The two large, framed, autographed photos in Joe Micci's third-floor apartment are a strong tie to the area's LGBT roots and strongly tied within his current career.
Each black-and-white photo was personally signed to Micci and his partner by Tillie, a former female impersonator. "Tillie hated the term 'drag queen,'" said Micci, who knew that Tillie performed at The Chesterfield Lounge in Chesterfield, Ind. in the 1950s, among other spots, during an era when female impersonators were not popular or even accepted by many.
Micci and Tillie, separated in age by about 40 years, met at Roscoe's in 2005 when Tillie was already about 82 or 83. Tillie had a select bar stool, where she'd always sit, along with her own glass that she brought from home to drink from—and even a fiber optic straw that looked like a penis.
"Tillie was one of those ladies who didn't like to ask for help, even if she truly needed it," Micci said. "She was brusque and had a mouth like a truck driver if you riled her. I learned very quickly to refer to him as her and to never use the term 'drag queen.' For some reason, we just hit it off and she always liked and trusted me."
Thus, Micci always walked Tillie out of Roscoe's and made sure she got into a cab safely.
"Tillie was like a piece of history and, to be honest, I was happy and honored that she let me into her life, that she let me help her. I guess that's the policeman in me coming out."
Micci has been with the Illinois State Police for 26 years and now works in its criminal investigations division—and he sports a tie and starched, long-sleeve shirt on a daily basis at his north suburban office.
"There were a lot of people in the gay community who didn't know I was a policeman," said Micci, who used to live in Lakeview and is now a member of the Gay Officers Action League ( GOAL ) and he even rode on the group's float—in police uniform—in the 2010 Gay Pride Parade.
Micci said he has never had a negative experience at work, based on his sexual orientation, nor his affection for playing loud dance music in his office. In fact, many of his colleagues are particularly careful to make sure others also are respectful of the gay community, or anyone making anti-gay statements or jokes.
Many of Micci's LGBT friends who know of his profession often ask for advice on potential police matters, he said.
Regarding what some perceive as Lakeview's crime wave, Micci said, "Every neighborhood has trouble, some more than others. What's happening now in Lakeview is that several crimes [ have occurred ] in a short period of time—and many [ Lakeview residents and regulars ] are not accustomed to that. There have been various reactions [ to the crimes ] from people who are not used to the crime, especially violent crime, in their neighborhood.
"Ultimately, every citizen has a right to go to every neighborhood that he or she wants to, however, everyone is expected to act in a responsible and civilized manner in which no one feels threatened and no one is hurt or insulted. I believe that the Chicago Police are addressing the issue and are serious about protecting not only LGBT residents, but everyone equally."
Lastly, what about the handcuffs? Micci laughed—because he's asked about them regularly if they are used at home, too. He responded, "Every day."
Text and photos by Ross Forman
THE STATS
Name
Joe Micci
Age
49
Relationship status
Domestic partners with
Randall McGee
Neighborhood
Rogers Park
Hobbies
Bicycling, photography, reading, going to the beach
Sports
Played soccer for 14 years; has played softball in the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ( CMSA ) open division league for four years
Pets
Dog: A miniature pincher named Hugo who weighs nine pounds, "and goes everywhere with me—and everyone loves Hugo"
About his partner
"We are total opposites in many areas of personality and activities we like to do, and we have had to adjust ourselves a few times over the past seven years."
