2011-12-01 outlook columbus

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outlook The Tale of two sissies

dec 2011 • vol 16 issue 7

inside: GLBT disparities occupy everything invisibility of lgbt minorities monetizing columbus art author Brian Teare actor happy mahaney dominique Reinhard holigay gift guide Trippin’ out to the alps & Local celebrity Laura

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I hope they’ll sing “The 12 Gays of Christmas!”

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you are here

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snapshot

OWNERS AND PUBLISHERS Michael Daniels & Christopher Hayes

disparities are political...

7 hey!

HEADQUARTERS Outlook Media, Inc. 815 N High St, Bsmt Ste Q Columbus, OH 43215 614.268.8525phone 614.261.8200 fax www.outlookmedia.com

What in the Hell happened to 2011? Where did it go? Are you glad it’s gone? The answers to those questions depend on a lot of factors - your economic situation, your personal relationships, your health. Because of that, not all of us are going to answer the same way. Because - prepare to be shocked - all gays and lesbians are not the same. And the disparities in our community are often more pronounced than in the community at large.

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There’s no real typical Bell curve for GLBT folks. We graph more like a dual-humped camel, with lots of folks at one end of the scale, lots at the other, and not a whole lot in the middle. We’re either pretty affluent or below the poverty line, well-housed or homeless, well-insured or uninsured. Add in factors of race and gender and these disparities grow even wider.

We are all guilty – and here we’ll point the finger back at ourselves, because the gay media are among the worst offenders - of highlighting the ‘good’ - we’re well educated, wealthy, influential, voters, organized, mobilized, powerful.

We don’t talk about the other parts - we ignore gay poverty and homelessness and same-sex partner violence and health disparities because of lifestyle choices. In this issue, we take those issues squarely head on.

This issue isn’t all doom and gloom. There’s a lot of hope in these pages, and a lot of holiday cheer. That’s holiday - derived from the phrase “holy day” - when we stop to reflect upon our creation, our society and ourselves. Outlook is celebrating in two big ways this month. On Dec 14, we’re launching the world’s first Who’s Who in GLBT book with Who’s Who in GLBT Columbus and a special gay takeover of Shadowbox Live’s restaurant, bar and theatre! The following night we’re dancing it up holiday style with our free holiday party featuring the cast of Mamma Mia and the fabulous Dominique from America’s Next Top Model. See pages 11 and 13 for all the details, and join us.

Celebrate yourself this season, celebrate your families (the one you were born into and the one you’ve chosen/made) and celebrate your community.

In the spirit of the holidays, we’d like to make something public and perfectly clear. We take some flak from time to time about things we write, and we’re OK with that. It comes with the territory. We intend to provoke conversation, air controversial topics and sometimes paddle upstream. What we never mean to do is to misrepresent anyone. We didn’t intend to do so with our recent story on the Ibiza condo project, its investors and its principals. Since the piece ran, however, we have learned that some have taken it as a personal attack on Mr. Michael Council et all, implying they meant to defraud the project’s investors from the beginning. That was not our intention, and if it was in any way perceived as such, we are truly sorry.

Be safe, be well and thank you for being part of our family.

Chris & Michael

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Dena Glassco dglassco@outlookmedia.com

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ADVERTISING DEADLINES Reservations by the 15th of each month.

Art in by the 20th.

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

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complete the circuit

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feature: disparities

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about town

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feature: binary

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Trautman, Chris Hayes, Andrea Haley

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feature: race

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Robert Trautman

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feature: religion

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feature: occupy

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deep inside hollywood & creative class

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bookmark

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interview: happy

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interview: dominique

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consume: holigay gift guide

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fashion forward

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trippin out

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savage love

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local celebrity: laura / astro forecast

NEXT MONTH:

EDITORIAL Erin McCalla / emccalla@outlookmedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Regina Sewell, Romeo San Vicente, Jack Fertig, Dan Savage, Mickey Weems, Michael Daniels, Chris Hayes, Michael Straughter, Tay Glover, Shelby Kretz, Mario Pinardi, Mackenzie Worrall, Ryan Harris, Lauren Strand, Orie Givens, Aaron Leventhal, Leslie Robinson, Kevin J. Conlon

INTERNS Johnathan Harding, Shelby Kretz, Tay Glover, Orie Givens, Lauren Strand, Jayra Harris, Michael Straughter, Andew Williams CYBERSPACE http://www.outlookcolumbus.com http://www.outlookmedia.com http://www.networkcolumbus.com http://twitter.com/outlookcolumbus http://facebook.com/outlookcolumbus 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.

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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 ©2011 by Outlook Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

the GLTBicentennial outlookcolumbus.com

This holiday season, try to remember those less fortunate than you. After egg nog, though, it can be hard to remember anything.

dec 2011

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#) HALLOWEEN HIGHBALL 10.28.11

HALLOWEEN HIGHBALL 10.28.11

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JUNE I THOUGHT YOU WERE VEGAN!

HE WANTS TO BE A DENTIST, SHE WANTS A CUT OFF THE TOP

ROCK PARTY, PARTY ROCK’S REJECTED BROTHER

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STEAMPUNK IST SERIOUS

TRY MY MEAT!

ADULT TRICK OR TREAT

TIE SANS SHIRT 2012 TREND?

NETWORK COLUMBUS 11.09.11

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NETWORK COLUMBUS 11.09.11

NETWORK COLUMBUS 11.09.11

THE MAN OF THE NIGHT AUTHOR SCOTT PASFIELD

NO GOOD BOOK CLUB IS COMPLETE WITHOUT WINE

WE LOVE GAY IN AMERICA

THE NETWORKING IS FREE AND SO ARE THE SMILES

MARK & SHAUN WEDDING 11.11.11

MARK & SHAUN WEDDING 11.11.11

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BIG GAY FUNNY HAHA 11.14.11

STRIKE A POSE

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PUSH THAT SASSY BITCH IN THE OVEN ALREADY

NOKA SHOW 10.30.11

CONGRATS GUYS!!!

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SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! & MORE SHOTS!

For more photos from these events and others visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/outlookcolumbus

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DVR: The winter substitution for a social life.

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Gives "put it in your mouth" a whole new meaning, doesn't it?

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Clearing The Air About Who Roy G Biv Gallery Is and Isn’t After the September 2011 “Find Fraud” story, there has been a lot of confusion with people thinking that the ROY G BIV Gallery was the Roy G. Biv Corp. named in the lawsuit regarding Apex Reality’s Ibiza project. Even some of our own members and members of other local arts organizations were confused by the similarity of our names. So for the record: ROY G BIV Gallery, a non-profit gallery for emerging artists, has been giving up-and-coming artists a platform in the Short North for 22 years. We have no affiliation with Roy G. Biv Corporation, Apex, Ibiza or anyone else in the “Find Fraud” article.

Thanks, Jason Moore, ROYGBIV Board President Columbus, OH

Ask for Whom the Bell Tolls (The Salvation Army Is an Anti-LGBT Church) Where a man and a woman love each other, sexual intimacy is understood as a gift of God to be enjoyed within the context of heterosexual marriage... Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life.

There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage. Position Statement of the Salvation Army It is easy to toss a pocketful of coins into a Salvation Army kettle, but most LGBT people do not realize that the Salvation Army violates their values, including blatantly discriminating against atheists and LGBT. America’s second largest charity is not a secular organization subject to human rights laws, but rather a church. As such, it is exempt from most employment laws and can prohibit the employment of LGBT as well as atheists and non-Christians such as Jews, Buddhists and Hindus. Further, the Salvation Army makes Christian doctrine central to its service delivery and requires religious indoctrination of its clients, including vulnerable children.

Founded in England in 1865, the Salvation Army sprang from the outlookcolumbus.com

Methodist Church. In the U.S. in 2009, it had an annual budget of $3.13 billion, including $1.6 billion in donations and $392 million of government grants, and $12 billion in assets. The most common face of the Salvation Army is the bell-ringers in front of retail stores during the solstice season and thrift stores where many donate or purchase goods.

tricts have policies that prohibit discrimination for sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, and others factors, but they don’t all safeguard against sexual orientation or gender identity harassment.

Born Atheist, I acknowledge that in years past, I dropped coins in the Salvation Army bucket. If I had known that the money was going to a church that discriminates against LGBT and atheists, I never would have given. I feel cheated, but I also feel obligated to educate other LGBT about the Salvation Army’s structure and values.

Now is our chance to protect those that need it most, and give them the full rights that are supposedly “inalienable” to our fellow Americans. We can follow New York, and other leading states that are at the forefront of this movement. Progress moves forward, not backwards, and I can only hope our fellow Ohioans can see that and end the discrimination sooner than later in our great state.

Understanding that the Salvation Army’s bell tolls for a fundamentalist Christian church should lead most LGBT to make charitable donations elsewhere. Numerous secular charities supply services without discrimination and some specifically serve the LGBT community. Finally, LGBT interested in activism may want to demand that retailers explain why they have made a special spot in front of their store for a Christian church’s collection plate.

I strongly urge you and our fellow Ohio representatives to put yourselves in their position, and then ask yourselves... What is right?

What is fair? What is just? What if that was my child?

Please take a minute to step back, and reflect on our national history as generations past fought for true equal rights including Besides discriminating against LGBT, atheists and non-Christians, women’s suffrage, civil rights for African-Americans and other fringe groups. the Salvation Army prohibits its professional staff from smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, gambling, viewing pornography, or exploring “the occult.” The Salvation Army also condemns contra- Make no mistake about it - protecting and recognizing the strugception outside of marriage, abortion and homosexuality. Its profes- gles of today’s LGBT community is OUR GENERATION’S Civil Rights Movement. Let’s vote to stop the bullying, give them equal Employsional staff, known as “officers,” can only marry other officers of the opposite sex, and if they marry outside of the organization, they ment and Housing protection rights, and recognize and allow fullmarriage rights by the state. are fired.

Tim Covell, BornAtheist.com Albuquerque, NM

An Ally’s Open Letter to Ohio Legislators Dear Ohio Representative, I write to you as a very active, networked, outspoken and straight ally of the LGBT community. I sympathize and am sensitive to their position as a discriminated minority in today’s society.

You will only get so many chances in life to stand up and do the right thing for a discriminated minority.

Please don’t pass up this opportunity to make your voice and vote fall on the side of true “Liberty and Justice for All.” When the time comes, please vote for equality for us all, for when the rights of a few citizens are marginalized, the value of that citizenship to us all is cheapened.

I would appreciate a response (phone or email) with your position on these matters at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and concern.

Chet Ridenour Columbus, OH

In 2011 America, it is very unfortunate the lack of true equality and protection for ALL American citizens. Municipalities and school dis-

Got something to say? Send us a letter to editor@outlookmedia.com

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I love the new Kroger - They have a great beer selection!

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Same-Sex Marriage Protest to be Held December 3rd in Columbus Seventeen-year-old Adam Hoover of Harrison, OH, has organized one rally already in support of same-sex marriage that attracted 417 protesters at Fountain Square in Cincinnati. Now he is planning another protest in Columbus, set to begin at 11a, Saturday, December 3rd, in the city’s Capitol Square. Hundreds of people have indicated on Facebook that they will attend.

The rally will feature a lineup of speakers including Reformed Catholic Church Clergy, and Equality Ohio Executive Director, Ed Mullen, Michael Loch from NKU Equality Now, and Tom Morgan from Get Equal OH.

The Westerville incident, however, demonstrates the need for comprehensive, age-appropriate instruction on bullying and harassment.

Equality Ohio Executive Director, Ed Mullen, explains that the incident proves that policies and training are needed to help end the bullying epidemic in our public school systems. Mullen says: “All students - gay or straight - need to be protected from attacks and harassment in schools. Our elected officials in Ohio need to pass comprehensive anti-bullying reform to ensure that students, teachers, and administrators are trained to identify and end bullying and harassment in our schools.”

among their Northeast Ohio peers - nearly 80% of LGBT youth in Northeast Ohio self-identify themselves as smokers. The display took place at Arts Collinwood, a local art venue in the Waterloo District of Cleveland, from Nov 15-20.

The Great American Smokeout is a national “quit” holiday sponsored by the American Cancer Society that aims to encourage individuals to quit smoking.

Human Rights Campaign Honors Transgender Day of Remembrance

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, joined in the commemoration of Transgender Day of Remembrance on Sunday, Hoover was motivated by Ohio’s constitutional amendment and November 20. The 13th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance state law prohibiting same-sex marriages. The constitutional is a solemn tribute to those who have lost their lives to anti-transamendment passed by ballot initiative in November 2004. Ohio gender hatred or prejudice and also seeks to raise awareness of law prohibits same-sex marriage and does not recognize same-sex Mullen explains the petitions and the town hall demonstrate a bul- the constant threat of brutality faced by the transgender commulying epidemic that needs to be addressed immediately. “This marriages from others states. Iowa, New York, Vermont, New nity. panel discussion is about starting a dialogue. All students need to Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia allow same-sex marriages to be performed under state law. be protected from attacks and harassment in schools, and les“From Minnesota to Maryland and from Houston to Detroit to the bian, gay, bisexual and transgender students face some of the nation’s capital, violence against transgender people has continEd Mullen of Equality Ohio says, “The attention this rally has gar- most severe and pervasive bullying. The 80,000 petitions are a re- ued unabated this year,” said Allyson Robinson, HRC Deputy Direcnered among the press and public is a strong indicator that opin- minder to our policymakers and elected officials of the bullying tor of Diversity. “These crimes attempt to erase transgender lives problem in Ohio,” explains Mullen. ion on same-sex marriage is changing rapidly in Ohio. As other and terrorize our community. On the Transgender Day of Rememstates legalize same-sex marriage, people around the country see brance, we defy that erasure and intimidation by coming together loving, same-sex couples make lifetime commitments and realize Gay Alumnus Partners With GetEQUAL Ohio to to remember those we’ve lost.” that those couples deserve the same rights and responsibilities of Fight School’s “Erasure” of His Existence any other committed couple.”

This year there is some encouraging news. Polling released earlier this month by the Public Religion Research Institute shows strong School bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Link to the Facebook Event: majorities of Americans favor rights and legal protections for students, a critically damaging problem across the country, has https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199263213483014. taken on a new severity in central Ohio. Recently, a Delaware K-12 transgender people. Key findings include: school principal has become the bully - “erasing” a former LGBT student from the alumni page of the school’s website and refusing •Overwhelming majorities of Americans – including strong majoriSecond Teen in Two Weeks Attacked in Ohio ties of all religious and partisan groups – agree that transgender to acknowledge his history at the school.

School, Equality Ohio Delivers 80,000 people should have the same civil rights and legal protections as Petitions to School District While California makes a concerted effort to accept all lifestyles by others; legally requiring textbooks to include LGBT Americans, private reliA second teenager in just two weeks was beaten in an Ohio public gious institution Delaware Christian School (DCS) hopes to “erase” •Approximately three-quarters of Americans say Congress should school by another student because of homophobia. On Tuesday, LGBT Americans one by one. In response to DCS’s blatant discrimi- pass employment nondiscrimination laws to protect transgender November 1st, a student at Westerville South High School was people, and a similar majority favors Congress’s recent expansion nation, grassroots civil rights organization GetEQUAL Ohio took a called “fag” and “faggot” by another student, before that student stand for LGBT students across America by staging a “Teach OUT of hate crimes legislation to protect transgender people; and punched him in the head several times. The victim had a possible for Equality” rally outside the school on Nov. 16. concussion and underwent emergency medical testing; the stu•Approximately two-thirds of Americans are able to identify what dent was unable to attend school for at least one week. The victim Principal Gordon McDonald deleted former student David Emerson the term “transgender” means and report being well informed does not identify as gay, but he does have a lesbian sister and has from the school’s website this summer after spotting his gay iden- about transgender people and issues. been harassed about that for four years. tification on Facebook. When Emerson called the school to speak with McDonald about the possibility of reinstating him, McDonald “Despite the positive news that more Americans favor rights and A teacher at the school broke up the assault and took the victim to simply said, “You are a gross and immoral representation of my legal protections for transgender people, across the country, and the school nurse. The attacker will be suspended from school for particularly in Washington, DC, we are mindful of the increase in school,” according to Emerson. five days, and his schedule will be altered so it does not overlap violence against the transgender community,” said HRC President with the victim’s.

ButtOut Ohio Hosts “PROUD to SmokeOUT” Art Joe Solmonese. “This Transgender Day of Remembrance, we salute those who put a face on this anti-trans violence. Educating others Exhibit This incident came only a week after a 15-year-old teenager in about their horrific stories will move us to a place where members Chillicothe, Ohio was severely beaten in his high school classroom of our community no longer need to live in fear.” for being gay. That attack occurred at Unioto High School and was Students from the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland developed tobacco cessation artwork in collaboration with ButtOut caught on camera as fellow class members watched one teen wait Transgender Day of Remembrance is held in November to honor for the victim to enter the room, push him to the ground and con- Ohio, a campaign sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health Rita Hester, whose murder in 1998 led to the “Remembering Our that aims to curb tobacco use among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and tinually punch him in the face.

Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999.

Transgender (LGBT) youth in the state.

Since then, the event has grown into an annual memorial for Unlike Chillicothe, the Westerville City School system does have a The artwork, crafted by students ranging from 14-24 years of age, transgender hate crime victims held in hundreds of cities across bullying policy that prohibits bullying and harassment based on the country and around the world. For a list of vigils and rememsexual orientation or gender identity, among other characteristics. is an effort to raise awareness for the alarming rate of tobacco use brances worldwide, visit www.transgenderdor.org. outlookcolumbus.com

On Wednesday, November 16, Equality Ohio delivered over 80,000 individual petitions to the Union-Scioto Local School District demanding that the school district protect LGBT students from bullying and harassment.

Traut is like a candle in the wind...

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NAACP And Advocates To Address HIV’s Prevalence In Communities Of Color The NAACP’s Health Department, in partnership with Harvard University’s Center for AIDS Research (HU CFAR), spotlighted HIV and AIDS in the Black community during the “Forgotten Epidemic: Our Collective Response, Responsibility & Solution To The Black AIDS Crisis” Advocacy and Education Summit on November 2. The free, two-day event engaged legislators on domestic HIV/AIDS and other health issues disproportionately affecting the community and advocate for National HIV/AIDS strategy, the Patient Affordable Care Act and more. This was the second in a series of meetings that began with 2010’s “Forgotten Epidemic: HIV/AIDS Crisis in Black America” in Boston, MA. The Summit aligned with the 30th anniversary commemoration of HIV/AIDS in the United States.

“If we don’t work together to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in our community, then who will? Let’s take matters into our own hands and stop the spread of the epidemic,” said Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman, NAACP National Board of Directors.”

It is a new day.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Black Americans are 13% of the U.S. population, but make up over 50% of all new cases of HIV and AIDS. That represents an infection rate 10 times higher than the white population. Among women, the numbers are even more shocking: 70% of all new infections among American women are Black women, and a Black woman’s risk of dying of AIDS is 23 times greater than that of a white woman from the U.S.

“The NAACP has identified HIV/AIDS as a national priority,” said Shavon Arline, NAACP Director of Health Programs. “We realize this is the number one killer among African American women ages 25-44 and will continue to raise awareness and bring a sense of urgency to this epidemic to save our families.”

Domestic Partnership Benefits & Obligations Legislation For The NAACP has initiated several health care efFederal Employees Would End forts, including its 880 Campaign for Real Disparities, Help Attract And Healthcare Reform Now. The campaign’s name Retain Top Talent derived from findings suggesting that the deaths of 880,000 African Americans could have been prevented had adequate health care reform been passed in the last decade. The NAACP also led a coalition of more than 50 civil rights and advocacy groups to create an unprecedented “civil rights war room” where organization leaders developed a strategy to successfully advocate for the passage of the National Health Care Reform Bill in March 2010. The Association is also a member of the Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) in partnership with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as one of 14 national Black organizations and the Office of Minority Health.

