02.19.09 Outlook Weekly - GWCTD

18 B FE

009 2 24 B E -F

33 O 3N 1 OL •V

WAY A L L A ON C T P HAM N N A • STEIN BRAVO’S AN NUAL EVENT • MADDIE BLAU

02 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

SNAPSHOT

NETWORK COLUMBUS: ARENA GRAND - FEB 11TH’S NETWORK WAS OUT WITH OUR FAITH LEADERS AND LAUNCHED OUTLOOK’S NEW COLUMN OUT IN FAITH. WE PACKED THE ARENA GRAND AND LEARNED ABOUT OPEN AND AFFIRMING FAITHS INCLUDING WICCAN, HUMANIST, JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN. THE MEATBALLS WERE GREAT! PHOTOS BY DON FACKLER

VOLUME 13 NUMBER 33

OWNERS AND PUBLISHERS Michael Daniels & Chris Hayes EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ART DIRECTOR Chris Hayes hayes@outlookmedia.com ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR / PHOTOS Robert Trautman traut@outlookmedia.com

GRAND TIME AT THE GRAND

CURTIS ACTUALLY DIDN’T BURST INTO FLAMES

NETWORK BE WITH YOU

WE WERE HERE FOR THE POPCORN

DIVINE: LINDA, DENNY AND EMILY

AND ALSO WITH YOU

MANAGING EDITOR Adam Leddy aleddy@outlookmedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom Moon, Jacob Anberson-Minshall, Leslie Robinson, Wayne Besen, Mickey Weems, Mary Martineau, Gregg Shapiro, Romeo San Vicente, Jack Fertig, Dan Savage, Jennifer Vanasco

BUSINESS & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Michael Daniels mdaniels@outlookmedia.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media - 212.242.6863 ADVERTISING DEADLINE Each Wednesday - 8 days prior to publication Call us at 614.268.8525.

SCORE: BROKE STRAIGHT BOYS - SCORE BAR WAS HUNKILY FILLED WITH THE BOYS FROM BROKESTRAIGHTBOYS.COM FEB 8 FOR A SHOW WE WON’T SOON FORGET. ANISA AND DEE HOSTED. NO WORD YET ON OFFICIAL FLUFFERS BUT SAM WAS ABSENT FOR A CURIOUSLY LONG TIME ; ) PHOTOS BY SAM

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FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

FLUFFING THE MIC

WHO’D LIKE SOME UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS?

SNAPSHOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 ABOUT TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,30 ANYTHING BUT STRAIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 COMMUNITY CORNER / SPORTS . . . . . . . . . .6 COMMENTARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 OUT BUSINESS NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 TRANSNATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 GENERAL GAYETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 FEATURE: BRAVO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-18 DEEP INSIDE HOLLYWOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 INTERVIEW: ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY . . . .22 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 SAVAGE LOVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 THE LAST WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 SCOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 NEXT WEEK: HOME AND GARDEN SHOW

ENOUGH WITH THE MIC SEX ALREADY!

ANISA AIN’T BROKE

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 03

ABOUT TOWN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 I’VE DONE IT TWICE Running the Sahara @ The Arena Grand Movie Theatre, 175 W Nationwide Blvd, 614.469.5000, www.arenagrand.com: The Columbus premiere of a moving, hopeful documentary about a 4,300mile marathon. One night only! 7p; $35.

GET YOUR WHISTLE NICE AND WET LinkOUT Thirsty Third Thursdays @ James Club 88, 55 W Long St, http://linkoutcolumbus.com: Young professional? GLBT or ally? Thirsty? Come to James Club for the event and stay for open mic night. 6p; free.

NOISY VAGINAS The Vagina Monologues @ Club Diversity, 863 S High St, 614.244.4050, www.clubdiversity.com: See what the female anatomy has to say about VDay. Thu-Sun thru Feb 22. Thu-Sat 7p, Sun 2p; $12-$15.

WHERE’S THE BEEF? Cutting Calories and Fat Program @ The Wellness Community, 10330 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, 614.791.9510, maria@wellnesscolumbus.org: Chef Bryan Loveless teaches participants how to trim the bad stuff from your diet. Register. 6p; free.

SEXY NEVER LEFT ME, BABY Bringin’ Sexy Back @ Shadowbox Cabaret, Easton Towne Center, 614.416.7625, shadowboxcabaret.com: Shadowbox redefines sex appeal with outrageous original comedy sketches and raucous rock ‘n’ roll dedicated to America’s favorite pastime. Thru March 21. Thur 7:30p, Fri-Sat 7:30p & 10:30p; $20-$30.

THE EAST COMES TO THE MIDWEST Japan Dance Now @ The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N High St, 614.292.3535,www.wexarts.org: Japan Dance Now is a showcase of three groups, each seeking fresh forms to echo Japan’s accelerated culture. Thur-Sat. 8p; $10-$16.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 OVEN LOVIN’ Hansel & Gretel @ Studio One, Riffe Center, 77 S High St, 614.469.0939, www.ticketmaster.com: People and puppets work together to tell the classic tale. Fri-Sun thru Feb 22. Fri 7:30p, Sat-Sun 1p & 2:30p; $10-$20.

IT ’SPLODED ALL OVER ME Comedy ’Splosion @ MadLab Theatre, 105 N Grant Ave, 614.221.5418, www.madlab.net: Columbus’s finest stand-up comes to MadLab. Fri 9p, Sat 7p & 10p; $8 per show or $20 for all 3.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 GET YOUR HEART ON Tony Shaw’s 5th Annual Hearts Party @ Q, 205 N 5th St, 614.222.2401, www.q-nation.com: Tony takes on Leather & Lace. Meet your match at happy hour, dance all night, and try to settle your throbbing … heart. 9p-3a; $3 before 11p, $5 after.

BETTER THAN TEAM TURN & COUGH Team Smile & Nod @ Havana, 862 N High St, 614.421.9697, www.columbusnightlife.com: Local lesbian electro anti-folk comes to Havana. 10p; free.

STOP TRAFFIC AT WALL STREET Monthly Traffic Jam Party @ Wall Street, 144 N Wall St, 614.464.2800: The color of the glow stick

by Adam Leddy

signifies availability: green sticks for available, red for taken, and yellow for willing to play. Come see the colors and get to know your own Green or Yellow. $5; 9p.

HOT TAMALES Fiery Foods Festival @ The North Market, 59 Spruce St, 614.463.9664, www.northmarket.com: See page 20 for more info. 9a-4p; free.

GYPSY ROSE ME Miss Gypsy USA Pageant @ Southbend, 126 E Moler St, 614.444.3386, www.southbendtavern.com: Proceeds benefit Pater Noster House. 9p; cover.

TRY ON THE TEE CATCO Varietee Gala @ The Capitol Theatre, Vern Riffe Center, 77 S High St, www.catco.org: It’s CATCO’s 25th birthday. Help them celebrate and honor three local luminaries. 6:30p; $175.

GLEE, HEE HEE OSU Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs Concert @ Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 High Street, Worthington, arts.osu.edu: Men and women? Something for almost everyone. 7p; free.

DON’T CHEAT AT MCC Game Night @ New Creation MCC, 2350 Indianola Ave, 614.224.0314, newcreationmcc.org: Enjoy the games or bring your own. Come to service the next day for Jason & Demarco. 7p; free.

HAVE YOU NOTICED THESE HAVE BEEN RHYMING? National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show @ Veterans Memorial, 300 W Broad St, 614.221.4341, www.nationalevent.com: Everything you need to know about entrepreneurial opportunity. While you’re there, swing by the Sports Card & Memorabilia Show and the Scott Antique Market (free). Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-4p; $5.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 SLUMBUTTONS MILLIONAIRE DOG WRESTLER DOUBT Red Carpet Bash @ The Drexel Theatre, 2254 E Main St, 614.231.1050, www.drexel.net: Walk the carpet and see if slumdogs undo buttons in the Best Pic category. Dress up or dress down. 6p; $25.

GET OUT AND VOTE PFLAG Meeting & Election @ First Unitarian Church, 93 Weisheimer Rd, www.pflagcolumbus.org, 614.262.9070: PFLAG hosts a business meeting and special election. All are welcome. 2p-4p; free.

MAD ‘ABOOT’ HOCKEY, EH? Ohio Mayhem vs. BT3 @ Chiller Dublin, 7001 Dublin Park Drive, www.gayhockeyohio.com: See the gay hockey team in action. 8:30p; free.

GET RIGHT WITH GOD Open and Affirming Churches Presentation @ First Congregational Church, 444 E Broad St, 614.228.1741, www.first-church.org: The Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer, executive for health and wholeness advocacy in Wider Church Ministries, will lead the discussion. 10a; free.

DELAWARE DOGMATICS ‘Subversive Love’ Service @ Zion United Church of Christ, 51 W Central St, Delaware, 740.362.6691, uccdelaware.com: Rev. Kim Bayless delivers the message at Delaware’s only Open and Affirming church. 4p-5:30p; free.

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

04 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

ANYTHING BUT STRAIGHT

by Wayne Besen

The Changing Face of the GOP It would be wrong to say that the majority of Republicans are racist. But, it is fair to say that racists have comfortably nested in the GOP for quite some time. Since President Richard Nixon employed his infamous “Southern Strategy,” bigots, xenophobes and homophobes have been sought after Republican constituencies.

Beginning in the late 1960s and extending through the present day, the GOP reframed its

racism, branding itself “conservative.” A word that once stood for small government came to stand for small minds that voted in large numbers. This new political deformity hid its hatred behind calls for “states’ rights” and “personal responsibility.” (To be fair, in the early days, many Democrats were also segregationists.)

The late Lee Atwater, notorious Republican dirty tricks artist, explained the party’s tactics.

“You start out in 1954 by saying, ‘Nigger, nigger, nigger,’” said Atwater. “By 1968 you can’t say ‘nigger’- that hurts you. Backfires. So you say stuff like forced busing, states’ rights and all that stuff.

You’re getting so abstract now [that] you’re talking about cutting taxes, and all these things you’re talking about are totally economic things and a byproduct of them is [that] blacks get hurt worse than whites.”

In a stunning repudiation of its recent history, the Republican Party elected Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele, who is African American, as its chairman. He defeated a repugnant, nose-holding cluster of clowns, including Katon Dawson, head of the South Carolina GOP, who had recently quit his membership in an all-white country club, and Chip Saltsman, the Tennessee party leader who handed out a Christmas CD that featured the song “Barack the Magic Negro.”

Sure, it took more than five hours and six bal-

lots for Steele to win. The outcome shows, however, that many GOP leaders understand that the party must change or face continued failure at the ballot box. Of course, Steele’s ascension does raise serious questions: Will white supremacists continue to support a party that is led by a black man? If they do exit the party, will a new, reformed GOP be able to attract enough new voters to replace them?

To answer the first question, former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke sent out a press release headlined “To Hell with the Republican Party,” and said that “GOP traitors appoint Obama Junior as Chairman of the Republican Party.”

Steele tried to answer the second question by saying, “We’re going to bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community.”

Every community? Does this mean we should expect to see official GOP booths at Gay Pride?

The Stonewall Democrats don’t seem to think so. The group stressed that as Lt. Governor, “Steele made himself a public advocate for the Alliance for Marriage, a radical anti-marriage group which initiated efforts to pass a federal constitutional amendment to bar same-sex couples the freedom to marry.” In 2005, Steele also “headlined a ‘Defend Marriage Rally.’”

While this is not encouraging, it is clear that in its selection of Steele, the GOP was not simply looking to replace racism with homophobia by selecting the most anti-gay black candidate they could find. If that were the case, they could have chosen former Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, who once compared gay people to “arsonists and kleptomaniacs.”

