IN REMEMBRANCE LOOKING BACK WCT Remembers National, Global LGBTQ News from 2019

Angelica Ross in American Horror Story: 1984. Photo by Kurt Iswarienko

VOL 35, NO. 08 JAN. 8, 2020 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com HERE COMES THE JUDGE Out judicial candidate (and A VIEW current judge) Levander Smith Jr. Photo courtesy of Smith TO A THRILL 9 The best (and worst) WINTER THEATER PREVIEW in TV and movies Renee Zellweger in Judy. Classics, revivals Photo by David Hindley PAGES 13, 18 headed to the stage. Photo of Amira Danan and Gage Wallace in A Doll's House by Gracie Meier 14 IN REMEMBRANCE LOOKING BACK WCT remembers National, global LGBTQ news from 2019. local LGBTQs who Photo of Mara Keisling from NCTE passed in 2019 Rich Pfeiffer. 4 PAGE 8 Photo by Hal Baim

@windycitytimes /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com 2 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBT CRUISES & TOUR EVENTS

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NEWS National LGBTQ highs and lows of 2019 4 Global LGBTQ news in 2019 5 Local passages in 2019 8 Out gay judicial candidate Levander Smith Jr. 9 Whether you’re upsizing, down- Study: Caregivers of LGBTs with Alzheimer's 10 The year in LGBT parenting 12 sizing, rightsizing, or staying put, ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Best/worst in 2019 movies 13 we wish you and your family... Winter theater preview 14 Golden Globes wrap-up 15 INDEX Eric Huffman: From 'Mormon' to 'Mean Girls' 16 'The Guilty Feminist' podcast comes to Chicago 17 Best/worst in 2019 TV 18 NIGHTSPOTS 19 DOWNLOAD Classifieds 21 THIS ISSUE Calendar 22 AND BROWSE THE ARCHIVES AT www.WindyCityTimes.com

Angelica Ross in American Horror Story: 1984. Photo by Kurt Iswarienko UPCOMING 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES PRINT DATES: Jan. 22, 2020 April 1, 2020 June 10, 2020 VOL 35, NO. 08 JAN. 8, 2020 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Peace, Health, & Happiness HERE COMES Feb. 5, 2020 April 15, 2020 June 24, 2020 THE JUDGE Out judicial candidate (and A VIEW current judge) Levander Smith Jr. Feb. 19, 2020 April 29, 2020 July 8, 2020 Photo courtesy of Smith TO A THRILL 9 The best (and worst) March 4, 2020 May 13, 2020 July 22, 2020 WINTER THEATER in the New Year! PREVIEW in TV and movies Renee Zellweger in Judy. Classics, revivals Photo by David Hindley PAGES 13, 18 headed to the March 18, 2020 May 27, 2020 Aug. 5, 2020 stage. Photo of Amira Danan and Gage Wallace in A Doll's House by Gracie Meier 14 IN REMEMBRANCE LOOKING BACK WCT remembers National, global LGBTQ news from 2019. local LGBTQs who Photo of Mara Keisling from NCTE passed in 2019 Rich Pfeiffer. 4 PAGE 8 Photo by Hal Baim

@windycitytimes /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com

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MOTOR GRADE Which vehicles made the cut as the top vehicles of the decade? Photo (left) courtesy of Gaywheels.com

KINSEY SCALE

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Photo of Roy Kinsey by Vern Hester 4 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES promising to stop. However, conservative groups also railed against the fast-food chain once it National roundup: was discovered that it also donated to the South- ern Poverty Law Center. —No therapy: Conversion therapy was banned Highlights and lowlights in several states last year, including New Hamp- shire, New York, Massachusetts, Colorado and such a leader. COMPILED BY ANDREW DAVIS Maine. —Just Jussie: Out gay actor Jussie Smollett —Get out the vote: In Tampa, Florida, Jane also made national news by claiming to be the In the last Windy City Times print issue, the pub- Castor easily beat her opponent in the mayoral victim of a hate-based attack on Jan. 29. Howev- lication covered 10 of the most important LGBTQ runoff and became the first openly LGBTQ person er, by the time the year ended, it was alleged that events that happened nationally in 2019. How- elected mayor of a top 100 city in the Southeast- he orchestrated the incident; then, the charges ever, media outlets reported a lot more that oc- ern United States. were dismissed. At this point, the city is pursuing curred, from the sublime to the ridiculous. —Mass exodus: Most of the staff of the National repayment of more than $130,000 spent on the —Turning 50: Cities around the country marked Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) departed. investigation—and Smollett has countersued. the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion at Leaders offered buyout packages to all staff in —Military ban: In April, President Donald New York’s famed gay nightclub. a four-and-half-hour meeting last week, sources Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the —Death in Colorado: Alana Chen—a 24-year- said. The offer came after staffers wrote a letter military took effect. (People in the military who old woman who shared her story to The Den- demanding that Executive Director Mara Keisling came out as transgender between 2016 and the ver Post about undergoing conversion therapy and Deputy Executive Director Lisa Mottet resign date the ban took effect can remain in the forces through the Catholic Church after coming out to a within 18 months, citing a racial divide between under a grandfather clause.) priest—was found dead. Chen said earlier in 2019 NCTE and leaders within trans people of color. —Hey, Wisconsin: An insurance exclusion for she hoped to educate readers about the harm the —Introduction: Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mas- transgender surgery for Wisconsin state employ- therapy caused her. Authorities said Chen’s death sachusetts) and Congressman Joe Kennedy III was “not considered to be suspicious.” ees was removed. In August 2018, the state’s Mara Keisling. (D-Massachusetts) introduced the Gay and Trans —Sad trend: Continuing a sad trend, at least Group Insurance Board reversed itself to vote in Photo courtesy of NCTE Panic Defense Prohibition Act, which would ban favor of hormone and gender-surgery coverage for two dozen transgender or gender non-conforming the use of the gay and trans “panic” defenses. state employees. people were fatally shot or killed by other violent the viability of such a bid. Now, he has made —Rapinoe’s run: Out lesbian activist/soccer —New York, New York: On Jan. 15, the New means in 2019—and, again, the vast majority history as the first openly gay Democratic presi- player Megan Rapinoe had a year that was noth- York legislature passed two pro-LGBTQ bills— were people of color. dential candidate. ing short of amazing. Not only did she lead the the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act ( —Pivotal: The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral —Front end: Best-selling novelist Patricia Nell U.S. women’s national team to a World Cup win, GENDA ) and a law banning so-called “conversion arguments in three cases of workers that were Warren died at 82. Warren’s 1974 novel, The Front but Sports Illustrated magazine named her its therapy.” fired because of their sexual orientation or gen- Runner, told the story of an affair between a clos- Sportswoman of the Year—and she even parlayed —Stalled: The nomination of lesbian attorney der identity. The implications of the impending eted coach and his out star athlete. LGBTQ run- her exposure into a TV appearance on The L Word: Chai Feldblum for a third term on the U.S. Equal rulings could have a monumental effect on the ning groups all over the nation are named Front Generation Q. Employment Opportunity Commission died in the national landscape regarding LGBTQs and em- Runners after the book. —It’s a wrap: In a sudden move on Oct. 11, Senate when Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mc- ployment. —Net loss: Pro-LGBTQ organization Athlete Shepard Smith said that after more than two de- Connell (R-Kentucky) declined to allow a vote to —Seeing the light: Lori Lightfoot made na- Ally dropped lesbian tennis icon Martina Navra- cades at Fox News, he was stepping down as chief break a hold placed on the nomination by U.S. tional headlines as the first openly LGBTQ mayor tilova from its advisory board after the 18-time news anchor and leaving the network. In 2017, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). of Chicago—the largest U.S. city to date to have Grand Slam champion wrote an op-ed in London’s Smith came out as gay. —The Buck stops here: Forty-one LGBTQ and Sunday Times. Navratilova criticized the rules —Over the Hill: U.S. Rep. Katie Hill, D-Cali- allied organizations released a statement to de- regarding transgender women in athletics in her fornia, announced her resignation from Congress mand a thorough investigation by Los Angeles op-ed and called their participation in female days after she admitted to having an inappropri- County Sheriff’s Department and District Attor- events “cheating and unfair.” ate relationship with a campaign staffer before ney’s Office of the second death of a Black man —I love a parade: Despite its longtime repu- coming into office. News of Hill’s resignation at the West Hollywood home of Ed Buck, a promi- tation as an LGBTQ enclave, Fort Lauderdale, came after the House Committee on Ethics an- nent LGBTQ political donor/activist, within two Florida, just hosted its first-ever gay Pride Parade nounced it was opening an investigation into years. last year, on Feb. 23. More than 100,000 people allegations Hill (who identifies as bisexual) en- —Goodbye, Dolly: Broadway legend Carol attended. gaged in an improper relationship with a con- Channing—known for her signature lead role in —Denied: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to gressional staffer in possible violation of House the Jerry Herman musical Hello, Dolly! and who hear the appeal of Phyllis Young—who runs the rules. Also, a conservative blog released intimate continued performing into her 90s—died of natu- three-room Aloha Bed & Breakfast in Honolulu— photos of Hill, alleging she and her husband had ral causes at her home in Rancho Mirage, Califor- who turned away a lesbian couple due to her a separate relationship with an unnamed female nia, at age 97. Christian beliefs. A state court ruled that Young campaign staffer. —Herman dies: Speaking of Hello, Dolly!, Jerry violated Hawaii’s public-accommodation law— —Shakeup: Phillip Picardi and Zach Stafford, Herman—who was behind that musical as well which, among other things, bans discrimination the respective editors-in-chief of Out magazine as Mame and La Cage aux Folles—died at age 88. on the basis of sexual orientation—when she and The Advocate—two LGBTQ brands owned by —Texas first: For the first time in Texas history, would not allow Diane Cervilli and Taeko Bufford Pride Media—announced Dec. 11 that they were the state legislature had an LGBT Caucus. State to reside at the B&B in 2007. leaving their posts. On Dec. 31, Nico Lang, the Rep. Mary Gonzalez—a four-term representative —Filmmaker passes: Pioneering experimental deputy editor of Out magazine, left the position who identifies as pansexual and is the dean of filmmaker Barbara Hammer—whose works in- as well. the delegation—filed paperwork to create the volved a distinctive lesbian perspective—died of Read the full list of national events online caucus. ovarian cancer at age 79. at WindyCityMediaGroup.com. —Siperstein dies: Barbra “Babs” Siperstein— —Jail time: Transgender ex-Army intelligence the first openly transgender member of the analyst Chelsea Manning once again found her- Democratic National Committee—died at 76. She self in jail—this time for refusing to testify served on the DNC’s Executive Committee from about her disclosure of military and diplomatic 2011 to 2017. secrets to WikiLeaks in 2010. —The Pete goes on: South Bend, Indiana, May- —Grilled chicken: Newly released tax docu- or Pete Buttigieg announced Jan. 23 that he was ments showed that Chick-fil-A was still giving Jussie Smollett. in the early stages of a presidential run, forming money to anti-LGBTQ organizations—years after @windycitytimes Photo by Amanda Demme/Fox an exploratory committee that would investigate WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 8, 2020 5 —Stigma: Former Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas revealed he is HIV-positive and has 2019 global roundup: vowed to help “break the stigma” surrounding the illness. —A murder in Russia: LGBT activist Yelena From Toronto to Taiwan Grigoryeva’s body was found in St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 20—with evidence she had been as George Clooney and Elton John slammed the COMPILED BY ANDREW DAVIS choked, stabbed and thrown into the bushes near policy, and some businesses cut ties with the her home. country. There was no shortage of the good, the bad and —Trailblazer: Time magazine named a top Bra- —Kiss off: Two Sicilian women photobombed ugly regarding global LGBTQ developments. Be- zilian drag queen and LGBT+ advocate as one of Italy’s anti-LGBT and far-right interior minister, low are just a few of media reports (highlights 10 young people “changing the world” in its bi- Matteo Salvini, with a same-sex kiss. Salvini re- and lowlights): annual list. Pabllo Vittar—a 24-year-old Brazilian cently endorsed the anti-LGBT, anti-feminist and —Bus attack: In London in late May, a group of drag pop singer—was included alongside other anti-abortion World Congress of Families, held in teen boys attacked couple Melania Geymonat and rising stars from around the world in Time’s roster Verona in March. Christine Hannigan when the twosome refused to of “Next Generation Leaders.” —Taiwan’s triumph: On May 17, Taiwan’s leg- kiss when the boys demanded it. Three of the —No marriage in Caymans: The Cayman Islands islature became the first in Asia (by a vote of boys eventually pled guilty to using threatening, Court of Appeal most recently ruled in favor of 66 to 27) to fully legalize same-sex unions. The abusive or insulting words or behavior, with at the government, overturning Chief Justice An- law—which allows for same-sex couples to ap- least one being ordered to attend diversity ses- thony Smellie’s previous ruling that legalized ply for “marriage registration” as part of “exclu- sions. same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands. sive permanent unions”—came a week before —Wed-dy or not: Two women tied the knot just —Revelation: On Dec. 17, Pope Francis an- Taiwan’s codes barring same-sex marriage would minutes after midnight in Austria—making them nounced major changes to the way the Roman have been automatically dropped by court order. the first same-sex couple to get married on the Catholic Church deals with sexual-abuse cases in- —The Vatican released the document “Male day it became legal. Nicole Kopaunik and Daniela volving minors, abolishing the rule of “pontifical and Female He Created Them: Towards a path Paier, both 37, got married in the southern town secrecy” that previously covered them. of dialogue on the question of gender in edu- of Velden at five minutes past midnight on Jan. —Changing teams: Out gay freestyle skier Gus cation” to address issues surrounding sexuality Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. 1. Kenworthy, a two-time Olympian who has repre- and gender identity. Unfortunately for the LGBTQ Official photo —Parenthood: In Israel, Supreme Court Presi- sented Team USA, announced he plans to com- community, the document rejected the idea that dent Esther Hayut criticized the state’s position after receiving death threats from people in the pete for Great Britain’s team in the 2022 Winter people can choose or change their genders, and on surrogacy for gay fathers, and said that the African country. Olympics in Beijing to honor his “#1 fan”—his insisted on the sexual “complementarity” of men solutions that apply to women should also apply —Head to head: In a notable meeting between mother. and women to make babies. to men. Etai and Yoav Pinkas-Arad filed a petition two out heads of government, Prime Minister —Beauty mark: Miss Myanmar Swe Zin Htet —On the run: Mid-distance runner Caster Se- that called to amend Israel’s surrogacy law in a Xavier Bettel of Luxembourg hosted his counter- took part in the Dec. 8 Miss Universe pageant as menya had a tumultuous year. After being al- way that would allow gay men—both couples part from Serbia, Ana Brnabic, and discussed the the first lesbian in the event’s history. Miss South lowed to compete without having to take tes- and individuals—an equal chance at parenthood. possibility of Serbia joining the European Union. Africa won the 2019 Miss Universe title. —No conversion: Members who perform con- tosterone-reducing medication, the Swiss Federal version therapy could now be expelled from the Tribunal reversed its ruling, causing Semenya to Israel Medical Association—which represents 90 miss the 2019 World Athletics Championships in percent of the country’s doctors—if a complaint Doha. is filed to its ethics committee. In a related mat- —What a kick: On July 7 in Lyon, France, the ter, a group of international lawyers researching United States claimed a fourth Women’s World the criminalization of homosexuality met with Cup triumph with a 2-0 victory over European the Vatican secretary of state and urged the Holy champions Netherlands in the final. Megan Rapi- See to publicly oppose conversion therapy for gay noe, an out lesbian, and Rose Lavelle scored people. goals for the U.S. team. —Home base: Lithuania’s top court ruled that —Trip cancelled: Dan Ware, the owner of Chi- foreign spouses of gay citizens must be granted cago-based Toto Tours—which has a mostly gay residence permits. The Constitutional Court ruled clientele—cancelled an October trip to Ethiopia that denying residency permits to the spouses of Saturday, January 18 gay Lithuanian citizens who had married abroad was discriminatory. —Out of Africa: Angola finally decriminalized 11:00 am the “vices against nature” provision in its law— widely interpreted to be a ban on same-sex con- Grant Park duct. Taking things one step further, the government has also prohibited discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation, with 5 issue areas violators facing up to two years in prison. Also, In a groundbreaking ruling, Botswana’s High • 2020 Census Court, on June 11, tossed out a colonial-era law • Climate Change that criminalized same-sex relations. • Gun Violence Prevention —Killer pleads: Toronto serial killer Bruce McArthur—who targeted men within the city’s • Women’s Health Rights gay community—pled guilty to eight murders, and Access and was sentenced to life in prison. There were • Get Out The Vote eight counts of first-degree murder over the deaths of eight men that took place between in 2010 and late 2017. www.womensmarchchicago.org —Brunei backlash: The nation of Brunei faced [email protected] global backlash for proposing the death pen- Elton John. alty for gay sex and adultery. Celebrities such Photo by Serge Arnal 6 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have } Those in the “Most Important Information About both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if BIKTARVY” section. you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections. Tell your will need to check your health regularly for several months. healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. ABOUT BIKTARVY } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual that causes AIDS. muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. that contains: } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. } dofetilide Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these } rifampin symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, } any other medicines to treat HIV-1 dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY } The most common side eects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you: These are not all the possible side eects of BIKTARVY. } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any hepatitis infection. new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. } Have any other health problems. You are encouraged to report negative side eects of } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare or call 1-800-FDA-1088. KEEP provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines PUSHING. you take: Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. } Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter GET MORE INFORMATION Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider } This is only a brief summary of important information about and pharmacist. BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat } BIKTARVY and other medicines may aect each other. Ask } HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take } If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, BIKTARVY with all your other medicines. for program information. visit BIKTARVY.com.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP PUSHING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important MyDailyCharge.com Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0103 02/19 warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

