Windy City Times

Obama's AIDS Council named; Rosie Perez and Phill Wilson included

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today the appointment of 24 new members to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS PACHA . The PACHA's chair, Dr. Helene Gayle, was appointed in August 2009. This council of HIV/AIDS experts is composed of a diverse group of researchers, service providers, and community leaders from around the country, including people living with HIV. The Council also includes people who are from community-based organizations that cater to the medical, legal, or mental health needs of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Obama, military push to lift gay ban

Tracy Baim — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Military leaders testified before the U.S. Senate Feb. 2 about "how" not "when" the military's gay ban will be lifted.

Illinois elections: Shock and awe

Andrew Davis — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

On Feb. 2, Illinois voters weighed in on some unusually competitive primary races, and a few surprises emerged—with one being that gay candidates fared better outside Cook County than they did in it.

AIDS history traced

Tracy Baim — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

The first cases of what would later become known as AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome were diagnosed almost 30 years ago.

NATIONAL ROUNDUP

Andrew Davis — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

The Washington, D.C., LGBT bookstore Lambda Rising recently closed after 35 years of business, according to DCist.com.

Prop 8 trial wraps up

Lisa Keen, Keen News Service — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

SAN FRANCISCO—There is nothing like turning an opponent's own words against him to both rile his emotions and destroy his position, and that was the work of attorney David Boies on the final day of the Proposition 8 trial.

Moving Politics: Emotion and ACT UP's Fight Against AIDS

Tracy Baim — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Written by Deborah B. Gould University of Chicago Press; 524 pages

Infectious Ideas: U.S. Political Responses to the AIDS Crisis

Tracy Baim — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Written by Jennifer Brier. $35; The University of North Carolina Press; 312 pages

About face: Powell backs DADT repeal

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Gen. Colin Powell, a previous proponent of the military's gay ban, known as Don't Ask, Don't Tell, released a statement Feb. 3 acknowledging his error and noting that society has changed in the years since DADT first came into play.

Sex reassignment now tax deductible

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

The U.S. Tax Court Feb. 3 issued a long-awaited decision < http://www.glad.org/work/cases/in-re-rhiannon-odonnabhain/ > in O'Donnabhain v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, ruling that treatment for gender identity disorder GID qualifies as medical care under the Internal Revenue Code, and is therefore deductible.

Sandra Bernhard here on V-Day

Jerry Nunn — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Sandra Bernhard is celebrating V-Day in Chi-town with five performances over Cupid's weekend. She is out to prove that "Sandy Loves Chicago!"

Survivors of violence against women and advocates speak

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Today, Feb. 5, Chicago Foundation for Women and a coalition of local anti-violence organizations held a press conference to address recent headlines and call for stronger leadership on violence prevention and services.

Uganda Action Alert

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission IGLHRC has put out a call urging members of the U.S. Congress to support resolutions in the House H.R. 1064 and the Senate S.R. 409 condemning the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill and affirming the intrinsic dignity of all Ugandans regardless of sexual orientation.

Judge in Prop 8 trial outed

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

The San Francisco Chronicle has outed Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who is overseeing the Prop 8 same-sex marriage trial in California. Testimony has ended in the case, and final arguments from both sides are expected soon.

Belmont El Station opened, new art

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Ald. Tom Tunney 44th , Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, and other community and business leaders celebrated the ending of the three-year renovation of the Belmont El station Jan. 28. The ceremony featured artist David Csicsko, whose designs brighten up the facility inside and out. The station is in the city's heavily LGBT Lakeview neighborhood, just down the street from Tunney's Ann Sather restaurant.

Panelists discuss fairness for Black gay men

Blair Mishleau — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

People from every age group and many ethnicities filled all 180 seats leaving standing room only at Justice for All? What is Justice for the Black Gay man?, a forum held Jan. 28 at the University Center, 525 S. State.

Fiorito will not be prosecuted

Andrew Davis and Samuel Worley — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Windy City Times has learned that embattled Chicago police officer Richard Fiorito will not be prosecuted and criminal proceedings have been stopped, according to the State's Attorney's Office.

