody Film notes: two-shoes high school senior who might have —Donna Deitch, director of Desert Hearts, screwed up his scholarship and valedictorian is co-chairing a screening and VIP reception of status by taking an innocent toke of pharma- Peace, Love, and Misunderstanding, starring Moonrise Kingdom; ceutical-grade marijuana from his childhood Jane Fonda, in New York City June 4 in asso- friend, Breaux (Marquette), a Jonah Hill type. ciation with Women’s Media Center. The film is The friends share a misplaced sentimental mo- being distributed by IFC and will have a limited High School; film notes ment when Breaux reminds Henry that they first release starting June 9. bonded over having divorced parents. —Snow White and the Huntsman will open By Sawyer J. Lahr to Sam as he dozes off smoking a pipe. They’re What otherwise would have been innocent nationwide Friday, June 1. Charlize Theron (Mon- like a charming senior couple that has settled experimentation is exacerbated after an Asian- ster) stars as the evil queen, and it co-stars Moonrise Kingdom is one of Wes Anderson’s into a routine. American spelling-bee student gets high before Chris Hemsworth (Thor; The Avengers) and Kris- most delightful pseudo-intellectual films, with Murray memorably struts around the house her turn at regional competition. Actress Julia ten Stewart (the Twilight series). It is a Univer- him having helmed Rushmore, The Life Aquatic shirtless, wielding an axe and a liqueur bottle. Ling, as Charylne, has a hilarious moment on sal Pictures release. with Steve Zissou and Fantastic Mr. Fox. McDormand is the world’s most apathetic mom. screen at the start of the film where she com- The puppy-love story between kleptomaniac She communicates with her kids by shouting pares the word in question to diarrhea. “It’s also bookworm Suzy (Kara Hayward) and orphan through a bullhorn across the multilevel New a spray, but it comes out of a different orifice.” Khaki Scout Sam (Jared Gilman) is perfectly ju- England home. My favorite scenes are on the The poor recreational user gets arrested for drug venile. Set on the fictional New England island rocky shore of Chickchaw, where Suzy and Sam possession, spurring the racist high school prin- ‘Big Bang’ actor of New Penzance, Moonrise Kingdom reimagines set up camp and listen to a record by an obscure cipal (Chiklis) to conduct a school-wide drug a more average childhood than in The Royal Te- French singer. The looks on their faces when screening. Parsons comes out nenbaums, but Anderson’s familiar stylized cine- Murray catches the couple half-clothed in bed For such a smart kid, Matt Bush agrees a little Actor Jim Parsons, 39—well-known as matography and elaborate production design are together is one of those mutually embarrassing too easily to Breaux’s half-baked, stoner fantasy genius Sheldon Cooper on the TV show The in full bloom here. Bob Balaban (Howl, Capote, moments when parents discover their children plan to get the whole school “roasted” so ev- Big Bang Theory—has officially come out Midnight Cowboy) is the omnipresent narrator are no longer innocent yet not quite pubescent. eryone will fail the drug test so the results will of the closet in a New York Times item, who predicts a devastating storm and a high tide On the eve of the Hullabaloo scouting event, be thrown out. That amounts to something like according to a Huffington Post item. that will flood the island. the scout troop—without their Scout Master— drug dealers getting all law enforcement officers He revealed his sexuality in an interview Anderson chooses to put his actors in absurd decide to stage a jailbreak to reunite the young high so they won’t get arrested. Somehow, Henry with New York Times writer Patrick Healy. situations rather than somewhat realistic situa- lovers. thinks that Breaux’s plan is better than no plan. Discussing Parsons’ role in the 2011 reviv- tions that are stranger than fiction, thus mak- Like Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, The pair anger the big-time drug dealer in the ial of Larry Kramer’s Broadway drama The ing Moonrise Kingdom part PG children’s film Moonrise Kingdom is an operetta in its own city, Psycho Ed, by stealing his stash of potent Normal Heart, Healy writes that Parsons and part uncouth adult live action/adventure right. The dialogue is painstakingly rhythmic, pot crystals that will get the whole school pro- “is gay and in a 10-year relationship, and comedy. It is the perfect summer movie and it’s and the orchestral score by Alexandre Desplat gressively higher and higher. working with an ensemble again onstage Let it be noted that the theater for the pre- was like nourishment, he said.” view screening was half-empty despite the draw Although the Times doesn’t identify of Adrien Brody and pot-smoking hijinks. At Parsons’ partner, the actor thanked Todd some point—a quarter of the way through the Spiewak when he won an Emmy two years film—I felt like the filmmakers were trying to ago. make a movie exclusively for stoners because Tabloids reported that Parsons and the film tries to make its audience feel as high Spiewak became engaged; however, the as the high school students and administrators wedding was allegedly called off because who tasted the tainted brownies. It opens Fri- Parsons did not want children, the Huffing- day, June 1, with a limited release. ton Post reported.

