OC MAY 2014 2014 SEPTEMBER
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CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER 2014 6 TELEVISION Orange Is The New Best
26 PERSPECTIVE A Letter To My Younger Self
8 SCENE Out and About
28 LIFE Exploring New Paths
10 NEW BUSINESS Be Counted: Corporate Certification
29 TASTE BUDS One Taste, and You’ll Cray-ve More!
12 #wantlocal Fall Exclusive
30 SARA SHARES Get to Talkin’ Like a Pirate!
14 FROM THE ARCHIVES Twink Starr: Still Shining Bright At 92
31 UPCOMING Youth Empowerment Retreat
16 DEVELOPMENT The Maker of Things: Jefferey Steele
32 SEXPERT Make An Impact
18 BARTENDER OF THE MONTH Jessee Ward, Club 20
34 SCENE How Much is That Drag Queen In The Window?
20 SINGULARLY SINGLETON Memory Lane and Future Worry
36 COUPLE Tom Morgan + Brad Wees
22 FEATURE More Than A Team
38 FITNESS Method Training: Get The Steps Right
On the Cover:
Model | Darren Huff
Feature Models (p. 22):
Model | Darren Huff, upper right Model | Joe Hasel, upper left Model | Justin Whitney, lower left Model | Stephen Platz, lower right Photographer | Ray Lavoie
Quorum Columbus Magazine is published monthly by Qmunity, LLC. Quorum Columbus Magazine issues are FREE at distribution locations throughout the greater Columbus area. COPYRIGHT© 2014 Quorum Columbus Magazine. Reproduction without expressed written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All rights in letters, manuscripts, photographs, drawings, illustrations, and artwork sent to Quorum Columbus Magazine will be treated as assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to Quorum Columbus Magazine and Qmunity, LLC terms and conditions. All models are at least18 years of age. All photographs included are posed for by professional models or willing participants in Quorum Columbus Magazine except as otherwise noted. Neither said photographs nor accompanying editorial is indicative of sexual orientation. The publisher of the magazine does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers. ALL CONTENT AND RELATED MEDIA ARE COPYRIGHTED © 2014 BY QUORUM COLUMBUS MAGAZINE. All rights reserved.
Quorum Columbus Angel Lemke
Erik Hays
Jerry Turnes
Andrew Johnson
Multimedia Creative Manager / Designer
Feature Writer
Isaac Bendele
Mickey J. Hart
President & Publisher
Editor
Amy Tannenbaum
Patrick Butler
JM Rayburn
Heather Doughty
Craig Chadwell
Mike Moffo
Columnist
Graphic Designer Illustrator
Graphic Designer Social Media Manager
Graphic Designer
Columnist Graphic Designer
Columnist Account Executive
Photographer
Managing Editor
CFO
Sara Ernest
Michael Greenhouse
John Henry, Jr
Adrian Jay Neil-Hobson
Allyson Fridley
Columnist
Columnist
Columnist
Columnist
Photographer
Josh McConaughy
Also on the Crew:
Mike Lovett
Scene
Scene
Ray LaVoie, Feature Photographer Meg Alley, Columnist Lori Hollenbaugh, Event Support Calvin N. Cooper, Columnist Tom Queen, Columnist Sile Singleton, Columnist Clayton Walter, Columnist Clare Hughes, Graphic Designer Mimi Webb, Scene This Month’s Contributors: Thomas Bartolomei, Writer Kari Jasinski, Photography Matt Reese, Photography Quill Vandeneynden, Writer
Kris Littler
Joshua McCarty
Contributor
Distribution Coordinator
CONVENE
| MICKEY J. HART Summer has come to an end, and my favorite season is finally here. Before saying goodbye to summer, I attended TransOhio’s Unity Picnic at Blendon Woods on a recent Sunday. The friendly and casual event attracted trans* people and allies from around the state. It was great to catch up with Shane Morgan, the dedicated chair of TransOhio and grill master of the picnic. Away from the laughter and conversation of the gathering, a chair and video camera were set up to record interviews for TransOhio’s new video project called I am Trans. This was one of many opportunities for trans* people to share their story for the video. More details are available at: TransOhio.org. While Quorum Columbus rarely toots our own horn in the magazine, I want to send a huge note of gratitude to our writers, designers and contributors for all they do to make this a quality and engaging community publication. Our crew always goes above and beyond each month. Thank you Quorum Crew! To bring you this month’s cover story, Andrew Johnson gets up close and personal with the Columbus Coyotes at a recent practice. In time for Laverne Cox’s visit to OSU this month, Clayton Walter reviews the Emmy nominated Orange Is the New Black. We welcome Calvin Cooper with the first of his bimonthly column, New Business. Sara Ernest promotes the joy of Talk Like a Pirate Day. The Taste Buds circle back to our January cover story on Crystal Park by sliding in to Cray Eatery & Drinkery on opening day. John Henry marks his one year anniversary as Quorum’s Sexpert by sharing his journey into HIV and sexual health education. Mickey J. Hart Editor mickey@quorumcolumbus.com
#jointhequorum
TELEVISION
ORANGE IS THE NEW BEST | CLAYTON WALTER BY THE TIME you read this, Netflix’s supremely popular Orange is the New Black likely has a slew of Emmys for its mantle. The show, about a woman (Taylor Schilling) serving time in a federal prison for transporting drug money, made a splash when it premiered last year, and has only grown in popularity since. It’s a perfect fit for Netflix’s binge-watching set-up: funny, smart, packed with colorful characters, and full of twists and turns. Once you start watching, it’s hard to look away.
Piper may be confused, and even greedy, but not because of her sexuality; it’s because of her selfishness, and the love she feels for two people. She represents the fluidity of human sexuality, as at ease in the embrace of criminal girlfriend Alex (Laura Prepon) as she is beside fiancé-cum-ex-fiancé Larry (Jason Biggs). It’s the Kinsey scale at work, suggesting that there are few, if any, people who are completely hetero- or homosexual. Most of us fall somewhere in between.
But the show, created by Jenji Kohan and based on the book by Piper Kerman, is worthy of celebration for numerous reasons beyond being supremely entertaining. It’s one of the few female-driven shows on television, with women making up the bulk of the sizable ensemble: strong women with complex interior lives, who are often sympathetic because of their fascinating flaws, rather than in spite of them. The cast is also the most diverse you can find, and the way the show comments on racial dynamics within the prison walls provides some of the most fascinating scenes and story arcs.
For many viewers (myself included), the show’s standout character is Sophia, a transgendered woman played by Laverne Cox. Her work on the show has made Cox an icon of the transgender community, gracing the cover of TIME and becoming the first transgender Emmy nominee.
Where Orange is the New Black most stands out, though, is in how it handles its characters’ sexuality. No show on television more beautifully handles the complexities of human sexuality, especially regarding sexual minorities. There’s even an episode titled Lesbian Request Denied, directed by none other than Jodie Foster. Schilling’s Piper, the show’s protagonist and the viewer’s entry point to the strange world behind bars, is a rarity on television, or anywhere in pop culture: a bisexual woman. The majority of LGBTQ characters in film and television are gay or lesbian, and if those categories are violated (say, a gay character hooks up with a woman), the character’s sexuality is quickly reestablished, and the “slip-up” is excused as just that: a moment of weakness, or a bit of fun. Bisexuality is a mode of sexuality that people have trouble grasping. I’ve had bisexual friends get accused of being greedy or confused; their sexuality is wrongly deemed somehow unacceptable.
