A Real Call for Real Change: Domestic Abuse and the Chicago Police
As an anthropologist studying Boystown for the past 3 years, I have followed many articles and discussions regarding LGBT community and the Chicago police. With the recent muggings in the Boystown and Lincoln Park area, interactions with the police have taken center stage; particularly at last week’s CAPS meeting where many Boystown residents and patrons raised their concerns and shared their disheartening experiences with the police. While conversations between the LGBT community and the police have definitely led to commendable improvements in policing, Boystown has been the focus of these issues. However, as more gay men and lesbians move into neighborhoods north of Boystown, there needs to be more discussion about how police throughout the city of Chicago are prepared to deal with the needs of Chicago’s LGBT citizens.
I write this in response to an incident that happened at 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. A friend who was in an abusive relationship called me crying, saying that she needed my address for the police to escort her to. She arrived 15 minutes later with a bloody nose and knot on her head from where her now ex-girlfriend slammed her into a wall and head-butted her face. As I watched from my window above, the police seemed courteous and waited for her to get into the building before they drove off. As she explained her story to me and our mutual friend, she told me the police did not allow her to take her belongings, her cellular phone, or her dogs. As she continued to tell us about the abuse, the ex-girlfriend sent our mutual friend threatening text messages that she was going to hurt both my friend and her dogs.
So, I called 3-1-1 who said that we could get a police escort to get her dogs and the rest of her belongings if we call 9-1-1 once we are 2 blocks away. We got in the car and drove over and called 9-1-1, who told us that we had to wait in front of the apartment for them to arrive and that the police would not call when they arrived. The same officers who escorted my friend replied to the call and immediately scolded her, the victim of domestic abuse, like a child. Already a nervous wreck, the officer’s indifferent and deferent behavior further traumatized a victim of domestic violence. They said that they were not going to escort my friend into her apartment to get her things, that she already took a bag of her stuff out, and that she had to come back at a “reasonable hour.” Showing them the welt on her head and telling them that her ex-girlfriend has been arrested multiple times for battery, they called their supervisor.
The three of us had to talk the supervisor into escorting her into the apartment. When in the apartment, they rushed my friend to get what she needed and allowed the ex-girlfriend to verbally abuse her the entire time she anxiously tried to collect her belongings. Leaving with her two dogs and only a bag-full of her items (not including her credits cards, social security card, birth certificate, and passport), she was rushed outside of the house. I asked the police if they could file a report so we could have a record of the incident and they refused to do so, saying, “make a report of what?” Then they said to come back to get the remainder of her things at a “decent hour” with a group of friends.
The problems with this situation were numbered. First of all, when the police originally arrived on the scene, they made no report of domestic violence even though my friend sat in the back seat of their squad car for 15 minutes with obvious head trauma and a bloody nose. Secondly, they were completely belligerent to my friend during the entire endeavor, causing her even more emotional trauma. No wonder why victims of domestic abuse do not want to call the police! How can someone who is both emotionally and physically traumatized muster the strength to persuade someone who is supposed to be there to serve and protect, to do just that? Third, is it that wise to tell a victim of domestic violence to wait for a police escort in front of the domicile where the abuse just happened? Fourth, how can a supervisor refuse to write a report when asked for one? Fifth, what police officer would suggest that a victim of abuse go back to the home with a group of friends to get the remainder of her belongings where the abuser resides with a knife collection? That just sounds like trouble waiting to happen.
I would like to think that the issue was not an LGBT one, but I cannot help but wonder if it would have been taken more seriously if she was being beaten by her husband?
I was disappointed the most by the reactions of the female officer who originally came to the scene. I choose to single her out for multiple reasons: (1) she was the one who was most vocal about refusing to assist my friend; (2) she explained the situation to the supervisor in such a biased way, as if she were trying to influence him not to help my friend; and (3) she had the most inappropriate, unprofessional behavior. She threw her hands up in the air when the supervisor decided to escort my friend into the home and walked with her hands on her head as she followed her supervisor into the apartment during the police escort that her and her partner just refused to do themselves.
The other reason why I choose to single-out this officer is because I had the stereotypical expectation for a female cop to have more compassion and understanding; especially when another woman is the victim, even if she happens to be a lesbian. However, I now realize the multiple ways in which gender and sexuality can affect performance in work that is highly gendered itself; a real danger when that work has to do with public safety. This situation shows how important it is to recognize issues of gender and sexuality and how they operate in the “real world.” Issues of gender and sexuality do matter, in that they are directly related to policing and the physical safety of all citizens everywhere.
