2011-01-01 outlook: columbus by Outlook Media, Inc

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outlook jan 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ vol 15 issue 8

inside: DADT is Repealed snapshot network Dames Bond Hot geeks periodisa publishing Batwoman Statehouse Sesquicentennial Chris Willis trippinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; out to Ravenwood & Local celebrity Nancy illustration as described by the Army Medico / 1943 Cannon Towel Ad

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jan 2011

Anthropomorphic microphone, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking a little portly, and beer bloats.

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you are here

snapshot

6 qmunity 9

Happy New Year & A Warning Happy New Year Everyone! I think this was the first New Year’s in awhile that I felt like there was something to really celebrate. That being the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the allowance of members of our community to serve openly in the Armed Services. It was a great way to end a tumultuous 2010 and kickoff a very hopeful 2011. Things are moving ahead! That being said, we’re not quite out of the woods with DADT. Instead of my usual banter, I give the floor to SLDN Legal Director Aaron Tax who warns that the president’s signature isn’t our service members’ cue to start singing “I’m Coming Out.” We still have at least 60 days ‘til the closet is open. Don’t Come Out Yet The legislative repeal on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is absolutely historic, however SLDN is warning all service members that DADT is still in effect and it is NOT safe to come out yet. The rapidly changing events regarding the legal status of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) may be confusing for service members and recruits. Here is a recap to help make sense of it all and our strong suggestions.

formation provided to a medical professional in furtherance of medical treatment or a public health official in the course of a public health inquiry; and 3) Information provided in the course of seeking professional assistance for domestic or physical abuse. Those changes remain in effect. More recently, the Pentagon announced that all proposed DADT discharges, regardless of grade and rank, will be reviewed at the highest civilian levels. These are all important changes, but they do NOT end DADT. DADT remains the law and it is unsafe to come out.

In Congress: On Saturday, December 18, 2010, the Senate voted to authorize the repeal of DADT, which the House of Representatives voted to support on December 15, 2010. There are still, however, many more steps in this process before the law can be fully repealed. Until that time, DADT remains the law and it is unsafe to come out. Even after the successful votes in Congress and even after the President signs the bill, the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that the Defense Department is prepared to implement repeal. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will still be the law until 60 days after the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs certify repeal can happen. Continue to visit www.sldn.org/stillatrisk for the latest updates on the status of the law.

FREE LEGAL HOTLINE • Contact SLDN’s legal hotline (202.328.3244 x 100 or legal@sldn.org). • Given the latest “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) legal and political developments, SLDN has been hearing from many lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members who have questions about the status of the law as well as from veterans and others who wish to serve. • If you’re still serving, and you have any questions about the status of DADT or anything else related to DADT, HIV status, or transgender issues, we want you to know you can contact our legal hotline at any time for free, confidential legal advice. • If you are interested in going back into the military or joining for the first time, we strongly encourage you to contact SLDN’s legal hotline to set up a free, confidential call with an attorney to discuss your options.

In the Courts: A U.S. District Court Judge ruled in October that DADT is unconstitutional and issued a worldwide injunction barring the military from investigating or discharging service members under DADT. After issuing a temporary stay of the injunction, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay pending appeal on November 1, meaning DADT is still in effect. Service members can and still will be investigated and they will continue to be discharged.

REMEMBER • Do NOT come out. • “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” remains the law until there is finality in Congress or the courts. • Lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members are still being discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and they will continue to be discharged until the courts or Congress end the law or stop its enforcement. • Transgender service members remain at risk.

In the Pentagon: Earlier this year, DoD made changes to how “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is implemented, including new protections for lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members. Information provided in the following contexts will not be used for purposes of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” discharges: 1)Information provided to lawyers, psychotherapists and clergy, in their professional capacities. Specifically, statements made to clergy must be a “formal act of religion or made as a matter of conscience;” 2) In-

Continue to check with SLDN to learn about how the latest legal and political developments impact your ability to serve openly. If you have questions about how the latest legal or political developments may impact you, or about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in general, contact our legal hotline (202.328.3244 x100 or legal@sldn.org) to schedule an appointment with an SLDN attorney.

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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 SUBSCRIPTIONS & DISTRIBUTION Call 614.268.8525

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16 SLDN’S LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS HERE TO HELP YOU SLDN provides free legal counseling to service members with legal issues stemming from or relating to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law banning military service by lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons, the regulations governing military service by HIV+ people, and the regulations addressing military service by transgender persons.

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19 21 22

feature : gay media

events calendar

about town

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jon Dunn, Michael Daniels, Mickey Weems, Mette Bach, Mario Pinardi, Regina Sewell, Leslie Robinson, Phillecia Cochran, Gregg Dodd, Mackenzie Worrall, Romeo San Vicente, Chad Paul Frye, Ryan Harris, Simon Sheppard, Dan Savage, Chris Hayes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Trautman, Dominic Presutto, Phillecia Cochran, Tommy Feisel-New Age Foto CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Robert Trautman

feature: gay media

feature: publishing

creative class

INTERNS Dominic Presutto, Mackenzie Worrall, Sam Malone

34 bookmarks 36

interview: Chris Willis

deep inside hollywood

fashion forward

food drama!

trippin’ out

savage love

local celebrity

astro forecast

CYBERSPACE http://www.outlookcolumbus.com http://www.outlookmedia.com http://www.networkcolumbus.com http://twitter.com/outlookcolumbus facebook @ outlook: columbus 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. 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.

After President Obama signed DADT into law, he patted the bill before him and declared “this is done”. Yes. We. Can. Obama 2012!

jan 2011

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#) CHEESECAKE BOY 12.06.2010

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MARY ANN BRADT 12.12.2010

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NETWORK COLUMBUS 12.08.2010

jan 2011

Drag Queens and Go-Go Boys…just another day at the office.

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At the GLBT expo in NYC, Hayes and Frye got into the Camel Experience trailer. Three minutes later, they exited confused and full of nicotine. Success.

jan 2011

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Bradley Weatherford Makes his Move Community member Bradley Weatherford, a licensed Real Estate Broker and fixture in the midtown Columbus real estate market, has joined the real estate firm Keller Williams Classic Properties. Bradley has an extensive background in residential real estate sales and specializes in historic homes, condominiums, investment properties and luxury properties. He is also adept at working with first time buyers and has received recognition at the city and state level for his consistent sales performance. “We are truly fortunate to have Bradley Weatherford join us here at Keller Williams Classic Properties,” says Team Leader Kate Wilkes. We know that he will be a great fit and that it is our customers who will truly benefit from Bradley joining us.” According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the third largest real estate company in the United States, has received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from homebuyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the third year in a row. The company also ranked second among home sellers in the study for the second year in a row. Bradley lives in the Short North and will continue to operate his business from an office in the Short North.

aMerican airlines naMed corporation of the year By four u.s. Minority-supplier advocacy organizations American Airlines has been named Corporation of the Year by four organizations that champion supplier diversity: the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council (D/FW MSDC); The Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC); the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas (AICCT); and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) – significant accolades for the airline as it continues to promote supplier diversity in all aspects of its business.

President – Purchasing and Transportation. “American actively focuses on identifying minority, women-owned, LGBT, and other diverse small businesses as potential suppliers. These awards increase awareness of the importance we place on supplier diversity and our efforts to ensure that our supplier base reflects our customer base.”

“While it’s extremely important that we continue to educate New Yorkers about HIV/AIDS prevention, the sensationalized nature of the commercial, including its tabloid-like fear tactics, The NGLCC award honors companies that are misses the mark in fairly and accurately reprecommitted to expanding economic opportunities senting what it’s like to live with HIV/AIDS,” of LGBT-owned businesses. The D/FW MSDC said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “It’s our award is presented to businessmen and hope that the department will work with us to women, corporations and public-sector agencreate a PSA that promotes safety and solucies that have promoted supplier diversity ini- tions, rather than stigma and stereotype.” tiatives and minority business inclusion in leading local and national industries. The AICCT point foundation recognizes outstanding corporations and indi- online scholarship viduals that go above and beyond to foster application for lgtBQ growth with American Indian-owned busistudents nesses.

gMhc, glaad call on the nyc dhMh to pull sensationalistic & stigMatizing hiv/aids psa

Point Foundation is the nation’s largest publicly-supported organization granting scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students of merit. Point provides undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate scholarships, mentorship, leadership training and hope Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation’s for students of merit who have been marginaloldest HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy ized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or provider, joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance gender expression. Additionally, Point FoundaAgainst Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s lead- tion provides programs that affect social ing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender change by challenging attitudes that contribute (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation to social stigma and its resulting prejudice, organization, to demand that the New York City which is often experienced by those in the LGBT Department of Health and Mental Hygiene pull a community. sensationalistic and stigmatizing television public service announcement aimed at gay and The application for the 2011-2012 scholars bisexual men. opened on December 10, 2010 at 8a PST and will close on February 11, 2011 at 11:59p PST The PSA, which is intended to encourage conon their website dom usage among gay and bisexual men, (http://www.pointfoundation.org/instructions.ht claims that those with HIV face a higher risk of ml). bone loss, dementia, and anal cancer. While older adults living with HIV may be at greater If you have any questions, please email Joey risk of these conditions, the PSA creates a grim Hernandez, Program Administrative Assistant at picture of what it is like to live with HIV that joey@pointfoundation.org. could further stigmatize HIV/AIDS, as well as gay and bisexual men. Winter party festival

“We know from our longstanding HIV prevention work that portraying gay and bisexual men as dispensing diseases is counterproductive,” said Marjorie Hill, PhD, GMHC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Studies have shown that using scare tactics is not effective. Including gay men’s input, while recognizing their strength and resiliency, in the creation of HIV prevention education is ef“We are extremely proud to be named Corpora- fective. Gay men are part of the prevention solution of the Year by these distinguished organization, not the problem.” tions,” said John MacLean, American’s Vice

jan 2011

Both GLAAD and GMHC have reached out to the department to demand that the commercial be pulled and to offer assistance with framing the conversation around HIV/AIDS more accurately.

guarantee The Winter Party’s guests the experience they expect from Winter Party Festival if the other event, which declined The Winter Party’s requests to reschedule its dates, was happening at the same time. To provide you the best, most enjoyable experience, Winter Party Festival has moved to March 2-7, 2011. WP knows this change in date may present challenges for some of The Winter Party’s guests, and apologize for the inconvenience. WP wants to extend a thank you to The Winter Party’s host hotel, the Doubletree Surfcomber, and all of the other Miami Beach businesses who worked with them to make this adjustment to better accommodate you. In the end, these changes will make for a more spectacular Winter Party Festival. The Doubletree Surfcomber is now offering you more time to save. To allow The Winter Party’s guests more time to adjust their plans, The Winter Party’s host hotel, the fabulous Doubletree Surfcomber, is extending the discount for early bookings through January 30. But it is expected the hotel to sell out long before then. Book today with group code WPY. Surfcomber guests receive beautiful oceanfront accommodations and free admission to the Under One Sun Pool Party. Winter Party Festival is the year’s hottest celebration. What’s even hotter is the discount you receive by purchasing your passes early and taking advantage of the special room rates at the Doubletree Surfcomber.

Moves dates one Week earlier

The date has changed, but the hottest winter in the world is still the same! The Winter Party’s Gold and Women’s Passes are available now. Purchase before January 15 and save with early bird rates. Titanium and Platinum Passes are also available for a reduced rate through January 14. The New Generation Pass is also now available to guests ages 21-25. This pass includes The Winter Party’s two flagship events, the Beach Party and the Under One Sun Pool Party, as well as The Winter Party’s Saturday night dance event. Quantities of all these passes and our Florida Residents Pass are limited. Secure your place at the hottest winter in the world today.

In late November, the Winter Music Conference announced it had scheduled its event on dates overlapping Winter Party’s original 2011 Winter Party Festival dates, which were announced in March 2010. Within 48 hours, multiple venues pulled out of Winter Party Festival, and room rates at South Beach hotels skyrocketed. WP quickly realized there was no way they could

The decision to move the Winter Party Date was not an easy one but was made to guarantee WP guests the sizzling experience they expect from Winter Party Festival. Visit http://winterparty.com today to view more information on entertainment, purchases exclusive early bird passes or book your hotel at discounted rates.

Congrats Bradley!!!

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Does that blond lady look like Lisa Marie Presley, or am I doped up on Salvia Divinorum?

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Betty Buckley, Seth Rudetskyâ&#x20AC;ŚSomething tells me Brent Murphy will be attending this.

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THE NAME IS BOND DAMES BOND! by Jon Dunn [Scene: Camera fades in from black with a familiar guitar theme playing in the background] We open with a wide, high shot of a lively gathering of people, the room crackling with energy. As the camera pans down and begins to slowly weave through the crowd, a woman steps into the frame, welcoming you to the event. She extends her hand and says, “The name is Bond - Dames Bond.” [Abrupt cut to surprised reaction shot] Wait a minute; did she just say Dames Bond? As the camera pans downward, the card she places in your hand does indeed say Dames Bond, but what does that mean? [The music swells and the camera fades to black] You dial the number the next day and instead of reaching a Walthers-toting, tuxedo-wearing super spy in an AstonMartin, a cheerful woman’s voice picks up the line. So you ask her, “Who is Dames Bond?” “With Dames Bond, we’re not duplicating networking, we’re redefining a networking approach,” offers Mary B. Relotto, founder of Dames Bond. “Men have a particular way of networking, it’s more of a card-to-card approach, a less personal way of connecting,” she continues. “It’s effective for them, but I wanted to try something different.” But Mary, what exactly is a dame? She explains that “defining yourself as a dame is saying that you are a woman with extensive experience who tries to help other women thrive. It’s not about being black, white, gay or straight, it’s about bonding with other women and helping each other to succeed.” Okay, but what about the bonding? In Dames Bond, Mary envisioned a networking function going beyond simply swapping cards and phone numbers, but one that focused on building a more personal relationship between each of the members. “I thought the members should find out more about each other first; their likes and dislikes, the way they like to do business and have a bigger ‘nurturing’ effect,” she explains. The major benefit is that Dames Bond members become friends first and then look towards doing business together. Mary also planned for members to have a way to market their services via the Internet. After working in the non-profit field and as a consultant, Mary came up with the genesis of the Dames Bond approach back in the mid 90s. Over the next decade, the idea continued to blossom and she decided to give it a try. “I was bored with the normal networking groups, they were preaching to the choir, I felt. So in 2006, I formed Dames Bond and we had our first networking event,” Mary explains. The first one, held at the Surly Girl Saloon, brought in about a dozen people. But, the next one hosted over 30 participants and they now average between 80 and 100 people at each event. These are casual affairs with a more serious intent. “It’s fun, affordable and gives women an opportunity to let their hair down and connect with others,” Mary says. “We also learned that women as consumers wanted to network with women doing business, so that is another facet of Dames Bond. It’s a way for people to connect with others outside of their industry.” This gives members a bigger exposure to potential clients and other businesses. In addition to marketing the members through the Business Directory and other social media, members can market their business with consumers in person, during Bond Events.

