2010-02-01 outlook: columbus by Outlook Media, Inc

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outlook The faith & conflict Issue

feb 2010 • vol 14 issue 9

inside: NYE snapshot Rev Susan Smith Brother Alvis Moore Redwood Review Top 10 Ex-Gay-Related Events Alexander’s Jewelers Virginia West pin-up new queer on the block astro forecast & Local celebrity Ryan

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feb 2010

We know the economy is tight, but take some time to treat your special someone to a great meal on Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day, even if the someone is yourself!

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of the situation.

We are Gay First by Chris Hayes Recently, the subject of self-identification as either a gay person or someone who is a [fill in the blank] that just happens to be gay, keeps coming up. I’ve been engaged in this old familiar conversation with a whole variety of people and to have yet figure out why this topic is so taxing again. I’ve heard a lot of these people complain that they don’t want the world to define them by their gayness and they continually have to explain that they are, for example, a civil engineer that just happens to be gay. Of course our sexual orientation doesn’t make up 100% of who we are. None of our characteristics do. And though I appreciate that someone might not want his or her sexual orientation or gender identity to be their defining characteristic, we don’t have much of a choice these days. Right now, in this era, it comes first. It has to. Whether we like it or not, we are in the throes of the gay civil rights movement, and if you’re out of the closet, you are a living political statement. I personally love it because our actions - our very lives are making history. We get to help enact real permanent change. How we live, relate and interact with the world around us, will impact our community’s quality of life, not only now, but also for generations to come. The flip slide of that though, is that us queers are the red-headed step children (I’m a ginger with step parents, I can say that) of America right now. We are the last punching bag (figuratively and literally) people can use to feel better about themselves. So putting gay at the end of your title doesn’t make a bit a difference. All the rest of the world hears when you describe yourself is “Blah blah blah bla blah blah…I’m gay.” That’s it. Why? Because the majority Americans don’t understand much of anything about the queer community. They don’t get it, they’re not sure they want to get it or they think they got it all figured out [probably because the Bible made it clear]. Their interactions with us then, are either an attempt to relate to, to run from, or to ruin us. You might just happen to be gay, but you cannot escape the reality

No one is beating you up for being a banker. No one is repealing your right to get married because you like to hike. So don’t give me this bullshit that you being gay or bi or trans is secondary in your life. It’s not. Statements like that are not only ignorant, but reek of self-loathing and laziness. Presenting your queerness as an aside, sounds to me like your trying to make “gay” easier for people… or yourself. You either don’t want people to think of you as queer because of the negative connotation associated with the stereotype or you don’t want to put the effort into changing someone’s opinion. People are going to think of you as they will until they know you better. Any time someone knows you are gay, they will try to confirm or reject a stereotype they heard about a queer person through 3 you are here you. The same holds true for Arabs, Jews, Blacks, Trekkies, 4 snapshot etc., but they aren’t secondclass citizens under the law. You are. And though there is 6 hey! nothing you can do about how people approach you being queer, you can teach them that 9 q-munity we are more than our stereotypes by embracing your 10 earthopolis place in the world, living out loud, and not making them comfortable. insightout

outlook columbus is published and distributed by Outlook Media, Inc. the first day of each month throughout Ohio. outlook columbus is a free publication provided solely for the use of our readers. Any person who willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than 5 copies of any issue outlook columbus with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading it shall be considered guilty of the crime of theft. Violators will be prosecuted. The views expressed in outlook columbus are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or personal, business, or professional practices of Outlook Media, Inc. or its staff, ownership, or management.

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Happy Valentine’s Day! Chris Hayes, Editor-in-Chief

small pond

anything but straight 38 music is the answer

common life

23 frames per second

40 interview: Tim Miller

24 complete the circuit 42

fashion forward

calendar

food drama!

about town

retail therapy

feature

savage love

from queer to eternity new queer on the block

feature

local celebrity

open kimono

deep inside hollywood

astro forecast

In that vein, it’s fitting that this month’s issue is on Faith, Religion and Conflict because our houses of worship are the biggest allies and obstacles we have to gaining full equality. If ever there was a place to be gay

first, it’s there. Inside you’ll read about ex gay events, history of gay spirituality, keeping religion out of healthcare, the hypocrisy of the Catholic Church and the politics of being affirming or not. Plus there’s plenty of the fun stuff, too, like our Valentine’s Gift Guide, Fashion Forward, Savage Love, Local Celebrity and Deep Inside Hollywood. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. As always, let us know what you think.

outlook columbus does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented. Outlook Media, Inc. does not investigate or accept responsibility for claims made in any advertisement. Outlook Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility for claims arising in connection with products and services advertised herein, nor for the content of, or reply to, any advertisement. All material is copyrighted ©2010 by Outlook Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In NYC there is an intersection of Christopher St & Gay St. Chris loves getting his picture taken there. He’s working on a similar intersection here in town.

feb 2010

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#) NYE 2010 @ LEVEL

NYE 2010 @ LEVEL

New Year, New 3-way!

Is someone groping a tit?

Nights in White Satin

NETWORK COLUMBUS JANUARY 10, 2010

Hogwarts?

Dial’s looks are cardiac-arresting.

We love your ascot!

Hot. Literally. They are sweating.

PRIDE LEADERSHIP RECRUITING JANUARY 19, 2010

PRIDE LEADERSHIP RECRUITI NG JANUARY 19, 2010

PRIDE LEADERSHIP RECR UITING JANUARY 19, 2010

PRIDE LEADERSHIP RECRU ITING JANUARY 19, 2010

d’Artagnan goatee, Amish beard!

These recruits were won over with the free buffet.

Isn’t Mr. Bagnato cute?

Those name tags look a little longwinded.

PRIDE COUNCIL LAUNCH JANUARY 21, 2010

Remembering the days when they were both t winks.

Introducing Mrs. Sally Kemp!

3 Levels of Fun

NETWORK COLUMBUS JANUARY 10, 2010

PRIDE COUNCIL LAUNCH JANUARY 21, 2010

The new Mr Rogers holds story time with cocktails.

feb 2010

Love the built-ins. Hope you win.

Did we take your picture but you don’t see it here? Head over to outlook’s facebook page: outlook columbus. Tag away!

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Take some advice from personal experience...NEVER kiss someone whose lips look like that if you at risk for diabetes.

feb 2010

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Keep Religion Out of Health Care Reform To The Editor:

Elected officials’ religious views should be their own private affair, neither imposed by them upon the nation, nor imposed by the nation as condition to holding public office. This means their private religious views should not be imposed via the current debate over health care reform. Important life decisions are responsibilities of individuals and families, not of government or religious groups. On that, most of us can agree. There is also a strong history of separation of church and state in America, and one of our founding principles is of freedom from religious intolerance. That’s why I was deeply offended when Roman Catholic Church bishops lobbied Congress on health care reform in order to deny millions of women access to abortion. As an American I am proud of our constitutionally guaranteed right to worship or not as one sees fit, and of our prohibition of government-imposed state religion. But what started out to be about health care for all has morphed into a referendum and debate on abortion unduly influenced by the church. Health care legislation passed by the House of Representatives compromises our personal choices and subverts the principle of abortion neutrality.

Women supposedly will be able to obtain abortion coverage by purchasing a separate, single-service “rider.” However, according to the National Women’s Law Center, in the five states that currently require a separate rider for abortion coverage, there is no evidence that plans offer such riders. Furthermore, women are unlikely to buy a rider to cover abortion, because they do not plan for unplanned pregnancy or one that is needed for medical or health reasons. A number of national polls have shown that Americans strongly believe health insurance should include complete women’s reproductive health services and that women have a full range of choices offered. A recent poll commissioned by Moving Forward, a valuesbased research initiative developed by the Women Donors Network and the Communications Consortium, found that a majority, 56 percent, believe those receiving subsidies should be able to purchase a health insurance plan that covers abortion. The House proposal does not reflect that view.

Meaningful reform has the potential to bring health care to more American women and their families than ever before. But Congress should not be in the business of restricting choices for women, particularly for religious reasons. As presidential candidate, John F. The Stupak-Pitts amendment potentially Kennedy said, “I believe in an America goes farther than any other federal law to where the separation of church and state restrict a woman’s access to abortion. By is absolute ... where no public official eiprohibiting women who receive partial ther requests or accepts instructions on federal subsidies from buying insurance public policy from the pope, the National plans that cover abortion, the Stupak Council of Churches or any other ecclesiamendment bans abortion coverage by astical source - where no religious body any insurer participating in the health ex- seeks to impose its will directly or indichange. The amendment favors one reli- rectly upon the general populace or the gious view of abortion and enlists the public acts of its officials ...” federal government as enforcer. As such, it is an egregious assault on the rights of Instead of kowtowing to Catholic bishops, women and an enormous step backward Congress should stand up for what the for those who believe in separation of majority of Americans want in health care church and state. reform - and they want choices, not limitations. President Obama has said, “If you’re Sincerely, happy and satisfied with the insurance that you have, it’s not going to change.” M. Patricia West, MSSW But this House proposal potentially reduces health care coverage for the more West is a public health consultant who lives in Philadelphia. She is a member of the Women than 80 percent of typical employerDonors Network and involved with their Moving Forbased insurance plans that now cover ward initiative. Copyright (C) 2009 by the American abortion. Forum. OWNERS AND PUBLISHERS Michael Daniels & Christopher Hayes HEADQUARTERS Outlook Media, Inc. 815 N High St, Bsmt Ste ii Columbus, OH 43215 614.268.8525 phone 614.261.8200 fax www.outlookmedia.com

feb 2010

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Vanasco, Deborah Steele, Wayne Besen, M. Patricia West, Paul Saltz, Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith, Regina Sewell, William Ashley, Gregg Shapiro, Romeo San Vicente, Jack Fertig, Simon Sheppard, Dan Savage, Marcus Morris, Mette Bach, Elliot Fishman, Mickey Weems, Jason Tanner, Adam Lippe, Mikey Rox, William J Mann, Michael

Which would you prefer: public health care or the US with no deficit?