It is because of police experiences like these that the cycle of domestic violence is able to continue. Women are unable to leave abusive relationships because they are physically unable to do it without risking physical harm, which is exactly what my friend has to do when we go to retrieve the rest of her belongings. The drama that the police created, from child-like bickering to the unnecessary and intimidating arrival of 3 police cars, is completely unacceptable for someone trying to escape the trauma of domestic abuse. Luckily my friend had somewhere to go and money she had hidden just in case of a situation like this. But what about people who do not?
I write this because this situation can easily be remedied. Officers can easily be trained to handle situations like these, to be sensitive to issues of domestic violence, and understanding LGBT issues. This is a call for awareness and better police training, especially at a time when same-sex domestic abuse is on a rise. The way the police handled this situation was completely unacceptable.
On a positive note, I called the Anti-Violence Project at the Center on Halsted, which turned out to be a great resource for information. If anyone LGBT or otherwise is having an issues with violence or with the police, I suggest you contact them.
-Zachary Blair
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A "duck" ringtone interrupted President Obama as he spoke in the East Room of the White House at an event marking Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Month.
TODAY is the General Election - a history election - so get out and vote!
Though marriage rights is a big issue for our community, none of the presidential candidates support marriage rights for gays and lesbians. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has voiced support for civil unions. Republican presidential candidate John McCain has been relatively moderate on gay-related issues.
In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin signaled support for a federal marriage amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman a position inconsistent with Sen. John McCain, who has opposed such a measure. (Full Story)
Whoever wins will have a profound influence on the Supreme Court. At stake could be Roe v. Wade, LGBT issues including gay marriage and "Don't Ask Don't Tell."
In addition to the presidential election, there are a number of state and local races of interest. Many local candidates have been actively courting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered voters in an attempt to sway undecided voters.
There are also a number of gay and gay-friendly candidates running for office locally.
For more information on today's election and to see where candidates stand on LGBT issues, ChicagoPride.com encourages readers to pick-up this week's Windy City Times and review their Election Guide (online version).
Now more than ever, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Americans must take an active role in the political process. Everyone, of all orientations and identities, must participate. Don’t forget to register to vote by Tuesday, October 7th and then join with Americans from all walks of life to make your voices heard on Election Day.
To register to vote for the upcoming General Election, you must be a citizen of the United States and 18 years of age or older by November 4, 2008. In order to vote in the next Presidential Election, you must register no later than October 7th
After the official 'deadline' to register to vote on October 7, voters have one last chance under the "grace period" option.
The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners officially will offer "grace period" registration and voting from Wednesday, October 8, 2008 through Tuesday, October 21, 2008. This will give Chicagoans who are eligible to vote but who missed the registration deadline one last opportunity to participate in the November 4, 2008 General Election. Voters who utilize the grace period should come to 69 W. Washington Street, Suite 600. When registering during the grace period, a person needs to show two valid pieces of identification, with at least one showing the current residence address.
For a complete view of candidates in Illinois click here
To see where the Democrat and Republican candidates stand on the issues click here
Chicagoans will be able to use Early Voting at 51 sites, starting on Columbus Day, Monday, October 13, 2008.
Early Voting allows Chicago voters to vote at any city Early Voting location from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Oct. 13 - 30. Early Voting on Sundays is only at the Election Board from 9 a.m. to noon.
During Early Voting, you must present a government photo ID. Once you cast a ballot during Early Voting, you cannot return during Early Voting or on Election Day to change your ballot for any reason.
* Monday through Saturday, Chicago voters will be able to use any of 51 sites: one in each ward, plus the Chicago Election Board office at 69 W. Washington St.
* On Sundays, Early Voting will be offered only at the Election Board Office at 69 W. Washington St., Lower Level, and only from 9 a.m. to noon.
