Here is what happened in the local LGBT scene in 2009, from rallies/protests to controversies involving courts and clubs:
Change we can believe in: New President Barack Obama promised change—and Windy City Times showed how much, revealing that back in 1996, he supported same-sex marriage when he ran for the Illinois State Senate. Now, he advocates civil unions but is not in favor of marriage equality.
Mell-intentioned: Deborah Mell was officially sworn in as a state representative, making her the first openly lesbian member of the Illinois General Assembly. She also made history when she was the only representative to vote against impeaching then-Gov. ( and brother-in-law ) Rod Blagojevich.
I'm coming out: Ron Huberman—a former Chicago Transit Authority president who now heads Chicago Public Schools—officially came out in the Chicago Sun-Times. However, Huberman's sexuality was considered an open secret in the LGBT community and did not matter to some officials, who were more concerned with Mayor Richard Daley selecting a non-educator for the new position.
Case closed: Christopher DeChant—who was behind the once-nationally syndicated HIV Talk Radio Project—and Kim Leffert, a member of the group's board of directors, settled a case in which the office of Illinois Attorney Lisa Madigan claimed that the two misappropriated more than $1.4 million of the organization's funding.
Cuffed: Seven individuals were arrested at a Valentine's Day protest at the Cook County Marriage License Bureau. More than 300 protesters took part.
We like Mike: Gay ally and former Cook County Board commissioner Mike Quigley was elected to the U.S House of Representatives, winning a close Democratic primary and then easily defeating Republican Rosanna Pulido in the general election. Bridget Gainer was eventually chosen to replace Quigley on the board.
Like a phoenix: The Boystown bar Scarlet was seriously damaged in a fire in late February. ( Residential units above the nightspot suffered extensive damage as well. ) However, the gay bar reopened in September, complete with a new bar and a featured seating area.
Tech in effect: Windy City Media Group launched a new video channel, QueerTVNetwork.com, as part of a new push to providing unique online content for the LGBT community. WCMG also recently announced that it has an iPhone app.
Forty and fabulous: The Near North Side's Baton Show Lounge celebrated the big 4-0, as impersonators such as Cezanne, Mimi Marks and Chili Pepper have entertained everyday folks and celebrities such as Madonna and Janet Jackson.
Closing its doors?: Living with Pride, a sober living facility in the North Center neighborhood that was tailored specifically to the needs of the LGBT community, opened its doors March 1. However, a host of complaints from area residents have left the facility's future in the air.
Center of attention: The National Immigrant Justice Center, a program of Heartland Alliance, hosted a two-day conference on LGBT immigration issues entitled "Defending the Human Rights of LGBT and HIV-Positive Immigrants and Refugees" at Northwestern University Law School.
Dean's list: Dean Ogren, a champion within the leather, AIDS and gay communities, was honored at the Jon Henri Damski Awards ceremony held at the Boystown nightspot Sidetrack. The award, known as the "Jon Henri," is named after the late Chicago journalist, activist and "queer thinker" Jon-Henri Damski.
Wrong arm of the law: Charges were leveled against Boystown police officer Richard Fiorito, alleging homophobia, among other things. Other developments occurred throughout the year regarding Fiorito, including the addition of plaintiffs filing suit against him—and his eventual removal from his position as a witness in traffic court.
Hall of fame: Scott Hall became the first gay alderman in the downstate Illinois town of Jacksonville when he was sworn in April 27.
Barring bachelorettes: Boystown nightspots Cocktail and Sidetrack made known their policies of not hosting bachelorette parties, citing the impending brides' behavior as the main reason. Cocktail has actually had the policy in place for five years.
Gray expectations: Vernita Gray was saluted by this newspaper for being an LGBT-rights activist for 40 years. Gray, the director of community relations and special events at the Cook County State's Attorney's office, officially came out in 1969.
Villa Park verdict: Nicole Abusharif was found guilty in the 2007 Villa Park murder of her partner, Becky Klein. In July, Abusharif was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Letter days: President Barack Obama sent a handwritten note in response to 2nd Lt. Sandy Tsao—a Chicago-area lesbian—after she sent a letter urging him to change "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In his note, Obama wrote, "It is because of outstanding Americans like you that I committed to shanging our current policy."
From Russia with no love: Local gay-rights activist Andy Thayer was among people arrested in Moscow, Russia, when LGBT-rights advocates attempted to hold a pride parade. Thayer was later released without incident.
Be of service ( s ) : Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office announced that the Web site Craigslist has agreed to shut down its erotic services section and instead create an adult services section that allows for better tracking and monitoring of who places the ads, and what they say.