So, it is clear that the GOP chose to embark upon a strategy to win back mainstream voters

and Independents, rather than simply pander to the Bible-thumping base.

The big question the mainstream media is afraid to ask is: Will Steele’s election sour the party’s relationship with the Religious Right?

While most social conservatives are not racist, it would be naive to deny that a connection exists.

Indeed, a map of GOP strongholds is essentially a map of the old confederacy - which happens to be called “The Bible Belt.”

In 2001, the Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins addressed the Council of Conservative Citizens, which was formed as the successor organization to the White Citizens Council. The Nation magazine claimed that in 1996, Perkins paid David Duke $82,000 for use of his mailing list.

The most powerful man on the right is Rush Limbaugh, widely known for his racial insensitivity.

The Reader Poll

Last week we asked:

Have you ever been the victim of intimate partner violence in a relationship?

NO 83.33% YES 16.67% And, let’s not forget the former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, who stepped down from his leadership position after he was broadly criticized for toasting, a little too enthusiastically, the career of segregationist Strom Thurmond.

To rebuild the GOP, Steele will have to choose between the inclusive Big Tent and the intolerant Big Steeple. The religious right won’t accept a party that supports even modest rights for gay people, while moderate and younger voters will never trust a party that is anti-gay. The sooner Steele realizes that to get Republicans elected, social conservatives must be ejected from the party the quicker he will be able to save the GOP. © 2008 Wayne Besen. All rights reserved. www.waynebesen.com

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

Do you plan to attend The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show ?

Log on to: www.outlookweekly.net to take this week’s poll.

63%

SOURCE: GALLUP

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

CATEGORY

JAN 20 ’09

FEB 17 ’09

DIFFERENCE

AMERICAN DEAD

4,226

4245

19

AMERICAN WOUNDED

30,934

31,035

101

IRAQI CIVILIAN DEAD

98,605

98,968

363

NATIONAL DEBT

$10,605,968,804,933 $10,721,365,792,566 $115,396,987,633

DAYS IN OFFICE

1

27

26

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 05

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

06 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

COMMUNITY CORNER CHIEF HINKLE JOINS NATIONAL EFFORT TO COMBAT CRIMES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Chief Kenneth R. Hinkle has been chosen as one of 24 law enforcement executives from across the country to participate in a National Law Enforcement Leadership Institute on Violence Against Women hosted by The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Through the Institute experience, IACP intends to raise the response to violence against women crimes higher on law enforcement’s agenda and support the adoption of best practices by the officers in the Obetz Police Department.

During the three-day Institute taking place in Charleston, SC, Chief Kenneth R. Hinkle, along with the other selected participants, will explore innovative approaches for investigating crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. Additional attention will center on assessing agency performance and sharing challenges and solutions with law enforcement colleagues.

In an effort to help law enforcement agencies enhance their response to crimes of violence against women, the Institute will focus on planning and methods for effective resource allocation to help crime victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The participating law enforcement executives will be engaged in the development of action plans throughout the Institute in order to adopt new strategies for pro-active coordinated community collaboration upon returning to their departments.

Expenses for participants to attend the Institute are covered under a grant to the IACP from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.

CATF MARKS 25TH ANNIVERSARY HIV/AIDS can strike any of us. Rich as well as poor. Young as well as old. Any gender. All races.

HIV/AIDS can find your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, or your partner. It can find you. HIV/AIDS isn’t a problem for some of us. It is a problem for all of us. Help us in our mission to stop HIV/AIDS. We invite you to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Columbus AIDS Task Force (CATF) by making a $2,500, $1,250, $250, or $25 donation to help us continue our fight.

Your donation will help us support: • Prevention, testing, and outreach to individuals and communities.

• Medical case management and mental health treatment to those living with HIV/AIDS. • Housing assistance for those living with HIV/AIDS. $2,500 provides a year of case management to more than 4 individuals. $1,250 provides prevention and education to over 19 individuals. $250 provides testing to more than 5 individuals.

Make your contribution today at www.catf.net/GIVING. While this 25th year of service is a milestone we had hoped not to reach, we commemorate the anniversary with the knowledge that we have provided consistent prevention, education, and FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

care to our community. As long as HIV/AIDS remains, we intend to remain.

CATF’s mission is to fight the spread of HIV, reduce its transmission, stigma, and the resulting discrimination through education and awareness, and provide quality services to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. www.catf.net

CLEVELAND, AKRON JOIN FORCES FOR GAY GAMES BID Cleveland Synergy Foundation today announced the formation of another integral partnership in its quest to host the 2014 Gay Games in Northeast Ohio.

The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau has pledged staff resources to assist the Cleveland Synergy Foundation in its bid for the games, as well as a $10,000 investment to help pay for the fees associated with the bid process.

“The Akron/Summit CVB is especially proud to be doing our part in assisting the foundation with the monumental task of securing the 2014 Gay Games for Northeast Ohio. This event affords all of us incredible opportunities. It’s going to allow us to extend our hospitality to tens of thousands of visitors. We’ll benefit directly from the influx of new visitor dollars into our local economy. And most importantly, this undertaking will demonstrate how powerfully collaboration can achieve a mutual goal while celebrating our diversity,” states Susan Hamo, president and CEO of the visitors bureau.

Cleveland Synergy Foundation plans on hosting several of the major sporting and cultural events during the 2014 Gay Games in Akron and surrounding areas if the city is awarded the Gay Games.

“It is our philosophy to showcase the best that Northeast Ohio has to offer, and Akron is a jewel we want to show the world,” said Brian P. Tavolier of the foundation.

Additionally, in November 2008, the Cleveland Synergy Foundation filed formal documentation to the Federation of Gay Games to include Rodeo in its bid for the 2014 Gay Games. On Friday, January 30, the Federation of Gay Games sports committee approved Cleveland Synergy Foundation’s request to add Rodeo to Cleveland’s bid as an approved additional sport.

“The International Gay Rodeo Association is very proud to partner with the Cleveland Synergy Foundation to include amateur gay rodeo as a sporting event at the Gay Games and thankful to the foundation for its work in having rodeo approved as an additional sporting event,” says Brian Helander, president of the International Gay Rodeo Association. “We look forward to our continued collaborations with them.”

Gay Games IX will be held in 2014 and will include more than thirty sporting and cultural events. More than 12,000 participants and tens of thousands of family, friends, fans, and spectators are anticipated to travel to the host city for the event. Past Gay Games have yielded a significant economic impact to host cities, with estimates ranging up to $80 million from the Chicago event. Gay Games VIII will be held in Cologne, Germany, in 2010.

Please visit www.clevelandsynergyfounda-

tion.org for more information about the Cleveland Synergy Foundation.

WDEM GOES NATIVE - TV STATION SWITCHES FORMAT, FOCUSES ON LOCAL LIFE Residents of Central Ohio now have a TV station that’s all about them. WDEM, formerly a home shopping channel, has switched formats to focus on local arts, culture, and lifestyle.

“We’ve created the first locally-oriented, nonnews format in Central Ohio,” says David Chesnet, WDEM General Manager. Chesnet, a thirty-year veteran of the television industry, saw a void in coverage of Central Ohio’s vibrant local arts scene.

Chesnet has a history of leveraging local programming to build successful television stations.

He used this strategy in South Florida with excellent results. Now he’s using the same tactics in a chillier climate.

“Columbus is becoming more widely known for arts and entertainment, but this has largely been missing from local television coverage,” Chesnet says. “The vision of WDEM is to change that.”

The station hopes to strike a chord with a variety of viewers by creating original programs geared specifically to the people of Central Ohio.

So what are some of the things you can see on the channel?

Lifeline Columbus, a weekly television magazine covering arts, entertainment, and lifestyle in Columbus, hosted by last year’s CW star, Jason Perkins.

Ohio Historical Society, an original series highlighting Ohio’s history and culture.

Children’s Book Club, a Sunday morning program for kids that makes reading fun and interesting.

Rick’s Midnight Movie: Host Rick the King of Schlock Films presents a hilarious account of what’s really going on behind the scenes of the midnight movie. Think of it as a cross between

Pop Up Video and Mystery Science Theater.

To tune in to these shows, or check out WDEM’s other programming, visit www.wdemtv.com

NORTH CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST VOTES FOR TRANSGENDER INCLUSION North Congregational United Church of Christ has voted to update its statement of inclusiveness to include transgender people. The church, an “open and affirming” congregation within the United Church of Christ, adopted its original statement of inclusiveness in 1996.

The declaration now reads: “North Congregational United Church of Christ is committed in word and deed to the equality of all God’s people.

We welcome and affirm persons of every race, gender, gender identity and/or expression, age, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, family status, economic status, and physical, mental or emotional ability into full participation, membership, and leadership in our faith community.”

More than 200 people participated in a weekend event hosted by North Church last November titled “Called to Be: An Affirming Dialogue with the Transgender Community.” The church partnered with a variety of GLBT-focused organizations and other faith communities to plan the event. That process led to the decision by North Church leadership to pursue a change in the church’s declaration of inclusiveness.

The congregational vote followed a series of educational sessions featuring transgender individuals and family members, as well as showing of the critically acclaimed documentary film Call Me Malcolm. The film tells the story of the Rev. Malcolm Himschoot, one of the few openly transgender clergy members in the nation. Rev. Himschoot, of Colorado, was keynote speaker at the November event.

SPORTS SCORE BAR RELEASES WII WINTER BOWLING LEAGUE STANDINGS It was a good season for the Donkey Punchers as the team dominated the Wii Winter Bowling League. More importantly, a good time was had by all participants. Ask about joining a league the next time you’re at Score, or visit www.scorebarcolumbus.com!

Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th

Team Name Donkey Punchers Off Constantly Big Balls Licky Licky Tramps M&M Spotted Dicks Something on the way

Games Won 8 5 5 4 3 3 2 2

Points Total 2679 2578 2560 2508 2604 2538 2402 2324

High Scratch Game: Jeremy (290). High Scratch Series: Jeremy (707). High Scratch Team Game: Donkey Punchers (464). High Scratch Team Series: Donkey Punchers (1267). High HCP Game: Robbie (264). High HCP Series: Robbie (739). High HCP Team Game: Donkey Punchers (469). High HCP Team Series: Off Constantly (1323).

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 07

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

08 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 09

COMMENTARY

by Mickey Weems

T h e N e w B l a c k , Pa r t I :

U n c l e To m ’ s L o g C a b i n a n d t h e N e w P i c k a n i n ny For the first time, America has a Black person in charge of the Republican National Committee.

Log Cabin Republicans immediately released a congratulatory message in support of Michael Steele, the new chair. For his part, Steele has decided to play Simon Legree and horsewhip his faithful Log Cabin servants, thus making it clear that Gay is indeed the New Black in the new RNC.

In Steele’s own words, Gay Americans should only be accorded second-class citizenship when it comes to our families and our rights as couples. Steele replaced hatred of Black folks with hatred of Gay folks, thus perpetuating the Southern Strategy of bigotry.

All that has changed is the primary target.

Closeted Republican

Life Among the Lowly There has been a lot of healthy discussion as to whether Gay people should compare their plight with the problems faced by African Americans. Some say it is completely unacceptable.

Others, such as the late great Bayard Rustin, the Gay Black civil rights activist who worked with Martin Luther King, suggest such comparisons are not only appropriate, they are unavoidable.

I tend to agree with Rustin.

Too often, the argument as to whether Gay is the New Black is phrased in an artificial dichotomy of Black versus Gay, as if there are no Black people who are also Gay. Here is why it is appropriate to call Gay the New Black, even when it includes White Gay people: Gay folks have been selected to take Black folks’ place in the Neo-Republicans’ latest tired version of the Southern Strategy.