Daniels, Chris Hayes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Danner-Morris, Robert Trautman, Dominic Presutto INTERNS Dominic Presutto, Phillecia Cochran, Stephanie Booth, Mark Kotowski

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Buckeye rainbow alliance of the deaf? Has “Glee” contacted them yet?

feb 2010

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feb 2010

By looking at this page, you risk “Hang on Sloopy” AND “YMCA” getting stuck in your head.

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Hearts for Haiti: A Valentine Happy House The GLBT community has so much in common with Haiti if you just look at a little history. They too have been ravaged by AIDS, discriminated against, had to fight for their freedom, had Pat Robertson say disparaging things about them and so much more. We are a community of folks with big hearts – hearts for giving, helping, lifting up those in need. So here’s the challenge: If you have a home to come to, a safe place to fall, you must act. If you have food to eat and most of your bills paid, you must act. If you have a job and you are not happy with it but are getting paid, you must act. If your family thinks you are selfish, well, you really need to act. If you have been watching the coverage and wonder what you can do, here is your chance, act. New Creation Metropolitan Community Church hopes to build a house in Haiti and we want to finance it by selling Valentine sweets. They are hosting a bake sale Friday, Feb. 12, from noon to 7 p.m. at 116 E. Williams Road. All sales will go toward a “Happy House” in Haiti. A Happy House is a standardized dwelling that’s low cost, appropriate to local conditions, and far sturdier than the typical rural Haitian shack of sticks and straw. In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake, there are millions of people without adequate shelter. Even before the quake, people lived huddled into tiny, dark, flimsy and unhygienic huts. Haiti Health Foundation completed 150 “Happy Houses” in rural Haiti in 2007 and has continued replacing unhealthy living conditions at an ever-increasing number since. This earthquake makes their work even more urgent. New Creation MCC is committed to raising the $600 needed to build a Happy House in Haiti and invites you to their bake sale on Feb. 12. Come experience a “cookie walk” and take home cookies and other goodies for a good cause. Finally, you should know that we have a donor willing to match, dollar for dollar, all the funds

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raised in this bake sale. The more you spend on Valentine’s goodies, the more this benefactor has to spend. So please get up, get out, and get going and come support this cause so you can feel good about making a safe place for a family to live.

ple I’ve encountered in my seven years of service with the organization. I am most grateful for the confidence the community has shown in my work and the bridge building done on our behalf.”

Yours, Abstract Annie

KYE’s board is currently doing a search for a new ED. For more info www.KYCohio.org.

TransOhio Welcomes New Members to its Board of Directors

Pride at Work Names Peggy Shorey as New Executive Director

TransOhio, which formed in 2005, announced that Ohio residents Jacob Nash (former Executive Director of Transfamily of Cleveland), Sarah Wagner (co-facilitator of the TransOhio Partners’ Discussion Group) and Melissa M. Alexander (meeting and event planner (CMP), and Adjunct faculty instructor) have been appointed to the TransOhio Board of Directors.

Pride At Work, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) constituency group of organized labor, has selected longtime LGBT and labor activist Peggy Shorey to serve as the organization’s new executive director. Shorey, who has been an organizer and community leader in Connecticut for the past 17 years, succeeds Jeremy Bishop, who resigned earlier this year to join the Obama administration in the Department of Labor. Shorey began her new responsibilities at Pride At Work’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., in January.

“We’re thrilled that Jacob, Sarah and Melissa have joined TransOhio’s Board of Directors. They each bring experience, expertise and perspective that are invaluable to the continued growth and success of TransOhio,” says Shane Morgan, founder of TransOhio. “As we continue to grow and build our programs and services, it’s vital that we build our presence in other Ohio cities. Jacob is based in Cleveland, Sarah is in Chillicothe and Melissa is in Columbus. Transgender people live all throughout our state, and it’s difficult for some to travel to Columbus. Part of our responsibility to our community is to make our programs and services accessible to all of the Ohio transgender community.” For more information: www.transohio.org.

Kaleidoscope Youth Center ED Steps Down Angie Wellman left her position as Kaleidoscope Youth Center’s Executive Director on January 15. Wellman moves to a position with the Multicultural Center at The Ohio State University. “Working for Kaleidoscope Youth Center has been a remarkable experience, and I have enjoyed my tenure here,” says Wellman. “I cannot say enough wonderful things about all the peo-

Administration Adds Gender Identity To Equal Employment Opportunity Policies Beginning in 2010, the Obama administration, through the Office of Personnel Management, has started to list gender identity among the classes protected by federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies. By including gender identity as a protected class, the federal government is stating its commitment to protecting transgender employees and has taken a significant step toward ending employment discrimination of LGBT people in the federal workforce.

lar American brands are rated based on the businesses’ treatment of their LGBT employees. The iPhone application is available for download at www.hrc.org/iPhone. Both Apple and AT&T score 100% on the 2010 Corporate Equality Index.

22 Years, HIV Travel and Immigration Ban Lifted The ban on HIV+ visitors and immigrants entering the country, first established in 1987, has been lifted. A regulation promulgated by the Obama administration last summer and finalized in November went into effect January 4, removing HIV from the list of communicable diseases that bar foreign nationals from entering the United States.

Three LGBT Youth-Focused Organizations Among 100 Charities Vying For $1 Million In Chase Community Giving GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, the Matthew Shepard Foundation and The Trevor Project – three organizations that work to improve the lives of LGBT youth – are among 100 finalists in Chase Community Giving, a campaign by Chase and Facebook to award $5 million to charities voted on by Facebook users. The top vote-getter receives $1 million. Five runners-up receive $100,000 each. Each of the hundred finalists received a $25,000 grant.

New Jersey Senate Rejects Marriage Bill for Same-Sex Couples

Human Rights Campaign Releases “Buying for Equality” iPhone Application

The New Jersey State Senate failed to pass legislation recognizing marriage equality for samesex couples. The senate voted 14-20 against the bill. The bill had passed out of the Judiciary Committee by a 7 to 6 vote this past December.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released a free iPhone application for its “Buying for Equality” guide. This new technology will allow shoppers to access the Buying for Equality guide as they enter a store to see how hundreds of popu-

Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and benefits in any state. For an electronic map showing where marriage equality stands in the states, please visit: www.HRC.org/State_Laws.

Pat Robertson claimed that Haiti was stricken by earthquakes because of a Devil-pact. We think Pat is insane.

feb 2010

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Regulation Is The New Green by Deb Steele Keeping up with environmental issues can feel like information overload at times. A main underlying theme used by the fossil fuel industry in various ways is that of regulation being a bad thing. While anti-regulation has always been a keystone of polluters’ political platforms, recent announcements by the EPA has spurred their lobbyists into action again with that old message. Within a matter of days the U.S. Senate will vote if the EPA should have the power to regulate greenhouse gasses under the Clean Air Act. Also on the EPA’s to-do list is figuring out if coal ash should be labeled as a toxic substance. As our government toils over how to deal with these long overdue environmental issues we better be sure they are hearing from citizens. If you want a cleaner safer climate you should be not only for regulation, but a politically active person as well. It has been more than a year from when over a billion gallons of coal fly ash slurry spewed from a broken containment area near the coal fired Kingston Fossil Plant in Eastern Tennessee overcoming a nearby river. The amount of coal ash released was 50 times larger than the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989. With a new head of the EPA last year, Lisa Jackson announced action from her agency around the issue of coal ash by the end of 2009. A decision from the EPA has yet to be announced despite the fact that OSHA already considers coal fly ash a hazardous chemical. There are abundant levels of mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals present in coal ash. It does not take a horrible accident like the spill or living near containment areas of coal waste, to be vulnerable to serious health risks of coal ash. This material unregulated is already all around us in various forms. In 2000 the Clinton Administration missed an opportunity to correctly label coal ash as toxic, as a result

feb 2010

it is considered a product fit for industrial recycling into products such as concrete. In the U.S. about 30 million tons of fly ash material was “recycled” for other uses during 2008 alone. Review meetings of EPA’s proposed coal ash regulation have received an historic amount of industry attention, even more so than the regulation of greenhouse gasses at the White House. Industry stakeholders have attended 22 meetings while environmental stakeholders have been present at just four. Who is to insure the government is representing the interests of the people with a ratio of five to one? It could be argued more progress can be made in talking to culprits, but unfortunately there is a long running history of those most responsible for creating the mess influencing what does or does not happen in D.C. That influence is bad for all of us. If we learned anything for the mortgage crisis, we learned how important oversight is. Whereas we could allow our elected officials to continue business as usual, and as a result avoid changing the underlining problems in the system; we could keep burning coal that destroys mountains in the process of obtaining it and everyone’s health in the process of burning it; and we could just continue to simply assume if we get the right person elected to office our work is done as citizens in a democracy; but at a certain point we cannot afford to fail our environment. As a society these issues demand our attention from the top down and the bottom up simultaneously and with conviction. As we stand on the eve of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, we should remind ourselves what a social movement looks like. We must demand our government protects our health and the environment from the interests from corporate polluters. We each must be personally involved. steele.deb@gmail.com

