12.11.08 Outlook Weekly - Milk the Movie

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008 2 17 C E -D

O 24 N 3 L1 O •V

: GAY E R U T MILK MADNE A E SS HAPPY HOUR • F

S JEW & IMS L S U M

02 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY OWNERS AND PUBLISHERS Michael Daniels & Chris Hayes EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ART DIRECTOR Chris Hayes hayes@outlookmedia.com

SNAPSHOT

FRIENDS OF GOODALE PARK SCORED THE COUP OF THE SEASON, HOSTING THEIR FALL FUNDRAISER IN THE STUNNING, PALATIAL RESIDENCE OF COLUMBUS LEGEND JEFF SMITH. GUESTS PROVED THAT EVEN IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES, NEIGHBORHOODS CAN DIG DEEP TO SUPPORT LOCAL TREASURES.

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR / PHOTOS Robert Trautman traut@outlookmedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Adam Leddy aleddy@outlookmedia.com COVER IMAGE: DANIEL NICOLETTA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Vanasco, Regina Sewell, Leslie Robinson, Gregg Shapiro, Mick Weems, Romeo San Vicente, Jack Fertig, Simon Sheppard, Dan Savage, Jacob Anderson-Minshall, Marcus Morris

GRATUITY NOT REQUIRED, BUT APPRECIATED!

A DOUBLE DOSE OF DAPPER

WHAT AN AMUSING ANECDOTE!

HAIL THE SOPHISTICATES

SO THE GUY PULLS OUT A 12-INCH PIANIST…

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

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.

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CCAD’S ANNUAL DRAG SHOW BROUGHT IN SOME LIVING LEGENDS AND SOME FUTURE STARS. AS USUAL, A PACKED HOUSE GREETED THE EVENING’S ENTERTAINMENT, WHICH RANGED FROM THE SALTY TO THE SUBLIME. KUDOS TO ALL, AND SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! PHOTOS © ANDREW ROSS

MAMA AND PAPA PALIN

SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 614.268.8525

SVELTE ELEGANCE

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HE’S HOT, AND HE HAS A SECRET…

FUTURE SUPERSTARS

RADIANCE IN FLORAL PRINT

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 24

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

SHAKIN’ THAT THANG

SNAPSHOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 ABOUT TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,9 COMMUNITY CORNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 GENERAL GAYETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 OUT BUSINESS NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 INSIGHTOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 TRANSNATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 OUT OF TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 FEATURE: GAY MUSLIMS/JEWS . . . . . . . .16-17 DEEP INSIDE HOLLYWOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 FILM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21 SHOPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 SEX TALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 SAVAGE LOVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 THE LAST WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 SCOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 NEXT WEEK: NEW YEAR’S EVE PLANNER

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 03

ABOUT TOWN THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 PRO-EQUALITY? MEET THE EQUALITY PROS Equality Ohio Membership Party @ U, 782 N High St, 614.224.0400, equalityohio.org: Meet, greet, and network with other pro-equality people in the greater Columbus area, and support a great organization. 6p-8p; $35.

I POPPED YER MOM Mom & Pop @ Columbus Dance Theatre, 592 E Main St, 614.849.0227, raconteurtheatre.com/tickets: The play addresses the potential for conflict that arises when our dreams meet our familial obligations. Thru Dec 20. Thu-Sat 8p; Sun 2p. $8-$15.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 ART BUYING MADE EASY C-Note Art Show preview party @ Junctionview Studios, 889 Williams Ave, 614.634.1415, www.cnoteartshow.com: No sticker shock here: nearly 600 pieces of art, each priced at $100.

Every imaginable style of art represented. See the show before it opens Sat. 6p-11p, $15.

(See page 26 for more info)

MILK FROM THE OUTLOOK TEAT Milk Movie Madness Happy Hour @ Drexel Radio Café, 2254 E Main St, 614.231.9512, drexel.net: Join Outlook superstars Michael Daniels and Traut for some pre-Milk libations and merry-making. Win movie t-shirts, soundtracks, posters and more. $4 martinis and flirtinis, $2.75 beer. Screening follows the happy hour.

6p-8p; free.

FUR SWEATERS DON’T COUNT, BEARS Bad Sweater Party @ Liquid, 1100 N High St, 614.298.3000, www.liquidhotspot.com: Your favorite fruitcakes are at it again - the kings, queens, & in-betweens of the Royal Renegades proudly present Bad Sweater Party: A Night of Holiday Shenanigans, hosted by Columbus’s own Leena De La Valentine. Bring a food donation for Project Open Hand. 9p; $5.

DECIDE NOW IF YOU’RE BUTCH OR BITCH Kinky Claws Fetish Party @ Tradewinds, 117 E Chestnut St, 614.461.4110, http://tradewindsii.com: Watch demos, explore fetishes & participate yourself! Drink specials, leather titleholders & visiting leather celebrities.

10p; $2.

COLUMBUS HOMOS ARE TALKING! CHAT social night @ Club Diversity, 863 S High St, 614.406.5510, www.clubdiversity.com: Enjoy an evening with other single gay guys of all ages.

Meet The One, or make new single friends and share some tips. 5p-9p; free.

DICKENS WAS ACTUALLY BI-CURIOUS, SO IT’S OKAY A Broadway Christmas Carol @ Axis, 775 N High St, 614.291.4008, www.centerstageplayers.com: Just for the holidays, Center Stage Players spoofs Avenue Q, The Phantom of The Opera, Cats, Annie, and many other shows. Fri-Sat 8p, Sun 4p; $15.

CHILL WITH THE VICTORIANS, CHAMBER POTS AND ALL Dickens of a Christmas @ Ohio Village, 1982 Velma Ave, 800.686.6124, www.ohiohistory.org: Step into the world of Charles Dickens as Ohio Village revisits the Victorian Christmas made famous in his stories. Cooking demonstrations,

by Adam Leddy

hands-on crafts, decorations, caroling, readings by candlelight, street vendors, and more. Fri-Sat 6p-9p, Sun 12p-5p; $7-$12.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 THE HOTTEST CAROLERS IN TOWN Joy! @ Lord of Life Lutheran, 2480 W DublinGranville Rd & Glenwood United Methodist, 2833 Valleyview Drive, 614.228.2462, www.cgmc.com: The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus opens its 19th season with the annual holiday tradition, Joy! Families are invited to join the chorus as they perform new holiday songs and a timeless collection of carols. At Lord of Life 2p, Glenwood UM 8p; $15.

SHE’S BAAAACK The Mary Ann Brandt Christmas Show @ Wall Street, 144 N Wall St, 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetnightclub.com: You know it’s the holiday season when you see Mary Ann Brandt’s annual Christmas Show. See a talented cast and purchase The Mary Ann Brandt Guide to Holiday Entertaining and The Mary Ann Brandt Tampon Angel Kit. Sat-Sun 9p; $10. (See pg 26 for more info) GRRL POWER The Blue Umbrellas @ Liquid, 1100 N High St, 614.298.3000, www.liquidhotspot.com: The allfemale quartet from Louisville bring their tunes to Columbus. 9p; $5.

OH, THE HUMANITY! The Humanist Community of Central Ohio monthly meeting @ The Northwood High Building, 2231 N High St, www.hcco.org: For this meeting members have volunteered to report on various world religions and alternative belief systems. 1p-3p; free.

DO SOMETHING BAZAAR IN PUBLIC New Creation MCC Holiday Bazaar @ New Creation MCC, 116 Williams Rd, 614.409.9610, www.newcreationmcc.org: New Creation Metropolitan Community Church is having its third Holiday Bazaar. Local artists will participate, with proceeds benefitting the church and several worthy charities. 9a-3p; happy hour free, screening $6.50-$8.50.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 YOU EVER CHASE A GREASED QUEEN? Grease show tunes with Nina West @ U, 782 N High St, 614.421.2233, www.columbusnightlife.com: Nina welcomes all you beauty school drop-outs who can’t get enough of the venerable musical. Bring your best pipes and get ready to blow. 8p; free.

GAYS AND STR8S TOGETHER Songs of Hope and Celebration @ Zion United Church of Christ, 51 W Central Ave, Delaware, 740.368.1629, www.dgsca.org: The Delaware Gay Straight Christian Alliance presents a service of lessons and carols. 7p; free.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 THE WHIGS ARE BACK IN POWER! Holiday Tours @ The Ohio Statehouse, 77 S High St, 614.728.2695, www.ohiostatehouse.org: Step back in time with a guided tour of the 1861 Statehouse and see holiday decorations as they were in Victorian times. M-F 10a-3p, Sat-Sun 12p-3p; free.

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

04 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

LETTERS Kudos for Coverage Michael, Chris, Adam and Traut: Thank you for your print and radio coverage of the ever-so-important topic of HIV/AIDS and World AIDS Day. We need more informative, yet matter-of-fact and frank voices and perspectives within this conversation.

Outlook‘s longstanding coverage and awareness of HIV/AIDS and its support of local AIDS Service Organizations demonstrate the values for which it exists. Bringing this relevant issue back into our community-wide conversation is very critical to combating this epidemic and you should be commended for your work of informing and educating the community.

We can eradicate HIV/AIDS and your commitment to and coverage of this issue puts us one step closer to ending this terrible disease.

Until there’s a cure, Chad McCoury Columbus, Ohio

BYOC: Bring Your Own Condom To the Editor: I’m HIV positive. I’m telling you from the beginning because disclosure is the law in most states. In Ohio and Florida, for instance, it’s a law that before you engage in sexual activity with someone you must disclose your HIV status - if you’re HIV+, that is - and have the consent of the other person. Also, some of my friends believe it’s a common courtesy to tell someone with whom you’re about to have intercourse your HIV status - if you’re HIV+, that is. Clearly some politicians, some of my friends

(though they wouldn’t support a state mandate) and the 49% of Outlook Weekly readers who voted yes in the poll that they believe HIV+ people should be prosecuted for not disclosing their status believe disclosure, whether voluntary or state-mandated, is the primary responsibility of HIV+ people when involved in a sexual experience. I disagree now as an HIV+ person, and I disagreed before I became infected with the AIDS virus. When people make the decision to have sex with other people, it’s their responsibility to make choices on what level of risk they are willing to take, with or without knowledge of the person’s HIV status.

When I was HIV-, I made a decision to have anal intercourse without a condom with someone I had been dating for about four months. Even though he said he was HIV-, I knew nonetheless that I was accepting the consequences and sole responsibility of high-risk sexual behavior. When I received word of my HIV results, I was shocked; I couldn’t figure out how I was infected, until I traced my sexual history and then pinpointed to the exact date when I contacted the virus. When I told him he should be tested because I was 99.9 percent sure he was HIV+, he insisted there was no possible way he could be. After his test results came in, he learned that in fact he was HIV+. Disclosure in my case opened the door to contracting the AIDS virus by lessening my “guard” and leading me to engage in high-risk sexual behavior. Sometimes the formula “negative + negative = negative” isn’t always so.

So, who’s responsible? You. I remember in New York there was an HIV/AIDS educational advertisement that said: BYOC (Bring Your Own Condom), which translates to “be safe - use a condom.” This ad doesn’t say choose your sexual experiences carefully, like only have sex with HIV- part-

ners. It doesn’t say, “Be selective,” profile your potential sexual partners to determine the level of precaution you are willing to engage in sexually. It says, “If you’re going to have sex, reduce your risk and use a condom.” It is preventive and educational, not a moral lesson; nor does it shift responsibility from you to the other person.

What if you didn’t bring a condom, and s/he didn’t either? What then? Who’s responsible?

For me, confidentiality and privacy are very important and are part of my individual rights. Even though my friends joke that I’m an “open book,” there are a few aspects of myself which are reserved for a select few. I’m not going to be coerced to disclose my HIV status, especially since I have yet to share my status with my mother. I, however, would answer (and have answered) truthfully and frankly if asked what my HIV status is while engaging in sex. But that’s me. What about those who think they’re HIV- but really aren’t?

Recently I was in a situation where a sexual partner wanted to bareback and I refused. Why? Not because I didn’t want to - sex without a condom is wonderful, but it’s also the very reason I’m now HIV+. I do, however, believe it’s a choice, and since this person only wanted to bareback, I left.

He and I hadn’t discussed and didn’t plan on discussing our HIV statuses. I left on account of my HIV status, but more on account of not wanting to jeopardize my - and his - health any further, whether it be contracting a different strain of the AIDS virus or another STD like syphilis, which is significantly on the rise in Ohio and the United States.

What is important is making informed choices and decisions and taking the necessary precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the chances for transmission of the AIDS virus

The Reader Poll

Last week we asked:

continued on page 9

What is your faith tradition?

Christian Pagan Jewish Buddhism Muslim Hindu Other

50% 16.67% 11.11% 5.56% 0% 0% 16.67%

including answers: ‘None,’ ‘fuck all gods but self’ and ‘your mom’

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

What will be included in your New Year’s Eve festivities?

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

Got something to say? We want to hear from you!

28% ES

Email us at editor@outlookmedia.com or logon to www.outlookweekly.net.