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Perusing the website reveals a cleverly thought out and inviting place for visitors to sift through the Business Directory, read the wide variety of Expert Articles written by members in various fields, and check out the Calendar of Events, available to all at no charge. Members can also join the conversation on the Opportunity Board where they can post jobs wanted, jobs to be filled, business opportunities and other listings. The website receives plenty of hits every day, making the listings visible to thousands of women and men who want to support women in business. Dames Bond gets even more media buzz by creating viral content. “We look at it as affordable marketing. It’s not just a listing. We actively market our members using social media and a marketing strategy that guarantees visibility. It’s about creating connections between members and clients, and connections can cascade into referrals.” Mary offers. One of Dames Bond’s priorities is to make the opportunity to join the dynamic networking community an affordable proposition. “We have a very reasonable plan and even offer month-to-month payments so that everyone can afford to join. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to get amazing results!” The website contains dozens of letters and posts about how Dames Bond has helped to connect people to one another. Mary loves to read them and to talk to her “success stories” at the Bond events. Her closeness to her staff and members is very evident in the way she talks about them and herself. But she doesn’t want to be the defining factor of Dames Bond, simply the catalyst for others to find success. “I want people to know I am a lesbian and am for supporting other lesbian businesses, but it’s wrong to define us by me; it’s our diversity, the way we live our lives that defines us as women. We are all dames when we bond.” Mary is a very selfless person who is always looking to help others. Some of that spirit comes from her years of working for non-profit charities, but it’s rooted in a personal tragedy that led her to a life of helping others. “I lost my brother John at a young age,” she says, “and that made me want to do something more than just succeed, I wanted to help others succeed, as well.” In 2010, Mary received a high honor for herself and Dames Bond after being recognized by Forbes with two awards; Dames Bond made the ForbesWoman.com website’s List of Top 100 Websites for Women and a place in Forbes.com’s 10 Best Career Sites for Women. “It didn’t come easily or lightly, but it’s amazing to be recognized like that on a national level,” Mary says proudly. The recognition comes as a welcome acceptance of the Dames Bond approach for Mary, but she also sees the power of her business in the success of its members. She’s taken the local success of Dames Bond as a sign that her idea works and could be a hit in other cities, as well. “Women write me weekly, asking when Dames Bond will be coming to where they are,” Mary explains. “We’re looking at several more in Ohio, as well as ones in Pennsylvania, Kentucky and the tri-state area. It gets me excited, the role we can be playing in the rise of women in the US. It blows me away, because I always thought it was a good idea that could really take off.” Visit Dames Bond at damesbond.com or by calling Founder and Grand Dame Mary B. Relotto at 614.209.3556 or email them at info@damesbond.com. Remember, when Dames Bond, Dames Thrive!

Relotto, Gelotto. Let’s call the whole thing off. Seriously. Let’s call it off.

jan 2011

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Environmental Advocacy Grows Stronger for LGBT Americans As all Americans consider their environmental attitudes, a national survey released by Harris Interactive shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender adults, especially, are accelerating their personal commitment to proenvironmental issues. A majority (55%) of all LGBT adults, when asked if they “personally care a great deal about the current state and future of the environment,” say this statement describes themselves completely or very well – a description that characterizes just one-third (33%) of heterosexual American adults. When all are asked if they “encourage others to be more environmentally friendly,” four out of ten (40%) LGBT adults say that statement also describes them completely or very well, while only twenty-four percent (24%) of heterosexual adults concur. The new nationwide survey of 2,352 U.S. adults

jan 2011

(ages 18 and over), of whom 347 self-identified as LGBT, was conducted online between November 8 and November 15, 2010, by Harris Interactive, a global market research and consulting firm, in conjunction with Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc., a strategic public relations and marketing communications firm with special expertise in the LGBT market.

applied that self-label in 2009). As more Americans take steps to understand and protect the environment, there now appear to be widening gaps in attitudes between LGBT Americans and their heterosexual counterparts. For instance, one in three (35%) LGBT adults state that the self-label of “environmentalist” describes their identities completely or very well, when contrasted with just 15% of In a year-over-year contrast, nearly half (47%) heterosexuals who believe this self-label fits of LGBT adults, when asked about their environ- themselves that same way. mental attitudes today, say that being “environmentally conscious” either describes When asked specifically about voting, purchase themselves completely or very well. That new decisions, and workplace attitudes, these gaps benchmark shows a marked increase from a become more evident. 45% of LGBT adults say 2009 poll that found just 38% of LGBT adults it is “very to extremely important” to consider felt this described them completely or very well. environmental issues when voting for a candiIn contrast, in this year’s survey, 28% of hetero- date, compared to 27% of non-LGBT adults. sexual adults say that being “environmentally Nearly one in two (48%) LGBT adults also say it conscious” describes themselves completely or is “very to extremely important” to consider envery well (while a similar 30% of heterosexuals vironmental issues when buying and using Gay is the new green. Or green is the new gay. Or gay and green is the wave of the future?

products or services, compared to 25% of heterosexuals. One in four (25%) LGBT adults report that it is also “very to extremely important” to consider environmental issues in choosing the company you work for or apply for a job, compared with just 17% of heterosexual adults who agree. Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications, noted that environmentalism seems to be growing more deeply ingrained among LGBT adults: “Trends we’ve witnessed over the past few years consistently highlight the awareness and commitment that LGBT people tend to show environmental practices. Across-theboard, the community gravitates towards the concept of stewardship and commitment to a “green” future for all Americans.”

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES SPONSORED BY MALCOLM RIGGLE & CMR INC.

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We thank Malcolm for his unwavering support for his community, and for outlook. We love you, Riggle!

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Transgender Steps Forward by Leslie Robinson Recently our community marked the 12th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, a somber day devoted to memorializing those murdered for their gender identity. Also recently, however, we’ve seen transgender breakthroughs that are, in a word, fabulousgreatwonderful. College basketball season is underway, and many a media outlet has covered the story of Kye Allums, a junior guard at George Washington University. At 5-foot-11, Allums won’t be shattering glass, but his story is. “Yes, I am a male on a female team,” Allums, 21, told USA Today. “And I want to be clear about this. I am a transgender male, which means feelings-wise, how it feels on the inside, I feel as if I should have been born male with male parts. But my biological sex is female, which makes me a transgender male.” This was a college student taking great pains to educate a sportswriter, who’s accustomed to X’s and O’s, on X’s and Y’s. The

jan 2011

sportswriter can expect a midterm. When Allums’ college playing career is over, he intends to transition. He planned to keep quiet until then, but “it just got too tough not to be me.” His teammates, coach and university all appear to be supportive. The NCAA probably thought not long ago that it would have to deal with this issue the day the Rhode Island School of Design won the Rose Bowl.

epiphany. It’s that they have drivers aimed at their heads. Lana Lawless, 57, who had gender-reassignment surgery five years ago, filed suit in San Francisco over the LPGA declining her application for tour membership. Her suit claims the organization discriminated due to her transgender status, a violation of California’s anti-discrimination statutes.

But the NCAA has a policy, explained a spokesman: “A female who wants to be socially identified as a male but has not had hormone treatments or surgery may compete on a women’s team.” So this college basketball season begins with an African-American, openly transgender person playing Division 1 hoop. This represents so many steps forward it’s practically traveling.

The LPGA has landed in the rough indeed.

Turning to a different sport, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) will soon have a different understanding of “lady.” GolfChannel.com reported the LPGA proposed in a November 30 player meeting to axe its “female at birth” requirement. It’s not that association honchos experienced an

A change to the constitutional bylaws requires two-thirds of the LPGA membership to agree. The association has already told players the old gender rule was established “in a different time,” and defending it legally today would be harder than putting with your eyes closed. Also, the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Golf Association and other golf entities now allow transgender participation. The fairways are getting fairer. Victoria Kolakowski, who had reassignment surgery in 1991, has scored big in a different arena. In a race so tight it couldn’t be called until two weeks after the election, voters in

Nothing but (hair) net.

California chose Kolakowski for Alameda County Superior Court. An openly transgender woman wins a popular election. Thank you California for being… California. Kolakowski, 49, told the San Francisco Chronicle that the election result “speaks well of our ability to look past differences and look to the things that matter: our ability and experience.” Here’s hoping she has both, because she’ll be scrutinized like an American Idol finalist. Two days after Kolakowski declared victory, transgender LGBT activist Phyllis Frye was appointed a municipal court judge in the Houston City Council chamber, the same room where 30 years ago Frye helped repeal Houston’s “cross-dressing ordinance.” Frye, 63, said to the Houston Chronicle, “Things have changed, and it’s pretty wonderful.” Two judges in two days; that’s the right kind of order in the court. Leslie Robinson lives in Seattle. E-mail her at lesarobinson@gmail.com, and read more columns at www.generalgayety.com.

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Grand Funk Railroadwas inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005

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Sarah Palin’s Bush: The Sad Saga of the Anti-Cunt by Mickey Weems Failed Alaskan governor Sarah Palin announced that President Obama does not have the cojones (balls) to implement immigration control. In other words, Obama’s a big coño (pussy). Since Sarah has lowered the political discourse to genitalia-based insults, let’s talk about Palin and Bush. Some people say Sarah Palin’s the new Reagan. No, let’s keep it real: Sarah Palin is Bush. Think about it: does she even realize that “cojones” is a Spanish word? She probably thinks she’s speaking Mexican. Sarah’s “cojones” remark implies that she has bigger balls than Barack. Maybe she even has a bigger pinga (cock). If Palin is indeed George W. Bush, this makes sense. Bush had a colossal Dick as his running mate. Her most Bush-esque feature is the way she mangles the English language. Just take the word “refudiate,” destined to enter public

jan 2011

discourse in much the same way that “misunderestimated” became a buzzword for “doofus” during the Bush years. Inarticulate speech presented as legitimate political discourse really should have stopped when the last administration stepped down. Now it’s a NeoCon/Teabagger tradition.

Palin brags about her ignorance. When she defends her mangled diction and amateurish hand notes, she’s more like Dick Cheney. Ol’ Dick definitely had the cojones to repeat himself, and even double down, if he were ever called out for some such buffoonery, like authorizing torture.

In feminist circles, “cunt” has been reclaimed as a positive word, a provocative indicator of WomanPower, so it is out of Sarah Palin’s reach. No woman who pretends to champion women’s rights by denying women control over their own bodies has any claim to it.

Palin’s inability to speak coherently when not reading from a script proves that she’s definitely not Ronald Reagan. Whatever we might say about Ronnie, the boy was smooth. More often than not, his manner was witty and gracious. Honestly, could you imagine Reagan reading tacky crap he wrote on his palm?

So Palin’s both Bush and Dick (with balls).

Compared to fabulous human beings like womyn-centered feminists and Circuit party lip-synchers, Sarah is the antithesis of cunty. She is in fact the Anti-Cunt, nothing at all like the fierce mythical Vagina Dentata she makes herself out to be, even as she verbally attempts to bite the testicles off our current President.

On the other hand (so to speak), it’s all too easy picturing Bush doing it. But there is a difference between Palin and Bush. When George made a verbal blunder, either he blithely kept going, unaware that he had said something inane, or he would stand there looking like a deer in headlights. He quietly accepted the fact that sometimes he sounded like a dumb-ass.

The vagina should be a source of strength rather than a sign of weakness (pussy) or stupidity (Bush), especially in political discourse. Palin’s condemnation of the Presidential Testicles is a refudiation of vaginal fortitude. Owning a coño just isn’t enough for her, she’s got to have cojones too. Got-A-Pair Sarah is the furthest thing from “cunty,” a word in the Gay dance scene that refers to fierce self-affirmation. Think songs by Pink, Madonna, Katherine Ellis, Sweet Pussy Pauline. Cunty is feminine resistance, so let’s include gender-bending male performers such as Kitty Meow, Power Infiniti, Flava, Kevin Aviance and Sofonda Cox.

Would someone shut this bitch up?

But let’s not conclude that Sarah is utterly inept. Since Palin is both Dick and Bush, she is capable of one remarkable act. To paraphrase the words of the former Vice President Cheney: Palin can go fuck herself.

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Larry and Robin are two of our favorite clients â&#x20AC;&#x201C;talk to them today about how YOU can make a career out of Farmers!

jan 2011

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Hibernation Ready by Mette Bach Settling into winter is like looking at yourself naked in a fulllength mirror, especially if you live alone. This is the time of year when I start to spend an awful lot of time with myself. The hesitation to be outside sets in once my eyes and nose start watering in the cold. I find myself making excuses to not see friends because I’d rather take a hot bath and watch a DVD. This time, inevitably, depresses me just a little - the grey skies, the dark mornings and the early onslaught of Christmas jingles and glittery home décor. Of course, it’s not really the externals that depress me; it’s me. I find that this time of year I do the mental equivalent of putting on my flannel pajamas and Snuggie; I stop caring what my toenails look like, I give up on waxing and I opt for whipped cream at every opportunity. Fall is like a special buffer time for all women and gay men - it’s directly opposite bikini season. Sure, most lesbians don’t really care about bikini season but even still, there’s something kind of sacred about bikini season’s exact inverse. All around, people are packing on extra layers and hiding under hats and umbrellas. The wacky patterns, floral prints and bold stripes get shoved into the backs of closets everywhere and out come the browns and blacks and deep purples. It seems like everyone goes through an adjustment period of self-reflection in the early winter and my guess is that it has to do with saying goodbye to patios and possible sightings of friends around town – everyone has their head down, so who would you see? While I’ve been a little bit frustrated with myself for leaving the sink full of dishes and the laundry undone, I’ve come to see this as the only natural outcome of spending so much time alone: I have days where I’m really charming and therefore in love with myself. And I have days where I can’t handle being around myself – which is particularly challenging. My neighbor, Tony, came over to tell me about his Saturday night out. This is how I give myself the semblance that I have a life: I live vicariously. He’s going out for two since I’m only interested in hearing about what happens at bars, not actually going to them. Plus, he’s made goals to be more social this year, a bonus for both of us. Last year, we watched the en-

jan 2011

tire DVD set of Ken Burns’s Civil War documentary while eating mini cheesecakes and quiches. In case you don’t know the reference, that’s a lot of civil war footage. We’re talking hours and hours. It only makes sense that this year, he would opt for new opportunities.

after thoughtful consideration, I decided to take ‘love’, ‘relationships’ and ‘sex’ off my “to do” list for the next twenty to thirty years. That makes it very easy for me to stay home. I mean, if not to look cute and look at others looking cute, what purpose do bars serve?

“So how was it?” I asked.

“Don’t you think it’s kind of crazy to feel pressure to go out? I mean, isn’t it kind of like high school?”

“Exhausting,” he said. “I just don’t know where people get their energy from. I’m ready to go to bed at ten. These people are barely dressed by then.”

“I didn’t go to bars in high school.”

“I hear you, sister.”

“Well…the whole enterprise of trying to find compatible people. The whole attempt to belong. I wonder if it’s a gay thing. I mean, do you know any straight people who, at our age, feel pressure to go to bars?”