Here’s the factory where Maria Garrison gets her foundation. No, not from inside, she uses the coal ash runoff. She says it gives a more natural black face.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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This is an incredible list of community resources. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to use them!

feb 2010

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Healing From Faith …if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without. For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire. Starhawk Everything outside – doesn’t matter. Everything inside – doesn’t matter. Being, really being, in this moment is all there is. Tim Shay – explaining the essence of Taoism by Regina Sewell “Jesus loves me (but he can’t stand you).*” With this simple line/song title, the Austin Lounge Lizard capture the essence of what many conservative Christians believe about homosexuality. And it’s not just the conservative Christians who think we’re somehow deplorable. Conservative Buddhists, Jews, Hindus and Muslims also condemn us. Some people feel compelled to implore us to repent and “straighten up” and tell us that we are going to hell if we don’t. Exodus International, a “nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ,” offers to liberate us from our homosexual urges and to help us become the straight people they think God wants us to be. Fred Phelps, the notorious anti-gay preacher from Kansas, cuts through the hypocritical bullshit and puts the real message out there: “God hates fags!” Either way, the message is pretty clear: God’s “unconditional love” is conditional and queer folk don’t measure up. Many fundamentalist Muslims and Hassidic and Orthodox Jews hold similar non-accepting beliefs about homosexuality. Given these messages, it’s no wonder that so many of us turn our backs on religion. For some of us, life without religion is fine. We don’t have to worry that eating pork or shrimp violates scriptural rules. We can sleep in rather than going to the temple, mosque or church and we don’t have to put all that energy into clearing our minds and being present. But for others, our lack of spiritual connection leaves a hole in our beings that cries out to be filled. Rather than find ways to fill that hole with our own brand of spirituality or seeking out one of the many congregations and groups that not only accepts us but has put energy into recruiting us into the fold, we blame the fundies, or God, or the gods, or the Universe, or the Higher Power, or the “Ass-

feb 2010

hole in the Sky” or whatever it is that we call that connecting force in the universe for our sense of emptiness. And rather than sitting with the emptiness, we fill it with resentment, blame, hatred, shame and self-hatred. And then we eat, drink, take drugs, shop, play video games, work, obsessively organize or create overwhelmingly busy schedules in order to mask the pain of these toxic thoughts. And yeah, I know, some of you have probably tried. You’ve gone to a congregation or group with the hope that you’d be accepted as you are and left in disgust because you felt like the ugly stepsister. Or you felt frustrated because you didn’t like their rituals or their songs or didn’t click with some of their doctrinal beliefs. Or maybe you didn’t “connect” with anyone in the group. Or you sat on your cushion in silence or chanted your heart out but just couldn’t “feel it” and figure it must be them. Fundies and other anti-gay zealots may broadcast hateful messages, and ignorant but well-meaning people may not welcome us in a way that feels like “home,” but at the end of the day, we are the obstacle to our spiritual connection. You may be thinking, It’s not my fault. I really did try and they let me down. Or, I prayed, honestly and sincerely – not just the “please God, let me pass this test and I’ll never get drunk the night before an exam again” kind of prayer, but a real “open my heart and pour out my soul” kind of prayer and God never answered. So screw you! I’m not letting them off the hook. I’m not apologizing for God/Higher Power/the Universe or whatever. I’m just being realistic. We can’t control the anti-gay zealots or convince them that we are just fine the way we are with words or arguments. But we can control our thoughts, actions and ways of being on the planet. If you come at it from this angle, it’s clear that we are the ones who block our connection with the earth, with the God/the universe/spirit/higher power, with others, and ultimately with ourselves. They can’t take this from us. The problem is that we buy into the illusion that we are separate, that we are different, that we are disconnected. And when we do this, we are disconnected. Most of us, in any given moment, don’t know how our left big toe or our right elbow feels. Most of us, in any given moment, are lost in our thoughts and don’t notice that our breathing is shallow, that our posture is poor, or that our neck is tense. If we do notice something in our body, it’s probably becontinued

Florida exempts divine healing from the law. We aren’t sure what that means exactly.

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cause we feel discomfort or arousal and our focus is on how to make the pain go away or how to satisfy the ants in our pants. In other words, we “go away.”

age, let yourself breathe into those spaces until they soften. If thoughts or feelings emerge, notice them and let them go.

If we can disconnect, we can reconnect. We can “heal from faith.” We can heal from the wounds of hateful words and from the disappointment of unanswered requests and prayers. The path is both very simple and yet very difficult. We have to sit with the emptiness, with the silence, and with our suffering. We have to be present. Once we get present, God/the Universe/spirit/higher power flows through us. The challenge is that our brains are wired to distract us with thoughts and stories and worries. The solution to this challenge is to circumvent our busy minds by connecting to our bodies. Here are a few tricks:

3. Breathe as before, but this time, after several rounds of breathing, silently say, “heartbeat” and see if you can feel your heart beating as you continue to notice your breath.

1: In a chair: Rock forward and back on your sitz bones. (If you sit on your hands, these are the bony nubs you feel.) Notice how your lower back feels a little crunchy or cranky when you go too far forward and how your lower spine collapses when you go too far back. When you’re sitting directly on your sitz bones, notice how your spine elongates and you have more room to breathe. Let yourself breathe here! Just notice your breath. Notice how it feels when you inhale and how it feels when you exhale. Now let yourself breathe deep into your belly and see how that feels. Breathe into your chest and see how that feels. And breathe into the upper corners of your lungs and notice how that feels. Now, go back to breathing into your belly, but this time, follow your breath all the way up to your chest, and then up to the upper corners or your lungs. After you have done this extended breath for three breaths, allow yourself to breath normally and just notice your breath. If you need someone to guide you, go to a yoga class, pop in a meditation CD or do it with a supportive friend. My plan is put links to guided meditations and visualizations on my website www.ReginaSewell.com soon, so check it out. 2. Sitting in a chair or standing: Notice the energy in your right hand. Can you feel it buzzing? Can you feel it alive? If it hurts, let yourself be with the pain. Breathe into it. Notice how the pain changes as you focus your attention on it. Once you really feel the energy in your right hand, shift your attention to your left foot. Can you feel the energy buzzing there? What else do you feel? Watch this for a moment. And then shift your awareness to the flesh around your right sitz bone and then to the left. Gradually explore your entire body and then see if you can feel the energy in your entire body. If there are places of block-

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4. Go outside. Take a walk, go on a hike, work in your garden, or sit by the river and let yourself just be. When you find yourself distracted by thoughts, judgments, worries or daydreams, gently pull your awareness back to where you are, to the natural world around you. 5. Let yourself create. Paint, draw, cook, make jewelry or make music. Start by purposefully singing out of key, missing notes, following your intuition to change the recipe, or drawing or sculpting something so hideous even your dog runs in fear and then let yourself play. Let go of the outcome. If the cookies come out funky, take them to a potluck, leave them in the break room at work or toss them into the compost pile. If the poem is beyond trite, welcome to the poet’s lament. That’s what the recycle bin is for. The point is the process, the journey, the fun of getting there. Once you’ve connected with yourself you can probably connect with the universe/God/higher power/ whatever. If you can’t, perhaps you need to search through your beliefs and see if you have negative beliefs that block the connection. If you can’t sit with yourself even in a yoga class or with a CD, you might need the help and support of a counselor so that you don’t have to face the fear and pain that you’ve been avoiding so long on your own. Once you’ve connected on your own, once you’ve really felt the truth that you are an integral part of the universe just as you are, that you are part of the divine, then you can find others who connect in a similar way, even if it is through the paradigm of a religious group (like Catholics or Southern Baptists) whose official dogma says God can’t love us. The fundies and anti-gay zealots can spout their interpretations of reality all they want. We get to choose how we react to it whether or not we believe it. *This is a great parody of fundy Christianity. Check it out on YouTube.com Regina Sewell is a mental health counselor. To ask a question, propose a column topic, read about her approach to counseling, or check out her books and other writing, go to: www.ReginaSewell.com . Her most recent publication, “Sliding Away” can be found in Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex and Work in Our 40s, edited by Molly Rosen.

