May 30 - June 5, 2022 by StreetWise_CHI

May 30 - June 5, 2022 Vol. 30 No. 22

$1.10 + Tips go to vendor

Arts & (Home) Entertainment

6 7

SportsWise

More and more events are happening in Chicago, and we want you to know about the best of the best!

The SportWise team predicts the upcoming baseball season.

Cover Story: Gerber/hart library & archives

The Gerber/Hart Library and Archives is the largest circulating library of gay and lesbian titles in the Midwest, and it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Board Co-Chair James Conley reflects on the organization's history, while preparing for a bright future for the library.

From the Streets

The Playground

Marchers storm city streets in reaction to a leaked draft decision indicating that the Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade.

ON THE COVER: Illustration by Dave Hamilton. THIS PAGE: Volunteers and board members gather around a plush, sculpted lips and tongue at the Gerber/Hart Library & Archives, 6500 N. Clark St, 2nd Floor. The Lips were once part of the decor at Carol's Speakeasy, a well-known Chicago gay bar in Old Town that shuttered in 1992 (photo provided by Gerber/Hart Library & Archives). DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of StreetWise.

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 & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Compiled by Dave Hamilton

Old Tale, Modern Relevance!

‘When We Were Young and Unafraid’ AstonRep Theatre Company concludes its 2020-21 season with the Chicago premiere of Sarah Treem’s courageous drama. In the early 1970s, before Roe v. Wade, before the Violence Against Women Act, Agnes has turned her quiet bed and breakfast into one of the few spots where victims of domestic violence can seek refuge. But to Agnes’s dismay, her latest runaway, Mary Anne, is beginning to influence Agnes’s college-bound daughter Penny. As the drums of a feminist revolution grow louder outside of Agnes’s tiny world, Agnes is forced to confront her own presumptions about the women she’s spent her life trying to help. Playing at the Edge Off Broadway Theatre, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave., at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays until June 12. $20 at astonrep.com

A Night of Beauty!

Arbor Evenings Unwind with family and friends on Wednesday evenings this summer at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Mingle as you enjoy live music surrounded by beautiful trees on the picturesque Frost Hill. The event begins at 5:15 p.m. with music from 6 to 8 p.m., June 1 through August 24. Attendees are asked to bring blankets or chairs for lawn seating. Outside food and sealed non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Concessions serving food and beer, wine and cocktails will be available during the event. Tickets include admission to the Arboretum, activities and live music. Cost is $13 for guests, $5 for guest children age 2-17 (free for children ages 2 and younger), $8 for members, and free for members' children. Check mortonarb.org for tickets and updates.

A New Start!

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Home’ Cephus Miles has inherited a small farm in South Carolina from his family and he is content to work the land until his childhood sweetheart rejects him and goes off to college. Not believing in the Vietnam War, Cephus is imprisoned as a draft evader. By the time he is released, Cephus has lost his land to the tax collector, so he heads north to build a new life. He finds the big city exciting and rewarding, but the dream soon begins to fade. Playing at Noyes Cultural Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, starting June 4, at 7 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. $30 at fjtheatre.com

Run Today, Marathon Tomorrow!

The Run Show Chicago 2022 The Run Show Chicago brings together inspirational speakers, the latest gear, cutting-edge technology (including shoe recycling), expert coaches, the best races and a host of tasty nutrition products, all under one roof. This is the biggest community meet-up of the year and is perfectly timed for runners training for summer events. The Run Show is a community event for everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity or ability – if you take one step, then you’re a runner. Guest speakers include Carl Lewis, Sally McRae, Dean Karnazes, Mirna Valerio (The Mirnavator), and Zachary Friedly. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on June 4 & 5, $15. For tickets and a full schedule, visit runshowusa.com/chicago.

We Can Be Heroes!

'Don Quixote' After being postponed in February due to COVID-19, Don Quixote closes the curtain on The Joffrey Ballet’s 202122 season with a family-friendly, universally beloved story of adventure, romance, and the power of belief. The Joffrey Ballet performs the international classic for the first time since its world premiere in 2011, with choreography by Yuri Possokhov, set to the canonical score by Ludwig Minkus. Live music will be performed by Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck. There will be only 10 performances, at 7:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat and 2 p.m. SaturdaySunday, through June 12 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive. Tickets start at $35 at joffrey.org

Healthy & Happy!

