2009-06-01 outlook: columbus pride 2009 issue by Outlook Media, Inc

outlook june 2009 • vol 14 issue 1

inside: Gayatri closet space Jennifer Brunner Finding Fred In a hayes where’s waldo will she quit cutting? ain’t nobody dead samantha pull out calendar everything pride holiday & Local celebrity Moxy

june 2009

Yes, there are more boys kissing. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry ladies we got some lesbo action in here too!

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Happy Pride Holiday Everyone! Welcome to the second issue of outlook:columbus, your community magazine. Thanks for picking us up again! It’s June, so of course it’s all about Pride. For any of us that are queer, no matter how we participate it is political. Whether you’re marching in the street with your church or with the leatherfolk, you’re making a political statement. Whether you rally at the State House or on the dance floor, you’re making a political statement. Whether you go to the festival or spend the day jogging in the park a la Jeffrey, you’re making a political statement. Even though the economy is currently overshadowing all avenues of policies and procedures, our fight for equality and the ability to live a free life is still the most emotionally charged and hot button topic on the news, the Hill and the dining table. This year’s theme for the Columbus Pride Holiday is freedom. So we asked you, how do you define freedom? By far, marriage equality topped the list. Other replies were in the same vein – when all God’s children have equal acceptance in our society, when there are equal rights across the board, when there is no need for gay rights groups, when there is a cure. We agree. Freedom will be achieved when everyone, gay or straight, citizen or resident, black or white or brown or purple, regardless of gender or expression, race, age, creed, belief system, familial status, or physical attributes is treated fairly and equally by both the law and society in general. When adults in love can marry and define their family in their own terms. When tenure and promotions are determined by performance and attitude. When the Golden Rule – in whatever form you wish to write it – truly rules our hearts, our minds, and our government. Utopia? Maybe. Unattainable? Perhaps. Worth fighting toward. Absolutely.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t do some housekeeping – thanks to everyone who came out last month for our launch party at Havana! It was awesome. Special thanks to Eric Himan, Alexis Stevens and Noka Davers for rocking the full house, as well as, Mr Scottie Nusbaum and Roy G Biv for hosting. Thanks also to our advertisers and sponsors who provide the means for us to put this magazine out each month. Please utilize their services, buy their wares and thank them often. And last but not least, thanks to all of you - our readers. You continually inspire us to provide the community with the best GLBT community publication in the country. Happy Pride! Love, Chris & Michael

you are here

queer to eternity

feature } pride

trippin’ out

snapshot

insightout

pride } welcome

trippin’ out

hey!

in a hayes

pride } proclamation

creative class

q-munity

ain’t nobody dead

pride } the center

interview

poli sci

pride } board

deep inside hollywood

common life

open kimono

fashion forward

pride } volunteers

music is the answer

small pond

food drama!

pride } kat deluna

savage love

gayatri

pull out

about town/agenda

pride } events

local celebrity

gaily fwd >

pull out

samantha rollins

pride } map

astro forecast

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

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So what will it take to get us to Freedom? It will take all of us, being out, proud, and unapologetic. It will take us donning the mantle of entitlement to which the Stonewall queens made us heirs and settling for nothing less than full equality and inclusion. We must not apologize for who we are. We must not kowtow and say ‘thank you, sir’ when our leaders toss us crumbs, but rather stand up and demand to be treated as equal citizens under law. We must introduce our spouses as ‘my husband’ and ‘my wife,’ to everyone, not just when it’s comfortable or convenient. We must live as out businesspeople, run as out candidates, participate fully as out citizens. We must show affection in public. We must show the world that the ‘gay agenda’ is the human agenda. That we are everywhere, involved in everything, concerned about every issue, present in every house of worship, every school, and every city. In short, we must be proud without being prideful. And we must work our asses off to educate, support, and elect those who stand proudly with us. The remaining pages of this issue explore how we express our freedoms, and what we can do to ensure and obtain them for the long-term.

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.

Yes that’s Rocky from Westerville. No he lives in NYC. Yes he lost 100 lbs. No he looks good. Yes that’s his official Pride skirt. No he is not wearking underwear.

june 2009

NETWORK COLUMBUS MAY 2009

DON’T LOOK NOW, BUT I THINK THIS GUY IS CRUISING ME.

DON’T LOOK NOW, BUT I THINK THIS GIRL IS CRUISING ME.

OH MY GAWD ... IT’S SKIPPY FROM COLUMBUS, OHIO

OUTLOOK COLUMBUS

OUTLOOK COLUMBUS LAUNCH PARTY @ HAVANA

OUTLOOK COLUMBUS

LAUNCH PARTY @ HAVANA

NOKA SMOKA

WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON UP ON THAT STAGE?

POUTY IS THE NEW PINK.

PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC, INKBOY.

OUTLOOK COLUMBUS

OUTLOOK COLUMBUS LAUNCH PARTY @ HAVANA

LUST CARNIVAL OF SIN

THEIR SHIRTS CAME OFF LATER. WE HAVE PROOF.

WHY, MISS SABLE, WHERE ARE YOUR HANDS?

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER

BALLET DES SYLPHES REIMAGINED

LUST CARNIVAL OF SIN

CGMC FORTE

YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE SPARKS FLY FROM HER CROTCH

STRAIGHT PEOPLE PLAYING 80S MUSIC AT THE GAY PROM

JIM ARTER MAKES HIS MOMMA PROUD

ITS CALLED KARATE!

OUTLOOK COLUMBUS LAUNCH PARTY @ HAVANA

LAUNCH PARTY @ HAVANA

GORGEOUS, GHOULISH GLAM GAL

june 2009

LAUNCH PARTY @ HAVANA

Don’t see yourself here? Check our pages at www.flickr.com/outlookweekly. Photos by Barb Gingras, Devyne Productions, Allix Machine, Penny McDowell & CGMC

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Tickets are still available for the HRC gala. Sit with us at outlook:columbus - weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re usually near the bar!

june 2009

GOOD JOB!

August 8. Character Breakdown: Father Brendan Flynn is a 30s-40s working-class Catholic Priest COLUMBUS GAY MEN’S CHORUS PRESENTED from the Northeast. Sister Aloysius Beauvier is a FORTE AWARD TO JAMES ARTER AT ANNUAL watchful, reserved, unsentimental nun of the FUNDRAISER order of the Sisters of Charity in her 50s-60s. SisThe Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) presented its Forte Award to local artist, educator and ter James is a nun of the Sisters of Charity who is sunny but reserved. Mrs. Muller is an African activist, James Arter, at its annual fundraiser, American woman, worldly-wise, 38ish and conForte, on May 16. Arter, Associate Artist at the cerned for the ultimate well-being of her son. AuGreater Columbus Arts Council, has had a deep ditions will be reading from the script. Bring impact on the Columbus community, and his headshot and resume if available (not mandaworks align with the goals and vision of CGMC. “As an organization, we work within an outreach tory). Does my driver’s license count? Visit www.emeraldcityplayers.com for more informamodel of 50% arts and 50% social justice, and tion. Jim is the quintessential embodiment of our vision. All aspects of his life have been dedicated to COLUMBUS – THE CROSSROADS OF OHIO CALL the arts and to making the community a better TO ARTISTS place for all to live and work,” said Matthew This exhibit, running September 1-30 at the Arnold, CGMC executive director. James A. Rhodes State Office Tower will focus on the story of Columbus over the last 197 years – CLEVAND CENTER and NAACP HONORED The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland the beauty and splendor of Downtown Columbus and its various neighborhoods, major personaliand NAACP of Greater Cleveland will be given a special award called “The Power of Participation: ties, cultural celebrations and the role that ColumMaking History.” The award recognizes their out- bus has played as the crossroads of Ohio. For those artists who would like to exhibit art responstanding collaboration during the successful campaign for a domestic partner registry in Cleve- sive to these themes, please send an expression of land. Community Shares will recognize the work of interest to: Columbusthecrossroadsofohio@earthSue Doerfer, George Forbes, and Stanley Miller and link.net by 5p on July 31. Questions: Jim Siemer at their respective organizations, The Lesbian Gay Bi- 614.313.6200, or Tom Baillieul at 614.447.1223. sexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland and the NAACP - Cleveland. All are re- 14TH ANNUAL COLUMBUS-WORTHINGTON ART ceiving a new award based on the milestone work FAIR CALL TO ARTISTS and accomplishments of the collaboration on the Howard Alan Events, announces a call to artists for the upcoming 14th Annual Columbus-WorCleveland Domestic Partnership Registry. The thington Art Fair taking place August 15-16. Ap“Power of Participation: Coalitions Making History” Award will be presented at the annual Com- plications to participate in Howard Alan’s shows are available at www.artfestival.com and munity Shares luncheon Friday June 19th, www.zapplication.org. Are you worthy? For addi11:30a-1p at the Windows on the River. tional information, please call 954.472.3755.

we couldn’t help ourselves.) This year’s keynote speaker at the 2nd Annual Transgender and Ally Symposium will be author Helen Boyd. The symposium will be hosted on-site at Capital University Law School in downtown Columbus the weekend of August 14-16. Over twenty-five workshops and presentations are scheduled for focus tracks that include: Health & Safety; Legal & Employment; Partners, Spouses and Family; Religion and Spirituality; Youth & Students and Arts, Culture and Media. Registration fees: $20; $10 Student (valid student id is required at check-in); $10 keynote address + catered lunch (vegetarian and vegan options avail); $40 on-site/day of registration. A minimal number of scholarships for attendees are available. Hotel and carpooling information will be available soon. Interested in volunteering? Please email TransOhio@gmail.com for volunteer and scholarship information. For more info visit: http://www.transohio.org.

non-payment of legitimate and, up until now, widely ignored debts, Doo Dah Parade DisOrganizers seek relief from you! Line-items in its $87B annual budget are police, permits, pay-offs & bribes, toilets, clean-up on isle 4, and other unmentionables. Contribute and you’ll get listed on over 2,000 posters & fliers, nearly 1,000 T-Shirts and the web-site (now with over 55,000 hits!), and who knows where else. Those who have money in by the time our advertisements go to print; you’ll also be listed in a full page ad in the Short North Gazette. Wow! Info 614.228.0621 or www.DooDahParade.com.

TRANSITIONS NOT DEATH

COMMUNITY SHARES ANNOUNCES 2009 OFFICERS AND NEW BOARD MEMBERS Community Shares of Mid Ohio is changing it up! The 2009 Executive Committee for its Board of Trustees: Tom Tootle, President, Camp Sunrise Board President and representative ; David POD PEOPLE Meredith, Vice President and Inn at Broad repreGAILY FWD> NEEDS A CO-HOST sentative ; Jeff Whiting, Secretary and KaleidoBenji Michalek is currently looking for someone scope Youth Center representative ; John Moore, smart, young and out to sit with him in a baseTreasurer, Deaf Services Center Executive Director ment and interview people for the whole world to and representative ; Joe Keehner, Jr., Board Liaison hear! The show covers research on the gay com- and Central Ohio Green Education Fund represenmunity, and they interview prominent figures who tative ; New organizations being represented on have contributed to GLBT history. He is looking for the board include: ; Mary Vaughan, ADA-OHIO Exsomeone 23-27 who is either in college or has just ecutive Director and representative ; Chandra graduated. They need to be gay (or lesbian), and Rains, Africentric Personal Development Shop need to be driven. Having a background in a so- Chief Operations Officer and representative ; Nacial science is a plus. Obviously they need to know dine Block, Center for Effective Discipline Execuhow to speak very well since it will primarily be tive Director and representative ; Jeff LaFever, voice, with a few public appearances a year. An- Columbus Historical Society Executive Director other preference is that he/she knows how to and representative ; Jeff Stephens, Consider Bikwrite. Interested? Contact Benji at 614.560.7103 ing Executive Director and representative ; Jennifer or benji.michalek@gmail.com. Hansen, Dreams on Horseback Executive Director and representative ; Lynne Aronson, Stop the SufASNL RETURNS WITH NEW SPIN-OFF fering representative. New representatives to the THE WORLD IS A FLAT STAGE In case you missed it in April, Central Ohio’s Pre- board include: Gary Daniels, ACLU of Ohio FounATTENDENCE AUDITIONS FOR IMPROV PERFORMERS mier Gay podcast has a new spin off show, The GLBT CANDIDATE & CAMPAIGN TRAINING IN dation – Mid Ohio Chapter; Jill Lee, Cat Welfare Are you funny? Are you dependable? Are you a Gay Comedy Podcast. Featuring the crew of A CLEVELAND JUNE 18-20 Association; Kathy Mast Kane, Columbus Landgood communicator? The Belly Laugh Comedy Shanty No Lemon, this new podcast is the spin-off marks Foundation; Deb Plaza, Ohio League for the Who’s the genius that scheduled this? AnyTour, a clean, family friendly stand up comedy hoo…Building effective political campaigns re- of the skits of the A Shanty No Lemon show. The Mentally Retarded. show that has monthly gigs in central Ohio, is Gay Comedy Podcast will feature new exclusive quires both art and science, but some candidates looking for people who are clean comics that have original comedy skits written and performed by been trained in short form/games style improv. BL only understand the art. They often lose. Let GLLI the A Shanty No Lemon crew. With bi-monthly up- NEW 2009 – 2010 LINKOUT EXECUTIVE BOARD Young, gay and professional… ahhhh. President: has a number of partnerships with other bookers help you build a winning campaign. The Gay & dates, both are now available for download via the Siobhan Boyd; Vice-President: Brock Leonti; Viceand companies that are looking for clean improv Lesbian Leadership Institute’s Candidate and iTunes store. Visit http://www.gaycomedypodPresident: Aaron Thomas; Treasure: Omar Elhagperformers. Does that mean I can’t say fuck? If in- Campaign Training provides a comprehensive cast.com. overview of what it really takes to run a successful musa; Secretary: Vacant; Marketing/ Comterested contact: Patricia Batdorf (aka Patsy B.) campaign. And it’s designed especially for future munications Committee Chair: Ryan Kovalaske; @ 537-5316 or email patsyb827@yahoo.com for candidates who are openly lesbian, gay, bisexual LOOKING FOR A HAND OUT Finance Committee Chair: Omar Elhagmusa; Proan appointment. or transgender, and their campaign staffs. Get a DOO DAH NEED DOE fessional Development/Education Chair: Dawon The infamous Columbus Doo Dah Parade has not Hawkins; Community Service Chair: Vacant; Memhead start and prepare yourself to win. EMERALD CITY PLAYERS HOLDING AUDITIONS yet been awarded our billion dollar stimulus http://www.glli.org/about_us/events/id:46 bership Committee Chair: Vacant; Social CommitFOR DOUBT bailout to move forward with the 2009 Doo Dah tee Chair: Vacant. Big thanks to all the outgoing Auditions are June 7-8 at 7p at the Emerald City Parade. Doo Dah needs you! Will you stimulate TRANSOHIO TRANSGENDER AND ALLY officers and committee chairs! If you would like to Theater, 6799 Dublin Center Dr, in the Dublin Vilthe Doo Dah Parade? To avoid immediate and in- be on a committee or can help fill some of the vaSYMPOSIUM AUGUST 14-16 lage Shopping Center. Performances: July 24 Who’s ready for some tranny fierceness? (Sorry Ts - cessant, harassing collection calls that come with cancies please email vp1@linkoutcolumbus.com.

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

june 2009

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Arlan Hamilton, Regina Sewell, E Magazine, Gregg Shapiro, Romeo San Vicente, Jack Fertig, Simon Sheppard, Dan Savage, Mette Bach, Marcus Morris, Jennifer Vanasco, Deniray Mueller, Aleah. Highlight CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Danner-Morris, Robert Trautman

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Wedding cake toppers first hit the social scene in the late 19th century.

june 2009

Coaxial cable was patented in England in 1880 by Oliver Heaviside, patent no. 1,407.

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by Aleah. Highlight So I was fourteen. A freshman in high school, I had every reason to at least be content: steady boyfriend of over two years, an exceptional GPA, enough friends (ie, two) to have stereotypical high school experiences, and a pretty average middle class family with one dog, two cars, and two-point-five kids. So I was fourteen, and I was miserable. Suddenly, halfway through my freshman year I was no longer coupled, my dog had died, all my friends were splintering into subgroups, and I liked girls. Kinda. Maybe. No. Definitely not. Of course not; I had a boyfriend once, you know. So I was fourteen, and the year was 2004. Rosie O’Donnell had come out two years ago, shocking the hell out of American housewives for whatever reason. “That’s soooo gay” was in full swing. The Internet was not available everywhere, and least of all, my house. Obama was an unknown politician, and there was a war going on people still kind of believed in. Dear Bob Taft had out-

Coming Out is Kinda, Maybe, Okay, Yes

Freedom lawed same-sex marriage. My high school had a GSA with its peak membership of six. Two of them were my best friends, a flamboyant gay boy and a F2M trans. And I liked girls. Kinda. Maybe. Okay. Yes. So I was fourteen, and I was scared, misinformed, and alone. I hooked up with so many guys in rapid succession, and each one less healthy than the one before. Rumors spread, simultaneously wrecking my reputation while still maintaining that I was, most definitely, beyond a doubt, straight. I hung out in the shop class during lunch so I didn’t have to deal with people and so I could have an excuse for the scars all over my arms. I’m not really sure who I was fooling. So I was fourteen, and I was a geek. I had to

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complete freshman English by writing a chapter for our “Surviving Freshman Year” guide. By this time, my best friend had attempted suicide twice, another was addicted to drugs, and yet another was living out of his car half the time because his guardian didn’t approve of his “tendencies.” To me, all there was to high school so far was basic survival. Telling my mother I was doing research for an assigned topic, completely random, totally innocent, I swear, I got a library card for a local college and checked out nearly every book they had on teenage homosexuality. Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information, I put more effort into that paper than any other project my entire high school and college career. I interviewed my friends and guidance counselor. I used a pack of index cards. I littered my bedroom floor with books I’d disguised the covers of with graph paper. Somewhere around page six of the tome I ended up turning in, I came out to not only myself, but to my entire freshman class. Oops.

the mechanic shop my parents ran. I wished I were pregnant. So I was fifteen, and I had the worst haircut known to the history of lesbianism. It was even worse than the mullet. You could go all the way back to Sappho and not see something this tragic. I’d taken my hair that was down to my ass, tied it in a pony tail, and chopped it off with a paper cutter. I stood in line at the beauty school for the cheapest fix I could manage. The girl that had to try to salvage my head didn’t understand why I wanted it to look like Pat Benatar, so I ended up as John Lennon. I spent my sophomore year looking like I’d stuck my scalp in a garbage disposal. My mother wished I was pregnant too.