I made hot chocolate for us and we sat around my coffee table, like little old ladies, dunking our biscuits into our drinks for easier consumption. “So why are you doing it?” I finally asked him. “Well, ideally I’d like to meet someone I like, someone who’s a bit of a shut-in like me.” “And you think you’ll be able to accomplish this by going out?” I laughed. “Honey, the irony is not lost on me, believe me.” We sat there, munching and sipping, nodding to nothing in particular. “At some point, shut-ins have to go out, right? I mean, even if only to meet other shut-ins.” “I guess so,” I said, skeptical but willing to let Tony believe whatever he wanted. We talked a bit about feeling old. I argued that it’s pretty normal to not want to go to stuff once you start specifically buying probiotic yogurt instead of regular yogurt. Once you start caring more about RRSPs than trendy accessories, it’s okay to stop going to stuff. I’m in a lucky position of not wanting to meet anyone. In fact,

Chad once lived on a diet of hot dairy and marshmallows for seven weeks.

I started thinking of all of my straight friends and everyone who came to mind happened to be seriously committed, with children and on severe budgets due to interest rates and overinflated real estate. Not only do they not go to bars, they barely even leave the house. They don’t buy new clothes or eat at restaurants. In fact, their lives are an awful lot like…mine. I found myself wondering whether my cat and student loans count as dependents. “Straight people can meet other straight people anywhere,” Tony said, “We only have special nights where we can do that.” Suddenly, back in the conversation about gay bars and why we don’t like them but how they’re a necessary evil, it all seemed clear. “Hey,” I said, interrupting Tony, “We have to get another project this winter. How about we do another Ken Burns series?” “Funny you should mention it,” Tony said, “I’ve been thinking about how I haven’t seen Roots yet.” “Roots! Perfect.” And so begins another winter. Mette Bach’s first book, Off The Highway is available from www.newstarbooks.com/OffTheHighway.

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Do you want to have pie, pie, pie, howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about a little cake, cake, cake, we could go and get, bum-bum, ice cream!

jan 2011

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jan 2011

Flowers, custard, children. All things Hellin Bedd eats.

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Talk Nerdy to Me by Mario Pinardi Dedication: I would like to dedicate this column to all of my techie friends who have enlightened my life and who have given me the spark to embrace my inner techie. You are all beautiful and I think I want to do you! Hearing the terms ‘mother board’ or ‘SD slot’ from a strapping young technician makes me want to jump the counter and ride him like a vibrating back massager. I get so horny. And, if you mention ‘optical drive,’ my boy briefs are off! Technology and technology talk is so sexy, and it makes me so messy that I use an entire box of facial tissue (yes, I used the term ‘facial’). Who said that technology couldn’t be sexy, erotic and just plain hot? Before I get into the sex of tech, let’s have a flashback and remember how technology evolved and became such an integral part of our lives. I remember my first Apple computer had a digital black and green screen, and we were limited on what type of floppy disk we could put in (if you are under 35 years old, you will not remember this). Working at this digital nightmare of a device for too long gave you a splitting headache & sore eyes & the Internet did not exist yet. This was when porn was still only in magazine format and had to be bought at an adult bookstore. Then, the Internet came along, and I got a fancy Macintosh in college - I thought I was the shit! My computer was fancy and so petite compared to an IBM P.C., but again it still had limitations. And, yet, I still had to buy porn at an adult bookstore, in Beta

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format - the word ‘beta’ still makes me cringe, because it sounds like an ass blemish. Over the last 15 years, computers and the Internet have evolved rapidly and have become more portable and have had more attention given to design aesthetics. Some of the super sleek, super thin laptops give me a woody just by touching them. And, with portability, we can now masturbate any where in the world - what a juicy revolution! Along with the sexiness of a computer, it is important to note the sexiness of its capabilities. When I was a young, curious 18 year-old, I had no idea that I would eventually be able to get off with a Dane, across the ocean, via video conferencing - I have an international ‘spank bank.’ Our community is the pioneer of cyber love; it is safer than the gay bars and it does not involve a large bar tab either. We were using the Internet to hook up either for coffee or a good poke (not the Facebook kind) before it became trendy, and then the straights fucked it up with eHarmony and Craig’s List. Eventually, we got bolder and created avenues for video chatting when video chatting became new technology. Video chatting is way hot and way exhausting if you do not pay attention to time zone differences (i.e. the Dane I mentioned earlier has a 6 hour difference), plus, you can have an intimate moment and also, fart without audio. And, for the Land of Fetishes, the Internet became a safe place to indulge without being judged. Because of cyberspace, you can share all of your expulsions and secretions with minimal messes, and then turn up the audio for your ‘fartopalooza.’

Hot? For many folks, yes. When I relocated to Columbus permanently, the Internet and my computer became my avenue for expressing myself and for making friends, and it allowed me to be the true introvert that I am (I know, hard to believe). And, with such a “small, but large” gay community here in Central Ohio, my computer and the Internet gave me the opportunity to date and/or to trick without needing to fit in or belong to a sub-group. An additional benefit was that I was spared from any messy boy complications and drama. I like my life to be simplistic and drama-free, as much as possible. I can confidently say that my computer has been the best sex toy that I have ever purchased - it doesn’t require D-cells, it doesn’t require a dishwasher cleansing, and it is always easy to wipe off the “boy juice.” The irony, though, is that I met my Hubby in a bar six years ago because one of my slutty friends left me there to go suck some man meat. Go figure? And, of course, there are side effects to all of this beautiful, sexy technology and this is in the form of cyber bulling, privacy invasion and identity theft. Now, I do not believe there is a need to be paranoid, but there is a need to be careful and understand the consequences of sharing information via cyber space. Understand that when you invite folks in your life either via Internet or physically into your home, you run the risk of having your personal information used illegally. People have been known to use the Internet as a tool for theft - theft of information and theft of personal items. If you are new to the social cyber

Poindexter, I like the cut of your gib.

world, have a seasoned professional help you this is usually your sluttiest friend. They often know what to do in order to protect you, while getting some social interaction or just plain sex. Now, cyber bulling is not something that can be easily prevented, however, it is important to report individuals if you feel you and/or family have been physically threatened, or will be subject to harm. Pretty obvious? Not really. Cyber bullying often goes unpunished and not reported. Remember that you do not have to accept threatening behavior in person or via the Internet; your local authorities can assist in reporting all types of bullying behavior. In our quest for equality, I think we need to take back the cyberspace, too! Technology is our friend and for some of us our BFF. We can shop for house wares, clothes and a piece of ass all in a 24-hour period. We can have intimacy via web cam, and shoot our wad with minimal mess. Hot specimens from all over the world can arouse us, and it doesn’t cost us a plane ticket. Our porn has become even more portable, by accessing it via the Internet on our phones and music devices (just don’t get “cock Kool-Aid” on your phone, it is not covered by your warranty). 15 years ago, none of this would have been real - amazing, isn’t it? So, while you are exploring the vast universe of cyber space, remember to stay a survivor and never be a victim. And, go poke a techie - they are smart, they are creative and they can fix your shit if you have a masturbatory disaster.

jan 2011

EVEN

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jan 2011

Ok, this is a lot of hot men for one page.

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Money, Myths, and Madness by Regina Sewell The post holiday season credit card bills are just starting to arrive. Tangible consequences of last month’s spending frenzy, they hit like a financial hangover. When these bills come in, do you worry about how you’re going to pay them? Is there a critical voice in your head that beats you up for spending so much? Do you feel helpless and overwhelmed by mounting debt and hopeless about the possibility of ever repaying it? Do you avoid balancing your checkbook or thinking about your long-term financial future? Do you and your partner end up fighting every time you try to talk about money? Do you feel trapped in a job that sucks your life away because you think you have to do the job to survive? Are you so caught up working, scheming and chasing after money that you don’t have time to relax, spend time with friends and family, or do the things you truly love to do? Have you given up on your life dream because you doubt that you’d ever be able to afford it?

(i.e. about your mom and dad making Christmas gifts for everyone because they were struggling to make ends meet or your uncle Mac having to declare bankruptcy in the 1980’s when the markets crashed)? Were these stories told with an air of approval or disapproval? • What are all the one-sentence lessons you learned about money (i.e. “money doesn’t grow on trees,” “a bird in hand is worth two in the bush,” “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” and so on)? Which of these messages do you believe? Which do you reject?

Take a moment to reflect on your answers. Do they suggest a sense that money is abundant so that you feel secure that you’ll always have what you need or the sense that money is scarce so that you worry that you will never have what you need? Do they give you the sense that money will come easily to you or with the sense that you will never be able to make enough money? Do your family stories suggest that If you said yes to these questions, it’s time to start if only you could make enough money, everything looking at your beliefs about work and money. This is would be fine or that money doesn’t buy happiness? the only way to get out of the spending and working Do you get the sense that money equals power, poppatterns that leave you feeling anxious, frustrated, ularity or love? Do you get the sense that money is dissatisfied and disconnected. The following exertainted, only comes through some sort of corruption cises will help you explore the beliefs that keep you or stealing or is the root of all evil? Do the messages mired down and will also help you connect with your and stories you got about money leave you feeling life dreams and put a game plan together to live feel calm and empowered around money or hopeless them. and powerless around money? We develop our beliefs about money from the messages, lessons and stories we heard about money during childhood. Your answers to the following questions will help you understand more about your relationship with money. Take time to think about them and record your responses in a notebook or journal that you can return to later.

Next, take a few moments to list any painful or potentially risky consequences that your approach to work, money and spending have had on your life. You may have no time to enjoy life or spend time with the people you care about because you spend so many hours working either to subsidize your spending habits or because no matter how much money you make, it’s never enough. You may put off • What are your five earliest memories of going to the dentist, seeing a doctor, or getting your money? eyes examined because you don’t think you can af• When and how did money first enter your re- ford it. You may lay awake at night worrying about lationship with your mother? With your father? how to pay the bills. You may fret about every penny • What did your mother have to say about you spend. You may avoid picking up the phone for money? Your father? fear that it’s a creditor calling to collect their due. • What are your family stories about money You may feel bitter, frustrated, or hopeless because

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you never seem to have the time or money you need to pursue your dreams.

fear. The exercises above should help you get grounded enough to explore these messages with an even more critical eye. Now is as good a time as any You don’t have to live this way. The first step toto reframe or let go of those messages that led you wards changing your relationship with money is to into financial trouble or disconnected you from your acknowledge what that relationship is like. It’s likely deeper dreams. If you screen your phone calls to that the squirrel in your brain is trying to get you to avoid collections agencies and sweat bullets until bolt. Maybe it’s telling you that you’ll feel better if the rent check clears, are you willing to reconsider you eat or something - perhaps a bowl of ice cream, your belief that shopping makes you feel better? If a bar of chocolate, a bag of chips, or a double bacon you can’t afford health care, medical expenses or cheeseburger. Or maybe the squirrel in your brain is trips to the dentist, are you willing to reconsider your trying to talk you into a taking a shot of scotch or belief that getting a job means that you failed? If sipping a glass of wine, chugging a beer or smoking your partner is ready to walk out the door because all a joint. Or maybe you feel an overwhelming urge to you do is work, are you willing to examine your belief go shopping, watch TV, play a video game or find that you can never have enough money? another exit route. Before you bolt, take a moment to breathe into your body. Notice what’s happening in Sorting through your beliefs about money is just the there. Are you clenching your gut, grinding your teeth first step towards getting out of the money trap. The or tensing your muscles? Does your neck feel like it’s next step is to explore your dreams. What is it that going to snap? Do you feel nauseous? you really want to do with your life? Maybe you want to get your pilot’s license. Maybe you want to start What’s happening in your emotional body? Do you your own freelance photography business. Maybe feel anger, anxiety, shame, fear, dread, sorrow you want to take time off to protect sea turtles durand/or guilt? ing their egg laying and hatching season. Maybe you want to adopt a child. Whatever it is, let yourself Whatever uncomfortable urges, sensations and dream and dream big. Write them down, no matter emotions you feel are also linked to your deep seated how far-fetched they seem. Then read over your list beliefs about money. Sit with them and just watch and sort out the dreams that really call to you. These them play out in your mind as you breathe for a few are the dreams you should focus on. moments. See if you can trace them back to the belief or story that lies beneath. The third step is to map out how you will pay off your debt, downsize your expenses and take steps toAs you go through this process, be gentle with your- wards living your dreams. There are plenty of books self. The discomfort you feel is not the whole story, out there that can help. Better yet, hire a financial not even in this moment. Scan your body again. Are advisor to help you create a budget and a financial there any parts of your body that feel comfortable, plan. soft, relaxed or good? What happens to the rest of your body when you focus on these more happy *Based on Seven Stages of Money Maturity (George spots? Can you let these more pleasant sensations Kinder). spread with every breath? The key here is that in order to change your working and spending patterns, you have to experience what happens in your body and mind when you explore them. Part of the reason you’ve remained stuck for so long is that you’ve either slipped into denial when you’ve thought about money or you’ve gotten lost in

Getting piggy means something different for most of us.

Regina Sewell is a mental health counselor. To ask a question, propose a column topic, read about her approach to counseling, or check out her books and other writing, go to: www.ReginaSewell.com. Her most recent publication, Sliding Away can be found in Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex and Work in Our 40s, edited by Molly Rosen.

jan 2011

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Where’s Gay Media Today? by Phillecia Cochran When first discussing what I was going to write for the January issue of outlook - anything and everything related to gay media - I was excited. My dear boss Chris Hayes and I talked about things that should or shouldn’t be in the article and after a few brief minutes, our white board in the office was covered in... well, anything and everything related to gay media. And after making myself think I could talk to Rachel Maddow, I started to become overwhelmed. Very overwhelmed. And with that feeling, I started doing what I do best: procrastinating. Every time I sat down in front of my baby, I stared at the screen and thought, “I should really be working on my article right now.” Time passed, and after a dozen Facebook refreshes, reading a half dozen or so Advocate articles and catching up on my celebrity gossip (thanks, DListed.com), I realized I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be writing about - using social media, reading gay news, and reading blogs (side note: DListed is not a gay blog, but is run by a gay man...so that counts, right?). Gay or straight and anything beyond that or in between, we all use media and technology. And oftentimes, we eat it up. I remember I couldn’t wait to start college because in 2006 you still needed a college or university email address to sign up for a Facebook account. A mere four years later, and my mom and grandma both have one. And even on my way to work one morning, I heard a commercial on the radio tell me to, “Visit us at facebook.com/Chevrolet.” Not exactly something I would have anticipated hearing back in ’06. Today, it’s the norm. This is about so much more than social media, however. This is about media, technology - everything we use or come into contact with in our day-to-day lives. Today, things are a far cry from where we were even five years ago. We were an iPhone-less people back then! What I want to know is how things have shifted. Newspapers (gay and not so gay) have shut down right and left. Before I was even born people were reading The Washington Blade, the nation’s oldest gay newspaper. But in 1969 when The Washington Blade was founded, you couldn’t exactly tune in to your favorite gay radio station. Or watch The L Word. Or Queer as Folk. You boys, first of all couldn’t pull out your phone, much less use your Grindr app to find your next play date. You couldn’t do any of this stuff in 1969, the 70s, the 80s... not even the 90s, really. Gay media blew up in the 2000s and it’s still going strong. Television

it was with a wink and nudge. Oftentimes the only way a gay character was involved was when a plot line made it relevant, never because anyone would just want to show a normal gay person living their life. Way back in 1971, “All in the Family” became the first television program to acknowledge the sexual orientation of a gay character. After that? Not a whole lot. The 90s weren’t much to celebrate in terms of gay representation either, but it was better. In 1991, “LA Law” gave TV its first lesbian kiss. In 1996, “Friends” saw Ross’ exwife marry her partner in TV’s first lesbian wedding. Pedro from MTV’s “The Real World” was openly gay and not afraid to talk about his HIV-positive status. Though the biggest milestones in terms of series didn’t come until later: “Ellen” and “Will & Grace.” Gay representation in media in the 2000s has far superseded the 90s. The number of shows that feature gay characters, and shows that are about gay characters is staggering. And on top of that, it’s more than sitcoms and dramas. It’s also talk shows, reality shows, documentaries, and everything in between. Showtime staples like “Queer as Folk” and “The L Word,” not only did well in ratings, but showed many, if not all, facets of gay and lesbian life. Reality competition programs had gay contestants and gay winners. Other reality shows showed successful gay individuals in their dayto-day lives, like Jackie Warner from Bravo’s “Work Out” and “Thintervention.” Gay networks have even popped up in this last decade. Logo, Q, and Here! all started in the 2000s, while older channels like Sundance and Bravo have recently started catering some shows to the gay community. WGAY-TV in Key West, Florida became known for being the first free station in the United States to solely show gay programming. What does any of this mean? This growing trend wouldn’t be happening if there weren’t a viewership that was consuming it. Logo, the most successful gay television network to date, has its core demographic within the LGBT community and they know it. Just over half of Logo’s viewership comes from the 35-54 age group with 55% of their viewers being female. Of their viewers, 40% have attended college, 55% own their home as opposed to rent and 43% make more than $75,000 a year. Logo has a very specific and loyal viewership within their already loyal demographic. This extends to their collection of LGBT online websites (collectively referred to as LogoOnline). They are number one in LGBT online content and unique users and number one with LGBT women, news and the 18-34 age range. All of this has come to fruition since Logo’s inception just within the last decade. Logo alone can be a testament to the expansion of gay media that we see everyday.