HIV+ suburban man files civil suit

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

An HIV-positive Blue Island man has filed a complaint against the city of Blue Island and two of its police officers, claiming, among other things, assault, battery, malicious prosecution and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

School criticized for holding LGBT seminars

Sam Worley — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

William Beye Elementary School, part of the Oak Part public-school system, recently drew criticism from the Illinois Family Institute IFI for hosting a series of seminars aimed at increasing teacher awareness of LGBT families.

Obama remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much. Please be seated.

Sotomayor 'Comes Home' to Humboldt Park

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Eighteen years after his death from AIDS complications, Chicago AIDS activist Danny Sotomayor came home as part of an exhibit at the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Chicago's Humboldt Park.

Quotelines

Rex Wockner — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

I want him Obama to succeed.

CHM looks at queer spaces, past and present

Yasmin Nair — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark, hosted a two-person presentation on Chicago's queer spaces Jan. 28.

Rebel Yell: Sundance 2010

Lawrence Ferber — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

PARK CITY, UTAH: Despite this year's theme of Rebel, there was little rocking of the boat at the Sundance Film Festival, held Jan. 21-31.

LAGBAC honors Chiola, Patti

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

A Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago LAGBAC reception recognizing the retirement of the Hon. Tom Chiola and the appellate court appointment of the Hon. Sebastian Patti was held Jan. 27 at Rockit Bar & Grill.

Performer Cyon Flare is on fire

Tony Peregrin — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Robert Cyon Flare is famous for setting the hearts of Boystown bar patrons aflame pun intended with an infectious, positive energy and vibrant, Technicolor costumes.

Views: Will faith-based agencies help Haiti's gay community?

Rev. Irene Monroe — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Since the world community has descended on Haiti with relief aid in response to the Jan. 12 earthquake, I am wondering how Haiti's LGBTQ communities are being helped.

Letter: Statement for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Feb. 7

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

African Americans continue to bear the largest and most disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

Billy Masters

Billy Masters — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

"And WHY has Joy Behar turned into such a self righteous cooz head? CHEATING is between a husband and a wife. Not TMZ and Joy Bewhore... God, I want to bash her in the vagina with her microphone."—Kirstie Alley's violent Twitter outburst after watching the non-stop Tiger Woods coverage on La Behar's HLN show. I smell a catfight—in bikinis and mud.

Scottish Play Scott

Scott C. Morgan — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Former Chicago actress Shannon Cochran is simultaneously happy and terrified to returning back to the Windy City.

Star Gaze: End of an era, part three

Mel Ferrand — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

This is the third and final installment of our series on the closing of Chicago's Star Gaze lesbian bar.

Rosie at the Dinah; ABBA; and Ugly Betty

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Rosie O'Donnell is making her return to stand-up comedy at Club Skirts Presents The Dinah® April 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, according to a press release.

BOOK REVIEW My Diva: 65 Gay Men on the Women Who Inspire Them

Terri Schlichmeyer — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Edited by Michael Montlack, $24.95; Terrace Books; 304 pages

Knight at the Movies: Dear John; The Last Station

Richard Knight, Jr. — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Author Nicholas Sparks has cornered the market for modern romantic novels with five best-sellers in a row.

CRITICS' PICKS

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Kink, Annoyance Theatre, through March 6. Men aren't the only comedians who do ribald sexual humor, as writer/actors Mikala Bierma, Christina Boucher and Rachel Farmer all hilariously show in this musical about so-called suburban sexual repression. SCM

Spotlight: Rush Limbaugh! The Musical

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

After spoofing Illinois' former governor, the creators behind Rod Blagojevich Superstar! have now taken aim at America's most conspicuous right-wing commentator in Rush Limbaugh! The Musical. See Limbaugh and his right-wing cohorts like Ann Coulter, Karl Rove and Donald Rumsfeld can hold a tune in this new show. Rush Limbaugh! The Musical plays 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 2 p.m. Sundays until March 24 at the Second City e.t.c., 1608 N. Wells. Tickets are $25; call 312-337-3992 or visit www.secondcity.com. Photo of Mark Sutton as Rush Limbaugh by Bob Knuth

