2010-05-01 outlook columbus

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outlook may 2010 • vol 14 issue 12

inside: EABA snapshot oh Dem gays the legendary Lynn Greer fudha & the foodbank Pink’s the new Green Double minorities freesia Balls Pin-up agenda southland’s Michael Cudlitz trippin’ out to the outer banks & Local celebrity Viva!

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Look they bought you two martinis to hang with them.

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Anniversaries, Endorsements and My Love a of Good T-Shirt Can you believe it’s been a year since we relaunched outlook as a monthly magazine? We can’t. What a difference a year makes. Not only is outlook bigger and better than before, so is the state of our fight for equality and a more progressive country - give or take a tea party or two. Think about it, last spring everyone’s numbers were down: employment, advertising sales, White House approval ratings, deep-V t-shirt popularity.

But today, we are have a Democratic primary where gays are fighting over who’s the more pro-gay pro-gay candidate, my sister sold her house in two weeks, health care passed, DADT repeal is gaining momentum, Ohio House Bill 176 is close to passing (fingers crossed), outlook is at 72 pages (the most pages we’ve had to date) and hairy chests and breasts are popping out of low cut tees all over the Short North. Happy Day!

all of this information reiterates that Columbus is a truly great place for us to live, work and raise a family.

Speaking of families and numbers, May is prep month for Pride Holiday, which will happen again for two days (June 18 &19) in Goodale Park. We estimate well over 200,000 people will attend this year’s celebration. That’s a lot of pride. This year’s theme is celebrating our families and outlook’s Pride edition will feature stories from GLBTQ families across the state. Want us to feature your family? Just let me know - we’d love to hear your story. You can also tell your story to our elected officials either at Lobby Day May 19 (register with Equality Ohio by May 5) or at the June 9 Out with Our Elected Officials Network Columbus on Vets Plaza at the State House - the official political kick-off to Pride.

And speaking of elected officials, the primaries are coming up May 4 and outlook’s doing something we’ve never done before.

We’re doing selected endorsements. Pourquoi? Well, Collin Burton’s smile is hard to resist (not really, but we like to inflate his ego), and, for the first time, we have races that either include a gay candidate or two pro-gay candidates vying for the nomination. We also have a strong opinion when it comes to urban development. You can catch our picks at our website http://www.outlookcolumbus.com/elections.html. You can throw tomatoes at Chad Frye.

Thanks again for reading. Let us know what you think.

Chris Hayes Proud V -Neck Wearer & Co-Publisher

But don’t think just because we’ve weathered the storm that we’re going to coast for a while. Next month you’ll hear all about outlook’s expansion plan in the 2010-2011 year. Let’s just say we’re getting new office space, we’re launching a new website, we’re hiring, we’re adding retail and we’ll have more events than you can shake your stick at.

Thanks to all of you who have stood by us through this transition. Thanks for your feedback, comments and criticisms. And thanks to our advertisers who continue to support an independent and alternative voice for the city. We couldn’t (obviously) do this without you.

This month is our Minority Report issue. Here we explore what it’s like to be a minority within a minority, we talk minority health and we give you the crazy-good demographics for the central Ohio queer community. I know the numbers will surprise you and hopefully be a call to leverage our influence to make positive and forward change in our state. We have the mass, the money, the diversity and the creativity to make a real difference, now we just need to act. Regardless of motivation,

Ooops, Our Bad: Last month in our End All Be All Award Spread we put an incorrect photo of Dawn Thompson from Lucky 13 Hair Salon. The correct picture is here. Our sincerest of apologies. Congrats again for winning “Best hair stylist to pull a weave!”

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you are here

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oh dem gays

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from queer to eternity

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snapshot

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open kimono

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snapshot

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small pond

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feature : double minorities feature : minority health

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hey!

26 truth wins out

46 feature : continued

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q-munity: columbus

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general gayety

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feature : pink is the new green

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biz classifieds

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q-munity: sports

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earthopolis

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feature : continued

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trippin’ out

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common life

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examined life

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food drama!

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savage love

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the rall report

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pin up calendar

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creative class

70

local celebrity

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general gayety

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about town

56

deep inside hollywood

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astro forecast

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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23 frames per second

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music is the answer

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interview: M Cudlitz

62 fashion forward

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.

Mannequins kinda creep Michael out. But nothing like men in mouse costumes do.

may 2010

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#) NINA! March 28, 2010

NINA! March 28, 2010

NINA! March 28, 2010

I take the money at Kemba just like this.

Mamma Cass wants her dress back.

Ooooooooooooh, SNAP!

END ALL BE ALL AWARDS March 31, 2010

END ALL BE ALL AWARDS March 31, 2010

END ALL BE ALL AWARDS March 31, 2010

17.57” Still not free.

Sammy and his sisters.

With a hat like that, Chris could be a probate judge.

It’s just FABULOUS!

END ALL BE ALL AWARDS March 31, 2010

END ALL BE ALL AWARDS March 31, 2010

END ALL BE ALL AWARDS March 31, 2010

END ALL BE ALL AWARDS March 31, 2010

Picking up an award for the dogs.

You like me, you really like me!

If only Hayes were straight...

Congresswoman and stripper and dragqueen, oh my.

SODOM & GOMORRAH April 4, 2010

SODOM & GOMORRAH April 4, 2010

SODOM & GOMORRAH April 4, 2010

SODOM & GOMORRAH April 4, 2010

We’re so proud we hired him to do sales.

The pic that ended a career even before it began.

Oh dear! Why is my tax attorney here?

END ALL BE ALL AWARDS March 31, 2010

Betty Rubble’s evil sister.

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may 2010

CATF making sure the Sodom part was safe.

Want more pics? Turn the page. Double Snapshot this month!

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Repealing DADT isn’t an option. It’s a must. Call your Congressperson and Senators today!

may 2010

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#) BEARVILLITIES April 10, 2010

BEARVILLITIES April 10, 2010

BEARVILLITIES April 10, 2010

Who put that damned chair in the way?

Um ... forgot his drag?

Psst. Girl ... call me!

NETWORK COLUMBUS April 14, 2010

NETWORK COLUMBUS April 14, 2010

NETWORK COLUMBUS April 14, 2010

Our kind of bunnies.

Happy happy, joy joy.

They’re so much happier since they moved downtown.

Why was Stephen yelling “bottoms up” all night?

NETWORK COLUMBUS April 14, 2010

NETWORK COLUMBUS April 14, 2010

NETWORK COLUMBUS April 14, 2010

NETWORK COLUMBUS April 14, 2010

Traut celebrates good news from the clinic.

From soup to judge.

No no no Noka face.

Uncle Jack holds court.

NETWORK COLUMBUS April 14, 2010

DE FORT RAPIDS PLAYDAY April 17, 2010

GOODALE PARK CLEAN UP April 17, 2010

GOODALE PARK CLEAN UP April 17, 2010

Captain Planet is our hero!

April’s Local Celebrity brings all the volunteers to the yard...

Jai ‘Ho.

DE’S EASTER KEGG HUNT April 10, 2010

She’s so much taller with hair and heels.

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may 2010

Corey, we have your shirt.

Holding it hostage.

Want more pics? Turn back one page. (Repeat)

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Support our community organizations. Pick one of these groups and volunteer!

may 2010

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What Were The Members Of The SDCO Thinking - They Clear Channel Discriminates Against Weren’t LGBT Community To the Editor: To the Editor, Many endorsements by the Stonewall Dems are obvious clear and correct. But there are Clear Channel is one of the largest distribuothers that need to be a bit more strategy - not tors for a radio program hosted by Dawson a few members’ personal agenda.

McAllister, a radio host who runs a call-in program geared toward young adults. Each At the April meeting of the Stonewall Democ- week, McAllister and his radio show helpline rats Of Central Ohio reason was thrown under counselors reach thousands of young adults, the bus. There were two debated endorsecalling in to the show to talk about their probments made that put the organization’s mis- lems. sion into question.

Last week, a caller in Massachusetts called up When the mission of an organization is met by McAllister’s hotline and said that he was a candidate’s positions, that is great. When it struggling with his sexual orientation, and is met by several candidates for the same of- thought that he might be gay. According to the fice, we have won! We have achieved our caller, who subsequently wrote a blog entry goal/mission. To pick a candidate by a nuance about the experience, the counselors with is self-defeating. We should embrace all can- Dawson McAllister’s radio show told him that didates that are working for us not against us. homosexuality was just as bad as “murder” or “theft,” and believed that gay people were Well that did not happen at the last Stonewall “broken” and in need of a “cure.” meeting, we discarded and marginalized our good works and potential influence by saying The counselors also allegedly referred the one candidate that supports us is better than caller to an ex-gay therapy organization, Exoanother candidate that supports us. That’s dus International, which has been roundly critnuts, pure and simple. It is self-defeating and icized by mainstream American health certainly not playing to our best interest. professional groups for engaging in dangerous “therapy” to try and cure gay people. Exodus To endorse Jennifer Brunner over Lee Fisher International also has a history of working in serves no purpose other than a few member’s countries like Uganda, where current legislapersonal agenda, not the organization best in- tion is being debated that would institute the terest. Stonewall Dem’s best interest would death penalty for people solely on the basis of have been no endorsement or better yet a duel their sexual orientation. endorsement—saying Hey voters, aren’t we lucky to have two candidates that are working I urge you to investigate and to protest the for us? We can’t lose!! The same is true with helpline behind the Dawson McAllister show. If SDCO’s endorsement of Dan Stewart over these counselors are telling LGBT young adults Charleta Travares. All of these candidates are that they need to be cured, and that homosexour friends who support and work for us. How uality is as evil as “murder” and “theft,” do you differentiate? By a word or a smile or a they’re sending a dangerous message to LGBT smirk… come on! We have won our mission - youth and creating a culture of ignorance and we have many friends, and supporters now. fear that simply should not be tolerated by Don’t throw our friends under the bus. THINK Clear Channel. Given that Clear Channel has a the next time. very high rating from equal rights organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, I know Michael Council you respect and value diversity within your Columbus, OH work force.

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

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To have a radio show, let alone one that bills itself as helping young people, tell gay and lesbian young adults that they are broken and as bad as murderers is simply unacceptable.

Gay people pay taxes and make huge contributions to the success of our County everyday.

Let’s treat the Gay community with the same respect that we treat the heterosexual community. United we stand divided we fall.

Thank you for your support, Scott Steiner Worthington, OH

Cox started developing the GOOOH concept of self-funding congressional campaigns in 2005 and the movement has recently received the endorsement of the Constitution Party. The GOOOH goal is to replace all 435 members of the House of Representatives. GOOOH Candidates will be chosen openly by their peers within their districts in an extensive vetting process and take not be allowed to take special interest money.

“This is not a presidential race,” Cox explains.

“We offer a non-partisan alternative that will allow our candidates to win in a landslide, not split the vote. Congress has failed to control spending or address the core issues ailing our In an article for the Washington Post, former nation. Americans are fed up with the greed, VP Dan Quayle says “tea partiers have risen on their own and stirred up trouble in GOP pri- corruption and excesses of Congress.” A newly released YouTube video from GOOOH offers a maries” and “the emergence of official Tea Party candidates would be very welcome news no-holds-barred condemnation of the corruption in Washington. in the Obama White House.” He equates the movement with the Ross Perot presidential “Dan Quayle may think he lost the election becampaigns of 1992 and 1996, which he cause of Ross Perot, but when his President blames for his party’s loss in 1992. said ‘Read my lips, no new taxes’ and then raised them anyway, his presidency was over.

Tim Cox, founder of GOOOH The American people are sick and tired of bro(www.GOOOH.com), “Get Out of Our House,” says Quayle and other GOP leaders are miss- ken political promises.” ing the point. “Americans are fed up with BOTH political parties. Flipping back and forth Don Rosenberg between the GOP and the Democrats is getting us nowhere. The political process itself forces our Congressmen to represent special interest groups and their political parties, not their constituents.” A recent Gallup poll makes his point. Just over half of Tea Party members are

Tim Cox To Dan Quayle – “We Are No Ross Perot”

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Michael Daniels: mdaniels@outlookmedia.com

ADVERTISING DEADLINE Reservations by the 15th of each month.

Art in by the 20th.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Phillecia Cochran

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT REPS

SUBSCRIPTIONS & DISTRIBUTION Call 614.268.8525

NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media - 212.242.6863

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & ART DIRECTOR Christopher Hayes hayes@outlookmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Vanasco, Ted Rall, Leslie Robinson, Collin Burton, Elliot Fishman, Phillecia Cochran, Wayne Besen, Regina Sewell, William Ashley, Duane Herron, Ryan Harris, Tom Moon, Gregg Shapiro, Romeo San Vicente, Jack Fertig,

Mary Malone:mmalone@outlookmedia.com Chad Frye: cfrye@outlookmedia.com

Independent (43%) or Democrat (8%), Republicans make up 49%.

Simon Sheppard, Dan Savage, Mette Bach, Mickey Weems, Adam Lippe, Mikey Rox, Michael Daniels, Chris Hayes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Trautman, Dominic Presutto, Stephanie Bair-Garant, Chris Hayes, Jeff Schrecengost

For those of you younger than 60, it’s a radio. That’s what they looked like way back when.

INTERNS Dominic Presutto, Stephanie Booth CYBERSPACE http://www.outlookcolumbus.com http://www.outlookmedia.com http://www.networkcolumbus.com http://www.flickr.com/outlookweekly http://twitter.com/outlookcolumbus http://www.facebook.com/outlookcolumbus

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Ivan doesn’t blink renting tuxedos to women. He’s a long-time HRC supporter and friend.

may 2010

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Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation Honors Lynn Greer May 25 The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation will honor Lynn Greer’s relentless pursuit of equality and her devotion to the Central Ohio gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) and allied communities at a May 25 event at The Columbus Foundation (1234 East Broad St 43205).

The evening reception will feature an enjoyable look back at Lynn’s life as a driving force behind the GLBT equal rights movement. The reception will begin at 5:30p. The short program will begin at 6:15p. The event will conclude at 7p.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.TheLegacyFund.org. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Space is limited. [Ed Note: See Open Kimono for our feature on Lynn.]

Stonewall Columbus Announce Grand Marshals for Pride Stonewall Columbus is pleased to announce the Grand Marshals for Pride 2010! Activists, Community Leaders and now Fathers, this year’s grand marshals will be Tom Grote, Rick Neal and the Grote-Neal Family!

Stonewall Columbus honors a family that has given back so much and made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many people in Central Ohio and all over the world. Celebrate with us at the Pride Parade on Saturday, June 19, 2010. Step off is at noon at the corner of Front Street and West Broad Street ending at Goodale Park in the Short North. Join us in honoring the Grand Marshal Family at the Pride Brunch which will be held on Sunday, June 20 from 11a - 1p. at the Westin Columbus Hotel in the Grand Ballroom. Seating for the brunch is limited and tickets will be available to the general public on Monday, May 24. For more information please visit ColumbusPride.org.

Take CATF’s HIV Attitudes Survey for MSMs CATF has created an attitude survey about HIV and stigma and want you to take it. In order to understand how to stop the disease, Columbus AIDS Task Force must know what the population thinks and feels about the disease. This is where this survey comes in. This completely anonymous survey is about getting real and honest answers from the MSM (men who have sex with men) community about HIV. Your honest answers will be used to help direct HIV prevention efforts in the state of Ohio. Take the survey at http://www.catf.net/attitudesurvey.

Push for EHEA at Lobby Day

by Kim Welter, Director of Programs and Outreach Lobby Day Registration closes May 5! Plan to join us Wednesday, May 19. For the last four years, hundreds of Ohioans have visited their elected officials to talk with them about equal rights for all Ohioans regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Mothers, fathers, families, clergy members, students – straight and gay, young and old - they took a day off from school or work to come to Columbus for Lobby Day.

Jennifer Gilbride-Brown Kaleidoscope Youth Center Executive Director

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The Equal Housing and Employment Act (EHEA) passed the House of Representatives last September because people like you have dedicated time to edu-

cating their representatives every May. Now, we need to talk to our Senators about passing EHEA through the Senate so that Governor Strickland can sign it into law before the end of 2010!

But make no mistake, the EHEA will not pass the Senate if we don’t work for it.

Bring your story to the statehouse on May 19th to make a difference. Don’t be late! Register before May 5th to join us on this important day. http://eqfed.org/equalityohio/events/lobby10/details.tc l

Pride Leadership Welcomes Cycle 3 United Way of Central Ohio’s Pride Leadership program provides training to Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender professionals to expand their leadership capabilities and facilitate the placement of participants onto volunteer boards and into leadership roles in central Ohio.

Two classes have successfully gone through the program since it’s inception in 2008. UWOC is proud to welcome the Cycle 3 participants Megan Albee, Gary W. Aliff, Jr., Tara McKenzie Allison, Esq., Andrew Bagnato, Sara Cogsil, Linda Flickinger, Patrick Gallaway, John R. Gregory, Deittra J. Heritage, Kacia Kerns, John Kerr, Donna M. McCray, Mario Pinardi, Sile P. Singleton, Sarah S. Thompson, Sarah Wagner, Angie Wellman, and Adam Yates.

Jennifer Gilbride-Brown Hired as Kaleidoscope Youth Center Executive Director The Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) Board has chosen Jennifer Gilbride-Brown, formerly of Ohio Campus Compact, as the new KYC Executive Director. GilbrideBrown succeeds Angie Wellman, who departed KYC to work for The Ohio State University. Gilbride-Brown begins her new role on April 19. As a youth service agency serving the Central Ohio area, Kaleidoscope Youth Center has become a well-respected community-based organization providing direct services to youth, training and education to youth service providers, and important information relating to sexual orientation and gender identity issues to the community at large. From peer-to-peer programs to HIV prevention and education, to after-school programs, and peer counseling services; Kaleidoscope assists lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the transition to healthy, productive adults and provides them with the necessary tools to become leaders in the greater community.

“The KYC executive director search committee was looking for someone to lead the important work of the Kaleidoscope Youth Center and Jen has proven her commitment to the level of excellence that we have come to expect,” said Brook Pickrell, Kaleidoscope Youth Center Board President. “During her tenure with the Ohio Campus Compact, she has demonstrated her superior management and fundraising skills. Jen is familiar with the full range of activities in the central Ohio community and is well known and respected.”

Jennifer Gilbride-Brown has been working with students on program development and leadership since 1994 in a variety of capacities. Gilbride-Brown is currently serving as the senior program director of the Ohio Campus Compact. In this role she is responsible for collaborating with institutions of higher education throughout Ohio on securing funds to serve at-risk

Take the survey. http://www.catf.net/attitudesurvey. Lives depend on it.

urban leadership initiatives. Gilbride-Brown has worked to create and implement trainings and resource-sharing strategies on social justice projects. In addition, she is an expert in the assessment of data regarding urban youth leadership in the communitybased learning context. Gilbride-Brown has served as an instructor at the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership of The Ohio State University. While at OSU she taught courses on leadership and social justice and secured funding through a variety of grants to support her students and her work.

“Transitions in leadership always come with challenges,” said Jeffrey Whiting, KYC board member. “We are confident that with the support of the KYC Board, staff, and volunteers that this transition will be smooth and we look forward to what is ahead.”

In accepting the position, Jennifer Gilbride-Brown stated, “I am honored and very happy to accept this challenge and appreciate the KYC Board’s trust and confidence in me to oversee the continuing legacy at the Kaleidoscope Youth Center. With the support and hard work of the KYC board and the experience of a talented group of volunteers and staff, I look forward to working with the youth, funders and other GLBT organizations to carry out the mission of the Kaleidoscope Youth Center.”

Gilbride-Brown volunteers with a number of organizations including: Neighborhood Services, Broad Street Presbyterian Church and Project Open Hand. In addition, her recent role in securing a $1.2 million Learn and Serve America grant demonstrates her knowledge of grants writing, fundraising and capability to take the organization to new heights.

Gilbride-Brown graduated from The Ohio State University with a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration.

Gilbride-Brown’s M.Ed. is from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and her B.S. is from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

The Kaleidoscope Youth Center Board include: Troy Alvarado, Cheryl Carter, Jodi Cooley, Thomas Diamond, Dr. Steven Matson, Jim Olive, Brook Pickrell, Eric Russell, Amy Rosenthal, Susan White, Jeffrey Whiting, and Kris Washington. Search Committee members include Brook Pickrell, board president; Susan White, past president; Cheryl Carter, vice president; Jeffrey Whiting, board secretary; and Jodi Cooley, board treasurer. If you are interested in contacting any of the Board or Search Committee members please contact Brook Pickrell at brookpickrell@hotmail.com.

The vision of Kaleidoscope Youth Center is to help lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth live healthy, whole lives with acceptance, free from oppression. The mission of Kaleidoscope Youth Center is to work in partnership with young people in Central Ohio to create safe and empowering environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Kaleidoscope is the only youth service organization in Ohio solely dedicated to meeting the needs of youth ages 12 to 20 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, as well as those questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.

[Ed note: Since Kaleidoscope’s organizational mission is based in LGBTQ sexual orientation and gender identity, we thought it was important to note that Jennifer Gilbride-Brown is a heterosexual.]

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Ah, if only the characters in this ad were positioned slightly differently.

may 2010

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Rainbow Golf League Starts New Season RGL Board has officially kicked off the 2010 Season! This is Jana Highwart, and I am currently filling the “Director Cleats” for Rainbow Golf League. The thawing of the snow and the warming trend has had our phones ringing and email boxes speckled with inquiries on the upcoming season.

We are officially accepting memberships for the 2010 RGL Season! RGL has 36 spots open in the Friday league again this year. Membership opened to all golfers beginning March 29, 2010. Existing members who are interested in returning for the 2010 season, please get online and complete Existing Membership form ASAP! Prospective members, complete an online membership form. Membership is on a first come, first served basis.

Completion of the membership form and receipt of your payment will secure your spot. See web site for details: www.rainbowgolf.org How much for all this fun?? $ 49 League Dues + $ 216 ($13.50 X 16 rounds) Greens Fees = Total of $265.00.

Members may pay the total due for the entire 16-week season in one payment of $265 or may opt to split the cost into two payments of $157.

International Gay Bowlers Coming To Columbus Ohio May 25-31

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- May 24 – 26: Board Meetings and IGBO General Membership Meetings - Thursday May 27: Bowling competition begins continues through Sunday May 30 - Thursday May 27: 2012 Bid Cities Hospitality Suite - Friday May 28: Host City Hospitality Suite runs through Sunday May 30 - Friday May 28: Host City Committee Show - Friday May 28 & Saturday May 29: Shuttles to Sponsor Establishments - Saturday May 29: W omen’s Social - Sunday May 30: AIDS Quilt Viewing and Memorial Service - Sunday May 30: Scratch Masters Bowling Tournament - Sunday May 30: Reception and Awards Banquet - Sunday May 30: Closing Party While in Columbus the bowlers and guests will have plenty of time to experience all that Columbus has to offer. From a visit to the celebrated Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory, or just a stroll through one of the many dynamic downtown districts, all are ensured to have an experience to remember.

If you would like to inquire about sponsorship, please refer to the above or check out our web site at www.ibgo2010.org .