Edward Norton (center) stars in Moonrise Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Focus Features a refreshing departure from the seasonal block- keeps carries the story effortlessly. Although I buster fare, despite the good start this year with don’t remember anything but the trumpet wak- The Avengers. ing me up at Boy Scout camp, I enjoyed the Suzy’s morose and incompetent parents, Mr. energizing marching music performed by Mark and Mrs. Bishop—played by Frances McDormand Mothersbaugh, Peter Jarvis and his drum corps. (Fargo) and Bill Murray (Lost in Translation)— Moonrise Kingdom opened this year’s Cannes go looking for the two pre-adolescent lovebirds Film Festival May 16 to great reviews and strong who ran away together along the Harvest Mi- audience response. It opens on Friday, June 1, gration Trail to Chickchaw. Soon Captain Sharp courtesy of Focus Features and India Brush En- (Bruce Willis), Social Services (Tilda Swinton), tertainment. militaristic Khaki Scout Master Ward (Edward Norton) and the entire island of New Penzance High School are searching the island for him. Harvey Keitel Horror/Thriller film distributor Anchor Bay is (Thelma & Louise, Taxi Driver) plays Commander growing ever larger with the recent Coriolanus Pierce, who’s in charge of the larger scout camp and Madonna’s W.E. The latest from this label is where the great Jason Schwarzman (Rushmore, I High School, the first feature by director John Heart Huckabees) unofficially marries the couple Stalberg, who also co-wrote the script with Eric in exchange for a golf ball can of nickels. Linthorst and Stephen Susco. It’s funny to see children imitate their adult This low-brow comedy stars Adrien Brody counterparts. Suzy is the precocious eldest child (Darjeeling Limited; The Pianist) as pot dealer who asserts her independence before she’s hit Psycho Ed; Michael Chiklis (TV’s The Shield) as the ripe age. She talks back to her parents and Principal Gordon; and Colin Hanks—who re- buries herself in many beautiful hand-drawn cently had a cameo on TV’s Happy Endings, set fantasy fiction books such as The Girl From Ju- in Chicago. High School is good for some cock piter by Gertrude Pierce. Sam is an unwanted jokes, locker-room nudity and stoner-specific obsessive-compulsive orphan child whose foster references, but what takes it over the top is Psy- parents, the Billingsley’s, won’t take him back cho Ed’s talking-frog and the animated “shroom” after he goes missing. Suzy and Sam meet back- hallucinations. stage at a school play and quickly become pen The main characters are played by two rela- pals. That’s how they plan their escape from tively unknown actors, Matt Bush and Sean their droll living situations. Suzy likes to steal Marquette. Bush was in the frat comedy Glory her books from the library and read them aloud Daze as well as Adventureland. In High School, 24 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES SUMMER SPECIAL— WCT: That’s a good one. because Jane has moved on. NUNN ON ONE: TV BE: I love that musical. WCT: You have had so many guest stars, WCT: Do you watch the television show including Kim Kardashian, this season. Have Smash? you had a favorite one? BE: I do! BE: We have had so many amazing guests. One Brooke Elliott: WCT: What led you to audition for Drop that probably stands out is Rosie O’Donnell be- Dead Diva? cause she was the start of my Broadway career. BE: The writer’s strike had gone on around the She gave me my Broadway debut so then to have Leave it to ‘Diva’ time of the audition. When that was over I actu- her be on the show with me was really fun. She ally had an audition for a Broadway musical that is such a supporter of mine and such a friend. day and for “Diva.” It is funny because I thought She is a tremendous actress; I love working with a few seasons and so excited about talking to there would be more chances of a job coming Rosie. She is really good so I always love when you today. from the Broadway musical. she is on the show. Brooke Elliott: Oh, good. Obviously, I wanted to do a great job at that I love when they are all on the show and could WCT: You are originally born in Minnesota? audition for Diva and, luckily, I think I did. I got give you a paragraph about each one of them! BE: Yes, I was born in Minnesota but we moved to test and all of those other things. It was kind WCT: You must like doing the dream se- by the time I was 3, so I don’t remember a lot of a shock that things proceeded with Diva the quences and doing musicals again. about it. [Laughs] way they did. I never thought they would. BE: I always love those. It is a little bit of my WCT: Where did you go after that? WCT: Can you give our readers an overview history coming in. It is my home. BE: We moved around a lot when I was kid. of how things have changed since season WCT: Having openly gay producer Josh Ber- After that we went to Missouri, Oklahoma, Chi- one? man must have helped build a gay following. cago, then to Michigan—so lots of moving. BE: In season one with Deb in Jane’s body, the BE: That is a very good question for Josh. WCT: I didn’t know you lived in Chicago. first and foremost dealing [involved] changes in WCT: Well then, how is it working with gay BE: My parents are from Chicago and my the body type and her mindset in what beauty advocate Margaret Cho? grandparents are there, also aunts and uncles is. As we see her through the seasons, we find BE: I love Margaret. She is so great. She has and a lot of my cousins. I love Chicago. I love it! what is gorgeous about Jane and what makes been one of the most supportive people in this BY JERRY NUNN WCT: Well, you have to come visit. her beautiful and how limited her thoughts were whole show for me. She is kind, giving and fun- BE: Absolutely. before. Through the seasons we really do focus ny. She is selfless and has zero ego. She is just a Brooke Elliott has been knocking them dead on WCT: You have studied musical theater. Did on that. We focus on Deb’s closed-mindedness wonderful person. the Broadway stage from Taboo to The Pirate you always love musicals? and her self-involvement. Queen and, for four seasons, on Drop Dead Diva WCT: Where do you find common ground BE: Yes, I did. It is funny because when I was As she continues to grow and be confronted on the Lifetime Channel. with your character? little I thought I was going to be Barbra Strei- where she has to make a decision and take a BE: I am kind of a mixture of Deb and Jane and On “Diva,” she plays lawyer Jane Bingum, a sand. I thought that is my path and I will just be stand. It is really fun to see that part come out, then, of course, Brooke. With Deb, I relate to her plus-size woman who has her body inhabited by Barbra. But as I got older and got into theater to see her grow and her mind expand and all girlie side. My bathroom is pink. I like makeup a wannabe model named Deb Dobkins—which and realized I could major in that in college, the wonderfulness you get when you open your a lot. I love high heels and relate to that girlie makes for simultaneous comedy and drama. The which I didn’t even know you could do, I did mind. That is how she develops from season to side. show tackles relationships and court cases with that and doors just kind of opened in that area. season. With Jane, there may have been times in my a strong cast that includes gay fave Margaret So I walked through them and luckily was able life where I was shyer or more insecure. I was Cho. WCT: What have you been able to tell peo- to do a lot of great shows. good in school so I relate to that part of Jane. Windy City Times caught up with the multiple about the new season? WCT: Do you have an all-time favorite musi- BE: Oooh, let’s see. The new season is really I think both of them have a really big heart talented Elliott right before the new season cal? fun. We leave off season three with Jane head- and that was important for me to give that to started. BE: I think my all-time favorite would be Jesus ing to Italy with Owen. We pick right up in Italy Jane. I wanted to make sure Deb and Jane had Windy City Times: Hi, Brooke. Good to fi- Christ Superstar. and that relationship with Owen. It continues big hearts. I guess because I do, too! nally track you down. I have been trying for to progress. You know Grayson gets involved in The new season of Drop Dead Diva debuts there too and starts noticing Jane. I think that Monday, June 4. Visit www.mylifetime.com will be really fun for the audience to see Grayson for listings and Diva details. noticing Jane for the first time. It is bittersweet