For over 50 years, too many White members of the Republican Party have used bigotry against African Americans to get elected. It is called the “Southern Strategy” because it worked so well for White Republicans in the South, right after the Democratic Party decided to purge overt racism from its playbook in the 1960s.

The last presidential election has proven to be the demise of the Southern Strategy as we know it, and good riddance. Despite all the racist tactics used by the Republican Party against Barack Obama, the GOP couldn’t keep a Black person from being elected president.

Vestiges of such racism die hard, however. It took the blatant bigotry of idiot-boy Chip Saltzman and his “Barack the Magic Negro” minstrel song to wake up the GOP to the reality of the New America. We the People have officially repudiated the hurtful pissing contest that has divided African Americans from European Americans.

In order to prove that they get it, Republicans have elected a Black leader of their own, a clear signal to America that the GOP is ready to move forward.

But is this perceived progress real? Is Steele the first Black chair of the Republican Party, or merely the GOP’s own Magic Negro?

Michael Steele has not had an easy political career. He has lived a life like that of many Gay folks. Sometimes he is in the closet, sometimes he is out.

Steele admits that being a Republican makes life difficult. At one function, his opponents brought in Oreo cookies (black on the outside, white on the inside) to mock him as appearing to be something he is not, and for good reason.

Steele has gone so far to distribute flyers and post signs implying he was a Democrat to get Black people to vote for him in Maryland.

Furthermore, he did what to most Black people of conscience would be unimaginable. Steele supported a fundraiser held at a White-only country club, claiming its institutionalized racism didn’t matter because he doesn’t play golf.

Such blithe and purposeful ignorance of his own party’s abysmal record with regards to Black folks, from Ronald Reagan’s incendiary remarks about America’s urban centers as “jungles” and Black women as “welfare queens” to “Barack the Magic Negro,” marks Steele as a coward. He is afraid to call out his party for past sins.

Now is the time for a teachable moment.

Steele is positioned to turn the GOP around. He can really change things, but he chooses not to do so. He is too busy skinning and grinning as he sells Gays down the river.

The New Pickaninny Does that make Steele an Uncle Tom? Actually, no.

Uncle Tom is a character from Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which describes the evils of enslaving Black folks. In popular speech, an “Uncle Tom” is a Black man who sells out his people. But Uncle Tom is not portrayed by Stowe as a sell-out in her book. He is, however, literally sold down the river to a cruel White master, Simon Legree.

Uncle Tom is by no means an activist for his people, but neither is he a coward. For example, Uncle Tom is beaten by Legree for refusing to beat

his fellow slaves.

Stowe based her “Uncle Tom” on a real man, Josiah Henson, who was an activist for the rights of enslaved Black folks.

Like Michael Steele, Josiah Henson was from Maryland. Henson escaped from slavery and fled to Canada after he discovered he was to be sold down the river. In Canada, he founded a settlement for fugitive slaves like himself.

The success of Uncle Tom’s Cabin led to significant fame for Henson. With support from Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henson’s own accounts of his bondage were popular reading. Historical markers in both Maryland and Ontario commemorate this great human being. He is also the first Black man featured on a Canadian stamp.

There is no comparison between Henson and Steele, neither can Michael Steele be considered anywhere near as noble as Uncle Tom. Uncle Tom’s Cabin has another character, Topsy, who became the stereotypical childlike negro known in American folklore as the pickaninny.

The term “pickaninny” is as old as New World slavery. The first European country to engage in the trans-Atlantic slave trade was Portugal. One of the most precious cargos in that trade was children, young strong bodies with minds that had not been set in the ways of the Old World, human commodity that could be more easily molded to the whims of the slave owners.

The Portuguese word for little children is “pequeninhos” (pronounced “peckennninnyews”).

Like “Uncle Tom,” the original meaning of the word got mangled in racist discourse into something ugly. “Pickaninny” came to represent the unkempt, wide-eyed, watermelon-eating Black child stereotype.

The word also made it into official chess lingo.

“Pickaninny” is a technical term for a set of moves for a black pawn, which makes it perfect for Michael Steele.

As a figurehead of the New Republican Party, Steele has shown himself little more than a pawn

whose moves towards legitimizing his own position in the GOP consist of ignoring its horrible racist past and Gay-bashing its loyal Log Cabin members.

From Black Pawn to Proud Black Queen I call upon you, Michael Steele, to transform both yourself and your party. Quit being a pawn and start acting like a queen, baby. Too many prominent Black Republicans are minstrel show wannabes, which I honestly believe you are not, so quit flirting with the burnt cork make-up. Prove to America that you are not just another Alan Keyes, a political punch line on both sides of the aisle. Or Ken Blackwell, a disgusting sell-out who joyfully disenfranchised his fellow Black citizens of Ohio while bad-mouthing its Gay citizens in Black churches across the Buckeye State.

Support Gay Republicans as if they were just as Black as you. There are not a whole lot of Black Gay Republicans, and you should understand why. You and your ilk choose not to give them any place at all in the Big Tent that is theoretically your party’s ideal.

Right now, Black Gay people don’t even have a place in the Log Cabin you set up out back for those pitiful White faggots who resemble nobody more than yourself. With proper leadership, however, the GOP could make Gay=New Black into a title of pride and a sign of true progress. You could begin the rebirth of your party from hasbeen and hate-filled to compassionate and relevant.

And the Log Cabin Republicans could finally become proud Gay members of the New Grand Old Party.

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

10 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 11

OUT BUSINESS NEWS

by Adam Leddy

Spotlight:

Debbie Stamnes & Josh Kinzel CCI Benefit Solutions

According to the company’s statement of philosophy, CCI Benefit Solutions delivers “employee benefits, retirement plans, and wellness strategies that can be tailored to fit your company’s unique profile and needs.”

They must be fond of the gays, because they deliver Outlook Media’s benefits. Among the rock stars on the CCI team are Josh Kinzel, benefit adviser, and Debbie Stamnes, account manager. Josh works with individuals and families while Debbie focuses on smallto medium-sized companies. Recently they brought me up to speed on healthcare sustainability, consumer-driven healthcare, and the unique coverage issues facing the GLBT community.

Adam Leddy: What needs to change in insurance, business, and our personal lives to make the current healthcare system sustainable?

Josh Kinzel: People have to be more aware of how much the services we are getting actually cost. By trying to live healthier lifestyles, we can potentially manage the cost of insurance. The highest drivers of healthcare expenses are actually preventable diseases.

Ten percent of the US population generates 70-80% of healthcare costs, through large claims from serious illnesses such as cancer, strokes, diabetes and heart disease.

That means the other 90% of the population is paying a share of the costs disproportionate to its consumption of healthcare.

Roughly 70% of health costs and deaths are attributable to smoking, obesity, and health problems that could be prevented. A popular hypothesis says that if 30% of people improved their diets, simply moved about more and dealt better with stress, healthcare costs could be reduced 24% per year nationwide. Without changes to our lifestyles, we can continue to expect high increases.

AL: To what extent are your clients recon-

figuring - or at least, reevaluating - their benefits packages?

JK: The recent shift is that families are considering the consumer-driven health plans.

They like the comfort of being able to budget for a worst-case scenario.

AL: Debbie, what do employers need right now? What are they asking for when they call?

Debbie Stamnes: Relief in the form of lower insurance and smarter solutions. Guidance for navigating through this down economy while still maintaining benefits.

AL: How would you advise businesses to gain control over their healthcare costs?

DS: Be a better consumer by offering higherdeductible plans with wellness programs which guide employees to think if the care they are getting is really necessary. What we are trying to get people to avoid is to automatically go to the ER when an urgent care is around the corner. Or, utilize the free nurse line that comes with most plans to see if there’s something you can do at home. The employees who run to the doctor whenever they have a runny nose hurt the overall group plan. Employee education truly is the key - most do not realize they have other options.

AL: What options are available for small business owners who want to offer quality healthcare to their employees without going under?

DS: Consumer-driven health plans! Defined narrowly, consumer-driven healthcare (CDHC) refers to health insurance plans that make employees responsible for routine healthcare expenses directly at discounted rates, while a high-deductible health insurance policy protects them from catastrophic medical expenses. This system of healthcare is referred to as “consumer-driven health-

care” because the employee is responsible for the first-dollar medical expenses versus a fixed health insurance benefit such as co-pays. That gives them greater control over their own health budgets. High-deductible policies cost less, and also give the employees the ability to pay for all their medical expenses tax-free.

AL: What special concerns do your GLBT clients have?

DS: Our biggest concern is finding a healthcare provider that offers domestic partner coverage to small groups (which is most of our business). The most alarming thing we are hearing is that members of the GLBT

community have actually received, or heard of someone receiving, substandard care based on their perceived sexual orientation.

We came across a study that evidenced physician’s discomfort around issues of sexuality based on the fact that only one of four primary care physicians routinely take a sexual history from new adult patients. We can only suggest that employees find physicians who are comfortable treating patients regardless of sexual orientation. Thankfully, there are some doctors who truly get it!

Keith Louderback, Members First Credit Union, to Host Real Estate Town Hall Meeting with Outlook Media “Today’s real estate market is confusing and a lot of people are looking for an outlet to simply ask questions and understand what is really happening,” says Keith Louderback of Members First Credit Union.

“That’s why we’re hosting a real estate town hall meeting to answer the community’s need for factual information about the ‘housing crisis.’”

Please join us Saturday, February 21, 1p, at the University Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, 3110 Olentangy River Rd. Keith will be among a panel of other real estate industry experts including Larry Schottenstein from Revealty.

Topics covered will include: • What is really going on with the housing

market?

• Can I still get a loan? What will that take?

• How do I sell for top-dollar in a buyer’s market?

• What are the opportunities with the foreclosure market?

• What are the tax benefits to home ownership vs. renting?

“This meeting is the perfect setting for people to get all of the information they need on the housing market, from trusted sources,” says Louderback. “I cordially invite all friends of Outlook Weekly and Network Columbus to attend this free event.”

To register for this event or to receive more information, call 888.293.6355 or email keith.Louderback@gmail.com.

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12 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

TRANSNATION

by Jacob Anderson-Minshall

Meowth is Dead. Long Live Meowth!

When Maddie Blaustein passed away suddenly this December, few of her fans realized she’d gone. Like many voice actresses who disappear behind the scenes while their alter egos garner all the attention, Blaustein worked in obscurity, despite the fact that the characters she voiced are recognized on sight - especially a little beige cat named Meowth.

Best known for her role as the voice of Pokemon’s Meowth - the notorious feline bent on capturing the valiant yellow mouse, Pikachu Blaustein voiced the character from episode 29 through the TV show’s eighth season, as well as on the spinoff show, Pokemon Chronicles.

In addition to voicing characters on Pokemon, Blaustein had voice roles in a half-dozen other anime shows that 4Kids Entertainment brought from Japan and dubbed into English, including Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy and Fighting Foodons.

She also provided voices for the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise (notably Solomon Moto), as well as on dozens of foreign dubbed and American-produced animation shows (including El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, G.I. Joe: Sigma Six and Cubix: Robots for Everyone) and on video games like Shadow Hearts, Valkyrie Profile and Sonic Riders.

Despite her omnipresence in the world of chil-

dren’s anime, few of those viewing the Saturday morning line-up recognized that the voice of their favorite characters emerged from the vocal chords of a woman who used to be a man.

In 2006, Blaustein admitted to The Advocate that she had already transitioned and was living as a woman when she first landed the Pokemon role, but she was living in fear, hiding her true gender identity from her employers.