5,000 Athletes, Coaches, Fans To Converge In Columbus For 2010 NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series

Every year the International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO), holds its annual meeting and tournament over Memorial Day weekend. The city and country it is held in changes each year and brings hundreds of bowlers and their guests to that lucky city. From its original 6-member cities in 1980, to over 200 member leagues and tournaments worldwide today, IGBO has grown into one of the largest international gay sporting organizations in the world. IGBO was created out of a desire to unify all of the gay leagues and tournaments, and open lines of communication between them. IGBO today has grown to over 11,000 members representing the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In just under four months, Ohio’s capital city will be the destination of choice for softball players and supporters from all over North America. From August 16-21, 2010, the city and its community will play host to the largest annual Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender sporting event in the world.

In January 2008 a small group of bowlers from Columbus submitted the initial intent bid to host the 2010 annual IGBO meeting and tournament. Over the next 5 months the group worked tirelessly to plan the event with a written proposal and a presentation in Atlanta, Georgia on May 23, 2008. Washington DC also prepared a bid to host the event and presented in Atlanta as well. The general membership of the governing body of IGBO voted and awarded the group from Columbus the 2010 event on that day. Over the last 24 months the organizing committee has been preparing to host the 30th Annual IGBO meeting and tournament.

What can participants and guests expect to see and do:

Titled “Stand Tall. Play Ball,” the 2010 GSWS will launch with Opening Ceremonies at Genoa Park on Monday, August 16th followed by 670 games to be played at Berliner Park. Additional events include a talent show estimated to raise over $10,000 for local charities, as well as the Championship Games and a block party in the Short North district on High Street. The event will conclude with the World Series Awards Ceremony on Saturday, August 21st.

may 2010

for hotels, restaurants, bars, retailers, car rental agencies and other local businesses. Last year’s event, held in Milwaukee, logged 4,000 hotel nights, 2,000 rental car days and $850,000 in local sales and hotel/motel bed taxes. In addition, the GSWS will generate more than $50,000 in revenue for Columbus Recreation and Parks.

“It’s a great opportunity for city officials and community members to show the ample amount of support this generous city has to offer,” said Brian Lawrence and Dallas Aldridge, co-directors of this year’s GSWS. “We welcome more support from the community through volunteering and aid from local corporate sponsors to help make this event a success,” added Aldrige. “We are grateful for our national sponsorship from MillerCoors, as well as several local businesses.” For a complete list of sponsors, please visit our website at http://www.clgsa.net/gsws2010/.

To secure the coveted bid, the Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association teamed up with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, Experience Columbus!, Columbus Recreation and Parks, the Mayor’s Office and local businesses in a unified front to pitch Columbus to the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA). According to NAGGAA officials, Columbus clinched the bid because of to its strong demonstration of citywide support for a gay sporting event, impressive corporate sponsorships, convenient Midwestern location for travelers, gay-friendly community offering attractive amenities for visitors and the fact that Lou Berliner Park, the largest softball complex in the nation, will allow the entire series to be played in one venue.

To become a sponsor or to find more information, Lawrence suggested visiting the event’s website at http://www.clgsa.net/gsws2010.

The 34th Annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) will be held at Lou Berliner Park on the city’s South Side, which will attract championship teams representing leagues from 37 major U.S. and Canadian cities. It will be the largest gay sporting event ever held in Ohio.

Columbus tourism officials estimate the economic impact of the six-day event will be one of the city’s most dramatic in 2010. The city is expected to reap between $5-6 million

Lynn Greer was a standout golfer. Michael often teed her off.

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Free tips from the State’s top money man. Go. Learn. Save.

may 2010

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common life

Supreme Lesbian?

by Jennifer Vanasco Suddenly, it seems possible that the next Supreme Court pick might be a lesbian.

Surprise!

Solicitor General Elena Kagan is not openly gay at the moment – which of course may mean she’s not gay at all. But persistent rumors, an absence of denial, and some assurances from people I trust make me think that yeah, she probably is.

And she’s right now on the short list of potential Supreme Court nominees to replace Justice John Paul Stevens on his retirement this summer, along with appellate judges Diane Wood and Merrick Garland.

Kagan would be a good choice.

Though she hasn’t won the love of people who worked for her, she is known for reaching out (and hiring) more conservative faculty and diplomatically increasing the range of viewpoints when she served as Dean of Harvard Law School.

Perhaps more importantly, though, we could be secure in knowing that there was at least one justice who started with the baseline understanding that gays and lesbians are fully human and should be treated like the full citizens we are.

The short list is no guarantee, of course. This could be a list of names being floated by the White House; it could be names they’ve already discarded; it could be a list someone in the blogosphere made up.

The Wall Street Journal is already warning that conservatives are against her, because she spoke out against the Solomon Amendment, which forbid federal funds to be distributed to law schools (like Harvard) that did not allow the military to recruit on campus because of it’s discriminatory policies.

The idea that she herself may be a lesbian – and the conservative stand against that – is buried in the subtext.

Would it matter if the next Supreme Court Justice was a lesbian?

may 2010

Her record as a Dean and a professor are more indicative of her liberal leanings than is the (possible) fact of her lesbianism. Though, interestingly, because she hasn’t served as a judge or a legislator, her on-the-record views of most issues that might come up before the Court is non-existent.

But yes, in terms of visibility and representation, it would matter, especially (and perhaps only if) she came out. Having an open lesbian serve on the Supreme Court would mean that young gays and lesbians would have a significant role model and would solidify our place as a minority that deserves representation in our political system.

Diplomacy is good – and undervalued – on the Supreme Court. A liberal position on a case helps no one if a justice can’t get four other justices to side with her.

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even Tea Partiers. We fall on different sides on hate crimes, military service and even gay marriage.

It also is likely that having her as a close colleague will gently shift the perspective of even the most conservative members of the court (Does Antonin Scalia have any close gay friends? He may, but I think it’s unlikely) and make them less afraid of the lavender menace.

I wonder, too, if lawyers who come before the Supreme Court will argue differently. Most cases are not gay cases, of course, but a few important ones – marriage, military – are likely to come up in the next few years, and it would be interesting to see if the lawyers for the anti-gay side modify their arguments to make them more palatable to a gay justice.

For example, I imagine that there would be no labeling gay people as being bad for children, or of gayness being immoral.

But all of that is speculation. We need to wait and see who the actual nominee is. In the meantime, we can hope.

Well – yes and no.

A lesbian on the Supreme Court.

Twenty-five years ago, who dreamed that might happen?

No, because we all know that our sexual orientation doesn’t dictate how we feel about any issue. Some of us are Democrats, some Republicans – and I bet some of us are

Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning, syndicated columnist.

Email her at Jennifer.Vanasco@gmail.com; Follow her at twitter.com/JenniferVanasco.

She’d look good in a black dress. Much better than Scalia.

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Congrats to Chad & Rob! We wish you nothing but the best!

may 2010

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The trainer at Beyond Limits has made Chad vomit. More than once.

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TEA PARTY: WHY THE RIGHT DOESN’T GET IT It’s the Intellectual Inconsistency, Stupid

by Ted Rall Larry Elder, a black conservative columnist and Tea Party speaker, has a piece out this week titled “Tea Party: Why the Left Doesn’t Get It.” Setting aside the question of why any African-American would vote Republican (did any Jews vote for the Nazis?), Elder’s column unintentionally reveals the intellectual inconsistency of the Tea Party.

For liberals the Ur question about the Tea Party concerns the timing of its origin: February 2009. Where, they ask, were these selfdeclared deficit hawks when Bush and his Republican Congress turned Clinton’s budget surplus into record deficits? Where were these advocates of small government when Bush hired the biggest roster of federal employees in history and created a new federal department - the Department of Homeland Security - that became a national laughingstock due to its incompetence? Where were these Constitutional purists when Bush suspended habeas corpus, built concentration camps and signed off on torture?

“As to Bush’s non-defense, non-homeland security domestic spending, [right-wing] people did complain - lots of them and frequently,” Elder points out.

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And he’s right. There was grumbling. I remember.

But there weren’t anti-Bush rallies, much less scary guys showing up at presidential appearances brandishing automatic weapons. Under Bush, of course, said scary guys would have been declared “enemy combatants” and tortured into psychosis like Jose Padilla.

“Better late than never,” Elder lamely retorts.

Another right-wing columnist, Jonah Goldberg, goes so far as to call the Tea Party “a delayed Bush backlash.”

But 57 percent of Tea Partiers say they like Bush. Huh. On most of the policies Tea Partiers claim to deplore - deficit spending, expansive government, the bank bailouts - Obama is identical to Bush. The only difference between the two men is the color of their skin. Which makes lefties think anti-Obama racism is the Tea Party’s true driving force.

As Paul Butler wrote in the New York Times: “No student of American history would be surprised to learn that when the United States elects its first non-white president, a strong anti-government movement rises up.”

“Slanderous hogwash,” Goldberg calls the charge that the Tea Party is motivated by racism.

If not racism, then what?

Stupidity. Or at least intellectual dishonesty.

Elder’s qualifier that righties didn’t like “Bush’s non-defense, non-homeland security domestic spending” is revealing. Bush’s two wars and tax cuts for the wealthy will account for a staggering 70 percent of the federal deficit over the next 10 years, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.

(Obama’s bailouts will cost five percent.)

Either you’re against deficits, or you’re not.

Making an exception for optional military spending - neither the Afghan nor the Iraq war was necessary - is like saying you adore sharks except for all the sharp teeth.

My leftie friends find the Tea Party frustrating. They applaud Tea Partiers’ distrust of government, their willingness to take to the streets to express their grievances. If only the Left had their energy!

Progressives also find much to like in Tea Partiers’ calls for a return to core values embodied by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. But only in theory.

An Earl Grey tea, with a splash of cream and a shot of vanilla syrup is called A London Fog.

The Tea Party’s selective Chinese-menu style approach to constitutional purity and small government is appalling. They’re loud and proud when it comes to the right to own guns, yet oppose or remain silent when it comes to the right of gays to sleep with whomever they want-and marry him. They decry government intrusion in the form of healthcare reform, but have nothing to say about the fact that the NSA is listening to their phone calls and reading their email. They complain about illegal immigrants but not about the corporations that hire them. And what should be more terrifying to opponents of big guvmint than reserving the right - as Bush did and Obama does - to assassinate American citizens just for fun? (The Tea Party is silent on this too.)

If the Tea Party is to emerge as a potent force in American politics, it will need to develop a coherent platform with broad appeal across class, party and racial lines. An appeal to fiscal sanity, constitutional freedoms and a government that keeps out of our bedrooms could form the foundation of a new majority.

Otherwise, the Tea Party will be remembered as the latest incarnation of the nativist white wing of the GOP (c.f. “angry white males” circa 1995).

Ted Rall is working on a radical political manifesto for publication this fall. His website is tedrall.com. © Ted Rall may 2010

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THE LOT OF THE LGBT ELDER

by Leslie Robinson As if arthritis and profuse nose hair weren’t enough. Aging is already loaded with physical and emotional challenges.

Now we hear that LGBT elders face a distinct set of burdens in addition. It gives growing old all the appeal of a colostomy bag.

Called the first major collaboration between LGBT groups and mainstream organizations for the elderly, a report called “Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults” lays out the problems LGBT seniors face and offers recommendations.

A twink’s recommendation might be, Just don’t grow old! It’s hard when you’re young to imagine yourself over 40, let alone 70. But aging happens to every soul on the planet - unless you see to it that you depart the planet early, determined to be a pretty corpse.

At 46, I’m showing signs of aging, from gray hair to assorted aches to wrinkles morphing into crevices. I’m on my way to elder-hood - if I’m lucky - and I insist that all these LGBT-specific problems be fixed before I qualify for Medicare. Given how my back feels right now, there’s no way it will support being old AND discriminated against.

vancement Project (MAP) and Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE) in cahoots with the American Society on Aging, the National Senior Citizens Law Center, and the Center for American Progress. AARP provided the foreword, lending the whole affair a certain geriatric panache.

According to the abstract on MAP’s Web site, the report hones in on three bugaboo areas for LGBT seniors. And no, the difficulty of singing “I Am What I Am” with illfitting false teeth is not one of them.

The first is money. Gay elders have less of it, contrary to stereotype.

“LGBT older adults are poorer and less financially secure than American elders as a whole due to a lifetime of dis-

crimination compounded by major laws and safety net programs that fail to protect and support LGBT elders equally.”

The report examines the impact of everything from Social Security to estate taxes.

I’m so glad there are people out there who undertake the scrutinizing of such important subjects. If I had to analyze Medicaid and long-term care I’d drift into a coma requiring Medicaid and long-term care.

The second area of concern is health and health care. It’s trickier for LGBT seniors to stay healthy, for reasons including inhospitable health care environments, nursing homes that fail to protect gay seniors, and medical decision-making laws that shut out LGBT elders’ partners.

Just reading how hard it is to get healthy makes you sick.

The third area of particular difficulty is LGBT elders are more likely to be socially isolated. “Despite a high level of resilience and strong friendship networks, social isolation has still been found to be higher among LGBT older adults.”

The idea of a previously animated social butterfly sitting with his wings clipped in a lonely apartment makes me want to cry.

A waste of fabulousness.

The report notes that gay elders are more likely to live alone. They also face housing discrimination, which may mean separation from loved ones. Further, LGBT elders can feel as welcome in senior centers as dry rot.

Another reason for LGBT elders’ social isolation is they “often lack support from, and feel unwelcome in, the broader LGBT community.” I don’t doubt it. Gay men especially put such a premium on youth, holding off aging like it’s a rampaging movie monster. We don’t celebrate our elders; we collude in keeping them hidden.

The report on the lives of LGBT elders was co-authored by the Movement Ad-

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may 2010

It’s time to make gay seniors a glamour group. And soon - like the moment I become a member.

Leslie Robinson is middle-aged in Seattle.

E-mail her at lesarobinson@gmail.com, and read more columns at www.generalgayety.com.

The next time you run into a GLBT person over the age of 40, say “Thank You” - and mean it. They paved the way.

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The grass is always darker ink-colored in black/white ads.

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EVEN

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Starting the Community Conversation

by Collin Burton With summer just around the corner, you will soon begin seeing campaign yard signs and candidate commercials everywhere you go.

Volunteers will be handing out fliers at Pride and candidates will be knocking on doors; and everyone will be asking for your support.

But at the same time you stand at your door listening to a candidate talk about jobs and the economy, you’re probably wondering, “yeah, yeah, yeah, but do you understand what it’s like to be gay? Do you support the LGBT community? Do you understand our issues? Do you CARE about our issues?” Ugh, what’s a gay to do!?

Truth is, all Democratic candidates understand that we hold many keys to their success: our community-wide interest in political action, our willingness to talk up a pro-LGBT candidate to anyone who will listen and sometimes our ability to help them finance their campaign. But the problem is, not all candidates are as informed as they should be about what matters most to the LGBT community, and well, most LGBT community members know very little about the candidates!

That’s why I’m here. I’m the Ohio Democratic Party’s LGBT Caucus Director (OH, Dem Gays – see what I did there?) and it’s my job to ensure Democratic candidates and LGBT voters understand each other and work together.

Realistically, the Party knows that not all members of the LGBT community vote, let alone vote Democratic.

But what does it mean to “ensure candidates and voters understand each other”? Seems like a tall order for such a short period of time – after all, November’s only 6 months away (YIKES)! To me, understanding is driven

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may 2010

by education and education happens in many ways. It happens through exposure, through conversation, through partnerships and of course through pride parades! I’m working to ensure candidates are out in our community and learning who we are and what issues we care about. I’m helping voters gain access to the Party to develop a deeper understanding of our campaign strategy. I’m ensuring the candidates on the Democratic statewide ticket attend HRC dinners and march in pride parades and stick around after the parade to meet the members of the community that will help put them over the top in November. And, of course, I’m your resource for finding volunteer, fundraising and outreach opportunities.

While we’re discussing things I’m doing to help the Democratic Party succeed, I should take this opportunity to chat about the positive effect our winning strategy has on the LGBT community. This November, we have the opportunity to elect officials who will change the landscape for LGBT Ohioans by controlling the Apportionment Board. Every 10 years the Governor, Auditor, Secretary of State and one member from each party in the General Assembly meet to redraw the Ohio House and Senate districts. The districts do not change for 10 years. The Republicans have drawn the districts in their favor for the past two cycles (20 years!). If the Democrats do not redraw the lines this time, the advancement of equality for the Ohio LGBT community will suffer for another 10 years. So there’s the big picture.

Now you see the incredible opportunity we have as a community in 2010.

If the majority of the Apportionment Board positions are held by Democrats, we can redraw the lines to allow strong pro-equality candidates to run for office at all levels in

Ohio. Once these candidates are elected, we will have the opportunity to make huge strides with pro-equality legislation.

My goal with OH, Dem Gays is to start a community conversation. As I mentioned in last month’s outlook interview, please don’t be intimidated by “The Party.” It’s not a scary political machine run by big Party bosses.

Rather, everyone has a voice and everyone plays a role in the process of how our elected officials are brought into office (ok, I didn’t use those exact words, but you get the point.)

Everyone should feel comfortable asking me questions and engaging in open dialogue about the benefits and opportunities that surround electing Democrats. And I will be asking you a few questions every month that will make you think about what it means to be an LGBT individual or couple in Ohio.

For example: Did you know every single employer in the state of Ohio has the right under Ohio law to fire you at any time for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? If your company decides that gays don’t belong on their payroll – for WHATEVER reason – they can give you the ax. Interestingly enough, the same is true for being straight!

Similarly, it’s legal in Ohio for a landlord or business owner to deny an individual housing or public accommodation simply because they’re LGBT. “Sorry, no dogs, cats or homos allowed. This apartment is for straights only.”

Seems extreme, but it’s perfectly legal.

Also, it is still illegal for a same-gender couple to marry in Ohio. Back in November of 2004, Ohio citizens voted to legally define marriage to be between a man and a woman and to not legally recognize any same-gender marriage performed inside or outside of Ohio.

Which is cuter - Collin or his Little stuffed ass?

So how can we begin to erase these inequalities? This year we have the opportunity to elect the first openly LGBT legislative elected official in our 132-member Ohio General Assembly. Their success and the success of the Democratic candidates who will sit on the Apportionment Board are the first steps in improving the lives of LGBT Ohioans! Remember, the Democratic Party is a party that believes in equality, rather than a party of “hell no,” and we’re led by a Chairman whose deep commitment to our community lead him to hire the only full time, statewide LGBT Caucus Director in the country. As that Director, it’s my job to ensure the LGBT community is wellrepresented as we fight to change the political landscape in Ohio.

But it’s not up to me to be the lone voice in this fight. Like I said, I’m hoping this article begins a larger community conversation, which means I want to hear from you. Join the conversation by asking questions and providing your feedback and insight. Your involvement shows candidates and voters that our community DOES matter and that we DO pay attention to Democratic politics. Feel free to post your thoughts on the Caucus Facebook fan page (http://facebook.com/ohioLGBTdems), message me though Twitter (http://twitter.com/ohoiLGBTdems), send me an email (lgbt@ohiodems.org), send me a letter (340 East Fulton Street, Columbus 43215) or stop me on the street. I am here as a resource for our community.

Be ready to have your voice be heard by, and shared with, our community: I will be adding your feedback in OH, Dem Gays over the coming months!

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We love theatre about mythological beings, like dragons and unicorns and gay virgins.

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may 2010

That’s our idea of a Mother’s Day picture! Thanks to all the Momboys and Dadgirls out there!

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Legacies and Legends: Lynn Greer

by Elliot Fishman When Lynn Greer and I first met, we should have known that we’d spend the next quarter-century fighting the good fight.

Steve Shellabarger brought me and several other Columbusites and introduced me to Lynn. The conference produced few tangible results, but Columbus had begun to make its mark on the national LGBT political scene - a mark which Greer would soon make indelible.

It was WAR that brought us together.

Greer’s remarkable legacy of national advocacy, local organizing, and political chutzpah will be honored by The Legacy Fund, the LGBT endowment fund she founded, at a public tribute on May 25.

“Lynn has advanced the work of the human rights movement like few others, and in the process has inspired a new generation of advocates throughout Central Ohio and the country,” said Susan White, Co-Chair of The Legacy Fund.

Bill Brownson, the fund’s other co-chair, said, “Lynn’s impact on the national stage is widely unknown in Columbus. Unlike most others, Lynn has worked in the most basic of grass-roots ways to advance equality, like working for HRC and participating in three marches on Washington. Lynn has tapped her national relationships to advance our cause here and around the country time and again, and largely in very quiet ways.”

I’m not sure “quiet” is an adjective I’d use for Lynn.

But back to the WAR. It was the WAR Conference, actually - one of the first meetings of LGBT leaders from across the country - held in Washington in February, 1988, and borne out of the October 1987 March on Washington.

That march was attended by hundreds of thousands and accompanied by the first display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt on the Capital Mall. It was virtually ignored by the national media.

But for Greer, “it radically changed my life,” she said.

Having lost her brother, Michael Greer, to AIDS in 1986, Lynn Greer was invited by one of her brother’s friends to join him at the March and the Names Project display.

The friend was an up-and-coming organizer named Steve Shellabarger, now a long-time and wellknown local and national LGBT leader.

“I was living in Florida, and Steve called me and said, ‘why don’t you meet me at this march in Washington?’” said Greer. “It was a transformation.

I knew I needed to get involved in politics.”

Inspired by the March, Greer in 1988 left her promising career as a professional golfer (she was only the second woman to be admitted to the Professional Golfers Association), and took an internship with a fledgling national organization called the Human Rights Campaign Fund (now HRC). There, she was assigned to work with an HRCF lobbyist on the comprehensive AIDS legislation being authored

by Sen. Ted Kennedy.

The internship brought her to the WAR Conference.

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After her stint at HRCF and the passage of the AIDS bill, Lynn returned to Columbus and threw herself into local politics. The memory of her brother led her to volunteer with the Columbus AIDS Task Force and head the HIV/AIDS Community Advisory Coalition.

Her political instincts propelled her into the local and state Democratic Party, where she became an insider, a go-to leader for candidates who wanted support from the increasingly powerful gay community.

“My friend Jerry Mayer introduced me to Cindy Lazarus, who I learned a lot from about politics and community.”

But her politics weren’t always partisan.

One of our first collaborations was working with then-State Senator David Hobson - a Republican, and later a prominent U.S. Congressman on Ohio’s HIV/AIDS omnibus legislation. The “Hobson Bill” was a national model for smart health policy and compassion for people with AIDS, and Lynn returned the favor by temporarily shedding her party stripes and raising money for the bill’s sponsor.

Washington soon came calling again. Greer was asked by HRC’s Vic Basile to attend a national meeting to find ways to provide financial support for openly gay and lesbian candidates. By the end of the meeting, Greer had been elected the founding co-chair of the national Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.

“I think they took a look at me and said, ‘ Aha! A new face who’s not tired!’” said Greer, laughing.

She soon found herself traveling the country, raising money for the Victory Fund and encouraging promising LGBT leaders to run for office. National leaders inside and out of the LGBT community took notice of this young, charismatic woman from Columbus, Ohio.

One of her national colleagues, David Mixner, introduced her to then-Governor Bill Clinton.

“Life was again never the same after I met Clinton,” she said. “I became totally possessed with gaining our civil rights. There was nothing I wouldn’t do to get Clinton elected, and because I was from Ohio, my presence was noticed.”

Columbus, however, kept drawing her back. She threw herself into raising money for the YWCA, serving on the Victorian Village Commission, and eventually chairing the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission.

