boiMAG
3700 N. Halsted St. #2-S Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 Editorial: boieditorial@aol.com Advertising: boiads@aol.com EDITORIAL Mike Macharello: Production Rick Karlin: Editor layout & design Titanium Graphics, Inc. advertising Freddie: freddie@boiMAGazineChicago.com Dave: dave@boiMAGazineChicago.com National, Rivendell Media: sales@rivendellmedia.com photographerS Oliver Aguilar Eamonn Sexton Iggy Munoz, Candymoon Photography Ken Brown, KAB Photography COVER Coby, Professional Shopper editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Ace Magyar, Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, boiMAG ONLINE
VIEW boiMAG ONLINE AT: www. boiMagazineChicago.com
boiMAGazineChicago.com
BOI Magazine, Inc. © 2000−2013 BOI Magazine, Inc. ©2000−2013 All rights reserved All rights reserved
For our online readers, blue underline text are active links
boiMAG
MAKING A LIST by Anita Taylor & Gregg Shapiro
& CHECKING IT TWICE
Santa’s making his list and checking it twice, and for those good little boys and girls on your list, we’ve found some presents that are especially nice.
Rear Access
Transport two to four bikes with a GM bicycle carrier, which tilts away from vehicle for access to rear cargo area. Price varies by model $199 to $429, available at Mike Anderson Chevrolet, 5333 W. Irving Park Rd. in Chicago.
Music To The Ears “Snow Globe”, the first holiday album by trendsetting duo Erasure, is exactly what you’d expect from the pair. A breezy blend of originals, including “Bells of Love (Isabelle’s of Love)” and the delirious dance of “Loving Man” to familiar standards such as “The Christmas Song”, “White Christmas”; and “Silent Night.” Oy, let’s not forget the Hanukkah celebrants! What better way to enjoy the (after) glow of the festival of lights than to listen to Barbra Streisand in her “triumphant return to Brooklyn!” on her delightful new live CD “Back to Brooklyn.” Sounding better than she has on recent recordings, Streisand kibitzes and belts out favorites including “The Way He Makes Me Feel,” “Didn’t We,” “The Way We Were,” “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “Evergreen” and “People.” The Marvin Hamlisch tribute is quite touching and the songs with special lyrics, including “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” “Through the Eyes of Love” and “You’re the Top” are truly delightful. Barbra’s duet with gay son Jason Gould on “How Deep is the Ocean” makes this disc a good selection.
All Down Hill From Here
For the skier on your list, Smith I/O goggles, $175 from Viking Ski Shop.
Neat Freak
This nice minimalist iSkelter bamboo organizer docks their phone and provides a simple space for their stuff. Although shown with an IPhone it has enough docking space for all phones, $39.95. Available at grandst.com. continued on page 12 >> boiMAG
Making A List . . .
Pedal Pushers
For the cyclist on your list, Village Cycle has a number of options available. The Bontrager Glo and Ember Light Set combines lights for convenient front and rear visibility! These super-compact lights have a single LED (Glo is white for front, Ember is red for rear) that can be run in steady or flashing mode and makes cyclists visible from 2,000 feet! They attach pretty much anywhere in seconds with the elastic Velcro straps, $24.99. Also from Bontrager, RL Fusion Full Finger Gloves, $39.99, are an excellent shock absorber; soft on initial impact then stiffens as the pressure bottoms out. The articulated palms provide the perfect fit too. Quick-drying backs, a microfiber nose wipe and adjustable wrist closures complete the list. Serious cyclists know the importance of safety helmets and Bontrager’s Solstice Helmet offers protection and comfort in a lightweight, stylish package. The fit can be adjusted with just one hand and it sports a removable, snap-on visor, $44.99. Continued.....
Jewel Box
Keeping the family jewels warm and comfy, these stylish long johns by Addicted imade of 95% cotton & 5% spandex are the perfect gift. Great fitting underpants with a low cut and perfect conforming shape. Perfect for cold weather or just added coverage. Made in Spain, $67.99. Available in a variety of color combinations, at Egoist on Halsted St., Chicago.
