03.11

ISSUE 03.11

MARDI GRAS • ATTENDING BENEFITS LGBT FRIENDLY CHICAGO

Hopefully winter will soon come to an end, and the bears will come out of hibernation.

We also look forward to spotting gym bunnies, leather queens, jocks, daddies and club kids. One of the bad things about winter is you can’t tell who’s hot and who’s not under all those clothes. After all, one of the feature articles in this issue is on gay friendly spots and businesses and how can you tell who you want to be friendly with unless you can see them?

We also take a look at a number of benefits scheduled for non-profit organizations.

We cover everything from black-tie galas to casual events to one featuring tons of naked boys. As someone who’s been on a number of benefit committees in my time, I can tell you that if you’re doing fundraising in our community, there are two things you need to be successful, cold drinks and hot men. Come to think of it, that combo will make you a success in just about any endeavor.

Finally, we start to yearn for the warmth of the South; New Orleans to be exact, as we start to make plans for Mardi Gras, which arrives quite a bit early this year. Whether you celebrate it in NOLA or here in Chicago, enjoy yourself, show them your boobs and try to forget about all the snow for a while.

Enjoy this issue, and be certain to drop me a line at RKarlin@boimagazine.com and let me know what you are interested in or just to share some dishy gossip.

-Rick

boi

3700 N. Halsted St. #2S Chicago, IL 60613

773.975.0264

boieditorial@aol.com • boiads@aol.com Publisher Editor

Mike Macharello Rick Karlin

Layout & Design Titanium Graphics

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Marketing Specialists Lisa Clowes Charlie Lind Russena Simmons

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Photographers Oliver Aguilar

George St. George

Cover Photo: Steve Starr 773-252-5171 SteveStarrStudios.com ssstarrlight@gmail.com Cover Model: Madame X

Editorial Contributors Harry Taint Anita Taylor

Gregg Shapiro Ace Magyar

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MARDI GRAS 2011 BENEFITS IN CHICAGO LGBT FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENTS BOI FEATURE ISSUE CALENDAR Dining OUT LISTINGS COVER BOI / DIVA - INTERVIEW STAGE & SCREEN in the know, on the go!

ASK ACE - ADVICE COLUMN Waz happening bars and clubs directory

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A Mardi Gras Primer Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is the last day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 47 days preceding Easter. This year it fall on March 8.

Rex, the King of New Orleans’ Carnival, selected purple, green and gold as the official colors in 1872. Each color has a meaning; purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold signifies power.

Local groups, called krewes sponsor floats in New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parade.

The floats reflect the krewe’s theme and riders are costumed in a manner that illustrates the overall parade theme and the individual float title. The themes depicted by the nearly 2,000 Mardi Gras parades staged in New Orleans since 1857 have ranged from history, children’s stories, legends, geography, famous people, entertainment, mythology and literature.

Carnival clubs are chartered as nonprofit entities. They are financed by dues, by the sale of krewe-emblemed merchandise to the members and by fund-raising projects such as bingos.

Most Mardi Gras krewes are also actively involved in charitable work. Krewes often invite guest celebrities to ride in their parades. Some of the more popular stars to have appeared are Dolly Parton, John Goodman, Dennis Quaid and Harry Connick Jr.

After being celebrated for more than 100 years, the greatest change in Mardi Gras started in the 1980s, when the city’s government realized the enormous economic potential to be had from promoting the events as a tourist attraction. As a consequence the event has become the main source of entertainment for the “Girls Gone Wild” videos.

Mardi Gras Vocabulary Lesson Captain: The leader of each Carnival krewe.

Carnival: Loosely translated as “farewell to flesh”; begins annually on January 6, (Twelfth Night), and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday Court: The king, queen, maids and dukes of a Carnival organization.

Doubloon: A coin-like object bearing the krewe’s insignia on one side and the parade’s theme on the reverse.

King Cake: An oval, sugared pastry that contains a plastic doll hidden inside. The person who finds the doll is crowned “king” and buys the next cake or throws the next party.

Krewe: A generic term for all Carnival organizations in New Orleans since 1857.

Throws: Inexpensive trinkets tossed from floats by krewe members. Among the more popular items are doubloons, plastic cups and beads. boi

Phat Tuesday Mardi Gras is not just a reason to dress scantily and drink too much. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Literally translated from French “Fat Tuesday” because of the tradition of indulging in rich, fatty foods on the last night before the season of fasting for Lent. While Mardi Gras falls on March 8, many folks like to jump the gun (as early as November in some places ) and begin celebrating way in advance.

With its theme of masquerade, extravagance and hedonism, is it any wonder the GLBT community has been celebrating Mardi Gras for so many years? In fact, Mardi Gras (or Carnivale, as it is called in many places) is gay Australia’s biggest tourist event. It has taken the place of Gay Pride because June is the middle of the winter down under and who wants to parade around half naked then?

My sister insists that the Pride Parade is really Chicago’s GLBT version of Mardi Gras. I say that Mardi Gras is straight people trying to copy our fabulousity.

Sidetrack is one bar that always goes all out for Mardi Gras. One year the bar had a trapeze installed in the glass bar so a nearly naked man could do his routine. I had a stiff…neck for weeks afterwards. I can’t wait to see what they’ve got planned this year.

Sidetrack’s event is actually on March 8, other events listed below may take place on other dates, so check your calendars.

BeadQuest III will be held on Saturday, Feb.19th. The theme for this year’s bar crawl party (mostly straight folks) is “Bead You Tonight”. Advance discount tickets are available exclusively through poggled.com. Tickets include 10 boi

admission to the pub crawl event and exclusive finale karaoke party at Murphy’s Bleachers. Also included are tons of beads, $3 Miller Lite drinks at every bar, a raffle entry for the prize drawing (4 Cubs rooftop tickets). The first 1,000 registrants get a free tshirt. For more information, check out festaparties.com.