Elective politics came calling, too, and along with it, one of Greer’s great professional disappointments.

Tired of gays and lesbians being shut out of local office, she decided in 1994 to run in a primary election for City Council. Her candidacy meant a contested primary, which the local party leaders would seemingly do anything to avoid. The result was a classic example of roughandtumble local politics and a lesson in political integrity or the lack thereof.

“I remember the newspaper headline. It said ‘Greer to Cost City a Half Million Dollars,’” she said. “That hurt. I thought that primaries were part of what democracy was all about.”

A closed-door meeting resulted in a deal: if Greer would withdraw from the primary, she could have the next appointment for a Council opening. She withdrew, and council leaders reneged on their promise. It wasn’t until Mary Jo Hudson’s 2004 appointment to City Council that Greer would finally see her hope for an LGBT “place at the table” fulfilled.

Greer was disappointed but not deterred. She worked tirelessly for others’ elections. She added more community involvement to her portfolio, and in 1998 was selected as a YWCA Woman of Achievement.

“One of the things I’m most proud of,” she said of the YWCA award, “I was being recognized not for being a lesbian, but for the things I’d accomplished. My being gay was just something everyone had to recognize, and that was important.”

That same year, Greer attended OutGiving, an LGBT

If only it were 1997 and we could turn that into a pog...

philanthropists’ conference sponsored by the Gill Foundation. Much as the 1987 March on Washington had inspired her early career, Outgiving inspired the latter part.

“I learned that there are a lot of us in our community who can be the engine for our movement - the leaders, the policy makers, the advocates. What I also learned, however, was that there wasn’t enough fuel for our engines - there wasn’t enough money to fuel our movement,” she said. Greer became determined to change the culture of philanthropy in the central Ohio gay community. After nearly two years of planning and community discussion, Greer became the founding co-chair of The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation.

Her years of experience in local and national politics moved her to create Legacy: “What had always held us back in Columbus was no money. When the AIDS crisis hit us, we didn’t have enough money to help ourselves. When we faced opposition to domestic partnership rights, when we faced the anti-gay marriage amendment, we didn’t have the resources to meet the demands against us. We don’t even have the money to keep the lights on and the bills paid at our essential organizations. That’s why we have the Legacy Fund.”

Greer is often known for her forthrightness, her persistence, her passion, and her fearlessness. I suspect much of that comes from her struggle with alcoholism. She has been sober since her brother died.

“Michael’s gift to me was my sobriety,” she said.

“Sobriety helped me understand my passions, my commitment, my sense of community.”

Now retired and living at Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Greer still calls Columbus her home. “Columbus is amazing. Are we blessed or what? There is richness, a sense of civility and understanding, a wholeness here. You can be a complete person in Columbus as an out person,” she said.

What would she say to young queers in Columbus?

“Follow your heart and do what you’re passionate about. You can always make a difference - every day - even in little ways.”

In our recent interview, I asked Greer to reflect on her legacy and tell me how current LGBT community activism differs from her past work. She said, “there was a sense of urgency to break those barriers as quickly as possible. I felt that sense of urgency. I don’t think that’s there now.” Perhaps, she allowed, a more measured, persistent approach is better suited for the current times.

In other words, there may be battles to fight, but the WAR in which we met is ending.

“The Legacy Fund Honors Lynn Greer,” a tribute ceremony and reception, will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at The Columbus Foundation. The Columbus Foundation is located at 1234 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. The short program will begin at 6:15 p.m.

The event will conclude at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.TheLegacyFund.org. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Space is limited.

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BRING US DINGUS!

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Fudha: Protector of the Hungry and Lover of Good Food

by Phillecia Cochran Today’s struggling economy is forcing consumers to cut costs where they can, including dining out less often. Fudha, a local business venture, has something for everyone. Fudha offers deals where consumers can dine at local restaurants at a cheaper cost. In doing this, Fudha takes part of the proceeds from each transaction and donates it to the MidOhio Foodbank.

Internet to supporting local restaurants; specifically I wanted to figure out a way to drive customers during their slow times. That was how the basic idea started. Of course, I wanted to make it good for people who love eat out, but there are also a lot of people in Columbus who can’t afford to eat, so it was a priority to also contribute to the families in our community who need it most. We’ve tried to make it really easy for people to give.

My partner is a teacher in Columbus and often I spoke with Fudha’s founder, Tanisha Robin- comes home with stories about the difficult son, to find out what exactly Fudha is and lives of her students. Her work brings us daily where it plans to go. reminders of the great need in our own community. Although there are a lot of problems Phillecia Cochran: What is the origin or all over the world, we have kids going hungry meaning of the name “Fudha?” in our neighborhood, so Fudha is also a platTanisha Robinson: Fudha is a made-up word, form to raise awareness about hunger as a pronounced “Food-ah.” local issue. For each Fudha sold, the $1 donated by our customer provides 2 meals via In the process of working on the name, partic- the Mid-Ohio Foodbank - and they provide over ularly the spelling, I found a god from Hindu 51,000 meals a day to people in central Ohio. mythology called “Budha,” who is the protector of merchants. I like to think that Fudha is PC: Do you have any plans to grow/expand? the protector of the hungry.

TR: In Columbus, we’re working nonstop to add more restaurants, and to hopefully move PC: Why did you start this business? What from two, to three and then five restaurant ofwas the meaning behind it for you? fers a week.

TR: I served and bartended for many years here in Columbus, and I also eat out a lot and We’re also already preparing to launch in New have many friends who own and work in York City this summer, and hope to add a third restaurants. I had a lot of discussions with and maybe fourth city within our first year. people about how things had slowed down because of the economy.

PC: How do you choose restaurants to partner with and the deals you offer?

For the past few years I’ve made a living off of TR: It’s pretty simple. We work with restauInternet marketing and consulting and wonrants we love…if there’s a restaurant that dered how I could apply what I knew about the has great food and great service with local outlookcolumbus.com

owners, we’re interested in working with them.

Each restaurant customizes their offer, so we work with them to come up with something we think will effectively bring in customers, but also makes sense for their business, and so far it seems to be working.

Our members also suggest restaurants they love, and we often look to them for ideas.

PC: What importance do you place on being deemed a “queer business” in Columbus?

Or do you?

TR: We are simply trying to be a great business that is making a constant effort to help fight hunger and support locally-owned restaurants in our community.

PC: Do you think it’s important for the gay community to support local queer businesses?

TR: I think it’s important for the gay community to support businesses that are behind any causes they believe in. There are so many great local businesses here in Columbus that actively support gay issues, the arts, the fight against cancer and other really important causes. We choose to support the Mid-Ohio Foodbank’s fight against hunger.

restaurant to offer a 50% discount without knowing if we would even have an audience.

Getting restaurants behind the idea before we even had a website or any customers was a big process, but fortunately people like Liz Lessner (of Betty’s, Surly Girl, Tip Top and Dirty Franks) and Jeff Mathes (of Barrio and Due Amici) were really supportive, and let us feature their restaurants without even knowing if Fudha would catch on.

We would be able to do this without such fantastic restaurants involved, and it also helps us a lot that Columbus has such a great dining scene and such amazing independent restaurants. We are really fortunate to be working with the best restaurants in town.

One of our biggest challenges we face is that we’re up against a lot of similar web-based concepts in this market that have more financial backing, but aren’t necessarily as supportive of local restaurants. We’re doing our best to grow organically, but getting our brand out there is a huge task.

Some of the obstacles we have had to face have made us think smarter about how we want to grow our business. Undoubtedly, we’ll face more challenges as we try to expand to other cities and add more restaurants, but we’re doing what we can to be great for restaurants, great for customers, and great for the community.

PC: What obstacles were there for you to overcome in starting Fudha?

TR: We worked really hard to plan our concept and build a simple site that would make it easy for people to access great deals at locally-owned restaurants while donating to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, but there was no real way Those who are interested can sign up for to know if restaurants or customers would get Fudha updates at fudha.com and be the first behind it. It was pretty daunting to ask a to hear of new offers.

To date, members have saved: $11478 and $1738 has been donated.

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Science Needs To Get Off The Sidelines

by Wayne Besen If one were to take a shoe logo and use it for questionable purposes not approved by the manufacturer, a nasty letter from a lawyer would be received by week’s end. Wise companies realize that irreparable harm can result if a brand name is sullied, so vigilance is necessary to protect the product.

Unfortunately, leading scientific organizations have not caught up to the corporate world. When good studies are misused without a rapid response and appropriate rebuke from respected medical groups, the original research is devalued, the scientists’ names are tarnished and the conclusions are cheapened. This is why it is crucial to fight back.

The latest example of twisting science occurred last week when The American College of Pediatricians (ACP) launched an anti-gay website, Facts About Youth, that was bereft of basic truth and objective reality. The ACP also sent letters promoting their propaganda to more than 10,000 school superintendents across America. According to an ACP press release: The College reminds school superintendents that it is not uncommon for adolescents to experience transient confusion about their sexual orientation and that most students will ultimately adopt a heterosexual orientation if not otherwise encouraged.

For this reason, schools should not seek to develop policy which “affirms” or encourages

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these non-heterosexual attractions among students who may merely be experimenting or experiencing temporary sexual confusion.

Such premature labeling can lead some adolescents to engage in homosexual behaviors that carry serious physical and mental health risks.

For the unacquainted, The American College of Pediatricians (ACP) is a small, mostly southern anti-gay advocacy group consisting of notorious activists and angry doctors who have an axe to grind with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They are upset because the group has a pro-gay (and scientific) stance that claims: Therapy directed specifically at changing sexual orientation is contraindicated, since it can provoke guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation.

In contrast to the small and controversial ACP, the AAP has 60,000 members who conduct genuine studies that are subject to peer review. The average person, however, may not know the difference between the two groups.

This transparent form of identity theft is the likely intention of the ACP, which hopes to confuse people in order to siphon off the credibility of the real pediatric group.

The ACP’s new anti-gay website essentially replaces facts with quacks. It is packed with members of the discredited reparative therapy organization, The National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality

(NARTH).

This organization pushes the canard that all gay men have distant fathers and making friends with straight men can turn one heterosexual. NARTH encourages male clients to become more masculine by drinking Gatorade and calling friends “dude.”

Remarkably, former NARTH officer Arthur Abba Goldberg sits on the ACP’s Pediatric Psychosocial Development Committee. In late February, Truth Wins Out and South Florida Gay News revealed that Goldberg was a disbarred Wall Street con-artist who served hard time in prison for massive bond fraud. His presence as a putative “expert” on the Facts About Youth site is all you need to know about the group’s “integrity.”

One researcher has already spoken out against the site, claiming the ACP’s work is shoddy and that his study had been misapplied. In a blistering letter to the American College of Pediatricians, University of Minnesota researcher, Dr. Gary Remafedi, M.D., M.P.H., wrote: Knowingly misrepresenting research findings for material or personal gain is a flagrant violation of this code of conduct. Implicating me in this chicanery is doubly damaging to my professional reputation and career by holding me accountable for misstatements and by associating me with a cause that most ethical Pediatricians will recognize as misguided and hurtful to an entire class of children and families.

Somewhere, somehow Richard Cohen is behind this.

Courageous doctors such as Remafedi deserve more support. The large medical and mental health associations should be vigorously speaking out against such audacious professional transgressions. So far they have done little to combat this anti-gay site which is about as brazen a vehicle for misinformation as you will find.

What is needed is a joint war room created by these associations to slap down political propaganda disguised as science in real time. Such a task-force could have a 1-800 number and a website where people could report the most outrageous manipulations of research.

If only The American Medical Association, The American Psychological Association, The American Psychiatric Association, The American Academy of Pediatrics, The National Association of Social Workers, and the American Counseling Association provided three staff members to this vital project - there would be almost twenty experts guarding the integrity of their professions.

These key medical and mental health organizations should apply the same relentlessness to protecting science from hacks and quacks as corporations now do to zealously safeguard shoe brands.

For more www.truthwinsout.org

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Which is spicier? The Jalape単o Joe or Jordan?

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Ha-Shem’S Rainbow aS a Bridge: Laura Weinblatt and the Return of the JewiSh QueerS

by Mickey Weems Strictly speaking, Jewish Queers have never left Columbus, ever since they had a Rainbow Flag and a Magen David to call their own.

But the Jewish Queers and Allies (JQA) student group at Ohio State’s Hillel, the Jewish student center, faded out as an organization. Laura Weinblatt, who had been a part of the Jewish Queers and Allies, decided she wanted to reignite the sense of community the JQA had given her, so she has been working with several groups on- and off-campus to start something new.

Because of her hard work with the JQA, Laura has plenty of people rooting for her, including Susannah Sagan, Associate Director at OSU Hillel. “Working with Laura has been a real pleasure,” said Susannah. “More importantly, knowing Laura has added a wonderful dimension to my life. She sees where the community needs to go, and she is not afraid to help us get there.”

It is due to people like Laura that the rainbow, a sign to Noah and his descendants of HaShem’s love of humanity, has been claimed by the LGBTQ community and fashioned by its most enlightened thinkers into a bridge to unite the human family. Laura represents the next generation of rainbow bridge-builders.

She is in good company. Laura continues the tradition of inclusion that many Queer Jewish people have promoted, such as Israel’s own fabulous activist group Kvisa Shchora (founded by Lesbians and transmen, open to

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all, which calls for an end to occupation, discrimination against Mizrahi Jews, and enforced gender conformity), Rabbi Lisa Edwards of Beth Chayim Chadashim in Los Angeles (the world’s first LGBTQ-inclusive synagogue), Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg (author of Wrestling With God and Man, a brilliant treatise on queer theology and a moving account of Steve’s lived experiences), Reconstructionist Rabbi Joshua Lesser (all 3 rabbis call for open and loving dialogue between all peoples), and documentary director Sandi Simcha DuBowski (who directed the documentary on Gay Orthodox Jews, Trembling Before G-d, and helped Pakistani director Parvez Sharma produce his documentary on Queer Muslims, A Jihad for Love).

Move over, guys. Laura Weinblatt is just hitting her stride. And here she is, in her own words.

Mickey Weems: Tell us about your background.

Laura Weinblatt: I grew up in Bexley and attended Hebrew school and Sunday school. I traveled to Israel my senior year of high school. I studied early childhood education at The Ohio State University. After years of struggling with my sexuality I finally had the courage to come out of the closet at age 19, my sophomore year at OSU. After I came out, it was like the biggest weight had been lifted off of my shoulders and I fully embraced my gayness.

MW: You were also involved with Jewish Queers at OSU. LW: My junior and senior years of college I decided to become involved with the student

group at Hillel called Jewish Queers and Allies (JQA). I helped plan programs and assisted in getting students involved with the community.

I helped plan community events where we would have dinner at community members’ homes and also invited guest speakers to come and teach us!

MW: Describe the current revival you have set into motion.

LW: I was thinking to myself that I’d like to find some other queer Jews to hang out with and realized that there really isn’t anything out there to allow me to do that. I decided to take matters into my own hands and start something, anything that will get me connected to other Queer Jews. I teamed up with two other community members, Heather Mitchell and Merideth Lively and we’ve been working together to form a group.

MW: How have Jewish Queers been accepted within the Jewish community, both nationally and in Ohio?

LW: Organizations all over the country embrace the JQ community and every city has their own way of reaching out to those individuals. Of course within Judaism, homosexuality is viewed differently depending on who you ask. If you ask a Reform rabbi, she may respond differently than an Orthodox rabbi. I know that all over the country there are synagogues that fully embrace the JQ community and perform commitment ceremonies on their bimah.

MW: Tell us your goals.

LW: My mission is simple. I want to create an environment where all Jewish LGBTQA (Les-

So if you are Gay and Jewish, do you spend money or save it.

bian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies) individuals can feel at home and safe. Jews all around the world have somewhere to go where they feel like they can fit in. What about the minority within the minority? I want to create a safe platform for Jews that are part of this community. Through a book club, monthly meetings, and ideas implemented by community members, I believe we can build a strong LGBTQA community within our already strong Jewish community.

MW: What other groups have you been working with?

LW: So far the groups we’ve been working with are OSU Hillel, OSU Multicultural Center, Stonewall Columbus, Temple Israel and Tifereth Israel. And we’re in the early stages of reaching out to people through both LGBT and Jewish venues MW: Is there a place for the non-Jewish Queer at the table?

LW: Of course. Allies are an important part of the LGBTQA equation. Whether you’re a nonJew or a straight ally, if you are interested in a community that acknowledges the JQ experience, you are welcome.

MW: Is what you do spiritual?

LW: What’s great about being Jewish is that it can be not only religious but also spiritual and cultural. Everyone experiences Judaism in a different way and can only be defined by each individual.

Laura may be contacted at jqacolumbus@gmail.com.

The next planned meeting of the new group is Monday June 7th, 7p at the Stonewall Community Center.

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LOW (od

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Merri has helped us increase our effectiveness by more than 40%. How much is that worth to your business?

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Major Threats To The Great Lakes In The United States And What’s Being Done To Address Them

Another major problem is pollution itself. Tons of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers run off of farms and into the water every month.

Coal-fired power plants spew mercury into the air and factories of all kinds emit other pollutants that all eventually end up in the water.

Converting farmers to organic agriculture and cleaning up smokestacks are top priorities for regulators and green groups in the region.

“Smart growth” and How It Benefits (or Doesn’t) the Environment

by EarthTalk

Federal, state and local authorities and nonprofit and community groups are working diligently to help restore compromised areas in the region. The Obama administration’s 2010 budget allocates $475 million to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Initiative is assessing the threats to the region and laying out a roadmap for remediation through the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force, which includes representatives from the EPA as well as the departments of State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.

Originating in the early 1970s when city planners began renovating crumbling inner cities in the face of widespread suburbanization and sprawl, smart growth is now a top buzzword in both municipal policy and environmental circles. Some form of smart growth has likely been implemented where you live or somewhere nearby.

The Great Lakes watershed is a unique and important ecosystem that contains some 95 percent of America’s fresh water surface area, and is a continental hub for birds, fish and other wildlife. According to the National Audubon Society, the Great Lakes provide habitat for some 400 bird species. But it is the region’s exploding human population now at 42 million - that is causing many environmental problems.

Major threats include toxic and nutrient pollution, the growing presence of non-native invasive species, and the destruction of critical wildlife habitat. In addition, the region’s residents worry that other parts of the country and world facing water shortages will find ways to divert Great Lakes water to quench their far-off thirsts. Also, it remains to be seen what kind of impact global warming will have on the region.

Perhaps the issue that gets the most attention in the region is the menace of invasive species. They arrive via heel, tire, railway and ship, and are profoundly altering the region’s ecology. The most notorious case is that of the zebra mussel which, originally native to southeast Russia first arrived in the late 1980s on ocean-going ships via the St. Lawrence Seaway. Aside from outcompeting native species for food, they have absorbed toxic PCBs dumped years earlier and transferred them up the food chain in being eaten by round gobies (also a non-native species), which in turn are preyed upon by walleyes, a popular sport fish.

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Some of the beneficiaries of this funding will also be some of the 100+ nonprofit and community groups that have formed the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition. These groups hope to leverage each others’ expertise and work together on on-the-ground restoration projects throughout the region.

Meanwhile Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Quebec and Ontario have come together as the Great Lakes Basin Compact to ward off drought-stricken far-off places from taking fresh water out of their region. Member states and provinces have delineated a border around the region beyond which water cannot be shipped. The agreement came about in 2005 when a Canadian company announced that it wanted to ship water in tankers from Lake Ontario to Asia.

by EarthTalk

Urban planners subscribing to a smart growth philosophy work to concentrate growth in the center of existing cities and towns to avoid sprawling development in areas otherwise prized for open space. Part of a smart growth effort attempts to minimize automobile traffic and its pollution in urban centers by including stores, residences and schools in neighborhoods, resulting in more walking, bicycle riding and mass transit usage than in a typical suburban environment. Advocates maintain that smart growth initiatives create a unique sense of community and place, give people more transportation, employment and housing choices, and equitably distribute the costs and benefits of development while preserving and enhancing natural beauty, cultural resources and public health.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been a big smart growth booster since it formed the Smart Growth Network in 1996. Partners include environmental and historic preservation groups, professional organizations, developers, real estate interests, and local and state government entities. The network serves as a forum for educating the public and policymakers about the benefits of smart growth and fostering idea sharing and community among practitioners and advocates of smart growth planning.

Bearded mussels or bearded clams? You decide.

Partly thanks to the Smart Growth Network, smart growth initiatives are numerous across the U.S. today. Denver, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Chicago and dozens of other metropolitan areas have experienced urban renewal in the last two decades thanks to planning that has taken into account livability, sustainability and preservation of open space. Communications channels facilitated via the Smart Growth Network enable the successes and failures of previous smart growth initiatives to be learning tools for planning new ones.

Smart growth is not without its detractors. According to Todd Litman of the Canadianbased Victoria Transport Policy Institute, “small government” conservatives and libertarians criticize smart growth for infringing on freedom by instituting complicated layers of regulation over development plans, increasing traffic congestion and air pollution, reducing the affordability of urban housing while forcing locals out and creating undesirable levels of density, and requiring wasteful transit subsidies, among other beefs.

Even the environmental community is somewhat divided. The majority view some development and expansion as inevitable (especially with human population always on the upswing) - and in that light embrace smart growth as a realistic lesser of possible evils. But a smaller segment of greens questions whether any development - smart or otherwise - is good for a given region’s natural systems. But while such debates may rage on at universities and think tanks, smart growth is already becoming the standard lens through which development projects are judged in the majority of our metropolitan areas.

CONTACTS: EPA, www.epa.org; Smart Growth Network, www.smartgrowth.org; Todd Litman’s “Evaluating Criticism of Smart Growth,” www.vtpi.org/sgcritics.pdf. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, www.epa.gov/glnpo/glr; Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition, www.healthylakes.org; Great Lakes Basin Compact, www.glc.org/about/glbc.html.

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This one’s for all you straight allies out there.

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Rolo can change your alignment, but not your orientation.

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A Study of Long-Term Non-Monogamous Male Couples

by Tom Moon, MFT Blake Spears and Lanz Lowen have been together for over 34 years. They told me that they still have great sex, contradicting the common belief that sexual interest inevitably wanes in a long-term relationship. How do they do it? “One reason,” Lanz said, “is that we’ve been in an open relationship from the very beginning. If we hadn’t been open, we wouldn’t have been able to grow individually or as a couple.” But, they write, this was a journey they took “without a roadmap… Information about how couples navigate this terrain is surprisingly lacking. We were curious about the experience of others and assumed many long-term couples might offer valuable perspectives and hard-earned lessons.” So, a few years back, they decided to use their combined training and experience in research and psychology to do an independent, in-depth study of other long-term open gay male relationships. They hoped to provide the community with an accurate picture of what nonmonogamy actually looks like in the lives of gay men. Their study has now been completed. It’s an intimate look into the lives of 86 couples who have each been together for a minimum of 8 years, and it can be accessed at www.thecouplesstudy.com.

This study is a fascinating read because the authors largely avoid speculation and let the participants speak for themselves. One finding that fascinated me was the many varieties of “openness” that the couples practiced. Some only played together, some only separately, and some did both. Some only allowed anonymous outside encounters, while others allowed “friends with benefits” and still others built polyamorous families with multiple partners. Some (about ten percent) had no rules at all governing outside sex, while at the other end of the spectrum others created detailed ground rules and contracts. Every imaginable kind of “openness” seemed to work for someone.

