Quorum Columbus January 2015 by Quorum Columbus

OC MAY 20142015 JANUARY

RESOLVE TO READ EACH ISSUE! THANK YOU JUDGE BLACK! STEAL ME --TIMOTHY i’M FREE! OR QUORUM COLUMBUS LGBTQA MAGAZINE

CONTENTS JANUARY 2015

6 NEW BUSINESS TRANSFORMATIONAL NEW YEAR

20 PERSPECTIVE TALKING SEX

34 DEVELOPMENT MAKE IT A CREATIVE NEW YEAR!

8 SCENE HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

22 FEATURE MIKEY BUTANE MOVEMENT GROUP

36 UPCOMING THE YES LIST: 6 JANUARY EVENTS

12 SINGULARLY SINGLETON THREE FERGUSON CONVERSATIONS

28 FROM THE ARCHIVES PAUL LYNDE: CENTER SQUARE

38 SCENE KALEIDOSCOPE OPEN HOUSE

14 MOVIES 2014’S BEST QUEER FILMS

30 COUPLE CASEY & KRISTRA MOHR

40 CRAB RACES CRAB RACING WITH KRIS

16 TASTE BUDS CONDADO: DELICIOUSLY SIMPLE

32 SEXPERT THREE MYTHS TO LEAVE BEHIND

41 FITNESS FLEXIBILITY TRAINING DO’S AND DON’T

18 BARTENDER JOSHUA MILLER, WALL STREET NIGHT CLUB

33 SARA SHARES NECESSARY CONVERSATIONS

45 ADOURN UNSOLVED RIDDLE – TAYO CLYBURN

QuorumColumbus.com Quorum Columbus Magazine is published monthly by Qmunity, LLC. Quorum Columbus Magazine issues are FREE at distribution locations throughout the greater Columbus area. COPYRIGHT© 2015 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 © 2015 BY QUORUM COLUMBUS MAGAZINE. All rights reserved.

ENTERTAIN. ENLIGHTEN. ENGAGE. Quorum: noun \kwo r- m\ The number of members of an assembly, usually a majority, required to be present to transact business. Quorum Columbus Magazine: We strive to be a broad, diverse representation, or quorum, of the Columbus LGBTQA community by representing the community’s supportive efforts, experiences, aspirations and victories. #JOINTHEQUORUM

On the Cover:

MODEL | MIKEY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHER | RAY LAVOIE

FEB/22 Join us for a night of glamour! Mingle with other film lovers in a private party before winners are announced. Watch the red carpet while enjoying heavy hors d'oeuvres catered by the Torpedo Room, popcorn and soda, and a cash bar. Show off your Oscar best at our photo booth and fill out a ballot for a chance to win a year's worth of movie tickets.

ACADEMY AWARDS CELEBRATION A SIGNATURE EVENT

Gateway Film Center | 1550 North Street, Columbus | For showtimes and ticket prices visit: www.gatewayfilmcenter.com

Professional Portrait Specialist (614) 323-6314 m e @ R a y L a Vo i e . c o m

QUORUM COLUMBUS CREW I SAAC B ENDELE

M ICKEY J. H ART

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

EDITOR

P ATRICK B UTLER

A NGEL L EMKE

E RIK H AYS

J ERRY T URNES

A MY T ANNENBAUM

MANAGING EDITOR

CFO

MULTIMEDIA CREATIVE MANAGER | GRAPHIC DESIGNER

COLUMNIST PHOTOGRAPHER

JM R AYBURN

H EATHER D OUGHTY

JEFFREY WISE

C RAIG C HADWELL

M IKE M OFFO

GRAPHIC DESIGNER ILLUSTRATOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNER SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

FEATURE WRITER

COLUMNIST

COLUMNIST ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

S ARA E RNEST

M ICHAEL G REENHOUSE

J OHN H ENRY , J R

A DRIAN J AY N EIL

T OM Q UEEN

S ILE S INGLETON

COLUMNIST

A LLYSON F RIDLEY

K RIS L ITTLER

J OSHUA M C C ARTY

P HOTOGRAPHER

C ONTRIBUTOR

D ISTRIBUTION C OORDINATOR

Also on the Crew:

Ray LaVoie, Feature Photographer Calvin N. Cooper, Columnist Clayton Walter, Columnist Clare Hughes, Graphic Designer Tad Niemann, Account Executive Robert Wilson, Account Executive Mari Ann Binder Futty, Account Executive Andre Thompson, Account Executive This Month’s Contributor: Tayo Clyburn, Writer