Accessorize His Rod
Let them protect their Toyota’s original factory carpet with a set of durable all-weather floor mats. These solid one-piece mats feature a ribbed channel design and are constructed from high-quality 100% recyclable thermoplastic polymer material that resists fading and cracking. Plus, they’re held firmly in place with a nibbed backing and a driver’s side fastener. Available at Northside Toyota, 5625 N. Broadway in Chicago. continued on page 15 >>
12 boiMAG
Checking It Twice . . . Continued.....
The Key To My Heart
For someone who has been very good, consider the gift of a new 2013 Dodge Charger. Features include remote keyless entry, front and rear reading lights, power door mirrors, and a split folding rear seat. Under the hood you’ll find a 6 cylinder engine with more than 270 horsepower. The 5 speed automatic is $27,185 at Midway Dodge, 4747 S. Pulaski in Chicago. www. midwaydodge.com.
Make ‘Em Smile
Cash & Carry
Durable, simple, safe; the HuMn wallet has a low profile design, incorporates RFID-blocking aluminum (keeps that Ventra card safe) and surprisingly flexible storage, resulting in the ideal way to carry currency. It is a safe gift for vegans and comes in more than a dozen colors. Around $76 at www. Amazon.com and other sites.
Comedy albums, which peaked in popularity during the 1960s through the 1980s, are making a comeback. Late night talk show host Jimmy Fallon won a Grammy for his CD “Blow Your Pants Off”. A talented mimic and musician, in addition to being a genuinely funny guy, Fallon packed his Pants with his trademark parodies of popular songs and his spot-on imitations of singers such as Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen. The disc features numerous guest artists, including Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake, Eddie Vedder and Stephen Colbert. Comic Kurt Braunohler includes bits about “gay squirrels” and “double-ended dildos” on his hilarious live debut disc “How Do I Land?”. It’s difficult to fathom, but comedy legend Paula Poundstone has only released two comedy CDs over the course of her more than 30 year stand–up career. The latest, “I Heart Jokes” released earlier in 2013, contains Poundstone’s trademark humorous observations about parenthood and culture. Ground-breaking comedian Richard Pryor was a straight man, but his daughter Rain, a longtime friend of the GLBT community, played a “lipstick lesbian” on Showtime’s Rude Awakening. His actor son Richard Pryor, Jr. is an openly gay man. “No Pryor Restraint: Life In Concert” brings together Pryor’s three concert films on two DVDs, and seven CDs full of “prime Pryor hilarity” culled from existing and rare live stand-up recordings. Available on www.Amazon.com. boiMAG 15
boiMAG 19
CHICAGO SPOTLIGHT by Gregg Shapiro
Jim Alexander was inducted in to Chicago gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame this year for his contributions to Chicago cultural and other nonprofit institutions, including GLBT- and HIV/AIDS-related organizations and through directing philanthropic support.