Ward / Location / Address
1. Goldblatts Building 1615 W Chicago Ave
2. Mabel Manning Library 6 S. Hoyne Ave
3. Chicago Bee Library 3647 S. State St
4. M L King Community Ctr 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave
5. Jackson Park 6401 S. Stony Island Ave
6. Whitney Young Library 7901 S ML. King Jr. Dr
7. Jeffery Manor Library 2401 E. 100th St
8. Olive Harvey College 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave
9. Palmer Park 201 E 111th St
10. Vodak/East Side Library 3710 E. 106th St
11. McKinley Park 2210 W. Pershing Rd
12. Back of the Yards Library 4650 S. Damen Ave
13. West Lawn Park 4233 W. 65 St
14. Archer Heights Library 5055 S. Archer Ave
15. Lindbloom Park 6054 S. Damen Ave
16. Sherman Park Library 5440 S. Racine Ave
17. Thurgood Marshall Library 7506 S. Racine Ave
18. Wrightwood-Ashburn Library 8530 S. Kedzie Ave
19. 22nd Police District 1900 W. Monterey Ave
20. Coleman Library 731 E. 63rd St
21. Woodson Regional Library 9525 S. Halsted St
22. Piotrowski Park 4247 W. 31st St
23. Clearing Library 6423 W. 63rd Pl
24. Douglass Library 3353 W. 13th St
25. Chinatown Library 2353 S. Wentworth Ave
26. Humboldt Park Library 1605 N. Troy St
27. Union Park 1501 W. Randolph St
28. West Side Learning Ctr 4624 W. Madison St
29. Amundsen Park 6200 W. Bloomingdale Ave
30. Portage Cragin Library 5108 W. Belmont Ave
31. Blackhawk Park 2318 N. Lavergne Ave
32. Pulaski Park 1419 W. Blackhawk St
33. Independence Library 3548 W. Irving Park Rd
34. West Pullman Library 830 W. 119th St
35. Logan Square Library 3030 W. Fullerton Ave
36. Hiawatha Park 8029 W. Forest Preserve Dr
37. West Chicago Library 4856 W. Chicago Ave
38. Wright College - Science Bldg 4300 N. Narragansett Ave
39. N. Park Village Admn Bldg 5801 N. Pulaski Rd
40. Budlong Woods Library 5630 N. Lincoln Ave
41. Roden Library 6083 N. Northwest Hwy
42. Access Living 115 W. Chicago Ave
43. Lincoln Park Library 1150 W. Fullerton Ave
44. Merlo Library 644 W. Belmont Ave
45. Edgebrook Library 5331 W. Devon Ave
46. Truman College 1145 W. Wilson Ave
47. Welles Park 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave
48. Edgewater Library 1210 W. Elmdale Ave
49. Pottawattomie Park 7340 N. Rogers Ave
50. Warren Park 6601 N. Western Ave
Board of Election Commissioners 69 W. Washington St
DATES: Columbus Day, Monday, October 13 thru October 30, 2008
HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday - 9 a.m. to Noon ONLY at the Election Board Offices,
69 W. Washington, Lower Level Conference Room
(All other Early Voting locations are closed on Sunday)
I went to www.VoteForChange.com and it will fill in all the information you need to send in your voter registration. I recently moved so I had to register again; it was very simple! : )
Former boy band icon Lance Bass could end up on Dancing with the Stars' -- with another man!
Although the line-up for season 7 of Dancing with the Stars has yet to be revealed, The New York Daily News reports the openly gay idol could end up on the popular ABC show -- and if he joins the cast he would be paired with a male dance pro.
It would be the first time a same-sex couple was paired on the show. ABC has yet to comment on the rumor.
There is 1 photo attached (click thumbnail to enlarge):
Photo cap #1: Lance Bass pictured with ChicagoPride.com's Bill Pritchard
A cold Chicago night was certainly heated up last night as Chicago Takes Off, a burlesque-centered benefit for HIV/AIDS agency Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN), played at the Park West. This year's theme was "Under a Big Top."
Produced and directed by Keith Elliott and Todd Kiech, the incredible show featured approximately 60 Chicago-based dancers, both female and male, who donated their time and many "talents."
ChicagoPride.com was pleased to be a sponsor and several from our team were on-hand for this sexy celebration of life, including CP's Editor-at-Large Jason P. Freeman, Celebrity Blogger Justin Boltz, Photographer Frank Failing and the blushing Miss Foozie.
(Watch for CTO photos by Frank Failing posting soon!)
The entire night was a fascinating display of local talent which served to remind me why I love Chicago's LGBT community so much.
And candyman... feel free to contact us!
Loud applause for Keith Elliott and Todd Kiech - and everyone involved with Chicago Takes Off!
There are 3 photos attached (click thumbnail to enlarge):
Photo cap #1: CP's Jason P. Freeman and Miss Foozie Photo cap #2: Sexy Erik West with Miss Fooozie Photo cap #3: Photographer Frank Failing
Oh for hell's sake, that was Eric West? Why didn't you introduce me, Bitch! Last I heard he was single and looking for a sincere and loving boyfriend--it doesn't get any more f***ing lovely and g*d d*m* sincere than me!
