June 21 - 27, 2021 Vol. 29 No. 24
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$1.10 goes to vendor
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Arts & (Home) Entertainment
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SportsWise
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Cover Story: Pride Month
We are replacing our usual calendar with virtual events and recommendations from StreetWise vendors, readers and staff to keep you entertained at home! The SportsWise team discusses the media frenzy around tennis player Naomi Osaka. Osaka refused to participate in press interviews during the French Open and eventually not compete at all for the sake of her own mental health. For Pride Month, Marvel Comics is introducing the first LGBTQIA+ character to hold the mantle of Marvel's most popular character, Captain America. Also, check out Pride events, happening in June and beyond.
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From the Streets
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INSIDE StreetWise
Street Roots (our fellow spreet paper in Portland, Oregon) vendor Phoenix Oaks provides some guidance on how to respectfully treat transgender and gender non-conforming people who are homeless. Vendor A. Allen wants the new Captain America to inspire hope in those who need it.
The Playground ON THE COVER & THIS PAGE: Courtesy of Marvel Comics.
Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher
dhamilton@streetwise.org
StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI
Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief
suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Amanda Jones, Director of programs
ajones@streetwise.org
Julie Youngquist, Executive director
jyoungquist@streetwise.org
Ph: 773-334-6600 Office: 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL, 60616
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ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Since being stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time. To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations of what to do at home and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org
Interactive Digital Fest!
‘The Map of Now’ Lucky Plush Productions pairs the aesthetics of retro video games with a turbo-charged lineup of Chicago dance, theater, music and comedy performers for the company’s next major work, “The Map of Now,” a radically new, interactive digital festival premiering 5 - 9 p.m. June 25 and 26, daily. This festival-style event will be hosted on an interactive online platform called Gather.Town, through which audience members (as avatars) can choose their own adventure on a digital map of Chicago that highlights the richness of Chicago’s performing arts ecology in four performing arts venues across geographically diverse corners of the city. Each venue will be mapped out in a way that accurately represents the physical space in a retro game-like world, and when you find a seat in the venue, you can click on interactive objects that link to performances recorded in the actual venues. The event will explore community connectivity in a brand new way. W hen an audience member’s avatar gets close to someone else on the map, there’s a video chat function that allows them to engage in passing conversations. People can also watch performances together or sign up for guided tours to watch a curated selection from each venue. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, starting at $10 at luckyplush.com/map-of-now. .
Fresh Brewed!
(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT
Cafe Cortado Chicago's independent coffee shops are some of the most unique businesses in the city with one thing in common: they all serve up a good cup of joe. Choreographer Mariah Eastman seeks to highlight these small businesses that are essential to the surrounding communites by creating pieces to be live streamed from the coffee shops. Starting in Back of Yards, and then commuting to Old Town, doing interviews with baristas and patrons while a dance film plays, Eastman draws inspiration from coffee culture and the shops themselves. Stream live, June 24 at 7:45 p.m., $15 at eventbrite.com
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Activist Theatre!
Moonset Sunrise: A Fundraiser for Collaboraction Theatre Company Collaboraction Theatre Company is celebrating its 25th anniversary at 6 p.m. June 24 at Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St. The in-person event is outdoors and socially-distanced, and celebrates the social justice theatre company’s history, present, and future with live performances. Tickets come with a $25+/monthly CollaborActivist membership or are available for purchase for $150, and include dining and beverages. The event will also be live-streamed for CollaborActivist members. Learn more and get tickets at collaboraction.org.
Real Life on Film!
Chicago International Film Festival: ‘Champions’ Marco, an assistant coach in Spain’s top basketball league, has both attitude and anger issues. One night, after a particularly bad game, he finds himself in hot water with the law. In court, the judge sentences him to the worst possible punishment for a man with his oversized ego: coaching a team of young men with disabilities. Through their guilelessness, tenderness, and good humor, they will teach Marco about the things that really matter. This comedy with enormous heart is a celebration of the true champions of life. (Spanish with English subtitles.) Available to stream for FREE for 24 hours starting 6:30 p.m. June 23. Register at chicagofilmfestival.com/film/champions.
Music to your ears!