When did you come out and what was the experience like for you? I started the process of coming out in the mid-1970s. Beginning the process was a struggle, but it does get better each and every day. The best part of coming out for me was learning the important life lesson of being honest with those whom I love and who love me. Please name five of your GLBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them. Roman Emperor Hadrian: admittedly living at a point in time when the western world viewed human sexuality differently than today, Hadrian, demonstrates that openly GLBT people can be great leaders; Walt Whitman: was totally into being with men and writing about it, albeit cryptically, even before society had coined an official word for us. James Baldwin: enduring the double prejudices of his age, he lived and thrived and did great work in spite of it. Gertrude Stein along with her partner Alice B. Toklas, she gathered the best of the lost generation in their Paris
JIM ALEXANDER
salon, having an important, and still unacknowledged, impact on 20th century art and literature. Bishop Gene Robinson: the only living hero on my list, I admire him for his quiet dignity and profound courage, along with the role he has played in changing attitudes within religion. What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the GLBT community in Chicago and at large? I have been very lucky to serve, as co-trustee of The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust. Because of that service, I have been fortunate to serve on many nonprofit boards, where I have tried to advocate for greater diversity, including representation of the GLBT community. While the Morse and Genius Trusts are equally proud of all grants made within the community, the trusts were honored to partner with the Chicago History Museum and others in creating the “Out at CHM” series, now almost 10 years in the running, and the “Out in Chicago” exhibition on Chicago GLBT history. What are your future goals and aspirations? To continue practicing law and serving the Chicago community on behalf of the Morse and Genius Trusts, seeking to make grant decisions that are wise, strategic, and honor the memory of Elizabeth Morse Genius. Words of wisdom to the next GLBT generation. Learn and never forget our history. Be ever vigilant. Remember that acquiring our legal rights is but one step, admittedly an important one, on the road to full equality. boiMAG 21
,
Rick Karlin s HOLIDAY edition ‘Tis the season to over-indulge, so why not get a jump start on the holiday with Kit Kat’s Jingle Bell Brunch on December 15 and 22? Diva Madam X will entertain with a variety of holiday tunes, musicals and seasonal sing-along favorites. To get in a jovial spirit, pair your entrée with the $10 optional drink package which includes mimosas, sangrias and bloody martinis. If you prefer a liquid only brunch, remember martinis are half-priced on Sunday, and they’ve got some special holiday drinks ready Speaking of Kit Kat, kudos for turning your Christmas Eve and Day business, which most restaurants milk like a cash cow, over to helping others. On those days Kit Kat will offer dining and drinking guests a 50% discount off their $40 per person Christmas prix fixe menu in exchange for a canned good/nonperishable food donation. The collected items will be donated to Vital Bridges’ food drive. The prix fixe menu will include a choice of holiday martini, salad or lobster bisque, entrée, choice of two sides and a choice of either triple chocolate cake or caramel apple pie a la mode for dessert. Call 773.525.1111 or go to www.kitkat.com for reservations. The Peninsula’s Sky Rink is the only hotel skating rink in Chicago is $10 for adults, $5 for children. The skating rink’s outdoor menu features a selection of hot beverages and snacks, and all monies collected will be donated to two Chicago children’s charities: Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Hephzibah Children’s Association. The hotel will also serve dinner on Christmas Eve and brunch on Christmas Day. The prix fixe, five-
22 boiMAG
course dinner, served from 6-10 p.m., is $130. At the more casual Shanghai Terrace, a special celebratory menu will be available from 5-11:00 p.m., for $98. Christmas Day’s brunch, served from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. is $155 ($55 for children.) For reservations, call 312.573.6685. Celebrate Christmas Eve with the traditional Italian feast of the seven fishes at J. Rocco’s from Dec. 18th through Christmas Eve. The traditional seven-course seafood meal is $48 per person. Reservations are recommended, go to www.jroccoitalian.com or call 312.475.0271. Deleece on Southport is serving a three-course dinner from 2-8 p.m. on Christmas Day for just $39 per person ($12 kids menu). It will also be available for pick-up, call 773.325.1710 or go to www.deleece.com. The Florentine is offering a twist on the classic feast of seven fishes, with a threecourse family style menu for $55. Call 312.660.8866 for more information. Sixteen, in Trump Tower, is offering four and eight course dinner menus on both Christmas Eve and Day as well as a Christmas Day brunch buffet. Call 312.588.8030 for more information. Stuck for an idea for a hostess gift? Delightful Pastries, in The French Market, offers a traditional Buche de Noel, a genoise-filled with chocolate ganache decorated with marzipan mushrooms and holly berries for $40 and Christmas tree made of cookies for $35. Call 312.234.9644 for more information.