So I was fifteen, and a girl had her tongue in my mouth in the basement of St. Paul’s UMC. Her name was Charna, and she was the most amazing gift ever given to women. We communicated through letters my little brother diliSo I was fourteen, and I wrote to the only GLBTQ gently passed everyday at school, and phone adult I knew. It was my cousin, who’d brought calls that lasted for hours upon hours. I “…Fr…ends” with her to family events ever brought the letters with me when I moved out; since I can remember. I had begged her to be they take up an entire one-inch binder. We went my pen pal at age six, written kind of faithfully to the same afterschool program, which made until age nine, and now, at age fourteen, there I movies and held poetry readings. My mother was again. I went to the public library, ran a was pleased that I was going to church every copy of my paper, typed up a letter with a lot of week. So was I. umm-so-uh-yeah’s in it, and sent it out to Columbus. So I was seventeen, wearing pantyhose, sweating in my cap and gown, and posing for picSo I was fourteen, and I had strawberry on tures with my best friend as he vogued, Charna the front of my shirt. I was eating ice as she squeezed my butt to make me laugh in cream with my cousin and her partner in the picture, and my cousins from Columbus as a park ten miles from my hometown so I crowed in celebration. I’d made it. We’d made no one would recognize me. It was July it. The years had muddled into periods of sim5th, and they were in town to celebrate ply surviving, counting down the days until I the Fourth with the family, where they could move into the 614. The day after I celeinconspicuously gave me books upon brated with my family, writing thank-you notes books, The Advocate, Curve, and pam- and eating left-over cold cuts, I put in job apphlets—a lot of pamphlets. We talked plications around the town and spent my last for hours about everything. Finally, there summer happily working as a telemarketer, were healthy people for me to talk to and each paycheck marking 15 days closer to sitlearn from. They took me to Kaleidoscope ting on the couch at KYC. Youth Center later that month, telling my mother we were looking at the colleges in the So I was eighteen, and listening to people area. Which is true, we toured OSU and CCAD. check in at Kaleidoscope. I was holding hands And then hit the Short North. with the girl next to me. I was looking down at my arms, noting how tan and… normal they So I was fifteen, and my mother thought I was looked. It’d been a long time since I’d had to pregnant. It was my birthday, and she pulled hide out in a shop class. “Hi, I’m Aleah. Highme into the back room, asking me if there was light… I’m here. For real.” something I needed to tell her. My cousin had almost spilled the rainbow beans, but instead Kaleidoscope Youth Center is located at 1904 N my mother took it to mean I “needed to get High St across from OSU’s Wexner Center. The married.” As I blew out the candles of my birth- mission of Kaleidoscope Youth Center is to work day cake, my parents were wondering about in partnership with young people in Central the bun in the oven. That night, I printed off yet Ohio to create safe and empowering environanother copy of my English paper and taped it ments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender to her steering wheel. and questioning youth through advocacy, education and support. Kaleidoscope is the only So I was fifteen, and I was in a car that felt like youth service organization in Ohio solely dediit was getting smaller by the second. My cated to meeting the needs of youth ages 12 to mother can only have serious conversations 20 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender when her foot is pressed completely down on or queer, as well as those questioning their sexthe gas. She didn’t ask questions. She made ual orientation or gender identity. For more info statements that just happened to start with contact Executive Director Angie Wellman, MSE, “who, what, why, when.” I answered, as best as LPC at 614.294.KIDS (5437) or go to: I could, and felt the familiar pattern of clutch, www.KYCohio.org. gas, clutch, brake, clutch, gas as we drove to

Some of us are débutantes. Some of us just come out.

june 2009

by Wayne Besen

A Fractious Movement Is the gay community too segmented to be affective?

fought the battle of the sexes to the point of exhaustion. Let’s not even In an online discussion forum, a re- get started on the nasty dust-ups spected activist recently lamented over transgender issues. the decentralization of gay community advocacy. He made a pow- Such disorganization is even more erful case that we would be better conspicuous when contrasted with off if our efforts were more regithe conformity of our opponents. mented and unified. When growing up, these (mostly) churchgoers were rewarded for “Our communal problem is that the obedience, while our very exisLGBT community is so fragmented tence was considered disobedient. that we are constantly a cacophony To survive as a GLBT youth, one had of voices rather than a choir,” the to learn to question authority and advocate wrote. He went onto be a freethinker. These traits make make the point that division can for incredibly interesting dinner lead to defeat in the political arena. guests, but create havoc for politi“We celebrate diversity of opinion cal organizers. within our community but that does not work in politics.” There is no doubt that the diversity of organizations and mushrooming The community leader raised anof messages has hurt our moveother point worth contemplating as ment on many levels. It has been legislation that affects the gay nearly impossible for any leader to community winds its way though gain traction - and thus legitimacy. Congress and will likely end up on The closest we have come to a Obama’s desk: “So, who will the larger than life leader is San FranPresident listen to? Is it the Human cisco Supervisor Harvey Milk. HowRights Campaign...or a host of ever, he achieved far more bloggers? Sometimes, I wish we prominence after he was assassicould go back to a time when we nated (and later canonized by Holhad less ability to communicate. lywood) than he ever did while Then, there were fewer voices to be alive. heard and less confusion about who was representing the commu- The discordant voices and actions nity.” have unfortunately provided fodder for our adversaries. They have endThe problem with this analysis is less tapes of nudity and nuttiness that a golden age of GLBT unity that have made it easier to portray never existed. The early 1950s ac- GLBT people as the miscreants they tivists clashed with gay individuals claim we are. who preferred quiet, “private lives.” Activists who wore suits and That said, there is a strong case to ties to protests rejected the new make in favor of the diffuse nature radicalism of the 1960s and 1970s, of the movement. It can lead to inexemplified by the Stonewall rebel- novation and questioning of existlion. ing paradigms. For example, we can’t forget that the push for marNever-ending battles have also riage equality was considered been fought over the role of sexual wildly “off message” only a decade liberation. Some activists have ago. If our movement had been claimed that our movement is more centralized, marriage would about sexual freedom, while others have seemed too radical and never have preached assimilation and seen the light of day. However, marfound the overt displays of sexual- riage activists and impatient sameity at Gay Pride parades offensive. sex couples pushed the envelope. Additionally, our movement has This has given us game changing

victories in four states - and counting. The latest polls show that almost half of Americans now support the freedom to marry. We also have to remember that not long ago, the major GLBT organizations ran from religion. It was gay religious activists that thought fighting for acceptance within denominations was a worthy battle. While not achieving the same success as marriage equality, there have been successes - most notably the Episcopal Church confirming Eugene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. We have also seen the rise of groups that challenge faith-based bigotry, like Faith in America and SoulForce. The controversial campaign by activist Mike Rogers to “out” closeted politicians who favored amending the U.S. Constitution to ban gay people from marrying would also never have occurred in a centralized movement. Some might argue that his exposing of Republican hypocrisy helped undermine the GOP’s legitimacy as the party representing “family values.” Moreover, conformity also makes it difficult to turn around a sinking ship. The nation is headed on a new path, but hierarchical and rigid GOP leaders are still obsessed with tax cuts, abortion, Ronald Reagan and opposing gay couples marrying. The gay movement is untamed and freewheeling, like New York City, while the Religious Right is tightly controlled, like Singapore. Each model has its advantages, but also its shortcomings. In a diffuse media age that resembles the Wild West, the more agile and fractious movement may finally have the upper hand. © 2009 Wayne Besen. All rights reserved. Anything But Straight. www.waynebesen.com

63% SOURCE: GALLUP

june 2009

CATEGORY

JAN 20 ’09

MAY 20 ’09

DIFFERENCE

AMERICAN DEAD AMERICAN WOUNDED IRAQI CIVILIAN DEAD NATIONAL DEBT DAYS IN OFFICE

4,226 30,934 98,605 $10,605,968,804,933 1

4,296 31,249 100,379 $11,284,110,407,424 120

70 315 1,774 $678,141,602,491 120

Yes, the hair on his head and under his arms is rainbow colored and unkempt.

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Polka dots became common on clothing in the late 19th century in Britain. Polka music hurts.

june 2009

Climbing Toward the Third Branch Jennifer Brunner has experience as a jurist and an executive and is now determined to reach the US Senate by Michael Daniels Photo: Danner-Morris In the spirit of this column’s name, I’m going to start this piece by stating up front two things. #1: I’m 100% behind Jennifer Brunner’s candidacy for the US Senate, and #2: interviewing Brunner sometimes feels like I’m interviewing my older sister. Not that our current Secretary of State and I are weekly dinner buddies, but more because our philosophies have about a 99% overlap. There. Open Kimono it is. To the surprise of some, delight of others, and chagrin of a few, Brunner has thrown her hat in the ring for the US Senate seat being vacated in 2010 by Ohio’s current senior Senator George Voinovich. On the same day Brunner declared her intentions, so did Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, with the endorsement of Governor Ted Strickland. “Lee is the Lt. Governor and it would be expected that the Governor would endorse him,” she says without animosity. Many pols thought that Strickland’s endorsement of Fisher might encourage Brunner to get out of the race, and some still think that might happen. Those who believe that don’t know Brunner very well. Let me assure you, she’s in the race to stay, and she’s in the race to win. “I wouldn’t jump into this race for political leverage,” Brunner says with quiet confidence. “I want the job, I know I can do it well, and I know I can win.” “There are a few main reasons that I’m running,” she continues. “The first is my commitment to public service, and the way I work with others. The US Senate is a very deliberative body, charged with guiding and supervising legislation and deliberating on weighty issues. I have the skills of collegiality and cooperation that it takes to get things done in that environ-

june 2009

ment, and I’ve proven that throughout my career,” she says.

versial at the time, the Drug Court now boasts about its success on the Franklin County Courts website: “The TIES Program began operation in True, I say to myself, Brunner has worked with April 2004 by Judge Jennifer L. Brunner (ret.) both Democrats and Republicans on a host of is- after two years of planning. A steering commitsues, but I also know she’s not afraid of a fight. tee was created and support was enlisted from community leaders and the Common Pleas She recently received the John F Kennedy Lijudges. With over 30 successful graduates to brary Foundation’s ‘Profiles in Courage’ award. date, TIES participants are returning to college, It is given annually “to a public official or offipurchasing their first homes and becoming valcials at the federal, state or local level whose ued employed taxpayers. Additionally, several actions best demonstrate the qualities of politi- child custody issues have been resolved with cally courageous leadership …” When present- children being returned to safe and sober ing the award to Brunner, the Foundation noted, homes from the foster care system.” “A series of voting irregularities in several major Ohio counties that use electronic voting systems As Secretary of State, Brunner has done more led newly elected Secretary of State Jennifer than work on ballot machine issues. She comBrunner to order that paper ballots be provided missioned and created the Voting Rights Instito any voter who requested one during the tute, an arm of her office that has three main state’s March 2008 presidential primary. Furcharges – “to work with communities, partner thermore, after a study of the state’s new elec- with organizations and implement programs that tronic voting systems – just two years old and will ensure a safe, reliable and trustworthy representing millions in public investment – process that fosters and enhances access to found that the systems made by several major voting in Ohio by all of its eligible citizens; to act voting machine manufacturers could be comas a clearinghouse to address voter concerns; promised, Brunner called for the replacement of and to provide leadership on legislative and polall of the state’s electronic voting systems with icy initiatives to accomplish this mission.” paper ballots and optical scan technology before the November 2008 presidential election. Brunner has also turned what was once conBrunner’s proposal brought pointed and persist- ceivably the most homophobic state office into ent criticism from partisans around the state; the most gay friendly. Her staff consists of a host opponents of the move objected to the cost and of GLBT employees, including her Communicaquestioned the necessity of returning to paper tions Director Patrick Gallaway, Assistant Genballots. For her political courage and her com- eral Counsel Brian Shinn, Voting Rights Institute mitment to ensuring the enfranchisement of Director Kellye Pinkleton, VRI staffers Chris every Ohio citizen, Jennifer Brunner is honored Hughes and Dean Hindenlang, and Elections Atwith the 2008 Profile in Courage Award.” torney Kirk Walter, just to name a few. Brunner’s willingness to take on tough issues and challenge the status quo dates back to her days on the Franklin County Common Pleas bench, when she championed the creation of the ‘Treatment Is Essential to Success’ program – commonly known as the Drug Court. Contro-

Returning to the interview, I ask Brunner why she would be a better candidate than Fisher. “Whether someone is a better candidate or not is proven on Election Day,” she says, “but there are some differences between Lee and myself. I am in favor of gay marriage, for example.”

Kentucky is confused; it’s a Commonwealth with a Secretary of State.

Fisher is on record as favoring civil unions but not full marriage equality. {Note: this is not to say that Fisher is not an ally of the GLBT community. He most certainly is. Brunner is simply even more so.} “I’m also acutely aware that there have been only five women in statewide elected office in Ohio since 1803,” Brunner continues, “and never a Governor or Senator. I’d like to remedy that.” Brunner comes back throughout the interview to the issue of leadership. “My method of working is that I bring people together and then empower them to achieve things that they never could have imagined doing alone.” A strong supporter of working groups, Brunner has a track record of successfully overseeing these workgroups as they formulate policy initiatives and then implement them. “It’s the next logical step to transfer that philosophy into actually writing and passing legislation,” she says. Brunner is not afraid of being called a liberal – which she certainly is on social issues. “With me, what you get is what you see,” she says. “I’m Ohio through and through, and I can empathize with many walks of life. I’m not afraid to work hard, and I’m not afraid to tell you what I believe in. The US Senate is a body that runs on relationships between its members, and my goal is to be elected to that body and then work to improve the lives of those I serve, which I will respectfully do so for the period of time that they honor me with that seat.” I’m thinking the next 24 years would be just about right. Michael Daniels is Co-Publisher of outlook: columbus and surprisingly good at bocce. You can challenge him to a game at mdaniels@outlookmedia.com.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;When people talk to me about being a gay icon I think of it as a great honour.â&#x20AC;? - David Beckham to GQ

june 2009

Join us for Network Columbus - always the second Wednesday of the month, always free!

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FindFred.

It’s Like Where’s Waldo, Only Much More Gay and Much More Socially Aware by Michael Daniels

ture – and that has two components. Our match uses a complex algorithm, developed in conjuncYou can’t swing a dead cat in the gayborhood or tion with a gay psychologist, to offer real matchsurf more than two queer Facebook profiles with- ing on a variety of aspects. You can match on a out being bombarded by ubiquitous and viral social and/or physical level – both aspects are marketing for something called FindFred – billing important in relationships.” itself as ‘the revolutionary new way for guys to meet guys.’ Another thing that sets FindFred apart, said Lahoti, is its usability. “We have designed the site – It also doesn’t take long to track FindFred back to skinned it, if you will – so that it’s very easy and its creators at Roy G Biv companies. Bivmeister intuitive to use, with fewer clicks and more natuRajesh Lahoti and his team have been working on ral navigation and flow. Even where we have the this project for some time, he said, and now it’s same type of functionalities as other sites, our time for FindFred to be found. I sat down with La- subtle differences set us apart. It’s like the differhoti to learn more. ence between the iPhone and other devices. They may do the same thing, but the iPhone is just The first question seemed to be the most obvious sexier, easier, more fun and more functional.” – why another site? We have Manhunt and Adam4Adam and Gay.com for hookups, and So the site offers something for everyone, but Gay.com and Facebook and MySpace for social what about that logo? Isn’t that going to become networking, so why do we need yet another site? the new international symbol for guys in flagrante delicto? “We always thought that our next property expansion would be on the Internet, not in a bricks and “If that’s what you see in the logo, then I have to mortar building,” Lahoti said. “FindFred is a vir- ask where your mind is,” Lahoti laughed. “It’s tual meeting place where you can socialize in any meant to echo the two Fs in the FindFred logo and manor. We’re not a social network site like Face- the period at the end. But it’s fun to see how it’s book and we aren’t a specific meeting site with been perceived and it’s just something that’s fun one goal like Manhunt. We’re more in the middle and clean and fresh.” of where we target, like Gay.com. Just like you can go to a great restaurant/lounge like U Café, Find- FindFred is using a business model that we Fred members can look for friends, long-term re- haven’t seen before – more of a communal ownlationships, short-term companions, a date, ership and dividend model, with affiliates who browse pics, nothing, or maybe a future husband. don’t make up front sales commissions, but are What happens between two guys all depends on invested as partial owners in the company itself. the right time and right place. I wasn’t looking for anything when I met my partner of almost 10 “We know that this is going to become the largest years. The right guy can change the outcome.” gay media company serving only gay men in the world,” Lahoti said. “The principals of the comThe concept behind FindFred has been in the pany are only taking 10% of the revenue. America works for some time, but its launch was speeded has become too top-heavy in salaries and we deup by political events. “We knew we were going to cided to be a part of a new wave of companies do this,” Lahoti said, “but it wasn’t front burner. that are more grass roots in nature. Another 20% Then the 2008 elections came. We saw the own- is going directly back to our affiliates for helping ers of Manhunt, who could easily have given us to initially populate the site. A minimum of enough money to defeat Prop 8 in California, not 10% will go back to GLBT organizations, health only NOT give to the No on 8 campaign, but actu- organizations, performing arts groups, sports ally contribute money to (Republican candidate leagues and equality groups, and we’ll have an John) McCain. Our team was a spoke in the wheel advisory board from across the continent to help that helped to turn Ohio blue, and this other com- us determine where those monies are spent. A fun pany that makes 100% of its millions of dollars 10% will go back to members in the form of of revenue from the gay community and is owned member perks. The rest will be used to support by a gay man is contributing to a candidate and a the site, technical expenses, marketing, feature party that are actively trying to write discrimina- enhancements and distribution to a large team tion into our lives – often successfully. I turned to who will work for the site.” my team and said ‘the time is now’ and we kicked the launch into high gear.” Affiliates include individuals who are working on marketing and programming, outreach and proThe site will offer a match feature, email, live and motions, and who have notoriety and name recogvideo chat, and posting of pictures, both public nition that can help to quickly populate the site to and private. “Each user can get out of FindFred a critical mass of users. {In the interest of full diswhat he wants at the time,” Lahoti said. “One closure, it’s important to acknowledge that outmajor thing that sets us apart is our match fea- look:columbus is a FindFred affiliate. So are many

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Roy G Biv employees, nationally-known entertainers and drag queens, and a few social service organizations.] I asked if he thought it was incongruous for social service organizations to be affiliates or to take money from FindFred. “I don’t think so,” he said. “For years, our bars and restaurants have donated to those same social services groups. The web, and FindFred, is nothing more than a virtual place to meet people. We’ve taken an interior design approach to our site, and we have a fun, classy space, similar to Gay.com, which attracts Fortune 500 advertisers. If it’s good enough for corporate America, why would any GLBT organization not want the funds?” Another piece of Roy G Biv’s business model is to grow FindFred to the point where it becomes the company’s sole focus. “Once we reach 200,000 paying members,” Lahoti said, “we’ll spin off our restaurant and bar business and give those establishments to the communities and the staff,” he said. That would mean that ownership of Union Station/Bounce in Cleveland and U Café, Havana, and Axis in Columbus would be turned over to a group of long-time staffers who would run them and keep half of the net profits, and the other half of net profits would go to Cleveland and Columbus GLBT and allied non-profit organizations. “Once we reach that level,” Lahoti said, “we want to make sure that we give back to the communities who have supported us and helped us build our business to where it is now.” Lahoti was a bit nostalgic as he continued. “Michael Council, Wilbur Ischie, Ray Brown and I have achieved almost all of our business and financial goals. This venture isn’t about the bottom line. We want to see our community have equal civil rights now. We’re setting out to do something that truly gives back to the entire GLBT community.” “We were so entrenched in helping to turn Ohio blue that we didn’t have the resources to help on Prop 8,” Lahoti said. “We want to be there next time. That gets us excited.” The company plans to roll out FindFred across the United States and Canada by the end of June 2009, with a Spanish-language interface and rollout in Mexico, Central and South America to follow, along with coverage for Europe and other parts of the world. A women’s site is also in the pipeline but “requires redoing the match and interface skin to serve the needs of the women’s community,” Lahoti said. For more information on FindFred or to reserve your screen name, visit www.findfred.com. And use promo code ‘outlook’ when prompted. photo: Randall Shirley

Fred derives from the older names Alfred and Frederick, which mean ‘elf,’ ‘magical counsel,’ and ‘peaceful ruler.’

june 2009

Spiritual Freedom by The Rev Deniray Mueller So God created man in his [own] image, male and female. . . And God saw everything, it was very good. (Genesis 1:27, 31) Judge not, that you be not judged (Matthew 7:1) Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31) We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. (US Declaration of Independence) A foundation of the United States and most western democracies has been freedom of religion – the principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community, public or private, to manifest religion or beliefs in teaching, practice, worship, and observance. The concept is generally recognized to also include the freedom to change religion, or not to follow any religion at all. In a country presumably founded on freedom of religion, something has gone dramatically wrong for many members of our society; it is the deliberate decision by many organized religions to exclude some people from their churches completely or from their full rights as church members. Taunts, threats, isolated Biblical quotes and inaccurate metaphors are cited to justify heaping guilt, condemnation and exclusion on LGBT persons who seek to practice the ‘faith of our fathers.’ The oft-spoken phrase of ‘love the sinner, hate the sin’ is more hurtful and abusive than out-and-out exclusion. The identification of LGBT persons as ‘intrinsically evil and objectively disordered’ flies in the face of dearly-held precepts of human dignity, individual worth, and the teachings of Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha and many other spiritual leaders.

Yet, the tide is turning, albeit glacially, but it is turning. As surely as there is order in the Universe, Our Time has Come! Church doors are beginning to open to full membership of all persons; those churches are displaying banners of ‘Reconciling Congregations,’ ‘Inclusive Churches,’ ‘All are Welcome,’ and ‘Open and Affirming.’ A major reason for this movement is the continuous and unrelenting work by thousands of LGBT church members during the past four decades to make their voices heard, to be in the pews daily, supporting churches with their presence, their volunteerism, their leadership, and their money. It has been this very refusal to be excluded, this determination to be a full member of the religion of their families and childhood, this unwavering belief that the Creator of our Spirit is greater than creeds and prejudices that is turning this tide! It has been the loud and constant assertion of the growing ‘out’ LGBT community that they are Children of the Creator and made as they are in the image of that Creator that is bringing about a new day in the churches, synagogues, mosques, and holy places of the world. And we cannot stop!