The Music Institute of Chicago's Free Virtual Jazz Lecture Series The Music Institute of Chicago is extending the success of the past year’s virtual lectures with a summer series spotlighting jazz luminaries. Faculty from the Music Institute’s Jazz Studies program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, will lead each session. The series is FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Jazz Studies Director Audrey Morrison, each lecture includes recordings, video clips, historical information, and the presenter’s personal insights. Lectures, which run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., are as follows: Monday, June 21 Saxophonist Juli Wood (pictured): “Unsung Heroes of the Jazz Saxophone”; Thursday, August 12 Pianist Ron Surace: “Six of the Most Influential Big Bands”; Monday, August 30 Pianist Fred Simon: “Celebrating Jazz Piano Legend Herbie Hancock.” To receive a Zoom link, RSVP no later than noon on the day of each event at musicinst.org/summer-jazz-lectures. All programming is subject to change.
Home is Where the Heart is!
Raíces to Roots A theatrical production that celebrates and examines the Chicago Puerto Rican experience. Using “home” as a central theme, a cast of Puerto Rican artists embody stories of pride, struggle, and resilience through original Afro-Latin dance, spoken word, and music. An interactive segment invites the audience to explore their own connection to home through a creative workshop at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cutural Center, 4048 W. Armitage Ave. June 24 & 25, 7 p.m.; June 26, 3 & 7 p.m.; June 27, 1 & 5 p.m. Tickets start at $30 at segundoruizbelvis.org
Flights of Fancy!
‘Searchlight’ "Searchlight" is an evening of kinetic artistry inspired by personal life journeys, and the ways in which crossing, connecting or unifying paths electrify and transform the experience of being alive. The event takes place on June 25 & 26 at 8 p.m. for $25 at Aerial Dance Chicago Studio, 4038 W. Irving Park Rd. Masks and physical distancing of 6+ feet required by all audience and artists regardless of vaccination status. The June 26 performance will also be livestreamed for $10. Learn more and purchase tickets at aerialdancechicago.org
Drink Up!
Seltzerland Spend the afternoon tasting 50+ hard seltzer flavors, indulge in mouthwatering munchies, and bust out the ‘gram for the most insta-worthy moments. In-person at the Marovitz Golf Course, 3701 N. Recreation Drive. The event is on Saturday, June 26, with time slots available 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29 (and include multiple samples) at seltzerland.com/chicago-2021
Story Time!
CAC Story Time Join the Chicago Architecture Center 10 a.m. June 26 for a unique story time at the inspiring Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., and learn about the impact of women in architecture. Let your child’s imagination come to life when “The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid” by Jeanette Winter is read. Each child will leave with a special CAC goodie bag. Tickets are $5 per child, adults are free. Free for CAC members. Preregistration is required at www.architecture.org/programs-events/ detail/cac-story-time. Stick around for Kids' Yoga hosted by the Chicago Women’s Park Advisory Council. Masks required for all attendees. Please note: An adult chaperone is required for the duration of the event, and one adult may bring multiple children.
Virtual World Premiere!
‘Dingleberries’ virtual show Interrobang Theatre Project presents "Dingleberries," a virtual world premiere by Susan Chenet. Jonie, a middle school theatre teacher, is standing at the threshold of her playwriting dreams when a regional company selects her new, avant-garde work to debut. Rehearsals seem to be going smoothly until the week before previews, when she receives a video call from the artistic director. W hat happens next would be funny if it weren’t so sad. This crappy comedy is based on actual events. Opening performance on June 24 will stream at 7 p.m. All subsequent performances through July 18 will be available on demand. $15 at interrobangtheatreproject.com .
-Compiled by Dave Hamilton
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Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
Donald: Well, first off, y’all know I’m a female athlete fan. And, of course, it’s not just the overall beauty of the women in general; it’s also the guile, the agility, the less-focusedon-power game they give us. Naomi Osaka is the first Asian player—man or female—to hold the top ranking in singles. She’s a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, and is the reigning champion at the US Open and the Australian Open.
