2009-07-01 outlook: columbus by Outlook Media, Inc

july 2009

Wednesdayssoundfullanddrunk.

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Summer is Here! Pride Pictures are Not. If you’re reading this, then you survived the biggest, best, most bad-ass PRIDE that Columbus has ever seen. Congratulations! Congratulations, too, to Stonewall Columbus and the amazing team that makes our celebration come alive and happen safely every year. Yay, Jan and Joe! Now that June is gone, ‘getting your pride on’ gives way to ‘getting out the vote.’ Candidates and politicians are like flowers – or weeds in some cases. They start waking up in the spring, then seemingly overnight in June they’re everywhere, and from now ‘til November you won’t be able to avoid them. If you have a politics allergy, take your DemAllegra or RepubliClaritin and stay indoors, away from television, radio, and, yes, print. Likewise, if you have an aversion to falsies, Dermablend®, and eyelash glue, or if you hate music by Britney, Gaga, or Rihanna, then bar your doors until first frost. During this time of year, you can’t swing a dead cat on High Street from the ShoNo to the South Side without hitting a drag queen on her way to some pageant or other.

right babies/hands/asses and you’re on your way to being elected/crowned. But say/lipsync the wrong soundbite/lyrics and you’ll find yourself carrying your hat/heels in your hand and headed back to your job as a lawyer/waiter. We love the drama of it all. In this issue you’ll find interviews with some of our favorite politicos, our view on the income tax increase, insights from the candidate makers, the scoop and skinny from the city’s phattest queens, and pictures of a former EOY doing nasty things in the men’s room at Axis – in other words, an exposé on real life in the gayborhoods of Cowtown. Girls who are boys / Who like boys to be girls / Who do boys like they’re girls / Who do girls like they’re boys / Always should be someone you really love. Or someone you can conscientiously vote for. Until next time, don’t forget to throw dollars at your queens and vote for your candidates. Or vice versa. Either way works. Exhaustedly, pridefully, and politically yours, Michael & Chris

Which is how it should be, for politics is pageantry, and pageants are politics. Wear the right suit/gown, answer the on-stage/on-camera questions correctly, kiss the

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

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ps. Next month there’ll be plenty of Pride pictures for you to reminisce with. We promise!

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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 ©2009 by Outlook Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

The average drag race is between 4-15 seconds. The average drag pageant is 48 hours.

july2009

OUTLOOK RELEASE PARTY JUNE 2, 2009

OUTLOOK RELEASE PART Y JUNE 2, 2009

OUTLOOK RELEASE PARTY JUNE 2, 2009

Looks like Candi’s hot for teacher.

Cover models Hayes & Kuber and their biggest fan!

Partridge Family Reunion

NETWORK COLUMBUS JUNE 10, 2009

Hey Michael, guess who’s campaign you’re running...

Project diversity

Yes Mollie gets around.

And the award for best smiles in a networking event goes to...

LEVEL MEDIA PREVIEW JUNE 11, 2009

The Three Musketeers Restauranteurs

The Designer and a Gentleman. Do you know who is who?

Blog about this buddy : )

Too bad they can’t blend these t wo into a martini... tasty!

G2H2 @ GIUSEPPE'S JUNE 12, 2009

Organizers Bill and Eddie toast the success of the first G2H2 in CBus

DeVane came all the way from Cleveland for this and Cassie wore a dress!

Their version of a rugby scrum.

We love G2H2!

Who’s got the acid?

NETWORK COLUMBUS JUNE 10, 2009

july 2009

LookingforPridepictures?Wellyoucanchecksomeoutnowonline.Morewillbeinprintnextmonth!

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SmartCarsarebuiltonasteelcage.Theyareverysafe.

july2009

NCAVP – What It Is and Why You Should Care by Chris Cozad The National Coalition of Anti-violence Programs (NCAVP) addresses the pervasive problem of violence committed against and within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive (LGBTH) communities. NCAVP is a coalition of programs that document and advocate for victims of anti-LGBTH and antiHIV/AIDS violence/harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, police misconduct and other forms of victimization. Some member agencies have been documenting anti-LGBTH violence incidents since the mid-80s. The Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO) is a founding member of NCAVP. June 16, 2009 marked the release of the NCAVP 2008 Violence Report: the most comprehensive report on violence against the LGBTH communities in the United States. Columbus and Central Ohio have been included in the annual report since its inception in 1991. There are 35 member agencies of the Coalition, though not all participate in the Hate Crimes Tracking Program, currently only 14 agencies are eligible for inclusion in that program. The 2008 annual Hate Violence Report examines data compiled from LGBTH people who experienced hate violence through out the country. There are NCAVP member organizations in 20 states and many, including BRAVO, are the single resource in their entire state. Cities include: Chicago, Columbus, Houston, Kansas City, MO; Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York City, Rochester, NY; and San Francisco, Statewide agencies are located in Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania and most recently Ohio. BRAVO began statewide outreach during 2008; focused initially on Cleveland and Cincinnati though Columbus and Central Ohio remain BRAVO’s primary service area. More than half of the country is without a local anti-violence program in their entire state.

tivists gathered in Columbus for the 3 days of meetings, training, networking and internal coalition work. The Regional Training Academy which followed, is a free technical assistance conference designed to provide education to a variety of service providers and community organizers. The events are hosted each year in a different city by a member agency; Columbus and BRAVO last hosted in 1998. Host agencies are given a lot of freedom in the planning of the Regional Training Academy (RTA) and are encouraged to customize the event to meet the specific needs of the host agency and community. Because BRAVO recently started doing statewide outreach in Ohio- the RTA was focused on Ohio service providers who might work with LGBTH clients who were dealing with issues of violence. Local and national experts provided training in best practices and enhancing the cultural competency for working with LGBTH clients. Social work CEU credits were available to conference participants through the Ohio State University College of Social Work. Staff from DV shelters, rape crisis programs, clergy, teachers, and a variety of community organizations around Ohio participated in the program; which included detailed sessions about specific violence topics. Training was provided in elder/ senior abuse issues, working with LGBTH youth, sexual assault, shelter safety; hate crimes and safety assessments for organizations and events, and strategies for building and being good allies. There was a wonderful response and BRAVO is planning a second conference in the fall to offer more advanced training.

The weekend was a huge success with The Columbus LGBTH community providing wonderful support and welcome to NCAVP and our guests. A generous host committee made up of community members underwrote the hospitality costs for the weekend including NCAVP makes several key recommendations as a part a community welcome breakfast to open the conferences. Stonewall Columbus hosted a community reof the 2009 report including the need to support increased public awareness, education, documentation, ception at the Center and Artz, Dewhirst & Wheeler, LLP, and prevention efforts to end bias motivated violence. Attorneys at Law, hosted a welcome reception for RoundNCAVP calls upon elected officials and community table attendees. An impressive list of community partners leaders must show their commitment to ending vio- joined together with BRAVO and NCAVP to deliver great lence against LGBTH people with resources, support events. Community partners and sponsors included: Aberand a willingness to speak out against this violence. crombie & Fitch; Alternative Auto Care, Inc; Artz, Dewhirst & Wheeler, LLP, Attorneys at Law; Columbus In addition to statistical documentation of hate vio- Community Relations Commission; The Dunigan lence, NCAVP issues an annual Report on LGBTH Inti- Group – Real Living HER; Experience Columbus; JP mate Partner Violence (domestic violence) and Morgan Chase Pride Group; Kaleidoscope Youth Coalisupports existing anti-violence organizations and tion; National City Bank – Cincinnati; Outlook Media; emerging local programs in their efforts to document Piercology; SAGE Upstate – New York; Score Bar; and prevent all violence. Stonewall Columbus – the Center on High; and The Hyatt Regency Columbus. One of the ways that NCAVP supports member agencies is hosting an Annual Roundtable and Regional Chris Cozad served as the Co-Chair of NCAVP for sevTraining Academy. The 2009 events were held in eral years and currently co-chairs the Governance Columbus with BRAVO serving as the host agency; Committee. She is also President Emerita of BRAVO providing logistics, hospitality and conference coordi- and served as the conference coordinator for the 2009 nation for both events. In late May, anti-violence ac Roundtable and Regional Training Academy.

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

july2009

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TherewerePridephotoshere,butthenthisarticlecamein.Loststocomenextmonth.

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What do you think the guy on the left is singing? “I wish that I had Jesse’s girl...?”

july2009

The outlook July release party is at Club Diversity.

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Constructing the Candidate: Linwood Campaign Services

by Chris Hayes and Michael Daniels photo by Danner Morris

That being said, crafting a solid message is the most important aspect in a campaign, especially the If you have ghosts you know who statehouse races in which we have you’re going to call. But if you want to worked. Giving the candidate the run for office and you’re a Democrat, tools necessary and putting their do you have a clue? One option here message together helps them to best in town is Linwood Campaign Serv- communicate with the voters. ices, a full service campaign consulting and technology company. oc: How profitable is this type of enterprise? Do you get paid if the canPaul Ackerman and Ryan Fissel didate loses? formed Linwood Campaign Services, RF: Profitability ebbs and flows. DurLLC in 2005 as a result of their work ing the busy season we are obviously on a congressional campaign. Much bringing in much more business like us at outlook, Ryan and Paul di- than we would in the dead of winter vide duties and conquer. Ryan’s main in an off-year. We get paid a monthly focus is working directly with the fee from our clients regardless of the campaign in terms of management outcome of an election. No one can and strategy. As a cousin to Ohio guarantee a win. Anyone who says so politicians Tim and Bobby Hagan, he is lying to you. grew up in politics and worked for non-profit organizations in Cincinoc: Does the state of the economy nati. Paul, on the other hand, has a affect your business? If so, how? background in computer and inforRF: Honestly, not as much as one mation science and as such his main might think. When a candidate is focus is the technological side of running, they need a website in good things, including website design and times or bad. Having their brother-inthe design of literature and other law create a site that doesn’t look campaign materials. professional isn’t practical if it reflects badly on the candidate. A bad We caught up with Ryan to find out economy can affect a candidate’s more about his company, being out in fundraising and that obviously can the political world and achievable affect us. However, for the most part, gay agenda items. the wheels of politics keep rolling. oc: What sets Linwood apart from other campaign strategy organizations like Triumph? RF: We try to offer support services to campaigns that cannot afford bigticket companies with a large staff. That way we can focus on those key things a smaller campaign really needs in order to win an election. We also pride ourselves on working the hard races. We like the challenge. If someone says “You can’t win!” We like to say, “Watch us…”

oc: Is this your only job? If not, why do you think this does not provide enough income? RF: Both of us have “day jobs” but frequently those day jobs can take a back seat, like last October before the 2008 election. Our work is very cyclical. It isn’t as if a candidate is going to start running full on for a seat two years before the next election. The nature of fundraising doesn’t provide the ability for a candidate to do so even if they wanted. In the types of races we work, local or state house We don’t see ourselves as competiraces, this is especially true. Theretion to any particular local company. fore, we both keep our “day jobs” to Everyone brings their particular spe- supplement our income during the cialty and experience and really we’re lean times. We know of plenty of poall working towards the same goal. litical operatives who end up joining the staff of the person they just oc: What is your basic strategy to helped to elect. This isn’t something get your candidates elected? that appeals to us at all. RF: A successful campaign is built on communication and letting the can- oc: What differences are there bedidate be himself or herself. We do tween running State and Federal not spend a lot of time trying to “po- campaigns? sition” a candidate. If he or she does- RF: The main issue is exposure. n’t say what they believe, people will Whichever percentage of people who quickly figure that out. We focus on know who their congressperson is, giving a candidate what they need to cut that into a third and then you’ll do their job, not on trying to invent or get the number who know who their re-invent a candidate. State Representative happens to be. The biggest challenge is getting the

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candidate’s message out. It can also be hard to differentiate to voters the differences between federal and state issues. We can’t count the number of times working with statehouse candidates and voters begin asking their opinion on the war in Iraq or government bailouts. Voters see a candidate or elected official and are quite willing to discuss any issue with them that is on their mind. They don’t see the nuance of state versus federal sometimes. oc: Do you prefer local, state, or federal, or do you not care? RF: We prefer to elect Democrats. oc: What are the differences between general Dem and Rep strategies these days? RF: Democrats focus mainly on solutions to problems, giving everyone the opportunity to get ahead in these difficult times. As a group, we believe that all people are entitled to equality under the law. We firmly believe that a rising tide should lift all boats, not just Admirals. Locally, as we see happening nationally, Democrats are having to step forward and do the

hard work left for them by the Repub- being out has ever been an advanlicans while they stand on the side tage or a disadvantage. lines and offer nothing but criticism. oc: As political insiders, what are oc: You only work with Dems. Do the three most achievable GLBT you only work with pro-GLBT Dems? agenda items at the State and FedDo you find that you have to do a lot eral level? What should be put on of GLBT 101 with your candidates? the back burner? Why? RF: We would not do day-to-day cam- RF: At the state level the most paign work with a Democrat who is achievable goal appears to be the working directly against GLBT issues. anti-discrimination bill (House Bill For candidates we work with only on 176) currently winding its way website issues, we haven’t gone into through the statehouse. We could their issues in any great depth. also see a renewed push to defeat the marriage ban amendment that With regard to educating our clients passed during the 2004 election. on GLBT issues, it really has not come up. Most of the people we work with At the federal level, the gay commuare remarkably well versed on many nity at large needs to put more presissues, including those of the GLBT sure on President Obama to end community. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve oc: Does being out have an advan- openly in the military and the consetage in your line of work? quences of this happening would be RF: As a company owned by one gay great for morale in the military and person (Ryan) and one straight per- the general populace. If increasing son (Paul), we do not spend much tolerance and understanding betime focusing on that question. We tween all people is the goal of the believe that electing more Democrats GLBT movement then ending “Don’t is an advantage to everyone and will Ask, Don’t Tell” would have a probenefit the GLBT community as it will found effect on that cause. benefit everyone. I can’t say that

Humans are born with about 300 to 350 bones, We only end up with 208. Riddle me that!

july2009

was getting into.” Marilyn and Eric both laugh. “We had no idea,” Marilyn chuckles. “But we did learn a lot about campaigns,” Eric says. He lost that election to the longtime incumbent – it wasn’t even close.

PowerCouple: Marilyn and EricBrown By Michael Daniels When talking about Marilyn and Eric Brown, there are so many good headlines and taglines. Brown Is The New Blue. A Pair of Cleveland Browns That Can Actually Win! What Can Browns Do For You? The list is seemingly endless. Also endless is the love and support that Marilyn and Eric Brown have for one another. The diminutive Franklin County Commissioner and the towering Probate Judge are a fixture in Franklin County, and every time I see them, it’s like watching a couple out on a date. They hold hands at the movies. He opens doors for her. They laugh at one another’s jokes. It’s been that way for nearly half a century. “We’ll be married 36 years in August,” Marilyn says. “We’ve known each other since we were 7 and 8, when we met during swim club at day camp.” They were engaged on Marilyn’s 18th birthday, and married shortly thereafter. “Now that we’re parents, we wonder what ours must have thought,” Eric says with a cha-

july2009

grined smile. “They have to wonder what we were thinking marrying so young, but somehow we just knew it was right.”

