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EDITORIAL Mike Macharello: Publisher Dallas Zabran: Production Rick Karlin: Editor
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COVER Kinley Preston
editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Ace Magyar, Parker Carr Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Michael Elder VIEW boiMAGazine ONLINE AT: www.boiMAG.com BOI Magazine, Inc. © 2000−2014 All rights reserved For our online readers, the blue underline text are active links
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DIVAS ON DISPLAY Miss Continental 2014-15
By Rick Karlin
The 35th Annual Miss Continental Pageant takes place Labor Day weekend at The Vic Theater . The first Miss Continental Pageant crowned a then relatively unknown Chilli Pepper, now an icon in the art of female impersonation. Since its inception, the title of Miss Continental has been an important stepping stone on the career path for female impersonators. Some of the winners have achieved success in film and TV (Candice Cayne) while others have done very well in the modeling industry (Mimi Marks and Chilli Pepper). The judges have included a mix of professionals in the fashion and beauty industries as well as celebrities such as; Gayle Sayers, Tracee Ross, Bob Mackie, Linda Clifford, Phyllis Hyman and Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap. Competitors pull out all the stops during the pageant’s talent segment; utilizing everything from a bevy of back-up dancers to boa constrictors and panthers in their routines. The fashions are equally impressive, from thrift store finds to creative handmade gowns to pieces designed by some the top names in the fashion industry from Bob Mackie to Prada. The swimwear competition is also a top draw, with those in the audience marveling at attire so skimpy that they wonder “Where did they put it?”
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DIVA WORSHIP
By Rick Karlin
Sidetrack was the first gay bar to feature videos as a main focus, it might even have been the first “video bar” in the city (some say the country). Although most well known for its “Sing Along Show Tunes” (Monday night, Friday cocktail hour and Sunday afternoon), the bar does, indeed feature a variety of music. For our Divas and Drag issue, we asked the VJ staff at Sidetrack to give us a list of their Top Ten Diva Videos. There were so many that they had to divide the list in two;
Show Tune Divas and Pop Music. “Divas for a long time have been sirens for the gay community. Many people turn to music as an outlet for their feelings and thus truly idolize the singers who bring such inner emotion to life in their listeners. This list can never be definitive and it will always be hotly contested.” - VJ staff at Sidetrack. Diva Videos: Show Tune Edition 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Madonna “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from “Evita” Jennifer Holiday “And I am Telling You” from “Dreamgirls” Dolly Parton “Little Bitty Pissant Country Place” from “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” Idina Menzel “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” The Divas in “Nobody’s Business” from “The Life” Barbra Streisand “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from “Funny Girl” Liza Minnelli with the title tune from “New York, New York” Kristin Chenowith “Popular” from “Wicked” Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand “Happy Days”/”Get Happy” from “The Judy Garland Show” Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn “You Don’t Own Me” from “First Wives’ Club”
TOP 10 DIVA VIDEOS: POP EDITION 1. Whitney Houston, - “It’s Not Right…” 2. Madonna - Vogue” 3. Christina Aguilera, Lil’Kim, Mya, Pink and Missy Elliot - “Lady Marmalade” 4. Beyonce - “Single Ladies” 5. Janet Jackson - “If” 6. Kylie Minogue - “All the Lovers” 7. Cher - “Believe” 8. JLo - “Live It Up” 9. Lady Gaga - “Bad Romance” 10. A Three Way Tie: Florence and the Machine - “Dog Days”, Iggy Azalea -“Fancy,” and RuPaul - “Sissy That Walk”
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Rick Karlin s
D I N I N G W I T H D I VA S We always wondered how the lovely divas at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club keep their figures, especially when surrounded by so many delicious dishes and lovely libations. The answer is self-discipline (and not the kind that requires a whip!) After a little bit coaxing, they were willing to spill the dishes and drinks at the Halsted hot spot that tempt them the most.