Friends Against AIDS presents a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball on Saturday, March 5, celebrating 20 years of supporting the pediatric HIV/AIDS program at The University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital. The event will be held at Venue One, for more information and to purchase tickets visit: FAABenefit.com.

Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) benefits from this year’s “Chicago Takes Off” strip fundraiser. This successful event is always a popular one and seeing that this year it falls on the Saturday, March 5, the weekend before Mardi Gras and the title of the show is “Lido des Boys” you can bet tickets will go fast, even with two shows. Check out ChicagoTakesOff.org.

Gorilla Tango Theater presents “Viva Nola!” a Mardi Gras sketch comedy spectacular playing Fridays in Feb. Inspired by the city of New Orleans, this 50-minute sketch revue looks at life in the wake of tragedy and crisis, from a couple expecting their third child to a hair dresser who’s ready to party to jazz funerals to Mardi Gras parades. A portion of ticket sales will go to the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, neworleansmusiciansclinic.org.

Finally, for a million or so Chicagoans, Fat Tuesday is not only Mardi Gras, but also Paczki Day (pronounced “poonchkey”), which the Polish community celebrates by eating a plump Polishstyle jelly doughnuts.

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All right children, gather ‘round and listen to a story by your dear old Auntie.

A long time ago; before the Internet, before apps, even before Stonewall, there was a grapevine of sorts that linked people who were “in the life” or “that way”. Our gay and lesbian predecessors faced When a place was welcoming to our community, the grapevine let everyone know that the place was “gay friendly.” Visitors to large cities could often find mimeographed (ask your parents what that means) guides naming restaurants, bars, businesses and gathering places for others like themselves.

After Stonewall, advances in gay rights happened to coincide with technological advances in printing which made it possible to publish national, glossy gay travel guides. Now all that information is available at the click of a mouse. Not only can you find a gay friendly business, you can have a map printed to guide you from your front door to your destination.

It makes it easy to forget how difficult it was in the olden times.

In most big cities you won’t find that much out and out discrimination, thank your predecessors for that. In most states it is illegal to discriminate in public accommodations. That legislation, along with the realization that the GLBT community spends money as much (or even more) as mainstream consumers helped form a wider-spread welcoming environment, at least in blue states and big cities.

Now many religious organizations back domestic partnerships. Hell, even the Salvation Army was out at last year’s Pride Parade distributing lemonade (and I don’t think it was laced with any poison).

So, what does “gay friendly” mean today when national hotel chains advertise in the GLBT press, sponsor GLBT events and donate to GLBT charities? The same as it always has, someplace where we are welcomed and treated with respect.

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Our Kind of Town

Chicago’s just bursting at the seams with gay owned and gay-friendly businesses, organizations, clubs and just about anything else you could name. Whatever you think of the soon to be ex-Mayor Daley, you’d be hard-pressed to find another big city mayor more supportive of the GLBT community. Go Chicago, the city’s official website for international visitors makes it a point to include our community.

At the organization’s website, gochicago. com the LGBT page reads, “Chicago welcomes LGBT travelers with a unique mix of world-class culture and big-city nightlife. Your holiday here will include everything from renowned museums and stunning architecture to Broadway theatre and colorful nightclubs. Along the way, you can savor five-star cuisine and browse more than 400 shops along the Magnificent Mile. Explore Chicago’s neighborhoods and you’ll soon discover Boystown and Andersonville, where the nights take on a party atmosphere thanks to gay-friendly bars, festive restaurants and special events that are teeming with Chicago’s vibrant LGBT community.”

Another great source for both gay and gay-friendly spots is “A Field Guide to Gay & Lesbian Chicago” by Chicago’s own activists/writers Kathie Bergquist and Robert McDonald. You can pick it up in most bookstores or go to myspace.com/ gayandlesbianchicago.

Bar Exams

Chicago’s got such a vibrant GLBT bar and club scene that it’s easy to overlook places that have a more mixed crowd; gays, lesbians, leather queens, straights, straight leather queens. Then there are places with a specific night for our community (although at these places you’re usually welcome any time) among some of the spots with mixed crowds or dedicated nights are: Glenwood at 6962 N. Glenwood, Chicago’s straightest-acting gay bar. Forest View Lounge at 4519 S. Harlem, Cozy women’s pub. In Fine Spirits at 5420 N. Clark Street,

Upscale wine bar-mixed crowd. Joie De Vine at 1744 W. Balmoral Upscale wine bar, mostly women. Martini Bar at 401 S. LaSalle, 1940’s style martini lounge. Prop House at 1675 N. Elston, House music, crowded and loud. Wang’s at 3317 N. Broadway, Exotic little hideaway, tres hip.

Suites (stumbling distance from Berlin) and Not Your Grandma’s B&B (that’s its real name folks) in Edgewater.

Let’s Get Down to Business

The big “Shop Local” movement is even more important for GLBT-friendly businesses. We need to support our locally owned GLBT owned and friendly In addition there are folks who organize businesses. As retail becomes more events at clubs throughout the city. One homogenized, these independent of the most successful of these is Chances Dances, co-founded in 2004 by Bruce Weist merchants are the last bastion of individuality. What could be more GLBT and Latham Zearfross. Chances Dances is friendly? Luckily, Chicago hasn’t quite a number of separate parties: the one that succumbed to the “mallization”, check out started it all is the third Monday of every these locally owned and/or gay friendly month at Subterranean, 2011 W. North; businesses.

“Off Chances” is the second Tuesday at Danny’s Tavern, 1951 W. Dickens and on Borderline Music at 3333 N. Broadway, Saturday, March 6 there’s a dance party at Vinyl and CDs, new and used. Egoist the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia.