and $1,000 for the VIP show and after-party. For more information, visit www.macys.com/ glamtickets. (The American Express Exclusive Pre-Sale will take place May 30-June 7 for American Express cardholders only.) Jessica Halem show to benefit HBHC Comedian (and former Chicagoan) Jessica Halem will return to the Windy City Wed., June 6, for a show to benefit Howard Brown Health Center. The event will feature remarks by Halem and Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Bechara Choucair. There will also be cocktails and canapes. It will take place at C-View rooftop bar and lounge at MileNorth Hotel, 166 E. Superior St. Last year’s Glamorama. Photo by Kat RSVP to Lizzie Bright at 773-388-8992 or Fitzgerald [email protected] by June 1. Macy’s announces CSO ending with Glamorama theme The theme of Macy’s Glamorama 2012 is ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ “British Invasion: The Music Then. The Fash- The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has an- ion Now!” nounced the addition of the movie musical From The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, Singin’ in the Rain Friday, May 17, 2013, at 8 Macy’s Glamorama 2012 will pay homage to p.m. to complete its 2012/13 Friday Night at some of the world’s most well-known and re- the Movies series. spected British pop icons from the past 50 Singin’ in the Rain joins the 2012/13 series years. with Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert (Nov. The event will take place Friday, Aug. 10, at 23, 2012) and Hitchcock at the Movies: A 8 p.m. at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Symphonic Celebration (March 8, 2013). St. Macy’s on State Street will host an after- Single tickets for all Friday Night at the party. Movies performances are $69-$267, and go Ticket prices are $50 and $75 for the show on sale to the public Aug. 10. See www.cso. only; $175 and $285 for show and after-party; org or call 312-294-3000. Drop Dead Diva. Photo courtesy of Lifetime WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 25 also contributed a video val. The audience was treated as Nhojj sang “The and told Washington Post Gay Warrior Song.” Jason Brooks of J.C. Brooks that the band hopes to & the Uptown Sound alternated between poetry form an organization that and music. He dedicated an ode to those we is pro-same sex marriage. lost in the wave of queer youth suicides. Local He said, “We’re firm believ- duo Band Practice was backed by an accordion ers that if you’re not talk- and a banjo then a guitar to support its social ing about it, you’re part of commentary. E. Nina Jay delivered powerful, the problem.” Members of thought-provoking poetry, while Alix Dobkin POP fun. are straight. humored the crowd with her classics “Amazon I cannot stop raving ABC” and “Lesbian Code.” Former Chicago native MAKING about the album Colours by Daphne Willis closed the festival with a cover of Graffiti6. Jamie Scott has “Eleanor Rigby” and her own material like “One SENSE a beautiful, soulful voice by One.” Broadway Youth Center was this year’s by David Byrne that works fabulously with beneficiary. with Tony Peregrin retro-pop ditties like “Stare into the Sun” and “Free” as The season’s hottest LGBT releases: well as slower pieces like Adam Lambert – Trespassing “This Man” and “Over You.” Brandi Carlile – Bear Creek The band has been dubbed Girlyman – Supernova The queer trio Gossip returns with A Joyful as a You Outta Know: Artist Gossip – A Joyful Noise Noise, its most pop effort to date. The lead sin- on the Rise by VH1. The video for “Free” cracked Ian Wilson – This Is Water gle, “Perfect World,” is a catchy, inspirational the top 10 on the network’s video countdown. Imani Uzuri – The Gypsy Diaries number straight from the ’80s. “Get a Job” could Graffiti6 returns to Chicago with a headlining Nina Sky – Nicole & Natalie have been lifted from a jam session with Scissor concert at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., on Rufus Wainwright – Out of the Game Sisters, whereas “Move in the Right Direction” Friday, June 1. Sam Sparro – Return to Paradise seems like an outtake from Cyndi Lauper’s She’s I first heard of Penguin Prison because of its Scissor Sisters – Magic Hour So Unusual. Unfortunately, similar to 2009’s electro-fueled remix to Goldfrapp’s “Rocket.” Sigur Ros – Valtari Music for Men, A Joyful Noise is plagued with The one-man band fronted by Chris Glover made Sophie B. Hawkins – Crossing clichés as heard on “Get Lost,” where Beth Ditto a splash last year with the irresistible single sings, “Get lost / You’re dancing to the beat of “Don’t Fuck with My Money.” The accompanying a different drum.” video was filmed during Occupy Wall Street dem- Graffiti6. Photo by Marina Chavez Upcoming Chicago-area concerts: Gossip is featured in the recent sexy Dior com- onstrations. The self-titled album pairs his deep Emeli Sande at Lincoln Hall on Wed., May 30 mercial. The ad has Charlize Theron running late voice with ’80s-inspired basslines, as if Rick Ast- 3, at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. Here, Grafitti6 at Schuba’s on Friday, June 1 to a fashion show, as golden-era actresses like ley was working with Human League and Howard local artists—including Amy Matheny, Beckie Penguin Prison at Lincoln Hall on Tuesday, Lauren Bacall and Marilyn Monroe are backstage. Jones. Penguin Prison comes to Chicago for a Menzie, Tom Michael, Meghan Murphy and Honey June 5 The Monster actress owns the catwalk in a gold gig on Tuesday, June 5, at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. West—unite to cover beloved hits ranging from Cathy Richardson Band at Fitzgerald’s on Fri- gown as Gossip’s “Heavy Cross” blares in the Lincoln Ave. Cole Porter to Freddie Mercury and even Lady day, June 15 background. A stage production The Marvin Gaye Story: Gaga under George Howe’s musical direction. For Kristin Chenoweth at Cadillac Palace Theatre Nina Sky released remixes to the scorch- Don’t Talk about My Father, Because God Is tickets and more information, visit www.mayne- on Saturday, June 16 ing hot single “Day Dreaming.” Here, identical My Friend is scheduled to run through Sunday, stage.com. Ruthie Foster at Space on Friday, June 22 twins Natalie and Nicole Albino sing in unison July 29, at The Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 Before Cake Chicago takes a summer hiatus, Scissor Sisters at The Vic Theatre on Sunday, like only siblings can, over lively beats courtesy N. Clark St. Tickets are available through Ticket- there will be one last show on Saturday, June June 24 of remixes by DJ Yonny, Eli Escobar, Boson and master. The musical was written, produced and 9 at The Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood Ave. Sarah McLachlan at Ravinia on Saturday, June Tonnesen Chains. Nicole is out and married to directed by theater founder Jackie Taylor. Gaye’s The LGBTA showcase will have a disco theme as 30 fashion designer Erin Magee. The forthcoming music