“Losing isn’t fun, especially that election when I honesty thought I had a chance,” Eric says. “I thought about running again in 1988 and 1990, but our daughters were school age then, and we didn’t want to put them through another election.” In 1992, Eric was invited by newly-elected Attorney General Lee Fisher to take a position on Fisher’s staff, and he accepted. He and Marilyn relocated to Columbus, where he remained working for the AG’s office until 2002. Marilyn worked at the Pickerington Chamber, and later at the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

In 2004, the political bug bit Eric again. “I’d been job hunting for about a year and a half Family was an important part of both of their while working on the [former presidential canupbringing. Both were raised in conservative didate Howard] Dean campaign,” he says, Jewish households but neither family was par- “and a new seat on the Franklin County Comticularly religious or observant. What the mon Pleas Court had been created. I had no Browns inherited from their parents and connections in Franklin County politics, but I grandparents was more the social conscious- somehow managed to convince the party that ness of Judaism, not the dogma. I could use my contacts from the Dean campaign and my contacts from outside the “For us, it was about the traditions,” Marilyn county to raise money online and from nonsays. “We were always involved in social actraditional sources.” He handily won the seat tion and I was lucky to be surrounded by that November and took the bench in July strong female role models who were always 2005. pushing for women’s rights and civil rights.” “I campaigned with Eric throughout,” Marilyn Eric echoes these thoughts. “My dad was al- says. “It was hard work and it was fun. I found ways busy helping people – really helping that I can connect with people and that I had them at a core level. For me growing up, being a passion for elected office that I never knew Jewish wasn’t as much about being part of a was there.” When she ran for County Commisreally organized religion as it was a commit- sioner in 2006, few thought she could beat enment to the traditional concepts of social jus- trenched incumbent Republican Dewey tice. My dad served eight years on the school Stokes. “I don’t think Dewey took me seriously board, but I never really saw that as politics; I that year until October,” she says wryly, “and saw it as community service and a way to help by then it was too late.” She defeated Stokes kids. It’s what led me to run for school board by more than 16,000 votes. myself when I was in my first year of law school.” He held a seat on that school board in With an eye toward opportunity and a willingnorthern Ohio for 15 years. ness to step forward, the Browns have continued their not-quite-meteoric-yet-quiteThe Browns first dipped their toes into political impressive rise in Franklin County politics. Eric waters when Eric decided to run for judge in saw an opportunity to knock off long-time in1987. “I was in private practice,” he says re- cumbent Lawrence Belskis for Franklin County flectively. “I’d served on the school board. I Probate Court in the 2008 election. Belskis fell thought I knew what I was doing and what I victim to the same false confidence that had Did someone say Brown’s the new Blue? I wonder how Sally feels about that?

beset Stokes, not seriously considering Eric as a contender until it was too late, and Eric thrashed Belskis by more than 50,000 votes. [Note to Republicans: Don’t underestimate these two. You’re 0-3 when you do.] Looking toward 2010, Marilyn says, “I saw the incredible excitement in the 2008 election and it made very clear to me the importance of fair and open elections that everyone is excited to participate in.” With incumbent Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner moving to the Senate race, Marilyn considered a run for that open office. Many observers expected Marilyn’s Commission colleague, Paula Brooks, to toss her hat into that ring, but when Brooks didn’t declare her intentions, Marilyn stepped forward and entered the race. [Note to Democrats: Don’t dilly-dally in making a decision when these two are nearby. They’re not coup starters, but they’re not afraid to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself.] “I know we’ve got a lot of ways to make elections even better and easier,” Marilyn says. “Standing in line, waiting excitedly to vote, our neighbors were exercising the most important thing that we do as citizens – to have the opportunity to facilitate that process would be an incredible honor.” When asked why they are so closely connected to and part of the GLBT and allied community, Eric takes a serious tone. “I think the gay community has a very clear and honest perspective on what civil rights really means,” he says. “The community faces the issues head on while appreciating the differences that a multi-dimensional society entails. If you can understand civil rights in the context of the GLBT community, you can understand it in all contexts.” “GLBT is so overarching – in every issue, in every race, in every everything,” Marilyn sums up. “The GLBT community has always had, and continues to have, a commitment to broad social justice. We’re proud to walk with our GLBT brothers and sisters on their journey toward full equality.”

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Humanshavethesmallestbreath-holdingcapacityofallmammalsandusuallyafterthreeminutesofbreathholding,mostofuswillpassout.

july2009

Passage of Income Tax Increase is Essential to Our Entire Community by Michael Daniels & Chris Hayes, Publishers The time has come to accept the financial realities of the City, and for voters to support Issue 1 in the August 4 special election. This proposal to raise the City’s income tax from 2 to 2.5% is a modest and reasonable action which will ensure critical City services in a time when we can ill afford further cuts. The last time the income tax was increased in Columbus was in 1983 – 27 years ago. To put this in perspective, consider that: • The Bob Newhart Show is on the cover of TV Guide • ARPANET officially changes to using a standard protocol, thus officially creating the Internet • The #1 song in the nation is “Maneater” by Hall & Oates, not Nelly Furtado • The #1 movie in the nation is Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman in high drag • Michael graduates from Shelbyville High School, while Chris learns to solve mathematical story problems in the 4th grade • Reagan is president, and has yet to use the word AIDS in public; deaths this year from HIV/AIDS will rise to more than 2,400 – a 400% increase over 1982 – and the epidemic begins to grow exponentially • A first-class stamp costs 20¢, and a gallon of gas costs $1.24 • The City of Columbus is 200,000 residents and 40 square miles smaller Defeat of this year’s tax increase would require the City to cut another $100M from the 2010 budget, resulting in devastating reductions to the police and fire departments, shuttering for an indeterminate amount of time all parks and recreation centers, complete elimination of yard waste and bulk trash collection, less frequent regular trash collection, no code enforcement, no neighborhood health centers, and more unacceptable

july2009

I’m her mom! No she’s NOT!

and sweeping cuts in services. In short, defeat of this tax increase would undo 40 years of fiscal stewardship and send Columbus into the same column as Cleveland, Toledo, and other Ohio cities that find themselves far less safe, less hospitable for residents, and less attractive to business. Opponents of the tax increase are using fear and smear tactics as their main arguments. “The City can make more cuts,” they say. Not true. The City has slashed all non-essential services and any further cuts must come from the part of the budget not yet cut – public safety. “The tax increase will affect those who can least afford it,” they cry. Not true. Social Security, pensions, military pay, and disability income are exempted from the increase. “During a recession and a time of high unemployment is not the time to raise taxes,” they shout. Historically, not true. In 1983, the nation was just emerging from a recession and unemployment was 9.7% nationwide. Our only regret about this increase is that it comes nearly a year later than it should have – it belonged on the ballot last November. Whether City officials were holding out for an economic turn around, thought they would make cuts first and see if the pain motivated voters, or were afraid to put it on the ballot alongside the Presidential election we do not know. What we do know is that asking for a tax increase is never easy for politicians, and they often wait until situations are dire before going to the voters. Such is the case with this year’s ballot measure. City officials have done a stellar job of steering the City for nearly three decades with out a tax increase. Now is the time to reward their discipline, planning, management, and courage and support an increase in the City income tax. outlook:columbus strongly endorses a YES vote on Issue 1 in the special election August 4.

outlookcolumbus.com

Yes who can? by Deborah Steele

country on track, ranging from the Clean Air Act to the Endangered Democracy is a living thing that will Species Act. Is Obama doing everynot function if we think our work as thing he can to stop global warmcitizens is finished at the ballot box. ing? No. Can we push him to rise to Let’s face it, elections are fun. We that challenge? I choose to believe watch slick advertisements promis- that yes, we can. ing a speedy end to problems like global warming. We hear inspiraThe coal and oil industry has spent tional speeches promising an end $45 million this year on lobbying to business as usual. But when alone. To get Obama’s attention, we election night ends, that’s often need to be louder than ever. Just when the real work must begin. think about the impact Ohioans could make if we called for smart When it comes to global warming, global warming solutions. Election we have no more time for speeches after election, Ohio is a key “swing” and promises; 2009 must be a year state in the national spotlight. Canof action. In six months, leaders didates stopped here week after from around the world will gather in week to ask for our votes. Now, let’s Copenhagen, Denmark with the give them a piece of our mind. It’s goal of creating a treaty to prevent not enough for leaders in Washingcatastrophic global warming. To ton DC to only care about Ohio every make these negotiations success- four years. ful, the US must have policies here at home that invest heavily in reFor decades Greenpeace has stood newable energy and put strict, sci- up to the world’s worst polluters, no ence based limits on emissions matter how powerful. Now, here in with no loopholes or giveaways for Columbus, we are calling on you to big polluters like the coal industry. stand up too, to help us meet the greatest challenge facing our genTo achieve this goal, Congressmen eration. The science is clear – Waxman and Markey introduced a global warming is already threatenpiece of legislation called the Amer- ing our way of life. On the other ican Clean Energy and Security Act hand, we can create millions of new (ACES). Unfortunately, despite the jobs and save money by switching best efforts of Chairman Waxman, to clean, renewable energy. If we coal and oil industry lobbyists suc- want our leaders to do everything ceeded in weakening the bill, they can to help rebuild our econadding loopholes and giveways to omy and rescue the climate, they dirty energy companies. In its cur- must hear from all of us, all the rent form, ACES simply will not do time. enough to prevent the worst impacts of global warming. If this bill If we assume Congress or President is the only plan we can bring to the Obama will do the right thing simtable in Copenhagen, then we as a ply by being in office, we will lose a human community may miss our precious opportunity to take back last real opportunity to stave off ca- our democracy and remind our tastrophe. leaders that they work for the people, not for dirty corporate interests. Fortunately, while Congress is The grassroots movement did not falling short on its promise to pro- start or end last Fall. One of the tect our future, there is someone great privileges of being an Ameriwho can take action now to reduce can is our ability to participate in global warming pollution – Presithe political process. But democracy dent Obama. Even better, he has will not work unless we do. not only made promises to do just that, he has repeatedly asked us to Deborah Steele is Field Organizer for hold him accountable to his prom- Columbus’s Greenpeace office. For ises. The president has numerous more info: www.greenpeace.org or tools at his disposal to put the 614.323.1703.

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Coal is a readily combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock. Kohl’s is where Chris buys most of his shorts.

july2009

An ‘Issue’ to One Person

is ‘My Life’ to Another perishable orb of life ties us together in ways that make all of us – and every deIn the May outlook’s “welcome to the pre- cision we make - very important, indeed. mier issue of outlook: columbus!” editoOur faith, our religious perspectives, our rial, Chris and Michael said, “our motto for the new magazine is ‘everything is po- sacred beliefs, should inform our thinking litical.’” They went on to say that, “Telling about the relationship between people and the earth; people and other people; your stories and speaking your truths, even when your voice shakes, is political people and ideas. Our faith should inform the decisions we make about this world, activism at its core.” I couldn’t agree about this life, about how we interact more! Since the late 1960’s, feminists with others this day. Hebrew and Chrishave been reminding us that “the personal is political” and the LGBT commu- tian scriptures include many passages where G-d reminds those listening that nity would do well to remember why. it’s loving our neighbors that’s important; People in power often try to trivialize cer- that justice should roll down like waters; tain social concerns by calling them per- that the truest observance of religion is to sonal issues, or lifestyle choices. Haven’t care for those who have no political clout we all heard for many years now that civil or voice; that faith without works is dead; rights for queer folks are “special rights” that if we say we love G-d and hate our and not equal rights? It’s the same tired neighbors, we’re lying. argument made against minority populations for a long, long time. And until there The thing is, many people try to ignore those commands and compartmentalize truly are equal rights for all of us, we must remember that the personal IS po- life. They put spiritual stuff in a little box litical and what is an “issue” to one per- they only open on the Sabbath. Right wing American Christianity has someson (and maybe a very uninteresting times become so “otherworldly minded” issue at that) is “my life” to someone that it’s “no earthly good” - to paraphrase else. an old joke. Many 20th Century Christians Every time a religious denomination de- came to believe that faith was about getting into heaven and had little or nothing cides to continue studying the issue of homosexuality, or human sexuality, or the to do with everyday life. I would contend integration of sexuality and spirituality, as that the purpose of faith is to establish a if it were a subject that had no bearing on heart in us that desires right relationships with G-d and others. So we have a people’s daily lives, they do spiritual choice – live in a way that reduces spiridamage to the people in the pews who hear that they are about as important as tuality to the relationship between “me a bug on a pin. Every time state and fed- and G-d” that has nothing to do with poleral bodies debate and then fail to pass itics, family, work, etc., or find a way to legislature that insures that queer Ameri- fully integrate all the pieces of life into cans have the right to life, liberty and the something whole and beautiful. Messy as pursuit of happiness, we feel like second it can be, I’ll opt for the latter! class citizens. Meanwhile queer youth still kill themselves; queer adults drink, drug Everything is political – especially the personal things – and life, liberty and the and sex themselves into oblivion; youth pursuit of happiness are about as perand adults alike come to believe that their lives matter very little. If our lives are sonal as you can get. Faith calls us to renothing more than a subject that others member that there is no such thing as a political issue that isn’t about somecan debate or ignore, what’s the point? body’s real life. Sounds good, but in reality there’s no cookie cutter political stance What faith tells us, however, is that our for queer folks of faith. Neither Democrats lives do matter. Some traditions teach that our lives matter to our Creator. Other nor Republicans have all the right antraditions would say our lives matter be- swers. Nor do Christians. All any of us can do is walk humbly with our G-d while cause we affect all the lives around us. For better or worse, in positive and nega- we embrace mercy in our personal lives tive ways, our lives matter. While admit- and call for justice in our national life. ting that I’m not a comparative religions scholar, I think it’s safe to say that all the Rev. Margaret Hawk is with New Creation major world religions (and most of the MCC. For more info: http://www.newcreminor ones) teach compassion, justice, ationmcc.org. doing no harm, etc. We may be of many faiths, but our common humanity on this by Rev. Margaret Hawk

july2009

Between2005and2008thenumberofoverallhomelesspeoplehasfallenby12%.HUDreportstheoverallnumberofhomelessisapproximately672,000.

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Bad economiessucks,niceecomoniesswallow.

july2009

Beneath the Darkness by Regina Sewell Beneath our shells of pain and darkness lives a light that transcends description, and all it takes to reunite us is our intention to do so. This light, or love, is who we truly are, and true healing is remembering this simple truth. Haven Traveno One of the best things about being a therapist is that I get the chance to see – or at least feel – the light that shines beneath my clients’ shells of pain and darkness. I get to experience the love that they truly are, even when they can’t seem to connect to it themselves. And from that space, we can get on with the work of healing, wherever it takes us. In my office, it’s easy to see or feel people’s inner light. I can step into that part of myself that is grounded, calm, and nurturing and trust that even though things don’t feel ok, that ultimately, it’s all ok. I can sit in my heart center and see and feel my own inner light. I have nothing else to do, nowhere to go. The business of the outside world stops when I cross the threshold of my office door. Outside my office, when I’m not in the role of therapist, it’s not always so easy to stay connected to my heart center. I watch the news. I obsess about the never-ending list of things I should be doing. I compare myself with others

july2009

and almost always find myself lacking in some way. I focus on how things should be rather than on how they are. I try to make things happen. In short, I get lost in some sort of mental spin and lose connection to that sense of trust that everything is OK as it is right now.

sistance if she needs it, I feel like I have more time rather than less, and I experience the joy of connecting with someone else. And even if she is crabby in return, I can feel compassion for her and hopefully leave her in a better emotional and energetic space than before. When I take a moment to connect with my seatmate on The sages say, “The heart is either opening in the plane, I am more comfortable because I love or closing in fear.” When I slide out of trust, don’t have to put as much energy into keeping my heart begins to close in fear. It’s harder to my energetic guard up. When I take a moment see or feel the other person’s inner light – to breathe before I react to my partner, I find harder to feel the cosmic connection that we that I’m less defensive; what could have been share, harder to connect to the love that is our a fight turns into an opportunity for deeper intishared true nature. As a result, I find myself macy. being impatient with the elderly woman in front of me in the grocery store because she’s hobI would much rather live in the spaciousness of bling along and I have things I have to do. I im- my open heart than the constraint of my closmediately pull down the armrest between seats ing one but somewhere deep in my reptilian on the plane because I’m worried that my seat- brain, I believe that fear will keep me safe. And mate will notice I’m small and feel justified in it does. When I’m riding my bike and a dog taking up some of my space. I snap at my part- starts chasing me, my fear gets the adrenaline ner when she makes a random comment begoing and speeds me to safety. When the driver cause I think she’s either judging me or trying in front of me slams on his or her brakes, my to control me. The more my heart closes in fear, fear causes me to take immediate action. the faster the little hamster in my brain spins When someone threatens me on the street, my around her wheel making up stories that send fear helps react so that I defend myself and get alerts to the rest of my system to stop breath- away. But fear only protects against actual, iming and to either run, fight or freeze. mediate, life-threatening situations. My fear doesn’t help me deal with the economy or In those moments when I can catch heart be- global warming. It doesn’t help salvage a relafore it closes too much, my experience is differ- tionship that’s on the rocks or cure my mother’s ent. If I can breathe, smile, and talk to the dementia. It offers no help in the face of potenelderly woman in front of me, and offer her as- tial failure, humiliation, abandonment or rejec-

Whenadandelionisyellowit’scalledaflowertop.Whenit’swhiteit’scalledaparachuteball.

tion. To the contrary, it makes things worse. My anxiety squelches my spontaneity, so that I can’t really think on my feet, can’t creatively respond to the economic crisis, global warming or my mother’s dementia. I am more likely to be defensive in response to my partner. Because it blocks my access to creativity, I am more likely to fail, more likely to feel humiliated, more likely to act in ways that lead others to reject me. The answer? Breathe myself right back into the present moment. When I cross the threshold into my office, I walk into being present – to “just this, here now.” I walk into the truth of a meditation that I’ve been doing for years: “Yesterday’s gone. Tomorrow’s not here yet. Right now, I’m fine.” When I ground myself in my breath, I slide back into that state of trust that everything is OK and escape from the pain and darkness that holds me back. My heart opens in love and I know that I am safe, even if I fail, even if I make a mistake, even if someone rejects or abandons me. Regina Sewell is a mental health counselor with a private practice in Worthington, OH. To ask a question, propose a column topic, read about her approach to counseling, or check out her books and other writing, go to: www.ReginaSewell.com. Her most recent publication, “Sliding Away” can be found in Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex and Work in Our 40s, edited by Molly Rosen.