A heart on? I haven’t tried that one yet...

feb 2010

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But are they really part of us? by Mette Bach Everyone gossips. Ask anyone in junior high or anyone who regularly shows up at any house of worship. Ask anyone who lives in a senior center or a co-op. Gossip is part of what we do. It’s “natural.” But that doesn’t mean it isn’t awful and destructive. There’s a couple I’ve heard about for years. A man and a woman who live together in a couplelike scenario. They’ve built a home together, they go to each other’s family functions and, presumably, have sex. So they are what they claim to be: partners. But here’s the snag. They also both claim to be queer and this is why they are legendary enough that I should know all about the details of their sexuality from all kinds of people before I ever even meeting them. Did they have their same-sex experiences before they got together? Can you call yourself queer after you’ve coupled with the opposite sex? Isn’t it bad etiquette to go to queer events with your opposite sex partner? Maybe they are imposters, eager to appropriate the cachet of queerness, trying to hang with the cool kids, talkin’ the talk but not walkin’ the walk. Yap. Yap. Yap. As usual, these questions and observations negate the bisexual experience and are offensive and nosey and ultimately inappropriate. Love is love wherever you find it. But there’s more to it, of course. The word “queer” is a word of change. It is its own little mini-revolution within the larger more historical context of the sexual liberation movement. The word queer engages all sexualities outside of what these two appear to be living. This is what gets everyone’s backs up. I get it. The real question on everyone’s minds is, if straight people can call themselves queer, what are we? It boils down to something like this: if “those people” can say they are a part of this movement, then that changes what “this movement” is. It just does. Camps are created, sides are taken and differences are noticed. Personally, I think that the beauty of the word “queer” is that it includes all kinds of experiences, even those of the folks in the eye of the gossip storm (who hopefully have no idea that a little trail of whispers follows them everywhere they go). Queerness is not an exclusive club. If people want to label themselves queer, that’s good enough for me. Let the masses appropriate all they want. Let us dilute this precious pool we’re swimming in. I don’t see the harm. The problem isn’t with those who want to identify as queer. The problem is with sticking our noses where they don’t belong.

feb 2010

Looks like the Help Wizard should see Vincent J. Lombardo, DDS for some dental work.

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New Town, New Love by Jason Tanner I think I am slowly falling in love with Columbus. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, isn’t the timing just perfect? I know I’ve been here for only two months, but this just might be the healthiest relationship I have ever been in…with a city, that is. Well, there was that one-night stand I had with Cleveland, but I’d rather forget about that as soon as possible. I think it gave me a rash. Anyway, before I tell you all about my experience at Havana, let’s talk about the weather for a minute. True, weather is something you talk about with your stepfather or a trick (while you wait for them to get dressed and leave). This time, I mean it. I’d like to address the snow “issue” in Columbus.

it a few times that night. I was trying to find it, but the letters are just so skinny and tight. Maybe they should call it Impact or Helvetica. (Shout-out to my design junkies! Holler!) When I walked in, one of the first things I noticed was that super-high table in the back right corner. It’s like the Havana penthouse, or something. Is it an elite, reserved spot for special queens to watch and silently judge you? I could feel their eyes burning through my back. I started to sweat a little, but quickly realized it wasn’t the queens sitting on the prow of the Titanic. It is hot up in that bitch! I take it all back; they should re-name the bar Savannah. `Cuz it’s hot! You know, like Georgia. Mmmm, peaches… Sorry.

I stripped down to my t-shirt and ordered a drink— a margarita. But I don’t think that’s what I got. The bartender handed me some cloudy dark green Remember the “storm” we had a few weeks ago? marga-tini-rita-politan-thing and said, “Here, try No, I’m not referring to the whole month of Decem- that.” Holy shit balls, Havana makes a strong ber. I’m talking about that little two to four inches of drank! (Note: I am almost positive when I asked for bullshit that took an entire day for nature to squeeze a glass of water later in the evening, the bartender out of her cooch. That was so cute! It was like God gave me a shot of vodka on the rocks.) As my eyes took a saltshaker and sprinkled us with kittens and filled with tears of joy, I smiled and nodded at the ribbons. Let me explain… bartender in gratitude. Within seconds, I could no longer feel feelings. Growing up in Boston, you experience the pleasure of being donkey-punched with 20 inches of devil’s Now, I am a huge music lover. So, of course, I was blow. We also call them blizzards. After days of shov- slightly upset at the videos/music playing at Savaneling wet, heavy snow off your driveway, you crawl nah (tee hee, Georgia). I have never been to London, your tired, beat-up ass back into your house and Sweden, France or anywhere else in Canada for that begin defrosting your nuts… until the Canadian matter. I didn’t recognize a single artist playing over winds bitch-slap you with another 10 inches. That’s the speakers! Some crazy drag-ho named somelife on the right. thing like Boo-Boo Kitty Titty doing a cover of George Michael’s “Freedom `90.” It was rather upsetting. I I, willingly, moved 3,000 miles to the left side to live was confused, scared, slightly famished… and through a 5.0 earthquake in Los Angeles. By the drunk. time I was 25, I found my first gray pube. Coincidence? I think not. I will gladly take your two inches I had to leave and eat something, quickly. So, I made of baby’s breath any day! So, Columbus, the next a pit stop at Haiku. One of my coworkers told me time it “snows” here, I expect to see you all run out- they are famous for their amazing hand rolls… or side in your shortest shorts and make me a godwas it hand jobs? The rest is a blur. All I remember damn snow angel. was being hungry again 15 minutes later and peeing sideways. Haiku = best sushi in the Short North. I feel your pain, though. What I haven’t gotten used to is that between your two-inch avalanches, it I found myself, once again, at Union. I am slowly somehow manages to snow every day. Every. Day. learning that Union is the gay mothership of High That’s just fucked up. Street. No matter what you do or where you go in the Short North, you always somehow end up at Union. Every morning, I wake up to approximately one cen- Just last week, I had a 9 a.m. doctor’s appointment timeter of (what looks a lot like) arctic volcanic ash and I found myself trying to get into Union. Even covering my car. The second I finish brushing off the stranger? Union accepted my insurance card! last spot, there is a brand new centimeter where I began. That is not okay! Before I moved to Ohio, a Columbus is such a fun, vibrant and beautiful city -I friend of mine once told me that it hardly snows in am having a blast learning all of the ins and outs. A Columbus. We aren’t friends anymore. few nights ago, I was at Union (see?) and a young lady asked me if I think I can really be happy in Yet, I am still falling in love with this city. I can’t help Columbus. I told her: “Happiness is a funny thing. it. Everyone says hello to me and smiles. Well, alYou can only find it inside of yourself. Your surroundmost everyone. There’s a homeless woman who ings only enhance the happiness.” Then she threw roams High Street. She told me to “go fuck” myself up on my shoes. when I didn’t have any cash for her. I will win her over! She’ll see… I also met someone special. All I will say is this: He makes this (already) beautiful city even brighter and I finally decided to check out Havana. I walked past more beautiful for me. I’ll keep you posted…

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I think the Clinton Room was the name of a room in a bath house i went to once in Pittsburg.

feb 2010

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Taking the Risk and Showing the Love

Brother Alvis Moore by Michael Daniels I first met Brother Alvis J. Moore when Chris and I were doing radio outlook on WVKO AM 1520 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; back when it was still progressive talk and not its current format of evangelical Catholic programming. Alvis was the gospel music programmer and host of Praise and Worship program on that same station. Later, I had the good fortune to work with him on a Network Columbus event for the faith community, and was honored to speak last year at his churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Martin Luther King Day celebrations. Alvis serves as Director Music and Arts Ministries at the Rehoboth Temple Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ (rehobothtemplechurch.com), a Pentecostal Church at 1111 E Long St, where Bishop Bradford Berry is pastor. I reached out to Alvis to get his perspective on a variety of issues on faith and spirituality. Michael Daniels: Many churches are open and affirming to their GLBT congregants, while many others are not. Why do you think that this issue in particular is polarizing in its interpretation and in its scope? Alvis Moore: It is imperative that we demonstrate the love of Christ to everyone. I can't pick and choose whom I will love. Whenever I have opportunity, I am to love and follow peace. The most important thing is God loves all of us, regardless. MD: I recently read a quote on the Internet that said, in essence, that it's easy to raise money in two ways - in support of a cause (like building a church, buying an organ, or supporting victims of a natural disaster) and in opposition to something (like gay marriage or abortion), but that it's hard to raise money if there's no crisis and you're just doing the right thing. Do you believe this is true? AM: Part of that can be true, seeing as that a crisis seems to call for immediate action, On the other hand, building the resources financially that empower an organization to be prepared to act without waiting for people to give at a whimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notice means that people within that organization or group have always been giving in preparation to meet an immediate challenge. The opportunity to meet a sudden need in a crisis situation can be done right then. MD: Many people look to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr as a symbol of hope and equality for all, and point to Bayard Rustin's involvement as proof

feb 2010

outlook readers are people of faith too. Thank you Brother Alvis, for loving us as we are. We love you too

that Dr King supported GLBT equality. Many others claim that the civil rights movement and the gay rights movement cannot be compared and are not equal. Dr King's widow, Coretta Scott King, and his son, MLK III, say he would have supported full GLBT equality; his daughter Bernice and niece Alveda say he would not. How do you interpret Dr King's message? AM: I believe that he would have been supportive. The loss of equality for one eventually leads to the loss of equality for all. MD: Is there a distinction between the following: religion, spirituality, and "the church"? If so, how would you define or explain the difference? AM: The first is a practice, the second is obedience and actively seeking and following God's plan for your life and the third, as we so often look at it, an organization. MD: Can a person be spiritual and not religious? Can a person be religious but not spiritual? If you had to be one but not the other, which would you choose? AM: The answer to both questions is yes. I would prefer to be spiritual because my heart, soul and mind will consistently be opened to obedience and following God's plan for my life. More than that, I will have more ability to be sensitive to and ready to help with the spiritual and emotional needs of others rather than disdaining them because their "religion" or anything else is different from mine. Being spiritual in the sense that I am obedient to God and that I demonstrate his love and empathy allows me to be a light in dark places. MD: As a friend of outlook, and as a pastor, what is your wish for 2010? AM: Well, I am not a pastor. A lot of people think that I am and I am flattered by that. My wish for 2010 is that in spite of differences, we all take advantage of standing together in love and unity in order to demonstrate the power of God's unconditional love in our lives. MD: What else would you like to say to our readers? AM: First of all, Michael, thank you for being a friend and brother. Secondly, to all of the readers and supporters: Whenever and wherever you have an opportunity, do something good for someone. Give support and encouragement to those who need it. Be a light. Take the risk and show love.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Bronze Bubbleâ&#x20AC;? Tanning and laundry & The Men Zone: critical pieces to your Winter Party Festival prep work.

feb 2010

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small pond

Alexander’s Jewelers

Commitment and Community by Elliot Fishman

part of my family,” Khvalsky says with a Russian accent. “When you come here, I want you to be our customer for the rest of your life.”