The study includes a summary of previous research on non-monogamy, in which the authors report that “Most research shows that approximately two-thirds of long-term male couples who have been together for five years or more are honestly non-monogamous,” and that “Multiple studies have found no differences in relationship quality or satisfaction between samples of sexually exclusive and non-exclusive male couples.”

Despite those findings, they had a hard time recruiting participants. They had no trouble finding non-monogamous couples, but relatively few who wanted to talk about it. One man who chose to participate said “Having an open relationship feels like a funny way of being in the closet again.

Family and friends expect that we’re monogamous, and we don’t tell them we’re not. It’s like a secret. In our community and society, it feels like something huge isn’t being talked about or studied or understood.”

It’s no wonder. Non-monogamous relationships may be common in our community, but I still frequently hear gay men criticize them as pathological, immature, and destructive. I’m sometimes confidently assured, as if it’s self-evident, that open relationships are less healthy, loving, responsible, or honest than monogamous relationships; that if you’re having outside sex, something must be wrong with the love or the communication in your partnership; that outside sex causes you to lose your focus on one another other; and that once you “start straying” it’s “the beginning of the end.”

Blake and Lanz came to different conclusions.

While they concede that “…we had a study population skewed towards the positive,” they believe their work shows that “... it is reasonable to conclude that non-monogamy for gay male couples is a viable option. When partners find enough common ground in their inclinations and perspectives toward non-monogamy, sanctioned outside sex is a sustainable and satisfying possibility. If a couple is willing to be forthright and to problem-solve as needed, non-monogamy isn’t by nature de-stabilizing. In fact, the results of this study would suggest the opposite – many study couples said non-monogamy enabled them to stay together.

The average length of relationship for interviewed couples was 16 years – double our minimum requirement. Given the difficulties we had in recruiting participants, this figure suggests a positive correlation between longevity and non-monogamy.

At a minimum, it destroys the myth that opening the relationship is the ‘beginning of the end’. “ On the other hand “…for most couples, there was a price of admission. Non-monogamy came with risks and required maintenance.” Most participants found that making it work required “clarifying values and making certain they are mutual; appreciating and accommodating differences; holding steadfast to agreements and a commitment to honesty; growing greater capacity to process and manage their own emotional reactions; learning to voice their desires, concerns, and uncomfortable feelings; becoming increasingly vulnerable, trusting, forgiving, generous; partnering to constructively problem-solve and find resolution for unforeseen and possibly highly charged issues.”

Wow! That’s a tall order. As I read this, it occurred to me that this may help explain why nonmonogamy gets a bad rap from some gay men.

Too many men go into open relationships expecting that it will be a lot easier than monogamy, providing them, more or less effortlessly, with “the best of both worlds.” That may be one of the most important myths this study destroys. It provides a much-needed dose of realism: successful open relationships require commitment, patience, and hard work.

Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. His website is www.tommoon.net.

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Some people refer to that as having a roomate with benefits.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and a huge receiver is what Chad now calls Tuesday night.

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614.340.1896, www.capa.com: Bust out your inner diva and experience the state of divaness today. “Diva Nation... Where Music, Laughter, and Girlfriends Reign!” will explore how the new millennium has changed the face of the diva. 730p; $27.50, $37.50.

MONDAY, MAY 24 I DON’T THINK THIS IS WHAT THE PET SHOP BOYS WERE TALKING ABOUT S.I.N Mondays @ Level Dining Lounge, 700 N High St, 614.754.1342, www.levelcolumbus.com: It’s service industry night. A payback for all those who keep us nice and drunk the rest of the week. Specials include $1 dom drafts, $2 dom bottles, $3 import, $4 calls $5 grape/cherry bombs. Maybe you can pick up a bartender. Free.

TUESDAY, MAY 25 LET’S HERE IT FOR THE GIRL The Legacy Fund Honors Lynn Greer @ The Columbus Foundation, 1234 East Broad St, www.TheLegacyFund.org: The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation Board cordially invites the Central Ohio community and friends of Lynn Greer to a tribute celebration honoring Lynn Greer and her relentless pursuit of equality and her devotion to the Central Ohio GLBT and allied communities. The evening reception will feature an enjoyable look back at Lynn’s life as a driving force behind the GLBT equal rights movement. 5:30p; $30 adv/$40 door.

STRIKE OUT HERE, IT’S A GOOD THING IGBO Tournament Weekend @ various locations, www.ibgo2010.org: International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) Annual Tournament makes it’s way to Cbus. Close to 1000 bowlers from around the world will attend. That’s a lot of ball play! See website for event schedule.

SUNDAY, MAY 30 DAISY WILL NOT BE IN ATTENDANCE Bret Michaels @ The Lifestyles Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave, 614.461.LIVE (5483), www.promowestlive.com: Break out your bandanas, “I Love Nascar” bumper stickers, and cut off jean shorts and join Bret Michaels in riding the “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” train until the end of goddamn time. No promises, but you’ll probably get to hear him talk about living with diabetes and messing around with all those hot chicks with awesome hearts from Rock of Love. 6:30p; $15, $30.

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SUNDAY, MAY 23 A Diva is Just a Female Version of a Hustl’ah Four Bitchin’ Babes@ The Southern Theatre, 21 E Main St,

SUNDAY, MAY 9 award-winning NYC burlesque I TOOK MAGIC BEANS ONCE... star Clams Casino. Throughout Jack & The Beanstalk @ Park the night you can enjoy a circuit Street Theatre, 512 Park St, style dance party, outlandish 614.224.6672, www.colschildécor, female shadowbox drenstheatre.org: The Columbus dancers, themed drink specials, Children’s Theatre’s production and music by DJ Michele Chaney! of “Jack & The Beanstalk” is for 18+; Doors 8p, Show 9p, Dancing all ages! Take your kids, nieces, 11p; $10 (benefits Komen). nephews, and cousins and explain that magic beans aren’t al- SUNDAY, MAY 16 ways a bad thing. 1p&3p; SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE! $13-$18.

Sunday Night Players @ Wall Street Nightclub, 144 N Wall St, TUESDAY, MAY 11 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetHOT LIKE WASABI WHEN I BUST nightclub.com: In-house sketch RHYMES comedy troupe “Sunday Night Barenaked Ladies @ The Palace Players” cap off the 2010 “Pink!”

Theatre, 34 W Broad St, Weekend festivities. The troupe 614.469.9850, www.capa.com: will perform a special benefit You know all the words to “One show hosted by the divine Mary Week,” but often pretend you Ann Brandt. Doors 7p, Show 8p; don’t. Sing along when they hit $10 (benefits The Susan G. up C-Bus with the ever-so-great Komen Foundation.)

Ingrid Michaelson. No promises, but it looks like the evening will TUESDAY, MAY 18 be coke-free. 7:30p; $37-$47.

AND YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO KNOW THE METRIC SYSTEM! WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 Metric @ Newport Music Hall, DON’T MISS IT! 1722 N. High St, 614.294.1659, Network Columbus @ Loth Inc, www.promowestlive.com: Dance 855 Grandview Ave, your troubles away to the tune of 614.487.4000, www.networkMetric, a 4-piece indie rock group columbus.com: Mingle with the from Canada, eh. Bear in Heaven who’s who of gay and allied busi- will be opening the show. The nesses. Join confirmed speakers show is general admission. All Michael Reese of Loth Inc, and ages; Doors 7p; $20 (adv), $25 Suzanne Coleman-Tolbert, CEO of (day of).

Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC), in FRIDAY, MAY 21 discussing workplace and job is- MANDY MOORE’S EX, LIVE! sues. No RSVP necessary. 6p-8p; Greg Laswell @ Rumba Café, FREE. 2507 Summit St, 614.268.1841, www.columbusrumbacafe.com: THURSDAY, MAY 13 Enjoy Laswell’s musical stylings, IF ONLY THIS WERE AN ACCOMPANIMENT which have been featured in teleTO BRITNEY SPEARS’ “CIRCUS” vision shows like Grey’s Anatomy Ringling Bros. and Barnum & and True Blood. Laswell is joined Bailey present Zing Zang Zoom by Brian Wright & the Waco @ Nationwide Arena, corner of Tragedies and Jimmy Gnecco.

Nationwide and Neil, 18+; Under 21 pays $3 sur614.246.2000, www.Nationcharge; 9p; $12. wideArena.com: Step right up!

Fun for all ages! The circus is in LEAVE VEGAS WITHOUT A VENEREAL town and animal rights activists DISEASE! are sure to go nuts. Featuring an The Columbus Gay Men’s Choarray of exotic animals including rus With The Columbus Jazz OrAsian elephants, Bengal tigers, chestra @ Verne Riffe Center’s and Arabian & Friesian horses.

Capitol Theatre, 77 S High St, And human performers too! Show 614.469.1045, www.capa.com: runs through Sunday. Tickets are The glitz! The glammar! *Celine available through Ticketmaster.

Dion! Instead of going to Vegas, Thurs & Fri 7p; Sat 11a, 3p, 7p; let Vegas come to you. The Sun 1230p, 430p; $10-$70.

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is teaming with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra to bring you songs from the greatest of the greats of Sin City. *Celine Dion will not be making an appearance. May 21, 8p; May 22 2p & 8p; $39 - $49.

SATURDAY, MAY 15 “PINK” MEANS THE COLOR, NOT...

WELL, NEVERMIND 2010 “Pink!” Weekend @ Wall Street Nightclub, 144 N Wall St, 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetnightclub.com: The 3rd annual benefit party to help end breast cancer starts with “Hot Pink,” a burlesque show presented by Viva Valezz! and featuring

• • • • • • • • about town • • • • • • • • SATURDAY, MAY 1 damn money, or why TBS loves IT’S BEEN 13 YEARS, BUT PREPARE TO him so much, but nonetheless HEAR MOVIE QUOTES Tyler Perry will be in town. Tickets Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition via Ticketmaster. Show 7:30p; @ COSI, 333 W Broad St, $51.50.

614.228.COSI, www.cosi.org: After a successful first-run, COSI WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 is bringing back its Titanic exLET’S PETITION FOR SALUTE YOUR hibit, this time with over 100 new SHORTS TO GO ON TOUR artifacts and nearly two dozen of Aqua Teen Hunger Force Live @ those making their world debut The Lifestyle Communities Pavilhere in Columbus. Enjoy room ion, 405 Neil Ave, 614.461.LIVE recreations and costumed char- (5483), www.promowestlive.com: acters. As visitors enter, they are If you’re that person that’s drunk given a replica boarding pass of at 3am and you always end up an actual passenger. Visitors can on Cartoon Network, you’re in also interact with a simulated luck! Show is presented by Adult iceberg. Runs through September Swim. Doors 7p; $27, $22.

6. Monday - Saturday 10a-5p, Sunday 12p-6p; $16.75- $23.75. ANY EXCUSE TO GET LOCO Cinco de Mayo @ every bar, SOUL & MIMOSAS... DOESN’T REALLY restaurant, or nursing home in GET BETTER town! Just don’t kind yourself. We Soul Brunch @ Tip Top Kitchen all know that we celebrate St. and Cocktails, 73 E Gay St, Patrick’s Day and this holiday for 614.221.8300, www.tiptopthe same reason. And be smart. columbus.com: Enjoy eggs from You know enchiladas and hell, Sal’s big mess, apple cinna- chimichangas at 3am are not a mon pancakes, or any other deli- good idea unless you feel like ridcious concoction at Tip Top. Part ing the toilet train the next day. of the proceeds will benefit the Worthington Special Olympics.

THURSDAY, MAY 6 Best of all, you get to listen to AH, TO BE IN THE 90S AGAIN great soul music through it all!

Pearl Jam @ Nationwide Arena, And remember, the more micorner of Nationwide and Neil, mosas you drink, the more money 614.246.2000, www.Nationthey make. 11a-4p; Prices vary. wideArena.com: Brush up on your Eddie Vedder impersonation SUNDAY, MAY 2 skills. You’ll need ‘em, at least to THE DREAD BOY IS BACK! annoy your friends later. Band of Jason Castro @ The Basement, Horses opens the show. 7:30p; 391 Neil Ave, 614.461.5483, $49-$69. www.promowestlive.com: After a stint at The Basement earlier this FRIDAY, MAY 7 year opening for Matt Hires, WORK OFF THOSE CINCO DE MAYO American Idol’s beloved Jason CALORIES! Castro is back in town. Come Frat Night @ Axis, 775 N High watch him swing his dreads St, 614.291.4008, columbusaround and make 15-year-olds nightlife.com: It’s the first Friday swoon. Opening acts are Michael of May! You know what that Castro and Camera Can’t Lie. means... Flash it (your college ID, Doors 6p; $12. that is)! Get in FREE at Axis the first Friday of every month when MONDAY, MAY 3 you show a college ID. 10p; free.

EXPECT TO SEE A HANDFUL OR TWO OF “TEAM EDWARD/TEAM JACOB” SHIRTS... SATURDAY, MAY 8 Paramore @ The Lifestyle Com- THE 90S ARE TAKING OVER THE CITY!! munities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave, Goo Goo Dolls @ The Palace 614.461.LIVE (5483), www.proTheatre, 34 W Broad St, mowestlive.com: Come shake 614.469.9850, www.capa.com: your shit with the best of those When I was in middle school I Twilight fans. Watch Paramore’s confused the lead singer of the bassist do cartwheels after open- Goo Goo Dolls with Jon Bon Jovi ing bands Relient K and Fun. all. the. time. Also in middle Gates 6p; $27.50 (advance), $30 school, some super cool high (day of show). schooler came to my science class to sing a Goo Goo Dolls song that he interpreted as promoting abstinence. It was less than enjoyable. On that note, head to The Palace to see the band in all their glory with opening act The Rocket Summer. 7p; $22.50, $32.50.

TUESDAY, MAY 4 WE HAVE A DIFFERENT KIND OF HAPPY FAMILY Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family” @ Nationwide Arena, corner of Nationwide and Neil, 614.246.2000, www.NationwideArena.com: We’re not exactly sure why he makes so much god-

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • outlook’s sponsored events • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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and 3 more…

12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U

Memorial Day

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12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy @ Trafix 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

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12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy @ Trafix 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

17

12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy @ Trafix 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

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and 2 more…

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9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

1

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 5:30 PM Legacy Fund Lynn Greer 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

25

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

18

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

11

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

4

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

Tuesday

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12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score Bar 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

2

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

IGBO Tournament

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score Bar 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

19

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 5:30 PM Evening Exchange @ Park 6:00 PM Network Columbus @ Loth Inc 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

12

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

Cinco de Mayo

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score Bar 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

Wednesday

13

4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar 10:00 PM Sweatin' @ Axis

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4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 7:00 PM Ringling Bros @ Nationwide Arena 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

8:00 AM Leadership Symposium @ Convention Center 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

Thursday

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8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

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8:00 PM Eric Himan @ Score Bar 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 8:00 PM The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus with The Columbus Jazz Or! chestra @ Ri"e Center 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

21

8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

14

8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Gear/Uniform Fetish @ Exile 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

7

30 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 8:00 PM The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee @ Axis 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

Friday

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… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix

5

… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 9:00 PM WS 23rd Anniversary @ Wall 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix

John F. Kennedy's Birthday

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… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 11:00 PM Exile Boy Contest @ Exile

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… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 8:00 PM Hot Pink @ Wall St 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab

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9:00 AM BNI Group One-to-Ones @ Panera Bread (Bethel) … The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 7:00 PM Goo Goo Dolls @ The Palace Theatre 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix

8

… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 9:00 PM TI Military/Uniform Night @ Exile 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix

Saturday

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photography by robert trautman

www.outlookcolumbus.com

and 4 more…

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 6:30 PM Bret Michaels @ The Lifestyles 8:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile

IGBO Tournament

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab … Exile Boy Contest @ Exile 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

23

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 7:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

16

and 2 more…

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn 1:00 PM Jack & The Beanstalk @ Park 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level

9

3 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 6:00 PM LGBT Self Defense @ 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke IDOL Contest @

and 2 more…

2 11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 4:00 PM Adult Coed Kickball @ Tuttle 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

Mother's Day

26 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 6:00 PM LGBT Self Defense @ 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

Monday

and 2 more…

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U 1:00 PM Ohio Statehouse Wedding 6:00 PM Stippers @ Q Bar 8:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level

CLAW 9 in Cleveland

Sunday

Special Events

Networking

Bars/Clubs Weekly Events

US Holidays

May 2010

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Freesia Balls knows how to tan without getting burned!

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and 3 more…

12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U

Memorial Day

31

12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy @ Trafix 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

24

12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy @ Trafix 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

17

12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy @ Trafix 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

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and 2 more…

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9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

1

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 5:30 PM Legacy Fund Lynn Greer 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

25

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

18

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

11

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

4

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe … Service Industy Night @ Level 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 9:00 PM Drag Queen Bingo @ Score

Tuesday

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12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score Bar 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

2

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

IGBO Tournament

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score Bar 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

19

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 5:30 PM Evening Exchange @ Park 6:00 PM Network Columbus @ Loth Inc 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

12

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

Cinco de Mayo

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Trivia & Family Feud @ Score Bar 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Trafix 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke @ Exile 10:00 PM 80s Video Dance @ Wall St

Wednesday

13

4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar 10:00 PM Sweatin' @ Axis

6

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4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 7:00 PM Ringling Bros @ Nationwide Arena 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

8:00 AM Leadership Symposium @ Convention Center 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score Bar

Thursday

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8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

4

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8:00 PM Eric Himan @ Score Bar 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 8:00 PM The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus with The Columbus Jazz Or! chestra @ Ri"e Center 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

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8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

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8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Gear/Uniform Fetish @ Exile 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

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30 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 8:00 PM The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee @ Axis 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab

Friday

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… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix

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… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 9:00 PM WS 23rd Anniversary @ Wall 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix

John F. Kennedy's Birthday

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… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 11:00 PM Exile Boy Contest @ Exile

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… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 8:00 PM Hot Pink @ Wall St 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab

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9:00 AM BNI Group One-to-Ones @ Panera Bread (Bethel) … The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 7:00 PM Goo Goo Dolls @ The Palace Theatre 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix

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… The Best in Female Illusion @ Inn Rehab 9:00 PM TI Military/Uniform Night @ Exile 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 11:00 PM The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Trafix

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photography by robert trautman

www.outlookcolumbus.com

and 4 more…

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 6:30 PM Bret Michaels @ The Lifestyles 8:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile

IGBO Tournament

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab … Exile Boy Contest @ Exile 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

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11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 7:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

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and 2 more…

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn 1:00 PM Jack & The Beanstalk @ Park 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level

9

3 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 6:00 PM LGBT Self Defense @ 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke IDOL Contest @

and 2 more…

2 11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U … The Best in Female Illusion 2 @ Inn Rehab 4:00 PM Adult Coed Kickball @ Tuttle 6:00 PM Stippers @ Trafix 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

Mother's Day

26 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM $2 Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 6:00 PM LGBT Self Defense @ 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 9:00 PM Service Industy Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

Monday

and 2 more…

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U 1:00 PM Ohio Statehouse Wedding 6:00 PM Stippers @ Q Bar 8:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 9:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Level

CLAW 9 in Cleveland

Sunday

Special Events

Networking

Bars/Clubs Weekly Events

US Holidays

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Freesia Balls knows how to tan without getting burned!

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TUESDAY, MAY 4 WE HAVE A DIFFERENT KIND OF HAPPY FAMILY Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family” @ Nationwide Arena, corner of Nationwide and Neil, 614.246.2000, www.NationwideArena.com: We’re not exactly sure why he makes so much god-

MONDAY, MAY 3 EXPECT TO SEE A HANDFUL OR TWO OF “TEAM EDWARD/TEAM JACOB” SHIRTS...

Paramore @ The Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave, 614.461.LIVE (5483), www.promowestlive.com: Come shake your shit with the best of those Twilight fans. Watch Paramore’s bassist do cartwheels after opening bands Relient K and Fun. Gates 6p; $27.50 (advance), $30 (day of show).

SUNDAY, MAY 2 THE DREAD BOY IS BACK! Jason Castro @ The Basement, 391 Neil Ave, 614.461.5483, www.promowestlive.com: After a stint at The Basement earlier this year opening for Matt Hires, American Idol’s beloved Jason Castro is back in town. Come watch him swing his dreads around and make 15-year-olds swoon. Opening acts are Michael Castro and Camera Can’t Lie. Doors 6p; $12.

SOUL & MIMOSAS... DOESN’T REALLY GET BETTER Soul Brunch @ Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails, 73 E Gay St, 614.221.8300, www.tiptopcolumbus.com: Enjoy eggs from hell, Sal’s big mess, apple cinnamon pancakes, or any other delicious concoction at Tip Top. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Worthington Special Olympics.

Best of all, you get to listen to great soul music through it all!

And remember, the more mimosas you drink, the more money they make. 11a-4p; Prices vary.

SATURDAY, MAY 1 IT’S BEEN 13 YEARS, BUT PREPARE TO HEAR MOVIE QUOTES Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition @ COSI, 333 W Broad St, 614.228.COSI, www.cosi.org: After a successful first-run, COSI is bringing back its Titanic exhibit, this time with over 100 new artifacts and nearly two dozen of those making their world debut here in Columbus. Enjoy room recreations and costumed characters. As visitors enter, they are given a replica boarding pass of an actual passenger. Visitors can also interact with a simulated iceberg. Runs through September 6. Monday - Saturday 10a-5p, Sunday 12p-6p; $16.75- $23.75.

SUNDAY, MAY 9 I TOOK MAGIC BEANS ONCE...

Jack & The Beanstalk @ Park Street Theatre, 512 Park St, 614.224.6672, www.colschildrenstheatre.org: The Columbus Children’s Theatre’s production WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 of “Jack & The Beanstalk” is for LET’S PETITION FOR SALUTE YOUR SHORTS TO GO ON TOUR all ages! Take your kids, nieces, Aqua Teen Hunger Force Live @ nephews, and cousins and exThe Lifestyle Communities Pavil- plain that magic beans aren’t alion, 405 Neil Ave, 614.461.LIVE ways a bad thing. 1p&3p; (5483), www.promowestlive.com: $13-$18.

If you’re that person that’s drunk at 3am and you always end up TUESDAY, MAY 11 on Cartoon Network, you’re in HOT LIKE WASABI WHEN I BUST luck! Show is presented by Adult RHYMES Swim. Doors 7p; $27, $22.

Barenaked Ladies @ The Palace Theatre, 34 W Broad St, ANY EXCUSE TO GET LOCO 614.469.9850, www.capa.com: Cinco de Mayo @ every bar, You know all the words to “One restaurant, or nursing home in Week,” but often pretend you town! Just don’t kind yourself. We don’t. Sing along when they hit all know that we celebrate St. up C-Bus with the ever-so-great Patrick’s Day and this holiday for Ingrid Michaelson. No promises, the same reason. And be smart. but it looks like the evening will You know enchiladas and be coke-free. 7:30p; $37-$47. chimichangas at 3am are not a good idea unless you feel like rid- WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 ing the toilet train the next day.