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July 4th is a National Holiday for what Nation?

july2009

Cork is the buoyant, light brown substance obtained from the outer layer of the bark of the cork oak. Quark is the layout program we use.

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Pretty Pariahs

meaning when a drag queen’s attire is underappreciated. Duct-tape is the scariest piece of drag equipment I can think of… I will never consider Mirror, mirror on the wall, Who is the fairest of emasculating myself for a good time, but I feel the them all? - The Brothers Grimm second difficulty a drag queen runs into is: Wardrobe. Not only are there social stigmas that Drag queens share many similarities to the accompany the concerto of becoming a woman, wicked stepmother from the familiar fable of but there are many more stigmas attached to Snow White. Similarities such as: amazing eye being a poorly dressed one. It takes money to look shadow, bitchy over-tones, malice for days, and a good. Economically, it is very expensive to be a secret apple (in the Disney version at least). drag queen. After doing a little research I found Among all of these traits there is also a parallel of that it takes almost fifteen to twenty-five DOLpariahism. But in the end, I think both of their LARS to put on ‘face’ or make-up for one night of magical talents are taken for granted. drag performance. I mean holy shit! That’s expensive if it is a slow night. Now envision purchasing Drag queens find themselves between a rock and a new and unique wardrobe (or making it), hip a hard place. Are they gay men? Do they want to pads, multiple wigs, shoes galore, and etc. It’s become women? Is wearing a dress necessary? costly to be creative and cute. Due to the natural human tendency to label and categorize, we find it hard to fit a drag queen into Now think about the stigmas of spending too little any category. Beyond the gay community, drag money on wardrobe. Not to mention the inexperiqueens do not blend within the trans-community. ence of dressing as a women. This ties in the soThere really is no ‘community’ per-se for a drag cial stigma the gay community and drag queens queen. In fact, the drag phenomenon has refer lovingly to as a ‘Hot Tranny Mess’ or ‘HTM.’ branched off to form its own sub-culture. And This is generally associated with a younger generfrom that, it fosters inherit pageantry and politics ation that is still in an amateur phase of developwhile implementing hardcore theatrics. Furtherment (and who generally had way too much to more, this sub-culture challenges the binary stan- drink). Are these illusionist ingénues problematic? dards of both the heterosexual and the Most definitely. Primarily because many of them homosexual community. How could it not, since are too young to have seen To Wong Foo Thanks they cannot be ‘labeled’ as easily as most. This For Everything, Julie Newmar. According to certain marginalization is the heart of the issue. When sociologists (Berkowitz et al.) drag queens are groups of people are marginalized there are alplaced within boundaries under specific contexts ways aspects of demonization, demeaning, and placed on them by the patrons of predominately mystification. Because of our ignorance as a com- gay establishments. These boundaries were develmunity, drag queens suffer many difficulties in oped in order to avoid the ‘HTM’ stereotype. Many their endeavors. of the gays feel that it is far safer to keep the wild queens in a zoo. It’s ok to tout a drag queen out on In order to demystify, often people wonder what stage for social occasions, but to actually interact the difference is between drag queens and trans- with a drag queen (or a gay male in a dress) isn’t vestites. In a sense drag is transvestism, but it just crazy, it’s Britney Spears crazy! Social boundalso isn’t. Transvestites tend to be heterosexual aries must be maintained, or order will be lost and (Eddie Izzard), and gain sexual gratification from people will be able to marry animals etc. Sound cross-dressing. Furthermore, a very small percent familiar? Particular members of the LGBT comof drag queens are full-time women. Of those, munity would rather ostracize a drag queen than there is an even smaller percentage who are tran- deal with catty behaviors and social ramifications. sitioning, and passing the time by performing. So what if we ostracize drag queens? UnsuspectSo, if drag isn’t tranvestism, then what is it? How ing victims are seldom grateful for punishment, about an art form? According to Sociologists Verta and it seems only natural to avoid a seven foot tall Taylor and Leila J. Rupp, drag queens are gay tormenting temptress. However, you may never males who dress in women’s clothing for theatri- have realized it, but it is far easier to demonize cal purposes. Once you look past the glitter and someone you do not interact with. I mean, aren’t talons, drag queens are in fact your standard gay all drag queens promiscuous ignorant drug using male. It seems that stage performances and drag lippy femmes? Some are, but no more than the go hand-in-hand. And indeed, drag is hardly a rest of the gay male community according to sevnew concept. Across the globe many theaters have eral ethnographies. These boundaries of keeping and had men play the roles of women. For cendrag queens on the stage versus the public are returies men have been dressing up as women for inforced by other gay males. With the public keepprofessional and theatrical reasons. ing certain social distances away from drag queens it is easy to see where the ostracism Pertaining to anything performance related, there comes from. Also, the less interaction occurs, then is always certain dress or costume associated the more extreme a drag queen’s behavior will apwith it. There are many overlooked pieces of dress pear. that help the fulfillment of drag repertoire. It is de-

by Benji Michalek,

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Not only is there the general public social ostracism for drag queens, but there is also the romantic ostracism too. Many a times is there an emphasis on finding the ‘man’s man’ within the gay community. And at risk of being exposed as something contrary, there will always be a question whether to keep the dress in the closet versus risk chasing away a potential lover. When dealing with two personas there will always be two sides to the coin. The second point is if a guy tries to pick up someone in drag. But, the question is: Which persona are they interested in? The broad shoulders? Or, just the pretty face? I recall a friend once telling a similar story which ended with the phrase, “You know this comes off when I get home, right?” It is difficult being beautiful, but what benefits do drag queens provide society? Well for one, a huge political statement. I’ll admit, drag queens often forget why they’re a political statement, and they tend to get caught up in the pageantry. But firstly, drag queens were responsible for the kick-off of the Human Rights Movement after the death of Judy Garland in June of 1969 at Stonewall. And, there is something to be said for breaking binary expectancies by slipping into a dress. Drag queens are an iconic attachment to the LGBT community, and when a member of the heterosexual community sees a drag queen they automatically associate her with the LGBT community. One aspect that is rarely looked at is the smaller effects of a drag queen’s crass behaviors. Shock value works well to remind us that our actions speak louder than words. And when someone asks if you suck dick or lick pussy, it’s a grand reminder that a homosexual act is a homosexual act (no matter how on the DL you are). Believe it or not, using words that are taboo in front of an audience serves as a valuable lesson for the patrons of a bar, especially if they are not members of the LGBT community. Now you may be thinking, “It would be a bad example to let a newcomer see a drag queen.” But, in truth several researchers have found that even when heterosexuals visit a drag performance they are able to associate the drag queen’s behavior with theatrics. Also, after watching a night of wild drag queens tends to make other members of the gay community look more docile, especially when he or she isn’t hurtling a volley of profanity. Drag queens are a valuable and inseparable part of the gay community. With the beauty of a woman and the allure (and libido) of a man, they grant us ‘rare and stimulating insights in our cosmic fabulosity.’ It may be easy to take them for granted, but don’t. Always tip well, and remember: Drag queens are people too. More at www.gailyfwd.com or on iTunes under gaily fwd. Colorful facts, for colorful lives.

Traut,akaPunchy,tooktheabovephoto.Wetothisdaystillargueifit’sadragqueenornot.

july2009

Gracious & Gorgeous by Chris Hayes

CH: Where was your favorite place to visit? NW: There is no way I could even pick one. One thing that I learned over this last year is that the GLBT community across this country is so amazing and unbelievable. I loved Toronto and Tulsa, adored Omaha, St. Louis, Phoenix, and Atlanta, and was CH: Hey gurl, what up? How did your pleasantly surprised by Port Huron, MichiPride go? gan and Youngstown! I can’t pick just one NW: HEY! Oh my, PRIDE was absolutely because the promoters and fans of this amazing this year. I have never done Pride system (EOY), are just an amazing group the way I did it this year, and I think this of people who took me into their hearts was my favorite Pride yet! The energy was and homes and made sure that no matter absolutely amazing, and I got to see so how far I was from Columbus, I still felt many friends and make new ones as well. comfortable and like I was at home. Pride was fantastic! CH: How do the other cities you’ve been CH: You are just wrapping up your year to compare to Columbus? How does the as EOY. Are you relived to end your drag scene compare? term? Sad? NW: Ok, we are so lucky here for so many NW: It is all so bittersweet. I mean, I am different reasons. One of the first things I ready for the next step in my journey, but have noticed by traveling so much is the seeing this chapter end is sad. The last fact that we have such a cohesive and year has been one I will never forget. I tightly knit community. I have learned to have traveled the country, met so many not take this amazing city for granted. people that I have fallen in love with, and AND THE DRAG?!?!? Honestly, the drag in believe I have evolved as a person and this city is some of the best in the country, entertainer. This was a once-in-a-lifetime if not the world. We just do it differently experience, and I am just blessed to have here. The drag community, for the most had this experience. I start thinking about part, is very close and seems to watch out all I have done in the year of my reign and for one another, when push comes to I get emotional. I have gone to places I shove. I am not saying that it is all sunhave always wanted to go, seeing some of shine and roses when you have 12 queens the greatest places in our country. I have in one dressing room, but I know that also been to places I never thought I aside from the amazing talent in this city, would be! And TSA and I are really tight I know that the girl I am sharing the now! dressing table with would help me if I needed it, and I would conversely do the CH: Tell us about your reign. How many same, which I think is a rare thing. And events did you preside over? ok, yea, Columbus queens kinda have it NW: My reign has truly been fantastic. And goin’ on. ☺ I am happy to say that I am proud of how I carried myself throughout the last 12 CH: I heard Ms California and you had a months, representing myself and this slap fight at the Miss America contest. amazing place I call home. I did 20 preHow did that go? lims and have two left before my reign is NW: It was a TKO – she couldn’t hang with over. This weekend I head off to Dallas for my biting wit and acerbic humor. Cunt. Texas EOY and the following weekend, I will be in Louisville for the final prelim, CH: How much politics are present in the Kentucky EOY. pageant system? Do expected favorites tend to win? Is there the proverbial CH: What were your actual duties as casting couch, or maybe wig stand? EOY? Which was the worst and which NW: You know, you hear those stories of was the best? pageants where the winner seems to be NW: My main duty as National Entertainer handed the title. I think I represent the of the Year is to travel from prelim to pre- fairness that is the Entertainer of the Year lim, represent the system, and serve as system. I competed against at least 13 an administrator for the prelims, to enwell-established entertainers last year, sure fairness and credibility is in tact and many of whom had other national titles in place. Every prelim I went to was run under their dance belts. No one knew me with the utmost professionalism and care, when I walked in the door, but by the time and I am proud to say that every prelim the weekend was over, they all knew the was in the category of “best”. name Nina West. I never set out to win. I Columbus’s first national pageant title holder, Nina West, is getting ready to hand over her crown. I caught up with my friend to find out how her year went, the politics of pageants and some insight into her big finale.

july2009

Trauttooktheabovephoto.Wetothisdaystillargueifit’sadragqueenornot.

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Rumor has it that because of the arches in the Short North that Marcellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loses power all the time.

july2009

set out to do my best. And my best was what won last year. There is no proverbial casting couch at National Entertainer of the Year. But I can roll my couch out if anyone wants to lay on it, if ya know what I mean, and I think you do.

CH: Who’s looking like the big contenders for EOY this year? Do you think Columbus can win again? NW: There are quite a few serious contenders competing this year! Daphne Ferraro from OrCH: You won EOY on your first try as a virtual lando, Trinity Taylor and Genesis from Birmingunknown. Was there any fall out from that ham, Vanessa Demournay from Louisville, within the system? Bianca Nicole and Raquell Lord from Atlanta, NW: Yes, I was a virtual unknown. But I think and even Ida Slapter from Columbus, and more that has only helped the season grow. My first are set to qualify at our last two prelims. I national competition, my second pageant ever, would love to see another Columbus girl win the and I achieved a goal and a dream. I think my title. I would love to see Maria Garrison or even winning EOY showed little draglings all across my drag mama, Virginia, head to EOY, and only the country that with some grit, work, and detime will tell if they will, but I believe that they termination, your dream can be achieved. In my are both very capable of bringing that title back travels from prelim to prelim this year, I have to Columbus. seen so many new “girls” competing. I think that is a testament to what my win signifies CH: When is the pageant? Date, time, place, and the work I have done over the last year for cost, more info? the system that I love so much. NW: The pageant is July 31-August 2 in Louisville, Kentucky! Final night is August 2, at CH: Do you think being new worked to your the Palace Theatre in downtown Louisville. For advantage? ticket pricing and information, go to NW: Of course, being a newbie completely http://www.eoy.net played to my favor. No one took me seriously, for whatever reason. So, for the first day and a half CH: Can you give us any info on what your of competition, I was just mixing in with the closing show will be like when you give up rest of the contestants. All the big name girls your crown? How are you going to top yourwere worried about one another. I didn’t have self from last year? any of that extra pressure. I had a circle of NW: The theme for my opening is DOWN THE friends with me to support me. And honestly, it RABBIT HOLE. I am taking the story of Alice in was nice to go in and work with what I know Wonderland and adopting it to be the story of how to do, which is entertain. I put enough my year as Entertainer of the Year. It is going to pressure on myself to succeed. I didn’t want to be amazing. A cast of 35 are helping me pull let down the crew of 15 people that went with this off, which includes some of Columbus’ fame to support me, not to name the countless vorites like the Columbus Stompers, Virginia numbers of people who drove down from West, Maria Garrison, Hellin Bedd, Penny TraColumbus to share the weekend with me. The tion, Beverly Ford, Pretty Punasti, Anisa Love, support of my community, from the beginning of Mark Bryan, Freesia Balls, Samantha Rollins, my journey into drag till now, has truly meant Sherri D and Sandy V, and more. It is going to the most to me of anything. I know how lucky I be magical…and a once in a lifetime experiam to be based in Columbus –how lucky any ence. performer in this city is. CH: What’s next for Nina? Another pageant? CH: Which pageant is the most political? RuPaul’s Drag Race? Nina the one woman Which the most popular? The most pretty? show on Broadway? Sleep? NW: You know, I only know the Entertainer of the NW: Next for Nina? What isn’t next for me? Haha Year system inside and out. The other 3 that are I am working very hard on a new project called considered the “BIG 4” of national pageants – FindFred.com. I am also going to be maintainUsofA, America, and Continental, each have ing a pretty rigorous travel schedule for awhile. their merits. I know that EOY was the system for I have been invited to perform with the touring me because of the emphasis on creativity and cast if Wicked for a benefit in San Diego called talent. Defying Inequality. I have also been invited to perform at Dallas Pride in September! I am CH: Do girls tend to complete in all the pagkeeping my options open! For the time being I eants or does the delineation between them am done competing and want to focus on life in keep contestants pretty polarized? Columbus with my shows and my man. And I NW: There are a lot of girls who compete from can’t lie, if timing were right, I would love to do system to system, but I do not believe this po- RuPaul’s Drag Race…maybe season 3? And larizes any of the contestants from system to Broadway? That is the ultimate dream…Hey, system. I could be wrong, but my perception is Mr. Producer, I’m talkin’ to you sir! that things seem to be pretty fair throughout. Nina West can regularly be seen performing at Union Café And, by competing from system to system, the Short North. Her next big show NINA! Back to Basics many of those girls have to commit those rules in is October 15, 16, 17, 18 at Axis Nightclub. Superand bylaws of each system to memory, because dragqueen.com for more info. categorically speaking, each system is so different from the other.

july2009

NinaWestisdaughtertoVirginiaWestandmothertoFreesiaBallsandsistertoNatashaWestwhodidn’twinMissHavanawhenChrisjudged.