Dr. Franklin E. Kameny Residence In Washington, DC, Listed In The National Register of Historic Places

The National Park Service has recognized the historic significance of gay rights activist Dr. Franklin E. Kameny, by listing his home in the National Register of Historic Places. “Dr. Kameny led a newly militant activism in the fledgling gay civil rights of the 1960s,” said NPS Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “He was a landmark figure in articulating and achieving gay civil rights in federal employment and security clearThe event featured leaders in health equity and ance cases, and in reversing the medical comin the social justice and civil rights movements, munity’s view on homosexuality as a mental as well as community and faith-based organi- disorder.” Kameny’s efforts in the civil rights zations. Discussions highlighted root causes of movement, modeled in part on African Amerithe epidemic; stigma and discrimination asso- can civil rights strategies and tactics, significiated with people living with or affected by cantly altered the rights, perceptions, and role AIDS; and Black relationships and sexuality. of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered Separate sessions were aimed at the presence people in American society. of the epidemic in Black youth. Participants steered conversations on developing critical ac- For years, Dr. Kameny’s residence at 5020 tion plans to stem the tide of HIV and AIDS Cathedral Avenue, NW, in Washington, DC, among Black Americans. served as a meeting place, archives, informal

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counseling center, headquarters of the Mattachine Society, and a safe haven for visiting gay and lesbian activists. It was here that Dr. Franklin E. Kameny developed the civil rights strategies and tactics that have come to define the modern gay rights movement.

married employees and their spouses. Such employees and their domestic partners would likewise assume the same obligations as those that apply to married employees and their spouses, such as anti-nepotism rules and financial disclosure requirements.

Absolut® Vodka Celbrates 30 Outrageous Years of Going Out & Coming Out in the LGBT Community

ABSOLUT®, the world’s most iconic vodka, is celebrating 30 years of going out and coming Congresswomen Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced the Do- out in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgenmestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act der (LGBT) community this fall in truly OUTraof 2011. The bill would put the federal govern- geous style – and everyone is invited to join the celebration. To mark three decades of supportment on par with a majority of Fortune 500 companies by extending employee benefit pro- ing the visionaries and artists of the LGBT comgrams to cover the domestic partners of federal munity, ABSOLUT is throwing a year-long party employees to the same extent as those benefits in bars and clubs on the streets of the country’s cover spouses of federal employees. Similar leg- gay epi-centers. islation in the Senate was introduced by SenaThe party invitation comes in the form of a tors Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins stunning new print ad from legendary photogra(R-ME). pher David LaChapelle and stars his muse, “The federal government must set an example Amanda Lepore amid a visual cornucopia of iconic gay images. In true LaChapelle fashion, as an equal opportunity employer,” said Congresswoman Baldwin. “If we are to treat all fed- the OUTrageous vision draws viewers into to a menagerie of icons and symbols that is about eral employees fairly and recruit the best and life and cocktails…perfected. The vision enthe brightest to serve in government, we need capsulates the celebratory hopefulness of the this legislation,” she said.

LGBT community, as well as the legendary men, “I am pleased to co-sponsor this legislation be- women (and everything else in between!) that keep the party in the LGBT community going cause we are a nation that prides itself on strong. treating everyone as equals and this bill assures that we bring those same ideals to the ABSOLUT Vodka placed one of the first national regulations that guide federal benefits for doads in The Advocate in 1981 and has continumestic partners of federal employees,” said Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen. “We have taken ally supported LGBT charities, bars and clubs, community centers, pride celebrations and steps to gain equal rights for all but much remedia outlets ever since. This ongoing support mains to be done. Passage of this legislation has earned ABSOLUT widespread recognition as will be one step in the right direction. I am pleased that the Senate has also introduced a one of the most beloved and recognized brands in the community. Recently awarded the “In the similar bill,” she said.

Life Media Pioneer Award” for three decades of being a vanguard of diversity support and givUnder the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2011, a federal employee and ing voice to a community that was historically same-sex domestic partner, who are not related ignored across media, the new OUTrageous by blood and are living together in a committed campaign is the next step in the brand’s legintimate relationship, would be eligible to par- endary celebration of the people, events and organizations that make the LGBT community so ticipate in federal retirement, life insurance, health, workers’ compensation, and Family and unique.

Medical Leave benefits to the same extent as

Absolut has partnered with tons of amazing artists over the years visit : www.absolut.com/uk/blank - to see some recent ones!

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Help us get this book into all the schools in the area. Buy a book to donate at www.whoswhoinglbtbooks.com.

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The Batting Order - Election 2011 Wrap-Up

by Mackenzie Worrall

likes the gays. “Will something happen in the next couple of work to engage the LGBT community on all levels? Including months? No,” Ed Mullen of Equality Ohio says. “Not much hap- civic and business.”

Baseball. Favorite sport and metaphor of America and the gays, pens during the holidays. Coming back from vacation early next respectively. You know what’s not usually the favorite anything? year, we have a strong case for this.”

Mayor Coleman and the City of Columbus have been very kind to Elections. I would try to stay non-partisan, but this isn’t NPR. the LGBTQ community already. We are a city where the percent Turns out that gays are popping up all over the place. Charlotte, of our population that is gay is larger than Chicago. We spend I’m a liberal. I admit it.

NC elected their first openly gay member of city council, LaWana $7.5 billion dollars in our local economy each year. During the Mayfield. Not so far away, in Holyoke, MA, 22 year-old Alex Morse time he’s already been in office, Mayor Mike led the push for DoHow can I put myself on a spectrum for you, dear readers? Hm. became one of the youngest mayors in the country with 53% of mestic Partner benefits for city workers. And the Columbus PoOkay. I’d be that guy standing next to the Occupy movement, the vote. This headline could also read: What Have You Done lice Department, after complaints in the 90s, began to host holding a sign that says, “I’m not with these people, but ecoWith Your Life Lately? It was already a monumental act to defeat events specifically aimed at recruiting members of the gay comnomic reform is a pretty swell idea.” All while handing out abor- the 67 year-old incumbent, but Alex’s sexuality was never a munity. “I am very proud of this initiative,” the Mayor said. tions and arts grants on the street. Some might say this’d be a major part of the race. Yup. America’s youngest gay mayor. It’s bloody mess, but I aim to hand out enough grants that the arts not that he went out of the way to hide it; no one made a big We’re lucky to have the Mayor on our side. He will continue to orgs won’t tear each other apart over it. deal out of it. We are no longer an election novelty. I think I was make sure we are involved in the city. “If there’s more that we saving a bottle of wine somewhere for this moment. All of the can do, I am happy to do it. I need feedback, I am listening and This time last year, I was pretty angry. It’s amazing what hapmilestones in this year’s election are going to turn me into an al- will act on what I hear.” If you have ideas for Mayor Coleman, pens to the political climate in a year in Ohio. They call us a coholic. his office can be reached through communityrelationscommisswing state for a reason, and it’s not a sexy one. The bad news: sion@columbus.gov.

Kasich is still governor. I know, I know. This election had nothing (As a side note, it’s not just about us girls either. Ed Lee is the to do with that. But a man can hope, right? The good news is first Asia American elected to be mayor of San Francisco. Neat, “I can’t see any bad news out of yesterday,” Mullen says of the that we won big. huh?) election. “Only one candidate we supported lost - but that wasn’t even about her orientation.” With the resounding defeat Just in terms of human rights, Ohio pat yourself on the back!

Hell, even Cincinnati elected a gay person to city council. of Issue 2, this is a proud moment to be an Ohioan. Voter turnBastion of small towniness, Bowling Green (with which this re- Cincinnati. The city that became famous 20 years ago for inout was relatively high in Columbus. Across the state, almost porter is intimately acquainted with), passed a non-discrimina- dicting its Contemporary Arts Center for displaying sado50% of the population made their voice heard. That doesn’t tion ordinance that included ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender masochistic portraits by Robert Mapplethorpe, one of the most sound like a lot, but this was not a Presidential, Gubernatorial, identity’ in protected classes for hiring purposes. Everyone run- influential American artists of the 20th Century. Chris Seelor even legislative seat election year. The highest seat anyone ning for Bowling Green city council who opposed the ordinance, bach’s race was definitely one to watch. It will be very interest- voted for was Mayor. “The people who vote in off-election years lost. Equality Ohio endorsed the three winning Democrats and ing to see what he does for that city, and if we will be as iconic follow politics closely,” Mullen notes. To me, this means that we Sandy Rowland. The fifth race was between two supporters of as Mary Jo Hudson still is here, even though she’s moved on to are a blue state again. the ordinance, and Equality Ohio did not endorse in that race. So bigger and better things. the bottom line is that at least four pro-equality council memIt’ll take some big stakes next year to motivate the few conserbers were elected, preserving the human rights ordinance.

“I believe in having more gays and lesbians involved in policy vatives left to come out and vote. And this time, the Republimaking,” freshly re-elected Mayor Coleman told me. “Whether cans need more than gay marriage to spur turnout. If it should (Bowling Green! Still amazed.) that be on city council, in the state legislature or maybe even a be left to the voters like they say, then let us at it. Pitcher, gay mayor after my next five terms.” Voters re-elected the Mayor catcher, outfield, whatever. Ultimately, we all go to bat for the Springfield is going through the same process right now. for a fourth term, and should he complete it, Mayor Coleman will same team. And it’s about time we started getting some runs.

Sounds like the big college towns are leading this initiative. be the longest-serving Mayor of Columbus in history. Assuming Since Ohio is full of colleges, this doesn’t leave a whole lot of he gets those next five he wished for too, that’ll be a hard record Mackenzie Worrall is a journalist and small business enabler, with a fond love for Mayor Coleman, his team, and the Main Street Bridge. He may not ever run towns. State government has taken notice and at this very mo- to topple. “We should not look at city council as the only office. for office, but will be happy as Alex Morse’s Jackie-O in his presidential camment, there is legislation for a state-wide non-discrimination The LGBT community has already shown they are strong enough paign. law assigned to committee. Don’t worry; it’s a committee that to get someone on council. The broader question is, how do we

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dec 2011

Insert dirty pitcher or catcher sex joke here...

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LOW (od

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The suspense of the mystery host is killing me!

dec 2011

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16 Reasons We Should Be Protesting

by Leslie Robinson

protests involve camping out - we could introduce party games. Maybe plan a wedding for a laid-off steel worker and an underemployed librarian.

power might be moved to examine how we produce our annual festivals. Should Pride be about gay freedom or grapefruit vodka?

My view of the Occupy Wall Street protest is that it’s an unfocused jumble, but at least somebody’s doing something…at last. What began with a few dozen demonstra- 6. We have been the victims of Wall Street shenanigans, 13. For a few, these demonstrations would provide a protoo, losing our homes, our jobs, our hope. Corporate greed fessional challenge: the chance to give an anarchist a tors on Wall Street has grown into a national conniption is very equal opportunity, savaging straight and gay alike. makeover. over corporate greed and government collusion.

7. We have also been the victimizers. If you’ve abetted corporate criminality, it’s time to grow a conscience, sell one of your houses and post bail for protesters. Or see to it that the demonstration in your city becomes a catered That includes us; LGBT folks are demonstrating from New affair.

York to Seattle. I’m pleased about that. I can think of a lot 8. Spiritual guidance. If demonstrators want a blessing or of reasons we should be involved in this fight: just clerical panache, our community can provide it in the form of lesbian rabbis, MCC ministers, gay priests, radi1. Gay men bring a certain verve to any gathering. cal Faeries and lesbian Buddhist nuns.

2. We are in the middle of our movement, still battling for our civil rights, so some of us are ready to demonstrate at 9. The protests are irritating Glenn Beck, and that’s reason enough to participate. the drop of a tweet.

It’s easy for those in power to dismiss the protesters as young people devoid of both sense and hygiene. But all sorts of people are protesting.

15. It would be best all around if these protests were nonviolent, and who better to diffuse tension between demonstrators and police than a quick-thinking drag queen? If well delivered, the line “Does this demonstration make me look fat?” should do the trick.

4. LGBT anthems might be inspiring. I’m thinking of “I Will Survive,” not “It’s Raining Men.”

16. The struggle for gay rights is a lengthy undertaking, 10. Passion. Throngs of people. Close quarters. A sense of and the obstacles and backward steps are draining. Ocbeing real. Occupy Wall Street is Pride out of season. cupy Wall Street could rejuvenate our spirits. It might remind us what people can do when they’re angry, fighting 11. As with Pride, the opportunities for meeting a soul for their lives and sort-of-kind-of-somewhat have a goal. mate or a bedmate are ripe.

5. During the considerable down time - many of the

12. LGBT persons soaking up the agitation over corporate

3. Our experienced protesters can advise others on being arrested with maximum exposure and minimum pain.

14

14. LGBT leaders learned the importance of allies. We need to keep these ties strong. When gay people visibly participate in Occupy Wall Street, we stand with youth, liberals, unions, people of color, faith groups, veterans, professionals, anti-war activists and environmentalists.

And confused tourists.

dec 2011

I only protest in my nicest of freshly pressed suits.

If she weren’t already female, Leslie Robinson would consider becoming a drag queen. E-mail her at lesarobinson@gmail.com, and check out her blog at www.generalgayety.com for all types of humorous postings.

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No, Jack. Eat a sandwich...or something.

dec 2011

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From Homeless Adolescent to an Advocate for the Homeless: James Malone’s Quest For Home

by Michael Daniels In the 1960s, counterculture guru Timothy Leary encouraged young people to “turn on, tune in, and drop out.” Today, homeless youth, especially GLBT youth, are rewriting that to be “turn on, tune in, and drop in.”

James Malone is one young man representative of tens of thousands - energetic, smart, attractive, ambitious and gay - and until just a few months ago, homeless. His story is at once painfully individual and starkly generic.

“Let me start by saying that the most common misperception of homeless youth is that we have no boundaries, that we’ll do anything - and I mean anything - to survive. For the majority of us, that’s just not true. Some will, but most of us won’t. We find odd jobs and ways to make a few dollars, stop in at places that will give us food, or clothing. We sleep outside, or fake an injury or aches and pains – that’ll often get you a free night’s stay in the emergency room at the hospital. Or save up enough for one night at an inexpensive motel, where you can get a continental breakfast, and a hot shower, and soap, and a bed.”

Youth, and GLBT youth in particular, face many challenges when According to the 2006 policy report from the National Gay and they suddenly find themselves on the streets. As James says, Lesbian Taskforce titled An Epidemic of Homelessness, between shelters often aren’t safe for GLBT people, or the young, or the vul575,000 and 1.6 million youth each year are runaway or homenerable. And to even get into a shelter, a person has to have a less, and up to 40% of these youth are GLBT. “Family conflict is government-issued photo ID. Most youth, certainly those who the primary cause of homelessness for all youth, LGBT or straight. don’t have a driver’s license, don’t have an ID. Strike one.

Specifically, family conflict over a youth’s sexual orientation or gender identity is a significant factor that leads to homelessness In order to enroll in school, to get back to some sense of normalcy or the need for out-of-home care.” and advancement, and to receive many public services such as food assistance, a person needs a physical address. Strike two.

“My mom found out I was gay when I was 16,” James tells me over a lunch of sweet-and-sour chicken and Szechuan shrimp at And many passersby assume that homeless youth are delinquent, his favorite local Chinese fast food place. “Things seemed ok, and criminal, prostitutes and/or drug dealers. Strike three.

I came out completely when I was 18. At 23, I left home to be with my then-boyfriend. After moving in with him, he became very So where do they go, what do they do, and what can be done? physically violent, attacking me and putting me in the hospital, in Enter drop-in centers such as Huck House and Star House. Huck a coma, for a week. When I recovered, I knew I couldn’t and House focuses on runaway kids, and getting them back together wouldn’t go back with him.” So James did what most youth would with their families. Star House focuses on providing homeless do. He called his mom. “Mom said she was sorry, but that she youth a safe respite from the streets where they are able to meet had a new boyfriend, and that I couldn’t move back home betheir basic needs and begin reconnecting with the larger social cause he wouldn’t live with a gay kid in his house,” James says. “I system. thought to myself ‘but I’m blood,’ but it didn’t matter. I couldn’t go back to where I had been living, and I couldn’t go back to my It was Star House that helped James, and where he now volunmom’s.” teers a great deal of his time.

“I was homeless.”

In that moment, everything for James changed.

“I found Star House through a friend, who was also a homeless gay young man,” James says. There were several things that made Star House attractive to James and his friends. “They don’t require us to show ID, so getting in isn’t a problem,” James continues. “They treat us like normal people, not like charity cases or strays. And they provide resources that you don’t even think about - until you don’t have them.”

He started frequenting shelters for homeless men, but “it’s not safe being gay in the shelter,” James says. “But more than that, it’s just not safe in general. The staff does what they can, but there are like five staff for every 350 beds. There’s violence, theft, drugs and weapons. I couldn’t sleep, and I just didn’t feel safe, so These ‘resources’ include things that most of us take for granted.

I stopped checking in at the shelters.”

“At Star, you can eat whenever and whatever you want,” James says. “You’re not regulated to mealtime and a set menu. You can I asked him where he slept, how he survived. get clothing, or get your clothing washed. They have toiletries, and personal care items. And maybe most importantly, you can use

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their address to get your mail, to put on your ID, and through a collaboration with Columbus Public, you can get enrolled back in school.”

James is now employed, and shares a house with friends up in the campus area. He stays involved with Star House, however. “I advocate for those kids,” he says proudly. “I accompany them to appointments, and I help them fill out applications. I’ve been through ‘the system’ so I know how to help them navigate it.”

James also encourages others to get involved. “What the community, especially the gay community, can do,” he says emphatically, “is to just literally get involved. Come to Star House. Spend time with the kids there. They need someone to listen. They need mentors. They need transportation to appointments, or help filling out forms, or help with their homework. But mostly they need a big brother or a big sister figure they can count on.”

I ask if he plans to make a career as an advocate, and he quickly replies. “No, I don’t see it as a career,” he says. “I see myself continuing to volunteer for a lifetime. But I don’t want to get paid for doing this. I think it’s what’s expected of me having been there myself and gone through what these young people are facing.”

So what does he plan to do? “I’m opening a restaurant in two years,” he beams. “World cuisine. Great food. My friends and I already have it named, and are working on our business plan. It’s going to happen - it’s my dream.”

I’ve already made my reservations for his grand opening - I’m planning to drop in for James.

For more information on Huck House, visit www.huckhouse.org. For more on Star House, visit www.osustarhouse.com. Both facilities can use donations of your time, your energy, your money, and the following tangible items: Hygiene Items (deodorant, shampoo, combs/brushes, African-American hair products: shampoo, conditioner, moisturizing lotion, grease, feminine products, travel sized hand sanitizer, toothbrushes / toothpaste, towels/washcloths, travel sized tissue, travel sized lotion, lip balm chap stick, razors shaving cream, socks, underwear (boxers for males); Food Items (milk, juice, eggs, bread, cheese, lunchmeats, frozen/fresh entrees, fresh baked items (cakes/cookies), plastic forks/spoons/plates, $ gift cards for local grocers); Cleaning Supplies (paper towels, toilet paper, aluminum foil, floor cleaner, dish liquid, laundry detergent, hand sanitizer, rubber gloves); Transition items (Place settings Sets (4), Pots & Pans, Comforters, Sheets Sets (Twin), Alarm Clocks, Pillows - Standard, Dish Racks, Silverware Sets, Dish Towels, Cookie Sheets, Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Wash Cloths; Other Items (support resources, i.e. resume building & life skills, daily COTA bus passes, phone cards/change for payphone, postage stamps, book/tote bags, daily planners.) Join outlook Thursday, December 15th at Level Dining Lounge for our Big Gay Holiday Party: a fundraiser for Huck House. Meet Dominique from America’s Next Top Model and enjoy a Christmas cabaret show by the cast of Mamma Mai!. We’re asking for a $10 donation or any of the supplies above. 9p-2:30a. Cabaret starts at 11:30p.

I ran away once when I was nine. I lived in my treehouse for the entire weekend. I came home when my mom made mac n’ cheese.

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Erin wouldn’t mind making out with a bearded face...

dec 2011

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Enough

by Regina Sewell

when we let ourselves fall into the gap between what is (what we have) and what we want. They also tell us that while pain is You can never be too rich or too thin. inevitable, suffering is a choice. In other words, our obsession -Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor with getting more is making us miserable. At a fundamental level, we all already have enough. In this moment, we are We use to say, I don’t care if we don’t have any money, breathing. We have access to food, shelter and clothes. To quote As long as I got my sweet honey and a shack in the woodlands. Geneen Roth, “When you look through the eyes of lack, through Now we say, I don’t care if I don’t have any money shattered lenses, the world looks shattered, looks like there’s but its not true not enough. If you take off the shattered lenses, the world is alWe can’t live without money, no, because we don’t want to. right.”