CONVENE

| MICKEY J. HART Happy New Year! As the wheel of the year starts a new cycle, our thoughts turn to themes like transformation, creativity, self-care, resolutions and social justice. In this issue we bring you thoughts and stories on these themes and more. Calvin Cooper shares advice on establishing transformative personal and professional goals. Sara Ernest and Sile Singleton reflect on current issues and their impact. JM Rayburn provides Columbus-based options to expand your creativity this year, and Michael Greenhouse offers fitness tips about flexibility training. Angel Lemke, Ray LaVoie and Jerry Turnes swung by 400 West Rich Street to profile aerial artist Mikey Thomas from the Mikey Butane Movement Group. Clayton Walter offers his list of the 10 best queer films of 2014. Tom Queen share stories about queer comedic actor Paul Lynde from his birth in central Ohio to his death in Hollywood. OSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tayo Clyburn, our January Adjourn guest columnist, wraps up the issue with thoughts on being black in America in 2015. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to more equality for LGBTQ Ohioans and all marginalized people in 2015! Mickey J. Hart Editor mickey@quorumcolumbus.com

#jointhequorum

PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

NEW BUSINESS

T R A N S F O R M AT I O N A L

NEW YEAR

| CALVIN N. COOPER WHILE 50 PERCENT of Americans will set New Year’s resolutions this year, psychologist Richard Wiseman predicts that 88 percent of those set will fail. One of the biggest reasons that so many people fail at their resolutions, according to Stanford University’s BJ Fogg, is that their resolutions are vague aspirations, which don’t address the core habits that need to change in order to reach a goal. Much of our lives are a culmination of habits. Instead, resolutions should focus on changing concrete actions. Rather than “Be less stressed,” successful resolutions sound more like “Meditate for five minutes every morning.” As Aristotle once said, “we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” If we are to change who we are, we must change the habits that make up our lives.

New Year’s Resolution

Professional

Personal

Financial Non-Financial ORGANIZE YOUR GOALS INTO A GRID About four years ago, I had breakfast with a CEO. I had recently returned to Columbus from Atlanta and was in the final weeks of finishing my undergraduate degree. It was just a few weeks before Christmas, and his advice was a gift that transformed my life. “Calvin,” he said. “One of my mentors gave me this valuable piece of advice that changed my life. And now, I’m giving it to you.” He pulled out a pen and drew the grid above on a napkin: He said that every year, he set his goals into this grid and committed to achieving them. This is an organized way of focusing on all aspects of your life, in order to be a more well-rounded person. Some examples of specific goals that I put in my grid that year included “Increase company revenue by 10 percent,” in the professional-financial quadrant, “Put aside x dollars per paycheck for car down payment” in the personalfinancial, “Have dinner at mom’s house every Sunday,” in the personal-non-financial, and so on. Every year since, I have filled out a similar grid. This has had a great impact on my life and the lives of the people around me. For instance, my personal non-financial goal to create the habit of having dinner at my mom’s every Sunday has brought me closer to family. Before setting that goal, I would go weeks or months without seeing my family. After that, we now have a family tradition that has brought us closer together. This has been very rewarding. 6

January 2015

“WE ARE WHAT WE REPEATEDLY DO” - ARISTOTLE THIS YEAR, INNOVATE YOUR LIFE A number of cognitive scientists have suggested that over 95 percent of our lives we think on automatic pilot. In his TEDx talk, scientist and organizational development specialist Paul Rulkens spoke about achieving extraordinary results and thinking outside the box, noting that only about three percent of people are able to achieve extraordinary results. This is because most people when they hit a wall, either do more of the same thing, or less of the same thing. Only about three percent of people are inclined to do different things. This is as true in our personal lives as in our professional lives. This year, commit to being one of the three percent who try different things, and achieve extraordinary results. Don’t just make cliché aspirational New Year’s resolutions. Get creative, and think deeply about who you are and what you will achieve in all aspects of your life next year. Stick to your goals, and strive to be in the top 12 percent of people who stick to their resolutions by changing the habits that are the building blocks of life.

