2012-03-01 outlook columbus by Outlook Media, Inc

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outlook mar 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ vol 16 issue 10

inside: freedom to marry jacob manser bink davies Casey Lange chet ridenour Karl Koon Parents & friends of L&G Catcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next Fall Dangerous Productions & Local celebrity Erin

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suite Q, not Studio Q. Get it straight... er... gay.

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you are here

snapshot

6 hey! 9 10 14

OWNERS AND PUBLISHERS Michael Daniels & Christopher Hayes HEADQUARTERS Outlook Media, Inc. 815 N High St, Bsmt Ste Q Columbus, OH 43215 614.268.8525phone 614.261.8200 fax www.outlookmedia.com

qmunity: local

SALES & BUSINESS DIRECTOR Michael Daniels / mdaniels@outlookmedia.com

qmunity: national

NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media - 212.242.6863

polisigh

ADVERTISING DEADLINES Reservations by the 15th of each month. Art in by the 20th. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & ART DIRECTOR Christopher Hayes / hayes@outlookmedia.com

16 equality now 18 small pond 20 open kimono

EDITOR Erin McCalla / emccalla@outlookmedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Romeo San Vicente, Jack Fertig, Regina Sewell, Dan Savage, Michael Daniels, Chris Hayes, Erin McCalla, Ed Mullen, Marcus Morris, Mario Pinardi, Mickey Weems, Abbey Marie Miller, Gregg Shapiro, Mackenzie Worral, Orie Givens, Lauren Strand, Scott Vezdos, Sarah Mills Bacha, Jacob Manser, D.A. Steward, Casey Elliott Lange,

insight out

complete the circuit

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Trautman, Chris Hayes, Andrew WIlliams, Kimberly Potterf

partners are political...

the other side

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Robert Trautman

So it’s the day before press, everyone is scrambling, editing, re-setting Suite Q, tracking down advertisers, and generally like a dog chasing its tail. That is, a typical production week at outlook.

about town

INTERNS Orie Givens, Lauren Strand, Jayra Harris, Payton Fugate-Laus, Karen Mosely, Chuck Carnahan

super mario world

marcus morsels

feature: casey lange

feature: gsas

feature: pflag

feature: chet

feature: discrimination

some things in my outlook office. On the day this issue hits the streets, I’ll officially be Commissioner Brown’s legislative aide with offices on the 26th floor of 373 S High St. Not to worry – outlook will, as ever, be well taken care of by Chris and Except this one’s a little different. Erin just got Erin, and Robbie will be running Suite Q. They’re back from San Diego, Chris is on the elliptical try- not completely getting rid of me, however, ‘cause ing to get into Winter Party flip flop and Speedo I’ll be helping on my own time where I’m needed. shape, and I’m wrapping up a lot of things. More Or where I think I’m needed. Or where I want to on that later. Suffice it to say, you’re stuck with insert my 2¢. Think of me as an owner-at-large. me writing this. For the last time in a while. It’s an exciting time to be an ally, to be a gay kid, a But first to the issue at hand: Partners and prodi- kid of gay parents, a parent with a gay kid, a gay gies. Our community is chock full o’both. parent, a gay storeowner, a Freedom to Marry advocate, a gay publisher, editor, politician or talkIn this issue you’ll read about a cutie-patootie ing head. And it’s very exciting to be the cover girl straight ally who’s doing more than talking – he’s of outlook. Besides being so stinking cute Erin’s starting an advocacy group and actively out work- ovaries exploded, we thought Chris’s niece, Miss ing daily for equality. You’ll get to know the people Layna Grace Yakovich, was the ultimate image of of PFLAG, a group that has, perhaps more than prodigal hope for our community’s equality. Her any other, changed the minds and hearts of more generation may not ever have to contend with gay people about their queer kids, and how they’re marriage being illegal, but if in seventeen years it preparing parents when their kids come out. is, having grown up in a tight-knit, loving family You’ll hear from a young lady with two moms, and with a liberal, gay, activist uncle and gay-prideget the queerspawn perspective. And you’ll meet float-riding Republican parents and grandparents, an out lesbian who’s counseling our youth and she and her friends will definitely take us home. working to strengthen and set up gay-straight al- Her smile reflects that assurance and her hat is liances (GSAs) throughout the area. an obvious nod to the bear community. But until she can create a “Gay Rights Now!” poster withPoli prodigy Jacob Manser takes us to a dark and out eating half the finger paint, get involved, stay strange place where corporate personhood involved and be part of moving the community meets the personhood amendment, and opines if forward. it’s really gross abuse of a corpse to divvy up the assets of a bankrupt company. And Equality Ohio’s And someone buy me a Hello Kitty lunchbox. I’m Ed Mullen gives us the low down and what’s com- going to have to start packing a sammich. That ing up on Freedom to Marry, its momentum, its Marilyn Brown is a taskmaster, you know … possible ramifications and its supporters. Onward! Speaking of supporters, among those signers is Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown – Michael Daniels, which brings me to why this will be my last “You co-pubisher Are Here” for a while and why I’m wrapping up

outlookcolumbus.com

46 deep inside hollywood 48

creative class

interview: manchester

savage love

local celebrity / astro forecast

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. The views expressed in outlook columbus are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or personal, business, or professional practices of Outlook Media, Inc. or its staff, ownership, or management. outlook columbus does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented. Outlook Media, Inc. does not investigate or accept responsibility for claims made in any advertisement. Outlook Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility for claims arising in connection with products and services advertised herein, nor for the content of, or reply to, any advertisement. All material is copyrighted ©2011 by Outlook Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

NEXT MONTH I ♥Cbus People 2

Commissioner Brown, we hope you like Hello Kitty, because you’re going to see a lot of it.

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#) Suite Q Opening 02/04/2012

Suite Q Opening 02/04/2012

Smile guys, it’s a party.

The Suite Q Q-ties

We’re wiggin’ out!

Stadium Virginium 2 02/10/2012

Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em...

Was this during Candi’s anticipated striptease?

Peletonia, here I come!

Elvis has entered the building!

Pride Banner Project 02/16/2012

Congrats to Chris & Malcolm for raising 30 more banners!

We’re here for the party shower...and the banners, I guess...

Hellin a handsome man basket

The hot guy and the ascott

Pride Banner Project 02/16/2012

Threesome: classic

Malcolm’s building is secure.

Party Rockin’ in the house, tonight!

Stadium Virginium 2 02/10/2012

Nice pashmina!

mar 2012

Eat your heart out, Gene Simmons.

Say, “Cheese!” For more photos, check out outlook’s Facebook page.

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This play is a must see. Look for chances to win tickets at outlookcolumbus.com!

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Enchanted Elements: More Than Tarot And Palms Thank you so much for featuring Enchanted Elements in your January issue. As a long time fan of outlook, we appreciate your support of the local community. The article was great, but did omit a very important part of our business; our third partner, Sarah Alley. Sarah is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who offers counseling in a unique and wonderful way. If you are uncomfortable in a traditional psychiatric environment, or if you are in the metaphysical community where your beliefs may be questioned, Sarah provides open minded and compassionate counseling. Enchanted Elements is proud to have a service like this available and wanted to make sure she is represented as a vital and important part of our mission. Thanks, Debé

Cynthia

Sarah

An Open Apology to Amy Koch on Behalf of All Gay and Lesbian Minnesotans Republican State Sen. Amy Koch, who recently resigned her leadership position over allegations the married mother had been involved in an “inappropriate relationship” with a subordinate staffer, issued a statement of apology. The LGBT community of Minneapolis has issued their own apology, for wrecking the family values conservative’s marriage. Dear Ms. Koch, On behalf of all gays and lesbians living in Minnesota, I would like to wholeheartedly apologize for our community’s successful efforts to threaten your traditional marriage. We are ashamed of ourselves for causing you to have what the media refers to as an “illicit affair” with your staffer, and we also extend our deepest apologies to him and to his wife. These recent events have made it quite clear that our gay and lesbian tactics have gone too far, affecting even the most respectful of our society. We apologize that our selfish requests to marry those we love has cheapened and degraded traditional marriage so much that we caused you to stray from your own holy union for something more cheap and tawdry. And we are doubly remorseful in knowing that many will see this as a form of sexual harassment of a subordinate. It is now clear to us that if we were not so self-focused and myopic, we would have been able to see that the time you wasted diligently writing legislation that would forever seal the definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman, could have been more usefully spent reshaping the legal definition of “adultery.” Forgive us. As you know, we are not church-going people, so we are unable to fully appreciate that “gay marriage” is incompatible with Christian values, despite the fact that those values carry a biblical tradition of adultery such as yours. We applaud you for keeping that tradition going. And finally, shame on us for thinking that marriage is a private affair, and that our marriage would have little impact on anyone’s family. We now see that marriage is more than that. It is an

mar 2012

Debé

agreement with society. We should listen to the Minnesota Family Council when it tells us that marriage is about being public, which explains why marriages are public ceremonies. Never did we realize that it is exactly because of this societal agreement that the entire world is looking at you in shame and disappointment instead of minding its own business.

Again, I thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support over the past year or so. And I wish you the very best. With warmest regards, Brian Coovert

From the bottom of our hearts, we ask that you please accept our apology. Thank you. John Medeiros Minneapolis MN

Local Florist Lives Out Russian Floral Dream, Passes Bouquet Dear Friends, For the past year or so, I have had the privilege to work with you on many occasions, and to provide you with beautiful, and artistically arranged flowers. First and foremost, I thank you for the opportunity to serve your needs and for your kind and generous support when I was first starting Brian Coovert Floral Design. It is now with mixed emotions that I must inform you that these days are in our past, and I can no longer be your florist of choice. I have been given the remarkable opportunity to temporarily relocate to Moscow, Russia for a minimum of two years to study my passion, and apprentice under European Floral Masters. I will be attending the Araik Galastyan International Floral Design School, and apprentice under Araik himself, as well as Belgium Master, Tomas De Bruyne. Eventually, I will be given the chance to be certified as a European Master. For many years I have hoped to become formally educated in a field that I am so passionate about, and I’m sure you will agree, this is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. It is important that your floral needs are provided for as well. I would like to suggest a wonderful, talented, and inspiring florist to you: Amy Music of Posy. I have worked with Amy in the past, and find her to be creative, fun, and personable, so I would highly recommend her for your floral needs. Please feel free to contact her directly at 614.929.5400, amy@posyflorals.com or www.posyflorals.com.

Issue 1 Passed By Taking Advantage of Mental Patients To The Editor: I just finished reading “Marriage Obsolete,” the Qmunity: Local article in the January issue and I now feel guilty for not having written this letter sooner. The A$#holes who filed the original petition that helped to ban gay marriage in Columbus, cheated. How do I know this? My mother was one of the signers. I could have strangled her at the time. I still don’t understand how the petitioners even got into her building. At the time she was living in Sunshine Terrace, a horrible building that needs major renovations that houses people who have limited funds and like my mother are MENTAL PATIENTS! Unfortunately, here in Ohio being diagnosed mentally incompetent does not stop you from voting or signing petitions and Sunshine Terrace is full of the mentally incompetent. It does have its share of just the physically handicapped, but the better majority of the residents are mental. I should know; I visited mother there regularly and in waiting to be escorted by her to her apartment had many an opportunity to speak with some of the other tenants. For the most part they appeared normal until whatever their particular mental problem trigger happened. Considering what I went through just to get in to see my mother, how did the petitioners get in? First you have to check in with the front desk that buzz the particular apartment so the resident know someone is there to see him or her. The tenant in question has to come down and then escort their guest to their apartment (better known as a hole in the wall). The same is true with leaving, except the tenant has to escort you to the front desk. So what I want to know is how did the petitioners get in and how many other buildings of mentally unstable people did they get to sign their hateful petition? Sincerely, Joseph M. Myers

Have something to say? Don’t be afraid to speak up; we want to hear from you. Email us at editor@outlookmedia.com

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Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go for the trifecta/turkey/hatrick, boys! Sigh. None of those are baseball terms.

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Has anyone figured out what those blue and green things are yet? This ad has been running for months and I still donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know.

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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AND MOVING FORWARD! by Mark Corna, King Arts Complex Chairman of the Board All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we celebrate 25 years, we invite you to join us as we move forward to the next 25!

SUPPORT GAY MARRIAGE IN OHIO ANNOUNCES PROTEST FOR FULL MARRIAGE EQUALITYMARCH 24, 2012 PUBLIC SQUARE-CLEVELAND OHIO

This year, we celebrate 25 years of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing & Cultural Arts Complex. In March 1987, we opened our doors with the renovation of the historic Pythian Theater, which became a catalyst for an awakening of a community, neighborhood and district. Phase II of the King Arts Complex, renovation of the Garfield School, opened October 1989 creating in total a 60,000 square foot facility. The King Arts Complex quickly became an oasis for cultural and educational activities throughout the near East side of Columbus in one of the oldest areas of African-American life in the City and continues today as we also celebrate Columbus’ 2012 bicentennial. Thus, we are celebrating 25 years and moving forward!

Support Gay Marriage in Ohio, a facebook community, has announced March 24, 2012 as the date for its Ohio Street Protest for Gay Marriage/Full Equality, Cleveland Ohio.

The King Arts Complex is proud to be the anchor for the redevelopment of the King-Lincoln District, spurring residential re-gentrification and restoration along with new construction, thus stimulating a total of over $100 million dollars in development in the neighborhood. We made public improvements to the Mayme Moore Park installing the Beatty Gazebo, park benches and tables, electrical outlets and in December 2011 the Amos Lynch Plaza, the Walk of Legends and King Arts Complex Amphitheater.

Support Gay Marriage Ohio is a Facebook community of over 184,000 people wanting to change discriminating laws in Ohio. A 17-yearold high school student from Harrison, Ohio started the group.

Our mission is to preserve, celebrate and teach the cultural and artistic heritage of African Americans and the African American experience, while developing greater understanding and harmony among all people. We are proud to be the only performing and cultural arts institution named after Dr. King in the country. We have hosted over 243 nationally known persons, artists and celebrities at the facility, allowing them to share their stories with the community. We have also nurtured the lives and minds of young people through our abundant educational programs. Our journey has been made possible through partnerships with numerous national funders including the NEA and many collaborations and positive working relationships with major corporations and individual philanthropists in central Ohio. Our legacy is indelibly etched in our past history and we are looking forward to the prospect of continued accomplishments. We thank you for your support during the past two and a half decades. You have been the “wind beneath our wings” as we soared into the history of Columbus! We hope that you will share our journey into the future by touring the facilities, becoming a member and attending many of our multiple offerings.

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The main rally will take place at Public Square, from 11a to approximately 2p. The purpose of this protest is to bring to life the opposition of the ban of same-sex marriage in the Ohio State Constitution. The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgendered) Community wishes to educate the public on the discrimination that has been written into the Ohio Constitution and demand equal civil rights under the law.

Protests have already taken place at the State House in Columbus and Fountain Square in Cincinnati both of which were covered by local media outlets. Currently the Facebook Event created for this protest has over 1,600 persons stating they will attend with over 16,000 still waiting response. Event info: http://www.facebook.com/events/297446103621236.

FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CONTINUE VITAL FUNDING FOR HIV/AIDS NUTRITION PROGRAM Despite major federal cuts to community safety net funding, including dollars for programs that help people living with HIV/AIDS, Franklin County Commissioners are continuing their commitment to a successful nutrition program in Central Ohio that last year served more than 900 people with HIV/AIDS. In February, County Commissioners approved plans to contribute $30,000 to LifeCare Alliance’s Project OpenHand, which provides home-delivered meals, pantry items, nutritional counseling and nutritional supplements to men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in Columbus. The project aims to reduce the fear of huger and poor nutrition as barriers to better health and at the same time educate clients about ways to

combat the disease. Through this partnership with the Franklin County Commissioners, Project Open Hand last year delivered meals to 121 clients and provided food pantry packets - which include groceries and personal hygiene items - to more than 600 people. Nearly 150 people also took advantage of the nutritional counseling, offering relevant information on managing HIV/AIDS and empowering clients to take control of their own nutritional well-being.

On the evening of February 14, Cuyahoga County Council voted 6 to 4 in favor of domestic partner benefits for county employees. Ordinance No. 02011-0042 ensures access to health benefits for domestic partners by ensuring that those employed in public service will be “employed...compensated without regard to...sexual orientation…” The existing plan restricts benefits to legally married partners and spouses. This disproportionately marginalizes members of the LGBT community.

The funding for this safety net program comes to Franklin County through federal Community Development Block Grants, which the U.S. Congress cut by nearly 12 percent nationally from last year.

With inclusion of LGBT domestic partners, Cuyahoga County can continue to remain economically competitive and attract the best talent possible.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WILL FOCUS ON LGBTQ YOUNG ADULTS OF COLOR

Cuyahoga County Council’s vote is consistent with the commitments made in the charter to social and economic diversity and inclusiveness.

Diverse Strategies, a Columbus consulting firm, is pleased to announce the HUE Leadership Development Program. HUE is a revolutionary project for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) young adults of color, ages 1825. The mission of HUE is to build the leadership, political consciousness, and organizing skills of LGBTQ youth of color across the state of Ohio. The project will be directed and coordinated by Diversity & Organizational Strategist Erin Upchurch, MSSA, LSW who is a long time community activist and advocate for social justice.

OHIO BUSINESSES FOR THE FREEDOM TO MARRY

Says Upchurch, “The voices from people of color are often underrepresented within our community. The purpose of this project is to cultivate and grow strong voices within the equality movement. Young people are the future of our movement and we must start now to help them develop the skills necessary to carry that future forward.” Participants in the HUE Leadership Development Program will attend a daylong leadership summit where they will receive hands on training and instruction designed to develop future activists and community leaders. They will engage in one on one and group mentorship from local LGBTQ leaders of color, and will work together to design and complete a local community service project. The summit is scheduled for Saturday July 28, 2012 and will be held at the Columbus Urban League. For sponsorship and/or mentoring opportunities, please contact Erin Upchurch at leadershipdevelopment@diversestrategies.org.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY COUNCIL PASSES DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS LEGISLATION

Own an Ohio business? You should join Freedom to Marry. Now. Inclusion makes for good business.

Freedom to Marry Ohio is a coalition of past and present elected officials, candidates, community and business leaders who are advocating for Marriage Equality in Ohio. Led by Statewide Co-Chairs Tim Hagan (former Cuyahoga County Commissioner) and Andrew Ginther (President of Columbus City Council), the organization seeks to have a discussion with Ohioans regarding the Freedom to Marry. To that end, we are asking Ohioans if they support the concept of allowing two consenting adults the right to marry (which for the purposes of this Coalition), would provide religious institutions the freedom to refuse to perform and/or recognize the marriage. Freedom to Marry Ohio is developing a coalition of those who are willing to lend their name, time and voice (as schedule permits) to advocate to their fellow elected officials, opinion leaders, friends, family and constituents. Advocacy includes in-person communication, email, phone calls, and use of social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc). The goal is to create an environment for thoughtful consideration of the Freedom to Marry concept as outlined above. Supporters are encouraged to communicate with the Freedom to Marry when they have spoken with a member of the community who wishes to receive more information and/or join the coalition. The Freedom to Marry coalition will likewise seek to have a dialogue Ohioans who indicate that they are opposed to the concept of Freedom to Marry. To join, contact either Ian James or James Winnett at 614.378.9492 or click on the following link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formke y=dHhvVnJkZU1DT01mcml5akpSV0FMMEE6MQ&fb_source =message. For more info on Freedom to Marry campaign: http://www.freedomtomarry.org.