SPORTSWISE
Patrick: And let’s not forget her first two Grand Slam titles were back-to-back. The first woman to do that since Serena Williams in 2015. Donald: That’s right. And, in 2018, one of her Grand Slam wins was over Serena Williams. Not an easy task. Russ: In regard to the controversy, I am Team Naomi. Naomi didn’t want to be obligated to speak to the media pre- and post-game, so she declined the option to “me-
Naomi Osaka (Jason Heidrich).
Patrick: Today we’re talking Naomi Osaka, a 23-year-old former No. 1 women’s tennis player in the world, who has recently been slammed with controversy in the media. There’re a few layers with all of this, so let’s start peeling— Don?
dia” for the upcoming French Open. The world went crazy because Naomi was more willing to lose cash on fines than speak to the media. John: She didn’t want to keep giving them that power. Patrick: That and her social anxiety. Yeah, man, she had—shoot, has—her own mental health issues to deal with. And sitting in front of the media answering questions that flip the athlete’s thoughts wouldn’t help anything. One of Naomi’s most telling quotes is one that applies to everyone living. I wrote this one down. So, it goes: “…asked questions that bring doubt to our minds and I’m just not going to subject myself to the people that doubt me.” Donald: Yeah, it does seem as if she’s attempting to assert her power in the situation. We know how the media like
to do things: They grab—and maintain—the power in the relationship. John: Very true, Don. And for Naomi to stand up to them and, essentially, say “I am more important to me than I will ever be to anyone else,” is more powerful than anything. Russ: For her to withdraw from the 2021 French Open at Roland Garris is huge. Patrick: It is, man. Not only could it possibly re-open the conversation in regard to the power balance between athletes and those in corporate, but it also opens up the mental health discussion. Not only for athletes, but for every person living. Russ: I know some folks dealing with mental issues—not pretty. So, to have someone add fire to the griddle doesn’t help, right?
Donald: Right. John: The good thing about all of this is that it seems as if most are with her. Celebrities are crawling out of the woodwork giving her major support in this crusade. Patrick: It has become a crusade, hasn’t it? Donald: According to Oxford Languages—yes, I just looked it up—a crusade is a vigorous campaign for social, political, or religious change—so, yeah, this is a definite crusade. Russ: A crusade for mental health. Patrick: Well, fellas, I can tell you’re as interested as I am how this will turn out. And to you folks out there, let us know what you all are thinking. Send an e-mail with your thoughts to: pedwards@streetwise.org
COVERSTORY
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Marvel introduces the First LGBTQ+ Captain America Representation in any media is of the utmost importance, and it just makes sense. People want to see and read about people they can relate to: characters who act, look and think like they do and who speak to them as a person. Comic books are no exception, and Marvel Comics has been introducing new, inclusive characters regularly. Over the last 10 years, Marvel Comics has introduced popular characters Miles Morales (a Black/Puerto Rican Spider-Man, made popular in the animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse,” which won the Oscar for best animated film); Kamala Kahn (a Muslim Pakistani-American teenager, who will debut on-screen in the upcoming Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel”); and America Chavez (a Latin-American lesbian) to name a few. With June being Pride Month, Marvel Comics is adding to its list of diverse characters by creating the first LGBTQ+ character to carry the mantle of Captain America.
COVERSTORY
“The United States of Captain America” is a five-part limited series that celebrates the 80th anniversary of the iconic character. The series will follow the original Captain America, Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans in 10 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU); along with Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier, played by Sebastian Stan in the MCU); Sam Wilson (Falcon, the first African-American superhero in mainstream comics, played by Anthony Mackie in the MCU); and John Walker (U.S. Agent, played by Wyatt Russell in the MCU); as they search for Captain America’s missing shield across America. On their journey, they meet “everyday people from all walks of life” who have taken up the mantle of Captain America to defend their communities.
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The first issue introduces Aaron Fischer, an openly gay teen and the self-proclaimed "Captain America of the Railways." Aaron has made it his mission to protect runaways and people experiencing homelessness, even though he doesn't have the powers or resources of Steve Rogers. He was created by writer Joshua Trujillo and artist Jan Bazaldua. “Aaron is inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing for a better life. He stands for the oppressed, and the forgotten,” Trujillo said in a press release. Trujillo told Out Magazine, "I’m inspired by the people in my life, like my siblings who work for non-profits and in medicine. Or friends who are foster parents or teachers. These are people who take action every day to help each other, and Aaron is very much following their example." Illustrations courtesy of Marvel Comics. Chris Evans as Captain America courtesy of Marvel Studios.