S

OU R CE

ST

CATEGORY

NOV 2 ’04

DEC 08 ’08

DIFFERENCE

AMERICAN DEAD

1,122

4,209

3,087

AMERICAN WOUNDED

8,124

30,852

22,728 81,486

IM

IRAQI CIVILIAN DEAD

16,342

97,828

NATIONAL DEBT

$7,429,629,954,236

$10,653,883,024,152 $3,224,253,069,916

DAYS ‘TIL OBAMA INAUGURATION 1,540

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

: L OS ANGELE

43

(1,497)

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 05

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

06 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

COMMUNITY CORNER JOIN LGBT ADVOCATES AT COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL FOR TWO IMPORTANT MEETINGS A team of LGBT advocates from BRAVO, Stonewall Center on High, and Equality Ohio have been working with members of Columbus City Council to help make Columbus a city where everyone can feel at home.

Columbus City Council recently passed a resolution in support of a statewide bill (introduced in the 127th Ohio General Assembly) that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This legislation will protect all Ohioans from losing their jobs, being denied housing, or being refused public accommodations based on their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Columbus Community Relations Commission has been working for several years on revisions to the Columbus City Code that will add gender identity and expression (as well as age and disability) to the list of protected classes under the city civil rights code. This has been a long time coming and we are finally there.

This revision to the Columbus City Code has been introduced to the city council. What do we need you to do?

1. Contact the city councilmember who represents you and thank them for their support of the resolution in support of House Bill 502 and Senate Bill 305. Also, ask them to support the ordinance adding gender identity to all discrimination language in the city code. Find contact information for city councilmembers here: http://wbt1.council.ci.columbus.oh.us.

2. Come to the public hearing hosted by Priscilla Tyson on Thursday, December 11, at 3:30p: Columbus City Hall Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, 90 West Broad St. Also, e-mail Councilmember Priscilla Tyson’s aide and express your support: cgwilliams@columbus.gov.

3. Come to the city council meeting on Monday, December 15 at 5:00p. (Same address as above.)

For further information or with questions, contact: Chris Cozad, BRAVO, cozadc@aol.com; Lynne Bowman, Equality Ohio, lynne@equalityohio.org; Karla Rothan, Stonewall Center on High, krothan@stonewallcolumbus.org.

MIXED NEWS FROM CLEVELAND CITY COUNCIL Cleveland City Council announced that there would not be a vote to include gender identity in the city’s nondiscrimination laws. Due to challenges from HUD, council is unable to move the legislation forward until January. While this is disappointing, it is not a setback, only an administrative delay. We must all continue to advocate and educate on the need for this law until it comes back up again in early January.

On a more exciting note, at the full council meeting on Monday, December 8, council members voted to enact a domestic partnership registry. The registry is open to any couple who meet the criteria and will take effect 120 days from now.

Following Toledo and Cleveland Heights, Cleveland is the third city in Ohio, and the 77th DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

jurisdiction in the nation, to enact such a law.

While the action is a win for unmarried couples across the state, we cannot rest. The registry only passed with a vote of 13 to 7. Opposition and pressure on councilmembers was significant.

PATER NOSTER HOUSE OPENS SECOND FACILITY Pater Noster House will open a second facility at 1589 Clifton Avenue in Columbus.

Thanks to the generosity of the Lutz family, the support of NAMI Ohio and local organizations, and the commitment of the board of directors, Pater Noster House - Lutz Hall will open on December 16. Named in honor of Nancy Lutz, who suffered from serious health problems and homelessness, this new facility will focus on providing transitional housing for people living with HIV/AIDS who have been diagnosed with mental health illness. It is our hope that this facility will honor her memory and serve as hope for those in our community who struggle with HIV/AIDS, mental health illness and homelessness.

Please join us on December 16 at 12p for a formal ribbon cutting ceremony and open house.

For more information, or to make a donation or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please contact Fr. Phillip Zimmerman, executive director of Pater Noster House, at 614.870.6460 or via email at execdirector@paternosterhouse.org.

Pater Noster House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in its 27th year of service to the people of central Ohio.

THE GREEN FAERIE GROVE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF GAY SPIRITUALITY The Green Faerie Grove, a queer Pagan brotherhood, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this Winter Solstice. The Green Faerie Grove is an eclectic Wiccan coven for gay, bisexual, and transgender men in Columbus. Its mission is to provide a safe place for men who love men to worship creation in all of its awesome, diverse splendor in community and brotherhood. Membership in the grove is limited to GBT men 18 or older who follow a Pagan spiritual path.

Four gay men founded the Green Faerie Grove in December 1998. The grove held its first Sabbat in February of the following year, and the Green Faerie Grove, Inc. was incorporated as a religious institution in the state of Ohio in 2007.

Community service has been a hallmark of The Green Faerie Grove since its inception. The grove has held several fundraisers for the Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition (KYC), a GLBT youth services group in Columbus. Since 2002, our main outreach event has been the Between the Worlds (BTW) Men’s Gathering (www.betweentheworlds.org) held near the Autumnal Equinox.

BTW provides a safe place for men who love men to explore alternative spiritual practices and paths.

Members of The Green Faerie Grove are involved in other activities, helping with other Pagan festivals, teaching workshops, leading rituals, and writing on the subject of gay spirituality. The grove celebrates the eight holy days of the Pagan seasonal calendar, with meetings and rituals held in private homes throughout the year.

Wiccan covens operate like extended families;

therefore our selection process for membership is necessarily rigorous. Dedicants are elected from applicants who have been screened via an interview process. Election to full membership occurs after a period of observation as a dedicant. Potential members must demonstrate not only the ability to harmoniously co-exist within a close-knit spiritual and social group, but also to put their spiritual tenets into practice in their daily lives.

The brothers of The Green Faerie Grove look forward to serving the Gods and our various communities for many years to come.

POLL SHOWS MAJORITY OF US ADULTS FAVOR LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR GAY AND TRANSGENDER AMERICANS A new survey conducted by Harris Interactive in the wake of the passage of and protests against California’s Proposition 8 reveals that a majority of Americans favors a broad range of policies and legal protections for LGBT people.

The Pulse of Equality survey, commissioned by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), shows that a majority of Americans favors either marriage or civil unions/domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian couples, gay- and transgender-inclusive hate-crimes and non-discrimination laws, and allowing openly gay service members to serve in the armed forces. A majority opposes laws that would ban adoption by qualified gay and lesbian couples.

Among the survey’s findings: Seventy-five percent of US adults favor either marriage or domestic partnerships/civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. Only 22% say gay and lesbian couples should have no legal recognition. US adults are now about evenly divided on whether they support allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry (47% favor to 49% oppose).

Almost two-thirds (64%) favor allowing openly gay military personnel to serve in the armed forces.

About six in 10 (63%) favor expanding hate crime laws to cover gay and transgender people.

A slight majority of US adults (51%) favors protecting gay and transgender people under existing laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Sixty-nine percent oppose laws that would ban qualified gay and lesbian couples from adopting children.

“Based on other surveys we have conducted on attitudes toward LGBT people and issues, the results of this survey suggest that public sentiment in the US is trending toward greater acceptance of gay- and transgender-related policy issues,” said Laura Light, vice president of public relations research for Harris Interactive.

GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano suggested that one of the crucial issues facing LGBT people is that many Americans aren’t aware of the injustices that they face. “Majorities of Americans clearly favor equality for gay and transgender people,” Giuliano added, “but we’ve seen that too many still mistakenly believe that the intolerance and injustices we face are things of the past. So it’s more vital than ever that we tell our stories, illustrate the injustices we face, and re-

mind people of the common ground we share.”

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.

NEW CREATION MCC HOLDS 3RD HOLIDAY BAZAAR New Creation Metropolitan Community Church is having its third Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 13, from 9a-3p at the church (116 Williams Rd, Columbus). Local artists who will participate in the all handcrafted art include Mike Stepanski (glass art and soaps) and Abstract Annie (mixed media glass). Abstract Annie is very committed to the GLBT community and has pledged 20% of her sales to the Columbus Aids Task Force.

Fine art and unique gift items will be available at the bazaar. “You can come and do all your last minute holiday shopping here! Prices will cover a wide range,” says Pastor Margaret Hawk, “and you’ll find everything from stocking stuffers to the truly fine art.”

New Creation MCC is known as the church that was “founded in, but reaches beyond,” the GLBT community. Proceeds from the sale of hand-tied fleece blankets will be used to buy materials for an ongoing outreach program through Project Linus, an organization that provides “comfort blankets” for children who are critically ill or have experienced trauma. Proceeds from all other sales are shared by the artists and New Creation MCC. “Ten percent of the sales will benefit the South Side Settlement House,” Pastor Hawk adds. The South Side Settlement House is a neighborhood-based, multi-service house providing programs, activities, assistance, and social services to children and youth.

New Creation is a member congregation of the Metropolitan Community Churches, which have some 43,000 adherents in 300 congregations in 22 countries around the world, making it one of the largest predominantly-GLBT organizations with an international reach. More information about the church can be found at www.newcreationmcc.org.

CALL FOR PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSIONS DYFY is seeking photographers willing to donate their work for auction at Open Your HeART for Kids. One-hundred percent of proceeds from the sale of photos at the event will support the DFYF’s effort to build safe and nurturing environments for at-risk youth in central Ohio.

Open Your HeART for Kids will be held Saturday, February 7, 2009, during the monthly Gallery Hop festivities at Short Stop, DYFY’s community outreach center in the Short North. Donated artwork will be auctioned alongside work from students who have benefitted from DYFY’s programs.

All mediums and styles of photography are welcome. Email to Karim Ali, kali@porterwright.com. Accepted framed photographs can be delivered to Directions for Youth and Families’ main office at 1515 Indianola Ave between 8am & 7pm M-F, through Jan 20.

Questions? Contact Karim Ali, program coordinator, at 614.946.9047 or kali@porterwright.com.

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 07

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

08 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 09

by Leslie Robinson

IT’S AN OFF-THE-WALL WORLD As 2008 winds down, the worldwide wackiness level jumps up.

In Paris, armed robbers made off with $100 million worth of jewelry from a Harry Winston store near the Champs-Élysées. Police said the heist ranks among the biggest jewel thefts in French history.

That wasn’t all that made the robbery monumental. Of the four thieves, at least two were men in wigs and women’s clothes.

Who knew there was so much money to be made in drag?

Bizarreness is also alive and well across the English Channel in London, where Boy George, the former Culture Club singer, was convicted of falsely imprisoning a male escort.

Boy George, 46, was tried under his real name of George O’Dowd. More appropriate for legal proceedings, I suppose, than Boy George or Middle-Aged George.

Norwegian hustler Audun Carlsen said that, following a naked photo shoot, George handcuffed him to a wall at the singer’s apartment and beat him after he got loose. George admitted handcuffing him, but denied assaulting him.

LETTERS

It must’ve been difficult for those watching the trial to refrain from breaking into “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me.” George’s sentencing will be in January, and odds are he’ll see jail time. Two years ago he swept streets in New York City after pleading guilty to filing a false police report. On that occasion he’d called the cops with a bogus story of a burglary by a male prostitute in his Manhattan apartment. What the responding officers found was cocaine.

In the London case, George believed the escort had stolen pictures from him. Mixing hookers, drugs and paranoia makes George an un-dull Boy. Let’s turn now to a different kind of court case, and a different brand of bizarre. In India, the Delhi High Court has been hearing arguments about whether to scrap the country’s law against homosexual sex, the infamous Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.

The federal government, a big fan of the law, declared in a recent submission to the court that homosexuality is the result of a perverse mind.

Well then.

This claim fits in snugly with similar statements from the government during the legal proceedings. In October the government stated homosexuality is a disease that’s responsible for the spread of AIDS in India.

A disease. The result of a perverse mind. How encouraging to hear this up-and-coming world power has such a firm grasp of science.

Now back to Europe for other ridiculous claims, thanks to a man who specializes in them. Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov is Russia’s homophobia poster child. For the last three years his administration has banned Pride marches, and he’ll always be remembered for calling gay parades “Satanic.”

Speaking in early December at an international HIV/AIDS conference in Moscow, Luzhkov pledged to continue putting the kibosh on gay parades. “We have banned and will continue to forbid this propaganda by sexual minorities, as they could turn out to be one of the factors in the spread of HIV infections.”

There you have it. Pride parades spread AIDS. Must be something in the paint on the banners.

The mayor added, “Certain homegrown de-

www.austinsoundcheck.com

GENERAL GAYETY

mocrats believe that sexual minorities can be a primary indicator and symbol of democracy, but we will forbid the dissemination of these opinions in the future as well.”

An autocrat only Stalin could love.

Luzhkov offered another piece of wisdom when he declared, “Certain manufacturers state that condoms are reliable protection against AIDS, but modern science has proven this is untrue.”

The assembled HIV/AIDS experts from around the world must’ve thought the translating mechanism was on the blink. But only the mayor was.

Leslie Robinson lives in Seattle. E-mail her at LesRobinsn@aol.com.

continued from page 4

with a condom are significantly reduced when using a condom consistently and correctly. Yes, there’s still a risk (e.g., condom breakage), but it’s slim. My policy has been to assume that all bodily fluids may carry HIV or some other STD, whether or not a disease threat is known to exist.

This is respectful of everyone’s privacy and individual rights.

Making disclosure a law or the primary responsibility of HIV+ people is discriminatory and a violation of individual rights; disclosure won’t solve the AIDS crisis. It’s a personal choice to share your life. My advice to those who need to know someone’s HIV status before engaging in sex of any kind is to ask and hope for an honest, accurate answer, or simply practice abstinence.

A more realistic and safer option, however, is to choose your comfort zone and a level of risk that is personally acceptable, BYOC, and enjoy.