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US COURT OF APPEALS UPHOLDS FEDERAL DISCTRICT COUTRT RULING THAT PROPOSITION 8 IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL On February 7, 2012 the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a ruling in Perry v. Brown upholding the historic August 2010 decision of the Federal District Court that found Proposition 8 unconstitutional. In an opinion authored by Judge Stephen Reinhardt, the Ninth Circuit concluded that Proposition 8 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Proposition 8 stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the fundamental freedom to marry. “Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect in California, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples. The Constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort,” Judge Reinhardt wrote. The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) is the sole sponsor of the Perry case. “Today the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed, as the courts have repeatedly throughout our nation’s history, that singling out a class of citizens for discriminatory treatment is unfair, unlawful and violates basic American values,” said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. “Like many other Americans, our plaintiffs want nothing more than to marry the person they love. Committed, loving couples and their families should not be denied this most fundamental freedom.” On February 21, anti-marriage forces asked the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to reconsider its ruling. The request for a larger eleven-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit to reconsider the case, known as rehearing en banc, is only granted upon a majority vote of the Ninth Circuit’s 25 judges in regular active service. A petition for rehearing en banc temporarily stays the three-judge panel’s decision striking down Proposition 8. Proponents also renewed their baseless attempt to impugn the reputation of the United States District Chief Judge who struck down Proposition 8. Unable to defend Proposition 8 on its merits, Proponents claim that the now-retired Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker was disqualified from ruling on Proposition 8 and that his historic de-

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cision should be vacated because he is gay and in a committed relationship. The Ninth Circuit unanimously rejected Proponents’ offensive argument, stating: “To do otherwise would demonstrate a lack of respect for the integrity of our federal courts.”

MOMENTUM FOR MARRIAGE CONTINUES! On the heels of the Prop 8 decision, the Washington State Legislature passed marriage equality legislation on February 8, 2012. AFER Senior Project Director Adam Umhoefer issued the following statement: “We are thrilled that the State of Washington has recognized that gay and lesbian citizens should be treated with equal dignity and respect under the law. That is what the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, whose jurisdiction includes Washington, found yesterday regarding Proposition 8. The momentum is clear and we congratulate the Evergreen State and commend Governor Gregoire and the legislators who voted to be on the right side of American history.” Five days later, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed SB 6239, the marriage equality legislation, into law on February 13, 2012. Opponents wishing to challenge the new law would have until June to collect 120,557 valid signatures – the amount required to place a referendum on the November 2012 ballot. Failure to do so would result in lesbian and gay couples being able to legally marry immediately following the passage of the deadline. If the referendum qualifies for November’s ballot, same-sex couples would not be permitted to marry until the outcome of that vote is known. At this time, six states plus the District of Columbia recognize marriage for same-sex couples under state law: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Nine states - California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington - provide samesex couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and benefits in any state.

NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE PASSES MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL The New Jersey Legislature has approved a mar-

riage equality bill. The Assembly passed the bill on February 16, 2012. The measure cleared the Senate on Monday by a 24-16 vote. Over the years, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked with equality advocates in New Jersey to secure protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their families. This includes being a key partner in the 2006 passage of a transgender nondiscrimination bill and a civil unions bill; the 2008 passage of a measure that strengthened the state’s anti-bullying and hate crimes laws; and efforts to advance marriage equality since 2005. Task Force staff was on hand for the Assembly vote in Trenton. A statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: “This victory is a victory for New Jersey families. It affirms what millions of people across the country already know - loving, committed samesex couples and their families should be able to join in the celebration and responsibilities of marriage. This marks an important step in the Garden State’s march toward marriage equality. It has been a long journey of changing hearts and minds, of breaking down walls, and of shining a spotlight on our common humanity. Gov. Chris Christie should take a stand for families by signing this bill. Thank you to the Legislature for its support, and congratulations to Garden State Equality and all those working so hard for marriage equality in New Jersey.” But Gov. Chris Christie followed through on his promise to reject the bill by quickly vetoing the measure the following day and renewing his call for a ballot question to decide the issue. Christie, a Republican who opposes same-sex marriage, had vowed “very swift action” once the measure reached his desk. In returning the bill to the Legislature, Christie reaffirmed his view that voters should decide whether to change the definition of marriage in New Jersey. His veto also proposed creating an ombudsman to oversee compliance with the state’s civil union law, which same-sex couples have said is flawed and promotes discrimination. Democrats who had pushed the bill forward said they were disappointed, but not surprised, by Christie’s action. “It’s unfortunate that the governor would let his own personal ideology infringe on the rights of thousands of New Jerseyans,” said Reed Gus-

I would call Chris Christie a “dick” but that would offend penises everywhere.

ciora, one of two openly gay New Jersey lawmakers and a sponsor of the bill. “For all those who oppose marriage equality, their lives would have been completely unchanged by this bill, but for same-sex couples, their lives would have been radically transformed. Unfortunately, the governor couldn’t see past his own personal ambitions to honor this truth.”

MARYLAND SOON TO BE MARRY-LAND? On February 17, 2012, the Maryland House of Delegates passed a marriage equality bill, a key step on the way to allowing gays and lesbians to finally marry the person they love in the state. The bill now heads to the state Senate, and if passed, on to Gov. Martin O’Malley who has promised to sign it into law. This historic victory wouldn’t have happened without the leadership of Maryland’s eight openly LGBT state lawmakers. After coming up just short last year, they redoubled their efforts and worked closely with the Marylanders for Marriage Equality coalition and others to change hearts and secure votes in the House.

GLAAD AND DIRECTOR BRETT RATNER ANNOUNCE VIDEO INITIATIVE TO RALLY SUPPORT FOR LGBT AMERICANS GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and antidefamation organization, announced plans for a groundbreaking video campaign to be produced and directed by Brett Ratner. Ratner met with GLAAD’s Board of Directors, producer of the 84th Annual Academy Awards Brian Grazer, as well as directors Adam Shankman and Bryan Singer, among others. The upcoming video series will feature a diverse group of Hollywood celebrities, athletes, musicians and politicians ‘coming out of the closet’ as supporters of equality. Participants will share personal stories about why and how they support the LGBT community and call on Americans to do the same. “Straight allies are crucial to creating a culture in which LGBT people are respected and supported,” said Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs and Communications at GLAAD. “We look forward to working with Brett and these other inspiring Americans who are speaking out and standing up for their LGBT friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers.” outlookcolumbus.com

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Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not registered to vote? What are you waiting for?

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COMPLETE ALL-STAR CAST FOR WEST COAST PREMIERE OF DUSTIN LANCE BLACK’S PROP 8 PLAY The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact are proud to announce the full cast for the West Coast premiere of “8,” an unprecedented account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown), the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the fundamental freedom to marry. Written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black and directed by acclaimed actor and director and AFER Founding Board Member Rob Reiner, “8” is set to have its West Coast premiere at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre on Saturday, March 3, 2012, in Los Angeles, for an exclusive, one-night-only fundraiser to support efforts to achieve full federal marriage equality. Black, who penned the Academy Award-winning feature film Milk and the new critically acclaimed film J. Edgar, based “8” on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families. The most recent additions to the cast include: Golden Globe Award-winner and Emmy Award-nominee Kevin Bacon; Golden Globe Award-winner, SAG and Emmy Award-nominee Chris Colfer; and Academy, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-nominee John C. Reilly. They join Matt Bomer, Campbell Brown, George Clooney, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Vanessa Garcia, Christine Lahti, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Rory O’Malley, Jansen Panettiere, James Pickens, Jr., Rob Reiner, Martin Sheen, Yeardley Smith, George Takei and Bridger Zadina. For ticket info: http://www.afer.org/8losangeles.

LESBIAN COUPLE RAISES OVER $1 MILLION FOR OBAMA The president arrived at the home of Karen Dixon and Dr. Nan Schaffer on Tracy Place in NW Washington. An Obama for America campaign official said there were 40 people in attendance, each of whom paid $35,800 per

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ticket. That works out to $1,432,000.

would be “huge, ugly issue.”

“Proceeds from the event will go to Obama Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee authorized by Obama for America and the Democratic National Committee,” the official said on background.

“Because we did it methodically … since it happened, nothing’s happened. There hasn’t been any notion of erosion in unit cohesion.”

Supporters were seated at five tables in a cozy, garden-style room at the rear of the home. Tables had centerpieces of red and pink roses. Also in the audience was HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, whom Mr. Obama called “a star” of his Cabinet. Mr. Obama was introduced by Laura Ricketts, the first openly gay owner of a major-league baseball team (the Chicago Cubs). She is a major fundraiser for the Obama reelection campaign. She told the group that the event was being held “to show the president that the LGBT community stands strongly behind his reelection.” “I know the president stands with us,” she said. Mr. Obama said everyone is concerned with putting the economy back on the right footing. “There’s still a lot of folks hurting out there. The good news is that we’re moving in the right direction.” He pointed to the good jobs report from January, the housing settlement announced last month. He gave the standard recitation about his desire for fair play, whether it’s on Main Street or Wall Street. “You should be judged on the merits. That’s at the heart of the American dream. That’s how you should be judged - not by what you look like, not by how you worship, not by where you come from, not by whom you love. The work that we’ve done with the LGBT community, I think, is just profoundly American.” He mentioned his administration’s work to ensure hospital visitation is applied equally to same-sex couples. Also mentioned DADT. “What’s been striking over the course of these last three years is because we’ve rooted this work in this concept of fairness, and we haven’t gone out of our way to grab credit for it, we haven’t gone out of our way to call other folks names when they didn’t always agree with us on stuff, we just kept plodding along, because of that, in some ways, what’s been remarkable is how readily the public recognizes this is the right thing to do.” He said the perception with DADT is that it

When he was in Hawaii and worked out at the Marine base, he said, at least three Marines came up to him in the gym and quietly told him “thank you” for ending DADT. “I didn’t even know whether or not they were gay or lesbian. I didn’t ask. That wasn’t the point. We’re going to have more work to do on this issue. There’s still areas where fairness is not the rule. We’re going to have to keep on pushing.” QMUNITY INTERNATIONAL:

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA’S SECOND LARGEST CITY, MOVES TO PASS ANTI-LGBT, ANTI-EXPRESSION LAW Despite a massive international call-in campaign by leading global LGBT rights group AllOut.org, the Russian city of St. Petersburg’s approved a bill that will impose fines of up to $16,700 for the “promotion of homosexuality.” Several LGBT rights activists were arrested outside the parliament building today while protesting the law. Thousands of AllOut members deluged their foreign ministries with calls, from Washington to Buenos Aires, London to Madrid to Sydney, urging their governments to speak out against the bill to their counterparts in Russia. The bill - if signed in to law by St. Petersburg’s Mayor - will criminalize reading, writing, speaking or reporting on anything related to gay, lesbian bi or trans people, and will make illegal almost all activity related to defending or promoting LGBT equality. Pride parades, literature, or NGOs that openly serve LGBT people will be wiped out, or pushed underground. The bill also inspired an international outcry when first proposed in the fall of 2011. At the time AllOut.org worked closely with activists in St. Petersburg and Moscow to generate a massive online campaign pushing world leaders to speak out in opposition. Over 250,000 around the world signed AllOut.org’s petition denouncing the initiative, which re-

Man, how long have we been saying, “Russia, get your shit together?”

sulted in European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton pledging to take up the issue with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. More on that campaign here: www.allout.org/russia_call.

IN MAJOR REVERSAL, SWEDEN IS POISED TO END FORCED STERILIZATION OF TRANSGENDER PEOPLE The conservative Christian Democrats members of the governing coalition in Sweden and the primary obstacle to ending the policy of forced sterilizations - went public with a decision to reverse their position. “It’s time to abolish the requirement for sterilization at sex change,” leaders of the Christian Democrats wrote in an opinion piece published today in the Swedish press. The current law forces transgender persons in Sweden to undergo sterilization before legally changing their gender. The surgery renders a person permanently infertile and unable to have children in the future. “This is an incredible news for Sweden: it means that anyone will be able to have their true identity recognized without having to be sterilized, says Ulrika Westerlund, President of the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights. “It’s crucial that the new law comes into place as soon as possible.” The announcement come after several years of mobilization in Sweden followed by a massive international outcry coordinated by AllOut.org, a global alliance of over 850,000 straight, gay, lesbian, bi and trans people. The global campaign to stop forced sterilization in Sweden was the largest online campaign in history supporting human rights for transgender people. “Swedish activists have worked for years to lay the foundation for this victory and I am so proud that AllOut.org could build the international momentum that finally pushed Prime Minister Reinfeldt and party leaders to end this cruel practice,” says Andre Banks, Executive Director of AllOut.org. “It’s a victory for Sweden, but it is also decisive for Europe. AllOut.org members across the continent will continue to push online and in Parliament until each of these appalling laws are thrown out with the trash.”

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LOW (od

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Watch where you’re putting those hands there, buddy. This isn’t a Beany’s oil change.

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“Corporations are people, my friend.” by Jacob Manser Mitt Romney’s comment in August of last year was widely ridiculed, but it turns out he wasn’t all that far from the truth. In fact, part of the very first section of the United States Code reads, “in determining the meaning of any Act of Congress...the words ‘person’ and ‘whoever’ include corporations.” Corporate personhood is a longstanding legal doctrine in the United States, upheld time and time again by the Supreme Court. In 1819, Dartmouth College v. Woodward held that corporations are considered to have the same rights as individuals in contract law. Several decades later, Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific says that corporations are entitled to the equal protection guaranteed to individuals in the Fourteenth Amendment. Pretty reasonable so far, right? Enter the 20th century, a time marked by significant corporate expansion in both size and influence. The opinion rendered in the 1906 Northwestern National Life Insurance Co. v. Riggs acknowledged that corporations are, for legal purposes, persons. This idea would be reinforced decision after decision without significant popular opposition, by liberal and conservative courts alike. In 2010, the Supreme Court delivered what would become one of its most controversial and significant rulings in Citizens United v. FEC. This opinion extended unprecedented personhood to

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corporations by holding that the free speech rights guaranteed in the First Amendment apply to our corporate brothers and sisters. How does one determine the gender of a corporate person, by the way? The dangerous, hardline conservative way of thinking that gave us Citizens United also gave birth to the personhood movement. The personhood legislation and referenda that are popping up across the country seek to define the beginning of personhood as the moment of conception, effectively banning abortion (for it would then legally be murder). Let’s say, then, that Sarah Palin and her ilk get their wish and a personhood amendment passes on Ohio. In a post-Citizens United world, this could have very interesting consequences. When would a corporation become a person? No longer must we wait for the Secretary of State to approve the filing - personhood begins at the moment of conception! The Secretary of State must, then, approve any filing for corporate status, lest it be charged with abortion of the corporate fetus. What, then, of dissolutions? Since we have defined a corporation as a person and subsequently strengthened the definition of being a person, how would one going about dissolving a corporation? Currently, the management must pay all debt, dispose of all assets, pay the shareholders, and then the corporate entity is terminated. But no more! Terminating the entity of a person sounds a lot like murder to me.

As Stephen Colbert recently pointed out in an ad that ran in South Carolina, Mitt Romney’s Bain Capital bought corporations, divided their assets and terminated the bits of the entities that were of no use. Trafficking, dismemberment, and murder - sick! How about competition between businesses? Just down the street from where I grew up, a KFC and Cluck-U Chicken sat across the street from one another in direct competition. They both lowered their prices and improved their product for years in an attempt to win dominance over the neighborhood’s fried chicken market. A few years ago, KFC packed up their alien fryers and Cluck-U declared victory. Cluck-U caused the death of its corporate neighbor, and while a jury might be skeptical of a murder charge, I’d bet Prosecutor O’Brien could land manslaughter. Perhaps most interesting of all, what if a corporation is forced into bankruptcy by poor management? Or, in other words, ruthlessly murdered by a reckless band of criminals? Should those responsible not be held responsible for murder? Conspiracy to commit? Aiding and abetting? SOMETHING? If the termination of the fetal person is constitutionally defined as murder, surely the slaying of the corporate person is just as criminal. While this column has been largely satirical, my point is this: there are dangerous thinkers in our country and they possess a degree of political power that is troubling. Citizens United and the so-called personhood movement are just two ex-

amples. The same hyper-conservative school of thought embraced by the Tea Party proffers such policy proposals as privatizing social security, a terribly jingoistic foreign policy, evicting the United Nations, draconian anti-immigration strategies, the dissolution of labor unions and a doctrine of ignorance regarding climate change (just to name a few). We are faced with a movement that seeks to redefine a person to include zygotes and ExxonMobil while railing against “redefining” marriage to be inclusive of all couples that love one another. Above all, this way of thinking reflects a stubborn and fear-derived refusal to accept that the United States and the world around us is changing and that our society must adapt accordingly. It is irresponsible, destructive, and dangerous. We cannot allow it to prevail. Fight this movement with your rationality and intellect, my friends, for our opponents have no shield against the sword of reason. If we continue to think critically and act on a basis of reason, I have no doubt that we will succeed in steering the national dialogue away from this dangerous road and back to the one of prosperity and progress. In the mean time, call your representatives in the General Assembly and in Congress and tell them that corporations are not people in the sense that they have become, and to back off a woman’s right to choose.

While Jacob was “interning” at outlook, he was our “Homomancer” - which is our version of a community affairs liason.

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Lots of open mouths on this page... probably all criticizing my outfit.

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Freedom to Marry by Ed Mullen The freedom to marry effort is on the move in Ohio. Last year, I wrote that the road to full marriage equality was a difficult and most likely long one. Over the past few weeks, events in Ohio have made me question that assumption, but other events have reminded me how far we have to go. The recent flurry of activity seems to have begun with a project initiated by Freedom to Marry, a national organization that advocates around the country for marriage equality. The project was called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mayors for the Freedom to Marryâ&#x20AC;? and it was essentially a pledge that the mayors supported full marriage equality. At the US Conference of Mayors in DC, a press conference was planned to announce the project and the support of more than 70 mayors around the country. I learned of this effort less than 48 hours before the press conference, but reached out to local activists across the state to ask them to contact their mayors and encourage them to sign the pledge. As of the press conference, four Ohio mayors had signed on and six have since joined them, including Mayor Coleman here in Columbus and the Mayors of Cleveland, Cincinnati and Akron, as well as, Lima, Canton, East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Lakewood and Stow. (check out the current list at www.freedomtomarry.org) The grass roots effort to get Mayors throughout Ohio to sign the pledge led to a broader effort in Ohio to have local elected officials sign on to a statement in support of full marriage equality. Several local elected officials, most notably Andy Ginther, Council President

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of the Columbus City Council and Chris Seelbach of the Cincinnati City Council, asked what they could do to encourage other local elected officials to sign on. Since then, the grass roots coalition has reached out to elected officials and candidates in Columbus, Franklin County and throughout the state to ask local elected officials to pledge to support marriage equality. Equality Ohio is maintaining a list of supportive elected officials and the coalition has created an (in-progress) website, freedomohio.com, to track supporters. This is an excellent opportunity for the LGBT community to get a baseline for who is supportive of marriage equality in Ohio. That tells us where we need to work to educate and persuade elected officials and community leaders to support the freedom to marry. It also tells us who we can enlist to help us in the education process. It is the beginning of a statewide coalition to overturn the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. It has been extraordinarily heartening to have so many elected officials sign on quickly and enthusiastically. It has been less heartening to hear from some elected officials that they are not yet supportive or that they are unwilling to be public about their support because of political concerns. We are of course hopeful that with education and local advocacy these elected officials will ultimately join the coalition. What has been most disheartening is to hear that this project is anything other than a community-driven effort to begin a movement for

the freedom to marry in Ohio. It is not a conspiracy to hurt or help any political campaign; it is not an effort to vilify elected officials who are not ready to join the coalition; and it is not a partisan effort. I am hopeful that the list of supportive elected officials will grow to include more elected officials in Columbus and Franklin County; to become more geographically diverse; and to become more bi-partisan. We are also developing a list of supportive businesses in Ohio. On Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, one of the driving forces of the Ohio freedom to marry coalition decided to begin circulating petitions to overturn the Ohio amendment defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman. Ian James, who runs a petition management company, is leading this effort and hopes to get language certified by the Secretary of State soon. That certification will allow him to start gathering the 385,000+ signatures necessary to get the amendment on the ballot. The petition signatures do not expire as long as the signer remains registered at the address where he or she signed, so the amendment could be put on the ballot whenever enough signatures are gathered. As I write this, I have many questions. Is the language of the amendment, which says any two consenting adults have the right to marry in Ohio and no religious institution has to perform or recognize that marriage, the best language legally and electorally? Do we have the resources to collect enough signatures? Do we have the resources to conduct a campaign in support of the amendment? Is Ohio ready for this if all of the above questions are an-

swered? If not now, when? Will this distract from our legislative efforts relating to bullying and non-discrimination? Equality Ohio supports the freedom to marry and supports efforts throughout the state to advance the freedom to marry in Ohio. We are excited that the freedom to marry pledge has unleashed such strong support for the freedom to marry in Ohio. We are excited that people all around the state are ready to pitch in to help pass an amendment granting same-sex couples the right to marry. We are excited about the discussions this movement is provoking. We want to move forward in a way that is strategic and smart. We will be meeting with leaders around the state in early March to discuss this effort. We will be talking to legal and political experts and hopefully do some polling to get a baseline for the number of people in the state who are supportive and not. Until we have this information, any opinion on the amendment and when it should be pursued is premature. We welcome your thoughts. If you are interested in getting involved in this effort, please contact us at 614-224-0400. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. That step has now been taken and the journey launched. We look forward to taking this journey with you, but we enter it with eyes wide open ready for the long slog ahead. Ed Mullen is the Executive Director of Equality Ohio. For more info on EO or Freedom: equalityohio.org and freedomohio.com.