Eriedescence After more than two years of virtual parties and Zoom gatherings, Erie Family Health Foundation is hosting the return of Eriedescence 6-10 p.m. June 1 at Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. The summertime festival features multiple food stations, drinks, a silent auction, game booths, dancing, music, and more. All proceeds support holistic health education programs that help more than 88,000 Erie patients live their healthiest lives. $125 at eriefamilyhealth.org

Lunchtime History Lesson!

Online Lunch & Learn: Jewish amd Indigenous People of Australia Irene Shaland explains how Aboriginal people played an important role in opening Australia to Jewish refugees escaping from the Nazi-occupied Europe and how, years later, the descendants of these refugees were at the forefront of the struggle for the human rights of Aboriginal people. In early December 1938, a delegation of Aboriginal people marched to Melbourne in the Australian state of Victoria. This was not a protest against a State or Federal government in defense of their own human rights: it was a brave action demanding Germany stop the prosecution of the Jews of Europe. Aboriginal people had no legal rights and were officially classified as an equivalent of “flora and fauna.” At the time, Australia maintained the “White Australia Policies” and considered Jews, though not classified as “colored,” to be the “others” who should not be issued entrance visas. $5, presented by the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Register online at https://ihm.ec/jewishindigenous.

Keep it Personal!

‘After the Blast’ Broken Nose Theatre, one of Chicago’s premier Pay-W hat-You-Can theatre companies, continues its 10th season with the Chicago premiere of Zoe Kazan’s smart and incisive sci-fi drama “After The Blast,” directed by ensemble member JD Caudill. Generations after a global disaster has driven humankind into underground cities, partners Anna and Oliver are hoping to have a child – even though Anna’s struggles with depression may prevent them from gaining the government approval needed to become parents. But when Oliver brings home a small robot – a new companion they name “Arthur” – their lives are changed forever. Zoe Kazan’s smart and incisive play asks, “W hen the future seems bleak, how do we form bonds and build lives in the face of uncertainty?” Playing Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m., as well as Monday May 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Learn more and get pay-what-you-can tickets at brokennosetheatre.com .

A Celebrated Video Game!

(Ghosttown) Spirit Simulator Chicago Gamespace presents an exhibition focused on the experimental art game (Ghosttown) Spirit Simulator. The game’s singular gritty and polarized black and white aesthetic made Spirit Simulator one of the most visually distinctive games in recent years. The exhibition features the playable game, an excerpt from the film, a new publication, and never-before-seen behindthe-scenes artworks from the Glitch Western world of (Ghosttown) Spirit Simulator. The public opening will be Friday, June 3. The exhibit will run 1-5 p.m. Sundays from June 5-July 31. General admission is $5. Kids under 12 and students with ID are FREE. Admission will also grant access to the Chicago Gamespace Video Game History Collection and Library and Archive. Half of exhibition profits will be donated to local Indigenous-led organizations.

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Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Patrick: Well, so far, we’ve gotten past the pandemichaze, as I like to call it, and we’ve gotten thru the lockout—now, we’re in it. Of course, I’m concerned with our White Sox and Cubs—at the moment, less so with the South Siders—but there are some very good and exciting teams out there. I can’t wait to see what October brings.

SPORTSWISE

Donald: I think about how I used to feel as a shorty when I would get up to the plate, my favorite bat in my hands. I’m swinging lightly, feeling like a major leaguer already. The rhythm’s moving, I’m hearing the soft beat of my theme song in my mind—this is how I feel about this upcoming season. I’m somewhat dreading that we have to get through a season to get to a champion! Russ: That’s funny, Don. All I know is that, though I love both teams, I’m ready for the White Sox to get us in a parade again this year. Not only do I love watching the Sox play, I love their parades… even though limited. John: I enjoyed the heck out of that parade as well, Russ. Russ: All right, so here’s my deal, fellas. I like the White Sox this year to, at the very least, win the Central—I believe we can get past Min-

nesota; unfortunately, there are some powerhouses in the American League this season. Patrick: It’s mostly the same teams from last year. Russ: True. The Yankees are doing their thing as they always seem to do. The Tampa Bay Rays are right behind the Yankees in their division. Of course, we have the Los Angeles Angels representing.

for this season’s end. Letting it marinate because I haven’t actually spoken it out loud yet. But, yeah, going back to the N.Y. connection, I wouldn’t mind seeing a subway series go down—could get interesting…. Patrick: Yeah, the last time it happened was 2000. Joe Torre led the Yankees to a 4-1 series win over a Bobby Valentine-led Mets.