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Sophia’s story – the show, like LOST, sprinkles its episodes with flashbacks chronicling how the inmates ended up behind bars – is the show’s most emotional. A firefighter unhappily living as a man, Sophia commits credit card fraud to fund her transition. Her wife supports her on her journey while her young son is less understanding. The show tenderly handles the difficulties of coming out as transgender, and displays the possibilities of families adjusting and adapting to such life-changing events. While some CBS comedies use the transgender community for ill-advised punchlines, Orange is the New Black gives viewers a window into a minority group they may not know much about. Though viewers likely tune in for the drama and laughs, the underlying current that makes Orange is the New Black so emotionally deep and darkly humorous is the way the show handles the tension, despair, confusion and joy of being a minority, whether racial or sexual. Few shows so boldly comment on the minority experience, and those that do often lack the grace and nuance of Kohen’s creation. It’s no wonder we’re already collectively counting down to season three.
SCENE
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PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY
NEW BUSINESS
| CALVIN N. COOPER CORPORATE SUPPLIER DIVERSITY programs have historically focused exclusively on expanding business opportunity for women and minority owned companies. However, corporate diversity initiatives are increasingly expanding to include LGBT Business Enterprises® (LGBTBEs ®), making the business environment more welcoming for the LGBTQ community. In Ohio alone, corporations spend over $5.5 billion with certified diverse suppliers annually, according to the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council. Although there is growing momentum and leadership in the corporate community to expand resources for LGBTQ business owners, the LGBTQ community has barely begun to seize these opportunities. “It’s been estimated that there are 1 million LGBTQ owned businesses in the U.S., and yet only 538 of them are certified,” shared Michelle Tomalla, Co-Founder of FIT Technologies and Board President of Plexus. “This is one of the definite challenges that we have when we engage corporations. There is momentum around opening the door, but more can be done to identify LGBT businesses and educate them about the benefits of certification.” Located in Cleveland , Plexus is a chamber of commerce for the LGBTQ community and its allies. Plexus’ mission is to help LGBTQ businesses improve, develop and grow. As an affiliate of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Plexus identifies LGBTQ businesses and helps them get certified. Locally, Network Columbus is a chamber of commerce for LGBTQ-owned and allied companies and professionals, offering networking events, educational programs and business advocacy. Linear Creative, an advertising and marketing agency with offices in Cleveland and Columbus, is one of the few LGBTQ business owners in Ohio to be certified by the NGLCC. “Linear Creative has been certified for 5 years,” shared Ray Jasinski, owner and Creative Director of Linear Creative. “I felt like it was the right thing to do, and when I asked my employees, no one had a problem with it. Certification and being affiliated with the chamber has helped me make lots of connections. As a result, we’ve been able to work with lots of LGBT and allied clients.”
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The journey toward becoming a corporate supplier does not end with certification. Certification is just the beginning. Being certified simply helps you get your foot in the door by verifying your company is eligible for supplier diversity programs. It is up to business owners to get engaged with the business community and make the most of being a part of a corporate community that encourages diversity. Business owners can attend trade fairs, sign up for matchmakers, take advantage of training and development opportunities, meet people who can make introductions for them, build relationships with supplier diversity teams and meet with corporate buyers.
IT IS UP TO BUSINESS OWNERS TO GET ENGAGED WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND MAKE THE MOST OF BEING A PART OF A CORPORATE COMMUNITY THAT ENCOURAGES DIVERSITY. Often, becoming a corporate vendor is a long process that begins well before making a sales pitch to a buyer. Supplier diversity teams can be your best advocate in getting in front of the right people, and can help coach you through the ins and outs of doing business with their company. Beyond the opportunity to do business with corporate America, being affiliated with an LGBTQ chamber of commerce can be extraordinarily valuable. “There is something special about networking with people who share a common experience,” shared Tomallo. Stand up and be counted! We need more LGBTQ certified suppliers that are eligible for corporate opportunities being made available through supplier diversity initiatives. There is swelling momentum around opening doors in Corporate America; how will the community respond? For information on certification as an LGBTBE and the list of NGLCC corporate partners, visit: NGLCC.org
SouthBend "Still Your Favorite Corner Bar!" *Labor Day Annual Cookout/Potluck Sun Sept 01 - 2pm *Bill Kelley Sun Sept 7 - 6 to 9pm *Benefit for National Holiday Fri Sept 12 - 6 to 9pm *Titan's Turnabout Show Sat Sept 13 - 7 to 9pm *Byrd Manring Sun Sept 14 - 6 to 9pm *Bobby Hamlin Sun Sept 21 - 6 to 8pm *Diamond Hunter and Nina West Fri Sept 26 - 10 & Midnight *The Ukulele Cowboy Society Sun Sept 28 - 6 to 8pm
Hours: Mon / Sat - Noon to 2:30 / Happy Hour Noon to 8 / Sun 12 to 12 Nightly Events call for more info or visit us at facebook.com/SouthbendTavern 126 E. Moler St. Columbus, Ohio (614) 444 - 3386 Southbend@wowway.biz facebook.com/SouthBendTavern
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rustic with breathtaking views The Grand Barn offers an atmosphere of upscale, classic romance combined with the best amenities to make every event a success.
CONTACT ME, OWNER KEVIN MOONEY, OR MY STAFF. WE WELCOME ALL PEOPLE TO BOOK EVENTS, WEDDINGS, CEREMONIES, & CELEBRATIONS! Home of The Grand Barn at The Mohicans • 22650 Vess Rd, Glenmont OH 44628 • 440-799-3419 www.themohicangrandbarn.com • Find us on Facebook at The Grand Barn Wedding Center www.themohicancabins.com • Find us on Facebook at Mohican Cabins
#wantlocal
fall exclusive
“Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” — Anna Lappé
| JM RAYBURN
OLDE TOWNE EAST L’appât, 1159 Oak St
LappatCafe.com
L’appât Patisserie & Café is a hidden gem and a great date spot. A pâtisserie is a bakery that specializes in pastries and sweets. Pâtissier (Pastry Chef ), Didier Alapini prepares new and unique treats each day. L’appât offers much more than delicious pastries and treats; they also prepare fresh gourmet meals daily. This is the perfect place to discover unique and curious foods on a culinary adventure. The best way to describe it is international infusion with a French-African flare.
SHORT NORTH Native Cold Pressed, 771 N High St
NativeColdPressed.com
Native Cold Pressed is dedicated to crafting raw, organic, cold-pressed juice. With locally sourced ingredients and a community focus, they are driven to lift the minds, bodies and overall quality of life of their customers in the heartland of Ohio. I love the spicy carrot, which is a blend of carrot, coconut and cayenne—so delicious and refreshing!
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DOWNTOWN Café Brioso, 14 E Gay St
CafeBrioso.com
Café Brioso focuses on providing high-quality gourmet coffees, loose-leaf teas and coffee accessories, as well as a made-from-scratch daily menu of sandwiches, soups, salads and baked goods. The best part is that the artisanroasted coffees are roasted in-store for your viewing and smelling pleasure. Be adventurous and take the bus or bike there!
OLD NORTH COLUMBUS Rambling House Soda Pop, 310 E Hudson St
TheRamblingHouse.com
Rambling House was a name given to a place where the community would meet to play music, tell stories and share in the company of a close-knit community in Ireland. These intimate gatherings allowed friends, family and neighbors to share stories of the past and creating memories for the future. Using all natural ingredients such as herbs, fruits and spices to flavor their small batches of soda pop, The Rambling House brings that flavor of community experience to Old North Columbus. Staying true to it’s namesake, the Rambling House is also a live music venue with plenty of great shows throughout the week. Treat yo’ self!