There are many of us, including me, who have opted to stay within the mainline denominations and fight for the rights of all of us. It hasn’t been easy, but we have made progress in some of these denominations. For instance, when I was ordained in the Episcopal Church last June, there were three of ‘us’ - two living in long-term committed relationships. We have been welThe very freedom of the human spirit depends comed and accepted into the arms of the on our own freedom to be fully a part of the reli- church. Even with prohibition of ordination or ingions of the world! Indeed, one might make the clusion of LGBTs within a denomination, there argument that the very survival of organized re- are churches, synagogues, faith organizations ligion itself hinges on our awakening them to out there which go the extra mile to accept being the places of love, brotherhood, compas- everyone into the Creator’s community. sion, and service to all humanity that they claim There have been hundreds of thousands LGBT to be! We need to continue to support those who are persons who have been rejected or turned away willing to stay and fight within the system so from their churches. Annually there are hunEach of us has the right to worship as is appro- that everyone else will be welcome. We need to dreds who take their lives because their church priate for us, whether organized religion, spirisee more ‘open and affirming’ or ‘inclusive’ or has pronounced them ‘incompatible with Chris- tual searching or meditation. NO ONE can tell us ‘welcoming’ signs going up on churches across tian teachings’ and their families have rejected we are not a Child of the Creator and therefore this country. them. Urged on by religious officials, there are unloved. countries in Asia and Africa that are actively The Metropolitan Community Church was persecuting and executing gays, just because We deserve: founded to provide a safe place for LGBTs to they are gay. • Freedom to attend the religious/faith insti- worship. To-date the United Church of Christ tution of our choice (UCC) and Disciples of Christ Christian (DCC) We have to stop this spiritual violence that these • Freedom to worship whom we want are the only churches which welcomes LGBTs to churches are perpetuating on us! • Freedom to find our own spirituality

june 2009

worship and grant full membership in all aspects of the church. We must keep pushing other denominations and faith groups to do the same… there is power in numbers and being ‘in your face.’ There are groups within each denomination that provide support for LGBTs. These organizations not only provide support and community, but also work within the denomination to make it more open and affirming. A list of gay-friendly churches can be found by state and denomination at www.gaychurch.org. We now have faith leadership groups within the various Stonewall Unions across the country. They combine clergy and lay people from different denominations to address the spiritual abuse within that community. This is a good source of information about who is welcoming in the area. Remember this: • Nobody can tell you what is right for you except you. • You have every right to select the teachings from religion that speak truth to you and cast out the rest. • You have a right to find a church, synagogue or mosque that accepts and loves you fully for who you are. • We are all Children of the Creator and worthy of love and the freedom to worship when and how and whomever we wish. The Rev Deniray Mueller (deniray@deniray.com) is Assistant to the Canon for Public Policy and Social Concerns for the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, Diocesan Integrity Network Coordinator and Legislative Team Member for General Convention 2009, Member of Diocese of Southern Ohio Social Justice Network and Ecumenical & Interfaith Relations Commissions; Seated on Ohio Council of Churches Justice & Advocacy Commission; denominational representative to Metropolitan Area Church Council; member of Stonewall Union Faith Leaders Forum and Co-Chair of Pride 2009 Interfaith Service; member of Equality Ohio Faith Leadership

In the 11th century, Ralph, Archbishop of Tours had his lover installed as Bishop of Orléans; neither Pope Urban II nor Paschal II took action to depose either man.

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United Way CEO Janet Jackson was last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PRIDE parade grand marshall.

june 2009

Closet Space by Benji Michalek In my wee years of self-discovery I have gone on many dates. Some instances were bad and some were good. In the end, all of the dates had a reoccurring theme of how to act in public. Like clockwork, awkward insecurities arose when the time came for traditional public display of affection. I am a very open and out individual. But I must say that when a sweetheart stole a kiss from me on my first “real” date, I was a bit shocked. In retrospect, I found it odd how I knew instinctively to recourse and see if anyone noticed the intimate gesture. Many homosexuals fear the infamous “gay bash,” but how many of us actually know where these acts of violence originate from? Sure, ignorance is a powerful thing but experts feel that ignorance is not the only cause for the LGBT community’s ingrained fears.

the majority rules through subtle pressures, such as someone who glares, smirks, or makes a rude comment. All of these negative social interactions could be enough to pressure an individual back into the closet. Our fear of being “outed” is apparent, and it does us absolutely no good. “Closet Space” has regulated the LGBT community to safe zones where we can be open, but in private. If a bar is located behind some buildings off a main street or access to a club is located in an alleyway, the semi-hidden location allows people to coyly enter an establishment. Risk of exposure is minimal, because the LGBT community tends to stay within certain territories where the heterosexual crowds do not come. We have knowingly marginalized ourselves for our safety.

Being the victim of a “gay bash” is a fear that sits in the minds of many. However, the thoughts of being bashed derive from our trepidation of breaching already established protocol with our heterosexual brethren. In many cases “gay bashing” has occurred beWhat happens when a partner or a “friend” cause of “Closet Space.” Several studies have shown that gay males are more likely to feels uncomfortable displaying signs of afbe bashed by other males at cruising sites. fection in a public setting? Some of my friends have commented that for some peo- Lesbians tend to be victims of both males and females, but in openly public spaces. ple, “even certain parts of their houses are off limits.” Apparently, any form of homosex- This tells us the lesbians tend to be more open in public and gay males tend to prefer ual interaction will cause rainbow laser secretive places where they can put thembeams to shoot out of their windows, effectively lighting up the whole neighborhood in a selves out there - thank you, lesbians and all those couples who willingly put themselves spectacular display of fabulousness and out into public. Heterosexual men and women thusly branding their house as a beacon of gaiety. I’ll admit this is an extreme case, but really don’t worry about their space being viothere are other subtle instances too. Let’s say lated. They have become complacent in simyour girlfriend is doing the morning “walk of ple suppositions that everyone around them shame.” On her way out the door, you decide can be defined as “male” and “female” with similar desires. We as gender benders know to give her a parting kiss. She hesitates to see if anyone is watching and when the coast that those ideas quite contrary to reality. is clear, she accepts the smootch. In this instance, her intentions may be to keep your re- The temptation of “Closet Space” is strong. It’s dark, comfortable, and it’s truly a great lationship private. I would like to call these place for ‘hide and seek.’ Many of us wish to examples of “Closet Space.” avoid confrontation by stifling our voices. But, when the childish games are over or “Closet Space” is a term used to refer to physical geographic areas where heterosex- when someone gets hurt, it is time to take reual normatives have formed and calcified. In sponsibility. Pride is a way to break down the turn, these normatives create an area that is barrier of “Closet Space.” It is the best time to express our freedom. It puts a temporal rift assumed to be “straight” territory. Though in society’s archetypal gender standards, and many of us are out and proud, we may still gives us a time (brief as it may be) to express find it hard to even give hugs to same-sex ourselves freely. We, as members of the LGBT friends at the gym. “Closet Space” is imposed by the general public’s assumptions. community, naturally create homosexual Most public spaces are laden with heterosex- space through our mannerism, dress, speech ual artifacts, which serve as territorial mark- patterns, jargon, media consumed, political ers. Gill Valentine, a professor of Geography affiliation, and even the technology we use. at the University of Sheffield, demonstrated Our supposed “privacy” does not exist, and that public places are reinforced with hetero- our lives have already been invaded by the sexual normative innuendo through “repeti- time we leave our door-steps. We need to put forth effort, not hide, in order to reclaim OUR tion and regulation.” Repetition meaning anything ranging from specific imagery such space. So, strap on your ruby red slippers and come out from your “Closet Space.” Come as advertisements, heterosexual couples in out, come out, wherever you are. the act of public displays of affection, and even music played out the window of a car all to colorful facts, for colorful lives at www.gaican reinforce heterosexual territory. Regula- Listen lyfwd.com or subscribe to Gaily Forward on iTunes. tion is just as it sounds. It is the concept that

june 2009

All G-strings are thongs, but not all thongs are G-strings. Just ask the tangas.

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NEXTOF KIN by Mette Bach “Hey, I have a question for you,” my friend called, feigning light-heartedness, “You can think about it. Feel free to say no.” “Ummm…” “Would you be the executrix of my estate?” “Are you dying?” “Honey, we’re all dying,” she said, her voice returning to its usual cocktail of sarcasm and wry with a twist of bitter. She had been at the drug store and tested her blood pressure on one of those machines. It was high. Then she toured the city on her motorcycle and did four more blood pressure tests that evening. She cross-examined the results with her doctor’s the next day. Sure enough, her blood pressure is really bad and that means she has had to go off her anti-depressants and that means that she started thinking – a lot – about drafting a will. “What does an executrix do?” I asked. “Sell the house and give the money to animal shelters. Or get a bunch of hundreddollar bills and pass them out homeless folks saying courtesy of me. I’m not sure yet. I just don’t want Stephen Harper and Gordon Campbell getting their dirty paws on my hard earned house.”

She was sounding a little paranoid but she made a good point. So many of us are living lives outside of the socially sanctioned next-of-kin mentality. Default legislation “Or truck,” I added. does not reflect our realities. Those of us with spouses and children have come a She laughed. long way in terms of estate rights but the rest of us could stand to think about these “You better start thinking about this, too, things. If our politics disagree with giving kiddo. I don’t see you shacking up with a our savings over to the government, then legal spouse or having children.” we have to go out of our way to make sure that our wishes are fulfilled. Drafting a will “True. But when I go, I’m leaving a big pile is a healthy way to reexamine what actuof student loans.” ally matters to us. My friend – whose stubbornness will easily let her live another “That’ll change. I used to be like you, rethree decades – makes me proud; she’s member? One day, you’ll wake up and real- coming up with a plan – and a cool one at ize there’s equity in your house, your that. Of course I’ll help her execute it. RRSPs are actually worth something and that homemade will you stashed in the Although many of us refer to each other freezer four years ago has your ex’s name as “friends”, we are also each others’ on it.” husbands and wives and children and parents; this is what chosen family means.

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In Ohio, it is not possible to designate a Next of Kin. Let your legislators and the Governor know that this is unacceptable and the law must change.

june 2009

The Elephant in the Living Room by Regina Sewell While “the truth can set you free,” the liberation it brings very often comes at a cost. The truth, it seems, usually hurts even as it heals. To avoid pain, we avoid the truth. We ignore it or cover it up with rationalizations and excuses. We keep ourselves “comfortably numb” in order to avoid the feelings of fear, anger, despair, and being overwhelmed we would feel if we acknowledged the truth. It’s as if we have an elephant in the living room that we pretend isn’t there even as we walk around it and periodically scoop up the poop.

slurred, again, is probably a warning that perhaps your partner has a drinking problem and that you, dear you, might be more than a wee bit co-dependent. That tinge of resentment you feel when you think about calling your parents… uhm humm… Honey, I’m not even going to try to open up that can of worms. You know what it’s about, or you would if you let yourself feel.

It’s much easier to stay in denial and blame other people for our unhappiness. But it’s not comfortable. The cold is miserable and as much as you try to block it, fear creeps in. In dark moments, you make up worst case disPain isn’t the only reason we avoid the truth. aster stories like, “I’m gonna die. I have some Acknowledging the truth brings us face to incurable disease and I’m never gonna get face with responsibility. If we pay attention to better. I probably have cancer.” And the stothe clues that we spend so much time sweep- ries are always, in some ways, worse than the ing under the rug, we might have to acknowl- truth because they leave you in that floating edge the possibility that something is space of uncertainty. The excuses, “He’s not seriously wrong and that we are the ones re- really an alcoholic. He’s just having a rough sponsible for making changes. That cold, the time this month, what with his mother and all. one that you’ve had off and on for months, is And the economy. And his job – it’s just crazy.” probably a sign that something deeper is They often drift back to blame anyway, wrong in your mind/body system that you “Maybe if I’d just hidden the booze, he’d be need to address. That icky feeling every time less likely to drink. Or maybe if I’d done a betyour partner goes to hang out with the guys at ter job of helping him deal with his stress or Union Café is probably trying to tell you that helped him sort out his feelings about the fact something (trust or intimacy perhaps?) is that his family really treats him like a second missing in your relationship. The sinking feel- class citizen, he wouldn’t need to drink as ing you get when your partner’s words are much.” Or maybe you blame him, over and

june 2009

over, for going through the same pattern with- make conscious decisions about what to do out ever looking at why you put up with it night next and have a chance to get support. after night. No matter what the truth is, being present with Metaphorically speaking, if there’s an eleit gives you the chance to let go of the stories phant in the living room, whether you acyou have held on to about who you are and to knowledge it or not, it still poops. It seems to choose who you want to live into. Maybe you’ll me that it’s better to give her a name, pat her realize that that cold is really a message from on the butt, scratch her behind the ears, and your mind/body system begging you to get maybe kiss her on the forehead. Once the more rest and do a better job of self-care. shock of seeing her is over, she’s not so scary Maybe sitting with the truth will provide the and she gives you a chance to make better chance for you and your partner to acknowldecisions. edge that you are no longer on the same path and that staying together is hurting both of What if, for example, instead of losing sleep you. If this is the case, breaking up will allow (and further impairing your immune system) you both to close this chapter of your lives so over that never ending cold, you went to see that the next chapter can open up. Or maybe your doctor and got his or her medical advice the truth will be the wake up call you and your and opinions. And better yet, what if you folpartner need to repair those things in the relowed Dr’s orders, even the one about resting? lationship that aren’t working. It might open Or what if, instead of finding passive aggres- the door to greater intimacy and an even sive ways to get back at your partner for more satisfying relationship. Even though it spending so much time at Union without you, may hurt initially, it sure beats tip toeing you set aside time to have an honest, open around your life to avoid the elephant poop conversation with your partner about your that you pretend doesn’t exist. concerns and your feelings. Maybe you’ll learn Regina Sewell is a mental health counselor with a private that your partner feels rejected by you and in Worthington, OH. To ask a question, propose a has taken up hanging out at the bar because practice column topic, read about her approach to counseling, or you’re not available. Or maybe you’ll learn that check out her books and other writing, go to: www.Regiyour partner is having an affair and wants to naSewell.com . Her most recent publication, Sliding Away can be found in Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex and end the relationship. Whatever you learn, at least you’ll know. And at least you’ll be able to Work in Our 40s, edited by Molly Rosen.

The Republican National Committee Women’s Coalition is called the Pink Elephants. Are they all drunk?

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

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A total of thirty-four facial muscles and 112 postural muscles are used during a kiss.

june 2009

We Should Never Have to Edit Our Affections by Chris Hayes

gay pride flag used to have two more colors on behind all of those things? There was something it, but they were removed supposedly because of deeper. As an editor of a gay publication, there is noth- manufacturing issues that arose with having ing harder than putting together the Pride issue. that many colors. I think it’s interesting the two Affection. It is an all out logistical gauntlet and a creative most “racy” attributes were the ones that got black hole. bumped. God forbid we own our sexuality or our Being able to show our lovers affecmagic. What would the neighbors think? tion in public without The Pride edition is always the biggest of the persecution, withyear, as advertisers (thankfully) crawl out of the So first we castrated our own symbol out fear of woodwork to show their support while getting to make our movement more being atthe biggest bang for their buck. Typically this palatable for the rest of the tacked, issue is double the pages and double the print world. Then we overused it to and run, which presents not only production chalthe point of insignificance. lenges, but printing and distribution trials as The rainbow as a symbol well. has become so watered down that it doesn’t hold On the artistic end of it, I’m stunted at best. It’s any bite, any fear, and all rainbows. I ask myself the same question controversy. It’s not a every year: what’s something new we can do symbol of power like the with a rainbow? Let me tell you the answer: labrys or a reminder of nothing! There is no way to do rainbows that horrific persecution like haven’t been done a hundred thousand times the pink triangle. The before. They are tired, they are redundant and rainbow is pretty and they are overused at gluttonous levels. Come the safe and non-threatenend of June, Michael always says he’s so full of ing. It’s also intangible. Pride he could puke. If he actually ever did throw up, you know what it would be? You guessed it - Does anyone else find it rainbows. troubling that our civil rights symbology is based As overdone as they are, the crazy thing is, peo- on something that is actuple not only expect them every year, they want ally an illusion? It’s somethem. Design a Pride logo without a rainbow thing you can see but can’t and suddenly you’re trying to hide that you’re touch. It’s something to go gay. Don’t put a flag on your float and it’s obvi- over, but can’t be gotten to. It ous you’ve got internalized homophobia. Don’t something that promises a put a hot boy wearing nothing but a rainbow treasure that can never be had. bow on the cover and we’re pandering to the repressive heterosexual establishment. Ugg - the How does that inspire hope or conrainbow. fidence in our ability to achieve equality? Doesn’t it actually imply that Now don’t get me wrong. I love that we’ve taken gay rights are a pipe dream? No wonder over the rainbow as our symbol for freedom, the rest of the world let us have the rainequality, unity and love. Whenever I see an acbow. The joke’s on us. tual rainbow I think ‘ahhh, God really does love us gays.’ When I see a car with a rainbow sticker That being said, what other choices do we have I pull up beside them and yell “Hey gay car! to symbolize our community? How about not What up? I’m gay too! Woop, woop!” And when I using symbols? Instead let’s use images that withsee a dog in the park with a rainbow bandanna I represent our community more concretely, out judgcall him over, scratch behind his ears and ask openly, honestly. Let’s use pictures of us that ment is what I “Hey Buster, what horrible gay has anthroposhow the world who we really are. Forget the want most of all. The morphized you into a lame attempt at a political symbols, let’s give them reality. ability to publicly share basic, natural human statement. Is that anyway to treat their ‘child?’ intimacy with my partner, just as our straight If they won’t wear a rainbow neckerchief, they I struggled over what to put on the cover this brethren do, will be our greatest freedom and shouldn’t make you...” All good warm and fuzzy month. Not only is this the Pride issue, it’s our it’s the basis for all that we’re fighting for. moments. second issue as a monthly. That’s a lot of expectations to manage. I started off by trying to find This past Sunday I met the guy I’m dating, Paul, However, whether on a handkerchief or a flag, as pictures of the Stonewall Riots of 40 years ago, for church at St Mary’s in German Village. Sita political statement, the rainbow has lost its but like the rainbow, the three pictures out there ting a few pews in front of us was a straight impact. Most of us don’t even know what the are way overused. Next I tried some rainbows, couple in their mid twenties. During mass I kept colors stand for. Do you? Besides representing just to see. Ugg - rainbows. When that failed, I noticing the two sharing intimacy. He would put our diversity, the colors were originally designed thought, well, what does freedom mean to me? is arm around her. She would rub his back. They to symbolize different aspects of the LGBT com- What makes me feel authentic in my skin? What would hold hands. The whole time I kept thinkmunity. Pink was for sexuality, red for life, orgets my spirit exhilarated? Of course marriage ing, that is so nice but they have no idea how ange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for equality came to mind. Serving openly in the much they are taking for granted or what I nature, blue for harmony, purple/violet for spirit, military, sure. Dual adoptions, next of kin, joint would give to be able to be that open with Paul and turquoise for art/magic. That’s right, the checking accounts - yes, yes, yes. But what is here and now.

june 2009

In the short time we’ve been dating, Paul has never once balked at me holding his hand. I love that because, as cheesy as it might sound, there is nothing better to me than holding his hand when we’re walking down the street or watching TV or riding in the car. It’s authentic, it’s honest, it’s out… it’s just awesome. So it was more than troubling to me that all through mass I found myself balking at grabbing his hand. Why am I hesitating? I started debating in my head. It’s my freaking church and everyone knows I’m gay. I own the gay paper in town for Christ’s sake, I couldn’t be more out if I tried. Just hold his hand. Me and the Big G got no problem with this, so why am I worrying about repercussions? What if he’s uncomfortable with it? What if the lady next to us snickers? But it’s the Catholic Church - it’s supposed to be all about love! Where is this coming from… We all know where it comes from. Growing up queer, we are often taught that the way we express our feelings is wrong. That who we want to give affection to is bad. That the core of our being is broken, undesirable, unnatural, and unacceptable. You’re not good enough the way you are is drilled into our head over and over again and we quickly realize that our parents’ and our God’s promise of unconditional love is actually very conditional and very contingent on proper behavior. It’s a paradigm that for most of us takes years, if not a lifetime, to reconcile. Apparently, I’m still working on it. But can I solely blame my church for making me feel uncomfortable enough to not take his hand? Sure there is a lot of bad history between the Catholic church and gay people, but I’m a grown man who makes a conscious decision as to where I worship. If I’m not seeing examples of gay love in my church, then I should be that example. Isn’t sitting in weekly mass with my arm around my partner much more powerful than riding a float down High St? We need to give the world solid examples of our love, not rainbows. To that end, this Pride issue is saturated with examples of our affections - there’s a lot of kissing. Kissing who we want, when we want, is the freedom we all deserve. Let this issue remind you that we should never have to edit our affections for those we love and we should always be an example of love in the world. Chris Hayes is Co Publisher of outlook: columbus and really likes kissing Paul.

Hayes is Irish (from O’Hea.) Daniels is Scottish (from MacDaniel/MacDonald.) Chris wants to drink. Michael refuses to pay for it.

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Loft: airy, spacious, without walls. Remember that, developers!

june 2009

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

june 2009

All of these organizations can use your gifts of time and money. Get involved!

outlookcolumbus.com

Exclusive – Exclusionary – EXCUSE ME! Michael Daniels

then they should just stay home.