Aurora Sexton
“My favorite item on the menu is probably the bacon truffle mac & cheese. Like me, it’s a cheesy mess but everyone absolutely loves it. My favorite martini is the Samoan Girl Scout. It’s sweet, rich and yes, it is made from real Girl Scouts.”
Traci Ross
“My favorite dish at Kit Kat is the Mae West. It’s a soul food dish that reminds me of “Since I try my darnedest to avoid eating home; a warm and comforting meal that is anything too delicious while I’m working on very filling. I don’t drink and never have, so the weekends, by the time Sunday brunch my drink of choice is water or Sprite.” comes along I am famished! My favorite brunch menu item is a toss-up between Kinley Preston (cover model) the biscuits and gravy (I am from the hills of My favorite appetizer is the Caprese salad Tennessee after all... we love our biscuits and and my favorite entree is the Carmen gravy!) and the Big Hot Mess (after a few Miranda. My favorite cocktail is the mimosas, that name fits me quite well). As Cucumber Pickle Martini. I don’t like sweets for my favorite drinks, I tend to lean more so you can choose a dessert for me.” toward the dessert martinis (because I’m sooo sweet?). I love them all, but I guess Mokha Montrese my favorite is the Chocolate Covered “I love Kit Kat’s crab cakes; they are the best Strawberry martini. Although, lately I’ve in the city! When it comes to my entrée, I been trying to refrain from the yummy always order the Kit Kat Salad with grilled heavy creamy ones and go for something chicken because I want to maintain my lighter like Cocoa Bananas or the Black and body beautiful. I’m passionate about life White martini (that’s healthier, right?)” so for dessert I order the passion fruit key lime pie. My drink - the Mango Martini of Madam X course!” “I’m the longest running employee and I work brunch exclusively. My favorite menu Sunny Delite item is my very own Madam X Burger. It’s “I always start with my favorite appetizer, a pumped up, glamorous take on a classic the scallops with polenta, maple drizzle and cheeseburger. It even comes with Parmesan bacon - yum! My main dish is Yoko Ono; a truffle fries! I am an old school entertainer salmon filet with a teriyaki glaze, wasabi with a modern twist and what better way to mashed potatoes and baby bok choi, Baby! celebrate that, than with a classic American It goes perfectly with the Lemonhead dish with a twist! As for my favorite Martini, my favorite cocktail. Dessert is cocktail, I actually don’t drink alcoholic always triple chocolate cake.” beverages. The closest I get to alcohol is standing next to a hot bartender.”
Sara Andrews
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Motor Mouth CARS AND CHICKS By Parker Carr
With the 2015 models hitting the streets, there is so much car news, that my desk is overflowing. I haven’t sorted through everything yet, but will have the info on the best new vehicles for 2015 in the next issue. In the meantime, in keeping with this issue’s theme; “Divas and Drag,” here’s my list for the best films about woman and cars. The top slot has got to go to “Thelma & Louise”. The 1991 film stars Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise on the run from bad love affairs, and an unintentional murder . As a bonus it also features a young, shirtless Brad Pitt. The iconic final scene at the Grand Canyon has been parodied dozens of times. Who doesn’t love a VW Beetle? If you prefer the original model you’ll love Michelle Lee in the 1968 version of “The Love Bug.” That Disney film was such a hit that it produced a number of sequels and spin-offs including “Herbie Rides Again” (1974) with Helen Hayes and Stefanie Powers, “Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo” (1977) starring a bunch of nobodies, “Herbie Goes Bananas” (1980), with even lesser known “stars” (although there is a cameo by Harvey Korman.) Finally, Herbie is resurrected with a then (mostly) sober Lindsay Lohan in the now ironically titled 2005 film “Herbie: Fully Loaded.” , “American Graffiti” is a nostalgic 1973 coming of age film set in 1963. Directed and co-written by George Lucas. It features many actors who were not yet stars, including Suzanne Somers in the role that made her a star; the blonde in the T-Bird.