FROM THE ARCHIVES
| TOM QUEEN WHEN RUPERT “TWINK” STARR was born in the small farm town of Mount Sterling, Ohio, Warren Harding was our President (the last Ohioan to serve in the White House). His father was the town dentist, and his mother taught several subjects at the local high school, including Home Economics. As Twink himself says, “My mother’s good food is why I’m 92. My father is responsible for me still having my teeth.” Twink attended Ohio University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity (where he got his nickname), later serving as its national field secretary. He worked for a time for Procter and Gamble, but was enticed by the legendary Columbus developer John Galbraith, who also called Mt. Sterling his hometown, to sell real estate. Twink sold the property that became Lincoln Village on the west side of Columbus for Mr. Galbraith and “could have married his daughter if [he] hadn’t been gay.” Twink’s life in Columbus finally opened his eyes to gay men, and he lost his virginity to a man at the age of 28. While he thought he had feelings for a special woman named Betty, it wasn’t until he met T. Allan Wingfield, that he found “what love was really about.” Allan was a successful interior designer in Columbus, first working 14
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out of Clintonville and later the Tremont Center in Upper Arlington. They met around 1952, and their courtship took place in Cincinnati because “if I walked down the street with an interior decorator in Columbus, everyone would know I was gay.” Twink and Allan shared a house in Lincoln Village, and “we lived our own life. We had no problems with anybody.” However, the neighbor across the street once stated: “I notice you only have boys at your parties. They’re the best-dressed people on the street.” Twink and Allan shared 53 years together, traveling all over the world, until Allan’s passing at the age of 80 in 2007. Twink is especially proud of his service to our country in World War II, serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Army during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was captured by the Germans. His time in the prison camp was bad enough, but his story of eight days’ transport with 100 other military prisoners in a cramped, stifling railroad box car with no food is a true testament to the brave American soldiers who nobly served our country. Twink was the recipient of The Bronze Star, and credits his wartime experience as the motivation for him to come to terms with being gay. The Liberty Education Forum filmed a short documentary film about him entitled Courage Under Fire, which was used to help the campaign to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
Twink is a strong supporter of The Human Rights Campaign and Stonewall Columbus. In 2009, his friends at Stonewall chose him to be the Honorary Grand Marshall of the Columbus Pride Parade. He cherishes the many letters and messages he has received from other gay men (who were inspired to come out as a result of the corresponding feature article on him in The Columbus Dispatch).
THEY MET AROUND 1952, AND THEIR COURTSHIP TOOK PLACE IN CINCINNATI BECAUSE “IF I WALKED DOWN THE STREET WITH AN INTERIOR DECORATOR IN COLUMBUS, EVERYONE WOULD KNOW I WAS GAY.” If you’re lucky, you’ll occasionally find him, dapper as always, at the Fabulous Fridays gay happy hour in the Short North. He still drives his Lexus and holds true to the words his father passed on to him: “There’s something good you can say about every one you meet.” Thanks for inspiring so many, Twink. Here’s to many more wonderful years.
PHOTOS | RAY LAVOIE
DEVELOPMENT | JM RAYBURN JEFFEREY STEELE from the Alternative Fashion Mob recently invited Quorum Columbus to the photo shoot of his debut fashion collection. I had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his creative work and ways for our readers to connect with the local fashion scene.
THE MAKER OF THINGS: JEFFEREY STEELE 16
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How did you become a fashion designer?
PHOTOS | MATT REESE
I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a fashion designer. I’m more of a “maker of things.” Hair and make-up are my passions and have been for the past 20 years, which led me to the fashion world. The clothes may look great, but without hair/make-up, it doesn’t work. I started making clothes because I had all these concepts for photo-shoots and knew no designers at the time. The models needed to be dressed, so I started doing stuff myself. At first, it was buying thrift store stuff and reconstructing them, then for last year’s Alternative Fashion week, I decided to step out of my box and make a full collection, only this time not reconstruction but full construction. What is your favorite part about fashion designing? The whole creative process. Coming up with a concept, choosing hair/make-up, making story boards, fabric selection, construction, model fittings, model selection, etc. When things finally come to fruition, it’s an amazing feeling. When I had all my models dressed and ready to walk, I took a look at them all and thought to myself: “Wow, I made all that.” I will admit I got a bit emotional. It was my first endeavor on this level, and I was so pleased with the outcome. What were your inspirations for the designs you created for this shoot? I am a little obsessed with Chanel. Especially the black/ white tweed. I also love a raw, edgy, punkish look, so I decided to see what could happen (from my point of view) if Chanel met Mad Max and this is where my mind took it. How did you select the materials you used? I first had to come up with my color scheme. I love thrifting, so I went on a search. I found a lot of stuff I loved, bought it, took it all apart and used the fabric in my collection. Most of what I used was not difficult at all. This being my first collection, I decided to do and use what I know best. Being a self taught “maker of things,” I experiment a lot to see what happens. My aunt Rosemary taught me to crochet when I was 12. Since I like to recycle everything and I had a giant spool of string, I thought, let’s see what happens if I use the string instead of yarn. Several pieces later, and my course had changed. But I like that: Get a plan, start the journey and see where it leads you. Tell us about the Alternative Fashion Mob and your involvement. We are a group of fashion designers, hair stylists, photographers and general fashion enthusiasts who believe fashion is for everyone. Regardless of age, size, or gender. We got together in November2013 with nothing but a dream.
We wanted our thing to be all-inclusive and local. We have various fashion-related fundraisers throughout the year and host Alternative Fashion week each spring. We are a non- profit group that relies solely on the community for support and volunteers. I am part of the core group of organizers; we all do pretty much everything. Kelli Martin, Troy Mueller, Rachel Murdock, Amee Bell-Wanzo and I focus our individual expertise to make it all happen. I am the unofficial “Style Director,” so I organize the hair and make-up teams and models to make all the magic happen. The ultimate goal is to open a “fashion incubator.” This would be a general space for all things fashion. We would have a meeting place, sewing studios, a photography studio and a prep area for hair and make-up. Designers would have a place to sell their creations, and we would offer quality fabrics for purchase. Additionally., we would offer a variety of workshops. What’s new for the Alternate Fashion Mob? I am very proud to announce that the Alternative Fashion Mob will be moving into our first space in the Columbus Idea Foundry building in Franklinton at 421 State Street. We hope to be up and running by the Independents Day Festival. Coincidentally, the foundry building is the location of our first fashion week grand finale. What are your personal future plans? I will be helping the Alternative Fashion Mob grow and become what we want it to be, and I will be showing a new collection in the spring at our finale. I will also continue to be a hairdresser (my passion for the last 20 years). You can find me at the Cut N Blow Salon at 1233 N. High Street.
BARTENDER
| ANGEL LEMKE TOLEDO TRANSPLANT Jessee Ward has been behind the bar at Club 20 for the past five months, but he’s no stranger to bartending for LGBTQ crowds, having spent seven years at Toledo’s Bretz. “When I got here, I was so impressed by the nightlife in Columbus. From dance club to cozy neighborhood hangout, there is a place for every mood.”
WHO: Jessee Ward
COCKTAIL:
WHERE:
FUN FACT:
Club 20 20 E Duncan St Columbus, OH 43202
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At Club 20, Jessee especially loves his patrons, saying, “At Club 20, there’s never a cover, but there’s always a show!” Readers can enjoy that “show” and the bar’s laid-back mood at a discount on Wednesday nights with 3$ john jim and RedStag or Thursdays with 2$ well drinks and most domestic beers. Or give Jessee a chance to make his favorite drink, an Irish Breakfast shot.
I prefer to keep it simple with Jim, Jack, Jameson, or our good friend Patron.