Out and about in the Short North during the work day? You are bound to pass Ed Mullen on the sidewalk bustling to his next meeting.

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Visit Suite Q during Gallery Hop for all your Girl Scout cookie needs. Someone needs to buy the Samoas so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat them all.

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Laughter is the Best Medicine: Benjamin Johnson of Bink Davies by Abbey Marie Miller If laughter is the best medicine, Bink Davies is the Short North’s one-stop-shop for all your health needs. Owner and community member Benjamin Johnson has manifested his love for laughter into a “bitch-slapped modern general store” for Columbus’ gift needs. “There is nothing better than making people laugh. Nothing makes me happier than seeing some moms from Powell come into my shop after a night out with their girlfriends and laughing hysterically at some of our kitschy merchandise,” Johnson said. “I mean we opened on April Fools Day, that should tell you something. I can’t wait to celebrate our second anniversary this year.” Johnson has been working in the gift business for many years as a sales representative for specialty gift lines. “I have been in the gift business a long time, so the store is a new project. [When I was a sales rep] I just couldn’t sell any of my lines to shops in the Short North. I don’t know why,” said Johnson. “So I decided to take the bull by the horns and open my own shop. I wanted a place that embodied my personality. And that’s what Bink Davies is - my personality exploded into a retail store.” He used his knowledge of gift lines to make the store a ‘test market’ for items he thought would fit. “The store gives us a chance to test out certain items, and bring in elements from the neighbor-

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hood to tailor the store,” he said. “I really wanted a Short North location to ‘test out’ the store’s concept.”

Johnson believes the Short North is a great example of just how fun Columbus can be.

Gallery Hop sales this year were double what they were last February. We are really excited about it.”

Owning a retail shop was a childhood dream for Johnson. In fact the name, as well as the concept, came from Johnson’s childhood.

“The Short North is a wonderful representation of the entirety of Columbus, but a bit more fabulous - just like Bink Davies. Instead of being vanilla, the Short North, and Columbus as a whole, is more like Cherry Lambic sorbet, with rainbow sprinkles. This is who we are about.”

Johnson hopes his store, and other Short North establishments will bring people from the suburbs back to the downtown when they go out.

“I had an uncle named Benjamin, and everyone called him ‘Bink,’ so I guess they thought it would be cute to call me Bink as well,” Johnson said. “I absolutely hated it. In fact, I had a sit down with my family and told them to stop calling me Bink. But now that I’m an adult, I just decided to own it and so I named my store after it.” Though a tough economy made him hesitant, his intuition told him to go for broke and just do it. “When the space [at 668 N. High Street] became available, I just followed my intuition and decided the Short North needed a fun gift shop,” Johnson said. “It was a perfect location. It’s the first stop on the right from the Columbus Convention Center so there is a lot of foot traffic.” Johnson also believed the space was perfect for his off-the-wall general store, because the Short North crowd is exactly who he wanted to cater to. “I am from North Carolina, so before I moved to Columbus, I honestly thought it was going to be vanilla - turned out it is anything but,” Johnson said. “It is a much bigger city than many people think. Columbus has so much going on as far as art, theatre, music and so forth that it is hard to participate in all of it. It’s both refreshing and intimidating.”

Johnson isn’t the only cheerleader for Columbus. Out of everything in his store, he said the ‘Ohio’ merchandise sells the best. “We sell a lot of Columbus-based stuff, like the exclusive C-Bus brand stuff we carry. I just love it,” he said. “I think one of my favorite pieces is a t-shirt that says ‘Mirror Lake swim team.’ People really love their hometown here. And those that come to the convention center who aren’t Columbus natives, well I think they want to go home with a taste of Columbus.” The Bink Davies website (www.binkdavies.com) boasts carrying products from around the world as well as “literally down the street.”

“I definitely want to see more people come back to the city when they go out,” he said. “I want to see people become less intimidated by the downtown area.” Johnson hopes that as the Short North continues to grow, and more stores like his that keep humor at the center of their business plan crop up, the lines between the “gay” and “straight” neighborhoods begin to blur into one collective Columbus experience. “I think it would be great if the Short North, as well as other neighborhoods in Columbus, weren’t divided into the ‘gay areas’ or the ‘straight areas.’ I hope one day it becomes a little less divided and we can all play together,” Johnson said. “I want to see more independent retail shops.”

In addition to all the ‘C-Bus’ products Bink Davies offers, they also carry Tag, Blue Q, Stonewall Kitchen, Voluspa, Republic of Tea, Imax, Harold Import Co., Zyliss, Man Cans, Jelly Cat, Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, Peking Handicraft, Architec and Raz products.

Johnson believes that laughter will bridge any gaps that may exist, and hopes his store plays some small part in blurring the “lines in the sand.”

According to Johnson, Bink Davies’ reception has been overwhelming.

“You can take care of business and have a good time. Humor has no enemies. The more we laugh, the more we get along - yeah, I like that,” he said.

“Customers have really embraced us; the store has really taken off. We keep ‘Short North friendly’ hours so we can accommodate our target market,” he said. “For example, our February

Who hasn’t wondered how Bink Davies got its name? Now you know!

Do you want to keep the humor in your life? Visit Bink Davies at 668 N. High Street M-TH 11a-7p, F-Sat 11a-9p, Sun 1p6p, or check out the website: binkdavies.com.

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After 8 months of working at outlook and enjoying IMS, Erin finally understands what it is.

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EVEN

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Riding for a Cause: Karl Koon spearheads Team Buckeye for Cancer Research by Michael Daniels If you live in Columbus and don’t know Karl Koon, or at least know of Karl Koon, you need to get out more. This outstanding, energetic leader has been involved in more fundraising events for more causes than most of us combined. He’s now got a title as tall as he is – he’s the Director of Development & Director of Rider Recruitment for Team Buckeye at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. That’s a mouthful. Karl’s simply a delight. When I could finally nail him down over a cup of java, I found out what he’s up to in his new role. Michael Daniels: How did you get involved in Pelotonia and what was your motivation? Karl Koon: In the spring of 2009 I attended a recruitment and general information session on Pelotonia and learned about this new bike ride that was being organized to raise money for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James). As I listened to event organizers describe the experience I vividly recall thinking about the impact cancer had made in my life – the family members I had lost and the friends and relatives who were survivors – and thought this was a really cool way to make a difference. Although I had never ridden more than 5 miles in one ride in my entire life, I signed up to ride 100 miles, went out and bought a new bike and started training. Little did I know how this event would change my life. MD: How so? KK: Personally, professionally and emotionally, Pelotonia rocked my world. We were at the start line of the inaugural ride and I looked around me – there were over 2,200 riders on bikes for as far as I could see. Many had “SURVIVOR” on their shirts. Others had the names of loved ones written on their arms and legs. I quickly realized that I was a part of something that was much bigger than getting on my skinny tired bike and riding 100 miles. I literally sobbed most of the way to Athens – it was a cathartic experience. There were signs in yards and along the road thanking us for riding and sharing words of encouragement like “A James Patient Lives Here! Thank You For Riding!” Families lined the roads and cheered us on and thanked us for raising money – 100% of which goes to fund cancer research at Ohio State. All of us were playing a part in changing how the world looks at preventing, detecting and curing cancer. When you realize that one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, you grasp the impact this disease has on all our lives. There’s not a single person who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way, and the ride and the message resonated with everyone. In 2010 my partner and I rode 180 miles and in 2011, I rode 100 miles and changed careers (after 18 years) to follow my passion and return to my alma mater and work for The James. MD: Tell us about your work at The OSUCCC James? KK: “Work” almost sounds like a misnomer. My role at The OSUCCC James involves engaging the Buckeye nation – students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and their friends and family members – to participate in Pelotonia as part of Team Buckeye, Ohio State’s super-peloton. I literally make presentations all over Ohio State’s main campus

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and the regional campuses, sharing details and information about how to participate in the ride, how to succeed in fundraising, how to train, the type of bike to ride – every detail imaginable about participating in the event. I am the liaison for all members of Team Buckeye – a resource to help ensure their success in the event. It is a privilege to work with the amazing doctors, nurses and the professional staff at The OSUCCC James as well as people from all over campus who share this passion with me and who support the event in some way or the other. MD: What is a peloton? How do riders, virtual riders, and volunteers join a peloton and what commitment is involved? KK: A peloton is a team of individuals who come together to participate in Pelotonia. Comprised of five or more members, a peloton can include riders, virtual riders and volunteers from a company, neighborhood, community, church, civic group or organization or simply friends who want to participate in the annual event. In my case it’s the Buckeye Nation. Riders pay a $100 registration fee and select one of six routes to ride, each with a different fundraising commitment. Virtual riders register by paying $10, which counts towards their fundraising and utilize the same fundraising strategies of riders. Virtual riders don’t participate in the rides nor do they have a specific fundraising commitment. Volunteers are needed to fulfill a variety of roles to ensure the success of the event. MD: What is Team Buckeye? KK: Team Buckeye is Ohio State’s official super-peloton, or umbrella organization, which encapsulates all pelotons at The Ohio State University. Although Ohio State had riders participating in 2009 and 2010, Team Buckeye was officially organized in 2011 to provide a central focusing point for the university’s efforts in Pelotonia. Team Buckeye had 76 unique pelotons representing numerous colleges, departments and units from across the Buckeye Nation including all five regional campuses. Led by Ohio State’s own Archie Griffin, Team Buckeye was the largest team in Pelotonia 11 with a total of 1,567 members: 1,068 riders; 381 virtual riders and 118 volunteers and raised $1.8M of the total $13.1M raised in 2011. MD: How can the GLBT community participate? KK: Many members of the GLBT community already participate in Pelotonia through their company’s peloton or local community or civic group pelotons. Getting involved is easy – go to www.pelotonia.org and register. Once registered, find a peloton to join and contact the captain and ask to be added to the group. Or better yet, get five or more friends involved and create a team. My hope is that Scarlet & Gay, the official alumni society for the GLBT community at Ohio State will form a team this year. Get some friends to join you, get on your bikes and ride! Be a virtual rider or volunteer….this event will change your life. MD: Where do the funds from Pelotonia go, and what work is done with those funds? KK: One hundred percent of the funds raised by Pelotonia directly support cancer research conducted at Ohio State. To date, $5 million generated by riders and donors has been allocated to the Pelotonia Fellowship Program, which awards grants to Ohio State students in any discipline and at all levels of scholarship who want to conduct cancer research in the labs of faculty mentors. The program so far has awarded 116 grants to 56 undergraduates, 32 graduate students, two medical students and 26 postdoctoral fellows. The fellowship awards span multi-

ple colleges and departments, bringing many disciplines together in the fight against cancer while helping to train the cancer scientists of tomorrow. It is unlikely that a cure for cancer will come from one scientist. Instead, it will be through “team science” that we will get new answers and treatments. With this in mind, the Pelotonia Research Award Program provides twoyear “idea” grants that enable creative teams of scientists at Ohio State to embark on research that could lead to discoveries resulting in better treatments and prevention strategies. Funding for the early pursuit of these ideas is difficult to obtain, but this Pelotonia program allows scientists to get started by generating data that could later lead to larger grants from external sources such as the National Cancer Institute. To date, 16 research teams have received Pelotonia “idea” grants collectively totaling $2.5 million. The teams represent collaborations among several colleges and departments, as well as three academic institutions (including Nationwide Children’s Hospital). The awards are issued via a peer-review process conducted by scientists not competing for the grants. Pelotonia funds also are being used to help study new treatments for patients, including an early-phase clinical trial on a novel cancer vaccine to prevent several types of solid tumors, and a phase II clinical trial to supplement an ongoing study of a new drug against chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In addition, money from Pelotonia has helped Ohio State recruit and retain some of the world’s brightest minds in cancer research and treatment, and to purchase nearly $2 million worth of the world’s most advanced technology to support the needs of the University’s more than 270 cancer researchers. These are but a few examples of how the OSUCCC-James is using funds raised by Pelotonia to achieve our shared vision of creating a cancer-free world. Please visit cancer.osu.edu for additional information on our efforts in cancer research. MD: Where can our readers learn more about Pelotonia and sign up to participate? KK: Pelotonia takes place August 10-12. Individuals interested in riding with Team Buckeye can send an email to teambuckeye@osumc.edu for additional information or visit our website at ww.teambuckeye.osu.edu. Ultimately, everyone (riders, virtual riders, volunteers) registers to participate in Pelotonia through their website at www.pelotonia.org, including members of Team Buckeye.

Haven’t ridden a bike in awhile? Don’t worry, it’s like riding a bike!

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It canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a coincidence that Mary Jo is wearing a pink shirt in a gay ad...

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Ooooh his eyes match his shirt. Swoon. Wait, you thought I was talking about the guy?

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Six Easy Ways to Burn Yourself Out* by Regina Sewell Burnout: you’ve heard of it. You’ve seen people walk away from activism because they just couldn’t stand doing it anymore. What you may not have heard is how to burn yourself out. Here, perhaps for the first time in print, is a “How To” guide to burnout! 1. Override your need for rest, adequate income, nurturing relationships, physical activity, fun, laughter, sex, walks in nature, and/or a week on the beach or some other form of vacation. If you do feel these needs tugging at your heart, you should feel ashamed of yourself for not living up to the selfless standard you have put out for yourself. 2. Be an asshole and push everyone away from you. You don’t need support. All that relief you would get from venting your feelings and getting empathy would only make you less dedicated and less focused on the cause. Instead of reaching out for support or supporting others, why not put your energy into infighting? Finding someone on the inside of the movement to blame and scapegoat is a great way to reduce your stress. It will also help get the incompetent people out of the movement. 3. Set your standards unrealistically high so that no matter how hard you work or how hard you drive yourself, you will never meet them. Carry the weight of the world on your shoulders and don’t let yourself rest until all the problems of the world have been solved. You

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can recharge your batteries when all the world’s problems are solved, or you die. Don’t let other people take a break either. Remind them that nothing happens without a great deal of personal sacrifice. This will of course repel some weaklings from the movement, but hey, who wants to be around a bunch of slackers? 4. Operate in URGENT mode. Everything has to get done and it has to get done NOW. If you are not stressed about getting things done yesterday, you probably need to revisit your priorities. When people try to tell you to pace yourself because changing the world is a marathon not a sprint, remind them that the clock is ticking and get back in the race. Remember, when you live in high stress mode, your body releases adrenaline and gives you a burst of energy. In order to keep that adrenaline high going, you have to keep pushing yourself harder and harder. If you give yourself time off to recuperate, you won’t slide into burnout and you will have missed the point. 5. Do everything yourself. Remind yourself that if you don’t do it, it won’t get done, or at least it won’t get done right. If you do let someone else do something, micromanage them to make sure they actually do it and do it right. 6. Don’t take time to reflect on the gains that have been made or the influence the movement has had. Don’t look at how far we’ve come, the rights we’ve gained or the political battles we’ve won. Focus only on how far we

are from where you’d like us to be. While you’re at it, every time we don’t achieve a goal or we lose a battle, beat yourself up for not doing enough. Burnout is a slow and gradual process. You know you’ve hit paydirt if you have the following symptoms: • You have a sense that activism is taking over your life. • You find it difficult to make decisions. • You can’t seem to stay focused on things. • You have insomnia or at least have difficulty sleeping or getting enough sleep. • You find yourself thinking more and more negatively about everything. • You feel overcome by pervasive feelings of hopelessness. • You have a loss of purpose and energy. • You feel tense all the time. Headaches and/or backaches and/or exhaustion are the rule rather than the exception in your life. • You’ve lost your passion and notice that you’re doing your activism out of obligation or habit. • You have a general sense that you are running on empty and even things like eating and hanging out with friends that used to be pleasurable now just seem like yet more work. • You find yourself having temper tantrums about trivial matters, have trouble motivating yourself to get out of bed in the morning or notice that you are accident prone. • You’ve stopped caring about your work and about those whom you are supposed to be helping.

Wait, this is sarcastic, right? Or am I really being given permission to “Be an asshole?”

• You find yourself looking for any excuse to quit. Of course, if you don’t want to become crispy, exhausted and miserable, you might try to avoid burnout by slowing down and taking care of yourself. Breathe. Take a yoga class. Go for walks in the park. Play with pets. Eat good food at a table so that you are actually aware of what you are eating. If you are broke, consider finding a way to get paid so that you get the essentials of your life taken care of. Making money does not make you a sellout. It gives you spare change you can donate if you’d like. Remind yourself that you are not the movement. There is much more to you than your activism and what you do or don’t accomplish. Let the other parts of yourself shine through. And most importantly, laugh. *According to Ayala Pines and Elliot Aronson – Career Burnout Causes and Cures: Burnout is “a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long term involvement in situations that are emotionally demanding. The emotional demands are often caused by a combination of very high expectations and chronic situational stresses…. In its extreme form, burnout represents a breaking point beyond which the ability to cope with the environment is severely hampered.” To ask Regina a question, check out upcoming workshops, or check out her books and other writing, go to: www.ReginaSewell.com.

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Can I take a peek down there?