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“The Fast and the Furious” and its sequels seem like one big car chase. With the tough as nails Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster holding their own up against the late Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. While not technically a car flick, we've got to include Sandra Bullock who spends 90% of the movie behind the wheel, driving a bus in “Speed" Another movie that technically doesn't fit the category, but should be included is “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar”. It stars the late, great Patrick Swayze, the not-so-great Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo. Yes, they're not women, but they do portray three drag queens driving cross country when their car breaks down and yes, they’re drag queens not women, but they fit in with this issue’s theme. Taking those two exceptions and combining them, I'm also including “The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert” in this list. Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce are three fierce drag queens driving a big silver bus across Australia's outback and wearing fabulous costumes while performing to a great soundtrack. In a different kind of drag, Bonnie Bedelia plays drag race car driver Shirley Muldowney in the biographical “Heart Like a Wheel.” The film garnered Bedelia a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. If I left out your favorite movie, drop me a line at boieditorial@aol.com with the subject line "Cars and Chicks." If I get enough suggestions, I'll do a follow up column.
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FIT TIPS
Position your shoulders over the kettlebell, keeping your back strong and straight.
By Michael Elder
Explosively pull the kettlebell up off the floor by extending your hips and knees.
Booty Time: Wide Stance Kettlebell Deadlift
Stand upright with your chest high.
One of my favorite exercises for the lower body is undoubtedly the wide stance kettlebell deadlift. This highly functional exercise is a powerful and dynamic movement that targets most of the muscles of the lower body, while also engaging the core. Muscle groups mainly targeted are the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip abductors, and the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus. If you are looking to enhance your booty, this exercise should be high on your arsenal of exercises. To perform the exercise, do the following: Stand with a wide stance, twice shoulderwidth, feet slightly turned out. Squat down with your arms extended downward between your legs and grasp the kettlebell handle with both hands.
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Lower the kettlebell to ground between legs by pushing your bum backwards and squatting down. Repeat. Perform three sets of 10-12 reps with a weight that challenges you. Care should be taken to keep the chest upright throughout the set. If you have a mirror in front of you, make sure that you can see your navel at all times. If you can’t, chances are you are too hunched over. I like to use the “puppet on a string” analogy for this exercise. Imagine that a string is coming out of the top of your head and is pulling you upward toward the ceiling as you push up from the floor. Michael Elder has been working as a fitness professional in Chicago for the last fifteen years. He comes from a background in gymnastics and is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He can be reached directly through his website: www.MichaelElder.com.
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iMUSIC
DIVA-LICIOUS
By Gregg Shapiro
It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that no one else sounds like Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs. As accessible as much of the new album Nikki Nack is, it still doesn’t bear any resemblance to anything else out there in the stratosphere. Garbus and her musical partner Nate Brenner have found a new way to lure us in with the futuristic soul of opening track “Find A New Way,” as well as the spiritual wail of “Time of Dark” and fragile funk of “Wait For a Minute.” The cool and refreshing “Water Fountain” improves on the bodymoving beats of Kelis’ “Milkshake,” and it’s non-fat, too! “Water Fountain” is the kind of song that should be blasting from car windows and dance club sound systems in equal measure. “Real Thing” and “Hey Life” deconstruct hip-hop for hipsters and “Rocking Chair” is a front porch chant meant for lazy, sweaty summer days. tUnE-yArDs performs Oct. 22 at the Riviera Theatre.