Jessee is also a stylist. During the day, you can find this recent Aveda Institute grad at Salon Lofts Henderson & High location.
PHOTO | JOSHUA MCCARTY
SINGULARLY SINGLETON | SILE SINGLETON IT WAS A GREAT summer, filled with lots of awesome travel experiences: Pride Toronto, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, Hot Spring’s Mammoth Site, Pittsburgh’s Andy Warhol Museum, The Freedom Center in Cincy and my 51st Family Reunion are just my top highlights. Needless to say, we had many hours in the car--hey, budget is everything--immersed in conversation. When you have kids, the ramblings invariably turn to assorted tales of their escapades (graying you by the second), your hopes for them (which, according urban myth, they must resist at all cost) and deep analysis of the ways they choose to be their own individual (i.e. not flipping out that my son likes ‘second-hand’ candy… off the floor at church). As a result, the question always comes up, “So when do they go back to school?” Friends and family say, “I bet you’re happy, excited, laughing highpitched and wildly, as the ‘holiday,’ comes to a close.” As a matter of fact, I kinda worry. And this year’s “back in the day” memories have kicked my anxiety up a notch. My daughter, grandson and nephew are staring down the double shotgun hallway of middle school…junior high, to you baby boomers out there. True Blood-style carnage pops and erupts in my “I survived” brain vault. The pain from these recollections -- my teeth clamped on my inner lip & my forefinger nail dug into my thumb pad is so real that I keep checking for bruised indentations. My kids are uniquely bright, a bit to themselves, pensive and ‘wise–bred, due to life’s shuffle. I’m concerned, not about their ability to “fit in,” but about if the school environment will actively work to support who they are? I fret I haven’t gotten vulnerable/re/honest enough on them to really impart practical skills of negotiation, self-preservation, intellectual self-defense, cognitive courage and spiritual faith. When I was yapping away in the car, were they able to grasp
PHOTO | NPR.ORG my verbal instructions for navigating puberty and the social push for power? Will their familiarity and cognitive ability to articulate their feelings with words like queer, progressive faith, transgender, intergenerational and same-sex equality, help them as future leaders? Are teachers prepared for their inquires about the use of “mom & dad” on administrative paperwork and in classroom word problems? What if they aren’t? I know I can conjure up some worries and I can already hear the tweets of, “my school was great” “trust”, “believe,” “ it shall be” and “honnneeee we got thru it.” I know … and I still pray my ethereal cape of, “You best get to steppin’ before I, in the words of hound dog Wylie Burp, ‘get cha with my ol’ laaaazy eyeball!’” protects them. I guess this makes my answer when asked if I’m happy the kids are back in school: “Some days.” The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
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PHOTO | FAMILYSEARCH.ORG
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PHOTOS | RAY LAVOIE
FEATURE
| ANDREW JOHNSON I JUST HAD a rugby player’s ball in my face. Though a number of gay men probably dream of uttering those words, my experience was a little different. It came about midway through the practice I attended with the Columbus Coyotes, the Columbus-based rugby club, where I saw firsthand their hard work, struggles and the support that they provide each other as they play a game they love. Rugby can best be described as a cross between soccer and American football (minus those pesky pads and helmets). The full-contact sport is played on a field (aka the pitch) and at either end of the pitch is a try zone (similar to an end zone) and an H-shaped goal. Matches consist of two 40-minute, uninterrupted halves, separated by a 10-minute break. After a kick-off at the 50-meter line, play continues uninterrupted until one team scores, the ball goes out of bounds or until the referee blows his or her whistle to indicate a penalty or injury. Walking into practice, I had one thought: I am 100 percent the wrong person to be doing this. My main form of defense is to play dead, and I have the body of a 9-year-old ballerina. After some sprints, conditioning and passing drills (I opted out of the tackling portion because A) I had no idea what I was doing and B) I like my vertebrae the way they are), I noticed the Coyotes’ mentality has less to do with a player’s natural skills and more about a personal drive.
“[A successful player] is someone with the heart to just keep pushing and learning regardless of ability, as well as someone who can put his own ego aside and realize it’s about supporting the entire team, not just proving how awesome they may be,” Coach James Hale said. Justin Whitney was one of those players who came with zero experience when he joined in 2012. He had just broken up with his boyfriend, moved back to Ohio from New Jersey and was struggling to meet people and stay focused on his fitness. He met a rugby player at Union Café and decided he’d give it a shot.
PHOTOS | KARI JASINSKI
FEATURE
THERE IS A BROTHERHOOD AMONGST OUR TEAM. THEY ARE THE BEST GROUP OF GUYS I HAVE EVER MET. “I knew nothing when I joined. It can be challenging and get you out of your comfort zone, but it’s totally worth it. Once you’re a rugger, no matter where you go or do, you’ll have camaraderie and friendships to last a lifetime.” Just watching the practice, I saw that support, as teammates cheered on other guys who were in pain, tired or angry at their own mistakes. “There is a brotherhood amongst our team. They are the best group of guys I have ever met,” said Mike Frost, a forward who has been with the team since 2012. Although the Coyotes are a member of the International Gay Rugby Association and Board, the team is not exclusively LGBTA. A number of the players on the team are heterosexual, and the team plays USA Rugby Division III teams from around the region. Team members agree that the LGBTA aspect of the team isn’t an issue. It’s just about playing the sport. “I have found that for the most part, once we hit the pitch or the third half, where we drink and eat with the other team after the game, any consciousness of gay or straight doesn’t exist. We all go out there to play the game the best we can and have a great time doing it,” Whitney said.
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Joe Hasel, both a player and board president, boasts that the Coyotes have the lowest membership dues in the area, thanks in large part to sponsors and community fundraising. “Since I became involved with the team I’ve been very impressed with the overwhelming support we have received from the LGBT community. Whenever we need something, the community has done a great job of providing it for us,” he said. “I am also impressed with the support we’ve received from Columbus as a whole…we’ve been wanting to expand into a shorter/revised version of the game called 7s, and, thanks to the support of our friends, the Columbus Castaways (another Columbus-based rugby team), who invited us to practice throughout the summer, we were able to participate in our first 7s tournament.” The Coyotes play both a fall and spring season, with practices on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and games typically on Saturdays. The team encourages anyone who is interested to give it a try. Anyone looking to join should visit: ColumbusCoyotes.com or look for the team on Facebook. “It’s a great sport, definitely not for everyone. There have been times where I was in a really dark place in my life; with one swift tackle to my butt, both figuratively and literally, the sport and the friendships made with it put me back into the light,” Whitney said. “There is not a day that goes by where I don’t thank God for running into that team member. Joining this gang of guys is one of the best decisions I have made in my life.”