“Seriously,” she contended, “I was living a female-to-male transsexual experience because I would be strapping down my tits with Ace bandages, making sure there was no makeup.”

Then, when voicing the episode “Go West, Young Meowth,” Blaustein recalled, “It touched me so deeply, I had a meltdown.”

In the episode, her feline character, Meowth, reminisces on its struggles with learning to speak and read “human.” It was an out-of-place experience Blaustein could relate to. In the middle of taping the dialogue, she suddenly burst out, “I can’t work, you have to listen, I’m a woman!” “I just laid it out there,” Blaustein said. “I thought it was going to be a big moment, and they were, like, ‘Duh!’” Before launching her voiceover career, Blaustein broke into comic books. In the 1980s, as Jim Owsley’s editorial assistant at Marvel Comics, she got the opportunity to work on their flagship

series, Spiderman. Blaustein later went on to pen several issues for comics like Milestone’s Deathwish, Hardware, and Static before joining DC Comics as a production artist.

After leaving DC in 2006, Blaustein took on the creative director role at the goofy tabloid Weekly World News, where she was in charge of creating the images of aliens and monsters that graced its pages. When the print version folded in August 2007, Blaustein turned to freelancing (including writing scripts for 4Kids Entertainment), which she was still actively pursuing when she passed away December 11, 2008.

Stricken by an undisclosed illness, Blaustein died in her sleep. She was 48.

A standup comedian with a caustic wit, Blaustein toured with the roving transgender performance troupe Tranny Roadshow in 2005, and her budding standup career had her performing weekly at New York clubs.

In the Advocate interview, Blaustein reminisced about her childhood and the goals she’d set for herself. “By the time I was 11 or 12, I knew that I was a transsexual and eventually I was going to have to do something about it. So for me, it just became another thing on the list: Become a voice-

over artist, be a stand-up comedian, write comic books, become a woman.”

Although her life was too short, when Blaustein died, she had already achieved those goals. She had become a woman; written and edited comic books for some of the industry’s top superheroes; conquered the empty stage and pulled laughs from reticent audiences and, through her roles as Meowth, Solomon Moto, and a host of other characters, she continues to inspire a new generation.

Each time her gender is made public, Blaustein revealed to The Advocate in 2006, “I’ll get really touching e-mails from [trans] kids, saying, ‘I’m so happy to hear that because I feel the same way.’ And that feels amazing.”

Trans author Jacob Anderson-Minshall is the author of Blind Faith, the latest Blind Eye mystery; view the book trailer and find out more at blindeyemysteries.com. Gender Blender, a radio show Jacob co-hosts on Portland’s KBOO, is available for download at kboo.fm/genderblender.

GENERAL GAYETY

by Leslie Robinson

The Leading Lesbian It’s a tough name for non-Scandinavians to pronounce or spell, but I promise to learn it. Cross my rainbow heart.

Johanna Sigurdardottir is the new prime minister of Iceland, and she’s openly lesbian. It makes me want to wave the hat I bought 25 years ago in the Reykjavik airport.

That actually would be appropriate, as Sigurdardottir was a flight attendant and must’ve been in that airport countless times. So wave I will, to salute Iceland.

While Björk sings in the background.

Iceland’s new leader was a union organizer for flight attendants, and became a member of parliament in 1978. She’s been in government a long time. Most recently she served as social affairs minister, before being tabbed to sit in the big chair.

The big chair could be a hot seat. The worldwide economic crisis hit Iceland like a horde of Vikings in pinstriped suits. The banks collapsed, the currency swooned, and inflation and unemployment are surging.

Protesters pelted the former prime minister’s limo with eggs. In this nation of only 320,000 people, recent anti-government protests drew thousands. Police used tear FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

gas for the first time in some 50 years.

This is the happy backdrop to her taking power. Remind you of someone? Maybe things had to get so bad for a black man to lead America, and a lesbian to lead Iceland.

Or maybe not. Like Obama, people have a lot of faith in Sigurdardottir. Polls give her high approval ratings. “It’s a question of trust, people believe that she actually cares about people,” a political scientist told the AP. Besides being popular, she has another thing going for her as she takes on this ridiculously hard job: She’s temporary. If the job sucks or she sucks at it, she’s outta there before too many eggs can decorate the limo.

Sigurdardottir will be prime minister until elections are held, probably in May, when her Social Democratic Alliance Party isn’t expected to do well enough to keep her in power. I wonder whether realistically she can make things much better or worse in that short amount of time. She can be a calming influence. Assure Icelanders that their island isn’t sinking into the sea.

No matter how she performs, she’ll al-

ways be the first out lesbian to lead a country. She’ll always be a trailblazer for gay folk the world over. She’ll always be the answer to a trivia question.

Actually, she’ll always be a bit of a trick question. Sigurdardottir isn’t the first out gay person to lead a country. Technically, she’s the second. Per-Kristian Foss, Norway’s finance minister in 2002, served as his nation’s acting prime minister when both the prime minister and foreign minister were abroad. But Foss’s tenure as prime minister was so short he didn’t even have time to put his feet up on the furniture.

It’s telling that the first and second openly gay heads of government come from the same part of the world. Scandinavians seem to be farther along in their thinking than the rest of the world. Maybe it’s some-

thing in the water - or fjords and geysers.

Sigurdardottir entered into a civil partnership in 2002 with journalist and playwright Jonina Leosdottir. How will Leosdottir be referred to? As the civil partner? The first lady? The first lesbian leader’s first lesbian lady?

Oh, and did you notice that both women’s names end the same way? Come to find out that most Icelanders derive their last name from their father’s first name. Icelanders address each other by their first name. If I understand correctly, that means Sigurdardottir will be called Prime Minister Johanna.

Works for me! Now I don’t have to learn that name after all. Whew.

It’s all Leslie Robinson can do to spell Reykjavik. E-mail Leslie at LesRobinsn@aol.com.

OUTLOOK WEEKLY •

13

THE EXAMINED LIFE

by Tom Moon, MFT

Can Mindfulness Practice Slow the Progression of HIV? In a recent column (“The Power of Mindfulness”) I mentioned that research is now underway to determine whether or not mindfulness meditation practice can slow the progression of HIV. Several people asked for more information about this, so what follows is a more detailed discussion of the question.

Mindfulness has been described as “the practice of not contending with life.” It refers to a state of awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally, to things as they are. In mindfulness, we stop “going with” our thoughts, feelings and impulses and just let them come and go on their own while anchoring our attention in the body. Mindfulness has been practiced by Buddhists for almost twenty-six centuries, but entered the mainstream of western medicine through the pioneering work of Jon Kabat-Zinn in the late 1970s. He and his associates at the University of Massachusetts Medical School developed an eightweek training called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which utilizes various mindfulness meditation and yoga practices to help patients lower stress and cope with pain and illness. The training is so highly effective in relieving stress that it is now offered to patients in over 200 clinics and medical centers in and outside of the US. How is this relevant to the treatment of

illness? The relationship between stress and illness is a focus of the relatively new science of psychoneuroimmunology, which has amassed a mountain of data since 1975 demonstrating that stress can produce profound health consequences. When stress is of limited duration it can actually have beneficial effects on the immune system. But when the anxiety, fear, tension, anger or sadness of stress last for a long time or become chronic, the system is unable to maintain its equilibrium, and observable health declines can follow. In one epidemiological study, for example, mortality from all causes increased in the month following a severe major stressor such as the death of a partner or loss of a job. Prolonged stress has also been shown to be linked to increases in total number of white blood cells, as well as decreases in the number and percentage of helper T-cells and suppressor T-cells.

But is the converse true? If stress decreases T-cells, can lowering stress through mindfulness practices reverse that process and slow the progression of diseases such as HIV? It is a reasonable question. Prior research has demonstrated that MBSR improves mood and reduces stress, and other studies have shown that stress and depression are associated with more rapid HIV progression.

In July of 2008, researchers at UCLA reported the results of a study which “provides the first indication that mindfulness

meditation stress-management training can have a direct impact on slowing HIV disease progression,” said lead study author David Creswell, a research scientist at the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology at UCLA. He added “…if this initial finding is replicated in larger studies, it’s possible that such training can be used as a powerful complementary treatment for HIV disease, alongside medications.”

In this study, 48 HIV positive adults went through the standard eight-week MBSR training, while a control group attended a one-day MBSR workshop. Participants in the eight-week training showed no loss of CD4 T cells, while the control group showed significant declines. This is an important finding, because CD4 T cells are the “brains” of the immune system, coordinating its activities when the body is attacked. HIV slowly eats away at these cells, weakening the immune system. The researchers also found a “dose response” relationship between MBSR attendance and CD4 T cells, which means, said Creswell, “the more mindfulness meditation classes people attended, the higher the CD4 T cells at the study’s conclusion.”

Researchers found that the overall positive effects held true both for those who were on HIV medications and those who were not.

The team is now examining the underlying pathways through which mindfulness practice reduces stress, using brain imaging, genetics, and immune system measure-

ments. “Given the stress reduction benefits of mindfulness meditation training, these finding indicate there can be health protective benefits not just in people with HIV but in folks who suffer from daily stress,” Creswell said.

So can mindfulness meditating actually slow the progression of HIV? Maybe. We can’t draw definitive conclusions from one small study. Fortunately, a larger research project, called the Staying Well Study, examining the same question as the UCLA project, is currently winding up at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. We will know the results soon. If the findings of this study corroborate those of the UCLA study, we will have impressive evidence that mindfulness meditation actually can serve as one effective aspect of an integrative approach to the treatment of HIV. In the meantime, for those who would like to find out if MBSR can improve the quality of their lives, instruction in the basic practices of the training are available as four CDs in the Guided Mindfulness Meditation audiobook by Jon Kabat-Zinn (available through mindfulnesscds.com and Amazon.com). His book, Full Catastrophe Living, is also recommended as an excellent companion resource.

Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. His website is www.tommoon.net.

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FEATURE STORY

BRAVO COMES TO DINNER BRAVO, the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization, was founded in 1996 and has been hard at work for the community ever since. The organization has given GLBT people a place to go when they are the victims of hate crimes, discrimination, domestic violence, and sexual assault. BRAVO is a bridge from the community to the Columbus Police Department, and the respectful relationship that the two now enjoy is due in large part to the organization’s efforts. The team at BRAVO has helped many of us through the most difficult times of our lives.

On the eve of its annual Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? fundraiser - at which guests begin the evening not knowing where and with whom they will dine - BRAVO executive director Gloria McCauley discussed with Outlook the much-anticipated event, the extent of domestic partner violence in the GLBT community, and her organization’s recent expansion to Cleveland and Cincinnati.

working with the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland and have had two safety meetings there. We’re doing those quarterly. I’m in Cincinnati this weekend. We’ll be doing similar events there starting at the end of March.

AL: Do those cities already have anti-violence programs that serve our community?

GM: No. Cleveland’s [LGBT] center used to have a small anti-violence program. We were contacted by their staff last winter, to see if we could take over that program. It seemed like a good match for BRAVO. AL: Why is this a good time for BRAVO to expand?

GM: The need has been obvious for years because we consistently get calls from around the state. Rather than doing stopgap efforts and picking up the pieces with our advocacy, we’d like to do some education and prevention work. Of course, we’ll still be there when people need us to help them work with law enforcement and going to court. Teaching people how to stay safe is a much bigger, more far-reaching effort. It’s a little intimidating to expand so rapidly, but it’s kind of like having kids - if you wait until you’re completely ready for it, you might never do it.

We’ve talked about our partnerships in Cleveland, but we also have some strong partnerships in Southwest Ohio. Some of the folks are businesspeople, some work in prevention and victim services. So again, it’s a great match.