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Vote No! Who needs cops anyways, right? Or trash removal? Or firemen? We can take care of that ourselves! ... Morons!

july2009

Dixieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the top rated sales people in the world for Tupperware. Go get â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em, gurl!

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Hey I bet one of those Tupperware popscicle makers would fit perfectly on her tongue. Buy up lesbians!

july2009

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standing on a couch to make him appear taller. And what is that cowboy doing to the Liberty Bell?!

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The New Face of the Grand Old Party by William Ashley

and assessed the options available to gay Republicans, I have noticed a major difference So you’re gay… and a Republican. As a debetween the missions of Log Cabin and GOvoted member of the Democratic Party, I cannot Proud. The Log Cabin Republicans fight for infathom what you must be thinking. Still, there clusiveness within the Party. In order to get has been so much debate and upheaval within pro-gay policies enabled, the group feels as the Republican Party, especially between gay though the entire Party needs to realize the Republicans, that it has forced me to take a mistake of their anti-gay stance. second look into the minds of these radicals. So, in order to accomplish this, I will consider On the flip side, GOProud wants to go right to myself a gay Republican. I suppose it will be the source. Instead of educating fellow RepubOK to step into Miss California’s pageant shoes licans, GOProud’s main goal is to lobby for gayfor just a little while. But, first, I need to evalu- friendly legislation. ate where I stand. This brings us to the ultimate question pertainObviously, I am now a super minority: a minor- ing to the agenda of gay Republicans: educaity within a minority. tion or action? Is it better to spend your time convincing your fellow Party Well, at least I’m not alone! In the late 1970s, members that some of the gay GOP banded together and formed the their policies toss Log Cabin Republicans. The Log Cabin Repub- homosexuals licans try to educate members within their away as secparty about civil rights. Still following the core ond-class Republican creed, the Log Cabin Republicans citiargue that sexual orientation has nothing to do zens, with politics, but rather a humanitarian issue. Discrimination against gays in marriage, work, and the military is a hindrance on their liberty and pursuit of happiness.

need to educate your core base. Once the GOP as a whole can see their wrongs, passing public policy in favor of gay rights will be much, much simpler. Over in the GOProud corner, I agree that in some cases, action is needed regardless of the level of intellect of your peers. Log Cabin has been around for thirty years and the Republican Party is still viewed as anti-gay. There needs to be an active voice for gay Republicans; one that is fully-staffed and capable of lobbying for their cause. Besides the battle over education and action, the two groups have some key issue-stance differences. GOProud argues that LCR put too much emphasis on hate crime and employ-

Luckily, a prominent member of the Republican Party has stepped up to the plate and admitted her pro-gay stance: Meghan McCain. Meghan came into the gay-Republican spotlight when she gave the keynote speech at the annual Log Cabin Republican Convention and Liberty Education Symposium in April. Meghan, daughter of the Republican presidential nominee in 2008 [John McCain], symbolizes this group of progressive Republicans. Yes, I used those two words in the same sentence. In her speech at the Log Cabin Convention, Meghan detailed the new wave of socially conscious Republicans. She discussed the battle to once again gain control of the government as not only between liberals and conservatives, but also as between the past and the future of the Republican image. Using Twitter and Facebook will not make the GOP look cool again, she argued. Instead, the Party needs to depart from their “obsolete positions” and suggest practical solutions to the nation’s ills. “I am concerned about the environment. I love to wear black. I think government is best when it stays out of people’s lives and business as much as possible. I love punk rock. I believe in a strong national defense. I have a tattoo. I believe government should always be efficient. I have lots of gay friends. And yes, I am a Republican,” she stated.

So now I’m thinking, “Wow! I have finally found more people like me. Now we can all work together to change the nasty image of the GOP.” Hold up. Stop. Wait.

At this point, I need to step outside of my nightmare and analyze Meghan through my deep blue eyes.

In April, staff members of the Log Cabin Republicans divorced themselves from the group and formed GOProud. They argued that the Log Cabin Republicans were aligning themselves too much with liberal leaders and ideals in their efforts to secure support for gays within the party. There is definitely some validity to GOProud’s argument. Tim Gill, a prominent Democrat, is one of the biggest backers of the Log Cabin Republicans. The former Log Cabin staffers who formed GOProud also said that Log Cabin has been absent in Washington politics for far too long. There’s a shocker: the Republican Party is divided on an issue. But what actually is shocking is that even this two-time minority can’t stand together. It’s safe to say the divisiveness within the GOP was a major contributor to the loss of the Party’s control of the federal legislative and executive branches. Now, suddenly, what is arguably one of the smallest minorities within the Party is splitting. It seems like these groups have even bigger problems than just convincing their Democratic gay friends that they aren’t completely going against the greater good of the cause. Now that I’ve gotten into your head a little bit

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Here is what I see in Meghan: A republican that I can actually see myself debating with and not feeling like my efforts would be wasted. Even as a staunch Democrat, I can fully appreciate what Meghan brings to the table. or is it better to advocate for the policies that will force these same views to change?

You can’t help but love someone who brought her hair stylist along on the campaign and laughed about how many date requests she received during that time… for her stylist!

This new wave within the Republican Party is leaning towards action. They’re tired of the relentless game of altering the feeble minds of the more traditional members of the GOP. For them, it’s time to take the fight out of the bar and into the streets.

ment discrimination legislation, while ignoring key Republican stances on estate-tax appeal and Social Security privatization. The group says these issues are vital to gays who are not protected under partnership recognition in most states and the federal government.

There are several ways to analyze this evolution among gay Republicans. In defense of the Log Cabin Republicans, I don’t see how much will change if no one is sympathetic to your views. In order to get something accomplished you

As a new member of the gay GOP, I need someone to look up to. Someone that I can point to when I’m debating with my Democratic friends and say, “See! Someone important agrees with me.”

MeghanMcCain’sblog,wherewegotthispicfrom,ismccainblogette.com.Dropheranote.

My trip into the mind of a gay Republican was wild, entertaining, and extremely informative. After I got harassed by all of my friends for supposedly ruining any chance for gay liberation, I found a few groups that are faithful to my cause as well as a spokeswoman who can put my beliefs out into the world. Maybe one day, when social issues are no longer an issue, this super minority can have some serious say in America’s political arena.

july2009

The New Faces of Social Conservatism by Wayne Besen

is pretty explicit in what we’re supposed to do—what man and woman are for... I’ve had It was unusually satisfying to watch beauty con- some friends that are actually homosexual. And, testant turned Bible-thumper Carrie Prejean I mean, they know where I stand, and they know crash and burn. In the bat of an eyelash, she that I wouldn’t have them anywhere near my went from Christian role model to wannabe un- children.” derwear model after racy pictures of her surfaced. “They were quite inappropriate and Joe the Plumber looked like Einstein compared certainly not photos befitting a beauty queen,” to Maine Rep. Bernard Ayotte (R). During a state Alicia Jacobs, a Miss USA judge, told NBC’s House debate on marriage equality (passed 89Today Show. 58), Ayotte said that he couldn’t support the legislation because it would provide legal proThe verb “strip” is the one most associated with tections to people whom he said suffered from Prejean’s name these days. She stripped her hormonal imbalances. clothes, has been stripped of her Miss California crown and was certainly stripped of her moral “By all indications, homosexuality in human beauthority as a spokesperson for marriage. In her ings seems to be generated by imbalances in brief stint as America’s scold, she forgot to the human body,” Ayotte said. “As legislators, it memorize one Bible passage: “Judge not lest is important that we do not base our statutes on thou be judged.” genetic aberrations.” Even by the low standards set by anti-gay activists, this level of ignorance What’s amazing is that the circus-like antics of was shocking, yet indicative of how far the Prejean are the rule, not the exception for today’s quality of our opponents has fallen. anti-gay activists. There has clearly been a brain drain among our opponents — with the Joining the chorus of anti-gay clowns was forconservative intelligentsia largely running from mer Washington, DC mayor Marion Barry, best GLBT issues. Filling the vacuum, are the vacu- remembered for smoking crack and allowing ous — with little to offer, other than comedic the city’s rats to grow as large as cats. relief. A longtime gay rights supporter, he was the lone For example, Joe the Plumber plunged into cul- city councilman to vote against a bill, passed ture wars with his usual thoughtful advice: “I 12-1, to recognize same-sex marriages perpersonally still think it’s wrong...you know, God formed outside the District.

july2009

“All hell is going to break lose,” Barry predicted. “We may have a civil war. The black community is just adamant against this.” Columnist Leonard Pitts summarized Barry’s political cowardice when he said the former mayor “punked out.” Sharing the anti-gay spotlight was caustic talk show host Michael Savage and the Kansas preacher noted for picketing military funerals with “God Hates Fags” signs, Fred Phelps and his wife, Shirley. They were banned from visiting England and publicly scorned for their bigoted views. While I do not agree with their banishment (neither do civil liberties groups), it does force social conservatives into the PR nightmare of having to turn Savage and Phelps into “creep celebres.”

ing protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity. There are also 31 states that offer such protection based solely on sexual orientation. In these 43 states, can Dobson point to a problem with hate crime laws being applied to necrophilia or bestiality? If not, his bizarre and paranoid ranting says more about his overactive imagination, than it does about the reality of such laws. Of course, for the sake of sheer amusement, we can’t leave out the absurdity of Bristol Palin hawking abstinence. With baby in-tow and embittered ex-boyfriend on tail, she is the poster girl for the social conservative mantra: “do as I say, not as I do.”

Let me reiterate, so you can fully appreciate and savor the situation. The new faces of social Even the “mainstream” anti-gay activists seem conservatism are: Carrie Prejean, Joe the to have come unhinged. In stating his opposi- Plumber, Marion Barry, Bernard Ayotte, tion to federal hate crime legislation, James Michael Savage, Fred Phelps and Bristol Dobson appeared in a video where he falsely Palin. claimed that the inclusion of “sexual orientation” opened the door to, “bisexuality, exhibiWith such luminaries, it should be no surprise tionism, fetishism, incest, necrophilia, that the GLBT community has had a string of pedophilia, prostitution, sexual masochism, incredible victories. Somewhere in the process voyeurism, bestiality.” Dobson added for effect, of passing the torch to the next generation, anti“I have to ask, ‘have we all gone completely gay activists have stumbled and are in danger mad?’” of burning down the homophobic house. Oddly enough, Dobson lives in Colorado, one of twelve states that have a hate crime law offer-

We need more gay cops. Sign up at: http://www.columbuspolice.org/Employment/RECRUIT.HTM

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Gavin is believed to have originated from the Welsh name Gwalchgwn, meaning "White Hawk." So when you see Gavin Danger, mind your rabbits.

july2009

The ‘Big M’ is ‘Empathy’ Dick Cheney isn’t the only American to rethink gay marriage because of a personal connection to the issue. by Chris Crain It was a bit of a head-turner this week when Dick Cheney, the former vice president and conservative attack dog, took time out from his blistering critique of Barack Obama to disagree with the president from the left on the issue of same-sex marriage.

less been a “fierce advocate.” Then again, no Democrat in Congress has introduced repeal legislation either. All in all, Dick Cheney’s supportive comments tell us less about the president than they do about gay marriage as an issue and how a personal connection can be so critical in winning over even hardened hearts and minds.

“I think people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish - any kind of arrangement they wish,” Cheney said during a question-andanswer session that followed his harsh assessment of how the current occupant of the White House is handling the economy and national security.

As we all know, the former veep’s younger daughter Mary is gay, and she and her long-time partner have a young son. By all accounts father and daughter are very close, personally and politically; so much so that Mary managed her father’s reelection campaign in 2004. From that close-in vantage point, Dick Cheney understands full well “The question of whether or not there ought to be a that her desire to marry - or “union”-ize - is a federal statute to protect this, I don’t support. I do basic human need that poses no threat to the believe that historically the way marriage has been “traditional family.” regulated is at the state level… But I don’t have any problem with that. People ought to get a shot A Gallup poll out last week confirmed the imporat that,” he added. tance of that personal touch. Among Americans who said they don’t personally know anyone who is Instant analysis from the blogosphere took pleas- gay or lesbian, opposition to same-sex marriage ure in the obvious irony that such an iconic figure runs almost three to one. Among those who do, from the Republican right now appeared better on slightly more support marriage equality than opthe issue than the Democratic president who de- pose it. spite opposing marriage equality has promised to be a “fierce advocate” for gay rights. Marriage isn’t the only hot-button controversy impacted this way. Nancy Reagan became such a Not so fast. Careful observers like Denis Dison, fierce advocate for stem cell research, parting who blogs for the Victory Fund at GayPolitics.com, ways with the religious conservatives who are her noted that Cheney stopped just short of saying he husband’s greatest admirers, because she saw actually supports marriage for gays, referring as firsthand the devastating effect of Alzheimer’s. he has in the past to gay couples entering into “any kind of union they wish.” We are dealing here, There is a word to describe this ability to look beafter all, with a politician who knows how to parse yond politics and even religious teachings to see his words, re-branding waterboarding and other how an abstract issue has real impact in real forms of torture as “enhanced interrogation tech- lives, whether among loved ones or strangers. It’s niques.” called empathy. More concretely, Cheney’s opposition to “a federal statute to protect this,” while also vague, could either be referring to a law banning states from marrying gays or a law that extends marriage rights nationwide.

It’s the quality that President Obama said he was looking for in a Supreme Court nominee, and it’s the reason Sonia Sotomayor may well be right that, on average, “a wise old Latina” ought to make a better judge than “a wise old white man.”

In that sense, Obama still comes up better than Cheney on marriage friendliness, since the president supports full repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the heinous federal statute that allows states to ignore same-sex marriages elsewhere, as well as blocking federal recognition.

It’s the reason yours truly is no longer the conservative Republican I once was, because seeing bigotry and grossly unequal treatment up close has given me greater empathy than I had before for the struggles of others.

A “federal statute” repealing DOMA could decide things nationwide as a practical matter, since even couples in states that ban gay marriage would be able to travel to places like Massachusetts or Iowa, get married, and demand legal recognition back home. Even if Obama remains better on paper, it is certainly fair to complain that he’s done nothing concrete thus far toward ridding us of DOMA - much

july2009

And it’s empathy that will ultimately be responsible for President Obama eventually finding the political courage to lend his support for full marriage equality. Chris Crain is former editor of the Washington Blade and five other gay publications and now edits GayNewsWatch.com. He can be reached via his blog at www.citizencrain.com. photo: doctor2008.wordpress.com

TheonlyBigMweknowistheBigMac:twoall-beefpatties,specialsauce,lettuce,cheese,pickle,onionsonasesameseedbun.