People and organizations amaze me – and not always in a We in the GLBTQ community good way. It’s happened several times lately, and I just are not immune from can’t hold my tongue any longer. these very same practices. We Twice in the past 30 days, I’ve contacted non-profits in re- gather in sponse to their broadcast email announcements, offering closed cirsponsorships from outlook:columbus to promote their cles and events. Twice I’ve been told, “We’d love to have you on celebrate board, but Publication X is already a sponsor and they re- our quire exclusivity for print promotions.” (often historReally? Is the gay media that threatening? Does the ical mega-titled, deep-pocketed publishing powerhouse here and in town really need to exclude the rest of us so that they past) can capture a market? Or are they afraid to share the viclimelight with us, for fear we’ll somehow steal their glory? timIs an event co-sponsored by outlook and Alive, or outlook hood, and Fronteras, or outlook and 104.9 The River somehow screamgoing to turn into a raging gayfest? Should a sports team ing that that receives sponsorship dollars and ads from the Diswe’re not patch somehow be forbidden from promoting to the pro- accepted by gressive community? the rest of the world while simulIn a city like ours, with its incredible diversity and inclutaneously shutting sion, there is no room for this exclusionary practice. them out.

from networking or doing business with an entire segment of the population simply because I have a penis. It is offensive that my friend should be shut out of attending a spiritual gathering simply because she does not. Yet we do this to ourselves under the guise of “promoting and supporting our sisters” or fighting “that in the world at large, heterosexism and woman hatred are the norm” or because we need a “safe space” that is not “heterocentric.” BULLSHIT. No, things are not always equal or fair. Women often have it harder than men. People of color often have it harder than whites. GLBT folk often have it harder than straight people. But does that mean that we hole up in little all-victim enclaves, passing around the pity pipe and drinking our own depressionleaden KoolAid? Do we really believe that the world is evil and heterocentric and homophobic and anti-female and racist and generally sucks?

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the value of being the lead sponsor, or the premier sponsor, or the presenting sponsor, or the grand-poobah sponsor, of an event. I understand that the publication that gives the most promotions gets the biggest logo at the top of the page. That’s as it should be. But in demanding exclusivity, these publications demean themselves. Such demands reduce them to the role of the catty, petty, bitchy kid on the playground in junior high who announces “if you are going to be friends with her, then you can’t be friends with me!” and then huffs and stomps and pouts away. Shame on them.

I’m sure that there are valid reasons for some events to be all gay, or all straight, or all male, or all female, or all left- Goddess, I hope not. handed. I just can’t think of any. I hope that we stand up, acknowledge the playing field I find it myopic at best, and hypocritical at worst, that isn’t level, and then set about leveling it. I hope that GLBTQ community members would organize, promote and women business professionals don’t cloister themselves, champion events and organizations that exclude membut rather insert themselves into organizations that are bers based on gender. The historically male-dominated. I hope that people of color old boys’ club way of don’t draw inward, but rather showcase their talents doing busiand bid on contracts. I hope that GLBT folks don’t ness was circle their Volvo wagons, but rather go to wrong straight networking and business events, Ironically, it’s then the organizations they are purporting to – and invite their straight colleagues to help that actually suffer. If you were having an event, ours. wouldn’t the point be to have the most people attend to ensure its success? Or the most people with the highest That’s the Outlook Media model disposable income perhaps? Binding an organization to anyhow. We won’t apologize for exclusive sponsorships agreements only limits the pool who we are, but we won’t hide of prospective contributors. How does that at all help? in some all-gay all-male “HeHow is that at all supportive? It doesn’t and it’s not Man-Penis-Lover-Breedersand it reminds me of the overbearing abusive Hater’s Club” either. We are boyfriend that won’t let his partner have his own going to continue to invite friends and controls what he does, especially in pubmen and women of all collic. ors and all orientations to all of our events. We are going But that partner is equally to blame. They have the to continue to partner with power to change. Shame on the organizations and open and inclusive organizaevents that allow themselves to be cornered into these tions with a goal of moving exclusive deals. If you work for one of such organizaALL of us forward. And we will tions, know that agreeing and kowtowing to these archaic continue to sponsor events to and offensive demands only emboldens the bullies and help promote the community we undermines your events and organizations. Dare to ask are here to bolster, even if it means them how restricting your marketing efforts strengthen our logo isn’t allowed to appear beside your event. Dare to tell the playground bullies that you will and The Dispatch, alive!, Fronteras. or any associate with whomever you like, thank you very much, so are other. and if they’d like to be part of that group, they’re welcome the new and valued. But if they can’t sit at the same table as your girls’ clubs that We’re hopeful that our misguided friends will see gay friends, or your alternative friends, or your tattooed are now forming. It is the light and work to build an inclusive, complete commufriends, or your Hispanic and African American friends, offensive that I should be shut out nity … someday.

outlookcolumbus.com

A chicken’s heart beats 280-315 times a minute, about the same as a gay boy’s at a Madonna concert.

june 2009

Gay Days at Disney will celebrate its 20th Anniversary in 2010!

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Freedom is Label-less by Jennifer Vanasco I’m worried about these “straight” women who fall in love with other women. Recently, we’ve seen them on Oprah and on Tyra. We hear them say things like Chris did on Oprah, after her heart was broken by the woman she left her husband for: “If I’m capable of having intimacy with a man, then that means probably that I’m not gay,” she says. “However, when it comes to relationships and where I’m most comfortable, I prefer to be with women.” Um, the word for that is “bisexual.” It’s interesting to me, that - like men who sleep with other men but deny they are gay – women, too, seem to have their own version of being on the down low. That is, they fall in love with other women, they sleep with other women, they have relationships with other women, and yet they insist they are straight. The media loves this story. They say it’s a “trend.” They say that women having a fling with other women has cultural cache. In hushed tones, they lionize these women who are “brave” enough to cross over into Lesbos without living there permanently.

they will have to fit in with some cultural stereotype of what it means to be a woman who is in love with a woman. That they will suddenly have to move somewhere where they don’t speak the language or understand the references. They are afraid they will label themselves and then be alone. Instead, the opposite is true. Declaring oneself gay or lesbian, bisexual or queer is the most freeing feeling in the world. Better yet – it comes with an entrée into a vibrant, flourishing culture that provides emotional and social support. I think the “complications” these women struggle with are the everyday difficulties that come from being part of a lesbian relationship in a straight world, where people might not understand that a woman loving another woman is to be celebrated, not vilified. Labels may seem restricting, but we all have them. The wrong label is stultifying. But the right one can be a passport into a new life, a true life. And if the right label is “bisexual” or “lesbian,” it is an invitation into a community.

To be a woman in a relationship with a They may not have heard the gay axiom that woman in the center of the gay community “everyone is straight until they come out.” is a very different experience – a validating experience – then to be in a lesbian relaOf course, some of them, like Oprah’s guest tionship with no one around you but straight Chris, do indeed return to dating men exclu- people. sively. “It’s less complicated,” she told Oprah. I am not saying there aren’t supportive straight people. There are hundreds of thouAnd, yep, it sure is. A woman in a straight sands of them – including many of my close couple only needs to worry about guest lists friends and all those heterosexuals who and seating charts, not whether the state in voted against Prop 8. But still, in the big, which she plans to marry will let her legally straight world, the assumptions are differwed or adopt children. ent. A woman is automatically assumed to be interested in men. People ask who the But I doubt it is the complicated legality that man is. People ask how it is possible for lesmakes women like Chris hesitant to call bians to have sex. themselves gay or bisexual. I’m worried for these “straight” women, beWhat I worry about is that they think that la- cause clearly, they’re not straight at all. Sobeling themselves “gay” or “bisexual” will ciety has just given them the wrong label. make them residents of a country in which they don’t want to settle permanently. They Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning, syndicated Email her at jennifer.vanasco@gmail.com. think that “lesbian” will mean they have to columnist. Follow her at twitter.com/JenniferVanasco. give up something about who they are, that

outlookcolumbus.com

Karen, from Will & Grace. “Oh, honey. We're all lesbians when the right guy isn't around, huh?”

june 2009

More than 90% of all Post-It notes are made in Cynthiana, Kentucky.

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Pride Fashion You’re Free To Wear What You Want Any Ol’ Time by Marcus Morris / photo by Robert Trautman “Kevin” is the object of much affection. He is a 19-year-old newly minted sophomore at OSU. He looks like he is 15, and is blonde with blue eyes. He weighs 130 pounds, and will end up with his legs in the air before the night is up. “Kevin” is new to the scene, and he knows nothing about fashion. He and “Martin” are wearing the exact same outfit. Only “Kevin” looks age appropriate. “Kevin” has not realized the power of the color orange in the gay community, so his skin actually looks pinkish and fresh. Give him a few months and he’ll look like an old Prada bag. We should enjoy the fact that we are free to be “Kevin” is celebrating his first Pride, and thinks as outlandish, overexposed, and gay as we he has met the man of his dreams every time he would like. There is no other weekend where you rounds a corner. can see an adult man buying Tanqueray in vinyl hot pants at Europia. I think there are some se- “Steph” is a proud lesbian and looks like an rious “types” who populate Pride. Here are my anime character. She has spiky, over-processed favorites, and what they wear: hair, and wears all of her clothes from PINK. She has tons of make-up on, and shiny acrylic nails. “Martin” is that older guy who is not aware that She looks like her entire face and body have he has not seen a college dorm since George been photoshopped. Everything is reflective. She Clooney was on Facts Of Life. He shops at Aber- just broke up with her girlfriend, who was way crombie and Hollister, and listens to Lady Gaga too into Ani DiFranco, and she is looking to celelike he is still a twink. He is really tan, and his brate Pride by having a good time. She spends real skin color is nestled in the crow’s feet nearly a whole paycheck on Tequila shots after around his eyes. He will show up to Pride wear- she has an orgasm in the bathroom at Liquid ing a polo shirt with the collar popped up, in a with a Roller Girl whom she will never call. She pastel color, and distressed khaki cargo shorts. ends the night with 7 acrylic nails, 3 orgasms, 5 His American Eagle flip flops will be electric phone numbers, and 1 set of skates on her floor. white, and showcase the chicken legs that he hates, and will always have. He will come to “Sahara” is the life of the party, and applies her Pride with his best friend Donna, who always eye-makeup better than most of her drag queen knew he was gay. She will go home to Canal cohorts. She spends the entire night before Winchester after the parade, and he will spend soaking, and loofahing, and pumicing herself hours looking for a cute young thang. He works before she tries to work a mini dress. She made for Columbus Public Schools and his D-List pro- herself a silk chiffon empire-waist dress in hot file features pictures of him wearing a brightly pink, with matching hot pants. Her wig is a patterned pair of Ginch Gonch briefs. platinum version of one of the monstrosities that Diana Ross wears on occasion. Her shoes “Dina” will show up to Pride with her life part- are also hot pink gladiator stilettos. “Sahara” is ner, “Becky.” “Dina” is a big black lesbian who a big girl who likes cosmopolitans. She wanted was always the best at sports in high school. Go her dress to match her drink. The problem is figure. “Dina” will also be wearing a pair of that “Sahara” starts knocking back the coskhaki cargo shorts, but “Dina” is not wearing a mopolitans before she hits Bat-N-Rouge. “Sashirt this year. She has decided to unleash her hara” will host a party at Havana, and wows the 42DD tits to the world, and it is a spectacular crowd with her bawdy jokes, and ability to enersight. Her breasts, which begin at her collar and gize the revelers. By 4 a.m., “Sahara” is a hot end at her belt, have seen perkier days. These mess. She heads back to her apartment in Italare Mrs. Butterworth’s breasts, and they have ian Village wearing only one gladiator stiletto, decided to demonstrate Capital Pride. She will with a lost heel. She carries the other shoe in also be wearing a pair of K-Swiss with white her hand. Her wig is cocked to the side, and her socks, and gold doorknocker earrings. “Becky” perfect makeup is smudged to hell. She has is slightly stoned, and her pale skin is sun had the Pride of her life. burnt, but she is wearing a pair of denim cutoffs and a bandana around her chest. Her Martin, Steph, Dina, Becky, Kevin, and Sahara breast size clocks in at a 34A, so she will spend are just a few of the stereotypes I could delve most of the day re-tying the damn thing being into, and over exaggerate. The common thread held by her arms, until the combination of Arbor that links them together is the fact that they are Mist and the June heat cause her to throw up in going to Pride to celebrate themselves and our the pond at Goodale Park and she needs the culture. So what if you dress tacky, and look a bandana to wipe off her face. She had “Dina” hot mess by the end of the night? It means you cornrow her thin reddish hair, and now her scalp had a great time. The theme of Pride this year is is red from the sun. She is the one who looks “Freedom.” To quote The Rolling Stones, “You like hell in all the Pride snapshots. are free to do what you want, any ole’ time.” Pride, the gayest of all holiday weekends, is upon us, and while some are greasing up their motorcycles, and some are greasing up to ride something else, some queers are thinking about what to wear. It’s without a doubt that some in the community lost the memo on tasteful attire. This is not a bad thing. One of the most fun parts about Pride is that there is bound to be some seriously tacky shit parading down High St. It’s entertainment.

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The Stray Cats recorded a song entitled "Fishnet Stockings" on their European debut album in 1981.

june 2009

Food is dramatic- Life is delicious.

Episode 42: Just Beat It! by Chris Hayes

tangy sauce.”

I should have known Steve would show up at the Equality Happy Hour last Friday at U Café in the Short North. The poser always liked people to think he was something he’s not. Why I ever dated him is beyond me. I’m a sucker for jackasses I guess, and a good chop salad. I don’t know how Chef Ben does it, but the blend of baby greens, garbanzo beans, mixed peppers, egg and blue cheese vinaigrette always puts a smile on my face. And that’s exactly why my best friend Jerry ordered me one when he saw Steve coming up the street.

The bar was littered with plates of food. We always ordered a bunch of appetizers to share while we caught up on the happenings of the week and made plans for the weekend. There was something so relaxing about doing tapas and trading tales. Steve knew what this meant to me. He was just here to ruin it.

Sitting at the newly redone outside patio bar, we could see almost all the way up High Street. Jerry, Bob, Dillon, Dave and a few other rowdy do-gooders had been judging the “couture” making its way up and down the strip while sucking down $4 premium martinis. Drinks always tasted better with a little bitchy dish and knowing that $1 of the cost was going to the Stonewall Democrats, Equality Ohio, and HRC. We all agree it was a karmatic wash. I was making my way back from the bathroom when I heard Dillon really tearing someone up for wearing American Eagle past their prime and weight. “No one’s ever going to believe he’s 28 or 180 pounds,” he roared. I rushed up to see who was the latest fashion victim, only to realize too late that it was the dreaded ex. “What is he doing here!,” I gasped. “He’s supposed to be at Hyde Park. Ugg he is so obvious.” Part of the “divorce” was a division of gay real estate. I got Score Bar and Exile for the Stripper tour. He got Church and T-dubs. I got show tune Sundays and he got top shelf Tuesdays. I got U for Friday happy hour and he got the high mos. This infringement into my territory was a clear declaration of war. He has no idea what he’s in for. “Don’t let him get under your skin,” Jerry said patting my back and pushing a plate in front of me. “Here have a mini crab cake. They are so good with the honey Dijon sauce.” “And eat some of this BBQ chicken pizza,” Bob added. “It’s impossible to be mad while savoring the bacon, shallots, cheddar cheese and

june 2009

going for happiness. You’re the hero here, not the victim.”

Dave was right. Everyone knew Steve treated me like shit. They all knew he talked out his ass about me. The whole town could see that this middleaged mama’s boy was never going to amount to anything more than what his parents could buy him. So what other character flaws were Just then our favorite bartender Colin came over there that I needed the world to acknowledge? to us and sat an Appletini and a Cosmo in front Why was I letting him control my happiness? of me. “The Appletini is for your nerves, the Cosmo is just in case,” he said with a wink. “I I downed my Appletini and signaled to Colin for a refill. Still deep in self-reflection, I picked up a can’t believe he has the nerve. What an asspiece of garden bruschetta with cherry tomahole.” toes, roasted garlic, red onion, and mozzarella. The smell of the fresh basil was soothing my A nervy asshole he was. I remember our first spirit when it was suddenly overpowered by a date here. We had to sit in the window to be repulsive familiarity: Touch by Axe body spray. seen and he was more focused on waving to people he wanted to know, than on our conver- Tool by Steve was more like it. The douche bag always bathed in it. He believed it covered up sation. And even though he had ordered the Chilean Sea Bass with mirin lime broth, he pro- his perpetual b.o. and that wearing it would ceeded to eat half my grilled chicken with tropi- make him irresistible like the commercials said. cal chutney. We had even ordered gelato to split Realizing Steve was right behind me, I stood up, and I got maybe one bite. Asshole. grabbed the Cosmo and turned to face him. The bar fanned out away from us in a wide circle as Dave could see that I was stewing in resentto avoid being hit by flying vodka, but close ment. To counter, he took a fork full of the Chicken Pesto Penne and began making train enough to catch the action. For a moment I felt like I was in the center of Michael Jackson’s noises. “Choo, choo… open the hatch, here Beat It video, which ironically began playing on comes the happiness train. Choo choo!” He began twirling the fork in my face and dancing the video screen. at the same time. He looked so ridiculous I “I thought I smelled flatulence and self couldn’t help but laugh and as soon as my loathing,” I said with a smirk. “You know I was mouth opened, he shoved the penne in. “Now going to throw this drink on you for invading my while you chew on the delicious blend of sun space, but then I realized you weren’t worth it. dried tomato pesto sauce, pine nuts, spinach and sweet bell pepper, also chew on this: He’s Why waste good vodka on someone as inconsequential as you?” got no power over you. You left him. Just remember how horrible you always said he was in A hush had fallen over the patio. All you could bed. If I’m not mistaken, you once told me his hear was the music video playing: “showing dick is smaller than these mushroom spring rolls and his ass is looser than this roasted gar- how funky, strong is your fighta, it doesn’t lic hummus. He’s a joke. You need to quit being matta who’s wrong or righta…” ‘How good is mad at yourself for staying in it as long as you that VJ?,’ I thought as I waited for his reaction. ‘It must be Patsy back there…’ did. Be proud of yourself for getting out and “He better not think he’s sitting with us,” I grunted and then popped a piece of lightly dusted calamari in my mouth. “If he comes over here, he’s going to end up with a Cosmo in his face.”

“In fact, you know what Steve,” I continued, “why don’t you drink it instead. Have this Cosmo and then beat it. No one wants to see your face, you better disappear.” He grabbed the drink, chugged it and tossed the glass over the bar. “I figured you wouldn’t have the balls to do anything,” he said smugly. “You always were a worthless pussy. Colin make me another one.” The crowd gasped in disbelief and before I had time to think - You Have To Show Them That You’re Really Not Scared, You’re Playin’ With Your Life, This Ain’t No Truth Or Dare - I decked him. With one punch he fell to the ground, limp like the sautéed spinach and tomatoes that come with the grilled salmon entrée and I thought this moment is almost as delicious. “Colin, delay that order,” I said. “Steve here will be taking his pride to go.” As my boys stepped over the asshole to gather around me I asked, “Who’s ready for a shot? Steve’s had his!” U Café is located at 782 N High St in the Short North. Equality Happy Hour is 4p-7p every Friday. No one was actually slugged in the making of this movie… yet. Chris Hayes is Co-Publisher of outlook:columbus and an avid corn enthusiast.

“The fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach...just make sure you thrust upward through his ribcage.”- Stephen Colbert

photo by Danner-Morris

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Do you think he knows his shirt is riding up? Is that how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dressing at the Colosseum these days?

june 2009

“Over the Rainbow” was sung by Judy Garland - that’s Judy with a “J”

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History of Stonewall Columbus & Pride Let’s step back in time for a moment. It is 1981 and three young men are sitting in their apartment discussing the news that a local Moral Majority chapter led by the Reverend Jerry Falwell is starting in Columbus, Ohio. As we can all imagine, they were outraged, yet determined to draw attention to the discrimination that was being perpetrated on the GLBT community. These three activists staged a March down High Street. News footage from the event indicates that many of the participants marched in disguise, covering their faces with bags for fear of losing their jobs. After the March the organization now known as Stonewall Columbus was born.

Our Political Quest for Freedom Began Forty Years Ago: The Riots Friday, June 27, 1969 found the world mourning the death of Judy Garland. Some have wondered what effect the gay icon’s funeral, which took place in Manhattan, had on the events that would soon transpire. In the early morning hours of June 28, police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, a small bar located on Christopher Street in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Although mafia-run, the Stonewall, like other predominantly gay bars in the city, got raided by the police periodically. Typically, the more “deviant” patrons (that is, drag queens and butch lesbians, especially if they were “colored”) would be arrested and taken away in a paddy wagon, while white, male customers looked on or quietly disappeared. Then, reflecting the system’s corruption, the bar owners would be levied an insubstantial fine, allowing them to open for business the following day. On this night, the charge was the illegal sale of alcohol. The raid began in time-honored fashion, as plainclothes and uniformed police officers entered the bar, arrested the employees, and began ejecting the customers one by one onto the street.