PHOTOS | KARI JASINSKI
PERSPECTIVE
DEAR ADRIAN NEIL JR., I figured this is the perfect time to write to you. So many things have happened over the past 28 years. I hope this letter gives you the inspiration and courage that you need to not only get through high school but the next 14 years (when you will be 28). Now, I can’t give you all the details about what to expect or what’s going to happen, but just enough to get you through. At this point, you are entering your freshman year of high school. You’re a little terrified about this new school. Reality is that you have never attended an inner city school that is predominately African American, so you are not sure if you know how to identify with other African-Americans. Your whole life you have been told that you talk white by your black peers and unfortunately this will still happen in high school, but I am writing to tell you not to let that discourage you. Right now, you feel as though you have to dumb yourself down or start “acting black”—whatever that means-and there is no such thing, Adrian. Do not feel as though you are “less than” because you don’t sag your pants, use slang or pretend to be something you’re not. Do not be discouraged because you aren’t interested in partying, skipping class or smoking weed. Stand firm in who you are and how you were raised. I will also advise that you be open-minded, and be prepared to be brought to reality. You have been sheltered for the majority of your life, so going to this school and being around different people with unique experiences and different backgrounds is needed. Something else that you are struggling with is your sexual identity. For the longest time, you have been suppressing your true self in order to please others, mainly your family. By the way, one of the lessons that you will learn from attending Meadowdale High School is to be you and embrace your whole self, something you have been struggling with. You have always been taught that homosexuality is wrong and therefore suppressed a major part of you which has caused you to feel as though you weren’t worthy. You have felt like an outcast, but that’s about to change. Because of you, people at your high school will begin to see homosexuality in a different light. You will actually have your very first boyfriend in high school, and you will love him and experience love like you never had before. I won’t
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give you his name; you will meet him soon enough, and you guys will build a friendship made of rock before you two decide to enter into a relationship during your senior year. Unfortunately, the relationship won’t last beyond your summer before going to college, but you guys will always be there for one another. Over the next four years, you will do things that you didn’t think you would ever do, academically and socially. As I stated before, I can’t tell you everything, but I will give you just enough to give you hope. You will become the first male cheerleader in Dayton Public Schools, and even win an award presented by the superintendent. Crazy, right? You will be recognized in Who’s Who all four years of high school, be in the International Baccalaureate program for all four years, be elected to the National Honor Society and graduate at the top ten percent of your class. You will even be Vice President of the teen council at your church and an amazing dancer. That’s right, your love of dance will flourish after receiving a scholarship to the Jeraldyne School of Dance (official training school of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company). I know all this may seem impossible right now with your thoughts of suicide, loneliness and fear of the unknown, but you can do it. You will gain supporters, friends and mentors who will guide you, mold you and give you what you need. On top of all that your relationship with God will grow stronger, and God will use you to bring others to him. Adrian, you are truly amazing. Trust me, I know; after all, I am the future you. So don’t give up because you have so much more work to do, and I can’t wait for you to experience what is coming. I leave you with a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. that you will carry for the rest of your life: “An individual has not starting living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” So Adrian, remember, you have a greater purpose on this earth and you will continue to inspire and motivate your friends, family and community wherever you are. Sincerely, Adrian Neil-Hobson (That’s right, your name changes)
LIFE
| QUILL VANDENEYNDEN I RECENTLY SPENT time away from the hustle and bustle of Columbus at an ideal place for me: Four Quarters Interfaith Sanctuary in Pennsylvania. The place looks much like most campgrounds, but it features a grove of trees outlined by enormous standing stones, similar to what Stonehenge might look like after a crash diet. Four Quarters is a special place. A spiritual place. It is a place people gather to explore other ways of thinking, other ways of believing and other ways of being. I trekked to Four Quarters to attend Coph Nia: A Mystical Gathering For Gay and Bisexual Men. The festival, founded and coordinated by one-time Columbus resident Julian Hill, attracted 30 men from around the country – including three from the Central Ohio area. New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia were all well represented. We gathered because we wanted to explore different ways of connecting with spiritual truth, and we wanted to explore different ways of connecting with each other. The men of Coph Nia identify, largely, with pagan spiritual paths. What does this mean? It’s said that if you ask ten pagans what paganism is, you’ll get 15 answers. Nobody defines it in a way that makes all of us happy. Having said this, here is how I define it: Pagans are spiritual seekers who were never satisfied with the Western World’s most common religions. Pagans are people who explore a variety of spiritual truths that span humankind’s history and geography. Pagans believe that something grand and wonderful is going on and believe that different world spiritualties all have the potential for getting us closer to some kind of truth. During our week at Coph Nia, we held rituals to ancient Sumerian goddesses, we chanted mantras in honor of Hindu deities, we listened to stories from ancient Norse mythology, 28
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and some of us danced naked around a fire in the manner of ancient shamans. When exploring spirituality like this, some things will feel real and true . . . some things will not. And that’s OK. There is always another lesson around the corner. The spiritual side of the festival was immensely satisfying. yet the way in which we learned to interact with each other was even more satisfying. Coph Nia is a place apart. It’s a place where we allowed ourselves to drop some of the masks that we all wear in our daily lives. We were REAL with each other. A favorite session was the Heart-Circle, a tradition borrowed from the Radical Faeries. Each man in the Heart-Circle, in turn, spoke of the truth of their lives. Some shared stories of contentment and joy. Some spoke of darkness and struggle. All of us allowed ourselves to be authentic with each other. There were many tears shed during that time. Authentic interactions were not limited to scheduled sessions. Young gay men could be found sitting with older gay men as they shared stories about how things used to be. People of all sizes and ages skinny-dipped in the creek together – unashamed of their bodies – because it was a joyful thing to do. It was common to see two men talking and walking hand-in-hand not because they were in a relationship or trying to “hook up,” but because they simply enjoyed each other’s company. I believe that many gay and bisexual men are unsatisfied with how things are and struggle with spiritual issues. We are discontent with the false-fronts and masks that we often feel compelled to project and to wear in contemporary gay social culture. If you are one of the discontented, allow me to tell you this: There are other ways of believing. There are other ways of being. Perhaps it’s time you explore. Learn more about Coph Nia: CophNia.org photos | facebook.com/cophniafestival
TASTE BUDS
ONE TASTE, AND YOU’LL CRAY-VE MORE! | CRAIG CHADWELL & MIKE MOFFO WE TAKE QUITE seriously our duty to keep you informed of the best and newest local eateries in Columbus. So when the doors to Cray Eatery & Drinkery opened to the public at noon on Friday, August 8, who pulled up and parked at 11:48 a.m. in order to be the first ones in the door? Why, your Taste Buds here, of course! When the doors were unlocked, we were welcomed into this unique and amazing space by owner Crystal Park and her friendly staff. We went on opening day, hoping to find something wrong with the experience. Not negatively , but because we like to watch a local restaurant grow and, over time, get even better. Cray cannot possibly get better. Kasi, our server, brought us our menus and treated our Mini-Taste Bud Cassady as if she were another adult sitting at the table. Cass is our lovely (almost)15-yearold daughter, but she looks much younger and is often “little girled” by servers and restaurant staff. Not here. Not by Kasi. She told us that we were her first customers, and this was her first time ever serving. She could have told us that she had 20 years of experience, and we would have believed her. We ordered a beer from the nice selection of draughts and then looked over the menu. This menu is comprised of sliders. All sliders. And to the gluten-free among you, have no fear: every slider has a gluten free option! There is truly every kind of slider you can imagine and absolutely amazing sides, which, we found, are perfectly prepared.
We decided to get two sliders each and share them all. Cassady chose the Pesto Chicken slider and the Fried Fish slider with house-made tartar sauce. We went with the ABC Turkey (ABC: avocado, bacon, and provolone cheese), Jagermeister BBQ Beef, Quinoa with Sun-Dried Tomato and Arugula, and Buffalo Chicken sliders. For sides, we chose the Sweet Potato Tater Tots with Marshmallow Sauce, Applewood Bacon Seasoned French Fries and Fried Green Tomatoes. Begrudgingly, we all shared, but we didn’t want to. These little bundles of deliciousness absolutely blew our minds. They were each prepared with such detail and care. They were presented beautifully in a small cardboard bowl. The slider buns did not get soggy, which is basically impossible to achieve. The temperature was flawless. Everything was perfect. At the end of the meal, we received our check and were pleasantly surprised. For the quality of the food, one would expect to pay a lot more. The best part of the meal was seven hours later when we craved going back, so we tried the desserts. Honestly, though, we couldn’t do more sliders as we were still a bit full from lunch. But seriously, folks – who can say “no” to a Mini Key Lime Pie? Not us. Not ever. And we weren’t disappointed. In typical #TasteBuds fashion, we, along with Cassady, give Cray six very excited thumbs up! We cannot wait to try the food and drinks offered at their weekend brunch, and we’ll certainly be back often to see what comes next from Crystal and her outstanding staff.