24 boiMAG
TINSEL iMUSIC TUNES
by Gregg Shapiro
Have Yourself A Very Jewish Christmas What self-respecting homosexual doesn’t have both of Barbra Streisand’s Christmas albums – 1967’s “A Christmas Album” and 2001’s “Christmas Memories” in their holiday music collection? So as not to make Streisand’s “The Classic Christmas Album” completely superfluous, think of it as a good way to initiate the next gay generation in the joys of Barbra. The disc, featuring 16 selections, is split almost evenly, between the two source albums. Nice Jewish boy Joshua Bell fiddles with friends on “Musical Gifts”. Bell jingles the holiday songbook with Alison Krauss (“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”), Straight No Chaser (on the “Nutcracker Medley”), Kristin Chenoweth (“O Holy Night”), Placido Domingo (“O Tennenbaum”), Branford Marsalis (“Amazing Grace”), fellow NJB Michael Feinstein (“The Secret of Christmas”) and Steven Isserlis and Sam Haywood (“Baal Shem, Simchat Torah”). Christmas Passed Andy Williams’ name is synonymous with Christmas music. Williams’ three Christmas recordings, “The Andy Williams Christmas Album” from 1963, “Merry Christmas” from 1965 and “Christmas Present” from 1974, along with a few singles and unreleased tracks have been compiled on the two disc set “The Complete Christmas Recordings.” The late Williams had one of the most distinctive singing voices in mid-20th century popular music and these renditions of seasonal favorites are classics.
the music, consisting of jazzy renditions of “O Tannenbaum” and “What Child Is This,” as well as Guaraldi originals “Christmas Time Is Here” (both the instrumental and vocal versions), “Skating,” “Christmas Is Coming” and “Linus And Lucy,” are the real reason to make this part of your holiday music library. Almost worth owning for the cover alone, “Christmas with Patti Page”, “the singing rage,” is as much of interest for a novelty recording such as “The Mama Doll Song” as it is for Page’s renditions of traditional holiday music. Six bonus tracks, fill up this musical holiday stocking. Christmas Present(s) Contemporary country diva Mindy Smith’s EP “Snowed In” features lighthearted originals (“Tomorrow Is Christmas Day” and the title track) balancing out the seriousness of the more traditional selections including “Silent Night” and “Auld Lang Syne.” Celtic Woman celebrate the holiday with “Home For Christmas.” The 12song studio CD features renditions of beloved Christmas selections. Expanding considerably on the CD, the DVD, recorded live in Dublin, adds more songs and also features four more songs from an “intimate acoustic” performance. It isn’t specifically a Christmas album, but the self-titled debut album by multicultural America’s Got Talent finalists Forte does close with the trio’s version of “Silent Night,” and also includes an interpretation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Pie Jesu.”
Not sassy or brassy enough, despite the implied wackiness of the cover, “Christmas Time Is Here” by Canadian Brass features thoroughly delightfully playing throughout. The horns shine, particularly You may already have “The Original Sound Track: A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Guaraldi standard such as the title cut and “Christmas Is Coming.” “Bach’s Bells” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio in one of its previous configurations. However, the latest trumpets the arrival of the holidays and you could even say “Rudolph The Red-Nosed one includes a make-your-own Snoopy doghouse, complete with festive trimmings Reindeer” glows. But when all is said and and Peanuts characters cut-outs. Of course, done, it’s a bit too restrained. boiMAG 25
theater by Rick Karlin
SCENE
Six diverse theatre companies are joining forces to offer the Holiday Theatre Passport, a unique and festive incentive for Chicago theatergoers to explore the city’s many alternative holiday theatre offerings. Guests who attend four different productions will receive a free ticket from each theatre to one of their 2014 productions. Guests who attend all six productions will be entered into a drawing for one of five season subscriptions, consisting of memberships or ticket packages to the participating theatres.