The Columbus author of this piece prefers to remain anonymous.

Gay Marriage Is Not The “Final Answer” To Getting Equality For Homosexual Americans To the Editor: There is a TV quiz show in which the contestant is asked, Is that your final answer? It seems that for many newcomers to the homosexual

community - most of whom have no idea about the movement - gay marriage is the only answer, and question.

And apparently these citizens, most of whom have never been activists, nor given much thought to the issues of being homosexual - unless they have been harmed by their family or other students - have thought about running away to Canada or some “paradise” for “gays” after hearing of the anti-gay vote in California, Arizona, etc.

Like all Americans, these citizens would not enjoy what this nation has to offer - nor would there BE a nation - if our founders had thought and acted as these citizens do. It took brave people to even start this nation and the civil rights movements of America, for blacks, women, homosexuals, etc. Thinking Americans, and certainly black Americans, are saying, as we prepare to have the first “black” American president, that it took Rosa Parks-type people on a bus, and Dr.King and others walking and sitting, to get Obama to the White House (which black slaves built).

Where are the homosexuals saying that we have gotten to almost having marriage and not having sodomy laws because homosexuals in the 1950s met in secret and then published a magazine in public? Or because homosexuals in the decades since have fought legal cases, picketed newspapers and talked on TV shows to get us to the possibility of gay marriage today?

And every step of the way there were those in and out of the movement who complained that

we weren’t doing it the right way, or we were using the wrong term, or we chose one aspect to work on rather than “their” issue, or that by pushing one issue, such as homosexuals serving openly in the military, we harmed some other problems. We were told to never deal with young people, as it would get us accused of molesting children. We were told to not attack churches or religion as that would make us enemies. We were told to try to “get along” with the “helping” professions as they would cause trouble if we attacked them - as if pychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, attorneys, etc, were not already harming us by sending us to mental hosptials or making money from “counselng” us to change us, etc.

So here we are in the 21st century, with no sodomy laws, major corporations giving us equal treatment, gay-friendly media for the most part, with community/movement organizations and publications serving every aspect of our lives: young people (GLSEN, The Point Foundation, g/l groups at most colleges); the military (SLDN, Palm Center); legal issues (Lambda Legal, GLAD, NCLR); religion (Dignity, Integrity, Affirmation, Kinship); community services (gay/lesbian centers in every major city); resources preserving the history of how we got here (Quatrefoil in Minneapolis/St Paul, Gerber Hart in Chicago, Stonewall in Fort Lauderdale, Lavender in Sacramento, ONE and HIC and Mazer in Los Angeles, etc); and professional groups for medical doctors, anthropologists, police officers, journalists, politicians, etc.

What all of these “resources” have to do is know themselves. Sadly, we get little more on our subject from “gay and lesbian” journalists than we do from general journalists. What good has LOGO done for our knowledge of homosexual issues? And the same incompetent “news” we get from the 24/7 TV news shows is what we get from most g/l news sources - only the “current” celebrity and issue coverage. We have no longterm thinking. We get 24-hour coverage on gay marriage while we hear little about other issues.

Our cause has made constant progress since 1950, no matter who was president, or how friendly the media was, and with unpaid workers.

Why have all the highly paid “professional gays” at HRC, the Task Force and other organizations made less progress than we did? (Most major changes had started even before Stonewall.) And it seems a few unpaid bloggers can reach more homosexuals and organize a major event in less than a week than well-paid staff at “major” g/l organizations can after years.

So onto the Internet, and unpaid but concerned people who care about being equal. Back to basics, such as knowing what homosexuality is. Knowing where the many issues in our community/movement are on the totem pole. And knowledge that we don’t quit and run if we lose a battle in the war for civil rights.

B Glover

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

10 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 11

Spotlight:

OUT BUSINESS NEWS

by Adam Leddy

Derek Atchley Owner of Atchley Signs & Graphics

Since its launch in December 2006, Atchley Signs & Graphics has been catching the eyes of clients and consumers across the city. When it comes to marketing materials, Atchley offers just about everything: banners, signs, business cards, promotional products, and even t-shirts and vehicle wraps. Owner Derek Atchley, a strong ally and supporter of the GLBT community, was thrilled to answer a few questions for Outlook.

Adam Leddy: You’re committed to “high impact” marketing and communication.

What do you mean by high impact, and how do you achieve it?

Derek Atchley: We aim for “high impact” marketing and communication in a variety of ways, from color, to message, to materials and variety. We offer such a wide range of media, materials and processes, combined with our wide range of capabilities, to achieve maximum impact. … Our staff is well trained and certified in all that we do, not to mention our belief in continuing education. We feel our clients definitely benefit from that.

AL: We all notice bad banners or fliers, or when someone hands us a terrible business card. What are some principles that go into making a good print piece?

DA: We start by listening to the client and what they want. We then apply our years of design theory knowledge and experience to aid the client in a direction that suits their needs as well as budget. Our staff has years and years of design education and practical experience and we apply it in everything we do. We prefer the quality route.

lows us to really stay on top.

AL: We recently learned that we’ve been in a recession for a year. Have you felt the tough economic times?

DA: Knock on wood, we’ve been consistently busy and will have a bigger year than last in sales and overall growth. We’ve had to watch our expenditures more than before, but I think that situations like these make us work harder at staying efficient. “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” definitely applies these days.

AL: It seems like there are a lot of options in Columbus for people who need signs and other print materials. How do you stay competitive in that environment? What separates Atchley from the pack?

DA: There is a lot of competition in our market, granted, but we stay as competitive as we can. We have a varied product line, offer more services in-house than our competitors, aim for higher quality products and services, and give more than expected. We believe in continual education to keep ourselves abreast of the current industry trends and keep up with training. We also believe in retaining a high caliber staff and that al-

AL: Why should GLBT professionals choose Atchley for their marketing and communications needs?

DA: We offer more for the money, great value

ensure they are aware of your event and that you are planning in accordance with building security protocol. Inform security in advance and request guest badges, if needed, to abide by your facility’s access policy.

Beware of balloons! Motion detectors may send out a false alarm due to holiday balloons or other decorations that move in their path. Make sure light objects are not stored near open windows or vents when the system is armed.

Think before you drink. Before serving alcoholic beverages at your office party, review your company’s and your building’s alcohol policies. If you do serve alcohol, make sure that each employee has a pre-planned ride or arrange for the entire group’s transportation home. Ensure that no minors have access to any alcoholic beverages and do not serve alcohol to anyone showing signs of intoxication. Also watch where beverages are placed as many offices are filled with electrical equipment. A spill could cause electrical shock or ruin the equipment and important information.

Replace lit candles with battery power. Lit candles may look great, but the potential for an

office fire is significantly greater during the holidays with candles ablaze. Battery operated votives safely capture the elegance of wax candles in a flameless alternative.

Food safety matters. Food poisoning should always be a concern. Make sure that there is enough refrigerator space to keep foods properly refrigerated and dispose of any foods that have been out too long.

Assess all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your office and test them monthly.

Check your CCTV. Closed-circuit television (CCTV), the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, can be disabled by criminals who may try to take advantage of crowds and other commotion due to the holidays. During these busy times criminals will hope to go unnoticed as they attempt low tech methods such as placing a sticker, rag or tape over the lens, or using laser pointers to damage the CCTV cameras or merely disconnect the system’s power.

Keep safety in mind when decorating for the

AL: But along that line, are you doing things differently or running specials in light of the tough economy?

DA: We have streamlined our purchasing habits, worked on our vendors more and become more efficient so we can still continue to offer our clients top quality without skimping. We care a great deal about our clientele and treat them very carefully.

Keep Holiday Office Celebrations Safe

by David P. Silvey

’Tis the season for holiday merry-making and despite the economic doldrums, many businesses are planning holiday celebrations this year. Whether your party is taking place at an off-site location or in the office, it is important to maintain high level of vigilance. As vice president and general manager for the New England region of the largest American-owned security officer services company, I have seen my share of holiday parties gone awry. I offer the following top 10 tips to ensure your holiday parties are safe, secure and joyous: Holiday parties may rule, but rules are needed. Before the party, share with all employees a list of rules and reminders for the holiday celebration. Pre-planning helps avoid many potential disasters.

Heed after-hours protocol. If your party is taking place after office hours, be aware of the night security arrangements in your building.

Some offices lock doors and close stairwells which could alter emergency exit routes. Touch base with your building’s security department to

and more care in the development of graphic communication. We pride ourselves as well in being a deep resource for our clients to help them to achieve the goals they have for their own business and personal needs. We are more of a creative outlet for our clients.

AL: I’m incredibly rugged and butch, but my car isn’t. What can you do to my white 02 Mercury Sable that will make the gay boys go crazy?

DA: Images and impact! We have such a varied palette of tools and images that we can transform anything into an eye catcher.

We don’t just do commercial graphics on vehicles; we offer pop, appeal and embellishment to any type of vehicle to grab the eyes of any target.

holidays. Avoid placing holiday decorations in heavily trafficked areas and doorways as people may trip or knock them over. Do not hang decorations from exit signs or sprinklers. Most fire codes require that emergency signs stay visible, and the weight of decorations may cause the sprinklers to malfunction. Decorations should not interfere with computers (and their air circulation vents), space heaters or other pieces of equipment that need ventilation.

Turn off the lights. Make sure all illuminated decorations are turned off when the party is over to decrease the risk of fire. Do not use decorations if they have broken or frayed wires. All decorations should be fire resistant.

Avoid having your holiday celebration turn into a turkey of a party by planning ahead and maintaining vigilance, common sense and caution.

David P. Silvey is the New England region vice president and general manager for AlliedBarton Security Services. AlliedBarton is the industry’s premier provider of highly trained security personnel to many industries including higher education, commercial real estate, healthcare, residential communities, chemical/petrochemical, government, manufacturing and distribution, financial institutions, and shopping centers.

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

12 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

INSIGHTOUT

INTO THE DARKNESS

by Regina Sewell

Deck the halls with boughs of Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la, la la la….

- “Deck the Halls” The holiday season is officially upon us and with that, the month-long party has begun. Food and libations abound. Short of avoiding all public places, there’s no escape from piped-in cheerful Christmas carols.

With all this celebration, it’s easy to ignore the potential for self-reflection and change that the season offers.

You might have noticed that the sun rises a little later and sets a little earlier each day, making it more and more tempting to hit the snooze bar on the alarm clock and spend evenings nestled on the couch watching TV or playing video games on your computer, Playstation, Xbox or, if you’re more active, shakin’ it up with the Wii. These shorter and shorter days can be depressing, especially for people who have seasonal affective disorder. Add to this, the landscape in Ohio, without green leaves on the trees to brighten things up, is bleak. Given winter’s desolation, all that partying, with the martinis, cosmopolitans, and glasses of wine or bottles of beer and all the traditional holiday snacks may keep us from wanting to slit our wrists, at least until January when the credit card bills arrive. Early European cultures must have felt a similar despair in the winter. They celebrated Winter Solstice, the day marking the return of sunlight, with feasts,

music, dancing, general merriment, and in some cultures, gifts. Still, while ancient Winter Solstice celebrations may have been rowdy, they did not last the entire month of December.

Native Americans had a different perspective of the winter season. According to Jamie Sams and her book Sacred Path Cards: The Discovery of Self Through Native Teachings, in contrast to our modern day tradition of losing connection to ourselves with wine, women (or men, or both) and song, the Native American Medicine Wheel views winter as the time to metaphorically go into the cave to reconnect with ourselves.

Blackness, from this perspective, symbolizes the void where the answers live. According to the medicine wheel, our future, who and what we are becoming, is incubated in the metaphorical cave of winter. The medicine wheel encourages us to use the darkness as a passageway into introspection and selfreflection. By sitting in the solitude of darkness, we can explore the call of our souls and connect to our deepest wisdom. Only through entering the void can we separate our own inner truth from the dangerous combination of other people’s opinions and our fear based doubts that keep us paralyzed. And only through seeking the counsel of our deepest selves can we clear away the fear that keeps us from becoming who we are capable of becoming. The anxiety we feel in those odd moments when we slow down is the soul’s way of calling us home, reminding us to sit still, look within and get back on our paths.

The catch is that the answers don’t always come quickly and aren’t always easy,

especially when compared to the almost instant effect of sugar, alcohol and other mind-altering chemicals. Entering the cave may take you into what the sixteenth-century Roman Catholic mystic St. John of the Cross dubbed the “dark night of the soul.” It is in this space where we are able to escape the grip of our egos and thus able to open ourselves to deeper transformation. Entering into the darkness can be a bit frightening because it involves letting go of the known and sinking into the unknown realms of our subconscious minds.

On the bright side, just as spelunkers don flashlights and ropes when they crawl into physical caves, there are some fabulous tools you can use to help you explore your psychic cave. The most important tool you have is your breath. There are a number of ways you can use your breath to guide you through your psychic space. One basic breathing technique is to sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable space and notice your breath as it expands and contracts your diaphragm. Another is to count your breaths on the out breath, starting over each time you lose your place. When thoughts come up,

as they inevitably will, note them, “thinking,” and bring your awareness back to your breath. If you notice that your thoughts are particularly self-critical or destructive, you might imagine writing each of them on a piece of paper, and then set that piece of paper on fire in your mind’s eye. Another tool you can use as a guide is to bring your awareness to your body. One way to do this is to first connect to your breath and when your mind is quiet enough, shift your awareness to your heartbeat and just notice how it feels. A different approach is to bring awareness to the energy in your hands.