SARA SHARES
Aye Mates! Smartly now! Get to Talkin’ Like a Pirate! | SARA ERNEST THE WORLD CAN BE a cruel place. It seems like every day we hear more stories about atrocities perpetrated against innocent civilians by governments or extremist groups. Quite often, Mother Nature is the antagonist, wreaking death and destruction with some sort of viral outbreak. Even in our own country, we are faced with racial bias and a rape culture that has insinuated itself into every level of society. Sometimes, it’s just too much. We know we need to be tuned in to what is going on. It’s obvious that we need to help our human family in their times of need. Every once in a while though, we need to be silly. We need to have a 30-second dance party, or watch The Lego Movie. From time to time though, it helps to go one step further and talk like a pirate. Let me acknowledge that I understand that pirates are not really good people. They never have been good people, and the pirate life wasn’t and isn’t an easy one. There is a reason we have romanticized pirates and made Captain Jack Sparrow into a caricature and a bit of a buffoon. I think we have always been drawn to being bad, and we are far enough removed from the days of Blackbeard and Madame Chang that we’ve made the notion of being pirates something to aspire to. That’s probably a discussion for another day and another bottle of rum though. Mark your calendars for September 19th folks. This is the day created by John Baur and Mark Summers to talk and party like a pirate. Their entire story can be found at talklikeapirate.com, but the gist of it is this: There were two gents in the Pacific Northwest playing racquetball one day in 30
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1995, and for some long forgotten reason, they started talking like pirates, subsequently deciding that there needed to be a new national holiday for this very reason, and International Talk Like a Pirate Day (TLAPD) was born, celebrated mainly among their friends and neighbors, but not really anyone else. According to their website, “Things would probably have continued indefinitely on that low-key note until John, Mark and Brian were little old pirates in the Home for Retired Sea Dogs. We had a national holiday that almost nobody knew about, and we were content with that.” However, with a mention from Dave Barry in his syndicated column in 2002, Baur and Summers went on to do radio interviews in Ireland, Australia and Cleveland and print interviews throughout the US. Now they have a website, social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube, and The Pirate Guys sell books and t-shirts and TLAPD kits that include printable posters and invitations and even Pirate Drink Recipes. The overriding question that I’m sure many of the readers are asking is, “Why? What is the point?” There really is no point. It seems like the older we get, the more serious things are. What would happen if for one day, we decided to give ourselves a break and not take things so seriously? Throw a pirate party, drink some grog, wear an eye patch, or maybe just talk like a pirate. Avast, me hearties! Grab some grog and go have ye some fun! What are ye afraid of?
be empowered ! R etreat P lanned
for
T rans * Y outh
UPCOMING
Social worker and activist Erin Upchurch has established a retreat for trans*/gender non-conforming youth ages five to 17 after seeing a need for more in-depth work among the youngest members of this community. Upchurch, who has been facilitating a monthly support group for trans* youth for over three years, said, “With youth, there is such a unique opportunity to create a strong sense of self before the harmful ‘inner critic’ is able to take root. I have watched the littlest members of our community grow from feeling confused and ashamed to advocating for themselves to their families and within their schools. These kids are ready for more. They want and need a community of their peers.” The be empowered! retreat is designed to educate and empower trans*/gender non-conforming youth to discover and develop their best selves in order to grow into tomorrow’s LGBTQ community leaders. Organizers include TransOhio, Kaleidoscope Youth Center and the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus. Upchurch adds, “It sends a strong message of support to our youth when they see community leaders and organizations working together to offer resources and standing up for them.” Participants will engage in age appropriate workshops about selfesteem, healthy relationships, personal narratives and community building during the September 26-27 overnight retreat. Organizers are committed to removing barriers, so there is no cost for the youth to attend. The retreat will conclude with a community meeting and presentation from the participants.
Celebrate!
1777 East Broad Street | Columbus www.fpconservatory.org | 614.715.8100 eventsales@fpconservatory.org Indoor & Outdoor Venues Select 2014 Dates Still Available
Register or learn more at: TransOhio.org or email : erin@transohio.org
SEXPERT
| JOHN HENRY, JR THIS MONTH MARKS one year since I started writing the Sexpert column for Quorum. Each month, I have an amazing opportunity to give my opinion, share advice and tell stories about something that is extremely important in almost everyone’s life, especially my own. Many of our readers know that I work for AIDS Resource Center Ohio as the HIV Prevention Coordinator. I am responsible for focusing on men who have sex with other men (MSM); translation: in addition to providing HIV testing and counseling, I educate and raise awareness among gay, bisexual and non-identified men who have always and continue to be at increased risk for acquiring HIV and other STIs. What most do not know is why this specific cause is so important to me. In the spring of 2011, one call changed my life forever. As a junior at Ohio University, I didn’t have a care in the world. I had my own apartment near campus and had recently turned 21 years old. I spent the majority of my time socializing with friends and experiencing this whole new world of the bar (not for the first time but for the first time legally). Looking back, some might classify my lifestyle at the time as problematic, but at that age, in the city of Athens, Ohio, it truly was what was expected. For good or bad, partying was as central to my day to day life as going to class and bathing, if not more so. No matter how much fun I had, I continued to get my work done. Getting to class and doing well academically was my biggest stress. Then came that call. I will never forget the moment that the most important person in my life, the one I had looked up to for years and always strived to be more like, told me that they had tested positive. It felt like the world stopped spinning. I could do nothing but sob for days and wonder how this could happen. At the same time, I was paralyzed with fear because of my own past. I tried drowning the pain in a never-ending glass of whisky, but the pain would not go away. As the token gay of my friend circle, I had, by far, the most knowledge of HIV and how it had ravaged my community. However, it was part of a long and terrible history in my mind. I knew maybe one or two people living with HIV at that time, and it was easily forgotten or pushed to the back of my mind because they didn’t seem sick. I knew it was still an issue, something to be 32
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concerned about, and I had tested once or twice before, but it just was not real to me until that spring day. After the initial shock and terror of this situation, things slowly got better. I worked non-stop to inform myself and everyone in my life. I promised myself that I would do everything in my power to make the best of this situation. I encouraged my friend to get into care and take their health seriously. While HIV is not the death sentence it once was, it is a major life-altering condition. Adjusting to all of these changes is difficult and takes time, but it is possible, and I am thankful everyday that this person was able to get through some of the darkest times anyone could ever imagine. A recent study showed that young MSM (ages 13-24) accounted for more than one in four new HIV infections in 2010. Gay and bisexual men are also the only demographic in the United States that has never seen a decrease in the rate of new infections since the beginning of the epidemic. It is clear that MSM are disproportionately affected by this disease and we, as a community, can do better. Each year, September 27th is set aside as National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Given the heavy toll HIV and AIDS has had on gay and bisexual men, this is a day to remember what we have been through and the current state of the epidemic in our community. This year, I encourage all of our readers to take an active role and become involved in this ongoing gay men’s health crisis. ARC Ohio is partnering with Axis Nightclub to host the third annual “Making an Impact” variety show, hosted by Nina West. All proceeds from this show will be donated to ARC Ohio Prevention Services and the annual community Client Holiday Dinner for those living with HIV and their families. Please come out to support and spread awareness of HIV in our community. HIV is not a gay disease, but a number of cultural and physical differences put this population at a greater risk. Educate your friends, family and everyone you meet on the reality of HIV, and do all that you can in your own life to protect yourself and those you love.