Support local business and buy “The United States of Captain America” from your local independent comic store Alleycat Comics, 5304 N. Clark St. Alternate Reality, Inc., 3149 W. 111th St. Atlas Comics, 5251 N. Harlem Ave. Challengers Comics, 1845 N. Western Ave. Chicago Comics, 3244 N. Clark St. Comix Revolution, 606 Davis St., Evanston Dark Tower Comics, 4835 N. Western Ave. First Aid Comics, 1617 E. 55th St. G-Mart Comics, 2641 N. Kedzie Ave. Graham Crackers Comics (3 locations), 77 E. Madison St., 5028 N. Clark St, 3162 N. Broadway Maximum Distractions, 4405 N. Milwaukee Ave. One Stop Comics, 111 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park Record Dugout Comics, 6055 W. 63rd St. Third Coast Comics, 6443 N. Sheridan Rd. Zombie Unicorn Comics, 3417 W. Peterson Ave.
Trujillo wanted to make sure that Fischer resonated with the queer community and that he faced the adversity that reallife queer people face. He and Bazaldua decided to make the character unhoused, because of the alarming number of gay youth facing homelessness. According to non-profit True Colors United, it is estimated that about 7 percent of youth in the United States are LGBTQ, while 40 percent of youth experiencing homelessness are LGBTQ. True Colors United also says that LGBTQ youth are 120 percent more likely to experience homelessness. "The housing crisis is something I’m confronted with every day in Los Angeles, and queer youth are among the most vulnerable. Only by drawing more attention to this can we hope to make a difference, and help the unhoused in our communities," Trujillo told Out Magazine. Bazaldua was tasked with designing the character. “I want to thank Editor Alanna Smith and Joshua Trujillo very much for asking me to create Aaron,” she said in a press release. “I really enjoyed designing him, and as a transgender person, I am happy to be able to present an openly gay person who admires Captain America and fights against evil to help those who are almost invisible to society. While I was drawing him, I thought, well, ‘Cap fights against super-powerful beings and saves the world almost always, but Aaron helps those who walk alone in the street with problems that they face every day.’ I hope people like the end result!” Bazaldua came out as a trans woman on her Twitter account in May 2020, further displaying Marvel Comics’s commitment to diversity with their creative staff as well. It is 2021, so it is inevitable that the character has already faced criticism before he has even debuted, mostly by conservative media outlets. Most notably, Newsmax host Grant
Stinchfield went on a tirade mocking the character live on air, with his co-host Grace Curley calling for a conservative superhero. With all of the positive changes, it isn't worthwhile to dwell on closedminded criticisms. Trujillo wants to make sure that readers understand his character is not replacing the original Captain America, Steve Rogers. “Captain America has a lot to carry on his shoulders. He's a projection of our nation's hopes and strengths, but he's also a living symbol of American history. There's a lot of pain in that history, and that's something a character called 'Captain America' always has to reckon with. Steve Rogers is the best of us. He leads with his heart, and he never gives up. But he's still human. He fails at times; he can lose sight of what he's fighting for, or become disillusioned. Underneath the powers and the costumes, he's just a fearless kid who desperately wants to do the right thing. Those are qualities that make him, and the other Captains America, so compelling to me as a fan, and as a writer,” he said to Newsarama.com. “Aaron is not the new Captain America, rather one of several new heroes inspired by Cap,” he continued. “You're going to meet him very early in his heroic journey. But you'll have to read the mini-series to find out what happens next.” “The United States of Captain America #1” is available everywhere comics are sold on June 30. by Dave Hamilton, from prepared materials
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Pride Events Calendar While June traditionally is brimming full of Pride Month events, the Coronavirus has caused changes and delays this year. Many events have been postponed or cancelled altogether. We have collected information on Pride events happening for the rest of June and beyond.