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Dick Cheney & Eternal Hellfire Bush-Cheney supporter Harry Whittington along with him during a hunt, Cheney shot WhittingNews flash: there is evidence that Dick Cheney ton in the face and chest, then allowed the vichas an eternal soul. Or at least he thinks he has tim to apologize for getting in the way. one, and that he believes his soul is in serious Since Cheney is hypothetically an American, his danger of burning forever in a lake of fire. country is his master, so betrayal of country would count as 2 of Dante’s worst forms of traiCheney is like so many of his neo-con friends: tor in this case. But Cheney’s time as VP is a never wrong, aggressive when they think they roll-call of betrayal, including the sell-out of can get away with it, and subservient when they have to be. Morality is a tool for the acqui- American troops so Halliburton and KBR could sition of power. Nobody’s suffering is worth more make obscene amounts of cash. I’m sure Cheney got much more than 30 pieces of silver. than one’s own pride. by Mickey Weems

Such qualities can be found in politicians of every stripe, but rarely have they been so blatantly obvious when we examine Cheney’s climb to power. He chaired Bush Junior’s committee to find a proper running mate, and then picked himself. He betrayed a member of the CIA in order to punish her husband for producing evidence that the Cheney-Bush administration was lying about Iraq’s capacity for weapons of mass destruction. He authorized torture of helpless prisoners to produce evidence when no evidence was forthcoming about an Iraq-Al Qaeda connection. He would not invite his own daughter, Mary Cheney, on stage with him and his family during the 2004 Republican Convention for fear she would bring her wife.

Cheney will never admit that the first thing he did when the USA was attacked that terrible day in September 2001 was to hide. Being the coward he is (multiple deferments from having to serve in Vietnam- he said he had better things to do), he cannot bring himself to admit the gross mismanagement that occurred during his watch. He even sent his rather inept daughter Liz to back him up (I guess the more intelligent Lez was too controversial to drag into it).

But Cheney’s belief in the legitimacy of torture may be his spiritual undoing. It makes sense for Cheney to sanctify torture because his God will torture humans for all eternity. And Dick certainly has strayed. Every accident, every heart spasm, every visit to his high-paid doctors for But recently, he has publicly supported Gay marriage, an issue he repeatedly dodged during complications arising from the myriad condiagencies that perform late-term abortions. tions that afflict him is a warning: there is a his tenure as V-POTUS. There is no inquiry as to whether there may be place prepared for the unrepentant sinner. moral grounds for such procedures, just a line The Triple Crown of Damnation drawn without reason or mercy: Cross It And The Coming Christian Jihad You Will Be Punished. To be fair, Cheney has said repeatedly that he is not against Gay marriage. But he did so quietly, Most of the Bush-Cheney errors can be mopped up by the Obama administration. But the dis- We have also seen an increase in violence and towed the line of former president Bush against LGBTQ people. Hate radio has been about the “one man, one woman” sacred mar- astrous aftermath of 8 years pandering to Christian bigots is just beginning to show itself. preparing the criminally insane army of God to riage-as-basis-for-all-things-civilized. fight back against not just abortion, but those We can expect more idiots like Carrie Prejean to who threaten the sanctity of marriage. And the But perhaps fear of damnation has loosened battle goes all the way to grade-schoolers. Beat speak out against Gay marriage. Despite a his tongue. flurry of soft-porn photos taken of Miss Califor- them if they do not conform to supposedly Cheney may have been reading Dante’s Inferno, nia as a teenager and as an adult, despite lying Christian gender and sexual orientation expectations. the first part of a trilogy, The Divine Comedy, in about the significant number of such photos, despite her parents queer-bashing each other which Dante travels to Hell and sees how the during their bitter divorce, and despite Prejean’s Lesbian Abortionists damned are punished forever with some mamother dating another woman, Carrie still carjorly enhanced interrogation techniques. With the death of George Tiller, the landscape of ries herself and her fake boobs as legitimate pro-choice clinics will no doubt change. champions of Christian family values. The last circle of Hell is dedicated to traitors: those who betray kinfolk, country, and guest. In Two reasons Tiller was such a target for fanatthe center of Hell is Satan trapped in a lake of We can also expect domestic terrorists to killice. He is an unholy trinity of a demon with three for-Christ those pro-choice providers who dare ics were his sexual orientation (Straight) and help women decide for themselves. Pro-life ex- his religion (Christian). It is easy to harass heads, each mouth devouring a man who betrayed his master. One such man is Judas, the tremists are calling for martyrs willing to die for those that you may consider part of your own fallen disciple who sold out Jesus for 30 pieces the unborn, a call that easily translates into vio- tribe- it’s called “in-group purification.” lent tactics. of silver. We can expect more clinics to be women-only, Cheney must have realized he qualifies for all 4 History has shown us time and again that those and even more with strong Lesbian support. who are willing to die for a cause are often just The prominent presence of Lesbians could take positions. He betrayed Mary, his own Lesbian pressure off those clinics since pro-life extremdaughter, and Lynn, the mother who bore her, by as willing to harass, bully, beat and murder ists are usually anti-Gay. The tactics used to inpublicly distancing himself from his own blood those they perceive to be The Enemy. timidate clinic workers through public exposure kin at a moment in American history that truly would not be as effective; Lesbians are already Right now, the focus has been doctors and could have made a difference. When he took

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morally questionable. But things could go terribly bad for Queers of all denominations if Christian jihadists decide to target 2-for-1, abortionists-and-Gays. As much of a sell-out as Mary Cheney is (like father, like daughter), even she wouldn’t be able to stand idly by. The sins of omission committed by her father when he let every opportunity pass by to stand up for equal rights as God-given rights may yet have horrific results. When Dick appears before the Throne of the Almighty, not even Alberto Gonzalez will be able to get him off charges of gross neglect. Thanks for Dick Torture is on its way out. America is making friends once more with the rest of the world. Iraq will, hopefully, heal. But our biggest threat to national security is internal. I for one am grateful to Dick Cheney for making the effort not to go into the next world with such a heavy karmic burden. Since I don’t believe in eternal damnation, I don’t think he needs to worry about being eaten by Satan in a lake of ice. But there is something to be said about shame, remorse, and reparation, regardless of whether or not we will burn in a lake of fire.

Inferno is an allegory telling of the journey of Dante through the medieval concept of Hell, today referred to as jury duty.

july2009

Everytime I see one of these dogs all I can think of is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yo quiero Taco Bell!â&#x20AC;?

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ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction By Adam Lippe The most influential of all independent filmmakers is not Quentin Tarantino, but George A. Romero, who, with his Living Dead films (Night of the, Dawn of the, Day of, Land of and Diary of, with more to follow) has established the go-to metaphor for low budget filmmakers, that being a zombie standing in for the mindless members of the human race who conform to society’s rules, no matter which way they turn. The “zombie as society” idea has been worn down so much that there was already a successful parody of the genre (parodying a satire is already a questionable premise), with Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead.

pretentious than Bruce LaBruce’s recent Otto: or Up With Dead People, which similarly plays with the gay zombie idea. LaBruce never knew whether he was making fun of his own film or whether he meant it, and while Hamedani has not managed to focus on any of his targets, whether it is towards the church or within the political realm, he knows how to entertain. Perhaps as a nod to his limitations, Hamedani has Lance say to Tom’s mother to assuage her homophobia, “if it’s any consolation, he’s a top.” Zombies of Mass Destruction will be shown at QFest, The 15th Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The festival will run from July 9-20 and will show more than 100 gaythemed films. You can read more at QFest.com. If you would like to read more of Adam Lippe’s reviews, you can find them at RegrettableSincerity.com.

So for director Kevin Hamedani and his ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction, the danger isn’t just in repeating Wright’s jokes, but also Peter Jackson’s in Braindead, the Spierig brothers’ Undead, or any comedic film that features flesh eaters in a small town, even if they happen to be animals, such as Jonathan King’s Black Sheep. And while Hamedani doesn’t get too creative with the over-the-top gore, he throws in enough unsubtle political jabs at American society to differentiate ZMD from a slew of very low-budget zombie movies. It is also a nice touch that two of the heroes, Tom, an uptight former townie by Romeo San Vicente coming back to come out to his conservative mother, and Lance, his overtly obvious boyfriend, are not reduced to simply sexual creatures, though there are some good jokes CHER AND CHRISTINA AGUILERA GET THEIR at the expense of the intolerant (ex-gay =zombie). BURLESQUE ON The small-town America as a representative of what most Americans really think (safely avoiding indicting the audience, since the utopian world presented doesn’t exist in reality), while an obvious idea, gives Hamedani the opportunity to take shots at xenophobia (immigrants = aliens = zombies) and post 9/11 fear, and an easy nudge or two at religion. This results in some moderately clever dialogue such as when an Iranian teen is being interrogated by your garden variety redneck and she answers his jingoistic questions correctly, which raises his suspicion because “most American high school students wouldn’t know that.” In reality, ZMD is quite a badly acted mess, but that’s not always a negative in the horror-comedy realm, and it’s at least more coherent and less

Not since Bette Davis and Joan Crawford buried the hatchet of their longtime feud and decided to co-star in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? has there been a pairing so pointedly designed to appeal to gay male diva worshippers: Christina Aguilera is making her film debut opposite Cher in the upcoming Burlesque. C. Ag plays a small-town girl who learns to explore her hoochie-ability when she goes to work at a strip club owned by a former showgirl (played by the Dark Lady herself). Brought to the screen by gay director Steve Antin – brother of Blow Out’s Jonathan and the Pussycat Dolls’ Robin, Antin previously wrote Inside Monkey Zetterland and created the cultfave series Young Americans – Burlesque should slide down poles everywhere sometime in 2010. Buy your ticket with a stack of wrinkled dollar bills.

BRIDGET JONES’ DIARY: THE MUSICAL OF THE FILM OF THE BOOK It’s getting to where anything that’s ever been put on film is being talked up as the next big Broadway musical, and now it’s Miss Bridget Jones’ turn. Her adventures as a ciggie-addicted singleton have been captured in two best-selling novels and two movies, but now she’s ready to have her moment in the literal spotlight. The creatively commercial minds that musicalized Billy Elliot are now setting theirs sights upon the Helen Fielding heroine and her Pride and Prejudice–inspired search for true love. (Fielding, incidentally, will be writing the show’s book and also contributing lyrics; actress Renee Zellweger, who starred in both Bridget Jones movies, will not be participating in the stage version. But who knows, maybe there’s an older sister role available.) Bridget Jones’ Diary is set to open on the West End in 2011, with a New York expansion planned should it be successful.

MELROSE PLACE BACK ON THE MAP Dig out your Hyper-Color shirt and your StuStu-Studio styling mousse, it’s the early ’90s all over again: A new and rebooted Melrose Place will follow 90210 on Fox beginning this fall. And while the original one made baby steps toward queer visibility with the milquetoast Matt character (played by Desperate Housewives’ Doug Savant), this new version will hopefully kick things up a notch with the character of Ella (Katie Cassidy of Harper’s Island), a fashion-obsessed and voraciously bisexual publicist. Laura Leighton and Thomas Calabro from Melrose 1.0 will be reprising their roles – Heather Locklear says she won’t be returning, at least (Romeo assumes) until the paycheck gets a little nicer – and the cast will also include noted thespian and musician Ashlee Simpson-Wentz. If 90210 is any template, though, don’t be surprised to see other old-school Place-rs – Daphne Zuniga! That Other Vanessa Williams! – popping by for a visit.

TIM GUNN MAKES IT WORK, SUPERHEROSTYLE He’s got an impeccable taste for fashion, so it’s no surprise that when style guru and Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn made his way into Marvel Comics, he’d wind up wearing one of the genre’s great suits – Iron Man’s armor. Gunn will borrow Ol’ Shellhead’s duds in the new Marvel series Models Inc., which features clothes-horse characters like Mary Jane Watson (from Spider-Man) and Patsy Walker (Meet Millie, The Avengers, Patsy Walker: Hellcat) solving a murder during New York’s Fashion Week. Gunn is one of many pop culture notables popping up in the Marvel Universe of late – rapper Eminem recently crossed paths with The Punisher, while President Barack Obama helped Spidey nab a bad guy. Can’t wait to see what the grandly gay Gunn can do with some repulsor rays when Models Inc. hits the stands on August 26.

Romeo San Vicente has always coveted Yvonne Craig’s Batgirl outfit from the old ’60s TV show but acknowledges that he doesn’t have the curves to pull it off. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.

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Chrisisoftensaidtolookliketheguyfrom ShaunoftheDead.Heneverknowsifthat’sacompliment.

july2009

Columbus’s Most Scenic Public Park (Or Where to Have a Romantic Sunday Afternoon with George or Thom or Sean or…) One of Columbus’s most romantic and interesting sites is a unique urban sanctuary. The Topiary Park is a one-of-a-kind interpretation of Georges Seurat’s famous Post-Impressionist painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte in three-dimensional green.

pleted in 1887 and is considered to be one of the most important paintings in Western art history. The large painting - seven by ten feet now hangs in the Art Institute of Chicago. As Mason’s creation is both work of art and a work of nature, The Topiary Park is a grand homage to Seurat’s masterpiece.

each year. The park is a project of the Columbus 614.645.0197 or visit www.TopiaryPark.org for Recreation and Parks Department. more information. Volunteers are always needed to help in the garden. Phone

Jennifer McNally is Executive Director of Friends of the Topiary Park, a member organization of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association. For more information, visit www.CAMAonline.org.

The only topiary garden in existence based on a work of art, this landscape-of-a-painting-of-alandscape features 80 clipped yew trees trained into ornamental shapes of 54 people, eight boats, three dogs, a monkey, and a cat, and a pond reminiscent of Paris’s River Seine. Visitors will notice that the topiary is done in exaggerated perspective to create depth. The figures in the front are 12 feet tall - much larger than the figures at the far end of the pond.

Located at Town and Washington streets in downtown’s “Discovery District,” The Topiary Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free. Dogs, cameras, and picnics are welcome. Self-guided tour information, a “tree walk” and bottled water are available in the visitors’ center, which is loVisitors of all ages can literally enter the scene cated at the gateand become both physically and imaginatively house on Town engaged with the artwork and its environment. Street. This seven-acre downtown sanctuary is acFriends of the cented with meticulously planted perennials, Topiary Park annuals, hanging baskets, and water lilies. The was founded Topiary Park invites connections of ideas about in 1991 to art, ecology, landscape design, and urban support green spaces. park improveJames T. Mason - the sculptor who conceptual- ments and ized the topiary park - designed, created, and to provide installed the bronze frames and yew trees. The tours and park opened to the public in 1992 on the former educasite of the Ohio School for the Deaf. tional resources Seurat’s pioneering pointillist (using tiny dots of for thoucolor to create light) painting A Sunday Aftersands of noon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte was comvisitors

Park Reading By Gregg Shapiro

and his life partner, and more.

The warmer weather has arrived. With it comes a virtual garden of spring reading delights. Case in point, Our Life in Gardens (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2009, $30) by gay couple Joe Eck and Wayne Winterrowd. The gardening pair offers insights into the world of flowers and plants, as well as relationships. James Innes-Smith writes about common household items, including condoms, lipstick and potato chips, and the production processes that occur before they ever get into our hands in Hew, Screw, and Glue: How Stuff is Made (Abrams Image, 2009, $12.95), with illustrations by Henrietta Webb. Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin tells her personal story in great detail, with the help of Betsy Sharkey, in I’ll Scream Later (Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2009, $26). In addition to writing openly about her experiences as a Deaf actress in Hollywood and her battles with chemical dependency, Matlin tells readers about appearing in the film It’s My Party, her recent stint on The L Word, as well as her relationship with her gay brother Marc

At a time when the new White House administration is invested in the future of the GLBT community and there is an ongoing reexamination of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Nathaniel Frank’s Unfriendly Fire: How The Gay Ban Undermines The Military and Weakens America (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin’s, 2009, $25.95) offers essential and timely insights. Potentially good for America is the paperback essay collection Sex For America: Politically Inspired Erotica (Harper erennial, 2008, $13.95) edited by Stephen Elliott, which includes contributions by queer writers Daphne Gottlieb, Charlie Anders, and out cartoonist Eric Orner.

july2009

HeyPaul,fillthatpicnic basketyouboughtfromMarcieupwithgoodiesandtakemetotheparkalready!