Free confidential HIV and STI testing is available at ARC Ohio’s locations. Anonymous HIV testing is available. For more information call 614-299-2437 or visit ARCOhio.org
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SCENE
How Much is that
DRAG QUEEN in the window? | TOMAS BARTOLOMEI On August 15, the patrons of Dirty Franks West were asking that very question as they came together for “Dirty Franks West Presents: Queens 4 Paws,” a fund raiser for PetPromise, Inc. The drag show--a first for Dirty Franks--was hosted by the Trio of Trouble: Hellin Bedd, Samantha Rollins and Vivian Von Brokenhymen and deejayed by David Emerson. The show featured performances by Britney Blaire, Deva Station, Mitze Peterbilt and Parisa 3, along with a hot dog and drink special named “Three Bitches in Heat” in honor of the hosts. It was obvious by the standing room-only crowd that this event touched many hearts and meant a lot to not only the entertainers but also to the staff of Dirty Franks. At the end of the night, the trio had raised $1500 for PetPromise. Everyone in attendance had a great time and is clamoring for more drag at Dirty Franks West.
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PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY
COUPLE
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TOM MORGAN & BRAD WEES | AMY TANNENBAUM WHEN TOM AND BRAD first met, they knew right away. In February 1998, the two met in an online chat room for 2 weeks before exchanging phone numbers and chatting on the phone for another two weeks, then finally meeting in person. “When you know it’s right, you know it’s right,” says Brad. They describe themselves as just different enough to balance one another. “We don’t fit a formula,” says Tom. “We’re not polar opposites; we’re not similar, but we’re a fit, a tight fit.” Tom often is the one bouncing off the walls, while Brad is there to bring him to the ground.
look after him, making sure he was never alone, 24 hours a day, and everyone was happy to do it because he’s such a likeable guy. “Everybody just loves the shit out of him,” says Tom. “He’s just got the friendly ‘draw people in’ kind of attitude.” “It was the worst time in my life, made even worse by ignorance and bigotry,” says Tom. “That watered – flooded, actually
Tom and Brad did not feel the need to actively fight for their right to be together until those around them tried to keep them apart during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Six years into their relationship, on March 30, 2004, Brad was involved in a major car accident on Interstate 71 North, near Ashland. His car collided with a semi, and while the other passengers in his car went home after the accident, Brad was not so lucky. He suffered a skull fracture with brain injuryand collapsed lungs and was in a coma. It was unknown if he would awake from his coma, and if he did, if he would be the same person he was before the accident. “A few months after the accident, he didn’t even know who I was,” says Tom. To make matters worse, Brad’s parents prevented Tom from visiting Brad in the hospital. “I was not to be in the room while they were in the room, and by their request, they were always in the room. I spent more time sitting on the curb or in my car than at his bedside because of his parents,” Tom recalls. “We had been together—living together—for six years at the time.” Brad’s mother tried to have Tom banned from the room, but the staff at The Ohio State Medical Center refused. That same year, the gay marriage ban in Ohio went into effect. The hospital only allowed two people in the ICU room at one time, so Tom always had to be one step ahead of the rest of Brad’s family to make sure he was always one of two people present. “If we were legal spouses, nobody would have considered that kind of behavior,” says Tom. “It got so bad that I wasn’t able to ask the staff questions about his condition, and they were not allowed to respond.” The first time Brad recognized Tom, several weeks later, Brad grabbed his hand and proclaimed: “Hey everyone, this is Tom. He’s my beau!”
Until marriage equality comes to the state of Ohio, they say they won’t marry. “We will never get legally married as long as we have to jump through hoops to file tax returns,” says Brad. “We are happy day-today,” says Tom. “We have each other. We have a home. We really do have what we need, except that we’re not protected legally. While we fight, we’re still happy to be together and to have one another, so I really don’t like the thought that bigots are making us miserable. They are a pain in the ass, but they are not stopping our happiness.”
“It was the worst time in my life, made even worse by ignorance and bigotry,” says Tom. “That watered – flooded, actually – the activist seed.”
As Brad’s condition continued to improve, the hospital released Brad to Tom, despite continued pushback from Brad’s family. Friends and family came together to help take care of Brad and
PHOTOS | AMY TANNENBAUM
– the activist seed.” Ever since the accident, Tom and Brad have dedicated every free moment to fighting for marriage equality. They actively organize protests and events with several organizations, including Freedom to Marry Ohio.
FITNESS
METHOD TRAINING: GET THE STEPS RIGHT | MICHAEL GREENHOUSE OVER THE YEARS, I have seen and read a great deal about the how to train the human body. On the base level, training is actually a simple task. I understand “simple” may be a stretch, but it is simple. It is similar to the way math is simple to an accountant, or how a car engine is to a mechanic. There is a reason I used an accountant and a mechanic, mainly because most of us understand the difference between a good one and a bad one. The good accountant makes sure all the numbers are correct and does “A” before moving on to “B”. The same is true with a good mechanic: he or she does not jump ahead and fix something that is not broken. That situation is sometimes the norm in the fitness and health industry – people often do B before A. Fitness goers perform a task that they are not skilled for or even biomechanically strong enough to attempt. It is like putting the proverbial “cart before the horse.” If we can view methods as the cart (Olympic lifting, plyometric, weight training, cardio training) and safety as the horse (correct form, skill level, strength, mobility), we must see that safety trumps methods. Many fitness professionals, coaches and fitness goers all use a one-size-fits-all approach. This is, in my mind, putting the cart before the horse. As you start a program or when you begin training, you must first consider your skill level, goals and limitations. Doing a program similar to a professional athlete that you’ve seen on the Internet, magazine or TV when your skill level is novice and you have poor mobility is definitely putting the cart before the horse. The body needs to be trained so that it can move easily through basic movements before attempting movements at a professional athlete’s level, or even an advanced-level fitness goer.
YOU MUST BE BRILLIANT WITH THE BASICS BEFORE YOU CAN BE GREAT WITH THE DIFFICULT.
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You want to be most focused on the method and possible gains of safely or on progressions and regressions. Every method needs to be adjusted to the individual so that it can be specific to the needs of you the student. (I use the term student because that is what you are – you will always be learning to become a better.) If you keep placing method first then you are placing the cart before the horse thus opening the door for poor fitness programing, higher level of injury and athletic / performance regression. The key to good training is to keep the horse in front of the cart. Whether hiring a fitness professional or building your own fitness program, you must initially keep your program simple. There is not one exercise that fixes all or builds everything. Stop reading the fitness articles that proclaim the next great fitness trend, exercise or workout equipment. To be great at something – no matter the task – you must be brilliant with the basics before you can be great with the difficult. This statement can be geared to every aspect in life. In the fitness world, losing that mindset will not only lead to failing to reach your fitness goals, but you can very likely incur some injuries on the way down the mountain.
CRAB RACES
Crab Races | KRIS LITTLER UPDATE: The crabs and bears played well together. The Bear Camp Crab Race had 94 crabs on the table. A shout out to Big Fun Toy Store in the Short North! Look for Will’s Big Fun Show interview with Kris and the Crabs on YouTube. FASCINATING FACT: People often have the same fear of crabs that they have of spiders. Q: How are crabs and spiders the same? A: They are both Arthropods. The similarities end there.