DON’T MISS IT! Network Columbus @ Loth Inc, THURSDAY, MAY 6 855 Grandview Ave, AH, TO BE IN THE 90S AGAIN 614.487.4000, www.networkPearl Jam @ Nationwide Arena, columbus.com: Mingle with the corner of Nationwide and Neil, who’s who of gay and allied busi614.246.2000, www.Nationnesses. Join confirmed speakers wideArena.com: Brush up on your Michael Reese of Loth Inc, and Eddie Vedder impersonation Suzanne Coleman-Tolbert, CEO of skills. You’ll need ‘em, at least to Central Ohio Workforce Investannoy your friends later. Band of ment Corporation (COWIC), in Horses opens the show. 7:30p; discussing workplace and job is$49-$69. sues. No RSVP necessary. 6p-8p; FREE. FRIDAY, MAY 7 WORK OFF THOSE CINCO DE MAYO THURSDAY, MAY 13 CALORIES! IF ONLY THIS WERE AN ACCOMPANIMENT Frat Night @ Axis, 775 N High TO BRITNEY SPEARS’ “CIRCUS” St, 614.291.4008, columbusRingling Bros. and Barnum & nightlife.com: It’s the first Friday Bailey present Zing Zang Zoom of May! You know what that @ Nationwide Arena, corner of means... Flash it (your college ID, Nationwide and Neil, that is)! Get in FREE at Axis the 614.246.2000, www.Nationfirst Friday of every month when wideArena.com: Step right up! you show a college ID. 10p; free. Fun for all ages! The circus is in town and animal rights activists SATURDAY, MAY 8 are sure to go nuts. Featuring an THE 90S ARE TAKING OVER THE CITY!! array of exotic animals including Goo Goo Dolls @ The Palace Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, Theatre, 34 W Broad St, and Arabian & Friesian horses.

614.469.9850, www.capa.com: And human performers too! Show When I was in middle school I runs through Sunday. Tickets are confused the lead singer of the available through Ticketmaster.

Goo Goo Dolls with Jon Bon Jovi Thurs & Fri 7p; Sat 11a, 3p, 7p; all. the. time. Also in middle Sun 1230p, 430p; $10-$70. school, some super cool high schooler came to my science SATURDAY, MAY 15 class to sing a Goo Goo Dolls “PINK” MEANS THE COLOR, NOT... song that he interpreted as pro- WELL, NEVERMIND moting abstinence. It was less 2010 “Pink!” Weekend @ Wall than enjoyable. On that note, Street Nightclub, 144 N Wall St, head to The Palace to see the 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetband in all their glory with open- nightclub.com: The 3rd annual ing act The Rocket Summer. 7p; benefit party to help end breast $22.50, $32.50. cancer starts with “Hot Pink,” a burlesque show presented by Viva Valezz! and featuring

damn money, or why TBS loves him so much, but nonetheless Tyler Perry will be in town. Tickets via Ticketmaster. Show 7:30p; $51.50.

TUESDAY, MAY 25 LET’S HERE IT FOR THE GIRL The Legacy Fund Honors Lynn Greer @ The Columbus Foundation, 1234 East Broad St, www.TheLegacyFund.org: The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation Board cordially invites the Central Ohio community and friends of Lynn Greer to a tribute celebration honoring Lynn Greer and her relentless pursuit of equality and her devotion to the Central Ohio GLBT and allied communities. The evening reception will feature an enjoyable look back at Lynn’s life as a driving force behind the GLBT equal rights movement. 5:30p; $30 adv/$40 door.

TUESDAY, MAY 18 AND YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO KNOW THE METRIC SYSTEM! Metric @ Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St, 614.294.1659, www.promowestlive.com: Dance your troubles away to the tune of Metric, a 4-piece indie rock group from Canada, eh. Bear in Heaven will be opening the show. The show is general admission. All ages; Doors 7p; $20 (adv), $25 (day of).

SUNDAY, MAY 23 A Diva is Just a Female Version of a Hustl’ah Four Bitchin’ Babes@ The Southern Theatre, 21 E Main St,

LEAVE VEGAS WITHOUT A VENEREAL DISEASE! The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus With The Columbus Jazz Orchestra @ Verne Riffe Center’s Capitol Theatre, 77 S High St, 614.469.1045, www.capa.com: The glitz! The glammar! *Celine Dion! Instead of going to Vegas, let Vegas come to you. The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is teaming with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra to bring you songs from the greatest of the greats of Sin City. *Celine Dion will not be making an appearance. May 21, 8p; May 22 2p & 8p; $39 - $49.

SUNDAY, MAY 30 DAISY WILL NOT BE IN ATTENDANCE Bret Michaels @ The Lifestyles Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave, 614.461.LIVE (5483), www.promowestlive.com: Break out your bandanas, “I Love Nascar” bumper stickers, and cut off jean shorts and join Bret Michaels in riding the “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” train until the end of goddamn time. No promises, but you’ll probably get to hear him talk about living with diabetes and messing around with all those hot chicks with awesome hearts from Rock of Love. 6:30p; $15, $30.

STRIKE OUT HERE, IT’S A GOOD THING IGBO Tournament Weekend @ various locations, www.ibgo2010.org: International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) Annual Tournament makes it’s way to Cbus. Close to 1000 bowlers from around the world will attend. That’s a lot of ball play! See website for event schedule.

MONDAY, MAY 24 I DON’T THINK THIS IS WHAT THE PET SHOP BOYS WERE TALKING ABOUT S.I.N Mondays @ Level Dining Lounge, 700 N High St, 614.754.1342, www.levelcolumbus.com: It’s service industry night. A payback for all those who keep us nice and drunk the rest of the week. Specials include $1 dom drafts, $2 dom bottles, $3 import, $4 calls $5 grape/cherry bombs. Maybe you can pick up a bartender. Free.

SUNDAY, MAY 16 SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE! Sunday Night Players @ Wall Street Nightclub, 144 N Wall St, 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetnightclub.com: In-house sketch comedy troupe “Sunday Night Players” cap off the 2010 “Pink!”

Weekend festivities. The troupe will perform a special benefit show hosted by the divine Mary Ann Brandt. Doors 7p, Show 8p; $10 (benefits The Susan G. Komen Foundation.)

FRIDAY, MAY 21 MANDY MOORE’S EX, LIVE! Greg Laswell @ Rumba Café, 2507 Summit St, 614.268.1841, www.columbusrumbacafe.com: Enjoy Laswell’s musical stylings, which have been featured in television shows like Grey’s Anatomy and True Blood. Laswell is joined

by Brian Wright & the Waco Tragedies and Jimmy Gnecco.

18+; Under 21 pays $3 surcharge; 9p; $12.

614.340.1896, www.capa.com: Bust out your inner diva and experience the state of divaness today. “Diva Nation... Where Music, Laughter, and Girlfriends Reign!” will explore how the new millennium has changed the face of the diva. 730p; $27.50, $37.50.

award-winning NYC burlesque star Clams Casino. Throughout the night you can enjoy a circuit style dance party, outlandish décor, female shadowbox dancers, themed drink specials, and music by DJ Michele Chaney!

18+; Doors 8p, Show 9p, Dancing 11p; $10 (benefits Komen).

• • • • • • • • about town • • • • • • • •

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • outlook’s sponsored events • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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outlookcolumbus.com

Nerd boys are hot! Michael’s taking appications.

may 2010

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Freedom of speech?

by Mette Bach

I can be opinionated. Heck, even abrasive. And I consider that my right since we live in a democracy and, theoretically speaking, everyone has a right to their opinion. I know I offend some people and, because of that, I expect to be called on what I say. I try to be careful but sometimes I get carried away, swept into the seductive notion that I’m totally right about something and that someone else – the leader of our country, say – is wrong. It’s a dangerous game.

Something that feels funny or harmless or cheeky to me while I’m at home, in my track pants, drinking sparkling water and listening to Enya will look radically different when I see it in print. I’ve regretted a few things I’ve published; there are plenty of moments where I’ve lacked tact or taste. As someone who has publicly fumbled – in print – many times, I have sympathy for creative people who go too far.

But going too far is one thing. Hate speech is another.

Ottawa students sent the loud and clear message that they did not want American propaganda-writer (she prefers the term “journalist”) Ann Coulter to speak. I say: awesome. Sure, the university invited her but the students already knew what she was about –anti-semitism, Islamophobia, and homophobia – so it was easy enough to say “no thanks” or actually “no more hate speech on our campus”.

We need more of that. It was the perfect way to express freedom. Speaking out is what people do in a healthy democracy.

Canada’s media empires, while troublesome (no argument there!), are not built on the kind of sensationalism that breeds folks like Coulter. Fox News is the classic example but there are dozens of famous American “journalists” whose careers are built on inciting outrage.

And just when I thought this kind of thing couldn’t happen in Vancouver, it did. I read an article in The Courier slamming the people I admire the most, taking work they’ve done out of context, misrepresenting them and blatantly provoking. Mess with a community’s heroes and you’re messing with a whole community and its allies.

I expect columnists to be biased. I even expect them to be wrong sometimes. In fact, that’s often why I read columnists: to have an imaginary argument with someone I don’t know. But I don’t expect columnists to bold-faced lie or to resort to malice or smearing community activists.

When creative expression turns into an excuse to spread lies and anger, it’s up to everyone to say they don’t want to hear it. Ottawa said no to Coulter. Vancouver can say no, too. It’s the only democratic thing to do.

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Some day we’re going to discover that Ann Coulter is really Tucker Carlson in drag.

outlookcolumbus.com

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outlookcolumbus.com

Visit www.courageunmasked.org to see the amazing work from last year’s national exhibit.

may 2010

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Maths is hard. WOW! Internets is easy.

outlookcolumbus.com

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Double the Minority, Double the Discrimination

by William Ashley

of my best friends faces discrimination from his own pals, then there must be countless other double minorities who deal with it on various levels from the LGBT community.

When outlook first approached me about writing an article on minorities under the LGBT umbrella, my initial reaction was, “Shit. Seriously?” I mean, c’mon, I’m a middle class white guy who dresses in men’s clothing. Those attributes don’t exactly make me the poster child for minority affairs, unless I’m unaware of an advocacy group for politically savvy Gingers with no fashion sense. That’s more my style.

Then I started breaking down the concept of double minorities - racial or gender-identity minorities within our community’s preexisting sexual-orientation minority. The LGBT community already deals with enough discrimination from the larger heterosexual community, but what about those members of our community who deal with multiple facets of discrimination based on multiple things outside of their control? We often only talk about sexualorientation discrimination in outlook, but there’s so much more out there. On top of being discriminated against because of who you love, some people also face discrimination for their skin color or the gender they express. Even worse, some of these additional discriminations come from within the LGBT community itself.

At this point I was a little more intrigued by the topic, but I still wasn’t comfortable with confronting it. I still had nothing personal to offer. That was the case until I thought about one of my best friends, who happens to be a homosexual Arab American. Surely he doesn’t worry too much about discrimination based on his race, I thought to myself. Then I realized: Wait, how many times do I tease him and call him a terrorist just out of fun? Or tell him that I expect a bomb under my pillow every time we get in an argument? Even worse, I’ve often told myself that I could never date someone of Arab descent because I’m just not attracted to that race. Yes, this is where I allow you to send me piles and piles of hate mail.

Believe me, I deserve it. For someone who claims to be politically correct at all times, I’m actually filled with discriminatory thoughts of my own friends.

That’s when I allowed myself to take on the challenge of talking to double minorities in the central Ohio LGBT community and giving them an avenue to share their experiences. If one outlookcolumbus.com

We f*ck that, we don’t marry that.

This is the phrase that Aaron Riley heard from the lips of a Caucasian gay man regarding African American gay men, and it’s just a one example of what he has heard in the dating scene in Columbus. “I had never been told that or heard that until I moved to Columbus,” Riley told me. He went on to describe his dating experiences as an African American gay man in Columbus, “I’ve been told, ‘for a black man, you are very attractive but I just don’t do chocolate.’ Also, I have had the experience of being in a gay bar and having gay white men who don’t know me to find it totally OK to tell me why they don’t like or trust black people. However, I am somehow seen as being different and OK. I guess my being gay in their mind somehow erases the color of my skin. Sadly the discrimination also occurs among African American gay men. I have had the experience of other African American gay men here in Columbus telling me that they don’t do brothers.”

Riley was quick to note that his experiences don’t represent the perspective of every African American gay man in Columbus. He said that, for the most part, his life in Ohio’s capital city has been fairly accepting and welcoming. He grew up in the city of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, so he knows a thing or two about being judged on racial lines. “I am who I am today because of my southern roots and upbringing,” he added.

Even though Riley said his experience in Columbus has been overall positive, he was alltoo willing to detail the negative situations he has endured outside of just the dating arena. “Unfortunately, yes, I have had experiences at bars and other establishments of being the last person to be waited on. Also, I have experienced having my change slid across the counter or bar to me as opposed to placing it in my hand. Equally insulting to me is having my change dropped in my hand in way that suggests to me that the clerk/salesperson wants to make sure that he/she does not touch me or come in contact with me in any form or fashion. The good thing that I can say about this is that these experiences are the exception and not the norm.” continued on page 46

Double the pleasure, double the fun.

may 2010

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Ask to see Erick. He’s a full service kinda guy.

outlookcolumbus.com

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Duane Herron: Working towards health equity and parity Many people in Ohio know Duane L. Herron through his larger than life alter ego, Symphony Alexander-Love, the reigning Miss Gay Ohio America 2009 and a top-10 finalist at Miss Gay America 2010. What most people wouldn’t know about Duane when they see him entertaining audiences is that he spends a great deal of time to serving the needs of the community through his work as Minority Health Program Coordinator with the ToledoLucas County Health Department. He leads the ToledoLucas County Commission on Minority Health, a twenty-five plus member coalition that address health disparities among minority communities in his area through education, collaboration, program funding, capacity-building, and outcomes evaluation.

Their health priorities are cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, immunizations/vaccinations, infant mortality, and mental health. These health conditions and disease states are representative of the greatest amount of sickness and death that occur among minority populations.

Throughout the month of April, Duane spent most of his time traveling throughout his hometown of Toledo, Ohio to assist organizations and groups with events that helped celebrate Minority Health Month.

Created in Ohio in 1989, Minority Health Month is a cost effective, statewide, high-visibility health promotion and disease prevention campaign that features hundreds of events, most of which are funded by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health (www.mih.ohio.gov). In 2000, Minority Health Month became a national celebration.

So how did Duane transform from an activist to a wellrespected professional in public health addressing the health needs of those at greatest need?

“I became interested in public health by mistake really. I originally wanted to be a music teacher and had no interest in health. Over time, events can alter the course of one’s life. In 1999, I was asked by a colleague to become a peer educator for Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio’s HIV Risk Reduction Gay Outreach Program. By the end of 2000, I found myself leading this program and taking certification courses to catch up. By the fall of 2001, I had enrolled at the University of Toledo to study outlookcolumbus.com

Community Health in an effort to get a better understanding of planning, implementing, and evaluating health education programs. All the while, I became a better HIV education specialist and valued member of Planned Parenthood’s HIV team. By 2006, I had graduated from the Honors Program with my degree and had led the local HIV prevention advisory group, Ryan White Consortia, and the statewide HIV prevention planning group as chair. I left my job at Planned Parenthood to pursue my Master in Public Health Degree from the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health. During this time, I completed my public health internship with the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, and was assigned to the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Minority Health. By 2008, I received a call from my internship supervisor (now my boss) about this position addressing health disparities in the community and found it to be a perfect fit. The rest is history.”

While working in health disparities may come naturally to Duane, the experiences learned early on through HIV/AIDS prevention and his personal life would better prepare him for the challenges he faces today on the job.

For example, while at Planned Parenthood, Duane was responsible for giving HIV positive test results and assisting with linking newly diagnosed clients into care.

“Many of these clients were my friends; people I hung out with at the bars, people I performed with onstage, people I talked to all the time. They trusted me enough to be the first point of contact when faced with one of the most serious health concerns.”

The death of Duane’s birth and adopted mothers of heart disease also sparked his interest: “My birth mother and adopted mother passed away in 2000 and 2002 both from heart disease. They were in their early 40s, they didn’t have health insurance, and both had conditions that could’ve been easily controlled through routine checkups at the doctor.” Finally, Duane’s life as a foster and adopted child perhaps cemented his drive to get involved in the community. “I remember being a foster child. It was such a different atmosphere back then going to the doctor or dentist with Medicaid. I can remember the unpleasant atmosphere all the way around.

I used to think as a child that the worst part of going to the doctor was the icey cold stethoscope...

continued on page 46 may 2010

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continued from page 43

To aid in the battle against these exceptions, Riley started New Leaf Columbus- a group that he describes as a catalyst that will help build a stronger sense of community among Columbus’ LGBT people of color. Furthermore, New Leaf strives to provide the tool and means for LGBT people of color to be active in all aspects of life in Columbus. “New Leaf is dedicated to building a sense of community by providing a dialogue about careers, culture, politics, religion, and other issues,” Riley said. The bottom line, he added, is that New Leaf hopes to increase acceptance and understanding through education about both the differences and similarities among LGBT people of color. New Leaf facilitates small-group discussions where attendees can network or meet other like-minded people in the area, including happy hour groups, dinner groups, sports groups, and game night groups. The group also holds largerscale discussions called Community Conversation. These discussions are in partnership with advocacy and support groups such as United Way of Central Ohio and the Human Rights Campaign. The first Community Conversation had 60 people in attendance, where they discussed community outreach and engagement. Riley noted that the second Community Conversation, which was to take place in late April, hoped to expand on this topic and discover the actions needed to bring the ideas of the first meeting to fruition.

What comes first for Riley, his sexual orientation or skin color? People cling to their identity groups, so what do you do when you belong to two powerful and active groups? Is he a gay African American, or an African American gay man?

“For me, the primary minority group that I identify with is African American,” he concluded.

I was called a traitor by people from my community.

When Shane Morgan first came out as a lesbian – he actually saw himself as more of a butch dyke than a lesbian – he was 18 years old. “Transgendered wasn’t even part of my vocabulary then,” he said. As a female, Morgan had lesbian friends and was welcomed in Columbus lesbian bars and establishments. When he later came out as transgendered, he was shunned by the central Ohio lesbian community. “I was called a traitor by people from my community – a community I advocated for, worked for, participated in, came out in – the community I really grew up in,” Morgan said. “Not only that, but some of the lesbian and dyke bars weren’t very welcoming to me and other central Ohio transmen,” he added.

Today, thanks to recent inclusive acts by City government and the work of his own activist organization, Morgan believes that Columbus is a pretty good place to be transgendered. “Gender identity and expression” was added to the Columbus Civil Rights Code in 2008 and the

Equal Housing and Employment Act, which includes gender identity and expression, is awaiting passage in the Ohio Senate. In terms of acceptance, Columbus ranks pretty well.

Morgan includes the LGBT community of Columbus in his statement of the city’s acceptance of transgendered people. “I think that the LGBT community in Ohio is welcoming overall, but it’s not something that can be answered with a firm ‘yes’ or ‘no’,” he said. “There’s still a lot of misinformation about transgender people in the general gay and lesbian community.”

In terms of dating, Morgan was hesitant to comment on the transgender experience, saying that he believes it depends on each individual transgender person. “Acceptance and openness is really dependent on the people involved in the relationship,” he added. I laughed out loud when Morgan compared the human body to a motor vehicle to express his personal opinion on transgender dating. “Change it, trade it in… who’s inside, to me, is what really matters. Bodies change, people get older, gravity happens. What’s important is the intellectual and emotional connection in the end.”

Morgan was unhappy about the lack of information available for the transgender community, which is why he started TransOhio- an advocacy, education, support, and community organizing group. As an advocacy group, Morgan said that TransOhio works closely with local, state, and national LGBT groups to ensure that Ohio policies are inclusive of transgender needs and rights. For education, the organization speaks to small businesses and large corporations, schools, colleges, universities, religious institutions, and diversity trainings. To support the transgender community of Ohio, Morgan’s group hosts monthly meetings for people to connect and share experiences, in addition to publishing listings of transgender-friendly businesses, establishments, and professional services. And, finally, for community organizing, TransOhio seeks to create safe spaces for individuals to come together and extend a helping hand to the spectrum of transgender identities and organizations within Ohio.

In the end, Morgan made a statement that seemed to underline both my conversation with him and with Aaron Riley about double minorities in our capital city: Discrimination exists in all communities, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or even race. But, what is important is that he believes Columbus is heading in the right direction. “Any city has its issues. Columbus still has room to improve and will continue to grow into the city we know it wants to become!” he said.

For more information about New Leaf Columbus, check out newleafcolumbus.ning.com. For more information on TransOhio, visit www.transohio.org.

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Fast forward to 2000; I had wonderful health insurance, and everyone’s smiling - I was even greeted as Mr. Herron - I still chuckle to this day. Today, I call the doctor with a health problem; I am in his office before the end of the day or sent to be seen immediately. I didn’t experience this with reduced cost insurance as a child.”

While African-American women are getting screened for breast cancer at comparable rates to Caucasian women, they are more likely to die, and do so at a faster pace.

Minorities are disproportionately affected by diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.

So why are there health disparities? This is the million-dollar question of the day. “If I knew all of the answers, I wouldn’t be here and there wouldn’t be a need for Offices of Minority Health at the national, state, and local levels.”

Eliminating health disparities in health is now part of a nationwide strategy that requires help from all fronts. From the federal government down to the grassroots organization, we all can play a part in addressing health problems among minority and disadvantaged populations in the United States.

An African-American woman with a terminal degree and the best health insurance health outcomes are worse than the poorest Caucasian woman without a high school diploma. If you control for everything, being age, socio-economic status, health insurance, and place of residence; minorities’ health outcomes are still worse than nonminority populations.

In the mid-1980s, the US Department of Health and Human Services published a report on Black and Minority Health that highlighted many of the health disparities across various disease conditions. This report spawned similar reports, including one in Ohio, and the health disparities movement was born.

Being minorities within a minority, GLBT’s health outcomes mirror those of racial and ethnic minorities, especially when it comes to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. For example, while Gay and bisexual men are estimated to make up 5-7% of the United States population, they represent more than two-thirds of the total cases of HIV/AIDS. Minority men and minority women represent 6 out of 10 and 8 out 10 cases of HIV/AIDS cases, respectively.

To date, there are 46 state offices on minority health throughout the United States including offices in Puerto Rico and Guam. The Ohio Commission on Minority Health is the longest running state office of minority health in the United States. In 2005, Ohio became the first state to fund local offices on minority health (Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, and Youngstown). Ohio has been recognized as cutting edge when it comes to addressing health disparities be

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cause of its innovative programs, creative direction, and persistent work of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. Many areas in the United States are looking to Ohio, with its newly structured local offices, to provide assistance in establishing local offices in other states.

Recently published documents have given more credibility to the health disparities argument. These include: Estimating the Cost of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Timothy Waidmann, The Urban Institute (September 2009) and The Economic Burden of Health Inequalities in the United States : Thomas A. LaVeist, Ph.D., Darrell J. Gaskin, Ph.D., Patrick Richard, Ph.D., Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies (September, 2009). These articles quantified the costs to society for each year of life lost with respect to health disparities and the resulting economic burden.

It costs the United States more than 1 trillion dollars each year (conservative estimates) to deal with the fallout of health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. So what do we do about it today?

Duane seeks to assist his area by following some concrete goals set by the state that involve: • Monitoring the health status of minority populations.