challenges social issues (“What’s Going well as performances by Milwaukee’s Blue Sky Heart at The Venue at The Horseshoe Casino album, titled Nicole & Natalie, is due in July. On”), provides a romantic soundtrack (“Let’s Get Hour and Overstory; the PJ Harvey tribute band on Friday, July 6 Last year Nina Sky collaborated with CREEP It On”) and can fill the dance floor (“Got to Give Rm:509; and Cake Chicago’s mastermind, Ripley Idina Menzel at Ravinia on Sunday, July 8 on the mesmerizing single “You.” Its black-and- It Up”). Let’s not forget his magical duets with Caine. For more information, find “Cake Chicago” Chaka Khan at Taste of Chicago on Saturday, white video clip is brilliantly edited, as images Tammi Terrell, either. His life story proves he on Facebook. July 14 of Nina Sky are spliced to the drum and bass was a “Trouble Man” with problems with drugs, Once again, Scott Free assembled a remarkable Rufus Wainwright at Bank of America Theatre beat. women and his shocking murder. There have group of artists for this year’s Alt Q Music Festi- on Wed., Aug. 8 This spring, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz been rumors that a biopic on the “Sexual Heal- made a video in support of same-sex marriage ing” crooner is in the works. The all-star tribute mick Auditorium, 3241 S. Federal St., at 8 for Human Rights Campaign’s “Americans for album, Inner City Blues, came out in 1995. Alison Krauss p.m. During the show, Holmes will pay tribute Marriage Equality.” Now on the heels of the suc- Pride Month gets started properly with “For to Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Minnie Rip- cess of the breakout single “We Are Young,” fun. headlining Singing out Loud: A Pride Celebration of Sing- erton, Teena Marie and Etta James. is getting in on the fun. Guitarist Jack Antonoff ers, Songwriters and Icons,” on Sunday, June ‘Belt’ gala June 7 There will also be a VIP reception at 7 p.m. Women’s Health Foundation’s (WHF) an- Illinois state Sen. Mattie Hunter and the What nounced that Grammy winner Alison Krauss If…Carolyn Y. Adams Breast Cancer Founda- and lead singer/guitarist of her Union Sta- tion will be recognized for their efforts in the tion band, Dan Tyminski, will be headlining breast-cancer movement. the fifth annual “Below the Belt Fighting for Advance tickets for the show are $25 each; Women’s Pelvic Health” gala Thursday, June reception tickets are $80. Call 708-533-6558 7, 6-11 p.m., at the Ravenswood Event Cen- or email [email protected]. ter, 4011 N. Ravenswood Ave. During the program, WHF will award one de- serving healthcare provider the Medical Activ- One Direction in ist Award and one patient the Passion Award, which recognizes a pelvic floor champion, a Chicago June 2 The British band One Direction will be hit- woman willing to inspire others with her story ting the road for its first-ever headlining of healing. Nominations are now open and North American tour in support of its debut being accepted for the WHF Passion Award album, Up All Night. Among the stops is a through www.belowthebeltgala.org. show at Chicago’s Allstate Arena June 2. For tickets and more information about the The band—made up for five men aged 18- event, visit www.womenshealthfoundation. 20—recently made history as the first British org. group to debut at number one on the Bill- board charts. Singer to pay tribute One Direction is known for the single “What Makes You Beautiful.” On April 7, the band to Whitney June 2 was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live; Vanessa Holmes—who, among other things, the host was actress Sofia Vergara. was musical director of “Chicago’s Tribute to In addition, Live Nation has announced the Motown Greats” concert—will perform that the band will perform at First Midwest her first one-woman show, “Lovin’ You.” Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park July 13, The show will take place Saturday, June 2, 2013. (Tickets are on sale April 21, 2012.) at Illinois Institute of Technology’s McCor- See www.LiveNation.com for tickets. Gossip. Press photo 26 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES SUMMER SPECIAL: MUSIC hours for fighting with your boyfriend, Sauli Koskinen, outside a gay bar in Finland. Did it fulfill any fantasies of yours? Lambert: [Laughs] Uh, no. Actually, it was hor- rifying. I was by myself; there wasn’t anybody The trouble with else in there. It was a private cell. It was a very embarrassing moment and not something that I’m proud of. I have plenty of friends who have had crazy nights and things have happened, and Adam Lambert these things do happen to regular people; I am a regular person, but I just happen to have a Pop star talks ‘novelty’ of gets a little old. It’s something I’ve made peace higher profile. I’ve tried to walk away from the with; I’m trying to just look at it from the other experience and learn a lesson from it and make his homosexuality, being point of view and realize that a lot of the ques- some adjustments and try not to let it ever hap- an unfit role model and tions are legitimate for someone who doesn’t pen again. It definitely wasn’t as dramatic as understand. I think the way to progress and con- the media made it out to be, but it also wasn’t his peculiar sex toy something to laugh about. By Chris Azzopardi front ignorance is information. You start talking about things and we get past them. So, yeah, WCT: So it’s not true what they say about young guys in jail? Remember the fuss Adam Lambert caused when it gets a bit redundant, but I feel like at this Lambert: Not from my experience! he tongued his keyboardist in front of the point, it just comes with the territory that I’m WCT: What’s different about maintaining a world? Of course you do. The controversial kiss trespassing on. relationship in the public eye versus out of drew both homophobic outbursts and so-what WCT: What challenges have you run into as it? shrugs, and it’s an American Music Awards mo- not just an artist but a gay artist? Lambert: People wanting to know what’s up ment that won’t soon be forgotten—especially Lambert: Well, there’s a huge double standard. and asking questions. But I don’t know. To be by Lambert himself. Straight artists are constantly toying with im- honest with you, I only maintained one relation- “That was an interesting night,” he says, ages of sexuality and double-entendre lyrics; ship out of the public eye, so I’m kind of inex- snickering in his charmingly guy-next-door way when a gay male artist does, it raises a lot more perienced either way. [Laughs] I was a bachelor about that seminal smooch. “That AMAs perfor- eyebrows. I’m trying to find the balance, and I for a long time! I definitely played the field. So mance was trespassing, in a way.” And, on his think this album has found a balance. It’s not I think just being in a relationship that’s be- latest album, he’s not done crossing the line: shying away from it at all—my sexuality or who come quite domestic actually feels