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Kaleo Ramos: The Meaning of Kuleana by Mickey Weems Kaleo Tevaitea Ramos is a handsome, loving and outspoken Hawaiian kane (man). He carries himself with an inner assurance that comes from facing life head-on. Nothing in his bearing reveals the trials through which he has passed, other than that magnetic assurance. The principle of kuleana (responsibility) is a good way to understand the life of Kaleo Ramos. He is a teacher, father and activist dedicated to doing what’s right for his beloved ‘ohana (family). But life has taught Kaleo that his family, his community and his identity may shift in unexpected ways. Kuleana, Part I: ‘Ohana (parents and kinfolk) Born biologically female in 1977 in Kane’ohe, O’ahu, Kaleo tried his best to be a good daughter, but every step towards maturity was agonizing for him. He describes the anguish so many transpeople feel when they are very young: “When I think about my earliest memory of being different, I think of being in kindergarten on many instances when I naturally walked into the boy’s restroom instead of the girls until I realized just as I entered, I was in the wrong restroom. My mother would always comment no matter where we go, ‘Make sure you go into the right restroom,’ and I hated that. I would enjoy rough play with my classmates and took pride in my ability to run faster and jump higher than any boy in my class. I remember only wanting to wear a certain underwear that resembled boy’s briefs. They were gender neutral and felt comfortable to wear until the company stopped making them and I was forced to wear “true” girl underwear. Upsetting to me as it was, I would wear the girl underwear backwards so the cartoon would be on the backside like boy’s underwear, instead of the front.” When his body began changing with puberty, life became, literally, a nightmare from which he could not awaken:

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“One night, starting at about nine years old, I would lay in bed and prayed to God as I did every night to change me into a boy while I slept so that in the morning when I woke I would be in the correct body and no one would know the difference. I would never utter my prayers or wishes to be a boy out loud fearing someone would hear me and I would have to face humiliation. So these prayers and wishes were silent. Looking back, I think I never mentioned those words mainly because I was fearful of admitting it to myself. As each day came to an end and night approached I wished on every first star, picked up every penny as I walked across the surface of the earth, looked under bridges and caves for genie lamps hoping for three wishes, chased rainbows to find the pot of gold and every other thing that might give me hope for what I really wanted.” Unfortunately, the only other solution was simply to endure the suffering until death came: “One evening as I lay in my bed, I started to count the years until it would be about the right time to die… 10 years, 20 years, 30 years… At nine years old, 30 years would only make me 39, not old enough to die, but old enough to live my life in this body. Then I thought about reincarnation and how if I die tonight I would ask God to allow me to come back as a boy. I didn’t even care if I came back as an ugly boy or a poor one; I just wanted to live my life as a boy. So I took my pillow and covered my face until I couldn’t breathe anymore. I couldn’t take it and I pulled the pillow away from my face as I gasped for air. I quickly became scared. I didn’t want to hurt my family and was scared to die. I’m not too sure what was going to be worse, what I was about to endure for the next 20 years or death.” Kuleana, Part II: ‘Ohana (husband and child) His sense of kuleana to his family led him to choose life and embrace femininity, get a boyfriend and eventually a husband. From their union came the light of Kaleo’s life, their son Justice-John, their Little Prince. Even then, “I hated the fact that in order to have a child I

had to go through such a feminine event,” he said. But eventually Keleo could not longer avoid the kuleana that he owed to Kaleo. “One day I finally confided in a friend who advised me of what I should do. The choice I made was devastating to my marriage and our young family, but as we shared, we both agreed there was more I needed to explore in my life. Till this day I love my ex for trying his best to understand and for keeping our friendship as it is today. We make things work for our son. We both agreed that while I go through my transition he would have custody of our son because we both felt a consistent life is best for him especially throughout his early years. Custody will later change when the Little Prince reaches 7th grade; he will come to live with me… No matter what, we always try to work in the best interest of our son.” Kuleana, Part III: ‘Ohana (Hawaiian and LGBT communities) In 2006, Kaleo began transitioning from female to male (FTM). To some people, this may appear a selfish act. But when he knew the alternative could lead to the early grave he sought as a child, transitioning must be seen as part of a greater kuleana, to be truthful with those we love, including ourselves. And true to form, Kaleo’s liberation from his female body brought with it his acceptance of new responsibilities, kuleana for others who were living their own personal nightmares: “Over the next few years I researched endlessly about transition and the “how tos” of transitioning correctly and during those years I’ve changed into the person I wanted to be. I committed myself to self-injection of hormones, got some surgeries and carried myself as a proper man with good etiquette and great hygiene. I take pride in this new vehicle I now drive in this new life. I always tell myself, ‘Why put my body through so much, mentally and physically pain, only to live my life as trashy?’ I like to look

Who knew that you’d learn parts of different language by reading outlook?

at myself as a pioneer for FTM in Hawai’i. At the time of my transition, there was no one who knew enough about FTMs in the state to help me make it happen, so I had to take it upon myself to make sure I did enough research so I would most definitely be the resource for others like myself.” Kaleo did nonprofit work for the Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian people) as a Straight woman for years, so it was natural for him to also help the LGBT community as a Gay man. A showman at heart, he raises money for AIDS organizations, including the Gregory House in Honolulu for people with AIDS (www.gregoryhouse.org). He was also Emperor in the Imperial Court of Hawai’i, a position with its own kuleana to help the helpless among us. He resists assigning any one identity to himself other than being a man: “I understand that I was not born a biological male because my sex organs and development of my body was different from what my brain feels, but organs never really defined the person I really am. Organs just described the F that was replaced with an M on my birth record. Transman, Mahukane [‘transman’ within the Hawaiian cultural context], all of the above if a person must categorize, but all in its own I am just ‘me.’ I identify as Male. I just never understood why I would have to be an ‘in between,’ a transperson. I live my life as a man. The only time I come out as a transman or Mahukane is when I step into my outreach shoes to educate the public about transgenders or educate transgenders so they better understand themselves.” Kaleo put into words the kaona, the deeper meaning of kuleana: it is our duty to take on different forms of ourselves to best help others, even as we remain true to ourselves. See videos of Kaleo Ramos: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyl35gsJOF4, and www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN5C3uhTk0Y.

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Multicultural Gay Love - Teaching the World How to Make Love Work by D.A. Steward “A tiny all-white church in the rural South has voted to ban interracial couples from joining its flock, pitting members against each other in an argument over race. Members at the Gulnare Free Will Baptist Church in Kentucky voted Sunday on the resolution, which says the church ‘does not condone interracial marriage.’” When do you think the Associated Press printed the above story? 1952? 1975? How about 1986? Nope. It was December 1, 2011. Just four days after the story surfaced it was reported that the pastor declared the vote null and void because “the vote was not only discriminatory, but it was against the law.” As someone who grew up in predominately white, rural Delaware, Ohio, I’m well aware of the fact that racism is still alive and well in America, but I was still taken aback by this story. The landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia declared interracial marriage legal nearly 45 years ago in 1967, yet the jury of public opinion still seems to be out on this issue. This led to me to ask, what about gay multicultural relationships? Racial disparity is definitely still a major issue within the LGBT community. As a black, gay male I definitely feel the sting of double discrimination on occasion. But are couples in multicultural gay relationships dealing with a “triple layer” of injustice? I’m in a new relationship myself with someone of a different race, so personal curiosity paired with a professional propensity toward analyzing social trends led me on a quest to search out gay couples in such situations to see how they navigated the world of multicultural love. When Ken Battershell met Anthony Vinson at Interbelt Nite Club in Akron nearly 16 years ago, he knew he’d found his soul mate. Anthony, however, wasn’t so sure. A 23-year-old college student at the time, he knew he liked Battershell, but could someone who grew up knowing

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only two people of color in his small, white, conservative neighborhood handle Vinson’s Filipino /African American background?

ing and the instituting of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, but Tommy McClure and Arend Schuring met online around 2004, a slightly different time.

“[Being in a multicultural relationship] is definitely a struggle and something you shouldn’t enter into lightly,” said Vinson, now 39. “We argued a lot from the beginning. He was very attentive and wanted to know more about my culture, but sometimes some of the questions he’d asked were borderline racist…there were times when I just didn’t want to be his African American or Filipino teacher for the day.”

McClure and Schuring said they definitely still deal with prejudice, but not typically within their inner circle of family and friends. McClure, 34, and Schuring, 33, both grew up in Texas but after a year together Schuring’s job transferred him to Columbus. Realizing that nothing was really keeping him in Dallas, McClure followed Schuring to Ohio. But moving to the conservative Midwest came with a few caveats.

But despite their differences, they quickly fell into a relationship full of love and commitment. Both licensed social workers, the two moved to Columbus together 12 years ago to cultivate their professional endeavors in a more accepting environment. (As of this issue’s publication they’ve moved to Boston where they plan to legally marry.) The relationship continued to blossom, but not without some serious struggles from Battershell’s family.

“I’m half Thai and half white, but people just assume I’m full Asian, and there’s still a lot of prejudices against Asians in the gay community,” said McClure, a local actor/model and founder of Fashion Week Columbus.

“My family just doesn’t accept Anthony as my partner, they still refer to him as my ‘friend.’” Battershell said. “They weren’t very supportive when I came out and me being with a black man just adds insult to injury in their eyes.” Vinson said a few of Battershell’s friends have also fallen by the wayside because they didn’t agree with him dating a black man, but mostly the issues they face within the gay community arise from men who don’t agree with their declaration of monogamy. “We both really had to fight for us to work,” Vinson said. “When you’re in a relationship with two different cultures, sometimes one dominates the other and someone can feel like they lose their identity. You just have to make sure there’s always communication and no subject is taboo.” Vinson and Battershell began their relationship in the mid ‘90s, just after the Rodney King beat-

McClure said growing up in a mixed family made race a non-issue for him when it came to partner selection. But he was raised in a small, mostly white town where he said it was typical for him to be the only Asian in the room. Prejudice was a concept he was forced to come to terms with early on. “People will say things about Asians having small dicks (a stereotype he claims is completely false), or I’ll make a comment on a subject and someone will respond with, ‘Oh, shut up Asian.’ I don’t understand why people still think this is OK. It’s one of the last prejudices that exist in our country,” he said. Schuring, a white corporate consultant, grew up in Houston and said he’s never seen race as a barrier when it comes to relationships. “Some people will call me a ‘rice queen’ when they find out I’m with [McClure], but he’s the only person who’s Asian that I’ve dated and I’ve been in relationships with people from many different ethnicities. I just like hot guys,” Schuring said. Head down another generation and you’ll find

We had three super hot couples photos to choose from - it was hard to pick!

that gay interracial love being something other than the norm is a foreign concept. Evan Robinson, 25, a black graduate student studying social work, and Brandon Hellemann, 26, a white eighth grade science teacher met at Union Café just eight months ago. Acting on liquid courage, Hellemann struck up a conversation with Robinson and a typical bar pickup quickly became much more. “I don’t typically do things like that but I just noticed that he was hot and someone I wanted to talk to,” Hellemann said. “The fact that he was black never crossed my mind.” Both said they’ve had experience with interracial relationships in the past that were somewhat of an issue with their families but after open conversations about the topic it’s simply become a non-issue. “My sister Kendra and I had already broken the family into interracial dating,” Robinson said. “They didn’t really care that my partner was white, what they had to get over was seeing the holding hands and putting my arm around another man’s shoulder.” These three couples exemplify three very different perspectives and their stories may not offer any definite answer on the topic, but each said that being in a multicultural relationship in some way strengthened their bond. It forced them to experience life from the eyes of another, to learn something about a culture different from their own - information they may not have sought out otherwise - and it gave them a more enriched outlook on life. There was a study done by Time magazine a few years ago that said because of the popularity of interracial love, in the next century everyone would be biracial and the idea of race as we know it would no longer exist. Are we, as a society, on that path now? Or do cases like the church in Kentucky mean we still have a long way to go? outlookcolumbus.com

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I’d like to “get lucky” with him!

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T W

February 2012 S M

T W

March 2012 S M

S M

T W

April 2012 F

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11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 2:00 PM RENT @ Shadowbox 4:00 PM So You Want to Make Music in Columbus? @ Jazz Academy 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 7:00 PM Drew Holcomb and the Neigh! bors @ A&R Music Bar 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

… St. Patrick’s Day @ Cavan’s Irish Pub 11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 2:00 PM RENT @ Shadowbox 7:00 PM Karaoke @ Club Diversity 8:00 PM Latin Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

12:30 AM Sunday Xcess @ Exile 10:00 AM Hire Our Heroes Job Fair @ Vets Memorial Center … 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 7:30 PM Queer Behavior’s Film Series @ Kafe Kerouac 9:00 PM Service Industry Night @ Level 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

10:00 AM CAPA: Four Score and Seven Years Ago @ Lincoln Theatre … 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

9:00 AM Columbus Cartoonists: A Bi! centennial Celebration @ Ohio State University … 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

Monday

11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 2:00 PM RENT @ Shadowbox 7:00 PM Karaoke @ Club Diversity 8:00 PM One Queen Two Queen Red Queen Blue Queen @ Wall Street 8:00 PM Latin Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

Daylight Savings Time Begins

11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 2:00 PM RENT @ Shadowbox 7:00 PM Karaoke @ Club Diversity 7:30 PM The Black Keys @ Jerome Schottenstein Center Value City 8:00 PM Latin Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

Arnold Sports Festival @ Various Venues

10:00 AM Central Ohio Home & Gar! den Show @ Ohio Expo Center 11:00 AM Broadway Brunch @ Level 2:00 PM RENT @ Shadowbox 7:00 PM Karaoke @ Club Diversity 8:00 PM Sunday Night Players @ Wall St 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

Sunday

Special Events

Networking

Bars-Clubs

Festività pagane

US Holidays

March 2012

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ Club D 5:00 PM Get Crocked at Wyandotte @ Wyandotte Winery 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ Club D 7:30 PM Thurber House Evening with Authors: Lisa Lutz, Trail of the Spell! 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

Ostara

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

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ Club D 7:00 PM Nice Girls Don’t Sweat @ Parks Hall 111, OSU Campus 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

9:00 AM SRJNG Tuesday Tune Up @ Espresso Yourself Cafe 4:00 PM Technicolor Movie Night @ Club D 5:00 PM Get Crocked @ Wyandotte Winery 8:00 PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Level 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slam! mers 10:00 PM Strippers @ Exile

Tuesday 29

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 7:30 PM Celtic Woman @ The Palace Theatre 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 8:00 PM Billy Elliot @ The Palace The! atre 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 8:00 PM Johnny Mathis @ Ohio Theatre 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 6:30 PM Teens for Tolerance @ Colum! bus Alternative High School 9:30 PM Karaoke Bingo @ Exile 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall St

12:00 PM Controversy 2 @ Ohio Histo! ry Center 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 9:30 PM Karaoke Bingo @ Exile 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall St

Wednesday

26 27 28 29

29 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 7:00 PM Rhythmic Uprising @ The King Arts Complex 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D

Tom Crumley at the Piano @

CW & HipHop @ Wall St Party For a Purpose @ 83

22 $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 3 Wise Men @ Exile CAW @ Fort Hayes Shot Tower

12:00 PM Columbus International Auto Show @ Greater Columbus Convention Center 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D

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 6:00 PM CLUB RED @ Camelot Cellars 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D 10:00 PM Drag Special @ Level

7:00 AM Paul Goodman Changed My Life @ Wexner Center for the Arts 4:00 PM $3 3 Olives Night @ Level 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 9:00 PM Tom Crumley at the Piano @ Club D

OHSAA 2012 State…hottenstein Center

4:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM Gallery 8:00 PM 8:00 PM Gallery 9:00 PM Club D

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30 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Human Nature: The Motown Show @ Palace Theatre 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM Traxx: Columbus @ Out! lands

10:00 AM NCAA Men’s and Women’s Fencing Championships @ French Field House, St. John Arena … Party For a Purpose @ 83 Gallery 4:00 PM Columbus Pet Expo @ Vets Memorial Center 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 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 CATCO’s Next Fall @ Verne Ri"e Center’s Studio Two Theatre 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM Traxx: Columbus @ Out! lands

1:00 PM Columbus RV Super Show @ Ohio Expo Center 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 8:00 PM Happy 9/11 and Other Com! pletely Non-O"ensive Tales by Christopher Lockheardt @ MadLab Theatre and Gallery 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Traxx: Columbus @ Out! lands 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

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31 5:00 PM CD101 Day: Side A- Featuring Kasabian, Of Monsters and Men, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Margo & The Nuclear So and So’s @ Lifestyle Communities Pavilion 8:00 PM Fashion Rocks the Cure @ Outland Live 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

24 10:00 AM Old House DIY: Investigating & Troubleshooting Workshop @ Glad! den House 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

6:30 AM St. Patrick’s Day @ Cavan’s Irish Pub 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

St. Patrick's Day

10 3:00 PM Ohio Roller Girls Roller Derby @ Ohio Expo Center 7:30 PM CAPA presents The Second City’s Laugh Out Loud Tour @ Lincoln Theatre 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level

11:00 AM A Day of Arts for All @ West! erville Community Center 11:00 AM Equality Ohio 8th Annual Leadership Summit A Day @ First Con! 8:00 PM Vijay Iyer, Prasanna Nitin, Mit! ta Tirtha @ Wexner Center for the Arts 8:30 PM Best Ass Contest @ Exile 9:30 PM Live Music @ Club D 10:00 PM DJ Jeremy James @ Level 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall

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7:30 AM Joan Rivers @ Verne Ri"e Center’s Capitol Theatre 4:00 PM Get Your Mojo @ Level 7:00 PM First Friday @ Wall St 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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Arnold Sports Festival @ Various Venues

Thursday

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HE’S A HAPPY CAMPER Columbus RV Super Show @ Ohio Expo Center, 717 E 17th Ave, 888.OHO.EXPO, ohioexpocenter.com:

something to do each day this month

about town

MORE THAN JUST THRIFT Network Columbus @ Goodwill Industries, 1331 Edgehill Rd, 614.294.5181, www.networkcolumbus.com: Food prepared by Goodwill Industries program

TUESDAY, MARCH 20 DYSFUNCTION IS MY MIDDLE NAME Thurber House Evening with Authors: Lisa Lutz, Trail of the Spellmans: Document #5 @ Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, 614.464.1032, thurberhouse.org: Mystery-comedy series featuring the Spellman clan and