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The Ukulele Cowboy Society Sun Jan 4 - 6pm to 8pm Xerxes Benifit, Mr Gay Ohio Sat Jan 10 - 7pm to 9pm Kelly Vughn Sun Jan 11 - 6pm to 9pm

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SCENE

COLUMBUS GAY MEN’S CHORUS

January 2015

BRINGS JOY TO THE HOLIDAYS

PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

SCENE

URBAN PRIDE HOLIDAY GATHERING

January 2015

PHOTOS | ANGEL LEMKE

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SINGULARLY SINGLETON

Three Ferguson Conversations: Outrage, Fear A N D Pain | SILE SINGLETON I’VE HAD A real difficult time trying to write this article. My thoughts have been muddled, affected, not so much by the news, but by my observations of friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances. I admit to feeling annoyed. I mean, come on folks. I don’t know how anyone thirty or older can really say, “This is shocking.” Every day in mainland America, thousands of ‘somebodies’ who are not rich, not white, not straight, not suburban, not educated, not documented, not able-bodied, not American, not Christian, not male, not within a typical gender box, not the ever-elusive dominant culture stakeholder have violent and/or life-terminating experiences directly related to what they are not.

FIRST, an elderly straight white male friend at my church pulled me aside after service. He was irritated by the Ferguson-to-Columbus march/rally flier that was included in the church bulletin. Waving the flier, he wanted to know if I knew that “if that boy in Missoruh hadn’t been a criminal none of this mess,” these “riots” being organized wouldn’t even happen. “This is all a chain reaction brought on by a criminal. And you all are just going crazy over it.” I gently asked three clarifying questions, but he was very upset and the conversation ended with him stomping away with a terse, “I knew you people wouldn’t hear reason and just want to argue.” I was struck by his outrage, fear and pain.

I originally swore to myself that I was not going to write about the “Ferguson Situation” at all because I felt on a whole lot of levels that it was expected of me. And dammit, I just didn’t feel like saying it again. But of course, ‘cause Jesus got jokes, three things happened that have left me with but one choice.

SECOND, a 21-year-old gay black male church member and mentee of mine, remarked that he did not go to the Fergusonto-Columbus march/rally because “they wouldn’t stand up for me,” presumably because he is gay, “so why would I stand up for what they are doing?” I was struck by his outrage, fear and pain. THIRD, my ten-year-old “mixed-race” daughter was shocked and exclaimed after listening to an NPR report (I thought she hated talk radio) “Mama, they are lying on the national radio. They just said we are a post-racism society. They said racism is less because of President Obama. Mama? Can they lie on the radio? ‘Cause that is not true. If they think that is true, they should come to my school. There is still racism, Mama.” I was struck by her outrage, fear and pain. And so here it is: For those of you in shock, allow your brain to accept the reality of our world. Racism and its kissing cousins are not dead. That is the lie that we get suckered into believing and acting out when we don’t stay aware and focused on the relations and personal interactions that we have with flesh and blood. Get me? Scream, cry, write letters to your congress person, march, pray, whatever it is that gets you out of the static funk of our divergentesque society. Then start or join a conversation. It is scary – and it doesn’t feel great. It is going to be awkward because being disconnected is what we are taught. It hurts less. Yes, it sucks, but the reward is priceless.

January 2015

AT FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

Enjoy an elegant evening at central Ohio’s premier wedding venue and meet select vendors representing the best of the industry.

Friday, January 16, 6–9pm

1777 East Broad Street | Columbus www.fpconservatory.org | 614.715.8100 eventsales@fpconservatory.org Indoor & Outdoor Venues New Venue Opening in 2015

MOVIES

| CLAYTON WALTER 2014 WAS AN AMAZING year for queer film, possibly the best ever. To celebrate, here’s my countdown of the best of the best released last year. Make a New Year’s resolution to catch any that you missed!

10 Life Partners (dir. Susanna Fogel) The central relationships in most queer movies are romantic, so it’s refreshing to find a film that focuses on a different dynamic: the friendship between lesbian Sasha (Leighton Meester) and her straight best friend Paige (Gillian Jacobs). Their chemistry is natural and hilarious, and – thankfully – without a hint of sexual tension. The fantastic script combines the bawdy cleverness of Bridesmaids and the anxiety about growing up (and growing apart) of Frances Ha, resulting in one of the year’s sweetest, smartest comedies.

9 Hunted: The War Against Gays in Russia (dir. Ben Steele) Though it’s less than an hour long, I couldn’t make this list without including Hunted, a brutal documentary that reveals queer Russians’ dire plight. It’s a tough watch, as we find ourselves right alongside the hunters who dupe sexual minorities into dangerous situations, where they are bullied, beaten and worse. While we make progress on our shores, it’s easy to forget that other countries are lagging behind. Hunted is a powerful reminder.