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BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_10x10_WindyCityTimes_KeepPushing2_DR4_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 2/28/19 10:22 AM 8 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES Local passages in 2019 COMPILED BY MATT SIMONETTE

A number of LGBT Chicagoans (as well as persons who otherwise left their marks on the city’s LGBT community) passed away in 2019. Among the passages Windy City Times noted: —A. J. Petras died in Boston Jan 1. Petras served two years as co-chair of the original organizing committee that brought Gay Games VII to Chicago in 2006. —Margaret “Marge” Bellisario died Jan. 3. She was sole owner of Forest View Lounge Bar and Grill in Forest View. —John Myron Hisel—a painter and fine artist in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood who was a native of Kankakee—passed away Jan. 26. —Brian Patrick Donegan—a U.S. Air Force vet- eran and much-loved dog-walker and house sit- Strawberry Hampton (right) with John Knight. ter who was a native of Algonquin—passed away Photo by Matt Simonette Feb. 2. —Grab Magazine Co-Publisher and Co-Founder by a Department of Corrections that has truly Mark Nagel passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 4. Judge orders IDOC been deliberately indifferent to our clients’ suf- —Health advocate Victoria “Vicky” DiProva fering. We look forward to ensuring that IDOC died Feb. 12 due to multiple health complica- transgender complies with the order without any delay so tions. that all prisoners who have gender dysphoria —Chyna Sky Gonzalez died by suicide March 9. healthcare overhaul BY MATT SIMONETTE in Illinois will receive humane and professional She was 32. treatment,” said Ghirlandi Guidetti, staff attor- —Chicagoan Richard David Wold passed away ney of the LGBTQ & HIV Project at the ACLU of unexpectedly but peacefully at home on April 17. A federal judge ordered recently that the Illi- nois Department of Corrections (IDOC) fix prac- Illinois, who has been representing the plain- —Ralla Klepak, a legendary attorney in Chica- Chyna Sky Gonzalez, with son Julian. tices by which a “transgender committee”— tiffs. go’s LGBTQ and legal communities, passed away Photo from Nikki Kalinowski IDOC has until Jan. 22 to notify the court of April 25. composed of individuals with no experience in transgender-specific healthcare delivery—is how it intends to implement the changes. —Chicagoan Rebecca J. Ernst passed away —Ruffin Nelson Robinson, a retired registered tasked with meting out gender-dysphoria re- April 28. nurse who resided in Chicago’s Edgewater neigh- lated medical services to IDOC detainees. —North Side resident James Krueger passed borhood, died peacefully June 6. Prisoners will now be able to more easily Advocates laud final away peacefully on June 3 after a long illness. —James Andrew Aull IV of Oak Park died June access hormone therapy, gender-appropriate 8. Medicaid rule for clothing and other resources to facilitate a —Longtime Chicagoan Michael Francis more straightforward social transition. The O’Reilly—a queer artist, activist, Radical Faerie gender-affirming order, issued in an injunction by U.S. District and some-time provocateur best known as Pen- Court Judge Nancy Rosenstengel, also directed surgery ny—died June 10. IDOC to stop automatically routing prisoners to Advocates across Illinois celebrated the fi- —Steven Joseph Courtney died of natural facilities based on their genitalia or physical nal rule that regulates Medicaid coverage for causes on June 26 in Chicago. appearance. gender-affirming surgery. —Rogers Park neighborhood resident Randy The injunction comes after a May 2019 law- The final rule prioritizes the patient-provider Boston died July 1. suit by five transgender prisoners who said that relationship, allowing Medicaid to cover life- —Robert F. “Bobby” Nicholson passed away they were subject to mistreatment while serv- saving, medically necessary procedures for Aug. 2, leaving a long local and national gay ing sentences in IDOC facilities. Among those trans and gender non-conforming people. sports legacy that dates back about 40 years. prisoners was Strawberry Hampton, who was A proposed rule by the state’s Medicaid agen- —Frank Rice Jr., a poet and resident of Chi- eventually released after being held in a series cy, the Department of Healthcare and Family cago’s Uptown neighborhood, passed away unex- of facilities for male prisoners. Services, was first released last summer. That pectedly at home Aug. 15. Hampton told Windy City Times in July 2019 proposed rule passed the final step in the Il- —Steven Ray Dobson, of North Aurora, passed that she was subjected to treatment in prison linois rulemaking process that was published away Aug. 16. that left her feeling “embarrassed, degraded Jan. 3, 2020; said rule is being put into effect —Paul Baker, a longtime North Side resident, and dehumanized” during her incarceration. “It retroactively for Dec. 23, 2019. This codifica- passed away Aug. 19. was a disgrace to be transgender” in prison, tion takes place after the updated regulation —Activist Michael Bauer passed away Aug. 29 she added. “Every day you were in there, you cleared the last hurdle of approval from the after a long bout with cancer. were fighting for your life.” State’s Joint Committee on Administrative —Chicagoan John Rent passed away Sept. 9. Rosenstengel’s order affords prisoners access Rules. —Chicagoan Marca Bristo, who was at the fore- to culturally competent medical service provid- The AIDS Foundation of Chicago, American front of numerous causes relating to disability ers, as well as the ability to obtain evaluations Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, Center on Hal- rights, passed away Sept. 8. for gender dysphoria on their own volition or sted, Equality Illinois, Howard Brown Health, —HIV/AIDS activist Bill Rydwels passed away at the directive of healthcare personnel. IDOC Lambda Legal, the National Center for Trans- Oct. 3. staff must also participate in training on transgender Equality, and the TransLife Care Program —Longtime Chicago Pride Parade organizer gender-related issues. of Chicago House and Social Service Agency Rich Pfeiffer passed away Oct. 6. “This is a sweeping victory for our clients, were among lauding the rule, according to a —Jason Zdebski, who was a business partner in who have been subject to unspeakable harm Howard Brown press release. Rich Pfeiffer. Shakers on Clark, 3160 N. Clark St., passed away Photo by Hal Baim in early November. WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 8, 2020 9 ELECTIONS 2020 Democrat Lipinski ELECTIONS 2020 sides with GOPs who U.S. Sen. Baldwin Levander Smith Jr.: backs Yoni Pizer want to overturn Roe U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) has U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Illinois) is being endorsed progressive Democrat Yoni Pizer for criticized for aligning with Republicans who ulti- Out judicial candidate state Representative in Illinois’ 12th state House mately want to overturn the abortion case Roe v. district. Wade, CBS Pittsburgh noted. “Today, I am proud to endorse my dear friend, On Jan. 2, more than 200 members of Congress on status, campaign Yoni Pizer, for State Representative of Illinois’ signed a legal brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court 12th District. After growing up together and BY ANDREW DAVIS to uphold a Louisiana law that severely restricts attending the same high school, Yoni and I re- abortion (in the case of June Medical Services LLC mained close through my political career. At ev- Levander Smith Jr. is in a unique position. v. Gee). All the lawmakers who signed the brief ery step in my own political journey, I would turn It’s his first campaign for Cook County Circuit are Republicans, except for two Democrats in the to Yoni for his counsel on our shared values and Court judge—but he already sits on the bench. House: U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) a warm heart and home in which I could always In February 2019, the Illinois Supreme Court and Lipinski. find support and love,” said Baldwin, in a state- appointed Smith as a judge (in the domestic- “This case could decide the future of abortion ment. violence division), with a term set to expire Dec. access in this country and we will not not silently Media outlets have reported that state Rep. 7, 2020. Therefore, in order to retain his seat, he stand by and let Congressman Lipinski pledge his Sara Feigenholtz, currently representing the 12th has to run for office (in the Larsen vacancy, so support for taking away Illinois woman’s right to District, is aiming to replace longtime state Sen. called because Judge Diane Larsen retired, paving a safe and legal abortion,” Planned Parenthood John Cullerton, who is retiring. the way for Smith to be appointed). However, it Illinois Action Senior Director of Public Policy Pizer has served as the community liaison for turns out that he also holds another judgeship. Brigid Leahy said in a news release. Congressman Mike Quigley for the past five years, Windy City Times: You’re already a judge, but Marie Newman—who recently received en- is a small business owner and has been a grass- you’re running for a vacancy. dorsements from Democratic presidential candi- roots organizer for Democratic presidential candi- Levander Smith Jr.: Yes. I applied for an associ- dates Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren, as well dates for several decades. ate judgeship in 2017; that process didn’t start as U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New until 2018. I was selected to be among the final- York)—is running against Lipinski in the March ists and—from what I understand—for the first 17 primary. time in Cook County history, I tied with a guy for Levander Smith Jr. The CBS item is at https://chicago.cbslocal. the last position (the 17th slot). I again applied Photo courtesy of Smith com/2020/01/02/rep-dan-lipinski-takes-heat- for an associate judgeship and I waited patiently for-signing-onto-amicus-brief-asking-supreme- @windycitytimes for that round to take hold again—and then I LSJ: That’s another blessing. [Laughs] I was court-to-consider-overturning-roe-v-wade. was called in February [2019] to fill a vacancy for advised to apply and completed the application someone who retired during her six-year term. So process and—lo, and behold—there were a cou- I’m completing her term, but I have to be in that ple phone interviews, and I was selected. I was number, so to speak [laughs], in order to keep so happy to receive that endorsement because my position for the next six years as a circuit- I knew that one of my colleagues received the court judge. endorsement as well, and I was so happy for her. In the process of campaigning for this circuit- WCT: What do you think are the most signifi- LEARN MODERN court position, I was blessed to not only make cant issues affecting the LGBTQ community? the short list for the associate round but also to LSJ: Well, I sit in domestic-violence court and get an associate position, so I [was sworn in] I see a number of same-sex couples there as well SQUARE DANCING on Jan. 6 as an associate judge. I know it’s a bit as members of the trans community. The worst confusing. [Laughs] And if I win the primary in violence I’ve ever seen has been with [LGBTQ] In Just 30 Days! March, I’ll be back on my way to being a circuit- couples. The threats are so pervasive with mem- court judge. bers of the trans community. Chi-Town Squares Presents WCT: So how does that hierarchy work? WCT: This is your initial campaign. What’s LSJ: Circuit-court judges are elected by the been the most surprising thing so far? people; associate judges are selected by circuit- LSJ: [Laughs] In addition to the amount of Mainstream Express 2020! court judges—so I did vote for myself. [Laughs] time and money spent? The lack of sleep. But it’s It’s weird, I know. all good because I get to meet a lot of good peo- A 30-Day Teaching Program from February 8th to March 8th The [circuit-court judges] make a little more ple. People are fundamentally good, even though money and, more importantly, have more voting you hear so much on the news. Open to folks with no square dance experience! power. WCT: You’re running against two other peo- WCT: Your website says you’ve “[focused] ple in the Democratic primary. What’s your Schedule of Events most of his career fighting to protect children biggest advantage in this race, and what’s your Lessons: Saturdays 9:00am – 4:00pm: February 8, 15, March 7, 2020 and families.” Do you believe a judge can be biggest disadvantage? Dances: Thursdays 7:30 – 9:30pm: February 13, 20, 27, March 5, 2020 an advocate? LSJ: One advantage—which I just discovered a Graduation Dance: Sunday 2:00pm – 4:30pm: March 8, 2020 LSJ: No—a judge is not an advocate. That few days ago—is that I’m listed first on the bal- phrase is from when I was an attorney. I worked lot. I’m told that there have been studies done All Events Take Place At; for DCFS. that show that people tend to vote for the person [Advocacy] is one of the temptations to over- Ebenezer Lutheran Church Community Center listed first. I also think I stand out in that I offer 1650 W. Foster Ave. come when you’re a new judge. You want to ad- more diversity than my opponents, being a man vocate certain cases and people, but you must re- of color who is openly gay. main neutral. When it boils down to it, it’s about My biggest disadvantage? That I’m a man of the law and the facts of the case. color. I’ve seen a lack of victories for people of Only $150.00 for all lessons & dances listed above WCT: How did your Victory Fund endorse- color county-wide. For more information visit our website www.ChiTownSquares.org ment come about? [Note: The Victory Fund Smith’s website is at SmithJrForJudge.com. endorses LGBTQ political candidates.] 10 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES these decisions. As a lesbian, I think it is re- older LGBT adults with Alzheimer’s or related de- ally important to focus on the special needs and mentias from the people actually involved in this Study focuses on vulnerabilities LGBT older adults with Alzheimer’s process. We want their voices and experiences to and their caregivers face as they interact with the guide us all into improving the overall care expe- healthcare system.” rience for LGBT people.” caregivers of LGBTs The main thing that has deepened Torke’s un- Candrian said there is almost no literature on derstanding of the challenges LGBT patients face, surrogate experience in the LGBT community and including the lack of knowledge or prejudice from that is why the project is so important to her. The with Alzheimer’s some clinicians, is her own experience in seeking icing on the cake for Candrian is being mentored healthcare for herself, her spouse Martha Egger by Torke through this process because of their BY CARRIE MAXWELL and their two teenaged sons. shared interest in the topic combined with both Torke said the grant covers doing interviews in Torke’s clinical and her non-clinical approach to Taking care of and participating in research fo- two locations: Indianapolis and Denver. She is this study. cused on patients with Alzheimer’s disease (a collaborating with University of Colorado School Torke told Windy City Times that the findings form of dementia) has been a part of Indiana Uni- of Medicine General Internal Medicine Division will be published in scientific journals and be versity (IU) Center for Aging Research at Regen- Assistant Professor Carey Candrian, Ph.D., to con- made available in layman’s terms on the web so strief Institute Research Scientist and IU School duct the caregiver surveys in Denver while she caregivers can access this resource as they navi- of Medicine Associate Professor of Medicine’s Dr. will be doing them in Indianapolis. Candrian is an gate the healthcare system going forward. Alexia Torke’s life since her undergraduate years ethnographer and her graduate training focused “I want every LGBT person to think about who at Minnesota’s Carleton College. on interaction as a site of inequality due to the you want to make healthcare and financial deci- “As an undergraduate, I helped with research way people talk to each other and whether they sions for yourself if you are unable to do so down on persons with dementia in the nursing home, reveal their true selves to others. the line no matter your family circumstances and “said Torke. “When I came back to my hometown Candrian said she, like Torke, has been inter- get the legal documents in order for that to hap- of Indianapolis after college, I got a job as a ested in improving health equity and reducing pen,” Torke said. research assistant and worked on a study about disparities among LGBT older adults for years. the cognitive changes of dementia.” This includes creating a volunteer program for Now Torke—who specialized in internal medi- advance care planning focused on the LGBT com- cine during her residency at Emory University and munity in Denver. EI to honor Baim, currently practices the new field of outpatient “We are using a combination of methods, in- palliative care at IU Health Methodist Hospi- youth center at gala cluding working closely with local LGBT advocacy tal—is taking her interest in the well-being of Equality Illinois will present its annual gala groups, support groups and clinicians in our clin- patients with Alzheimer’s a step further with a on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Hilton Chicago, ics in Colorado caring for older LGBT adults to new grant from the National Institutes of Health. 720 S. Michigan Ave., starting at 6 p.m. choose our interview participants,” said Candrian. The grant money will be used to study how LGBT The organization will honor Tracy Baim— In terms of the questions they will be asking, older adults with Alzheimer’s caregivers (surro- former publisher of Windy City Times and cur- Candrian said, “The interview guide is divided gate decision-makers) are coping with this re- rent publisher of the Chicago Reader—for her into different domains around their caregiver sponsibility. Dr. Carey Candrian. 35-year career in Chicago journalism; and the experience, information received and how emo- “Throughout my 15-year research career, I have Photo courtesy of the University of Colorado Rainbow Cafe LGBT Youth Center in Carbon- tional support, their role as a surrogate decision been drawn to the really hard situations where dale for its work on behalf of LGBTQ youth in maker and their engagement with advance care family members and clinicians have to make de- system including overt and covert discrimination southern Illinois. planning. The majority of them are open-ended cisions for someone who cannot make them by that has led to a lack of trust in these institu- The gala brings together 1,500 people each to really give people the opportunity to share themselves,” said Torke. “That is hard in any case tions. year to celebrate the power and energy of the their experience. but when the patient or caregiver is part of the “LGBT people with dementia are less likely to LGBTQ community. “Ultimately, we hope to improve this surrogate LGBT community there are other challenges that have a caregiver spouse or adult children and Visit EqualityIllinois.us/2020-Gala. decision-making process for people caring for include prior bad experiences with the healthcare have to rely on a chosen family member to make