Underwear, 3706 N Halsted, Upscale skivvies and swimwear. Unabridged Books Chicago’s South Loop GLBT residents at 3251 N. Broadway, Gay-owned and wanted an alternative to Boystown. There independent. CRAM at 3331 N Broadway, are no gay bars left south of the river, Fashion forward clothing. Leather 6410 at so they started guerrilla gay bar parties, where a different straight, but gay-friendly 6410 North Clark, Custom and OTR leather goods. I.D. Chicago, 3337 N. Halsted establishment is chosen to “go gay” for a night. Events are announced about a week Street, Eyeglass & furniture store. Women & Children First at 5233 N. Clark, Feminist in advance. and male friendly. Early to Bed at 5232 N Sheridan, Erotic toys and supplies. Cupid’s Scott Feldman, one of the organizers Treasures at 3519 N. Halsted, Erotica and explains that, “Part of the charm is mixing fetish gear. in the regular crowd and exposing people who normally wouldn’t be exposed to our Can I Get an “Amen”? community.” Check out their Facebook Many in our community have been turned page, Guerrilla Gay Bar South Loop off by religion because of the anti-gay Chicago. rhetoric that is all too common. However, there are churches that are known as Sleep, My Pretty “Welcoming Congregations” some are Okay, so you’ve got the nightlife set, what specifically GLBT focused while others are about when you have out of town guests inclusive of all folks. For a full list check out such as you gay Uncle Arthur, who can’t chicagowelcomingchurches.org, but here is stay with you because he’s allergic to your, dog, cat, boyfriend-whatever? Which hotels a partial listing: are especially welcoming? The Kimpton Group (Allegro, Monaco) and W hotels are Grace Baptist (Baptist) at 1020 W. Bryn Mawr. Hyde Park Union (Baptist) at 5600 all very supportive of our community. And S. Woodlawn. Saint Clement (Catholic) at the folks at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker 642 W. Deming. University Church (United Drive host IML for land’s sakes. If they’ll let bare ass chaps in the lobby, they won’t even Church of Christ) at 5655 S. University.

Wicker Park Grace (Interdenominational) bat an eye at Uncle Arthur’s flamboyance. at 1741 N. Western. Lake View (Lutheran For something a little more boutique and Church) at 835 West Addison. Beverly closer to Boystown there’s Villa Toscana Unitarian (Unitarian) at 10244 S. Longwood a B&B right on Halsted, the Best Western and Congregation Or Chadash (Jewish) at Hawthorne Terrace on Broadway, City 5959 N. Sheridan. boi 15

AMERICAN___________ Ann Sather 929 W. Belmont | 773.348.2378; 3416 N Southport | 773.404.4475; 5207 N Clark | 773.271.6627; 3411 N Broadway | 773.305.0024 These bustling hot spots, serving traditional Swedish pancake house fare, are best known for hearty daytime offerings and their delish cinnamon rolls.

Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted | 773.935.6696 This world famous vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and organic offerings using the protein-based meat substitute seitan. Organic beers, wine, and spirits are also available.

Cocktail 3359 N. Halsted | 773.477.1420 The kitchen at this popular bar serves up better and fancier food than it needs to. The menu ranges from gourmet salads and sandwiches to comfort food and fabulous brunch dishes. During the summer the outdoor dining space is lush and verdant.

Crew 4804 N. Broadway | 773.784.2739 More than just a sports bar, the menu includes a variety of hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and comfort food.

Deluxe Diner 6349 N Clark | 773.743.8244 Conveniently located near Rogers Park’s gay triangle, the diner’s “open 24 hours on weekends” status is perfect after a night of dancing and partying.

Featured menu items include breakfast skillets that are served anytime.

Golden Nugget Family Restaurants 2720 N. Clark | 773.929.0724, 2406 W. Diversey | 773.252.8903, 1765 W. Lawrence | 773.769.6700. Established 40+ years, these places are a great place for after bar dining as they are all open 24-7, and all have free parking. The large menu is sure to please. Everything is housemade, known for fluffy buttermilk pancakes, but dinners are hearty as well.

Halsted’s Bar & Grill 3441 N Halsted | 773.348.9696 This Boystown eatery serves up a wide array of tasty appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and popular comfort food items at very reasonable prices in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Beers on tap are aplenty and the weekend brunch draws an attractive crowd.

Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N Clark | 773.784.6969 “Eat, Drink and be... MARY” at this fun and popular Andersonville restaurant which features a wide array of burgers and sandwiches, along with an interesting selection of tasty appetizers. Wash it all down with one of Mary’s home-brewed ales.

Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway | 773.883.1565 This long-time popular Lakeview family restaurant serves up big portions of creative homestyle dishes as well as healthy fare (broth-based soups and whole wheat tortilla wraps) and at affordable prices. Breakfast, including multigrain pancakes and egg white omelets, served all day long. Delivery available.

IHOP 3760 N Halsted | 773.296.0048 More than a pancake house, this 24-hour Boystown institution serves up affordably priced appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees that are sure to satisfy varying after-bar wants and needs.

Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted | 773.525.1111 Providing the best of diva entertainment along with a full dinner menu, they offer ½-price cocktails and Buy 1 Get 1 Free Entree on Wednesdays.. On Monday nights get 50% off your entire bill.

M. Henry 5707 N. Clark | 773.561.1600 This popular Andersonville outpost serves breakfast and lunch daily and features creative fare such as pancakes with warm blackberries and vanilla mascarpone cream.

Additionally there are many vegetarian dishes.

Minibar Café 3341 N. Halsted This attractive and sophisticated space serves gourmet bruschetta, cheeses, panini, and entrees as well as an impressive selection of wines by the glass.

Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted | 773.248.9888 A regular haunt for the locals of Boystown and popular with hangover recoverers, the diner serves made-toorder omelets, pancakes, waffles and other brunch fare all day. And it’s open 24 hours on weekends.

