Following the June 10 afternoon performance of the expertly staged, poignant and funny Brokeback Mountain at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, a talkback focused on LGBTQ+ health and history.
The talkback is one of many national Seven Days in June campaign events which marked the 45th anniversary of the first documented HIV/AIDS case under the banner Health is Primary. Panelists included The Reunion Project Executive Director and Co-Founder and HIV/AIDS advocate Jeff Berry; Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus Executive Director Keith R. Green; and AIDS Foundation Chicago Special Projects and Innovation Vice President and Pride Action Tank Executive Director Kim Hunt. Press Forward Chicago Executive Director and Windy City Times Owner/Co-Founder Tracy Baim served as the event moderator.
Green said that although, “We have come a long way since the setting of this story and the release of the film [in 2005], the issues specifically around sexuality and folks’ perceived ability to be who they are … really are still the same.” He added that he never thought there would be the regression that is happening now “yet here we are.”
Berry spoke about how health care issues were featured in the play and how they impacted the characters. He added that many Americans are currently losing their health insurance due to cuts in services and rising costs, which was one reason for the Seven Days in June campaign. He said, “Health care is not a partisan issue.”
Hunt said she thought of two words, resilience and access, as she watched the main characters’ love story progress over 20 years. She added that the “strength of their love kept them coming back to each other” after long absences which were dictated by the times they lived in. Hunt also spoke about how the characters changed financial statuses with Jack having more money than Ennis and how that impacted their relationship.
Baim used Heated Rivalry and the WNBA as examples of how culture can change “hearts and minds” for the better. She added that, for her, the films Personal Best and Desert Hearts had a similar effect.
Green said that for him, it was the movie Moonlight. Hunt said that she was a late bloomer who didn’t come out until her 30s; for her, the first movie she saw that affirmed two women in love with each other onscreen was Bound.
As for what actions people can do now to fight back against, specifically the attacks on trans and non-binary people and their health care access rights, among other things, being taken away from them,
Hunt spoke about AFC’s action alerts that remind LGBTQ+ Chicagoan about specific actions they can take to remain politically engaged. She noted that HUD has proposed a rule that would bar trans and non-binary people from accessing shelters that align with their gender identity; there is a comment period through June 29 where the public can weigh in.
Berry referenced the national group AIDS United, which has action items on their website and emphasized the importance of having one-on-one conversations with family and friends on issues of importance as the US approaches the midterms.
Green said it is important to educate oneself on politcal issues. He suggested that people should start with an issue that doesn’t affect them personally, and share what they have learned with someone else. Green also warned about the massive amount of disinformation and misinformation happening online.
The June 10 event was presented as part of The Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Rowe Lifelong Learning Series.