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STIGMA FREE SERVICES INCLUDE: • Primary Medical Care • HIV Specialty Care • Behavioral Health & Substance Use • STI Testing & Treatment • PrEP • Hormone Administration & Monitoring odhcil.org WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 8, 2020 11 sion that says, “We welcome all people to the UMC may split life of this congregation. We believe that we are therefore reduced uncovered expenses to align all in need of God’s love and grace and that God, Center on Halsted with revenue.” over same-sex through Jesus Christ, intends the church to be a Valle additionally emphasized that the Cen- community that incarnates love, grace and jus- lays off employees ter has not eliminated programs, further not- marriage, inclusion ing, “We continue to grow our youth housing A schism is expected within the United Meth- tice for all people. Holding true to that belief, BY MATT SIMONETTE we welcome and encourage all persons, includ- program and anti-violence project with the ex- odist Church (UMC) over same-sex marriage and pansion in secured government funding.” LGBTQ inclusion, media outlets reported. ing persons of all sexual orientations and gender Center on Halsted has cut two positions for identities, in every aspect of our Christian life He added, “Building trans programming and UMC leaders signed a proposal that outlines the financial reasons, according to organization diversifying our COH partnerships continues to separation, and this could be approved at a gen- together.”) officials. Another who weighed in on the situation was be a priority for the Center and as we continue eral convention in May. Director of Gender Equity and Inclusion Van- to host numerous community programs and The agreement, facilitated by mediation expert Broadway United Methodist Church’s Rev. M Bar- essa Sheridan posted to Facebook the morning clay. They told Windy City Times, “Despite the support the work of Brave Space Alliance by Kenneth Feinberg, reportedly gives $25 million of Jan. 2 that her position had been cut. being their fiscal agent.” to the “traditional” denomination that will be headlines, those suggesting this particular plan “This morning I was informed that, due to will inevitably lead to split is premature. The Sheridan said she bore “no ill will” towards formed, The Hill noted. That group will include Center on Halsted’s financial deficit and the the Center. churches in the United States as well as most of group’s proposal is one of many that will be con- need for funding cutbacks, my position … has sidered in May and could very well be rejected “I know the layoff wasn’t because of the the churches in Africa. been eliminated,” Sheridan said. quality of my work—it was purely a cost-cut- The United Methodist Church is the largest just as the legislation put forward by many of the “Unfortunately we did layoff two individu- same players was rejected last February. ting decision,” she said. “I’m proud of the work mainline Protestant denomination in the country, als,” said CEO Modesto “Tico” Valle in a state- I did there and the impact I made on thousands The Hill noted. Many other Protestant denomina- “With that said—as a queer minister commitment to Windy City Times. “Center on Halsted ted to truth, justice and love for queer people— of lives. Now I’m ready to move on and do it tions, including the Episcopal Church and Pres- was short in unrestricted funding in 2019 and again in a new situation.” byterian Church, allow same-sex marriages and The Protocol concerns me for a few reasons: It appoint LGBTQ clergy. was negotiated behind closed doors while leaving When asked about the possible split, First out important groups and voices, it prioritizes in- invited to the table for these negotiations). We will be voted upon in May. Many of the proposed United Methodist Church of Chicago Senior Pastor stitutional preservation, it grants a phenomenal put forward the N.E.W. Plan legislation [avail- plans also suggest a split, so this is not a new Rev. Dr. Myron McCoy told Windy City Times, “I amount of money to traditionalists and potential able at um-forward.org/new-plan] months ago concept. think it’s an opportunity for us to move on be- pennies to liberationists and does nothing to af- that would achieve a similar goal but with more "As M said, the leaders of this proposal did yond years of acrimony and to have an amicable firm LGBTQIA people after decades of violence. transparency, accountability and a commitment leave out a significant demographic out of the divorce,” also stressing that the process hasn’t “I do affirm their recognition that racial repa- to LGBTQIA and POC equity throughout the pro- conversation and the distribution of funding if been finalized. rations must be a part of any future for the UMC, cess.“ not equitable. Also, this was a closed door nego- “[Our] church is fully Reconciling, which but the plan leaves significant concerns, none- Lyall concurred with Barclay, telling Windy City tiation that raises many conversations for me." means it’s totally inclusive,” he added. (Note: theless. [Pastor Rev.] Alka [Lyall] and I are both Times, " What M says is accurate. This is one of —Andrew Davis The church’s website has a statement of inclu- a part of a group called UMForward (who wasn’t the many proposals that are on the table and 12 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES viewpoints

adoption, the new HHS rule would enshrine such dis- opted a resolution that “Opposes laws, regulations, crimination at the federal level and extend it to the and rules or practices that discriminate against LGBT full range of HHS services. individuals in the exercise of the fundamental right Dana The State Department also showed its anti-LGBTQ to parent.” While that clearly didn’t stop HHS, it’s RUDOLPH side. Two married, two-dad couples sued the depart- good to know that many of the nation’s lawyers view ment for refusing to recognize the U.S. citizenship HHS’ moves as discriminatory. MOMBIAN of their children, born via surrogacy abroad, even On the state level, Connecticut, New Jersey and VOL. 35, No. 08, Jan. 8, 2020 though the parents are all citizens. These families Oregon each enacted laws that extend paid family The combined forces of Windy City Times, LGBTQ parenting: join two other same-sex couples, each of which has leave with broad definitions of who’s in a family. founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, at least one U.S. citizen parent, who have been The Oklahoma Supreme Court not only ruled in fa- founded May 1987. The year in review fighting the department over their children’s citizen- vor of a nonbiological mother in a child custody case ship for several years. in June, but established guidelines for future cases, PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky This past year saw many challenges to LGBTQ equal- On the state level, both New York and Rhode Island writing conclusively that “A non-biological same-sex ity—but there was still some progress. Let’s review saw the failure of bills that would have more ef- parent stands in parity with a biological parent.” EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrew Davis the parenting-specific news of the year. fectively protected families formed through assisted Arizona, in April, repealed an anti-LGBTQ law that MANAGING EDITOR Matt Simonette reproduction by offering cheaper and easier ways to had banned instruction in public school health curri- DIGITAL DIRECTOR Jean Albright Some setbacks ensure firm legal recognition of nonbiological par- cula that “Promotes a homosexual life-style” or sug- ART DIRECTOR AND ASSOCIATE EDITOR The Trump administration’s Department of Health ents. The New York bill would also have legalized gests there are “safe methods of homosexual sex.” Kirk Williamson Scott Duff and Human Services (HHS) was perhaps the big- gestational surrogacy (where the surrogate does not More than three dozen queer parents elected in SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR gest antagonist of the year. HHS began in January BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine contribute the egg). 2018 took office in January 2019 at all levels of gov- SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Terri Klinsky, by granting South Carolina a waiver so that feder- In Michigan, two same-sex couples filed a lawsuit ernment. Additionally, in April, two lesbian moms Kirk Williamson ally funded adoption and foster care agencies in the against the state after they were rejected by two were elected mayors: Lori Lightfoot in Chicago and NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, state may discriminate based on a person’s religion, 212-242-6863 Christian adoption agencies with state contracts. In Jane Castor in Tampa, Florida. THEATER AND DANCE EDITOR Catey Sullivan LGBTQ identity, or other factors that do not fit with a March settlement, Michigan said it would require Financial giants J. P. Morgan and MassMutual each SENIOR WRITERS Jonathan Abarbanel, Mary the religious or moral beliefs that the agency es- all state-contracted child welfare agencies to accept announced expanded fertility benefits to help LG- Shen Barnidge, Charlsie Dewey, Ross Forman, pouses. Carrie Maxwell, Rev. Irene Monroe, Jerry Nunn, all qualified families, including same-sex couples. BTQ employees start or grow their families. Among Tony Peregrin, Angelique Smith, Sari Staver, HHS proposed another rule in April that would Then in May, one of the agencies sued the state in other features, these benefits are offered without Sarah Toce, Melissa Wasserman abandon the collection of data related to the sexual turn, claiming it had a constitutional right to be ex- requiring a medical diagnosis of infertility—-useful WRITERS Sarah Katherine Bowden, Ada Cheng, orientation of youth, parents, and guardians con- empt from that requirement. A federal district court for single people and couples who simply don’t have Sheri Flanders, Joe Franco, Veronica Harrison, nected to the foster care system, except when a case Kelsey Hoff, Aaron Hunt, Eric Karas, Brian Kirst, agreed with the agency in a September injunction, both egg and sperm. Paige Listerud, Billy Masters, Scott C. Morgan, worker knows that this is related to the reason a allowing it to maintain its contract while refusing to In a major reversal of policy, the Church of Je- Amelia Orozco, Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Kerry child was removed from their home. LGBTQ and child work with same-sex couples and unmarried people sus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) in Reid, Dana Rudolph, Ana Serna, Karen Topham, welfare organizations say the fuller data would have Regina Victor, Sean Margaret Wagner, Lauren while the case is fully litigated. April said that children of LGBT parents may now be Warnecke, Steve Warren, Lauren Emily Whalen helped to serve LGBTQ youth more effectively. In a separate case in April, however, a Catholic blessed and baptized in the faith, and that same-sex SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Hal In May, HHS finalized a rule that allows any health child service agency in Philadelphia was denied a couples in the LDS Church will no longer be consid- Baim, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Vernon Hester care worker—from doctors to clerical staff—to deny similar injunction by a federal appeals court. That’s ered “apostates,” although marrying a person of the CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright medical treatment, information, and services to pa- DISTRIBUTION Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue good—though the case could now be appealed to same sex is still “a serious transgression.” and Victor tients because of the worker’s personal religious or the U.S. Supreme Court (and the Michigan case could This was also another banner year for LGBTQ-inclu- WEB HOSTING LoveYourWebsite.com (lead moral beliefs, even if their institution takes federal ultimately find its way there as well). sive children’s books in quality and quantity—too programmer: Martie Marro) funds like Medicare or Medicaid. The rule focuses PRESIDENT Tracy Baim many to list here, but I’ve rounded up some of the (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 mainly on abortion, sterilization, and assisted sui- Signs of progress best at mombian.com. Editorial: [email protected] cide, which is bad enough, but it could also lead to Sales: [email protected] The Equality Act—a comprehensive, federal LGBTQ Calendar: [email protected] health care workers refusing to serve LGBTQ people civil rights bill—passed the U.S. House in May. It of- A loss Circulation: [email protected] or their children, to deny them fertility treatments, fers protections against discrimination in foster care Sharon Mattes, known as Sharon Bottoms when Art/ad copy: [email protected] Theater: [email protected] treatment or preventative care for HIV/AIDS, or care and adoption as well as in employment, housing, she fought to overcome anti-LGBTQ bias in a legal related to gender transitions. public accommodations, public education and other battle for custody of her son in the 1990s—a head- Copyright 2020 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media In November, however, just a couple of weeks be- Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back areas. line case for queer parents—died in February at age issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). fore the rule was set to go into effect, three federal Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, More focused on children and family, the Every 48. and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and district courts, in California, New York, and Wash- Child Deserves a Family Act was introduced in both no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. ington, said the rule was unconstitutional and com- All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy houses for the sixth Congress in a row. It prohibits Looking ahead City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned pletely vacated it. It remains in effect in other dis- for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing discrimination in foster care and adoption on the While it’s easy to get disheartened over the signifi- and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, tricts, however; and the decisions could be appealed basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and cant political setbacks, I hope we can take heart at cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Windy City by HHS. marital status, as with past versions, but also bans the progress that has been made, even if it is less Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of On Nov. 1, however, HHS also issued a new rule a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy it on the basis of religion; bans conversion therapy; than we would like. Next year may be similar—but it City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the that similarly would allow discrimination against sexual orientation of such person or organization. While directs HHS to assist states, tribes, and agencies is also an election year. We may never have a perfect we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make LGBTQ people and others by all recipients of HHS in improving services to LGBTQ and two-spirit fos- candidate, but we can still vote for the one most this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept grants, including foster care and adoption agen- ter youth; and requires HHS to collect data on the likely to make a positive difference for ourselves and responsibility for advertising claims. cies as well as programs dedicated to youth home- sexual orientation and gender identity of children our families. WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, lessness, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and and parents connected to the foster care system. Wishing you joy and love this holiday season, and 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) substance abuse prevention, among others. While The bill would counter many of HHS’ moves this year, a more equitable new year for us all. ten states (Alabama, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, but looks unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Windy City Times Biweekly; Deadline every North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Da- Wednesday prior to street date Senate. Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media Award- OUT! Chicago’s LGBTQ Visitor’s Guide Online annual kota, Texas and Virginia) already allow child service The American Bar Association, the “national rep- winning blog and resource directory for LGBTQ Windy City Times Wedding and Events Guide Annual agencies to similarly discriminate in foster care and resentative of the legal profession,” in January ad- parents. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 8, 2020 13

'Parasite,' So-dam Park and Woo- sik Choi in Parasite. 'Peanut Butter' Photo courtesy of NEON CJ Entertainment and pachyderms: The best and worst movies of 2019