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 The Black Keys @ Jerome SchottenVendors will include everything from chefs, art gallery open and artists will Izzy Spellman, PI as they try to make MUSCLES + SWEAT + SPANDEX… IT DOESN’T stein Center Value City Arena, 555 Bor- generators, storage lots and parts for be there creating pieces during the sense out of madcap misadventures. GET ANY HOTTER THAN THIS ror Dr, 614-292.2624, those campers who can’t bear to sleep event. Bring a clothing donation for 7:30p; free. Arnold Sports Festival @ Various Ven- www.schottensteincenter.com: From on the ground. Runs through the week- their thrift stores and receive a special ues, arnoldsportsfestival.com: 18,000 the garage to the Grammy’s, The Black end. 1p-8p; $7. incentive for your next thrifting trip! WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 athletes, 45 sports and events and The Keys will be out promoting their album BORN TO BOOGIE Arnold Fitness Expo will have you busy el Camino. Get ready for a little monkey SATURDAY, MARCH 10 Billy Elliot @ The Palace Theatre, 34 W THURSDAY, MARCH 15 the entire the weekend. Don’t forget Broad St, 614.469.9850, business; Artic Monkeys will be guest DOUBLE DOSE PLEASE A LIL’ COUNTRY, A LIL’ HIP HOP your Tap Out t-shirt and mandatory CAPA presents The Second City’s Line Dancing and Hip Hop @ Wall http://www.capa.com: In this Tony performers. 7:30p; $32-46.50. muscle milk. Times Vary; $12 kids Laugh Out Loud Tour @ Lincoln TheStreet, 144 N High St, 614.464.2800, award winning musical, Billy trades under 10 free. atre, 769 E Long St, 614.469.0939, http://www.wallstreetnightclub.com: boxing for ballet and dances his way MONDAY, MARCH 5 www.ticketmaster.com: Hailing from Whether you like to two-step or twirk, through a coal miner’s strike to Elton I’M FREE. WHAT’S NEXT? 3 DAYS, 5 SESSIONS WHO WILL REIGN CAPA: Four Score and Seven Years the Chicago The Second City will have get your dance on with drink specials John songs… or something like that. SUPREME? Ago @ Lincoln Theatre, 769 E Long St, you cracking up! As a premiere training and partying til the bar closes. Go beWe haven’t seen it yet. 8p; $28-78. OHSAA 2012 State Tournaments @ 614.719.6764, www.capa.com: In this ground they’ll be bringing some of the fore 11p for country, and after 11p for Jerome Schottenstein Center Value City ArtsPower National Touring Theatre best up and coming talent in America. R&B and Hip Hop. $2 domestic beer all THURSDAY, MARCH 22 Arena, 555 Borror Dr, 614-292.2624, musical Lemuel, a newly freed man Be ready for hilarious sketch comedy night. 8p; $5 after 11p, free with colSHOT TOWER ARTISTRY www.schottensteincenter.com: More finds himself rethinking his ideas plenty of improv. 7:30p and 10:30p; lege ID. CAW @ Fort Hayes Shot Tower Gallery, spandex! But no lusting allowed. If about the North and the South after be- $30 546 Jack Gibbs Blvd, 614-365-6681, they’re in high school they’re too young friending a Confederate soldier. RecLADIES AND GENTLEMEN, REV YOUR ENGINES! www.fthayes.com: FH Alumna for you, bro. Support these young ommended for grades 3-8. 10a-11a WHIP IT Columbus International Auto Show @ Stephanie Rond is curating a show wrestlers on their quest to be champi- and 1-2p; $5 Ohio Roller Girls Roller Derby @ Ohio Greater Columbus Convention Center, dedicated to women artists. Sponsored ons. Events through March 3rd. Times Expo Center, 717 East 17th Avenue, 400 N High St, 614.827.2500, columby Creative Artists of Work, this exhibiVary; $15 one session $55-75 all sesTUESDAY, MARCH 6 888.OHO.EXPO, http://www.ohioexbusconventions.com: From Bentlys to tion helps to guide and promote female sions. GIRL POWER! pocenter.com: Were you inspired by that Benzes, Jaguars to Jeeps, there is a car artists of all types. And, since Interns Nice Girls Don’t Sweat @ Parks Hall movie with the girl from Juno? Want to for every backseat make out session Jayra and Orie are Fort Hayes Alums, Paul Goodman Changed My Life @ 111, OSU Campus, 500 W 12th Ave, watch chicks speed skate, bust ass preference. 12p-9p; $10. you are required to support! Show runs Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N High 614.292.1021: Looking for a spunky and take names? Check out the action from March 5-April 5. Reception on St, www.paulgoodmanfilm.com: “A way to spend your Tuesday night? Your as the Ohio Roller Girls take on the Ft. FRIDAY, MARCH 16 March 22. 8p; free. film about the most influential man wish is our command! Come out to Wayne Derby Girls. 3:30p-5p; $17. NEXT FALL, THIS SPRING you’ve never heard of.” This documen- OSU’s campus for a performance about CATCO’s Next Fall @ Verne Riffe Cen- OPEN BAR tary is a look into the life of Paul Good- (strong and independent!) women in SUNDAY, MARCH 11 ter’s Studio Two Theatre, 77 S High St, Party For a Purpose @ 83 Gallery, man who was a poet, philosopher, sports that is written and performed by HOW THE BITCH STOLE MY WIG 614.469.1045, http://www.capa.com: 1038 N High St, 614-259-8370, political activist and open bisexual. 7p; Jane Curry. 7p; free. One Queen Two Queen Red Queen By Ohio native playwright Geoffrey www.shadepublishing.com: Shade $5-7. Blue Queen @ Wall Street, 144 N High Nauffts, Next Fall tells the story of Publishing LLC is celebrating their two WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 St, 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetAdam and Luke, a couple in a commit- year anniversary with a live music by FRIDAY, MARCH 2 ORGANIZE, AGITATE, EDUCATE! nightclub.com: Ooh the whimsy. Dr. ted relationship for five years despite local bands, and emceed by Andria A NIGHT WITH THE QUEEN OF NIP & TUCK Teens for Tolerance @ Columbus Al- Seuss inspired drag show presented by the fact that Luke is devoutly religious “TheDiva” Williams. Drinks and game Joan Rivers @ Verne Riffe Center’s ternative High School, 2632 McGuffey Vivian Von Brokenhymen with special and Adam is a committed atheist. chips are complimentary with 90% of Capitol Theatre, 77 S High St, Rd, teensfortolerancefest.weebly.com: guest performer Miss Penny Tration When and accident requires Adam to ticket sales going to Columbus Youth 614.469.1045, www.capa.com: Laugh Evenings March 7-9 Columbus Alterfrom Cincinnati. The night will feature depend on Luke’s family for support, Expressions. 8p-2:30a; $20. ‘til your stitches pop with the iconic Ms. native High School with host a local a special VonBrokenhymen Martini with each character is forced to examine Rivers in her uncensored, not-safe-for- ideas festival with themes each night all proceeds going to project Zero: Ohio. faith and spirituality. 8p; $40. FRIDAY, MARCH 23 QVC live show. Botox not included. will cover feminism, sexism, and gen- doors open 7p show 8p; Tables $40. THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS & DOGS (AND BIRDS, 7:30p; $58.85-81.35. der equality; LGBT+ issues and the SATURDAY, MARCH 17 FISH AND REPTILES) fight for equality; and a celebration and MONDAY, MARCH 12 KISS ME, I’M IRISH Columbus Pet Expo @ Vets Memorial SATURDAY, MARCH 3 exploration of cultures. The festival is MOVIE NIGHT St. Patrick’s Day @ Cavan’s Irish Pub, Center, 300 W Broad St, 614.221.4341, IT’S A MÉNAGE A TROIS sure to stretch the largest muscle in Queer Behavior’s Film Series @ Kafe 1409 S High St, 614.443.4224, cawww.fcvm.com: Vijay Iyer, Prasanna Nitin, Mitta Tirtha your body (your brain!) and provide Kerouac, 2250 N High, 614.299.2672, vanirishpub.com: Do a little jig, find a This event celebrates our furry (or scaly) @ Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N some great networking opportunities to kafekerouac.com: Feature film every pot of gold, get craic tonight. Get to the friends with exhibits, demonstrations High St, 614.292.3535, link with individuals on the forefront of second Tuesday of every month. Drinks pub early for breakfast and stay late for food and fun for the whole family. Billed www.wexarts.org: The trio Tirtha comthese issues. Be there or be square! W- available . Stay after for discussions. Irish Car Bombs; it will be balls to the as the ‘greatest pet show on earth’, anposed of jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, guitarist T 6:30p-9:30p, F 5p-9:30p; free. 7:30p-10p; $2 donation suggested. wall all day - just how we like it. 6:30a- imal lovers will be in heaven. Runs tol Prasanna and Nitim Mitta will deliver 2:30a; free. the 25th. Fri 4p-9p, Sat 10a-8p, Su jazz with an Indian Twist. Since you THURSDAY, MARCH 8 TUESDAY, MARCH 13 11a-6p; $6-14. can’t go out on a Saturday with no A GLASS OF BLOOD-RED ACTIVISM LAUGH YOUR ASS OFF SUNDAY, MARCH 18 booze, there will be wine, beer and soft CLUB RED @ Camelot Cellars, 958 N Stand Up @ Shadowbox Live, 503 S. EXCESS OF FLEX SWORD FIGHT! drinks available. 8p-10p; $15-18. High St, 614.441.8860, www.camelot- Front St. Suite#260, 614.416.7625, Sunday Xcess @ Exile, 893 N 4th St, NCAA Men’s and Women’s Fencing cellars.com: Join Camelot and The shadowboxlive.org: this bi-monthly 614.299.0069, exilebar.com: Make it a Championships @ French Field House, ARE YOU THE NEXT PICASSO? American Red Cross for a special bene- comedy event features up-and-coming Sunday Funday and skip church to at- St. John Arena, 460, 410 Woody Hayes A Day of Arts for All @ Westerville fit wine tasting. Admission includes a local comedians in the new Shadowbox tend the largest weekly dance show in Dr, 614.292.2624, Community Center, 350 N Cleveland sampling of 6 wines and free hors Backstage Bistro on Front. Check out Ohio. We all need more strippers in our ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/cAve, 614.241.5325, vsao.org: Celebrate d’oeuvres. Proceeds go to the American the funny peeps while eating and lives - there ain’t nothing wrong with a fenc/spec-rel/ncaa2012: A little hand the unveiling of the 2012 Accessible Red Cross, helping with blood donation drinking Bistro goodies. 8p; $5 little bump and grind. 9:30p; free. to hand combat, well sword to sword Expressions Ohio touring exhibit with and disaster relief causes. 6p-8p; $20 but you get the point. Th-Sun 10a; Sinperformances by the 2012 Young cash/check only. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 MONDAY, MARCH 19 gle-Session adult $10 student $3 AllSoloists, a professional development “CHANCES ARE” HE’LL BE “WONDERFUL! NEED A JOB? Session adult $30 student $10. seminar for artists on “How to Develop FRIDAY, MARCH 9 WONDERFUL!” Hire Our Heroes Job Fair @ Vets Meon Online Presence” & an art making Johnny Mathis @ Ohio Theatre, 55 E morial Center, 300 W Broad St, LIFE: IT IS WHAT IT IS SATURDAY, MARCH 24 activity. 11a-2p; free. Happy 9/11 and Other Completely State St, 614.228.8600, ohio.the614.221.4341, http://www.fcvm.com: COULD YOU BE THE NEXT TY PENNINGTON? Non-Offensive Tales by Christopher atrecolumbus.com: He’s more than just Come to this two-day training and hir- Old House DIY: Investigating & TrouEQUALITY NOW Lockheardt @ MadLab Theatre and a staple on your Christmas playlist. ing fair for veteran job seekers, active bleshooting Workshop @ Gladden Equality Ohio 8th Annual Leadership Gallery, 227 N 3rd St, 614.221.5418, With over 350 million records world duty military members and Guard and House, 183 Hawkins Ave, Summit A Day @ First Congregational www.madlab.net: A collection of 7 short wide, and decades of fans, Mathis Reserve members. Walk-in jobs seekers 614.221.4508, www.columbuslandChurch UCC, 444 E Broad St, plays by Christopher Lockheardt, dibrings his pop standard style and are allowed. 10a-3p; free. marks.org: What better place to dis614.228.1741, www.equalityohio.org: rected by Andy Batt. Laugh, cry, be of- crooner voice to the Ohio Theatre. The cuss maintaining your home than one Discuss accomplishments of 2011 and fended, become enlightened. Runs jury is still out if he’s gay or not? 8p; of Columbus’ historic settlement challenges in 2012 with the primary Friday and Saturday March 1-March $39-281. houses. As a home owner learn to idenfocus on how to achieve marriage 24. 8p; $12, Students $10, Mem $8. tify the warning signs before they beequality in Ohio. RSVP to a J. Gumbos come a more serious and expensive lunch. 11a-3p; free. problem. There will be tips, safety discussions and Landmarks will be the guest of the Franklinton Area Commission for this session. 10a-12p; free. SUNDAY, MARCH 4 TRIP TO THE “RUBBER FACTORY” ANYONE?

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 DO YOU LOVE BOOBIES? HELP KEEP ‘EM SAFE Fashion Rocks the Cure @ Outland Live, 95 Liberty St, 614.744.0100, www.outlandlive.com: What’s a fashion show without the gays? Former Miss Gay Ohio, Paige Passion and Vivian Von Brokenhymen will be emceeing this breast cancer fundraising event. Fashion show will include Columbus-based fashion labels and live bands. 8p; $10.

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 THE BOYS FROM DOWN UNDER Human Nature: The Motown Show @ Palace Theatre, 34 W Broad St, 800.745.3000, www.ticketmaster.com: The ever so stylish Aussi quartet will be sharing their classic yet modern approach to Motown hits. Hear new versions of your favorites: “My Girl,” “Get Ready” and my jam “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” 8p; $39.40-63.95

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?” Rhythmic Uprising @ The King Arts Complex, 867 Mt Vernon, 614.645.5464, kingartscomplex.org: Documentary showing how Black people in Bahia, Brazil are fighting racism and inequality through the arts. Explore how performing arts are being used to maintain a people’s heritage and combat poverty and oppression. 7p-9p; $5.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 I BELIEVE Celtic Woman @ The Palace Theatre, 34 W Broad St, 614.469.9850, http://www.capa.com: Beautiful female vocals, classic Irish and World music standards and a show that will leave the audience breathless is what you can expect from Celtic Woman. The worldwide Believe tour comes to the 614 for one night only. 7:30; $41.40 84.30.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27 VINTAGE HARBOR? BLUE GROTTO? ICE HOUSE? I’LL TAKE ONE OF EACH! Get Crocked at Wyandotte @ Wyandotte Winery, 4640 Wyandotte Dr, 614.476.3624, www.wyandottewinery.com: Get warm and tipsy with your choice of homemade soup, stew or chili, bread and a glass of wine. Reservations required for groups of 4 or larger. 5p-7p; $10.

MONDAY, MARCH 26 LIVE FROM COLUMBUS Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors @ A&R Music Bar, 391 Neil Ave, 800.745.3000, promowestlive.com: Drew and Ellie are bringing a little Tennessee to Ohio. Maybe you don’t watch Lifetime’s Army Wives but you may have also heard his music on Showtimes’s United States of Tara and A&E’s The Cleaner. 7p; $14.50.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25 I WANT TO BE A STAR So You Want to Make Music in Columbus? @ Jazz Academy, 771 E Long St, 614.294.5200, www.jazzartsgroup.org: Trying to get your name in lights but don’t know where to start? Well for all you aspiring musicians there is hope. Learn some tips and best practices to your talent out there from the Jazz Academy workshop. 4p-6p; free.

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Up and cummers by Mario Pinardi I miss the days of blowing men in bar restrooms or in bar parking lots. This was the only “gay” talent I had as a youthful homo honey in the 1980s. I was not a good decorator, I did not do drag well, I did not obsess over pricey Radko Christmas ornaments, and I did not have a sense of gay activism. I was never an “up and comer,” and I never wanted to be an “up and comer” (I just liked to cum). I was ambivalent and I truly did not feel threatened by “societal norms.” I had no desire to be buff and “straight-acting” and I had no desire to fit into any gay stereotype either. I wanted to be me – a big gay Italiano that loved to be with men. As I grew older, and as I did less drugs, I became more aware of the world; I was probably sobering up. In my 20s, I began to volunteer for campaigns and I began to educate myself about how my rights were being compromised. However, I still embraced my slutty self, too. This pissed off a lot of “activists” in my age group, and I did not understand why. I knew I was an oddball, and I wasn’t in need of a relationship, and I did not need to fit into a Puritanical community standard for being a gay activist. This made my involvement wane a bit, but I still pushed on for the betterment of my gay community no matter how much folks looked down on me. These folks were usually white gay males and females who had well paying jobs. I never was a prodigy or a stellar activist because I was a “square” that did not fit into the “gay circles” of Columbus, and frankly, I did not care to fit in. By not fitting into the “gay circles,” I found other places to explore. I began to educate myself about my transgender brothers and sisters, I began to meet more gays of color, and I started to play in cyber space - these were all things that the white gays with money did not afford themselves with at that time. In my late 20s and early 30s, I figured that if the white gay men of Columbus did not want me, maybe I could hang elsewhere? I met some amazing people through this journey and I became an educated activist because of it. Plus, I found people who were just as slutty as I was! Cyber space was the best discovery I made in an effort to belong and to feel comfort. Because of cyber space, I got more ass than a public restroom toilet and Colton Ford on any given weekend. Cyber space was my community playground. While most gays were still working the bar scene, I was in my element in cyber space. In cyber space, I found many gay men who were like me, and I outlookcolumbus.com

found many gay men who were not like me. In fact, there was, and still is, a lot of self-hatred in gay cyber space. I chose to chat with those gay men who felt the same isolation as I did, and I formed great relationships because of it. When you are in cyber space, there are only words and some video, and the opportunity for rejection is often buffered because of the lack of physical proximity. My adventures in cyber space and in other communities made me feel less regret about not being a young “up and comer.” While most of the boys were blowing their wad on Cosmos and were longing to be “seen,” I was blowing my wad on some hottie I met online. No regrets at all. Now that I am in my fabulous 40s, I am glad that I had those adventures. I know that I am still a freak and that I will never truly fit in to the gay, white male culture here, and I am fine with that. I am a settled man with a patient and committed spouse and an adventurous home life (two Chihuahuas and two felines make everything an adventure). My haters can tell Hubby all about my rumored slutty adventures - he already knows what a freaky slut I was, and Hubby has met many of the tricks I had. Again, no regrets. I like to call myself a late blooming “up and comer” because it took some exploration on the inside to find out where I fit, and how I fit. My conclusion is that I do not fit in at all, and by going against the grain in the gay community is how I want to make a difference and be an “up and comer.” I do not want to be a bar fly, a gala queen, or a gay clone. I want to be heard and I want other communities to be heard too, not just the gay white community. Think about this – what are you doing to make an impact in your GLBT community? Are you doing what every other gay is doing or are you an innovator? Just because you are G, L, B or T does not mean you have to have the same beliefs or favor the same causes as the rest of your community. This is unrealistic, but we still try to do this in order to be included by our popular homo honeys. It’s stupid and a waste of time. Be an “up and comer” by being a trailblazer, by challenging your own age group, and by not listening to the norm. You will be a better homo for it, and you will put the “cum” in “comer,” because being a trailblazer is sexy. Always remember to be a survivor and never a victim in all of your adventures. Hubby is so lucky that I am a retired slut – my knees are better for it and I spend less on lube. “Gay circles” are different than “Circle Jerks” right?

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Straight Up! by Marcus Morris My closest friends are all straight, with two exceptions: 1) Morné Visagie, a friend I made in Cape Town who is gay and a brilliant, wellknown South African artist; and 2) Joe Nivens, a gay bear cub, talented animator and my favorite person to stroll through the gay district in Paris with at 4a. Everyone should have a friend to navigate the winding roads of Le Marais while looking for gay bars, as well as, a friend who will dance with you to David Bowie songs in clubs filled with the young and fashionable of Africa. I know I’m digressing about my straights, but my gays are so fab and cosmopolitan. I love them! The straight people in my life are vital because they have allowed me to feel like I can operate in a world that might not believe I am equal. They are able to be my friend without the sassy quips, fashion tips and coffee shop trips. They have actually enjoyed my company outside of my stereotypically gay attributes. So this column is dedicated to my closest allies. My friends. Julie Horton has been my ace since I was a fatassed teenager who snuck fashion magazines to school and gabbed about Madonna. I still do this, but whatever. We had study hall together, and we found that we could talk about anything. When I graduated and moved away, pre-cell

mar 2012

phone, I’d buy long-distance phone cards and chat with her for hours from my ghetto apartment in Atlanta. When I moved back to Columbus, I would take a bus to Athens to visit her at Ohio University, and we would try to come up with Halloween costumes, shoot tequila and smoke cigarettes. We would also walk to the dorms at night reciting rap lyrics and being silly. Julie and I have been through paranoid hallucinations at Comfest, spontaneous Michael Jackson dance parties at Betty’s, vomiting-induced busted eye blood vessels, breakups, makeups, fuckups and photo sessions with porn star Colby Keller. Nothing compares to Julie. She is the sister I always wanted and the best painter on the planet. Instead of phoning, now we Skype for hours, and laugh about the Real Housewives of Atlanta, still being those silly, silly teenagers in study hall.

ful, and proceeded to support one another through a year of hell. Hell. We lived with a third roommate who was the witch to our Hansel and Gretel. The beautiful apartment became an oven that this third roommate stoked for us. Our friendship grew out of survival, and we spent many times getting all out drunk, but we also spent those hung over afternoons watching Sex and the City and helping one another navigate life. After marriages, children and new apartments, we found ourselves workin’ it together in another fine Short North establishment, and encouraging one another to follow our dreams. Marita is the friend who will call you on your shit and you are happy that she did. She is also a more talented writer than I will ever be, and has a brilliant shoe collection. Writers are supposed to have good shoes. It’s the law.