We want one of those and two of those, and oh that one looks neat, wrap it up.

Try making the list again, but this time, put parameters on it.

Put it on my Master Card, put it on my Visa.

Try saying, “In this moment, I have all the __________ that I -Greg Brown need.” Again, focus on what is desirable. I’ll help you get started. In this moment, I have all the air that I need. In this Something in the American mindset tells us that no matter how moment, I have all the love that I need. My refrigerator is jammuch we have or how much we get of something, we need packed and my pantry is well stocked. In this moment, I have all more. There’s never enough: not enough time, not enough enthe food that I need. And even though my bank account has ergy, not enough sleep, not enough love, not enough money, not taken a major hit from the economic crisis that has impacted enough meaning to life, not enough fun, not enough rock-thethe nation for the last few years, in this moment, I have all the house sex. Being queer doesn’t protect us from this very Ameri- money that I need. And I have a circle of family and friends who can obsession. have my back.

Test this for yourself. Take a couple of minutes and list 10 things that you find desirable that you have enough of. The phrase “that you find desirable” is key here, so things like “I have enough debt,” “I have enough dandruff,” “I have enough anxiety, thank you very much,” don’t count.

I’m not really a gambling person, but I bet that if you were totally honest, this wasn’t an easy list to compile. I’m also willing to bet that you didn’t put money on the list, at least not if you were thinking about the long-term big picture.

If you felt resistant to making this list or had a hard time coming up with things you have enough of, note that and be gentle with yourself. Try another experiment. Think about all the things in your life that bring you joy. You might consider things like pets, children, friends, supportive family, a loving partner, an engaging hobby and/or good health. Go through your house and notice what you like, what you find comforting and what you’d feel sad to lose or have taken from you. How do feel when you focus your awareness on the positive things you have in your life rather than on what you don’t have?

Ultimately, you have no control over the national economy, your employer’s plans regarding downsizing, your partner’s fidelity or your mother’s health. What you do have control over is how you make sense of what is happening outside of you. You can lose yourself in misery about what you don’t have or spin in fear about what you might not have enough of tomorrow or you can focus on gratitude and find peace through acknowledging what you do have. The way to do this is to keep yourself in the present moment. Meditation, yoga and centered breathing practices are helpful in this regard. It’s also helpful to remind yourself that you have enough of what you need in this moment. Even in the worst-case scenarios, there are places you can go and people The point of this exercise is not to minimize your current situa- you can reach out to get your basic needs met. To quote the tion. The economy sucks and many people are struggling finan- Rolling Stones, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you cially. The national average credit card debt per households try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need.” Perwith credit card debt is $15,799. This is nothing to sneeze at haps the queer community can lead the way of stopping the and lots of people owe much more than this, especially when madness driven by the American obsession with more, more, car loans and student loans are added to the list. And life hap- more. pens. Relationships fall apart. Friends, family and pets get sick To ask Regina a question, propose a column topic, read about her approach to and/or die. The thing is that if you just focus on how much counseling, or check out her books and other writing, go to: money you owe or how rotten it is that your relationship fell www.ReginaSewell.com. Her most recent publication, “Sliding Away” can be found apart, you’re likely to spin into major anxiety and/or fall into a in Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex and Work in Our 40s, edited by Molly Rosen. pit of despair and depression. What fun is that?

Here in lies the rub. The yogis tell us that suffering happens

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I recently complained about my phone not doing something fast enough, I quickly realized - I have access to a phone I have my health I need to stop bitching. outlookcolumbus.com

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It’s to the point that every time I see a horse, I think of Traut.

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EVEN

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Party Rockers in the House Tonight: Observations from the Gay Holiday Party Scene

by Mario Pinardi I would rather have amoebic dysentery then get stuck listening to an A-Lister tell me about their diet and their skimpy panties that they bought for an overpriced gay holiday. Am I jealous? A hater?

No. I just find the topic banal and bourgeois. Unfortunately, this is typical conversation at any gay-centric Holiday party. Gay holiday parties are the best way to visualize the differences and disparities within the GLBT community. Whether it is an economic or social difference, or even a physical difference, these large gatherings are the best for observing differences. I have several friends who invite herds of people to their houses for holiday parties, and usually I politely turn down these invites, due to work or laziness. Plus large groups of people in small dwellings scare me, and I usually end up outside with the smokers for some semifresh air. Anyway, when I do decide to attend these parties, I am in awe of the differences and disparities and the people-watching material. Here is a spattering of the typical gay Holiday party guests, based on my experiences of going to Holiday parties here in Columbus: The Beautiful A-Lister: This person is fortunate to have a large check book, and they like you to know that by listing a resume that is full of high-priced galas they have been to, and by listing the overpriced vacations that they have been on in the last six months. The A-Lister is heavily branded and is never dressed in Holiday-themed attire. They usually bring the host some wine or flowers that they would like, not what the host would like. Most of the A-Listers are white, gay men, even though there can be women and persons of color in this group. Some are generous with social causes, but their generosity has to have a perk. I avoid these folks because I do not want to embarrass Hubby or the party host by saying something insulting. A-Listers usually do not socialize with non-A-Listers, unless the non-A-Lister is young and hung.

The Gym Bunny/“Straight-Acting” Guy: These guests usually eat nothing that the host has served and usually bring their own 6pack of “diet beer.” They are just as self-centered as the A-Lister, but it is because of their physical appearance, not their pocketbook. Gym bunnies workout practically every day and so do their close friends; relationships outside the gym environment are usually void. They usually only hang with their own or A-Listers, because A-Listers make a good audience or “fan club” for them.

Conversations with a Gym Bunny usually involve them giving you unprompted weight loss tips and advice on how to work out. I usu-

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ally do not give advice unless I am asked for it. Gym bunnies usually refer to themselves as “straight acting,” too - really, there is nothing straight-acting about sucking cock and eating ass. I avoid this group because I am fat, and gym bunnies usually smell like creatine, which smells like rancid eggs.

The Catty Queen: This group is usually filled with the effeminate men who can’t stand anyone different than them, and they are usually vocal about it. The Catty Queen group can include A-Listers, but often does not include gym bunnies. The Catty Queen usually has other catty ones with them, and they usually plant themselves in one area of the party and do not move. It is almost like an impromptu lioness lair. Catty Queens usually bring flamboyantly wrapped gifts for the host, and while I love the creativity, the gift is about them, not the host. What if your host is not a flamboyant person? I can sometimes fall into this group, but I cannot carry on cattiness for too long; it becomes boring to me.

Plus, I have to move out of the lair in order to get a drink.

fessor emeritus” of Sluttography. The Sluts usually do not include the “I Hates” or the A-Listers, I mean, who really wants to fuck these bitter messes?

The Newbies: These are the gays that are very new to same-sex relationships. They are naïve and they are attractive to all groups, except A-Listers. The Sluts want to fuck this group, the Gym Bunnies want to pump iron with them at their gay gym, and the “I Hates” want to show them how to hate everything. I like the Newbies, but I usually keep my views to myself with them, out of respect to the host. Be nice to the Newbees at a party, and do not try to turn them into you.

The Political/Socio Bully: These are our zealous activists. I have nothing against an activist, unless the activist makes folks feel less than for not being one. We all have our causes, but the Political/Socio Bully feels that their causes are the only ones that gays should believe in. As a member of the GLBT community, I do feel passionate about causes that affect my Hubby and me, but do I The “I Hate________”: These gays are constantly unhappy and expect every GLBT community member to feel the same about my they dislike anything for the sake of disliking it. They can be inclu- causes? No, I do not. This is unrealistic. I have zero patience for sive of Gym Bunnies, Catty Queens and A-Listers. They are ready these folks, because they crave attention in the worse way and are to tell you how much they hate your friends, your company that you often member s of the “A-Listers” or the “I Hate” group. work for, your favorite stores, your favorite movies and well, just about anything! These people exhaust me, and they have no sense Well, I am sure I have pissed someone off, and yes, maybe I am of humor. The “I Hate” group also can include those who are reli- over generalizing. But admit that these are some of the people in gious (yes, there are religious gays). Their religious belief is often your neighborhood, and maybe they are a little bit like you. My an excuse to hate something, too. The “I Hates” can be guilty of point, with a dollop of sarcasm and humor, is that being a membeing bullish, in that they try to coerce folks to be miserable like ber of the GLBT community is a being part of community that has them – misery loves company. This is another group I avoid. rich layers of diversity and has many disparities. When we recognize that other GLBT community members outside of our own The Drama Queen/the Victim: These guests are usually creating GLBT socioeconomic group are vastly different but also are very drama in their lives and it can sometimes trickle into the party. In similar, this is when we start coming together as a unified force. their life, they go from one self-created drama to another, and When we use money, power, physical attributes and unequal treatthen refuse to own the drama they created. At the party, they usu- ment to bully our own, we fragment our community even more. ally play the victim role - everybody has wronged them in some With the current political and economic climate, fragmenting ourform, and they tend to disclose too much. Hello, wake up! It takes selves is probably not smart. In 2012, I challenge you all to be more than one person to create a drama. This is another guest I flexible and step outside your gayborhood into other gayborhoods. avoid in order save myself from embarrassment, plus listening to Understand that you can use the diversity within our gayborhoods too much self-pity makes me ill. to create strength and to create a stronger voice against those who want to oppress us. Remember that you should never be or The Slut/the Ho: This is my favorite group. I love a good slut. This feel like a victim, always be a survivor. Now, I need to hang with group is always on the prowl at parties and they are assertive. my Sluts - a good trick story is always appreciated. Happy HoliThey usually close themselves off from other groups when they days to you all - with emphasis on the “Ho.” find their prey. I love to hang with this group, when they do not have a piece of meat. I think of myself as a retired slut, or a “proCocktail therapy gets me through the holiday season in a variety of ways.

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AEP Ohio is offering $10-$20 in-store discounts on select models of ENERGY STAR速 light emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

dec 2011

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Shoot Zee Cum in Zee Face: Herman Cain, Torture and Leathersex

by Mickey Weems

Torture and BDSM

Like almost every other Republican presidential candidate with a chance of winning their party’s nomination, Herman Cain is nein-nein-nein when it comes to homosexuality. “I think it’s a sin because of my Biblical beliefs,” he said, “and, although people don’t agree with me, I happen to think that it is a personal choice.”

Let’s look at torture as a means of pleasure.

Cain loves the Bible so much; he goes down on his knees and assumes a faith-based sexual position. He looks the LGBT community straight in the crotch, tells us that homosexuality is a choice, and Gay people’s choice is to sin.

The point of pain/humiliation-oriented Leathersex is pleasure for everyone involved. Although a man may play the role of victim in countless scenarios, including rape and torture, the goal is to enact a fantasy, as dark as that fantasy might be, in order to release its erotic potential. Nobody is forced to join in, and participants may opt out at any time. That is why the Leather community’s flag includes a red heart (suggesting compassion) and a white stripe (purity of intention) among the black and blue horizontal stripes.

I do mean he looks us in the crotch because that’s the only part of us that interests him. He refuses to engage us face-to-face. When Cain thinks “Gay,” he thinks sex organs and sex acts, not people. Puts a whole new spin on “basket case,” doesn’t it?

For Cain, it is our fault if we are not Straight, just like it’s our fault if we are not rich or do not have a job. It therefore stands to reason that Gay people deserve whatever beatings we get by homophobes (Cain says “No!” to hate crime legislation), LGBT kids deserve to be harassed (“No!” to protecting our youth), and if electrical shocks to our genitals can Fry Away The Gay (“Yes!” to dangerous ex-gay reparative therapy), so be it.

Herman “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” Cain is so full of Santorum, it is a wonder he does not turn white and frothy.

For his part, Rick Santorum accused Saturday Night Live of bullying him during a skit that mocked his homophobia. Rick is proof that bigotry can turn you into a Grade A Asshole, as if the anguish caused him by SNL is anything as serious as a queer kid driven to suicide. Neither Cain nor Santorum has spoken out against human rights abuses such as daily torture of young people who endure bullies (the real kind), ex-gay torture therapy or torture used by the US military and the CIA.

The Leather community incorporates sadomasochistic techniques of pain into its homoerotic folklife. Some Leathermen practice extreme forms of S&M, such as crucifixion and physical assault as well as humiliation, in their repertoire.

Sado-masochism in the Leather community may outwardly resemble torture used in ex-gay ministries and enhanced interrogation techniques for prisoners of war. But of the three, only Leathersex is ethical.

The definition of torture was altered after 9/11 by the Bush Administration. It was repackaged as enhanced interrogation techniques as part of the War On Terror. Similar techniques are found in reparative therapy for Fundamentalist Christian ministries to homosexuals.

From the viewpoint of the Leathersex community, enhanced interrogation techniques and reparative therapy are immoral. They are, in fact, perversions of healthy sado-masochistic expression between consenting adults.

The Pleasure Principle: Shoot Zee Cum in Zee Face The Leather community is based on the right of a person to experience sexual pleasure in a variety of ways, including terror scenarios.

This is why playrooms for Leathersex are called “dungeons,” calling to mind medieval torture But don’t Gay men sometimes engage in torture chambers. Dungeon scenarios can be as mild as for their sexual kicks? Is there any real difference a student being spanked by a teacher, or an altar between Leathersex, torture USA style and ex-gay boy disciplined by a priest. As such, these fanaversion therapies? tasies may be cathartic for the person playing the victim who may have actually been a victim in

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real life, a psychodrama that acts as a pressurerelease valve. Or it could just be fun, like acting in a horror movie or participating in a zombie walk.

Dungeon scenarios may be downright sinister, such as prison rape or crime scenes. Or Gitmo or Abu Ghraib, taking cues from American military torture of suspected insurgents. Or even ex-gay therapy.

sleep deprivation, noise, electric shocks and painful body positions used in KGB interrogation were adopted by the CIA and the US military. Also included was waterboarding, a technique of controlled drowning that goes back to the late Middle Ages.

Here’s the hypocrisy: after World War II, Imperial Japanese soldiers were executed for waterboarding American military personnel.

One never knows which direction kink may travel. Enhanced interrogation enthusiasts call waterHere are some possibilities: boarding “simulated drowning.” I guess those who died from water inhalation while being waI remember watching a cheesy Straight porn in terboarded were only experiencing “simulated the 1980s. The evil Nazi torturer ordered the death” before they went to the next world. heroic well-hung American POW to fuck a beautiful American spy. “Shoot zee cum in zee face!”

The second argument for torture is that torture is exclaimed the villain, which became a catch okay during wartime. The third is that it works. phrase for my friends and me for months to come (sorry). It would be easy for Leathermen to substi- Since the end of the Bush Administration, our tute the Nazi with a member of Al Qaida: “By government has wisely made torture illegal, Allah, shoot zee infidel cum in zee unbeliever’s wartime or not. And the claim that torture proface!” Or an ex-gay minister fondling his client’s duces credible results has been disproved yet dick as he places electrodes on it: “By the power again by testimony of those who did the interroof JEEEEE-sus, expel the demon-seed!” gations. The only thing torture can guarantee is getting the victim to say whatever you want them But there is no coercion. Nobody is going to Hell, to say, facts be damned. Or death. Either way, nobody is desperate to change in order to prevent truth is not a byproduct. further bullying or involuntary incarceration in a secret prison. The privacy of the Leatherman’s A fourth argument is that we use harsh interrodungeon can be a healing space where painful gating techniques when we train our own troops. issues can be encountered face-to-face and al- Indeed, mild forms of torture are administered as lowed orgasmic release. I suspect that ex-gay part of POW training. The rationale is to prepare reparative therapy may perversely fulfill the same military personnel for the possibility. In this case, function of sexual release, but without the the severity of those techniques is dramatically cleansing honesty of Leathersex. lessened, and the training becomes more of a test of courage rather than the real thing, espeBackground: Enhanced Interrogation Techcially since the trainees know their suffering is niques minimized and temporary, and humiliation is nowhere near as bad. To compare POW training So what are enhanced interrogation techniques, to enhanced interrogation techniques is like comand what is wrong with them? paring a boxing match to a gun battle between gangs.

“Enhanced interrogation technique” refers to torture that leaves no visible mark on the victim.

The end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell may, in fact, end After the attacks on 9/11, key figures in the Bush the military practice of torturing suspects and reAdministration wanted vengeance against terror- cruits. Many Gay people have been coerced into ists, but were forbidden by laws against torture to undergoing torture to hypothetically save their make them pay. So they said that it’s not torture if souls, and our Leatherfolk create fantasies about permanent damage is not caused to the victim’s torture in their dungeons. Our familiarity with torbody. This is the same definition used by the Rus- ture means we have no illusions about its pursians during the Cold War. The administration pose, and we will not stand for it as Standard then looked to Communist Russia for techniques Operating Procedure, either in our military trainthat leave no physical scars. Extreme heat, cold, ing or against our enemies.

Cum may refer to: A Latin word, which can be either the preposition with or a conjunction meaning when, because, or although.

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The designation "Champagne" refers to a style of growth and production for certain grapes in the Champagne region of France.

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Sandra, Nina and Sable all in one night? Sign us up!

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Painting the Picture of White Picket Fences

by Shelby Kretz “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”

- Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities The gay community today is facing a split. There are two halves, but only one of those has been seen. They are the ones who have been seen on television, in the Pride parade, and advocating for gay rights across the country. They are the members of the LGBT community who are doing well, with secure jobs, houses, and families. And these are the people who are on the forefront of the battle for gay equality. But with these members in the front line, we can easily forget who’s standing behind them.

There is no doubt that this battle has come a long way.

Compared to 50 years ago, the LGBT community has surely surpassed expectations of what it could become. These successes - in marriage, military and more - are giving us hope. In fact, there is an over-

whelming sense of optimism in terms of where the gay Columbus is supposed to be a great city for LGBT community is headed. equality, but that is exactly where these numbers are coming from and there is nothing equal about it. PeoThere is one thing that cannot be forgotten in this ple tend to think that these gaps have gone away. We fight, though. A basic truth that tends to be ignored is think that this sort of thing could not possibly be hapthat the LGBT community is not made up entirely of pening here in Columbus - maybe other places, but not rich, white males with white-collar jobs and white here. But there it is. The LGBT community - yes, even picket fences. An overwhelming stereotype of the gay here - is not all upper class men. community is that it is one of affluence, and this stereotype may be hindering our ability to gain equal- The community is made up of so much more than that. ity.

The black transgendered man who is living on the street because he was denied housing based on his “Familiar political distortions and myths continue gender identity. The bisexual woman who wasn’t hired being spread, notably by adversaries painting the because of her sexual identity. The 13-year-old gay boy LGBT community as rich elites. They twist reality to ex- who was kicked out of his house when he came out to plain that we are rewarded more with privilege than his parents. burdened by discrimination,” says Bob Witek in Ending Employment Discrimination in America. “There is not a Where are these people when we are thinking about whisper of evidence that [LGBT] people in general earn the gay community? Why is it that they aren’t the first more or, on average, are wealthier than other Amerior the second or even the third types of people we think cans.” about when we hear ‘LGBT’? Maybe it’s just easier to pretend like the community has it all together and igThe facts can’t be ignored. In the Columbus metropoli- nore that these people exist. It’s much easier to look tan area, 36% of LGBT residents are white-collar work- away when we see that kid on the street than to stand ers. Let’s compare that to the general Columbus up and say that the gay community is still suffering. population average of 62%. In the area, 20% of people rent homes and 75% own homes, compared to the Fifty percent of gay teens report a negative reaction LGBT community with a 30% renting rate and a 62% from their parents when they came out. While this may home owning rate. We can only assume these statisnot come as a surprise, what is more shocking is that tics have some basis in this one - 18% of LGBT people 26% report being kicked out of their homes. About 20in the area have a college degree versus 39% of the 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBT. In these congeneral market. ditions, many kids simply do not have a place to spend the night, let alone the means to get to college. continued

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The discrimination doesn’t stop in schools. This is, of course, an issue that carries on to the workplace, but instead of missing class, we’re talking about losing cash.

Gay men earn significantly less than straight men in the same job with similar qualifications. In fact, this gap ranges from 10-30% lower salaries. Lesbians, on the other hand, actually make more money than straight women. Of course, that is still significantly less than the men.