June 23
Navy Pier Pride Where: 600 E. Grand Ave. When: 1-11:30 p.m. What: Storytelling, music, dance across the Pier, live music in the Beer Garden. Featured performers include Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and Radio Gaga.
Virtual Reading: ‘Sweeter Voices Still’
June 26 & 27
When: 7 p.m. Where: Women & Children First’s Crowdcast Channel What: Every story about a kid from Iowa who steps off the bus in Manhattan, ready to "finally" live, is a story about a kid who was already living in Iowa. “Sweeter Voices Still” is a nonfiction collection about that kid, written by people like them. Edited by Ryan Schuessler and Kevin Whiteneir. More information at www.womenandchildrenfirst.com
Where: Right off the CTA Red Line Morse stop When: Noon to 10 p.m. What: North Side neighborhood Pride party, featuring DJs and live entertainment. FREE.
June 24
Hoopla Music: Elton John When: 6-7 p.m. Where: Zoom What: Starting with the sounds of the Rocket Man himself, Sir Elton Hercules John, learn how you can discover thousands of songs, movies and television shows with Hoopla, Chicago Public Library’s free streaming device. Register 24 hours ahead at chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events
June 26
Book Talk: ‘The Great Believers’ When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Where: Zoom What: Chicago native Rebecca Makkai captures the AIDS crisis, from a Chicago art gallery in the 1980s to Paris today. The Pullman Branch library will lead the discussion on this book, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, and winner of the Chicago Tribune’s Heartland Prize. More information from bsullivan@chipublib.org or 312.747.2033. Register 24 hours ahead at chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events
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June 26
Pride North
June 26 & 27
Pride in the Park When: 2-10 p.m. Sat, 3-10 p.m. Sun Where: Butler Field, 377 E. Monroe, Grant Park What: Headliners Chaka Khan, the 10-time Grammy winner and “Queen of Funk"; Gryffin, DJ Tiesto, Betty Who, Alyssa Edwards of Ru Paul’s Drag Race; Tracy Young, the first woman to win a Grammy for best remix; Derrick Carter, Black LGBTQ Chicago native; and more. 2-day General Admission $80+ fees age 15+; VIP $210+ fees age 21+. Those 11-14 must have a ticket and be accompanied by a ticketed adult; 10 and under admitted free with a ticketed adult. Please visit https://prideintheparkchicago.com for tickets and health requirements (including proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test within the previous 3 days.
This anthology of 800+ terms is supported by full color illustrations and photography as well as examples for those who don’t quite know how to use “kiki,” “polysexual” or “transmasculine” in a sentence, as well as the importance of pronouns, gender identity, Stonewall and more. Information at www.womenandchildrenfirst.com
June 30
August 14
Virtual Author Reading: ‘The Queens’ English’ When: 4 p.m. Where: Women & Children First’s Crowdcast Channel What: Do you know where “yaaaas queen!” comes from? How about the difference between a bear and a wolf? Author Chloe O. Davis, in conversation with Amanda Bruton, will enlighten you with her book, “The Queens’ English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases.”
10th Annual Highwood Pride Fest Where: Downtown Highwood When: Noon to bar closing What: Rainbow flags are up in June, but Pride Fest family picnic, pub crawl and drag show benefitting Highland Park H.S. Spectrum Club and Haven Youth & Family Services are postponed until August 14 because of COVID.
Pride in the Park
Navy Pier Pride
Pride Parade
Market Days
September 23 October 3
39th Annual Reeling Film Festival What: Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is the second longest-running film festival of its kind, and prides itself on showcasing the best LGBTQ+ films and videos each year. From award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts, Reeling has always presented a range of genres that demonstrate the rich diversity of work being produced. Not only has Reeling become one of the most important cultural events for Chicagoans, it also attracts LGBTQ+ people from throughout the Midwest who consider the festival to be the highlight of their cinematic year. Learn more and buy tickets at reelingfilmfestival.org
September 24 - 26
Back Lot Bash Where: 5238 N. Clark St. What: Showcasing local and emerging musicians as well as established performers of different genres, Back Lot Bash highlights unity, equality, and inclusiveness in an environment that is festive and celebratory of everyone in the community. It is also the best-attended Pride event dedicated to women. Details TBA.