BY JERRY NUNN Gems before the end of the year? Shia LaBeouf that were geared for the LGBT crowd in 2019. was completely overlooked during awards season, Netflix tasted success in 2018 with Roma, In the cinematic world, 2019 will be forever re- but really soared in terms of performance in The learning to release movies in theaters just long membered for its sheer variety. Peanut Butter Falcon. That modern Mark Twain enough to qualify for awards then allowing the For once, movies did not squeeze into a neat story about a young man with Down syndrome audience to play them at home. The entertain- little box or get stuck in a rut as in years past. on the run is the real diamond in the rough and ment platform followed that by stepping up its Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite is a perfect example, as should be sought out. game in 2019 with powerful films such as The it doesn’t fit into any one genre while tackling a With no strong female representation in Mar- Irishman, The Two Popes and Marriage Story. class struggle storyline. Parasite is refreshing and tin Scorsese’s mob movie The Irishman, viewers This bodes well for a promising cinematic future a shows that foreign films are ahead of the curve, luckily had Greta Gerwig’s Little Women to make with new projects and stories to tell in 2020. including in terms of telling queer stories this up for it. Actress Florence Pugh was one to watch past year. in the latter movie; she also headlined the hor- Best movies of 2019 Avengers: Endgame beat up the competition ror film Midsommar and appears in the upcoming 10. The Peanut Butter Falcon as the highest-grossing movie of all time, but Black Widow movie this year. 9. Uncut Gems other movies overpowered the superheroes with Celine Sciamma’s lesbian romance flickPortrait 8. Portrait of a Lady on Fire stronger acting skills, such as Netflix’sMarriage of a Lady on Fire was robbed of the French Os- 7. Judy Story. Just give Adam Driver a trophy already; he car nomination. (Les Miserables was chosen in- 6. Rocketman began a stellar year with the horror comedy The stead.) Pain and Glory may possibly take home 5. Pain and Glory Dead Don’t Die, sang Sondheim in Marriage Story the newly named Best International Film Oscar. 4. Toy Story 4 and played a son of a Solo in Star Wars: The Rise It’s a return to form for Antonio Banderas to play 3. Little Women of Skywalker. gay once again and team with Spanish filmmaker 2. Marriage Story It came as no surprise that Joaquin Phoenix Pedro Almodovar. 1. Parasite captivated as the Joker, but who knew that Renee Zellweger in Judy. The Elton John biopic Rocketman and Judy Adam Sandler would shine so much in Uncut Photo by David Hindley Garland filmJudy rounded out the list for movies Turn to page 22 14 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES WINTER THEATER PREVIEW Classics and revivals abound this season BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE murder-the-rich bunker drama—where audiences are still cautioned not to reveal the “surprise One advantage to 2019’s abbreviated lead-up to twist” ending—has been running continuously the holidays is the number of shows that decided since its London premiere in 1952, but Court Amira Danan and Gage Wallace in Theatre’s staging features Hypocrites-alumnus not to close when the mirror-ball dropped, but A Doll House. instead extended into 2020. Sean Graney, directing a cast that includes Kate Photo by Gracie Meier People can still catch Black Ensemble’s The Fry, Hollis Resnick and David Cerda (wearing trou- Other Cinderella through Jan. 19 (BlackEnsem- sers), ensuring a few more surprises than perhaps bleTheater.org), Firebrand’s Always …Patsy Cline the author intended. Details: CourtTheatre.org through Jan. 5 (FirebrandTheatre.org) and Theo and 773-753-4472 Ubique’s Working (Theo-U.com) through Jan. 16. If theatergoers can wait a week or two, though, Gay history will forever remember they can enjoy some bona fide classics and reviv- —The Boys in the Band, Windy City Playhouse, als often referenced, but rarely seen nowadays. Jan 29-April 19: Mart Crowley’s pre-Stonewall tates this prototype for cross-dressing comedy as Sean Fortunato play working-class sweethearts portrait of gay males living in the shadows of we know it today. Details: SaintSebastianPlayers. whose hopes for a future together are undone Can’t argue with them track records a cosmopolitan, but still closeted, Manhattan org by the unswerving bigotry—racial, religious and —Shear Madness, Mercury Theater, Feb. broke new ground for the portrayal of men-who- economical—of New England society in Lynn 16-March 29: Other cities may hold the record love-men as complex individuals worthy of our Singing in treble key Nottage’s bittersweet romance. Details: North- for this unabashedly silly, mostly improvised, empathy as they struggle to survive under so- —Top Girls, Remy Bumppo Theatre, Jan. 19- light.org and 847-673-6300 audience-interactive murder mystery, set in a cial oppression and the loneliness engendered Feb. 22: What if you could invite a conference of —A Raisin in the Sun, Invictus Theatre, Feb. beauty salon populated by the usual suspects, thereby. Details: WindyCityPlayhouse.com and feminist heroes from the past to discuss gender 17-March 15: An unexpected windfall prompts a but a show viewed by Windy City out-of-town 773-891-8985 issues over dinner? Well, that’s exactly what Caryl Black family to dream of a better life, only to guests for 18 years at the legendary Blackstone —Charley’s Aunt, St. Sebastian Players, Feb 1- Churchill did in 1982 in a dramatic symposium clash over the meaning of that word in Lorraine Hotel and two more in the new millennium at the March 15: Everybody in Brandon Thomas’ roman- staged by Remy Bumppo to launch its season in Hansberry’s 1959 drama that spawned a literary Chicago Theater (albeit in the basement) must be tic farce might identify as het—it’s 1892 Eng- 2001. Annabel Armour and Linda Gillum return genre still invoked today, and director Aaron Re- doing SOMETHING right. Details: MercuryTheater- land, after all—but when a chaperone is required for this revival production, directed this time by ese Boseman plans to show us why on the tiny Chicago.com and 773-325-1700 to assist two pairs of lovers seeking refuge from Keira Fromm. Details: RemyBumppo.org and 773- Pride Arts Buena stage. Details: InvictusTheatre- —The Mousetrap, Court Theatre, Jan. 25-Feb. disapproving fathers, the willingness of a best 975-8150 Co.com 16: The London production of Agatha Christie’s buddy to pose as the necessary nanny precipi- —A Doll’s House, Raven Theater, Feb. 10-March —Stick Fly, Writers Theatre, Feb. 12-March 15: 22: The woes of privileged Norwegian housewives Lydia Diamond’s portrait of an African-American in 1870 spurred Henrik Ibsen to propose a rem- family sporting Ivy League educations, high- edy shocking audiences of his era, but Anne- status careers and a summer home in Martha’s Rhinoceros Festival Charlotte Hanes Harvey and Kirsten Brandt’s ad- Vineyard reminds us that even in 2008, money aptation adds colonialist tensions to patriarchal and privilege alone was not enough to banish Jan. 11-Feb. 23 domination to locate the source of the problem troubles rooted in the path to achievement. De- The Rhinoceros Theater Festival will mark its in an impulse shared by every society where ide- tails: WritersTheatre.org and 847-242-6000 31st year with performances Jan. 11-Feb. 23 at alized images eclipse imperfect reality. Details: Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston Ave. RavenTheatre.com and 773-338-2177 The newest Rhino Fest will feature 48 shows, —Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Promethean The- including new plays, dance, devised works, ater Ensemble, March 2-29: No one can deny the variety, music, performance, and fresh takes progress of business opportunities for enterpris- on classic texts. The festival—curated and ing women since George Bernard Shaw explored hosted by the Curious Theatre Branch and Prop the incompatibility of morality and commerce, Thtr—will open with the Full Moon Vaudeville but while it’s too early to tell what new insights featuring The Crooked Mouth, an art-cabaret Melanie Spewock’s adaptation will address, the rock band piloted by Curious co-founders Beau Hotel Violet. topic could not be timelier. Details: Promethe- O’Reilly and Jenny Magnus. Photo by Paul Brennan anTheatre.org There will be emerging companies and individuals, including Social Sciences Productions, Curious will premiere Four Story Animal Plus Pioneers of diversity El Bear, Theatre of the Beyond, Museum of Un- Dessert, an ongoing series (with dessert) in- —Bug, Steppenwolf Theatre, Feb. 3-March 8: In natural History Chicago, Ashley Hollingshead, cluding performances of short works by Samuel 1996, Pulitzer-winning playwright Tracy Letts fol- Briana Morris and Persephone Jones alongside Beckett, Flannery O’Connor, Anton Chekhov, lowed up his spectacular debut with a close-up— Chicago performance stalwarts including David and Elizabeth Bishop. Prop Thtr will produce veeery, very close-up—case study of fugitives Shapiro, Chris Bower and M.C. Steffen. several new and visiting works for this year’s trapped in toxic delusion. It’s now 2020, though, In addition, the fest will spotlight return- Rhino—Panther Women: An Army for the Lib- and take-no-prisoners director David Cromer ing performers Jeff Glassman and Lisa Fay; Ira eration and Emergence, two new devised works and the starpower duo of Carrie Coon and Namir Murfin, continuing his formalized conversation from Cleveland Public Theatre; and @midnight, Smallwood will assess whether its All-American series An Interview; Kelly Anchors’ Sweetback a group-devised meditation on late-night con- paranoia has waned in the decades since. Details: Productions in the family ensemble piece Deep sciousness, co-produced with The Whisper The- Steppenwolf.org and 312-335-1650 Stick Fly, featuring Fried Refried; punk-cabaret musician Violet, in atre Collective. —Intimate Apparel, Northlight Theatre, March Ayanna Bria Bakari. Hotel Violet; and Tyler Anthony Smith, in Out, Tickets ($15 each, or pay what you can) and 20-April 19: Have you heard the one about the Darn Spot!—a drag monologue portraying Lady a full performance schedule are available at Photo by seamstress and the fabric (“dry goods” in 1912 Macbeth as a fed-up midcentury homemaker. RhinoFest.com. Frank Ishman parlance) salesman? Mildred Marie Langford and WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 8, 2020 15

Ellen DeGeneres at the Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John Golden Globe Awards. among Golden Globe honorees Screen shot BY MATT SIMONETTE Other key motion picture nominations included Antonio Banderas, who was nominated for Pain The 77th Annual Golden Globes were distribut- and Glory but lost to Joaquin Phoenix’s perfor- ed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association mance in Joker; Beanie Feldstein, who was nomi- at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on Jan. 5. nated for Booksmart, and lost to Awkwafina for Contributions from members of the LGBT commu- The Farewell; and Margot Robbie, who played a nity in the entertainment industry—as well as sexually fluid woman in Bombshell, but lost to LGBT-themed films and TV programs—were widely Laura Dern for her turn as a divorce attorney in noted. Marriage Story. Among those films competing for Golden Globes Renee Zellweger won for her turn as Judy Gar- were gay director Pedro Almovodar’s Pain and land in Judy; she mentioned how many people Glory and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, from lesbian had shared their memories and thoughts about director Céline Sciamma, which both competed Garland since the film was released. for best foreign-language film. Alas, the South As for small-screen nominations and wins, Net- Korean thriller Parasite won in that category in- flix’s The Politician, starring out actor Ben Platt, stead. received nominations both for best comedy or Rocketman, a biopic about the life of Elton musical television series and Platt’s lead perfor- John, was up for best comedy or musical motion mance. Platt lost to Ramy Youssef for the Hulu picture, but lost to Once Upon a Time in Holly- series Ramy, while the series itself lost to Ama- wood. John and songwriter Bernie Taupin intro- zon Prime’s Fleabag. Andrew Scott, who is also duced clips from Rocketman. Their original song openly gay, was named for a supporting role in a but lost to Brian Cox (Succession). “You never knows where life takes you,” DeGe- from the movie, “I’m Gonna Love Me Again,” later limited series for Fleabag; however, Stellan Skars- Out comedian and television host Ellen DeGe- neres said, shortly before jokingly thanking her won for Best Original Song. John noted that it gard won for the HBO drama Chernobyl instead. neres was honored with a Carol Burnett Award for “husband Mark” and “children Rupert and Fiona” was the first award he’d won an award with Tau- BBC America’s Killing Eve received a nomina- Excellence in Television; she was introduced by as the camera fixed on her wife, Portia De Rossi. bin, who described their longtime collaboration tion for best dramatic series, as did co-star Jodie out Saturday Night Live cast member Kate McKin- DeGeneres then thanked Burnett, and—again, as a “52-year-old marriage.” Marie Comer, who plays the assassin Villanelle. non, who spoke only half-jokingly about feeling jokingly—suggested that she read Burnett on TV Taran Egerton won for Best Actor in a Motion Comer lost to Olivia Colman’s performance in The “alien” for being gay when she was younger. as being gay too. Picture Musical or Comedy for his performance Crown, while the show itself lost to the HBO pro- “If I hadn’t seen her on TV … I would have Comedian Ricky Gervais hosted the event for playing John in Rocketman. “This role has gram Succession. Out actor Billy Porter was nomi- gone on thinking that I was an alien, and that I the fifth and (as he reiterated throughout the changed my life,” Egerton said. nated for his leading role on the FX drama Pose, didn’t have a right to be here,” said McKinnon. night) final time.