• Information, education, and empowerment of the community.

• Mobilization of community partnerships

Knock knock. Who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad you picked up outlook this month?!

to action.

• Developing policies and procedures through supporting minority health initiatives.

These goals are met through a variety of strategies that include management of the local minority health coalition, collaborating with existing programs that work to reduce the burden of disease among minorities, provide technical assistance to minority organizations by helping them write better grants, and constantly seek additional funding sources to continue this important work.

Duane is a living example of life that reaches beyond the stage. We can make an impact in our communities through our professional lives, and Duane is no exception.

He continues his service to the HIV community as a member of the board of directors for the Ohio AIDS Coalition and is a member of the Executive Council of the NW OH Chapter of Prevent Blindness Ohio.

Until the day exists when there are no health gaps between minorities and non-minorities, Duane’s schedule will keep busy working towards health equity and parity for those he serves, irrespective of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

For more info: www.minorityhealthtoledo.org, http://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov, http://www.cdc.gov/omhd/Topic/MinorityHealth.html.

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“I want a big heat exchanger that forcefully blows.”

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Pink Is The New Green

by Michael Daniels

are 4%, controlling 6.7% of spending or $670B. And then there’s us – the GLBT community, conservatively estimated at 5% of the population, spending 8.35% or $835B.

A big part of what I do every day at Outlook Media is talk to potential advertisers and sponsors about our market – why it’s important, how big it is, and how to reach it. I never cease to be surprised at how much of a well-kept secret we are as an economic force and development engine for the City.

As the economy begins to show signs of a positive turnaround, many businesses are once again dipping their marketing toes into the water, but this time, they’re doing it with much more focus. Gone are the days of tossing large sums of advertising dollars into the air and hoping that a potential consumer happens to walk under one of them as it falls. Today, it’s about reaching your target with surgical precision, and to do this, businesses have all boarded the niche marketing train, with stops at African Americanland, Hispanicville, and Womantown. What few realize, however, is that within central Ohio, the hub of spending is none other than the Gayborhood.

We face two distinct challenges as a consumer market – letting businesses know just how important we are, and educating them on what our community looks like.

First, let’s talk about how big our market is, and let’s begin that discussion at a national level. To do so, I’ll use economic and demographic data from the US Census Bureau, the University of Georgia, and Witeck-Combs Research. In America’s $10T (that’s trillion – $10,000,000,000,000), women account for 52% of the population and control 80% of spending, making them the largest ‘minority’ niche market. Ok, 52% isn’t a minority, but everyone keeps calling them one, so let’s go with that for a second. This means that women nationally account for $8T in spending annually.

African Americans make up 13% of the population controlling 11%, or $1.1T in spending. Hispanics, the largest-growing minority niche, are 15% of the population and control 12%, or $1.2T. Asians

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Bringing this to a local level, the greater Columbus metropolitan area has an annual economy of roughly $30B dollars. Women account for 52% of the population, spending 80% or $24B. African Americans make up 13%, spending $3.3B or 11%. Hispanics are 3%, spending 2.5% or $750M. Asians are 3%, spending 5% or $1.5B. The impact of the local GLBT community is far more pronounced. Estimates of our population vary, but data from the US Census, GayCensus.org, The Media Audit, and empirical surveys by Outlook Media conclude that we make up roughly 15% of the population, meaning that in the CMH metro area there are approximately 180,000 GLBT people. Extrapolating the national data, it’s simple math to conclude that we spend 1 in every 4 dollars, meaning we have an impact of $7.5B annually. Assume that each of us has at least two straight allies, and that they spend similarly to us, that means the GLBT and allied/progressive community is, conservatively, 540,000 people spending at least $15B, and probably closer to $20B, of our local economy.

If you’re a business owner looking to reach an often-overlooked market and those numbers don’t excite you, you’re just not paying attention. Maybe a few more tidbits will entice you.

GLBT and allied folks – that is, outlook readers – have an annual household income of more than $71,000, which is more than twice the average resident. They are 54% more likely to be financial optimists, spending even when the economy isn’t the best. They are more than 3x more brand loyal than the average consumer. And they are the most geographically diverse market in the area (see accompanying graphic).

Birkenstock must be making a killing right now...

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Wine, DebĂŠ, and tipsy Demmys. Who could resist?

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continued from page 48

continued from page 48

So what can businesses do to reach these consumers? The answer is simple – market to us and ask for our business. It seems a bit selfserving, but it’s also true, that reaching out to us in outlook makes sense. As early technology adopters, we’re also easier to reach online and via social media. But it’s just as important how you reach out to us as it is where you reach out to us, and it’s critical to not rely on conventional wisdom and stereotypes when doing that outreach.

Reaching the GLBT and allied market means understanding where we live. Sure, we have a high concentration in the gayborhoods of German Village, Victorian Village, Italian Village, the Short North, and Clintonville. But we’re also in Westgate, Franklinton, Worthington, Dublin, and Olde Towne East. In fact, the geographic distribution graphic shows what we’ve long known – we are everywhere. If you want to reach GLBT and allied folks, make sure you hit the gayborhoods, but also blanket the City.

Reaching the GLBT an allied market means understanding how to reach us and make us feel respected. A business that takes its ad from a general-readership publication and swaps out the picture of the straight white couple for a picture of two men doesn’t get it, and we know that. Reaching our market means understanding us as people and as

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consumers, and using imagery and language that looks like us, feels like us, and conveys that the business “gets us.”

Reaching the GLBT and allied market means being a good corporate citizen and letting us know that you support causes and projects that we support. If your company has a high score on the HRC equality index, tell us so. Be proud of your company’s policies, awards, and achievements. GLBT consumers are more likely to support businesses that we know support us and to shy away from those who don’t. A 2004 study, published by Doris Rubenstein in The Good Corporate Citizen, found that 46% of consumers are strongly influenced in favor of a company over others because of a positive social image, and that 49% of consumers will refuse to do business with a company that does not meet their standards of social responsibility. Witeck-Combs data suggests that GLBT consumers feel even more strongly about this issue.

black, 9% are Hispanic, and 14% identify as “other.”

40% of us are college graduates, and 34% of us are high-school educated or below.

25% of us make more than $75K/year, yet 15% of us live below the poverty line.

We are young and old. We are Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Don’t assume that because you sell cheap used cars to people with bad credit that you don’t have gay customers – you do.

Reaching the GLBT and allied market means not buying into, or worse yet perpetuating, stereotypes. Check the facts before you come to a conclusion. Some surprising facts about outlook readers include:

Reaching the GLBT and allied market means not assuming that we’re all alike. It’s too easy to fall into traps of thinking that “gay people are white, educated, wealthy young liberals.”

Some of us are, many of us are not. For example:

• 46.5% of us have children at home, compared to 45.8% of the general population.

• 32% of us are avid fans of the theatre and the arts, 29% of us regularly attend sporting events, and 34% of us are avid hunters and fishermen.

• 33% of us frequently shop at Macy’s and Nordstrom, and 42% of us are frequent shoppers at Big Lots.

52% of outlook readers are white, 21% are

Falling into the conventional thinking that

GLBT folk are single, tux-wearing theatregoers who wear Ferragamo shoes tells only part of the story. We’re actually more likely to be parents who take our kids fishing in the camocolored coveralls we bought at a discount store.

Reaching the GLBT and allied market means respecting us as customers, respecting our collective culture, and respecting our economic diversity and power. You don’t have to be a GLBT person to garner our business any more than you have to be female to sell to women, or black to sell to African Americans. It does mean that you have to value our market, understand our unique qualities, and honestly care about us as both people and as consumers.

Tell us you care. Show us you care. Ask for our business. Then give us the experience of our lives with your customer service, product quality, and progressive attitude.

We’ll reward you with at least $7.5B in annual spending. We’ll tell everyone we know that your business is the one to patronize when they’re looking to buy. We’ll be loyal customers for life.

Pink is, indeed, the new green in central Ohio.

We’re here. We’re queer. Go market to us.

Orienteering is a competitive sport in which participants find their way to various checkpoints with the aid of a map and compass.

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Himan’s tattoos are all we need to get Sweatin’

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Dankeschön, Sweet Caroline. She’s A Lady, but The Lady Is A Tramp.

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Food is dramatic - Life is delicious.

Episode 1762 : Turtles and Teabags

by Pat Treyism

“I think I have something that belongs to you.”

“You ready?” asked Dirt-skirt.

It was a German Village institution, The Olde Mohawk Tavern. It’s historic location, the allegedly delicious turtle soup, the prohibition era mystique –all of these things added to the allure of the cozy eatery nestled between turn-of-the-century row houses in one of Columbus’ oldest neighborhoods. The first time I drove by, I fell in love with the exterior light fixtures meant to look like arms, the important-looking people sitting inside, and the general feeling that this place was somehow exempt from the oppressive PETA people, who probably enjoyed the occasional turtle dish here without evening knowing it. To hear tell, turtle was in everything – even the iced tea, and these days turtle was hard to come by.

Being a strict carnivore, and a person entirely unconcerned with endangered species, I knew I had to taste their offerings if I was to die happy. With this in mind, on a cloudy Sunday around lunchtime, I found myself entering The Olde Mohawk, prepared for a culinary adventure.

I entered the small door, and was quickly seated by a cheerful looking woman in skinny jeans and a tight flannel shirt. “Mirabella will be with you in a moment,” said the woman, who handed me the menu and then withdrew unceremoniously. It was mere seconds before the shadow of an extremely tall woman darkened my table. She was in her mid thirties, with thick dreadlocks, and shit-brown eyes. Her dirt covered skirt smelled of baked ham and old shoes, and the turtle in her hand made me realize she was either a superstitious gypsy, or very serious. She spoke abruptly.

I nodded, and began to order. “Obviously the turtle soup, the Caesar salad, the hummus plate, and the Greek pasta. Oh, and the French dip.

I’ll snack on it.”

Mirabella wrote furiously on a scrap of yellow legal-pad paper, and then abruptly departed, heading in the direction of the kitchen. Sighing in relief, I knew that in just moments I would be savoring turtle flesh.

I was right. The soup was the first to arrive. A light tomato-ish broth, tasting slightly of nutmeg, filled with potatoes, carrots, small pieces of pasta, and tiny, fleshy bits of amphibian-based ambrosia. My mouth had tasted turtle, and there was no going back. I ordered another delightful bowl, and ate ravenously. My salad was just arriving, as a loud noise came from the direction of the Tea Partiers.

The elderly man in the flag responded first. “We don’t want your handouts! Take your socialism elsewhere, Obama lover!”

This was met with wild applause from his cohorts. Shrugging, I dropped the hat on the table, and returned to my table, where I found my Greek pasta waiting.

Sighing, I sat and began to eat this house favorite. Grilled chicken, garlic, olives, tomato, feta, scallions, all tossed in a pesto sauce and served over perfectly al dente penne. It was, in a word, killer. The chicken was perfectly cooked, with nice fat grill marks adding a deliciously smoky flavor to the dish. The olives were fruity, and of very high quality, as was the salty and creamy feta. It was as though I’d been transported to Mykonos by magic.

“NObama! Chains you can believe in!”

Just as I was eating my third or fourth bite, the Tea Baggers began to chant “NObama!” so loudly and shrilly, my pilsner glass shattered into a thousand pieces.

It was the bum. He’d apparently had what must have passed for a good idea among his friends. They laughed hysterically, and then verbally assaulted an African American man who happened to be passing by.

I’d had it. I just couldn’t take any more. Dropping my fork into my delicious Aegean delight, I gestured toward Dirt-skirt.

Appalled, I cast them a disparaging look, which was met with several comments about freedom of speech, poorly applied and conveyed in pidgin English.

“Mirabella, let’s get that French dip to go, and I think I am going to need my check.”

“As I was saying, we tried to get everyone on board with Kwanzaa, but it was just too retarded.” Failing to explain, she continued. “Anyway, what can I get you to drink? We have cocktails and water.” Asked my turtle-bearing waitress, matter-of-factly.

I took a bite of my salad. It was tart, and fishy, just like Mother. I took another, and another, and found it to be a very serviceable, very lemony, very delightful version of the old classic.

“Oh, I’m not Mirabella. I don’t work here. I was just bein’ helpful since Mirabella,” she pointed to an attractive blonde behind the bar, “was a little slammed with rally attendees. It’s all reverse colonialism, man. A little goes a long way, and we’re tripping the light fantastic. Ya dig?

Can I get you anything else?” asked the Mirabella imposter as she placed a colorful piece of paper on her tongue.

“The Bells Two-Hearted Ale, please?” I asked timidly.

Mirabella reappeared with my hummus, dropped in the table, and spoke. “Looks like we’re out of Sam Adams” She gestured towards the Tea-baggers.

“Is that acid?” I asked in disbelief.

“I’m not drinking Sam Adams,” I said, taking another bite of my salad, and then reaching for the hummus plate.

“Nah, Taiwanese Turtle Dung. Wicked trip. I’ll probably piss myself and forget who I am for a few hours, but at least I won’t have to deal with any Tea-bagging.”

“Uh huh. We can do that. Are you here for the rally?” asked Dirt-skirt.

“Rally?” I responded, slightly confused, thinking perhaps the PETA people had gotten wise to the turtle farm in the basement.

Without speaking, Mirabella/Dirt-skirt gestured behind me. I turned to look, and found myself staring at several middle-aged and elderly people dressed in very strange costumes. Tri-corner hats were in abundance, one of them seemed to be draped in an American flag, and another of them was dressed as a bum. The bum kept sneezing, and each time it sounded like he was saying something very, very racist under his breath. They seemed to be having lunch –and making some last minute signs.

“Effin Tea Baggers,” said Mirabella, who then turned and disappeared into the hustle and bustle of this hopping eatery. I tore myself away from my strange culinary bedfellows, and perused the menu, absolutely famished and ready to eat the hell out of some turtle. Mirabella reappeared, my beer in her hand. I took a large gulp –this beer and I were old friends, and I was more than happy to make its acquaintance again.

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“I know. Just sayin…” With that, she and her turtle once again withdrew.

I felt like I was in a surrealist play. The only thing keeping me sane was the hummus. It was the perfect blend of tahini and chickpeas. Toasty warm pita bread sat to one side of the dish, and a veritable garden of Eden-esque assortment of vegetables the other. Tomato, feta and diced red onion covered the top of the creamy beige mound of Greek goodness. Each bite was absolutely perfect. As I took the final bite of my hummus, something hit the back of my head. Stunned, I looked about the table, and found a tri-corner hat sitting next to my chair. The offending projectile had a large home-spun message embroidered on the top. It read: “Righteous Throwing Star of Freedom.”

Picking it up delicately, I stood and walked over to the Tea-baggers table.

Smiling, I placed my hand on hers. “There are different kinds of teabagging, m’lady. And with that psychedelic in your system, this is the perfect opportunity for you to take me down to the turtle breeding grounds in the basement, and I’ll show you how I bury my eggs.”

She looked at me strangely for a moment, shrugged, and began leading me from my table towards the basement door. As we passed the Tea-baggers’ table, I turned my head and spoke “Hey guys, I’ve seen the error of my ways, and to show my appreciation for your help getting here, I’ve prepared a special presentation for you on the history of the Tea Party! Follow me!”

They did. And hours later, the National Tea Party movement unexpectedly changed their name, the joke having finally been explained to them in the only way they could fully comprehend; visually, and as literally as possible. Because they are dumb, and a little crazy.

Twelve species of turtles were represented by Ohio across 408 county records.

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creative class LGBT Arts Festival Given a Date After Two Postponements

Mark Bradford Exhibit to Open at The Wexner Center for the Arts

Know Theatre of Cincinnati has announced that the LGBT Arts Festival will be postponed for more than a year. The festival was scheduled to run during the last week of April and into the first week of May. These dates were chosen to coincide with the production of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes.

The work of American artist Mark Bradford will be featured in a new exhibition opening at The Wexner Center for the Arts Saturday, May 8. Bradford was the 2009-10 recipient of the Wexner Center’s Residency Award and was selected to receive one of 2009’s “genius awards” from the MacArthur Foundation.

The postponement was explained by Know Theatre’s Managing Director, Eric Vosmeier, saying, “We are dedicated to the idea and the realization of the LGBT Arts Festival. However, this Festival was conceived over 18 months ago, when the Know Theatre was in a very different position and frankly had a staff that was larger by five.”

Bradford currently lives and works in South Central Los Angeles. Bradford’s focus is on large-scale collage paintings, though also works with video, photography, sculpture, and installations, which are often site-specific. His large-scale abstract pieces often offer individual insight into the economies defined by race, gender and class, particularly in Leimert Park where Bradford lives and works.

This most recent delay comes after the festival had already been rescheduled once before. The LGBT Arts Festival was originally set to open in October of 2009. That opening was rescheduled for spring 2010 because of the State of Ohio’s delayed budgetary process.

“I’ve been looking at Know Theatre’s available resources. While financial consideration is certainly one of the concerns, for me the most important thing is the preservation of our staff as a resource. We need to ensure the success of every single production we present.

At this moment, that means that we’ll have to postpone the LGBT Arts Festival to ensure that we’re able to fully realize our production of Angels in America and the 7th Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival,” Vosmeier explained.

One part of the festival, however, will go on as scheduled because it is already in place. Matthew Dayler (Art Academy, Visual Fringe Mural Artist) and Kenneth Wright (CS13) curated the visual art exhibit, entitled Gasoline Rainbow. That exhibit will run as scheduled through May 15, 2010 and will be on display at CS13 (1219 Sycamore St, Cinci).

Gasoline Rainbow will feature the work of prominent LGBT artists including: Jan Wandrag, Gio Black Peter, Matthew Stradling, Zachari Logan, Scooter LaForge, Scott Hug, James Huctwith, Jeremiah Degrandpre, David DeWitt, and Matthew Dayler.

Vosmeier went on to say, “I’ve been nothing but impressed with the work that Matt and Kenneth have been able to pull together for this show. They have some great connections and have curated a visual art component that I look forward to matching with performance in the first full LGBT Arts Festival.”

The LGBT Arts Festival will be postponed until October 2011. The festival will now coincide with National Coming Out Day, which will fall on October 11th. The festival was originally planned for the same day in 2009. Vosmeier added, “I want to see a Festival that truly speaks to the LGBT community. This community is large and diverse with dramatically different economic, racial, educational and political backgrounds. I want time to explore options, to collect ideas from the community and to see out performers, artists and filmmakers who speak to that diversity.”

Artist : Mark Bradford

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Ohio’s art scene is alive and strong!

Bradford says he can trace is artistic career back to his mother’s hair salon. It was there he picked up a love of working by hand by meticulously creating signs for the shop. Bradford recalls, “My art practice goes back to my childhood, but it’s not an art background. It’s a making background. I’ve always been a creator. My mother was a creator; my grandmother was a creator.”

Bradford’s educational background stems from his BFA (1995) and MFA (1997) from the California Institute of Fine Arts. Bradford’s earlier works show traces of his days at his mother’s salon. Works included permanentwave end papers, hair dye, and foil reminiscent of the environment, which surrounded him.

Bradford’s large-scale works are often made of found objects that he says have “a built-in history.” Like his earlier works, these too include objects mimicking his environment, such as posters, flyers and billboard paper.

This exhibition, which was organized by the Wexner Center and Curator of Exhibitions Christopher Bedford, will feature a large selection of works created over the past decade as well as new works and other projects done as part of Bradford’s residency.

One such piece is Pinocchio is on Fire, which is an environment with sound that examines critical moments in the history of the black community from the early 80s to the present, particularly in Los Angeles. After its debut, the show will travel to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Prior to the opening, Mark Bradford and Columbusbased artist Aminah Robinson will take part in a conversation Monday, May 3, which will be moderated by Wexner Center Director Sherri Geldin. The two artists will share thoughts and perspectives on found materials, abstract and representational imagery, and the role of community connections in their work.

Admission to the conversation is free, but a seat must be reserved by RSVPing at wexarts.org/rsvp.

The Mark Bradford exhibit will open Saturday, May 8 and will run until Sunday, Aug 15. Tickets are free to Wexner Center members, college students (with ID), and those under the age of 18. Tickets are $5 for the general public.

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Seriously, would someone really give Lynn a golf cart and leave her unsupervised?

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Well, not exactly. Diane Keaton is in talks to play a blogger for a new HBO comedy called Tilda. The series, currently in development, comes from gay director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) and Tell Me You Love Me creator Cynthia Mort (former girlfriend of Jodie Foster). If Keaton signs on she’ll play a powerful Hollywood news blogger who, it seems to bear repeating, is not based on powerful Hollywood journalist Nikki Finke of Deadline.com. Of course, that concern over any real-life resemblance is way less important than the hopeful prospect of Diane Keaton finally appearing in a comedic project that’s actually funny. It’s been awhile since that happened.

A long while. Yes, Because I Said So and Mad Money, we’re looking at you.

classics like Kentucky Fried Movie – featuring 17 directors each helming their own funny short movie, is going where no one has gone before: to a world where Hugh Jackman’s chin is made of testicles. In the short from Peter and Bobby Farrelly (There’s Something About Mary), Jackman will star as the man whose chin is not like the others and Kate Winslet will appear as his date for an evening. And while technically there’s nothing gay about that idea, it’s happening to Hugh Jackman and, therefore, everything is gay about it. Who else is along for the ride? Directors like Brett Ratner and stars like Gerard Butler, Elizabeth Banks, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, Johnny Knoxville, Seann William Scott, Kieran Culkin, Justin Long, Sam Rockwell and Patrick Warburton. And at this time, there is no news as to who else might find themselves burdened with genitalia in the wrong place.

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Prostitution Project

Diane Lane Living Out Loud

Anything that reminds Romeo of Tori Spelling’s classic TV movie Co-ed Call Girl has to be a good thing. And just the description of this one smells like intentional camp. In an upcoming Lifetime original movie, as yet untitled and based on a true story, Cybill Shepherd (The L Word) will play a body waxer in an all-female salon who finds out that her Texas homecoming queen daughter (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is working as a prostitute to make ends meet. It could be the body waxing detail that makes it read like comedy, but for all we know it’s a tear-jerking drama or urgently topical economic downfall-themed film that’ll require several boxes of tissue. When Cybill’s Mother’s Day gift is bought with trick money, it’ll no doubt pack at least some kind of emotional response from viewers. Stay tuned.

When you want a foxy mom in your movie, you call Diane Lane.

Women want to be her. Other women just want her. So while there’s only one gay male character in the upcoming docudrama about the Loud family, suddenly there’s a reason for lesbians with good taste to tune in. Lane will play Pat Loud in Cinema Verite, the HBO movie about Santa Barbara’s most famous family, the Louds, who starred in An American Family, the very first “reality series” back in 1973.

The Louds, parents Bill and Pat and their five children, dealt with a real-time divorce and the coming out of son Lance, all for a national audience at a time when that sort of thing just wasn’t done in public. This is the first casting news, and with Lane on board finding big-name talent eager to show up for the shoot shouldn’t be an issue. But could we just vote that they don’t cast Justin Bieber as Lance? Sure, the hair is fine, but he’s just not tall enough.

Diane Keaton Blogging for HBO?

Everything is Smurfy for Gutsy Alan Cumming He may have just been excommunicated from the Church of Scotland for publicly announcing his atheism (that’ll do it), but don’t cry for Alan Cumming. He’s got work lined up for a very long time.