Through September 12
October 3
TPAN Ride for Life Chicago
51st Annual Chicago Pride Parade
What: Choose your activity -- cycle 200 miles, walk 50 miles, run 100 – as part of “10,000 Together,” this year’s nationwide virtual challenge to support TPAN, which provides direct care and services for community members impacted by HIV, most of them low-income LGBTQ individuals and people of color. Choose any activity that is meaningful to you and, as the pandemic wanes, complete your part of the collective goal at your own pace this summer. There is no fundraising minimum and no cost to join. The finale will be a 100-mile cycling event on September 12. For more information and to sign up, please visit https://support.tpan. com
October 1 & 2
20th Annual Chicago Pride Fest Where: Northalsted, Halsted Street from Addison to Grace Streets. When: Fri Oct. 1 4-10 p.m.; Sat Oct. 2 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. What: The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, 3 stages, food and drink, 100+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, sponsor activations, games, giveaways and more. Performer lineup and vending information coming soon. $15 suggested donation.
Where: Northalsted. Parade kicks off at Broadway and Montrose and heads south on Broadway to Halsted, turns east on Belmont, south on Broadway, and east on Diversey, ending at Sheridan. When: Noon kick-off What: The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ events in the city. The Parade commemorates the marches at Stonewall with a famous 4-mile procession, traversing Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park. The annual event has grown into one of the largest parades in the country. Crowds are not expected to change, even in the cooler October weather. Try to reserve a spot along the route as early as you can.
Maybe?
Chicago is a Drag Fest City’s first-ever outdoor festival that showcases drag culture: TBD later this year.
See You Next Year!
Andersonville Midsommarfest The Andersonville neighborhood is one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ communities, which Midsommarfest celebrates, along with its Swedish roots. Postponed to 2022.
Proud to Run 5K/10K/Half Marathon Returning in 2022.
-Compiled by Suzanne Hanney & Dave Hamilton
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A Few notes on respect: how to ensure you'r by Phoenix Oaks / Street Roots / courtesy of INSP.ngo
As a trans man, I’d feel extremely uncomfortable and out of place going into a women’s shelter (especially since I pass as male and am legally male). At the same time, I’d unfortunately feel unsafe in a men’s shelter, too, given how high the risk of sexual assault would be there. Many people in this community first met me before I started transitioning. Don’t get me wrong — trans men and women should definitely be able to stay in men’s and women’s shelters respectively according to their correct genders, just as they should be able to use the correct restrooms. At the same time, given the current social climate, I believe that trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming people need their own shelter or shelter beds that they can go to if they feel safer there. As things are now, the places that serve folks who are struggling the most are often not safe or welcoming to us.
FROM THE STREETS
The importance of names and pronouns
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I've noticed that, unfortunately, staff and volunteers who run non-profits that serve poor and houseless folks are often unaware of how to treat transgender community members with basic respect. Some are outright unwilling to use trans people’s correct names or pronouns. That was my reason for putting together a presentation that the following tips were taken from. This lack of respect is especially unacceptable given that trans people make up a highly disproportionate percentage of houseless folks. We face very high rates of discrimination, violence, family and community rejection, harassment and suicide attempts because of transphobia. The last thing struggling trans folks need is to be mistreated in places like shelters, service centers, offices, medical clinics and places where they get food and use restrooms. I’ve experienced incessant misgendering and other forms of transphobia by a few people in some of these places. I’ve also seen trans people get harassed, discriminated against and misgendered by staff and other residents in shelters. I’ve been told by an employee at a shelter service that trans men can just go to the women’s shelter after I raised concerns about trans men and nonbinary people’s safety in shelters.