really good; Trespassing is the defiant second to the Ameri- I am or my identity—but it’s also universal. All it’s something I hadn’t really experienced much can Idol spawn’s 2009 debut. of these ideas are universal: how I feel, wanting before, and I’m really enjoying it. It actually fits In this candid interview with Lambert, the to go get laid, to go have a couple drinks with in quite well with my new lifestyle because it’s pop star opened up about the “redundant” press my friends and get a little nasty. Adam Lambert. Photo by Lee Cherry more private, it’s more at-home, and that’s nice. questions regarding his sexuality, becoming Hopefully, for an open-minded individual, no WCT: Do you want to be married and raise a more confident as an out celebrity, and breaking matter what their sexual preference is, they’ll family? the rules—and going to jail for it. relate. Everybody feels that way. Everybody WCT: Tell me about the song “Outlaws of Lambert: Yeah, someday. I definitely want that Windy City Times: What does the album wants to have a good time, let go and feel free, Love.” for myself at some point. I don’t know when title, Trespassing, mean to you? no matter who you are. What’s cool about the Lambert: That song actually is about every- that’s going to be. In fact, I don’t know if it’s Adam Lambert: Being who I am in this music album is that it does specifically address my thing—it’s about gay marriage, it’s about every anytime soon. I’m really excited that our society environment is trespassing, and that’s why Phar- lifestyle and my experience in nightlife and in challenge that we face as a community, in- is progressing. Everybody has the divine right rell [Williams] and I wrote it about that. We had relationships, but I think it can reach anybody. cluding gay marriage, but it’s more about that to marry whoever the fuck they want. The funny a big conversation about the music industry and WCT: Does being a gay celebrity put pres- emotion of what it feels like when you’re being thing about being a gay celebrity is all of a sud- the business and being an artist, and then on sure on you to spearhead the gay movement? persecuted or outlawed or shunned because of den it’s like, “Oh, are you going to get married top of it, being somebody that’s different, be- To have to be more political? whom you choose to love. since that’s the new big struggle and that’s the ing a gay man and being in an industry where Lambert: I don’t feel pressure to be political, WCT: You’ve been reluctant to talk about thing everyone is fighting for?” And I’m like, “I it’s not very common, not very present. Kind of but I do feel pressure to raise social awareness politics in the past. But something seems to can fight for it without getting married myself.” feeling like I’m gonna own this, march forward and to help be a confident voice for perhaps a have changed in you; you’ve been more open I don’t need to get married for my people. That’s and ignore any kind of sign or person telling me young gay teenager who doesn’t really have a lot to discussing politics and equal rights. What silly. no. I’m gonna do what I wanna do and not feel to look up to. I also find it dangerous, because I changed? WCT: What does it take to be a Glambert? sorry for myself. don’t always consider myself the best role model Lambert: You know what I think? It’s so fast. Lambert: Reckless abandon. [Laughs] I think WCT: Is anything you do for shock value in the world. [Laughs] All of a sudden, everyone’s talking about me and that any sort of diehard fandom is a crazy, sur- premeditated? WCT: Why do you say that? I’m on the cover of a magazine. No matter how real mentality. That’s part of the fun for the Lambert: No; I don’t think, “OK, I want to piss Lambert: Because I’m not here to teach any- well-adjusted you are, that’s a weird thing to Glamberts; they’ve given themselves permission people off now” or “I want to shock people.” body how to be gay and I’m not here to teach get used to. Over the past several years, with within that community to be kind of insane. I kind of, especially after the (AMAs), go with anybody how to be the best person. I’m not al- the first album and the first tour, I’ve got more And it’s gorgeous and it’s fun and it’s an escape. what I want to do musically. That’s been more ways the best example. I make mistakes and I do comfortable in the public eye and I’ve gotten to It’s not real life—it’s something else. Everybody in the forefront for me in my decision-making. I things that are out-there sometimes, but what know my fans more and I’ve sussed out who I wants that in some form or another. We all have think just kind of being, and being unapologetic I hope to inspire is the sense that people can want to be as an artist. our different versions of it. For people who are for being, is a risk in and of itself in today’s be who they want to be. I always say, “Don’t do WCT: But not just as an artist, [but] as a gay diehard fans, that’s their way, that’s their obses- music industry. what I do; do what you want to do.” I hope that man in the public eye too, right? sion and that’s their outlet. WCT: Was the AMAs kiss good for you? I can inspire people to take control and charge Lambert: Yeah, as a person. Totally. I’ve kept WCT: Tell me your best crazed-fan story. Lambert: I don’t even know. I was in such au- of their own reality. a lot of my close friends close and my family is Lambert: Well, I’ve gotten a lot of very inter- topilot. It was one of those weird moments that WCT: What can we expect from this album? still close to me, but of course this type of expe- esting gifts. I don’t know what they’re called just kind of happened. Some of the choreogra- Lambert: One of the best parts about the al- rience and this flip in your lifestyle causes you specifically, but I remember opening up this phy earlier in the number was planned, but that bum, as well as it being about an out and proud to adjust—and that includes as a gay man. I’ve small box and it was this metal sex toy and I whole moment with him was just, “Oh my god, gay man, is that the first half of the album is had to adjust and reassess things and evolve a think you stick it in the tip of your dick—a ure- now we’re kissing!” very upbeat and electro-funk-dance-pop, and a little bit, and that’s because of age, too. When thra rod or something. I don’t know what the WCT: You’ve spoken with gay publications lot of the things expressed in the first half of I started I was 27, and I just turned 30—those fuck it is. [Laughs] and mainstream publications. How is it dif- that album are rebelliousness and liberation and three years are a big three years. My perspective WCT: Did you use it? ferent talking to each? these kind of anthemic calls to arms. It explores, is just different—it’s different because of celeb- Lambert: I definitely did not use that. That is Lambert: I try not to make it any different. as gay men and people in general, that when rity, but also just because of life. not