Adam Leddy: Historically, BRAVO has served Central Ohio. Where are you doing outreach now?

Gloria McCauley: We’ve historically been in Columbus/Franklin County and the seven contiguous counties. For almost thirteen years we’ve been working wherever we’re needed, just not in any organized or formal fashion.

We’re starting our statewide expansion initiative in Cleveland and Cincinnati while continuing to do our work in Columbus.

We’re very excited to expand. Essentially, what we’re doing here has not changed, and we’re in our beginning stages in Cleveland AL: What sort of reception have you gotten and Cincinnati. We started by conducting from the communities in Cleveland and needs assessments in those cities. We’re Cincinnati?

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

GM: When we went to Cincinnati we had no idea what to expect. When we distributed materials and did our needs assessment at Pride, so many people in the community were grateful for us being there. We had bar owners approach and say, “Will you put materials in my club?” or “Will u come talk to my staff?” It was very heartening to chat with the community members, because we never want to appear to be coming in and telling the community what to do; we want to be part of the community.

AL: In Columbus we’ve had a big and active community for a long time. We’ve had BRAVO for a long time; we’ve had Stonewall for a long time. It’s fairly easy to be out here. That’s not necessarily true in the other cities, particularly Cincinnati.

GM: When you think of it as developmental stages of community, Cleveland is more like Columbus than Cincinnati. Part of our efforts in Cincinnati will be community organizing.

There is no cookie cutter approach, which is why we did the needs assessments in all three cities. We look at where the community is and figure out how we can help get them where they want to be. Make no mistake, there is a great community in Cincinnati, and we’re excited to work with them.

business owners. There are some phenomenal businesses there. We get calls from Dayton, so we know people are picking up our materials. Dayton is a prime example of a city that we can work really well with. But it made sense to follow the I-71 corridor [when BRAVO decided to expand its services]. We’re trying to do this in a very reasoned way, to stretch our boundaries but not go beyond our capacity. We never want to go into a community and start working with them and then not be able to do it right. … One of the advantages of what we’ve been doing for years and years is that we have worked with victim advocacy folks all over the state, so we already know people in communities all over Ohio. That helps us if we get a call from a client in, for example, Ashtabula County, because we know people in Ashtabula and we can hook that client up with resources and assure them that they will be treated properly. We’ve been training folks all over the state to provide good care for our community.

AL: I can walk a few blocks and pick up the gay newspaper, cross the street and report an incident of violence, and go a few blocks north to learn about every GLBT group or event in the city. What I think people forget is that there is gay life beyond the gay enclaves in Columbus. After all, how much AL: What about other cities? Dayton, for in- connection does a GLBT person in Delaware stance, has a very good and very organized feel to the Short North? community.

GM: Probably very little. In fact, that person GM: Yes, they do. We’re in Dayton fairly fremight not know about the community organiquently and we did not specifically name Day- zations or the newspaper. They might come to ton because we are already serving there. We a Pride celebration once a year and see the have very good relationships with a number of larger community, but other than that, maybe community organizations there, and many they meet up with a group of friends once a

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16 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

FEATURE STORY continued week and that’s their community.

AL: With a new police chief coming in, what do you hope will change as far as BRAVO’s relationship with the department? What needs work, and what’s working well?

GM: We have a pretty good relationship with CPD. I’ve been training the recruit classes for thirteen years, even before we started BRAVO. We have over the years been able to increase communication between the community and the police department and ease some of the tension by providing advocacy as well as training the officers. The problems that we’ve perceived were less at the officer level and more at the managerial level. We have a whole section on our report forms tracking police conduct, and when it comes to CPD, the first responders get a good review from 99% of the victims. I think that’s pretty incredible, and I can’t say that for other jurisdictions. …

Having a good relationship with the department reassures our clients that yes, filing a police report can be the most appropriate thing to do. We will help people do that, and for a lot of our clients, filing that report is the first step toward healing, because it means that they are being heard.

AL: What are some of the misconceptions that we have and that other people have of us in the area of intimate partner violence?

GM: If you look at the billboards about domestic violence, the victim is always a woman and the perpetrator a man. … We don’t see our relationships in those billboards. We’ve been trying to educate the community and other service providers that violence is not gender-based. It is about power and control. The misconception among mainstream shelter providers is that men are all

perpetrators, and that makes it difficult for a male survivor to get the help that he might need.

We have an incredible amount of trouble across the country finding emergency housing for our transgender clients and our male clients.

I was once told that we should not talk about domestic violence in our communities because it airs our dirty laundry. That was many years ago, but I was told that by community members. I’m stubborn, so I kept talking about it! So, our education efforts have to acknowledge that yes, this problem is part of our community. Anywhere from 25-33% of all relationships, whether in our communities or in the heterosexual communities, will experience violence at some point. That’s an incredible statistic. Incredible.

AL: With the downturn in the economy, it seems intuitive that there would be an increase in violence in the community - particularly domestic partner violence, since people fight about money.

GM: We see the rates of intimate partner violence go up in high stress situations. Stereotypically, we think of the holidays as being high stress. The financial stress is an issue of great concern. People seem to just snap.

Sometimes, partners feel like they have to stay together because they can’t afford to leave each other. That’s the added stress of “I’m here, but I don’t want to be here.” Unfortunately, in the GLBT community, we often don’t have role models for healthy relationships. BRAVO’s focus is on prevention and education to show people what a healthy relationship looks like. Growing up, we all saw healthy or unhealthy heterosexual relationships, and we don’t always know how to translate that to our own lives.

AL: If I have a friend who is the victim of intimate partner violence, what can I do? Can I report it?

GM: First of all, you need to know that you can’t rescue people. Somebody who is experiencing violence in a relationship has already been un-empowered, and by attempting to rescue him or her, you’re continuing that process. However, you can let people know the resources that exist. … They might not do anything with it for quite a while, but that information will be there.

AL: It’s no secret that we’re in a tough economy. How is BRAVO’s financial position right now?

GM: We’re doing well. One of our grants was decreased by 10%, but given the scope of the economic downturn, that’s minor. We’ve seen individual donations go down a bit. Not that people have stopped giving, but if someone gave $50 a year ago, they might give $35 right now. But we are very thrifty. We’ve always been very thrifty.

We have a relatively small budget. Half of it is funded through grants and the other half comes from individuals in the community, and some very small corporate grants. We, like everybody else, just tighten the belt and try to take care of everything we can take care of.

AL: Let’s talk about Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? What’s different this year? What’s not different, but still exciting?

GM: I love the event. Even after doing it for so many years, the novelty hasn’t worn off. The surprise of not knowing whose home you’re going to for dinner. The fun in making new friends. Over the years, the feedback has been, “Well, I was a little nervous going to a home where I wasn’t going to know people, but I met new people and I

had a fabulous time.” You have the opportunity for this incredible gourmet meal at a gorgeous house. It’s a fun, fun evening.

AL: What percentage of BRAVO’s budget does the event fund?

GM: Less than 10%. … It’s the only fundraising event that we actually produce ourselves. We do many other events through the year, but it’s clubs holding benefits for us and things like that. Some of them are incredibly successful. I look at events like that not only as fundraisers, but also as friend-raisers. It’s a great way to get people involved and let them know what we do.

AL: Where will BRAVO be in 2010? 2015?

GM: I see us being solidified as a statewide advocacy group, maybe with field offices or reporting stations around the state. I see us continuing our prevention efforts and reaching more people, particularly in the more rural and ex-urban communities. We’ve laid the foundation for that, and by taking very careful, measured steps, I think we can get there.

BRAVO PO Box 82068 Columbus,Ohio 43202 866.86.BRAVO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gloria A. McCauley gloria@bravo-ohio.org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR Gary M. Heath gary@bravo-ohio.org

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER FEB 28?

The Board of Directors of BRAVO, the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization, invites the community to attend the annual BRAVO fundraiser Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner on Saturday, Feb 28.

This unique and fun event offers an evening of fine dining, premier homes and engaging conversation where guests take part in an intimate dining experience with 810 individuals in a private home. A touch of intrigue rounds out the appeal as the mystery of where and with whom guests will dine unfolds that evening at the opening reception.

The opening reception will be at BOMA at 6p, with dinner to follow at host homes throughout the area.

Television personality Angela An returns as a guest this year, as do Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown and Franklin County Probate Court Judge Eric Brown. Time Warner Cable’s VP Mike Leonard joins the guest list as well, and for you sports nuts, we have world-champion skateboarder and enterpreneur Garold Vallie and former OSU standout and NFL wide receiver Bobby Olive.

Marshall McPeek once again will emcee the event, sandwiched between beauties ViVi Velure and Paige Passion! More special guests will make appearances at the reception and head to dinner with some lucky diners, but

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we can’t disclose who just yet … we’re still signing riders and working out details!

This annual event generates a significant portion of BRAVO’s operating budget, allowing the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization to continue our work of prevention, education, advocacy, violence documentation, and survivor services both within and on behalf of the GLBT communities of Ohio.

If you haven’t purchased your Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner tickets yet, do so now - you don’t want to miss an opportunity to dine with one of our special guests! Ticket prices are: Dinner & Reception - $125; Reception Only $40. Tickets can be purchased online through Network for Good, accessible through http://www.bravoohio.org/guesswhos.html or www.networkforgood.com. In the “I want to contribute” box, enter the total dollar amount of the tickets you would like to order. In the “Designation” box, enter the description of the tickets you would like to order, e.g. 2 dinner tickets. Continue on per directions on their website.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is sponsored by Outlook Media, Score Bar, Alternative Auto Care, Piercology, and Digestive Design.

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FEATURE STORY

BRAVO HOSTS NATIONAL COALITION OF ANTI-VIOLENCE PROGRAMS ROUNDTABLE

MEET THE BRAVO BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chris Cozad, President Emeritus Chris has served on the board of trustees since the organization’s formation in 1996. She is a nationally recognized expert on issues of violence and the LGBT community.

Bill Hedrick, President Bill is the first assistant Columbus prosecutor. He serves as president of the Central Ohio Stonewall Democrats.

Patrick McCarthy, Vice President Pat founded Piercology, Columbus’s first dedicated piercing studio, in 1991. He has served on the BRAVO board for over 10 years in a number of positions. In January of 2007 he opened SCORE, a gay sports bar, downtown.

David Cunningham, Fiscal Policy Chair David is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments.

He is a strong supporter of pro-GLBT organizations.

Cindy Dunigan, Financial Development Co-Chair Cindy is a real estate agent with Real Living HER and a real estate investor.

She got involved with BRAVO about 2 years ago to make a difference in the way the LGBT community is treated and viewed by raising awareness through education.

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Steve Farrell, Financial Development Co-Chair Steve Farrell is the principal of the consulting firm Farrell Consulting, which provides management and advocacy services to nonprofit organizations. He has served on BRAVO’s board since 2007.

Chris Cushing Chris is one of the newest BRAVO board members and coowner of Promo Productions, LLC. Promo is a 100% womanowned minority business with over 30-plus years of logistics, marketing, promotions, entertainment, and sales experience.

Michael Daniels Michael is co-owner of Outlook Media, Inc. Michael also serves on several boards and advisory councils because of his expertise regarding, and networking ability within, the GLBT community.

John Eyster John Eyster is principal of the Olde Towne Insurance Agency, founded in 2004 to serve the downtown and contiguous neighborhoods. John has been active in the GLBT community over the years, especially in the gay bowling leagues, having served on the board of the International Gay Bowling Organization.