Melrose Restaurant 3233 N Broadway | 773.327.2060 This Lakeview institution has been catering to the after-bar crowds for decades, serving breakfast anytime along with typical diner fare. Open 24 hours, Queens Tavern & Bistro 750 W. Cornelia | 773.248.8333 Occupying the old Cornelia’s space, this charming new eatery is warm and inviting and features a value menu filled with both bar food and entrée items as well as daily specials.

Stella’s Diner 3042 N. Broadway | 773.472,9040 Friendly staff serve up delicious diner fare, such as; fresh salads, a large selection of wraps, sandwiches, hearty entrees, pastas, and homemade deserts.

Tweet 5020 N. Sheridan | 773.728.5576 This Uptown favorite, serving breakfast and lunch only, uses organic ingredients when possible to create brunch items such as buckwheat pancakes, Danish beignets, Belgian waffles, and an impressive assortment of breakfast burritos and egg Benedict dishes. boi 17

Wilde Bar & Restaurant 3130 N Broadway | 773.244.0404 This cozy upscale Irish pub offers a laid back and warm atmosphere and a wide ranging menu that is sure to please. Expect updated versions of pub favorites such as chicken pot pie, meatloaf, fish & chips, burgers and salads.

ASIAN__________________ Jitlada Thai House 3715 N Halsted | 773.388.9988 This quaint family-owned eatery features Asian favorites such as pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, crab rangoon, pot stickers, tempura and nine spice curry items. Delivery available.

Pingpong 3322 N. Broadway | 773.281.7575 This popular Lakeview restaurant features high-quality Pan-Asian cuisine in a hip and modern atmosphere as well as top-notch people-watching both those in the restaurant as well as any number of hotties walking by outside. Delivery available.

Young’s Chinese Restaurant 3949 N Ashland | 773.248.7998 While Chinese takeout is sometimes a bad and poorly tasting stereotype, this wellregarded outpost has earned a stellar reputation for great tasting food and delivery so quick you’ll swear there must be a wok in the car.

MEDITERRANEAN____ Andies 1467 W Montrose | 773.348.0654; 5253 N Clark | 773.784.8616 Specializing in Mediterranean and vegetarian cuisine, specialties of the house include steak kabobs, gyros, and poultry dishes such as Greek Chicken and Lebanese Style Chicken Kefta Kabob. And as befits the cuisine, desserts include a very tasty baklava. The Sunday buffet brunch is extravagant and reasonably priced.

Istanbul 3613 N Broadway | 773.525.0500 Specializing in Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines, this recent addition to the lakeview dining scene has been attracting patrons with a varied menu, generous portions, and affordable prices.

Sayat Nova 157 E. Ohio | 312.644.9159. Classic Mediterranean-American fare served in comfortable surroundings Every Thursday night things get extra gay for the “Boystown in Downtown” party.

MEXICAN/LATIN__________

ITALIAN_________________

Cesar’s 2924 N. Broadway | 773.296.9097; 3166 N Clark | 773.248.2835 This family-owned operation offers an enticing menu full of delicious Mexican recipes, popular house specialties, irresistible desserts, and their signature “Killer Margaritas.”

Anna Maria Pasteria 4400 N Clark | 773.506.2662 Owned by sisters who hail from the Basilicata region of southern Italy, this neighborhood gem creates homemade modern and traditional Italian dishes that are authentic, delicious, and best of all: inexpensive.

DS Tequila 3352 N. Halsted| 773.697.9127 Neighborhood tequila bar, serving delicious tacos. Don’t let the tiny space fool you, this place offers a seriously varied menu. The margaritas are outstanding, whether traditional or frozen.

Angelina Ristorante 3561 N Broadway | 773.935.5933 Hosting the coolest and hippest Sunday brunch crowd in Lakeview, the menu includes Eggs Benedict, fritattas, Croque Monsieur and mufaletta sandwiches, almond-crusted stuffed French toast, and the free flow of Champagne mimosas. Brunch here is loud, raucous and FUN! Great for dinner, as well.

Panino’s Pizzeria 3702 N Broadway 773.472.6200 Panino’s has established itself as a Boystown favorite with its varied menu selections, including gyros and burgers, pasta entrees, and of course pizza. Delivery available.

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Las Mananitas 3523 N. Halsted| 773.528.2109 A long-time favorite with the GLBT community, the food is decent, but its the margaritas that you’ll come back for. Also great for boy-watching on the patio.

Mayan Palace 2703 N. Halsted| 773.935.4200 Known to be one of the very best Mexican restaurants in the city, the focus is on using fresh, high-quality ingredients for its “south of the border” cuisine. Portions are generous and the cool Margaritas dubbed “The World’s Best!”

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Where are you originally from? Iowa How did you end up in Chicago?

Because Maya Douglas and Mimi Marks from the Baton told me there would be better entertainment opportunities in Chicago - and they were right! Thanks Girls!

How did you get into entertaining?

My first public performance, age 6, was singing ‘One Day at a Time’ for a Methodist congregation - the best training for a budding entertainer.

What was it like the first time you dressed up? I was obsessed with Lady Diana and her Jinormous wedding gown - I made my own version with hula hoops strung together with elastic as a under-structure and white bed sheets that I cut up and sewed without a pattern - I would practice piano with this on - I kinda got into trouble for using the good sheets :(

What was your most embarrasing moment?

I got $20 to hit on someone’s Dad What’s the best part of your job?

Meeting Gorgeous Boys!

The worst part?

Meeting Gorgeous Boys!

What advice would you have for someone thinking about getting into drag performing?

Don’t think about it just DO IT! What would we find you doing when you are not entertaining?

I don’t think we can print it here!