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But for some reason, the crowd that had gathered outside the Stonewall, a crowd that had become campy and festive and had cheered each time a patron emerged from the bar, soon changed its mood. Perhaps it was Judy Garland’s death, or the summer heat, or the fact that police had been especially busy that summer raiding bars and patrons had become angry and frustrated. Or possibly it was the sight of several drag queens being forced into a paddy wagon. Whatever it was, the on-lookers lost their patience. As to who threw the first punch, accounts are contradictory. Some say it was a drag queen, while others claim it was a butch lesbian, who initially defied the police.

A parade spectator who was hiding in the bushes that day watching the parade was former World War II veteran, Rupert Starr, known by his friends as “Twink” Starr. Twink, 86, a retired decorated veteran was captured and spent time in a prisoner of war camp during WWII. He has spent much of his retired life fighting against the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy currently in place in the US Military. This June, Twink will visit Europe and will tour the site where he was imprisoned many years ago. The day after he returns to Columbus, Stonewall Columbus will honor him as the Grand Marshal of Pride 2009. After all these years, Twink will have the homecoming that he so very much deserves and you are invited to march and celebrate with him.

the riot spread and Greenwich Village residents, many of whom were lesbian and gay, hurried to the scene. Someone squirted lighter fluid inside the bar and attempted to ignite it. Several others grabbed a downed parking meter and used it as a battering ram against the front of the Stonewall. Still others chanted “Gay Power!”

Soon a riot-control police unit arrived to rescue the trapped officers and break up the demonstration. However, it would be more than an hour before the unit was finally able to disperse the crowd, and not before a group of drag The crowd, which had grown to several hundred queens taunted the police by singing at the top people, erupted. People began pelting the offi- of their lungs, “We are the Stonewall girls / We cers with coins, which represented the payoffs wear our hair in curls / We wear no underwear / We show our pubic hair / We wear our dungagay bars had to make to the police to stay in business. Then they moved to stones and bot- rees / Above our nelly knees!” tles. The police, surprised by and not used to such resistance from patrons of gay bars, beat The first Stonewall Riot ended the morning of Saturday, June 28. That night the second riot those they could reach with nightsticks, but eventually were forced to take refuge by locking broke out, as thousands of demonstrators - in the name of Gay Pride - flocked to the streets in themselves inside the Stonewall. front of and around the Stonewall Inn. Once The crowd swelled by hundreds more, as word of again there were confrontations with the police

until the early morning hours. Over the next week, the protests and demonstrations continued in Greenwich Village, but on a smaller scale. The sense of anger that underlay the riots, the discovery that strength in numbers could match and even defeat the police, and the realization that members of the GLBTQ community did not have to tolerate meekly the customary bullying and harassment at the hands of the authorities, quickly led to politicization. A new era had begun. This Pride Holiday we honor those activists that began our movement, we honor Judy Garland, and we honor our Grand Marshal Rupert “Twink” Starr. Moreover, Pride Holiday is our continuing tribute to everyone who has for the last forty years made change possible, who have made it a world where we can have a parade down High Street, a two-day festival in a public park, and a magazine distributed throughout libraries and bars alike celebrating our life and our loves. It’s a much better day. Reference: http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/stonewall_riots.html

A ‘French kiss’ or ‘snog’ is a kiss, usually romantic or sexual in nature, in which one participant's tongue touches the other's tongue and usually enters the mouth.

june 2009

Supporting Stonewall Supports Freedom

Celebrate Who You Are, Who We Are

Dear Friend of Stonewall Columbus,

HAPPY PRIDE, Columbus!

This year Stonewall Columbus is celebrating its 28th Anniversary of serving the Central Ohio GLBT community. It’s an exciting time! We are looking forward to hosting the annual Pride Holiday and collectively celebrating the achievements of the past and at the same time building for our future.

I wanted to start by thanking each and every one of you, our diverse LGBTQ and Ally community, for the support and utilization of Stonewall Columbus and the Center on High. Without you, we wouldn’t be celebrating 28 years of service. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to show you how much we appreciate YOU by throwing one of the largest Pride Celebrations in the nation. We estimate hosting over 120,000 of you this year…

The theme of this year’s celebration is Freedom. Are we any closer to achieving our freedoms as a culture? What freedoms do we have in place for the GLBT community today that we did not have twenty-eight years ago? Stonewall Columbus is thrilled to announce that our Pride celebration is one of the few in the country that continues to grow every year. Our Pride Holiday is one of the top ten festivals in the United States. In 2007 Columbus, Ohio was highlighted in the Advocate as one of the top unexpected great destinations for Pride in the country. Last year’s attendance was more than 120,000 and this year we project that number will increase by ten percent. For the first time in the history of Pride, the festival will expand to include two days of fun and festivities at Goodale Park beginning Friday, June 19 from 5p – 11p. and continue through Saturday, June 20th from 11a – 9p. Saturday’s March will begin with a rally at the Statehouse on the corner of Broad and High Streets and then the parade will travel north on High Street to the festival at Goodale Park. The annual Pride Brunch will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Columbus from 11a–1p. What an incredible weekend Stonewall Columbus has planned for our city! We can only continue this increased visibility for our community with your support. Growth is positive; however it does mean that every year the production costs continue to rise. By becoming a donor through our Pride Circle campaign, you can help us to keep producing this cultural event every year. Pride Circle is a group of supporters who contribute to help Stonewall Columbus produce the Pride Festival and your contribution as a member of Pride Circle goes directly to the cost of this event. Please join the Pride Circle team by donating today! Every donor that contributes through June 21, 2009 will be entered into a drawing to win a brand new Wii, courtesy of board member Jay Poroda. For more information on the 2009 Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival, please visit our website at www.columbuspride.org. Stonewall Columbus is extremely grateful for your generosity and your ongoing support of the Central Ohio GLBT Community. We thank you for making the past 28 years possible and we look forward to working with you to ensure a future of unparalleled success!

In life we’ve all been taught not to take things for granted. However, sometimes we do without even realizing it. It holds true for me with the comfort and security that I have in the diverse community that lives right here in Columbus. Recently, in traveling to Phoenix, AZ to participate in a big city ½ marathon, I found that the inclusive life I’m accustom to, and assume others have, does not exist in all metropolitan centers. At an HRC/L Word event that my friends and I were waiting in line for, we were actually ushered into an alley so that the theater where the event was didn’t appear to have a line of lesbians hanging out front of it. For the first time in 20 years, I felt the sting of being ostracized for being a lesbian and I saw a community that was angry…yet content…with the small liberties that they were “allowed” to have. I was shocked and realized that there is so much work that still needs to be done. That experience renewed my appreciation for the acceptance that we receive as members of the LGBTQ community here in Central Ohio. On the flip side, it also renewed a sense of urgency in me to ensure that our current rights are not lost and that we continue to fight for the rights that we have yet to realize, such as legalized marriage. Stonewall Columbus has consistently been an integral player in the actions to facilitate forward movement for our community and a key player in community awareness. Not only involved in advocacy, SWC is also a home and meeting place of stellar programs and services (such as men’s and women’s support groups, recovery groups, fitness groups & creative classes) that help nurture our community. We are one of very few cities in the nation that has this place to call home. A place where we can continue to achieve the freedom that we all deserve, a place where we can meet safely and openly, a place to learn and grow. Stonewall Columbus can only continue to move our community forward and continue to throw an incredible Pride event with the support of each and every one of you! Our Pride celebration was named by the Advocate as one of the largest and best in the nation. All of this headway and visibility is incredible and it makes me so proud! But, we have to remember not to take all of this for granted. Celebrate Pride weekend. Celebrate who you are, who we are. Enjoy it and let’s try to carry our pride and confidence through the rest of the year. Let’s be thankful and remind everyone how far we’ve come and how far we are going to go… together!!! Much love in Pride,

Sincerely, Karla Rothan Executive Director, Stonewall Columbus

june 2009

Kelly Jaeger President, Stonewall Columbus

We have our own language! Check out ‘Polari’ on Wikipedia. Fascinating!

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The word check comes from the Arabic word sakk (‫ )ّكص‬meaning note of credit.

june 2009

Samantha Rollins is ambassador-designee to Columbusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sister city, Kumasi, Ghana. She anxiously awaits confirmation by City Council.

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Thank you, Sweden, for gummi fish, relaxing massage, and Agnetha FĂ¤ltskog, BjĂśrn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson & Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

june 2009

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE CENTER ON HIGH What is happening at the Center on High

Bi-Monthly Spring thru Fall This group meets bi-monthly on a seasonal basis The first half of 2009 has been extremely busy at the (Spring through Fall). The group initially meets at Center. For the first time ever Stonewall Columbus Stonewall to learn the basics of effective running for hosted a Sports and Fitness Expo which was exCommunity Drum Circle good overall health, exercise, race training and fun. tremely successful. Columbus Sports Teams and 2nd Saturday @ 3:30p-5:30p Men’s Discussion Group The regular bi-monthly meetings are held as outings Health and Wellness professionals from all of central Open to all drummers; there will be some facilitation 3rd Tuesday @ 7p at a variety of locations in Columbus to run/walk. All Ohio converged at the center offering visitors impor- and free style drumming. Led by B. Wahru Cleveland. Interested in meeting new people? Looking for suplevels of experience are welcome and encouraged to tant information, health screenings, product samples Contact: B. Wahru, wahru@hotmail.com port and direction? The group is open to all and offers join us! Contact: kjaeger7@yahoo.com and fun. the opportunity to meet and interact with gay men Gay, Joyous, and Free Narcotics Anonymous from a variety of backgrounds. The group meets to Stonewall Health Check Stonewall Columbus is committed to offering proEvery Saturday @ 7:30p talk about common challenges, frustrations and ad- Varies grams that help our community to learn and grow. A weekly support group of GLBT individuals who are vantages unique to gay men. Topics include: meeting Stonewall Health Check encompasses all health reIndividuals call or stop by the center looking for help. struggling with and/or recovering from drug addicnew people, developing a support network, dealing lated programming being offered at The Center on Some folks who contact us are engaging in very un- tion. with stress from families, and responding to homo- High. This programming includes, but is not limited healthy behaviors. Volunteers and staff are there to phobia in the workplace. The group is lead by Jim to health fairs, presentations as well as any other assist them in finding just the right avenue for suc- Girl Spot Broyles, PhD, a licensed psychologist who offers the health related classes offered in the Studio on High. cess so that they are able to make healthy life 1st & 3rd Sunday @ 5p-7p perspective of an experienced counselor. Come join Future programming will be determined on a casechoices. Oftentimes joining one of the center groups Girl Spot is a women’s social group in the Columbus us! by-case basis. Contact: Letha Pugh at or participating in an activity can help fight the anxi- area aiming to fill the social gap between bars and Contact: Jim Broyles: gcps2@sbcglobal.net letha_pugh@yahoo.com. ety and depression that is so prevalent in our comhome for LBTQ women. We strive to have fun, make a munity. Feeling as if you belong sometimes is half difference, create a presence in the community and Older Lesbians Organized for Change (OLOC) Stonewall Senior Programming Committee the battle. If a “sense of belonging” is not enough offer a place to go for newcomers and those wishing 1st Saturday in Jan, Mar & May 2009 @ 11a-4p Varies and the depression is severe, the center does have a to develop new friends. We host Game Nights at A national organization of older lesbians 60 and over, Stonewall Seniors is a group committed to implecounselor on staff to help. Stonewall Center on High on the 1st Sunday of each OLOC has local groups around the country and func- menting programming that will provide an outlet to month from 5p-7p. 3rd Sunday events include: movie tions under the leadership of a national Steering seniors in the LGBT community. The meetings are Below is the current roster of activities at the Center nights, live art festivals, local outings and dinner Committee. OLOC works toward providing a safe, subject to change based on the needs of the commiton High. Please note that programs and groups alter parties. Contact: girlspot4columbus@gmail.com supportive network for older lesbians while actively tee. We are currently working on a friendly visiting schedules on a monthly basis so please contact the working to effect changes that will improve our lives. program for LGBT seniors in our community. The goal leader or the center before attending any of the pro- GLBT Hiking Club We challenge ageism wherever we find it, plan oppor- of the committee is to begin to build a vibrant senior grams listed. There will be new classes added to this Seasonal / Various times tunities for old lesbians to gather, support and con- program to address the increasing need in our comlist beginning in September 2009. Classes offered in This seasonal (Spring, Summer, Fall) social group tribute to the Old Lesbian Oral Herstory Project, and munity. If you have any interest in assisting with this the past include: Yoga, Creative Writing, Ballroom meets at various locations throughout Central Sign publish a quarterly newsletter. Contact: Sally Tatnall- program, please contact Letha Pugh. Contact: Letha Dance, Survival Spanish, Zumba and Aerobic Line up with the yahoo group for info at: tatnalls@yahoo.com, Jan Griesinger PO Box 5853 Pugh at letha_pugh@yahoo.com. Dancing. Looking forward to 2010, SWC will add http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbthikingcolumbus. Athens, OH 45701, 740.448.6424, Cooking Workshops, Organic Farming, and Nutrition Contact: Wolfpup28469@aol.com ad965@seorf.ohiou.edu Transgender, Cross Dressing, Gender Variant Peer and Weight Management. If there is a class that you Support Group would like to see offered at the center, please email Hearing Impaired Support Group P.A.C.T.-Parents and Children Together 1st Wednesday @ 7p us at info@stonewallcolumbus.org. 3rd Monday @ 7p A family and social outing group for GLBT parents This is a peer led support group. Open to everyoneGeneral Support Group for LGBT Hearing Impaired in- with children. This group does not meet at Stonewall. FtM, MtF, Cross Dressers, Gender Queer, Intersexed, List of Current Programs and Services: dividuals. Sign interpreter. Contact: Christopher at For more information regarding membership or the etc. Facilitated by TransOhio staff. Drop-ins welcome. pilot_dog_boddie@yahoo.com. group’s current events schedule, go to the following Contact: Transohio@gmail.com Awakening the Goddess Within website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stonewall1st & 3rd Monday @ 7p LinkOUT-LGBT Young Professionals of Central Ohio columbusPACT TransOhio A supportive group designed to empower women to Usual Day is Last Wednesday @7p 3rd Sunday @ 3p connect with and celebrate the inner Feminine DiCheck with Contact below to verify meeting dates Sisters of Lavender (SOL) Serves the Ohio transgender and ally communities by vine. This will be an experiential group facilitated by and sites. Last Wednesday @ 7p-9p providing services, education, support and advocacy, Shirah Siladie, LISW, who is a holistic psychotheraOur vision is to shape the future of the young LGBT Meetings are held at North Congregational United which promotes and improves the health, safety and pist who has been helping others to heal heart, mind professional community making Central Ohio a desir- Church of Christ (2040 W Henderson Rd, 43220) life experience of the Ohio transgender individual and & spirit for over 25 years. Contact: Shirah Siladie, able place to call home. We engage young LGBT pro- Support and social group for lesbian womyn forty and community. Contact: transohio@gmail.com 614.784.8108 fessionals and connect them to LGBT serving over. The focus of the group is to address issues and organizations and communities. As a group of mem- topics of interest to the mature lesbian Women’s Book Club Brutha2Brutha-Columbus Men’s Social and Activity bers from diverse fields, cultural and socio-economic population. The group is also intended to be a safe 3rd Wednesday @ 6:30p Association backgrounds, we: harbor for womyn to meet and socialize with other A primarily lesbian group with members from many Check with Contact below to verify meeting dates • Serve as the voice for young LGBT professionals. womyn of similar sexual orientation. Contact: Mem- backgrounds and ages. Friendly, thought-provoking and sites • Provide an educational/awareness forum for issues bership@SistersOfLavender.org or www.sisterdiscussions on a range of topics, generally related to A peer social group for gay men of color and their that affect our community. soflavender.org the month’s book. The books vary in genre, ranging friends who seek to participate in social, recreational • Organize social and professional networking opporfrom non-fiction to poetry to historical literature to and spiritual activities and events. Our diverse mem- tunities. Sober, Strong and Free Lesbian Group AA light ‘beach-reads.’ The group provides an opportubership consists of professionals ages 18 and up • Serve as a connection to community resources and Every Friday @ 7:30p nity for meeting members of the community. who want to do more than ‘club’ or party on the encourage community building. A weekly support group offering hope and help to al- Contact: Becky at rebeccashaw@earthlink.net weekends and choose instead to investigate more in- • Facilitate community service and civic involvecoholic lesbian and bisexual women. timate and deep connections with other gay/bi black ment. Professional Counselor Now Seeing Clients at the and Hispanic men in Central Ohio. Contact: Ric • Encourage professional development opportunities. Stonewall Columbus Diversity Team Center on High! Daniels for future meetings information, ric_mcContact: Joel Diaz for info on meetings, Every two weeks @ 5:30p-7p Sonny Saunders, MSE, PC, is a Professional Coundaniel@hotmail.com JDiaz@wexarts.org or www.linkoutcolumbus.org This group has come together to do outreach in the selor, Therapist and Clinician providing individual & community to ensure all people feel free to be a part group counseling sessions to the GLBT population at Buddhist Meeting-Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism Men’s Book Club of the community center. We work to present unique No Charge. He works in collaboration with Mary2nd Thursday @ 7p-8:30p 1st Monday @ 7p opportunities to raise awareness of all groups and haven. Sonny is available on an appointment basis An open and all-inclusive group whose purpose is to Read & discuss pre-chosen books. support sensitivity of all differences. This is a contin- only. To schedule an appointment, call Sonny Saunprovide an atmosphere for learning and studying uing effort and we welcome all to join our learning ders at 614.306.9737. You will receive a call back but Nichiren’s Buddhism, with the teachings based on Men’s Coming Out Group initiative. Contact: Wanda Ellis-wandajellis@aol.com please be patient. Sonny often has a long waiting list Lotus Sutra, along with chanting Nam Myoho Renge 2nd & 4th Monday @ 7p for this service. Note: Do not call the Center on High Kyo, which means, “The devotion to the Law of Cause Drop-in discussion group for men of all ages to share Stonewall Columbus Runners’ Connection for counseling appointments.

june 2009

and Effect through Sound.” Contact: Monic, monic@wowway.com or call 614.204.1420 or www.buddhawest.org

their issues with coming out and provide a place to meet others who may be going through the same transition or who have already come out. Contact: Paul Todd-todd.65@osu.edu

The community center is for everyone! You can reserve any of the rooms to hold a meeting, practice or an event. Call Suzie at 614.930.2260.

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Elected officials and candidates need to hear from you! Join us June 10!

june 2009

If it’s stirred, it’ a martini - if it’s shaken, it’s officially a ‘Bradford.’

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MEET STONEWALL BOARD AND STAFF Stonewall puts on Pride Holiday each year, but do you know the names behind the rainbows and unicorns? Here is a roster of Stonewall board and staff with their comments on what this year’s theme, Freedom, means to them.

STAFF

Letha Pugh 1.5 years on board “Freedom means peace within.”

Karla Rothan, Executive Director 3 years on staff, began volunteering for Stonewall Columbus in 1990. “Freedom is the ability to communicate and learn without fear. The Shane Morgan Center on High is a safe place where people can learn, love, heal and 2 years on board grow without fear.” “Feedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose... Freedom to be myself, to love those I want to love regardless of their gender identity Suzie Simpson, Center Coordinator and expression, or their sexual orientation. Freedom to express my 3 years on staff opinions and walk openly and proudly down the street.” “I’d like to live to witness a time when we all have freedom to be who we are without discrimination!” Bruce Shalter, Board Treasurer 3.5 years on board Michele Fergonas, Office Manager “Freedom is being able to love who I want right out in the open.” 2 years on staff “Freedom is being yourself” Jay Poroda 1.5 years on board Joe Stefanko, Pride Holiday Chair “Franklin Roosevelt once said, ‘In the truest sense, freedom cannot “Being able to march down the street, enjoy a festival and know that be bestowed; it must be achieved.’ I think that the Pride holiday is Monday morning I will still have my job... that is freedom. Not having much more than a celebration of the political/social achievements to remember secret knocks to get into places or not be able to take we have earned as a community. I believe that when we march, we my partner to family/public/employer functions... that is freedom. do so to achieve new freedoms, like repealing “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, Being able to say thank you to those that fought this battle long be- enacting meaningful hate crimes legislation and achieving the freefore I got involved... that is freedom.” dom to marry.”

BOARD Kelly Jaeger, Board President Board member and Pride committee member since May 2004 “We, as the human race, have endured and conquered many struggles. Regardless of the color of our skin, the people whom we love or the religious beliefs that we may hold - freedom is the ability to live honestly and respectfully without fear of persecution or violence. We should be free to revel in our individuality and be proud of who we are.” Wanda J. Ellis, Board Vice President 5 years on board “I am celebrating my freedom to serve my creator, Jesus Christ. I’m celebrating my freedom as an African American, my freedom as a female, and my freedom to be an openly same gender loving lesbian who has finally found the love of my life, my life partner. It is the best of times, it is the worst of times, but we must celebrate our victories and our struggles to maintain our focus. Come celebrate with us.”