January 2015

PHOTO | PIONEER PICTURES

2014’S BEST QUEER FILMS

8 The Duke of Burgundy (dir. Peter Strickland) There is a not a single man in The Duke of Burgundy, a delightfully gonzo period piece that defies easy description. Chiara D’Anna and Sidse Babett Knudsen play a couple with specific sexual proclivities, including roleplay, bondage, and watersports (which happens off-screen). The film is weird and wonderful, perhaps most of all because it makes lesbianism the status quo; our main characters’ sexuality is only notable because of the extremes they explore.

7 Lyle (dir. Stewart Thorndike) Now this is a curiosity. Writer-director Thorndike released Lyle, a slim lesbian spin on Rosemary’s Baby, for free online as a way to garner Kickstarter support for her next horror outing. Lyle is the best horror movie of the year, spinning classic generic tropes in fresh ways; it’s a prime example of how applying a queer sheen to familiar territory can yield exciting results. Thorndike wisely draws tension and drama from the fact that her protagonists (including Girls standout Gaby Hoffman) are a lesbian couple. There’s no token homosexuality here.

6 Stranger By the Lake (dir. Alain Guiraudie) There are many reasons to love this French lakeside thriller. It’s a tautly-paced romance, tinged with intrigue and shadow. The performances are carefully piqued. There are lots and lots of penises on display, as one might expect from a movie about a man who meets a murderous new lover at a gay cruising spot. For its subject matter, Stranger By the Lake is surprisingly subtle, and the better for it.

PHOTO | PARTS & LABOR

2 The Way He Looks (dir. Daniel Ribeiro)

5 Love is Strange (dir. Ira Sachs)

Brazil’s Oscar entry is as innocent and tender a gay romance as I’ve ever seen. Blind high school student Leonardo (Ghilherme Lobo) longs for independence and finds the most exciting potential outlet yet in dreamy new student Gabriel (Fabio Audi). Ribeiro’s film perfectly captures the ache and longing of new love and how scary those first tentative steps toward coming out can be. The Way He Looks aims for the heart and hits its target, hard. It’s a perfect cinematic high school romance.

Alfred Molina and John Lithgow are stunning in this simple tale of a recently married couple forced to live apart after decades of living together. The drama is keyed low, allowing the characters to breathe and connect in a beautifully organic way. Somehow, Sachs has made a film that makes me wish to be old, deeply in love and set in a routine of everyday romance. It’s a magical achievement.

4 Lilting (dir. Hong Khaou)

PHOTO | CALAMITY FILMS

A tale of loss and human connection, Lilting is a powerful example of love being universal—something we all share in common regardless of how or who we love. Ben Whishaw is devastating as a man mourning the loss of his lover Kai (Andrew Leung), who then tries to form a relationship with Kai’s mother (an equally good Pei-pei Cheng) despite a language barrier and the looming secret of her son’s sexuality. It’s a heart-wrenching elegy to lost love.

PHOTO | TRIPOD MEDIA

pride (dir. Matthew Warchus)

3 The Case Against 8 (dir. Ben Cotner and Ryan White) One of the most important legal battles for the queer community is thoroughly documented in Cotner and White’s film. Strategy meetings, personal interviews and media stops provide a stirring portrait of recent history and the groundbreaking bravery and tireless work that helped make it possible.

It’s rare for a feel-good movie to feel so good. Pride is a perfectly mixed cocktail. Romance, the AIDS epidemic, untold history, and a message of tolerance and love are all in the mix, and the result is one of the funniest and most emotional queer films ever made. The cast – full of British greats and newcomers – is phenomenal, the script is stellar, and the direction is strong. Pride never manipulates its audience, but it’s a massive tear-jerker all the same.

2015 January

TASTE BUDS

| CRAIG CHADWELL & MIKE MOFFO THE KITCHEN STAFF at the recently opened Condado Tacos (1227 N. High Street in the former Circus location) shouldn’t be referred to as “chefs,” but as “artists” or “creative food designers.” They masterfully combine fresh local ingredients to come up with the most delicious creations you can imagine. And they manage to do so at Mom & Pop prices.

Every server and bartender has been selected for a reason: they are damn good at their job. From the second you walk in the door, you feel welcomed by the host or hostess. They are smiling and having fun. Good music fills the air, and the place just feels welcoming. The renovations are impeccable.The seating is comfortable. And again, the food is some of the best around.