Alexander Khvalsky thinks that gay and lesbian couples should match, but their rings don’t have to. “Commitment rings don’t just show you’re taken - they’re a statement about your individuality,” says Khvalsky, owner of Alexander’s Jewelers in the Short North. “It should be something that will make you want to put it on every day.” Alexander’s carries a wide selection of rings and other jewelry from quality houses like Gottlieb, LA Weddings and Ingwer in addition to fashion-forward lines such as TeNo and B.Tiff. The store also specializes in custommade jewelry. Khvalsky and his staff have been selling commitment rings, watches and other high-quality, high-fashion jewelry to people who appreciate the great design, good value and family atmosphere the store offers. The store is a comfortable place for GLBT community to shop, because they get it. Alexander’s staff is diverse like his clientele, including his out store manager Shane Hampton. “The first thing is I want you to feel is that your accepted, you’re comfortable, like you’re

feb 2010

Although most customers were looking at wedding bands or commitment rings during our recent visit, Alexander’s carries earrings, necklaces and pendants - in gold, silver and platinum, as well as diamonds and semi-precious gemstones. Prices range from $160 for a TeNo pendant to thousands of dollars for estate jewelry. When asked for a Valentine’s Day suggestion for a lesbian couple, salesperson Heather Brake pointed to a rhodochrosite pendant with matching earrings. “It’s the color of white zinfandel wine,” she said. The store is perhaps best known, however, for its selection of previously owned, high-end watches, which make up about 40 percent of sales. The center cases are filled with newer and vintage timepieces from Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Patek Phillipe and Jaeger, among other brands. In fact, it was a love of watches that brought Khvalsky into the jewelry business. Having emigrated from Russia to Columbus with his mother, he graduated from Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business with his MBA. He decided to combine his business acumen with his growing collection of

watches and open a jewelry store. “Just because the watches may be pre-owned does not mean they are of inferior quality,” says Khvalsky. “Any watch I buy has to be mint. These are investment pieces which grow in value.” And Khvalsky stands behind that investment with a guarantee: Alexander’s will buy back watches bought from the store at the original purchase price and apply it to another watch. Hampton, recommends a watch as a Valentine’s Day gift for men. “It’s men’s jewelry,” says Hampton, “even for the most conservative man. A gift of a good watch often makes the recipient a collector, and we love that, not only because of the business, but because watches are our passion. We have a large collector clientele because we are excellent at helping customers find pieces that diversify their collections for their personal style, but also their investment portfolio.” For those LGBT people wanting to make more of a fashion statement, Hampton recommends neckpieces and bracelets in surgical steel and precious metals from German maker TeNo and its Yukon line. “TeNo has that German sense of high design, with a very highquality product,” he said. “There’s even a red and gray piece for Ohio State Buckeye fans.”

Alexander’s supports the GLBT community as much as it can. “We gave a lot of support to California’s No on 8 campaign,” Hampton said, and noted that they also support such local organizations as Camp Sunrise. Still, it is Alexander’s attention to detail and customer service that keeps customers - gay and straight alike - coming back to the store, says Khvalsky. “I am very picky,” he said, showing fingers stained with the acid he uses to test jewelry for the quality of its gold. Khvalsky says that he and his staff “will spend as much time as necessary” with a customer to find the right piece of jewelry, in the customer’s price range. “I never sit down at work,” he said, “because I am always with the customers and making sure we get it right for them.” For Khvalsky, the customer commitment is personal. “For me, reputation is number one, and money is number two,” he said. He thought for a minute. “My wife might not like to hear me say that, but it’s true.” Alexander’s Jewelers is located at 689 North High Street in the Short North. For more information, call the store at 614.233.6666 or go to the store’s web site at www.alexanderscolumbus.com.

A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but liquor is a girls best friend. And diamonds. Liquor too, though.

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Why do people think cartoon representations of lesbians must include dreads?

feb 2010

EVEN

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feb 2010

The eyes say female, the eyebrows say male, the grooming of the eyebrows says drag king...we may never know.

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Top 10

Ex-Gay-Related Events of 2009 by Wayne Besen

son’s leadership, this mega-ministry started the ex-gay roadshow Love Won Out. Dobson’s retireWhile 2009 will be remembered for the worldwide ment represents the winding down of the old economic recession, for the ex-gay industry, it will guard. This includes the passing of other ex-gay be known as The Great Moral Depression. It was a proponents or anti-gay preachers such as Rev. dreadful year for such programs, as they showed Jerry Falwell, D. James Kennedy and Oral Roberts. A themselves to be a global menace run by repronew generation of Evangelicals will hopefully join bates, such as Exodus’ Randy Thomas and Alan the reality-based community and break with the Chambers, who combined a dangerous dose of ar- past. However, there is reason to be skeptical, conrogance and incompetence. Much like the Roman sidering the leader of the pack is Rick Warren, who Catholic Church, these men ignored a credible al- isn’t too much better than his predecessors. legation of abuse for more than six months and engaged in a dangerous game of denial. 9) The Fizzling Out of Michael Glatze and Stephen Bennett Whatever shard of credibility this industry had was Michael Glatze was formerly co-editor of XY Magastripped away in 2009. It was a year where such zine and YGA Magazine, publications directed at programs were harshly rebuked by the mental LGBT youth. He and his partner of ten years, Benjie health establishment. An important new study Nycum, also co-authored the book XY Survival showed that their retrograde methods of shame Guide. and blame harmed LGBT people. The old, outdated research that they stubbornly latched onto for dear Glatze’s ventures went belly-up and he seemed to life seemed to betray them and then vanish into disappear from LGBT activism. He re-emerged in thin air. July 2007 with a disgusting op-ed on the extremist website WorldNetDaily, where he announced he Several “ex-gay” heroes turned out to be zeros and was “ex-gay” (although he had no experience with slithered away into the mist. The past 12 months, women). if anything, unmasked the facade of “love” this industry cynically showers on potential clients and Glatze alleged sexual conversion seems, in part, to an often gullible media. In 2009, the world saw ex- have come from a sort of nervous breakdown. He gay programs for what they are: A sugar coated ex- reported that he suffered from frequent panic atcuse for homophobia. tacks and that he obsessed about death. Exodus was revealed as a front for international hate groups, who used the group’s credulous leaders as pawns in an international struggle for theocracy. PFOX stepped forward and showed, time and again, that it was just plain nuts.

In late September, Glatze contacted me, hoping that I would interview him and reinvigorate his flagging career as an “ex-gay.” I refused to oblige his publicity stunt, and so did LGBT advocates at other sites.

NARTH put out an embarrassingly shoddy “study” that was so pathetic it was virtually ignored by the media. By the end of 2009, NARTH had solidified its place as a cabal of embittered and irrelevant quacks on the far outer fringes of psychology. Homosexuals Anonymous was, well, anonymous. The Catholic ex-gay group Courage also had a meager profile and had little impact on popular culture. And, JONAH, the Jewish ex-gay group, continued to humiliate itself through its affiliation with crackpot Born Again sexual reorientation coach Richard Cohen.