It’s like a food chain - whoever is on top gets the money, while the bottom ringers suffer with hard work and low pay. The pay order goes like this: Straight men, gay men, lesbian women, and then straight women. Add in race and other social structures and we would be looking an intricately weaved structure of stratification.

But there is still hope. In areas with anti-discrimination policies, these gaps in pay are decreased. When policies include protection of sexual orientation, there is a significant positive effect for the LGBT community.

We need to consider that pay isn’t the only issue at hand. Actually getting, and keeping, a good job can present obstacles for the LGBT community. The fact that it is still legal to terminate an employee based on sexual orientation in 31 U.S. states is alarming, to say the least. Transgender people face even a greater risk, with termination based on gender identity remaining legal in 39 states, including Ohio.

These aren’t just outdated laws that aren’t abused. In fact, according to a 2007 meta-analysis from the Williams Institute, 68% of LGBT people face employment discrimination. What’s more, 17% had been explicitly fired or denied employment due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Disparities in socioeconomic status can have a huge effect on other aspects of life. Job and economic disadvantage put people at a higher health risk. 83%

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percent of heterosexual adults report excellent health, compared to 77% of LGB adults and 67% of those who identify as transgender. The gap has a lot to do with insurance. Only 55% of LGBT adults have some kind of health insurance coverage, compared to 70% of the general population.

In some cases, though, it even seems like that aspect of the community is being hidden, and in a way, it might be. Surely nobody consciously thinks, ‘lets try to convince America that all gays are successful.’ But this is a battle with high stakes, and we want to make sure everyone is represented.

These factors - lower pay, lack of education, poor health - all boil down to one underlying reality: LGBT individuals are at an economic disadvantage.

We’re putting our best foot forward, in a way, but that means shoving down the weak. The danger comes from the possibility of forgetting that the other segment exists, a very real possibility indeed.

For the LGBT community, 26% of people make more than $75,000 a year, which is not far beyond the general population. This shows us that the affluent community is not where the real disparity lies. A mere 6% of the general population makes less than $15,000 a year. In the gay community? 11%.

Witek looks on the situation with hope for the future.

“With intelligent research and thoughtful investigation, we already are learning more about some of the less visible, or often hidden groups among LGBT people.” Among these groups are those who are women, homeless, of color, transgendered, disabled, and more.

Yes, more than one in every ten LGBT member in our Witek continues, “We are as complex and varied as all community is living in abject poverty. So why aren’t we humankind and come from all walks of life.” seeing these people in the movement? Where are all the lower class, suffering LGBT faces in Columbus?

Being a white-collar gay man doesn’t mean you should Why is it that only the upper middle class gays show feel bad for what you have. Everybody has some privitheir face? lege. It is there, structured into the way we live, and it isn’t going to go away. But we do need to be aware of The answer lies in the sad truth of our present society: our privilege and what it is doing for us. We must be only certain people - certain types of gays, really - are sensitive to the ways it is bringing us, as individuals, safe to be open, proud and loud in our community. We up, but as a group, down. have to think to ourselves: Who is going to be willing to step up and say, ‘I’m gay, so deal with it.’ Somebody Despite all that has been presented here, we cannot who may be risking their job by coming out wouldn’t forget the progress that has been made. The LGBT make a scene about it. Somebody who may lose their community has come a long way in gaining accepthouse for being gay likely wouldn’t stand up as an ance, allies and political equalities. open leader in the LGBT community. So, who does it end up being? The A-gays.

“We still have so much to gain…but it would be wrong to suggest we are moving backwards or standing still Not to mention the fact that the A-gays often have in any way,” Witek explains. more time. The transgender woman who is working 70 hours a week between two minimum wage jobs to It is the best of times, it is the worst of times; we are make ends meet might not have time to show up for stronger than ever, we are weaker than ever; we are gay pride rallies. The lesbian woman raising four kids louder than ever, we are quieter than ever; we are more from a previous marriage might not be out talking to visible than ever, we are more invisible than ever. We the media about gay rights. Issues like the equal right must proceed with caution in order to represent the to marry takes a back seat to keeping the lights on LGBT community as a whole. The last thing we need is and food on the table. a divide within the confines of our very own community.

Nope, sure isn’t.

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10:00 AM Columbus Views 11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 7:00 PM Karaoke @ Club Diversity 7:30 PM Trans-Siberian Orchestra 8:00 PM Latin Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 7:00 PM Karaoke @ Club Diversity 8:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall St 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

… Karaoke @ Club Diversity 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 7:30 PM Je" Dunham 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

Christmas (observed)

9:00 AM Food Sorting and Packing … Karaoke @ Club Diversity 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

… Karaoke @ Club Diversity 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 6:00 PM Wildlight Wonderland 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

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11:00 AM CCAD Visiting Artist: Alireza Massoumnia … Karaoke @ Club Diversity 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

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11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 7:00 PM Karaoke @ Club Diversity 7:00 PM Promusica Chamber Orchestra: Seasonal Surprises 8:00 PM Latin Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

Opening Day @ the Movies

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11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 6:00 PM Annual Holiday Gala 6:00 PM Village Lights 7:00 PM Karaoke @ Club Diversity 8:00 PM Latin Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

Christmas

Monday 11:00 AM All Day Happy Hour @ Level Dinging Lounge … Karaoke @ Club Diversity 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ Tremont 4:00 PM Bitchy Mondays @ Club D 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ Blazers 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

US Holidays

12:00 AM Scrooge @ Shadowbox Live 11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 7:00 PM Karaoke @ Club Diversity 8:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall St 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

Sunday

Special Events

Networking

Ohio Festivals

Bars-Clubs

Festività pagane

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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 @ Trafik 7:30 PM Josh Sneed 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

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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 @ Trafik 7:00 PM Ximena Sariñana 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

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12:00 AM Mamma Mia 9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Trafik 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ Club D 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

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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 @ Trafik 6:00 PM Elliot Hundley: The Bacchae 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

… All Day Happy Hour @ Level Dinging Lounge 9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Trafik 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ 6:00 PM “All Those Years Ago” A Trib! ute To George Harrison @ Woodlands 7:00 PM Big Bash O’ Bands 102.5 Holiday Show @ The Lifestyles 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam!

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28 12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 5:00 PM Prime Timers "Boys Night Out" @ Club D 7:00 PM Kwanzaa Celebration 9:30 PM Karaoke Bingo @ Exile 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall St

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12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 5:00 PM Prime Timers "Boys Night Out" @ Club D 6:00 PM Candlelight Dinners 9:30 PM Karaoke Bingo @ Exile 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall St

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12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 5:00 PM WWLGBTC Unveiling 5:00 PM Prime Timers "Boys Night Out" @ Club D 9:30 PM Karaoke Bingo @ Exile 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall St

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12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 12:30 PM Victorian Tea: Christmas Tea 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 5:00 PM Prime Timers "Boys Night Out" @ Club D 9:30 PM Karaoke Bingo @ Exile 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall St

12:00 PM CMC Lunch Forums @ Ath! letic Club of Columbus 4:00 PM LevelTini Night @ Level 5:00 PM Prime Timers "Boys Night Out" @ Club D 5:30 PM Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival @ Ohio State! house 6:00 PM LGBT & Allies Business Com! munity Happy Hour 9:30 PM Karaoke Bingo @ Exile 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall St

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4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 5:00 PM Kroger Wine Tasting 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D 10:00 PM Trafik Jam @ Trafik

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4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 7:30 PM Harmony Project in Concert: Voices of Hope 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 9:00 PM The Big Gay Holiday Hoedown 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D 10:00 PM Trafik Jam @ Trafik

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9:00 AM BNI Group One-to-Ones @ Panera Bread (Bethel) 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 7:00 PM Christmas Dinner With Lord and Lady Snobgrass 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D 10:00 PM Trafik Jam @ Trafik 10:00 PM Drag Special @ Level

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4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 9:00 PM Trio Productions Ugly Sweater Holiday Party 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Traxx: Columbus @ Out! lands 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

… The Big Gay Holiday Hoedown 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Columbus Dance Theatre: Matchgirl 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM Traxx: Columbus @ Out! lands

4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM BalletMet: The Nutcracker 8:00 PM Frankie Valli & The Four Sea! sons 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM Traxx: Columbus @ Out! lands

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6:00 PM First Night Columbus 9:00 PM New Year's Leather Ball 2 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM NYE Party @ Wall St 10:00 PM NYE Party @ Level

… Trio Productions Ugly Sweater Holi! day Party 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

Holiday Tours on Capitol Square

17 2:00 PM Giving is Always in Fashion 3:00 PM Columbus Dance Theatre: Matchgirl 5:00 PM Holiday Cookie Baking 8:00 PM Columbus Dance Theatre: Matchgirl 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

10 12:00 AM Columbus Gay Men's Chorus: Joy! 2:00 PM Columbus Gay Men's Chorus: Joy! 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

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11:00 AM Ohio Street Protest … A Christmas to Cure Cancer Benefit Gala 5:00 PM The Way of Peace 8:30 PM Best Ass Contest @ Exile 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 “WALK LIKE A MAN” Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons @ Palace Theatre, 34 W Broad St, 614.469.9850, www.palacetheatre.org: With one of the most distinctive voices in rock ‘n’ roll, Frankie visit has been highly anticipated. Whether you come dressed for a disco or as a greaser, chances are you’ll fit in. Whatever you wear, the show will surely leave you sighing “Oh, what a night.” 8p; $69-300.

WE LOVE FAIRIES BalletMet: The Nutcracker @ The Ohio Theater, 39 E State St, 614.469.0939, www.capa.com: The timeless classic holiday ballet featuring the adventures of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince is sure to make you all warm & fuzzy. Catch it before it goes away on December 23. 8p-10p; $25.25-82.75.

something to do each day this month

about town

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 HEAR THE VOICES Harmony Project in Concert: Voices of Hope @ Southern Theatre, 21 E Main St, 614.464.0066, www.harmonyproject.com: From the organizers of the Born This Way flash choir, 150 voices will raise your holiday spirits with a hopeful message. Get yourself in Santa’s good graces and donate a toy or gift card to their toy drive as well. 7:30p; $25-50.

TAKE A CHANCE ON ME The Big Gay Outlook Media Holiday Party: A Hoedown for Huckhouse @ Level, 700 N High St, 614.754.7111, www.levelcolumbus.com: Partying has never been more important. Get

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19 MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Food Sorting and Packing @ MidOhio Food Bank Warehouse, 3960 Brookham Dr, 614.274.7770, www.midohiofoodbank.org: Many Ohio families need a little extra help this holiday season; you could help them by being a part of the sorting and packaging of food supplies that happens nearly every day this time of year at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Volunteering is always a win-win, but

provement projects. You money is well SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 poured up for a cause, meet Do“IMMENSE IS KNOWING YOU’RE BESIDE ME” spent when it goes toward keeping “DON WE NOW OUR GAY APPAREL” minique from ANTM and enjoy a Andrea Bocelli @ Nationwide Arena, your community beautiful. 6p-9p; Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus: Joy! @ Christmas cabaret by the cast of $40 and up donation required at door. King Avenue United Methodist 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Mama Mia!. 9p-2:30a; $10 donation 614.246.2000, www.nationChurch, 299 King Ave, 614.424.6050, to Huck House or needed items (see MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 widearena.com: Bocelli will be acwww.cgmc.com: You know, ‘tis the page 13 for details).

CALLING ALL FASHIONISTAS companied by a 60 member voice season to be jolly, right? This night of choir, 71 piece orchestra and guest CCAD Visiting Artist: Alireza Masholiday choral selections from CGMC FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 vocalist Heather Headley. Don’t miss soumnia @ Columbus College of Art is sure to de-scrooge even the most HIGH HOPES out on opera at its finest. 8p; $68& Design, 60 Cleveland Ave, dedicated bah-humbuggers. AnyColumbus Dance Theatre: Matchgirl 353.

614.224.9101, www.ccad.edu: Love thing that happens under the mistle- @ Otterbein University’s Fritsche Thefashion? Love design? Don’t miss toe is, of course, your business. 2p-4p atre St, 30 S Grove St, 614.849.0227, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 Alireza Massoumnia, head designer & 8p-10p; $15-20. www.coldancetheatre.org: This conA NIGHT TO REMEMBER of the women’s collection at Isaac temporary ballet company is furtherA Christmas To Cure Cancer 2011 Mizrahi. It’ll bring out your inner fash- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 ing its emphasis on collaboration and Benefit Gala @ The Columbus Zoo ionista, we know she’s in there.

KEEPING IT CLASSY community with this moving piece and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, 11am-12:30p; free.

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra: about tolerance, forgiveness and 614.906.4700, www.achristmastoSeasonal Surprises @ Southern The- hope. Get your tissues ready; it’s curecancer.org: Celebrate survival TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 atre, 21 E Main St, 614.464.0066, bound to jerk a few tears. Friday 8p, with a live auction, musical perform- MISTRESS PROBLEMS www.promusicacolumbus.org: Guest Saturday 3p and 8p; $12-$28. ances and hors d’oeuvres. Don’t ditch Elliot Hundley: The Bacchae @ conductor Teddy Abrams will bring the kids because there’s sure to be Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N you the classics with a contemporary SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 something for everyone to do! 5p-9p; High St, 614.292.3535, twist. I’m not quite sure what “seaDIVAS WELCOME Children $25, adults $100, table for www.wexarts.org: It’s a family affair sonal surprises” are in store, but I Giving Is Always In Fashion @ Eas10 $2000, reservations required. full of denial betrayal murder and re- know I’m up for a seasonal shocker. ton Town Center, 160 Easton Town venge. Hundley uses the story of 7p; $10-$49.

Cntr, 614.416.7000, eastontowncenTHE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Dionysus as a way to examine univerter.com: Get fabulous and unload MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 your pocket book on new winter fashColumbus Symphony’s Holiday Pops sal notions of pleasure, guilt, and LIGHTS THAT TWINKLE ions & red kettles, they’ll be all over 2011 @ The Ohio Theater, 39 E State grief in the present. Is art ever more poignant then when it encourages us Wildlight Wonderland @ The Colum- Easton as they team up with The St, 614.469.0939, www.capa.com: to learn something new about ourTradition returns to the Ohio Theatre bus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Pow- Salvation Army for a day of giving, music, prizes and bell ringers, not with this season’s concert, performed selves? 6p-10p; free. ell Rd, 614.645.3550, your ordinary bell ringers, but by the Columbus Symphony Orcheswww.columbuszoo.org: Tons of ecocelebrity ringers… oooh. 2p-6p; free. tra, Symphony Chorus and selections WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 friendly LED lights deck the trees, from the Columbus Children’s Choir. KICKIN’ IT OLDSCHOOL bushes and halls of the nationallyUnwind before the holiday hectics, Victorian Tea: Christmas Tea @ Kel- ranked Columbus Zoo. Remember to THE GIFT OF GIVING because we all know ‘tis the season ton House Museum & Garden, 586 E bring layers, cuddle buddies, flasks Holiday Cookie Baking @ Twin Valley for a storm of crazy. 8p; $23-68 Town St, 614.464.2022, www.kelton- (oops, did I say that?) or whatever Behavioral Healthcare, 2200 W Broad house.com: Looking for an interesting keeps you warm. 6p-10p; free for kids St, 614.752.0333, www.volunteerSATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 way to break up your workweek? Stop under 2, $9 for kids 2-9, $14 for centralohio.org: Spread some holiday GIVE PEACE A CHANCE by for a quickie, a quick spot of tea, adults, $10 for seniors 60+. cheer by baking holiday cookies at The Way Of Peace @ Northwood that is. Queen Victoria you won’t your home and dropping them off at ARTSpace, 2231 N High St, meet, but you’ll get to enjoy some TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 TVBH or call Maureen Fahy to set up 614.596.0338, www.universitydistreats both savory and sweet.

CALLING ALL “DANCING QUEENS” an alternative time or for info. Various trict.org: Let’s all mellow out and 12:30p-2:30p; $17.

Mamma Mia @ The Palace Theatre, dates and times; free. come together for the opening recep34 W Broad St, 614.469.9850, tion to enjoy poetry performance, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 www.capa.com: The hit Broadway SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 music and film about war and peace THE ENGLISH DO IT BETTER? musical featuring those oh-soTHE MAGIC THAT WE SEEK and the difference between them. 5p- Christmas Dinner With Lord And Swedish sounds of ABBA is back in Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Nation8p; free.

Lady Snobgrass: @ Ohio History the 614 for a limited run. Come for wide Arena, 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Center, 800 E 17th Ave, the music, stay for the “who’s your 614.246.2000, www.nation614.297.2300, www.ohiohistory.org: daddy?” drama. 8p; $38.15-91.75. widearena.com: Come ring in the holFIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT Farcical, frivolous, and fun is the only idays with the rock operas we’ve all Ohio Street Protest @ Ohio StateWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 come know and love. Tickets are sure house, 17 S High St: Be a part of the way to describe this pair of English nobility as they tour America and dis- BIG GAY SHADOWBOX SOIREE to go quick, so it’s best to plan ahead movement for full equality. Join toWWGLBTC Unveiling @ Shadowbox for this seasonal celebration. 7:30p; gether to get gay marriage and other cuss their take on holiday tradiCabaret, 503 S Front St Ste 260, $38.20-69.90.

LGBT issues on the ballot. We should tions.7p-9p; $50-60. Reservations required.

614.265.7625, show our unity and make our voices www.shadowboxlive.org: Who’s Who C-BUS CAPTURED ON CANVAS heard because “united we stand, but in GLBT Columbus is finally here! See Columbus Views @ Columbus Mudivided we fall” - let’s demonstrate the book in all its glory, and enjoy net- seum of Art, 480 E Broad St, just how united we can be. 11a; free.

614.221.6801, www.columbusmuworking, appetizers and libations at the cash bar. Plus a special edition of seum.org: See our glamorous city through the eyes of renowned artists Holiday Hoopla XX. 5p; $75.

Emerson Burkhart, George Bellows, Robert Chadeayne and more. It’s likely to give you a whole new outlook on what it means to be a Columbus resident. Exhibit available until March 2012. 10a-5:30p; free.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 LIGHT IT UP Village Lights @ German Village, All Areas, 614.221.8888, www.germanvillage.com: Get in the holiday spirit with a stroll around the luminaria-laden streets of German Village. Take in the sights and sounds of the season, and track down Santa to find out whether he’s got you down as naughty or nice. Hopefully, you’re a bit of both. 6p-10p; free.

HOLIDAY WITH FRIENDS Annual Holiday Gala @ Friends of Goodale Park, 148 Buttles Ave: Enjoy a night with neighbors, delicious refreshments from Short North restaurants and a silent auction featuring jewelry, photographs, paintings, sculptures, and gift certificates.

Ticket proceeds go toward park im-

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 NOT THERE! PUT YOUR HAND HERE Jeff Dunham @ Nationwide Arena,

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 MOVIE DATE! Opening Day @ The Arena Grand, 175 W Nationwide Blvd, 614.470.9900, arenagrand.com: Need a break from all of the holiday splendor? Check out one of the new releases opening this Christmas Day. Choices include Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Darkest Hour and Brave. Hopefully by covering the dramatic, apocalyptic and children’s animated genres, they’ll be something for everyone who plans to go.

Show times and prices vary.

NO WALK OF SHAME FOR YOU First Night Columbus @ Downtown Columbus, 614.299.9221, www.firstnightcolumbus.com: Who needs alcohol to have a good time? Not us!

Bring in the New Year however you choose, they’ll be over 100 entertainers at over 10 different performance sites downtown. Activities include magic, music, storytelling, hands-on activities, a children’s festival, and fireworks at 12a. 6p; $8 -$10.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 EVERYTHING’S BETTER WITH LEATHER New Years Leather Ball 2 @ Exile, 893 N Fourth St, 614.299.0069, www.exilebar.com: Do you typically ring in the new year with silver sparkles? Why not try it with some leather this time around? While leather is only “encouraged,” dancing is a must. Find your midnight kissing partner because it is sure to be a night to remember (or not, it’s your choice). 9p; free.

especially so during the holiday sea- 200 W Nationwide Blvd, son. 9a-12p, 10a-12p; free.