WINDY CITY PLAYHOUSEPRESENTS

The mind-bending cult classic by TRACY LETTS

By ensemble member TRACY LETTS Directed by DAVID CROMER

Featuring ensemble members Randall Arney, Carrie Coon and Namir Smallwood with Jennifer Engstrom and Steve Key

IN THE BAND ON STAGE JANUARY 23 – MARCH 8 16 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES the mainstream conversation. The musical takes everything a step further and goes deeper, which is really nice. Eric Huffman Second, on the gay front, it’s interesting play- (center) in NUNN ON ONE: THEATER ing a role like this now, as opposed to the movie; Mean Girls. in the movie, he’s more of a background charac- Photo by ter. He was known as just the gay one before, but Joan Marcus now it’s more talked about and acceptable. He’s Eric Huffman goes from more confident in the musical than he was in the movie. He’s allowed to be himself a bit more and be celebrated for that. I think it’s really fun to ‘Mormon’ to ‘Mean Girls’ play that. WCT: You have a really great role. EH: Yes, I do. I want to stick with this for a while. It’s a great company to work for and we are going for at least a year. My character, Damian, is well-paced, too. Poor Danielle Wade, who plays Cady, doesn’t get to breathe. She starts the show wearing four cos- tumes on top of each other, because she doesn’t have time to change her clothes, she just strips one off. I get little breaks built in, which is so nice. I get awesome numbers, then I have a break for five minutes. It’s a rarity, because most people in this show don’t. WCT: How much is the cast playing their roles like the movie versions? EH: We are really making it our own. They were very insistent on that and letting us be ourselves, which is refreshing. Mary Kate Morrissey, who plays our Janice Sarkisian, is the closest to her BY JERRY NUNN our shows were there. I had been thinking about movie character. Ironically, MK is the one prin- leaving Mormon and what I would do next. I saw cipal who never watched the movie. She didn’t The original Mean Girls movie was partially based that role and knew I was going to play it. watch it, because she didn’t want to be influ- on a self-help book and was released in 2004. WCT: Wow. So you just knew? enced by it. Now that the popular tale has turned 15 years EH: Yes. I told everyone that was my role and The writing for my character is different than old, it’s the perfect time to wear pink and cel- what I was doing next. I can’t believe that it it is for the movie. I couldn’t even begin to be ebrate its legacy in the theater. worked out. I have only done that twice and it exactly like him. Mean Girls follows the story of teenager Cady was for Mormon and Mean Girls. I did it! [Laughs] WCT: I prefer that, because one time I inter- Heron, who moves with her family from Africa WCT: Talk about your role in Mean Girls. view the lead for Pretty Woman the Musical to an Illinois suburb and attends public school. EH: Damian Hubbard is the one that’s notori- and asked if it was a fresh take. She said yes, Heron joins a clique called the “Plastics,” and an- ously known as “too gay to function.” In the mu- then I see the show and she copied exactly off tics ensue courtesy of a “Burn Book” full of juicy sical, he and Janis Sarkisian narrate the show, Julia Roberts—down to the breaks and expres- stories at the school. which is in an addition from the movie. They sions in the dialogue. Damian Hubbard is the gay character in a story- intentionally don’t play the social game like the EH: Oh, no! It was part of the audition process line that was a vast improvement on the typical “Plastics” do and are proud of that. When faced that the final callback was more like a coaching stereotype. Openly gay performer Eric Huffman with the opportunity of Cady Heron, they have a session than an audition. They wanted to play plays that role in the musical version and brings fun toy to play with and don’t mess around! They with the roles and see what was right together. It experience from a past national tour with The make her do it for them. It’s fun. was very interesting. Book of Mormon. WCT: The original actor who played your role WCT: Do you notice more pink in the audi- Tina Fey wrote the Mean Girls book and her hus- in the movie was gay in real life also. Have you ence on Wednesday performances? band, Jeff Richmond, worked on the music before met Daniel Franzese? EH: Definitely. I don’t actually own anything Mean Girls the Musical premiered on Broadway at EH: No, I haven’t, but I am hoping to in L.A. I pink. I have a couple of red shirts, so I try to the August Wilson Theatre in 2018. know a group of people from the movie are com- wear red on Wednesdays. Huffman explained on the phone about the dif- ing when we perform there. I just don’t know who WCT: You have to step up your game. ferences in this version of Mean Girls before the or when. EH: I know. I’m close! Chicago premiere. WCT: Have you met Tina Fey? WCT: Maybe your fans can bring you pink EH: Yes. She’s actually way more hands-on than shirts and boas. Windy City Times: Hi, Eric. Start off by talk- we thought. She was there almost every rehears- EH: I would wear it if they do. ing about your backgound. al, giving input and feedback. It was really awe- WCT: What is your favorite thing about tour- Eric Huffman: I grew in Kansas City. I did the- some having her around. She really cares about Eric Huffman. ing? ater as a kid, then auditioned for some colleges this show. It’s beautiful. PR photo EH: I like seeing all the cities. So many cit- and got in. Right as I was graduating, The Book She was not a diva or didn’t have any sort of ies have different personalities that you wouldn’t of Mormon was casting a Chicago company. I was attitude. She would show up and ask, “What are “You can do it” or something like that. know until you experience it. I like to get a feel in that production for seven years. I had two we doing today, guys?” It was just fun! WCT: What do you want to tell people about for the culture and food across the country. weeks off, then joined Mean Girls! WCT: Is “Fearless,” from Mean Girls, your fa- Mean Girls the Musical? WCT: Do you have a “Burn Book?” WCT: You were with the Ben Platt group? vorite song or do you have a different one? EH: Two things. First, it’s an excellent update EH: [Laughs] Only in my head! EH: Sure was! EH: “Fearless” is my favorite song from the from the movie, not just an adaptation. A lot of Check out the totally “fetch” musical Mean Girls WCT: Were you a fan of the Mean Girls movie? show, which is sad, because I’m not in it. themes and issues that the movie touches on at James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph EH: I am a huge fan of the movie. I saw the WCT: You watch it in the wings? have been talked about more with this new gen- St., through Sunday, Jan. 26. Tickets and parking show in DC when they were doing an out of EH: I do, every night! I have little moments eration. Things like bullying and identity were can be found at BroadwayInChicago.com. town tryout. We had an overlap where both of with everyone that runs by that way. I will say, cutting-edge 15 years ago and are now part of WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 8, 2020 17 PODCASTS thored the book The Improv Handbook with Tom mous guests. For example, Emmy Award-winner Salinsky, her British husband and Guilty Feminist Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) and co-producer. lesbian comedian Hannah Gadsby (Nanette, Deborah Frances-White brings Most episodes of The Guilty Feminist feature Douglas) both appeared on the podcast long be- Frances-White co-hosting with a (usually female- fore the two women skyrocketed into to super- identified) comedian. Then they like to “ally up” stardom. ‘The Guilty Feminist’ to Chicago with special guests to tackle topics both light- “They’re close friends of mine, and to see their BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Deborah hearted and serious. success has been absolutely amazing,” said Frances-White. For example, one recently released Guilty Fem- Frances-White. She added that Waller-Bridge and Deborah Frances-White knew there was humor to Photo by inist episode riffed on the idea of being “big” Gadsby contributed interviews for the second be mined from her bungled attempts to be a good Daniel (women feeling comfortable taking up space in U.K. edition of The Guilty Feminist book. feminist. Which is why the U.K.-based Australian Hambury/Stella all kinds of ways). Another dove headlong into Frances-White also wrote the screenplay and comedian/writer/producer co-created the com- Pictures Ltd. the current refugee and humanitarian crisis on has a cameo in the 2019 screwball film comedy edy podcast The Guilty Feminist. the Greek island of Lesbos. Say My Name. She is also tied to other podcasts. Frances-White’s first “guilty” admission was: “If the values—the humanitarian or the femi- Frances-White is a producer of the show “I’m a feminist, but one time I went on a wom- nist values—were absent from the comedy, that GrownUpLand on BBC Radio 4. She is also a co- en’s rights march, and I popped into a depart- and New Zealand in increasingly larger theaters. would be a problem,” said Frances-White about creator and co-host of Global Pillage, which grew ment store to use the loo, and I got distracted Frances-White also wrote a book of The Guilty the podcast’s mix of being funny and promoting out of a response to the historical lack of diver- trying out face cream. And when I came out the Feminist in 2018. It gained the subtitle “You active compassion. “Audiences will go there with sity on British TV panel shows. march was gone.” Don’t Have to be Perfect to Overthrow the Patri- you if the values go across the comedy and sad But for now Frances-White is looking to build Frances-White was certain she wasn’t alone. So archy” for its recent North American release. truths.” more North American audiences for The Guilty she co-created a podcast platform for other co- As part of the book launch, Frances-White is Early on with The Guilty Feminist, Frances- Feminist—especially amid these difficult politi- medians and guests to “explore our noble goals taping episodes of The Guilty Feminist in select White realized that she needed to have as many cal times with Brexit in the U.K. and the Trump as 21st century feminists and the hypocrisies and Canadian and U.S. cities. One tour stop is at 8 diverse voices as possible. For example, some administration in the U.S. insecurities that undermine them.” p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at Thalia Hall in Chicago’s past co-hosts and guests have included queer The Guilty Feminist is “a place where you can “I think comedians create audiences in their Pilsen neighborhood. African-American comedian/writer Kemah Bob, really find your tribe and feel part of something own image to a certain extent,” said Frances- Frances-White is keen to return to the Windy transgender scientist Reubs Walsh and lesbian that is contemporary and relevant,” Frances- White during a recent telephone interview. “The City, since she was once was an artistic associate folk singer-songwriter Grace Petrie. White said. “It’s absolutely necessary in an age wonderful thing about podcasting is you can at- with the former Chicago Improv Festival. Sneak- “If we do a podcast about feminism and it’s full where we must absolutely resist and be resilient tract a global audience who want to hear that ing out to take improvisation classes as a teen- of white middle-class straight ladies, then we’re in resiting. And resilience is built through joy and and find that funny.” ager was also a way for Frances-White to “rebel” only doing a show with a very specific perspec- laughter, so please come out and bring friends.” Since it’s creation in 2015, The Guilty Femi- while being raised as a [now-former] Jehovah’s tive,” Frances-White said. “But honestly, [diver- A live episode taping of the podcast “The Guilty nist has been downloaded more than 60 million Witness in Australia. sity] just makes the show better and more inter- Feminist” is at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at Thalia times. The podcast’s success has prompted The “Being a good improviser makes you a good esting and funny.” Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Tickets are $35-$45. For Guilty Feminist to tour across the U.K., Australia podcaster,” said Frances-White, who also co-au- The Guilty Feminist also occasionally has fa- more information, visit GuiltyFeminist.com. 18 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES Best TV of 2019: Angelica Ross 10. You (Netflix) in American 9. Work in Progress (Showtime) Horror Story: 8. Russian Doll (Netflix) 1984. 7. What We Do in the Shadows (FX) Photo 6. This Is Us (NBC) by Kurt 5. The Mandalorian (Disney+) Iswarienko 4. Fleabag (Amazon Prime Video) 3. The Crown (Netflix) 2. Unbelievable (Netflix) 1. Schitt’s Creek (Pop TV)