The best part of Condado’s creative process: You lay the groundwork. You’re given a list of their incredible ingredients, and you get to choose your concoction. It’s Chipotle meets class with quality ingredients. It is what other places want to be when they grow up. It is unlike anything else in the city that we have found. The thing that makes it fantastic, you ask? We just know that, in the end, all of the ingredients are perfectly prepared. So many aspects make this a unique dining and drinking experience Do you enjoy delicious meat? Condado delivers! BBQ brisket, pork, chorizo and steak, all prepared fresh for your appetite. There are also vegan and gluten-free options. The grilled portabello mushroom makes for quite a tasty taco. And the variety of toppings and sauces! There isn’t anything we’ve found that we don’t absolutely love. The happy hour prices are incredibly low, but really, the prices are low any time. How they can deliver such greatness at such reasonable prices is beyond us, but we aren’t complaining. Regular prices of $3 for a taco and $6 for a house margarita can’t be beat. However, during happy hour, margaritas drop to $3 and you can knock a dollar off of each taco. Once again, we don’t know how they do it, but we love it! The extensive tequila and margarita menu nearly deserves a round of applause. Truly commendable.

January 2015

We have enjoyed Condado several times over the short time is has been open. We would happily give Condado our traditional four thumbs up, but we need our thumbs to hold our tacos together. Learn more: CondadoTacos.com

GREAT FOOD

Open Sunday Drink Specials Daily Live Music Fridays Music Trivia Saturdays

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9 pm-1am

signaturesmillstonetavern.com

144 N Hamilton Rd Gahanna

1154 S High St Columbus

3732 Fishinger Rd Hilliard

SCENE BARTENDER

Joshua Miller JOSHUA MILLER has been behind the bar at Wall Street for two years, and this former shy guy loves the chance to be outgoing. “After a few years behind the bar, I have definitely come out of my shell and feel more confident.” In fact, he now finds himself dancing around behind the bar just to make people laugh. “I’m sure that the sight of me ‘twerking’ has given many of our patrons a good chuckle.” There’s always something happening at Wall Street. Joshua boasts that “we are home to a lot of amazing performances: drag queens and kings, burlesque, open mics and Broadway-style theater productions.” Joshua finds Columbus’s “diverse and accepting” community is well represented at Wall Street. “I think that’s why all different people from all walks of life feel comfortable being in our bar.” Drink specials every night don’t hurt, either. “Everyone wants to drink and not break the bank, and you can always do that here!” $5 Bulleit and beer, $4 you “CALL” it and $3 cherry bomb specials keep the good times flowing. Stop in and see why Joshua can say he has “found a family here in this building down the alley.”

COCKTAIL:

FUN FACT:

Manhattan – Sweet vermouth, bourbon + a dash of bitters

Joshua’s pet boxer/mastiff mix takes up more room in the bed than he does!

Wall Street Night Club 144 N. Wall Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 614.464.2800 WallStreetNightClub.Com

January 2015

PHOTO | JOSHUA MCCARTY

tHe YeAr of tHe

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And featuring performances by

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Von Brokenhymen

SPONSORS Arts & College Preparatory Academy • Creative Foundations Lyn Herron • Marilyn Brown, Franklin County Commissioner Quorum Columbus Magazine • Residence Inn Marriott THANk YOu!

01.17.15 tickets available now: yearofthephoenix.org

PERSPECTIVE

TALKING SEX

| ADRIAN JAY NEIL, JR

SEX CAN OFTEN be an uncomfortable topic of conversation, especially among couples. When we first enter into a relationship, we often discuss boundaries, likes, dislikes, pet peeves and so on, but often we walk into a sexual encounter with a partner blindly, not really knowing what the other person likes and often not fully knowing what we ourselves like, assuming that everything will magically fall into place like it does in the movies. Sex can be very pleasurable, but it can also be the cause of many arguments, hurt feelings and even the separation of two individuals. If we don’t talk about sex in the beginning of our relationships, we miss out on the opportunity to express what we like and discover if our potential partners are somewhat sexually compatible. Having this conversation early on can prevent disappointment and many fights down the line. It can also help you come to compromises about what is a go and what is a definite no. I often reach out to different people to get various opinions via social media. Last month I posed a series of questions on Facebook, “How far are you willing to go to please your mate sexually? Would you be willing to use toys? Are threesomes a no-go? Are you willing to do things in public? Have phone sex when you’re not in the same place? Role play? Watch porn together? What is your limit, if you have one? Please be honest.” I got numerous responses, but there was one commonality: no matter how open folks were, everyone had their own lines not to be crossed. But what happens when those lines aren’t discussed and one of you feels pressured to engage in a certain sexual act that crosses your line?