Romeo’s two favorite concepts on the Cumming docket? Two animated features, of course. Sir Billi, due to open later this year, will feature the funny Scot as “Gordon the Goat,” whose insistence that he’s actually a dog causes trouble for those around him. Sean Connery lends his voice to that one, as well. And for his biggest film of 2011, Cumming will voice “Gutsy Smurf” in The Smurfs. Romeo already reported on the participation of Neil Patrick Harris in the film, but since then the cast list has grown exponentially: Glee’s Jayma Mays Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara, Anton Yelchin, Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, George Lopez, Fred Armisen and comedy legend Jonathan Winters. So what started as a strange joke just gets smurfier and smurfier. Translation: We sort of want to see it now.

Batwoman Goes Solo This is a big deal. A lesbian superhero is getting her own comic book. The popular character Batwoman – aka lesbian Kate Kane – will branch out from the Detective Comics anthologies this July as the star of her own comic book. For DC comics to launch this title means history is about to be made. And it’s not just a gimmick. One of the artists behind Batwoman’s evolution, J.H. Williams III, is at the helm and is committed to making her a complex rather than simply salacious character and the fan base is already stoked for the first issue. In other words, someone somewhere is about to write a script for Kristen Stewart’s agent to read. Yes, that’s speculation. And yes, Romeo is already fantasycasting the movie. Why not? It should happen.

Hugh Jackman’s Chin Is Going To …

An upcoming sketch comedy film – in the vein of vintage ’70s

A New Bunch of Runaways Just so you can keep this straight in your head, there was already a movie this year called The Runaways that featured a lesbian. But Joan Jett is not involved with a new project that for now is also called The Runaways. That’s the job of Marvel Comics, since it’s based on one of their titles. These particular runaways are a band of misfit teenagers – one alien, one witch, one mutant Hulk(ish) kid, one with telepathic talents, one supergenius and one mad scientist – who discover that their parents are supervillains. The alien teen also turns out to be a lesbian who becomes involved with a male alien who conveniently shape-shifts so that he can love her as a woman. Now that is a considerate boyfriend who puts his lady’s needs above his own. There’s not a cast yet, no release date, no nothing. Just a promise that this one will probably make a lot more money than its recent namesake.

Harold and Kumar Sit On Santa’s Lap A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s happening. And if you’re not happy to hear that news then that’s because you a) failed to watch the first two films, or b) saw them and thought they were juvenile and irresponsibly obsessed with smoking pot, or c) you’re a grown up who forgot how to have fun, which is basically the same thing as choice “b.” In spite of star Kal Penn’s new job with the Obama administration as arts liaison to Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, both he and John Cho are on board for a film that’s set to be released this November. There’s no plot yet, but it’s sure to involve getting high at Christmas, something a lot of people already do, so it’s not like there’ll be too much liberty-taking with the true spirit of the holiday. And best of all? It’s not a Harold & Kumar movie without Neil Patrick Harris as the obnoxiously heterosexual version of himself.

So yeah, Romeo can’t wait.

Romeo San Vicente’s lifelong Super Friends fixation involves a lot of highly detailed fantasies about Aquaman.

He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.

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Not sure we’d wear a fragrance called ‘Cumming’ but he sells one nonetheless.

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We can’t wait to see Amoret heading up the parade! Tom and Rick are just backup to that little starlet.

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by Adam Lippe

done, but better, by Daniel Karslake’s For the Bible Tells Me So.

The author A.J. Jacobs wrote a book, The Year of Living Biblically, about the year he lived to the letter of the Bible in every way. He did it just to see how society has changed since it was written. He also wanted to look at how those who cherry pick the Bible for their own ends - while ignoring the more ridiculous concepts - might view a man who throws stones at adulterers but refuses to shave, be near his wife within a week of her period or wear clothing of mixed fabrics, etc. He wanted to avoid being glib. (He failed; the book is entertaining, but smarmy.) He also wanted to avoid being condescending to those who are religious and use the Bible as a moral guideline, rather than as a way to justify hatred.

Fish Out of Water

Ky Dickens’ documentary, Fish Out of Water, tries something similar. It looks at what the Bible actually says about homosexuality, instead of the broader ways it is interpreted. It’s a perfectly valid idea for a documentary. Unfortunately, it’s already been

By Gregg Shapiro

Dolly’s dollies

I recently saw a 1978 interview with the late Dusty Springfield, in which she called herself “the Dolly Parton of the ‘60s,” in regard to her piled up blonde hair and make-up techniques; one icon acknowledging another, with respect. In the more than 30 years since that interview Dolly Parton has surpassed her own iconic status to become a living legend, with countless accolades to her credit. The four disc box set Dolly (RCA Nashville/Legacy) spans an impressive period of more than 40 years over the course of 99 tracks. Beloved Parton classics such as “Just Because I’m A Woman,” “Down From Dover” (recently covered by Marianne Faithfull), “Coat of Many Colors,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “The Seeker,” “Light of A Clear Blue Morning,” “Here You Come Again,” “Two Doors Down,” “Baby I’m Burnin’” (her 1978 disco hit), “9 to 5,” the Kenny Rogers duet “Islands In The Stream,” other favorites, previously unreleased tracks and much more.

Lady Antebellum (not the red state version of Lady Gaga) travel the country pop road paved by Parton and shared by Sugarland on their second album Need You Now (Capitol Nashville). Female vocalist Hillary Scott shares vocal duties with Charles Kelley (see Dolly and Porter Wagoner) and obviously find their influences both inside (“Perfect Day,” “American Honey,” “Something ‘Bout A Woman”) and outside (the title tune, “Our Kind of Love,” “Love This Pain,” “Stars Tonight”) of Nashville.

Recollection (Nonesuch), out singer/songwriter k.d. lang’s second career retrospective in less than five years picks up where 2006’s Reintarnation left off, even going so far as to include the country numbers “Trail of Broken Hearts” from Absolute Torch and

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Karslake’s film is sloppy, but passionate. So Dickens goes for the Michael Moore route of throwing goofy, glib animation to outline her points - intercut with impassioned input from those from the LGBTQ community who have had their sexual orientation used against them.

This approach should be a slamdunk; Dickens (who narrates Fish Out of Water) even stacks the deck by throwing in cartoonish hate monger Fred Phelps as an opponent to gay marriage. But the appeals to human decency have little to do with the deconstruction of the Bible. No matter what the talking heads offer (one unintentionally funny scene features a young man talking about how wonderful his boyfriend is, while the boyfriend stands there looking miserable), it is irrelevant to the debate at hand and plays like filler for an already short 60 minute movie.

Despite the padding, Fish Out of Water is in a great hurry and rushes

Twang and “Western Stars” from Shadowland for good measure. From there we follow lang’s notorious transformation torch singer and pop diva through songs such as her massive hit single “Constant Craving,” “Miss Chatelaine,” “You’re OK,” “Summerfling,” her riveting rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and more. The second disc in the set is as essential as the first in the way that it collects soundtrack cuts (“Barefoot” from Salmonberries, the Roy Orbison duet on “Crying” from Hiding Out and more), tribute/VA disc tracks (“Help Me” from A Tribute to Joni Mitchell and “So In Love” from Red, Hot & Blue), a pair of Tony Bennett duets and a couple of previously unreleased tracks, including a rerecording of “Hallelujah.”

You’ve heard of country cousins? Shelby Lynne and Alison Moorer are country sisters. Really! Tears, Lies & Alibis (Everso), Lynne’s first album since her brilliant 2008 Dusty Springfield tribute disc, does a stellar job of picking up where she left off with her underrated “Suit Yourself” album. Raw emotion and deceptively simple arrangements combine for a delightful dose of modern country at its best. Despite its sad undercurrent, “Rains Came” (with its glorious organ and oboe) is the most joyous song about rain since “It’s Raining Men.” “Why Didn’t You Call Me” draws on Lynne’s obvious love of R&B. “Like A Fool” and “Alibi” are heartbreak at its most heart-wrenching. “Something To Be Said” celebrates Airstreams (“a rolling home made of silver”), “Loser Dreamer” conjures a dreamy atmosphere and “Family Tree” subtly shakes the apples loose from the branches.

“Old #7” is the kind of drinking song that doesn’t get written anymore and “Home Sweet Home” could be the unofficial theme song to “Up In The Air.” Lynne’s kid sister Moorer, who is married to contemporary country legend Steve Earle, returns with the

What have we, what have we, what have we done to deserve this?

through its individual points. “Man shall not lie with another man” is actually a verse about property, because women were considered property to their husbands. Next up, church leaders are afraid of rocking the boat by looking at the Bible in terms of its current context. Next …

Dickens doesn’t even play fair. He pits people like fire-breathing Phelps against college professors and openminded religious types. That Fish Out of Water is so cheap looking and redundant is not an excuse, as most of the budget was clearly thrown at the animated sequences. As Dickens used the animations as scene transitions, she probably thought they were cute and energetic. But the reality is, the red-brown background and circular motion make the segues look like swirling, pulsating, bloody poop. And here I was about to say what a waste of time the movie is.

You can read more of Adam’s reviews at his site www.regrettablesincerity.com.

Fish Out of Water, like For the Bible Tells Me So, is available on DVD from First Run Features. Photo © flynnworks.com

cloudy and fittingly titled Crows (Rykodisc). “Darkness lingers” (from “Goodbye To The Ground”) throughout this moody set of songs, particularly in the cases of “Should I Be Concerned,” “Just Another Fool,” “When You Wake Up Feeling Bad,” “Still This Side of Gone” and “It’s Gonna Feel Good (When It Stops Hurting).” Some songs, including “The Broken Girl” and “Like The Rain” and, to a lesser degree “Early In The Summertime” and “Sorrow (Don’t Come Around),” are not quite as bleak. Have the anti-depressants and Kleenex nearby for this one.

Even when she was the front woman for the legendary L.A. punk band X, Exene Cervenka wasn’t afraid to slip a touch of twang into her songs. So, it’s not surprising that her latest solo effort Somewhere Gone (Bloodshot) is a sort of insurgent country affair.

It’s detectable in the guitar on “Trojan Horse,” the echoey harmonies on “Surface of the Sun” and “Why Is It So,” the fiddle on “The Willow Tree” and the honky tonk piano on “Walk Me Across The Street.”

Exene sounds as comfortable here as she ever did fronting X and it’s a pleasure to be following her where she goes.

In possession of a rich and warm alto, Indiana-based Carrie Newcomer is the country voice of the Midwest.

That’s Mary Chapin Carpenter joining Newcomer on “Before and After,” the opening titular cut of her new Rounder Records release. Their voices are lovely together and the song sets the tone for the remaining dozen tunes, the best of which include “I Do Not Know Its Name,” “If Not Now,” “A Simple Change of Heart,” “Do No Harm” and the bonus track “A Crash of Rhinoceros.”

Shelby Lynne, included in the iMusic column, is performing on 5/5 in Cleveland at Beachland Ballroom.

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FCB is gonna run this ad ‘til that woman finds out where Howie hides during his breaks.

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The Scoop on Southland’s Cooper: An Interview with Actor Michael Cudlitz

by Gregg Shapiro

move into detective very quickly.

As in the cases of Medium and Scrubs, two other television shows that have found homes on new networks (CBS and ABC, respectively) after being abandoned by NBC, gritty Los Angeles cop series Southland has landed safely at a network where they will be appreciated, TNT. That’s a great thing for fans of the series, as well as newcomers, because “Southland” is one of the most absorbing and hard-hitting dramatic series on the air.

GS: So the police definitely earned your respect.

MC: Yes!

Of particular interest to GLBT viewers will be Michael Cudlitz’s portrayal of Officer John Cooper. A veteran cop, he is the voice of wisdom on the show, a source of stability in unstable situations. Cooper is also gay, a subject that is handled with respect and realism, and deserves to be seen by all. I spoke with Michael when he was in Chicago for a fan-appreciation screening of Southland.

Gregg Shapiro: Has playing a police officer in Southland had any effect, one way or the other, about your opinion of police and law enforcement?

Michael Cudlitz: Absolutely. I had no idea what they did. We think we all have an idea of what it is to be a police officer. You think, “Oh, it’s dangerous and this and that.” The training that we did for the show, we did some ride-alongs. (Costar) Ben (McKenzie) was giving me a hard time about this because he says I’m addicted to them.

GS: You’ve done them since (training for the show ended)?

MC: I’ve done a total of eight or twelve, I think.

Because my character has been in the force so long, he would have transferred from many different divisions. They only keep you for about four years and then, depending on where you are in your career determines into what division you transfer. A lot of guys like to retire out of West L.A., but when they’re younger they want to go into South Central and do the heavy crime suppression stuff. One thing that I was specifically not aware of, prior to all of this, I thought that you went through boot camp, you were a patrol officer and then if you were smart and lucky, you became a detective. It has nothing to do with that. It’s your choice. You can choose to stay a patrol officer. You are not outranked by a detective; you are out-paid by a detective.

GS: So, it has nothing to do with your experience.

MC: It has nothing to do with that. There are minimums that you have to do to go into it. But if you show a certain expertise in something, they can pull you as a rookie into assisting in a special group or task force. You may be a really good young guy or woman and they want to use you undercover in a gang unit. You can then

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GS: I’m glad that you mentioned the fact that Cooper’s been on the job for a long time, because he comes across as the voice of reason, responsibility and experience, and at the same time, he peppers it with a great sense of humor.

MC: I think a lot of what you see in that gallows sense of humor is a coping device. It’s like the old TV show M*A*S*H*, the idea of breaking the tension in that humorous way is the only way you can deal with it. You see it, day in and day out, and you can’t process it as, “These are just normal people.” No, they’re not normal people. These are horrendous circumstances, people doing horrendous things to each other. And how do I say, “Oh, it’s O.K.”? You don’t. You go, “that guy’s a fucking idiot (laughs).

GS: Cooper’s got some great lines.

MC: The best! I love how Ann (Biderman) writes for John. She’s a genius.

GS: Southland also makes good use of an ensemble cast, including Regina King, Ben McKenzie and C. Thomas Howell…

MC: …Michael McGrady, Kevin Alejandro, Shawn Hatosy. I’ve said this before and it bears repeating, you could take any three people and make another show and it would be phenomenally acted.

GS: There’s a scene at the end of the pilot episode, where John is in a gay bar and he sees the male hustler who had been busted earlier in the day and they start to have a conversation. It’s the first indication of John’s personal life and it’s handled with great subtlety.

MC: And the camera pulls back, and you’re like, “Hey!” (laughs). There’s more of that. It’s handled the same way that it’s handled meeting someone for the first time in real life. Not in some bullshit TV-land way. The same way that people don’t walk in and scream, “Hi! I’m heterosexual.” John doesn’t walk in and say, “Hi, I’m gay.”

GS: Will there be a love interest for John?

MC: Yes. John was previously married to a woman. He’s still dealing with that and he’s close to his ex-wife (Laurie, played by Hedy Burress). It’s a very realistic relationship. He’s still figuring out everything. He’s definitely gay, there’s no question about that. But he’s figuring out his relationship stuff. There are really amazing family issues that come up with John.

There’s a history of abuse and relationships in his life that have not been what you expect. It’s very interesting the way he and Ben Sherman (McKenzie) are alike- they’re almost polar oppo-

sites when you first meet them and as you get to know them you realize how much they are similar. The relationships do unfold and you get to know them in a very realistic way and you are left to interpret, as an audience member, what you’ve just seen. You’re never beaten over the head with anything. There’s not going to be a big coming out episode for John, a very special Southland. I don’t know if it’s something that’s never been done before, but it’s definitely not the way that these relationships are handled on television and it’s about time that it is. But there’s always a long way to go with these kinds of hot button issues with the general society. (It’s good) to be having this discussion about this kind of gay character on a major network as one of the regulars, not a superficial character.

GS: Southland is being given a second chance on TNT. But do you remember how you reacted when you first heard that NBC had cancelled it?

MC: Oh, yeah! I was pissed off, really pissed off.

The reasons were that we weren’t given any notice. It wasn’t like the show had launched and done poorly. It was just sort of out of nowhere. We were blindsided and a lot of people were put out of work. That being said, that’s over. Obviously, people lose their job and get pissed off, that’s a no-brainer. If anyone’s confused or surprised that I was pissed off, they’re an idiot (laughs).

But TNT has embraced it wholeheartedly. They have put so much into the launch of this. Worse case scenario, the six episodes that we shot are going to be aired.

GS: Were you aware of the efforts being made

by Southland’s fans to save the show?

We have a video called Hot Cops at the office, but it’s a different genre altogether ...

MC: I was one of the ones who was very aware, because I was active on Twitter. The fans, my “Twitter followers,” responded. One of the DPs on the show, Danny Gonzalez, was posting pictures on Twitter and he suggested I go on Twitter. At the very end of the first season, I started tweeting. I said that I was going to be very specific and tweet about the show, pictures and information, and every once in a while, talk about random stuff. But I don’t tweet about personal stuff.

We had finished filming, they were still airing episodes, and we were still doing press to promote the first seven (episodes). I had about 700 followers at that point. The show got cancelled, I said some things on my Twitter that got picked up by the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, and overnight my Twitter more than doubled because of the fans. I got on and said, “Great! You guys are obviously excited about the show, go post on all these sites, tell people you are pissed off, let them know.” At this point, I have just shy of 2,000 people who are actively following Southland through me on Twitter. They have been amazingly instrumental in all of this happening.

GS: Finally, is there anything you want to say to fans of the show in the GLBT community?

MC: Just keep watching. I think you’re going to be very happy. It’s a very interesting position to be in. I say you’re going to be happy, but it’s not going to make everyone happy. At times, within itself, what I’m learning is that it’s a very split, factioned community, but all I can say is that the role of John Cooper, from my standpoint (as a straight man), is that I’m very aware of my place in this new arena that I’ve entered and I’m going to handle the character with love and care.

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No, Dominic. You do not yell “Ole” instead of “Fore” at the HCC golf outing.

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au naturel

by Ryan Harris Are you ready to “Go Nude” in 2010? The fashion world is, and they are ready to show you what they have to offer! From casual to luxurious wears, the muse for this season’s color palette is au naturel!

I can remember a time when the nude pump was worn only by dancers, pageant girls and stage performers but over the past several season’s neutral flesh tones have been popular in footwear and are now popping up on women everywhere from the street to the boardroom. Nude colored sandals and heels are a must for anyone wanting to elongate their legs this season. But caveat emptor… make sure you pick a shade that best compliments your legs natural coloring or you will miss the entire look all together.

second look or did you keep on walking? As we all know, scent is one of the five human senses, and since we are embracing all things natural, we can’t ignore our natural human instincts. Imagine someone walking past you on the street, or standing next to you in line. They may remember what you are wearing, but your scent will determine their true memory of the encounter. The wrong scent can give that person a negative impression, where the correct scent can create quite the favorable experience.

Finding the right scent for you is just as important to your overall image as the latest fashions in your wardrobe.

If you like to fog yourself in cologne 10 times a day (I’m so guilty) make sure it’s the right one! It’s important to know that every fragrance smells different on every person. The way a scent reacts to your body is a question of chemistry. While you like what your For the ladies, “going nude” is going even further friends are wearing, it could make you smell more than shoes. Now this pale palette is moving into ap- like you borrowed your grandfather’s Old Spice. This parel. Anything from soft flesh-tone hues to pale spring and summer, stay away from heavy scents, earthy neutrals are the “It Color” for the season. De- and wear more subtle fragrances that will complisigner bags, belts, makeup and nails are just as ment your look, not overpower it. stripped down and looking more chic than ever.

With this in mind, it’s always important to try a Looking for a way to add some splash to your muted scent before you purchase. But, cruising the cologne look? Scarves, statement necklaces and chunky ear- counter smelling little paper cards isn’t necessarily rings are so in fashion right now. Gold, copper, silthe best way to go. You need to take time to really ver…you choose the element, the look will do the ‘bond’ with the scent, and see how it makes you feel rest. Don’t be afraid to mix your metals. Many beand how people react. How can you do this without lieve you shouldn’t, but that is not true. Mixing gold, hitting the department store every couple of days? copper or silver together creates a unique look that Well, I have the perfect solution for you. will truly shine against your muted look.

Pick up the Deluxe Fragrance Sampler at your local The soft and natural palette of the season isn’t just Sephora. This unique item is perfect when you’re not about flesh tones, such as cream, ivory, chamsure which one to choose. This set includes twelve pagne, pink and of coarse khaki. Because nude col- samples of top-selling fragrances to try. This samors tend to wash out some skin tones, various pler will cost you around $80, but what makes this shades of green, yellow, grey and blue are more pop- item extra special is a gift voucher that can be reular than ever as the complimentary color of choice deemed at any Sephora store for a full-sized bottle by designers and retailers from Saks Fifth Avenue to of any one of the samples included. How easy is our local boutiques. that?

Au naturel hasn’t overlooked the men this season. It hasn’t taken on the form of all-nude, but muted looks and natural earthy tones rule the men’s spring and summer wearable’s, with splashes of color that add dramatic results. Grey, yellow, blue and green again are the sidekick colors of choice. Cargo shorts to linen trousers, boat shoes to canvas sneakers, gingham woven’s to gray t-shirts, just relax and have fun fellas… this summer is your time to unwind and unlace.

If you are anything like me, everyday has a different vibe, which deserves a different scent, right? Ever considered a scent that hasn’t yet been created?

Called the Coffret, this collection from D&G allows you to create your very own scent, unique only to you.

With descriptions such as, Seductive, Sexy, Provocative, Confident, Successful, Charismatic, Romantic, Desirable, Sensual, Adventurous, Creative, Experimental, Hypnotizing and Delicate, how can you not find the right combination for yourself? Looking for something a bit more exclusive? I recommend you stop in to Mukha Spa and sample their custom blends…simply fresh, unique and my personal favorite.

Keeping with the au naturel theme, eco-friendly designers are more popular than ever. From the red carpet, to the Astroturf, natural fibers and earth friendly designs are being worn in many different ways, and are more common than you may think. I Spring and summer are full of surprises in 2010 and bet you already have eco wears in your wardrobe and with warm weather finally here, and spring and don’t even realize it! summer fashions blooming everywhere you look, I just can’t wait to strip down and “go nude” and I Now before you get carried away, remember not to hope you do too! take the au naturel theme too literally. Personal hygiene must never be overlooked, and that goes for Make everyday a runway! your choice in fragrance. Have you ever walked past a person and recognized their cologne or perfume, or Ryan Harris is Fashion Consultant/Stylist for Wardrobe Therapy Contact him at rharris@wardrobetherapyllc.com or more felt the urge to recommend one? Did you give them a LLC. info at www.wardrobetherapyllc.com.

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Michael categorically refuses to go ‘au naturel.’

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Why did Traut choose a horse? Hmmmm?

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Zen and the Art of Surfing: OBX North Carolina*

by Regina Sewell Being 5:45 A.M Outer Banks, North Carolina. The sun is rising over the Atlantic Ocean. The sea is changing from blue grey to steel grey to aqua green under a sky painted first muted-pink, then vibrant orange and finally, brilliant blue. For the first time in what feels like forever, I don’t have a “To Do” list. My shoulders and neck tense at this realization; I don’t remember how to just “be.” The desire to create a schedule feels as compelling as an itching mosquito bite. I make myself focus on my breath to dissipate the urge to scratch. Before the itch can reassert itself, I catch sight of a sea gull fussing with breakfast on the edge of the surf. This pulls me back into the present moment. When the sea gull moves on, I jog barefoot on the beach, sloshing through the waves as they lick the shore, stopping occasionally to watch crabs zip across the sand and dogs chase the waves.