Clear across the spectrum from Garbus is one Mariah Carey. On Me. I Am, the opening track “Cry.” (the period is hers), is one of the best ballads she’s ever recorded. Even hip-hop intrusions, such as Nas on “Dedicated,” are more controlled and less overwhelming, allowing the song to breathe in our ears. The retro-charged “Make It Look Good” and “#Beautiful,” featuring Miguel, are also a pleasure. The vintage disco vibe of “Meteorite” should make Mariah popular at tea dance and her cover of George Michael’s “One More Try” is an unexpected novelty. With Sheezus Lily Allen ends her five year (early) retirement and aims for Kanye West’s crooked crown (of thorns). Lashing out Lilystyle at the competition (including Beyonce,
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Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry) on the title cut, Allen saves her praise for Lorde. The remaining dozen songs, including a bonus track cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” are catchy and fun, especially “Our Time,” “Air Balloon,” the bayou bump of “As Long As I Got You,” the cutting “URL Badman” and the world beat of “Life For Me,” but fall short of being worthy successors of the top notch songs on her first two albums. Christina Perri returns with her second full-length album Head or Heart. A bit on the formulaic side, Perri runs the risk of getting lost in the shuffle, brushed aside by unstoppable forces such as Katy Perry. Still, she knows cool people (“Be My Favorite” features Ed Sheeran) and “Human” is achingly, well, human. “The Words” is a beautiful ballad and “Shot Me In the Heart” livens things up a bit. Christina Perri performs on Oct. 11 in Moline at iWireless Center and on Oct. 14 in Chicago at United Center.
One of Tori Amos’ most mature efforts, Unrepentant Geraldines is at turns political (the title cut, “America,” “Giant’s Rolling Pin”), typically woo-woo (“Maids of Elfen-mere,” “Weatherman,” “Rose Dover”), and then something else entirely (the mother/daughter duet with Tash on “Promise”). Welcome back, Miss Tori. Her first new studio disc of all original material in more than a dozen years, Natalie Merchant’s eponymous release is a wonderful recording. With a voice as distinctive as ever, she sounds fabulous on the nearly seven-minute opener “Ladybird.” She also raises goosebumps (in addition to the roof) on the gospel-influenced “Go Down, Moses,” invites us to “take a look inside” on “Black Sheep,” heralds the coming revolution on “It’s A-Coming” and brings things to a lush close on “The End.”
Chicago's
in the know ... ON THE GO!
By Sue Deaunym
Cross Gender Identity News
I don’t know if it’s due to the fact that
the Miss Continental is coming up or not, but there seems to be a lot of drag, gender queer and events for trans people (is that the correct term when referring to both MTF and FTM?) coming up… On Aug. 23, it will be “Jocks in Drag”, not a pretty sight, I’m certain, but sure to be entertaining. The benefit at the Center on Halsted (CoH) is being hosted by my favorite drag queen, Teri Yaki (and why the hell isn’t she on “RuPaul’s Drag Race”?). Your $20 gets you in to the show, three drink tickets for beer or wine and some light snacks. For tix go to: www.centeronhalsted.org/ JocksInDrag... Ties and Tassels brings a “Queerpocalypse,” to Mayne Stage. Described in the press release as “An epic battle against gender conformity through drag, camp, burlesque, circus, song and dance performances.” The talented and lovely (?) Tamale, hosts. It’s $23 general admission, for more info go to: www.MayneStage... On Sunday and Monday, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 it’s “Something Something New Vagina” at Chicago Fringe Festival. Rebecca Kling a transgender artist and educator stars in this solo performance about loving one’s self and one’s body and Kling’s fancy new vagina. For tickets and information, go to: www.chicagofringe. org ...Finally, no matter how you identify, you’re welcome at the 2nd annual Queer Clothing Swap on Aug. 24 at CoH. Genderqueer Chicago offers the chance to trade in skirts for slacks or loafers for heels. It’s free if you bring at least three items of gently worn clothing, shoes or accessories. It’s BYOB, which in this case means, “bring your own bag.”