Donald: Don’t forget the newly always-in-the-mix Houston Astros.

John: And before that, it goes way back to 1956. All the way to Casey Stengel!

John: Don’t be surprised, fellas, if we get a subway series this year. I’m feeling the slight possibility of the New York Mets meeting the New York Yankees in a series that, even, the most anti-New York fan would be interested in.

Russ: Now that’s straight old-school right there. I feel like, now, talking about Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron.

Donald: I could see that. However, I’m thinking something less “Wow” or obvious

Patrick: Who’s going to the Series, and who’s going to claim that Commissioner’s Trophy? Donald: What the heck’s a Commissioner’s Trophy?

Patrick: That, my friends, is the World Series’ trophy. Rashanah Baldwin Russ: White Sox over the N.Y. Mets. John: Though I wouldn’t mind seeing the subway series, I’m going Dodgers over the Yankees. Donald: I’ll go Tampa Bay Rays over the Washington Nationals. Patrick: Oh, wow, that is less “Wow” and obvious— okay…. Well, I believe it’s the White Sox’s year. White Sox over the Milwaukee Brewers. Wisconsin’s been in the mix in every sport, so why not baseball? John: The Hiawatha series. Chicago to Milwaukee Amtrak. Cool…. Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org

GErbeR/Hart:

Op-Ed:

The 'PEarL' oF ROgers ParK by James Conley

his January, amid the freezing cold Chicago winter and what felt like the final gamut of COVID-19 variants, a small group of folx joined the Board of the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives.

So in this spirit, please, allow me to (re)introduce the Gerber/ Hart Library & Archives! The Gerber/Hart Library & Archives is just that – a library and an archive. We’re in the top five largest collections of LGBTQIA history in the entire United States, and the biggest in the Midwest and Chicago area.

You might ask who “Gerber/Hart” is or was. We’re named for two important Chicago activists who changed the course of life for our LGBTQIA communities. Henry Gerber started the first LGBTQIA rights organization in the country in 1924, The Society for Human Rights, after seeing the gay liberation happening earlier in Weimar Germany. Pearl Hart was no less an innovator as a lesbian attorney working in Chicago in the 1950’s as a Public Defender in the Morals Court – defending immigrants and LGBTQIA folx, often for free, earning her the nickname the “Guardian Angel of Chicago’s Gay Community.” A group gathers at the Gerber/Hart Library & Archives, 6500 N. Clark St., 2nd Fl., with an intersex Pride flag.

COVERSTORY

If the name doesn’t spark recognition in you, I’m not terribly surprised. Although we just celebrated our triumphant 40th anniversary, name recognition is still hard for us to attain. I was a volunteer for six years before joining the Board with my cohort this winter and moving into the role of Co-President. From the very beginning, we collectively knew we wanted to work on our reputation in Chicago and the Midwest so that people could understand who we are and what we can offer the LGBTQIA community.

We have a circulating collection open to the public. Anyone can sign up for free and check out the books in our reading room. We have Special Collections full of historical copies of Midwest queer newspapers, journals, and pamphlets for research. Our Archives is full of stories – personal narratives of individuals, groups, and organizations as they lived their lives or fought for our rights across the last century.

Left: Cover art for the podcast "Unboxing Queer History" by the Gerber/Hart Library. Above: A very busy drag librarian, Saltine, hones her multitasking skills with volunteer David. Right: To make sure the Gerber/Hart Library experience is personal, volunteers share book recommendations. Opposite page: Volunteers gather around a lips and tongue display that was once part of the decor at Carol's Speakeasy, a famous but now shuttered gay bar in Old Town. The display is now part of the Gerber/Hart Archives. Volunteer curators Chase, James, Kurt, and Jen unveil the logo for their exhibit, "The City That Werqs: A History of Chicago's Drag Revolutionaries" at the Gerber/Hart Library & Archives. Volunteers enjoy some archived editions of "Daddy" magazine. All photos provided by Gerber/Hart Library.