When you feel the energy pulsing through your hands, expand that awareness to the energy in your forearms, upper arms, shoulders, and so forth, until you feel the energy pulsing through your entire body. The last tool is patience. Once your mind is quiet, the answers you seek will eventually emerge.

tions, take a break, regroup and come back to it later.

The holidays are stressful enough with all the responsibilities, obligations, and relatives, but for LGBT students it may seem even more overwhelming and insurmountable. Thoughts of going home to a homophobic environment can cause anxiety, panic attacks and depression. If depression is left untreated, it can lead to suicide, which is the leading cause of death

among gay male, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual youth, according to the most recent statistics from the National Lambda Foundation.

It is vital for the LGBT students to surround themselves with love, encouragement and trust during the semester break. Having a supportive friend to call, email, IM or text during this trying time can be a way of coping with the holiday season.

Regina Sewell is a mental health counselor with a private practice in Worthington, OH. To ask a question, propose a column topic, read about her approach to counseling, or check out her books and other writing, go to: www.ReginaSewell.com. Her most recent publication, “Sliding Away” can be found in Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex and Work in Our 40s, edited by Molly Rosen.

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL TIPS FOR LGBT STUDENTS

by Barron Whited, MS.Ed. As the holidays rapidly approach and students head home for break, many LGBT students who are not out to their families will face emotional challenges and distress. Students may feel obligated to act a certain way, avoid difficult conservations, and isolate themselves from family to cope with the lack of acceptance. Here are some suggestions to help the LGBT students through the holiday season.

Be yourself and have confidence in who you are as a person. One of the stressors for many LGBT students is the pressure to act a certain way in front of their families because of their families’ views on homosexuality. The thought of having to portray oneself as straight, less feminine or less butch can be very uncomfortable, but because LGBT students want to keep the peace in the family, DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

they feel obligated to keep up the charade.

Rather than putting pressure on yourself to fit in, relax and let it go.

Have a positive outlook and stick with it.

LGBT students may be confronted with difficult conversations like “Are you dating anyone?”, “Who do you hang with?”, or “What do you do on the weekends?”. While the questions may be innocuous, to a student hiding his or her sexual identity, they can feel like an attempt to elicit a confession. Rather than focus on the meaning behind every question, focus the conversation on lighter or fun stories.

Give yourself a breather if you need to take a walk, nap, or visit a friend. It seems easier to hide in your bedroom and watch TV than encounter the awkward and uncomfortable situations that may occur during the holidays. But it’s not fair to you or your family to ostracize yourself. Rather than avoiding situa-

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 13

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

14 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

TRANSNATION

by Jacob Anderson-Minshall

COLLECTIVE DENIAL “I felt lost as a queer artist in the world,” laments Smitty Amabilis. “I didn’t feel like I had any mentors.”

Amabilis founded the Portland, Oregon art cooperative Collective of Geniuses (CoG), which aims to help artists create economically sustainable art and challenge hierarchies of class, gender and privilege.

“Our purpose is to create a voice for marginalized artists who identify as trans and queer,” adds CoG technical director Jack StockLynn, “Because [that]’s who we are.”

StockLynn prefers gender-neutral pronouns ze and hir and says, “I identify as a transfag, as a gay man, as queer and as a weirdo. I have a female body and mostly don’t mind.”

While attending Cornish College of the Arts, StockLynn founded a performance ensemble and established a recital space ze facilitated, organizing events for three years and presenting five of hir own original works. Since then, StockLynn has continued producing original pieces, including Jack Castle, PhD and The Container Projects.

In four years as CoG’s technical director, StockLynn has created a plethora of new work

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

including the gender-queer PrinceCapades.

Meanwhile, Collective of Geniuses’ creative director, Amabilis is a self-described DIY aficionado, a community organizer and the director of the Rooster Farm production cooperative.

He previously managed 321 Clubhouse, a grassroots arts center for Portland queers that hosted regular gallery shows, discussion groups and open mics.

Before settling in Portland, Amabilis founded Spokane Falls Community College’s Earth Club, created and ran a youth arts program at the Peaceful Valley Community Center, and helped establish the Olympia Community Free School.

Also a spoken word artist, Amabilis jokes, “Maybe someday I’ll stop being so polyamorous with my art - but I hope not.”

When it comes to his sexual orientation, he’s, “not sure how I identify. I lived a large portion of my life in closets…so I’m still becoming myself. [For now] I’m a transfag, preferring relationships with gender variants.”

An investigation into narcissism and the way the web feeds self-adoration and a sense of self importance - say, by the number of “friends” you have on MySpace - Collective of

Geniuses’ new play, Denial of Self, was written “by the people for the people” utilizing a Wiki page (narcissist.wetpaint.com) to enable the public to contribute content.

Denial of Self opens this week and StockLynn says ze hopes audiences won’t hate hir for implying they’re all narcissists.

“I hope that they will,” Amabilis counters.

“Hate is a powerful motivator. I hope that they’re motivated to do something.”

Amabilis defines a narcissist as, “a person of privilege [who] doesn’t see that their excess means that someone else is lacking.” He argues that “cultural narcissism is prevalent in the way our country operates.”

“It’s very important to me that my work involves a social critique aspect,” insists StockLynn. “It’s one of my favorite things about theatre: that you can go into a room and talk and think about all these complex social problems and still come away entertained.”

An Oregon Cultural Trust grant will allow CoG to offer audiences “pay-what-you-can” nights. This is important to Amabilis, who contends, “The core of who I am and what I believe in is linked to my class. It’s the dividing line between me and so many goals.”

As a trans man, Amabilis says he recognizes he’s “stepping into this different realm of privilege. [Still], I haven’t un-learned my oppression enough to actually reap any benefit…I want to blur those lines between the oppressed and the oppressor; between the us and the them.”

StockLynn says hir identity has had a positive impact: “I think being queer has opened up - for me - a vast world of possibilities. If we don’t have to be straight or eat meat, what else don’t we have to do?”

Trans writer Jacob Anderson-Minshall co-hosts kboo.fm’s Gender Blender radio show and co-authors the Blind Eye mystery series; the latest edition, Blind Faith comes out this month. For more information visit Anderson-minshall.com.

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 15

OUT OF TOWN

by Janine Franceschi

NEW RESOURCE FOR TRAVELERS LOOKING FOR PET-FRIENDLY LUXURY HOTELS Doesn’t everyone want more for less this holiday season? Everyone is looking for creative ways to stretch limited holiday budgets yet still make sure that the holidays seem as abundant and as special as they have been in years past. The question becomes how to do that and have it cost less than usual; how to make money work smarter, not harder.

Traveling can be one of the most stressful and costly expenses for families during the holidays, and pet-owners have the added expense and stress of finding quality pet care. Boarding and kenneling a family pet can cost anywhere from twenty to sixty dollars a day depending on what part of the country you are from.

On top of the financial expense, there’s the emotional cost of leaving your furry family member out of the festivities and in the care of someone else.

PAW (Pet-friendly Accommodations Worldwide) has the solution: reserve a pet-friendly hotel room and bring your entire family home for the holidays. A surprising number of luxury hotels have become pet-friendly, allowing your pet to

sleep in the hotel room with you, and some don’t charge any additional fees for bringing the pet along. The trick is knowing which ones offer complimentary pet-policies! PAW will tell you.

PAW is the place to search and book luxury, pet-friendly hotels online for your holiday travels. At www.luxurypaw.com, PAW will present each hotel’s pet policy regarding weight restriction, additional fees, and the amenities the hotel offers to pets. (Most hotels offer a toy or treat for your pup upon arrival, removing one more expense from your list as well!)

Janine Franceschi, owner of PAW, and her Irish setter, Beau, are touring the country gathering this information firsthand (or first paw, as the case may be) to provide travelers with up-to-date luxury hotel pet policies. Franceschi strives to find luxury hotels that not only accept pets, but also go the extra mile to make the pet-guest feel as welcome as the human guest. Most pet-friendly hotels provide food and water bowls, a pet bed, and toys or treats for your furry family member.

“So far, all of the hotels Beau and I have stayed in have been more than accommodating; they have been a real vacation for Beau,” says Franceschi. “I don’t know how many times during my travels with Beau I have heard the same sentiment from other hotel guests: ‘I had to board my pets to come on this trip, had I known this hotel was pet-friendly, I would have brought them with me.’ With PAW I hope to not hear that anymore, because I cannot imagine being without Beau during these special times.”

Searching the PAW website is simple.

You can find a hotel by location and the size of your pet. Hotels vary, so make sure to always check the additional fee section on each hotel’s feature page.

Rooms can be reserved through the site.

PAW was created after Janine Franceschi spent countless hours searching in vain for luxury (4-star or higher rated) pet-friendly hotels. PAW is the only online hotel booking website that exclusively features luxury, petfriendly hotel accommodations.

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

16 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

FEATURE STORY

by Mickey Weems

Jewish-Muslim Harmony:

The most important function of homophobia is not the persecution of Gays. Our oppression is secondary to a greater cause. The real purpose of homophobia is to make sure Straight men feel good about killing their fellow human beings.

The desire to viciously attack other people is de-fused by unfettered erotic desire and the desire for justice when properly applied to all, not just the chosen few. When everyone can get their kink on, regardless of orientation, and when everyone is equal under the law, the impulse to slaughter is seriously undermined. Therefore, it is important for religious fanatics to restrict freedom of sexual expression, and to keep women and unbelievers in a state of terror so men can carry out their darkest bloodthirsty desires with a clear conscience.

This is why oppression of the LGBTQ community is found among Jewish and Muslim communities that believe in holy war. When leaders call for wholesale massacre in the name of an ideology, they divide the world into a good side and a bad side. Invariably, Gay people end up on the bad side.

I can promise you the anti-Jewish idiots who recently carried out the violence in Mumbai were also homophobes, as was the American dumbass who mowed down unarmed Muslims at prayer in the Tomb of Abraham in 1994. The goal of such nonsense: incite even more violence by provoking macho men on the other side to indulge in righteous and mindless retaliation.

It is important to understand these atrocities as orgies of violence, not figuratively but actually.

There is every indication that the men who do these things get a sexual thrill from what is quite literally their bloodlust. They get a hard-on as they wreak havoc.

LGBTQ people disrupt the simplistic good guy/bad guy vision of our complex world that feeds atrocities. Gays totally scramble the subterranean and morbid erotic pleasures associated DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

with the sacred Straight male masculinity of the brutal martyr-killer. That is why Queers must be silenced so Muslims and Jews can continue to happily murder, torture and rape each other.

Damned if You Do It Gay-bashing has created some interesting political bedfellows. In Israel, both the conservative Muslim authorities and members of the Orthodox Jewish community have been vocal against Pride parades in Jerusalem.

It got so bad that, up until recently, Pride events were kept off the streets because of the threat of violence from Jewish and Muslim fundamentalists. This year, the parade was permitted, despite curses uttered publicly by a contingent of rabbis who asked for divine punishment against the paraders and the police who protected them.

But not all Muslims and Jews are so vocal.

There are plenty who believe in equal rights for Gay people. These same Jews and Muslims want to live in peaceful coexistence. And for most of them, LGBTQ rights are inseparable from social harmony.

When the extremists in two warring religious communities come together to Gay-bash, it is evidence that LGBTQ Muslims and Jews are a threat to the sacred hatred that Muslims feel for Jews, and vice-versa. But extremists cannot completely eradicate desire, especially the desire that Gay Jews and Muslims feel for each other.

Eroticism as Peacemaking When I lived in Jerusalem, My friend Offer and I would walk by a certain park not too far from Ben Yehuda Street. Offer said it was the place where Israeli boys would hook up with Arab boys.

Think about it: all the bombs, threats and bulldozed houses in that troubled country couldn’t keep guys from wanting to have sex with other guys. But not just their own kind. They specifically wanted studs from the other side. In a public

park, no less. No doubt other streets cater to other kinks.

This seeming anomaly is perfectly logical to anyone who has been exposed to LGBTQ erotic culture. Eroticism thrives on the border of the forbidden. Our kinks will invariably lead us into the realm of transgression if we push them hard enough, just so we continue to get sufficient thrill to get us off. The human psyche is a messy swampland where the adrenalin rush, an aphrodisiac that fuels the desire to do the enemy as well as do the enemy in, grows wild and grows abundantly.

Straight Palestinians and Israelis who push the borders of eroticism will also cross social lines and engage in forbidden sexual acts with the enemy. And it is precisely because they are sleeping with the enemy that the sex is so hot.

For those Straight sexual border-crossers, the risk is great. But anyone who has felt the raw hunger of desire knows that, at some point, logic goes right out the window when we immerse ourselves into the swamp. I salute those brave Straight sexual insurgents for doing their part, especially Muslim women, who often risk much more than their Jewish male counterparts.

But it is the Gay women, men, transwomen and transmen who can make the most difference.

Straight transgressors need only stop crossing the border and they are fairly safe. Gay erotic insurgents, however, will be condemned by fundamentalist Muslims and Jews regardless of what they do, so they live in constant peril. Even if they only have homoerotic sex with their own kind, it is still forbidden. At some point, it must be easy for some Gay folks to say “the hell with it!” and cross over into enemy territory.

Going to the Heart of It Desire for sex is complemented by desire for justice. Gay activists in each community find a common non-erotic bond with fellow Gays on the

other side, thus leading to some interesting alliances.