Glatze’s downfall came when he opened an incoherent vanity blog and wrote:

May 2010 bring the same abundance of truth and light regarding the ex-gay fraud we had in 2009. Here are the Top 10 ex-gay related stories of the year. 10) The Passing of The Old Guard Focus on the Family Cofounder James Dobson announced that he was stepping down. He was an arch-homophobe who once claimed allowing gay people to marry would end the Earth. Under Doboutlookcolumbus.com

“Have I mentioned lately how utterly *disgusting* Obama is? And, yes, it’s because he’s black. God, help us all… It’s a shame Obama is black. He could end up setting back race relations decades.” Condemned for his idiotic comment about President Obama, Glatze sent out a rambling e-mail announcing his career as an ex-gay spokesperson had fizzled and he was retiring. Chalk Glatze up to a pitiful flash in the pan. Similarly, 2009 was the year that big-haired ex-gay activist Stephen Bennett completely vanished from the scene. And Anthony Falzarano’s (founder of PFOX) attempted return to the spotlight also petered out. 8) The Lisa Miller Kidnapping and Abduction Case Lisa Miller broke up with partner Janet Jenkins after becoming a born-again “ex-gay.” In a fit of

holier-than-thou zeal, Miller went on the lam and pubic hair. He asked what type of underwear that I absconded from Vermont with their child, Isabella, wore. whom the couple was raising together after having a civil union. “He wanted me to describe my sexual fantasies to him and the type of men I’m attracted to. On one As a result of Miller’s poor parenting and criminal occasion, he asked me to take my shirt off and behavior (she was cited for contempt of court), a show him how many push-ups I could do, which I Vermont court transferred custody to Jenkins (after did not do.” a five year legal ordeal that will surely leave emotional scars on their child Isabella) and refused a Tragically, it took Exodus until December to take motion to delay transfer, as requested by Miller’s action and cut ties with this renegade ministry. Exlaw team. odus’ dithering in the face of scandal cost precious time and may have placed additional youth in People for the American Way’s Right Wing Watch harm’s way. This was a key episode in 2009 bereports that the location of Miller and 7-year-old Is- cause it underscored how Exodus has little control abella Miller are presently “unknown.” This is over its satellite ministries and each one is an inhighly problematic because the court order took ef- dependent fiefdom with its own rules and techfect on New Year’s Day. niques. Exodus is no more than a Wild West and an unprofessional hodgepodge of fundamentalist Janet Jenkins filed a missing person report in Vir- pop-psychology combined with spiritual warfare ginia on Wednesday in hopes of finding her 7-year- and efforts to pray away the gay. old daughter, according to her lawyer. Unfortunately, Miller’s outlaw behavior has been 5) Ex-Gay Charlatan Matthew C. Manning cheered on by ex-gay activists who want to pretend Unmasked As A Fraud they are martyrs rather than criminal miscreants. A report by the website, “Ex-Gay Watch,” cast a dark cloud of skepticism over “ex-gay” activist 7) The Caitlin Ryan Study Matthew Manning’s tale of being “delivered” from The January 2009 issue of Journal of the American homosexuality and AIDS. According to the report, Academy of Pediatrics reported on a new study by Manning has been repeatedly dragged into court San Francisco State researcher Caitlin Ryan. Her for allegations of inappropriate behavior and was research concluded that “teens who experienced even banned from a popular gym after improper negative feedback (when they came out as LGBT) sexual advances were made on a 22-year-old hetwere more than eight times as likely to have aterosexual male. Manning, a frequent television tempted suicide, nearly six times as vulnerable to guest and the founder of Lighthouse World Evansevere depression and more than three times at gelism Inc., based in Santa Rosa, California, has risk of drug use.” yet to comment on the allegations made in the investigative report. This definitive study was hugely important because it contradicted the claim by “ex-gay” ac4) Focus on the Family Abandons “Love Won tivists that homosexuality was the root cause of Out” Road Show such problems. Indeed, it was ex-gay programs – Focus on the Family held its final Love Won Out the epitome of negative feedback – that led to the conference in Birmingham, AL, after pawning the destruction of LGBT people. program off on Exodus International. The notorious road show was sold under duress, in the midst of 6) Exodus Bungles Corduroy Stone Scandal After financial trouble for the mega-ministry based in TWO Exposes Abuse Colorado Springs. Love Won Out was started by Exodus International officially cut ties with its “ex-gay” organizer, John Paulk, who I phoLansing affiliate Corduroy Stone after charges tographed in a Washington, DC gay bar in Septemwere made by an ex-gay survivor that the sessions ber of 2000. included harmful and bizarre therapy. Although Focus on the Family will still work with In August, Patrick McAlvey made the charges Exodus, the sale of this conference suggests disagainst Corduroy Stone’s Mike Jones in a Truth enchantment with the ex-gay message. If it were Wins Out video. At the age of 19, McAlvey, who working and people were still being fooled, there is came from a religious background, was terrified little chance that Focus on the Family would have that he might be gay. Feeling vulnerable and des- dumped a program so central to its anti-gay work. perate to change, he placed his trust in Mike Jones This development does not bode well for the longand Corduroy Stone. term future of Exodus and may signal that ex-gay propaganda is losing sway and in decline with “He asked how large my penis was,” McAlvey ex- larger fundamentalist ministries. plained of Jones’ therapy. “He asked if I shave my continued on page 35

Ask us about our Niche Marketing Seminar, and how it can help bring you to the attention of lucrative niche markets throughout Columbus. 614.268.8525

feb 2010

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feb 2010

Boma rhymes with Stoma. One is fun. The other…not so much.

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The More Affirming Churches Become,

The Closer to Equality We Get by Jennifer Vanasco It doesn’t matter if you attend religious services weekly or if you have fallen away, if you’re atheist or agnostic, if you think religion is the opiate of the people or the road to peace – established religion in America is an important force. So when the bishops of the Episcopal Church voted last year to affirm gay clergy, it was an important move. Ever since 2003, when the openly gay Gene Robinson was consecrated as a bishop, the 77 million-member Anglican communion – the worldwide body of which the Episcopal Church is a part – has been threatened by schism.

First, the Episcopal Church is seen as the canary in the coalmine by other mainline Protestant Churches. They are waiting to see if accepting gays and lesbians as full members of the church will lead to a breaking away from the international church, or whether different views will be able to co-exist happily. If the Anglican fellowship survives with an inclusive Episcopal Church, it might lead other denominations – Lutherans, Presbyterians – to follow the example of the United Church of Christ and become fully inclusive of gays and lesbians as well.

And once all mainline Protestant churches start approving of gay marThree years ago, there was a moratorium riage, it will be very difficult for polition future elevation of gay bishops until cians and anti-marriage advocates a the issue could be more carefully conreligious argument against gay marriage, sidered. The gay Episcopal group Insince it will be even clearer that not all tegrity says that the inclusive vote denominations agree on this issues. effectively ends the ban, though others say that it just affirmed what was already Secondly, however, the entire issue the case, that gays and lesbians are a points out something that is easy for us full part of the Episcopal Church. American gays and lesbians to ignore: the rights (or lack thereof) of gays and Also last year, conservative breakaway lesbians internationally has an effect on churches in the U.S. formed their own us here at home. Anglican group aligned with more conservative South American and African There is the threat of a schism because diocese. Called the Anglican Church in gays and lesbians in many parts of South North America, they have a paltry America and Africa (South Africa being 100,000 members compared with 2 mil- the notable, progressive exception) lag lion Episcopalians – yet if the internabehind their American counterparts tional Anglican groups choose to align when it comes to how they are viewed by with them instead, that could change. their societies. If gays and lesbians were seen as nearly equal in those parts of the For now, however, their absence has led world, we would have more rights in the to a more liberal Episcopal Church. A U.S. now. committee voted that the Episcopal Church should also permit the blessing That is, mainline churches would have of same-sex couples. When it came to accepted us already – which would lead testifying in favor of the measure, 50 to more pressure on politicians – which people did so – only six testified against would lead to a quicker change in our it. At the 2009 General Convention then, laws. the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies voted to approve a measure A gay rights battle in one place – that allows Episcopalian bishops to bless whether that place is within the Episcosame-sex marriages at their discretion. pal Church or in a city in Africa – affects The Houses also voted to begin a process gay rights in every other place. of writing official liturgy for the blessing of same-sex unions. We will not have full equality here until gays and lesbians have equality everyAll of this might seem like inside basewhere. ball to you if you’re not Episcopalian, even more so if you’re not Christian or Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning, syndicated not religious at all. But it is important to all of us who are gay and lesbian, for a couple reasons.

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columnist. Follow her at Twitter.com/JenniferVanasco; email her at Jennifer.Vanasco@gmail.com.

Faith is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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Gay Spirituality: Roots and Branches by Mickey Weems

anomalies, often ridiculed, sometimes revered and sometimes condemned. Many The gay community was not always welsocieties had spiritual systems in which comed by religious denominations. Neverthe- same-sex and gender-variant orientation less, we in the L, G, B, T and Q have a sacred were not considered moral defects. However, dimension to us: the acceptance of ourselves societies that were regulated by a literate, may include an understanding of a cosmos male-dominated elite with religions that dethat also accepts our orientation and gender mand strict enforcement of the dichotomy expression. (such as Christianity and Islam) tended to frame same-sex romance, homoeroticism But first, some definitions before we talk and gender variation as sinful perversions. about LGBTQ spirituality then and now. Spiri- Tolerance of such identities and behaviors tuality is an intimate relationship with the di- was seen to undermine the very basis of huvine. It is related to, but not identical with, manity’s relationship with the divine and religion, which is the codification of that inti- could lead to massive natural disasters as mate relationship. the result of Heaven’s punishment.

go into ecstasy with his foot in the crotches of young men as an adult. In the late twentieth/early twenty-first centuries, Vietnamese Buddhist leader Thich Nat Hanh would declare the “God is a Lesbian” because there are no differences that are not subverted when experiencing the divine, and American Zen master Robert Aitken would teach that “you can’t find enlightenment in the closet.”

This can still be seen in the reverence that women at the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival have with the Land, the grounds on which the festival takes place. It is this same bond that led to the Women’s Land Movement and the formation of women’s rural communities in the USA and Canada.