Holiday Theatre Passport participants include About Face Theatre’s “We Three Lizas,” eta Creative Arts Foundation’s “If Scrooge Was a Brother”, Hell in a Handbag Productions’ “Christmas Dearest,” The House Theatre of Chicago’s “The Nutcracker,” and Commedia Beauregard’s “A Klingon Christmas Carol.” “Christmas Dearest” plays at Mary’s Attic through Dec. 29. “We Three Lizas” runs at Stage 773 through Jan. 5. “If Scrooge was Brother” plays at The Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. Chicago
26 boiMAG
through Dec. 29. The House Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” runs through Dec. 29 at 1543 W. Division. “A Klingon Christmas Carol” takes Dickens classic tale of ghosts and redemption, adapts it to reflect the Klingon Warrior Code of Honor and then translated into tlhIngan Hol (this will only make sene to Star Trek fans). It runs through Dec. 29 at Raven Theater. This production” marks the fourth year of out-of-this-world holiday show.
The Holiday Theater Passport also includes discounts to select productions. Pick up a Passport at any of the participating theatres. For more information on the Holiday Theatre Passport, visit them online at: www.aboutfacetheatre.com If you haven’t seen the CGMC holiday show, “Making Spirits Bright” you have only one chance before the group closes its 30th anniversary season. The Oak Park shows are sold out, but there are still tix available for the Hyde Park show on Saturday Dec. 14th on the University of Chicago campus. Go to www.cgmc.org for more information.
28 boiMAG
in the know ... ON THE GO!
by Sue Deaunym
Holiday Spirit The Chicago Spirit Brigade (CSB) holds its annual cabaret show “Big Bang”, at Mayne Stage on Saturday, Jan. 25, which takes on the wacky world of television this year. There will be two show times, 7 p.m. general admission for $20 per person. Prices for the later show range from $25 to $60… Haven’t found the perfect holiday gift, even after searching though our extensive gift guide? Head over to the Bucktown Art Show, Dec 14 and 15 at the Holstein Fieldhouse, 2200 Oakley, for one of a kind items... Velicity Metropolis proves her heart is as big as her boobs as she hosts a Holiday White Party at Hamburger Mary’s on Dec. 21. The event is a benefit for Toys for Tots, bring an unwrapped toy (not some cheap-ass doll from Dollar Tree, please) and you’ll get a free holiday shot!... Jeffrey Pub’s “Scandalust” party on Dec. 25 holds a “Toys for Tots” drive. Hey guys, that’s Christmas Night, how you gonna get the gifs to the children in time? I know y’all make jokes about CPT, but really! Holiday Cheers Disco BINGO returns with “Golden Girls”, Paula Sinclaire and Miss Foozie on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Circuit. The event features special drinks and prizes. The balls start spinning (bingo balls that is, Foozie’s and Paula’s will be safely tucked away) at 8pm. Also, the 9th Annual Paula Sinclaire sing-along will be at Circuit in the front bar/lounge on Friday, Dec. 20 from 8-11pm along with Dan Stetzel on the piano… You “Otter” head to Sofo Tap on Saturday, Dec. 21, for otter night. For those who don’t know an otter is a slim version of a bear. Or think of it this way, an otter has a six pack, a bear has a keg!... Lucky Horsie holds its staff appreciation party on Tuesday Dec. 17. Stop by and the boys some love (and by love, I mean sweaty singles!)… Spin holds “Dragzilla: The Finals “ starring Specificty
Jones, Tequila Mockingbird, Tyra Beach, Vixen, Serena Fiierce and Sasha Love, hosted by that legend in her own mind, Dida Ritz... Berlin’s “Vogue for Tots 7” charity competition Thursday, Dec. 19, is open to any individual person or house or just stop by to enjoy the show. Judges for the event are Zebra Katz, Lila Star, Gia Gunn, Laura Taka Taka, Dida Ritz and Saya Naomi Diaz Deleon. The event is hosted by Trannika Rex, Mini Shaina, House of Guerino, Sasha Kokorokoko and Phillipe Cunningham. Zebra Katz provides surprise performances throughout the night. With all that talent on stage, will there be anyone left in the audience to watch the show? Holiday Music Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen bring back “How the Diva Stole Xmas” at Hydrate, Friday-Sun, Dec. 13-15. General admission tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. VIP tickets are $25, go to www. hydratechicago.com to order… Don your gay apparel as Lakeside