my style. I looked at it and said, “What the That’s been one of my big goals, especially with we go out into the world we have to put on our WCT: What’s one piece of advice from Amer- hell is that?” And somebody had to answer that this album. This time around I’m trying to just game face. ican Idol that you’ve held on to? for me and then I went, “OK, I’m gonna pass.” adopt a post-gay mentality about it, because You want to go out and feel fierce, and that Lambert: I had a lot of support from my circle WCT: Did you at least regift it? I’m so proud of who I am and I’m 100 percent fierce thing that we all put on is sometimes like of friends who were like, “Just do what you’ve Lambert: As a joke, I did. I think I gave it positive about it and I celebrate it—but I also an outfit: We dress it up and we project fierce- always done. It doesn’t matter that you’re on TV to Raja [season three winner of RuPaul’s Drag think it’s a bit dated to harp on it and to lean on ness, but what lies underneath is sometimes now; just do what you’ve always known.” The Race]. He actually was my makeup artist on my it and to constantly be defined by your sexuality. weakness and vulnerability and pain and dark- hardest thing about the show is all of a sudden, tour that same year. I think I gave it to him. I I think that gay men and women who live their ness. The album transitions into that place mid- there’s all this pressure and all these factors that doubt that he kept it, but I know he laughed lives as gay men and women understand that way through—it’s very dark and quite sad and you aren’t used to as a performer, and you have quite hard. and understand that it’s just another part of who it’s dealing with heartache and insecurity. It to tune it out and just trust your own gut and WCT: Who knows where it is right now. they are. Unfortunately, with some mainstream shows a lot about what lies underneath the sur- try to maintain that sense of integrity. And it’s Lambert: Or what it’s being used for! publications, it’s such a novelty for them to be face of me, but I think we all can relate to that. not easy. Then, transitioning into the music in- Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, able to talk about it. It’s such a hot-button issue We all want to be our fiercest self, and it takes dustry is the same challenge. You’re like, “OK, the international LGBT wire service. Reach that it becomes the focus of a lot of discussion. a certain amount of posturing and peacocking well, I gotta play the game but I also want to do him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi. WCT: Does that bother you? to be that. I hope people can find themselves in what I want to do, so how do I do that?” com. Lambert: [Hesitates] It gets a bit redundant, this music. WCT: You were in the slammer for a few WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 27 SUMMER SPECIAL most fun people in the world so when I found WCT: That’s how it is these days. NUNN ON ONE: MUSIC out I was doing that show I was truly excited. It RR: It happens all the time. Me and Robyn did turned out to be great and I got good feedback. that separate, too. People said I stole the show. It was dope! WCT: I am sure you are ready for the new WCT: Speaking of your LGBT friends, you did album to come out finally. It has been a long Rapper Rye Rye: the Club Skirts Dinah party also. process. RR: Yes, it was so much fun to be a part of it. RR: Yeah, it has been a minute. I want people WCT: You should come do a festival here in to run out and get it. On ‘21 Jump Street,’ Chicago this summer. WCT: I like your eye shadow, by the way… RR: I know. I can’t wait to come back. Every RR: Why thank you! time I come there it is so cold so the summer Speaking of makeup, purchase the album at gay award shows sounds good. www.ryeryemusic.com/order and receive her WCT: Did you enjoy doing some acting in specially branded nail polish. the movie 21 Jump Street? BY JERRY NUNN WCT: Did you see her on the Super Bowl? RR: Yes; it was fun, actually. I was a little RR: No, actually I missed it. I was flying but I scared at first because I had never acted before. Ryeisha Berrain is taking over the hip-hop world heard about it. I was nervous but it was a great experience. Ev- as Rye Rye, teaming with some of the brightest WCT: I like the track “Never Will Be Mine” eryone was like me—down-to-earth—so it was and biggest stars in the music business. with Robyn. You have some similarities with cool. Her new album, Go! Pop! Bang!, was released sounding alike. WCT: You did the theme song with Esthero. last week and is full of upbeat tracks featuring RR: Yeah, I feel like Robyn did more house mu- I am such a fan of hers. artists M.I.A., Akon and Robyn. sic before and now she is more Euro. That song RR: I hadn’t met her before and didn’t know Her single “Boom Boom” brought her atten- will make you dance. her music. They sent me the idea to do the tion at the recent NewNowNext awards on the WCT: How was it performing on the theme song. At the time when I did it I had no Logo Channel and she even dabbled a little in NewNowNext Awards? idea who would be singing it or anything. I did acting this year with 21 Jump Street. RR: It was awesome. I didn’t really know I my part and waited for it to come out. I love her Rye Rye broke it down to Windy City Times was performing. I saw someone mentioning it now! about the new music and more. on Twitter but I didn’t know about it. Eventu- WCT: So it was put together later? Windy City Times: Hi, Rye! Where are you ally I thought it was a cool idea because I am RR: Yes; we didn’t go into the studio together. calling in from? a big gay lover. I love gay people. They are the Rye Rye: Baltimore. WCT: Of course—that’s where you are from and I heard your music described as a Balti- more sound. What does that mean, exactly? RR: Baltimore is its own type of music. You are GAY AND LESBIAN HALL OF FAME from Chicago, right? WCT: Yes. RR: Well, you guys have house music. We have Baltimore club music. We use a lot of heavy 2012 CELEBRITY BOWL beats. It is dance music but it is more heavy. It is grimier, but it is similar to house music like FUNDRAISING EVENT you have there. WCT: It seems like good music to blast in your car on a summer day. RR: Yeah, it is crazy. Saturday, June 9th WCT: The new album is finally being re- Registration: 10-11 a.m. leased. There are several tracks with M.I.A. on there. How did you meet her in the first Bowling: 11 a.m.-noon place? RR: She came to Baltimore to work with Wrap-up: Noon-1 p.m. Blaqstarr. He called me to the studio and said someone wanted to meet me. When I got there it was M.I.A. and DJ Diplo so that is how I met Waveland Bowl her. 3700 N. Western Ave., Chicago WCT: She has been a fan of your work and you are on her music label now. RR: Yes. When I first met her I didn’t know anything about her. For me it was learning about who her and Diplo were. Then when I heard her music I said, “Shit, we do almost the same thing!”