Game of Thrones had droves of fans feeling like it was The Sopranos all over again on HBO, with Screen hours of viewing time invested and no payoff in the end. Daenerys Targaryen should have trained her dragon better. queens: The Walking Dead won’t ever die with future plans for an 11th season, movies and spinoffs. Sadly, much of the storytelling has passed away The best and after writers were fired from the originally powerful show. When star Andrew Lincoln jumped ship worst TV of 2019 in season nine, it wasn’t a good sign. Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge. American Gods had a promising first season, Photo by Steve Schofield then fell from the sky immediately the following BY JERRY NUNN and accolade for having the best writing on season. were both similar by having longtime fan bases prime-time television. Empire is deservedly ending, with a final sixth and bad productions in the reboots. The television entertainment landscape contin- Baby Yoda almost broke the internet last year season that began airing on September 2019. MTV struck out again with Lohan hitting an all- ued to evolve and grow in 2019, with Disney+ by sheer force of cuteness, with his role as the Even local Chicago drag queen appearances time low on the beach. and Apple TV+ both making their debuts. Hope- 50-year-old “The Kid” in The Mandalorian on couldn’t save the show that has never regained Several on the list for worst TV shows are re- fully, the lists below will give TV watchers a way Disney+. the popularity of the first season. After his Chi- newed for more seasons. Let’s hope it gets better to separate the good, the bad and the ugly from Across the pond, sitcoms did well in 2019, cago scandal, Jussie Smollett did not return to in 2020. last year. thanks to Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge and end his role as a Lyon with the rest of the pride. The show You moved from Lifetime to Netflix The Crown's Helena Bonham Carter. In a world where Wayne Brady beats Chris Worst TV of 2019: for season two. Openly gay show runner Greg Ber- Unbelievable became a new generation’s Cag- Daughtry in a singing competition, something 10. Game of Thrones (HBO) lanti added a LGBT posse and enough shocking ney & Lacey on Netflix, with top-notch writing. must be terribly wrong with The Masked Singer. 9. The Walking Dead (AMC) moments to pull it into the top 10. Audiences got to see actress Kaitlyn Dever’s ex- “What does The Fox say?” 8. American Gods (Starz) Work in Progress is the show that many have tensive range this year, from a queer kid role in Ryan Murphy continued to rule on the small 7. Empire (Fox) wanted. It’s shot in Chicago and gave viewers a Booksmart to a performance as a rape victim that screen with important projects for the LGBT com- 6. The Masked Singer (Fox) whole spectrum of LGBT representation. earned her a Golden Globe nomination. munity like FX’s Pose and Netflix’sThe Politician, 5. American Horror Story: 1984 (FX) Natasha Lyonne wrapped up Orange Is the New Schitt’s Creek aired its fifth season in 2019 and but his weaknesses were exposed with American 4. The Bachelor (ABC) Black with season seven, then hopped to another will end the series in early 2020. Explaining sexu- Horror Story: 1984 because of unbelievable 3. BH 90210 (Fox) Netflix series with the mesmerizingRussian Doll. ality in terms of wine was genius on season one characters, plot holes and time jumps. 2. The Hills: New Beginnings (MTV) What We Do in the Shadows took a bite out of and season six promises to end on a high note, BH 90210 and The Hills: New Beginnings 1. Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club (MTV) the comedy horror genre with a dry wit. thanks to queer creator Dan Levy. This Is Us continued to deserve every trophy Bowie Ball to be held Jan. 10 Join the Lakeside Pride Chamber Ensembles Heaven Malone and A Queer Pride will present Bowie Ball. for a celebration of the great Arctic "Bowie Ball: David Bowie's Birthday" Friday, phenomenon of the Northern Lights! Jan. 10, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., at Le Nocturne, 4810 Photo N. Broadway. by Miss Lucy Stoole will be mistress of ceremonies. Meadows Mick Douch, Ari Gato, Margaret Y Ya and XO AURAL BOREALIS Carington will perform drag shows, with Kevin McComb giving a live performance. Malone will Logan Center for the Arts DJ the 21-and-older event. 915 E 60th St See BowieBall.com. perform are Michael Serafini, Garrett David, 2:30pm, January 25th Alan King, Mark Grant and Zac Jones, along Get $10 tickets at with hosts Lucy Stoole, Nico, Jojo Baby, Ten- lakesidepride.org/lights deroni and Bambi Banks-Coulee. Frankie Knuckles Knuckles, who was openly gay and honored celebration Jan. 19 for his DJ work around the world, died March Queen!, in association with The Frankie 31, 2014, at age 59. The producer—inducted Knuckles Foundation, will hold "For Frankie! A into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 1996— Celebration of his 65th Birthday" Sunday, Jan. mixed work by artists such as Chaka Khan, Mi- 19, 9 p.m.-4 a.m., at Metro Chicago, 3730 N. chael Jackson and Depeche Mode. Clark St. Visit "For Frankie! A Celebration of his 65th Among the people slated to attend and/or Birthday" on Facebook for more information. WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 8, 2020 19 BILLY MastersMasters