With such big bonafides, you’d think we could rest on our laurels and let the world come to us. Not so much. As glamorous as a library and archive is, cough, it just doesn’t attract the kind of donors and visitors as your local theme park or gin joint. So just how *do* people find out about us and decide to see what we’re all about? Sometimes it’s due to the pedigree of our collections, but often the credit really goes to our brilliant volunteers who’ve kept the doors open for decades. Though not-for-profits generally need staff and money to keep the doors open (yes money, we love money too!) we’ve survived and thrived over the last 40 years on the generosity of our volunteer force. We only made our first position hires about six years ago. Since then, we secured an outstanding Mellon Foundation grant to fund a few more positions. Again, so much of the credit for winning that grant is due to the volunteers who did the work to earn it. These folx come in on our four open days, they process donations, circulate books and videos to visitors, share insights with researchers and curious newcomers, and build historical exhibits that try to convey to the wider world the stakes and joys of the period or theme they’re covering. This is our most valuable resource – our group of committed volunteers and community allies who take time out of their lives to dig into these rich and often mysterious collections, sort them and make them understandable, and begin to highlight the many shocking, triumphant, or emotional stories hidden within. I was lucky enough to serve as one of a group of curators on a few exhibits ranging from the first homophile (or LGBTQIA-rights) organizations to the rise of 90’s Queer liberation in Chicago. I have seen exhibit crowds grow from 20 attendees to sold-out events with 150+ eager

queers filling our rooms and hallways, laughing and reveling in their own history. Seeing a drag performer or former leader of an activism movement see themselves represented in an exhibit is a truly powerful experience. Knowing that with their help and stories we got it right, is one of the best moments I can describe. But we’re not just exhibits – our volunteers have built and run an incredible social media mini-empire on Instagram, with folx all over the world excitedly waiting to see what treasures will be revealed or what new unseen vintage photo of Miss Tillie, “The Dirty Old Lady of Chicago,” on #TillieTuesdays. This push to share our history with the world has been a growing focus of the organization over the years, how we want to reach out to you, dear readers, and say “this place has something for you.” Perhaps no one method has been quite so successful as this year’s launch of “Unboxing Queer History,” a podcast thought up, grant-funded by, and edited by a coalition of volunteers, staff, and community partners. Jen Dentel, Erin Bell, Ari Mejia, and Hannah Viti have created an incredible series about the history of many of the artifacts and personalities featured in our collections. They’ve chatted with some of our esteemed former Board Presidents, like Carrie Barnett and historian John D’Emilio, members of activist groups like Amigas Latinas, and trans pioneer Lorrainne Sade Baskerville. This podcast has reached its arms across the internet and embraced so many, taught them some history, brought them to joy and tears. It’s such a testament to the power of small community organizations and the cultures they can foster. Though we’ve had some wonderful moments in the press in the past, it’s this show and the way these personal stories

connect with all of us that has really brought a much larger awareness of the Gerber/Hart over the last six months. Many people stream through our doors now to check out our exhibits, to offer their service as volunteers, and just to stop by and chat with us about how we do what we do, and it’s thanks to the incredible work of our community that people are finding out about us. People have often asked me “why” when it comes to the Gerber/Hart. They’ve said they see the value, but why devote so much time to an organization where I’m not earning money, on top of my other job. It’s because of this community. It’s because of the treasures locked in our collections. That’s the long and short of it for me. When I started as a volunteer six years ago, in my early 30s, I was taken under the wings of a few special volunteers. It was probably one of the first times I’d ever been in a situation where I actually got to connect to queer folx more than a decade or two older than myself, or where I was in the presence of young folx just coming to grips with their identities. Through these inter-generational friendships, I was reminded just how far we have come, and how much farther we have yet to go. I was able to bear witness to someone else’s lived experiences and how they reconciled their identities. And by these relationships and through the materials I processed and researched, I came to a new sense of identity for myself – realizing the “otherness” I always felt as a mixed-race gay kid trying to fit into all of these identity groups didn’t mean there was no place for me, rather quite the opposite: the Queer movement of the 90’s, both a reclamation of a slur and an embracing of the "other," fit me better than any other label I’d ever met. I’m not sure I’d ever have had that moment of self-discovery if not for my work with the community within the Gerber/Hart.