I still remember the first time I met Marita Ramirez. We both worked in a local coffeehouse/bar, and my first memory is of being afraid of her. She seemed moody, and I was the newbie in our workplace. I was newly out of the closet, and going through my first breakup. One night at the bar, I mentioned that I found a beautiful apartment, and she, without pause, offered to be my roommate. I showed her the place, and then we were pretty inseparable. We moved into this apartment, which was beauti-

One Gallery Hop, Marita and I stopped into Sole Classics. Go figure. I saw a cute guy, and decided to hit on him. Who knew he’d become one of the dearest people I know? John Danner was the straight guy I needed in my life when I was trying to bang every guy I met. John was interested in many of the same things I was, and being his friend meant I wasn’t spending time with one of the myriad of fuck buddies I had. We could go see films, concerts or hang out on my balcony talking about art and design. He would go shopping with me, and I would look at girls’

I could actually go for a sassy quip, fashion tip AND a coffee shop trip right about now.

tits with him. He was a boyfriend who wasn’t gay. John made me not hate men when they frustrated me. John could go to the ballet with me, and then we could go to a show at Skylab with PBRs and listen to a noise show. His elegance was necessary when I formed my opinions about male beauty, and he represented what I felt was ideal. He also listened when I needed to be a whiny queen and shucked husks on the back steps of the Greystone so we could eat cheap Ohio sweet corn. One the greatest things for a gay man to know is that straight men are supportive of who you are, and John was the brother I needed. These three people have been pivotal straight allies to me since I came to the Short North and exploded rainbows. It has been exactly five years since I came out of that closet. Without Marita, John and Julie, I am sure I would have been a lot more tragic than I have been. They let me bitch about boys, my waistline and clothes without wavering in their support of who I am and what I can be. I am glad that they are in my life because they are sort of the straight Destiny’s Child in my life. We all need someone who functions as a sassy girl group who sings about female empowerment, Jesus, and dress like whores/drag babies. I will let them fight over who is Beyonce. I hope they don’t get weaves and marry rappers though… outlookcolumbus.com

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High five!

mar 2012

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Prodigy and Partner by Casey Elliott Lange

The following is the speech Casey Lange delivered to her fellow students at Columbus Academy. All juniors are required to deliver a speech to the entire high school, which is the longest standing tradition at the Academy. Honest, brave and forthright, Casey’s speech will not only inspire you, but it will give you assurance of our inevitable equality as her words are a glimpse into the mindset of the next generation. I know her mothers, Kris Elliot and Shirley Lange, could not be more proud, for Casey is a true prodigy and partner to the community. You know those stickers, the ones usually on minivans? I’m sure you do - with the mom, the dad, Johnny and Suzy, and Spot, the dog? Whether you think they’re kind of cute or kind of creepy, you have to admit, they say a lot about how we picture family. The back of my family’s car has never featured cartoon versions of each of us. I mean, people would be really confused. Why are there those three cartoon chicks on the back of that PT

mar 2012

Cruiser? The answer: my moms. I have two, no dad, just two moms. One I call Kima, which means “Spirit Mother.” Kima is the non-biological mom, the proverbial other mother. The one I call “Mom” is my mother by blood.

Let’s try this out: my parents are lesbians. Now stop. Did that word just make you uncomfortable? Or even if it didn’t, did visions of severe, scary, motorcycle girls, or lesbians that look like Justin Bieber pop into your head? Either way we’ve got a problem, because my parents, they just look like... moms. You would never pass my mom in the street and think to yourself, “Well it seems to me that I have just passed a lesbian!” No! So, that’s what it is. It’s different, but not that different. But no matter how normal it may seem to me, I know it makes people uncomfortable. I’ve seen it in people’s faces, heard it in their voices. Even if you are completely pro gay marriage, pro gay rights, it’s difficult to relate to unless it directly affects your life. In theory, it is easy to be comfortable with gays and lesbians, but in practice, it challenges a lot of the assumptions we didn’t know we had. But, it’s much harder

to be intolerant if a gay person is someone you know, like a friend, a teacher or in my case, your parents. I also know I can’t change everyone’s mind and that’s not what I’m trying to do. No matter how much I believe my parents deserve the same rights as any other married couple, all I can do is show you, to the best of my ability, that we are a family as loving as any. Of course, then there is the question of, “Well, how exactly, Casey, are you standing on that stage if you don’t have a dad?” It’s the same question I was asked so often as a kid that I had such a problem answering. I really don’t have a dad. He’s a donor. He lives in California; he’s six feet tall and has blonde hair. My “dad” ends there. I don’t know anymore about him. He’s not my dad, he’s just... my biological father and he will never be a parent to me the way my Kima is. I mean, of course I am curious as to what he looks like, acts like - this guy is a part of my DNA! But that’s what he is, a source of DNA, not a parent.

on something great, like maybe a part of my life wasn’t complete. But now I realize how great it has been just to have two parents who love each other. It didn’t matter whether I had a mom and dad, or a Mom and a Kima. So yeah, having same sex parents is an oddity even in today’s society. But that’s OK. I’m OK with not having a dad. Because instead I have two moms! I mean, how awesome is that? That’s double the notes in my paper bag lunch. I feel really good about the progress I’ve made in accepting my family as it is. It would be really great to say I have always felt as comfortable as I do today. But sometimes, when I was a kid, I really didn’t think having lesbian parents was OK. I wouldn’t know what to say to people who asked questions, or how to handle it when people brought up the subject of my parents. In kindergarten, no one ever secondguessed the fact that I had two moms. Either they didn’t know, didn’t know what it meant or didn’t question it because they were kindergarteners. The kids in KB didn’t see people as gay or straight - they just saw people.

I used to get jealous when kids would talk about their dads, feeling like I was missing out

We think Casey deserved an A+ on her speech!

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Save those boobies! We want to see them out and about for Pride and Comfest this summer.

mar 2012

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mar 2012

Erin got stood up for her senior prom. Can you imagnie?

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Second grade was when everyone started to grow out of that kindergarten kindness. That’s when kids started to have a better sense of what normal was, and understanding that my family wasn’t like theirs. People would ask, “How do you NOT have a dad?” I wouldn’t know how to answer. Most second graders wouldn’t be very receptive to, “Oh, he’s just a sperm donor, guys, no big deal.” So some asked me endless questions, others seemed to accept my family without missing a beat, and still others seemed to not notice that anything was different at all. Before I started writing this speech a lot of my friends actually asked me stuff like, “Are you doing the obvious thing?” or “Why are you writing about your parents? I mean, it’s just your parents!” Though I acted like I was annoyed at the time, that’s a really good sign. It shows that some people have accepted it as just another trait of mine, not the something I have to hide or be worried about. Though my friends may think it’s normal, meeting new people is a completely different story. I still tend to hesitate when people I am just meeting bring up the topic of their parents. I have no way of knowing if I casually reference the fact that I have two moms, whether they will accept it willingly or if they will get weirded out and stop talking to me. So, sometimes, I just don’t. I went to a leadership conference in Washington, DC, when I was 11. I had become friends with kids from all over, and I outlookcolumbus.com

thought I had really connected with them, even though we had only been together for a few short days. Then, in one of our discussion groups we somehow landed on the topic of gay rights. Clay, a guy I thought to be one of the most open, accepting people at the conference said he couldn’t ever see himself being OK with people being gay and that if his son was gay he would “never talk to him again.” The advisor for the group had left to get something, so the conversation quickly spiraled into chaos, with most of the people in the room agreeing with Clay. The environment I had felt so comfortable in, so happy in, had become a mess of toxicity. The people who had previously been so welcoming to me would never be willing to come to terms with the thing most vital to my existence - my family. So, I lied. I said that I had a dad, a mom, and I was an only child. I made up a backstory. “Casey, what does your dad do?” “Oh, uh, he’s a therapist. My mom is a psychologist, they actually are in practice together.” “That’s so cute!” It felt terrible to lie. To say my Kima was my dad. To not be brave enough to tell these kids the truth, to put on a facade. But I was afraid of what they would say if they knew who my parents really were - if they knew they weren’t normal. Normalcy to me as a kid was: tie dyed shirts, African drums,

meditation, essential oils, two moms, packed lunches with notes inside, recreational soccer games, going to the pool in the summer, loving parents. I had a normal life infused with some very different stuff. None of that seemed that different to me until other people started pointing it out. My parents never seemed that different to me until other people pointed it out. I never thought of my childhood as being all that different because my parents made sure I was surrounded by people who didn’t think it was that different. We go to the Pride parade every year and march in it. At four years old, when I was too young to march the whole te, we staked out a spot on the sidewalk with prime view of the street. As floats passed by, I am told that I pointed and said, or rather screamed, “Mama! That is a very stylish lady!” I was pointing to one of the drag queens. Though the Pride parade brings lots of fun and rainbow colors, there is also one part that always terrifies me: The gay bashers. Every year there they are, they have come back again to tell us that we are being sinful. They carry their signs and usually there is some terrific fun with megaphones. One year a woman holding an enormous poster with a cheerful, “God hates you,” on it, told me, to my face, that I was the product of sin. I don’t understand what is sinful about love. I am the product of love. My parents would always say, “Fight their hate with love,” and we would proudly hold up our hands in the love symbol and smile at them while they stared back, always with

Casey soon learned that not all drag queens are “stylish ladies.”

stunned expressions. We have never taken a confrontational attitude; we didn’t yell back at the gay bashers. I usually just let it roll off when people say ignorant things like, “I think gay people are people, too, I just don’t believe in their lifestyle.” But, I mean, that’s a lot of ignorant for one statement. They are people, too? Was it ever a question whether approximately 10% of the population was human? Lifestyle? It’s not a choice. “Hmm, I think I will try being gay today, sounds like a super cool time being oppressed!” So, yeah, there’s a little bit of anger mixed into this too. My parents have been together for 31 years, but they get none of the benefits that Britney Spears’s first husband of all of nine minutes was granted. When I was a kid, if my mom had somehow died, my Kima could have been denied custody of me. It’s upsetting, but I really can’t go around telling people off all the time. That would be no way to live, and I don’t think other people would like it very much either. So, that’s certainly not my message today. What really matters is not whether people think my family is normal or not, or whether I can change people’s minds by pleading my case. It’s whether I am happy with my family. To me, the circumstances I was brought up in aren’t really so different at all. To me, my parents, my mom and Kima, are the most normal, frustrating, patient, amazing people. Not because they are different but because, well.... they’re my family. Thank you. mar 2012

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The 411 on GSAs in Schools by Lauren Rose Strand

walls.”

According to Beall, most GSAs provide a combiThe history of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in nation of support, service, education and socialschools is a tricky one to trace. The work that izing opportunities. The sense of community GSAs do has likely been done in schools for quite building and connections that are made through some time, but in 1988 Kevin Jennings helped the support of the GSA is crucial to many LGBTQ establish the first official gay-straight alliance at youth. Service to the community is another aspect Conchord Academy. Since then thousands of of the organization that allows for a sense of GSAs have been established around the country. community building and the development of selfworth. Many of the GSAs in Columbus city schools This month I had the opportunity to meet with partner with organizations such as Fellowship Jimmie Beall, a school counselor and LGBTQ/Di- Family House in order to assist other LGBTQ-idenversity Specialist, who shared her knowledge tified individuals. One way that groups engage in about the current role of GSAs in the education the education component of the club is through system and for students, the future implications discussions of Internet safety and how to protect of GSAs, and what we as community members one’s self from bullying. Other events might incan do to support inclusivity and equality for all clude a college access night where students can youth, particularly LGBTQ youth. learn about how to find supportive and inclusive colleges/universities, scholarships and inclusive Currently there are several GSAs in Columbus city organizations on campus. Finally, the social comschools, but the exact number is difficult to deponent of the group might be carried out through termine because many of them operate under dif- activities such as a group ice-skating social, or a ferent names, such as “Diversity” or popcorn and movie night at the school, screening “Multicultural” Clubs. The reason for the broader a film such as Milk. names varies. Some schools want to include a breadth of equality initiatives including gender Another benefit of GSAs according to Beall is that and sexual identity, ethnicity, race, and ability, research indicates where GSAs exist, the students while others feel the need to shy away from any of the school feel safer because of the positive potentially inciting label that deals specifically impact GSAs have on the cultural climate of the with sexuality and opt for something that advo- school. Frequently there is a decrease in bullying cates for diversity and inclusivity more generally. and hostility at the school as well, because acBeall points out that one potential problem with cepting individuals create a visible safe space. the more generic labeling of such organizations Taken as a whole, these activities and general is that students who need the resources and benefits are about decreasing isolation and services that the clubs provide may not realize alienation and increasing the visibility and voice that they are welcome and are included in the of LGBTQ youths. Beall stresses, “It’s not just mission of the organization. about opening a door; it’s about breaking down

mar 2012

Students or teachers/staff members who have a passion for ensuring equality and safe spaces for LGBTQ children can start GSAs in schools. One element that is absolutely crucial for establishing a long-lasting GSA is to lay a strong foundation at the district level. According to Beall, the number of GSAs in Columbus has waxed and waned over the years, depending on the support from the staff and students at particular times in the schools. One way to ensure continued support of such organizations is to provide opportunities for professional development training for the staff so that they know how to support LGBTQ people and how to follow federal directives that require the establishment of a safe learning environment for all students. Beall stresses that these adult role models, who can be either members of the LGBTQ community or stand in solidarity with them, are crucial for LGBTQ youth to have. Beall also stresses the strength that our voices as community members, as well as voters and taxpayers, have to effect change in our local schools. A few ways to become more involved in ensuring equality for all students, particularly LGBTQ youth, are as follows: • Call your local school and ask what supportive services they offer LGBTQ students, what policies they have in place to further the goals of inclusivity and equality, and if they have a GSA or diversity club. • If the school does not have a GSA or diversity organization (and perhaps even if they do) offer to come to the school and speak at the school board with staff members about topics relating

Check outlookcolumbus.com after March 10th for Lauren’s blog about the “Teens for Tolerance Ideas Festival.”

to the LGBTQ community and what their school’s need for such an organization might be. • Find out how (if at all) LGBTQ people are being represented in the curriculum. Are these issues visible to students? Is there a discussion of positive LGBTQ role models or historical figures for them to look up to? • Find out if students have to access to LGBTQrelated websites. Oftentimes they are blocked by the schools Internet safety system, which can limit students’ knowledge about positive LBGTQ history and positive role models. • Join with local civil rights activists and organizations that advocate for equality and access for all students in schools. • Show your support when inclusive policies, organizations and programs are established. Schools and staff members need to know that their communities support them and their efforts to bring about positive social change in schools. Taking steps such as the ones above are crucial to ensuring the continuation of GSAs in schools and furthering the mission of equality and inclusivity for all students. If you’re interested in the types of work that GSAs are doing or would like to become more involved with these types of discussion, consider attending the “’Teens for Tolerance’ Ideas Festival” at Columbus Alternative High School. The festival takes place March 7-9 in the evenings at the high school. Central topics for each of the three days will include feminism, LGBTQ rights and cultural diversity. You can find out more information at: teensfortolerancefest.weebly.com.

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Jerry got a haircut!

mar 2012

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After 40 Years, PFLAG Continues Support, Increases Activism by Orie Givens Barbara Byrd describes herself as a “humanist.” “If you aren’t hurting someone else, if it’s not child labor, then it doesn’t matter,” she said while talking of her son’s coming out. From her perspective, gay people were no different, and her son was still her son. She even applied the dating requirements to her gay son Peter, that she did to her other two children, just like any fair mother would. “Same rules apply. Same curfew. And if you are dating someone, I want to know.” Ms. Byrd’s story is somewhat different than what many of us expect. Instead of condemnation, or resistance, she accepted what her son told her as truth from the very beginning. So when she found PFLAG at a Columbus pride rally some years ago, she wasn’t looking for the support that most of us associate with the organization. She was looking to help make a change. She was looking to fight against people like J. Kenneth Blackwell, whose disparaging comments about gay people infuriated her. She was looking to stand up against the religious protestors who stood at the street corner in front of Lazarus department store, talking about the sins of homosexuality. PFLAG was the avenue that allowed her to help. My parent’s generation, probably around the same age as Ms. Byrd, unfortunately, got very bad information when it came to GLBT people. During their childhood, homosexuality was seen as a disease, treatable by medication, therapy or institutionalization. GLBT people were not living out lives, and there was virtually no visible community because of stigma and overt hatred. As time progressed, and pride marches grew, gay people experienced more visibility, but people who

mar 2012

were not gay, including parents and relatives of gay people, could not understand and identify with being gay. In 1972, after the New York Pride Day Parade, Parents FLAG (Now PFLAG) was born. PFLAG started as a local group in New York City, and spread by word of mouth through the country. According to Liz Owen, Director of Communications for PFLAG national, the group came as one woman’s response to seeing her son beaten on television, and subsequent acts of ignorance by police and other officials. They have grown immensely in their 40 years of existence, going from local support group to national policy and action group. PFLAG is over 200,000 members strong, with 350 local affiliates in the US and abroad. The national organization works to support local affiliates with educational materials, strategies and guidance. “Our whole organization and mission is to provide support, education and advocacy for parents, family friends of LGBT people, and to LGBT people themselves,” Owen stated. Through their affiliate network, PFLAG works to support people who are coming to terms with the sexuality of a friend or relative through regular safe-space style group meetings, as well as, advocating for LGBT people in schools, workplaces and government arenas. Once support is no longer needed, PFLAG serves as a source of education and a vehicle for outreach. Educating allies has become one of PFLAGs main priorities. In addition to support and policy advocacy for GLBT individuals, PFLAG has created “Straight for Equality.” This initiative is to provide straight allies with a simple but meaningful way to show solidarity with GLBT people, and to help

advocate for their rights in small, yet effective ways. According to Ryan, a big key to this initiative is its engagement with different sectors of society where LGBT issues may not have as much attention. The “Straight for Equality” program has engaged with workplaces, healthcare groups and is now working on faith-based organizations. We regularly hear stories about people being fired or denied benefits because of their sexual orientation, or hospitals not treating same-sex partners as equally as opposite sex partners, so this type of direct engagement is important. Already, PFLAG has signed on corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, American Airlines, IBM and Kellogg’s, and includes resources and tools on their website for other groups and companies to join in. While the national organization is hard at work on macro-level policy and programming, local chapters all over the United States like ours in Columbus, are helping people learn and develop their understanding of sexuality and gender, one family at a time. PFLAG has 13 affiliates in Ohio, in large communities like Columbus and Cleveland, and smaller areas like Urbana, Sandusky and Athens. The local groups are what connect the national organization to everyday people, and promote the mission in local communities across America. “We ask them the questions: ‘Where is the glitch in accepting your son/daughter or sibling? What stops you from accepting them fully?” explained Byrd. Byrd says that issues of faith are one of the main drivers of new members to the Columbus PFLAG chapter. Many people find it hard to come to

We should get some of those rainbow umbrellas in Suite Q!

terms with their gay friend or relative while maintaining allegiance to their faith, and PFLAG local chapters help to talk with individuals and break down assumptions about LGBT people and religion. Other than faith, lack of acceptance among other family members or peer groups, as well as the desire for other information, brings people to PFLAG. Byrd hopes that once people come, they keep on coming, because there is more work to be done. “Once you don’t need it for the support, be involved to help with our education and advocacy. Electing people who are not going to take away the rights of your children is important. If you don’t have a problem with your child being gay, that is very good, but there are people that do. You have to get out there and vote for the people that support your child. I think all people have a right to live and love who they want.” Currently, PFLAG has several causes and initiatives advocated by its members. Not only does it work to promote family acceptance of GLBT individuals, but also works with schools to prevent hate crimes, works with government leaders to promote legislation to protect GLBT people in the workplace, in school and at home, and provides scholarships to GLBT students pursuing higher education. For more information on PFLAG’s national outreach work, visit www.pflag.org. For information on their “Straight For Equality” campaign, visit www.straightforequality.org. Columbus PFLAG meetings are held on the 4th Sunday of every month at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W Weisheimer Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43214 from 2p - 4p. Visit www.pflagcolumbus.org for more information.