Scott Kirschman Scott serves as a senior trial attorney with the Franklin County Prosecutors Office. Scott turned

to BRAVO for professional assistance when an attempted murder suspect went on the run; thanks to BRAVO’s community contacts, this felon was apprehended by the FBI in Las Vegas and is now serving a 10-year sentence.

Xenia Palus Xenia has been with Experience Columbus for 8 years. Her desire is to raise awareness of BRAVO’s mission and help increase the budget, and in so doing leave this city a better place for her sons, family, friends, and neighbors.

Bill Swain Bill is a real estate consultant with Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty, Worthington, and Capital Partners Cares. He’s been a licensed Ohio realtor for over 20 years and he retired from state and county government agencies after 30 years.

Cindy M. Turvy Cindy retired from Ohio government in 2000 after 30 years of service. In recent years, she has volunteered for Stonewall and is a “groupie” for the Columbus Women’s Chorus.

Willa Young Willa is associate director of Student Life Learner Initiatives at The Ohio State University. She serves on the United Way of Central Ohio Diversity and Inclusion Council and was a member of the Leadership Columbus 2009 cohort.

Also serving on the board are Secretary Dennis Rankin and Dottie Painter.

From May 27-31, BRAVO will host the 2009 Annual Roundtable and Regional Training Academy of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. Each year NCAVP members and associates gather for several days of meetings. The first three days of the gathering afford the opportunity for the staff, board and volunteers of anti-violence organizations and programs to come together, network and connect with others who are doing similar work. NCAVP member organizations from all over the county will attend. The event is hosted each year in a different city that has a member agency. Columbus and BRAVO last hosted this event in 1998.

In addition to conducting organizational business, the group shares technical expertise and provides training and support to the people who are providing anti-violence services. New start-up organizations come to learn from long standing service providers who can offer advice, mentoring, and guidance in understanding and implementing best practices. In addition, the group explores new trends, analyzes the latest statistics, and tracks patterns of violence as they emerge.

The final two days of the event are the Regional Training Academy, which is a free technical assistance conference designed to provide education to service providers, community organizers, LGBT community members, law enforcement, and others. National experts provide training in best practices and enhance the cultural competency for social service providers around working with LGBT clients. There will be social work CEU credits available to conference participants.

Because BRAVO expanded its service area to include Cleveland and Cincinnati in 2008, they will be using the Regional Training Academy to enhance outreach efforts around Ohio. The academy will offer an opportunity for community members, service providers, and potential volunteers to receive an overview of violence issues as they relate to the LGBT communities. In addition to detailed sessions about specific violence topics such as elder/senior abuse and shelter safety, participants will learn about building allies and safety assessment for organizations and events.

The Annual Roundtable and Training Academy will provide BRAVO and the Columbus community an opportunity to showcase the city. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency and offers attendees the opportunity to explore the Short North and the Arena District. Various community groups and organizations will be joining with BRAVO to provide conference participants with an exciting visit and a worthwhile conference.

BRAVO is actively seeking community partners to help with various parts of the event. Already BRAVO has received commitments from the JP Morgan Chase Pride Group to provide volunteers for registration and logistics and Stonewall Columbus will be hosting a communitywide reception on Saturday evening.

BRAVO extends an invitation to all who are interested to join us for the Training Academy. If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the event please contact the BRAVO office 614.294.7867 or 866.86.BRAVO.

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DEEP INSIDE HOLLYWOOD

by Romeo San Vicente

NATALIE PORTMAN POSES FOR 17 PHOTOS

SAM ROCKWELL’S WINNING SEASON

JOHN AUGUST’S FRANKENWEENIE

ALL ABOARD FOR MAD MEN

Star Wars and Garden State obsessives who still carry a torch for Natalie Portman aren’t going to like where she’s going next: marriage and motherhood. Not in real life or anything, just for a role.

But still, movies feel like real life sometimes, so it may trouble the fanboys that her next project, 17 Photos of Isabel, finds Amidala trading space adventures for womb-centric dramedy.

She plays a careerist woman with eyes for the boss, only to find herself dealing with marriage, a stepchild, and pregnancy when he responds affirmatively. Romeo is going to assume that this coming-of-age-and-maternity material will be better than it sounds thanks to filmmaker Don Roos (The Opposite of Sex). That whole unfortunate Bounce moment notwithstanding, Roos remains one of Hollywood’s sharpest, funniest gay creative minds. Best of all, Roos’s snarky muse Lisa Kudrow is on board again, too.

When you think of the WNBA, what’s your next thought? That’s right: Sheryl Swoopes. And your next thought after that? Exactly: lesbians. So why are there never any teen lesbians in TV shows or films featuring girls basketball (or any sports for that matter)? The closest Hollywood will get is allowing the tough-girl protagonist of the littleseen Stick It to escape the third act without a male love interest. Will The Winning Season, a new feature about a down-on-his-luck coach (Sam Rockwell) and his underachieving high school girls basketball team (featuring Hotel for Dogs‘ Emma Roberts and Half Nelson‘s Shareeka Epps), address this omission? Early reviews out of Sundance Film Festival don’t say one way or the other, but it is an indie feature from Grace Is Gone director James C. Strouse, which means that the odds are better than if Disney was behind it. Here’s hoping for some balance.

It’s good to know the names of people who write movies. It helps when you want to sing their praises or wonder aloud to fellow movie nerds how a misfire went wrong. But so far gay scribe John August can boast a pretty successful track record, one that includes both Charlie’s Angels films, as well as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Big Fish, and Corpse Bride for Tim Burton.

And now he’s on board for yet another Burton project, an animated feature-length do-over of Burton’s early short, Frankenweenie, about a pet brought back to life. August will also tackle the comic book Preacher for Sam Mendes. The plot of that one? Not controversial at all, really - it’s just about a disillusioned minister who decides to hunt down God and exact some retribution.

Now, guess which one will probably get its own Happy Meal?

Romeo is breathing a sigh of relief that hold-out Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner has finally signed on for a third season of the award-winning drama about advertising executives in the early 1960s. And it’s not just about lust for Don Draper (Jon Hamm) or the vicarious va-va-voom thrills provided by Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks). Queer viewers know that Sal (Bryan Batt), the deeply closeted and yet still married Madison Avenue suit with enough fear and tension to fill a pre-Stonewall dive, is one of the most frustrating and complex gay characters on TV right now. And now his character gets to continue loving Joan Crawford and being miserable.

Romeo’s TiVo programming finger is already getting itchy.

Romeo San Vicente can’t stay mad at most men. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.

ARTS

by Mary Martineau

North Market Hosts 6th Annual Fiery Foods Festival Has the chilly weather given you a touch of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)? Come to the North Market Fiery Foods Festival on Saturday, February 21, and let our fiery foods, chili contests, cooking demonstrations and lively music kick your winter blues, put some bounce back in your step and piquantly reassure you that spring is a mere month away!

Want to get directly in on the fiery foods action?

Customers can take a shot at fame and fortune (OK, infamy and North Market gift certificates) in a number of contests. New this year is the Hot Wing Sauce Contest. He/she with the supreme wing sauce will take home $100 in North Market and CaJohn’s Flavor & Fire gift certificates.

Or you can prove your chili-preparing proficiency in our ever-popular Customer Chili Cook-off. The competition will garner the first place winner $100 and the runner-up $50 in North Market gift certificates.

Finally, those with iron gullets can register on the day of the event for the Wings of Fire wing eating contest. We’ve even got two divisions: hot and extremely, insanely hot. Familiarity with CaJohn’s commodities should suggest that neither of these divisions is for the faint of taste bud, but victors will take home a plethora of CaJohns’ products as prizes.

In its fourth year the Chef Chili Challenge pits local chefs against one another as contenders for

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the title “North Market Chili Champ 2009,” a special trophy, and $200 in North Market gift certificates. Participating chefs (at press time) include representatives of Alana’s Food + Wine, Barley’s Brewing Company, Handke’s Cuisine, Pastaria and Urban Chefs. We are sure to have many more chef entrants by competition time!

“Having CaJohn’s Flavor and Fire as a daily North Market merchant has really boosted the energy of the events accompanying the Fiery Foods Festival,” said David Wible, executive director of the North Market. “John Hard and his staff bring a level of expertise and enthusiasm to the programming of the day that really gets the crowds fired up.”

The North Market Fiery Foods Festival on Saturday, February 21, is a free event. Festival activities will take place from 9a-4p. Market hours are 8a 5p. To participate in the Hot Wing Sauce Contest, Customer Chili Cook-off or the Chef Chili Challenge, and for more information, please call 614.463.9664 or visit www.northmarket.com. Sign up for the Hot Wing Eating Contests will take place in the Dispatch Kitchen on the day of the event. A tasting fee of $5 enables onlookers to sample all of the chilis by both professional chefs and amateur contestants while supplies last.

Mary Martineau is director of marketing for North Market, a member organization of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association. For more information, visit www.camaonline.org

Fiery Foods Festival Schedule: 8a: North Market opens; Urban Chefs and Chuck Evans’ Montezuma Brand are special vendors today 9a-4p: Cooking demonstrations in the Dispatch Kitchen (dubbed CaJohn’s Kitchen for the day) 9a: Fiery Breakfast Foods demonstration with CaJohn and Chef Steve Lawrence 9:45a: Urban Chefs demonstration 10:30a: Amateur Hot Wing Sauce Contest 11:15a: Asian Hot Pot demonstration by Donte Allen (Curds & Whey) 12p: “Red or Green: A New Mexican Perspective” with CaJohn and Chef Steve Lawrence 12:45p: Joe and Linda Levinson (TheHotzoneOnline.com) demonstration 1:15p: Wings of Fire! wing eating contest: hot division 2:15p: Fresh salsa and dip demonstration with CaJohn and Chef Steve Lawrence 3p: Wings of Fire! Extremely, insanely hot division 9a-11a: Musical entertainment by Island Breeze 11a-2p: Mark Wood Fun Show, cowboy tricks and balloon shapes 11a-1p: Musical entertainment by Great Mad Hoax 11a: Free maracas, sombreros, balloons and chili-pepper shaped cookies for the kids (while supplies last) 11a: Professional Chili Cook-off featuring chilis by local chefs 12p: Amateur Chili Cook-off featuring chilis by customers 1p-4p: Musical entertainment by the Gadabouts All day: Hot and spicy foods featured throughout the North Market

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INTERVIEW

by Gregg Shapiro

Ann Hampton Callaway: Home At Last On At Last (Telarc), Ann Hampton Callaway just may get her wish “to help the world fall in love.” There’s an interesting Joni Mitchell connection on the disc. Callaway covers “Comes Love,” which Mitchell recorded on her Both Sides Now disc, and follows it with a genuinely original reading of Mitchell’s “Carey.” She also does a heartbreaking rendition of the Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac gem “Landslide,” and both Callaway originals “Save a Place for Me” and “Finding Beauty” fit perfectly with the other material. The album is especially significant in that its release is timed with Callaway’s willingness to speak openly about being a member of the GLBT community. We spoke, appropriately enough, shortly before Valentine’s Day. Gregg Shapiro: I’m one of those people who devour liner notes…

Ann Hampton Callaway: Oh, you’re a rarity. There are few of you left.

GS: I know! And I love what you wrote in the CD booklet about how “good songs remind us that there is more to life than headlines.” Was that one of the motivators in collecting these songs for this disc?

AHC: I think it’s a way of me articulating the backdrop of the power of the adventure of love within a time that contains so much uncertainty.

I think the importance of finding connection becomes even more urgent when you feel so uncertain about the world you’re living in and what’s going to happen the next moment. And having someone to share that adventure with becomes a heightened yearning and experience when you have this sense of impermanence inside your consciousness. … So having found a partner and being able to celebrate finding this partner through my music has been a joyous occasion. I want to spread the joy and I want to kindle that hope in people - the beauty of music and what it can do, whether you’re single or with someone or entertaining the thought of being with someone.