614.246.2000, ticketmaster.com: Ventriloquists and stand-up comediTUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 ans’ characters are sure to offend as ROCK LA NOCHE well as entertain. If you’re not up for a Ximena Sariñana @ The Basement, good roasting, perhaps you should 391 Neil Ave, 614.461.5483, come early to snag a seat in the www.promowestlive.com: Mexicanback? 7:30p; $48.50. born actress-turned-singer Ximena is taking the U.S. by storm, bringing her TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 indie rock sounds and award-winSNEED A LAUGH? ning voice to Columbus. Take a night Josh Sneed @ Funny Bone, 145 Easoff from gearing up for the holidays ton Town Center, 614.471.5653, and just enjoy some good music with www.funnybonecentral.com: Skilled friends. 7p; $12. in the art of writing in the third person? A night with Josh Sneed guaranWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 tees a lot of laughing… at him or FESTIVE DINING EXPERIENCES with him is still to be determined.

Candlelight Dinners@ Franklin Park Dinner and drinks are available. 21+; Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St, 7:30p; $10.

614.645.8733, fpconservatory.org: The holidays can be magical, right?

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 Grab your honey or a group of friends ANCIENT CONNECTION and enjoy a formal dinner in the exKwanzaa Celebration @ The King otic John F. Wolfe Palm House that Arts Complex, 867 Mt Vernon Ave, will be decorated for the holidays.

614.645.0642, www.kingartscomCandlelight is a must, canoodling is plex.com: Get your dancing shoes optional. Reserv required. 6p-8p; ready! Participate in a night of tradition with African cuisine, dancing THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 and drumming. 7p; $5-$15.

THIS IS A GAME CHANGER Kroger Wine Tasting @ Kroger, 1350 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 N High St, 614.441.8860, www.short- TAKE A BREAK, WATCH SOMEBODY ELSE TURN north.org: Where else can you sample TRICKS wine, hear live music and buy groHarlem Globetrotters @ Nationwide ceries? Kroger, of course! Basically, Arena, 200 W Nationwide Blvd, it’s a mixture of classy and practical. 614.246.2000, ticketmaster.com: The new Camelot wines and light ap- Have a ball enjoying the talents and petizers will likely leave you smiling. antics of this world renowned team.

5p-7p; free.

Expect a basketball game like no other, because the Globetrotters are FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 sure to deliver a stellar performance.

NANA’S FAVORITE SWEATER 7p; $51-$212.

Trio Productions Ugly Sweater Holiday Party @ Circus Columbus Bar, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 1227 N High St, 614.421.2998, LATE NIGHT FUN NIGHT www.myspace.com/circuscolumbus: Family Friday Night @ COSI, 333 W Still have that hand made sweater Broad St, 614.228.2674, hiding out at the bottom of your www.cosi.org: Exploration and discloset? Show grandma the weeks covery is the name of the game at she spent crocheting were not this late night family fun fest. Prewasted! It’s a great night for live pare to engage with all of the permabands and funky tops. 9p-2:30a; free. nent exhibitions and sit back and enjoy a movie. It’s bound to be a fun and educational night for all ages.

5p-9p; $8.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 VICTORIA VICTORIA Holiday Tours On Capitol Square @ Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Sq, 614.752.9777, ohiostatehouse.org: If you’re still thinking up last minute decorations for your holiday dinner, take the whole family down to the statehouse and get inspired by Victorian-era decorations.

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Some Habits are Hard to Break

by Tay Glover Gays! Look at what we have done. We have been steadfast in the fight for equality. Let’s pat each other’s asses.

So steadfast, that we have become the face for all or most things liberal because of our lifestyles that are so “out of the box” and “abnormal.” We wear the adjective on our chests proudly, abstaining from any associations that link us to our conservative counterparts sometimes. But just how different are we?

The word liberal is defined as being “open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values,” and as an adjective describing people who are “broad-minded,” “progressive politically or socially,” “culturally oriented” and “openminded.”

Being that our sexual orientation, gender identity politics and progressiveness is what has earned us this attribute of liberality, one would think that this area of life is where we are unquestionably “open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values” and judgment, particularly in the areas of gender binaries and double standards, with our host of inclusive identities. But guess what dolls? We’ve been dressing up our gender and sexuality biases in liberal drag and wearing it well. (Two snaps.)

and gay males have voiced disdain about dating someone who is bisexual, queer, fluid, or in other words not solely interested in dating someone of the same sex? (Raises hand.) I hear this very often.

guarantee full acceptance in practice and in the community. People who own these identities still confront being automatically labeled as gay or straight - and put into an either/or category - just based on the sex or gender of their current partners reMore importantly, why is the concept gardless of if they do not self-identify of a bisexual girl still more readily ac- that way. Even within our accepting, cepted than that of a bisexual guy? liberal front we are not immune from How many of us in the gay community the habitual dualistic way of viewing still feel the need to define or balance things in our society much like our relationship roles in heteronormative anti-gay friends or say, Michelle Bachterms of femininity and masculinity, man supporters. What a nightmare. and will let lack thereof deter us from giving things a shot with someone?

Within the very biases of sexual orienAnd how many times have you found tation lie the inequalities of gender. yourself struggling to wrap your mind Non-heterosexual activity and identity around whether a trans person’s sex- among women have a history of being ual orientation alters with their sex pardoned more so than among men. change?

Even though it is the result of women being marginalized and seen as infeIf you answered yes to all or any of rior, it still stands. Look at the female these questions, you, my friend, are drunken hook-up trend. A girl can exstill operating in terms of the deepperiment or kiss a girl at a bar and rooted heterosexist gender/sex binary still claim a straight identity without that has elicited the very same double anyone contesting it and saying, “Oh standards and anti-gay discriminaHELL no; you’re gay!” Whereas if a guy tions against us. Now would you look does it he’s automatically considered at that? “gay.” That’s totally unfair.

In her excerpt in the book Getting Bi, Andri van der Berg voiced, “I sometimes jokingly call heteros, gays and lesbians gender-fetishists, as their sexual preference is based on a specific gender.” While there is nothing wrong with having a gender specific preference, we in the gay community Within the gay community, we still sometimes forget that there is also maintain the stigmas and standards of nothing wrong with having no gender gender and sexual identity that sepa- specific preference. rate or operate to create boundaries and rigidity.

The additions of identities such as bisexual, questioning, pansexual and Don’t think so? pomosexual seem to almost serve as surface separate but equal mandates How many of you proclaimed lesbians in that it acknowledges but doesn’t outlookcolumbus.com

“So, uhh… who’s the woman and who’s the man in the relationship?” If I had a dollar for every time I have heard not only straight but queer people ask this question about same-sex relationships, I would have enough money to maybe bribe Rihanna to let me be her sex slave. (I’ve got dreams, folks.) Doesn’t this defeat the entire purpose of trying to get our homosexual relationships and households acknowledged in the light of being capable and natural in function compared to heterosexual ones? Thinking this way presents the dynamic of a straight relationship of still being idyllic, model and needed in order to be

Break into a Kit Kat!

sufficient, which is precisely the argument of those that do not support homosexuality and gay rights.

How do we destroy this binary? The first thing is to realize that we do these things. It is never easy to change something so entrenched within our histories and ways of living; look at our laws on marriage that are still prevailing. It also does not help that even though we are out, loud and proud, our visibility is still subpar as far as love, relationships, and genuine daily living in media, public, etc.

In her 1984 essay “Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference,” Audre Lorde wrote, “For we have, built into all of us, old blueprints of expectation and response, old structures of oppression, and these must be altered at the same time as we alter the living conditions which are a result of those structures. For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” This is one of my favorite quotes. It is relevant to every fight for equality that challenges our long-standing status quo.

The point is to illustrate that while we fight these injustices in the name of liberalism, free-thinking, revolution and novelty in resistance to the conservatives who think we are hellish deviants, we may have to alter the way in which we still live in accordance to the double standards and binaries set in place that diminish our identities and limit our choices, within our own community. We have to be true to the essence of everything that we are fighting for - acceptance and equality.

Now with that said, let’s keep fighting the good fight, but with respect to Kinsey and Klein. dec 2011

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The Plight of Invisibility of Our LGBT Minorities

by Orie Givens In our world, labels guide our existence. Not necessarily brand labels, but the self-identification labels that we all use to claim our place in society. Some of those labels are self-applied, some placed upon you by others and some are unavoidable realities that frame and shape your everyday life. In America, our primary labels seem to be, at least according to popular discourse, race, religion, gender and sexual orientation – each of those labels containing a hierarchical and powerindicative set of sub-labels based on American society. What does that mean? That sometimes, people can have the experience of being a minority in not just one community or under one label, but multiple labels, and that experience can be difficult at best. And it’s a responsibility of all of us to ensure the support and inclusion of these marginalized groups.

In sociology, the experience is called identity negotiation. Many struggle with which identity is more prominent, more important. Does sexual orientation come first, the racial or ethnic identity or the gender identity? Is it a combination of one or more of those identities arranged in some priority-indicative manner “a gay, black man vs. a black, gay man vs. a black man who happens to be gay?” Being transgendered, or a woman, or a religious minority adds a different dimension to the experience, all because one is further distinct from what is considered “mainstream.” In what way do we juxtapose our different letters to reflect and market our true self-identity? Although a daily issue for some, this problem may be unknown to those in the LGBT majority, and it is seemingly absent from popular LGBT discussion.

We juggle these identities like beach balls that we can barely contain in our hands. Let’s take my experience as a point of reference. When with family or friends, blackness comes first, because this is what people see and react to first, and our shared experiences connect us. It is not to exclude others; in fact, it seems that many racial and ethnic groups celebrate their heritage in America. But, in the black community, no differ-

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ent than other communities, being a sexual minority can be a point of contention – a double negative. My family is accepting, but not all families are like mine, and in public there is still resistance. People still yell slurs, and homophobia is still accepted in some circles. Of course this is not just a black problem. It’s an American, and even a global problem. But as a minority who feels isolated in the American mainstream, to be isolated among “your people” seems like solitary confinement. Sadly, to remedy this, many are forced into the closet to maintain personal relationships or away from family and friends from the neighborhood in order to be out.

even a possibility for someone like you. You want to become more comfortable with yourself but you feel like if you let go and be completely open, people in your community will judge you differently.

“It’s not easy to navigate. It can be difficult to know when, where and just how much of me, and how many of my multiple identities, do I share,” explained Aaron Riley, Founder and CEO of New Leaf Inc, an organization dedicated to bringing issues of GLBT people of color to light. Riley’s career has dealt with diversity issues in both the mainstream and GLBT communities. Riley discussed that in the LGBT community, many deal with multiple labels of gender and sexuality, presented or concealed selectively at different times and in different situations. Through consulting with groups about diversity and inclusion, he hopes to help others be open and comfortable with their identities.

much in need of visibility, advocacy and equal treatment.”

Thank the stars for academia, which has started to provide visibility into queer communities of color. However, eliminating invisibility takes an effort from all of us. Do we need another Noah’s Ark? Maybe. But until then, we must demand support from government, we must support churches that accept and embrace us, and we must require the support of corporations that profit from our communities.

The LGBT minority communities must stop hiding - we must be seen and heard. And, the UCLA Associate Professor of Sociology Dr. Mignon mainstream LGBT community must be more Moore captured this struggle in a book docusensitive to LGBT minority issues, and stop inmenting the experience of 100 black lesbians in ternally treating our collective community’s inmetropolitan areas around America. It explores herent diversity as something to be ignored, how their experiences are different from the LGBT vilified or objectified. It’s hypocritical to conmainstream, but similar to those of traditional demn bullying against us, while we bully those black families. In an article for The Huffington in our community who are different.

Post, Moore explains that her motivation was to bring to light a hidden community.

Now, let’s look at the LGBT community. I am from the Queer as Folk generation - it shaped how many youth viewed LGBT culture, and as sensational as it was, it provided a connection to a larger identity. But there was not a single black major character. Occasionally, Brian would have a trick with darker skin, but the cast of characters was exclusively white. It was something noticeable - the absence of people like me made me feel invisible within a newly visible community.

Fast-forward 10 years, and the LGBT community has more media than ever, including its own networks like LOGO and Here TV. Still, one is left with a feeling that LGBT people of color are missing from the spectrum. You may say, “What about Noah’s Ark?” Noah’s Ark was a great show, a relevant show, but it is now a cancelled show. That’s the problem. Queer people of color need to be “I wrote Invisible Families: Gay Identities, Relapresent and visible all the time, because that is a tionships, and Motherhood Among Black Women true reflection of the LGBT American reality. as a corrective to the focus of the media, LGBT activists and scholars of LGBT life on white, midWhen negotiating multiple identities, there some- dle-class groups and the persistent lack of infortimes comes a feeling of being completely exmation on gay women of color…The women I cluded from the groups to which they should feel interviewed are the types of lesbian families that included because they belong to another, less are ‘invisible’ to many LGBT scholars, activists prestigious minority. Many of you have probably and organization leaders, and one consequence read the profiles on certain dating sites that read of this invisibility is a failure to understand how like bullet points of discrimination, eliminating they differ from more visible members of the groups of people as if they were dietary restricLGBT community and determine which issues are tions. Or, you have heard the word of condemna- important for their happiness and success. By igtion in our churches and communities that our noring LGBT people of color and their families, behavior is inherently sinful. You want to fight for the movement stifles its own growth and leaves things like marriage, but you wonder if that is behind significant populations that are very

Intern Orie has only 15 hours of free time each week. He spends those hours in the outlook, and we love him for it.

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Ooh! Look at that little puppy face! The owner's not bad, either.

dec 2011

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Yes, everyone wants one. Wait, are we talking about cookies or daddies?

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A Bit Of Salt In The Holy Water

by Michael Straughter

Westboro have grossly misinterpreted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe the leadership Even at a young age, I didn’t quite know what of those churches has misused their power and being gay meant, but knew I was in someway influence in ways that are actually working different from the majority of people around against the good news of Jesus that they claim me. Being raised in a strict, conservative Pen- I asked one of my friends, a Christian gay man, to follow. While I am saddened by their work, it tecostal church certainly did not help matters. about how he feels being part of a religion that makes me that much more motivated to share Every Sunday morning, I was taken to church holds such a wide schism of differing opinions a different message of love and inclusiveness, and forced to listen to sermons and told to be- regarding its views on his own sexuality. one I find to be much more in line with who lieve in biblical stories that I didn’t even fully Jesus was.” believe in. When I came out in middle school, “Just being gay is difficult enough. But to be my pious bible-thumping mother only became gay and Christian would be just unbearable if I King Avenue United Methodist Church is anmore fixated on changing my sinful ways. Hun- were to believe that God is a God of anger and other supportive, all-inclusive house of wordreds of church sermons and a failed “pray the wrath. The God I worship is a God of love, a God ship, that distributes outlook magazine (wink gay away” camp later, I remain rather unof understanding and compassion,” he conwink). A quick visit to their website changed, if not a bit more cynical. templates. “Knowing and understanding this (kingave.org) and you will see this pronouncegrants me the power to refute the churches and ment displayed proudly: “Whether you are Gay, followers who have warped His word into a Lesbian or in search of your sexual identity, you The King James Version of the Christian bible are welcomed with the same hearts, minds and contains a very infamous scripture in Leviticus wholly different entity of judgment and hate; everything that God doesn’t stand for.” appreciation as every other member of our con18:22, which translates into: “Thou shalt not gregation. Two hundred members strong, our lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is I also spoke with April Blaine, pastor at Summit Christian Gay, Lesbian & Friends population is abomination.”

On 16th United Method Church, about the in- an example to all of our devout belief that we Leviticus 20:13 takes it a step farther: “If a clusion of the LGBT community in fellowship. are all God’s children. We are all on the same man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a path to spirituality.” woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death. “The Summit is a Reconciling Congregation in the United Methodist Church, which means As a result to my own personal experiences Their blood shall be upon them.” that we are open and affirming to all people, with religion and other factors, I believe in a including the LGBTQ community. Our belief is higher power, but I am not religious. However, I Put to death? Well damn, that doesn’t even that all people are of sacred worth by God just do agree with Pastor Blaine that conservatives give a chance to find salvation! as they are and that God does not differentiate have a very loud voice on the issue of homosexMy story of intolerant Christian religious experi- that love or blessing by sexual orientation. We uality and think it is immensely important to do not see homosexuality itself as a sin. We be- “increase the awareness of another way of ences is quite common within the LGBT comlieve full inclusion of the LGBTQ community is thinking, doing and being to the general pubmunity. It should come as no surprise that the only faithful response to the radical love we lic.” many of us have turned a blind eye to faith, see in Jesus.” taking into account that many of our legal It’s important to make it even more known that rights and privileges are being blocked largely in part by the traditionalist God-fearing Ameri- Blaine gave her two cents regarding the West- not every church is akin to Westboro Baptist can public, which takes up a large majority of boro Baptist Church and fellowships of the like. Church (aka They Who Must Not Be Named) or have members who will show up to the nearest the country.

“My personal opinion is that churches like pride parade waving “God Hates Fags” signs.

Despite numerous discrepancies, there are many gay people who still have a firm belief in some form of religion.

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The taste of salt (saltiness) is one of the basic human tastes.

Not every person of the cloth wants to exorcise the gay demons from your soul.

Summit on 16th is currently planning to explore the theme of Sexuality and Spirituality throughout the month of January. In addition to Sunday morning worship, there will be small group meetings, a class on movement and meditation, lectures and much more.

“In my experiences, the only time the church talks about sexuality is to say that A) sex before marriage is immoral and B) homosexuality is wrong, and I think that’s missing the point,” Blaine says. “Sexuality is a gift from God that connects our bodies, minds and spirits. Most conservatives and fundamentalists are misreading scriptures and not seeing the beauty that lies within the words of the bible. With sexuality such a staple in the mainstream, it is important to open that level of discussion within the church.”

Whenever people say that homosexuality is a sin, my favorite thing to respond with is, “No way, God loves gays more than anything else in the world.” They usually reply with something along the lines of, “Oh, shut up! Where do you get the audacity to speak on the behalf of God?” With a smile I respond, “Yes, that’s exactly my point!” and then walk away, hoping they remember it.

If there is a God, I’m certain He knew what he was doing when he created us. Humanity’s rich diversity is not by accident or choice, including our gender identify, sexual orientation or, most importantly, whom we fall in love with.

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Like much of her face, Joan Rivers changed her name from Joan Molisky at the start of her career.

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Are You Part of the 99%

by Lauren Strand

cupy” notion quickly spread to cities all over the world including Columbus where students at Ohio State have taken up the cause wholeheartedly.

The Occupy Wall Street Movement and its sister movements around the world have certainly garnered a lot of buzz lately. They’ve even made their way to Columbus, Ohio with “Occupy Columbus” Many University-based occupy movements, inand The Ohio State University’s “Occupy the cluding “Occupy the Oval” focus on the following Oval.” goals, which are viewed to exist in tandem with those of the larger movement: I’ll admit it; it took me a while to fully understand • A rejection of the corporatization of public unithe movements. If you’re like me and are in need versities. of a crash course or a bit of a refresher about • A rejection of anti-democratic decision making what the protestors stand for, what they’re hop- at universities. ing to achieve and how all of this connects to our • A rejection of continually increasing tuition local community, then here’s the skinny. Some of rates and subsequent student loan debt. the info might be old news to you, but some of it • A rejection of the notion that a quality educamight serve to jumpstart your thinking about the tion is a privilege rather than a right. future implications of the movement and how we as members of the LGBT community can connect Broadly speaking, the movement is about ending and stand in solidarity with the Occupy Moveinequality and advocating for those who feel that ments. their voices have been silenced. Debanuj Dasgupta, a Ph.D. student and Instructor at Ohio Occupy Wall Street began on September 17 as a State who has worked for the past 15 years in leaderless people-powered movement advocating LGBT-related national public policy organizations, for true democracy. Broadly speaking, the protes- shared with me some of the connections he sees tors are voicing their dissatisfaction with the between the Occupy Movements and the LGBT ways in which corporatization has affected repre- community. sentative democracy in the United States and the global implications of “corporate greed” that has “Sexuality has historically been thought of as a resulted in social and economic inequality, inprivate matter but it actually has larger public cluding the current soaring unemployment rate and political consequences. For example, across and economic crisis. the nation LGBT centers and programs have been some of the first places to have their funding Inspired by the protests in Tahrir Square and the slashed to cut back on national and local ex2011 Spanish protests, more and more people penses. Also, economic insecurity has been linked are beginning to vocalize the political slogan, with violence against those in the LGBT commu“We are the 99%.” The statement emphasizes nity or those who identify as gender non-conformthe growing disparity of wealth in the nation in ing.” which the top 1% controls the majority and the 99% is left competing for what is left. The “ocIn an effort to present as gender non-conforming,

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Dasgupta chose to “Occupy the Oval” wearing a pink dress and floppy sunhat. “The occupy movements have created a space where we can express our frustrations about the current economic state and issues of gender and sexuality are deeply connected with this.”