What are some of the venues you worked at and where can we currently see you perform at? I started as a guest performer at the Baton when I first moved here - it’s like going to Harvard to learn Drag. My 1st solo Chicago gig was at Madame B hosting Brunch.

Then I worked with the Ultra Glam show at the Mashed Potato Club. I have been a Kit Kat Diva for 10 yrs. I now host every Sunday Brunch from 11am-3pm at Kit Kat. This Spring I will be acting in Mid Tangent Productions Twinkie and the Beast playing at Hydrate nightclub.

Is there anything you want people to know abou you? Douglas Levine with the Bright Chair Company designed a line of furniture and named it the madame XY collection - its such an honor to have something named after you!

Got any stories for us about wild or obnoxious customers?

I got $20 to hit on someone’s Dad .

Other than money, if you had a magic wand, what would use it for??

World Peace - seriously, its gotten out of hand. boi 21

Screen Savor by Gregg Shapiro

“Role/Play”

Rob Williams’ 2009 gay holiday romp “Make the Yuletide Gay” was a delight. Sexy and side-splittingly funny. Unfortunately, the same doesn’t hold true for the overly chatty and unsexy “Role/Play”. Nothing if not ambitious, Williams attempts to tackle far too many topics (including the death of the gay media, the younger gay generation’s ignorance of gay culture and being gay in Hollywood) and winds up shorting the audience on entertainment.

Closeted soap opera actor Graham (Steve Callahan) gives his first public interview since the leaking of a videotape of Graham having (unprotected) sex with another man. The other man? Graham’s partner of five years, fellow soap actor Parker (Matthew Stephen Herrick). In order to escape the media circus, Graham checks in to a Palm Springs inn run by Alex (David Pevsner) where he fields phone calls from his manic, if distracted, agent Bernie (Jim J. Bullock).

Also checking in to the resort is gay marriage activist Trey (Matthew Montgomery), who is supposed to be celebrating his wedding anniversary with his husband. But Trey is alone, arriving on the heels of his own scandal, one involving infidelity. After some initial antagonism (read bitchiness), Graham and Trey find themselves making friends and then making love.

Howl

James Franco received a great deal of well-deserved praise for his portrayal of trapped hiker Aron Ralston in Danny Boyle’s “127 Hours.” However, Franco’s portrayal of another real person, the late gay poet Allen Ginsberg in Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman’s biopic “Howl”, somehow got overlooked.

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Like the epic poem itself, the movie “Howl” is separated into sections (or stanzas, if you will). It begins in 1955 in a San Francisco coffee house where Ginsberg (Franco) reads “Howl” to a riveted and appreciative audience. One of the first things to notice is the way that Franco nails Ginsberg’s cadence, both in the way he reads his work and in the way he speaks. The reading section, shot in black and white, is evocative of the era and is a great way to open the film.

The second part, shot in color, features Ginsberg being interviewed by a journalist in New York in 1957 at the same time that the obscenity trial of Lawrence Ferlinghetti (Andrew Rogers), owner of City Lights Books, publisher of “Howl,” is occurring in San Francisco. The juxtapositions of these two sections, which like the others are interwoven into the fabric of the movie, is a thoughtful device.

While his poem is being picked apart in a courtroom by prosecutor Ralph McIntosh (David Strathairn) and witness stand experts including English profs Potter (Mary-Louise Parker), Schorer (Treat Williams) and Kirk (Jeff Daniels), and literary critic Nichols (Alessandro Nivolo), Ginsberg talks about the writing of the poem and his personal history.

The “Howl” writing section features both live action black and white footage and vividly and colorfully rendered animation. It’s the least successful part of “Howl”. The biographical portion, on the other hand, is quite good, with the important men in Ginsberg’s life—Jack Kerouac (Todd Rotondi), Neal Cassady (Jon Prescott) and his longtime lover Peter Orlovsky (Aaron Tveit)—respectfully represented.

When Ferlinghetti’s lawyer Jake Ehrlich (Jon Hamm) gives his closing arguments before conservative Judge Horn (Bob Balaban), there is the thrill of knowing what came next (the book was found to not be obscene) and the precedent it established for literature and the arts. Epstein and Friedman should be praised for the terrific performances that they elicited from their cast and for bringing this fascinating story to the screen. Special features include the featurette “Holy! Holy! Holy! The Making of Howl,” feature length audio commentary with Franco in conversation with Epstein and Friedman.

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by Harry Taint

Inspire? Aspire? Perspire?

Enough already with the snow. Yeah, yeah, it’s beautiful a regular winter fucking wonderland, but I am so over it. I feel as if I should head over to Hydrate on Feb 18 for the Cyon Flare hosts “Women on the Edge: Ground Breaking Divas.” The info I got read, “Calling all inspiring drag queens!” I think they meant aspiring drag queens, unless they’re looking for drag evangelists. Could be, you never know with Cyon Flare. In any case, email brad@hydratechicago.com if you’re interested in competing… Speaking of inspiring, the strippers at “Lido des Boys”, this year’s edition of “Chicago Takes Off” may inspire me to stick to my diet. If you need an inspiration of just want some eye candy, there may be a few tickets left for the event, which takes place Saturday, March 5 at Park West. There are two shows; 7:30and 10:30 (the later show is usually a little wilder) and benefits TPAN.

The Cure for the Common Cold

BEHIV’s “Red Hot Cabaret” on Saturday, March 19 features Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen. For you early to bed types, it starts at 6 p.m. at the Union League Club…Berlin will be hothot-hot on Monday, Feb. 28 when it hosts the Lady Gaga-slash-Scissor Sisters after party with Lady Gaga’s tour dj Lady Starlight and Scissor Sisters’ dj Sammy Jo spinning. The event is sponsored by 42 Below, so all drinks with that hootch are only $5. … Cocktail has a better deal than KFC’s dinner deal. Every Tuesday at the bar features $2 tacos and $4 Coronas. That means that you can have a well-balanced meal for only $8. If by well-balanced you mean a taco, a beer then another taco… Spin’s giving it away. Well, box seats for the Lady Gaga show on Feb. 28. On Feb 19 anyone who gets to the

bar before midnight is eligible to win the tickets.