Two important documentaries about Jewish and Muslim Gays have come out in the last few years. The first one is Trembling Before G-d, directed by Sandi Simcha DuBowski. With the help of Gay Orthodox Jews in the USA and Israel, DuBowski put together a powerful visual argument for inclusion in the least inclusive and most fundamentalist of Jewish communities.

Trembling features Columbus’s own Rabbi Steve Greenberg, the first and perhaps only openly Gay Orthodox rabbi, among the women and men who appear in the documentary. Greenberg and DuBowski have traveled to Jewish communities around the world to show the film, often at the invitation of Orthodox leaders. The spirited debates arising from their journey brought the issue of acceptance to the table.

There is still strong resistance to inclusion of LGBTQ people in many Orthodox communities.

What is lacking for the most part, however, is a sense that Gay Jews should be killed, or that Greenberg is somehow not a real rabbi.

Earlier this year, Pakistani director Parvez Sharma released his documentary on Gay Muslims called A Jihad for Love. Sharma went to some 10 Muslim countries to see how same sex relationships are understood in different cultural contexts. This year, he presented Jihad at the Wexner Center.

Sharma was assisted by Sandi Simcha DuBowski in the production of this important work. The contexts of each film is different in that Sharma faced violence, not only from Muslims that hate Gay people, but also from intolerant non-Muslims in America. When he spoke at the Qualia Festival of Gay Folklife on the OSU campus 3 years ago, Sharma told the audience he felt just as threatened by anti-Muslim rhetoric in the USA as he did by anti-Gay rhetoric in Muslim countries.

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 17

It’s All About Desire

Like DuBowski, Sharma has taken his documentary to different communities, faced severe criticism, and created room for dialogue where there was very little space at all before he did his work.

The solidarity of a Muslim director and a Jewish director in the production of groundbreaking documentaries geared specifically to religious audiences is surprising only on the surface. Gay identity can overcome religious bigotry.

Kvisa Shchora Imagine yourself at a Pride parade in Tel Aviv, Israel, when you see a group dressed in black with pink headbands in Hebrew and Arabic. Their palms are red, symbolizing blood on the hands of Israeli authorities that comes from oppressing Palestinians. This is Kvisa Schora, and their motto is “There Is No Pride In Occupation.”

Meaning “dirty laundry” in Hebrew, Kvisa Shchora is an LGBTQ group dedicated to the rights of all people in Israel. Jackie Grinshtein and Eli Eliyahu, a couple living in Tel Aviv, have been working in Kvisa, both on the streets and on the Internet. Theirs is a small voice of tolerance in a land torn apart by religious violence.

Not only do they speak out against prejudice against Palestinians, but also the problem of discrimination by European Jews against Misrahim, Jews with Arab cultural identity. Jackie comes from an Ashkenazi or European-Yiddish background, and her lover, stone-butch Eli (who Jackie says “is the man of my life!”), is Mizrahi whose family came from Iraq.

The stories of Kvisa Shchora and GrinshteinEliyahu are perfect examples of what happens when we take away the divisive theology that oppresses Gay people from fundamentalist Jewish and Muslim communities, and when we reject ethnocentric notions of who best represents the People of the Almighty, both within a religion and outside of it. When the LGBTQ community is accepted, any number of other unfounded doctrines

of hatred fall apart.

Jerusalem as a True City of Peace Granted, Israel is much more tolerant of Gay people than its nearby Muslim neighbors. There has yet to be a Pride parade in Cairo, Damascus, Amman or Beirut. Jerusalem is more like Muslimyet-Gay-tolerant Istanbul in this regard.

But Jerusalem is home to many Muslims as well as Jews. It is the site of the Dome of the Rock, the third most sacred shrine in Islam. What happens in Jerusalem has a huge impact on the rest of the Muslim world.

By having the 2008 Jerusalem Pride parade in the streets of the city, despite threats from homophobic Muslims and Jews, the entire region is given a sample of what does not happen when Gay people are allowed to exist openly in society.

Fire does not rain down from heaven. Disease does not smite the population. Society does not fall apart.

Gay bars do not have to be underground establishments that are vulnerable to police brutality at any moment. Muslims can hook up with Jews. Bonds can be established, erotic bonds that result from the intertwining of bodies in search of pleasure. From this comes bonds of friendship and even permanent relationships, which in turn become bonds of justice, forged by people who stand up for each other for the good of all.

Oh Canada, My Canada Some of the most groundbreaking work on Muslim-Jewish unity and tolerance towards LGBTQ folks has been up north.

The move to legalize Gay marriage in Canada included help from Straight Jewish and Muslim groups. But there is also one powerful Queer voice that is directed at Muslims worldwide: Irshad Manji.

Manji was born in Uganda and immigrated to Canada in 1972 when her family fled Idi Amin’s

murderous dictatorship. She wrote The Trouble With Islam: A Muslim’s Call for Reform in Her Faith. For her efforts, she has lived with death threats from Muslim extremists. She is now something of a celebrity in Canada and an underground icon in the Gay Muslim world for speaking her mind. “My fellow Muslims,” she says, “I have to be honest with you. Islam is on very thin ice with me. I’m hanging on by my fingernails, in anxiety over what’s coming next from the self-appointed ambassadors of Allah.”

Manji takes a different direction from DuBowski and Sharma. Instead of taking on the stance of the observer who sympathetically records the stories of others, yet maintains a degree of detachment, she speaks upfront and in the face of her oppressors, daring them to pit their minds and hearts against hers in a much more confrontational manner.

It is no surprise, then, that she identifies herself as a Muslim refusenik, a term used for Jews who resisted Soviet oppression. Manji says she has no desire to quit Islam. Rather, she wants to be able to practice her faith without having to suffer from mind-numbing restrictions that would condemn her for her orientation. Being Muslim, she says, is no reason to promote terrorism or tolerate those who do. She calls for a return to ijtihad, the ancient Islamic tradition of independent thinking.

Her bold stance is reflected by the Canadian Muslim community in general. It is perhaps true that, within what could be considered one of the most tolerant countries on Earth, Islam is able to develop more positive theological perspectives.

Manji is the crowning glory of their community.

What is most wonderful about Manji is her willingness to look to the Jewish community for inspiration in resisting oppression. No doubt many Muslims would condemn her for calling herself a refusenik as she looks to Soviet Jews as examples. But one need not look very far in the Holy Qur’an to find references to some pretty fa-

mous Jews, such as Moses, who could be considered the original refusenik when he butted heads with the all-powerful pharaoh of Egypt.

This is perhaps the best thing about Manji and the miracle of Canadian Jews and Muslims raising their voices together in support of the Gay community. Perhaps someday, Jerusalem and Washington, DC will become more like Toronto.

Maybe Riyadh, Islamabad and even Mecca will have their own Pride parades.

Toronto Unified Speaking of the Canadian miracle, let me return once more to the role of desire in bringing Muslims and Jews together. Manji, Sharma, DuBowski, Grinshtein and Eliyahu are all champions of tolerance on the side of justice. But some of the most important work goes on behind the scenes when people find each other sexually attractive and cross lines, such as during the cruise-fests known as Circuit parties.

I was at Toronto Unified, the big Pride weekend and Circuit extravaganza involving much dancing to some of the best DJs in the Circuit world. The large space that held the Sunday closing party had an open outdoor deck for people to relax and cool off from the packed dance floor. At one point, a Lebanese friend of mine was surrounded by some of the hottest Arab boys I had ever seen. In the mix of these handsome young bucks, a few of them with tattoos written in Arabic script, there were equally impressive Jewish boys, including an Israeli with a tattoo in Hebrew.

Only in Toronto, I thought. But I bet I was wrong.

Witnessing the comfort these gentlemen had with each other, I realized it is only a matter of time before such scenes will profligate across the world. Between the desire for justice and the drive to have sex, insignificant barriers such as religious intolerance are bound to crumble.

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

18 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

DEEP INSIDE HOLLYWOOD

by Romeo San Vicente

ROCK PUTS THE FUN IN FUNERAL

LYNCH TO PLAY STREEP’S SIS

TWILIGHT’S PATTINSON SAYS HELLO, DALI

TV RETURNS TO THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO

It seems like Chris Rock can’t say no to a remake - he directed last year’s I Think I Love My Wife, an updated spin of Eric Rohmer’s Chloe in the Afternoon; co-starred in the remakes of Doctor Dolittle and The Longest Yard; and played the lead in Down to Earth, a retelling of Heaven Can Wait (which was in turn a remake of Here Comes Mr. Jordan). Now Rock is reaching all the way back to 2007 to remake the British comedy Death at a Funeral with an AfricanAmerican twist. It will be interesting to see if the new Funeral (which Rock will star in, co-write and produce) will keep a major plot point from the original - the surprise appearance of the dead patriarch’s gay, littleperson lover. Dig out your black armbands; shooting starts in the spring.

How much do we love Jane Lynch? The out lesbian actress adds a hilarious kick to a variety of projects, from the rollicking Role Models to the soapy L Word to earnest gay indie Tru Loved. And now she gets to go toe to toe with the woman who is arguably the greatest actress of our generation. Lynch and Meryl Streep will play sisters in Julie & Julia, based on the true story of Julie Powell (Amy Adams), a secretary who decided to work her way through the legendary cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking

by Julia Child (Streep) over the course of a year. Powell’s culinary adventure garners her a devoted following. In real life the two cooks never met, but this being the movies, don’t be surprised if they wind up on a road trip together. Bring your appetite to theaters in 2009, when Julie & Julia hits the screen.

Filmmakers love to speculate on the love lives of the great artists - rent The Hours and Times when you get a chance - and that’s certainly the impulse behind Little Ashes, a new British film that posits a love affair between two of Spain’s greatest artists, gay playwright Federico Garcia Lorca and surrealist painter Salvador Dali. In the film by director Paul Morrison, the two artists become chums in college (alongside Luis Bunuel, another national treasure), and while the real Dali insisted that his relationship with Lorca never got physical, the movie tells another story entirely. Of interest to teen girls (and gay men who love books aimed at teen girls), pillow-lipped Twilight star Robert Pattinson plays Dali opposite the gorgeous Javier Beltran as Lorca. Regent will release the film in the first half of 2009. Ole!

If you’ve been flipping channels between the new Knight Rider, the remake of Battlestar Galactica and the updated 90210, you would be forgiven for thinking that television has, once and for all, officially run out of new ideas. So don’t expect to have your mind changed by a revamped The Streets of San Francisco, which is being developed as a possible new show for the fall of 2009. The Nixon-era original starred Karl Malden and Michael Douglas as cops patrolling that city by the bay. So what can the creators of the new Streets bring to the table? Gays! A producer on the project has said there’s no way a contemporary show set in SF couldn’t include its thriving queer community, so let’s hope for the return of this TV classic.

Romeo San Vicente once got shin-splints walking the streets of San Francisco, but he met a friendly young gentleman who offered him a very thorough leg-rub. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.

ARTS

Check Out Columbusarts.com For Low-Cost and Free Events This Holiday Season

by Emily Swartzlander

Think the arts are too expensive to spend money on this holiday season? Think again!

There are tonS of events and exhibitions that are $10 or less, and many that are free. Some examples include: Andy Warhol: Other Voices, Other Rooms Presented by the Wexner Center for the Arts through Feb 15 This amazing exhibition will be in Columbus, its only US stop, through February. Other Voices, Other Rooms sheds new light on celebrated pop artist Andy Warhol, focusing on his ideas of embracing consumer culture, exploring sexual identity, challenging social conventions and erasing distinctions between high and low culture. The exhibition is only $8, or you can go for free every Thursday evening or the first Sunday of every month.

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

Objects of Wonder from The Ohio State University Presented by the Columbus Museum of Art through Jan 11 Marilyn Monroe more your thing? Then try Objects of Wonder at the Columbus Museum of Art, which showcases surprising treasures held in OSU‘s vast collections, from matchboxes to Madonnas, pigeons to paintings and yes, photos of Marilyn. Bring your curiosity as you discover and explore the wonders of OSU at CMA. The exhibition is $10, or free to university students, staff and faculty.

Gifts of the Craftsmen Presented by the Ohio Designer Craftsmen through Dec 23 Buy local this holiday season at Gifts of the Craftsmen, a free exhibition featuring works in clay, metal, fiber, glass and wood by 50 artists from across the country, all of which are avail-

able to purchase.

Kujichagulia Kwanzaa Ball Presented by the King Arts Complex on Dec 27 Try a new holiday tradition. Dress in authentic African attire and join the King Arts Complex and the citywide Kwanzaa Committee for an elegant, free evening dance and tribute to actress, composer, singer, educator and author Nana Camille Yarbrough. This celebration of achievement will also include a celebratory Karamu feast, music and dance. Vendors will display select artifacts, jewelry, texts and accessories.

For more about these events, or to find your own, go to ColumbusArts.com. You can search

by event, location or date to find the perfect holiday entertainment for your budget. And while you’re there, check out the ColumbusArts Card, a membership program that provides discounts to arts events, free or discounted memberships, exclusive cardholder events and more.

The ColumbusArts Card is the perfect holiday gift, and at $25 to $50 for an annual membership, it’s a steal.

Emily Swartzlander is with Greater Columbus Arts Council, a member organization of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association. For more information, visit www.camaonline.org.