• Respect everyone’s right to selfidentify and express however they wish at any time and in any situation. • Once known, use ONLY a person’s chosen name and pronouns, unless they explicitly want you to do otherwise. This can be the case when a person is still in the process of coming out. • Don’t justify deadnaming (using a person’s former name) or misgendering. Apologize and correct yourself if you slip. • Legal names and genders are often NOT preferred and are not to be considered people’s “real” names or genders. • Don’t out anyone without permission.
re treating a trans person with dignity Actions, questions and statements to avoid • Unequal, stigmatizing, dehumanizing or awkward treatment such as staring; ceasing communication; deliberate deadnaming or misgendering; sharing medical/anatomical info, old photos or birth name without the trans person’s consent; transphobic jokes or stereotyping; or using mocking or condescending tone with chosen name or pronouns. • Anything invasive or objectifying about body, presentation, old or new name or appearance, or transition process. • Pressure to do anything that feels unsafe or dysphoria-inducing such as calling police, going to a place that doesn’t feel welcoming, or presenting as assigned gender for school or a family gathering. • Invalidating trans kids’ or youths’ needs or identities by claiming that they’re too young to know, that trans pre-teens shouldn’t go on puberty blockers, or that trans teens shouldn’t have hormone therapy, etc. • Anything that treats trans men as if they’re not real men or trans women as if they’re not real women, for example, stereotyping trans men as being better than cis men as if they’re not real men and masculinity is inherently toxic; treating trans women like they’re men invading women’s spaces; “We welcome women and trans people” on signs; and surveys that have “male,” “female,” “trans male,” and “trans female” as distinct options instead of “cis male,” “cis female,” “trans male,” and “trans female.” • Regarding nonbinary genders as less real or unreal; refusing to use gender-neutral pronouns or the Mx. honorific; or saying that they/them for one person is grammatically incorrect. • Falsely claiming that being trans is a mental illness, a trend or a personal choice; falsely claiming that science supports transphobia; or saying that being trans is against one’s culture, religion, feminism or beliefs. • Performative allyship, tokenism and inappropriate parading of trans identities. • Accusing trans people of being unreasonable or overly sensitive in response to their trauma, dysphoria, or unwillingness to take transphobia; blaming trans people’s unrelated issues on them transitioning; gaslighting; or saying “not all cis people” when they process their experiences. A self-portrait of Phoenix Oaks, originally published in the Street Roots 2019 Holiday Zine. INSET: Cover of Street Roots May 19 - 25, 2021.
• Treating transphobia like a lower-priority problem to address or a less serious/real oppression. • Arguing that trans people shouldn’t be allowed in certain jobs, roles or places for their correct genders, for example, sports teams, restrooms, the military, teaching, raising kids, religious/spiritual leadership and political office; or that trans prisoners or poor people shouldn’t be able to have surgery.
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Vendor a. Allen: Cap, you've come a long way “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby” is not only a song by Fatboy Slim. It was the motto used by Philip Morris to promote Virginia Slims cigarettes in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
cepted by men and the public.
I think the idea and phrase was saying that women until then were not allowed to vote, or to smoke in public. It was not ac-
It was the same way for African Americans. We have all come a long way in what is acceptable to society. Now the time has come for Captain America “to step up his game,” as we say on the street. Yes, when we look at reality and the way things are nowadays, homelessness and LGBTQ are a way of life. For Joshua Trujillo and Jan Bazaldua to put together a gay superhero who helps youth who are homeless is a really good thing. I remember when I was homeless for three years, and how rough it was to survive. I would tell the story of a man who was sitting on the roof of his house during a storm and flood. He prayed, “Lord, send someone to help me and my family.” Shortly after, another man came by in a boat and threw him a lifeline. The first man responded, “No thanks, I am waiting on the Lord.”
INSIDE STREETWISE 14
Then a helicopter came by with a ladder. Again, “No thanks, I am waiting on the Lord.” Finally, a ship came by and tossed him a raft. “No thanks, I am waiting on the Lord.” The man died and went to heaven. “Why didn’t you save me?” he asked the Lord. And the Lord responded, “I sent you three people and you refused.” That’s how I feel about being saved from homelessness. It doesn’t matter whether it is a government program, Black or white: I just want out. I am in a 12-step program and we just call it a Higher Power. It’s the same as a super power. You can make it whatever or whoever you like, as long as it saves you. Captain America, you’ve come a long way. Continue to save lives. Interior pages of "The United States of Captain America" #1 show the new Captain America, Aaron Fischer, interacting with a person experiencing homelessness (Marvel Comics image).