Pre-90s, gay representation on television was abysmal. Gay characters were rarely present, but when they were

jan 2011

If you’re a gay writer, journalist, or media personality, be sure to join the National Gay and Lesbian Journalist’s Association at NLGJA.org

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who you know. Who do you know?

jan 2011

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U 11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 7:00 PM Karaoke 8:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall St 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U 11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 7:00 PM Karaoke 8:00 PM Latin Dance Night @ Wall St 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U 11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 7:00 PM Karaoke 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U 7:00 PM Karaoke 8:00 PM Latin Dance Night @ Wall St 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

26 11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U 11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 7:00 PM Karaoke 8:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

KWANZAA

Sunday

Bars-Clubs

Networking

Special Events

US Holidays

and 2 more…

… Karaoke 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Monday Night Football @ 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level

and 2 more…

and 4 more…

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

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

and 2 more…

… Karaoke 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 8:00 PM Monday Night Football @ 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level

and 2 more…

… Karaoke 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ U 8:00 PM Monday Night Football @ 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ Havana 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level

and 2 more…

Monday

January 2011

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9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ Club D 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Glee & Family Fued @ Score 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ Club D 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Glee & Family Fued @ Score 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ Club D 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Glee & Family Fued @ Score 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ Club D 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Glee & Family Fued @ Score 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

Tuesday

and 2 more…

… Glee & Family Fued @ Score 12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 5:00 PM Prime Timers "Boys Night Out" 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 7:00 PM Trivia & Karaoke @ Score

Groundhog Day

… Glee & Family Fued @ Score 12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 5:00 PM Prime Timers "Boys Night Out" 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 7:00 PM Trivia & Karaoke @ Score 9:30 PM Karaoke Bingo @ Exile 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall St

… Glee & Family Fued @ Score 12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 5:00 PM Prime Timers "Boys Night Out" 6:00 PM Network Columbus 7:00 PM Trivia & Karaoke @ Score 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 9:30 PM Karaoke Bingo @ Exile 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall St

Wednesday

4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D 10:00 PM Trafik Jam @ Trafik 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score

4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score 10:00 PM Trafik Jam @ Trafik

4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score 10:00 PM Trafik Jam @ Trafik

4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 7:30 PM Holiday Hoopla @ Shadowbox 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Martini Park 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ 10:00 PM Karaoke @ Score 10:00 PM Trafik Jam @ Trafik

Thursday

F 4

S 5 9 10 11 12

… Karaoke @ Score 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 7:00 PM First Friday @ Wall St 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Fierce Tease @ Axis

… Karaoke @ Score 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

… Karaoke @ Score 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Fierce Tease @ Axis

… Karaoke @ Score 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

… Karaoke @ Score 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 7:00 PM First Friday @ Wall St 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM DJ Fierce Tease @ Axis 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

and 3 more…

… Karaoke @ Score 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 5:00 PM First Night Columbus @ 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 8:00 PM Champagne Toast @ Level 9:00 PM When the Ball Drops @ Wall St 9:00 PM NYE Exile Style @ Exile

New Year's Day (observed)

Friday

30 31

Page 1/1

8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 8:30 PM Best Ass Contest @ Exile 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis

8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St

Chris Hayes's Birthday

9:00 AM BNI Group One-to-Ones @ Panera Bread (Bethel) 8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St

10:00 AM Columbus Museum of Art Opening 8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 8:30 PM Best Ass Contest @ Exile 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

New Year's Day

Saturday

27 28

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

T W

February 2011 S M

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

26 27 28 29 30 31

9 10 11

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

T W

January 2011 S M

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

T W

December 2010 S M

11:00 AM Brunch & Showtunes @ U 11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 7:00 PM Karaoke 9:30 PM Strippers @ Score 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Havana 11:00 PM Strippers @ Tradewinds II

KWANZAA

Sunday

Bars-Clubs

Networking

Special Events

US Holidays

and 2 more…

and 4 more…

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

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

and 2 more…

Monday

January 2011

24-25 calendar inside_Calendar 12/22/10 6:18 PM Page 1

Tuesday

and 2 more…

Groundhog Day

Wednesday

Thursday

… Karaoke @ Score 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

… Karaoke @ Score 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Fierce Tease @ Axis

… Karaoke @ Score 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Havana 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

and 3 more…

New Year's Day (observed)

Friday

30 31

F 4

S 5 9 10 11 12

Saturday

27 28

Page 1/1

8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 8:30 PM Best Ass Contest @ Exile 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis

8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St

Chris Hayes's Birthday

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

T W

February 2011 S M

New Year's Day

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

9 10 11

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

26 27 28 29 30 31

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

T W

January 2011 S M

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

T W

December 2010 S M

26-23_OLW_24in_ODD_ 12/22/10 6:31 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 THE TOP Pinnacle Night @ Club Diversity, 863 S High St, 614.224.4050, clubdiversity.com: Mmmm whipped cream. $3-$6 Pinnacle vodka specials all nite, as well as, $2 Bud Light & Miller Lite bottle or $5 draft pint or pitchers(until 9p). 4p; free.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 SKI CABINS ARE THE NUMBER TWO CRUISING SPOT, AFTER BERLINER PARK Network Columbus @ Aspen Ski and Board, 1175 Old Henderson Rd, www.networkcolumbus.com: Join the members of Network Columbus, central Ohio’s progressive GLBT networking group, for a networking event and speakers concerning 2011 Gay Ski Weekends. 6p; free.

www.scorebarcolumbus.com: $3 Skyy Vodka. Cheap date.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16 WHAT’S ALL THAT RACKET? STOMP @ The Palace Theatre, 34 W Broad St, 614.469.9850: Trash cans = art. 7p; $39-$69.

meet celebrities, bid on items in the silent auction, enter the 50/50 raffle and more, all benefiting Easter Seals! Concerts by Grand Funk Railroad, McGuffey Lane, The Brave Youngsters, and Oblivion Fire. Doors open at 5:30p; $25+.

MONDAY, JANUARY 17 MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY Open House @ The King Arts THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 Complex Theatre, 867 Mount CHILDREN ARE TOMORROW’S OIL Vernon Ave, 614.645.KING Just Kids @ The Columbus Per- (5464), www.thekingartscomforming Arts Center, 549 plex.com: Featuring choral and Franklin Ave, dance performances and a 1p www.avltheatre.com: Written address by Ohio State Univerand performed by Sean sity football legend Archie GrifChristopher Lewis, the same fin. 12p-4p; free. man who devised the acclaimed Killadelphia, returns to TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 Available Light Theatre with a NOT A TRIP TO THE ANDERSONS new show. After spending time The Magnificent Ambersons @ Wexner Center, 1871 N. High teaching mentally-troubled youth, Sean is confronted with St., 614.292.3535, unsolved issues left by his es- www.wexarts.org: While his tranged father. Through Jan 22. debut Citizen Kane is usually ranked as the greatest film of 8p; PAY WHAT YOU WANT. all time, Welles’s second film, The Magnificent Ambersons FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 (made when he was all of 27VIVA LA THEATRE! Cinema Latino @ Wexner Cen- years-old), remains one of the ter, 1871 N. High St., most strikingly beautiful and 614.292.3535, technically innovative films to www.wexarts.org. The evening ever come out of Hollywood. 7p; begins with this year’s Camera $5-$7. d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Leap Year. Stay for The WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19 Ship of Monsters, a comical GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INNER JAStale of female aliens from MINE Venus hunting men. The Ship Disney On Ice Princess Clasof Monsters has it all - surreal sics @ Nationwide Arena, 200 rubber-suited monsters galore, W Nationwide Blvd, blood-sucking space beauties 614.246.2000, www.ticketmasin swimsuits, and a robot in ter.com: It’s like a drag show at love with a jukebox. Beam me Union, only a little more kidup! 7p, $5-$7. friendly. The show runs multiple days, but head in today and SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 you’ll get an opening night disMONDAY, JANUARY 10 HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINGER! count. 7p; $17.35- $50.05. IRISH IS AS IRISH DOES Outlook Co-Publisher Chris Happy Hour @ Cavans, 1409 S Hayes Turns 38 @ various lo- THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 Drink It In @ Wexner Center, High St, 614.725.5502, cacations... 1871 N. High St., vanirishpub.com: Drink like the 614.292.3535, Irish. $1.50 domestic, $1 PBR NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH ‘GRAND www.wexarts.org: How exactly draft, $3 16oz draft, $4 20oz FUNK RAILROADING’ do you pair wine with contemdraft, $2 well drinks and $3 Grand Funk Railroad @ Vets call drinks. 2p-8p; free. Memorial Center, 300 W Broad porary art? Find out by taking an in-depth, engaging exploSt, 614.221.4341, TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 www.fcvm.com: Join us for an ration of Six Solos then join I LOVE VODKA evening of great entertainment Donnie Austin, owner of House Wine in Worthington, for a tastSkyy Night @ Score Bar, 145 N at the Easter Seals Holiday ing of six wines, each chosen to 5th St, 614.849.0099, Party. Listen to great bands,

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 BALLROOM AND MAYBE A LITTLE VIENNESE WALTZ TOO? @ Stonewall Columbus Center on High, 1160 N High St, 614.299.7764, www.stonewallcolumbus.org: A new 6-week Ballroom class will begin with both beginner and intermediate classes available. You may register and pay at the first class with cash or check or pay online. 6:30p (beginner), 7:30p (intermediate); $30 per person, $50 per couple.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 SUNDAY, JANUARY 2 NOT PORNOGRAPHY, THOUGH THE FLESH & BLONDES NAME COULD BE A FALCON TITLE Strippers @ Exile, 893 N 4th Russian Masters #1 @ The St, 614.299.0069, exilebar.com: Ohio Theater, 39 E State St, Start off the new year nakedly. 614.469.0939, www.capa.com: 10p; free. The Columbus Symphony presents the first installment of this MONDAY, JANUARY 3 sweeping survey of Russian SPEAK EASY composers. Nothing screams Artists Talk: George Rush @ ‘January’ like Mother Russia. Wexner Center, 1871 N. High Runs through January 8. 8p; St., 614.292.3535, $18-$64. www.wexarts.org: George Rush, a new assistant professor in SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 the painting and drawing pro- PANTS DOWN gram of Ohio State’s DepartCaught in the Act...Again! @ ment of Art, talks about his The Columbus Performing Arts recent work. Rush previously Center, 549 Franklin Ave., taught at Yale School of Art, 614.645.7469: An evening of Vassar College, Rhode Island short plays conceived, written, School of Design, Columbia and performed within 48 hours. University, and the University of More than three dozen theatre Tennessee and was a 2004 artists will gather from around New York Foundation for the the country - scripts will be Arts Fellow in painting. 4p; free. written overnight and the top plays will be selected and TUESDAY, JANUARY 4 staged in the culmination of AW, DISHIN’ THE GOODS! this exciting weekend! $12-15. Columbus Symphony Chorus Auditions @ The Ohio Theater, SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 39 E State St, 614.469.0939, SING ME A SONG PIANOMAN www.columbussymphony.com: Seth Gibson & Co @ Wall Auditions will be held for vocal- Street, 144 N High St, ists to participate in the Sym- 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetphony’s performances of Verdi’s nightclub.com: Come check out Requiem. Anyone interested the talent of this pianist/vocalshould go to the website and ist. If you like it get drunk, if you click “auditions” for details. don’t, get drunk. 6p-9p; $4.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1 CMA! Cover Your Shame! Grand Opening @ Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St, 614.221.6801, www.columbusmuseum.org: All those ribbons and curtains come down, and we finally get to see our beloved art museum naked again. Hot times. Speaking of hot times, they’re serving hot cocoa at this community celebration. Free hot, chocolately deliciousness on a Saturday morning? Boom, I’m there. 10a-5:30p; free.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 JUST PICTURE THEM WITH LESS PANT Dark Star Orchestra @ Newport Music Hall, 1722 N High St, 614.294.1659, www.promowestlive.com: It’s like seeing Pink Floyd, only not quite. 8p; $28.25.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 I Once Met a Long Long. I was Disappointed. Lang Lang @ The Ohio Theater, 39 E State St, 614.469.0939, www.capa.com: Picture the typical piano prodigy. On steroids and tequila. Now try and tell me that doesn’t sound like a good time. 8p; $35 - $95.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 NO, IT’S NOT MADONNA RAIN @ The Palace Theatre, 34 W Broad St, 614.469.9850: RAIN, the acclaimed Beatles concert, returns by popular demand! They look like them and they sound just like them. 7:30p; $27-$57.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 STEP 3: MAKE HER OPEN THE BOX 5th Annual Ginger’s Mystery Box @ Wall Street Nightclub, SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 144 N Wall St, 614.464.2800, THERE WILL BE VODKA Arkadiy Gips and Friends – www.wallstreetnightclub.com: Russian Romance @ The Burlesque in one hand, a good Bluestone, 583 E Broad St, cause in the other...put your www.citymusiccolumbus.com: hands together. Come see the And you thought we were kidhottest burlesque show around ding about Mother Russia. Do and help support the Equality be sure to appease her by atOhio Education Fund in the tending at least one of the mu- process. There will also be sical tributes to her this month. thousands in prizes, raffle bas2p; $23. 7p. $5-7. kets, a photo booth, caricatures, sweets from Pattycake MONDAY, JANUARY 24 Bakery and more! Tickets are NATIONAL ‘SCREW IT’ DAY available at Wall Street, Wholly Give up on your New Year’s Craft!, and online. $5 presale, Resolutions! @ Everywhere: $7 day of, $40 table; Doors 8p, Okay, you made a good show of Show 9p. it. You bought a gym membership, you spent a single day with the family, and you even SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 brushed your teeth every now AMERICA’S GOT TALENT… SORT OF and again. Now quietly drop the Karaoke Nite @ Level Dining act so no one notices, and stop Lounge, 700 N High St, beating yourself up over failure. 614.754.1342, www.levelAll day; free. columbus.com: Drink $12 Long Island pitchers till you think you TUESDAY, JANUARY 25 sound good, then sing. 10p; SING… SING A SONG… free. Karaoke @ Traffik Bar & Nightclub, 205 N. Fifth St, MONDAY, JANUARY 31 614.222.2401, GO GET LAID facebook.com/pages/TrafikSexin’ @ Club Columbus, 795 Bar-Nightclub: Request some- W 5th Ave, 614.291.0049, thething, then get up and sing it. clubs.com: It’s cold out, what Try not to suck. 10p; free. else you going to do? $12-$30.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22 WHITE OUT White Material @ Wexner Center, 1871 N. High St., 614.292.3535, www.wexarts.org: White Material, a complex depiction of a troubled continent, sees Claire Denis, one of the most significant filmmakers working today, team up with one of cinema’s greatest actresses: Isabelle Huppert.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 Ah 1812… When Canada Brought America to its Knees Russian Masters #2 @ The Ohio Theater, 39 E State St, 614.469.0939, www.capa.com: The continuation of CSO’s series on Russian composers. The subject this time? The 1812 Overture. You know the one, it’s the soundtrack that every orgy that should be set to. Runs through January 22. 8p; $18 $64.

