April 21-27, 2016

Gay life in Chicago this week, back in...

1986

The 12th season of the Joel Hall Dancers begins at the Civic Theatre, 20 N. Wacker Drive, with Jazz Ballets "That's a Fac' Jack!" and "R.E.M. 6-15."

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IMAGE: Hotwire Cover – Hotwire March 1988

Music Playlist courtesy of Otis Clay of Cheeks: 1) "Chain Reaction" – Diana Ross; 2) "Kiss" – Prince; 3) "I Like You" – Phyllis Nelson; 4) "West End Girls" – Pet Shop Boys; 5) "What Have You Done For Me Lately" – O'Chi Brown.

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Article in Gay Chicago begins:

"Fifty-two celebrity bowlers and sponsors are already signed up for this year's 'Strike Against AIDS' Celebrity Bowl at Marigold Arcade May 7 at 2 p.m. In addition, many out-of-state bowlers are expected to participate, according to Richard Uyvari, chair of the celebrity bowl planning committee."

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Back by popular demand at the Bijou, 1349 N. Wells, is "Two Handfuls" starring Brian Maxon, Michael Gere, Michael Henson, and a host of others.

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Obituary in Windy City Times:

"The staff of Little Jim's wishes to acknowledge with the regrets the passing of a former friend and employee, Bill Scala.

"Scala, according to a friend, fought a tremendous physical battle, never giving up and more importantly, he showed everyone his mental strength by continuing to live life to the fullest. 'May his example give us all strength in coping with the mental ravages of AIDS,' the friend said."

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IMAGE: Judy Tenuta at George's ­– Outlines March 1988

Artemis Singers and folk singer Ginni Clemens are in concert together for the first time, as a benefit for Sarah's Circle, a drop-in center in Uptown for homeless women. Concert takes place at Galvin Hall of Mundelein College, 6339 N. Sheridan Rd.

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Moving Molehill Productions present a sneak preview and backer's audition of "Ten Percent Review" at midnight at the Limelight, 632 N. Dearborn.

1991

Open Road Riders of Chicagoland, a motorcycle riding club for gay men and lesbians, hosts a trip to Libertyville, Ill. Trip begins at Male Hide Leathers, 2816 N. Lincoln.

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End Sexual Violence, a Northside Community Forum event to celebrate April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month takes place at 615 W. Wellington.

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IMAGE: Dracula at Big Chicks – Windy City Times October 31, 1996

Stop AIDS/Chicago receives a United Way Heart of Gold Volunteer Award during the 45th Annual Volunteer Recognition Event at the Palmer House.

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Gay and Lesbian Physicians of Chicago hold its annual membership celebration at Stefani's restaurant with entertainment by comedienne Marcia Wilkie.

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"On Being Lesbian and Jewish," a presentation by Ellie J. Emanuel, director of Horizon's Community Services, at the Second Unitarian Church, 656 W. Barry.

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Two Nice Girls sign copies of their newest album "chloe liked olivia" at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St.

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The Top Five Gay Science Fiction titles at People Like Us Bookstore, 3321 N. Clark St.: 1) "A Matter of Men: Book 1" by David Gerrold; 2) "Bad Voltage" by Johnathan Littell; 3) "A Rage for Revenge" by David Gerrold; 4) "Secret Matter" by Toby Johnson; 5) "Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand" by Samuel R. Delany.

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The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus presents "The Wizard of Oz" at Lane Tech High School, Addison and Western.

2010

Quotelines in Windy City Times:

""For the past four years, I have stood with my colleagues each morning of the session, placed my hand over my heart and pledged 'liberty and justice for all,' and yet repeatedly witnessed blatant disregard of those so in need of equal protections in the name of 'family values.'" — Openly lesbian Utah state Rep. Christine Johnson announcing March 4 that she won't seek re-election.

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Theatrical delights this week include:

"A Life": Northlight Theatre, through May 2. John Mahoney brings a bittersweet depth to Hugh Leonard's 1970s Irish drama of an exacting curmudgeon who ruefully looks back at key decisions he made as an idealistic youth.

"Street Scene": National Pastime Theater, through April 25. Poverty and ignorance turn their victims scary after a time—if you acknowledge that grim truth, the expressionist dimension lurking beneath Elmer Rice's classic of American naturalism in this controversial production is but a reflection of the real world.

"Trust": Lookingglass Theatre through May 9. Swiftly moving and strongly acted, this tale of a teen girl and an Internet predator goes far deeper than a TV movie. Its focus isn't the deed but the aftermath, especially the father-daughter relationship in a family crucible.

"Will Rogers": An American original, First Folio Theatre, Oak Brook, through May 2. Kevin McKillip radiates low-key charisma and easy-on-the-eyes genial charm in his one-man homage to country's "Poet Lariat" Speaking of which: The rope tricks are as delightful as the homespun, slice-of-Americana storytelling.

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IMAGE: Latin Divas Night at Sidetrack – Nightspots April 1, 2015

In the bars and clubs, WHATCKG? The return of Where Have All the Club Kids Gone? DJ Greg Haus, hosted by Sissy Spastik, Neo, 2350 N. Clark St.; Berlin Stardust presents Moullinex, Xinobi and Jordan Z. $2 PBRs and $3 Berlin bombs at 954 W. Belmont Ave.; a cabaret of favorite Broadway tunes performed by members of the Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria: Windy City Women's Ensemble takes place at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted; Real Housewife Kim Zolciak performs "Don't Be Tardy For the Party" at mid- night at Spin, 800 W. Belmont Ave.; and the URBANO Dancers perform at Circuit Night Club, 3641 N. Halsted St.

Homework

What happened to Sissy Spastik?

Are Two Nice Girls still around?

I heard Ginni Clemens die. Can anyone confirm that for me?

Gay Chicago Photo Rewind

Terry Gaskins photographs gay men at Gentry and Charlie's for Gay Chicago October 3, 1996

Kirk Williamson photographs Miss Continental Plus at the 3160 Club

William Burks photographs the Gay Parade for Outlines 25 June 1987

Andrew Davis photographs OutLounge event for Windy City Times August 20, 2008

Thanks go to publishers Michael Bergeron for Chicago Gay Crusader, Ralph and Craig Gernhardt for Gay Chicago, Grant Ford and Chuck Renslow for Gay Life, Malone Sizelove for Babble/Gab, David Costanza and others for Chicago Free Press, Jeff McCourt for Windy City Times, Stacy Bridges and Mark Nagel for GRAB, and Tracy Baim for all the publications at the Windy City Media Group, which aided the above research. St. Sukie de la Croix is an internationally published reporter, playwright, photographer and historian. He is also the author of Chicago Whispers: A History of LGBT Chicago Before Stonewall published by the University of Wisconsin Press.