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 19

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

20 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

FILM

VAN SANT, PENN PAY HOMAGE TO AN ICON

by Gregg Shapiro

“QUOTE / UNQUOTE”

It took a while, but a biopic worthy of its subject, legendary gay activist and politician Harvey Milk, has finally made it to the big screen. Director Gus Van Sant, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and lead actor Sean Penn prove to be the right combination to tell this historical tale, which turns out to be more relevant than ever in light of recent events.

Van Sant makes excellent use of vintage footage, from the opening credits featuring gay bar raids to the scenes from the 1970s and the ongoing struggle for gay rights. Another successful device is the use of Milk (Sean Penn) recording his story on tape in 1978, a recording intended to be played in the event of his assassination. From there we are taken back to 1970 NYC, where Milk, on the eve of his 40th birthday, picks up Scott (James Franco) in a subway station. On the premise that at 40 Milk hasn’t done a thing to be proud of, he and Scott relocate to San Francisco.

In spite of resistance from some of the local merchants, Milk sets up shop, a camera store, on Castro Street. It is from this location that Milk becomes a community organizer. With a steady

by Rex Wockner

stream of gay men arriving in San Francisco and activists and kids turning Milk’s store into a hangout, he sees the potential for a career in politics. After a few failed attempts, Milk is elected to office as a city supervisor, but it comes at a cost.

He receives death threats and hate mail, and his relationship with Scott comes to an end.

With a new relationship with volatile Jack (Diego Luna) in its early stage, Milk appears to be happy. With his inner circle, including Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch) and Anne Kronenber (Alison Pill), by his side, he begins to make his mark. Most significantly, he is instrumental in the defeat of the anti-gay Briggs Initiative, Proposition 6.

But closer to home, trouble brews in city hall between Milk and conservative fellow supervisor Dan White (James Brolin, playing yet another despised character on screen this year). The tragedy that ensues is one of the historical building blocks that made the GLBT community what is today. Penn’s personification of Milk is the stuff of legend, a performance that is as much homage as it is embodiment, and worthy of Oscar attention. The ensemble cast also rises to the occasion, and out filmmaker Van Sant has crafted another triumph.

MILK’S HOPE SPEECH

by Chuck Wolfe A whole new generation is getting to know an unsung civil rights hero thanks to the new film, Milk. I have already had the pleasure of seeing the film, and honestly, words can’t describe how moved I felt. You’ve got to see it for yourself, if you haven’t already. While you’re at it, don’t miss this video of Harvey’s famous “Hope Speech,” and share it with friends and family: http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5208/t/3926/ content.jsp?content_KEY=2411 Milk’s candidacy gave hope to millions across the globe, and his sacrifice helped ignite a movement to elect openly LGBT leaders to offices at all levels of government across the country.

Today, the Victory Fund’s brave endorsed officials are carrying Harvey’s torch into the future.

They serve their community and their country openly, honestly, and unafraid - because Harvey

straight world might stop demonizing an abstract idea. But so powerful was the move“I was the one who found his [Harvey ment he helped inspire that I believe his Milk’s] body. To get a pulse, I put my finger in appeal has now pretty much been heeded, a bullet hole. It was a terrible, terrible time in save in certain backward regions of the land the city’s history. ... It’s very painful for me. It that a wise gay or lesbian should soon deprive took me seven years before I could sit in of their blessings.”

George Moscone’s chair. It took me a long time - Chicago Sun-Times movie reviewer Roger to talk about it. I was only recently able to talk Ebert, Nov 24. about it.”

- US Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA, to the New “[Harvey Milk’s] most fateful relationYork Times, Nov 22. Feinstein was serving ship was with Dan White, a seemingly with Milk on the San Francisco Board of Sustraight member of the board of supervipervisors in 1978 when Milk and Mayor sors, a Catholic who said homosexuality George Moscone were assassinated. was a sin and campaigned with his wife, kids and the American flag. An awkward “In 1977, Harvey Milk became the first alliance formed between Milk and White, openly gay man elected to public office in the who was probably gay and used their areas United States. Yes, but I have become so of political agreement as a beard. ‘I think weary of the phrase ‘openly gay.’ I am openly he’s one of us,’ Milk confided. The only gay heterosexual, but this is the first time I have supervisor, Milk was the only supervisor inever said so. Why can’t we all be what we pre- vited to the baptism of White’s new baby. fer? Why can’t gays simply be gays, and ‘un- White was an alcoholic who all but reopenly gays’ be whatever they want to seem? vealed his sexuality to Milk during a In 1977, it was not so. Milk made a powerful drunken tirade, became unbalanced, reappeal to closeted gays to come out to their signed his position and on Nov 27, 1978, families, friends and co-workers, so the walked into City Hall and assassinated

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

Milk and Mayor George Moscone.”

- Ebert, Nov 24.

“When political attacks are launched from churches, political responses will be delivered to churches. If goddamned McDonald’s had organized and paid for Prop 8, we’d be marching on goddamned McDonald’s.”

- Gay writer Dan Savage on his blog, Nov 15.

“When a church, like the Mormon church, makes a concerted effort to enter the public square and strip a small minority of basic civil rights, it is simply preposterous for them then to argue that the Mormon church cannot be criticized and protested because they are a religion. ... [W]hen they use their money and power to target my family, to break it up, to demean it and marginalize it, to strip me and my husband of our civil rights, then they have started a war.”

- Gay writer Andrew Sullivan on his blog, Nov 17. Mormons contributed as much as 50 percent of the money to the campaign to pass Proposition 8, its backers have said.

“What comes after the [Prop 8] protests? ...

gave them hope, and because they know they have the force of thousands of generous, compassionate people like you behind them.

I can’t thank you enough for your unwavering support. You’ve made it possible for a record number of people in our community to win the opportunity to lead this year.

I’m sure if Harvey were alive today, he would be at the forefront of the movement for LGBT rights and representation. He would be standing on the front lines with today’s brave LGBT officials, making sure the kind of homophobic propositions we saw across the country this year would never even make it to the ballot.

I think we could all use a little hope right now - watch this video, and share Harvey’s speech with your loved ones. Thank you for helping to realize Harvey’s dream.

Chuck Wolfe is the president & CEO of the Victory Fund.

We need a real campaign, a real war, real strategies - mean, nasty, vicious and, above all else, effective strategies targeted at achieving a concrete goal that moves our movement, moves our rights, forward. This is why I’ve talked endlessly about the role the Mormons had in making Prop 8 a reality. They are willing to be hate’s banker, and we need to make sure that their moral bankruptcy becomes a fiscal one as well. Whether that means targeting key Mormon donors, targeting the entire state of Utah, or finding another means to make the price far too high for anyone willing to finance hate. I’m not sure what the answer is. But we need one. We are a people without leadership at the moment. The California groups who got us into this mess seem downright terrified that gay people are finally rising up and demanding their rights, and the national groups, rightfully, to a degree, are butting out of what is California’s own business. ... Gay people want change.

But politics, like war, best achieves its goals when someone with experience and vision is at the helm. And for whatever reason, no one is stepping up.”

- Gay blogger John Aravosis, Nov 24.

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 21

“We need new leadership. This paper could be filled with the number of people who wanted to work with the campaign to defeat Prop 8 but were turned away at the door - told they weren’t needed - people like Molly McKay from Freedom to Marry, who is one of the best grassroots activists ever when it comes to mobilizing for marriage rights. People like Robin Tyler, who put together an effective series of PSAs to reach people of color who may have voted with us had there been any outreach before the last week of the campaign. And hundreds upon hundreds (thousands, most likely) of regular community people who wanted to volunteer. ... [A]ll that experience and expertise - all of that heart - was turned away by our so-called ‘leaders.’ In the most elitist, clique-ish, private club-ish way imaginable, old political scores and turf wars were prioritized by the No on 8 leadership, who listened to no one outside their elite group. ...

The No on Prop 8 campaign was a disaster from the top down.”

- San Francisco Bay Times publisher Kim Corsaro, writing in the Nov 27 issue.

“With the click of a mouse and boots on the street, hundreds of thousands of newly minted activists across the country last weekend declared independence from the top-down, blacktie, this-cutesy-logo-brought-to-you-by movement for gay civil rights. It took the political perfect storm: the ‘Yes We Can’ spirit behind Barack Obama’s election, running smack up against the ‘Oh No You Don’t’ passage of Proposition 8 banning gay marriage in California. The result was Stonewall 2.0. No corporate sponsors, no tony Washington, DC, offices, and not a single poll or focus group. Just tech-savvy young activists pulling off day after day of street protests in California, followed by a massive mobilization on Nov. 15, a National Day of Protest in big cities and small towns across these United States.”

- Syndicated gay columnist Chris Crain, Nov 18.

“The anti-Prop 8 campaign was an exercise in frustration. What we’re seeing now ... is brilliant. ... These nationwide protests are a watershed moment of sorts - the moment when the gay community realized that it had the power to fight for change on its own, and didn’t require any of its so-called, self-appointed ‘leaders’ to give them permission to engage.”

- Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas Zúñiga, writing at DailyKos.com, Nov 17.

“I suspect history will show that the defeat of Prop 8, rather than halt momentum toward marriage equality (as I once feared), will prove the spark that launches the movement nationwide.”

- Zúñiga, Nov 17.

“If the bigots thought they would slap down gay men and lesbians by passing Proposition 8, or if they thought it would end the gay civil rights movement, they were mistaken. I haven’t seen the gay community this galvanized in a long time. The passage of Proposition 8 might be this generation’s ‘Stonewall,’ the 1969 riot that began after an unprovoked police raid on a gay bar in Greenwich Village and that marked the start of the gay rights movement. If we can somehow harness the energy unleashed by California’s Proposition 8 vote, we can achieve tremendous gains for us and for future genera-

tions of gay men and lesbians.”

- Writer Dan Wentzel writing in the Washington Post, Nov 24.

“There has been a paradigm shift in the movement following marriage defeats in California, Florida and Arizona. ... The leaders of what is being billed as Stonewall 2.0 are not coming from large, established organizations. ... That this huge outpouring of organic outrage is not being channeled through official organizational channels has enormous implications. ... We are not the same movement we were prior to Nov. 4. ... Organizations that do not adjust to this new reality will wither and die.”

- Syndicated gay columnist Wayne Besen, Nov 17.

“There’s no doubt that election night was a bittersweet night. But in some ways, these kinds of setbacks (Prop 8) allow for a bigger fight, more challenges, and eventually we’re going to get it right. Eventually the American public will figure out that it really isn’t right to deny citizens basic civil human rights. And we can no longer allow that to happen. So the fact that these things were voted in, to me, it’s just an example of the fact that they had more money. How much money did the Mormon church put in? So I hope, like Arnold Schwarzenegger said, ‘Don’t give up.

Keep protesting.’”

- Actor Kevin Spacey to the website Celebs Gone Good, Nov 19.

“We know how much the right likes to play political and cultural hardball, and then turn around and accuse us of lashing out first. You give a pass to a religious group - one that looks down upon minorities and women - when they use their money and membership rolls to roll back the rights of others, and then you label us ‘fascists’ when we fight back.”

- Lesbian activist Candace Gingrich in an open letter to her brother, Newt Gingrich, published Nov 22 at The Huffington Post. Newt was speaker of the US House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999 and was named Time magazine’s person of the year in 1995 for his role in flipping the House to a Republican majority.

“What really worries me is that you are always willing to use LGBT Americans as political weapons to further your ambitions. That’s really so ’90s, Newt. In this day and age, it’s embarrassing to watch you talk like that. You should be more afraid of the new political climate in America, because, there is no place for you in it.

In other words, stop being a hater, big bro.”

- Candace Gingrich, Nov 22.

“The history of my comic strip is like a picture of the gay and lesbian newspaper community.

These papers are folding left and right. I used to be in 70 newspapers and, by the time I quit, it was down to maybe thirty-something. Many of them could not pay, and it was getting really tough. On the other hand, the only reason I was able to do the comic strip and nothing else for all these years was because of these newspapers and because of gay and lesbian newspapers starting up in almost every major city in the country.”

- Dykes To Watch Out For cartoonist Alison Bechdel, to Chicago’s Windy City Times, Nov 5.

Assistance: Bill Kelley DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

22 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

SHOPPING

by Marcus Morris

WORTHINGTON GIFT GUIDE GIVE GREEN GIFTS WITHOUT The holidays are fast approaching, and our holiday shopping tour continues in Worthington. The shops along High Street are perfect for those looking for a place to find a host of treasures, and the area is beyond beautiful. My journey along the strip coincided with the first measurable snowfall of the season. Olde Worthington looked like a snow globe, providing one of the most beautiful sights I’ve seen this season. Head north to support some wonderful small businesses and enjoy the beauty of a bygone era.

Fine Lines, 657 High St, 614.885.7787, is a great stationary and printing shop where one could spend hours searching through the different papers, invitations, and announcements. This shop, under new ownership, does in-house printing, and many announcement or invitation sets start at around $10 for ten. They also carry Waterman Pens, letter openers, and other stationary supplies. I love the idea of getting someone a set of personalized luggage tags, 2 for $15, as a stylish alternative to an airline set. It will encourage them to take a trip to show off the tags. On Saturdays, Fine Lines features a wonderful tray of desserts

by Jan Kish, a local treasure who has been featured on The Today Show. I had an amazing mini-cupcake with buttercream icing and raspberries. www.finelinesstationery.com, www.jankishlapetitfleur.com.

The wino in you will be indulged at House Wine, 644 High St, 614.846.WINE. House Wine is a great place for enthusiasts to learn more about their beverages of choice.