De Jesús denied: LGBT-rights activists expressed their concerns that the reportedly anti-gay Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús would replace 26th Ward Alderman Billy Ocasio after Ocasio announced that he would become a senior advisor to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn. Cook County Commissioner Roberto Maldonado was appointed the new alderman; De Jesús allegedly withdrew because he did not reside in the ward.
In the hunt: Affinity Community Services—a non-profit organization that serves Chicago's Black lesbian and bisexual women's community—announced the hiring of its first executive director, Kim L. Hunt, a former board member.
Handcuffed on Halsted: Participants in a three-day meeting organized by the organization Bash Back! Chicago were among those arrested as a large group of people walked ( or marched, depending on the point of view ) down Halsted Street in Boystown.
Welcome back: The biggest gay deaf gala of the year—the annual Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf Conference—came back to Chicago for the first time in 25 years. The Windy City Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf hosted the event.
Starting out: Taqaseem, a new group geared towards the Middle Eastern/North African LGBT community, formed. The initial idea came about after the Mr. Chicago Leather title was awarded to Ammar H. in 2009, making him the first Syrian man to claim the title.
High notes: Windy City Gay Chorus marked 30 years of concerts with a show featuring its 20 members along with 35 former WCGC members for the last four songs of the night.
Holding court: The Alliance of Illinois Judges ( AIJ ) , an LGBT-oriented organization recently founded by a group of judges from the Cook County Circuit Court, was formed. Among its members are Tom Chiola, the first openly gay judge to be elected to the Cook County Circuit Court ( and who is soon slated to retire ) and Sebastian Patti, who was recently became the first gay man named to the Illinois Appellate Court.
School daze: At Chicago's Pride Parade, Lakeview's Nettelhorst Elementary School became the first public school to march in the event. The school, which is known for honoring diversity, showcasaed thousands of multicolored cloths around the fence as a nod to gay pride.
Election gay: At least 10 gay and lesbian individuals announced their intentions to run for various political offices throughout the state. Among others, Jacob Meister runs for the U.S. Senate seat and Jim Madigan aims for a state Senate post; if they win, they would be the first openly gay individuals in their respective legislative bodies.
Anti freeze: The anti-gay group Americans For Truth About Homosexuality ( AFTAH ) held a press conference June 17 in a vacant suite in the Loop. Among the speakers were Peter LaBarbera, president of AFTAH, and Matt Barber.
Cut to the quick: In the face of a possible crisis, thousands of individuals protested possible budget eliminations at the Thompson Center. HIV/AIDS organizations ended up being spared from cuts, but other groups will face the prospect of serious financial setbacks.
Statue situations: A statue in memory of lesbian health advocate Mary York was stolen from the Memorial Peace Garden at the Howard Brown Health Center, but was soon returned. Then, statue in memory of fellow activist Lisa Tonna was found destroyed July 14.
Northern exposure: Wisconsin became the first state with a constitutional amendment banning civil unions and same-sex marriage to include domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. Couples could apply for a declaration of domestic partnership Aug. 3.
Un-ladylike behavior: Thomas Flanagan—known to many Chicagoans via his drag persona, Lady Vera Parker—was taken in by the Chicago Police Department. Flanagan, 24, was arrested June 30 on charges of deception. Flanagan pled guilty Aug. 20 to two counts of theft and was sentenced to 30 months of probation.
Milk money: Local business Leslie Hindman Auctioneers put up two signed letters from the late gay activist/politician Harvey Milk for sale. The two items, believed to be at least 50 years old each, dealt with issues such as same-sex marriage and gays in the military.
Not backing barebacking: In a letter to vendors, International Mr. Leather ( IML ) President Chuck Renslow has said that the event "will no longer allow participation in the IML Leather Market by any entity which promotes barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or advocate barebacking" starting next year.
Going to market: Northalsted Market Days went on as usual, but there were a few different things in 2009. The most controversial change involved a new VIP Stage area at Addison that allowed festivalgoers entrance for a $30-$50 fee; giving patrons access to private bathrooms, drink tickets and a liquor tent—as well as being closer to acts such as Jody Watley and En Vogue.
For and against: Members of Fred Phelps' anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas came to town in August for a series of protests targeting Jewish groups and synagogues. At Emanuel Congregation, 5959 N. Sheridan, the small group of congregants was met by more than 200 LGBT people and their allies.
Response to danger: Attacks on men in Lincoln Park and Lakeview culminated in a meeting at Nookie's Diner on Halsted that was so packed news crews were asked to leave. Safety seminars took place as well.