For sign-up info to become a Celebrity Bowler, please email us at: [email protected]

The goal for each Celebrity Bowler is to raise $500, more or less, in pledges.

PHIL HANNEMA

MICHAEL LEPPEN

The 2012 Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Celebrity Bowl is sponsored by Friends of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, 3712 N. Broadway, #637, Chicago, IL, 60613-4235; www.GLHallofFame.org. Friends of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) Illinois not-for-profit corporation. Rye Rye. Press photo 28 May 30, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES

the DISH WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN Dining news COMPILED BY ANDREW DAVIS

—Executive Chef Perry Hendrix has revealed the dinner menu for Maison, 333 E. Benton Pl.—a 140-seat brasserie featuring classic, New England every day French fare—opened May 25. Items include chilled seafood such as iced oysters and Seafood Company poached shrimp; cheese and meats like chicken BY Meghan Streit liver terrine; and entrees such as Parisian gnocchi and slow-cooked duck confit. See www. Are you planning a lovely summer getaway to maisonbrasserie.com. Martha’s Vineyard or Kennebunkport, Maine, to —La Creperie Restaurant, 2845 N. Clark St., enjoy fresh fish and ocean breezes? Well, good will celebrate its 40th anniversary this week for you. For the rest of us, I can offer a bit of with a week full of specials and events (with consolation. You can find out-of-this-world lob- original prices June 1). Originally opened in ster rolls and other East Coast specialties (mi- 1972 by Germain Roignant, La Creperie is con- nus the ocean breezes) at New England Seafood sidered the oldest family-owned French creperie Company, a no-frills eatery and fish market on in the United States, and has a menu that spe- Lincoln Ave. in Lakeview. cializes in a variety of both sweet and savory The space is brightly lit, you order at the crepe dishes. See www.LaCreperieUSA.com or counter, vie with other diners for a table and, call 773-528-9050. The fresh fish case (above) and lobster roll with homemade chips (below) at New England Sea- if you bring wine (which you should), you’ll be —McDonald’s Corp. has voted down a propos- food Company . Press photos drinking it out of plastic cups. But, none of that al to assess its impact on public health, particu- matters because the food here is just that good. larly childhood obesity, according to Advertising The lobster bisque is flavorful, but not too tered and grilled hot dog bun—as all lobster-roll sert. Or, just grab a couple of lobster rolls to go Age. The consumer-watchdog group Corporate rich. At $3.95 for a small cup, which is actually purists know it should be. The bun is jam packed and head down to the lakefront for lunch. It will Accountability International brought the pro- quite large, it’s a great deal. I actually, to my with big chunks of meaty lobster that are tossed be your own little East Coast “staycation.” posal. Outgoing McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner surprise, liked the clam chowder even more than in butter—not mayo as you might find on some New England Seafood Company is located at said the chain has set the bar in the fast-food the lobster bisque. It was creamy and packed less authentic lobster rolls. Trust me, this lob- 3341 N. Lincoln Ave.; call 773-871-3474 or industry when it comes to improving the nutri- with big chunks of fresh seafood. I’ve eaten ster roll is plenty decadent without the mayo, visit www.neseafoodcompany.com. tional value of its items. many an inferior bowl of clam chowder for three but if you want to add some, they have packets —Cafe des Architectes (located at Sofitel times the price of this delicious soup. available. Chicago Water Tower, 20 E. Chestnut St.) is host- For entrees, you can choose from among a The lobster roll is served with crisp coleslaw ing “Les Amis du Chef” Thursday, June 7. The selection of baked, pan-seared, grilled, and and homemade potato chips that are still warm cocktail reception is at 6:30 p.m., with dinner at my personal recommendation—fried—fish. The from the fryer. This is one simple but phenom- 7 p.m. Chef Greg Biggers and Pastry Chef Patrick fish-and-chips dinner is a generous portion of enal meal that I can confidently say is worth Fahy will welcome guest chefs Justin White of expertly fried haddock and crispy fries. If you every penny of the $16.95 it will set you back. Small Bar and Dirk Flanigan of Henri and The Gage, along with Master Sommelier Serafin Al- want to try a little bit of everything, I recom- The roll itself is not huge, but they don’t skimp varado of Southern Wine & Spirits. The cost is mend the Fisherman’s Platter, which is a heap- on the lobster and you won’t be leaving hungry. $90; see http://lesamisduchef.eventbrite.com. ing mound of fried shrimp, clams, calamari and If you want to DIY your New England expe- —Kanela Breakfast Club, 3231 N. Clark St., other breaded fish on top of fries. You can’t go rience here in Chicago, this restaurant is also invites guests to indulge in its weekly menu wrong with that. a fish market, so you’ve got plenty of options. specials. Featured specials include the Breakfast Truly, every morsel I tasted at New England You can choose your favorite seafood from the Burger, steak and eggs, a French toast flight and Seafood Company was fantastic, but there’s no refrigerated case packed with large selection of more. There are also a daily bottomless mimosa debating that the star of this show is the lobster fresh fish or the saltwater tank filled with live special (for $18) and a Kanela Latte (cinna- roll. Transplants from the Eastern Seaboard will lobsters, and then cook it all up at home. New mon-flavored Kahlua, coffee and steamed milk be delighted to find a local joint that knows how England Seafood Company also has a full cater- for $7), among other drink specials. See www. ing menu, which includes all the fixings for an to make a proper lobster roll, and native Chica- KanelaCafe.com. goans will be pleasantly surprised (and instantly authentic lobster boil—right down to the drawn addicted). The lobster roll is served on a but- butter, lobster bibs and Whoopie pies for des-