“pair” with one of the exhibitions. Advance registration is required. 7p; $10-12.

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

out

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outlookcolumbus.com

That dumpster ad makes me laugh every time.

jan 2011

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Internet / Technology

Earlier this year, the leaders of five major magazine companies released an ad campaign declaring, “We surf the Internet. We swim in magazines,” – one of our firm beliefs over at Outlook Media, Inc. With the Internet, people often assume or are made aware of the misconception that print media is dead. It’s not. In fact, magazine readership has grown steadily over the last five years. People once thought that movies killed radio, but it didn’t. And the Internet won’t kill print.

The Internet, without a doubt, has changed the way gay people get their information. Not only are there gay-only news sources available, but there are websites devoted solely to aspects of gay life and living. Though if there were one thing I would totally be remiss for not mentioning, it’s blogs. The number of gay blogs available for whatever aspect you’re looking for is endless. There is a blog for everything whether it’s Autostraddle for news, fashion, culture and everything in between, or Fit For A Femme, a fashion blog specifically for the feminine lesbian. But a gay blog doesn’t Many gay magazines and newspapers, whose humble beautomatically mean success. I recently had the opportunity ginnings occurred many decades ago, are still going strong. to speak with Riese Bernard, the CEO and Editor-In-Chief of While the scope of publications is too vast for one article, the successful lesbian blog Autostraddle. Riese told me that there are some major points to be made. The term “print Autostraddle’s success didn’t happen overnight. “We were media” is a widely encompassing term. It can refer to news- lucky to snag 3,000 hits a day, now we’re upset to ever dip magazine The Advocate, which began more than 40 years below 40,000. And our monthly unique visitors has inago, and has both a thriving print edition, as well as, online creased tenfold.” She also told me that overcoming obstacontent. It can also refer to newspaper, The Washington cles is 75% of the work. Sometimes 85%. Blade, which is not only the nation’s oldest LGBT paper, but While blogs are becoming (or already are) a prevalent source also bounced back after being closed down in 2009. And it for gays to get their information, it’s hard to judge just how can even refer to something in between, like your very own concrete that is. According to Riese, “Only 30% of blogoutlook, Columbus’s 15-year-old community periodical that readers will ever EVER in their entire lifetime comment. So has morphed from a newspaper to a tabloid alternative we have a perspective of our demographic based on comweekly, to a political magazette (a term we just made up to menters, which isn’t a good gauge really, since young people try and describe our magazine that’s half printed on comment more. Based on that it’d seem we’ve got a solid newsprint). chunk of 16-30-year-old girls. A lot of college kids. Some boys, too!” But if there’s any sign of sustainability in the gay media, you can find some of it over at The Advocate. Joe Landry, Senior As I mentioned earlier, a mere three years ago, we could Vice President and Group Publisher for Here Media, the par- barely read those blogs on our phones and we certainly ent company of The Advocate, explained their products’ didn’t have iPhones. Not only do we have them, and a host growth. “The first issue [when it began in 1967] had a print of a million other Android-y things, but we have apps (you run of 250 copies and sold out at $.25 per copy at gay bars know, short for “applications”) to go along with them. It’s in LA. We now have a guaranteed rate base of 100,000 na- how I was able to kill hours on end for no good reason this tionwide.” Their digital products have also grown and at a summer – the Tetris app. much quicker rate. “Our digital growth has been phenomenal. We are up to over 700,000 unique visitors a month, The LGBT community is a huge collective electronics conwhich has doubled over the past year and a half. Our print sumer. So with all those iPhones and iPod Touches it was incirculation was 100,000 in 2010 and will remain steady in evitable – gay apps. And there are lots. A quick search for 2011.” “gay” in the iTunes App Store yielded dozens of results. Just to name a few: Grindr, Hanky Codes, iDate Gay, Gay News, Radio Gay Kama Sutra and HRC’s Buying for Equality. Of the topics to be explored here, the one I was most put off by was radio. After trying to do some research, I found that excluding a few stations and ideas here and there, gay radio barely ever existed. Most of what I found was a random radio station in Australia, or maybe one in France, possibly another one in Denmark. But the United States? Those are rough waters. One of the staples I did find, however, was Proud FM. Proud FM is Toronto’s radio station geared specifically toward an LGBT audience. More than that, it’s the world’s first commercially driven LGBT radio station. All others have been funded by non-profit organizations. Despite the lack of an LGBT radio presence, Sirius satellite radio, which of course has the added benefit of reaching a much larger audience than local radio, is the proud home of OutQ. OutQ, Sirius’ gay radio channel, doesn’t have flashy techno beats behind Cher’s voice (which is what you’ll find when you Google “gay radio.” Trust me.). OutQ hosts a plethora of shows for the gay community. Shows range from call-in, music, entertainment, news - even a parenting show for gay mommas and poppas.

Another one of those popular apps, though not marketed specifically for gay people, is the Savage Love app. This app is the newborn baby of the Savage Love family, which includes the Savage Love column (for print and online) and the Savage Love podcast. Dan Savage, the brain behind this gay media empire also started the “It Gets Better” project a video project that gives a way for anyone and everyone to get the word out to gay youth that if times are bad now, it gets better. While some of the videos have gone understated, others have gone viral like the video from Fort Worth, Texas City Councilman Joel Burns. And countless others from all over have submitted videos for the project including countless celebrities as well as the Department of Justice and President Barack Obama.

It suffices to say that gay media is not dead. It is alive and well, and while it may be nearly impossible to pinpoint exactly why it is that some gay media is faring better than others, Here Media’s Joe Landry did a pretty good job summing up the role gay-specific media plays in how the LGBT community gets their information. “It’s essential that we continue to have media written from our own perspective. As So don’t fret. Just because you don’t live on the opposite side other mainstream media vehicles have increased their LGBT of the world doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little gaydio from content, there is nothing like reading about ‘us’ by ‘us time to time.

jan 2011

Don’t drink with the ProudFM boys. Candadians are a hearty, sturdy people

outlookcolumbus.com

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outlookcolumbus.com

His pride looks like it shows even if he doesn’t want it to…

jan 2011

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feature

The Kindle Killer: PRINT PUBLISHING by Mackenzie Worrall Before I’m even out of the car, Lori shouts at me “You made it.” For the next two hours, I scribble furiously feeling dejected each time I use an adverb after she and I vented about them. Lori Gum, is co-founder of Periodisa Publishing (with James Harris). The company was originally conceived as a music production firm, and at one meeting Lori confessed that she didn’t want to do that anymore. She says that James asked her “If you don’t want to do this, what do you want to do?” Lori wanted to be a publisher. And, it turns out, James wanted to be a literary agent. With that out of the way, they did the first thing all good publishing companies do: find a wine guy (and what a fine wine they had!). The next? Make waves in central Ohio. “The coasts are petrified creatively,” Lori said. “There are much more interesting things happening here.” When people think of publishing, romantic images of New York and the bohemian lifestyle come to mind. But the contents of American novels bring to mind dirt roads and people lounging on wooden fences. While the money lies East or West, there is something inherently Midwestern about the writing aesthetic. “You can go all over the place and find it’s really happening here.” As class divides are growing deeper, it has become impossible to be a poor artist in New York City anymore. Starving artists work four jobs and are still, appropriately, starving. With a lower rent, the draw of Ohio’s colleges, and innovative venues like the Wexner Center, Columbus is becoming the new bohemia. And Lori thinks Chuck Helm “should get a medal” for the work he’s done to make this an artist’s town. Periodisa’s goal is to also make this a writer’s town in five years. They’re going to create not only writers, but readers. “If people are reading and writing, it’s a better world,” Lori says. The publishing revolution begins with readers. There is tremendous power in putting your money where your mouth is. If you buy local and support this company, which is drastically changing the way publishing works,

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then the consumer will have spoken. The corporate publishing companies know America’s vice: convenience. We don’t want to take a chance on a book, or a movie, or a restaurant that we don’t already know is worthwhile. People have to be talking about it, it must be all the rage, and we simply must have it now. In this country, we work harder and longer than most other people in the world. It’s exhausting to search out worthwhile culture on our own. There are two ways to convenience your audience: 1. Don’t ask them to try something new, tell them what’s good. 2. Don’t ask them to make time for you, make time for them.

coup is right for publishing now. Lori and James give personal feedback and notes on every manuscript they receive. A grueling schedule, but they believe that anyone who’s spent six or seven years on a novel deserves more than just a form letter in return. And further down the road, Periodisa offers a 50/50 profit split from all sales of a book – an author’s dream compared to the industry standard 5%. “We are in this together, and they’ve done the hard work.” They are taking no shortcuts for themselves, and expect both the authors and readers they are creating to take no shortcuts, either. (Though, that being said, Lori believes in accessibility, and also offers digital and audio copies.)

That’s where the Kindle comes in. Bigger than our class divides, there is a new rift growing in the population: a cultural divide. There is a culture of globalization and convenience, and then a culture of buying local – buying from people you know. Periodisa doesn’t yet have the marketing power to tell us what’s good, but Lori does believe that readers will always make time for books. Why? Books are for readers, the Kindle is for gadget lovers. “I do not own a Kindle – well I don’t own a TV or a microwave either,” she says. They’re all solitary activities (watching TV alone after work, eating alone), and Lori is a community kind of woman. “Let’s see who’s really reading the books.” What digital doesn’t allow you to do with a novel, is to give it away. One of the greatest joys of reading is to give a favorite book to a friend. In a single act, you are telling someone what’s good and worthwhile, sharing something great, and sharing the part of yourself that loves that book. It is a telling moment. Lori and James aren’t giving us just one book, they’re giving Columbus their library.

If you are a hardworking writer, Periodisa wants to give voice to the creative spirits that have had no voice before. Whether that be the writers of Columbus, previously without an outlet, or the margins of society. Lori is actively seeking LGBT writers, especially trans voices. As with all of their writers, she wants an interesting experience with quality writing. But even if you are not a novelist, Filigree, Periodisa’s bi-monthly journal of short-to-mid-length writings launches in February. What does that mean? “I’ll print a recipe if it rocks my world,” Lori answers. Filigree will also feature one local artist each month, who will do the cover and a spread in the middle. Finally, in the spirit of being a community resource, they are donating advertising space to five non-profits each issue. This is something that you can keep next to your reading chair. Even Lori recognizes a need for convenience, sometimes. With all that she reads, consumes, writes, speaks, gives feedback on, and publishes, it’s amazing to me that Lori has time for anything other than the written language. At one point, she apologized for talking so much during our interview. But what came out was an insightful glimpse into her personality, and Periodisa’s future. “I am not a woman of few words.”

The literary revolution is just as hot in the back of house. The publishing industry is at a point where the music industry was twenty years ago; they are greedy – many even dropping their ‘new writers’ lines. Technology democratized music by cutting out the middleman. The Internet brought music directly to the people, it allowed the populous to choose what they liked, allowing underground and indie bands to flourish by reaching a wider audience. The same kind of

Periodisa Publishing was founded by Lori Gum and James Harris. They can be reached at info@periodisa.com, or on Facebook. But their website is pretty darn amazing, so check that out first at www.periodisa.com. Lori also runs a rock camp with Suzi Simpson and was this year’s Pride vendor liaison.

Beard and fro, beard and fro. These Kindle Killers have beard and fro.

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Go see the remodeled Columbus Museum of Art –it’s LOVERLY!

jan 2011

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jan 2011

Outlook is very proud to be partnering with Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who. Look for the book in 2011!

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The Ohio Statehouse celebrates its Sesquicentennial - 1861 to 2011 by Gregg Dodd

the new capital city.

The Ohio Statehouse The people of Ohio will celebrate the sesquicentennial of Ohio’s Capitol Building throughout 2011. Completed in 1861, the Ohio Statehouse has served as the heart of Ohio democracy for the last 150 years. Throughout the state, the Ohio Statehouse stands as a symbol of the legislative and executive branches of state government, and the people of Ohio.

Under Construction The Statehouse Act of 1838 resulted in several design submissions for a new Statehouse. However, the commission selected three and advised the legislature that any one of the designs were acceptable. The three winning plans were similar, with balanced wings containing the legislative chambers, porticos and domes.

Before Columbus and a New Statehouse The town of Chillicothe served as Ohio’s first capital city from 1803 to 1809 before the Ohio Legislature moved the capital to Zanesville. In 1812, Chillicothe was once again chosen to serve as the capital.

The legislature began construction of the Statehouse based on a composite design incorporating the best features of all three of the winners. The architects looked for inspiration to the architecture of ancient Greek city-states, the first democratic societies in the western world, and based the Ohio Statehouse on the design of ancient Greek temples.