Telling Tales and Telling Tails
Sidetrack hosts “Our Stories • LGBTQ Storytelling” on Tuesday, Sept. 2. This month’s show will feature storytellers ArchyJamjun, Fawzia Mirza, Lauren Sivak, Shaun Sperling, LauraStempel and Dr.Patrick Tranmer… Bailiwick kicks off its new season with “The Wild Party” on Oct. 2 and it runs through Nov. 1… Touche is closing out the summer with a bang. They’ll host a night of punk rock on Aug. 22, then on Aug. 30 it’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” a boot fetish party that’s a benefit for AIDS Walk and on Labor Day they’ll have a cook-out and beer bust… AIDS Foundation Chicago celebrates its anniversary with a party on Saturday, Aug. 23. To get in all you have to do is join. Annual dues are $25 for single membership; $40 per couple. Go to: www.afchicago.org for more information…
Where Are All the Lesbians?
If it’s Friday, Aug 29 they’re probably in Aurora at RiverEdge Park Music Garden to see the Indigo Girls, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Brandy Clark in the “That Girl” tour. What? No Marlo Thomas? If you don’t get that, ask somebody over the age of 40. Tickets are $40. A VIP package, including free merchandise and early entrance to the park for sound check, is available for $150. For tickets go to: www. RiverEdgeAurora.com...Revenge is a dish best served cold…by your lesbian ex-wife. In papers that have just been discovered, it turns out that Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values, an anti-LGBT group “dedicated to preserving and advancing a culture of family values in the state of Texas.” Was divorced in 2011 because his (now ex) wife, Corrine Morris Rodriguez Saenz, left him for another woman. boiMAG 29
ASK ACE by Ace Magyar
therapist experienced in dealing with this disorder. For more information, go to www.video-game-addiction.org.
Bad Boss
I’m in an abusive relationship that I can’t get out of. It’s my boss. He screams at My boyfriend and I are both in our mid- me all day long and belittles me after giving me impossible assignments, 20s and have good jobs. Or, I should such as handing me a stack of sales say we did have good jobs. I am the documents to enter and insisting it manager of a men’s clothing store. He be done by the end of the day, when was in mid-level management at a there’s clearly two to three day’s work downtown corporate office, until he got involved. I can’t afford to quit, what can fired. He was fired because he called I do? in sick so many times so that he could stay home to play video games. We BB used to party with our friends, go to the Abusive bosses have no incentive to movies and all sorts of fun things. Now change, as their methods usually work. Over time they’ve discovered that most all he wants to do is sit in front of the people will do anything to avoid their TV with his game console in his hands wrath. Abrasive people, such as your and collect his unemployment check. boss, are basically bullies, abusing their I go to work and he’s still in bed, when position of power. The only defense I come home he’s playing his games against a bully is to stand up to them. and often hasn’t bathed. He stinks and You can start to stand up in a polite way, he’s unshaven. He actually looks like a saying things like, “When you speak to homeless person. I can’t keep paying me like that it makes me less willing to the rent on my salary alone. I don’t do anything extra for you.” If he gives you know what to do. work with an unreasonable deadline, say, “I’ll do my best to get this done as quickly as possible, but the deadline you’ve given XBI is unrealistic. I can have this done by…” Your boyfriend is a video game addict. Be prepared for a tirade, but don’t back Although gaming addiction is not yet down. Begin keeping a journal of what officially recognized as a diagnosable he says (include the date and time of disorder by the American Medical the incident and names any witnesses.) Association, there is increasing evidence When he gives you last minute jobs with that people of all ages are facing ridiculous deadlines, document that too, severe consequences associated with indicating the scope of the work and the compulsive use of video and computer time frame your boss allotted. It helps games. Often withdrawing from friends, to have specific complaints when you contact your company’s HR department family, and loved ones to the point of and report him. If that doesn’t get you disrupting family, social, or work life. anywhere, or if you work for a small It is, in effect a clinical impulse control company without an HR department, disorder. Also, some researchers believe your only other option is to formulate an that elevated dopamine levels during exit strategy. Start looking for a new job game play contribute heavily to the now that you can transition to if or when problem. Your boyfriend needs to see a you decide to quit, or get fired.
X Boxed In
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 ASK ACE at boieditorial@aol.com
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