GREAT NAMES: For Whom the Shell Tolls, Don’t Crab your Pants, Holden Clawfield, Conch Devereaux, Maria Juana, Hermit Munster, Xena the Warrior Shellfish and Phil McGroin. COME JOIN THE RACE! Local Bar: Mondays at 9:30 p.m. Exile Bar: Thursdays at 9:30 p.m.
NOT SO GREAT NAMES: Mexico is Better, Charlie, Uncle Boot, Patch Adams, The League of Extra Horny Gentlemen, Crappy Tyler Moore, Kanye West, Moldy Shell and Koko My Nose.
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4 Club 20 Old North Columbus 20 E Duncan Ave 614.261.9111 8 Exile Italian Village 893 N 4th St 614.299.0069 10 Wine on High Short North 789 N High St 614. 294.8466 13 Local Bar Short North 913 N High St 614.670.8958 14 Slammers Downtown 202 E Long St 614.221.8880
2 Axis Short North 775 N High St 614.291.4008 22 Wall Street Night Club Downtown 144 N Wall St 614.464.2800
EAT + DRINK. 11 12 21 23 25
La Fogata Grill Short North 790 N High St 614.294.7656 Level Dining Lounge Short North 700 N High St 614.754.7111 Union Short North 782 N High St 614.421.2233 Circus Short North 1127 N High St 614.421.2998 Barrel 44 Short North 1220 N High St 614.294.2277
28 BossyGrrl’s Pin-Up Joint Old North Columbus 2598 N High St
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SHOP. 9 The Garden Short North 1186 N High St 614.294.2869 18 Torso Short North 772 N High St 614.421.7663 19 Torso (in Exile) Italian Village 893 N 4th St 614.299.0069
ENGAGE. 5 ARC OHIO Clintonville 4400 N High St 614.299.2437 24 ARC OHIO Medical Ctr + Pharmacy Short North 1033 N High St 16 Stonewall Columbus Short North 1160 N High St 614.299.7764
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MERION VILLAGE
BREWERY DISTRICT SOUTH SIDE OLDE TOWNE EAST
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26 Explorers Club Merion Village 1586 S High St 614.725.0155
Cavan Irish Pub Merion Village 1409 S High St 614.725.5502 Club Diversity Brewery District 863 S High St 614.224.4050 South Bend Merion Village 126 E. Moler St 614.444.3386 The Toolbox Saloon South Side 744 Frebis Ave 614.670.8113 Tremont Brewery District 708 S High St 614.445.9365
DRINK + DANCE. 1 A.W.O.L. Bar + The Barracks Olde Towne East 49 Parsons Ave 614.621.8779
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MUNITY RESOURCES
LOCAL & STATE ORGANIZATIONS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Stonewall Columbus 614-299-7764 www.stonewallcolumbus.org This local community and resource center serves the Central Ohio LGBTQ community by providing programs and services that enhance the well-being and visibility of a diverse
GLAAD www.glaad.org A national organization that promotes fair, accurate, and inclusive media representations of LGBTQ people. as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Additionally, Stonewall Columbus hosts the annual Pride Holiday.
Human Rights Campaign www.hrc.com The nation’s largest gay and lesbian political organization.
ARC Ohio 800-252-0827 www.arcohio.org Fights the spread of HIV, works towards reducing its transmission, stigma and the resulting discrimination through education and awareness, and provides quality services to BRAD (Buckeye Alliance of the Deaf ) membership@gmail.com www.bradohio.com Protects and promotes the interests and well-being of deaf and hard of hearing LGBTQ people while increasing awareness about the needs of Deaf and hard of hearing community. BRAVO (Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization) 614-294-STOP www.bravo-ohio.org Works to eliminate violence perpetuated on the basis of prevention, advocacy, violence documentation and survivor services. Equality Ohio 614-224-0400 www.equalityohio.org A statewide lobbying organization working to secure equality for LGBT Ohioans. FreedomOhio 614-246-3807 www.freedomohio.com The Freedom to Marry Ohio movement is dedicated to ending marriage discrimination in Ohio. Kaleidoscope Youth Center 614-294-5437 www.kycohio.org Provides advocacy, education, support and a safe environment for LGBT youth in Central Ohio. P-FLAG Columbus 614-806-8025 awareness and understanding for Central Ohio’s LGBT citizens and our families, friends and allies. Rainbow Sisters www.rainbowsisters.info A social and community-oriented group for lesbian women age 40 and over.
NGLTF www.thetaskforce.org The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is a leading progressive civil rights organization that has supported grassroots organizing since 1973. The National Coalition for LGBT Youth www.outproud.org A wide range of resources available for youth and educators. ARTS & MUSIC Capital Pride Band of Columbus 614-325-1590 www.cappride.org A statewide LGBTQ organization of instrumentalists promoting the joy of music, friendship, and personal growth. They provide a variety of performances each year. Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus 614-228-2462 www.cgmc.com Singing out since 1990, this chorus presents a series of concerts each year. Open auditions held prior to rehearsal for each show. Evolution Theatre Company 614-233-1124 www.evolutiontheatre.org A semi-professional theatre company that presents musicals, dramas and comedies that have not been seen in the area well as new works and world premieres. Imagine Productions 614-398-1110 www.imaginecolumbus.com entertaining and educating community stakeholders. They recognize that empowerment and growth occurs for both the audience and performer. Wexner Center for the Arts 614-292-3535 www.wexarts.org Internationally known contemporary arts center at OSU, programs, as well as a store and a café all under one roof in an architectural landmark. COUNSELING
Sisters of Lavender
614-445-8277
A social/support for women 40 and over. S.O.L. is the oldest lesbian organization in Columbus.
A center for psychotherapy and growth with a long history of working with LGBTQ clients.
TransOhio 614-441-8167 www.transohio.org Serves the Ohio transgender and allied communities by providing services, education, support and advocacy.
Randi Cohen, LPCC-S 614-267-1993 www.randicohen.com Helping adult clients to create a strong sense of self, learn good communication skills, and gain a clearer sense of how others see you.
Why Marriage Matters Ohio www.whymarriagemattersoh.org A marriage equality education campaign supporting the right for any loving, committed Ohio couple to marry.
Shawn D. King, PhD., LISW 614-655-3554 www.shawnkingphd.com Providing individual, family, and group counseling services to the LGBTQ community. Specializing in relationship issues, anger management and mental health services. HEALTH & WELLNESS AHF Wellness Center & Out of the Closet Pharmacy: 614-732-5947 Wellness Center: 614-223-1532 www.aidshealth.org The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) operates Out of the full-service pharmacy, and HIV testing at the corner of N. High St., Suite 350. CHOICES 614-224-4663 www.choicescolumbus.org Since 1977 they have provided counseling, shelter, crisis intervention, education and community and legal support and advocacy to central Ohio residents facing domestic violence. Columbus Public Health LGBTQ Health Initiative 614-645-1493 www.publichealth.columbus.gov As part of the department’s mission to protect health and cultural competency trainings to health care and other service providers. Additionally, their LGBTQ Health Advocate manages The Crystal Club 614-214-4828 www.thecrystalclub.org female impersonators, and other transgender individuals. Huckleberry House 614-294-5553 www.huckhouse.org Established in 1970 to provide a safe place for runaway youth homeless or runaways. NetCare 614-276-CARE www.netcareaccess.org Provides 24 hour mental health and substance abuse crisis intervention, stabilization and assessment for Franklin County Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio, Inc. 614-224-2235 www.plannedparenthood.org The nation's oldest and largest sexual and reproductive health care organization. Trevor Project 866-4U-TREVOR www.thetrevorproject.org Determined to end suicide among LGBT youth by providing nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline.
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