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Join the conversation on Radio Outlook. Call in and add your voice Saturdays from 9a-11a at 614.821.1580!

mar 2012

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by Erin McCalla

codified by state and national government in our laws. Our mission is to encourage those straight allies to ‘come out of Chet Ridenour knows no strangers. He makes this clear as he the supporter’s closet’ and make our voices heard. It’s 2012. strikes up a conversation with a random man drinking coffee How are our laws so ass-backward? We’re better than that. at Café Apropos on a chilly Thursday morning. They chat Silence is perpetuating the status quo.” about health food and the benefits of brussel sprouts for a couple of minutes while we wait for his green tea to steep. As Chet gets excited and speaks of his new endeavor as if it’s a we head to our table, Chet grins and says, “I talk to everyliving, breathing organism. “The idea was ‘conceived’ in my body.” head months ago. I kicked it around, talked about it, nurtured it, but it wasn’t until my close friend Jake [Kaufman] had the And it was with his gift of gab that he jumped into the GLBT support and was willing to step up into action to help bring it community with both feet. Starting with a Network Columbus to life, did I get started. After our morning run on Wednesday, meeting at Club Diversity in September, Chet approached the January 11th, we sat down, outlined it, and so STR8NOUT was outlook clan and told us that he had cut out a March 2011 ar- born - fittingly to two straight guys. Uncle Blake Compton, an ticle from our magazine that he saved and used for inspira- already active ally, attended the first meeting at Stonewall tion. It was a piece on an ally named Scott Herman, who we Columbus adding valuable insight, ideas and energy to the proclaimed to be a “Superhetero.” Chet boldly claimed that movement. Together, this is our baby, and we will continue to he wanted be the next “Superhetero” to the community. build our family around it as it grows and develops to achieve what it was born to do – to gain full equality for all of our But why does he want to get involved? What’s his angle? LGBT friends.” “This is a civil rights issue. This is the civil rights movement of our generation,” Chet explains. “I want to be a part of Chet is passionate that his fellow allies join him in the fight something that really makes an impact, that makes a posi- for equality and wants his organization to be heavily involved tive change. I want to be known for doing good.” in this year’s Pride festival. “I want STR8NOUT to march in the Pride parade.” Chet provides more than just a good quote; he backs up his words. Not long after that first Network meeting, he started By becoming a member of STR8NOUT, you will pledge to: volunteering at Equality Ohio, working the phone banks and doing data entry. Chet then attended his first Marriage Equal- • Speak out about the inequalities; ity rally in December where he says he met a lot of great peo- • Show and share your public support; ple. • Get involved and participate in LGBTQ community events and causes; But that wasn’t enough for him. • Challenge yourself to overcome any preconceived notions or stereotypes; With fellow straight allies Blake Compton and Jake Kaufman, • Educate yourself on the current LGBTQ issues facing the Chet recently founded STR8TNOUT, an organization to “rally community; and educate straight allies on the importance of publicly ex- • Foster new friendships within the support community; pressing their support of and advocating for the full equality • Engage your US and Ohio Senators and House Representaunder the law for all members of the LGBTQ community.” tives by regularly sharing views; • Work to create a more supportive political climate; Why “STR8TNOUT?” I mention that the moniker suggests that • Rally, recruit and encourage other personal connections to they might be trying to get gay people back in the closet. Chet join; smiles and explains, “There are many straight people who are • Educate others on the importance of speaking out loud and supportive of the cause, but they are speaking out about it proud. publicly nor taking action. We are here to ‘straighten out’ the unjust discrimination where unfortunate legislation has been Even open and affirming straight people sometimes worry

mar 2012

that someone of the same sex will flirt or hit on them. Chet is handsome with all-American boy looks. Does he ever have the same worry? Does that make him uncomfortable? “I mean, walk into a group of gay guys, and there is a chance you’ll be hit on. Take it as a compliment!” And Chet often walks into a large group of gay men as a member of the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus. “I’m not sure if I’m the only straight man currently, but I’m in the minority.” They didn’t ask if he was queer during his audition, and he made the choir on his singing merits alone. At a recent CGMC retreat, Chet decided to let everyone know that he was, in fact, straight. (As if they didn’t already know…) “I came out of the closet as a straight person. I have a newfound respect to come out; you don’t know that they will accept you.”

Photograph by Kimberly Potterf

Super Chet-ero – Sorry guys, he’s straight.

With his glad-handedness and penchant for positive change, I would assume that this Miami University alumnus is gearing up for a political career, but he doesn’t know if that move is in his cards. “People tell me I’d be good in politics, good in that arena. I’m not there yet.” Along with his commitments in the gay community, Chet is also involved with the Columbus Young Professionals networking group where he recently auctioned himself off at their A Date 2 Remember charity event. He and his dating package (ha, package) went for the bid of $650. Chet was also the driving force behind bringing Australian rules football to Capital City. (Be on the lookout for an upcoming outlook partnership with his fellow Jackaroos and Jillaroos.) Does participating in all these organizations and activities ever make him feel like he’s spreading himself too thin? “Oh yeah. But if I’m not learning, growing or am challenged, I get bored.” That’s why Chet sees himself as a “Jack of all trades” or a Renaissance Man. “I like to sample a bit of everything. Variety is the spice of life.” And with that variety come another title: Super-Hetero. But together we decide, “So much for Super Hetero; make way for Super Chet-ero.” Why Join STR8NOUT? Because all people deserve to be treated equally. Because this is today’s civil rights movement. To help our nation live out our creed; “Liberty and Justice For All.” Because it’s a secular state issue of how we are allowing our government to treat and view all our fellow citizens. For more info, visit www.str8nout.org.

Chet enjoys ass-less chaps and aspires to be a professional wedding date. No, I’m not kidding.

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Cue up Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

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You Keep Saying ‘We’ by Mackenzie Worrall Discrimination is a thing often experienced, and difficult to prove. In many cases, discrimination is not a conscious or malicious act. Malevolent acts of discrimination are nearly impossible to prove, however, because the perpetrators are not stupid. Tracks are covered, regulations are enforced across the board, and they generally know when to stop talking. In Olde Towne East, on February 6, something wrong absolutely did happen. The degree of the wrongdoing is hard to judge. I leave it to you to decide if Brent Rayburn and Steve Turner were victims of ignorance, or discrimination. Mr. Rayburn is well known in the gay community as Brent Fabian, performer and producer. Like many of our best and brightest entertainers, rehearsals and shows keep him pretty busy. When he and partner Steve Turner decided to move, closer to downtown made the most sense. So, on a brisk Monday, they decided to take a day off to drive around Olde Towne and hunt for a place the old fashioned way. Steven called a number in a window on Governor’s Place. For those not in the know, “Governor’s” is the name for the stretch of Champion between Broad and Long. The property belongs to Robbins Realty, and the lady on the phone started off friendly. “As [Steven] inquired he kept saying ‘we’ and ‘us,’ to which she became inquisitive about,” Brent says. “’Is this for a family?’ she asked. Steve said ‘no.’ She replied, ‘You keep saying ‘we.’ Is this for you and your wife?’” Steven went on to explain the apartment was for him and Brent. “She responded very quickly by stating We don’t rent to roommates.” According to Robbins Realty, all of their properties have this policy. And, to their credit, a quick survey of Google reviews reveals a trail of similarly burned heterosexual couples:

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“I called to make an appointment to look at the house and was told that they don’t rent to unmarried couples. The guy that I talked to was very rude. That’s discrimination by Ohio laws!!” “I would not recommend this realty company to anyone. They have strange regulations on roommates. They were even suspicious of my boyfriend being over at my place.” “Despite the fact that we are engaged, have been on a lease previously and offered to pay a month ahead in rent, they refuse to rent to “roommates” as they are not legally protected. […] He proclaims his right to “discriminate against roommates,” and proudly explains that he has confirmed the legality of this practice. […] After some protest, he explained he has another townhome nearby that will accept roommates. Oddly enough, he said in the beginning that they do not rent to any roommates as a company policy.” The disconnect with owner Glen Robbins, it seems, is that he says one thing that is true when the conversation is really about something else. There are no legal protections for roommates. For unwed couples, there is court precedence for Robbins getting itself into some discrimination cases. Twenty-one states include “marital status” as a protected status, and some courts do interpret that to include unmarried couples.

cuss the company’s policies with me. He soon fed me an explanation for their “no roommates” rule, and the reasoning directly addressed all of the unwed couples he’d been turning away. “There’s a greater likelihood of financial difficulty,” Glen says. “They’ll split up, someone will move out, someone will move in. The stability is just not there.” That, the Columbus Field Office for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) clarified for me, is grounds for discrimination. Robbins’ policy may be disguised as a difficult, but legal, “no roommates” rule, but underneath it is a judgment on lifestyle. Further, given the reviews that list issues with trying to rent from Robbins as unmarried or even engaged couples and the company acting suspicious of boyfriends and girlfriends, I suspect it is a judgment that comes directly from the owner’s personal views. Assuming that these personal views extend to LGBTQ people doesn’t take much imagination. Glen assured me that they rent to single gay men and lesbians, but could not refer me to anyone. He also expressed utter ignorance to the difficulties of being in a committed, gay relationship. On how his “no roommates” policy affected Brent and Steven, Glen told me that “In this day and age, [gay couples] have the ability to be married, and [Robbins Realty] would certainly not turn them away.” If I could marry my partner in this state, or maybe even one near here, that might be reassuring.

“Sexual orientation and gender identity” should be the go-to protected class for this case, but it’s not. We are not offered fair, equal housing by law. In a case like Brent and Steven’s, we are forced to rely on the very loosely defined protections for unmarried couples.

As a couple who is unmarried and incapable of being married, Brent and Steven would be offered no legal protections if not for court precedence. Another reason you didn’t know why you need marriage equality, now.

I contacted Robbins Realty to speak with an agent about their policies. Glen is the man who answered the phone. At first, he declined to dis-

A new federal law has recently made life a bit easier. HUD no.12-014 was announced on January 30 and will go into effect March 1 of this year.

It ensures equal access to HUD-funded housing and programs regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Which is amazing and great and wonderful. The problem with HUD no.12-014 is that it does not apply to 100% private housing programs – the programs that have no funding from HUD. This is not a blanket law to prevent housing discrimination, though it certainly should be. A HUD conducted survey showed that Americans face an unflagging amount of discrimination for sexual orientation, gender identity and relationship status. Despite that, and despite the fact that the administration could pass a law that truly did protect all Americans, we are once again given a policy that values the religious views of the private institution over the rights of the minority. So a small change, but a good change. Even if Robbins were HUD funded, the new law is not retroactive and would have no bearing in this case. And so we are back to where we started. A partnered gay couple has been denied housing that is available for “families,” and the reasoning behind it is of questionable legality. From the outside, it’s easy to tell that something wrong has been done. Can it be proven on paper within the law as it is now? Maybe. Was it a conscious act of discrimination, or just ignorance? I can’t tell you. Glen maintains that he is “not trying to hurt anyone.” Although, discrimination is always defined by how the party on the receiving end feels. Without any fault or cause, Brent and Steven were denied an opportunity. “We were just shocked by it,” says Brent. We all know that is how discrimination feels. If you suspect that you are the victim of housing discrimination, please call the Columbus Field Office of HUD at 614.469.5737 x8170 and ask the big questions. Mackenzie Worrall is a lot of things, but you can’t prove many of them on paper.

Mackenzie said he wasn’t going to write a feature this month because he was too busy, but he just couldn’t stay away.

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In my dreams, a unicorn usually accompanies a rainbow like that. I hate being awake.

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by Romeo San Vicente JANE LYNCH, OUT OF THE TRACKSUIT Admit it, as much as you appreciate her evil one-liners on Glee, part of you misses the days when Jane Lynch felt more like your own little comedy secret, when she would show up as a surprise supporting character in films like The 40 Year Old Virgin and Julie & Julia. But with the track suit taking up so much of her time lately, we’ve seen less and less of her in feature films, so it’s nice news to report that she’s recently signed on for the indie feature A.C.O.D. Starring alongside Richard Jenkins (Eat Pray Love) and Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation), Lynch will play “Dr. Judith,” a therapist and author - we’re imagining Suze Orman meets Dr. Phil - who’s experiencing a career downturn and takes on Scott as a patient. Of course, if you can’t wait for that one’s eventual release to see her on the big screen again, you can always bite the bullet and catch her in this spring’s sure-to-be bizarre Farrelly Brothers reboot of The Three Stooges. And no, Lynch doesn’t play Moe. MATTHEW BOMER: GAY AND NORMAL Welcome to the 137th update on the decades-long gestating movie adaptation of Larry Kramer’s ’80s stage classic The Normal Heart. Now a period piece, the AIDS drama about gay men caught in the wide net of the disease’s first, devastating wave has, as reported earlier, found a director in Ryan Murphy and a cast including

the now-officially-publicly-gay (as opposed to everybody-on-the-Internet-knew-he-was-already) White Collar star Matthew Bomer. Joining him for the angry, sorrowful story is Big Bang Theory star (and, for the purposes of this discussion, right now classified as merely probably-maybe-gay because he won’t talk about it) Jim Parsons. And joining them? A powerhouse supporting cast including Julia Roberts, Mark Ruffalo and Alec Baldwin, none of whom have to stumble around the new media glass-closet scenario. Lucky them. And lucky you, the movie will, we hear, finally hit theaters in 2014. CHERRY JONES AND B.D. WONG ARE WIDE AWAKE It’s always good news when cool, gay character actors - people whose faces you know because they’ve been in a million different things on stage, TV and film, the queer version of “Oh hey, it’s That Guy” - keep on succeeding. And on NBC’s new series Awake (premiering March 1) both Cherry Jones (24) and BD Wong (Law and Order: Special Victims Unit) get theirs. They both play therapists to Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy in those littleseen Harry Potter films), each one determined to convince him that their version of his reality is the truth. Confused? That’s because Isaacs plays a man who, depending on whether he’s awake or asleep, is living in a reality in which either his wife or his son has been killed in a car accident. Which no-win situation should he accept as true? And how does this play out over the course of a series? Who knows right now, but In Treatment meets The Twilight Zone is just original and weird

enough that it ought to meet your DVR’s programming queue. GAY(ISH) PILOT SEASON CASTING NEWS: THE ROUNDUP Recently, on the hilarious Happy Endings (which you should be watching, as it boldly allows its gay male character to be both a lay-about slob and to make out with guys with no crazy special-episode build up) “Max” (Adam Pally) kissed Jimmy Wolk. Wolk’s name will only be familiar to fans of the cancelled-quickly Lone Star, but the handsome young actor has also just been cast on Greg Berlanti’s (Brothers and Sisters) drama pilot Political Animals. So here’s hoping it doesn’t get Lone Star’d… Meanwhile, Ellen Barkin has joined the cast of Ryan Murphy and Ali Adler’s comedy pilot The New Normal. She’ll play the mother of a woman who becomes involved as a surrogate for a gay male couple trying to have a baby… Kevin Bacon will take on the lead role in Kevin Williamson’s still-unnamed pilot about a serial killer using the Internet to build a serial-killing cult… And the outcome of a network bidding war sees Portia DeRossi starring in The Smart One for ABC. Produced by DeRossi and Ellen DeGeneres, it’s a comedy concerning an intelligent, successful woman who goes to work for her sister, a former beauty queen who’s now a big-city mayor (and, presumably, not so smart). Start building your scorecards now; pilot season is a tricky beast to keep track of. Romeo San Vicente has plenty of experience with tricky beasts.

Next Fall, This Spring by Sarah Mills Bacha In spring 2010, CATCO-Phoenix artistic director Steven C. Anderson, attended a performance of Next Fall in New York City. At the time, he wasn’t necessarily interested in the play as a future pick for an upcoming season. Instead, it was the director, Sheryl Kaller, who was the draw. Kaller had directed The Last Smoker In America, which CATCO was performing the following September, and Anderson was checking out her work. He liked what he saw – a lot. “I was blown away by it,” recalls Anderson of the play that later received a Tony nomination for Best New Play; Kaller also was nominated for Best Director. Next Fall will be presented by CATCO March 14-April 1 in the Studio Two Theatre, Vern Riffe Center. The play centers on Adam and Luke, who have been in a committed relationship for five years despite the fact that Luke is devoutly religious and Adam is a committed atheist. Luke carries tremendous guilt about the relationship and prays a lot about it. Not surprisingly, he has never told his parents about Adam. In fact, he goes to great lengths to hide it.

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When a tragic accident requires Adam to depend on Luke’s family, also fundamentalist Christians, for support and to take a back seat for his care, life gets messy. Each character is forced to examine faith and spirituality. “What you are left with is the theme that each of our belief systems is as individual as our thumbprint,” Anderson said.

In addition to tackling religion, Next Fall will resonate with audiences because of its connection to current issues surrounding the rights of gay couples, including marriage, endof-life issues and medical decisions, Anderson said. “It also deals with coming out. What happens when you’re not honest about who you are with your family?”

What impressed Anderson about the play, written by Ohio native Geoffrey Nauffts, is its examination of spirituality from all perspectives. “It’s not often you see a play about spirituality that doesn’t preach or have a point of view. Nauffts’ provokes the notion but doesn’t generate a response. That’s the audience’s job,” he said.

Next Fall features Cole Simon, a recent grad of The Ohio State University, who works in Chicago where he is artistic director of Glass City Films (glasscityfilms.com), in the role of Luke. Jon Osbeck, a local actor, writer and director, performs the role of Adam. Ralph E. Scott (Butch), Luke’s father, Anne Diehl (Arlene), Luke’s mother, and Ginna Hoben, Tim Simeone, friends Holly and Brandon, also are part of the cast.

Take Butch, Luke’s father, for example, a fundamentalist Christian from Florida. “His character is so sensitively handled,” Anderson said. The New York Times calls the play “an intellectual stealth bomb.” Says critic Ben Brantley, “Even as you’re being entertained by the witty talk of ingratiatingly imperfect people, feeling as comfortable as if you were watching your favorite long-running sitcom, big and uneasy questions - really big ones, without answers - are forming in the back of your mind. Don’t expect them to go away when the play is over.”

Next Fall will be presented by CATCO March 14-April 1 in the Studio Two Theatre at the Vern Riffe Center, (77 S High St). Tickets $11.50 - $40 and can be purchased at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 614.469.0939. For more information, visit catcoistheatre.org. Sarah Mills Bacha is Publicist for CATCO, a member organization of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association. For more information, visit www.columbusartsmarketing.org. Read weekly columns by CAMA members online at outlookcolumbus.com.

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I wish that tarot cards read that I would actually be “getting lucky.”

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The Color of Jazz: A Night at the Cotton Club by Scott Vezdos During the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s, the neighborhood cabarets and clubs attracted both its residents and white New Yorkers seeking out Harlem nightlife. From 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue, the Cotton Club emerged as one of the most famous nightclubs in history, known for its lavish stage shows and talented musicians. Its glittering revues provided a medium for performances by the most prominent jazz musicians of the day, and the club’s activities were brought to a wide audience by frequent broadcasts. However, even in the heart of Harlem, the race line divided the performers from the patrons. The club was segregated in the sense that only white patrons could enter the establishment while all the service and entertainment was provided by black entertainers. The club also reproduced the racist imagery of the times, often depicting blacks as savages in exotic jungles or as “darkies” in the plantation South. A more subtle color bar was imposed on the chorus girls whom the club presented in skimpy outfits -

they were expected to be “tall, tan and terrific,” which meant that they had to be at least 5’6” tall, light-skinned, and under 21 years of age. The Cotton Club helped launch the careers of Fletcher Henderson, who led the first band to play there in 1923, and Duke Ellington, whose orchestra was the house band there from December 4, 1927 to June 30, 1931. The club not only gave Ellington national exposure through radio broadcasts originating there, but enabled him to develop his repertoire while composing not only the dance tunes for the shows, but also the overtures, transitions, accompaniments and “jungle” effects that gave him the freedom to experiment with orchestral colors and arrangements that touring bands rarely had. Ellington recorded over 100 compositions during this era, while building the group that he led for nearly 50 years. Despite its strict segregation policies, what did emerge from this historic venue was a legendary jazz history. The likes of Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker, Lena Horne and Sammy

Davis, Jr. also made appearances at the Cotton Club. The heyday of the Cotton Club was enjoyed until the race riots of 1936. The club shut its doors but soon opened on Broadway in midtown. By then the times did indeed change and the club could not keep its momentum. The Cotton Club of the Harlem Renaissance closed for good in 1940. The Jazz Arts Group’s Swingin’ with the CJO series returns to the Southern Theatre March 14-18 with “A Night at the Cotton Club.” Join the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Artistic Director Byron Stripling, as we salute the unforgettable talent and music of the Cotton Club featuring awardwinning choreographer/tap dancer Ted Louis Levy (Black & Blue, Bojangles, Sammy) and Broadway sensation Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe’s Café, Chicago, Jelly’s Last Jam). Single tickets are on sale now for $49 (main floor), $46 (first balcony) and $41

(second balcony) and available through the CAPA Ticket Office and through all Ticketmaster outlets. Student tickets are available for $15 (over 18) and $10 (under 18) with valid ID at the door. For more information call 614.294.5200 or visit www.jazzartsgroup.org. Scott Vezdos is with Jazz Arts Group of Columbus, a member organization of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association. For more information, visit www.columbusartsmarketing.org. Read weekly columns by CAMA members online at outlookcolumbus.com.