So after 40 years and a hit podcast, you might think this is the end of the story, right? In fact, we’re just getting started. Seeing the fruits of our labor has only emboldened us to push harder, step farther into the spotlight and open our doors even wider to the community. Over the next few years, we’ll be building new and strengthening old relationships with other community organizations and donors, working actively to further develop our collections of materials to be ever more inclusive (white cis-gendered narratives, even in LGBTQIA history, are still the most shared and we’re looking to change that), and to continue to innovate with public programming that will educate and illuminate. We want to provide platforms for organizations and folx who haven’t had them, and to be at the top of the minds of educators across the region teaching LGBTQIA history. And yes, we’d love to be at the forefront of your mind when an individual or large organization is looking to make financial donations. It’s still the primary way we keep the doors open and our staff paid. But a real message from us is for folx with their own histories and personal papers: “we’re here, we’re queer, we’ll keep your stuff safe and make sure your history lives on.” Many people have heard or remember that the first Pride parade was a protest. Fewer know that, by a few hours, it took place in Chicago. We’ve got a copy transferred to DVD from super 8 film. You should come check it out. It feels incredibly fulfilling that as we celebrate our 40th anniversary year, we’ve been chosen as an honored guest by the Chicago Pride Parade. For the first time ever, we will have a beautiful float displaying images of that history in partnership with our sponsors at Hyatt Hotels. If you can’t make it up to Rogers Park to see us, come see us at the parade this year. You might find a reflection of yourself in us.

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PRiDE EvEnts compiled by Dave Hamilton

June 1 | 6-10pm

June & July

Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Dusable Lake Shore Drive In partnership with A Queer Pride, meet old friends and new while exploring the diversity of the aquatic animal world with multiple DJs and an oceanthemed drag showcase. 21+. $39.95 non-Chicago resident, $19.95 Chicago resident, $14.95 Shedd members at sheddaquarium.org.

Two new feature films including “Look Me Over: Liberace” and “Schoolmaster Games,” as well as a two-week festival of shorts, all available for streaming. $10 per program, learn more at pridearts.org

Pride Night at Shedd Aquarium

June 1 | 6pm

Higher Love - Pride Month Kick Off

Palmhouse, 619 Howard St., Evanston An interactive experience designed to spotlight brands, discover new opportunities, and network with like-minded canna-seurs! Hosted by Bambi Banks Coulee, with fabulous performances by Khloe Coulee and Kenzie Coulee and our Star, RuPaul Drag Race Season 13 contestant and Chicagoan, Denali Foxx. $60 at www.eventhi.io/event/higher-love---pridemonth-kick-off-5978

PrideArts Summer Film Fest

June 2 | 8am - 11:30 pm

Highwood Pride Fest

Downtown Highwood, 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood Recognized as one of the first communities on Chicago’s North Shore to host a Pride Fest, Highwood brings people together from all over to celebrate diversity. This family friendly/ all-ages concept kicks off Pride Month with a day of fabulous fun, starting with a ‘Pride Rocks’ family picnic at noon, followed by an 18+ only drag show at 6 PM, a 21+ only ‘Taste the Rainbow’ Pub Crawl and End of the Rainbow DJ Dance Party. FREE. June 2 | Noon

PRIDE & Prejudice: LGBTQ+ Voices Under Nazism

Join Illinois Holocaust Museum’s Director of Education, Leah Rauch, and Associate Manager of Education, Matthew Sackel, as they share little-known stories of LGBTQ+ people who perished or survived the Nazi regime and reflect on the importance of being a voice for those who were silenced. $5 at https://ihm.ec/pride2022.

Artemis Singers (courtesy photo).

June 4 | 4 p.m.

Artemis Singers: 'Leaping Lesbians! A Celebration of Lesbian Life' Pride Concert

Forest Glen Woods Picnic Grove #1, 5420 N. Forest Glen Ave. Artemis Singers, Chicago’s lesbian feminist chorus, kicks-off Pride Month with an outdoor Pride concert. For tickets, donate online in advance at artemissingers.org/donate-now or donate in person at the event. Artemis Singers is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Contributions are tax deductible. June 7 | 7pm

OUTspoken!

Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. LGBTQ+ Stories, our monthly storytelling event celebrating uniquely personal stories from a cross-section of the LGBTQ+ community. FREE admission. June 10-12

Andersonville Midsommarfest

Clark @ Catalpa Fri 5-10 p.m., Sat & Sun, Noon-10 p.m. Now in its 56th year, festival has stage curated by the Swedish American Museum; the Pride Stage, Family Stage, and others featuring more than 50 music and entertainment artists. Lineup includes The Prince Experience, Dos Santos, Sixteen Candles, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, Radiogaga, and more. Proceeds benefit Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, Babes with Blades Theatre Company, Care for Real, Friends of Andersonville, Friends of Chappell, local block clubs. $10 suggested donation. andersonville.org

June 10 - July 17

Tommy On Top

Pride Arts Center, 4139, N. Broadway TOMMY ON TOP is a laugh out loud bedroom farce about a closeted hunky actor, Tommy Miller, who is about to become the first gay actor to win an Oscar – if he plays his cards right and keeps his queerness at bay. $35, full schedule and tickets at pridearts.org. June 11 & 17 | 7pm

Fun with Balls & Drag Queens!