Dasgupta reflected that he wore his outfit “to emphasize the deep connection between economic justice and how we present our genders and sexualities. We need to have equal access to resources and to not fear that how we present ourselves will affect our economic lives. These occupy spaces have been designed to be places where we can come to vent our frustrations, share our fears and create pleasure – what better way to do this than by wearing a playful outfit?”

However, Dasgupta and others like him are not without their reservations about the movement and its goals. “The image of ‘occupying’ is potentially problematic when we think about those spaces, peoples, and bodies who have historically been ‘occupied.’ We need to be sure that we’re recreating truly democratic public spaces where we can all gather and have our voices heard and valued.”

What can you do to support the occupy movement? Here are a few simple steps that have the potential to make a big difference.

• Join a demonstration. The effectiveness of physical presence at the Occupy Movements is undeniable.

• Support your local and national occupy protestors by donating to the cause. This could take the form of monetary donations, or donations of food (both nonperishables and fresh), water, blankets, aspirin, books, socks or letters of support. A little bit goes a long way and the protestors appreciate

Want to occupy locally? Check out www.occupycolumbus.org

all forms of encouragement. Donations can be sent to UPS Store, c/o Occupy Wall Street, 118A Fulton St, #205, NY, NY 10038 • Put your money where your mouth is by doing your holiday shopping at locally owned, independent merchants to help support and strengthen local economies.

• Grow your own food or purchase it from those who do. The goal is for more self- and community- sufficiency.

• Transfer your money from large, national bank chains to local banks and credit unions with the goal of creating more stable and accountable local economies.

• Stay informed. It’s easy to take the “out of sight, out of mind approach,” but with so much at stake, it’s imperative to stay on top of the issues and realize how we can work together as “the 99%” to end inequality and injustice once and for all. Share your support and spread the word. You might be surprised by how many likeminded individuals you encounter, even if they might not know it yet.

• Share your sentiment with your vote. Your ballot is one of your most powerful weapons. Use it wisely.

Looking to learn more about the Occupy Movements? By now everyone is eager to share his or her opinions and there’s a lot of competing information circulating. Be sure the information you read is coming from the protestors themselves to ensure you’re reading the most consistent information. Check out the following resources if you’re looking for a place to start: • occupywallst.org, • occupytogether.org, • nycga.net • adbusters.org/campaigns/occupywallstreet.

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HBO WELCOMES LIBERACE AND KIDS Remember that Liberace biopic that’s been such a longtime coming? Remember how it was going to be a big-screen event directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Matt Damon and Michael Douglas as the legendary and legendarily closeted entertainer? Well, it’s still happening. But the screen’s going to be a little smaller. HBO has taken the film and will give it the audience-grabbing premiere it will surely deserve. And why is this good? Consider Todd Haynes’s Emmy-winning Mildred Pierce. Debuting on HBO meant more people saw it than watched all of Haynes’s other theatrically released movies combined. And it was always going to be a tough sell getting audiences into theaters for a movie about the death of Liberace, so this way it’ll be as easy to see as programming a DVR. Meanwhile HBO is betting you loved the family from The Kids Are All Right enough to watch them every week.

They’ve commissioned a pilot script for a onehour drama from Kids writer-director Lisa Cholodenko. Sounds great, but will somebody make sure to woo Annette Bening to reprise her role as the Joni Mitchell-crooning matriarch?

QUEEN LATIFAH NEEDS TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT… Back in 1999, Queen Latifah was still transitioning from a hip-hop career, where she was known primarily as a rapper, to a film and singing career. And around that time she got

her own talk show, The Queen Latifah Show. It didn’t last long, but that was before Oprah left the field wide open for a successor and the last 11 years saw Latifah’s career skyrocket to the A-list (even though her sexual orientation remains the subject of public speculation, prompts discussions of “glass closets,” and, to this moment, isn’t quite 100-percent confirmed). So now a new show is in the works, produced by Latifah’s Hollywood pals Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, and their business plan is a shrewd one: it’s not hitting airwaves until the fall of 2013, which ought to give the current crop – Anderson Cooper, Bethenny Frankel, Steve Harvey, Ricki Lake and Jeff Probst – time to thin their own ranks via cancellations. woman who seduces a gangster just so she can blackmail him afterward. The film starts shooting in early 2012, with a probable 2013 release date to follow. Sounds like another role Rooney Mara may be the woman American au- that calls for a strong woman, and Rapace is diences eventually recognize most in the role more than capable of it. Just don’t call it typeof Lisbeth Salander after the English-language casting; think of it as building a brand. version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo hits theaters in December, but it was Noomi RaCHEYENNE JACKSON AND NATHAN LANE, pace, the star of the original trilogy of Swedish PLAYING IT STRAIGHT? films, who carried those movies to this side of the world in the first place. As the hard-bitten, What kind of sitcom would you expect to see crime-busting lesbian computer genius, Rafrom two gay actors like Nathan Lane and pace shocked audiences with her character’s Cheyenne Jackson? How about one where capacity for violence and her charismatic there’s no mention of any overly gay plot? No? chilly presence left an indelible mark on every Well here goes: USA has greenlit an untitled minute of the series. Now Rapace is re-team- comedy pilot from Oscar nominee Douglas Mcing with Dragon Tattoo director Niels Arden Grath (Bullets Over Broadway) that will star Oplev for an English language film co-starring Lane, Jackson and Scrubs vet Ken Jenkins.

Colin Farrell. In Dead Man Down, she’ll play a WATCH OUT, THE ORIGINAL DRAGON TATTOO GIRL IS COMING BACK

On My Mind: What’s It Worth?

their beginning practitioners? Surely they know that the creative impulse, once understood,

by Kevin J. Conlon can be transferred to other creative, managerial and entrepreneurial endeavors? And surely Reflective of current economic anxieties, yet they know that the innovative ideation that ocanother article pops up in my RSS feed sugas part of an artist’s problem-seeking and gesting that an art degree’s value, measured curs problem-solving method of working is recogin occupational salaries, is not worth the effort. nized as a very desirous of skills by some of Of course, as a long-practicing artist and arts the world’s most powerfulseteconomic thought educator, I respond with a familiar set of imleaders? mediate reactions.

How is the value of an art and design education defined and constrained? It can’t be correct to define it only in relation to our society’s immediate competitive marketplace advantage - because such an education is really about developing a mind that can adapt to tectonic changes not yet conceived, in a global (not local or national) marketplace. I also question the starting salary as a measure of worth. It’s simply shortsighted to use the inaugural job of one’s professional career as the measure of career success, ignoring the future opportunities that will be capitalized upon by the creatively disposed and trained mind to achieve greater, longer-term results.

Surely these people who disparage the prospective lives of artists and designers see more value in the pursuit of creative disciplines than the dollars and cents earned by

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Or, then again, maybe they don’t.

Therefore, lately I’m thinking that our willingness to educate must extend not only to our students, but to others as well. It won’t be easy. But as someone who pays attention to the conversations happening around the world, I know that others recognize this as well. Dan Pink and Sir Ken Robinson are among the best known creative cultural analysts who extol the virtues and benefits of the creative economy.

We must all be advocates for the real economic value of the creative process and the intellectual property realized from that process. In fact, experts and academics such as Roger Martin have been examining the fundamental concepts of management and entrepreneurship with an eye towards how artists and designers think, solve problems and create new and real value with their ideas.

Traut is currently attending CCAD and turning into even more of design nerd.

Centered on an unlucky actor (Lane) whose fledgling Broadway career is derailed when his elderly father becomes ill, he’ll return fish-outof-water-style to his Texas hometown, befriending his father’s doctor (Jackson) in the process. Obviously, one or both of the characters could turn out to be gay, but right now that’s not information anyone’s been given.

Frankly, it would be an interesting development if neither character were written gay.

Jackson already plays a heterosexual character on 30 Rock, and it would provide further proof that openly gay actors can take on any role they’re asked. Neil Patrick Harris and Zachary Quinto can’t be expected to carry that burden alone, right?

Romeo San Vicente has role-played convincingly in a variety of scenes. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.

This vision of both the intrinsic and extrinsic values realized from art and entrepreneurship directly informs Columbus College of Art and Design’s future. You’ll soon be hearing more about new initiatives like the CCAD MindShop, an incubator where we will work to develop students’ skills so that they can realize value from new ideas and new intellectual property in turn contributing to the overall value of our region and leading to the establishment and growth of creative companies. With initiatives like the MindShop, CCAD can contribute to our creative economy in a way that can be measured in real dollars (in fact, literally trillions of them).

The overall economy can learn a lot from those who have learned the value of creative thinking as part of the CCAD creative community. I hope you’ll help me in communicating this message - it’s one the world needs to hear.

Bio: Kevin J. Conlon became the CCAD’s vice president of academic affairs in June. He previously served as associate vice president for academic affairs at Ringling College of Art and Design and as dean of undergraduate studies at Savannah College of Art and Design. He also works as a writer and consultant in the fields of interactive design, architectural restoration, foundry work, curriculum design, and institutional effectiveness. In addition, his sculptural works, oil paintings, and works on paper have been exhibited widely and won many awards. He earned his BFA from the University of South Alabama and his MFA from Ohio State University.

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Charley Harper, the artist, is not to be confused with Charlie Sheen’s womanizing character on Two and a Half Men.

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Pleasure

by Mackenzie Worrall

them without books like Paul Monette’s Love Alone, Mark Doty’s My drought that sparked brown-outs and fires. That period was already Alexandria, Tory Dent’s HIV, Mon Amour and Brenda Hillman’s Death a re-orientation to a world I thought I knew - but there I was in Cali“Wasn’t language one long dying, / one long walling off meaning / Tractates, all of which somehow served as models. fornia, where the scale was off, the sound was turned up and everyfrom living, a boundary between / death and life, impermeable / not thing felt a little too close, a little too bright. So the intensity of multiple a repetition of belief, but / the annihilation inherent / in naming “pos- MW: ‘Of Paradise and the Structure of Gardens’ is, I think, required dislocations and simultaneous emergencies underwrites the poems itive” / and “negative”.” reading for all queer people. It is a sorrowful acceptance of mor- in the second section of the book, which also includes a lot of wait(Pleasure, by Brian Teare, Ashahta Press, 75 pages, paperback, tality, and an inking of the Adam-in-the-mind to this paper. If I ever ing. It took a long time for the ordinary to begin to feel ordinary again $17.50) meant the word ‘cathartic’, it would be here. Would you call this - which of course came at the cost of my attachment to Jared and the poem an exorcism of sorts? belief that continuing to mourn me from losing him altogether.

Pleasurable moments, given enough years, take on a tinge of pain BT: I’m really glad reading the poem was cathartic for you - it was a when remembered. major turning point in the writing of the book, and I do believe it was MW: I am a devotee of a genre I call ‘sexy poetry’. And while ‘IX: “an exorcism.” On both conscious and unconscious levels I had been Elegiac Action: To Fuck’ is mechanical, it is still erotic. It’s simple, In this stunning collection, poet Brian Teare confounds the barrier avoiding writing about AIDS directly - I think now because I believed and something we’ve all experienced. What do you see as the symbetween pleasure and pain. The first part is the story of a man and I didn’t know how. I had come of age during the middle years of the bolic difference between including this erotic image, or a romanhis lover, who is dying of HIV/AIDS. Their history is eternal, archetyp- epidemic, and some of the first poetry I read was written in response tic one instead? ical. They live in a metaphorical Eden. After the inevitable death, the to AIDS - I think I thought those poets knew how to do it, but I didn’t. BT: I’ve said this elsewhere, but I think it’s worth repeating: one of the narrator experiences moments of pleasure in an unending stretch of Ironically, the poem was triggered when I got an AIDS test for the first hardest and most unexpected aspects of mourning Jared was the mourning. Part two is an honest portrayal of ‘After The Fall’. time after Jared died: going to the clinic, answering the question- fact that my desire for him did not die when he did. While I was writnaire, and then getting my blood drawn brought back the last year of ing the early poems in the book, I was friendly with a poet who had Out of a very underground queer poetry scene, comes this amazing his life. In the day or so while I waited for the results, I was surprised recently lost her husband, and we often spoke about the startling fact little book. I am that odd sort of person who laughs out loud in a to be gripped again by a fear and panic I hadn’t felt since we found of wanting to have sex with someone dead - I remember that we both crowded room while reading. Only very rarely can someone’s writing out Jared was positive. First I became disappointed, and then I be- wondered why no elegist ever seemed to write about this aspect of move me to tears. Pleasure has done that. Yes, this is HIV/AIDS, but came furious with myself. I felt anger at my failure to write more di- mourning. And yet it was strange to desire his body as much as his not in any way that you’ve seen before. After I have done this column rectly about AIDS, anger at the medical system that had stigmatized living presence, a fact that seems to me much more about the perfor years, I will write a book in search of the Queer Canon. This will be Jared and had for so long failed to help so many with AIDS, and anger sistence of eros than about romance. To write about Jared through a at the top. at the way the gay body politic had had to turn from the work of lib- more romantic image might have been more comforting - but I eration toward mourning the loss of so many members. I happened wanted to be honest about the disturbing sensuality of our attachMACKENZIE WORRALL: The book is called Pleasure, but you don’t to be reading a book called The History of Paradise at the time, and ments to the dead, which to the mourner function like a form of hope. shy away from the painful. I have never left a book feeling so empty I remember trying to read it in order to distract myself from my fear – and I mean that in a complimentary way. What empowered you and anger - and then the poem began to come, bits of the book mixed MW: Plugs, book recommendations, fashion advice? to write this? up with it.

BT: A plug: Kevin Simmonds’ fabulous anthology Collective BrightBRIAN TEARE: This wasn’t a book I chose to write - the poems simness: LGBTIQ Poets on Faith, Religion & Spirituality. Book recomply began to come in the years after Jared’s death. At first they came MW: Is part two of Pleasure about acceptance or moving on? It mendations: Thomas Meyer’s Kintsugi and Paul Legault’s The Other slowly, and then as my experience of mourning became less intense, fluctuates between sadness and waiting.

Poems. Fashion advice: I could probably use some! and I began to re-enter a less heightened sense of reality, they came BT: For me, the second half of the book is about leaving the most more quickly. During the first year, I wanted to keep Jared near, and heightened time of grieving and re-entering “ordinary” time, which A former Stegner Fellow at Stanford University, Brian Teare is the recipient of poetry from the National Endowment for the Arts, the MacDowell Colony and the writing seemed to do that; later, I was aware of his presence growing had itself been changed by the experience of grief. This re-entry was fellowships Marin Headlands Center for the Arts. After a decade in the San Francisco Bay Area, distant, and writing seemed to help me to deal with that. And though complicated by the fact that I moved to California a year after Jared he’s now an Assistant Professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he makes I’d say the experience of his death and of grieving his loss triggered died, and so I came back to the “ordinary” after leaving a high green books by hand for his micropress, Albion Books. the poems, I know that I wouldn’t have been as empowered to write Midwestern summer and arriving in the Bay Area during a long

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Did you know that if you boil a Polaroid photo, you can peel off the backing?

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Impero coffee is the gasoline that runs Outlook. Without it, who knows what you'd be reading.

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by Chris Hayes I first met Happy Mahaney in Louisville when he was starring as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Derby Dinner Playhouse, and we became fast friends. An accomplished actor, Happy has a portfolio across many mediums with leads in films like the cult classic Boo! and Hollywood Kills, to guest starring on TV shows like Rules of Engagement and Barbershop, to countless commercials (think Olive Garden), and even standup comedy engagements at the World Famous Hollywood Improv. Over the years I’ve seen him perform a handful of roles including Willard Hewitt in Footloose when it came through Indianapolis.

His performances always steal the show.

This month, he’s finally coming to our town starring as Sky in the dance-tastic musical Mamma Mia!. I caught up with my out-and-proud buddy somewhere between bus rides from Ottawa to Erie to find out more about the show, life on the road and what’s next for his career.

‘my love my life’:

Happy Mahaney of mamma mia!

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that everyone is independent there just doing their job and then going to their hotel rooms at the end of the night?

HM: Having your personal time is crucial to maintaining strong relationships on tour. We all get tired, grumpy and moody after being on the road for a couple of months. But we also have many fun times that we, as a cast, share together.

This year we had an amazing Thanksgiving dinner thanks to the hard work of our company management. This is my second year on tour and I am definitely becoming more of an independent type. It’s good to have alone time to reflect on where you are in your life and where you want to go.

CH: You’ve had some great roles over your career thus far, what has been your favorite and how does Sky fit into your epitome?

HM: By far one of my favorite roles was playing the Emcee in Cabaret. It was such a demanding role, one in which I had to play many parts of myself…strong, butch, effeminate, vulnerable…all the opposites. It was so reChris Hayes: I’m so excited you are ac- warding. Playing Sky in Mamma Mia! is tually coming to Columbus. You just also rewarding but for very different reastarted your second year with the North sons.

American Tour of Mamma Mia!. This being your first national tour, how did it CH: For a starring role, Sky is only on compare to working at a single venue stage for a short time. How does that like Beef and Boards? translate into your responsibilities with Happy Mahaney: Tour life is a different ex- the production? ie. Do you have a later perience than working at a single venue call time? Do you have other duties for sure. While touring you get to experiwhile you’re not on stage etc? ence the culture and attitudes of many HM: I have to show up at half hour just cities across the United States (and like everyone else in the show. That is the Canada). Every week I am living out of a standard call-time for any show. While new hotel room. It gets pretty exhausting, I’m not on stage, I get a lot of reading but it is a great opportunity to see how done. I’ve also started stretching more beautiful our country is. while off stage trying to become more flexible.

CH: I don’t think most people understand how grueling these tours can be. CH: Mamma Mia! is incredibly popular What’s tour life like? How do you main- the world over. What about the show is tain your sanity with such a full perso captivating for people? What about formance schedule and being in a the show made you want to do it for andifferent town every week? other year?

HM: My sanity left me a year ago in DuHM: It has to be the music of ABBA. Their luth. Kidding. Lots of exercise. Lots of eat- music is a universal language, apparing healthy. Tour life is very grueling and ently! The show itself is fun, upbeat and the only way to stay focused, sane and doesn’t take itself too seriously. My decihappy is to take care of yourself. sion for taking this role for another year was easy. I wanted to continue to tour the CH: What’s been the most challenging, country and to be in a Broadway National the most rewarding and most unexTour. This opportunity doesn’t come along pected thing about touring? every day.

HM: The most challenging for me has been being away from my friends and CH: What’s your favorite ABBA song? family in Los Angeles and in Virginia. I When your time with the show is over, have a great network of support and love will you ever be able to listen to ABBA there. The most rewarding thing about again? being on tour is having the opportunity to HM: One of my favorite songs of ABBA is live my dream of being a working, suc“I Have A Dream.” We open and close the cessful actor. show with this song and I think it book ends the piece well. “Does Your Mother CH: I would imagine the cast and crew Know” is also one on the favorties list. of a touring production basically beAnd yes, when the show is done, I will be comes your family. I know I couldn’t be able to listen to ABBA music and remiaround my family 7 days a week 365. nisce about my tour experience.

How do you all manage your personal and professional relationships in such CH: I know you love the karaoke, so unique circumstances? Are you all a co- when you’re not belting out some ABBA, hesive buddy-buddy group, or is it more what do you croon?

Don’t miss meeting Happy and the cast of Mamma Mia! at the Outlook Holiday Party on December 15th at Level!

HM: I love Garth Brooks, Lionel Richie and a little Stevie Wonder is always fun.

CH: You’ve worked in pretty much every vein an actor can, which medium is your favorite?

HM: Stage work hands down is my favorite. I love the connection with a live audience. Seeing yourself on TV is always fun, but I don’t ever feel like I’m in control of my performance. Once my work is done on the set, the editor takes all the credit for manipulating what you will see in the finished product.