While you’re waiting for them to call your name, Jade, the hardest working drag queen in show biz, will be putting on a show with her sexy dancers Arturo and Anthony. Speaking of sexy guys, porn star Brett Swanson returns to the club to heat up its “Shower Party” on Friday Feb. 25.

Girl Talk

Absolute Fringe, the LGBT music festival at Elbo Room on the last Sunday of each month, features all chick bands on Sunday, Feb. 27.

Among the dyke divas will be Ellen Rosner, Plain Ole Delicious and Stewed Tomatoes.

Tix are $12 at door, $10 online… A press release from “Gay San Diego” announced that Todd Klein, a former fashion critic for “Windy City Times”, has joined its sales team. Did you know WCT had a fashion critic? How many ways can you describe flannel? Oh by the way, you can get copies of WCT’s fuehrer, Tracy Baim’s, “Out & Proud in Chicago” a history of her friends lives, on the remainders table at Powell’s Books.

Farewell Old Friend

Chicago’s GLBT community suffered a terrible loss when Hugh Mathis passed away suddenly while on vacation in southern California earlier this month. He was an active member of many organizations and organized a number of benefits for groups such as Gerber-Hart Library and Hell in a Handbag Productions.

He worked as a professional fundraiser for a number of charitable organizations and was well know for his elaborate parties, especially his annual Ravinia event, which made him the talk of the North Shore. I, along with his family and many friends will miss him. boi 25

Stymied In Suburbia

I’m 16 years old and live at home with my mother and stepfather. I have known I was gay for as long as I can remember. So far I haven’t done anything with anyone and I’m deeply closeted, nobody knows I’m gay.

There’s no one else at my school that is gay and I feel so lonely. What can I do?

Dear SIS

You’ve accepted the fact that you are gay and that’s a big step. I highly doubt you are the only gay student in your school. The GLBT community is about 10% of the population so if there’s more than 20 other students, there’s a good chance one of them is gay too, and is probably just as deeply closeted. If your school doesn’t have a Gay-Straight Alliance and you don’t feel strong enough to start one, try joining drama club. Back before there were such things as gay support groups in high schools, many of us found solace there. Also, check out the resources available for you at the Center on Halsted (centeronhalsted.org).

There are youth groups and a variety of other activities. Also check out itgetsbetter.org for stories of hundreds of people who have been through what you’re going through. Keep in touch.

Wondering On Wilson

I am very attracted to Latino men. My friends tease me constantly about being a “bean queen”. I’m beginning to wonder if they might be right. What should I do?

Dear WOW

Get new friends. There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to a certain type, as long as that isn’t the only criteria you use in choosing your partners.

26 boi

The Latino community is as diverse in looks, up-bringing and temperament as any other.

As long as you’re not buying into stereotypes, I don’t see a problem.

Anxious in Andersonville

I met my girlfriend when I first came out and we’ve been together for 20 years.

I’ve never been with another woman, nor do I feel the need to.

Lately, though, I haven’t had much desire for sex. I’m afraid my girlfriend will think I don’t love her.

Dear AIA Bravo for being able to stay in a relationship for 20 years, that’s no easy feat. Sit down with your girlfriend and say just what you did in your letter. I’m certain she’d rather know what you’re feeling than wonder what’s wrong.

People do go through cycles of sexual desire/ activity, that’s normal. However, if this is an on-going problem, talk to your doctor, it may be a side effect of medications or a hormonal imbalance. You don’t say how old you were when you came out, but since it was 20 years ago, you may be entering menopause; it can come on as early as your 40s. If you don’t have a doctor you feel comfortable discussing this with, check into the services offered by Howard Brown Health Center (howardbrown. org). Many people assume that the clinic only deals with men’s issues and AIDS, when, in fact, it offers a full array of services.

Ace Magyar has a BA in communications, a MA in sex therapy and a PHD in zoology. He is a registered couple’s counselor specializing in the GLBT community. Send your questions to AskAce@boimagazine.com.

MONDAY

Big Chicks – Buck Burger Club Krave - Musical Mondays & $5 you call it top shelf Cocktail - “Recover” w half-price cocktails, $1 grilled cheese Crew – “Pub Stumpers” trivia half-price pizza & flat bread pizzas Halsted’s - $14 Miller buckets Hideaway - $3 “U Call It”, $2 off pizzas Hydrate - $1 drink specials Kit Kat – 50% off your entire bill Roscoe’s - “You’re the Star” karaoke $10 Miller Lite pitchers Scarlet - Live Music, $3 tallboy PBR, $5 well Cosmos Scot’s - $3.25 domestic bottles Sidetrack – Show tune sing-along Spin – Karaoke $1 Leinenkugel draft/ $4 Skyy drinks The Glenwood - $6 Double pints Touché - $2.50 PBR Velvet Rope – Singles meet & greet

Kit Kat – 1/2 priced drinks, 2 for 1 entrees Mary’s Attic - “Mary-oke” $3 well & domestic bottled beer North End – Karaoke Parlour – Happy Hipster Indie Nite, $3 PBR Rehab – Amy Armstrong & Freddy Allen Cabaret tunes, $3 Miller, $4 Stoli Flavors Roscoe’s - “You’re the Star” karaoke $3 off all martinis Scarlet - $95 Classic Stoli bottle service, $5 martinis, $4 Amstel or Heineken Scot’s – $2 off Cosmos Sidetrack – “Rockin Retro” Spin – $1 house cocktails, domestic draft beer & wine The Glenwood - $6 Double pints Touché – “Bear Chested” Velvet Rope - $1 drinks