Get in the Kitchen, 3617 N. Broadway Cooking demonstrations hosted by sassy drag queens. $55 at eventbrite.com. June 13 | 7:30 pm

Gryder and Sula Celebrate Kander and Ebb

Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway Scott Gryder and Nick Sula perform the lesser-known gems of 2 of Broadway's greatest songwriters. $20 at pridearts. org.

Gay Pride Parade (Dawn Mueller photo).

June 17 | 11am-10pm

LGBTQ+ Forest Therapy Walk

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle Take a mindful, three-hour walk with certified Forest Therapy guide Jessica Rodriguez (they/ them) on the Arboretum’s beautiful grounds. A tea ceremony will conclude the walk, with tea made from edible plants foraged along the trail. $45. Sign up at mortonarb.org. June 18-19 | 11am-10pm

Chicago Pride Fest

Halsted St. from Addison to Grace St. Celebrate LBGTQ+ life, culture and community with headliners and local artists on three stages, food, 150 arts/crafts vendors, DJs, drag shows, dancing, pet parade, games, giveaways, and more. Lineup includes Alaska Thunderf*ck, Dorian Electra, CupcakKe, Netta, The Aces, Mila Jam, Grag Queen, Madison Rose. $15 suggested donation. northalsted.com/pridefest

June 17 | 7pm

WSO Celebrates Juneteenth & Pride Month

Waukegan High School, 2335 Brookside, Waukegan Join the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra (WSO) in celebrating Juneteenth and Pride Month. Tickets start at $10 at waukeganil.gov/calendar.aspx June 20 | 7:30pm

Kyra Leigh Cabaret

Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway Kyra will perform an eclectic set of songs ranging from pop to rock to TV/film music as part of the “Songs That Kept Me Sane W hen The World Met The Pandemic” series. $20 at pridearts.org .

June 24-26

Back Lot Bash

5238 N. Clark St. W here the girls come out to play – and to showcase female artists and community organizations -during Pride Weekend. Backlotbashchicago.com .

June 24 - 26 | Noon-1am

Pride North Chicago

Morse CTA Redline stop Chicago's largest North Side neighborhood Pride Party. Featuring DJ's and live entertainment, including DJ Riley York, Lawrence, Laura B and more. FREE.

June 25 | 8am

40th Annual Proud to Run

Kick off at 601 W. Montrose Ave. Proud to Run Chicago is a 501(c)(3) charity. Its mission is to support organizations empowering the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago. Gifts to Proud to Run are fully deductible for United States federal income tax purposes, subject to the limitations placed on charitable gifts by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The Proud to Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon is organized by an all-volunteer, community-based board of directors. Register at proudtorunchicago.org June 25 | Noon-11:30pm

Navy Pier Pride

600 E. Grand Ave. This free, full-day event celebrates diversity, inclusivity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Festivities include live music, educational programs, performances from local LGBTQIA+ artists, on-site resources from community partners and more. Event schedule TBA. June 25

Chicago Dyke March

A grassroots mobilization and celebration of dyke, queer, bisexual and transgender resilience. March details TBA. Check facebook.com/DykeMarchChicago for updates. June 25 & 26 | 2-10pm

Pride in the Park

Butler Field, 377 E. Monroe, Grant Park Annual outdoor event features LGBTQ+ performers, artists, vendors and more. Headliners include The Chainsmokers and Alesso, with a special guest TBA. General admission $45+ at prideparkchi.com

Northalsted Market Days (Northalsted Business Alliance photo).

Bambi Banks Couleé and Denali Fox at "Higher Love" (Freddie Collier photo).

June 26 | Kick off at Noon

Gay Pride Parade

Montrose Avenue and Broadway to Diversey Pkwy and Sheridan Road Pride Weekend, always the last in June, commemorates the uprising outside NYC’s Stonewall Inn in 1969 that started the Gay Pride movement. One million attendees are expected, with energetic crowds lined up to 40 feet deep in Boystown, but fewer people north of Irving Park Road and along Broadway. FREE. chicagopride.gopride.com/info.cfm August 6 & 7 | 11am-10pm

Northalsted Market Days

Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison Half-mile long lineup of live music on six stages, 250+ vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJs, dancing and more. $15 suggested donation helps local non-profits and Chicago Pride Crosswalks. northalsted.com/ marketdays September 22 - October 2

Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival

The second longest-running film festival of its kind, Reeling showcases the artistic contributions of LGBTQ+ filmmakers, with a mission to educate and counteract stereotypes. Visit reelingfilmfestival.org for full schedule and tickets.

