THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Feb. 18, 2009 • vol 24 no 21 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 7 arrested at V-Day marriage protest Condom BY YASMIN NAIR Campaigns When Proposition 8 passed in November 2008, it page 7 prompted a series of actions across the country and legal challenges in California. On March 5, the California Supreme Court will begin to hear arguments against Prop 8. In order to high- light the importance of the upcoming trial, Gay Liberation Network (GLN) and Join the Impact Chicago organized a Valentine’s Day action at the Cook County Marriage License Bureau, 50 W. Washington. This began with a traditional picket outside the building and ended with a sit-in in- side that resulted in the arrest of seven marriage activists. More than 300 people showed up at the protest Viola at 11 a.m. Feb. 14 in downtown Chicago, hold- ing signs and chanting during an initial picket Davis page 15 outside 118 S. Michigan. One man, with a sign that said, “Obama, Don’t 4Get,” said that he was there because “[w]e don’t the same protections that other couples have. The unions that that we have are just as valid as heterosexual unions.” Marriage-equality activists show unity by raising their fists at the Cook County License Bureau Turn to page 6 Feb. 14. Photo by Yasmin nair RuPaul’s amazing Sara Feigenholtz’s John ‘Race’ run for the House O’Hurley page 11 Over the next two weeks, Windy City Times will run interviews with several candidates vying for the Fifth Congressional District. Up first: State Reps. Sara Feigenholtz and John Fritchey. (Fritchey’s interview is on page 5.) BY ANDREW DAVIS When State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz announced her run for the U.S. Representa- tive seat formerly held by Rahm Emanuel, she was instantly stamped among the frontrunners. In this interview with Windy City Times, the longtime LGBT ally discussed her ties to the Fifth Congressional District, the economy and the con- troversy surrounding a poll her campaign staff allegedly conducted. Queer Windy City Times: Do you have any thoughts about what happened to [former Gov.] Rod Blagojevich? Champion Sara Feigenholtz: I honestly think I said it all in my press release. I think we really need to move on to deal with some serious issues in the state of Illinois. Runner page 22 It’s been a very difficult time, but even moreso for the people in Illinois, who have suffered from these egos and inertia. We just need to start a new chapter. There’s so much at stake here during these tough economic times that we need to move forward. WCT: Let’s say you win this election. How would you expect the atmosphere RuPaul is no drag in her latest TV effort. Read Ru’s interview with at the U.S. House to be different than the one in the Illinois House? www.WindyCityQueercast.com Windy City Times on page 17. Turn to page 5 “A WINTER BLUES-BUSTING ROLLER DISCO. It’s one of those RARE, CLEVER Broadway shows.” — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune BCKD@5M=B; '%&-$&!%($$ 8fifm@UbYH\YUhfYKUhYfHckYfD`UWY G<CKD5F?=B;:CF%$5HH<9K5H9FHCK9F;5F5;9 ;fcidg%$WU``'%&-++!%+%$ "Wca Photo: Alan Decker 2 Feb. 18, 2009 “It was elected leaders like Pat O’Connor whose efforts led to As your Congressman, PAT O’CONNOR will: the passage of Chicago’s Equal Rights Ordinance in 1988 that ´ Fight to increase funding for HIV/AIDS research and education paved the way for the progressive laws that our City, County and ´ Support comprehensive sexuality education State now have…On March 3rd, I urge you to cast your vote for ´ Include the transgender community in the Federal Employment Pat O’Connor for Congress in the 5th Congressional District.” Non-Discrimination Act Illinois State Representative Greg Harris ´ Support Civil Unions and the rights of LGBT individuals to be 13th District foster and adoptive parents “Pat O’Connor has the support of many in our community due to his long history of being there at the beginning and his contin- ued strong support of issues of importance to our community. I VOTE DEMOCRAT am proud to be Chairman of the LGBT Committee for O’Connor for Congress.” rd Kevin Tindell, Chairman of the LGBT MARCH 3 , 2009 Committee for O’Connor for Congress Paid for and Authorized by O’Connor for Congress. Steppenwolf presents THE LAST DAYS OF DESMOND THE BEST MUSICAL. EVER. ‘Nani’ REESE: A Stripper’s History of the World written and performed by Heather Woodbury directed by Abigail Deser Tuesday, March 3, 2009 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30 $20 student tickets available (phone only with appropriate ID) steppenwolf s s for tickets and more information, call o o I r e t l a W : o t o h 312-335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org. P Official Restaurant Partner of Official Hotel of The Last Days of Desmond ‘Nani’ Reese The Last Days of Desmond ‘Nani’ Reese ON SALE NOW | APRIL 14–MAY 3 (312)902-1400 | Tickets also available at all Broadway In Chicago box offices www.AChorusLine.com New Cast Recording Available and retail locations. Groups (20+) call (312) 977-1710 on Masterworks Broadway Feb. 18, 2009 3 index AS SEEN ON TV NEWS TM ® Federal LGBT immigration bill 4 Vaser Hi-Def LipoSculpting National roundup 4 The Smart LipoSuction Choice Gay on faith-based council 4 U.S. rep candidates talk 5 Safer... Simpler...More Effective Harris leads committee 6 CDPH survey shows trends 6 CALL NOW FOR A FREE PHONE CONSULTATION Arrests at V-Day rally 6 AFC launches ‘Cure’ campaign 7 $1000.00* OFF Expires 02-27-09 Condom awareness in Chicago 7 VALENTINE’S GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Passages: Ernest White, Jr. 7 D’Emilio: ‘20s blues women 8 “Come join in our Tampa Bay Festivities” World roundup 9 Waver Franklin (above) has a direct Have fun, then relax and let the sunshine heal you! connection to the National AIDS Hotel & Ground Packages Available Quotelines 9 Marathon. Read more on page 22. Guest view by Cosgrove; letter 10 Photo by Ross Forman ENTERTAINMENT John O’Hurley interview 11 Theater reviews 12 Thodos Dance gala pics 14 Oscar nominee Viola Davis 15 Knight at the Movies 16 RuPaul’s ‘Race’ 17 Burlesque ball pics 18 Billy Masters 20 Nikki Patin 21 Book reviews by Nair 21 OUTLINES Calendar 18 About Face’s Stupid Kids (above) is one Real estate; classifieds 19 of several theatrical productions being Bar map 20 reviewed this week. Read page 12. Sports: Runners 22 Photo courtesy of About Face Youth Theatre www. Features include: —Pat Quinn’s talk Become a fan Windy about the economy —An interview with of Windy City Media Group City singer Rick Astley Media (right) on —Mombian with Dr. Group Dana Rudolph —Talking with .com Lamar Ariel EXPAND February 11, 2009 Expand your mind #981 for your chance to win with the newly (and massively) expanded Spin! www.WindyCity Photo and design by Bret LAVAZZA’s Grafton, photografton.com Queercast.com 2009 CALENDAR Barack and Michelle make a special appearance at Windy City Black Pride’s Inauguration Celebration at Sidetrack. page 8 inSIDE A limited-edition Epic TV fail in World Nightspots’ ridiculously Wide Weird. belated Holiday wishes at page 20 Mary’s Attic. page 19 piece with photos shot by ANNIE LEIBOVITZ Join the Windy City Media Group fan page on Facebook by March 15 and automatically be entered to win a chance at prizes including the Lavazza calendar. All fans on our page as of March 15 will be eligible to win. Windy City Media Group on Facebook provides you with updates on our newest editions, events and prizes. 4 Feb. 18, 2009 who is in a committed, intimate, financially in- “It’s reassuring,” said HRC President Joe Sol- Federal terdependent relationship with another adult in Gay appointee to monese, “that in the recent executive order, “which both parties intend a lifelong commit- faith-based council President Obama is engaging civil rights experts ment.” from the Department of Justice and the White BY Lisa KEEN immigration “The promotion of family unity has long been House counsel’s office to review the policies KEEN NEWS SERVICE part of federal immigration policy,” said Leahy, implemented by the Bush Administration.” bill introduced “We expect that President Obama will abide by in a statement released Thursday, “and we should His name wasn’t on the press release announc- BY LISA KEEN his commitment and ensure that federal funds honor that principle by providing all Americans ing the White House’s new “Advisory Council for KEEN NEWS SERVICE are not used to discriminate against the LGBT the opportunity to be with their loved ones.” Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships,” community,” said Solmonese. “We look forward Leahy estimated that about 35,000 binational but one openly gay man has been appointed to Saying that now there’s a president in the White to a continued dialogue on how best to achieve same-sex couples live in the United States. the 25-member council. That man is Fred Davie, House who is not a “guaranteed veto” for the this goal and reverse other Bush anti-LGBT poli- “It is all but certain that many of these cou- president of a foundation to help low-income legislation, U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler reintroduced cies.” ples will eventually be forced to make a choice communities. a bill Feb. 12 that seeks to enable gay Americans In other transition news… with which no American should be faced,” said Davie’s staff said he was too busy to be inter- to sponsor their foreign same-sex partners for Openly lesbian law professor Ali- Leahy, “to choose between the country they love viewed for this article, and no gay leader had Gay counsel: legal residency in the United States.