The legislature quickly decided that the permanent capital should be centrally located. In 1816, a 10-acre parcel of land in the Franklinton area on the west side of the Scioto River was selected as the site for the new capital. The land was donated by John Kerr, Lyne Starling, John Johnston and Alexander McLaughlin, four prominent landholders. A small brick building was constructed at the corner of State and High Streets and served as Columbus’ first Statehouse. By the 1830s, discussions began to construct a new Statehouse to serve the growing population of the new state. Early Ohioans wanted a new Capitol building to serve as a symbol of the state’s democratic form of government. The legislature created the Statehouse Act of 1838, creating a commission to conduct a competition to select a design for a new building to be built on the massive 10-acre public square in the heart of

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Construction on the new building actively began on July 4, 1839 with the ceremonial laying of the cornerstone. Prison labor from the Ohio Penitentiary was used to construct the foundation and ground floors of the building. Objections from skilled tradesman, who felt they were losing out on good-paying jobs, brought about changes in hiring practices for the remainder of the construction. During the course of the Statehouse’s construction, 22 years would pass, but it would not be a period of non-stop work. Construction would cease during the harsh winter months, and as the project would exceed its budget, there would often be halts in construction as new funding was arranged. The longest gap in construction came about when the legislation making Columbus the state capital was due to expire. There was an eight-year lapse (1840-1848)

when no work was done on the Statehouse. The completed basement and foundations were filled in with soil, and Capitol Square was used as a pasture. The Statehouse finally opened to legislators and the public in 1857 when legislators began meeting in their respective chambers, and most of the executive offices were occupied. After 22 years of construction, the Ohio Statehouse was officially dubbed complete on November 15, 1861 just months after the beginning of the American Civil War. A Monumental Achievement The Ohio Statehouse stands at the center of Capitol Square and at the center of public life for Ohioans. It is one of the most historically and symbolically significant buildings in the nation. Ohio’s Capitol is both the seat of state government and a political symbol of our democratic heritage, spirit and accomplishments as a selfgoverning people. The identity of a people is shaped by their history, their symbols and their shared experiences. Ohio’s Capitol is a fundamentally important part of that shared identity and heritage. This building provides a sense of identity and continuity among past, present and future generations of Ohioans. Throughout the decades, the Ohio Statehouse has stood the test of time – a symbol of democracy that all Ohioans can be proud of. Since the Statehouse was completed, thousands of great men and women have come to serve their fellow citizens as state representatives and senators. Since 1857, when Governor Salmon P. Chase began using the Statehouse, 42 men and one

If you ask nicely, Dodd will show you the Cupola.

woman have served the people of Ohio as governor. Elected officials continue to tackle the issues of the day; passing laws that guide our state and its citizens. Since the very beginning, the Statehouse has been a place for Ohioans of every race, age and creed to gather and participate in the process and celebrate Ohio’s great achievements. Construction began on the Ohio Statehouse 172 years ago and continues to illustrate the state’s enduring state pride and faith in democracy. When the great work was finally completed 150 years ago, Ohioans joined together to celebrate the wonder of the difficult achievement that resulted in this centerpiece of Ohio democracy. A Celebration Honoring the Monumental Achievement Throughout 2011, the Ohio Statehouse will host a variety of special events, re-enactments and exhibits to celebrate the sesquicentennial of our great Capitol Building. The events will commemorate the lasting legacy and history of the Ohio Statehouse. Through educational programs, public forums, arts projects and special events, the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial will provide an opportunity for all Ohioans to learn about the history of the building, events and the people who have come to serve. Gregg Dodd is Deputy Director of Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at Ohio Statehouse, a member organization of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association. For more information, visit http://www.camaonline.org. Visit www.OhioStatehouse.org or contact 614.752.9777 for more information about the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial celebration and a list of special events.

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bookmark

BATWOMAN: PRELUDE TO A NEW COMICS DIALECT by Mackenzie Worrall “A cadet shall not lie, cheat or steal, nor suffer others to do so. I’m sorry, sir, I can’t. I’m gay.” (Batwoman: Elegy by Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III, DC Comics, 192 pages, $24.99 paperback) Batman has long been a symbol of comics. Rather than a common man granted phenomenal powers by accident, he is a man with a horrible past and a will to reinvent himself. Bruce Wayne has no powers. And that was a fantastic new turn for superheroes. When change comes to mainstream comics, then it’s only fitting that the Bat universe be the vehicle for that change. The new Batwoman is revolutionary in two ways. The first, the part you’ve probably heard about for years if you’re in touch with comics at all, is that she’s an out lesbian (Which is a little bit ironic since the original Kathy Kane was created to diffuse rumors that Batman and Robin were gay.). The second important change this collection brings is the beautiful art by J.H. Williams III that reworks the very ‘language’ of comics. Writer and artist work together seamlessly to tell a story, rather than one telling the story of the other. Dialogue smoothly transitions into panel after panel of silence, where the emotions play out and the atmosphere remains tense. With the pacing of both elements, the story unfolds organically, in real-time. In the minutes it takes the reader to examine an abstract spread that represents a fight scene, it feels as though enough time has passed for the fight to be over in the next panel. Enough ass-kicking fills these pages to leave little doubt as to whether Kate Kane is a superhero or not. But much how the story is about a character who is also a lesbian, Batwoman is about the person who additionally happens to be a superhero. I did some detective work of my own, and spoke with writer Greg Rucka about his work. Mackenzie Worrall: You’ve spent a lot of time with DC. And plenty of that has been with Batman side-characters – Gotham Central, 52 with Renee Montoya, and recently Batwoman. Now you’ve parted ways with the company, but what drew you to that world? Greg Rucka: Well I started as a novelist. I love Private Eye novels, and my first novel (Keeper) was my way of exploring that further. My first comics series (Whiteout), with Oni, was set in the Antarctic. DC saw this, and they’d read my novel. We met, they said to write them a story. So I wrote them one, and next thing I know I’m

jan 2011

writing Batman (laughs). I began as a regular writer right after the No Man’s Land storyline. I was on Detective Comics for about three years. Batman is much more interesting when seen through the eyes of other people. I am more interested in the ground level emotional conflict. Any crime is inherently personal. It’s a violation. If we approach from the side of Batman on the ground, he is more potent and powerful. There’s a richer vein of emotional content. MW: And Renee Montoya? Was it your idea to make her a lesbian? GR: She always was one. I just took her out of the closet. The people who wrote her before – they will claim she was straight. But I wrote the story I saw in her. From the first story with Two-Face, it became clear that he loved her and she was queer. MW: Is that why you were tapped for Batwoman? GR: Direct causal link? I suspect. But I don’t think it’s the only factor. Devin Grayson put down ideas. They were never put into print. I was working on 52 with three other writers when The New York Times ran a story on Batwoman – specifically about diversity in the DC universe. Blue Beetle is Hispanic, and they called Kate “a lipstick lesbian.” This made international news – La Monde covered it. It was free publicity, and they decided not to make people wait for the character. So she ended up in 52. Her debut was ill-defined, so J.H. Williams and I spent hours talking about the thing before we finally sat down and started work on this run. You have to make a character with legs. Especially since this is the first out lesbian superhero attached to an icon as big as the Bat symbol. MW: In one interview, you mentioned that Batwoman is the most collaborative comic you’ve worked on. Was there ever a ‘magic moment’ when things clicked between you and Williams? A few pages really take my breath away – both action spreads and drama. The flashback where Kate comes out to the Colonel, effectively leaving the military, that’s where you both flex your muscles. Most of the time in comics, when there’s no dialogue it’s because someone’s getting their ass kicked. GR: If we talk about comics as a language, [Williams] has a new dialect. The first story introduces Kate as a superhero. The second is a post-mortem. The Bat Universe requires certain things. Horrible tragedy, and a will to reinvent one’s self. Kate is different. Everybody puts on a costume and wears it proudly. The costume isn’t a costume to her, it’s a uniform. She is defined by her need to

Ok, that she-bat is rocking some Mary Malone hair, and we love it.

serve. When you’re fortunate enough to work with talent of Jim’s caliber, you take it to the bank. This was my best collaboration ever. We talked about every page to link the text and dialogue with purpose. You want to tell the story visually, if possible. I can’t sing his praises enough. Usually, an editor sends a script to an artist. And sometimes they engage each other. Jim rarely saw stuff in the script he didn’t know about. At one point, I wrote: “here’s that lightning thing we talked about.” And he’d always wanted to do this x-ray combat thing. Kate faces the person to fight, but you don’t see the punches. Just hits. MW: In a flashback, Kate is leaving Renee a message on her phone and a man tries to rob her. And Batman just emerges from the shadows. It’s one of the most powerful endings to an issue that I’ve seen. GR: That moment is the moment. She has no direction, her direction is stolen for no goddamn reason. She’s coming apart, and then she has this moment. Batman never says anything to her. Kate takes care of herself – she’s not ‘rescued’ and that’s very important. There’s a beautiful panel of him helping her up, as if saying “come with me.” He grapples away, and then comes the reveal. It’s the same as seeing the flag flying. Kate is called to serve. MW: Do you think there’s a future for Batwoman without you? Or will she suffer the same fate as the original Kathy Kane? GR: Absolutely. Jim is co-writing a new run with W. Haden Blackman. They start her actual self-titled series later in the year. We succeeded. She has legs. Jim will not do badly by her. My only regret about leaving DC is also leaving the characters I love. Renee. Kate. But the height of arrogance would be to claim these characters as my own. MW: Book recommendations, fashion advice? GR: Oni Press, of course. The Last Run, my new novel, just came out at the end of October. That’s part of the Queen and Country series. Fashion advice? (laughs) Pull up your pants. Around the waist, please. No one needs to see that. Greg Rucka is the author of nearly a dozen novels, six featuring bodyguard Atticus Kodiak, and two featuring Tara Chace, the protagonist of his Queen & Country series. Additionally, he has penned several short-stories, countless comics, and the occasional non-fiction essay. He resides in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, author Jennifer Van Meter, and his two children. He thinks the biggest problem with the world is that people aren’t paying enough attention.

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If Robyn, a Smartcar and an Owl were in a matched in a game of wits, who would win?

jan 2011

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Confessions On A Dance Floor: Chris Willis The power of his voice can shake the rafters. The power of his performances has moved clubgoers in every way possible - physically, emotionally, spiritually. Of course, we’re talking about the awesome power of Chris Willis, the artist, who, as singer, songwriter and producer, is now manifesting love and joy to audiences around the world with his new solo single, the Billboard club smash, Louder (Put Your Hands Up). The video for the song, which has held the distinction of being the #1 most viewed video on YouTube in 19 countries, has Willis center stage, soaking up the light and beaming it straight to his fans. Much has been said of the musical collaborations between Willis and world-renowned producer and DJ David Guetta. Together, the two have created some of the most memorable club hits of the last several years, including Love is Gone, Love Don’t Let Me Go, and their most recent global hit Gettin’ Over You, featuring Willis on vocals along with Fergie and LMFAO. Much has also been said about Willis as an in-demand session singer, songwriter and backing vocalist, who’s worked with such talent as Quincy Jones, Kelly Clarkson, Ricky Martin, Kelly Rowland, Dusty Springfield, Dolly Parton and Brooks & Dunn. But now, on the cusp of a larger, much-deserved notoriety - and on the eve of the release of his new solo album - it is time for Willis to tell us more about himself in his own words. Here, the singer talks about his exciting musical journey as a solo artist, his devotion to the art form known as dance music, and the impact of his sexuality on his personal and professional life. OC: You’re putting out your own album after being part of other people’s recordings for many years. How do you like being the one in charge? Chris Willis: Well, I’ve put out music before on my own, but this feels like my first. It’s coming out on my own label, and it’s my own brand - it feels like a full circle moment. It’s another one of my dreams to reach a mainstream audience, and I feel like this is the beginning of that dream. OC: How much creative input did you have in the making of the album? CW: Basically, I was involved in all of the writing, which I had already been doing with David [Guetta] for many years. I wrote all the lyrics and the melodies. Most of the other work I’ve done was part of collaboration with other artists, mostly for their projects. It’s really about me this time. It’s a chance to put a really cohesive theme together. I’ve been living with a lot of these tracks that I’ve collected over the years during the process of working with various DJs around the world. Some of the songs were written just for fun. Some were written off the top of my head, as a way to express the feelings I was having right at that moment. There are songs from both the past and the present. OC: What inspirations do you draw from in your songwriting?

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CW: The thing that inspires me most is love - having love, losing love, dreaming of love, praying for love. Another one of my muses is the dance floor. I always like to imagine what it would be like if I was on the dance floor, and I saw someone that I liked. I’d start out feeling afraid and insecure - what would I say to them? Then all of the sudden, with the help of the music, I’d develop this confidence in myself, and I’d know what to say. Or what if I was in a relationship that was on the verge of ending - what would I say to save it? I like expressing these kinds of feelings when I’m onstage because I know there are people on the dance floor who feel the same way.

makes me think of a Dr. Seuss quote that’s had particular resonance for me over the years: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” For more information on Chris Willis, contact Peter Galvin at petergalvin@bluestreakconsulting.com or Alan Elsas at alanelsas@bluestreakconsulting.com or call 917. 453. 4590

OC: How does your sexuality as a gay man impact your music, if at all? CW: It’s definitely a part of my personality that’s very real. But it’s not something I focus on. I don’t think it has as big an effect on me as it did when I was younger. In the past, I focused on it so much that I felt I could be crippled by it. I spent most of those years doing what I could to disarm the fears, doubts, and selfhatred that can come with being gay. I had to come to terms with myself so when I step out on stage, I can be honest, open, compassionate, and vulnerable. I don’t focus on it so much now. I focus on the band, on the enthusiasm of the audience, on just trying to make it a great night. For the people that come to see me, it doesn’t matter what my sexuality is. It’s all about the party. OC: Being a solo artist means you are styling yourself in a certain way. You don’t have to compromise to someone else’s view of what you should look like or dress like. Is that fun? CW: I love fashioning my own image. One of my original ambitions was to be a fashion designer because I absolutely love fashion. I really keep up with what’s going on and always have my face buried in the latest fashion magazine. Being my own artist and creating my own brand has given me the chance to focus on fashion even more. When I was doing gospel, that was harder to do. In gospel music, the image that you’re creating is one that reflects Christ. With the music I’m doing now, I get to be different characters, tell stories, and create all kinds of fantasies with both my music and my image. Mainstream music has given me the permission to really push the envelope and be who I am. OC: Your struggle to be who you are makes me think about all of the gay kids who are trying to transcend the bullying that’s going on right now so they too can be who they are without fear of violence or persecution. CW: I’m very passionate about the struggle to put an end to the bullying of gay teens and have sent out many messages on Twitter and Facebook in support of these kids. All of this bullying shhh...stop talking, just read the article

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by Romeo San Vicente ROBERT DOWNEY JR. GETS NEXT TO THE NORMAL GUYS At this point in his career, all Robert Downey Jr. wants to do is sing. Good thing he’s already terrific at that or his next planned project might not turn out so well. As it is he has teamed up with Warner Bros., Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey. Those last two names are the composer and lyricist of the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning musical Next to Normal, and they’re working on a musical comedy feature for Downey. The plot, as it is now, seems very much like that of the hit indie musical Camp, with Downey to star as a down-and-out Broadway songwriter who winds up teaching at a musical theater camp for kids. It also bears a passing resemblance to the premise of a certain Fox TV series that a few people seem to enjoy. Whatever its antecedents, this sounds like just the right costume for Iron Man to try on next, doesn’t it? BECOMING CHAZ AND BIKINI KILL DOCS COMING RIGHT UP A tale of two documentaries, one financing and one finished: In the starting gate is a film about the already-remarkable career of third-wave feminist pioneer Kathleen Hanna, founder of the band Bikini Kill and early proponent of the Riot Grrrl movement in the early 1990s. Sini Anderson (cofounder of the lesbian/feminist collective Sister Spit) is the woman raising funds and footage for The Kathleen Hanna Project aka Who Told You Christmas Wasn’t Cool? that will chronicle Hanna’s life from its roots in Oregon to New York, where she lives and works now. And due to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in late July is Becoming Chaz from Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. Obviously, that one is about the current life of Chaz Bono – son of Sonny and Cher, born biologically female as Chastity – and his ongoing public transition to maleness. It may or may not wind up in theaters but it’ll definitely hit cable sometime later in 2011. And it’s got to be more interesting than Burlesque, right? BRAVO NEEDS AN A LIST AND THEY’RE GOING TO GET ONE From The Bottom To The Top. Seriously, that is the working title of the new Bravo reality show. Guess what it’s about? If you said, “Lots of gay guys working hard to be as bitchy and horrible and reductive as those people on Logo’s The A List,” then you’d be correct. It seems that while everyone’s favorite gay network (that would be the one with Andy Cohen) was busy with all the housewives, Logo scooped them with buzz and ratings for their own allgay variant. Not to be outdone, Bravo is now on the trail of fabulously unpleasant gays to cast for a show that will finally reteach America to dislike homosexuality once and for all. Did you hear that, men? It’s time to go get paid to misbehave for the cameras! First group cast gets to record their own dance single. As for that title, chalk it up to Bravo always keeping it classy. Romeo San Vicente was just inspired by RuPaul’s Drag Race to go watch Paris is Burning for the 37th time. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.

