Weekly news from the GLBT world http://www.windycitytimes.com/windycitytimes.html 2010-07-30T03:17:07-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://www.windycitytimes.com/images/publications/wct/2010-07-28/current.jpg text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27465 Cook County Human Rights Commission Finds Substantial Evidence of Discrimination In Firing of Gay Former School Superintendent Represented by Lambda Legal text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Rex Wockner http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27467 ~ text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27470 FROM A PRESS RELEASE text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27473 According to an update from the World Health Organization WHO , approximately 5.2 million people around the world were being treated for HIV at the end of last year. "This is the largest increase in people accessing treatment in a single year. It is an extremely encouraging development," said Dr. Hiroki Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases. At the XVIII International AIDS Conference—in Vienna, Austria, July 18-23—WHO called for earlier treatment for people with HIV. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Andrew Davis http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27474 Charges were dropped against openly gay Lt. Dan Choi and Capt. James Pietrangelo July 14 regarding their protests at the White House in March and April, according to Newsweek. Choi and Pietrangelo were charged with failing to obey police orders when they handcuffed themselves to the White House gates in order to protest "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Choi told Advocate.com, "I certainly am overwhelmed with that feeling of vindication for the whole civil disobedience, direct-action ideals. It was certainly justification—but it was clear the government was embarrassed to do that." text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27480 In June, Janice Langbehn and her family visited President Barack Obama in the White House. In a speech at the White House's LGBT Pride reception, Obama said, "Just a few moments ago, I met with Janice Langbehn and her children. ... And when Janice's partner of 18 years, Lisa, suddenly collapsed because of an aneurysm, Janice and the couple's three kids were denied the chance to comfort their partner and their mom—barred from Lisa's bedside. It was wrong. It was cruel. And in part because of their story, I instructed my Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, to make sure that any hospital that's participating in Medicare or Medicaid—that means most hospitals —allow gay and lesbian partners the same privileges and visitation rights as straight partners." text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27494 Analysis by Jim Pickett text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Ross Forman http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27526 Hector Torres has a simple goal for Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany: finish among the top three in all of the sports that he participates in. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27561 Saying that the post did not feel right for her and citing an exhausting schedule, talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres is leaving her position as judge on American Idol, according to People.com. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27464 by GoPride.com News Staff text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Kristin Kowalski http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27485 Almost nine months after losing their son, mothers Joy McCormick and Siu Moy are still dressed in black and wear necklaces with Frankie's face and name on them, so that he is always close to their hearts. In their home, they have a table full of memories of Frankie—pictures as a baby with Joy to a photo of a rainbow that appeared on the morning he was buried, Sox memorabilia, and many other little things that his mothers collected throughout his life. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Ross Forman http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27466 Michael Scott McBride wrote a love song, I Don't Want To Fall In Love, and premiered it last August to his partner and friends—on the night McBride and Rodrigo Carrillo announced their engagement. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Chuck Colbert http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27490 In spite of initial claims made to the contrary by repeal-the-ban advocates, Pentagon officials did, in fact, survey servicemen about racial integrations and serving with Blacks prior to President Harry S. Truman's July 26, 1948 executive order integrating the armed forces. The Advocate's Kerry Eleveld reported the news early last week, quoting a Department of Defense DoD spokeswoman, Cynthia Smith, who told her, "Prior to President Truman's 1948 executive order integrating the armed forces, our preliminary research shows that branches of the armed forces undertook a number of modestly sized surveys of the attitudes of enlisted and non-enlisted troops concerning racial issues, integration, and morale." text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Lisa Keen, Keen News Service http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27493 Both "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" DADT and same-sex marriage continued to be prominent focal points of the confirmation proceedings for Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court, as the Senate Judiciary Committee recommended the confirmation July 20. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Kristin Kowalski http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27486 "Today, I honor your caring and kindness, your distinct sense of humor," said Kevin Tindell in his vows to William Hall during their marriage ceremony on a float in the Toronto Pride Parade July 3. The moment was captured in a video, which is posted on the Global Toronto website. Kevin and William were chosen as one of six couples whose stories won them a trip to Toronto and a marriage ceremony on a float in the parade, all courtesy of Mancrunch.com, a dating website for gay men. Windy City Times sat with the couple to discuss the historic event. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com David Byrne with Tony Peregrin http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27489 On the single All the Lovers, Kylie Minogue confesses, Dance. It's all I wanna do. So won't you dance? Then on the Dolly Parton-gone-disco like Better Than Today, she ponders, What's the point in living if you don't wanna dance? These sum up the spirit of the breast-cancer survivor's dynamic eleventh studio album, Aphrodite. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Andrew Davis http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27472 The Melissa Etheridge-Tammy Lynn Michaels split is becoming increasingly bitter. According to US Magazine, Etheridge, 49, has now accused Michaels, 35, of using their twins as "pawns." Etheridge is claiming that Michaels tricked her, having the singer think that she was meeting her own kids when she was actually served with court papers. Michaels has said that she does not understand why Etheridge cannot provide spousal support, considering the singer allegedly makes at least $600,000 per month. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Steven Chaitman http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27481 Nearly 250 people gathered on a rooftop July 22 for gourmet barbecue; drinks; views of Millennium Park and the Loop—and a good cause. The Up on the Roof event earned more than $22,000 for the Test Positive Aware Network TPAN , an organization that provides programs, support services and advocacy for those living with HIV. All of the money was net profit and able to go straight to ensuring the continuance of these services and TPAN's ability to provide them to anyone in need. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Nick Kurczewski, Gaywheels.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27488 General Motors GM presented its Designing Women exhibition, a look back at the influence of female automotive designers within the American automotive giant, June 28 at the Museum of the City of New York. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Scott C. Morgan http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27507 Director Jessica Thebus first got to know playwright Sarah Ruhl when she taught her as a student at the Piven Theatre Workshop in Evanston where Thebus herself was once a student . Over time, Thebus would work alongside Ruhl as a fellow Piven drama instructor, and then as a highly esteemed director and interpreter of her work. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27504 Robert James Mazzacone died July 17 after a short illness July 17, according to a post on the website of AChurch4Me. He was 55. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Casey Williams, Gaywheels.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27517 There's a saying in Texas about a cowboy being all hat and no cattle. You see them all over—driving their pickup trucks and SUVs to collect the kiddies at dance class or pulling a lone Jet Ski to a mud puddle. When these over-starched cowpokes really need a truck, they choose some wimped-out pretenders that can barely wheeze under their own load. Buying a Ford F250 Super Duty with a diesel engine will put to rest all rumors about the size of their cattle. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Billy Masters http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27524 Ciao, bambini. Billy's off to Italy. I usually keep the details of my international travels quiet, but I'm on a mission. Picture it. Milan—1995. A fetching lad, not yet at his sexual peak, was climbing the steps of the Duomo when he possibly pushed a pack of nuns who may have tumbled down a narrow, stone staircase. The mother superior, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Ernest Borgnine, muttered something in Latin that didn't sound like a blessing. To break this curse, I plan to re-enact this journey without bothering anyone even remotely connected to the clergy—including any former altar boys seeking penance and/or payoffs. I can't say I'm particularly optimistic. A few months ago, I attempted this feat only to find that the roof was closed. It was a sign—figuratively, symbolically and literally. It may have been in Italian, but there was an actual sign! Oy... text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27528 After 17 years serving the Chicago community, the Aldo Castillo Gallery is scheduled to close on Aug. 28, according to a press release from the gallery. Director Aldo Castillo has accepted the role of associate director at the Miami International Art Fair. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27475 Public art, in many respects, is a mechanism for community engagement. It brings people together by providing an opportunity for collaboration and expression. The residents of Lakeview know this well. On July 27, dozens of residents and local business owners along with the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce unveiled their latest installment at the corner of Broadway and Oakdale: a community mural that welcomes visitors to the neighborhood. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27476 National Endowment of the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman has announced that the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs DCA , in partnership with the Departments of Community Development DCD and Zoning and Land Use Planning DZP , have been awarded a $250,000 grant to initiate the next stage of planning for the transformation of four landmark industrial buildings into the Cermak Creative Industry District CCID . The grant will go toward providing affordable and sustainable spaces for a vibrant mix of creative businesses and work spaces for the arts. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27478 It was a feast for the eyes as well as for the palate July 22 at the annual Chefs and the City, Vital Bridges' dining extravaganza that took place at the Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior. Stylish individuals including models, who were part of the landscape sampled dishes ranging from aged ribeye to passionfruit custard. In addition, attendees bid on silent-auction items and DIFFA received the Robert S. Mayo Extra Helping Award named after a Vital Bridges board member and key leader who passed away in 2009 . text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Chasse Rehwinkel http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27479 Fighting early bad weather and a few down CTA stops, the seventh annual Disability Pride Parade kicked off July 24 to well over one thousand attendees. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Ames Hawkins http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27482 As my family well knows, roadside attractions don't often attract me. I'm not compelled by big balls of string, souvenir stands, or scenic views. I'm one of those road-trippers who races herself, tries to "make good time," stop as little as possible. I literally run to and from the bathroom while the gas is pumping and eat most all of my food in transit so that I don't lose time. But, there is one reason why I may want to blow my run at a "personal best" in travel time: the random, local fruit and vegetable stand. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Meghan Streit http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27483 If you liked watching Stephanie Izard beat out the competition on season four of Top Chef, you're going to love watching her work her culinary magic live at her new West Loop Restaurant, Girl & the Goat. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27484 Transgender actress/entertainer Candis Cayne entertained the masses at Boystown nightspot Spin July 24, even bringing several eager individuals on stage to perform the Glee version of "Don't Stop Believin'." text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27503 G. Michael Blizzard passed away July 16. He was 54. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Jerry Nunn http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27487 Lady Bunny is the founder of Wigstock and an inspiration to many men who have donned a dress. Now she brings her knowledge to Drag U to school some new students. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Rex Wockner http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27491 Members of direct-action group GetEQUAL halted traffic on the Las Vegas Strip at the New York-New York hotel's Statue of Liberty July 20 to protest U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's perceived inaction on the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Andrew Davis http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27495 Michael Jackson—found guilty of murder in 2006—may be released before his projected parole date of July 20, 2011. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27496 The simple battery charge leveled against gay-rights activist Marc Loveless was dropped July 20, according to the Cook County state's attorney's office. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27497 The 2010 deadline to nominate individuals and organizations for induction into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame has been extended to Tuesday, Aug. 3. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27498 Countering the phrase "There's no such thing as a free lunch," Youth Pride Center YPC is offering just that to LGBTQA youth 18 and under every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 2-4 p.m., at the Fellowship Hall of the Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27499 Caryn Berman and Laura Cuzzillo were married in Des Moines, Iowa, May 29. Judge Robert Hanson, who wrote the decision legalizing same-sex marriage in Iowa later upheld by the state supreme court , officiated. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27500 Serena Worthington—who headed SAGE Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders at Center on Halsted—will join the national chapter of SAGE as its new director of community advocacy and capacity-building, according to a press release. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27501 The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago LAGBAC has announced its 2010-11 officers. They are John Litchfield president , Nicole Bashor first vice president , Adam Sorkin second vice president , Will Thomas treasurer and Greg Zinkl secretary . text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27502 SAGE Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders at Center on Halsted will hold a barbecue Saturday, July 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., on the Richard Daley Rooftop Garden in the Irving Harris Reception Hall 3rd floor of the facility, located at 3656 N. Halsted. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Rev. Irene Monroe http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27505 Boston's recent Gospelfest featured Rev. Donnie McClurkin, the poster boy for African-American ex-gay ministries who spews anti-gay religion-based vitriol at every public event he can get as part of his outreach ministries to gay youths. But at this event, McClurkin had to refrain from his usual homophobic diatribes—and it was not because the spirit moved him or because of any public protest, but rather due to the mayor's office warning him. McClurkin's folks knew if Donnie got on his anti-gay soap box that he would never sing in this town again at a city-sponsored gospelfest, but also no place else. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27506 Fewer than 100 days remain until the Nov. 2 elections. The LGBT community and its allies have been relatively quiet about these elections. That silence, if continued, could be deadly for our community. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27512 Advocates of abstinence-only education probably won't like this classic romantic Shakespearean comedy. Love's Labour's Lost focuses on a group of male students who renounce love in favor of three years of schooling, only to have their wills tested by the arrival of the French princess and her cadre of ladies in waiting. Oak Park Festival Theatre presents Love's Labour's Lost 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 21. Tickets are $25 $20 for seniors and students . Call 708-445-4440 or visit www.oakparkfestival.com. Photo by Michael Rothman text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27513 Extremely popular singer Lady Gaga will release Lady Gaga: The Remix Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope Aug. 3. The Remix has sold more than 500,000 albums internationally, topping the charts in the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada. The U.S. version of The Remix features 10 songs from The Fame and The Fame Monster, including hits like "Just Dance," "Poker Face," "LoveGame," "Paparazzi," "Bad Romance," "Telephone" and "Alejandro." This is the first time this collection will be available stateside. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Richard Knight, Jr. http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27514 Dinner for Schmucks—the new comedy from Austin Powers film series director Jay Roach which stars Steve Carell and Paul Rudd—has, hands down, the year's most hilarious opening-credit sequence. To the tune of the aptly chosen "Fool on the Hill" by the Beatles, we see the hands of Carell lovingly work on what surely must be his masterpiece—a diorama of a serene, bucolic summer countryside populated entirely by stuffed mice dressed in exactingly detailed clothes and sporting tiny eyeglasses, reading newspapers, spinning on a Ferris wheel, etc. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27515 The Runaways—a movie based on the all-girl rock group headed by Joan Jett and Cherie Currie—is now out on Blu-ray and DVD. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27516 Starring Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Prime Suspect: The Complete Collection debuts on DVD from Acorn Media Sept. 7. Mirren The Queen stars as Detective Jane Tennison in this police drama broadcast on PBS to universal acclaim and more than 20 major international awards, including seven Emmys, eight BAFTAs, and a Peabody. The nine-disc set includes nine feature-length mysteries as well as a 50-minute behind-the-scenes special. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com GayWheels.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27518 by JEFF STORK, Gaywheels.com text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Mary Shen Barnidge http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27509 Playwright: Joel Drake Johnson At: Victory Gardens Theatre at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln. Phone: 773-871-3000; $20-$50. Runs through: Aug. 15 text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27511 Aida, Bailiwick Chicago at American Theater Company, through Aug. 1. The rechristened Bailiwick continues its comeback with the best production of Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice's 2000 musical that you're likely to ever see. There's no transfer house promising an extension, so this is your last chance to see it. MSB text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Scott C. Morgan http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27527 Playwright: Les Enfants Terribles. At: Red Tape Theatre at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 621 W. Belmont. Contact: www.redtapetheatre.org; $15-$20. Runs through Aug. 14 text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Vern Hester http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27477 As a connoisseur of pop culture—like most of my peers—I'm reluctant to admit that I tend to rave about music that moves my soul or shakes my ass. OK, it's a confession. This is why I was reluctant to check out Kid Sister's duet with Kanye West, "Pro-Nails." Never mind the intense hype—both local and international—the consistent press raves, the sales and Kid's instant cred in the boys' club of hip-hop, "Pro-Nails" was rap. To say that rap doesn't engage my inner spirit or my loins is putting it mildly. Where others hear the beauty of flowing words and percussive finesse, I hear thudding syllables on top of monotonous clunking. Imagine my surprise when I finally un-dummied up and got into her debut from last November, Ultraviolet Universal Republic Records , a record that just won't seem to go away. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Ross Forman http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27519 Once known as "The LPL Rafting Trip," the annual summer-time excursion to the Glacier Wilderness Campground near Elton, Wis., has, well, changed with the times. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Terri Klinsky http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27523 Pet for adoption: Yikes. Age: 10 years. Gender: Female. Color: Brown Tabby. Altered: Yes text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Ross Forman http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27525 Caroline Symons has competed in only one Gay Games, swimming in Amsterdam in 1998. She swam with a Melbourne team, Glamourhead Sharks, but did not win a medal. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Ross Forman http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27458 The volleyball player from Chicago is going to Germany this summer and hoping to see some of her former teammates—from Norway. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27459 Luis Balaguer was stationed in Germany while serving in the Army back in 1988-90. This was, of course, before Don't Ask, Don't Tell. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27460 Rob Smitherman will be playing basketball this summer in his fourth Gay Games … at least that's the tentative plan. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Ross Forman http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27471 Yes, Nice guys do finish first—namely, the Minnesota Nice, a gay volleyball team composed mostly of players from Minneapolis, along with a few from Los Angeles and Denver. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Mary Shen Barnidge http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27508 Playwright: Laura Jacqmin. At: At Play Productions at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago. Phone: 312-633-0630; $20-$25. Runs through: Aug. 7 text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Mary Shen Barnidge http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27510 Playwright: Arthur Miller At: Eclipse Theatre Company at the Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln. Phone: 773-404-7336; $25. Runs through: Aug. 22 text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27520 The Chicago Sky was a latecomer, joining the Women's National Basketball Association WNBA almost 10 years after the association was formed. However, it has been quick to catch up with its sister teams in recognizing all women and the lesbian community, specifically, as a strong component of their fan base. This year, the Sky has surpassed many other teams in the league by hosting an official "Gay Day" July 23. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27521 The Windy City Rollers All-Stars, ranked first in their North Central region by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association WFTDA , will take on the Boston Derby Dames Boston Massacre—ranked third in the East region— Saturday, July 31, at 6 p.m. at UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine. Doors open at 5 p.m. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27522 And, they're off—with stylish new blue uniforms. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Salem Collo-Julin http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27556 In 1979, Lauren Sugerman dropped out of college, moved into Chicago, and set about earning an honest living. After a temporary stint as a translator for the census bureau, Lauren turned to the technical trades...a career option newly opened to women. text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Mary Shen Barnidge http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27557 The Tempest text/html 2010-07-28T05:00:00-06:00 http://www.windycitytimes.com Rex Wockner http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=27560 ENTIRE TOWN FORCED TO TAKE HIV TESTS