Pride Freedom Band celebrates “Holidays in Uptown” on Saturday, Dec.14, at the Preston Bradley Center 941 W. Lawrence and they’ve booked Santa so you can sit on his lap! For more info, go to www.lakesidepride.org… The Mary Wilson Holiday Spectacular running December 23-25 at The Harris Theater reunites The Supreme Mary with The Four Tops for a Motown reunion. This Just In A few clubs have their NYE parties already planned, Sidetrack is giving away an Orbitz vacay at “O What a Year,” Hydrate is hosting “A Royal Affair” with a food and drunk, I mean drink, package. Hamburger Mary’s goes all Hollywood for the night. Check the clubs web sites for more info. That’s all we could dig up at this time, we’ll have even more NYE info in our next issue. boiMAG 29
ASK ACE
... SEX & RELATIONSHIP ADVICE
Gift Deficient I hate buying my boyfriend gifts. I never pick out the right present, he always ends up returning it. I’d really like to get him something he wants and surprise him. Dear GD. Do you want to get him something he wants or surprise him? From what you’ve written it seems to me like the two are mutually exclusive. Offer to take him on a shopping spree, letting him pick out what he wants. If you want to surprise him, make up a gift certificate that offers such a plan. Or, if he truly has everything he needs, make a charitable donation in his name or perhaps adopt a pet. Gifted and Deficient So many men wish they had a bigger penis. I wish for just the opposite. My penis is so large (14” and thick) that I have a hard time finding sexual partners who are interested in more than just my dick. I often meet someone wonderful, but the sex is awful because he can’t accommodate me. I’m smart (a PhD candidate), not bad looking and have been told that I’m a great guy. I would desperately like to be in a long-term relationship, but I don’t think there’s anyone out there for me. Please see the enclosed photo to prove this is not a phony letter. Dear GAD, Thank you for including the photo, I may use it for my holiday card. You write that your sexual partners “can’t accommodate” you. That leads me to believe that you are a top. Have you ever tried bottoming? If you enjoy anal sex, your larger penis will make it easier for a partner to pleasure you from both ends, which you may find more satisfying. Some men with a large penis focus on that aspect of their anatomy (either on their own or because of the interest of others) so
much that they don’t think of other ways to find pleasure. There are many pleasurable sexual activities which don’t involve being the active participant in anal or oral sex. However, if you are going to top, lubrication and patience are absolute, so as not to cause any physical damage. Having your partner on top, lowering himself onto your penis is often helpful for him to control how much he can take. With enough time, patience and practice, there is no reason that most men would not be able to accommodate you. Some people find a product called AnalEase helpful. It may take time to find the right partner, but he is definitely out there. Drama Queen? I recently moved across country. It was very painful for me, especially leaving my adult daughter. She has had some severe illnesses in the past and we almost lost her twice. She is doing much better now, but I still have guilt about leaving. A few days before I moved, I went to a movie that triggered a deluge of emotions. I left the theater and sobbed uncontrollably. Later as I explained what happened to my friend, she totally dismissed my feelings. Now, I am so angry at her, I don’t think I can ever forgive her. Am I wrong for feeling that she was being insensitive? Dear DQ, Not at all, she was being insensitive. Moving away from your family and friends is a very traumatic experience. Add to that worries about your daughter and it’s no wonder you had a bit of a melt-down. Perhaps your friend didn’t know how to respond in a supportive way, so she tried to downplay the significance of the event. The thing to look at here, is whether that was an isolated response from a friend who has usually been supportive and understanding, or part of a pattern of being dismissive of your feelings? Examining the pattern will give you a better idea of whether you should forgive her harsh remarks or decide that the relationship has run its course.
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
30 boiMAG
boiMAG 31