“This is 20/20.”—Cheri Oteri rang in the new year as Barbara Walters alongside a stoic Andy Cohen and a giggling Anderson Cooper on CNN. I’m a lot like Tina Turner. Now, the obvious question to ask is, “How, Billy, are you like Tina Turner?” Sometimes I like my life to be nice and easy; but sometimes, I like it to be nice and rough. I was thinking—what would be a good challenge for this, the dawn of a new decade. Then it hit me—we’ve got 50 states in this country (more or less), and we’ve got 50 weeks in a year (more or less). So, why not try and have sex with a guy from a different state each week. Russell Tovey (right, with Jonathan Groff I’ve built in a lot of conditions for this challenge. in Looking) definitely has an on-off thing First off, none of this has to be done alphabeti- happening, Billy says. cally. Also, layover sex in an airport definitely Photo by John P. Johnson/HBO counts. However, the guy and I don’t need to have sex in the state in question. But since I’m this fun video on BillyMasters.com. a stickler for details, IDs should be consulted— One of the people who made our list of scandals even at certain gatherings where clothing is not of 2019 was Kevin Spacey—by way of that bus- required. Come to think of it, on a good night I boy (and, yes, I am well aware that he was not could cross like a baker’s dozen states off the list underage for the sexually activities Spacey was if I’m lucid enough to keep track. Let’s see how after; but he was underage for those drinks that this goes—and how often I need to go to urgent Spacey bought). That busboy got off easy—so care! to speak. Two of Spacey’s other targets had very Kathy Griffin didn’t need a gig on New Year’s different outcomes. One was a masseur in Malibu, Eve to make headlines. Forget about CNN and and the other was married to the princess of Nor- ABC. Kathy had a captive audience watching way. You know what happened to them when they her ring in the New Year from her palatial home, attempted to bring Spacey down? They ended up where she GOT MARRIED! Yes, Griffin married her dead! The masseur sued Spacey for grabbing his on-again/off-again bea, Randy Bick. To make it a genitals (in my massages, it’s usually the other truly gayla affair, the officiant was the legendary way around). When the case was cleared for trial, Lily Tomlin, while Tomlin’s spouse, the great Jane the masseur petitioned the court for anonymity, Wagner, was a witness. It’s not God, but it’s close. stating that he “has concern for their safety and/ I wonder if Russell Tovey and Steve Brock- or do not want their names revealed publicly in man will become the Colton Haynes and Jeff the media.” Days later ... DEAD. As for Ari Behn, Leatham of 2020. (There’s a chance many of you the 47-year-old former prince, he died by suicide. reading this would not be able to identify any Then again, 2019 was a tough year for princes. of those four people in a police lineup.) Tovey As 2019 drew to a close, we lost a giant among and Brockman were dating in 2017. They got en- men: the legendary composer Jerry Herman. It’s pist. The irony is Fran’s onscreen husband, Mark, gaged in 2018. Later that year, they broke up interesting to note that 2019 began with the is now married to Tonya, who is—you guessed (perhaps coinciding with news of Brockman’s gay death of Herman’s dear friend and muse, Carol it—a therapist! If the studio just matched Leila’s porn past going public). Last year, they started Channing. I don’t think Jerry would want us hourly rate, they could probably get her to do a dating again. And as the year drew to a close, to remember him by mourning. He’d want us to cameo. they were once again engaged. Looking forward celebrate life ... something he did in all of his When someone charging an hourly rate is NOT to more drama with those crazy kids in 2020. musicals. And the fact that he was diagnosed as the subject of a blind item, it’s definitely time to Gus Kenworthy has no use for kids. He’s court- HIV-positive in 1985 and lived 34 years proves end yet another column. Speaking of Mad About ing an older crowd. How much older? In the something. So long, dearie. You, where is Ursula? Why not have Lisa Kud- words of Mame Dennis, somewhere between 40 Our first “Ask Billy” question of the year isn’t row drop in occasionally? Or have her work at and death. Gus was videotaped meeting a group particularly gay, but it amuses me. Frank in De- Mark’s restaurant? Why am I wasting these ideas of three gay men who are denizens of God’s troit asks, “Have you seen the Mad About You re- on you? While I get my agent on the phone, let waiting room, Palm Springs. (Fort Lauderdale is boot? I love it— but where is Fran?” me remind you to get the latest gossip (and cast- God’s parking lot.) When shown a photo, the men I love it, too. The chemistry between Paul Rei- ing ideas) atBillyMasters.com—the site that has seemed unsure who Gus was. One said, “Who was ser and Helen Hunt is perfect, as is the writ- nothing against you doing it on the couch. If you that Olympic skier? Adam Rippon’s friend. Chuck ing. (I could do without so much daughter, but have a question for me—or if you’re an Alaskan Helmsworthy?” In the words of Jesus’ parents— that’s me.) A hallmark of the original sitcom was visiting Los Angeles for the weekend—send an Oy! Once Gus was correctly identified, he came the quirky supporting characters. I’m glad to email to [email protected] and I’ll get back out to meet the oldsters, who were quite smit- see Ira, Lisa and Mark back. As for Fran, actress to you once I’m south of the Mason-Dixon Line. ten—after all, Kenworthy is both dashing and de- Leila Kenzle (who played the role) gave up act- Until next time, remember: One man’s filth is an- lightful. Well, that and as one guy kept pointing ing a few years ago and is now a psychothera- other man’s bible. out, he’s got those thighs and that ass. Check out 20 Jan. 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES WaltonStreetChicago.com): Dinner at this spot —Tao Chicago (632 N. Dearborn st.; TaoChicago. was amazing—but lunch is just as compelling com): Located at the former Excalibur nightclub, for the most part, with “Big Salads,” and the the size of the space is almost matched by the incredible griddle burger, which comes with extensiveness of the menu. The true highlight the DISH grilled onion, tomato jam, aged Colby, lettuce, turned out to be the wagyu rib-eye teppanyaki— Dining Guide in bacon and aioli. and it’s worth the celebration-only price of $89. —Avil Taverna (1335 W. Wrightwood Ave.; avil. However, everything I tried was a treat for the WINDY CITY TIMES us): Another Avil has since opened, in River North taste buds—and don’t miss the giant fortune (and I plan to visit it soon), but this Lincoln Park cookie. SAVOR spot was sheer bliss. Adhering to authenticity Runners-up: Francois Frankie, Grand Trunk to Greek culture while also putting its own spin Road, Flight Club, City Mouse, The Purple Pig, Best restaurants on certain dishes, the menu includes everything River Roast and Bonci Pizza of 2019 from lobster spaghetti to a dessert consisting of housemade vanilla ice cream surrounding a BY ANDREW DAVIS caramel baklava center, with shredded phyllo on Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting dozens top. of spots covering a wide variety of cuisines. Here —GT Fish & Oyster (531 N. Wells St.; GTOyster. are some of the best—so indulge in what these com): This place, of course, specializes in PROFILE BY spots have to offer: seafood—but encompasses far more than the TONY PEREGRIN —Roanoke Restaurant and Club (135 W. name implies. The fried-oyster slider is a must- :: Madison St.; TheRoanokeRestaurant.com): Brunch Tuna poke at GT Fish & Oyster. have, but the crudo, duck-leg confit, tuna poke at this Loop spot was absolutely wonderful, Photo by Andrew Davis and even the strawberry key-lime pie aren’t far thanks for a delicious variety of items—including behind. the French toast and the power bowl, as well as for the food, just start with an appetizer pizza or an impressive range of cocktails and mocktails. meatball salad (with a giant beef-and-veal ball) BEHIND —Taureaux Tavern (155 W. Van Buren St.; and go from there. ::ALEX JENNY —Le Colonial (57 E. Oak St.; LeColonialChicago. THE NAME TaureauxTavern.com): Nestled in the Loop’s “Alex is my given name financial district (as the restaurant’s name com): The revered French-Vietnamese spot may and Jenny is my mom’s notifies, as “Taureaux” is French for “bull’), this have altered locations, but not its standards. PERFORMERname. When choosingOF THE my WEEK stage restaurant not only excels with Gallic dishes, but From cocktails such as the Chanh Day (Grey Goose name, I knew I wanted it to feel less like with Italian and U.S. ones as well. vodka, passionfruit and fresh lime) to appetizers a character or a persona and more of an —Tuscany on Taylor (1014 W. Taylor St.; like the cha gio (spring rolls of shrimp, pork and authentic reflection of who I am. Alex TuscanyChicago.com/location/chicago): For Asian mushrooms, with chili-lime dipping sauce) Jenny gives me permission to express my anyone looking for classic Italian dishes done to the signature chicken-fried rice, this place well, this is the spot—and it's been serving said definitely warrants a visit. womanhood and have my trans identity seen classics since 1990. Not only are the antipasti —Mango Pickle (5842 N. Broadway; and affirmed.” delightful, but you can’t go wrong with the pizzas MangoPickleChicago.com): Mango Pickle features MY MUSE (cooked in a wood-burning oven) or the decadent reimagined Indian dishes courtesy of Chef Marisa “Britney Spears: her resiliency, hairography, desserts. Paolillo—an Italian-American who fell in love and very public journey with mental health —Victory Italian ( 434 W. Ontario St.; with Indian cuisine while residing in Mumbai are a constant inspiration to me. All the VictoryItalian.com): Continuing along the with her husband for nine years. The result is a trans women who came before me and are in Italian-restaurant track, the vibe at this River