Streetwise 6/7/21 Crossword To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
Sudoku 5 6 7 8
Jack-tar 39 Poi source Perplexed 40 Ogled School org. 45 Nom de plume Brazilian 46 Entreaty dance 47 Breathes out 9 A lot of plot 51 Yellowfin, e.g. 10 White hat 53 Benefit wearer 54 Girl, in France 11 Refined 55 Lukewarm 12 Stair part 57 Alpha’s 13 Vicinities opposite 18 Pitfall 59 Swamp 22 Brio snapper 26 Impressed 61 Hoodlum 27 Persian spirit 62 Can be found 28 Kimono sashes in the road 30 Eye drop own 63 Slangy denial 31 Encourage 1 Casablanca 64 Shrinking 33 Table scraps pianist Asian sea 35 Bit of sweat 2 Paper holder 67 Bien’s 37 ©2021 GutterPuzzleJunction.com site 3 AssistantCopyright opposite 38 Starch 4 Kind of jar 68 Artful
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lastSudoku week's Puzzle Answers Solution
Solution
Sudoku Solution
Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at www.streetwise.org
1 Goblet feature 5 Alabama city 10 Makes a scene? 14 Volcanic rock 15 Environs 16 Shopping place 17 Pinnacle 18 Dried seaweed 19 Commune with the Almighty 20 Cast out 22 Petticoat junction 24 Engine need 25 State of mind 27 Light-footed 29 Free time ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com 32 Sgt. Snorkel’s dog 62 Justice symbols 7 Grazing sites 33 “Days of ___ 8 Riot spray 66 Nile reptiles Lives” 68 Flemish dialect 9 Obliquely 34 Gulf war 70 Box office take 10 Sound booster missile 11 Chocolate 71 In addition 36 Eagle’s claw substitute 72 Craters of the 40 Mountain 12 Hiker’s path Moon locale goat’s perch 73 Feudal worker 13 Newspaper 42 Softens section 74 Musical chairs 44 Seward 21 Paltry amount goal Peninsula city 75 Creepy 23 Baseball glove 45 Kind of roll 76 Deception 26 Stick-ons 47 Ponce de ___ 28 Bellyache 48 Louisville 29 Nessie’s Down Slugger hangout 49 Baby 30 Dollar rival 1 Thick slice protecters 2 Spanish snack 31 OPEC member 51 Ideas 32 Ancient Greek 3 Fifty-fifty 54 American elk 4 Precepts theaters 57 Hit the pool 35 Consume 5 Carpenter’s 58 River inlet 37 Timber wolf framework 59 Sea eagles 38 Muscat’s land 6 Go astray
39 New Jersey five 41 Mongolian desert 43 Type of hare 46 Bar mitzvah, e.g. 50 Golf score 52 Personal quirk 53 Photos, e.g. 54 Stoles 55 Seating request 56 ___ New Guinea 60 Classic art subject 61 Top banana 63 Mascara site 64 Lab item 65 Appear 67 Retired flier 69 Phi follower
How StreetWise Works
Our Mission
Orientation Participants complete a monthlong orientation, focusing on customer service skills, financial literacy and time management to become a badged vendor.
Financial Literacy Vendors buy StreetWise for $0.90, and sell it for $2. The profit of $1.10 goes directly to the licensed vendor for them to earn a living.
Supportive Services StreetWise provides referrals, advocacy and other support to assist participants in meeting their basic needs and getting out of crisis.
S.T.E.P. Program StreetWise’s S.T.E.P. Program provides job readiness training and ongoing direct service support to ensure participants’ success in entering the traditional workforce.
THE PLAYGROUND
To empower the entrepreneurial spirit through the dignity of self-employment by providing Chicagoans facing homelessness with a combination of supportive social services, workforce development resources and immediate access to gainful employment.
Crossword Across
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6 Modern (Prefix) 8 Embrace 0 Haiphong locale 2 Cereal topper 5 Top dog 6 Copycats 9 Hipbone bone 0 Charades, e.g. 1 Girasol, e.g. 2 Pigeon’s perch 3 Heidi’s home 4 Depend
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