The older I get, the more awestruck I am by the power of music.

GS: Did the events of the 2008 election, including the passage of Prop. 8 in CA, have any impact on your coming out, as it did Wanda Sykes?

AHC: Yes! I was thinking about that today. You’re the first person I’m talking to about this openly.

I’ve always been a combination of a magnanimous personality - I love people, I love my audiences, I’m so interested in the world. But I’m also a very private person. I’ve been partnered with FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

people who have been very private, so it’s been an interesting climate throughout my life of those two different emotions and energies going on.

But I think the urgency of needing to elect a leader that was going to bring about the kind of change that was desperately needed - I started to get so much more outward with my friends and my community. … Also, I’m a very political person, being raised by a journalist (John Callaway). He fostered the idea of always seeing both sides of the picture. I’m a very passionate person and I do feel that, in our lifetime that it’s essential for us to fight for human rights. There was a great, great victory to have Barack Obama elected as our president. But it was a huge disappointment to have Prop. 8. So I do feel that it’s time for me to do my part. That’s one of the reasons I’m stepping out.

AHC: I think it’s a subliminal message for me. I didn’t consciously think “I want a gay anthem on my CD,” but in hindsight it’s perfectly poetic that it turns out to be that I needed to sing this song. I felt such a reluctance to sing a song that had been so identified with Judy Garland. Being friends with Liza Minnelli, I’ve always tiptoed around that song. But when I finally dared to sing it on the centennial of Harold Arlen, I felt so much emotion. And seeing Judy Garland as a young girl, my first movie musical, I was completely mesmerized by her performance of that song. (That was) the first time I heard and watched a singer sing a song and disappeared into a world that felt like my own private world. I feel that that song, almost more than anything else that I sing, expresses a life of deep yearning for a place that is a safe place to be myself.

GS: I’m glad that you mentioned your father, because the coming out process can be difficult at any age. Did you get unconditional love and support from your family?

AHC: I have it now. Because I’m not a black-andwhite story - I’ve been very attracted to men. I’ve had a lot of relationships with men and I’m still attracted to men. But I don’t fall in love with men. So because my parents understood that about me, I think they always entertained the thought that maybe the right man would come along. Eventually, I think they realized [laughs] that their daughter was who their daughter was.

I’m very grateful that whatever difficulties they had with it, they got through it all. I have an extremely supportive and loving family. I’ve been out to my friends and so many of my professional cohorts for years. … Harvey Fierstein has been a great mentor and a part of my life. [Sir] Ian McKellan took me aside at a BBC interview years ago in London and told me how profound his coming out was to his creative life. And that haunted me for years. I remember afterward taking a long walk by the Thames and thinking about how much I yearned for that complete freedom to be who I am. I was with a partner at the time who was forbidding me from coming out.

That put a big restraint on my own instincts and I kept with that lifestyle for a while because of her.

I am now looking forward to seeing Ian McKellan’s words come to life as I break out of whatever threads of webbing that I have hidden behind.

GS: You’ve always included at least one of your own compositions on your discs. Is there a process that you go through of matching your own material to existing compositions or vice versa?

AHC: Yes there is. Originally, this CD was going to be all originals. It evolved into a collection of very eclectic songs that included my own songs. The two songs, “Finding Beauty” and “Save a Place For Me,” seemed to be the best fit of the songs that I’d written for my sweetheart. … “Finding Beauty” is a great expression of my process of discovering my partner. The other song was actually a poem that emerged from the sense that I was never going to get to be with my partner. I was trying to find a way of accepting finding another way of loving her that would be truthful of my feelings and respectful of her feelings.

GS: How much did the inclusion of “Over The Rainbow,” the unofficial gay national anthem, have to do with this disc being released at the time of your coming out?

GS: Your cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Carey” is one of the most thrilling arrangements and renditions I’ve ever heard.

AHC: I’m so glad to hear you say that. Because the review on iTunes said that it was a misfit and it didn’t belong on the album [laughs].

GS: I disagree. I think it’s a fresh take on the song. Why did you choose this Joni song?

AHC: … I never dreamed of touching any of Joni Mitchell’s songs because, to me, she was the ultimate interpreter of her own music. But I changed my mind about the song and it was in the process of rehearsing with my band that I said I wanted to try the song. I came up with a rhythm, a feel, and I said to Jay Leonhart that I wanted him to be the mastermind behind it. His incredible imagination took over and we created this whole new “Carey.” I think it’s one of my fa-

vorite cuts on the album.

GS: Speaking of Joni, she also did a cover of “Comes Love.” Why did you want to cover that one?

AHC: That album (Both Sides Now) is one of the most beautiful albums of standards that I’ve ever heard. It’s a brilliant album. I’m so glad that she’s singing that kind of music, too. I hadn’t ever considered singing “Comes Love” until my producer, Elaine Martone, said, “I really hear you singing this song.” I hadn’t tried it or heard it that much in my life. To me, it’s a sexy, fun song.

GS: At the other end of the spectrum, I got choked up over your cover of “Landslide.”

AHC: Thank you! It’s a song that wasn’t on my radar until my partner said, “I want to hear you sing this song.” I was reluctant at first. I didn’t grow up listening to a lot of Fleetwood Mac. When I heard this song, the lyrics blew me away. The emotions in the song felt so powerful to me that I couldn’t wait to dive into it. I think it’s one of the sublime pop songs of our time.

GS: You’ve mentioned your partner Kari a number of times and the album is dedicated to her.

How long have you and Kari been together?

AHC: We’re going to celebrate our two-year anniversary in a few days.

GS: That’s wonderful. With this coming out do you see this as a way of also reaching other audiences? To play an Olivia Cruise, for instance, or the Dinah Shore Weekend?

AHC: I’d love to! They’ve talked to me for years and I don’t know why it’s never happened. I’ve played on RSVP cruises. I’ve sung with almost every gay chorus in the country. I’ve already been on the scene for quite a long time. I don’t know that people really know who I am to the degree that I’m willing to share right now. Who knows where that will take me and what adventures are ahead. … I was recently at the opening performance for GALA (GLBT choruses) in Florida. Three thousand gay guys! It was the most incredible audience. There’s so much that we’ve all been through. People understand and listen to the lyrics. They appreciate my humor in such a deeper way. I remember when I was starring on Broadway in Swing. My co-star and I would listen to hear if the audience would laugh at certain things. We were guessing how many gay people were in the audience. Is this going to be a good audience or a stuffy audience? There was always the sense that if there was enough people laughing than our people were out there.

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FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

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SAVAGE LOVE

by Dan Savage

Recently, I celebrated my first year of marriage to the most amazing man. When we first began dating, he told me that he enjoys open sexuality and wants swinging to be part of any partnership he’s in. I regard myself as freespirited and agreed to explore this with him.

We delayed experimentation because I had a stressful job and I wanted to spend my limited free time with him instead of exploring our sexuality with multiple partners. My work situation changed, and we have since had about a dozen experiences in the past year. I have discovered that these situations are not a turn-on for me - in fact, they are a turnoff. I feel resentful after these episodes, and I don’t feel like having sex for days. We have discussed this at length, and we have been seeing a counselor. Recently, we had a civil discussion wherein we discussed the possibility of him having these sexual experiences without me, since I do not find them compelling. This idea appealed to him. He proposed going to a sex party alone that very night.

Ever since then, I have been crushed by the prospect of my husband having a sex life outside of our relationship. Since we met, his sexuality has had an outward trajectory, rather than being relationship centered. Having a healthy sexual relationship with him is enough for me. He makes a good point that he has been straight about his desire for this lifestyle since day one, but I am still frustrated and horrified that my husband needs to have sex outside of our marriage. I can’t help but feel hurt that I alone am not enough for him.

I’d appreciate your straight, honest feedback on this.

Sex Best One On One Straight, honest feedback: You are an idiot.

Your husband informed you in advance about the “outward trajectory” of his sexuality; you knew going in that your husband could never be satisfied in a marriage that didn’t involve “open sexuality” and swinging. Don’t come crying to me now because the man you married wants to actually have sex with other people. You knew that before you married him, SBOOO, because he fucking told you so.

You’re unlikely to encounter a marriage counselor who’ll take your husband’s side (nonmonogamy? boo!) over yours (monogamy? yay!), SBOOO, so I’m going to aggressively come his defense: You’re never going to convince your husband that one-on-one ought to be enough for him. Sorry. You’re also going to have a hard time convincing him that you didn’t deceive him in the run-up to this marriage. When he told you that monogamy was a deal breaker, SBOOO, you

replied that you were “free-spirited” and willing to “explore.” But, alas, circumstances beyond your control prevented you from embarking on any explorations until after the wedding, and only then - only after he married you - did you discover that your husband’s sexual interests both frustrated and horrified.

How convenient.

Because if you’d been a little less stressed at work, SBOOO, maybe you could’ve made time for a little swinging before the wedding. Then you might’ve learned that nonmonogamy wasn’t for you and been able to give this amazing man that information before he married your ass. Oh, but your work schedule didn’t allow for premarital explorations, and now this amazing man has to decide whether to go through the hell of a divorce - knowing full well that he will be seen as the bad guy by all your relatives and friends, and 99.99 percent of marriage counselors - or give in to your emotional, sexual, and financial blackmail.

Want more evidence that you weren’t negotiating with your husband in good faith before the wedding, SBOOO? How about this: You aren’t negotiating with him in good faith now. So you recently had “a civil discussion” with him about the possibility of his going to sex parties alone how many uncivil discussions have you had? but then you were crushed when he wanted to take you up on this proposed compromise. So once again he wants to fuck around, once again you agree to his fucking around in principle, once again he proposes fucking around in earnest, and once again you lose your shit - only this time you go boohooing to an advice columnist and not a marriage counselor.

Sorry, SBOOO, you picked the wrong columnist. You want and always wanted a monogamous commitment. Free spirit, my ass. Your husband didn’t and doesn’t. Don’t drag this out.

You are - surprise! - sexually incompatible. Divorce. Get it over with.

I’m in my 20s and have a loving girlfriend.

We have phenomenal sex, but I love anal sex and she doesn’t. We’ve done it many times, but it’s always painful for her and that makes it less enjoyable for me. Now every time I bring it up, she’s against it.

Off The Pot Taking less enjoyment in anal sex when it causes your partner pain - you are a gentleman, OTP. But chivalry requires more of you, I’m afraid: Your girlfriend tried it and doesn’t like it, and you can’t expect her to keep doing it. If you can’t live without the butt, break up with the girlfriend. If you can’t live without the girlfriend, break up with the butt.

I’m a male with submissive tendencies, and my wife decides when I get to orgasm. We have sex regularly, but she only lets me ejaculate occasionally. She finds that I’m more attentive to her now that we’re doing “orgasm denial,” and I get to scratch my submissive itch. Ain’t life grand?

Here’s my question: I enjoy pushing the limits, and I’ve gone as long as six weeks without release. (We use a CB-6000 chastity cage on my cock so I won’t succumb in a moment of weakness.) But I’m a little concerned about the effects on my prostate. After several weeks of denial, I leak precome when aroused. I’ve read that recent studies showed that frequent ejaculation reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Am I putting myself at greater risk by ejaculating so infrequently?

Can you ask your medical expert?

Loving Orgasms And Denial Every Day Two orgasm-denial questions in two weeks it’s officially a trend! Can a Good Morning America segment be far behind?