On a practical level, I’m here to learn to surf. At a deeper level, I’m on a pilgrimage to find myself. I lost my inner compass along with my cats, my couch, and my dreams of happily ever in a break-up a few years back and have gone through the motions, faking-it-‘till-I-make-it ever since. A few months ago, in the midst of a feverpitched dream, I saw salvation on a surfboard and have obsessed about learning to surf ever since. This may seem like just another Robitussin DM induced hallucination

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to you, but cough syrup tends to make me wonky, so I avoid it. I’ve fantasized about surfing since I bought my first skateboard when I was 11. So here I am, on the Outer Banks, home to some of the best surfing waves on the Atlantic Coast, following my dreams.

Dreaming In this moment, after an hourish jog up the beach, I’m content to sip my tea and read the tourist magazines. As a child, I read almost every biography in the school library.

Now, reading non-work related material feels decadent. I flip to the history section first and am particularly excited to read that Blackbeard, the notorious 18th century pirate, loved to prey upon ships along North Carolina’s shoreline. I’ve always had a soft spot for the pirates and bank robbers of yesteryear because they, unlike the folks who bilked my retirement fund dry, are honest about their thievery. It probably helps that they are dead now and did not actually steal from me or kill someone I loved. I imagine myself in pirate drag, sword in hand, fencing at Blackbeard’s side, like a Gina Davis (in Cutthroat Island) on steroids.

The fine citizens of North Carolina were not quite as enthralled with him and petitioned the governor to put an end to his reign of terror. Their wishes came true when Royal Navy sailors attacked Blackbeard’s ship and slashed off his head in a gruesome battle. Gives credence to the expression, “Live by the sword. Die by the sword.”

Blackbeard wasn’t the only adventurer to stake his fortune to the Outer Banks. A few miles northeast of where I sit, the Wright Brothers went airborne. The Wright Brothers National Monument in Kill Devil Hills pays homage to their first attempts at flight. I love the fact that tinkering in their bicycle shop fueled their vision to fly. Unfortunately, the monument, sort of a short, stubby version of the Washington Monument, does not capture the wonder of their imagination. I’m not really into Freud, but it’s hard not to think that someone was being a little petty.

Anyone can lead a rag tag bunch of soldiers who are indignant about having to pay tax for their tea. You try getting on a bike and see if you can figure out how to fly.

A few miles southwest of where I sit, Roanoke Island bears the legacy of England’s first failed attempts to settle the new world. In 1585, the first group of colonists gave up and those that survived returned to England. Reading this, I imagine the excitement the early settlers must have felt about the chance to reinvent themselves, to start over, to do something totally different, away from dreary, drab, ancient England and then the despair they must have felt over their failure. The second group of colonists were even less fortunate. The 117 men, women and children who settled here in 1587 disappeared without a trace. The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site preserves portions of this early settlement. Visitors can see what might have happened to those early settlers by watching The Lost Colony, an outdoor dramatization of the settlers’

Did we learn nothing from Icarus?

disappearance produced by Waterside Theatre. Also on site, the beautiful flowers, Renaissance statues and Elizabethan-style buildings of the Elizabethan Gardens pay tribute to the early Roanoke colonists.

Thinking To catch a sunset, I trudge up a sand dune at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the home of the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. The brochure says that the dune I climb is a “living” sand dune that shifts between 90 and 100 feet above sea level. From here, I can see Atlantic Ocean waves crash against the beach to the east and see the dunes slope down to the Roanoke Sound shoreline on the west. I feel myself soaring with the novice hang gliders as they try their luck catching wind from the edge of the dune in front of me.

My sense of peace shatters when I hear what I assume to be a pastor herding his flock to the great big Baptist church bus in the parking lot. I scan the park for a comrade but no one sets off my gay-dar. I fear that one of the “bus people” will notice the huge pink neon Q glowing on my forehead and tell me that I’m going to hell. Worse, I feel not only unwelcome in what I’ve come to define as paradise, but hated. Tuning into my breath as I watch the sun set over Roanoke Sound helps bring me back to the present moment, but I still feel a lingering sense of unease. continued on page 66 outlookcolumbus.com

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continued from page 64 The wonderful thing about the stories that run through our heads is that if we see them as stories, we can test them. So I do.

A few phone calls later, I’m talking to Jeannie Maynard. The company she works for manages two of the three places on the Outer Banks that specifically welcomes GLBT guests. Talking to her helps me put things in perspective. She’s adamant that folks on the Outer Banks are very accepting of all sorts of alternative lifestyles. When asked about the vibe towards folks like me, she assures me, “It doesn’t matter if you are a millionaire or came here to drop out; it’s a very laid back place…. Sexual preference? Who cares! It’s just not a big deal.”

It’s true. No one I’ve talked to has given my mention of my girlfriend or the fact that I write for a gay newspaper a second thought. This is, she says, a family beach, whatever kind of family you are. I can hear the chorus to “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” Sally Fingerett’s song about GLBT families, streaming through my head: Home is where the heart is/ No matter how the heart lives/ Inside your heart where love is/ That’s where you’ve got to make yourself at home.

The key here is family. This is not the place you go for a wild and crazy nightlife. This is the place to come to chill out and enjoy nature. This may be one of the ultimate beach vacation spot for GLBT families and folks who just want to get away from it all.

My mindfulness takes me in a different direction at the Lone Wolff Trading Company.

They specialize in custom-made silver jewelry. Here, I radically accept my attraction to a pair of silver and onyx fish earrings and feel very much in the present moment as I sign the credit card receipt for them.

Next, I pop in to Jewelry by Gail. Jewelry items here are truly works of art. I’m not a big ring person, but these rings move me. I have to leave before I buy a custom designed Palladium White Gold ring sporting a gorgeously cut .92 count Blue Sapphire.

The price tag helps me observe my desire for this ring. It also helps me see my ego working overtime, urging me to buy the ring in order to please the very helpful salesperson and demonstrate to her and the rest of the world that I am a person of means who can afford this sort of ring. I politely accept the salesperson’s business card with the price quote and walk my ego out the door.

protectively maternal towards him. On Day One and Day Two, Stephen showed us how to pop up on the board and how to maneuver our boards into position to catch waves.

Today, he tries to teach us how to watch for waves and get the timing down.

Since this is the advanced day, Stephen is out on his board and shows us how to catch the wave and ride in the wave’s trough. Languid and agile as a cat, it’s as if he and his board become part of the wave. Now is not the ideal time to learn to surf because the waves are really big Stephen calls them “grande’.” I don’t even try for one of these waves because I’m afraid I’ll wipe out and break my neck. I probably couldn’t catch one anyway. Even the thigh and waist high waves are challenging to catch. By the time I get my board maneuvered into position, most have already passed me by. After a few unsuccessful attempts, Stephen soothes my ego by reassuring me that it takes awhile to get the timing down and tells me when to start paddling for the waves in time to catch them. I actually catch a few and the rush I feel as I pop up and drop into the trough is better than any drug I can imagine. I feel like I’m at one with the universe and totally connected to this moment in time. Nothing, not the laundry, not my checking account, not my stack of paperwork or the coffee pot I might have forgotten to turn off has my attention. It’s just me, my board and the wave.

Shopping

Meditation in Motion – OBX style

I know. I know. There was no section on shopping in “Zen and the Art of Motor Cycle Maintenance.” Eckhart Tolle seems to have skipped this topic as well. But sometimes a girl needs to shop. Besides, even with Coppertone SPF 50, my nose is starting to glow like Rudolph’s so I need an indoor activity.

Lucky for me, there are well over 40 art galleries on the Outer Banks. The KDH Cooperative Gallery and Studios in Kill Devil Hills is my favorite. It’s truly a cooperative. Local artists work cooperatively to sell their mosaics, pottery, paintings, photography, batiks, jewelry, sculpture, candles, and collages here.

All those months ago when I was obsessing about learning to surf, I happened upon a Kitty Hawk Kayaks and Surf School website ad for 3-day surf camps. I reserved a spot for myself and here I am on day three: on my surfboard waiting for a wave.

The Outer Banks not only have great waves, they also sport miles and miles of calm bay waters, making them a kayaker’s paradise.

Exhausted and sore after 3 days of surf camp, kayaking sounds like heaven. I book a sunset tour of the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge with Kitty Hawk Kites.

Stephen, my instructor, is adorable. His lips seem permanently curved into a smile and his blue eyes dance beneath his surfing cap and curly blond hair. Tall and lanky, he actually looks good in his wet suit. (Let’s just say there will be no pictures of me in a wet suit, ever.) More importantly, he’s sweet, enthusiastic, supportive and a great teacher. If I were 18, I’d probably have a crush on him. As it is, I find myself feeling

After Heidi gives us a brief lesson on proper paddling, we slip our boats into the water.

Heidi leads us through what feels a bit like a watery maze to an abandoned bridge where an Osprey pair have built a nest.

Even at a distance, it looks massive. When we circle around the nest, an Osprey with fish in its beak flies into the nest to feed its babies. An awesome sight.

The collection of galleries at Gallery Row in

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Nags Head is my second choice. I spent an hour at the Ghost Fleet Gallery of Fine Art. Owner Glenn Eure reminded me of my father in his best moments, captivating me with tales of his past, torturing me with bad puns, and drawing pictures for me.

Across the street at The Morales Art Gallery I found a couple of watercolor paintings of the shoreline that I loved. Here’s where Zen comes in - I looked, noticed my attachment, came back to the wonder of the present moment, and moved on.

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Chris’ desk looks like that bird’s nest. Only not as organized.

We glide across the bay in silence for a while and I drop into a state of peace. The chatter in my mind quiets and I am focused on the feel of the sun on my skin, the sound of the waves as they bump against the side of the kayak, the salty smell in the air, and the sight of sun diamonds sparkling on the water. In other words, I am here now. Ahead of us pelicans skim across the surface of the water, occasionally diving to catch fish. Snowy egrets and a blue heron wade in the shallow waters searching for food. As the sun drops on the horizon, we stop paddling, face west and watch the sunset paint the sky. The peace I feel in this moment is far better than anything I’ve ever achieved in seated meditation.

Awareness 5:30 AM - my last morning here. I’m sitting on the beach, watching the sun rise. I came here to learn to surf and find my inner compass. I won’t say that I’ve achieved enlightenment, but this morning I don’t even want to make a “To Do” list; I’m content to just “be.” I also realize that as long as I stay in the present moment my inner compass will guide me where ever I need to go. *OBX is the local’s shorthand for the Outer Banks Information and Resources: For more information about First Colony Inn and The Castle at Silver Lake, the GLBT friendly establishments on the Outer Banks: www.PurpleRoofs.com; OBX art galleries: www.ourterbanks.org/visiter_services/area_services/art_stores_galleries.a sp; Surfing lessons and 3-day surf camps with Kitty Hawk Kayaks and Surf School: www.khksss.com; Hang gliding and a wide variety of water sports including kayaking: www.kittyhawk.com.

Regina Sewell is desperately trying to figure out how to get paid to surf her life away. In the meantime, you can reach her at www.ReginaSewell.com to ask a question, propose a column topic, read about her approach to counseling, or check out her books and other writing. Her most recent major publication, “Sliding Away” can be found in Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex and Work in Our 40s, edited by Molly Rosen.

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That guy in the dumpster looks a lot like Chad throwing up during his leg workout. The boy tried to sprint up 10 flights of stairs.

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Haircuts from Men Zone make you look like Paul. Honest.

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by Dan Savage I read the letter from the woman who had cheated on her ex and now wants to patch it up. I have a similar situation, except it was my ex-girlfriend who cheated on me. We’d been living together for a few years - we were engaged - and then she suddenly moved out “temporarily” to “work out some issues,” then dumped me several weeks later for trumped-up reasons.

I’m a married woman in my 40s who has lately admitted that I hate being penetrated by a dick. I love sucking a dick and love having a dildo in me. I also love having sex with a man - as long as he is not penetrating me with his own personal cock. So my question is, are there other women out there who enjoy sex with men but don’t want a dick inside them?

No Cocks

So I went into her e-mail to find out WTF had happened and learned about the paramour, when she actually started fucking him, and so on. Even though she was a lying, cheating whore in any objective sense, I do feel bad about violating her privacy. Well, she was furious and basically hates my guts now, more than a year later. I reached out once around six months ago via e-mail, but got shot down. I just want to forgive and be forgiven.

Can’t Think Of Anything Clever You are a huge pussy, CTOAC - excuse me, sorry. Pussies are powerful; they can take pummeling and spit out a brand-new human being. What you are, CTOAC, is weak, vulnerable, easily manipulated, and far too sensitive for your own good.

What you are is a ball sack.

Stop asking for your ex-girlfriend’s absolution, sacky, stop begging for her forgiveness. So long as you’re crawling to her, begging for forgiveness, she can go on pretending that she was the injured party in your relationship. Forgive you? There’s no reason for her to do that there’s no upside for her. So long as you’re standing there wringing your hands and acting like a cringing, wounded pussy - excuse me: a dangling, freshly slapped ball sack she wins. Move the fuck on already, sacky. outlookcolumbus.com

Wouldn’t the more pertinent question be, “Are there men out there who enjoy sex with women but don’t want their dicks inside them? And is my HUSBAND one of them?” Whether there are women out there who share your fondness for men but aversion to cock is only relevant if you’re looking to form a support group. And if anyone needs a shoulder to cry on, NC, it’s your husband, not you.

I was seeing a girl every other week for about four months. We only used condoms for birth control, but we always used them and we were careful. Two months after I ended it, she told me that three weeks previous she found out that she was pregnant and a few days later miscarried. Obviously, I was surprised and also concerned for her.

We talked about it a few times over the phone, even though I’m seeing somebody else now.

Emotionally, she has not been dealing with the situation very well. She says that she cries whenever she sees babies. I’ve been making an effort to be supportive, but she thinks that I could be doing more. She also told me after we stopped seeing each other that she is in love with me. Which brings us to the issue: She’s been getting therapy since the miscarriage. She thinks I should help pay for her therapy; I’m reluctant, but I

want to do what’s right. On the one hand, I did get her pregnant, and the pregnancy/miscarriage was the catalyst for her seeking therapy. On the other hand, it was a casual relationship and she has other personal issues. Obviously, if she were pregnant now, I would pay or at least help pay for an abortion. But she’s not pregnant. She’s unhappy, and I’m not sure what the scope of my responsibility is for that.

What Do I Do? P.S. I’ve been reading your column for years, and I think it has had a profoundly positive impact on my life: Thank you.

him dressed. It brought our sex life to a new level that is very pleasing to both of us. The problem is that I find myself very sexually attracted to him dressed. I’m not as attracted to him when he isn’t dressed, and the sex isn’t as exciting for me. He said he’s happy to dress for sex, and although I like that, now I’m afraid of getting into a routine where we will only enjoy sex in that way and down the road I may grow tired of the dressed sex and crave a regular guy. I think we both lower our inhibitions when we have sex while he’s dressed. I guess I don’t understand why.

Confused And Curious

It saddens me when someone with such colossally defective bullshit detectors signs off with “I’ve been reading you for years.” Perhaps you have, WDID, but to seemingly little effect.

Forgive me for being blunt: How do you know she got pregnant and had a miscarriage? Because she - a girl who says she’s in love with you - told you so. Did it not occur to you that she might have made this all up in an effort successful thus far - to retain your attention if not your affections? Don’t pay for her therapy, don’t spend all day on the phone with her, and don’t believe everything you’re told.

In fairness: There’s a small chance she isn’t lying, WDID; according to Planned Parenthood, if you were using condoms carefully and correctly, there’s a 2 percent chance your ex got pregnant. Even so, your emotional obligations to her ended when the relationship did, and your financial obligations ended with the miscarriage.

I’m a straight girl who started dating this straight guy six months ago. Three months in, he told me he is a crossdresser. I’m a fairly open-minded person, and I was curious what it would be like to have sex with

When will Dan once again get to use the word ‘santorum’? We miss it!

When he’s dressed, he’s giving himself permission to live out his fantasies (with an assist from you); when you see him dressed, your inhibitions lift because, hey, there’s no way you can freak out or outfreak the boyfriend.

Routines can be deadly, of course, but I wouldn’t worry about being stuck in a rut. You’ve only been doing this for a few months, and his crossdressing is still a shiny new toy. And you can’t simultaneously worry that you’ll come to only enjoy sex while he’s dressed up and that you’ll grow bored with sex while he’s dressed up. If you continue to enjoy dressed-up sex, you won’t get bored; if you get bored, then you can go back to non-dressed-up sex.

So I have to know, Dan: What is your opinion on vajazzling?

Vajazzle Azzle Gadazzle Asking for my opinion on vajazzling, VAG, is like asking a vegan for her opinion on the wallpaper in a steak house. I’m simply too revolted by what’s on the menu to take much notice of the decor.

Find the Savage Lovecast (my weekly podcast) every Tuesday at thestranger.com/savage. mail@savagelove.net

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! a V i V

sists of 12 members. Her goal is to put Columbus, if not Ohio, on the burlesque map and vice versa.

To call this month’s local celebrity a tease is to give her a compliment. Meet Viva Valezz, Columbus’s own Burlesque superstar and master of the art of the tease, who’s working hard to have her boobs take over the world… or at least the MidWest.

“There’s a long history of burlesque here in the state, but people don’t know it as an art form and entertainment option,” Viva! tells me. “I’m in this a lot for the education of it all.

It’s not like commercial stripping where the show’s purpose is the act of becoming naked.

What we do is the act of the tease, the art of revealing things - political, sexy, unexpected things.”

Viva! does admit that her troupe is the most revealing in town and they always get down to their pasties. She and her 38Ds likes to give her audience an Originally from the fields of exclamation at the end, in both Bowling Green, Viva! started her her shows and in how she spells adult life at the Ohio State Uni- her name. versity (Go Bucks!) and then did a personal sabbatical to the When not revealing, Viva! is a San Francisco Bay Area for ten self-proclaimed facebook years where she undulated as a whore, drinks with friends, cudbelly dancer. Missing her family, dles up with her girlfriend Tiff she eventually shimmied her (aka Dexter) and spends time way back to Cap city in ’99 with her 4-year-old son, who where she continued her hip she says is an up-and-coming punching, as well as earning a drag queen. “Oh, yeah,” she exdaily wage as the Director of claimed, “my son is just in love Education for several health with Nina and the drag. It’s just care associations. That is, until a matter of time.” she got laid off last fall - damn economy!

She also has an altruistic side, spending her time volunteering “I love it here,” Valezz tells me. for Stonewall and running the “It feels more gay friendly here local franchise of Dr. Sketchy’s than San Fran. People even Anti-Art School – Columbus, a within our own community are crazy mix of cabaret and fine art more accepting.” She says that gives anyone the chance to being a lipstick lesbian out west indulge their artistic tendencies wasn’t always greeted with by having a cocktail and favor. “The Columbus queer sketching a rotating cast of burcommunity feels more like lesque performers. home, like we’re a family.” She also likes being a big fish in a The next time you can catch small pond. “Here I get to touch Viva! taking off her clothes is more people, influence and ef- Saturday May 15th at Wall fect change. My hope is to be a Street where she’s gathered role model for older and younger performers from across the women alike. Burlesque is acstate for Hot Pink, a burlesque cepting of all body types. It’s not benefit for breast cancer. US about being perfect, it’s about Rep Mary Jo Kilroy is slated to making women feel beautiful in give opening remarks and protheir own skin. I hope when they ceeds from the $10 cover go to see me perform they get that.” the Susan G Komen for the Cure. Drinks at 8p, show at 9p.

Upon her return, Viva! studied the danse orientale at Speaking of drinks, you can Habeeba’s Dance of the Arts show your appreciation of this school and then began teaching artist next time you see her out dance in 2001. Feeling like she by buying her a margarita on had more to express than just the rocks with salt. “Any tequila swinging arms, Valezz! turned will do,” she tell me. “I’m easy!” to burlesque in ’07 and hasn’t I would say that’s a given. stopped since. She created her own completely queer burlesque For more info on Viva! check out troupe called Viva! and the Vel- http://vivavalezz.com and www.myvet Hearts that currently conspace.com/ sketchyscolumbus.

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¡Viva la Viva! (That’s Ricky Martin’s next single. Pass it on.)

by Jack Fertig

“Your brain wants a challenge, they have to meet you half way, too. Your real friends will do Virgo!” that. Standing your ground is sexy.

Saturn opposing Uranus is a long-running on-and-off aspect SCORPIO (October 23 – Novemthat’s scattering minefields, challenging us to change struc- ber 21): Immediate concerns – work and partnership – feel tures and goals through the like distractions from your creyear. The Sun and Mars are ative engagement with the triggering those with sometimes violent results. Ideologi- world, building the future. In fact, those quotidian details are cal, “values”-based attacks are likely at personal and politi- exactly how we do that. Try to channel that aggravation into cal levels. creative energy.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – Celebrate your birthday with your family and your most cre- December 20): Domestic drama ative friends, not necessarily at threatens to disrupt your plans the same party. Bringing them at work. If you can keep an even keel, handling those untogether may get a bit drapredictable upsets could help matic, even catalytic. This you gain confidence in your could be a good thing, or not. managerial skills. Remember, a Think it through. team leader is still a team GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Med- member! itation will cool your heated brain and help you to keep your CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Maintain respect mouth out of trouble. In that for people even when their calm solitude, think of ways questions seem abysmally stuyour home life can support your ambitions. They don’t have pid. It is tempting to mess with their heads, or to mock them, to be at war with each other. but mellow out that playful streak and engage them. That CANCER (June 21- July 22): Showing off to your friends can could lead to fun for all! get expensive and become a AQUARIUS (January 20 – Februsource of fights. If your love and admiration aren’t enough, ary 18): Everybody needs to be home-baked cookies should do concerned about money these days. You may be more worried it. If they want more, they’re than is necessary or helpful. not really your friends, and Don’t take it out on your family their arguments aren’t worth or housemates. The first purthe trouble. pose of discussion is to get problems into perspective.

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Whatever you do is sure to get noticed. You do realize that can PISCES (February 19 – March be a mixed blessing! Some hu- 19): Flaws and frustrations in your relationship, however mility would be in order, but that doesn’t mean denying your minor, are now feeling worse than they really are. You could actual gifts and accomplishboth make a list now to discuss ments. It’s just a matter of later. If you must trash somekeeping perspective. one, that is what politicians and VIRGO (August 23 – September celebrities are for.

22): Your brain wants a challenge. Find it in a book; don’t go ARIES (March 20 – April 19): picking arguments. If you want Your competitive drive can become obsessive, even self-dea good debate, hold yourself structive. Looking good is not back a bit and make an effort about conquest, but moving on to really hear what the other gracefully. Let go, meditate, person has to say! open your creative soul. You LIBRA (September 23 – October can’t do that while guarding 22): Trying to keep up with peer your turf as queen of the mounpressure, you could worry your- tain. self sick. Balance? It means Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977 teaches at the International Academy of Astrology www.astrocollege.com. He can be reached for personal or business consultations at www.starjack.com,

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Chad once ate so many hotdogs he rofled all over his apartment. Who are we kidding with once? It’s a weekly event.

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