David Glisten 2 years on board “To me freedom is the ability to act and to think independently and creatively. Freedom allows me the opportunity to impact my community in a positive way. Freedom is a gift we all enjoy. On Pride Day 2009 as we celebrate, please take a moment to reflect what freedom means to you and how your thoughts and your actions can be an inspiration to those still trying to find their freedoms.” Lynn Wallich 5 years on Board

YOUR 2009 PRIDE COMMITTEE

Joe Stefanko: Pride Chair Jan Adams-Richards: Pride Coordinator Karla Rothan: Art Show Chair Suzie Simpson: Entertainment Chair Rob Harley: Festival Co-Chair Scott Schopper: Festival Co-Chair Andrea Ebreck, Board Secretary Sally Krohn: Festival Vendor Chair 3.5 years on board Hope Hindrichs: Festival Dispatch Chair “This year’s theme celebrates the many successes of the LGBT civil Linda Blount: Festival Green Co-Chair rights movement, but also reminds us to continue fighting for full Katherine Kriedermann : Volunteer Coordinator equality, without which we will never truly be free.” James Wiley: Beverage Chair Karen Hamm: Toll Booth Chair Richard P. Harrison, Jr. “Rick” Phil Davison: Hospitality Co-Chair 1 year on board Tom Graffeo: Hospitality Co-Chair “ I saw a t-shirt once that said ‘It is better to be hated for what you Linda Schuler: Parade Co-Chair are, than loved for what you are not.’ Brilliant…I spent too much of Kelly Jaeger: Parade Co-Chair my life working on being loved for what I was not - but no longer. I not Brenda Heft: Motorcycle Security Chair only revel in my Freedom but will spend as much time as it takes to Edwin J Yang: Float Chair work on ensuring that ALL people have the Freedom to be who they Ariana Adams-Richards: Traffic Control Chair are…AND loved for who they are.” Deron Fetz: Communications/Marketing Co-Chair John Herman: Communications/Marketing Co-Chair Judy Herendeen Lori Steigerwald: Poker Run Chair 1 year on board Kelly Jaeger: Run for Pride Chair “Freedom to me is being my own agent, that is the freedom to act in Phil Anderson: Fore! Pride Chair accordance with my own values and beliefs.” Rob Berger: Speakers Rally Stage Chair Linda Schuler: Brunch Chair

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Don’t release your helium balloons - they pose a choking and strangulation hazard to wildlife when they inevitably float back to Earth.

june 2009

The Electric Slide is a ‘four wall’ line dance. It is also the ‘secret handshake’ of lesbians worldwide.

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VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE STONEWALL GO ROUND THE CENTER ON HIGH COULDN’T FUNCTION WITHOUT THE HELP OF ITS VOLUNTEERS. PEOPLE FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS PITCH IN TO DO WHATEVER THEY CAN TO MAKE THE CENTER A SUCCESS. BUT WHO ARE THESE SELFLESS SOULS? BELOW WE HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THESE GREAT PEOPLE, FINDING OUT WHAT MOTIVATES THEM TO VOLUNTEER EACH YEAR, HOW ELSE THEY UTILIZE THE CENTER AND WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO THEM. Clyde Huffman, Volunteer and Class Participant My partner and I have financially supported Stonewall since its inception, but it wasn’t until I retired that I realized I could be doing more to support the GLBT community. I began recently volunteering at the Center on High. The satisfaction I have received cannot be expressed loudly enough. To personally see the work carried out by the board and staff has been eye opening experience and has given me the opportunity to see how important all of our financial support is to the expeditious commission of the agency’s mission. I have made new friends and met many interesting people. A very important side benefit of volunteering has been participating in the yoga classes offered at the center. My partner and I are currently taking our second set of classes and I am enjoying the benefits of feeling better, feeling stronger, sleeping better and having more flexibility in this aging body. I would encourage anyone with the time and/or resources to get involved. You will thoroughly enjoy your commitment. Heather Slattery Woods, Volunteer and Ally Growing up in Columbus, I have always been aware of Stonewall, but was not really sure what the center was all about. I have always had many close friends in the GLBT community and over the years, I have learned of their many experiences and struggles. I have always tried to lend an ear and help them in anyway that I could, but many times that simply was not enough. Recently, I discovered a volunteering opportunity at Stonewall Columbus and thought that it would be a good chance for me to learn more about the center and to help others. I am completely amazed at all of the support and services the community center offers to the GLBT community. And more importantly, I am overwhelmed by the warm and welcoming nature of the staff. They made me instantly feel at home, just as they do with anyone who walks through their doors! And now, I feel that I cannot only better help my close friends, but the GLBT community as well. Every week, I look forward to my time at the center where I greet people, answer phones, do various clerical tasks or simply whatever needs to be done. I truly feel fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful organization! Sally Sue Krohn, Volunteer and Ally I get asked a lot, why I, a straight woman, am so committed to the causes of HRC and Stonewall. I volunteer for Stonewall and Pride because I believe my God loves everyone exactly as He created them - gay, straight, whatever - and I will continue to work hard until everyone understands and accepts that too. I have watched dear friends struggle because of their sexual orientation and it breaks my heart. One friend was not allowed into the hospital room of his critically ill partner of 13 years because he was not someone’s version of “family.“ Another friend paid a ridiculous amount of money for health insurance because he couldn’t be covered on his partner’s plan. Happily, that company now understands that family dynamic and offers domestic partner benefits. Wonderful changes, but I see there is still much to be done. I learned of Stonewall and Pride through my church, Maynard Avenue United Methodist. We’ve gone from being a small group just walking in the parade to having glorious, uplifting floats designed by our very talented and creative Jeffrey Kidwell. We’ve had a booth in the festival a few years. I volunteered to help in any way I could, maybe 5 or 6 years ago, because I saw there was so much to do to put on this amazing festival. I found my “niche” is “Vendor Check-In.” It’s a lot of work, and getting up pretty early on a Saturday but it’s something I do with much Pride because it helps the committee (Go Team Jan-Joe!) and any little thing I can do to make the day a success is well worth any effort. On a side note, I managed a band for 15 years and have been at thousands of festivals and I was amazed and continue to be amazed at how well this event goes off. It is so well run and that is a huge credit to the fabu people at the helm. I am free to openly love anyone my heart tells me to love. True FREEDOM will come when everyone is allowed that same privilege without any restriction or second thought.

THE FAMILY OF 4 WHO VOLUNTEERS EACH YEAR AT PRIDE Kim Barajas – Mother of Ryan and Jennica Ryan Mobley – Son, 21 Jennica Barajas – Daughter, 18 Wendy Johnston – Kim’s Partner Kim’s Years volunteered/different events/tasks: I’ve volunteered for 6 years and have done everything from passing out Pride flyers at Gallery Hop, to check-in, cheering etc. at Run for Pride, to set-up both at Bicentennial and Goodale Parks and my favorite….beer ticket sales!!! Why I volunteer and what it means to my family: I originally volunteered because I am painfully shy and figured it would be a great way to help me overcome that, while contributing to a great cause. I included my kids because I wanted them to understand their responsibility to the community at large and more specifically, to understand their responsibility to the gay community. With having openly gay teenagers, I felt it was important that we be able to do something as a family that supported our beliefs and because I’ve always taught my kids to be accepting of the differences of others. I also wanted them to understand that they belong to something so much bigger than themselves. Volunteering for Pride is a much anticipated event in our home and now that the kids are older and more often than not doing their own thing, I know that regardless of what else is going on, we will still all come together during that weekend to celebrate who we are. “Freedom is a powerful word with so many different personal meanings. For me, it is the freedom to simply “be.” I know that I am fortunate to live a life where my children and I can be “out” to family, friends and co-workers. I also realize that many people do not have those freedoms, so if through volunteering, I can give someone a day, or a weekend, or even a minute in time to realize their own vision of freedom, I feel that is my greatest gift of all.” Ryan Mobley – Son, 21 Ryan has volunteered for 6 years with Run for Pride, Festival Set-Up and Tear Down, and the Family Area “Freedom to me is synonymous with Choice. That may seem a self-defeating statement in the face of terms like ‘sexual preference’ but in fact that is exactly why the freedom to choose is so critical. A few things in life you get no choice in, your family, your race, your height, several others but none so potentially problematic as your sexual orientation. We have not chosen to be hated, we have chosen to not hate back. We have the freedom to choose either reaction and we have chosen to live with PRIDE.” Jennica Barajas – Daughter, 18 Jennica has volunteered for 5 years with Run for Pride, Set-Up, Tear Down, and Family Area “The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about freedom would be America. I think way too often people in this country take advantage of the fact that we have more than many others. When it comes to being a lesbian I like the fact that freedom plays a role in that. It makes me happy that I can be who I am and open about my sexuality without fear of censorship or reprisal. Freedom is a beautiful thing!” Wendy Johnston My first year volunteering was really just a ploy to spend time with my very special lady Miss Kim, and now I do it because I enjoy the people and the celebration. “Freedom is mine to live and experience every day. I know this because when I get up those who know me will always love and support me.”

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Bureau of Labor Statistics: 26.4% of Americans volunteered for an organization between Sep 2007 and Sep 2008. Let’s double that!

june 2009

DeLunacy Kat Deluna headlines Pride Holiday 2009 by Chris Hayes This year’s headliner is the beautiful and feisty Kat DeLuna. You will know Kat from her debut Gold single, “Whine Up” featuring Elephant Man, and second smash single “Run The Show” featuring Busta Rhymes and Don Omar. At only 20 years old, she has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and recently kicked off the summer on the “True Colors” tour with Cyndi Lauper and Rosie O’Donnell. She is one to watch for sure. I caught up with Kat on the road to find out what we can expect from her performance at Pride Holiday, her connection to the community, her fashion sense and what freedom means to her. Chris Hayes: Is this your first time to Columbus and or Ohio? Kat DeLuna: It is and I’m excited.

KD: For those who haven’t seen me yet should be prepared for some upbeat energetic songs. They should be ready to dance. My performances are full of adrenaline and overall fun! CH: Britney’s tour just came through town and she was obviously lip syncing, with so much dancing in your shows can you actually sing live? KD: I’ll admit it’s hard to dance and sing upbeat hour sets back to back. No matter what the situation is I always sing live, there has even been times when I’ve sounded out of breath and even tired. I truly believe the harder I work at something the better the outcome. I will eventually perfect all performances. But you need to understand as well, we are human and we need our voices to rest especially if we’re going to need it to stay healthy for a long time! We’re not robots! Lol.

CH: For those that have never seen you perform, what can they expect? CH: I saw you at the White Party’s closing party

june 2009

where you definitely brought it. Will your performance here be as hot? KD: The Palm Spring White Party was amazing and the support from all my divas and my fabulous guys was great!! I will definitely bring the same energy!!!!!!

Freedom is being able to live your life the way you choose!

CH: For so young in your career, you’ve worked with some big names like Busta Rhymes, Enrique Inglesias, and Lil Wayne. Which celeb has been your favorite to work with? Who would you like to work with in the future? CH: What differences are there per- KD: I have been blessed to have gotten the forming to a GLBT crowd compared opportunity to work with such talented artists. to a hetero crowd? Than a Latino I can see myself working with anyone who’s crowd? fabulous, innovative and risky!! KD: When I perform for a GLBT crowd I’m in my diva mode!! For a hetero crowd I’m very CH: Besides your music, you’re also known for fab!! And for a Spanish crowd I run the show! your fashion. What’s your favorite thing to wear In general it’s all very over the top and fun!! when you’re not in the spotlight? What’s your Through music I show my creativity especially favorite thing to do when you aren’t performing? when I’m performing! KD: I love to experiment with high-end fashion. I love couture dresses and vintage CH: You have definitely been working the GLBT pieces. It’s always fun playing dress up. If I’m party and Pride circuits this year (Dinah not in my glam mood you will see me in Shore/White Party, Long Beach/San skinny jeans, 6-inch heels and a vintage top Fran/Columbus Pride etc)? What’s your connec- or blazer. Chic and cute. tion to the community? Is there any political fallout from doing so many GLBT events? CH: What’s next for Kat Deluna? KD: No, not at all!! They have been supporting KD: My sophomore album is out later this me from the start and I will always remain year, entitled Inside Out! I will be touring and faithful to them!! 100%! building empires out of broken bricks. Most importantly I will be living life to the fullest CH: This year’s theme for Columbus Pride Holi- and loving every single aspect of what I do! day is “freedom.” What does freedom mean to you? What’s your definition of freedom? Kat DeLuna is the final performer at Pride Fest KD: Freedom - having a choice. You have a on the Freedom Stage Saturday, June 20. For chance to stand firm next to what you believe more info on Kat visit www.katdeluna.com. in! And being who you want to be all the time!

Teacher: “Use detail, defeat, and defense in a sentence.” - Student: “DeTail and DeFeet of DeCat went over DeFence.”

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Dante Alighieri was a noted apothecary of his time.

june 2009

PRIDE EVENTS • PRIDE EVENTS • PRIDE EVENTS • PRIDE EVENTS • PRIDE EVENTS • PRIDE EVENTS Friday, June 5 A Dance Of Pride The Stonewall Ballroom Dance Club, a program of the Center on High, will host an evening of ballroom and disco dancing at Wallstreet Nightclub on Friday June 5. Ballroom instructor Jeff Grace will lead the dancing from 8p-10p. After 10p dancers will Disco the night away with D.J. Michelle. No cover from 8p9p, after 9p $5 cover charge. Domestic beers will be $2 all evening. Pride Tags will be sold during the evening. If you live to dance or just love to watch ballroom and disco Sat. June 5 will be a great way to join in the pre-Pride programs.

with old ones. There aren’t silos or boundaries at the Unity Picnic. We’re all one group. We’re all there together, living, learning, laughing, enjoying one another’s company and conversation, etc. It’s not important what community organizations or groups people are involved in-it’s about, well, Unity... and Pride.

The first TransOhio Unity Picnic drew about 50 attendees. The second year, close to 100! People brought their spouse, partners, date, parents, family, kids and friends. It’s always a great feeling to, during the picnic, take a step back and look at the diversity of those who join us for this fantastic Saturday, June 6 event. It’s an important day-and it’s a perfect opAn Exhibit of Pride Art Show portunity for people to learn about one another and Stonewall Columbus has a deep commitment to the to see that the spectrum of identity and sexuality is arts. Nestled in the heart of the Short North Arts Dis- infinite and that through our diversity, we can really trict, the center transforms into a gallery and perall Unite to create change. At the end of the day, formance space several times a year. June’s Short everybody wants the same thing-the ability to be North Gallery Hop is held open every year to celeoneself and be respected for it. brate the works of GLBT artists and allies in a juried show at the community center. Over 30 artists sub- Held in Goodale Park at picnic benches near playmitted over 90 pieces this year. Michelle Lach, ground from 11a-5p. Picnic is open to the entire Media Studies Assistant Professor, Columbus ColGLBTQI and Ally community. Please bring a dish to lege of Art and Design, and Nicholas Hill, Professor share. Kids are welcome! For more info: www.tranof Art and Director of the Frank Museum of Art, Ot- sohio.org. terbein College will select the pieces that will be exhibited the entire month of June. Works can be Fore!Pride Golf Classic purchased and 20% of the artists’ sales will be do- See you on the links for the 2nd Annual Fore!PRIDE nated to the center. The artists reception is 4p-6p, Golf Classic, a 4-person amateur 18-hole golf and then the gallery opens to the public 6p-10p. The scramble event. Players of all skill levels are encourperforming arts are also represented at the show. aged to play, as this is an event focused on fun and Upstairs in Studio One starting at 8p will be 15charity to others within the Columbus community. minute excerpts Evolutions Theatre’s world premiere You may sign up individually, or with one or two I’ll Take Romance, Zero at the Bone by Lori Sumfriends, or as a foursome. The cost for the event is mers, and Hey Diddle Diddle by Marie Davis. There $80/Person (cart and dinner included), $320/Team. is no admission for these events. For more info visit 100% of Proceeds go to Stonewall Columbus GLBT www.columbuspride.org/artshow. Support Activities. Dinner will be provided by Schmidt’s and the Hole-in-One Prizes are being proSunday, June 7 vided by Barefoot Wines and Bubbly and Gulf Front 3rd Annual TransOhio Unity Picnic Treasure. There will also be a Silent Auction, Raffle The first TransOhio Unity Picnic was held in June of Prizes, and Trophies. Register online. Tee off is 1p at 2007. The previous year, Shane Morgan had been in Raymond Memorial Golf Course (3860 Trabue Rd). Houston visiting his mom and her partner, both of For more info visit who were very involved in PFLAG-Houston and any- www.columbuspride.org/forepride. thing that was Transgender related in Texas. The TransOhio Unity Picnic was inspired by Houston’s Saturday, June 13 annual Transgender Unity Banquet. This year they Run for Pride 5K Run/Walk celebrated the 17th anniversary of their Unity Ban- by Kelly Jaegar quet! How cool is that? The sixth annual Run for Pride 5K event on SaturThe Houston “movement toward unity” began as a day, June 13, 9:30a at Goodale Park. I feel like it was visionary dream in the heart of Dr. Peggy Rudd who just yesterday that I was pushing to have the event realized how much our collective body of talented at all. And, now, here we are coming together for the people could accomplish if we held our hands and sixth year. moved forward as one. She knew we could realize this dream even if we held tenaciously to our own Every year, Stonewall receives a variety of thank personalities and life styles. The secret related to yous for hosting such a health-centric event. The human respect for others who did not share the race attracts a diverse crowd, with several of our resame needs,“ as noted on the Houston Transgender peat participants and biggest cheerleaders being Unity Committee website (http://www.htuc.org). our allied friends. I remember the year when a young child crossed the finish line as the first place finThe TransOhio Unity Picnic seeks to do the same isher. I also recall the year that a young woman who thing: Create unity within communities regardless was on a tough journey to getting healthy simply of sexual orientation or gender identity and expres- completed the race. While she may have been the sion. The TransOhio Unity Picnic draws people from last to cross the finish…she accomplished her first throughout the state of Ohio, including some atten- 5K while everyone cheered her on and joined her at dees from Kentucky and Michigan. It’s a day where the finish line. So many firsts, so many personal people can gather at a beautiful park, meet new bests and so many accomplishments have happeople who they might not have usually had the pened at this event…it’s an honor to host and be chance to meet, visit, make new friends, reconnect witness to these moments in another person’s life.

june 2009

Burlesque & Belly Dancers! The race itself has grown from approximately 90 registered participants (only about 80 runners/walkers crossed the finish line) in 2004 to over 170 registered participants, with over 150 crossing the finish in 2008. It’s only going to keep getting better! One of the best decisions that we made was to change the location of the Run from Nationwide Arena to Goodale Park. This change in venue radically affected the atmosphere of the event, giving it more of a warm community and grassroots feel which is certainly what Stonewall is all about. We’ve seen an increase in walkers, families, pets and allies who participate. Some things, however, have remained the same, like the number of returning individuals who will be participating in their 6th Run for Pride event. They look forward to this event every year, as it’s their way to come out and support the community, support Stonewall, and support themselves in a very healthy way.