Tuesday, February 5 is Primary Election Day in Illinois – Get out and vote!
Though marriage rights is a big issue for our community, none of the forerunners for the Democratic and Republican nomination support marriage rights for gays and lesbians. According to their HRC survey responses, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have voiced support for civil unions. Republican presidential hopeful John McCain has been relatively moderate on gay-related issues.
In addition to the presidential primaries, there are a number of state and local races of interest. Many local candidates have been actively courting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender voters in an attempt to sway undecided voters.
There are also a number of gay and gay-friendly candidates running for office locally.
For more information on Super Tuesday and to see where candidates stand on LGBT issues, ChicagoPride.com encourages readers to pick-up this week's Windy City Times and review their Primary Election Guide (online PDF version).
The 2008 presidential election is going to be one of the most important ever to the LGBT community.
Whether a Republican or Democrat, one candidate of particular concern to every gay American is Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee.
Sunday on NBC's Meet The Press, host Tim Russert asked former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee if he believed "people are born gay or choose to be gay?" "I don't know whether people are born that way," responded Huckabee, "but one thing I know, that the behavior one practices is a choice."
Huckabee, a Southern Baptist minister, conceded that "people who are gay say that they're born that way," but added that he believed that "how we behave" and "carry out that behavior" is what is important.
As governor of Arkansas, Huckabee pushed to strengthen the state's anti-sodomy laws in order to "protect the traditional family structure":
In 1997, Huckabee requested an amendment to a state Senate bill stating "that it is Arkansas public policy to prohibit sodomy to protect the traditional family structure." [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1/23/1997]
Recently, he told GQ that "civilization" may not survive if "what marriage and family means" is "rewritten" to allow gay marriage.
I encourage every gay person to become informed about the candidates and their respective position on issues important to the LGBT community. We must participate and vote in 2008!
In 2006, Hollywood gave us the story of Brokeback Mountain, two years later I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry brings us a homophobic comedy. Though GLAAD has given the movie its stamp of approval, I still find the movie concerning especially when you consider the message that is being communicated.
In the movie, which opened this weekend, firefighter Larry (Kevin James), after the death of his wife, enters into a domestic partnership with his coworker friend Chuck (Adam Sandler) to guarantee his children will receive his pension if he dies. There are a number of homophobic slurs in the movie including Dan Aykroyd telling the leads, “What you shove up your ass is your own business.” Or, Adam Sandler saying “Domestic partnership? You mean like faggots?”
After the laughter at Sandler’s pandering and gay innuendos subside, the real damage is the misperception that gays through domestic partnerships receive special benefits not available to the heterosexual community. Unfortunately, this message will resonate in the minds of thousands as they leave the theatres this weekend.
In reality, domestic partnership benefits, where available, fall short of the benefits of marriage and only 10 states out of 50 offer significant legal protections for same-sex relationships.
Domestic partnerships are an unequal joke – a compromise by the gay community unable to marry.
I was excited to learn the American Civil Liberties Union shares my opinion. The ACLU has set-up a website (10Couples.org) to find out what it’s really like to be denied legal protections for your family.
The website features videos of 10 same-sex couples who explain the difficulties of trying to protect their families without access to the many protections that come automatically through marriage.
I had the idea for that movie about 5 years ago!!! If you think about it, how would the system weed out the guys or gals that are just saying they are together in order to rip off the system. Just like the people that sneek over here from another country and pay somebody to marry them, just so that they can become american citizens.
I agree that people think that about GLBT's, abot our getting or looking for special benefits others don't have, I've seen a lot of that rubbish flying around on yahoo. But I'm thinking that even without another stupid Adam Sandler movie (every one I've seen sucked) the fundies and right wingers have already painted the issue of marriage that way,
"the indidious gay agenda..." (cue in sinister music)
haven't seen the film, so I can't objectively comment. But playing devil's advocate, Sandler calls offensive language toward gays "idiotic," in an interview with Jason Bellini on CBS. The LGBT FireFighter's association endorses the film. The intent maybe one to show redemption; Kevin James tauts a message of "Tolerance" during the interview as well. I wonder if the intent was noble but the execution not-so-much. I won't buy a theatrical ticket, but I will rent it when it becomes available on DVD.