CH: With more and more big name actors coming out like Neil Patrick Harris, Zachary Quinto and Cheyenne Jackson, do you think it’s any easier to be an out and get the roles you want? In your experience how accepting is the industry?

HM: When I first started in Los Angeles in 2003, it was not easy. I felt it was much better to ‘run back into the closet’ than to be an openly gay actor. Times have slowly been evolving but not fast enough. Even though an actor, gay or straight, should be able to pull off any sort of role given to them, one is not always capable. It has definitely been hard at times walking into an audition thinking ‘I hope I don’t come across gay.’ I think gay actors in LA start to second guess themselves and really aren’t giving their auditions all they can for fear a being a little too fem. It really is one big mind f*ck.

CH: When your time with MM! is up, what would you like to see yourself doing next? More theater, TV, movies or maybe the return to your comedy?

HM: Standup comedy, for me, was just about getting up there and talking, telling stories about my life. It was a creative release for me, that’s all. I never wanted to really pursue a career in standup. I would love to book a series regular role on a comedy. That is the goal. Although, I love theatre and think that a move to NYC is in my possible near future. For now I’m just going to ride out the Mamma Mia! train and see where that takes me.

CH: You and a group from the show will be performing a fundraising Christmas cabaret called Broadway Babes in Toyland for Huck House at the outlook holiday party on Dec 15 at Level. Is this kind of charity work typical for touring casts? Do you all do this in every town you go to? What made you want to do something here?

HM: Twice a year we raise money for Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS, and this year we wanted to give back to a specific community. We thought Columbus would be a great city for us to share our talents. We don’t do this in every city but we like to reach out to the community from time to time.

Mamma Mia! plays at the Palace Theater Dec 13-16 @ 8p, Dec 17 @ 2p & 8p, and Dec 18 @ 1p & 6:30p. Tickets for Mamma Mia! begin at $28 and are available at the Ohio Theatre Box Office (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com and 614.469.0939. The Big Gay Holiday Party: A Hoedown for Huck House is Thursday, Dec 15 9p-2:30. See page 13 for details.

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Just ask, and I’ll stuff your stocking.

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On Top Of The World: An Interview With Dominique Reighard

by Michael Straughter Attempting to illustrate what makes Dominique Reighard captivating would be like trying to explain why the gays love Lady Gaga, a short description will simply not suffice. However, getting just a glimpse of a shot from one of her many glamorous photo shoots may be the only explanation one would need. With her unmistakably high fashion look; her vibrant essence is reminiscent of former supermodels and celebrities (such as Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell and even Tyra Banks) while still radiating a fresh aura of originality of her own.

Most people will recognize Dominique from America’s Next Top Model, Cycle 10, making it to the final four. She has since appeared in numerous beauty and fashion publications (Ebony, J’Adore and Seventeen) and won Tyra Bank’s spin off reality series Modelville, establishing her as the new face of Carol’s Daughter, a popular brand of beauty products. Earlier this year, she competed in ANTM: All-Stars, vying for a second chance at the crown. Unfortunately, she was eliminated after making it into the top five. But with a legion of fans and her face more prominent in the media than ever, Dominique shows no signs of despondency after the loss. Out now with a brand new music video “On Top Of The World,” Dominique truly does seem, well, on top of the world. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Reighard and got a glimpse of her view from the top.

Michael Straughter: What was your aim going into ANTM: All-Stars? How did this cycle contrast with Cycle 10?

Dominique Reighard: With this being my third outing with Tyra and being the underdog in Cycle

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10, I wanted people to remember me for my sheer talent this time around and focus more on my positive attitude towards life. I think the reason I’ve grown so much and now see myself as more of a seasoned model is because I always took in all the feedback from Cycle 10, Modelville and All-Stars and made it work for me, rather than seeing it as a negative. My hope is that people will see me and say, “Yes, she works hard, she takes feedback well and gets the job done.” Besides, I think I had a beautiful exit; my email, Twitter and Facebook are still going crazy from all the support from my fans who were in complete shock to see me go. But I’m ok with that. I’m the kind of girl who thinks, “One door closes, another door opens.” Winning or not, the most important thing is having a plan and knowing what to do as you move forward.

MS: You’re positive perspective reflects strongly in your new single “On Top Of The World.” Where did the inspiration for the song and music video come from?

DR: All of the girls in the All-Star cycle have been on the show before and a lot of them already had a negative outlook on the competition; whether it be them not being happy with the judge’s criticism, the viewer’s responses, how things were going on the show, etc. I just wanted to tell them all, “Everybody take a chill pill and relax!” This song is to encourage anyone out there that is not in a happy place with themselves that you absolutely can live on top of the world, despite of what anyone may say. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to be a model, doctor or a lawyer, there will always be trials and tribulations for you to go through. There will always be a struggle but as long as you stay positive and are 100% passionate about everything you are doing, something will always pull through. It was important for me

to release a song that stayed true to my spirit of [laughs]” I just kept going for it and never took being a survivor and putting my best foot forward “no” for an answer. Using the Internet as a tool, I at all times. did a lot of research and sent many emails to people, trying to establish a network of connecMS: What are your plans for the future? I trust tions. I was determined to make it as a model. I there will be more singles and an album to fol- don’t want to live my life with any regrets, which low? is everything my song “On Top Of The World” is all DR: Yes, I have a new song coming out very soon about. Throw yourself into things that you are featuring Diamond, a rapper from the group passionate about and love to do.

Crime Mob. I’m working on an album now and as I am recording in the studio, I want to try to get it MS: What do you hope to accomplish with your released as quickly as I can because I know my music, modeling and other projects? fans want to hear it and I am beyond thrilled for DR: We only have one life and I don’t want to have them to enjoy it. I’m so blessed to have all of the any regrets. At the end of the day I want to look fans that I have and I can’t thank them enough back and say, “I feel good about every decision I for all their support. It’s so inspiring to be sent fan have made.” I continue to evolve as a woman and messages from Russia, Philippines, Hong Kong, a human being and as I grow, I also want to give Argentina and all over the world. I want to go out back. My mission in life is adding to the lives of there and actually meet my fans overseas. I’ve other people. One day I plan on being a motivadone a ton of appearances here in the United tional speaker because I know how hard it is States, and while I greatly appreciate all of the when you’re young and trying to figure out what it love I get here, I want to show my fans everywhere is you want to do, how to get started and staying that I appreciate them as well. focused. It’s something I used to struggle with and it’s something I learned to overcome. By conMS: Speaking of international, how exactly did tinuing to focus on evolving in a positive direcyou make the transition from being a local tion, things will only get better. My story is only Buckeye girl into one of the world’s most rec- just beginning. The All-Stars cycle is one chapter ognizable up-and-coming models? that has closed for me and I’m turning the page DR: I still consider myself a work in progress. It all over to a new chapter of my life. started for me when I told myself that I can do it Meet Dominique in person as we launch her new music video and am capable of achieving anything I put my at the The Big Gay Outlook Media Holiday Party: a Hoedown for mind to. I wrote down a list of goals I wanted to Huck House, including a Christmas Cabaret from the cast of achieve and went out and did them. In 2007, I Mamma Mia!, Thursday Dec 15 at Level Dining Lounge from won Columbus Model Quest and later on that year 9:30p-2:30a. $10 donation requested. See ad on page 13 for more info. For more information on upcoming events and beI participated in Columbus Fashion Week. More the scenes footage of her music video, check out her determined than ever, I wanted to be on ANTM. I hind website www.dominiquereighard.com and follow her on Twitmust have tried out at least a gazillion times. It ter, www.twitter.com/dominiqueantm got to the point where I would walk into the casting and I’d recognize everybody there. They’d be like, “Hey girl, I remember you from last year!

Dominique was here for the Halloween Highball; she was amazing!

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Those yoga cats make me laugh every time!

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Mikey Rox’s Ultimate Guide to Gay Gift Giving

by Mikey Rox

world’s first bacon-flavored massage oil and personal lubricant. No more horrifying bedroom What do you get a gay who has everything? Take experiments with bacon grease just hot oily your pick from these ideas, perfect for LGBT bacon-y good times. It’s a whole new level of pig homebodies, adventurers, activists and more. play. ($11.99; www.baconlube.com) Nobis Outerwear They say that heat escapes the head faster than any other part of the body, which is why it’s good advice to wrap it up when the weather outside is frightful. Nobis – whose Fall 2011 Collection includes beanies, berets, caps and hats (there’s a difference, y’all) for everyone on your list – is the epitome of winter luxury featuring soft, detailed, handmade pieces on the cutting edge of style and comfort. ($30-$98; nobis.ca)

Loaded Questions Be careful what questions you pluck from the pack with this exciting, multiplayer Q&A game – you might uncover a secret you never wanted to know. One of the best-selling games on the market, players can choose from more than 1,000 questions designed to spark laughter and discussions, and create lasting memories between friends, family and uncover lovers. ($24.99; www.familyandpartygames.com)

deserves a special place in every stocking this year. Made of leather with silver detailing that resembles the equality emblem, the bracelet is a stylish accessory for the LGBT community and its straight allies. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sale of each Equality Bracelet will be donated to Friendfactor, a gay-rights organization for straight supporters, which is building a movement to end discrimination. ($95; www.lyonfinejewelry.com)

Archangel Academy Series Consider this series of supernatural novels “Twilight” for the homo set. Michael Howard and Ronan Glynn-Rowley meet at Archangel Academy, an all-boys school in Eden, a rural town in northwestern England. The boys are Nikon 1 Pig of the Month outcasts – Michael for being gay; Ronan for Combining the portability of a point-and-shoot Perhaps we chose this because of its tongue-in- being a hybrid vampire. When Ronan turns with the interchangeable lenses of a DLSR, the cheek approach to pork, but we can honestly Michael into a vampire without his consent, Nikon 1 introduces a new way to capture photos vouch for its quality, too. Rib enthusiasts will both are drawn into a dangerous and sexy new and high-def video. A touch of the shutter but- start salivating the moment they receive this world full of secrets. Two books of three, “Unton instantly captures a high-quality image finger-licking gift that offers customizable natural” and “Unwelcome,” are available now; while simultaneously recording Full HD 1080p packages that can include up to 10 slabs of six the third, “Unwelcome,” will be released in early movies, and the exciting new Motion Snapshot styles of ribs, including Memphis Baby Back, 2012. ($9.95; kensingtonbooks.com) mode preserves fleeting moments like never be- Key West Citrus, Carolina Mustard, Carolina fore with a combination of moving and still im- Red, Hawaiian, and Texas – along with bottles Wantful ages, bringing memories to life. Wonder if of sauce that complement each style. Sides and Still don’t know what to buy your bestie? Enter spokesman Ashton Kutcher tested his out that desserts – like slow-roasted baked beans red Wantful, an online gift service that allows you to night in San Diego. ($650; nikonusa.com) velvet cake – make the gift a hearty meal. ($15 assemble a wish list based on the holiday you’re and up; pigofthemonth.com) celebrating and other personal information Getting Piggy with It about the gift recipient, including his or her age You’ve always been a lover of bacon. Now you Stonewall Equality Bracelets and gender, your relationship to that person, in can be a bacon lover with baconlube, the Lyon Fine Jewelry’s Stonewall Equality Bracelet what type of dwelling they live, and some of

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Baconlube has been the talk of the outlook office for over a week.

their favorite activities. Wantful will cultivate a list of gift recommendations using your answers, along with the amount of money you’d like to spend. Once you click “Customize and Checkout,” Wantful will send a printed catalog to the recipient displaying the items specifically chosen by you for them. Santa wishes he had it so simple. (Pricing varies; wantful.com) Freehands Gloves In a touch-screen world, winter can throw us for a loop. Ever tried to keep your hands warm and text at the same time? It’s impossible – unless you have specially designed gloves. Available in an array of styles – like ragg wool, soft shell, fleece and leather – Freehands offers protection for your fingers and hands against the elements while allowing you to type away thanks to removable or padded tips compatible with touch technology. ($18-$75; www.freehands.com) Zip-It Make that long flight to Ibiza a bit more bearable with Zip-It, a two-player crossword race game that can be played anytime, anywhere in as little as 20 seconds. From the makers of Bananagrams, Zip-It features 24 high-quality letter cubes packaged in a unique cloth, zippered pouch that stores easily in your carry-on or day bag. ($14.95; bananagrams.com)

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Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2012 Veteran oenophiles and wine newbies alike will enjoy the 35th edition of this best-selling guide from famed connoisseur Hugh Johnson. Highlights include a full-color supplement on wines from the South of France, reviews of major brands and newly available brands, quick reference vintage charts, and suggestions for matching food with wine – a skill that every self-respecting gay should possess. ($14.99; amazon.com) Just Dance 3 The booty-shaking sensation is back just in time for the holidays. Just Dance 3 – available for Wii, Kinect for Xbox 360, and PlayStation Move – gets the party started with more than 45 top hits, including LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” “Forget You”

by Cee-Lo Green, the Scissor Sisters’ “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing” and more. Game highlights include modes such as Just Sweat It Out, with workout plans and playlists to help you stay fit, and Dance Crew, with up to four concurrent dance routines so even more people can join in on the fun. ($39.99: gamestop.com) Computer Apparel Laptop Sleeve American Apparel is the undisputed champ when it comes to too-tight V-necks in colors you’ve never seen before, but when you want a coordinating top for your laptop, Computer Apparel has the market on lock. Handcrafted and machine washable, the Original V_Neck Sleeve is made from high-quality fabric and features thermal-knit padding for a tablet and a 13-, 15- or 17-inch laptop, and convenient pockets to stow chargers, documents, and phones or MP3 players.

While the Original V_Neck is, by nature, fashion-forward, it also adds a level of unexpected security: Your sleeve will thwart would-be computer thieves – unless, of course, they also have a cotton fetish. ($59.99; computer-apparel.com) Cloud 9 Living Reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season. The thoughtful and extremely fun activities offered by Cloud 9 Living eliminate the need to stand in line at a store and gives recipients the gift of a consumable experience – like a hot-air balloon ride or a snow-tubing adventure – that reduces landfill and time waste; there won’t be any packaging to toss out or the need to return a tangible item that nobody wanted in the first place. An out-of-the-box – literally – gift idea for outdoor lovers and adventurers everywhere. (Pricing varies; www.cloud9living.com) Sexy Skivvies No one likes a skinny Santa, but they don’t mind if he’s sexified. Get the Kris Kringle in your life a pair of Jack Adams Army Fly Jock Briefs, which are perfect for you to give it to him in after he gives you a present. Win a pair at outlookcolumbus.com. ($28.50; 10percent.com) Package Delivery Everyone likes to get a package for Christmas, so this year make sure all the guys in

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your life get the biggest package possible.

Venture to WildmanT.com for a variety of bulge enhancing swimwear, underwear, jocks and lifters that will make everyone take notice. It’s the dude’s version of a push up bra. (Pricing varies, wildmant.com) Holiday Spirits The perfect holiday party is only as good as the spirits the shirtless mixologists serve.

This year, stock your bar with the best of the best.

We all want to buy local as much as possible these days, and to that end, we suggest Columbus’s own Middle West Spirits family of products. Create cocktail masterpieces with their Oyo Whiskey, Oyo Vodka or Oyo Vanilla Bean Vodka. (Prices vary; www.middlewestspirits.com) A Swedish liquor crafted with pure spring water and a freeze-filtration process, Rokk Vodka is chilled to subzero temperatures and charcoal filtered. Rokk is also a proud supporter of LGBT initiatives, most recently sponsoring the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. ($12.99; rokkvodka.com) Java and agave marry in Patron XO Café’s blend of premium tequila and coffee essence to create an exquisite flavor that’s perfect in cocktails and delicious on desserts. ($24.99; partongift.com) Ultra-premium and artfully crafted, Van Gogh Blue Triple Wheat Vodka is a smooth and inviting blend of premium European wheat sourced from Holland, Germany, and France. Its distillery, recently renovated under the supervision of the Holland Monument Society, was given “Royal Appointment” in 2005 by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Totally enough reason to wear your tiara. ($29.99; vangoghvodka.com) You’ll want to wait until the party bois say goodbye to uncap Stoli Elit, an ultra-premium, velvety smooth vodka ranked as The Best Tasting Vodka in the World by The Beverage Tasting Institute. It’s best shared with that special someone. ($59.99; elitbystoli.com) It’s Maker’s Mark, but with a lot more body.

Maker’s 46, a full-flavored addition to the line, is bigger and bolder thanks to the addition of seared French oak staves. (makersmark.com) Unless you plan to serve your bevs straight (as if), you’ll need mixers. Q Tonic and Q Ginger are the safest bet this season – especially for those watching their weight. The Tonic contains just 24 calories per serving with 7 grams of carbs, while the Ginger has 60 calories and 15 grams of carbs. Compared to other leading national brands, Q is in a class of its own. (qtonic.com) Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and blogger who lives in New York City with his husband and their two dogs. Follow him on Twitter @mikeyrox

Did you see the bacon lube on the other page? That’s right piggy, bacon lube!

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Embrace Your Passion for Holiday Fashion

by Ryan Harris

the most amazing evening gown you can. You want to feel like a princess and look like one too.

With the holidays fast approaching, and a mil- Well this is a party, not a pageant, so if you truly lion parties to attend, I’m sure you are now ask- want to be the bell of the ball, do it with jewels. ing yourself, “What will I wear?” or “What gifts Go with a simple black draping dress and layer should I ask for?” (Okay, maybe I am asking my- on a combination of your heavy chunky gold self that last question). When it comes to all of necklaces and add a strand of your classic the holiday parties, you always want to look your pearls to exaggerate your look. Break out your fabest. Whether it is to your company party, your vorite cocktail ring and you are sure to be the family dinner or the big gala, what you wear is talk of the gala. Don’t have the right jewelry to sure to be talked about. So lets make sure this complete the look? Stop into The Grandview Merholiday season you look ravishing, not ridiculous. chantile in the Short North and select a one of a kind piece to take your look from Jackie O to The company holiday party can be a blast or a Jackie O-Yeah! bust. Everyone will be looking at whom you are bringing and what you are wearing, but there is Now that all the stuffy holiday parties are over, no reason to stress. Guys, if you wear a suit to it’s time to celebrate the New Year. This is the the office everyday, this certainly doesn’t call for perfect time to have fun, so cut loose! Guys, if the same old suit, so let’s splash it up a bit. My you really want to be the hot guy that just favorite and totally affordable suit this holiday walked in, do it with confidence. Start with a season is the Versace Collection Trim Fit Charpair of your dark denim and slip on your best Oxcoal suit available at Nordstrom. This classy suit ford shirt. If you want to rock out this look, use a has just enough structure to give your body a plaid skinny tie. Complete the look with a classic killer shape, and just enough sheen to get you black leather biker jacket and a pair of black noticed. Give the look some kick with a fun side-zip boots. If you still haven’t bought the bright skinny tie or bow tie, and don’t forget the black leather biker jacket, the must have for pocket square. If you walk in wearing this look, men this season, I recommend the Banana Reeveryone at the office will be talking…in a good public Black Motorcycle Jacket from their Monoway. Ladies, this is the time to step away from gram collection. This jacket will be a favorite for the everyday office wears, and really show your years…trust me. co-workers your true style. One of my favorite, and in my opinion the perfect company holiday Ladies, you know you want to be on the best party dress for this season, is a Metallic Lace dressed list every New Year’s, but this year let’s Sheath Dress by DKNY available at Saks Fifth step away from the traditional cocktail or party Avenue. Pair it with black opaque tights and dress and have a bit more fun. Nothing says fun black booties…Ooh La La! like Oscar de la Renta! I’m loving the Oscar Metallic Jacquard Dress available at Saks Fifth We all dread our family holiday dinners, no mat- Avenue. This is one of those dresses that once ter how much we love the food and drama. In you see it, you will obsess until you own it. case you eat too much, or need to make a quick Whether you go with a nude leg and pump, or a get-a-way, dress comfortably. Guys stop by J legging and knee high boots or booties, you are Crew and pick up a five-pocket cord or chino, a going to be the girl whose style everyone envies. white woven and a classic v-neck sweater or a chunky cardigan. Throw on your Chukka or As you enter December and begin to make your Desert boot and you’re good to go. For an added own fashion magic, remember this quote best layer, wear a tweed blazer or a wool tie. Side put by Coco Chanel. “It is the unseen, unforgetnote: if you don’t have a grey wool tie yet, get one table, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds at H&M for $12.95. Make no excuses; get one. your arrival and prolongs your departure.”