Guys Rock the Park at the Gayzebo Stage Friday 7p-11p This stage is all about the guys performing on Friday! We’ll have singer, songwriter Jeff Altergott performing from his new CD, Joshua Klipp & his dancers, dancer/rappers No Shade, rocker Josh Zuckerman, & Greegles “The Mussy Tour.” Saturday, June 20 Pride Parade Statehouse Line-up by Noon Parade Step-off 1p

Pride Festival in Goodale Park 11a - 9p GAYZEBO & FREEDOM STAGE Saturday 1:30p-9p Having 2 stages this year gives us the opportunity to expand our entertainment. Saturday we’ll have bands on the Freedom stage, while performing artists & dancers will be at the Gayzebo stage. SatStonewall Columbus has firmly planted our feet and urday at the Gayzebo, expect to be highly enterestablished ourselves as the community center for tained by the Women’s Chorus, Gay Men’s Chorus, the LGBT and Allied community in Central Ohio. Not Capital Pride Band, Flaggots, Habeeba’s, Stompers, only does your continued support of the Run for Drag Kings & Queens & karaoke. Pride 5K make for a great addition to the Pride Holiday list of events, but more importantly, it supports On the Freedom stage, catch Team Smile & Nod, The Stonewall Columbus Center on High. On a Frozen Feet, Unecc with One Eye Theory, Steph Taylor monthly basis, The Center serves hundreds of peo- & The State Of, World Famous Weed Eaters, Joshua ple by providing programs, services and special in- Klipp, the Fabulous Johnson Brothers, Nina West, & terest initiatives (i.e. diversity, health, faith) for our Kat Deluna with her drummer & dancers! community. We couldn’t do it without all of you…so…thanks, as always, for your unwavering support. I look forward to seeing YOU Saturday, June Drag-a-Palooza 13, at 9:30a at Goodale Park for the SIXTH Annual Lady Bunny, Rubi Girls, Nina West, Virginia West, Run for Pride 5K Run/Walk. Alexis Stevens, Maria Garrison, Brionna Brooks and www.columbuspride.org/runforpride. friends take to the parking lot behind Axis for the closing dance party and drag show. More falsies 7th Annual Pride Poker Run and shirtless gays than you can shake a stick at! Get on your motor running and head out on the Visit www.columbusnightlife.com for more info. highway for a amazing motorcycle ride! This year’s poker run meets at Club Diversity (863 S High St, Sunday, June 21 43206) at 11a and bikes leave at 12p. Everyone Pride Brunch: A Salute to Judy Garland welcome! Tell your friends! Join the fun, share the It has been forty years since the Stonewall riots ocmemories, and win great prizes. The ride ends back curred. It was the night that Judy Garland died. New at Club Diversity with a cookout. Driver $15 / pasYork was grieving and discouraged by the discrimisenger $10 - all benefiting Stonewall Columbus. nation that continued to cripple our nation and Rain Date June 14. For more info visit www.colum- GLBT people. Join in honoring Grand Marshal, Rubuspride.org/pokerrun. pert “Twink” Starr, Judy and the brave men and women who started our modern gay rights moveFriday, June 19 ment. Entertainment provided by the Richard Lopez Pride Fest in Goodale Park Trio featuring vocalist Carolyn Mapes. Brunch is Rockin’ in the Streets at the Freedom Stage Fri- 11a-1p at the Westin Columbus-Grand Ballroom. day 5p-11p For tickets and info visit It’s fantastic to be able to have Rockin in the Streets www.columbuspride.org/brunch. in Goodale Park this year. The extra space & trees for shade will be a big plus. The beautiful Lustivious Bat-N-Rouge Dela Virgione will emcee this year’s amazing lineup! Held at Africentric High School (corner of Livingston We have everyone’s favorite Melissa Ferrick, plus and Grant) the 2009 Bat-N-Rouge charity drag softwe’re very excited to have Trina Hamlin’s Band, ball fundraiser is the closing event for Pride and a which includes Allison Miller (Ani DiFranco’s drum- damn good time. Come out and watch as the Monomer) & Gail Ann Dorsey (Gwen Stefani & David stats take on the Hygienes as the current National Bowie’s bass player & back up vocalist). Other tal- Entertainer of the Year, Columbus’ own, Nina West ent includes Coyote Grace (a girl meets girl; girl be- (www.superdragqueen.com) and Columbus favorite comes boy; girl and boy become a band band), the Virginia West co-host. The CLGSA and BNR Commitinnovative Steph Taylor & The State Of from Florida, tee are also proud to welcome special guest emAussie/Burbank indie artist Martine Locke, & cees, Derek & Romaine from Sirius/XM OutQ. Gates Columbus/Louisville singer Chrissy Foster. Expect to will open around noon with festivities beginning hear songs from the Girlz Rhythm n’ Rock Camp around 2p and with the first pitch at 3p. For more participants Rain Maxwell & Drew Davis. It wouldn’t info visit www.clgsa.net. be the same without the Columbus Women’s Drum Chorus, Highjinks stilt walkers, & Viva’s Red Light

So much to do in such a short time! Stock up on sleep and coin - you’ll need it!

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Gendala is in a band called Titz & Milk. The guy behind her is her biggest fan, her stylist, and her occassion stalker.

june 2009

BIG CHANGES FOR PRIDE 2009 NEW PARADE ROUTE THIS YEAR

concerts and festivities that day, in addition to being able to purchase beer, wine, or liquor. If you have not purchased a one-day entrance ticket or CommemoRally at the Ohio Statehouse rative Wristband or Dog Tag, you will be required to The parade route begins on Southside of the Ohio purchase an entrance ticket for $5 at the Toll Booths Statehouse. Lineup by noon, step off at 1p. Organized walking groups will check in with parade organ- or Beverage Tents before you may purchase beverizers at corner of State and High. Floats and cars will ages. You must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol enter the lineup at Third and State. If you are coming and please remember to bring your driver’s license or government photo ID to the event. NO COOLERS are to the parade from the North you will travel southpermitted in Goodale Park. You will be asked to leave bound on Third Street and right on State St. If you any coolers at the entrances. are coming from the South you will travel north on Fourth St. and turn left on State St. At 1p the parade Why do I have to pay to get into Pride? steps off and will turn right on High Street and go The mission of Stonewall Columbus is to serve the North on High to Goodale Park. Floats, cars and orCentral Ohio LGBT community by providing a comganized walking groups will travel to Buttles and munity center and offering programming and servHigh. All other foot traffic will turn left on Goodale ices that enhance the well-being and visibility of our Street into the main gate at Goodale Park. diverse community through discovery, affirmation Judges will be stationed at Europia Wine and Spirits. and celebration. Pride is Stonewall’s signature event and fundraiser. Dollars raised from Pride go right Floats will be judged in the following categories: back into providing programs and services for the community at the Center on High. Pride is a signifiBest Float cant event for central Ohio and has become a platMost Creative form for hundreds of community organizations, Largest Contingency businesses, artists, individuals and families. Most Outrageous Stonewall is grateful to be able to produce Pride; Most Representative of Theme however it does not come without a price. Each year Winners of the float contest will be announced at the the cost of Pride increases. Below is a list of the expenses that go along with producing this event. This Freedom Stage in the afternoon following the palist does not include center staff time. rade. Columbus Pride Expenses COMMEMORATIVE WRISTBANDS AND Police, Electricians, Security - $20,000 DOGTAGS ARE ON SALE NOW Merchandise and Supplies - $5,000 The Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival is a TWO-DAY Printing and Design - $10,000 event this year at Goodale Park (June 19-20). We are Food and Beverages - $19,000 in a new venue this year, so with that comes some Refuse Collection and Cleanup - $7,000 changes we would like to share with you. First of all, Equipment Rental - $13,000 you can buy your 2009 commemorative pride wrist- Event Insurance - $5,000 band or dog tag now for only $10 and you have en- Entertainment and Stage Build Out - $27,000 trance to both days of Pride Fun. Also, there will be Permits and Park Rental Costs - $4,000 an “Express Lane” for those people who have already purchased 2009 Commemorative Wristbands or Dog This year we are asking that you make a contribution Tags. Buy online at columbuspride.org or stop in the by purchasing commemorative wristbands or dogCenter on High, 1160 N High St Monday through Fri- tags for $10. Many families are on a strict budget day from 9a - 5p. Commemorative Wristbands and these days so if $10 does not fit your budget, please Dog Tags will also be on sale at the Toll Booths the make a $5 donation online or at the gates on Pride days of the Pride Festival while supplies last. Chilweekend. Every donation counts and your support dren (age 12 and under) will receive a free entrance will enable SWC to keep bringing this event to our ticket. If you choose to come on only one day of the city for years to come. festival, there will be a $5 entrance ticket to purchase. This ticket will allow you access to all of the photo: Danner-Morris

june 2009

It’ll feel great to start at the Statehouse and march INTO the gayborhood! outlook tip: Wear sensible shoes.

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A common polymer in hair spray is polyvinylpyrrolidine, which is also used to glue the layers of wood in plywood together.

june 2009

PRIDE’S NOT JUST IN CENTRAL OHIO ANYMORE By Arlan Hamilton Gay Pride events: Where lifelong memories are etched out in stone, life-altering decisions are sometimes made over a dare who’s prize is worth less than $7.50, and mind-numbing mistakes are replayed and reenacted by your best friends for what seems like years (and that’s just the car ride home). Good times. I’m new to town (read: fresh meat, for you ladies out there). I’ve spent my few adult years in gay meccas like Dallas/Austin and Los Angeles/San Diego. So I’m mighty eager to see what Columbus – what I recognize to be the GLBT jewel of the Midwest – has to offer. Lucky for me, Pride events are in full swing this month, which will give me plenty of opportunity to learn more about our community’s colorful and rich history, forge new relationships with activists and pioneers...and get as much dirt on the lesbian scene here as humanly possible! I’m serious, folks. I want the lowdown. None of this going out night after night and *airquotes* “getting to know people naturally.” Nuh uh. I want you guys to tell me straight up: Who’s a great catch? Who should I avoid? Who’s doing whom? Where are they doing whom? And can I watch whom and they...ya know...do it?

Samantha Styles and friends, Rubber City Bombshells, and local artists, artisans and vendors. Tickets are $12 presale and $15 at the gate. www.akronpridecenter.org Yeah, that’s right, Akron’s so totally boss that its pride can not possibly be contained in a one-day or weekend event. Naw. Akron is hard to the mother-effin’ CORE. First they’re gonna go bananas on your cranium and dazzle you with their ArtsFest on the 5th. Then once you’ve finally recovered from your ArtsFest hangover, they tear it up once again on the 14th. Don’t they know you’re only human?? It’s time to strap your 3 cats into their collapsable travel cases, give your parents your best friend’s address just in case you have to get your mail forwarded, and stock up on vitamin C, cause Akron is not playing around, folks. Just remember, what happens in Akron stays in Akron. YOUNGSTOWN - “The Time is Now” (Approx. 173 miles away, 54 hour walk) Saturday, June 6, 12 noon-8p Downtown on Phelps St. (not to be confused with going down on Michael Phelps) www.prideyoungstown.com

These are important questions, y’all. Hella important. I’ll most likely have a chance to read your answers while on one of the many road trips around Ohio that I plan to take this month. Where to go...who to see? Here’s a glance at Pride festivals goin’ down (cause they’re gay and that’s what we do a lot of. See what I did there?) in June: Akron (Approx. 71 miles away, 22 hour walk) Pride ArtsFest Friday, June 5 from 7-10p Church of Our Savior, 471 Crosby Street. The event includes a fine art show and sale (with 20% proceeds going to the Pride Center), live classical music, and hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Donations will be accepted at the door.

A few pioneering souls have come together to put on Youngstown’s 1st official Gay Pride festival this year. You can see their pluck and determination by visiting their website or myspace page. You can see the hope in their eyes. They wear their pride upon their chests. This is a big deal. This is a good thing they’re doing. And I think...nay, know, that this time 5 years from now, we’ll look back on June 6th, 2009 and we’ll say: “That was the day Youngstown went from being a boy, to being...a man.” And of course, at least one of us will also say: “That was the day Rebecca went from being a girl, to being a man. Wow, that was a really gnarly weekend! What ever happened to my bedazzled iPod??”

Visit Youngstown for their history-making Pride this year and partake in some rad company, great food (dude, it’s an outDay in the Sun Picnic door gay event. You KNOW there will be at Sunday, June 14 from noon-9p least four competing fro yo vendors. That Ohio Sportsmans Club, 1775 Jacoby Rd in alone is worth the drive, and entertainCopley, OH ment (among those scheduled to appear, Special guests include: Anne D. Chant, “Britney Cheers.” Need I say more?). continued

june 2009

Sisters Tish & Snooky Bellomo founded Manic Panic on 7/7/77 in NYC.

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The creating of crosswords is called cruciverbalism among its practitioners, who are referred to as cruciverbalists.

june 2009

PRIDE’S NOT JUST IN CENTRAL OHIO ANYMORE (CONTINUED) DAYTON PrideFest ’09 - “United in Pride! Many Faces, One Community!” (Approx. 71 miles, just 22 hour walk) Saturday, June 6 Parade Line-up begins at 11a from Cooper Park PrideFest at Courthouse Square until 6p www.pridedayton.com That’s one long-ass theme. Juno-kudos.

TOLEDO (Approx. 150 miles away, 42 hour walk) Old West End Festival June 6-7 from 10a-4p Rainbow Festival Maumee Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation Saturday, June 27, from 3-10p

satisfies my theory that the city is probably used to getting beat up on the playground, but it still doesn’t explain why they’ve decided to make us all think of dueling banjos at possibly THE most inappropriate time of year. Hmmm... Of course I love Cincinnati and its gay community. I’m just joshin’ you guys. You’re like my big brother getting ready to go out on a first date. Except you’ve left your fly open. And you won’t know it til I text you right around the time your appetizers are arriving. You see I love you and I know you’ll have a fantastic date. You’ll win him/her over with your charm. You’ll dazzle him/her with your panache. You’ll be successful in all your endeavors. But dude, your FLY is open and the theme of your Pride has the word “squealin’” in it. How could I resist? Oh and might I suggest “Burning with Regret in 2010” for next year’s theme? Yeah.

CLEVELAND - “Equality Through Unity“ (Approx. 142 miles away, 45 hour walk)

www.equalitytoledo.org I heard chicks in Toledo are easy, so I’m gonna head up there twice.

CINCINNATI - “Squealin’ with Pride in 09” (Approx. 108 miles away, 36 hour walk) Jacob Hoffner Park 4101 Hamilton Ave. Saturday June 13 from 3-9p Sunday June 14 from 1-7p -Parade pep rally begins at 11:30a Sunday, followed by parade at 1p

June 20 at noon in Voinovich Park This year Cleveland Pride and Columbus Pride are scheduled for the same weekend. Bummer for those of you who like to hit both of the bigger Prides in Ohio each year. And even more of a bummer for any Cleveland hotties that will miss out on my 1st Annual Arlan’s Traveling Wet T-shirt Contest. It’s simple, really: I will be the one walking around most Ohio Prides this month with a festive water gun (with a seemingly endless supply of water!) and raining down little droplets of sexy (ew...sounded better in my head) all weekend long.

www.cincyglbt.com/pride

Ladies, if you’re interested, here are the rules: I ask you if I can squirt you in the chestal region with my Yep, you read correctly. This year’s theme for Cincinnati water gun. You say ‘yes.’** Pride is “Squealing with Pride in 09.” First of all, who and what the where?? Second of all, I did not make this I squirt you chestally. Your chesticulars are wet, therefore you automatically up. I’m a lady, for fuck’s sake. Normally in a situation like this, I’d go hog wild over something like this. I’d re- win that round of my traveling wet t-shirt contest. ally let Cincinnati Pride have it. But they totally took the ** “Totally,” “Please make love to me” & “What did you fun out of mocking Pride themes (and Cincinnati for that say? Couldn’t hear yo—” will also be accepted. matter) by making their theme so ricockulous that nothI will not be handing out any trophies or trinkets to the ing I say to shame them could ever compare to what “winners,” because I think we can agree that in that they’ve already done to themselves. Cincinnati Pride, scenario, we ALL win. this is me shaking my fist in the air in your general direction. Ye bastards! The logo for the theme – which was designed by a talented art student named Shawn- Alright kids, we have some options this month. Get your gay on, be safe, and have fun. Always remember, you tee’ Stallworth – has rainbow colored pigs running gotta taste-test the fro yo! I know that’s deep. Let it around a ribbon. It’s festive and ya know...on theme. marinate. But still, who and what the WHERE?? A friend tried to calm me down by informing me that Cincinnati was once known as “Porkopolis” due to their awesome production of like, pork...and stuff. Well that

june 2009

Check out Arlan’s musings at yourdailylesbianmoment.blogspot.com.

Michael says it would be inappropriate to wear pink leathers to a leather bar. Chris thinks it would spice things up.

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We want to build more of these pages. At $85/month, why arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you advertising? Call 268.8525 x3 for Michael.

june 2009

I’ll Take It

with cast and crew and will also be at the June 18 opening and after-party being held in his honor. The after-party at the Stonewall Center on High will also serve as a fundraiser for ETC. (A special opening night package, which includes the performance and after-party, is available for $25. The after-party is free for current 2008-09 ETC subscribers.)

The plot revolves around Angel (Cole Simon), a self-centered New York go-go boy who collects men and their money. His loyal best friend Dee (Corbin Jones), forever overshadowed by Angel, unsuccessfully tries to convince him to In honor of Gay Pride Month, Evolution Theatre Company (ETC) look for love instead. The plot thickens as Angel encounters will present the world premiere of I’ll Take Romance, a gay ro- George Lanier (Tim Daugherty) a gay billionaire who is both mantic comedy by acclaimed New York playwright Edwin good-hearted and single. However, obstacles stand in Angel’s Sanchez from June 17- 26. The new comedy is a departure from way as he pursues George, including the rich man’s rightSanchez’s dramas like Trafficking in Broken Hearts, Icarus and hand-man Chi Chi Lopez (Raymond Caldwell) and two society Clean, which contain darker themes. His previous plays, num- women, Bree and Gretchen (Johamy Morales and Kiana Harris), bering over a dozen, have been performed widely throughout whose marriages have been wrecked by the money-and- manthe U.S. and abroad. The premiere of I’ll Take Romance also hungry Angel. Other cast members include Artie Kaufmann, marks the first time Sanchez’s work is being debuted outside Mark Phillips and Clay Finken in various support roles. of one of the nation’s theatrical centers. ETC Artistic Director Paul Lockwood and ETC Executive Director Mark Phillips I’ll Take Romance will be presented in the Van Fleet Theatre Schwamberger will co-direct. at the Columbus Performing Arts Center (549 Franklin Avenue), starting with a preview performance on June 17, Planning for this premiere began a year ago when Lock- (with all seats $5 on that date). Opening Night will be wood contacted Sanchez, whom he has known for over June 18 with performances continuing June 19-20 25 years. “When Edwin mentioned he was working and June 24-26. All shows will begin at 8p, with one on a breezy gay comedy in the vein of Gentlemen 2p matinee on June 21. General admission tickets Prefer Blondes, I knew it would be perfect for are $12 and $10 for seniors and students with our June Gay Pride production,” states Lock- an ID. Advanced tickets can be purchased wood. online at www.evolutiontheatre.org with remaining tickets available at the Sanchez will attend the June 17 door for cash only. preview and participate in an after-show talkback ETC Presents World Premiere of Edwin Sanchez’s “I’ll Take Romance” June 17-26

mal (1942). Starring Henry Fonda and Olivia de Haviland, the film is based on the 1940 James Thurber play of the same title which explores the battle between the sexes.

The Summer Movie Series will expand into a limited number of digital presentations in 2009, increasing the pool of films available for screening. Digital presentations will include Slap Shot (1977), Dirty Dancing (1987), Evil Dead II (1987), Road to Bali (1952), and South Pacific (1958). Last shown as part of the Series in 1987, South Pacific had become unavailable in a 35mm format, so the new digital format allows it to be screened once again.

“Chick Flick Fridays” are back in 2009 with Dirty Dancing (1987) on Friday, July 31, and Steel there’s Magnolias (1989) on Friday, August 28. “Late Nite something for everyone - action, suspense, romance, comedy, drama, sci-fi, musicals, a West- Fridays” have also returned with 11 pm screenings of Slap Shot (1977) on Friday, July 24, and ern, and even a little good-humored horror. Evil Dead II (1987) on Friday, August 21. In celebration of the 25th birthday of central Ohio’s literary jewel, the Thurber House, the 2009 The popular Cartoon Capers return to Saturday 2009 highlights include nine series premieres, Summer Movie Series will hold Thurber Night on mornings - Saturday, August 1, and Saturday, Auone silent film, five musicals, two Saturday morn- Wednesday, August 12. The evening begins with A gust 22. Both showings will begin at 10 am and will feature classic Warner Brothers and MGM carings of classic cartoons, two “Late Nite Fridays,” Unicorn in the Garden, a 7-minute animated two “Chick Flick Fridays,” and two “dirty” movies. short based on a 1939 James Thurber short story, toons. With 20 films covering practically every genre, followed by the series premiere of The Male Ani-

CAPA Summer Movie Series Ticket Strips can be purchased now through August 9 at the Ohio Theatre ticket office (39 E State St) or www.ticketmaster.com. Strips of 10 tickets are $25. Day-of-show tickets to individual films are $4 .For more information including a complete schedule of screenings, visit www.capa.com.

The Silver Screen 2009 Summer Movie Series Lineup by Rolanda Copley CAPA’s 2009 Summer Movie Series, the longest-running classic film series in America, celebrates its 39th anniversary with a lineup of classics, cult favorites, and most beloved films. The 2009 series will run July 17 – August 30, at the historic Ohio Theatre (39 E State St), and is made possible through the generous support of National City, now a part of PNC.

june 2009

Rolanda Copley is Publicist for CAPA, a member organization of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association. CAMA’s mission is to promote awareness of and participation in the arts and cultural opportunities in Greater Columbus through collaborative marketing and public relations projects, and to provide professional development opportunities for members. For information visit http://www.camaonline.org.

The small of the back is an erogenous zone. Don’t screw it up with a tramp stamp. Case in point: Chris’s sister Missy.