Reaching the summit: The 2009 National LGBTI Health Summit took place at the Hilton Chicago—and covered a multitude of topics during its five days. There was even a day dedicated solely to bisexuality and related issues.
In da club: Elk Grove Village's Hunter's Nightclub caused controversy when it started looking at the IDs of trans individuals more closely. Hunters manager Peter Landorf said that part of the change was due to some individuals reportedly doing inappropriate things in public but that, ultimately, it was about protecting the business. However, some trans individuals believed the policy to be discriminatory.
Pride in Peoria: Peoria Pride—the first-ever event of its kind to be held in the downstate city—took place Sept. 13. Chicago's Lakeside Pride Freedom Band was among the entertainers.
Free to be: Hannah Free—a lesbian-themed film starring Sharon Gless that was produced and filmed in Chicago—screened Sept. 25 at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim executive-produced the movie.
Dell of the ball: Rev. Greg Dell—who courted controversy a decade ago at Lakeview's Broadway Methodist Church when he officiated a same-sex wedding—was honored at the "Journey to Justice" conference and banquet.
First-rate: The iconic Andersonville bookstore Women & Children First celebrated its 30th anniversary in October with a gala that included author/cartoonist Alison Bechdel and writer Dorothy Allison.
Goodbye, Jinx: Rock singer and outsized personality Jinx Titanic gave a farewell concert in Jackhammer before heading to Ireland for graduate school.
Not guilty: Joseph Biedermann, who was accused of first-degree murder in the 2008 death of Terrance Michael Hauser, was acquitted by a Cook County jury. Biedermann—who allegedly fought Hauser—stabbed the victim approximately 60 times. Defense attorney Sam Adam, Jr., took exception to the term "gay-panic defense" saying, "This was an issue of power, not sexual orientation."
Wed-letter day: State Sen. Heather Steans, D-7th District, introduced the Equal Marriage Act ( SB 2468 ) , a bill that would grant same-sex couples full marriage rights in Illinois, on the Senate floor Oct. 1. Several people criticized the timing of the introduction, including Jim Madigan—Stean's openly gay opponent in the current race for her seat.
A rally strong event: A crowd of several hundred gathered in Daley Plaza Oct. 11 to demand federal action to move forward rights for LGBT people. The rally, organized by local group LGBT Change, was planned in solidarity with the National Equality March taking place in Washington, D.C., on the same day.
Not cool for school: Geneva High School teacher Dave Burk—accused of making a derogatory gay and racial remark in class—received a warning notice by the district's board of education Oct. 13. After investigating a student complaint alleging that Burk used the term "some Black fag" in a
class lecture Oct. 5, Geneva School District 304 officials issued Burk a "notice to remedy"—a warning that a repeat offense could result in dismissal.
Milestone: Reaching a bittersweet milestone, Vital Bridges marked that it had provided more than 10 million meals for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Play ball: In a major development, the Chicago Cubs have become the first major-league sports franchise to have an openly gay owner. On Oct. 30, the Ricketts family were announced as the new owners of the Cubs, buying the team, Wrigley Field and a share in Comcast SportsNet Chicago for $845 million from the Tribune Co. Among the purchasers is Laura Ricketts, a lesbian who now becomes the first out individual to own a professional sports team.
Virtual reality: The Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association ( OPALGA ) closed the doors of its center at 947 Garfield on Oct. 1 to cut overhead costs. OPALGA's office is being run strictly through its Web site and the home of the director of youth programming, Susan Abbott.
Policy of truth: A new policy adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health's Division of Vital Records makes it easier for transgender people to receive birth certificates that accurately reflect their gender identity.Previously, trans people who had sex-reassignment surgery were only able to have that surgery recognized if it was performed by a U.S.-licensed surgeon.
He's just a Bill: Former President Bill Clinton spoke to about 1,000 guests at the inaugural Chicago House Speaker Series. He covered a host of topics, from HIV/AIDS to the TV show Mad Men.
The fame game: The Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame welcomed 11 LGBT individuals, two allies and one community group ( AIDS Foundation of Chicago ) . Among the LGBTs inducted were former Harvey Milk speechwriter Frank Robinson, Equality Illinois' Joey McDonald and Jane Saks, executive director of the Ellen Stone Belic Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media, Columbia College Chicago.
Seventeen times too many: A member of the South Side LGBT organization Youth Pride Center ( YPC ) was attacked and beaten in November as he waited outside a Green Line train stop. The victim of the attack, according to an e-mail from YPC, appeared "feminine" and carried a handbag. According to YPC President Frank Walker, it was the fourth time in four weeks that an organization member has been the object of anti-gay violence—and the 17th time this year.