The store has wine and beer tastings, and on Thursdays evenings you can “taste at DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

your own pace” for $15 per person. A great gift would be a membership to the House Club, $30 per month. You will get two bottles of wine, along with info about the wine and its makers. For those serious about vino, it’s a great idea, and will allow you to expand your palate based on season and occasion. If you just want a great bottle of wine, try Orin Swift’s “The Prisoner.” It is a 2007 blend of reds that will change your life. www.housewine.biz.

Fritzy Jacobs, 635 High St, 614.885.8283, offers plenty in the way of home décor, and has the most fun name of any shop on the strip! Owners Jennifer Lewis and Tricia Steele have a wonderful place where you can find many items to add to the personality of your home. They carry lamps by Notre Monde, around $176, that are made in Columbus. I loved the White Acorn Lamp, $176, which has so much style but is incredibly simple and modern. Fritzy Jacobs also carries wool accessories by Zig Zag, an Asian fair trade company that manages to be impossibly stylish and socially responsible. I loved the Wool Beanie, $20, a colorful and warm hat, sure to come in handy for the next few months. www.fritzyjacobs.com.

When you have frozen to death, and you are exhausted from shopping in Olde Worthington, head to La Chatelaine French Bakery, 627 High St, 614.848.6228, for a croissant and a Café Au Lait. This bakery, with three Columbus locations, has a great assortment of pastries, desserts, and tarts. I could overdose on the Chocolate Croissant, and they even have a bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is the ultimate French country treatment. Since it is the season, you might also want to pick up a Yule Log, also known as “La Buche de Noel.” Ooh, la la. www.lachatelainebakery.com.

BREAKING THE BANK Is your holiday cheer distressed by money concerns? Wear green, the color of love, to enhance peace within yourself and encourage patience with others. According to ColorAlchemy, to prevent getting red-hot and bothered over shopping anxieties, decorate for the holidays with green candles, tablecloths, and ornaments to support harmony with family and friends. Feature green accent pillows and other emerald accessories to help keep that peaceful feeling throughout the year.

Color influences our emotions. Madison Avenue marketing millionaires command its power, as do Hollywood filmmakers, interior designers, and every artist under the sun. Color affects everything you think, do, and say.

Did you ever wonder why you feel so good spending time with nature? Green is nature’s color, the color of living things. Its balance of warm and cool is easy on the eye and distinguishes it as “the color of love and compassion.”

Eliminate stress and expense anxiety by gifting loved ones with handmade, live or silk evergreen wreaths (circles are symbols of togetherness and longevity). Instead of traditional red accents, which may cause impatience, use blue (green’s partner) for more natural inspiration. Just like the color of a crisp, springtime sky, add blue silk flowers, bows, or ornaments for more tranquility.

Spend fewer greenbacks by personalizing handmade gifts with the feel-good aspects of color for everyone on your list. Make custom, colored gifts with specific loved ones in mind.

Think ecology and green energy when creating your gifts to be responsible for the environment at the same time. Do you have any garage-sale treasures that you collected to recolor and re-new? (With a five-dollar investment, a little bronze paint, and tapered-green candles, I converted a rusty candelabra into a one-of a-kind beauty.) Have fun exploring dollar stores, bazaars, and flea markets as colored gems are eager for discovery.

MILK DOES YOU GOOD Make a statement and put your dollars to work for equality. What political junkie or film buff wouldn’t love an HRC MILK cap or shirt honoring the slain Mayor of Castro Street? Harvey and the Human Rights Campaign are a perfect fit for the holidays. (Hat $19, Tee $25; hrc.org)

All colors have special life-enhancing benefits. Consider these ideas to get started: • Red excites and energizes: Fill a red container with cookies to sweeten the most seasoned sourpuss.

• Orange inspires play and spontaneity: Make a small, whimsical orange-flower arrangement to brighten a work-aholic’s desk.

• Yellow commands confidence: Bead a yellow bracelet with special charms for timid children, friends, or co-workers.

• Green lovingly nurtures: Present an IOU with the gift of quality time. Show up with a picnic basket and head off to sit beneath a wise, old tree.

• Blue clears the mind and provokes thought: Gift your favorite water and sky picture (that you took yourself) in a frame.

• Indigo/inspires insight: Make a gift card for an evening walk in the country to count shooting stars.

• Violet quiets and deepens inner peace: Sew an eye pillow in luxurious purple fabric filled with dried lavender.

Need more help delivering thoughtful gifts without breaking the bank? Wear blue to have clear ideas or orange to have fun in your creative process.

Get everyone involved in a colorful, stressless season. Have a gift-making party. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure and can hold the ultimate creative opportunity for holiday festivity. Ask friends and family to bring recyclable objects and their colorful ideas to share, re-create, and re-gift to each other. It is impossible to be stressed when thinking loving thoughts or being surrounded by the people you love.

For more free ideas about the unlimited benefits of color featured in Jami Lin’s award-winning book, ColorAlchemy, visit ColorAlchemy.com. For more information on how color can improve your life and feng shui/interior design, please call Joel Alan at 305.893.9985 or email Joel at gp@jamilin.com.

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 23

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

TV SHOW HOST Looking for upbeat enthusiAD SALES astic host for Columbus Arts Television Advertising Sales, & Culture Television Show.

Top performer, Creative adCreative, diverse and quirky a vertising, B2B environment. plus. Broadcast experience Sell Ad spots, develop new preferred. Show produced business clients and sell weekly with emphasis on the commercial spot production. Arts, Culture & Lifestyles.

Compensation is commensu- Send resume & reel to, HR/TV rate with experience. Sales Host, 1033 W 3rd Ave, Suite objectives must be met or ex- 210, Columbus 43212. No ceeded. Send resume and phone calls please. salary history to, HR/Ad Sales, 1033 W 3rd Ave, Suite UNEMPLOYED? UNDEREM210, Columbus 43212. No PLOYED? phone calls please.

Do you routinely scan the classifieds? Are physical, TELEVISION PRODUCTION emotional, or mental health Camera/editor/graphics issues or handicaps causing FT/PT must understand dead- you roadblocks to successful lines; experienced with Final and satisfying employment?

Cut Pro, After Effects, Photo- Vision & Vocational Services shop. Will shoot & edit TV and Outlook Weekly are partCommercials, segments for nering to provide free needs local programs and promos. assessment. Call Rebecca Compensation is commensu- Melton or Toi VanHorn at rate with experience. Send re- 614.294.5571 and mention sume & reel to, this ad. You can Accomplish HR/Production, 1033 W 3rd Anything - Outlook Media and Ave, Suite 210, Columbus Vision & Vocational Services 43212. No phone calls are committed to helping you please. do so.

HOUSING/FOR RENT CAPE COD Cape-cod style 3-bedroom home w/central air and heat, full basement, garage, fenced back yard and security system.

This clean, non-smoking home would be ideal for one or two people. Pet negotiable. Nice neighbors. On bus line close to downtown. $675/month + deposit. Call Rick at 614.270.3714.

Mgmt. at 614.228.6700.

SANTA SAYS FREE MONTH For December. 1,500 sq ft, 3BR, C/A, off-street parking, formal dining room. Olde Towne East.

Fully-equipped kitchen with new appliances. $675-850/month.

Call Shawn at 614.252.8728 for appointment.

OLDE TOWNE EAST 1096 & 1104 Bryden Rd, 1 BR apartments available, new kitchen, wd flrs, vaulted ceiling, $450/mo. More OTE rentals available. Call Beacon Property

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

24 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

SEX TALK

by Simon Sheppard

The Gym

SPEAKING OF

The Catholics have Lourdes, the Muslims Mecca. And gay men have the gym.

Though hard proof may be lacking, it seems safe to say that queer men may well spend more time working out than our straight brethren do. And there are several interlocking reasons why that’s so.

First comes fitness: There’s no doubt that aerobic conditioning and good muscle tone make for a healthier, happier life. And with the nagging conflation of “gay” and “AIDS,” many gay men are even more health-conscious than ever. “My partner hardly ever went to the gym until he was diagnosed HIV-positive,” says one fellow.

“Now he’s kind of a workout addict. And that’s fine with me.”

Indeed, the body-amping burn of a hard workout can provide a high that’s positively habituating. It can even work off guilt. Confesses one man in his 20s, “I guess I’m kind of a party boy. I know I shouldn’t, but every once in a while I spend all night drinking, dancing, and getting high. The next day, spending a few hours at the gym makes me feel like I’m getting rid of some of the bad stuff in my body. Even if I’m fooling myself, at least it’s better than going out drinking again.”

But there’s more to being a homo than health. Many queer men see pumping iron as a sweat-soaked path to having the body of their fantasies - and to pumping the man of their dreams. And they may not be wrong; the conventional gay cruising scene is largely focused on looks. Explains one longtime observer of the gay scene, “There’s an idealized vision of the gay physique everywhere you look. Ads, porn, glossy magazines, brochures for gay cruises, they all tell us the desirable gay body is trim, defined, not too bulked up, and preferably hairless. And when you’re in a noisy bar, the first thing you spot isn’t a guy’s soul.”

Continues our observer, “Teenage girls aren’t the only ones with body-image problems. While exercise is a wonderful thing, there are gay guys who get obsessed with their own physiques, fretting that they’re too fat, worrying they’re just never going to be buff enough.” Indeed, many of us queer guys grow up thinking we’re less than masculine, and not worthy of love...and no DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

amount of time spent on Cybex machines will guarantee getting past those issues.

Worries over aging can play a part, too.

There’s an emphasis on youth in much of the gay community, and plenty of gay gyms are filled with middle-aged men trying to slow the effects of time. Says one gym-goer in his 50s, “I don’t think there’s anything pathetic in trying to stay fit. Sure, I’m getting older. But that doesn’t mean I have to resign myself to falling apart.”

And, as it was in ancient homo-friendly Athens, the gymnasium can be a social scene as well. Our 50-something man says, “I belong to an all-gay gym. Not only do I feel more comfortable there, but it’s one of the places I make new friends. I really don’t care about going to bars anymore, so my gym has taken up the slack.”

Needless to say, the sight of half-naked, sweaty men has pumped up many a gay guy’s dick; gyms are cruising sites par excellence. Often, that translates into nothing more than discreet ogling in the shower room. But there are post-workout sessions that go way beyond that. Says our party boy, “I go to a Y with a mixed clientele, but that hasn’t stopped me from getting sucked off in the steam room. Yes, there are warning posters around, and I do try to be really careful about not getting caught. But I get horny being around all the naked guys in the locker room, and what’s the harm? It’s just a blow job.”

Not everyone buys into the “ripped is best” paradigm. There have always been chubby dudes and the men who adore them. And lately, the bear subculture has proclaimed, “Bulky is beautiful.” On the other end of the spectrum, skinny twinks are eye candy for a sizable segment of guys.

But as long as there are men and muscles, it seems there will be queer men hanging around the gym. Sure, some men are lucky enough to be born with body-likea-Greek-god genes. But for most of us, staying hunky takes work. And working out.

So go for the burn!

Simon Sheppard is the editor of Leathermen and Homosex: Sixty Years of Gay Erotica, and the author of Sex Parties 101, Kinkorama, and In Deep: Erotic Stories, and can be reached at SexTalk@qsyndicate.com. Visit Simon at www.simonsheppard.com.

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 25

SAVAGE LOVE

by Dan Savage

My girlfriend and I have been on-and-off for almost two years. I took her back after she cheated on me. The only thing now is that she wants to have a threesome. I am really not down with sharing her, but I am willing to do it because otherwise some other girl will do it for her. I told her that I want to be stoned when it happens, because I don’t think I can handle it sober.

She got mad because she doesn’t like drugs. Then what am I supposed to do?

Lesbian With One Real Dilemma You’re supposed to wake the fuck up already.

You can be in a monogamous relationship with someone, LWORD, or you can be in a relationship with this woman - but you can’t be in a monogamous relationship with this woman. She’s already proven herself to be inept at this monogamy stuff; she cheated on you, you took her back, and now she’s pressing you to bring in the occasional third.

You may not be down with sharing her, LWORD, but she seems pretty intent on being shared.

Here’s the question you should be asking yourself: Do you want this woman in your life badly enough to overcome your aversion to sharing? Agreeing to a three-way - so long as you’re baked - doesn’t count. A three-way involving a woman; her reluctant, resentful, self-medicating girlfriend; and some innocent bystander is unlikely to (1) be very much fun for anyone involved (particularly your unlucky third) or (2) put an end to your girlfriend’s desire for share time.

Your girlfriend is seeking to fold her desire to sleep with other women into the structure of your relationship: three-ways now, perhaps some degree of openness later.

She gets points for being honest this time, but she loses points for being manipulative and controlling. (Fresh pussy for her, no pot for you? Please.) And if this three-way is a disaster and you refuse to have others which may be the outcome you’re subcon-

sciously hoping for - I predict that your girlfriend will just go back to cheating on you.

So returning to my original point: If you want a girlfriend you don’t have to share, find another girlfriend. If you want this girlfriend, learn to share.

And invest in a vaporizer.

I recently read the novel A Melon for Ecstasy for an English class, and an interesting debate came up. The book is about a guy who is sexually attracted to trees and goes around drilling holes into trees so that he can “seal the deal.” Though he feminizes the trees, he cares nothing about actual human females.