Orgasm, Inc.: Sexy title, political film

Tracy Baim — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Medical and pharmaceutical interference in what are often problems fixable through more basic solutions is the focus of this excellent new documentary from filmmaker Liz Canner. Orgasm, Inc., is showing at the Dyke Delicious series at Chicago Filmmakers appropriately on Valentine's Weekend, Sat., Feb. 13, 7 p.m. social, 8 p.m. screening, $10, 5243 N. Clark St., 773-293-1447.

Dennehy in 2 Goodman productions

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Hughie by Eugene O'Neill, Directed by Robert Falls

Hughie/Krapp's Last Tape

Mary Shen Barnidge — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Playwright: Eugene O'Neill/Samuel Beckett. At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Phone: 312-443-3800; $25-83. Runs through: Feb. 21

Six Scary Stories

Mary Shen Barnidge — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Playwright: adapted by David Denman. At: Clock Productions at The Old Speakeasy, 4139 N. Broadway. Phone: 773-327-7077; $15. Runs through: Feb. 21

Harper Regan

Mary Shen Barnidge — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Playwright: Simon Stephens. At: Steep Theatre, 1115 W. Berwyn. Phone: 866-811-4111; $18. Runs through: March 28

Master Harold ...and the Boys

Jonathan Abarbanel — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Playwright: Athol Fugard At: TimeLine sic Theatre, 615 W. Wellington. Tickets: 773-281-8463; www.timelinetheatre.com; $25-$35. Runs through: March 21

The Castle

Scott C. Morgan — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Playwright: Howard Barker. At: Oracle Theatre, 3809 N. Broadway. Phone: 312-244-2980; $10-$20. Runs through: March 6

RuPaul: Drag doll talks about the show—and love

Jerry Nunn — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

RuPaul is Workin' It with a new book, a new season of Drag Race and life in the fast lane. Windy City Times sped over for a chat with the queen of drag.

Mariah Carey in Chicago Feb. 13-14

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Superstar recording artist Mariah Carey who has 18 number-one hits is embarking on her Angels Advocate tour this year. The tour began in Atlantic City Jan. 2 and will wrap up in Las Vegas Feb. 27—with a stop at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, Saturday, Feb. 13-14.

Live P!nk DVD available

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

On the heels of her acrobatic circus performance at this year's Grammys, P!nk's live concert is available on the new DVD Funhouse Tour Live In Australia plus bonus live CD, out now via Jive.

Queer Eye's Filicia hosting new show

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Design guru Thom Filicia Dress My Nest, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy , is hosting the show Tacky House on The Style Network this spring. This show plans on "bringing viewers a fresh and funny take on design intervention," according to a press release.

Tommy Defendi'March'-es on

Ross Forman — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Tommy Defendi certainly gives new meaning to the term March Madness. At least in 2010 he will.

Gay author Brad Lamm on changing others

Jerry Nunn — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Brad Lamm has gone from television-show personality to consultant at Harpo to contributor for the Dr. Oz Show.

'09 Outgames claims financial success

Ross Forman — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Despite a worldwide economic crisis, more than 5,500 participants from 92 countries attended the eight-day 2009 World Outgames—and organizers delivered a money-making event.

GAY GAMES: TRIATHLON Richard Sypniewski: Tri, tri again

Ross Forman — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

Every year for the past four years, Richard Sypniewski has been faster in his triathlon time than in previous years.

Gay Super Bowl ad rejected

2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

CBS has rejected an advertisement from Toronto-based gay dating site ManCrunch.com that would have run during the Super Bowl, according to CNN Money.

SPORTS DVD REVIEW Training Rules

Steve Warren — 2010-02-03T06:00:00-06:00

In Training Rules, a documentary about homophobia in women's collegiate sports, filmmaker Dee Mosbacher gives herself an added degree of difficulty by focusing on the case of two women, neither of whom was available to interview.