THURSDAY

Atmosphere – Male dancers $3 well, $5 Absolut cocktails, $8 Bud Lite pitchers Berlin – “Stardust” Circuit – “La Noche Loca”, $3 Coronas Club Krave - $10 draft pints, $5 top shelf TUESDAY Cocktail – “Rock Out”, Spank Go-go boys Atmosphere - $1 well & Bud Lite draft $6 PBR buckets & $12 Absolut carafes Berlin - $1 drink night Crew – Endless chips & salsa $2.50, $3 tap Club Krave - $2 well, $1 drafts, $4 draft Hideaway – “Trailer Trash Bingo” pitchers Hydrate - specials on Effen cocktails Cocktail – Go-go boys, $2 tacos, $10 El Jackhammer - $2 MGD, Light, Bud / Lite Jimador carafes & $4 Coronas Kit Kat - $5 Effen martinis & $5 mojitos Crew - $1 tacos, half-priced appetizers Parlour – Lipstick Girls Nite, $4 Cocktails Halsted’s - $5.95 salad entrees Jackhammer – Karaoke with Creaoke $3 Roscoe’s – “Alternative Sounds” Sayat Nova – $3 Lite, $4 Bacardi Bombs, Bacardi and Finlandia Rokk Vodka $4 mixers, $5 martinis Kit Kat – Half-priced martinis Scarlet - “Frat Party”$5-40oz Miller Light Rehab – Sangria, $10 sangria pitchers & King Cobra, 26oz Corona or miniRoscoe’s – “Drag Race” pitcher of Long Island Scarlet - $6 mini-pitchers vodkaScot’s - $4 draft beers lemonade, $3 Miller Lite Sidetrack – Comedy videos Scot’s - $2 off all martinis T’s - $5 Margaritas and Cosmoritas Spin – Bingo $4 call cocktails The Call - $4 Absolute cocktails The Closet - $3.50 pints of Miller Light The Closet – Karaoke with Karen and $3.50 Shock Tops 9:30pm-1:30am Touché - $2.50 PBR WEDNESDAY Atmosphere - $2 well, Miller Light draft, Velvet Rope – Live jazz Wild Pug – Karaoke $5 Svedka cocktails Club Krave - $7 Three Olive martinis FRIDAY Cocktail – “Teri Yaki’s Twisted Trivia”, $9 Atmosphere - $5 Stoli cocktails Miller Lite pitchers & $6 Effen cocktails Club Krave - $5 sangria, $10 domestic Crew – half-priced martinis & desserts buckets, $16 imported buckets Halsted’s - $2 Miller & Bud draft pints Cocktail – Go-go boys, $12 Long Island Hydrate - “Hydrag Revue” pitchers & $5 Jaegerbombs

Crew – half-priced nachos, $2 PBR Halsted’s - $12 pitchers Miller & Bud Lite Hamburger Mary’s - $4 Leininkugel Hideaway $7 Smirnoff lemonade pitchers Kit Kat - $30 three-course prix fixe meal Parlour – House of Diva’s Drag Show Rehab – Open Mic Night, 9pm-12am Roscoe’s – Coor’s Light pitchers Scarlet - “First Ward Ball” $4 well drinks, $4 Bud Light Sidetrack – Show tunes cocktail hour Spin – Shower contest The Call - $4 Bacardi cocktails

SATURDAY

Atmosphere – $5 Stoli & bloody Marys Circuit – “Urbano” Hip-Hop, $4.75 Cocktails Club Krave - $12 mixed drink pitchers Cocktail – Go-go boys, $2 mimosas Halsted’s - $3 mimosas & screwdrivers Hamburger Mary’s - $5 slushies Hideaway - $5 Long Islands Parlour – Spotlight Artists (paintings) Roscoe’s - $3 off martinis Scarlet - $95 Classic Stoli bottle service T’s - $7.50 Double pints Touché – Free pizza at midnight

SUNDAY

Angelinas - Sunday Brunch Atmosphere – $5 Absolut, $8 Miller Light pitchers, $3 specialty shots Big Chicks – Free BBQ Circuit – “Noche Latina” Latin Night $10 Jumbo Margaritas, $4.75 Cocktails Club Krave - $5 draft pitchers & margaritas Cocktail – Go-go boys, $1 well drinks & $2 mimosas Halsted’s - $3 mimosas & screwdrivers Kit Kat – “Divalicious Brunch”-unlimited mimosas and bloody marys Mary’s Attic – “Mary-oke” North End – ‘80’s video Roscoe’s - $12 pitchers of Long Islands Rehab – Honey West, 7pm-10pm Scarlet –“Liquid Brunch” $12 bottles of champagne, $4 bloody marys & screwdrivers, free cereal & juice bar Scot’s – Free BBQ Sidetrack – Show tunes ’60s-‘80s Smart Bar – Dollar Disco – drinks $1 Spin –“Game Show Trivia” “Supersize Me” all Absolut cocktails served in pint glasses, “Meat & Buns” free hot dogs & hamburgers

Bar & Club managers send your information & updates for Waz’ Happenin’ to boieditorial@aol.com NOTE: Promotions subject to change without notice boi 29

Boystown / Lakeview

3160 3160 N.Clark G&L, LM,DS Berlin 954 W. Belmont G&L, D, 4 Bobby Love’s 3729 N. Halsted G&L Buck’s Saloon 3439 N. Halsted G Cell Block 3702 N. Halsted G, LF Charlie’s 3726 N. Broadway G, D, W Circuit 2.02 3641 N. Halsted G&L, D, 4 Cocktail 3359 N. Halsted G, GB F. O’Mahony’s 3701 N. Broadway G&L, R Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted G, D, DS, 4 Kit Kat 3700 N. Halsted G&L, DS, R Little Jim’s 3501 N. Halsted G, V, 4 Lucky Horseshoe 3169 N. Halsted G, GB Manhandler 1948 N. Halsted G, W, 4 Minibar 3341 N. Halsted G, R North End 3733 N. Halsted G Roscoe’s 3356 N. Halsted G, D, V, DS Scarlet 3320 N. Halsted G Sidetrack 3349 N. Halsted G, V Smart Bar / Metro 3730 N. Clark MS, D, 4 Spin 800 W. Belmont G, D, V, DS The Closet 3325 N. Broadway G&L, V, 4