The Bois AND Grrl are back in town! Co-founders of Dangerous Productions, Mason Dickson and Gavin Danger, have returned home and teamed up with their third amigo, Catt Dazzle, to present to you a spectacular evening of gender blending performances. Queers of Columbus, Dangerous Productions need a favor from its denizens. Gavin and friends are in town for one night and one night only so save the date and come to Wall Street for a night you won’t soon forget. outlook: columbus caught up with the man of the hour to inquire about what he has been up since he moved to Denver and what he has in store for us when he returns to Columbus. oc: What is the drag scene like in Denver? GD: It is very similar to most cities in the fact that queens seem to be more prevalent. There are not as many kings in Denver as the Midwest and I have yet to find a city that compares to Columbus. Columbus is a unique vortex of queerness and performance oppor-

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tunities, especially for kings. When I tell folks from Denver how amazing Columbus is for queers they look at me sideways.

inspired by JJ Cox, as he frequently calls the cast and organizers of Dangerous Productions, “Dangerous Liaisons.”

oc: What have you and Dangerous Productions been up to out west? GD: I have been performing all over the city with kings and queens just trying to get my name out there. I am co-founder of two different companies; Colorado Kingz Collaborative and La Galla Queer Performance Collective. I am currently working on my first Dangerous Production and it will be sometime late spring/early summer.

oc: Who will be performing in Dangerous Liaisons? GD: As of press release time we have performers confirmed from Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, Pittsburgh and there maybe several folks traveling from Denver to perform in this production. As usual, variety is the spice of life and this show will be no exception. The cast will include kings, queens, burlesque, performance artists and a comedian to round out the cast.

oc: What is the name of the Dangerous Production show you are putting on here? GD: Dangerous Liaisons; a night of mystery, mayhem and queer-tastic madness! It is more an idea and less a theme. A liaison means many things, however for this production we followed the meaning a collaboration of people working together. The theme was

oc: When and where is this production? GD: Dangerous Productions is bringing it back to Wall Street Nightclub for one night to tantalize and tease you with the best gender expression from the Midwest and beyond. On Saturday April 14, the doors will open at 8p, with the show starting at 9p. The cover is $7.

The first two seasons of “Downton Abbey” are currently streaming on Netflix. Get caught up.

So, mark your calendars and make your reservations because this is a limited time offer. oc: How do you promote a show from so far away? GD: This is the trickiest part of the whole production. I get by with a little help from my liaisons. This go around, Catt Dazzle and Mason Dickson will be heading up the street team in Columbus. However most locals in the show will pitch in and hand out flyers and post ads through their social media sites, as well as, send emails. oc: Who should we contact about this production? GD: Gavin Danger for general questions. gavindanger@yahoo.com or 614.507.7722 or Gavin Danger on Facebook Wall Street Nightclub, 614-464-2800, for a table (all tables have cocktail servers) or for special requests

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Sure, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have some of that champagne.

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Come on now. You can’t say “True Colors” and not expect me to get that Cyndi Lauper song stuck in my head.

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She knows who she is: an interview with Melissa Manchester by Gregg Shapiro Melissa Manchester’s connection to the gay community is long and enduring. From her early days as a Harlette, one of Bette Midler’s original backing singer, to her rise through the singer/songwriter ranks during the 1970s and her ascension to full-fledged divahood, Manchester has remained on our radar. Playlist: The Very Best of Melissa Manchester (Arista/Legacy), a 14-track compilation that brings us up to date, presents Manchester in the various phases of her career. I spoke with Melissa in early 2012 about the collection and her contributions to popular music. Gregg Shapiro: Playlist: The Very Best of Melissa Manchester is your third domestically issued compilation. How do you think it compares to 1983’s Greatest Hits and 1997’s Essence discs? Melissa Manchester: That’s a very reasonable question. I think what’s different about this is that this is more of a musical journey. I wanted to include never before released duets. I wanted to pay tribute to my first band-mate Cooker LoPresti, with whom I sang “I Can’t Get Started With You.” Covering a song like that on my second album and ‘70-something, way before anybody thought that was a cool idea. I also wanted to include two songs that had been used in films within the last two years. “Rain Bird,” which is an original song I wrote for the film Dirty Girl with one of its stars, Mary Steenburgen. And the only live recording of “I Know Who I Am” which was used in Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls. I also wanted to include two songs that I wrote by myself, “Talking To Myself” and “Shine Like You Should.” It’s an overall view of different parts of what I do and how it expresses itself. GS: You mentioned movie music, through which you have also made a name for your-

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self, beginning with “Through The Eyes of Love” from Ice Castles and continuing with “I Know Who I Am” from For Colored Girls and “Rainbird” from Dirty Girl. What do you like about having a song associated with a movie? MM: My present obsession is musical theater. So any time somebody asks me to write a song that captures a moment in a larger story, I’m your girl [laughs]. In terms of “I Know Who I Am,” the fact that Tyler Perry felt that that song somehow represented his story, sort of revalidated my feeling about writing for musical theater. I just have that ability to write large and specific at the same time. GS: You were one of the divas that gay teen Clarke idolized in Dirty Girl. What does your long history of being idolized by the LGBT community mean to you? MM: It’s something I don’t take lightly. I really feel honored, because the gay community has always supported [laughs] divas worth supporting. To say some of my best friends are… [laughs] don’t take that as trivializing anything. I was raised around gay people, so it’s not anything other than part of my everyday life. My father was a bassoonist at the Metropolitan Opera and my mother was one of the first women designers on Seventh Avenue. The gay community has been part of my home. When I actually committed myself to an artistic life, which is also second nature to me, it was part of the journey. The gay community was not others that were supporting me, they were the ones I presumed would support me [laughs]. Because they were everybody I knew. If they were considered others, then I would be considered an other as well, I presumed, because that was just my normal. I guess it’s a circuitous way of answering your question, but it’s just the way I was raised. While historically the gay community has supported divas, I’m honored that in the world of dispos-

able amusement that they have stood by me. I really appreciate that. GS: You mentioned your love of theater and in recent years you have expanded your palette to include musical theater. What do you enjoy about performing in and writing for that medium?

GS: Finally, on your website in early February 2012, you wrote that you are redirecting the royalties from your song “The Power of Ribbons,” from the scandal-wracked Susan G. Komen Foundation to Planned Parenthood.

MM: It’s painting on a much larger canvas. When your songs are in the world of purpose, which is that each song is specifically constructed to help move a larger story forward, that’s a fantastic muscle to use creatively. Because your assignment is so specific, if you miss the mark, you change the balance of the way you’re telling the story. When you look at the masterpiece musicals - Sweeney Todd, My Fair Lady, The King and I, Carousel - the precision and the concision of the scores is not an accident. Everything is precisely placed and creates these magnificent motifs for each character.

MM: Here’s the thing, as a songwriter you never know where a song will find its home. When I was first starting to write, Carole Sager and I found our songs underscoring the women’s movement. They would use our songs on Ms. Magazine specials. When I wrote “The Power of Ribbons,” it was inspired by my friend Nancy Colton who was fighting a valiant fight. I just think Planned Parenthood has a more comprehensive, holistic approach to women’s health issues. I think it is really cruel to withhold breast exams, mammograms and education from poor and underprivileged women. It was just my choice and I felt I needed to write a little something about it. I was delighted and surprised that it was published.

GS: Do you have an all-time favorite musical?

GS: I think many people will thank you for that.

MM: I think Sweeney Todd is the masterpiece of my age.

MM: It’s my pleasure. I sang a couple of Christmas concerts with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles this past December - you can go online and find the video that they made of me singing the song “A Mother and Father’s Prayer” to support the It Gets Better campaign. These things need to be acknowledged and addressed. What I know for sure as I get deeper into my life and my career is that the currency of a song, while mostly it is disposable, on occasion can move a nation, change a mind, keep somebody from committing suicide, can give people a tool to hold onto to pass through a storm. I know that because that’s what people have written to me. I don’t take any of it for granted. I’m very grateful for the gift of being able to write songs and to share them.

GS: Have you met Stephen Sondheim? MM: I actually was in Sweeney Todd. I played beggar woman in the 25th anniversary (production) at the Ahmanson. Mr. Sondheim came backstage and congratulated the cast, congratulated me, and I looked at him and I said, ‘Now this is serious fun.’ [laughs] He gave me a sly wink and nodded his head as if I got it. It was magnificent. He came to see a musical I wrote called I Sent a Letter to My Love, that played offBroadway and wrote me a very lovely note. He’s the master and when I was teaching a Writing for Musical Theater course at USC last year, I walked around and used his Finishing the Hat book as my bible.

If Erin McCalla was a Drag King, his name would be Aaron McCullough. Very underwhelming.

Want more Melissa? Don’t Cry Out Loud, just head over to www.outlookcolumbus.com for the full interview.

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I probably shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have used my smoke detector batteries for my vibrator, huh?

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by Dan Savage I am a straight 24-year-old female who has known my fiancé since freshman year of college. He has a fetish where he likes to watch women use the bathroom. I knew this, having seen some of his porn early on, and I accepted it. We all have kinks. But while peeing in front of someone isn’t that big of a deal, shitting in front of someone is hard. So we had a lovely night going, when I had to poop. We went into the bathroom together. He got very horny, but I couldn’t go. I said I was sorry, maybe I’ll be more relaxed later, and he goes, “Well, let’s fuck in here in case you have to go.” He wanted to do it sitting on the toilet with me on top. No go. Too hard, so we went in my room and had amazing sex and smoked a joint. I wanted to have sex again, but he wanted to wait to see if I could go. He said, “Drink some coffee! Smoke a cigarette!” I love him and want to be GGG, but the pressure turned me off. (1) Is this my fault for bringing it up? (2) Was his pressuring me wrong? (3) How should I approach this situation without sounding like a bitch? Pressured Over Observable Performance 1. You didn’t do anything wrong when you brought it up, POOP, and he didn’t do anything wrong when he got excited about the possibility of having his fantasy realized. 2. Yes. However excited your fiancé was about finally realizing his watch-my-girl-take-a-shit fantasy, he shouldn’t have pressured you to perform once it became clear that it wasn’t gonna happen. (And he shouldn’t encourage you to smoke cigarettes; those things will kill you.) Shitting in front of someone - and here’s hoping that’s as far as his interest in poop goes - isn’t easy, POOP, and badgering you won’t help. Your fiancé, if he knows what’s good for him, will hang back, let you set the pace, and thank his lucky fucking stars that he found someone who is willing to even try and will get there eventually. 3. “I know you’re excited, honey, and it excites me to see you so excited. But dial it back a bit, okay? Next time I feel like I can give it a try, I will definitely let you know. But all of this pressure is making me feel constipated. And you don’t want that, right?” I’m an 18-year-old male. After three years of silence, my exgirlfriend texted me out of the blue. She was my first love, and

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part of my heart still aches for her. I feel like the smart thing to do is to stop talking to her right now, but my heart says if I keep at it, I might be able to win her back. Most of her messages sound flirtatious, but it could just be me being optimistic. She even said, “I don’t think of you as more than a friend. But I would be open to a relationship if I started having feelings for you again.” Is this a lost cause? Or do I need to give it more time and see how it develops? Love And Memories Enflamed Forgive me, LAME, for what I’m about to type. You’re being used. Your ex-girlfriend sent that out-of-the-blue text because she wanted to feel wanted. Maybe she got dumped recently, or maybe she’s in the midst of a dry spell, or maybe she’s just selfish and cruel. But all she’s after here -most likely - are the ego boosts your texts provide. And to keep those boosts coming, LAME, she’s dangling a little false hope in front of you: She told you the truth so she wouldn’t have to admit to herself that she’s a manipulative liar (she only thinks of you as a friend) and then tacked on some meaningless, impossible-to-disprove crap (a relationship might be possible if she starts to have feelings for you again) to keep you textin’. You dated her three years ago… when you were 15. You’re not in love with her, LAME, you’re in love with the way she made you feel. There are other girls out there who can make you feel that way. Go find one. I’m a 35-year-old GGG married male with a 33-year-old not-soGGG wife. We’ve been together 17 years and married four months. She was a virgin when we met and she’s never been too sexual a person. I am a very sexual person, but she kept me satisfied with oral, dress-up, sex in different places - things like that. Things really started to fall off sexually around our 10th year together. When I mentioned it, she said that she felt I was never going to marry her, so why should she give me 100 percent? I enjoy oral and watching women masturbate, and she wouldn’t do either and blamed it on the marriage thing. Five years later, I gave her the big wedding she wanted. I actually enjoy being married. Now, here’s my dilemma: She won’t do anything besides traditional sex - and only when she’s awake enough to actually have sex, and I always have to initi-

I call dibs on dead Mitt Romney!

ate. When I mention things like oral or toys or masturbation, she says she feels uncomfortable doing things like that. If she would have told me this before, my decision to get married might have been different. I don’t want her to do anything that makes her feel uncomfortable or degraded. But in my opinion, what I’m asking for is not “kinky,” certainly when compared to some of the things I could be into. We’ve had this discussion consistently throughout our short marriage, with no sign of her even trying. Am I doomed to a bad marriage, or is there something I can do? Because talking isn’t working. I feel she lied to me to get me to marry her, and now I don’t know what to do. Any advice is appreciated. Lots Of Sexual Tension All your options are bad, LOST. Stay married, stay faithful, and stew in your own frustration and resentment until you die; stay married, cheat with cause, and hope you don’t get caught; inform your spouse that you’re not going to ask her to do things she’s not comfortable with but you’re also not going to ask for her permission to do those things with other women, and be cast as the villain when she files for divorce; or initiate the divorce yourself, find a new partner, and make sure your new partner both enjoys sex and enjoys the kinds of sex you do before you marry her. (Hint: If she likes sex, and likes the stuff you like, she’ll want to do that stuff whether you’re married to her or not.) Sorry, LOST, but that’s all I got. HEY, EVERYBODY: You know how Mormons “baptize” dead people who weren’t Mormons - including Holocaust victims -because Mormons believe they have a right to choose Mormonism for the deceased? And you know how the Mormon Church says that being gay is a choice? The same church that doesn’t think you should have a choice about being posthumously baptized? Well, now you can choose homosexuality for dead Mormons! Just go to www.AllDeadMormonsAreNowGay.com, enter the name of a deceased Mormon or ask the site to find a dead Mormon for you, and - presto! - that dead Mormon gets to have a gay afterlife! Find the Savage Lovecast (my weekly podcast) every Tuesday at thestranger.com/savage. mail@savagelove.net. @fakedansavage on Twitter

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by Jack Fertig

N I ER

Push through the fog, Cancer! Sun in Pisces opposing Mars in Virgo starts lots of picky, whiney, hyper-critical arguments. Put aside your own “needs” and offer what you can to others. ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Relationships are hard work, and work consists largely of managing hard relationships. Staying calm, focused and cooperative on the task ahead is a real challenge. Keep faultfinding to yourself; be mature, stoic and farsighted. It will get easier next week. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Friends can feel like they’re more trouble than they’re worth. That’s when it’s time to go hide and relax. Social obligations at work can be especially difficult. Prioritize; do what you must and save time to recharge your batteries.

by Chris Hayes If ever there was a perfect example of an ally for our community, it’s this month’s local celebrity. Erin McCalla grew up East of our City in the confusingly named Westerville where she attended and graduated from Westerville North (Go Warriors!) in 2000. From there, our fun-loving celeb ventured South to the beautiful world of Miami University (Go Redskins! - wait that’s racist - Go Redhawks!) where she majored in Journalism, Drinking and Creative Writing under the tutelage of the renowned Cheryl Heckler. After graduating and not getting a job at Rolling Stone (the girl gets sweaty in an interview) Erin worked at JC Manny, a screen printing company, until she landed a job at the now defunct publishing support company CMyK Associates, where

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she edited text books for the likes of McGraw Hill and wrote a book for the charity A Kid Again. While in the glooming of unemployment, McCalla went to work in the family construction business until she landed an internship and subsequent job right here at outlook. Today, Erin serves as the first straight Editor of your hometown gay magazine (how’s that for allied) and we think the publication couldn’t be in better hands. When not correcting my dyslexic spelling errors and suspect participles, this Irish lassie loves to travel, spend time with her family and friends, argue with me on the merits of the Steve Miller Band, and chug some bourbon. She’s also keen on softball, boys’ balls, and belly laughs. Her boisterous, melodic laughter is a contagion you want to catch.

Our blond bombshell says her favorite thing about our fair city is the music and bar seen. “We get tons of great acts through here,” she shouts! Unfortunately, she’ll never get to see her all-time favorite Otis Redding take the stage at Skully’s he’s dead ya know… If you don’t know our celeb from the mag, or her local watering hole The Red Door Tavern, you may know the Grandview resident from her vocal stylings. Miss McCalla is a seasoned singer, irregularly performing around town with Tim and Dave, as well as the national wedding circuit. If you see our local celeb at Byrne’s Pub this St Patty’s day, pick her off the floor (she falls a lot), buy her and the Irish Pirates a shot of Jameson and then pass her a microphone. And if you’re hot and straight, also pass her your number.

Seriously, buy Erin some bourbon.

very carefully before acting on it. LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Don’t take anything for granted. It may seem tedious work to spell out all the little details, but it is worth the trouble. The less you boast of your experience and confidence, the more attractive they will make you. SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Some of your friends aren’t really. Losing them without creating trouble can be challenging. Be gentle and polite. If they accuse you of being overly-critical, smile agreeably. That’s just a harsh way of saying you have higher standards.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): You’re on a power surge for a couple of weeks. It could build momentum at work and push you into a better job. If you are conGEMINI (May 21- June 20): You sidering any big risks with could figure out a way to your work, this is the time to make the impossible work take them, but think ahead! with a balance of inspiration and practicality. That crazy CAPRICORN (December 21 – idea that comes out of January 19): Your goals are nowhere could be the key. becoming more realistic, but Test it before you commit, but you still need clarification at least check it out. and to get your ego out of the way. Negatives overshadow CANCER (June 21- July 22): the issue now. Bring those to New ideas and situations can light; get them out of the way. be overwhelming, even conSoon you’ll see the positives fusing. Resist temptation to more clearly. retreat into quiet, familiar escapes. Push through the fog. AQUARIUS (January 20 – FebNot only can you rise to the ruary 18): Your love of a good occasion, but you will find the argument can get you into big effort rewarding. trouble. Seriously, this time it could cost you. Be restrained LEO (July 23 – August 22): Ef- and pragmatic; keep your forts to smooth over problems ears open. Elicit information, will backfire big time. Face but don’t contradict. You the music and deal with it. could learn something very Rather than using your charm useful, even profitable. to sweep things under the rug, put that sunshine to work PISCES (February 19 – March rallying support for a real so- 19): A lover’s spat can belution. come a major disaster. Perhaps you are being too VIRGO (August 23 – Septem- critical. Focus on being a betber 22): Even the best inter partner. That might mean tended advice, especially if it allowing a bit of space, being is from your partner or about less co-ependent. Enjoy your your relationship, can go very birthday, but impulse spendwrong. Pay attention and re- ing would prove surprisingly ceive it politely. If it sounds expensive. like a good idea, consider 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,

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Feeling thrifty? Come to Network Columbus this month at the Goodwill headquarters and enjoy free food.

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