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No body frames like Reed!

jan 2011

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HIGH TECH, HIGH FASHION by Ryan Harris

At the turn of the 20th century, the fashion industry began to make real progress by integrating the latIn today’s world, fashion is everywhere. Magazines, est technology as a strategy for growth. As the newspapers, billboards, television, film, blogs, technology behind photography became more sowebsites, smart phones... fashion has become part phisticated, so did the capability to paint a true of every communication channel available, cross- picture of fashion to the general public. Magazines ing over traditional runway and retail boundaries were able to run not only larger issues, but utilize into the mainstream. better images with fashion articles, offer color advertising, and even print patterns from fashion And, while fashion has always been an important around the world that a reader could mimic to part of society’s culture, the importance has drasti- recreate a specific look or item. Can you imagine cally evolved over the years. At one time, fashion having to make your own clothes?? Not me, no was used as a way to identify the social status of thank you. the wearer. Only those who could afford the expensive fabrics were seen as the upper class, and Throughout the 1900’s, fashion became so largely those who could not…well…nothing says peas- influenced by new media sources such as televiant like a nice burlap trouser. Of course it wasn’t sion, and more advanced abilities in film and hard to spot the upper class in those days. If they magazines, that it was only a matter of time before weren’t wearing garments made by the local something much larger would come our way that seamstress, it was assumed that the wearer would change fashion forever. That would be the picked up the items while traveling, which was wonderful world of the Internet. naturally a luxury that not all could afford. When it comes to modern media, nothing says Depending on where you do your research, the first modern like the World Wide Web. Not only has the fashion magazines debuted as early as the 16th Internet changed the way we can view and discuss century, but it wasn’t really until the 18th century fashion, but it has also drastically changed the that fashion magazines began to appear more manner and speed in which we can purchase and mainstream, using paintings to illustrate the receive items from anywhere in the world within trends from the fashion center of the universe days. The internet also introduced the public to the Paris. Still, due to limitations in technology, fashion idea of ‘fashion road kill’ taking someone from magazines were not readily available to everyone. It dowdy to dapper in the click of a button…showing really wasn’t until the printing and paper manuconsumers what not to wear and what to wear infacturing techniques began to improve in the 19th stead…even allowing someone the ability to earn century making larger print runs possible and a fashion degree without stepping foot in a single more affordable. sewing class. Oh my, by the power invested in me by the Internet….very scary thought.

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The advancement in technology has also changed the way designers create their looks. Designers used to use sketches and story boards, but now, with touch screen technology, today’s fashions are designed more easily and efficient than ever before. Creating patterns, color pallets, and custom fabrics are as easy as playing a video game. Of course you must first have the talent and vision to create designs, but for those who do, making it a reality is much simpler. Along with the new electronic tools for today’s designers has come the birth of new fabrics and design concepts. One example would be “smart fabrics” that in some way incorporate nanotechnology. We are only on the verge of discovering all of the uses of this advanced technology, but it allows for clothing to be much lighter and stronger. It also has the potential of eliminating allergies of the wearer by incorporating this method within everyday fabrics. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to wear a wool sweater without itching? Or wearing garments over and over again without them every needed washed? What about that friend (we all have one) who has a case of the BO on a regular basis? Imagine a fabric that eliminates order upon contact! The possibilities are endless.

I can’t help but think of the Back to the Future movies where clothes came in one size and adjusted automatically to the correct size when tried on. Or the ability to instantly blow clothes dry when they get wet…how cool would that be? I’m still waiting on my flying car though. MySpace, Facebook, You Tube, Twitter, and countless other forms of media have changed the face of fashion by making it so much more accessible. New, unknown designers can share inspirations and sell their creations giving consumers an entirely new shopping venue. I wonder if one of these designers could create garments that would let a person know instantly if the outfit was correct for their body shape. That would solve so many wardrobe worries, wouldn’t it? From my birds eye view, fashion and media need each other. With more magazines, television shows, cable and film networks, websites, blogs, fan pages and cell phone apps being created every day… keeping up with the trends couldn’t be easier or more necessary. Especially since the speed of this technology can make today’s must haves easily tomorrow’s fashion faux pas. Make Everyday a Runway!

And finally, did you ever think you would see the day when a designer created specific pieces around the easy use and access of technology? I’m talking about iPod and cell phone pockets and pouches. We have seen these design elements popping up in every day clothing and dominating the fashion accessory industry.

Not to detract from the concept of high fashion, but is that a bedsheet.

Ryan Harris is a Fashion Consultant/Stylist for Wardrobe Therapy LLC and the owner of RH Model Mentor. Contact him at rhmodelmentor@yahoo.com or for more style info visit www.wardrobetherapyllc.com. Photo by traut studio, model gendala kelli anna.

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Janet Jackson and United Way are proud supporters of the GLBT community! Donate! Uwcentralohio.org!

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Food is dramatic - Life is delicious. Episode 247 : There’s No Party Like a Buca Di Beppo Party Not to get too Dickensian on your asses, but it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the age of be-wigged men, it was the age of facial-haired ladies. It was the epoch of recreational alcoholism, it was the epoch of colon-cleansing for sexual purposes. We were all going directly to Club Columbus, we were all going directly home. In short, it was a gay old time, and the gayest time in town was the annual meeting of Columbus’ Drag Queens, held in secrecy in the immaculate party facilities of Buca di Beppo, in the Arena District. It was a Bilderberg group of female illusionists. The Bohemian Grove of cross-dressers. The Trilateral Commission of those who used their genitals to play an elaborate game of hide-and-seek. Once a year, Columbus’ shaved, tucked and wigged gathered to discuss the state of affairs in the drag community, debate matters of shade and shading, and try desperately to intelligently, and once-and-for-all, find an answer to the question of Maria Garrison’s racial and ethnic background. Myself, Foxy Bagels, and Jean Skort arrived slightly early, hoping to get seats near the a-list girls, and as far from Hellin Bedd’s ham wallet as possible. As we entered, Andria Michaels, the head of security for the event, patted us down thoroughly, spending several minutes checking Foxy’s tape-job. “Puerto Rican girls can be shiesty. Never know when a bitch is going to try to hide a razor-blade in her foreskin” said Andria, offering no additional explanation as she waved us through. As we walked away, Foxy adjusted herself and cursed unintelligibly. Jean was far too star struck to notice; she was too busy taking note of all of the girls present, milling

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about in the bar area, munching on plates of moist and tender Fried Calamari, fresh and milky Mozzarella Caprese, and drinking small glasses of delicious and dangerous housemade Limoncello. Everyone who wasn’t anyone was there. There were girls from the far south end, whose homespun orthodontia and incessant clogging made them immediately recognizable. Girls from the far northern regions of Delaware County, who followed the strange custom of walking about shoeless in dirty pantyhose. There were tire belt girls riding around on lighting bolts. There were the werewolf girls from the warehouse district, glitzy-ditzy girls from the Short North, and even the swamp drag queens of Obetz, who wore thick layers of swamp grass in place of hair. You had your Brandts, your Punastis and your Peni Trations. Your Virginias, your Vaginas, and your Vivian von Brokenhymens. Your Sandys, your Sables, and your ‘Lexis Stevens. Your Gypsies, your Caines and National Holidays. It was everyone, and there wasn’t an unworn sequin, or inch of glitter-dot in a tri-state area. “No need to get crunchy on ‘dem appeteasers, ladies,” said Vee Love, the designated hostess for the evening, standing near the front, peacock feathers in her hair. “This isn’t the soup kitchen, you dirty bitches,” she paused as a small CCAD Queen passed her a note. Vee took, it and cast a withering look at the young draggling, who mouthed an apology, then whispered in her ear. Vee nodded vigorously and then cleared her throat “Queens, soup is on. Please follow the stripper in the sleeping bag to your tables.” As if by magic, Rocco, dressed as a snake, appeared and ushered us into the dining rooms, as the song “En-

dangered Species” played over the muzak. Snickering to myself, I considered that the song sound should have been called “Engendered Species.” We took our seats, about twenty feet from the head table, and waiters began to circle the room, placing napkins on the laps of all of the ladies. Jean was in heaven, as she had been seated next to Beverly Ford, and Foxy was equally pleased to be next in-between Noka Davers and the rubber-faced Georgia Jackson. I was seated next to someone named Cassandra, who appeared to have a razor-covered tire strapped to her head. Ginger Manchester, the chair of the event for the year rose, and began beating a bejeweled red high heel on the head table. “Shims and Gentlemen, this meeting of the International Brotherhood of Dillusionment Workers, Ohio Chapter, is called to order. We will begin by receiving the blessing from the chair of our car maintenance committee, Janet Garrison.” Janet, wearing a sequined burlap sack, rose and began speaking. “Gurrrrl, one time Iwasha goin to eat that and den we left to go there and made it happen. It was rough, gurrrl. We tried though, gurrrl, we tried.” She abruptly stopped speaking and began laughing, repeating “you know what I’m saying?” After a moment, Ginger returned, looking drunk and slightly confused. “Thank you, Janet, for your moving words. Now, our wait staff will begin serving dinner, and once we are finished we will discuss the topic that is on everyone’s mind. What’s more profitable, Inn Rehab, or staying home?” Ginger sat, and immediately the waiters began to serve. There were

large and fragrant bowls of Linguine Frutti Di Mare, made with shrimp, baby clams, mussels and calamari tossed in a spicy red clam sauce with imported Italian linguine. I turned to me left and saw the ever lady-like Foxy had her nose is some fork-tender Chianti Braised Short Ribs, smothered with a tomato-based reduction made with Buca label Chianti. Jean, had of course discovered some manner of Chicken Cannelloni, and was shoving the rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, topped with creamy Alfredo into her mouth at an alarming rate. Suddenly, as I bit into my chicken saltimbocca made with fresh sage, proscuitto and topped with artichokes, something changed in the room. The wait-staff seemed to have disappeared, and the lights seemed to be eerily dim. I knew we were in trouble when a weird dance remix of “Welcome to the Jungle” replaced the haunting sound of “That’s Amore.” Others sensed it too. The strange music, the sudden smell of musk and beer, the weird lighting. Suddenly, there was a loud noise coming from the front of the room, and then the distant sound of Andria Michaels yelling “Bitches, every whoa-man for itself!” Within moment, all of the drag queens were on their feet, staring the intruders in the eye.

moment, unsure of which side to be on. She began to remove her wig, but was stopped by the firm hand of Virginia West. “No Candi, don’t. Get your Gnocchi Al Telefono in a light garlic, marinara and cream sauce to go, and leave. There’s nothing for you here but heartache.” Candi, looking solemn, nodded, and disappeared to find a box. “All your ridiculous performing has left us too drunk to hibernate,” said Derek Nuemann, as he ripped his John Deer shirt off, and threw it on the ground, roaring. “Yeah!” yelled Greggles, who was now very strangely sporting a beard. “Bears. Grrr” said Gabe Mastin, quietly and demurely, as he took off his bespoke jacket, hung it on a hanger, placed the hanger on a nearby chair, and assumed an old-fashioned boxing position. Bear’s eat fish for dinner,” said Josh Brown, his right hand holding a board with a nail in it. “And these bears are mother-fucking hungry!” piped in Derek Schulte, who seemed to be sitting on a road-cone. The room was silent. The only sound was the noise made by Anisa, Andria, and Vee applying Vaseline to their faces.

It was the Bears. Hundreds of them. Kyle Kline, Steven Clark, Josh Brown. Someone had even managed to find Kirk Manson, and glue what looked like hair clippings to his face. Courtney Baxter had clearly, fully transitioned and was going back “Court”

Suddenly, DJ Chuck Arida appeared in the Pope Room, wearing a Bishops Mitre and his portable DJ equipment that hung in front of him like a set of quads in a marching band. Biting into a piece of lasagna, he hit a button on his mixing board and an electronic voice said “Let’s get ready to rumbbbbbllleee!”

Candi Panties looked around for a

To Be Continued….

Is anyone else uncomfortable sitting at a table with a bust of the pope on it?

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That ballerina is rocking one hell of a smoky eye â&#x20AC;&#x201C;sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a south end girl, clearly.

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Kings and Queens at the Ravenwood Castle in the Vinton County Woods by Michael Daniels

Prices are very affordable, from $4.95-$8.75.

Leave your cell phones behind - they probably won’t work anyway - and enter a time long ago, where the nobility lived in stately castle rooms, the villagers and the merchants and artisans lived in cottages nearby. Less than 90 minutes away from Columbus, in the hills of Vinton County, lay your relaxation destination, Ravenwood Castle.

The four corners of the 12th Century castle replica host guest accommodations in luxury and royal style. Each room is themed around a different monarch and concept, including the largest suite, the King Arthur, the Queen Victoria, Duke & Duchess, and Empress Matilda. The three-story tower includes a top-floor Rapunzel’s Tower suite, while the basement is host to the Duke’s Dungeon. All rooms have luxurious furniture, linens, and bathrobes, and are equipped with telephone, alarm clock, and televisions with DirecTV and DVD players. Most have private balconies perfect for stargazing. All rooms are smoke free, so if you want to light up, make sure you request a room with a balcony! Rooms range from $130-$225/night for up to two people.