Radical Faeries

Post-Stonewall Lesbian Spirituality

Among gay men, there have been organizations that base intimacy with Heaven on hoAfter the Stonewall Riots and the start of Gay moerotic and romantic love between men, Liberation, spiritual expression within the such as the Radical Faeries, created in 1979 LGBTQ community came forth in multiple by Harry Hay, John Burnside, Don Kilhefner forms. For the lesbian community, there were and Mitch Walker. “I wish to honor the archemovements to recognize the feminine as suf- type of gay-centeredness in men,” Walker Nevertheless, when certain respected indiHistorical Roots ficient unto itself as a cosmic principle, so said. viduals of various faiths experienced an inti- that a woman is automatically invested with Human societies often construct a two-gen- mate relationship with the divine, the an intimate connection with the cosmos sim- Like lesbian spiritual movements, the Radical language used would undermine the strict di- ply by being a woman. Goddess-centered dered universe. The masculine principle of Faeries feel a strong connection with the enchotomy of formalized religions. Medieval the cosmos is contrasted with the feminine communities arose to codify the intimate di- vironment, and hold many of their functions Muslim Sufis would speak of the love of God vine feminine, but many goddess-centered principle. In general, masculine is active, outdoors. Since its inception, the Radical strong, hard, aggressive, warlike, public, and in homoerotic terms. Thirteenth-century Eng- women resist codification past a certain Faeries have spread around the world and lish anchoress Julian of Norwich would dethe penetrator. Feminine is passive, weak, point in order for each woman to establish have opened up to all orientations and scribe Jesus as Mother. In the sixteenth soft, congenial, peaceful, private (or homethe intimate connection on her own. sex/gender configurations. bound), and the penetrated. These principles century, San Juan de la Cruz (Saint John of the tend to be cosmologized, that is, part of the Cross) would write “Noche Oscura” (Spanish: Women and the Land The Radical Faeries also hold to the basic “Dark Night”) in which he describes his soul basic structure of the cosmos. principle of inner revelation, borrowing tradias a woman who seeks out her lover in seAfter Stonewall, there was also a strong bond tions from various cultures, but holding no Those who do not fit into the masculine/femi- cret. The eighteenth century Hindu saint Ra- felt between women and nature, particularly strict codification of their spiritual principles. makrishna would cross-dress as a youth and with the physical environment of the Earth. nine dichotomy were usually treated as Walker explains further: continued on page 35

feb 2010

The ten amoral concepts of Buddhism are theft, violence, murder, lying, evil speaking, adultery, idle talk, covetousness, greed, and perverted lust.

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SATURDAY Margarita Madness @ Union Bar+Food, 782 N High St, 614.421.CAFE (2233), www.columbusnightlife.com: $5 Margaritas. Get sloshed. 8p. Dance Your Ass Off @ Axis, 775 N High St, 614.291.4008, www.columbusnightlife.com. Self explanatory. 10p. Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall Street, 144 N High St, 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetnightclub.com. Bump and grind. 10p. DJ Jeremy James @ Level Dining Lounge, 700 N High St, 614.754.1342, www.levelcolumbus.com. 10p. Karaoke with Tim @ Tremont Lounge, 708 S High St, 614.445.9365. 10p. DJ T Cruz @ Q Bar & Nightclub,

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THURSDAY $3 Three Olives Night @ Level Dining Lounge, 700 N High St, 614.754.1342, www.levelcolumbus.com: $3 Three Olive – College Night – Buckeye Shots $1. Fun begins at 4p. 3 Wise Men @ Exile, 893 N 4th St, 614.299.0069, www.exilebar.com: Jack, Jim and Jose for $3.50 and free pool during happy hour 4-9p. Leather & Fetish @ Flex, 1567 E Livingston Ave, 614.252.0730, flexbaths.com: Nuff said... oh, and it starts at 4p. Long Island @ Union Bar+Food, 782 N High St, 614.421.CAFE, www.columbusnightlife.com: $3 Long Islands, $4 Flavored Islands, $5 Belvedere Long Islands. Good times and good prices start at 8p. CW & HipHop @ Wall Street, 144 N High St, 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetnightclub.com: Two-steppin’, line-dancin’ and dropped ‘g’s with the Columbus Stompers followed by hip-hop hotness with VJ Mykal. Country 8p-11p, hip-hop 11p-2a. No cover. Flashback Thursdays & Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II, 117 E Chestnut St, 614.461.4110, www.tradewindsii.com: Classic ‘80s dance music with DJ Shaun. Buck-a-beer domestics for happy hour, $2 domestic bottles Happy Hour, $3 Long Islands all day; Fun starts at 10p; Hot strippers at midnight; No cover. Ladies 80s @ Skully’s Music Diner, 1151 N High St, 614.291.8856, www.skullys.org;

$2.50 Miller drafts and $3.50 Enjoy the only ladies’ night in 205 N. Fifth St, 614.222.2401, Bacardi Rum drinks; Starts at 9p. Columbus that is 7 years runwww.q-nation.com. 11p. 80s Video Dance @ Wall Street, ning! Ladies get in FREE; Drink Saturday Entertainment @ Inn 144 N High St, 614.464.2800, specials all night; 21+. Rehab, 627 Greenlawn Ave, www.wallstreetnightclub.com: Karaoke @ Havana, 862 N High 614.883.9933, Music by DJ Michele Chaney with St, 614.421.9697, www.columwww.innrehab.com: “Where Fe$3 Long Islands and hot, sweaty busnightlife.com: Sing like every- male Illusion is not a Drag.” Male boys. 18 & up; Starts at 10p; no one gives a shit. Fun starts at strippers 2nd Saturday of the cover with college ID. 10p. month. 11p. Karaoke with Tim @ Tremont DJ Rob Engel @ Axis, 775 N High Lounge, 708 S High St, FRIDAY St, 614.291.4008, www.colum614.445.9365. Sing your heart Get Your Mojo @ Level Dining busnightlife.com: Spinnin’ discs out at 10p. Lounge, 700 N High St, in a different way. Absolut Wednesdays @ Exile, 614.754.1342, www.levelcolum- Crazy Catus Night @ Havana, 893 N 4th St, 614.294.0069, bus.com: $5 Mojitos $6 Fresh 862 N High St, 614.421.9697, www.exilebar.com: $3.50 Absolut Fruit Mojitos. Starts at 4p. www.columbusnightlife.com: drinkies all day long. Equality Happy Hour @ Union Your guess is as good as ours. Stoli Night @ Union Bar+Food, Bar+Food, 782 N High St, 782 N High St, 614.421.CAFE 614.421.CAFE (2233), SUNDAY (2233), www.columbusnightlife.com: $5 Brunch & Showtunes @ Union www.columbusnightlife.com: Get Flirtinis. Guzzle ‘em down begin- Bar+Food, 782 N High St, your stoli on. ning at 8p. 614.421.CAFE (2233), Wednesdays ‘R A Drag @ HaLive Bands @ Havana, 862 N www.columbusnightlife.com: All vana, 862 N High St, High St, 614.421.9697, You Can Eat brunch buffet and 614.421.9697, www.columbuswww.columbusnightlife.com. made-to-order gourmet omelets nightlife.com: Get dragalicious at Shake your shit starting at 9p. $9.99. $3 Mimosas and $3 Havana. College Night @ Wall Street, 144 Bloody Marys. Showtunes 6p-2a. N High St, 614.464.2800, Brunch at 10:30a. www.wallstreetnightclub.com. Margarita Madness @ Show everyone that a higher edu- Tradewinds II, 117 E Chestnut St, cation means puking in a toilet 614.461.4110, www.tradewindand not on the floor. 10p. sii.com: Giant 16+ margaritas till DJ Pat Finn @ Q Bar & Nightclub, 9p only $2.75 and $2.50 regular 205 N. Fifth St, 614.222.2401, margaritas from 9p-close. www.q-nation.com. 11p. Strippers @ Q Bar & Nightclub, Friday Entertainment @ Inn 205 N. Fifth St, 614.222.2401, Rehab, 627 Greenlawn Ave, www.q-nation.com. The clothes 614.883.9933, come off at 6p. www.innrehab.com: “Where FeLatin Dance Night @ Wall Street, male Illusion is not a Drag.” 11p. 144 N High St, 614.464.2800, 18+ College Night @ Havana, www.wallstreetnightclub.com: 862 N High St, 614.421.9697, Every month on the first, second www.columbusnightlife.com: Fi- and third Sundays. Pretend you nally, hang out with your underknow how to salsa at 8p. 21 cohorts! Just make sure they Sunday Night Players @ Wall bring a student ID. Street, 144 N High St, DJ Rob Engel @ Axis, 775 N High 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetSt, 614.291.4008, www.columnightclub.com: Every month on busnightlife.com: Spinnin’ discs the last Sunday. 8p. in a different way. Strippers @ Score Bar, 145 N 5th St, 614.849.0099, www.scorebarcolumbus.com. ‘Nuff said. 9p. Strippers @ Exile, 893 N 4th St, 614.294.0069, www.exilebar.com: Hot & steamy male stripper goodness; Pants get dropped at 9:30p. (See the fun again on Tuesdays) Karaoke @ Level Dining Lounge, 700 N High St, 614.754.1342, www.levelcolumbus.com: $12 Long Island Pitcher, starting at 10pm – Karaoke with KJ Crazy Bob. 10p. Male Revue @ Havana, 862 N High St, 614.421.9697, www.columbusnightlife.com. 10:30p. Sinful Sundays @ Tradewinds II, 117 E Chestnut St, 614.461.4110, www.tradewindsii.com: Join Maria Garrison and her hot strippers. 11p.