Another GLBT-geared essay collection Second Person Queer: Who you are (so far) (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2009, $18.95) edited by Richard Labonte and Lawrence Schimel, is the companion to First

2008, $15.95) is the paperback Peredition of Thomas son Queer, Glave’s short story collection. and includes second Another short story collection, The First person pieces written by Achy Obejas, R. M. Person and other stories (Pantheon, 2009, Vaughan, Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore, Jeff $23.95) is by Ali Smith, the award-winning writer Mann and others. The prolific Achy Obejas also of “The Accidental.” “Today I’m Yours,” the cenhas a new novel, Ruins (Akashic Books, 2009, terpiece of Don’t Cry (Pantheon, 2009, $23.95), $15.95), her third, on book shelves. the new short story collection by Mary Gaitskill (“Bad Behavior,” “Two Girls, Fat and Thin”), inQueer fiction titles are plentiful this season. volves married woman Ella and her relationship Verge (Bywater Books, 2009, $14.95) is the debut with lesbian Dani. novel by Z Egloff. The Torturer’s Wife (City Lights,

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JerryRhodesisamemberofNetworkColumbus.Youshouldjoinhim.www.networkcolumbus.com

july2009

King Of Disco by Trey Lefferson

the moon was in the sky! It made me reflect on all the elements around me – the water, “Disco is not dead,” declares Barton. the sand, the sky, the sun and moon, and “I hear a lot of music on the radio today that how they were all connected on the beach. is very clearly disco derivative, inspired by classics like ABBA’s “The Visitors”, Yello’s “Vi- TL: The first line is “on the beach I see cious Games” or Grace Jones’ “Feel Up”.” you”... who are you referring to? B: While soaking in the wonders around me, The out singer aims to add a few of his own I started thinking about a man I loved, who I songs to the list of tracks that will endure on missed, and longed to be with. I imagined gay dance floors. Two of his singles have al- seeing him on the beach in front of me. The ready become staples: the dark extended mix song is about being in love and how love of “Take Me Up” (featured on the soundtrack can sometimes feel like drowning in an of the film “Boy Culture”) and his ascendant ocean. dub of “To Call My Own”. TL: What’s your favorite track on the This summer, Barton will release his next full- album? length album, Lessons Learned. The first sin- B: The one that speaks to me the most is gle will be “On the Beach”, a song that artfully “Nothing Lasts Forever.” It’s about how our blends metaphors of nature with unforget- lives are finite and the importance of capturtable lyrics. It’s a deep track; one that may not ing the beauty in each experience. play on Top 40 radio, but that’s OK with Barton. TL: The notion of celebration seems to be a common theme in most of your songs. “I am not and never intend to be a Madonna Why is celebration important to you? or a Depeche Mode,” he says. “I’m incredibly B: That’s due to the influence of late 70’s lucky to be able to make music that I love. I will disco, which was all about celebrating being be known and appreciated well by some peo- yourself. Artists like Sylvester, who made ple – not all – and that is exactly right for me.” music in San Francisco where LESSONS LEARNED was recorded, used his music to TL: What lessons have you learned as an take people to a higher place. That is someopenly gay artist? thing I aspire to do in my music. B: You have to take the risk to truly be yourself in order to find what’s worthwhile. TL: Does the gay community have reason to celebrate in 2009? TL: Is it still difficult for an out-artist to B: We certainly do. The gay community is fibreak into mainstream? nally uniting as a group to battle important B: Gay or straight, there’s a lot of competicivil rights issues. tion for a musician. A friend who works for a major record label calls part of what he does TL: What do you feel we need to pay more for a living “pushing people through the attention to in our fight for civil rights? looking glass”. That’s not what I wanted B: The passing of California’s Proposition 8 when I set out to do music. Doing things on has made it much clearer what we are facmy own terms is important for me. ing in terms of discrimination. How we respond, how we live our lives, how we act in TL: How does the new album compare with the world is what we need to pay attention your 2008 release, Formative? to. B: Hearing the two albums next to each other is a little like watching a flower open TL: What do you say to those who want to up. The production values and vocal label you as a dance artist? arrangements are far richer and more com- B: I am a dance artist. I also make pop plex in the new album. Also, it was a more music. I don’t mind labels, I think it is collaborative effort. I co-wrote many of the human to categorize things and label them. new songs with some exceptional artists. But there is always something behind the You start to hear with other people’s ears label, if you care to look. when you work with other talent. TL: Is there anything your fans might be TL: Who influences you as an artist? surprised to learn about you? B: Vocalists like Linda Ronstadt, David Syl- B: I don’t think so. I lay myself out pretty vian, Annie Lennox and Neil Young are bare on my album. strong influences for me; also late 70s disco. TL: What words do you live by? TL: What was the inspiration behind your B: Listen to your own voice. first single, “On The Beach?” B: I was in Provincetown, walking alone on To learn more about Barton, the beach with the waves crashing and the visit Netspheres.net. sun beating down. I looked up and I noticed

july2009

"Disco Duck" was performed by Memphis disc jockey Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots. It became a #1 hit for one week in October of 1976.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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Gay History Fact: Malcolm Riggle owns Call Management Resources and is the former publisher of Outlook Weekly.

july2009

by Marcus Morris

how silly it was. In my head, it became this comical thing that I was My assignment for this article was to going to do this. Why else would I write about the politics and ever allow myself to be photographed pageantry of swimwear. I am half of at the Statehouse in a banana hama photo duo, Danner-Morris, with my mock? Comedy, of course. I found it best friend John, and we regularly hysterical, and thought I should allow contribute to outlook. We liked the the entire scene to be like a weird idea of a really hot model walking British sit-com. down the stairs of the Statehouse wearing a WildManT swim brief, a After my penis stopped trying to be a trench coat, a fedora, lace-up boots, star, the Danner-Morris team proargyle socks, and a briefcase. It was ceeded to the Statehouse. A mere two to be our clever attempt at merging blocks. John was setting up the shot, swimwear and politics. while I am supposed to bring out my inner Gisele. We proceed, nervously, Of course, the model we wanted to the steps facing High Street, and I couldn’t do it, and then the replace- get into position. I stride down the ment guy didn’t fit the swimwear. My stairs like every lobbyist who ever editor, with a looming deadline, sug- fought for special interests. Although, gested I should do the shoot. Not just on this day my special interest is in be part of photographing the picture, Lycra. but I should wear the swim brief. After running up and down the stairs My first instinct was to run away. I a few times, the police arrive. I am hate my body so much. I used to be not wearing the clothes one should the chubby kid, who always wore his be in when being arrested; I look like shirt while swimming, and ate Hoa flasher or a streaker. If I arrived to Ho’s after school while watching jail in this get-up, I would be fucked. Rosie O’Donnell. My senior year of Literally. high school, I lost 60lbs, shot up nearly a foot, and developed an un- The officer says, “Excuse me, where healthy obsession with appearance. are your pants?” I wanted to reply, It was a catalyst for a lot of poor eat- “But officer! I have been watching ing habits and drug use. I never lost Lady Gaga’s videos, and she gets to the feeling that I was the “fat kid.” go without pants. Why can’t I?” but Even when I was 6’ 1”, and 145 lbs, I instead, I exclaimed, “Uhhhh… We was the fat one. With my history, I are with outlook:columbus! We are would never dream of being seen in doing a shoot about swimwear! This public wearing a banana hammock, is a bathing suit!” I almost fell over. but strangely enough, I decided to go It was the single weirdest moment of ahead with it. I am a masochist. my life. He muttered some things about permits, and told us to pretty I tried on the first pair. They were a vi- much scram. John thought he got the brant red-orange in the Racer style, shot, so we hauled ass out of the and slightly more revealing than I’d Capital grounds. ever wear. My penis flopped right out the front. The WildManT swim line John and I went back to Hayes’s loft, features a fabric cock ring to lift the explained the drama, and the British balls. It creates a fuller package, and comedy lost it’s humor as we started gives the illusion that you have a big perusing the shots. I looked like a dick. I was trying to figure out how to fucking whale; Greenpeace should use the “ball-lifter,” and decided that have been circling. I was a pearI was not interested in lifting my shaped mess. I wanted to hide, but I balls. The brief didn’t feel as attrac- tried to seem ok with it. I felt so insetive on me as it looked on the model cure and ashamed about my body. I on the website, and I became incred- was not happy with the way I looked ibly disgusted with my body. My love at all. I looked as though I had eaten handles looked lovelier, and I looked all the cookies in the cookie jar, and as pear shaped as Grimace. It wasn’t then ate the fucking cookie jar! I a hit with my editor, so I grabbed an- wanted to delete all of the shots. I other pair. would have rather been arrested than have this shot published. I put on the periwinkle Mod Cut Brief, and didn’t hate the way I looked. I felt When I got home, I went to bed…at okay in the flattering lighting of Chris noon. I kept thinking that every perHayes’s bathroom. I walked out, and son who reads the magazine would the combination of fabric, nerves, see my fat ass bopping down the and exhibitionism caused me to en- stairs. It was horrifying. I wanted to hance. It was an obscene sight that I die. I waited until John left to grab was sporting a hard-on while trying dinner that evening, and I stood in to be the professional model. With my the mirror to have a Tracey Gold moerection making me laugh, I realized ment. I looked at myself and wanted

july2009

NoPackageStanwasthefirstWildmanT.comcommercial.It’sbasedontheownerofthecompany,TimWildman.

to tear away the flesh. I felt incredibly lonely. I thought about the fucking chocolate bar in my fridge. I thought about how imperfect I was. It was actually sad, but only for 5 minutes. I realized it was really sad that I cared. It was really embarrassing that I didn’t have a sense of humor. I spent so much time agonizing over this whole thing, and it was so unproductive. With the amount of time I spent whining about how awful I looked in the pictures, I could have donated my time to an organization or cleaned my apartment, or written this article in a more timely fashion. A significant portion of our culture is centered on body image and it is exhausting, both mentally and physically. If we are not starving ourselves into twinkdom, or lifting iron like a muscle queen, we are giving ourselves anxiety about how we look when we expose the world to our bodies in a pair of trunks. Get over it Now! Nobody gives a shit about your love handles. We could care less about your stretch marks. Only bitchy queens really give a flying fuck about the way you look, and if you held up a mirror, they might be pressed to shut their mouths. When you are on the beach, or at the pool, the object is to have a good time. Nobody looks like a million dollars while swimming, with the exception of Matthew Mitchum. This summer, when we are trying to find the trunks that make us look “super hot,” maybe we could look for the ones that make us feel “super good?” Chasing a fantasy is passé. Maybe instead of being hard bodies, we could strive to be healthy, and strong-minded. The good fights we face ahead are not going to be won by men and women who pass out in front of the Supreme Court because they “forgot to eat.” I am going to spend the month of July on the beaches of Australia, and I am going to wear my WildManT swim brief. Not because I think I have a perfect body, or because I have accepted myself, but because I like it, and I am going swimming. The suit is not just for tanning and circuit parties. I am actually planning on wearing this suit for it’s functional purpose. A rarity in our community. I also plan on using my body for its functional purpose: swimming in the Great Barrier Reef, running along the surf, and fucking my husband. My body is not just for embarrassing itself in your favorite LGBT publication. It really has a purpose. Find yours!

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How many times does Noka Davers appear in the paper? Guess the right number and win a prize!

july2009

Food is dramatic- Life is delicious.

Episode 43: A Pam by Any Other Name

by Chris Hayes Chase waited until they had a few martinis in them before he dared bring up the subject. As much as he told himself he wanted to have this talk sober so he could remember, his nerves got the best of him. He started with the Silver Cosmo, a tequila version of cosmopolitan deliciousness. Tequila was his happy fun time drink, and he needed some tonight. He was tired of lamenting about where his and Pam’s relationship was going. He wanted answers no matter what the outcome. “The place is so nice,” Pam giggled. “It reminds me of being in Miami. Man those were crazy times. I was a naughty girl down there. A couple cucumber martinis like this one, and watch out brother! Pam is getting crazy!” Pam liked to bring up what a “bad girl” she was, but Chase had yet to witness any of it. Their courtship had been a long one, but as this was the first time he dated a drag queen, Chase wasn’t sure if that was uncommon. Is three months unusually long not to be getting any? Maybe it was more like dating a woman, but even the women he used to date put out within the first month. But come to think of it, they were all tramps. He didn’t know, but what he did know was he wasn’t getting any… and he was hungry. Just then the waiter brought their first round of appetizers. Pam could eat like a horse and so he had ordered just about one of everything: fiesta bean dip, wings, the Level fry basket, olive tapenade... it took three people just to bring it out! While “I’ve got you here,” Pam quipped at the waiters, “can I go ahead and put in for one of those Smokin’ Raz salads? You know the one with the fresh spring mix topped with smoked turkey, toasted almonds, smoked Gouda cheese, red onions and Roma tomatoes and tossed in a light Chipotle Raspberry dressing? MmmmHmmm honey, that’s what I’m talking about! Chase what about you

july2009

sweatpea, you want some greens?”

work on Brent, Previn, and Uwe to let her do a cabaret show upstairs. Pam had a repu“I’ll just have the ½ classic Caesar please, tation in town for being a bad girl - one that and a Long Island Ice Tea,” he said. Chase Chase thought was more her own self-goshad been filling his lack of sex with food sip than reality. But even so, people were reand had put on a few pounds. He needed to luctant to book her in case she got crazy. get back down to his fighting weight in case Chase hadn’t really seen the “crazy” yet, he that was why there was an embargo in the had noticed in the last few weeks that her bedroom. But as he looked over to Pam emotions seemed to flip as often as Chef gorging on sweet potato fries dipped in cin- Susie flipped the weekend brunch Potato & namon-marshmallow sauce he thought, Bleu Cheese Frittata made with eggs and ‘come to think of it so had Pam, and more potatoes made fresh to order with a hint of than a few.’ She was looking more like those rosemary and topped with bleu cheese and onion rings than that fried zucchini she was balsamic glazed onions. Chase figured it shoveling in her face. It dawned on Chase, was because she hadn’t booked a gig in too, that Pam hadn’t been wearing those weeks and her piano player JJ had started tight sequined numbers when she perworking with other talent. formed like she used too. Everything was much more blousy. Just then, as would have it, JJ walked up to our table. “Hey momma, how’s that frittata Before he could comment Pam shouted “Did of yours baking? Chase you must be ecI hear you order a Long Island, boy? You static!” know they have Long Island pitcher night here on Sundays for their Lips night. A ‘That’s coincidental,’ Chase thought, ‘I pitcher of them in me and my lips will be all didn’t know Pam liked frittatas. At least over this bar… both sets!” there’s something Pam and I have in common.’ ‘If only they were on me,’ Chase thought. ‘I bet they would taste just like the Cajun Suddenly Pam snapped, “Hey JJ you better Pesto dish.’ He fantasized often about what keep your mouth shut or I’ll snap you like she might taste like. Sometimes he thought one of these flatbread crackers that are acshe would be more like Level’s Seared Scal- companying our citrus vinaigrette drizzled lops: plump meaty and moist with a zesty tuna tartare!” lemon garlic butter favor and served with grilled asparagus and toasted orzo pasta. Our waiter came over to see what was going Other times he was convinced she would be on. “You okay there, momma? You shouldn’t like their Flat Iron Steak - 8 oz. of hot certi- get upset you know.” fied Angus Beef meaty goodness that was pink and tender on the inside. Tonight “Easy sugar,” JJ interjected, “I was just though, in here Carmen Miranda outfit, she coming over to say you look as good and you was spicier and so that was what Chase three will be just as delicious as the Old was going to order for dinner - the spicy Fashion Apple Pie is here! I’ll leave you be.” blend of Cajun-spiced chicken breast and creamy basil pesto tossed with tomatoes, What did he mean by three Chase pondered fresh spinach and fettuccine.’ No matter as he sucked down the last of his LIC and how she tasted, Chase worried he was de- ordered another. And when did everyone veloping an unusual food fetish. start calling her momma? Just then, the liquor began to take hold, and Chase found The restaurant was packed as usual. It was the courage to say what was on his mind. the newest thing in town and she and Chase were there every night so Pam could “Pam relationships are like these mari-

nated wings here. Sometimes they start off hot but if you don’t eat them right away they grow cold and fatty.” “Are you calling me fat, sugar? You know your waist line isn’t so…” “No that’s not it at all, well not really, but let me finish. Sometimes relationships are like these buffalo wings, they start off mild until the buffalo sauce kicks in and it becomes spicy hot. I’m kind of feeling like we’ve let our wings sit too long. I’m just wondering what you kind of wing you think we are?” “That’s it!” Pam yelled and jumped from the table and ran upstairs. ‘She really is a frittata,’ Chase mumbled. Being a bit drunk and slow, he didn’t realize what was going on until he heard a roar from the crowd upstairs. Chase stumbled his way to the lounge where he found Pam standing on the light box coffee table stage performing a number. I didn’t know she did Madonna songs, Chase thought as he found a spot at the bar. “Here Chase,” bartender Mikey said as he put a Chocolate Snickers Martini in front of him. “You’re going to need this.” “Need this, why? She isn’t that bad. I mean she’s crying and kind of a mess but I love ‘Poppa Don’t Preach!’” JJ pulled up beside him and said, “Hey dumbass, she’s singing it to you.” To me, I’m not her Daddy, he replied. I mean why would she be telling me she’s keeping my baby… OMG my baby!” It suddenly made so much sense: the mood swings, the muumuus, the packing dildos… Pam is really a Pam. Chase downed the martini looked into his baby’s eyes and began to cry. He didn’t know what would become of them. He didn’t know if he could love a real woman. What he did know was that their relationship was going to a whole other Level.