menu full of delicious (and affordable) items— my life are also my muses and I very much North spot is extremely cool—down to the many and, yes, there’s a vegetarian menu. Tao Chicago's giant fortune cookie. channel their magic when I’m on stage.” photographs of celebrities that dot the walls. As —Walton Street Kitchen (912 N. State St.; PR photo GO-TO NUMBER TO SLAY A CROWD “I don’t know if I have a go-to number… my favorite number to date, however, is when I won Crash Landing and performed to 'Queendom' by Aurora. It perfectly captures my dream of uplifting queer and trans communities and making sure that everyone has a home in my queendom.” MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I ... “… work as a therapist at IntraSpectrum Counseling by day. My identity as a healer definitely informs my drag and I’m always thinking about how to create spaces where queer and trans people can heal, thrive, and harness joy.” WHEN I NEED A PICK-ME-UP, I … “... do a Berlin Bomb and then text all my friends how much I love them and yell at them about how talented and magical they are.” WHERE CAN WE CATCH YOU “I am a resident host of HIGHFEMME, a party that centers queer and trans femmes of color.” JACKHAMMER LIPS CHICAGO SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @alexjenny_ Have a fetishy 2020! Dropping the ball with ABC-7! @alienbabesinlove. Photo by Falyn Huang Joseph Stevens Photography Photos courtesy of Lips Chicago WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 8, 2020 21 HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING DECK MAINTENANCE AND STAINING. We Make Holes in CLASSIFIEDS Drywall Go Away. We also do Remodeling, Bathrooms, INSURANCE Carpentry, Tile Backsplashes, Painting. “A+” with BBB. Licensed-Bonded-Insured, One-year Warranty Free Estimates! 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Written by Kris- anyone within the LGBTQIA+ commu- rience that marchers will interact with tine Thatcher, directed by Terry McCabe. nity who has been impacted by cancer. while on the go. Also, WMC will honor COMMUNITY Through Feb. 23 7:30pm City Lit The- Time:TBA Howard Brown Counseling its marchers with disabilities by having ater 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Chicago 773- Center 312-464-9900 http://www.gil- them lead the March. Grant Park will 293-3682 Tickets: https://www.citylit. dasclubchicago.org open at 9 a.m. 11:00am Columbus CALENDAR org/ Drive and Ida B. Wells Drive. http://wo- Bowie Ball Glam and drag dance party: Tuesday, Jan. 14 mensmarchchicago.org Glam it up, dress like a dandy, love the Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus Properi- New Member Dance Workshop Chicago Thursday, Jan. 9 alien with some glitter on top to cel- ty Project Town Hall Updating and shar- LGBTQ Country Dancing. Find Second City Artemis Singers new member night Chi- ebrate the birthday of David Bowie. DJs, ing findings from multi-year campaign Outlaws on MeetUp 12:00pm - 5:00pm cago's lesbian feminist chorus is launch- drag shows, Bowie performance, glitter an initiative focused on Black same- House of Music & Entertainment,1227 N ing it 40th anniversary. Artemis is a and glam makaovers. 21+ 9:00pm - gender-loving men to understand how Rand Rd Arlington Heights non-audition chorus open to all women 2:00am Le Nocturne, 4810 N Broadway health is impacted by living, working singers, regardless of experience level or http://bowieball.com and loving in the City of Chicago. Free. Sunday, Jan. 19 music reading ability. Each singer should Refreshments. Doors 5:30 p.m. 6:30pm For Frankie! A Celebration of his 65th be able to hold a melody and want to Saturday, Jan. 11 Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 S. Stony Birthday Slated to attend and/or per- sing with a lesbian feminist chorus that Counter Protest Against March for Island Ave. http://www.facebook.com/ form are Michael Serafini, Garrett David, performs music written or arranged by Life Rally The January 11th Abortion events/768338113683479/?active_ Alan King, Mark Grant and Zac Jones, women. Non-singing members can con- Rights Coalition will have a counter tab=about along with hosts Lucy Stoole, Nico, triubute other skills such as fundrais- protest against the March for Life 2020 Jojo Baby, Tenderoni and Bambi Banks- ing, promotion, concert production and rally. Supporting Organizations: Chi- Thursday, Jan. 16 Coulee. Knuckles, who was openly gay graphic arts. [email protected] cago for Abortion Rights and Sound- Yoni Pizer campaign kickoff Kicking off and honored for his DJ work around the 6:30pm - 9:30pm Contact organizers off 12:00pm - 3:00pm SE Corner campaign for 12th District State Repre- world, died March 31, 2014, at age 59. for location 773-764-4465 http://www. of Dearborn and Washington, Chi- sentative. 6:00pm - 7:30pm Sidetrack Visit "For Frankie! A Celebration of his artemissingers.org TRIBUTE cago, IL https]://www.facebook.com/ 3349 N Halsted St Chicago Tickets: 65th Birthday" on Facebook for more Author reading: Martin McLean, Middle events/565524580691875/ http://secure.actblue.com/donate/piz- information. 9:00pm - 4:00am Metro School Queen, by Alyssa Zaczek Sev- Sunday, Jan. 19 Burning Bowl 2020 This year we'll gather ersidetrack Chicago 3730 N Clark Chicago enth-grader Martin McLean is surrounded There will be a celebration to celebrate Affinity's 25th year togeth- by people who can express themselves er! We're burning the old and setting in Monday, Jan. 20 but he can only find the right words of the late DJ Frankie Friday, Jan. 17 motion the positive changes we want to Six years Chicago Sinfonietta MLK Tribute Concert when he's answering a problem at a Knunckles' 65th birthday at About Face Theatre's The Gulf see in ourselves, our community and the into a relationship, tensions and pas- Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy brought Mathletes competition--until his tio Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. world. Free, lunch served. Register on- sions flare as a lesbian couple clash to life in sight and sound during this introduces him to the world of drag. Photo by Kirk Williamson line by noon on Friday, Jan. 10 to be over past infidelities, life-choices, and dazzling symphonic celebration, a sym- Kid-friendly event is great for ages 8+ entered to win an Affinity shirt with the job struggles. Directed by About Face phonic tapestry made possible by the 7:00pm Women & Children First Book- new branding 1:00pm - 4:00pm Charles Artistic Director Megan Carney, the pro- nation's most diverse orchestra. 3:00pm store 5233 N. Clark St.; WomenAndChil- Feminist has been downloaded more Hayes Center, 4859 S Wabash Ave, Chi- duction will feature AFT Artistic Associ- North Central College, 171 E. Chicago drenFirst.com than 60 million times. $35-$45. 8:00pm cago http://secure.lglforms.com/form_ ate Kelli Simpkins and Deanna Myers. Ave. Naperville. (Also Tueday, Jan. 21, at America's Best Outcast Toy Pride Arts Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St http:// engine/s/w__b2XRwEwyQphGCx8mD7Q Through February 15 7:30pm Theatre Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michi- presents an oddball holiday reality mu- GuiltyFeminist.com Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets: gan Ave.) http://chicagosinfonietta.org sical. Through Jan. 12 7:30pm The Monday, Jan. 13 http://AboutFaceTheatre.com Broadway, Pride Arts Center, Broadway Friday, Jan. 10 Gilda's Club Chicago, Howard Brown Theatre at 4139 N. Broadway; PrideFilm- Voice of Good Hope A dramatic portrait Counseling Center LGBTQIA+ Cancer sAndPlays.com Saturday, Jan. 18 of Barbara Jordan, the first African Networking group Free support group The Guilty Feminist podcast tour taping Women's March Chicago Replacing rally American congresswoman to be elected second Monday of every month for Since it's creation in 2015, The Guilty format with a "Gallery of Issues" expe-

MOVIES from page 13 Walt Disney Pictures crashed on several endeavors in 2019, CONNE IONS like Dumbo with its featherweight character development and dark tones. Aladdin was gold at the box office, but Will X Smith as Genie was all smoke and mirrors; Smith followed that performance up with Gemini Man’s painfully bad dialogue later in the year. It’s the 50th anniversary of Sharon Tate’s murder and two movies came out with her as the subject in 2019. Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood had Margot Rob- bie playing Tate, while The Haunting of Sharon Tate had Dumbo. Hilary Duff in the starring role. One was approved by Tate’s Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios sister, Debra, and is winning tons of accolades; the other is 312-855-0875 | 221 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL not. Can you guess which one? Worst movies of 2019: [email protected] Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst wrote and directed The Fa- 10. Men in Black: International 24/7 Emergency Phone : 847-309-7777 natic, miscasting John Travolta as an obsessed fan in a film 9. Aladdin with weird transitions and strange narration. Travolta spout- 8. Charlie’s Angels • State & Federal Courts • Weapon & Gun Charges ing a line about having to “poo” in the first scene gives the 7. Dumbo • Felonies & Misdemeanors audience a clue to what’s in store for this stinker. 6. Last Christmas • Internet & White-Collar Crime • Drunk Driving Speaking of something that should have been left in the lit- 5. Rambo: Last Blood • All Drug Charges • Orders of Protection • Expungements ter box, Cats might not only be the worst movie of 2019, but 4. The Intruder of all time. Taylor Swift can keep on throwing glittery catnip 3. The Haunting of Sharon Tate into the crowd, but Cats is just not campy enough to make it 2. The Fanatic Speak to an experienced a good “Memory.” 1. Cats attorney within minutes who WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 8, 2020 23 CONNEXIONS Alan Sanchez PROBATE CPA, P.C. TRUSTS GUARDIANSHIP Accounting Services ESTATE PLANNING ELDER LAW Tax Consultation/Preparation

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