The debate was centered on this question: Is this man heterosexual? Or is he really gay? Is he having vaginal sex with a woman or anal sex with a man? Or something else entirely?

RF If the male protagonist in A Melon for Ecstasy is having sexual intercourse with ladytrees - “feminized” trees - then the male protagonist is a true-blue, red-blooded, lady-tree-fucking straight boy, RF. But it doesn’t surprise me that a room full of mostly straight college students would seek to cast doubt on this character’s heterosexuality. “Heterosexual” for many young people is practically synonymous with “normal.” Introduce college-age straight kids to a not-so-normal heterosexual character, and they’ll spend the rest of the afternoon searching for evidence that the dude is gay.

He can’t be straight - he’s not normal! This explains the ability of some in your class to look at lady-tree fucking and see, of all things, “anal sex with a man.” Isn’t santorum bad enough? Do we have to worry about splinters now too? (Queer-studies kids who read homosexuality into obviously straight fictional characters are, for the record, just as annoying.)

I have to disagree with your response to SHEESH, the guy who asked his Dom to show him that her dildo was clean. He is right and the Dom is wrong. Period. You should never let anybody stick anything into your body unless you know where it’s been. Just because somebody is a bottom, he doesn’t have to be reckless. This isn’t about being uppity. This is about staying healthy.

So, bravo for Mr. SHEESH.

SHEESH is seeing, but ALL pro Doms worth their weight in latex use CONDOMS over dildos. ALWAYS. This pro may have just not gotten around to throwing the condom on it, and she saw this as an opportunity to get rid of a bore. But shared toys always need a condom for EVERYONE’S protection.

Critiquer

Thank you! I’m a professional Dominatrix in NYC, and I all but gave your response to SHEESH a standing ovation. I mean, really: Does he expect anyone to believe that she would just throw away a quality client for shits and giggles? In this economy? Gimme a break. He was obviously a douche.

After the recent legal/press issues that NYC pros have had to deal with, it was great to see someone have our back in print. First Barack Obama gets elected, and now Dan Savage shows pro Doms some love: Things are looking up!

I was inclined to side with SHEESH, as I said in my response, until he indicated that his Dom, who had asked him not to contact her again, was a Savage Love reader. If SHEESH was using my column to get back at his Dom, well, how badly did he behave during his sessions with her? (And remember: We only had SHEESH’s version of events to go on.) But like I said in my column: “[If] she is unwilling to pause, step out of her role, and renegotiate a scene that’s already underway, SHEESH… you are well rid of her.” But most people thought my advice for SHEESH blew chunks…

Your response to SHEESH belittles the rights of submissive men (myself included). Maybe this particular sub had a bit of an obsession with hygiene, and his mistress (let’s not forget who is the employee here) asked him to leave out of self-righteous pettiness. However, it doesn’t even matter what actually happened because you have empowered dominant women to demand more and give less.

Unsatisfied Male Sub Thanks for sharing, UMS, and I’m sure all the pro Doms out there appreciate the reminder about who the employee is. Moving on…

S&M 101 Thanks for SHARING, S&M 101…

Anonymous Whip-Toting Flog-meister Thanks for sharing, AWTF. And speaking of Barack Obama, and in the spirit dominance, I’m going to order everyone out there reading this to send a postcard to Obama, reminding him that (1) he made certain promises to the gay community during the campaign (repeal DOMA, scrap DADT) and (2) he needs to keep ’em. Send your postcard to: President-elect Barack Obama Presidential Transition Office Kluczynski Federal Building 230 S Dearborn St, 38th Floor Chicago, IL 60604.

Find more info at Jointheimpact.com.

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

I don’t know what PRO Dom that idiot DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

26 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY

ABOUT TOWN MADLAB’S NON-CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS SHOW MadLab Theatre is known for its alternative brand of theatre, and the holiday season is no exception. This year MadLab’s non-Christmas Christmas show is Split. It tells the story of Adam, a directionless yet charming 24-yearold with two imaginary friends, an overprotective oddball girlfriend who bears a striking resemblance to his mother, and a severe lack of self-confidence. To make matters worse, Jenny (an old love interest with some embarrassing secrets about Adam’s past) has mysteriously come back into his life after a three-year absence. Can Adam confront his

own insecurities, confusions, fears, and past histories in order to set his life straight?

So, instead of a tree with all the trimmings on the MadLab stage, you’ll get Vince Vaughn, Mister Eskimo, Alaskan baby seals, rock stars, an Oedipus complex, and much more!

MadLab presents Split Fridays and Saturdays through Dec 20. All shows are at 8p at MadLab Theatre, 105 N Grant Ave, Columbus. Tickets $12 general admission, $8 students/seniors, and $6 for MadLab members at http://www.madlab.net/tickets.htm. Tickets also available by phone (614.221.5418) or email (publicity@madlab.net). The Columbus Foundation, OAC and the GCAC support MadLab throughout the year.

ENTERTAINING FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

YOU NEED MARY ANN Once again, Flaggots Ohio will be selling The Mary Ann Brandt Guide to Holiday Entertaining for $10 at The Mary Ann Brandt Christmas Show! Complete with full-page cover photo and forward by Mary Ann Brandt herself, each section of this guide has its own theme, introduction, entertaining tips, fun photos and creative holiday recipes…more than sixty recipes in all! We guarantee you will chuckle or even LOL as you read through this hysterical (and useful) publication.

Flaggots Ohio will also be selling “The Mary Ann Brandt Tampon Angel Kit” for $3. These hysterically original stocking stuffers are just the gift for those who ‘may have seen it all’…and haven’t met Mary Ann yet! Come up to the west mezzanine the night of the show to watch Mary Ann’s instructional video on how to create these lovely little “angels.”

Supplies will be limited during the show, so please help out by placing your order now.

Email merchandise@flaggotsohio.org and include the: • exact # of items that you wish to purchase (holiday guides $10; angel ornament kits $3) • which night you plan on attending the show (Dec 13, 14, 20 or 21) • name under which to hold them (please pick them up on the 2nd floor west mezzanine at Wall Street) Then send your check made payable to: Flaggots Ohio, 452 Vermont Place, Columbus, OH 43201. Flaggots will confirm your order and have your gifts waiting for you on the night you will be attending.

The Mary Ann Brandt Christmas Show: Sat-Sun, Dec 13-14 & 20-21, 9p. $10 admission at the door. Wall Street Nightclub, 144 N Wall St, 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetnightclub.com.

C-NOTE ART SHOW OFFERS AFFORDABLE LOCAL ART This weekend marks the second coming of the C-Note Art Show. This installment has grown to grand proportions with over 300 artists and close to 1000 works of original art, all from Columbus-based folks. In the mix of works you will find any and everything that you need to decorate your walls, bookshelves, mantles, and even your person.

Everything at the show will sell for $100 and the entire bounty goes right into the pocket of the person who creates it. So make sure to shop locally and buy creative gifts at the C-Note ART Show this Friday and Saturday.

Previews of all work are available online at www.cnoteartshow.com.

Event details: C Note Art Show 889 Williams Ave Columbus, OH 43212 Preview party: December 12th, 6p-11p Main event: December 13th, 12p-12a

COLUMBUS NEXT MEETING: DEC 10, 6P-8P; LOCATION: SAGE AMERICAN BISTRO (2653 N HIGH) ; OUTLOOK'S HOLIDAY SHINDIGEXTRAVAGANZA WWW.NETWORKCOLUMBUS.COM DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008

OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 27

fin

THE LAST WORD

by Jennifer Vanasco

BOYCOTT NOW!

BOYCOTT SO AND SO!

SAVING BOYCOTTS FOR THE COMPANIES THAT ACTUALLY DESERVE THEM Third - and most importantly - this sort of boycott is bad even if it succeeds. It’s bad because companies are very reactive to losing business, especially in hard economic times. And corporations do a lot to protect themselves. I fear that the result of these sorts boycotts - if they are successful - will be for companies to add a “no personal political or campaign donations” clause to their employment contracts.

Journalism organizations already often do this, so that reporters do not seem to have a conflict of interest with stories they report. You could see a company deciding, “Well, if an employee goes rogue and supports some political cause other people disagree with, we may lose business. So we might as well tell employees that they can’t make political donations of any kind.”

That might sound terrific - until we think about it for a minute. The last thing we want is for a giant group of corporations to start limiting personal donations to causes. Many of us contribute to LGBT advocacy organizations. It would cripple our causes if we were unable to keep financial supporting Lambda Legal and NGLTF because our jobs told us we could not.

And do we really want companies to fire em-

ployees whose personal donations raise the ire of the community? What happens when a company is based in Florida, say, and it has learned that its CEO gave money to support civil unions; should a protest of anti-gay Floridians mean that the CEO is let go?

Instead, let us remember that people are not businesses. Businesses change practices due to attacks on the wallet; people change their minds through attacks on the heart.

Punishing Cinemark or Marriott or El Coyote for the foolish personal choices of a few leaders is unlikely to change (already pretty gay-friendly) corporate policies.

We must build rapport with those leaders instead; we must talk with them; we must introduce them to gay people and explain from our hearts why their positions are wrong. And we must save boycotts for the companies that actually deserve them.

Boycotting is a blunt instrument. Let’s not smash through our own interests accidentally.

Instead, let’s use a lever. And move the world.

work may put you out of sync with colleagues. Slowing down is the easy answer, but not the best one. Talk with them about redistributing the load to let everyone work synergistically toward top performance.

time to work out family problems, especially with older relatives. If that slate is clean, you could help negotiate problems in your community, helping neighbors or competing factions to resolve differences.

your instincts. Even if they seem a little paranoid, your hunches and odd inspirations will prove accurate. Helping at a charity event will boost your image professionally and otherwise.

LEO (Jul 23 - Aug 22): A playful mind and tons of work needn’t be a conflict.

You of all people should be able to figure out how to make your work more fun. Get creative, accomplish more, and boost your colleagues’ morale!

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21): It seems you have some good financial advice.

It’s better than you realize, so pay close attention to what you hear yourself telling others. You’re still open to impulse spending; just think twice whenever you open your wallet.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Political or community activities can be a little crazy-making. Perhaps you care too much. A little detachment and meditation can help you get everything back into perspective so you can be more effective.

GEMINI (May 21 - Jun 20): Your partner wants to try something new in bed (or wherever!), and you prefer to hone skills already in practice. A little conversation and experimentation bring your two desires together, to get the best of both.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22): Take up any of the domestic arts or domesticate whatever pleasures appeal to you. Entertain friends, or just a special friend.

Joining a community sports league or community-based hobby group is also good.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 20): With some hard work, planning, focus, and patience, current inspirations can prove very profitable in the long run. Be willing to take a sensible chance; don’t go too far out on a limb.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 19): With a little effort, you could get elected to anything right now! Stand up for yourself; let your friends and colleagues know what you can do and they’ll be sure to help you do it. (And, as always, be careful what you wish for!)

CANCER (Jun 21 - Jul 22): Your hard

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22): Now is the

CAPRICORN (Dec 21 - Jan 19): Trust

My grandfather used to quote the old axiom: Give me a lever, and I’ll move the world.

What he meant was that the right tool makes the task possible.

We have many tools at our disposal as we react to the taking away of our marriage rights in California. National protests. Lawsuits. A new ballot measure. Legislative lobbying. Wearing the White Knot.

But there’s one popular tool that’s more of a blunt instrument than a lever: boycotts on businesses because their CEO or other employees donated to Yes on 8.

There are good boycotts and bad ones. This is the bad kind.

I know it’s tempting. We’re very angry and very hurt. We want to lash out. And so when we hear that Cinemark’s CEO donated $9,999 to Yes on 8, or that a manager of the West Hollywood restaurant El Coyote donated to Yes on 8, or that a business is owned by a Mormon, then we want to strike out. We boycott.

Last weekend, for example, people protested Cinemark theaters across the country, in addition to the unofficial boycott.

But this is not the solution, for an important

reason: It sets an unfortunate precedent.

A boycott is good when a company is bad.

When it harasses its LGBT employees, fires them for being gay, will not promote them, or sells anti-gay products or services (say, an anti-gay tshirt).

A boycott is bad when a company is being targeted because of the personal donations of someone in the company - especially when the company itself is pro-gay or gay-neutral, as Cinemark is. (Cinemark has high-ranking, open gays in its leadership. It supports LGBT film festivals. It’s showing Milk.) Or, for example, Marriott - which, yes, is owned by a Mormon family, but which also scored 100 in the 2009 HRC Corporate Equality Index.

Why is it a bad boycott? First, because it makes no sense. It’s as if we are punishing an entire family because one member let loose a racial slur. And unfair, overzealous actions like this tend to lead to backlashes.

Second, because it is likely to fail. Boycotts are tough to sustain (look at the way Baptists tried to boycott Disney), and when they wind up having no significant impact, it makes the group boycotting seem less powerful.

Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning syndicated columnist. Email her at Jennifer.Vanasco@gmail.com.

HOROSCOPES

by Jack Fertig

ARIES (Mar 20 - Apr 19): With a little creative thinking, you can easily shine at whatever you do. Just be open to new ideas and ready to put them into play. Opponents in arguments will unwittingly give you very helpful information if you’re sharp enough to spot it.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20): New ideas about sex can be more easily and safely put into practice if you’re willing to explore them intellectually before you try acting on impulse. Of course, reality never matches anticipation, but thinking ahead can make that reality better!

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.

DEC 11 - DEC 17 2008