Absolut’s Level Vodka is made in Åhus, Sweden, from winter wheat using two distinct distillation methods for smoothness and character.

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Have you ever eaten on the patio at Barcelona? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awesome. So awesome they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take reservations for it. Get there early!

july2009

ClevelandRocks!â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;noughsaid.

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Gay Paree and Its Strollable Neighborhoods by Aaron Leventhal Photo by Beth Ervin Leventhal Paris is universally acclaimed as the world’s most beautiful and cosmopolitan city. Its classical architecture, broad boulevards, sidewalk cafes, fashionable boutiques, exquisite gardens and public squares, art galleries, museums and icons such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are legendary. However, it’s Paris’s colorful historic neighborhoods that have kept me returning to the “City of Light” for more than three decades.

the French Revolution. Ile de la Cite (Tours on Mondays at 10:30a). The island and birthplace of Paris was settled by the Parisii, a 300 B.C. Celtic tribe and later was a Roman garrison called Lutetia before becoming the seat of power for the Frankish monarchy for almost 1,000 years. French elite such as Voltaire, Balzac and Cezanne built grand mansions on the island. Bridges links Ile de la Cite and its companion Ile St. Louis to the mainland.

Major sights include the incomparaMy wife Beth and I had the good for- ble Notre Dame cathedral; the fashionable Champs Elysees boulevard; tune to discover a “Paris Walks” brochure in the lobby of the Hotel du the jewel-like stained glass windows Vieux Marais (www.vieuxmarais.com) of Ste-Chapelle; the Louvre, possibly when we checked into the economi- the world’s greatest art museum, cal boutique hotel in the heart of Le built on the foundations of a medieval castle occupied by four French Marais, Paris’s most lively historic kings; Jardin des Tuileries, landquarter. The flyer informed us that the company offered two daily walk- scaped gardens designed in the 16th ing tours led by professional English- century to link the palace to Place de la Concorde; and the Palais Royale, speaking guides through many of Paris’s most fabled neighborhoods. originally constructed in the 15th century for Cardinal Richelieu and “Paris Walks” was founded in 1994 now filled with cafes, boutiques and by Peter and Oriel Caine, an English government offices. couple from Cornwall. They fell in love with Paris and decided to intro- The Latin Quarter (Tours on Mondays duce visitors to the history, architec- at 2:30p) On the Left Bank of the Seine, the Latin Quarter has been a ture, major sights and student neighborhood since the off-the-beaten-track neighborhood founding of the Sorbonne in the Midlandmarks in an informative and dle Ages. We enjoyed wandering often humorous manner. All of the walks last about two hours, cost 12 through the quarter’s tangle of nareuros (about $20), require no reser- row streets filled with hip boutiques, cafes and restaurants radiating out vations and usually attract small groups of 15-20 persons. The guides from Place St-Michel Square. meet you at the neighborhood Metro Churches of note are St-Etienne-duMont, with its mix of 16th century entrance, where all tours begin at 10:30a and 2:30p, rain or shine every Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and St-Severin, celebrated for day of the year. its palm tree style columns and religious depictions in its ancient During our nine-day stay we took stained glass windows that share three walking tours. Before or after the tour we enjoyed a festive lunch at space with seven 20th century windows by Jean Bazaine. a sidewalk café or bistro and spent the remainder of the day in the neighborhood strolling along the nar- Village of Montmartre (Tours on Wednesdays at 10:30a) Montmartre row streets and broad boulevards, was once a rural village with vinetaking photographs, shopping and yards, windmills and wheat fields visiting museums, churches and sights pointed out on the walk. Each built outside the city walls of Paris. Originally a sacred Roman hill dediday was a mini-vacation to a new, cated to Mercury, it became home to distinctive and memorable place. the Benedictine monks when they Listed below is a sampling of our ex- built an abbey there in 1133. Anperiences with “Paris Walks.” Other nexed to Paris in the 19th century, walks include St-Germain-des-Pres Montmartre always has stood apart and Le Marais, as well as specialized from the city. Its beauty, country attours through Hemingway’s Paris and mosphere and low rents have at-

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tracted poets and artists such as Utrillo, Modigliani, Renoir, Matisse and Picasso. You can spend tranquil hours wandering through Montmartre’s narrow streets filled with funky art galleries, boutiques, sidewalk cafes and artists’ and writers’ studios. Be sure to tour the all-white Basilique du Sacre Coeur at the top of the butte overlooking the city; La Galette, the last surviving windmill; and the historic Musee de Montmartre, where the atmosphere of the village’s early days is captured.

and inheritance. Brice points out that dozens of gay bars are open in Le Marais until 2a, but the sex clubs start getting busy around midnight and rock until 6a. These clubs feature bars, DJs, expansive dance floors and small private rooms where hedonism runs rampant. In fact, gay life has become so popular in Le Marais that the chic straight crowd has recently joined in the erotic good times.

When I inquired about the issue of AIDS, Brice immediately pulled a condom from his pocket and handed it to me with a smile. He told me the A short walk will take you to sleazy government and various other organPigalle, loaded with sex shops and prostitutes where you’ll find the fas- izations supply free condoms for gay bars and sex clubs to hand out to cinating Musee de l’Erotisme, open daily 10a – 2a, and the can-can girls clients. at the flashy and pricey Moulin The Hot Gay Life Rouge. Amnesia Cafe (42 Rue Vielle du Temple) attracts a young professional Gay Paree crowd with its relaxed atmosphere, If you want to be totally out and feel DJs and dance scene. completely free to hug, kiss and hold Le Depot (10 Rue Aux Ours) is rehands with your partner, head to puted to be Europe’s biggest sex club Paris’s historic neighborhood of Le Marais. This predominantly gay dis- with a packed dance floor and multitrict in the Right Bank’s 3rd and 4th level rooms for both singles and couples to carouse. arrondissements (quarters) has emerged in recent years as the hippest and most provocative in the L’Open Café (17 Rue des Archives) is the city’s first gay bar with sidewalk French capital. seating year round. Very sophistiLe Marais is celebrated for its mix of cated. Bear’s Den (Rue de la Verrerie), a the old and the new. The neighborhood has a bohemian ambiance with friendly venue for bears and their friends with a busy happy hour scene historic 17th century buildings, the that spills onto the street. famed Place des Vosges public square and the Musee National Picasso comfortably surrounded by in- Le Raidd (23 Rue du Temple) is fatimate gay bars, cafes, restaurants mous for its gorgeous topless waiters and sex clubs along narrow cobble- and go-go boys shower shows. stone streets. 3W Kafe (8 Rue des Ecouffes), which means “Women With Women,” is a According to Brice Nice, the young popular lipstick lesbian lounge with and savvy manager of Le Cox (15 Rue des Archives), a popular gay bar DJs in the Cellar Bar on weekends open daily from noon to 2a, there is until 4a. Open Wednesday – Sunday. absolutely no problem living an open Boys are welcome if they come with a girl. The club also manages Les Jagay life in Paris. He points to Bertrand DeLanoe, Paris’ gay mayor casses, a lesbian tapas bar across the street. for the past seven years, and the passage in 1999 of Pacte Civil de Solidarite, or PACS, that made France Columbus-based travel writer Aaron the first traditionally Catholic country Leventhal is editor and publisher of in the world to legally recognize same High Street Neighborhoods, sex unions. These unions and those www.HighStreetGuide.net. of unmarried opposite sex couples have complete legal equality in such civil matters as taxation, insurance

ParisIsBurning wasfilmedinthemid-to-late1980s,itchroniclestheballcultureofNewYorkCity.Strikeapose!

july2009

by Dan Savage I am a fairly successful man. I don’t make bank like Wall Streeters back in the day, but I haven’t been hungry since college. My girlfriend is younger. We met when she was in grad school. Like many recent grads, she’s not steadily employed, in debt, and driving an unsafe car. So I support her, house her, feed her, and pay her bills (medical, etc.). She needed to pay off her credit-card debt - 28 percent interest rate! - so she took work stripping and later as an escort. Through escorting she was able to pay off her credit-card debt in a month.

date your squeamishness. Now I am not one of these people who is grossed out about sex-related things. I love it messy and sloppy. If he kisses me after eating my pussy, I’m fine with that. But kissing me after he eats my ass? I hate it! It tastes awful! It ruins the rest of the sex for me! I’ve heard the old “Well, imagine what it tastes like for him” adage, but he really does enjoy it, and I do, too… just not the kissing after. I’m not sure what to do about this. I am afraid that telling him would offend him and that he will stop doing it. (I do like having my salad tossed!) Am I being selfish? Should I tell him? Suck it up? Bad Taste In My Mouth

Now some guys would find this distressing, but I found it kind of hot. Here’s the thing: After she paid off her credit-card debt, she stopped escorting. I’d like her to continue parttime until she finds a career. She’s mixed on this. We would like to buy a house and make things more permanent, but our income isn’t enough to do that if she’s making waitress wages. I guess it boils down to this: I would prefer to be with a sex worker than a waitress. I’d rather she make $200/hour on her back than $10/hour on her feet. She says she has issues with sex work. What do you think? Perhaps I’m Mildly Perverted I don’t think it’s up to me, PIMP, or you. And I would hope that your girlfriend, who’s financially dependent on you at the moment, doesn’t return to sex work because she feels coerced. But I can certainly appreciate your point of view. There are men out there who’re turned on by the idea of their girlfriends/wives having sex with other men; some men are turned on by the idea of their girlfriends/wives being paid for sex. You’re clearly one of those guys. And you’re within your rights to share this information with your girlfriend and to try to convince her to return to sex work. Because your fantasies of sex work - of her doing sex work - turn you on. And, again, that’s fine. But you could make a more convincing case, PIMP, if you were better acquainted with the realities of sex work.

One never permits one’s boyfriend - or one’s youth pastor or one’s president - to place his tongue in one’s butt if it isn’t clean and fresh. Because when one allows one’s boyfriend to stick his tongue in one’s butt, BTIMM, one is vouching for the edibility of one’s ass. When one consents to having one’s salad tossed - are people referring to anilingus in that way again? one is saying to one’s partner, “My ass is clean enough for your mouth. Have at it.”

What is the proper condom etiquette for threesomes? In my case, I’m a guy and it would be with two girls. Do I change condoms when I go from one girl to the other? It seems like that would be a hassle. It’d kill the spontaneity. No Clever Acronym First, a general point: Spontaneity is overrated. The best sex often requires advance planning; the more people involved, or props involved, the more planning required. Although threesomes, for example, can sometimes “just happen” (often when three young people “just happen” to get drunk), most threesomes require some advance planning (particularly when adults want to have them). Finding the third, vetting the third, establishing the ground rules, talking about safety, etc. - all of that requires advance planning.

On to your specific question, NCA: You are going to have to change condoms when you hop from one girl to the other. Unless, of course, you’re a total asshole and you only care about It is entirely reasonable for one’s protecting your own health and you don’t give a shit about exboyfriend - or one’s youth posing Girl A to any sexually transmitted infections that Girl B pastor or one’s president - might have, or vice versa. Neither girl should sleep with you if to assume that if one’s you refuse to swap out condoms, and you should remind yourbutt is clean enough self that, just as Paris was worth the hassle of a mass, realizto receive his ing the number-one straight-male fantasy of all time is worth tongue, his the hassle of swapping out condoms. tongue is clean But you do have another option: the female condom. It’s a conenough, dom that she wears. I’ve used them - with dudes - and once you get past the slightly creepy trash-can-liner aspect of using them, they work fine. Stuff one in each girl, and you’ll be able hop back and forth to your heart’s content without pausing to change condoms. There’s more info about the female condom at www.femalehealth.com. Download the Savage Lovecast (my weekly podcast) every Tuesday at: thestranger.com/savage.mail@savagelove.net

You should start sucking off strange men for money. You’ll have to service men, I’m afraid, as there’s not much of a market for male prostitutes who service female clients. While lots of men fantasize about being paid to have sex with women, there’s a fatal supply-and-demand problem. Simply put: There are just too many men out there willing to give it away for free. That created a glut on the supply side, which has distorted the market, as there’s more than enough free straight cock out there to meet the needs of straight women.

postsaladtossing, to be received in the mouth of So you’ll be giving head to dudes, PIMP. And after you’ve choked the person down a few hundred loads, you can go back to the girlfriend whose salad he and say, “Sex work isn’t so bad!” with some credibility. And if has just tossed. you keep doing sex work after you’ve sucked off scores of men you’re not attracted to - men who may or may not have treated So are you are being you with respect, men who may have very different standards of selfish? Perhaps you personal hygiene than you do - that might convince your girlare. But we are, each of friend to continue to pursue sex work for your amusement. us, allowed a hang-up or two. You should inform the Good luck. boyfriend that you’re not into kissing after anal-oral contact. Hello! I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend for But you must present this news to about a year and a half. It is amazing! We are both very GGG, him as your problem, not his, as a and it is by far the best sexual relationship that I have ever hang-up of yours. If he likes you well had. But there is one thing that has been bugging me, and enough, and enjoys eating your ass as much it’s the only thing I feel like I can’t share with him. My as he seems to, he may be willing to take a few boyfriend really enjoys tossing my salad. I enjoy it! We love extra steps - mouthwash on the nightstand? A it! Here’s the problem: He kisses me when he is done. quick swipe with a warm washcloth? - to accommo-

july2009

Bananasaregoodforcramps.Butnotthemenstrualkind.

outlookcolumbus.com

A â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sidewalk Saleâ&#x20AC;? is also slang for the cruising for sex on the sidewalk outside a bar after closing. Michael is an avid thrifter.

july2009

NOKA

by Chris Hayes

Goth Rock Punk Drag Queen Noka Davers is anything but a typical drag performer, and that’s why we love her. Also known as brat boy Robbie Daniels, Noka has been taking the city by storm with performances that you wouldn’t expect and a look that tends to make people a little uncomfortable. How to describe Noka? Davers is a gender fluid, gender queer performer who sometimes looks more boy and sometimes looks more girl, but always is fierce. Rob tells us his character is a little goth, a little industrial, and a little of that girl next door with a dark streak. “Think Rose McGowan in Jawbreaker,” he says. Though he can do pretty, it’s not fun for him. He’s about pushing boundaries. “Anyone can do pretty, it takes a special person to pull off ugly. Ugly is the new pretty.” And he should know, as his drag mom is no other than Queen of the Ugly Hellin Bedd. Noka first appeared 8 years ago in Cincinnati at the Golden Lion as a last-minute replacement to help a friend out but then quickly went back into the crypt. She stayed buried till about two years ago when Nick Wolak needed a hostess for Trauma. Once that Pandora box was open it couldn’t be closed. “I got the bug,” he tells me. “It’s a great creative outlet and it gets us out of the house.” The ‘us’ he refers to is none other than his husband and outlook co-publisher Michael Daniels, who not-for-nothing isn’t home a lot as it is. When Robbie’s not Noka-ing it up, he likes to still be creative and fills time with whatever (and whoever) will keep him busy, which makes me think he might want to change his name to Idle Hands. Besides helping to distribute outlook, his main diversions are in the crafting and baking realms. He makes costumes, wigs, jewelry, and amazing cup cakes. “I’m also working on a website that isn’t just about me, but a store for drag,” he says. NokaDavers.com is coming soon and will be an online retail space featuring drag essentials, performance wear, lots of shoes, lingerie and jewelry. He’s not committing to selling Noka originals, but I have a feeling they will be there. With Noka’s favorite music to perform to being Screamo and the new wave of industrial music, you would never think she would be entering the pageant system, but she is. Davers will be one of at least 20 other queens vying for the Miss Gay Ohio America crown in August. But what made Noka want to do a pageant? “It hadn’t crossed my mind until I was asked. I thought it would be interesting to put my type of character in the pageant world and shake it up a bit. It’s something different and a creative challenge to see if I could play in their rules.” This local celeb tends not to play by anyone’s rules. “I like to think of myself as a controlled anarchist. I play by my own rules but respect others,” she laughs. We can’t wait to see how that plays out! Good luck baby!

by Jack Fertig “Ambition is good, Gemini!” Mercury and Venus are in a dance of flirtatious wit and charm, but as he’s squaring Uranus and she Jupiter and Neptune, watch out for rude surprises – and be careful of whatever you’re drinking!

your partner about any problems. Housework may be an issue, whether you’re doing too much or not enough. Say what you need to say, but be sure to listen, too!