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Marchers protest supreme court's po by Suzanne Hanney, Judi Strauss-Lipkin contributing

FROM THE STREETS

The Women’s Marches in Chicago and across the nation May 14 and 15 attracted old and young of all races, mothers and daughters, and men, too. Whole families had stories to share of abortions that saved lives, created hope and gave them futures. They stood up individually and as a marching, chanting group, with signs proclaiming a woman’s right to choose: the law of the land since the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade in 1973 – before many of those marching were born.

“We should not have to continue to have this fight at this point of our lives,” said Elizabeth Klobucher of Lakeview, at Rally for Roe in Federal Plaza May 14, following the leak of a draft decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that indicates the likely reversal of Roe. “I don’t think it should be overturned. I think it should be codified into law, so we don’t have to continue to have this fight over and over, decade after decade. My generation should not have fewer rights than my grandparents’ generation and it should be a personal decision.” Rally for Roe organizer Michelle Rodriguez said the Federal Plaza action was designed to combat the outdated thinking that feminism is only for cis-gendered white women who are deeply rooted in the community. “We have to see how we can support all these other, marginalized women, especially when it comes to reproductive rights.” Caitlin Cervenka, a staff attorney with Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE) and a sexual violence survivor herself, said the issue is intersectionality, because sexual exploitation impacts Black and Brown women disproportionately. “My clients find me in the wake of sexual violence, trying to find out what options they have, reclaiming their power in the face of patriarchal violence.

“It’s a gut punch to learn that a decision as profound as one related to pregnancy is on the verge of being stripped from people who deserve to have dominion over their bodies; it’s a direct attack on autonomy,” Cervenka said. “It fails to recognize the pervasiveness of intimate partner violence and sexual violation, amplifies these abuses and upholds rape culture.” Susanna Johnston, 39, described how she had been at a bar with a girlfriend 20 years ago. Both of them had been raised religious. Johnston decided to go to the restroom, when a man offered to escort her. How nice of him, she thought. Instead, the man pushed her into the single stall restroom and took advantage of her against the sink. When she called him up, he told her to keep the baby. “I went to Planned Parenthood,” Johnston told the crowd. “I did what was right for me. I did what I needed to do.” It was 10 years before she could talk about it. A friend responded, “you were raped.” Samantha Smyser was 19 when she found herself pregnant. She had gone off the Pill when she found it was not a good fit. She was working multiple jobs to pay her tuition. Her partner was extremely controlling and manipulative.

ossibility of overturning roe v. wade

Left: Photos by Kathleen Hinkel for the Chicago Reader. Above & Lower Right: Sunday, May 15 march around City Hall (photos above and lower left by Lori Strauss Feldman and lower right by Judi Strauss-Lipkin). Above Right: Caitlin Cervenka, a staff attorney with Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation. Samantha (left) and Alexis Smyser (Photos by Suzanne Hanney).

“As a teenager I had walked into Vida/SIDA on Division Street in Humboldt Park,” said Samantha, who co-hosts the Humboldt Parkbased Sistemic Podcast about Black and Latinx women with her twin sister, Alexis Smyser. “Little did I know that that information was going to save my life.” Samantha knew immediately she could not physically, emotionally or financially have a baby. In addition, soon after she made her decision, her partner became more abusive and dangerous. He stalked her and sexually assaulted her after they separated. “I can’t imagine if I lived in a world where I was forced to carry my abuser’s child, to be legally chained to my abuser for life,” she said tearfully. “I am grateful I do not live in that reality, but that is the reality for so many who live in Texas, and even more will be living it if there is a decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.” Family planning is essential to economic success, Alexis Smyser said, but it was nonexistent at her all-girls’ high school, unlike Vida/ SIDA, which Samantha found walking down the street. In addition, it was more common for her Black and Brown classmates to be in abusive relationships than not. “The majority of girls I graduated with were pregnant within a year or two of graduation,” Alexis said. “We know that an unplanned pregnancy will push people into debt and poverty. It will disproportionately impact marginalized people.”

