Gay Couple Banned From Wal-Mart For Life (And More Gay News)

By Joseph Erbentraut in News on Nov 13, 2009 7:40PM

While we've been busy watching just a few of the many fine films screened at Reeling this year, a mighty lot of gay-centric news has come across our desk. Consider this little round-up a crash course in the past two weeks in the world of LGBT Chicago, headlined by a gay couple that now faces perhaps the most far-reaching denial of equal rights in our modern world: A lifetime ban from Wal-Mart.

• Former attorneys Joe Paolucci and Thomas Hitchcock were apparently enjoying a blissful day of shopping at the Niles, Mich. Wal-Mart with their adopted twin 11-year-old, special needs, Romanian sons when they were accused of shoplifting Bic lighters. The allegations turned out to be false, homophobia may or may not have ensued and the police were called. The ruckus resulted in a lifetime ban, but it doesn't end there: A law firm representing the retail chain has reportedly sought a settlement from the couple for $158.40, 10 times the retail price of the items they still claim Paolucci stole.
• U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (perhaps better known as Mr. Quiggles) is among thirteen individuals and organizations inducted this week into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, which holds the distinction of being the only known city-sponsored hall of fame honoring members and allies of the LGBT community. Other honorees include Frank M. Robinson, speech writer for legendary activist Harvey Milk, and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Honorees were inducted at a ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center Thursday attended by Mayor Daley.
• The Chicago-based American Medical Association (AMA) has added its name to a growing number of organizations calling for the repeal of the U.S. military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy which, if you've been living on another planet, requires soldiers to not disclose their same-sex lovin'. According to the AMA, this policy "encourages dishonesty" and puts soldiers at risk as they cannot communicate openly with medical professionals. The group also spoke against gay marriage bans for encouraging health care disparities for same-sex couples.
• Finally, this year's Transgender Day of Remembrance, honoring the lives of victims of anti-transgender prejudice and discrimination, will be recognized with a candlelight vigil beginning at dusk Saturday. The vigil, held at New Spirit Church, 542 S. Scoville Ave. in Oak Park, will feature Vanessa Edwards Foster, president of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition, among a number of other keynote speakers.