End of the line: Local pro-LGBT spiritual organization Sankofa Way dissolved, citing money-related difficulties.
No fund: Let's Talk, Let's Test Foundation—an HIV/AIDS advocacy organization long under suspicion of misusing funds—was ordered to return a $500,000 grant it received from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Hero effect: The Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture announced that "A Hero Comes Home"—an exhibit on the life and times of Daniel Sotomayor ( 1958-1992 ) , an inductee in the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame—is on display until March 5, 2010.
We want a resolution: The Chicago City Council adopted a resolution Dec. 2 regarding Puerto Rico teen Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, who was found murdered Nov. 14 in the commonwealth. Mercado, who was gay, was found decapitated, partially burned and dismembered on an isolated street.
Smith's jones: One of the most intriguing political races in Illinois took a strange turn after Leo Smith, the husband of Democratic state Sen. Heather Steans, confronted challenger Jim Madigan in an Andersonville gay nightspot Dec. 10.
Exclusion: Local immigrant-rights and LGBT activists expressed dismay as a major immigration-reform bill introduced into the U.S. Congress by Rep. Luis Gutierrez, the so-called Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009, failed to include gays and lesbians.
Passages:
Former Cook County Commissioner Thaddeus S. "Ted" Lechowicz died Jan. 5 at the age of 70. Despite what many might consider the relatively conservative bent of his Catholic community, Lechowicz was instrumental in getting the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance passed in 1993.
Carey Nachtigall, a beloved advocate for Chicagoans with HIV who worked with AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, passed away at home March 16.
Judith Krug, a director of the Chicago-based American Library Association and a founder of its Banned Books Week, died April 11 in Evanston of stomach cancer at the age of 69.
Former Alderman Leon Despres died the morning of May 6 in his Hyde Park home, at age 101. Among the reformer's last appearances was speaking at the Clarence Darrow wreath tossing, held March 13 every year.
Judge Sandra Otaka—the first Asian American to be elected a Cook County judge—died on natural causes June 6 at 57. Otaka was known as a fierce advocate for human rights, including for the LGBT community, having served on human-rights commissions in Chicago.
Best known for his 15 years as host of the nightly news program "Chicago Tonight" on public television, John Callaway died of an apparent heart attack June 23 at the age of 72. Chicago Tonight debuted on Ch. 11 in 1984, and the first guest was then-Mayor Harold Washington.
Sam Bezanis, a longtime Chicago businessman and volunteer for numerous groups, died July 18 from complications after shoulder surgery; ee was 70. Among the numerous non-profits Bezanis supported through fundraising and volunteer work were the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois; the Illinois Gay and Lesbian Task Force of the 1980s; IMPACT of the 1990s; the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network; and the Illinois Federation/Equality Illinois.
E. Lynn Harris, a former Chicagoan and author of best-selling books about Black gay life, died at age 54. Harris was a pioneer in Black gay fiction, once selling his books out of the back of his car when no one would pick up his works for mainstream distribution. Among his works were Invisible Life, If This World Were Mine and Basketball Jones, his last book.
George S. Martinez—a Chicagoan who was a beloved community activist and patient advocate—passed away June 14 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and friends; he was 56. Among other things, Martinez was an advocate in taking the Illinois HIV Organ Donation law to the federal level by going to Washington, D.C. While there Martinez talked to then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., about AIDS care.
Tony Midnite—a member of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame who was an activist, female impersonator and costume designer—died in Las Vegas, Nev., on Aug. 31; he was 82. Midnite ( real name: Tony Murdoch ) —who was born in Texas, Sept. 20, 1926—first came to Chicago as a female impersonator in 1951.
Earl Welther, a gay-rights advocate who founded Midwest Men's Center of Chicago, Inc., died Sept. 3. He was 67.
David Custer Hall, a longtime Chicago resident, businessman and supporter of the arts and the LGBT community, died suddenly Sept. 10 at his
home in Lakeview at the age of 67.
Robert Maddox, co-founder of the legendary Male Hide Leathers, Inc., passed away suddenly Oct. 25; he was 74. A memorial was held, fittingly, at the Leather Archives & Museum in November.
Pioneering minister the Rev. Grant Gallup passed away Nov. 26 of heart failure; he was 77. Gallup was a charter member of Integrity's first chapter, in Chicago, and served as chaplain to that chapter. Since approximately 1988 he had been a missioner in Managua, Nicaragua, where he founded Casa Maria.
JoAnn Matonovich—a member of the Hammond, Ind., city council and a lifelong resident of the city—died at the age of 53.