Chicago Downtown

Baton Show Lounge 436 N. Clark DS Club 720 720 N. Wells MS, D, 4 Crimson Lounge 333 N. Dearborn MS, D, R Downtown Bar & Lounge 440 N State G Excalibur/Vision 632 N. Dearborn MS, D, 4 Funky Buddha 728 W. Grand Ave. MS, D House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn MS, LM, 4 Krush/Prop House 1657 N. Elston G&L, D, 4 Juicy Fridays 2354 N. Clybourn Ave 2 Second Story Bar 157 E. Ohio G, V Sound Bar 226 W. Ontario MS, D, 4 Spy Bar 646 N. Franklin MS, D, 4 Underground 56 W. Illinois MS, D, 4 Vibe 1543 N. Kingsbury MS, D, 4

Chicago Northside

The Anvil 1137 W. Granville G, V @mosphere 5355 N. Clark G&L, V, GB Big Chicks 5024 N. Sheridan G&L, D, R

773.327.5969 773.348.4975 773.525.1200 773.525.1125 773.665.8064 773.871.8887 773.325.2233 773.477.1420 773.549.0226 773.975.9244 773.525.1111 773.871.6116 773.404.3169 773.871.3339 773.871.6227 773.477.7999 773.281.3355 773.348.1053 773.477.9189 773.549.4140 773.327.7711 773.477.8533

Chicago Southside

312.644.5269 312.787.8720 312.923.2473 312.464.1400 312.266.1944 312.666.1695 312.923.2000 773.486.2390 773.383.5518 312.923.9536 312.787-4480 312.587.8779 312.644.7600 312.266.1900

Club Escape 1530 E. 75th G&L, D Escapades 6301 S. Harlem G&L, D, V, 4 Inn Exile 5758 W. 65th G&L, D, V Jeffrey Pub 7041 S. Jeffrey G&L, D, V, 4

Chicago Suburbs

773.973.0006 773.784.1100 773.728.5511

773.667.6454 773.229.0886 773.582.3510 773.363.8555

Hideaway 7301 W. Roosevelt Forest Park G, D, V, DS, GB Club Krave 13126 S. Western Blue Island G&L, D, V, DS, GB, 4 Hunters 1932 E. Higgins Elk Grove Village G, D, V, GB, 4 Mission 209 E. Chicago Downtown Elgin G&L, D, V Encompass 24215 Rush St. Lake Station, IN G&L, D, R, DS Velvet Rope 728 Lake St Oak Park G&L, D, V, R

Adult Entertainment

G------------------------------------------------------------------Gay Male L---------------------------------------------------------------------Lesbian G&L-------------------------------------------------Gay Male & Lesbian D-------------------------------------------------------------------Dancing V-----------------------------------------------------------------------Video GB-------------------------------------------------------------Go Go Boys DS--------------------------------------------------------------Drag Show R--------------------------------------------------------Restaurant, Food

30 boi

The Call 1547 W Bryn Mawr G&L, D, DS, V, LM 773.334.2525 Crew 4804 N. Broadway G&L, V, R 773.784.2739 Davenport’s 1383 N. Milwaukee G&L, LM 773.278.1830 Debonair Social Club 1575 N. MilwaukeeAve. MS, D 773.227.7990 Fat Cat 4849 N. Broadway MS, R 773.506.3100 Green Dolphin St. 2200 N. Ashland G&L, D, LM, 4 773.395.0066 Green Mill 4802 N. Broadway MS, LM, 4 773.878.5552 In Fine Spirits 5420 N Clark MS, R 773.334.9463 Jackhammer 6406 N. Clark G, D, V, GB, LM, 4 773.743.5772 Joi de Vine 1744 W. Balmoral L, R 773.989.6846 Kinetic Playground 1113 W. LawrenceMS, D, LM, 4 773.769.5483 Marty’s 1511 W. Balmoral G&L 773.561.6425 Mary’sAttic 5400 N Clark G&L, D, V, R 773.784.6969 Parlour On Clark 6341 N. Clark 773.564.9274 Mary’s RecRoom 5402 N Clark G&L, D, V, R 773.784.6969 Scot’s 1829 W. Montrose G&L 773.528.3253 SoFo Bar 4923 N. Clark G 773.784.7636 T’s 5025 N. Clark G&L, R 773.784.6000 The Glenwood 6962 N Glenwood G 773.764.7363 Touché 6412 N. Clark G, V, LF, 4 773.465.7400

Banana Video 4923 N. Clark G, BK Bijou Theater 1349 N. Wells G, GB, BK Man’s Country 5017 N. Clark G, GB, BH Steamworks 3246 N. Halsted G, BH, FC The Ram 35111/2 N. Halsted G, BK, D

708.771.4459 708.597.8379 847.439.8840 847.488.0320 219.962.4640 708.358.8840

773.561.8322 312.943.5397 773.878.2069 773.929.6080 773.525.9528

4-------------------------------------------------------------Open til 4am MS--------------------------------------------------------Mostly Straight LF---------------------------------------------------------Leather / Fetish W-------------------------------------------------------------------Western LM--------------------------------------------------Live Music / Cabaret BH--------------------------------------------------------------Bath House BK----------------------------------Adult Book, Booth & Video Store FC-------------------------------------------------------------Fitness Club