The castle sits high on a forested hill at the end of a long winding drive, off of a single-lane road, off of a not-well-traveled county road, off of Highway 93. To say it’s in the middle of nowhere would be a slight understatement. And that’s precisely why you go there - to get away from the hassles of the City and fall into the sleepy, starry world of the country. New owners Patrick Wadsworth and Michael Converse have invested much time, money, and sweat equity into renovations and upgrades to Ravenwood since they purchased it a little more than a year ago. Pat lives full time in the castle’s Captain’s Quarters, and Michael is there Friday through Sunday. Don’t miss out on spending time with them - they’re great conversationalists and hosts! Upon entering the castle, you are immediately struck by the Great Hall, a 50-foot long space anchored by stained glass windows and an enormous stone fireplace. The Hall hosts a complimentary breakfast daily and dinner three nights per week. The menu is a good variety of options, including a vegetarian dish, and the desserts are heavenly. Prices are reasonable, from $12.95$21.95. Special events, including weddings, murder mysteries, vampire balls and other celebrations take place here and draw the attention and delight of all Ravenwood visitors. Lunch is in the attached Tea Room, featuring tasty English lunch treats, sandwiches and an amazing coronation chicken curry salad.

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The basement of the castle also hosts an extensive library of books and videos that are free to use in any castle room or cottage. The pub is well stocked with domestic and imported beer and wine offerings at reasonable prices - beers are $3-$4.25, wine ranges from $15.95-$28/bottle, and a few are available by the glass for $3.95-$5.25. Just as in the 12th Century, a small village developed near every castle, so is it true at Ravenwood. The Medieval Village of cottages is a short walk from the castle’s drawbridge, and is made up of a collection of old world cottages, each themed around a village resident and his/her occupation. Whether you choose to spend your stay in the residence of a Candlemaker, Merchant, Spinster, Woodcutter, or Silversmith, or in the two-story Clock Tower or the second-floor Cinderella’s Coach House, your amenities include private patios, kitchenettes with microwave and refrigerator, VCR and/or DVD player, television, gas or electric fireplace, and whirlpool tub. You won’t get a bathrobe or luxury bedding, but it’s worth the tradeoff for the tubs built for two (or more) and are perfect for couples wanting a little more privacy Michael will one day pull a full Eva Peron from that there balcony.

than luxury. Buy your wine in the pub, take it back to the cottage, slip into the hot tub, and enjoy! All cottages are smoke free (though most have patios or balconies, but be sure to ask), range from $159-$250/night, and sleep from two to six. In the spring and summer months, Ravenwood opens its Fairy Tale village, a collection of summer camp cottages, restored and decorated in themes like Sleeping Beauty, Frog Prince, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and Hansel & Gretel. These cottages are perfect for families traveling with children, and are located on the northern edge of the Ravenwood property, about a quarter mile from the castle. Each is equipped with a kitchenette, and breakfast baskets are delivered to your door. There is no television reception, so if your family can’t totally disconnect, bring your video games, DVD players, and CD players. Cottages are $87.50$97.50/night for two, and $15 each additional person. Robbie and I have found that this is our favorite getaway spot in the Hocking/Vinton area. We love everything about Ravenwood, and always stay in one of the cottages for a bit more privacy. We’ve stayed in the Clock Tower, and most recently in the Silversmith’s Cottage. A new feature since Pat and Michael have taken over is that two of the cottages are now pet friendly, so Meena will be joining us on our next excursion. We can’t wait for her to meet the official castle princess, Raven (the Labrador mix who adopted the castle 9 years ago as a stray puppy and who is one of the reasons that we go to Ravenwood) and Pat and Michael’s pair of Shih Tzus. There’s also a groundskeeper cat, Pumpkin, who has been known to serenade outside a window or two. He’s way cool, and we hope he camps out on our patio again next time we’re down there. For full information on Ravenwood call 800.477.1541, or to see photos of the rooms and cabins, online versions of the menus and pub offerings, and to make reservations, visit www.ravenwoodcastle.com.

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Ginger’s Mystery Box is the name of Matt Erhard’s book documenting his dog’s transition.

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A gym, some beer, a dry cleaner and some porn. Welcome to an outlook advertising page.

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by Dan Savage I really need some help and comfort. I am a straight 25-year-old woman, and I’ve been dating my boyfriend for four years. I have never been the romantic type, until I met him. At the beginning, we were purely sexual. We love role-playing, and we always came up with erotic fantasies of me being fucked and used by multiple men, or some fantasy where others were involved. It was hot to me until I fell in love with him. Now the only thing that turns me on is him. Even though he says he loves me, I cannot say he gets turned on by thinking of only me. We still continue these fantasies, but lately I’m seeing that every single time we are intimate, he always talks about things he wants other men (and women) to do to me or what he wants to do with others while I’m around. He never talks about a hot fantasy that involves only him and me. I drew the line when he started bringing my best friend into our roleplaying. When I told him I would prefer if he not bring her into it, he ignored me and talked about her anyway. The last time I brought it up, he said he won’t tell me his fantasies anymore and that he’ll just tell me what I want to hear. He also said that by asking him to stop thinking of others, I am demeaning him and his sexuality. I have done everything I can to please him. I have done things sexually that I swore I would never do because I trusted him. I guess my question is, am I demeaning him when I ask him to not bring up others in our role-playing every time we’re intimate? It wouldn’t bother me if it were once in a while. I wind up feeling unattractive and never good enough. What can I do to make him want only me?

him on when you first got together - the shit that turned you on before you fell in love with him still turns him on and will always turn him on. Now, I know you’re not doing it on purpose, NGE, and this is just how you feel, and feelings are sacrosanct lil’ mysteries and there’s nothing you can do about them, but I’ve never understood people who are up for anything with someone they’re into - dirty talk, crazy sex, groups (real or imagined) - up until the moment they fall in love with that person. Um… shouldn’t falling in love, and the deepening feelings of trust and security that go along with that, open a couple up to new possibilities, new horizons, new sexual adventures? And if falling in love with someone means the end of sexual adventure and fantasy and roleplay - if falling in love means previously acceptable fantasies wind up on your partner’s no-fly list - isn’t that a huge disincentive to fall in love? That said, NGE, your boyfriend should, at the very least, mix it the fuck up. Even if you were into groups - or still into groups, or still into thoughts of groups - hearing about groups each and every time you fuck would get pretty fucking tedious after four fucking years. And pressing ahead with annoying fantasies about specific people - your best friend, your mom, your boss after you’ve asked him to stop is an asshole move. If he needs dirty talk to get off, he should find new dirty scenarios to explore, including some that involve you and only you, save the group fantasies for “once in a while,” and leave your best friend out of it.

Nothing.

As for feeling unattractive, you should make him aware of your insecurities - if you haven’t already - and he should be considerate enough to come through with regular reassurances about your attractiveness, his feelings for you, how hot he thinks your body is, etc., etc.

He’s never gonna want just you and only you, NGE. All that crazy, groupy, kinky shit that turned

Finally, NGE, I want to emphasize again that there’s nothing you can do to make him want

Not Good Enough

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you and only you. He is who he is, he’s turned on by what turns him on, and you knew that when you fell in love with him. You have neither the right nor the power to reach into his erotic imagination and yank out the bits that conflict with your ideas of what sex is or should be when two people are in love. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that your attitude is demeaning, though. It’s more delusional, perhaps, with a sprinkling of irrational jimmies. But not demeaning. I am a 21-year-old male in a loving and committed relationship. The sex is great; the evenings together are great. It’s a perfectly happy relationship except for this one thing: I can’t get enough change. I want to be having sex with someone else. One girl is never going to be enough to make me happy. I have asked her about the possibility of having a threesome. She said she would never go for that, not MMF or FFM, and she is utterly against it and always will be. But I NEED more. Sad fact. What do I do? Coming Up More You could stick it out, I suppose, in the hopes that true love has the opposite effect on your girlfriend than it did on NGE here, i.e., that once your girlfriend is crazy for you, CUM, she’ll want to fuck shitloads of other people and she’ll give you the go-ahead to do the same. The odds of that happening, however, are close enough to nonexistent that I would be stripped of my professional accreditation if I advised you to live in hope. Look, CUM, you’re 21 and you’re not ready to settle down - or settle for one person - not yet anyway, maybe not ever. However lovely this girl is, however pleasant your evenings together are, you’re not sexually compatible. There would be fewer divorces and less heartbreak if people were encouraged to view sexual incompatibility as the deal breaker it inevitably becomes over time.

Bee-dle-dee dee dee dee. Two ladies.

Dump the nice girl, be single, fuck around, and keep your eyes peeled for a girl who wants what you want, change and all. My friend - I swear, I actually mean my friend - has been “notdating” his “notboyfriend” since August. They see each other on an almost daily basis and have even had a conversation about exclusivity. The “notboyfriend” won’t fuck my friend! What’s even weirder is that they started out as fuck buddies and then didn’t speak for a year before they started dating. What should my friend do? He would like to have sex with the “notboyfriend” since it was awesome the first run. Concerned Lesbian It’s possible that your friend’s notboyfriend seroconverted sometime after their fuck-buddy arrangement expired and before they started dating, and the notboyfriend wants to disclose his new HIV status before they start fucking again and is having a hard time working up the nerve. Or it could be that your friend’s notboyfriend isn’t into your friend sexually but depends on his emotional support and doesn’t want to have to share him, or compete for his nonsexual attentions, with a real, live, honest-to-God boyfriend. Here’s what your friend should do: tell the notboyfriend that, while he values the emotional intimacy they share, he’s looking for sexual intimacy, too. If there’s some reason why they’re not fucking, he wants to know what it is. If there’s no reason, he wants to start fucking. Your friend needs to make it clear that there will be no “exclusivity”—and no more “notdating” until they’re notnotfucking. Find the Savage Lovecast (my weekly podcast) every Tuesday at thestranger.com/savage. mail@savagelove.net.

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Y C N A N

byJackFertig

“Stay focused, Aries!” Mars and Eris in a square provoke war and strife, but Mercury turning direct in Sagittarius opens new ways to negotiate through troubles. Mars is in Capricorn, better placed than Mercury and Eris, so hard work and long-range strategies are the key. CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Nagging worries, especially about household problems, are actually clues to solutions. Straightforward, logical approaches to those problems could make things worse. Check out those odd instincts even if they seem a bit loopy.

If you have an apartment or home in the urban core, odds are there’s an item in it from this month’s local celebrity’s shop. Known the town over as that crazy lady that paints and decoupages furniture on the sidewalk in front of the Greystone Court Apartments at 815 N High St, Nancy Carlson is both an artist and a legend. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Nancy made her way to our fair city several decades ago when her former husband got a job in the area. If you’ve grown up in metro CBus, it’s that era from which you might have first met Nancy. Before her venture into retail, Carlson was an English teacher (watch how you talk around her) sporting not only BAs in English and Teaching, but also a Master’s in Nutrition from the Ohio State University (Go Bucks!). If you can read this article, you might have her to thank. Over the years, the Carlson clan consisting of herself and her three kids Jason, Carrie and Erin, lived around the beltway, and eventually landed in Victorian Village. That move is when Nancy fell in love with the Short North and her new journey began - The Artist’s Way… Upon retiring, Nancy was looking for something to fill her days and it wasn’t until an operation had her on bed rest for 6 weeks that inspiration hit. “I was sitting there bored our of my mind, and one day I picked up a paint brush something I’d never done before - and began painting on everything. After I completely repainted my furniture, I knew what I wanted to do and that I could make a business out of it.” And we’re glad she did! Most commonly referred to as Nancy’s Shop, Mindless Matter (aka, This ♥ is not for sale, aka Needful Things aka Dysfunctional Furnishings,

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aka The Shop at 815) has been a staple in the community for 17 years. In fact it’s such a landmark, it’s the point of reference we use at outlook to direct visitors to our hidden headquarters under the Greystone. Nancy has worked hard to make a comfortable, neighbor haunt where patrons can find unique, affordable, repurposed furniture and home items, original art and even better conversation. Who hasn’t bought a $20 table there or got the latest gossip at some point? When she’s done working her sometimes 14 hour days, Nancy enjoys unwinding by walking the neighborhoods or riding her bike. As she’s looking ahead, she is craving to do more of that, as well as, just take it a bit easier. To that end, our recycling role model has teamed up with our friend Brian Reaume who is transitioning into taking over the general operations of the store. But don’t fret, Nancy is not going away. “This has always been a hobby for me I turned into job. I’m still going to create things to peddle and be around. My greatest reward at the end of the day is knowing I’ve created something - both with the store itself and with the items I sell within. Why would I ever fully give that up?” What else she isn’t giving up is Columbus. She loves the people and diversity too much to ever move. “More time in Florida in the winter is one thing, but leaving this town permanently will never happen.” If you see our January Celeb out and about - maybe hanging at Level - show her some of that great Cow Town comradeship she so loves by buying her a glass of merlot and, if you’re feeling generous, an order of scallops. She’ll throw in the conversation for free.

close friend, even if it’s just raving to let off steam, can be a huge relief. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Integrating partnership and career is a common challenge. Too bad there’s no common solution. Discussing it with colleagues can help you get new perspectives at least. Remember: Partnership is also a fulltime job!

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Master your art, brush up on your sport and hone your skill at your hobbies. New ideas may seem too contradictory, but consider them at least. Play with those crazy notions and you’ll be surprised at how helpAQUARIUS (January 20 – Febru- ful they are. ary 18): Inside your head can be a dangerous place. Don’t let VIRGO (August 23 – September yourself be caught there alone. 22): Healing rifts in your family Have some laughs with friends or community will take some to avoid nerves and dithering. creative efforts, but you can do Even if you don’t feel like it. Your efforts to persuade laughing, their perspective and people to work together can be some fresh air will help. a little over-emphatic. A wellconsidered nudge can be much PISCES (February 19 – March more effective than a shove. 19): The future comes one day at a time. You’ll get ahead step LIBRA (September 23 – October by step, not fussing over the 22): Your efforts at domestic next decade. Focus on the job peacemaking are likely to go in front of you. Well-intended awry. Drawing out the arguadvice is probably ill considments from either side could ered but could be a springhelp you to understand the situboard to a better idea. ation better, and it might even get others to hear each other ARIES (March 20 – April 19): more clearly, but don’t go beStay focused on your goals and yond that. actual accomplishment. A straight-ahead attack is likely SCORPIO (October 23 – Novemto trip you up. Consider differ- ber 21): Impatience and rushent approaches. Get your ego ing will get you into awful out of the way and try new ways accidents. Look ahead, think of working with others. strategically, and only act once you have a good plan in place – TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Sex and a plan B, even for anything can relieve tension and end ar- as simple as crossing the street guments. It doesn’t solve the or boiling an egg. problems but can create a better mood to work on them. Even SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – if the problem isn’t with your December 20): Finally you get partner, a good romp can put to clear up recent misunderyou in a more constructive standings and screw-ups. Fiframe of mind. nancial obstacles might be circumvented with some creGEMINI (May 21- June 20): The ativity, but think ahead to make craziness of the times is work- sure those strategies are ing everybody’s nerves, so sound. Do not go out on a limb! share whatever problems you’re feeling most acutely. Talking with your partner or a 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,

The photo behind Nancy is a portrait of Bernice Abbott who is featured on this months calendar.

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Winter Party â&#x20AC;&#x201C;where the traditional boundaries of a monogamous relationship disappear!

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