• • • • • • • • about town • • • • • • • • WEEKLY HAPPENINGS me, want to think about those 11 inches for a moment - one-topMONDAY ping pizza for $12. Starts at 8p. Dollar Days @ Flex, 1567 E Liv- Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level ingston Ave, 614.252.0730, Dining Lounge, 700 N High St, www.flexbaths.com: $1 lockers 614.754.1342, www.levelcolumfrom noon till midnight. bus.com: $3 Smirnoff all flavors, Happy Hour @Tremont Lounge, $2.50 Domestic Bottles – Start708 S High St, 614.445.9365: ing at 10pm – 614 Night - 2 RoTremont is happy seven days a tating DJ’s, drinks up to 50% off; week, with well liquor and doFun starts at 8p. mestics for $2 and call liquor for Bacardi Tuesdays @ Exile, 893 N $3. 1p-8p every day; no cover. 4th St, 614.294.0069, www.exile$2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club Dibar.com: $4 Bacardi drinks; All. versity, 863 S High St, Day. Long. 614.224.4050, www.clubdiverFree Darts @ Exile, 893 N 4th St, sity.com: $2 well drinks all night; 614.294.0069, www.exilebar.com: Starts at 4p The title says it all; Free; 7p-9p. Happy Hour @ Blazer’s Pub, Strippers @ Exile, 893 N 4th St, 1205 N High St, 614.299.1800, 614.294.0069, www.exilebar.com: rascalnut.com/blazers: Free hot Hot & steamy male stripper goodfood buffet, $2 domestic beers 5- ness; Pants get dropped at 9:30p. 8p. No cover. (See the fun again on Sundays) Cape Cods @ Havana, 862 N Tequila Tuesday @ Union High St, 614.421.9697, Bar+Food, 782 N High St, www.columbusnightlife.com: To 614.421.CAFE (2233), remind you of warmer times...and www.columbusnightlife.com: to make you feel the burn, too. Love the name? Love the prices. Pizza, Pints & Karaoke Monday Torso Tuesday @ Havana, 862 N @ Union Bar+Food, 782 N High High St, 614.421.9697, St, 614.421.CAFE (2233), www.columbusnightlife.com: www.columbusnightlife.com: Test Shirts not required. your chops at U. $10 pizza and $2 beers all day. Karaoke starts at WEDNESDAY 10p; No cover. Biker Bear Happy Hour @ Service Industry Night @ Level Tradewinds II, 117 E Chestnut St, Dining Lounge, 700 N High St, 614.461.4110, www.tradewind614.754.1342, www.levelcolum- sii.com: A happy and hairy time bus.com: $1 Domestic Draft, $2 with the Columbus Ursine BrothDomestic Bottle, $3 Well Cockerhood and their bear, cub and tails, Complimentary Nacho Bar. admiring friends; Happy hour Starts at 9p. from 4-9p; No cover. Karaoke @ AWOL, 49 Parsons LevelTini Night @ Level Dining Ave, 614.621.8779, www.awolLounge, 700 N High St, bar.com: Show off your nine-oc614.754.1342, www.levelcolumtave range at a neighborhood bus.com: $5 Apples & Oranges, favorite. Starts at 10p; No cover. $5 Cosmopolitan, $5 Raspberry Trivia & Comedy @ Q Bar & Bellinitini and $5 White Vineyard. Nightclub, 205 N. Fifth St, Starts at 4p. 614.222.2401, www.qTrivia & Karaoke @ Score Bar, nation.com: Trivia happy hour 4p- 145 N 5th St, 614.849.0099, 8p; comedy video night 10p. $3 www.scorebarcolumbus.com: Skyy vodka. No cover. Anything Goes Trivia with Sam and fabulous prizes, followed by karaoke with KJ Mark and a chance to win a trip to Ft Myers, FL. Fun starts at 7p; No cover. Fiesta Night @ Union Bar+Food, 782 N High St, 614.421.CAFE (2233), www.columbusnightlife.com: $2 Coronas and $5 bluetinis are sure to spice up your Wednesday. Fiesta starts at 7p. Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile, 893 N 4th St, 614.299.0069, www.exilebar.com: Absolut vodka drinks for $3.50 and tunes with Karaoke Mark. Starts at 8p. Extreme Strippers @ Q Bar & Nightclub, 205 N. Fifth St, 614.222.2401, www.qnation.com: Hot male dancers on the bar with music by DJ Haus. TUESDAY Karaoke @ Q Bar & Nightclub, 205 N. Fifth St, 614.222.2401, www.q-nation.com: $3 Skyy vodka and your chance to rock the mic. Come early for happy hour, 4p-8p. Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana, 862 N High St, 614.421.9697, www.columbusnightlife.com: Top-shelf booze at well prices. Starts at 5p; No cover. Three Olives With Jazz Mary @ Club Diversity, 863 S High St, 614.224.4050, clubdiversity.com. Starts at 7:30p. Cheap Date Night @ Slammers, 202 E Long St, 614.221.8880, www.slammersbar.net: $4 domestic beers and 11” - pardon

2 … Dollar Days @ Flex … Service Industry Night @ Level Dining Lounge … Pizza, Pints, & Karaoke @ Union 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 7:30 PM 3 Olives with Jazz 8:00 PM Karaoke @ Q Bar

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4 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Mar! tini Park

3 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Q 10:00 PM Extreme Strippers @Q

4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

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8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St

5 Arnold Sports Festival @ Convention Center

8:00 PM Ailey II @ Capitol Theatre 8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St

27 8:00 PM Gyspy @ Axis 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Q

26 25 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 8:00 PM Long Island @ U

20 11:00 AM Polar Bear Plunge @ Crew Stadium 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 19 8:00 PM Louis Armstrong's Hot Fives & Hot Sevens Re! visted @ Lincoln Theatre 10:00 PM Shower Night @ Axis 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Q

13 11:00 AM PBJ & Jazz @ Lin! coln Theatre … Virgina West's LOVE @ Axis 7:00 PM A Date 2 Remem! ber @ BOMA 9:00 PM Kevin McGuire @ Columbus Museum of Art

4:00 PM Gallery Hop @ Short North 9:00 PM Bamboo Banga @ Outland 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Q

Saturday

18 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 5:30 PM City of Columbus's 198th Bday Party @ T&OC Railroad Stn 6:00 PM Positive Connec! tions @ Monaco's Palace (Catering)

12 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM The Legacy Tour @ Wexner 8:00 PM Romeo & Juliet @ Ohio Theatre 8:00 PM Virgina West's LOVE @ Axis

9:00 PM Bamboo Banga @ Outland 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Ha! vana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

Friday

11 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 6:30 PM Vegetarian Cook! ing @ North Market 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Mar! tini Park

4 6:30 PM The Art of the DJ @ Jazz Arts Group 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St

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24 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 7:00 PM Trivia & Karaoke @ Score Bar 10:00 PM Extreme Strippers @Q

17 7:00 AM CYP Elevator Net! working Breakfast @ M/I Homes Marketing and De! sign Center 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 5:00 PM Calling Beauty @ CCAD

5:30 PM Evening Exchange 6:00 PM Network Columbus @ OSU Fawcett Center

10 10:00 AM Certified Net! worker Educational Preview @ The Meeting Place

7:00 PM AgriCulture Panel Discussion @ Wex 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 10:00 PM Extreme Strippers @Q

Wednesday

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12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level Dining Lounge 10:00 PM Pizza, Pints, & Karaoke @ Union

28 3:00 PM We Can Dance @ Capitol Theatre 10:30 PM Strippers @ Ha! vana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

22 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont Lounge 10:00 PM Pizza, Pints, & Karaoke @ Union 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

21 6:00 PM 101 Dalmations Showtune @ Union 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

23 … Pizza, Pints, & Karaoke @ Union 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slammers 8:00 PM Peking Acrobats @ Palace Theatre

16 … Cape Cods @ Havana 7:30 PM 3 Olives with Jazz Mary @ Club D 8:00 PM Karaoke @ Q Bar 8:00 PM Dream Girls @ Palace Theatre

15 4:00 PM Trivia & Comedy @ Q Bar 5:00 PM Cape Cods @ Ha! vana 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazer's 14 8:00 PM “Village of Hope Tour” Starring Village Peo! ple @ Palace Theatre 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level 10:30 PM Strippers @ Ha! vana

… Dollar Days @ Flex 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 6:30 PM Reiki Level II Class @ Yoga on High 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tues! days @ Level

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Your! self Cafe 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana

Tuesday

9:00 AM BNI Group Oneto-Ones @ Panera Bread (Bethel) 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 4:00 PM Bitchy Mondays @ Club Diversity

5:30 PM International Net! working Month Kick-O" Event @ Arena Grand 6:00 PM Dames Bond @ Clintonville Outfitters 7:00 PM Matt Hires @ Base! ment

Monday

8:00 PM Latin Dance Night @ Wall Street 9:00 PM Strippers @ Score 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile

31 11:00 AM Brunch & Show! tunes @ U 6:00 PM Stippers @ Q Bar 8:00 PM Sunday Night Play! ers @ Wall St

Sunday

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Special Events

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photography by robert trautman

• • • • • Stylings Tri-Diamond Hoop Drop Earings by Purple Angel = $565.21 Pleather Sofa by BC Ethic = $723.90 Faux Toile Print Maternity Jumper by Baby R Us = $65.00 Panstick by Max Factor = $48.00 x 100 discontinued

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Virginia West starring in V is for Virginia’s Vagina Surprise Vendetta

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