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Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon” and “Church of the Poison Mind” are the best songs EVER ... according to Michael.

june 2009

Control Yourself Sex, Dreams, & Self Control!, a fusion of music, spoken word, and standup comedy by openly gay singer and Midwest native Kevin Thornton, will be performed at the Cinci Fringe Festival May 26-June 6. This new work, with an original alternative folk rock score in which Thornton croons like a young John Hiatt and a post- Smiths Morrissey, is a rites-of-passage tale, which is bold and racy, speaking loudly about sexuality and religion. Sex, Dreams, & Self Control! might prove a challenge for some audiences, but, ultimately, Thornton says his goal is “to make people laugh, make them think, and move them all at the same time.” Below, Thornton talks in detail about the show’s genesis and provocative themes. outlook: So, the gay community already knows you as the creative force behind the band Waves on Waves. We know Sex, Dreams, & Self-Control incorporates musical performance, but you’re also able to use your past experience on the stage in this show. Kevin Thornton: Yes, I have a huge background in theater. It’s what I studied in college. I’ve also been in several regional productions. I’ve always fantasized about doing something like this.

copy her, but interspersing music with comedy and commentary really worked for her. So, I wrote a few songs to go with the material. Then, I called a theater in Nashville and asked them if I could do the show. They said yes, and I went in and did 90 minutes. The crowd loved it, and I went home knowing it was a real turning point in my life. OC: And your experience with Waves on Waves informed the musical aspect of the show, we’re assuming. KT: Waves on Wave is a pop group, and I definitely kept in mind that pop-rock feel when I was writing the music for the show. But ultimately, I created music that expresses the emotional vibe of the show. I was really turned on by Duncan Sheik’s music for Spring Awakening - it was one of my favorite theater experiences of the past several years - and I loved how the music wasn’t so much advancing the plot, it was expressing the emotional tone of what was happening.

OC: How does it feel, revealing some very personal things about yourself? KT: Well, it’s personal, but I also tell stories about things that everyone faces. I tried to make it as universal as possible even though it’s loosely based on my life. It was important to me that the story be painfully honest. But I OC: How did you develop the actual content also wanted it to be funny. My first sexual exof the show? perience was the first time I felt shame, but KT: I got out of Nashville for a couple of days in the show, it’s both embarrassing and hilarand went back to Indiana to visit my parents. ious. To me, the ultimate triumph in life is to I was feeling very nostalgic and drove around be able to embrace what’s happened to you to childhood spots that I hadn’t seen in years, and move on. That’s what I’m trying to conincluding the house where I lived as a child. It vey. looked like a haunted house, like it hadn’t been lived in for 20 years. All these memories OC: We know the subject matter is intense, starting coming to mind. I also went to visit and there’s also some strong language. my old college campus. That was a time Have your parents seen it? I’m wondering when a lot of pain was ending for me. I had what their reaction will be. grown up in a Fundamentalist Christian envi- KT: They’ve been on the website and listened ronment, and it wasn’t until college that I to some clips of the show. My mom’s only started to accept my sexuality. concern is that I don’t perform the show naked. My mom is actually the hero of the OC: So, the memories led you to create the show - she’s the most touching part. I know show? that when she’s in the audience, it will be KT: Yeah. I came back to Nashville, and my tough to get through. mind was on fire. I wrote a 10-page short SD&SC is playing at the Cinci Fringe Festival May 26 story - it had kind of a David Sedaris vibe. I 6, 2009 at Coffee Emporium, 110 East Central thought it was pretty funny, so I read it at an June Parkway on the first floor of the old Emery Theater Buildopen mic night. The audience just lit up, ing Thu, May 28 7p, Sat, May 30 8p, Mon, June 1 8:15p, screaming with laughter. I also starting lis- Wed, June 3 8:30p, Sat, June 6 4:30p. For Info or Tickets www.cincyfringe.com or call 513.300-KNOW (5669) or tening to Sandra Bernhard. I didn’t want to www.sexdreamsandselfcontrol.com.

june 2009

Diversity is the first step along the pathway to full Inclusion.

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MILK SCREENWRITER TO DIRECT NEESON AND CONNELLY When young, gay writer Dustin Lance Black snagged a Best Original Screenplay Oscar this year for Milk, it was pretty much inevitable that he would find himself uttering that most Hollywood of sentences: “What I really want to do is direct.” And so, like many career-hot scribes before him, Black is ascending to the director’s chair of a big studio film with What’s Wrong with Virginia. (It’s not his virgin outing as a filmmaker; he’s helmed a few indie flicks already.) Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly are both attached to star in the drama, about which little has been revealed so far; presumably, it won’t get rolling until after Black reunites with Milk director Gus Van Sant on The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Virginia is still in pre-production, so it probably won’t pop up in theaters until 2010 at the very earliest.

FRY AND ALLEN MIX AUSTEN AND THE OFFICE There was a time when theater directors switched up Hamlet in every way possible, staging the Danish prince’s tragedy in the Old West or on the moon or in the mafia. Now it seems to be Pride and Prejudice’s turn, what with the self-descriptive new novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and now the upcoming British movie Jane Austen Handheld. Gay actor Stephen Fry plays Mr. Bennet and pop sensation Lily Allen makes her screen debut as Lydia in this version of the Jane Austen novel, told from the fly-on-the-wall POV of a documentary crew. So don’t be surprised if Mr. Darcy winds up a Regency equivalent of The Office’s Jim Halpert, occasionally staring at the camera in sardonic amusement, when Jane Austen Handheld hits screens in 2010. Next stop, the Pride Broadway musical and wacky Japanese video game.

HAVE MERCY ON THE GAY NURSE Another new hospital drama? Why not? Especially since it’s set to star Michelle Trachtenberg of Buffy and Gossip Girl fame. (And for the record, Romeo knew she’d grow up to be awesome when she was on The Adventures of Pete & Pete.) The show’s called Mercy , and the pilot is due to start shooting any second now for fall pickup consideration. Obviously, because it’s just a pilot, you may never see it or hear about it again besides an “Oh, yeah, the network passed on it” notice in Variety. But if it winds up on the fall schedule then be on the lookout for cool, queer, indie film guy Guillermo Diaz (Party Girl) in an ongoing role as a gay nurse. Fingers crossed that this is a good one; now that Gedde Watanabe can’t represent on the departing E.R., somebody has to pick up the slack.

WHAT’S AMY SEDARIS DOING? That’s a question Romeo finds himself asking from time to time, because new entertainment product from the delightfully strange Strangers With Candy lady is always a welcome arrival on the pop-culture radar. Coming soonest (most likely) is Jennifer’s Body, the feminist horror film from writer Diablo Cody and director Karyn Kusama, whose lesbian cred would be well established with movies like Girlfight and Aeon Flux even if she hadn’t also helmed an episode of The L Word. Sedaris has a supporting role in the cheerleaderturned-homicidal-maniac story. Meanwhile, she’s also finishing up Tanner Hall, about the “coming of age” experiences of the young short-skirted population of an all-girl boarding school. And while the up-and-coming cast looks appealing enough, it’s the headmistress (or the cranky lunch line lady, or whoever Sedaris plays) we’ll be buying a ticket to see.

Doesn’t Have To Be,” “Chains of Love,” and “A Little Respect” went a long way in establishing Erasure’s credibility. Romeo San Vicente went to an all-boy boarding school and loved every minute of it. He can be reached care of this publiThe tradition concation or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. tinued with such fierce numbers as “Stop!,” “Drama!,” and “Love To Hate You,” not to mention Erasure’s ABBA activities, ANCE USIC S O AY represented here by “Take A Chance on Me.” Of course, Erasure is much more than a dance duo and could play the drama card By Gregg Shapiro as well on ballads including “Stay With Me” and “Ship of Fools.” Because the complete Erasure experience includes concert perBeginning in the mid-1980s, pop duos Erasure and Pet Shop formance and a visual component, a live CD spanning 20 years Boys were at the forefront of electronic dance music, gay or straight. Teamed up with hetero Vince Clarke (of Depeche Mode and a DVD of BBC TV appearances round out the package. and Yaz renown), the flaming and fabulous Andy Bell, with a set You can dance to the Pet Shop Boys’ new album Yes (Astralwof pipes to rival Clarke’s former musical partner Alison Moyet, leaped into our lives as Erasure and we simply couldn’t imagine erks), but you might have to work at it. Bouncy opener “Love a world without them. The Erasure story is celebrated vividly on Etc.,” in which Neil Tennant declares that you “don’t have to be the four disc set (three CDs and one DVD) Total Pop! Deluxe Box: beautiful, but it helps,” might set you in motion, but “All Over The First 40 Hits (Mute/ Sire/Rhino). Spanning a period of more The World,” which incorporates “The Nutcracker Suite,” is harder than 20 years, this thorough compilation demonstrates that Bell to pin down. The “beauty” theme continues on “Beautiful Peoand Clarke have a knack for creating exhilarating dance music. ple,” which has a retro beat more akin to Duffy or Adele. “Did You A majority of the 41 tracks on the first two discs of studio record- See Me Coming?” is reminiscent of Very-era PSB, while “More Than A Dream” dabbles in futuristic electro. “King of Rome” and ings speak well for Erasure’s considerable contributions to the “Legacy” are two more low-key, albeit dramatic, numbers. “Pangenre. Early hits such as “Oh, L’Amour,” “Sometimes,” “It demonium” almost lives up to its name and the equally rhythmic

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I S G

‘Motown’ and ‘discotheque’ are both portmanteaus. Look it up.

“The Way It Used To Be” left me longing for the Pet Shop Boys of old. Larry Tee is probably grateful to Erasure and Pet Shop Boys for paving the way for him to indulge in his dance music diversions. The proud papa of electro, Tee unleashes a torrent of blistering beats on his latest album Club Badd (Ultra). Far smuttier than anything ever let loose by Erasure or PSB, songs such as “Let’s Make Nasty,” “Licky (Work It Out),” “Get Your Grind On,” “Clap That Ass,” “My Penis,” and its companion, “My Pussy,” will make your ears burn and ring simultaneously. As it turns out, Tee is just as conscious of fashion as he is passion, which you can hear on “Louis Vuitton,” “Agyness Deyn,” and his remix of Kelly’s “Shoes.” Mixed gender duo Mynx also dips its paws into the cookie jar of eighties retro electro beats for its five-track Out of Sight Out of Mind (wearemynx.com) EP. You can satisfy all of your dancing needs with the cuts “Kissie Show,” “Wolfgang Bang,” and the judgmental bravado of the bonus track “I’m So L.A.” Hats off to Jason Antone who deserves to be crowned the new gay disco god. The guy can sing, which works in his favor, and he sings his heart out from start to finish on his new album Start To Move (Chickie). He’s at his most compelling on straightforward dance-floor sensations ranging from his admirable reimagining of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” through moving originals including the title tune, “Ooh Ooh Ooh,” “Function,” “Feelin’ You,” and “How’s Anybody Gonna Love You Like That.” Beware of “More Than Friends” on which Antone sounds like he’s doing a Barry Manilow impersonation.

june 2009

by Dan Savage I have a problem with my happiness; he is a wonderful man who has a beauty that overwhelms me; we have a beautiful home; I am monogamous for the first time in a decade. But I just learned that I am the spitting image of a man who is in jail for raping my boyfriend. He says he is not in a place to dig up his emotions about the subject and wants to hold off on sex - fine by me. I admire him and his courage to be with me despite my appearance. I still love him, but I feel like there is something I could do to help him, to help us. So I guess I am asking for suggestions. Asking Not Begging First suggestion: Verify his story. If you have a stunt double out there rotting in jail somewhere for raping your Wonder Boyfriend, ANB, then there are police reports and trial transcripts and a mug shot that looks just like you. Go find ’em. I’m an asshole, of course, for casting doubt on your beautiful boyfriend’s dramatic explanation for why his wonderfulness can’t have sex with you right now - or ever, potentially, since he’s “not in a place to dig up his emotions” and wants to “hold off” on sex. But cast I must, ANB, because one of two things is going on. Either your boyfriend is making this rape story up or he failed to share hugely pertinent info with you before moving in. Whichever it is, ANB, your boyfriend is at fault. Why would he make it up? Well, it could be that he’s not attracted to you, ANB, and manipulating you with a victim story allows him to reap the rewards of being with you while earning him a “Get Out of Fucking You Free” card. If the story checks out - if you find that mug shot - then your boyfriend has my sympathies. But if he wasn’t ready to resume his romantic and sexual life, ANB, he had no right to be out there dating anyone, least of all a man who looks exactly like his rapist. When we date, ANB, we’re telling people that we’re in a place where we’re ready for love, romance, and sex. If we’re not, we have no business dating anyone seriously. Period. At the very least, the onus was on him to disclose this information his rape, your resemblance to his rapist - before moving in, not after. And finally: If you’re not having sex with your boyfriend, or anyone else, and there’s no sex in your foreseeable future, ANB, that’s not monogamy - that’s celibacy. I am a high-functioning regular heroin user (not quite an addict), and I feel constantly compelled to hide my drug use. I feel that there are similarities between being a drug

june 2009

user and having an alternate sexual orientation in the sense that both users and gays are constantly confronting judgmental opposition from an ill-informed and puritanical American public. I wonder whether you have any thoughts on this matter. Do you believe that drug users are deserving of the same kind of empowerment and liberation as gays, or do you view drug use as a “disease” that needs to be “cured” the same way that the Carrie Prejeans of the world believe gays need to be “cured?” I realize that one significant difference between heroin use and sexual tastes is that heroin use is illegal, but of course gay relationships were illegal until relatively recently. Am I just rationalizing? Or could drug use be the next civil-rights frontier? Dude Requests Understanding Gay Sensibility Uh… gee. I don’t believe that all drug use is abuse, and I believe that recreational drugs can be used responsibly. And I believe a person should be able to use a drug regularly without being labeled - by himself, by others, by court order an “addict.” I also wish that more people were open about their drug use - but, in the hypocritical fashion of most Americans, only when we’re talking about drugs that I like and have used myself, e.g., caffeine, sugar, pot, and my boyfriend’s pheromones. Recreational heroin? Heroin seems kind of extreme, DRUGS, as recreational drugs go. I’ve known a few people who’ve self-medicated with heroin and functioned well enough to get by - just - and I think that all drugs should be legal, your drug of choice included. We need to end the war on drugs, a failure and a waste of money and lives. And the quickest way to end it is for successful drug users - people like you, me, Michael Phelps, and the president of the United States of America - to be open about our past, present, and future drug use. But I don’t think “drug user” is an identity that’s really comparable to sexual orientation. Using drugs is something you do, DRUGS, it’s not something you are. Look at it this way: If you stopped doing drugs

today, DRUGS, you’d no longer be a drug user. If I stopped inhaling my boyfriend’s pheromones - and cock - today, DRUGS, I’d still be a big homo. Because gay is like Cats (“now and forever”), while heroin is like Twitter (fun at first, sure, but you’ll regret it one day). See the difference? But, yeah, the freedom to use drugs can certainly be viewed as a civil-rights issue: It’s about the right to control what you do with your own body, and that argument resonates with others advanced by gay-rights advocates and advocates of reproductive choice. But different drugs carry different risks - risks of harm, risks of overdose, risks of death - and, legal or not, heroin is a highly dangerous drug. It’s a drug that’s made more dangerous by its prohibition, sure, but it’s dangerous even when it’s pure. But I think you have a right to use it, if you want to use it, and that you should have access to safe, medical-grade heroin and clean needles. But I don’t think you should use it, not when there are other, better, safer drugs available. Like my boyfriend’s pheromones. I like that you told PILL, the teenage girl who didn’t like the pill and whose boyfriend “doesn’t like” condoms, to “enjoy outercourse, oral, masturbation, and sex toys and tell your boyfriend that these aren’t consolation prizes for teenagers, but honest-toGod sex acts that adults enjoy.” But I wish that you had mentioned all the other kinds of

Dan Savage originally wanted to call his column “Hey, Faggot!” but his editors refused.

birth control out there. There’s the DepoProvera shot, the patch, the implant, the ring (which is very low dose and which many women prefer to the pill), IUDs (both with and without hormones), and cervical caps that can be used with spermicide. Also, there are many kinds of pills (from low to high dose, mini-pills, various hormone combos, etc.), and PILL should talk to a professional about which pills she was on and the specific things she didn’t like about them. Some are much more effective than others, there are serious cost barriers to some of these if they’re not covered by insurance, and there can be side effects to any sort of hormonal birth control, but it’s good to be aware that they exist. I also had awful experiences with hormonal pills, and it took years until I finally got a great doctor who took the time to explain all my options - and there are so many! I now have a nonhormonal IUD; it is fantastic, and I am grateful for my doctor’s advice. There’s a great “birth control effectiveness chart” at Planned Parenthood’s website (www.plannedparenthood.org). Been There, Done That Thanks for sharing, BTDT. Download the Savage Lovecast (my weekly podcast) every Tuesday at www.thestranger.com/savage OR www.outlookcolumbus.com. mail@savagelove.net.

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“Let’s go to the hop ...let’s go to the hop ... oh baby ...” - Danny & The Juniors, 1957

june 2009

MOXY

We first fell in love with DJ Moxy over martinis at Gritty Kitty at Havana where her independent lesbo-punk electo style gave our ears and our spirit something original to feast on. Since then The Mox has been spinning the town over, making regular appearances at watering holes like Bristol Bar, Circus and Wall Street. When she’s feeling a little more codependent, she hits the stage with her mate Gendala as the badass band duo Tits N Milk. To top that off, she also is co producer of the bi monthly Sweating party, which brings together a diverse crowd of unpretentious music enthusiasts simply out for a communal dancing good time. Not into the anthems that typically have your hips swaying on the floor, Moxy spins dirty, indy gay rock. Her mission is to give you a musical experience you won’t get anywhere else in town. She’s says it’s almost a guarantee you won’t hear “All the Single Ladies” during any of her sets, but you will be grooving all night long. When she’s not behind the tables, you can find Mox behind the counter at Kick Start coffee house and scooter emporium foaming up one of her signature Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavored lattes. On her down time from working, this lesbo-a-gogo enjoys writing music, watching hulu.com, making sweet beats with her forever honey Nicole (the current poster child for not over-processing your hair) or knocking a few back with friends. And speaking of booze, fans of The Mox can show their appreciation by buying her a Belvedere and OJ or Patron straight up. With being deemed a local celebrity there comes great power. With great power comes great responsibility. DJ Moxy actualizes this epithet and plans to use her fame for the forces of good - she vows to destroy telemarketers and save kittens. Telemarketing kittens remain her most vexing conundrum. Since this year’s Pride theme is freedom, we asked the Mox how she defines being free. “It’s being able to be an independent individual and exercise your brain as a citizen no matter who or what you are.” She should put that on a t-shirt, no? Catch more of the Mox at www.djmoxy.com.

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june 2009

By Jack Fertig Mars just entered Taurus, shifting everyone into more careful, determined methods. He’s now in trine of Pluto pushing us to push harder toward our own goals, making cooperation more difficult, but absolutely necessary! GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Your deepest, darkest erotic fantasies could come true, but you have to be clear and articulate about what you want. If you can’t figure out what that is, fulfilling your baby’s desires could be just as hot.

don’t feel bad. Any good intellectual challenge that sparks the brain will ignite passions as well. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): You’re supercharged for hard work, but think a minute: Fear is an effective motivator, but more than that, you’re running away from something you should be running toward. That’s much better for your health and your accomplishment.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your efforts at fun may look like effort more than fun to others. Creative accomplishment is good. Go CANCER (June 21- July 22): ahead and push yourself to You’re a political dynamo, new depths. Your artistic acYour energy could be over the complishment could be as top, so take a little time out to challenging and as brilliant as think strategically. Some help giving birth to yourself. from your partner or friends should help you focus and di- AQUARIUS (January 20 – Febrect that energy where it will ruary 18): Now more then ever do the most good. your home should be your castle, your ashram, and your LEO (July 23 – August 22): love nest. Sharing space may Your take-charge attitude be challenging. Make sure to may be more than some peo- have a clean sense of perple can take. Your colleagues sonal space somewhere, but are not hostages or slaves. Be be careful to be respectful of attentive to their morale, and family and housemates. make sure they have a chance to be heard. Some of PISCES (February 19 – March their ideas will be tremen19): Once you start talking, it dously helpful. may be hard to stop. To save a lot of trouble, think first, get VIRGO (August 23 – Septem- right to the point and dig for ber 22): You’re taking your fun the deeper truth. Friends will way too seriously. Games are be much too glad to help, about entertainment, not an- leading to interesting and, nihilating your playmates. perhaps, very illuminating arCreative challenges offer a guments. better outlet. If you don’t have a hobby where you can push ARIES (March 20 – April 19): If yourself, attend a show that you stop to think and plan, you offers a novel challenge. can be brilliant with money. Otherwise, it could burn a hole LIBRA (September 23 – Octo- in your pocket. Either way ber 22): Sometimes our little your dealings with money will GLBT communities can feel a be noticed and could have a bit incestuous. Should that great effect on your career. stop a sudden spark of passion from turning a “sisterly” TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): friendship into something You’re charged and eager to more? At least talk it through reach new heights. “Tried and to see what’s there and where true” ways may be obsolete – it might go. and will likely lead you into arguments. You need new ideas. SCORPIO (October 23 – NoBe willing to challenge your vember 21): Arguments with mind in ways you never your partner can quickly go dreamed of. from heated to hot. If there’s nothing to squabble about, 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,

Moxy is a barista behind the bar. If she had passed the bar, she’d be a barrister.

outlookcolumbus.com

While Chester got his groove on, Eddie J was busy feeling up Bud Light at the bar. You go Eddie!

june 2009