Lauryn Bergert, a second-year doctoral student in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University, said that in a 2005 Guttmacher Institute study of 1,200 abortion patients, 48 percent were in problematic relationships or didn’t feel safe to have a child with their partner. Having a child would interfere with their ability to work, pursue their goals or care for dependents they already had, according to 74 percent. Motherhood is a personal choice, Bergert said, based on whether a woman has enough support around her. “Yet we are asking these questions in a country that doesn’t have universal health care, doesn’t have access to affordable childcare. So many people are living in unsafe conditions, with little access to adequate education or to pursue education at an affordable cost. Our main goal should be to pursue a world of equity: health care for all, safe housing and education for all.” Cervenka called herself “proud to live in a state with laws that protect abortion.” The Reproductive Health Act enacted by the Illinois General Assembly in 2019 allows women to use or refuse birth control or sterilization, and to have an abortion. However, she said, every state surrounding Illinois will criminalize or severely limit reproductive health care immediately after Roe is reversed, which will overwhelm the reproductive health care system here. “We’ve codified our laws in Illinois but we’re still not safe,” said Alexis Smyser. “We’re close to having a conservative majority in our state Supreme Court, so the primary on June 28 is very important. This isn’t a moment for us to lose hope. It’s a moment for us to show up like all of you are."

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1 to 9.

Streetwise 5/1/17 Crossword To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Sudoku

59 Dye-yielding shrubs 60 A Judd 61 Friend of Frodo 62 Diarist Samuel 63 Ethyl acetate, e.g.

12 Stops sleeping 38 To the ___ 13 Building degree material 39 Music genre 18 Encounter 41 Saffron22 Look after flavored dishes 24 Wipeout? 42 Lone-Star State 25 Vatican City city 26 One of the 43 Large lizard Clantons own 44 Swindled 1 Gadfly larvae 27 Extinct flightless person 2 Atmosphere bird 45 St. Paul’s 3 Don’t draw, in 28 Infamous 1972 architect hurricane poker 47 Salad ingredient 29 Abbr. after many 49 Crackerjack 4 Urban ___ 5 Pitches a general’s name 50 Smart-alecky 30 Peruvian coin 6 Scale 51 Without 7 Pro ___ 32 Auxiliary purpose 35 Mandela’s org. 8 Dead against 53 Prison term 9 Highlander 36 Design item on 54 Prince of Wales, a dress, maybe 10 Word said with e.g. 37 It’s often left a salute 56 Mountain pass 11 Tubular food hangingPuzzleJunction.com 57 Early afternoon Copyright ©2017

last week's Solution Puzzle Answers

Solution

PuzzleJu

Crossword Across 1 Iraqi port 6 Steep rugged cliffs 11 Baglike structure 14 Revealed, as a secret 15 Island west of Maui 16 Miracle response 17 Broadcaster 19 Hasty escape 20 Rational 21 Internet messages 22 Bit of filming 23 Hardly Mr. Cool 25 Macho guys 26 Disclose 28 Incendiary 31 Eucalyptus muncher 59 Dye-yielding 32 Like some shrubs customs 60 A Judd 33 Dig in 61 Friend of Frodo 34 Beatific 62 Diarist Samuel 36 Prospector’s 63 Ethyl acetate, need e.g. 39 Bankrolled 40 Athletic game Down 42 Splits up 1 Gadfly larvae 45 Fortune 2 Atmosphere 46 Light-footed 3 Don’t draw, in 47 Stream poker 48 Gambler’s 4 Urban ___ hope 5 Pitches 49 Blazing 6 Scale 52 Strip of wood 7 Pro ___ 55 Back muscle, 8 Dead against for short 9 Highlander 56 Formerly 10 Word said with popular song a salute 58 Blackbird 11 Tubular food

12 Stops sleeping 13 Building material 18 Encounter 22 Look after 24 Wipeout? 25 Vatican City 26 One of the Clantons 27 Extinct flightless bird 28 Infamous 1972 hurricane 29 Abbr. after many a general’s name 30 Peruvian coin 32 Auxiliary 35 Mandela’s org. 36 Design item on a dress, maybe 37 It’s often left hanging

38 To the ___ degree 39 Music genre 41 Saffronflavored dishes 42 Lone-Star State city 43 Large lizard 44 Swindled person 45 St. Paul’s architect 47 Salad ingredient 49 Crackerjack 50 Smart-alecky 51 Without purpose 53 Prison term 54 Prince of Wales, e.g. 56 Mountain pass 57 Early afternoon

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