“We still have very little idea what might cause or prevent prostate cancer,” says Dr. Barak Gaster, associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington and our resident medical expert. “There are some clues - red meat, probably bad; vegetables, probably good; vitamin E, probably not helpful - but we’re really still in the dark.” And while most studies have shown frequent ejaculation to be good for prostate health, one recent study out of the UK showed the exact opposite.

So what should you do? Rely on the bestavailable study, advises Gaster. “[That study] followed U.S. men for eight years and found that those with the most ejaculations per month (more than 20) had a 30 percent lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who were having fewer per month (about five).” But there is good news in the study for you, LOADED: “The 5 percent of men who reported having zero to three per month appeared to have a lower risk for prostate cancer as well,” said Gaster. “The caveat is that this group was too small to make definite conclusions about them. But it looks like coming more than 20 times a month could be good for you in terms of prostate cancer, but it’s unlikely that coming very little, like zero to three times per month, is necessarily bad for you compared to coming once or twice a week.”

So ejaculate frequently, guys, or ejaculate rarely, because it would appear that moderation in pursuit of prostate health is no virtue.

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

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

26 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

The makers of KY® Brand and super-star recording artist Kristine W have teamed up to make this winter even hotter with an exclusive remix of her latest single, “Love Is The Look.”

Produced by legendary DJ/producer Ralphi Rosario, the K-Y® INTRIGUE™ remix combines an intoxicating mix of strong vocals, happy lyrics and up-tempo beats and is available free for two months, exclusively on www.Masterbeat.com.

“The K-Y® Brand team believes that a

passionate, committed relationship can transform your world, and music that celebrates that passion is a perfect complement to our products,” said Danny Weiss, Group Product Director, Personal Care Franchise.

“We are thrilled to debut the first-ever remix of “Love Is The Look.”

Kristine W holds the world’s record for most consecutive #1 Billboard Club Hits, breaking the records previously held by Madonna and Janet Jackson. She is an icon in the gay community and a frequent performer at gay events nationwide. “‘Love Is The Look’ is a great song to remix for the Valentine’s season,” said Kristine W. “It’s about that special something you see in the person you love that radiates from deep inside and that’s why the makers of K-Y® Brand and I knew this remix would be perfect.” “Love Is The Look” is off of Kristine W’s upcoming CD, The Power of Music.

Masterbeat.com, the online dance music superstore, has teamed up with K-Y® Brand ex-

Simply Sondheim at Club Theatre to benefit CATF

formed on February 26, 27, and 28 - will benefit the Columbus AIDS Task Force, and Ryan Scarlata was pleased to tell us all about the concert.

The Club Theatre Company’s third performance season is in full swing, and CTC continues to wow audiences with the quality of its theatrical output. Housed in Club Diversity, CTC boasts an intimate performance space and a bevy of talented performers. Ryan Scarlata founded the company with Club Diversity owner Davina Lapczynski, and the two have, in the words of Scarlata, “evolved [the] company into a non-profit organization committed to providing an educational venue in which young actors can practice and share their craft.” CTC is currently offering its take on The Vagina Monologues (Thursday-Saturday evening and Sunday afternoons through February 22), and other 2009 productions will include Steel Magnolias and Cabaret.

In the meantime, CTC is raising funds for worthy organizations. Simply Sondheim - per-

Adam Leddy: How did you choose CATF as the beneficiary of Simply Sondheim?

Ryan Scarlata: Honestly, CATF more or less chose us. When the word was released on Radio Outlook [Outlook Media’s temporarily-defunct radio show] that CATF is experiencing difficulties, we jumped on the opportunity to help. The event will encompass such a great variety of opportunities to help out. In addition to the concert, Club Diversity will hold a Chinese Auction and 50/50 raffle.

Raffle donations include gifts from Barcelona, Lindey’s, German Village Society, Franklin Park Conservatory, Gresso’s and more than a dozen other local businesses who have come out to support CATF. I look at this as an excellent opportunity for a community event. So many have been affected and helped by CATF, it’s time to say thank you in a big way. I am so touched by the number of individuals who have come forward to help, from those donating raffle prizes, to performers in the concert.

K-Y® & Kristine W Want to Remix Your Love Life

Photo Credit: Korby Banner

ABOUT TOWN

clusively to offer free downloads of the K-Y® INTRIGUE™ Love Remix. Downloads can be accessed by visiting www.k-y.com/men.

AJL: Who will be performing?

RS: The concert has brought together fourteen singers, three musicians and countless silent others. The show is staged by me and musically directed by a Columbus favorite, Bobby Hamlin. The singers cover a wide range of theatre performers from all over Columbus. These seasoned-professionals cover all genders and ages including an adorable, very young brother/sister duo, Emma and Jackson Becker.

AJL: Any plans to make this an annual event?

RS: At the moment there are no plans for an annual event. I am anxious to see this one through and excited to see the lives it will touch.

AJL: What’s your favorite Sondheim work?

RS: My favorite Sondheim work is Merrily We Roll Along. It is a show that explores the dynamics of relationships, both friendship and courtship. It follows the lives of three characters from the end, moving backwards to the beginning. It has brought us terrific memorable Sondheim songs such as “Not a Day Goes By” and “Old Friends.” It is too soon to say for sure when it will be, but rest assured that the Club Theatre Company will be producing Merrily We Roll Along within the next few seasons.

AJL: How can our readers get their hands on tickets for Simply Sondheim?

RS: Tickets for Simply Sondheim are available by calling our box office message line at 614.491.4070. This is a message line, so do

not expect to find a live person on the other end to answer questions. The line is only for reserving your tickets! Tickets will also be available at the door, but reservations are encouraged. The ticket price is $10. Questions should be directed to clubtheatreco@yahoo.com. Note: The Chinese and 50/50 raffle will take place following the performance on February 28, in the main bar.

Everyone, even those not attending the show, is invited to join in the raffle and festivities.

Bobby Hamlin will be playing from 9:30p12:30a (main bar, no cover).

COLUMBUS NEXT MEETING: MAR 11, 6P-8P; LOCATION: SHERMAN OAK CONDOS (143 SHERMAN AVE, OLD TOWNE EAST); COLUMBUS COMPACT EVENT • WWW.NETWORKCOLUMBUS.COM

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009

OUTLOOK WEEKLY •

fin

27

THE LAST WORD

by Jennifer Vanasco

FAITH-BASED EQUALITY Josh DuBois might be called a New Evangelical. He is a Pentecostal pastor (with a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton) who believes Jesus is his personal savior.

But he also seems to put more weight on the social gospel (that is, that Christians should take care of the poor and the disenfranchised) than on the old Evangelical hammers of gays and abortion.

Now the 26-year-old has a new position: head of the new President’s Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Under Bush, this was called the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, and it spent a lot of money pushing abstinence-only programs.

Obama’s idea is different. The office will go beyond grant giving to partner with religious organizations to solve social problems. Most notably, at least for gays and lesbians, the council will forbid religious organizations from discriminating against gays and lesbians when they hire for programs that are taxpayer supported.

That means if a church applies for a grant to fund a program that feeds the needy, the organization can’t refuse to hire chefs or program directors or secretaries for the program just because they’re gay.

And yet it’s not enough just to prove fairness in hiring. Gays and lesbians are rightly suspicious of federal programs that purport to be “faith based.” For too long, faith has been a tool of ex-

clusion for us. We’ve gotten used to hearing political leaders tell us they want to take our rights away because of their own superior “family values.”

We might also be suspicious of Josh DuBois.

DuBois has been silent about his personal beliefs on religious right touchstones like homosexuality and abortion, but I suspect he’s not a religious centrist, despite being a Democrat. Columnist Sally Quinn notes that DuBois was the person who first floated Rick Warren’s name as a prospective inaugural speaker.

DuBois, who was in charge of faith-based outreach for the Obama campaign as well, also put together the program that featured Donnie McClurkin, an “ex-gay” gospel singer who has said that “homosexuality is a curse.”

Yet I’m going to give DuBois, and Obama, the benefit of the doubt here. DuBois is young. I don’t think he did these things to send a message to gays and lesbians. I think he did these things because he doesn’t figure us in at all.

And maybe that’s partly our fault.

Gays and lesbians have given religion over to the right. This is not good. There are many religions that have denied us our personhood; there are many of us who have been hurt by the religious traditions we grew up in. But gays are a diverse people, and there are many of us who are religious or spiritual - and we should not be ignored by a national program that should serve

the whole country.

My hope is that gay religious organizations will approach DuBois’s office about funding their valuable social service programs that assist homeless queer youth, people with AIDS, and other disenfranchised LGBT communities. And that we will all make noise about it until we know that our programs are being treated equally.

There are plenty of gays and lesbians who will disagree with me here. They think that religion is poison, and we are fools to drink it. We shouldn’t want to be part of a club that doesn’t want to grant us membership. They think we should fight the existence of a faith-based anything in the West Wing.

That is a battle we won’t win, not this time around, not with a president who was partly elected through the voter turnout strength of the black church.

But in any case, seeking equity when it comes to this new President’s Council isn’t a referendum on religion. It’s about fairness. Take the military as an example. I’m not too keen on the whole military-industrial complex. But if there are gay people who want to fight in the military, then I support their right of equal access. It is not for me, but I will not deny my gay brothers and sisters their own choice.

If there is a federal conduit for getting funds to religious organizations, then gay religious organizations should be getting equal access to those funds. Any President’s Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships should not only be reaching out to Evangelicals - it should also be reaching out to us.

Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning syndicated columnist.

Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/JenniferVanasco. Email her at jennifer.vanasco@gmail.com

HOROSCOPES

by Jack Fertig

PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Not that any disaster is expected now, but this is an excellent time to decide which of your friends you can depend on in dire emergencies. Think twice.

Some are a lot more dependable than you realize.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Arguments aren’t usually sexy, but now at least, your feisty commitment to an idea and the way you drive your point is very much a turn-on. Conversely, you’re likelier to win an argument by seducing your opponents rather than trying to demolish them.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Playful banter with co-workers can be easily misinterpreted as harassment, sexual or otherwise. Keep your mind focused on work, and your playful impulse will provoke ideas for brilliant new techniques.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Find a close friend with whom you can discuss financial problems and opportunities, even if it’s just the current sales. Cast a shrewd eye through shops, and you can find some terrific bargains.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19): To get ahead in life, take a chance on your boldest vision for the future. If you have time to discuss that with friends and develop a strategy, all the better - but strike while the iron is hot!

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Sex may not always be the best way to resolve problems in your relationship, but it will probably open up and clarify the issues that need attention. Be open to experimentation, and attentive to what that opens up.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Even your most innocently playful remarks can stir up long-buried secrets and shock some of the folks at home.

Dig a little, and you can unlock those mysteries. An artistic or writing project can serve as a focus and excuse to question older relatives.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Money troubles are putting everyone through changes. For now, look at how you can and want to adapt. For all the challenges ahead, this year will bring you great opportunities, so start getting ready for them.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Opportunities for advancement may force you to reconsider your ideals. Sacrificing a battle in the moral struggle can allow you to be truer in the long run. Think ahead carefully, and pragmatically, to make the best of necessary compromises.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Don’t start arguments with colleagues, but don’t shy away from discussions, even if they are controversial. Listen respectfully and work it out. Debating with friends, and/or having wild, playful sex, will drain that feisty energy and make you a better co-worker.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): If you want to sound commanding and a bit dangerous, that’s not a problem. Otherwise, try to watch how you speak. Especially with relatives and roommates, you can come off a lot stronger than you intend.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): When your greatest fears and nightmares come into focus, a chance to talk or write about them will help to purge those demons. Confronting those worries will help you to realize how strong you really are.

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415.864.8302, www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

FEB 18 - FEB 24 2009