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Accidents and arguments come from trying too CANCER (June 21- July 22): If hard to avoid them. You can you can’t keep your mouth look ahead and be sensibly shut, at least slow down and cautious, but still relax, have think carefully about what fun and joke with friends. Fun you’re hearing. The less you and games don’t have to be like it, the more you need to expensive. You can keep your listen. You don’t have to agree, values strong and prices low. but there’s something there you should learn! AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Financial problems LEO (July 23 – August 22): Hot may seem out of control, but sex with your partner and pro- when are we ever really in fessional advancement both control? A playful, inventive require efforts that will be re- approach may help. Arguing warded. Keeping those in bal- with family won’t. Remember: ance may take some effort. Your own creativity is your Your partner will be very glad best resource. to help with the former, and your friends and colleagues PISCES (February 19 – March with the latter. 19): Current challenges will pay off later, probably next VIRGO (August 23 – Septemyear. Accentuating the positive ber 22): Your brilliant ideas for is worth the effort. You can getting ahead could be imfind strength in home and traproved by input from a colditions if you can rethink them league or employee. Advice into new perspectives. from a teacher or a publicist, however contrary it seems, ARIES (March 20 – April 19): can be factored in. Your part- Keeping up socially can get ner’s input, no matter how expensive. A sibling, or somewell-intended, is probably one who feels more like a sibcounterproductive. ling than “just a friend,” can offer good financial advice on LIBRA (September 23 – Octo- the social front, but more priber 22): Erotic adventures vate matters trust your own await, but so do exotic infec- instincts. tions. Keep prophylaxis at hand, and be careful who you TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): play with. With those caveats Looking good can be imporyou can improve your tant, but it’s really more about chances and your fun by prehow you use what you have senting yourself as solid, reli- rather than what you invest in able, sensual and just the process. Economy and recomfortable to be with. sourcefulness will get you ahead; indulgences will only SCORPIO (October 23 – Nodraw shallow praise from vember 21): Talking dirty with shallow people. your baby is sure to lead from words to actions. Get playful GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Amand explorative. You could be bition is good, but look beyond surprised at what comes up. the next step up and the next Leather and kink communities argument. Not everything you may offer possibilities; you do now will be noticed, but don’t need to join anything to everything you’d rather not be scout around. seen will be. Be philosophical and stay on your best behavSAGITTARIUS (November 22 – ior! December 20): Now is a golden opportunity to talk with 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,

july2009

Nokamightclaimtherearenobodies,butshesureknowsagooddeadbabyjokelikethisone:Howdoyouknowwhenababyisadeadbaby?Thedogplayswithitmore.

outlookcolumbus.com

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show them that Cleveland does indeed rock!

july 2009

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

•••••Stylings BlackManTuckCorsette=$129.95 OdetoUrinebyAxis=$99.95perounce HandJob byStranger=$80.00 Lawyerforbathroomscandal=$99,999

dee ranged

starring in See My Privates in Idaho

photography by robert trautman June 2009

July 2009

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Networking Bars-Clubs

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Thursday 2 3 Wise Men @ Exile Leather & Fetish @ Long Island @ U Thursday Thrust @ CW & HipHop @ Disco Night @ Mar!

28 11:00 AM Brunch & Show! 4:30 PM Strippers @ Pyra! mid 6:30 PM Strippers @ Score 8:00 PM Absolut SIN @ Wall St 8:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Ha! 11:00 PM Strippers @

12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ 8:00 PM Pitchers & Pool @ 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke w DJ Dawn @ Liquid 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slammers 8:30 PM Tues Night Jams @ James Club

4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 7:00 PM Trivia & Karaoke @ 7:00 PM Freshtastic Tunes 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Q 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall 10:00 PM Extreme Strippers

4:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM tini Park 8:30 PM Open Mic @ James 10:00 PM Melt @ Liquid

5 11:00 AM Brunch & Show! 4:30 PM Strippers @ Pyra! mid 6:30 PM Strippers @ Score 8:00 PM Absolut SIN @ Wall St 8:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Ha! 11:00 PM Strippers @

6 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ 8:00 PM Pitchers & Pool @ 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

7 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slammers 8:00 PM Karaoke w DJ Dawn @ Liquid 8:30 PM Tues Night Jams @ James Club

8 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ 6:00 PM Network Columbus 7:00 PM Freshtastic Tunes 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 7:00 PM Trivia & Karaoke @ 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Q 10:00 PM Extreme Strippers 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall

9 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Mar! 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ 8:30 PM Open Mic @ James 10:00 PM Melt @ Liquid

12 11:00 AM Brunch & Show! 4:30 PM Strippers @ Pyra! mid 6:30 PM Strippers @ Score 8:00 PM Absolut SIN @ Wall St 8:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Ha! 11:00 PM Strippers @

13 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ 8:00 PM Pitchers & Pool @ 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy @Q

14 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke w DJ Dawn @ Liquid 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slammers 8:30 PM Tues Night Jams @ James Club

15 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 7:00 PM Freshtastic Tunes 7:00 PM Trivia & Karaoke @ 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Q 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall 10:00 PM Extreme Strippers

16 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Mar! 8:30 PM Open Mic @ James 10:00 PM Melt @ Liquid

19 11:00 AM Brunch & Show! 4:30 PM Strippers @ Pyra! mid 6:30 PM Strippers @ Score 8:00 PM Absolut SIN @ Wall St 8:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Ha! 11:00 PM Strippers @

20 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ Flex 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ 8:00 PM Pitchers & Pool @ 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL

21 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slammers 8:00 PM Karaoke w DJ Dawn @ Liquid 8:30 PM Tues Night Jams @ James Club

22 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Freshtastic Tunes 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 7:00 PM Trivia & Karaoke @ 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Q 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke 10:00 PM Extreme Strippers 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall

23 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ Flex 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Mar! 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ 8:30 PM Open Mic @ James 10:00 PM Melt @ Liquid

26 11:00 AM Brunch & Show! 4:30 PM Strippers @ Pyra! mid 6:30 PM Strippers @ Score 8:00 PM Absolut SIN @ Wall St 8:30 PM Strippers @ Exile 10:30 PM Strippers @ Ha! 11:00 PM Strippers @

27 12:00 PM Dollar Days @ 1:00 PM Happy Hour @ 5:00 PM Happy Hour @ 8:00 PM Pitchers & Pool @ 8:00 PM Martini Monday @ 8:00 PM Karaoke Monday @ 10:00 PM Karaoke @ AWOL 10:00 PM Trivia & Comedy @Q

28 4:00 PM Karaoke @ Q 5:00 PM Top Shelf Tuesday @ Havana 8:00 PM Karaoke w DJ Dawn @ Liquid 8:00 PM Cheap Date Night @ Slammers 8:30 PM Tues Night Jams @ James Club

29 4:00 PM Biker Bear HH @ Tradewinds II 7:00 PM Freshtastic Tunes 7:00 PM Fiesta Night @ U 7:00 PM Trivia & Karaoke @ 8:00 PM 3D Weds @ Q 8:00 PM Futuristic Karaoke 10:00 PM Boy Night @ Wall 10:00 PM Extreme Strippers

30 4:00 PM 3 Wise Men @ Exile 4:00 PM Leather & Fetish @ 8:00 PM Long Island @ U 8:00 PM Thursday Thrust @ 8:00 PM Disco Night @ Mar! 8:00 PM CW & HipHop @ Wall St 8:30 PM Open Mic @ James 10:00 PM Melt @ Liquid

Friday

Saturday 3

7:00 PM First Friday @ Wall St 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Ha! vana 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Q 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

4 Independence Day 8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Q

10 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Ha! vana 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Q 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

11 8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Q

17 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Ha! vana 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Q 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St

18 8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Q

24 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Ha! vana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Q

25 8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Q

31 8:00 PM Flirtinis @ U 9:00 PM Live Bands @ Ha! vana 10:00 PM College Nite @ Wall St 10:00 PM DJ Pat Finn @ Q

8:00 PM Margaritas @ U 10:00 PM Dance Your Ass O" @ Axis 10:00 PM Lesbian Dance Night @ Wall St 11:00 PM DJ T Cruz @ Q

www.outlookcolumbus.com new weekly content. some kissing.

• • • • • • • • about town • • • • • • • • THU, JULY 2 LIFE’S A CABARET...ESPECIALLY IN JULY AND AUGUST! The Best of Shadowbox 2009 @ Shadowbox Caberet, Easton Town Center, 614.416.7625, www.shadowboxcabaret.com. This summer, catch up on the Shadowbox shows you missed or revisit your favorites at this sketch comedy and rock ‘n’ roll club. Thursdays at 7:30p, Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30p& 10:30p all month long. Tickets are $30 / $20 for students and seniors. POOR LIZA - HER LOVE INTERESTS ALWAYS LEAVE HER FOR OTHER MEN

Cabaret @ Club Diversity, 863 S High St, 614.224.4050, www.clubdiversity.com. Don’t miss Club D’s performance of the timeless story of the Kit Kat Club, it’s seedy emcee, Sally Bowles, Cliff Bradshaw, Nazis, gorilla suits, and fantastic music. Performance times: July 2, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18 @ 7p; July 3, 4 @ midnight; July 5, 12, 19 @ 2p. Tickets available from www.ticketweb.com or by calling 614.491.4070. FRI, JULY 3 BOOM SHAKA LAKA LAKA LAKA

Red, White and Boom 2009 @ Downtown Riverfront in Columbus. Come for the entertainment, stay for the fireworks. Full details at www.redwhiteandboom.org. Entertainment and activities lineup includes: 10a: WNCI BOOM! Central presented by Orange Crush opens on Long Street east of Neil Avenue 11a: The Midway presented by the Ohio National Guard with food and novelty vendors opens on Washington Boulevard - The midway is the best place to find hundreds of food vendors, games and inflatables transforming Washington Boulevard into a street carnival. 12p: Long Street BOOM! presented by the U.S. Army opens This area, located by North Bank Park, will be filled with vendors, an entertainment stage, and the WNCI BOOM! Central. Plus, it’s a great place to view the fireworks! 12p: Children’s Hunger Alliance’s Children’s Park presented by COSI and KidsLinked opens at Battelle Park with entertainment pre-

sented by Meijer. Thousands of children, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas flock to Children’s Park. Fun games, educational activities, face painting and more keep children entertained for hours. 1p: Entertainment presented by Mejier begins at Long Street BOOM! Stage 3p: Taste of BOOM! presented by the Arena District and sponsored by Labbat Blue, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi and Bacardi Mojito opens with entertainment presented by Meijer. Taste of BOOM! presented by the Arena District and sponosred by Labbat Blue, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi and Bacardi Mojito on Nationwide Boulevard in the exciting Arena District comes alive with its very own street party! featuring great food from Columbus’ top restaurants, LIVE music from popular local bands, and interactive games from the Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew.Don’t miss national act Love & Theft on the Taste of BOOM! stage at 8:15p. 5p: NBC 4 BOOM! Central presented by Muscle Milk opens on the north end of the midway at the corner of Broad Street and Washington Boulevard 6p: Ohio Air National Guard flyover 6p: The AEP Independence Day Parade begins on Broad Street at COSI heading east and marches north on Front St. disbanding at Spring St. 10p: FIREWORKS! The fireworks will be shot from Veterans Memorial on the north side of Broad Street with the Grand Finale presented by Marathon. 10:30p: Entertainment presented by Meijer resumes on Genoa Park Stage, Long Street BOOM! Stage and Taste of BOOM! Stage

Avenue to Second Avenue to High Street to Russell Avenue to Park Street, cars will go left (some parking spots will be reserved for cars from parade that are going to the block party), and all others go right - towards the block party. Then go play in the street until 10p with live music, dancing, funny stuff, men from mars, women from venus, men from venus, and other stuff! It’s all free - except you pay for your beer.

FRI, JULY 10 THEY ONLY GOT 30 MINUTES TO SAVE THE WORLD

3 in 30 @ MadLab, 105 N Grant Ave, 614.221.5418, www.madlab.net. MadLab presents 3 original 10-minute plays based on the common theme of Volatile. 10p, $5. Through July 11. ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR CLOSEUP...TAKE 2

Short North’s Got Talent Night @ Axis Nightclub, 775 N High St., 614.299.8050 x13, www.shortBUT TRY NOT TO FALL ASLEEP! north.org. Rescheduled from June. Are you a performer? Do you Keep Calm @ Mahan Gallery, work at a Short North business? 717 N. High St., Columbus, OH, 43215, www.mahangallery.com. Take the stage to raise dollars for This exhibition is an investigation new art in the District! General of the artists - Caris Reid, Diane audience admission, $10. PerCarr, Emily Katz, Marlous Borm - former registration info on webinterpretation of memory and in- site. nocence. Opening reception 6p. SAT, JULY 11 Runs through July 31. YOU HAD ME AT ’10 WINES’ Saturday Sips: Grill Out Greats THEN GO GET YOUR HOP ON! Gallery Hop @ Everywhere in the @ Whole Foods, 3670 W. DublinShort North. Eat, drink, be Mary, Granville Rd, 614.760.5556. Sips, buy stuff, stimulate the economy snacks and relaxation. Enjoy 10 wines along with music, cheese and the gay boys in ShoNo. and antipasti. Live entertainment www.shortnorth.org. by guitarist John May. 4p & 5p. $10. Registration required. Call WED, JULY 8 or visit. MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT Literary Picnic presents: JenTHU, JULY 16 nifer Crusie @ Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Ave., 614.464.1032, BEER-CURIOUS? www.thurberhouse.org. Best- The Brew Review @ Whole selling author Jennifer Crusie re- Foods, 3670 W. Dublin-Granville Rd, 614.760.5556. Looking for a turns to Thurber House to help way to make your love of beer look celebrate the 25th anniversary like a fancy hobby? You’re in and read from her latest novel, Always Kiss Me Goodnight; com- luck! Join this fun session of tasting and Q & A with the store’s plete with ghosts, orphans and even a haunted couch! Entertain- resident beer buffs. 5p-7p. $5/punchcard. ing tour starts at 5:20p, picnic starts at 6:15p, featured reading SAT, JULY 25 starts at 7p. Catered RED TENNIS SHOES ARE HOT! dinner/reading, $25. Reading AIDSWalk Central Ohio @ only, $15. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St,. Raise awareness and THU, JULY 9 funds for central Ohio HIV/AIDS FARMERS HAVE BIG BASKETS SAT, JULY 4 Reynoldsburg Farmers’ Market Service Organizations to continue MARCH TO THE HAMSTER DANCE OR DANCE @ Huber Park, Davidson Drive in the fight! www.aidswalkcentraloTO THE HAMPSTER PANTS hio.com. Reynoldsburg, 614.322.6832. Doo Dah Parade @ The Short Enjoy the bright reds, yellows and North. Full information at greens of just-harvested peppers, www.doodahparade.com. The corn, radishes and broccoli. Boys, crazies in this neighborhood will get your cucumbers! Girls, check use any excuse to dress up, make out the melons! 3:30-6:30p. fun of others, and drink. Join Every Thursday through Sep 24. them. Parade lineup at noon. Parade route runs Buttles Avenue (starting at Park Street) to Neil