Ladies, this is a great time to break out your Enough said. black riding pant, a tunic blouse and layer it under a black tailored boyfriend blazer. Add a On a side note, as we come to the end of 2011, simple long necklace and your favorite black rid- we have also reached the end of my contributing ing boots and you will be Oh-So-Chic and com- columns for outlook magazine. I have had the fortable too. most wonderful time sharing my passion for fashion with you over the past two years, and I For those of you invited to a holiday gala, you will miss you all. Stay Fashionable Columbus, better be ready to dress to impress. Guys, don’t and remember to Make Everyday a Runway! be a bore with your same old tux. Swap out your jacket for a killer velvet blazer in a contrasting Ryan Harris is the owner of RH Model Mentor, Senior Stylist/Fashion Consultant for Wardrobe Therapy LLC, color. Don’t bother with a bow tie here; it’s way the Fashion Chair for Fashion Week Columbus. Contoo predictable. A skinny black silk tie will do the and tact him at www.rhmodelmentor.com, or for more style trick. Ladies, your first instinct may be to find info visit www.wardrobetherapyllc.com.

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Tis the season for layering clothes and ugly sweaters.

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The Grand JetĂŠ is a ballet move combining a leap in the air with the splits. We do not recommend trying this at home.

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Exploring the Swiss Alps

By Aaron Leventhal

Pontresina, home to the highest peaks in the Eastern Alps, is a hikers paradise. Cable cars and The Alps are picture-postcard perfect. Formed ski lifts transport visitors to mountain summits 100 million years ago by a collision of African, Eu- with a network of well-marked trails for novices to ropean and Asian plates, these rugged mounseasoned trekkers. Nearby is St. Moritz, birthplace tains with their lush green valleys, towering pines of winter tourism in Europe in the mid-19th cenand deep alpine lakes set the Alps apart as a tury. The Sagantini Museum is filled with Giounique world-class attraction. This past Septem- vanni’s Italian impressionistic Alpine ber, I explored the Alps primarily by rail and was masterpieces. captivated by their extraordinary natural scenic beauty, picturesque historic villages and sophisti- Both towns are blessed with an abundance of cated cities. sunshine, world-class ski slopes, spectacular mountain views, chic boutiques, award-winning There is a vibrant gay and lesbian sub-culture in restaurants and high-caliber inns. I stayed at the Switzerland’s major cities, such as Zurich, Bern, Hotel Rosatsch Stammhaus (www.hotelLucerne and Geneva. As in the rest of Europe, the rosatsch.ch), within walking distance of Pongeneral public is accepting of LGBT individuals tresina ski lifts. It is family owned and operated and the Constitution of the Swiss Confederation with an indoor pool, spa, gym and BundnerStubli protects them from discrimination, and gives Restaurant serving traditional Old World fish and them the legal right to adopt children and serve game dishes and vegetarian entrees. in the military. The Partnership Act of 2007 recognizes registered partnerships and grants same- The deluxe Palm Express bus goes from St. Moritz sex couples most of the rights of heterosexual through the towering Alps, for a two-hour ride marriages. One-in-ten of all marriages in the through the Italian Alps to Chiavenna, Italy, nescanton of Zurich were registered marriages betled in a river valley near the Swiss border. The tween members of the same sex.

Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, a 16th century Renaissance masterpiece, was built on a hilltop by a It is best to put aside a minimum of eight full wealthy aristocratic family for use as a hunting days to explore the Alps. Switzerland is a very lodge. small country (half the size of South Carolina), but it feels much larger since most of it is vertiNext day, re-board Palm Express for a three-hour cal. The north of Switzerland is Germanic and tra- drive to Lugano, a resort city of 50,000 along Lake ditionally conservative, however the Alps are in Lugano in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of the south in the French and Italian cantons (simi- Ticino. Set aside time to take the cable car (funiclar to counties), which are more open and diverse. ular) to the top of San Salvatore for a spectacular view of the city, lake and Alps.

The itinerary below is based on my journal entries during the trip, which, after traveling from Zurich Next stop on the Alps adventure is Zermatt, home to the Engardin Valley, followed a relatively to the Matterhorn, the world’s most recognizable straight course from the Eastern Alps west to mountain peak. There are several train routes to Lake Geneva. reach Zermatt from Lugano, the most scenic being the five-hour route through Locarno north to The Swiss Air flight from New York’s JFK airport to Interlocken and then south through Brig to ZerZurich takes about eight hours. At the airport, matt - a spectacular journey. board a train to Zurich’s main station and transfer to travel south through the Alps via Chur to Put aside a full day to ascend the mountains by Pontresina. The four-hour rail ride, designated a cable car and ski lift to one of the four viewpoints.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, glides up and down The ride is pricey, but there is a 50% discount pristine mountains, through tunnels, over bridges with the Swiss Pass. and steep gorges, past rushing streams, wooden chalets, cows grazing on hillsides and gigantic In Zermatt, stroll through its historic neighborpines clinging to the slopes. hood with streets lined with chalets, many on stone stilts. The Matterhorn Museum with its ex-

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hibits and historic movies tells the fascinating story of 19th century Zermatt, before railroads and ski lifts, and of the courageous climbers who reached the Matterhorn summit or died trying.

The Hotel Tannenhof (www.rhone.ch/tannenhof) has an excellent Matterhorn view, and is owned and operated by a family of three generations of mountain guides. Dine at Helvetia Restaurant, a cozy bistro serving traditional Swiss dishes including cheese fondue and wild game.

Continuing west, take a short train ride to the Swiss Riviera and French Alps. Montreux, a chic resort city along Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) is an ideal base to explore a number of world-class attractions. Stay at Tralala Hotel (www.tralalahotel.ch), converted from a 400-year-old mansion on a hilltop. Rooms are decorated with posters of famous musicians that call to mind the city’s famous Montreux Jazz Festival held annually in July.

Visit Chateau de Chillon, a 12th century castle built on a rocky island at the north end of the lake. The fortress has captivated writers and artists since its 19th century restoration. Here, Lord Byron was inspired to write his famous poem, “The Prisoner of Chillon.”

United Nations Organization.

Stay two nights at Hotel Central (www.hotelcentral.ch), conveniently located at Old Town and within a five-minute walk to the lakefront. Top attractions include the 12th-century regal Cathedral St. Pierre, which flipped from Catholic to Protestant during the Reformation; floral clock in Jardin Anglais; Jet d’ Eau, world’s highest fountain; Reformation Wall; and Patek Philippe Museum dedicated to the history of watches.

On the south side of the city is Carouge, a Mediterranean-style “Greenwich Village” noted for its art galleries, craft shops and Bohemian lifestyle. Rues Basses, Geneva’s main shopping streets, run along the Left Bank with glitzy boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and Piaget, antique shops, galleries and department stores. End the trip with an hour-long cruise on Lake Geneva, dinner in Old Town at Restaurante Hotel D’Ville and an avant-garde performance, film or concert at the experimental Theatre du Grutli.

Money-saving tips: Be prepared for sticker shock.

The Swiss franc is more valuable now than the Euro and prices are high. Purchase a Swiss Pass.

They are expensive, but ultimately will save you a The next day, take the Wine Train to the Vineyards lot of money for unlimited travel on trains, buses, of Lavaux, a magical place designated as a UN- boats, ski lifts, cable cars (funiculars) and muESCO World Heritage Site. The 10,000 hillside ter- seum admissions. All of the hotels and inns menraces stretch for 30 miles along Lake Geneva tioned in this feature are three-star, which offer facing the towering Alps. More than 700 years excellent accommodations that are moderately ago monks cleared the rocks and trees and culti- priced by Swiss standards. Get a copy of Rick vated and crushed the grapes for sacramental Steves’ Switzerland, the best guidebook for wine. budget-minded travelers. Visit Switzerland before or after the ski season when lodging and everyIn Chexbres, Eric Permand is volunteer coordina- thing else is priced more reasonably. tor of Lavaux Panoramic, a delightful wine trolley that takes visitors through the vineyards with Getting there: Swiss Air has daily flights from JFK wine tastings along the way. The majority of the to and from Zurich and Geneva. grapes are Pinot Noir, Gamay and a fruity, 877-359-7947, www.swiss.com sparkling dessert wine called Chasselas, a variety indigenous to the region.

For more information: Switzerland Tourism, 800794-7795, www.myswitzerland.com.

Final stop is Geneva, a short train ride from Montreux. Today the breathtaking cosmopolitan port Columbus-based travel writer Aaron Leventhal has a small group travel company offering trips in 2012 to Hollywood, Fla.; city is French in language and character, with New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; and Charleston’s Spo95% of its border is shared with France. Though leto Festival USA. For detailed itineraries and more informarelatively small (pop. 400,000), Geneva has all tion, log on to www.leventhaltravel.com and call Aaron at the sophistication and culture of a major metrop- 614-506-9666. Photos by Beth Ervin Leventhal. olis. Known as the “City of Peace,” Geneva is the site of the International Red Cross and European

In case you didn’t know, the Swiss Alps is where Swiss Miss is made.

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A pearl necklace is always a nice gift.

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That pink tank is on every gay boy’s Christmas list.

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By Dan Savage

he might meet the right trans person.”

I’m 26, straight, and male. I consider myself a socially progressive person, have been a vocal supporter of LGBT issues since high school, and was president of my college Gay-Straight Alliance. Here’s my issue: I fully support the trans community. I have numerous friends in varying states of transition and I’m 100 percent behind them. But in my own dating life, I wouldn’t feel comfortable dating/having sex with a woman who had at one point in her life been a man. I realize I wouldn’t be fucking a dude, but it’s a mental hurdle I can’t clear. All my LGBTQA friends - be they trans, gay, bi - call me a transphobe, because if I were truly on their side, if I truly “understood,” then sex with a MTF straight woman would be no different than sex with a cisgender straight woman. Do I have the right to not feel comfortable with the idea (or reality) of having sex with these women and still consider myself a supporter of the trans community?

Are my friends being unreasonable by judging me against their schema of appropriate sexuality? Or am I a hypocrite?

And who knows? One day, your cranky LGBTQA friends might accept who you are just as you’ve accepted them. Make an effort to use “attracted to cis women” in place of “wouldn’t feel comfortable dating” trans women, and you’ll hasten that day’s arrival.

I am a 29-year-old male with a fetish for snapping pictures of women’s legs and feet in nylons. I look for women online who will allow me to pay them to take these pictures. I recently posted an ad and received a reply from a coworker. I find her very attractive and would like to photograph her legs and feet.

How should I handle this?

Kate Bornstein’s new memoir, A Queer and Pleasant Danger (Beacon Press), will be published in the spring. Follow her on Twitter @katebornstein. (Follow me @fakedansavage.)

Sent From My Mobile Device

Fears Real Activism Undermined [by] Dick “He’s not transphobic - not in my book,” says Kate Bornstein, author, performer, “advocate for teens, freaks, and other outlaws,” and herself a trans woman. “One more thing he’s not is straight.

Sex-positive, supportive of trans folk, and heterosexual? Cool! He’s a queer heterosexual - and some of my best friends are queer heterosexuals.”

I’m a 26-year-old guy in a polyamorous relationship. As this is my first kick at the poly can, I wasn’t dying to tell my family, “Hey, I’m dating a married woman!” However, through the magic of Facebook, my brother found out that the girl I’m seeing has a husband. Once I was “busted,” I discussed the situation with my sister-in-law. The issue is that my GF and her husband have a 10-year-old son. This isn’t an issue for me, but my brother has compared the poly community to drug addicts and stated that CPS should remove my girlfriend’s child from her home, etc. My brother and his wife are now threatening to cut me out of their lives - as well as their children’s lives, whom I care for a great deal - if I don’t dump the girlfriend. Thoughts?

Forced To Pick Right off the top of my head: Your brother is a shit-smeared asshole, your sister-in-law is an ass-smeared shithole, and they’d be doing you a huge favor if they cut you out of their lives.

As for your specific issue - you’re not attracted to trans women Bornstein says that by itself isn’t evidence of transphobia.

Pick the GF, FTP. That might mean you won’t see your nieces/nephews for a while, which would be sad for you and bad “A queer heterosexual is just as entitled to the fulfillment of their for those kids (children with crazy, controlling parents need to sex and gender desires as anyone else,” says Bornstein. “Somespend quality time with saner family members). But if you dump times those desires depend on the nature of their lover’s body. Well, your girlfriend at their insistence - if you fail to stand up to them trans people have bodies that are different than cis people’s bod- you will have established a dangerous precedent: Your love life ies. We’re two (or more) mints in one - a physical blend that atisn’t yours to manage, it’s theirs, and all your future partners will tracts a lot of people. FRAUD just doesn’t happen to be one of be subject to their batshittery/scrutiny and, if they disapprove of them. The fact that he’s sensitive to that blending of genders in any future girlfriends (concurrent or subsequent), they will attempt our bodies does not make him transphobic.” to exercise the veto power you ceded to them during this conflict.

What can you do about it?

Your brother and sister-in-law are bullies, FTP, and you’ve got to defend yourself. So long as your GF and her husband aren’t doing “Go have good sex with cis women,” says Bornstein. (Don’t know anything inappropriate in front of their son and they’re not placing what “cis” means in this context? See: tinyurl.com/cisdefine.) unfair burdens on their son (they don’t expect him to keep secrets, if they’re not out about being poly; they don’t expect him to be out Whatever else you do, FRAUD, Bornstein wants you to stop identify- about his parents being poly, if they are out and he’s not comforting as straight. able sharing that info with his friends), you need to come to their defense, too. And you might want to consult a lawyer now, just in “He’s part of our queer tribe,” she says. “And who knows? One day, case your brother and sister-in-law call CPS. outlookcolumbus.com

Here’s a relevant story from the files: Vanilla Gay pays a social call on Kinky Gay. KG informs VG that there’s a Hot Dude tied up in his playroom. KG invites VG to view HD. KG is right: HD is hot. HD is also, as it turns out, one of VG’s coworkers - one of VG’s straight coworkers.

It was an unexpected twist of fate - HD didn’t know that VG and KG were friends - that resulted in VG discovering something about HD that HD didn’t choose to reveal to VG. (A twist of fate and the rules HD agreed to when he played with KG: HD had consented to KG showing him off.) While it’s possible that HD wouldn’t have cared that VG knew his secret, it was likelier that HD, if he knew VG knew his bi-for-bondage secret, would’ve felt embarrassed around his coworker - not to mention compromised during any routine workplace conflicts with VG. I urged VG to keep his mouth shut.

In your case, SFMMD, while it’s possible that your coworker doesn’t care who knows that she does fetish modeling on the side for extra money and/or thrills, it’s likelier that she would be embarrassed to learn that someone she knows professionally discovered what she’s doing. There are plenty of other women out there, and plenty of other legs and feet to photograph. Keep your mouth shut.

I was reading a letter in your archives from a woman who didn’t have much libido. I was disappointed that you didn’t mention that decreased libido is a common side effect of almost every form of hormonal birth control. The first thing a woman with low libido should do, if she’s been on the same pill for years, is to switch methods. I would love it if you’d mention this in your column.

Spread The Word Done and done.

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

Candi Panties was gracious enough to let us photograph her legs for the above image.

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by Jack Fertig

a r u la The jury is back and their verdict is that this month’s local celebrity is an all around good time!

Laura Schmidt was born and raised in a small town in Illinois that goes by the name Pekin, no relation to the duck. Growing up in the county seat for Tazewell County gave Laura a good sense of community, and we think, her great booty.

Schmidt made her way to Charleston, IL to attend Easter Illinois University (Go Panthers!) where she got her degree in Psychology. What do you think about that? Like most college kids of her generation, Laura worked full-time attending classes and gestating a baby. Sometime during her sophomore year, her beautiful daughter Alix was born.

After graduation, they moved to Louisville, KY where Laura worked as a counselor, helping women make hard choices about their bodies. When Alix was old enough, the lovely Laura packed up her car Alice style and moved to Columbus in search of a better life for her and her daughter.

Sure as shit, she found it. And we’re glad she did.

You might know our celeb from her illustrious food & beverage service career. She has worked for such greats at Slammers (mmm, pizza), Taverna Opa (opa!), Chipotle (mmm, burritos) and now resides in my favorite watering hole/dinner spot, The Jury Room. Laura and I spend many a Sunday brunch together where she gets me liquored up on Bellinis and I give her money to do it.

If you’re not one much for food, you might also know our princess of the Pimosa from her entertainment career. This thespian lesbian has broken many a leg as a troupe member of Dangerous Productions with which she performs, stage-manages and promotes.

You may also know our celeb Virgo (yes, she’s one of those…) from working with her on do-gooder stuff.

Laura has been known to volunteer for, or contribute to, Columbus Housing Partnership, HRC, Pride, and Por Vida. She’s also an active voter (eat it Bachmann!).

Schmidt says her favorite thing about Columbus is the community. “It keeps me from moving away. I’d never find people like this again.” To that end, Laura enjoys time with friends and her honey, Wall Street’s own Jenn Johnson [side note: Jenn loves to have her picture taken], doing yoga, taking walks, chilling like a vagillain, attending art shows, binging on Columbus cuisine and of course drinking. She also enjoys traveling, and she tries to spend as much time with her daughter, who lives with dad in Akron, as she can.

If you see our celeb out from behind the bar, show her some of that community she loves and buy that girl a Jameson neat. She might think that’s so neat that she’ll let you pick out her next hair streak color.

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Focus on elegance, Leo! Sun in Sagittarius square to Mars in Virgo cranks up mental energy but easily yields to dithering frenzies. Both move into semi-square to Saturn, a rude wake-up call! The right colleague can help you focus, a wrong one just makes things worse.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Mother criticizes because she believes in your potential. A real grown-up can shrug it off and not be bothered. Or maybe there’s some truth in it? Take it or leave it, but thoughtfully. That can be a healing experience.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Running up against limits tempts you to struggle against authority. Put away the battering ram! Learn to engage the powers-that-be more thoughtfully. Keep your criticisms to yourself and be respectful, but don’t be afraid to ask probing, even challenging, questions.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Nosy questions and arguments can get way out of hand. Mind your own business, look for ways to improve your home life, but don’t make unilateral moves unless you do live alone! Thrift and resourcefulness will boost your confidence.

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): It’s way too easy to mouth off to your boss. It may be hard to keep your mouth shut and listen, but what you learn could well be worth it. Your ability to handle criticism will count a lot toward your advancement.

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Collaborative efforts seem only to provoke arguments and resentments. Be aware of their limits, but you can only do anything about your own. Focus on being more effective and forgive mistakes on all sides.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Sexual exuberance can get you into big trouble. Make time

and space to explore those passions, but keep it in balance! Be very clear on safety issues and prophylaxis, and don’t get so caught up in fun that your work suffers.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Others seem eager to remind you of things you’d rather forget.

Your temptations to retorts and outbursts aren’t going to help. Take it all with good humor or make a better effort to avoid annoying people.

CANCER (June 21- July 22): You’re all too liable to blurt out some ugly truth that will upset someone and you’ll have all hell to pay. Keep your mind and your chatter on philosophy, art and impersonal things that won’t cause offense.

LEO (July 23 – August 22): You probably mean well with your exuberant outbursts, but are likely to overdo it, wasting money and annoying people close by. Focus on elegance, subtlety, even minimalism. Remember: a whisper can hold attention where shouting only drives people away.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Fights at home are nearly inevitable. Minimize risk by analyzing your own issues and motives before speaking up.

Your parents may have programmed your worst faults into you, but you’re responsible for fixing them.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): What’s really being tested: your commitment to your community or your capacity for dealing with pointless crap? Know your limits and to what you really want to dedicate yourself. Talk with a friend who’s close to the problem, but not involved in it.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Easy, comfortable chats with your partner can lead to tests of commitment.

They may not be worth “passing.” Think carefully. You don’t have to like or even follow friends’ advice, but listen and think about it.

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,

Chris enjoys the spaghetti and meatballs waaaaaay too much at the Jury Room. Almost more than his bromance with Adam.

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outlookcolumbus.com

If you’ve never been to network columbus its a good time - come to our holiday party and check it out!

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