the DINING LISTINGS The Perfect Setting for your DISH Commitment Ceremony American Hamburger Mary’s Bakery Club Lucky Mexican Beef ‘n Brandy 5400 N. Clark St., Swedish Bakery 1824 W. Wabansia Ave., Mundial Cocina 127 S. State St., Chicago Chicago 5348 N. Clark St., Bucktown Mestiza 312-372-3451 773-784-6969 Chicago 773-227-2300 1640 W. 18th St., beefbrandy.net hamburgermarys.com/ 773-561-8919 clubluckychicago.com Chicago A Chicago tradition since chicago swedishbakery.com 1940’s style Italian Supper 312-491-9908 1967. Serving pizza, burgers, Burgers, salads and sass European-style cookies, Club & Cocktail Lounge mundialcocinamestiza. meat loaf, homemade Foc- served up in a kitschy pastries, breads, and tortes. Award-winning. Holiday com janesrestaurant.com cacia bread and more. atmosphere with an on-site decorations and private We’ll create a cake for any Creative Mexican cuisine in 1653-55 W. Cortland • 773-862-5263 brew pub. celebration. party room. Accepting online reservations. the Pilsen neighborhood. Jane’s Restaurant Hand-shaken margaritas 1653-55 W. Cortland ASIAN ITALIAN Armand’s Pizzeria and affordable wines. Ave. Miss Asia Taverna 750 4159 N. Western Ave., 773-862-5263 434 W. Diversey Pkwy., 750 W. Cornelia Ave., Chicago german Chicago janesrestaurant.com Chicago 773-463-5200 Chicago Brauhaus An everyday, upscale eatery 773-248-3999 773-348-5172 armandspizzeria.com 4732 N. Lincoln Ave., located in neighborhoody missasiacuisine.com Bright and fresh Italian Since 1956. Award-winning Chicago Bucktown. Stunning Special At Miss Asia we provide small plates with an exciting thin crust. Also baked clams, 773-784-4444 Events Room. Brunch, Lunch fine traditional Thai cuisine cocktail menu. Surprisingly sandwiches, salads. Dine in, & Dinner. and an elegant dining chicagobrauhaus.com affordable. take out, delivery. atmosphere. Serving up traditional German specialties, beer, Dine In • Take Out • Delivery wine, music and dancing 6 4159 N. Western Ave. • Chicago days a week. (773) 463-5200 armandspizzeria.com Armand’s - The Food You Remember To get your business listed in The Dish, contact [email protected] WINDY CITY TIMES May 30, 2012 29 Summer begins with a Memorial Day weekend to remember Chicago was the center of the gay universe this past weekend, playing host to International Mr. Leather XXXIV, Bear Pride XVIII, the Grabby Awards and many other reasons to celebrate. Windy City Times was there. Look for many more photos from all these events online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com and in next week’s issue of Nightspots.

International Mr. Leather claims his sash Woody Woodruff (Mr. Michigan Leather 2012) was chosen as the new International Mr. Leather on Sunday, May 27 at Hyatt Regency Chicago. First runner-up A.C. Demidont (Mr. Eagle New York 2012) and second runner-up Kevin Jordan (Mr. DC Eagle 2012) shared the spotlight at the contest, now in its 34th year. Entertainment included singer Sharon McNight and comedy writer Bruce Vilanch. Photos by Verdell Shannon

To the victors go the spoils Images from the official Getting ‘Grabby’ International Mr. Leather XXXIV Victory Party, Sun- day, May 27 at House of Blues. Left to right: Inter- national Mr. Leather 2012 Woody Woodruff; second runner-up Kevin Jordan; first runner-up A.C. Demi- dont. Photos by Dave Ouano

The shining stars of the gay adult film industry, um ... came to Chicago for the 2012 Grabby ‘Market’-ing 101: Leather Basics Awards, Saturday, May 26 at Park West Chicago, 322 W. Armitage Ave. The porn stars (and their adoring fans) partied throughout the weekend at such locations as Spin, Hydrate, North End, Lucky Horseshoe and Charlie’s. Photos by Anthony Meade

Vendors hawked their wares (and underwears) at the IML Leather Market in the Riverside Center of the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Photos by Ross Forman

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SATURDAY, JUNE 2 SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY 3PM START HOT MESS a highly entertaining all-girl 2PM SIGN-UP band covering everyone's favorite songs from $10 COVER Michael Jackson to Adele, Beatles to Cee Lo Green, Lenny Kravitz to Kelly Clarkson. HOsted by sofia saffire www.hotmessband.com

SIDETRACK 3349 N. Halsted FINALS SATURDAY, JUNE 16 * 2pm door / 3pm start

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