KIRK WILLIAMSON
(Newscaster)
Kirk grew up in repressive Wheaton, Illinois, church capitol of the world. In high school he edited the school's literary journal and drove around in a red station wagon painted with flowers and poetry. He was not long for
Wheaton. He then went on to Beloit College in Beloit, WI, where he majored in Russian language. While at school, Kirk also was features editor of the school newspspaer, The Round Table, ran the local public access TV station and founded a successful poetry performance group, Syzygy, for which he won several awards.
After college, he kicked around in a few soul-sucking survival jobs until he landed a gig at the now defunct queer zine Gab. From there, it was a short journey to managing editor of Nightspots magazine, part of Windy City Media Group. In addition to his role as editor, he also holds the titles of art director and senior account manager. You may have been photographed in a drunken moment by him at any one of Chicago's GLBT watering holes.
Kirk also has worked with Chicago NOW, GLSEN and does many freelance graphic design projects. He lives in Rogers Park with his two cats, Iggy and Boxer. He's single and gorgeous.
AMY WOOTEN
(News Editor)
Amy Wooten has been with Windy City Media Group since 2005. As Windy City Times’ senior news reporter, she covers everything from local news to celebrity interviews, and occasionally contributes to Nightspots, Identity and Windy City Queercast. Born and raised in the western suburbs, Wooten received her bachelor’s degree in English/print journalism from Naperville’s North Central College and her master’s degree in journalism at Columbia College Chicago.
When she's not reporting, she's either rocking out at ear-splitting levels, shopping, drinking, or some combination of the three. She’s a self-proclaimed nerd, music snob, bookworm, X-Files geek and horror movie fanatic, and currently resides in Chicago with her loving long-time partner, Laurie, and their three rambunctious boys: Doom, Gir and Tigger.
DI-LISH
(Production Editor)
Di is a misplaced Chicagoan who lives in the Midwest with her longtime partner. In 2002, she first worked with Amy Matheny on XENA LIVE: XENA LIVES! The Musical as the videographer/dramaturge for the Jeff nominated show. The About Face Youth Theatre approached her in 2003 to create a documentary for them. The AFYT is a fantastic program allowing GLBT kids to perform their incredible stories on stage.
Di is a Jane of many trades, but master of only a few.
She is a published author of lesbian fiction. Her novels are A Saving Solace, Nurturing Souls, A Sacrifice for Friendship and her newest title, Tomahawk'd, is now available. Her website can be found at dsbauden.com
In addition to editing and writing, Di owns and operates a pet-sitting service and the online newswire service, The Open Press, Inc.
RICHARD KNIGHT JR.
(Movie Queen)
Richard Knight, Jr. is a reel-ist of the highest order, a movie know-it-all with knowledge that spans American cinematic history from John Wayne to Johnny Depp. Knight's 20-year career as a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Reader, and New City has encompassed everything from profiles to book and film reviews. In May of 2004 Knight joined the staff of the Windy City Times as their Cinema Writer. In addition to his "Knight at the Movies" review column, he interviews film celebrities and makes DVD recommendations. Expanded versions of these and other examples of his film writing (with a GLBT bent) are to be found at his website, KnightAtTheMovies.com. He also pens a seasonal movie soundtrack column for the Chicago Tribune and in 2005 created and wrote the breezy "Outtakes" column for their Friday Movie Guide section. He is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association.
Check out Richard's new web show www.moviequeens.net.
NEIL D PARIS
(Queercast Astrologer)
British Astrologer Neil D Paris offers “Practical Astrology for Personal & Professional Empowerment" with wisdom, wit and his usual brand of outstanding insight. Neil is our resident Astrological Life Coach here on the Windy City Queercast. Neil gives Personal Consultations & Reports at www.NewWorldAstrology.com and is also an International Radio Host, Magazine Columnist & Actor. His hugely popular weekly, bi-weekly and monthly horoscopes are currently enjoyed across the Planet! Neil was the Resident Astrologer at GayDar Radio from 2004 - 2007- winner of three Sony Awards in London.
His show "Stars from Hollywood" revealed forecasts for the week ahead along with Hollywood facts, stories, polls, 'talk of the town' and celebrity birthdays.
KATHLEEN ULM
(Promotions Director)
Kathleen has been working in the LBGT community for nearly 10 years getting her start at LesBiGay Radio in Chicago as a public relations and marketing newbie working on large Chicago events such as North Halsted Market Days and Chicago's Annual Pride Parade not to mention working side by side with LBGT supporters Miller Brewing and Merck Pharms.
From LesBiGay Radio Kathleen headed into print and online media working for Third Coast Marketing and now with Windy City Media Group. In the midst of creating fun and successful events for WCMG including the fourth year running Windy City Gay Idol, Kathleen co- created Chicago's largest and longest running women's production company in Chicago, Chix Mix Productions.
When Kathleen is not busy throwing events, marketing and promoting Chicago's leading gay media entities she enjoys spending time with her girlfriend Keely, her two dogs (Frankie and Pudge) and 15 year old cat, Murphy. She's also an avid daredevil enjoying bungee jumping, indoor skyflying, hang gliding, driving her motorcycle blindfolded (just kiddin' about that one) and experiencing life to the fullest on as many vacations as she can squeeze in.
You can reach Kathleen at WindyCityMedia@aol.com