Feeling forced or pressured into doing something sexually that your partner likes is not healthy and can leave a person feeling as though they are not enough, as though they always have to go above and beyond to keep their mate interested or keep them from seeking pleasure outside the relationship. On the other hand, the partner who desires certain things may feel their needs are not being met in a relationship where those desires are denied. Where does one draw the line between compromising to please a partner and compromising yourself? I am a firm believer that sex is important and that eventually the flame may not be as vibrant after the first few years of a relationship and that couples may have to start working harder or differently to please their partner. I also believe that if conversations regarding sexual boundaries are shared in the beginning of a relationship, there is a better chance of meeting everyone’s needs. Disclosing long-held desires that may cross a partner’s boundaries after months in a relationship is a lot harder than being upfront about what you’re into at the beginning. Forcing or pressuring a partner into sex acts they aren’t comfortable trying is never OK. Sex should not be placed in a box, and people should be free to explore their desires. We all know that there are going to be points in a relationship where one person is compromising more than the other and vice versa and that’s perfectly OK in the short-term. Sometimes it’s not about getting what you want but being heard and having your desires or needs respected.

WHERE DOES ONE DRAW THE LINE BETWEEN COMPROMISING TO PLEASE A PARTNER AND COMPROMISING YOURSELF? 20

January 2015

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FEATURE

JANUARY 2015

PHOTOS | RAY LAVOIE

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MIKEY BUTANE MOVEMENT GROUP | ANGEL LEMKE MIKEY BUTANE is more of a concept than a person, even if some folks associate the name with Mikey Thomas, founder of the Mikey Butane Movement Group. Thomas and some of his troupe members sat down with Quorum Columbus to explain how one dancer’s stage name evolved into an aerial arts lab and performance space in Franklinton’s 400 West Rich Street. “When I moved to New York City, I went as Michael Thomas, and I found there were a lot of performers in the dance and musical theater fields who had my same name,” says Thomas. He finally chose to go by Mikey, the name his grandmother called him, when The New York Times needed a clear way to identify him from other artists, and it stuck.

Even then, folks told Thomas he needed a “flashy” name, and “Butane” originally came out as an offhand joke. Though Thomas doesn’t go by Mikey Butane himself, the aerial arts performance group he leads has taken the name. “I like the idea of ‘Butane’ just because it’s this kind of lowbrow, combustible kind of material, and we try to have a real combustible, energetic presence,” he explains. That combustible presence is felt wherever you find the group performing, which could be anywhere from their Movement Activities lab space and training center to Gallery Hop to the Downtown Hilton Grand Opening to Trauma.

WE TRY TO HAVE A REAL COMBUSTIBLE, ENERGETIC PRESENCE

FEATURE

I LOVE COLUMBUS, AND AFTER GOING OTHER PLACES, I FEEL LIKE THERE’S NOT A BETTER CITY.

Thomas, a Clintonville native, earned an MFA in dance at OSU, dancing with, and eventually becoming company manager for, BalletMet. His career led him around the world, but eventually back home. After five years of working steadily as a New York-based dancer and touring Europe, Thomas grew tired of the grind and began teaching on the east coast. He was then offered an opportunity to teach aerial dance in Taiwan.

this building, and it was disgusting. They had cars parked in here. It was raining inside here. I was the only person on this floor, and I rentedby the week,” says Thomas. On the ceiling and beams, you can still see remnants of apparatuses Thomas hung as he moved around the evolving space. Thomas loved the gritty feel. “We are not LA Fitness; we are not a special club. When people walk in, you know right away if this is not gonna be for them.”

“I had needed to be able to fly on the trapeze for a show in New York, so I started training, and I loved it—more than dance. I just decided it’s what I wanted to do,” says Thomas. The aerial arts are related to circus, but there are some key differences. “Mostly circus is about that spellbinding moment when they do a triple flip and get caught.” The aerial arts on the other hand are “a little more about athleticism, about artistry. Maybe it takes us a little more into theater or performance art,” says Thomas. When his Taiwan work visa ended, he brought his passion for aerial arts and his decade of performance experience back to Columbus.

When Thomas moved in, there were plenty of naysayers. He remembers, “People said, ‘No one’s gonna come to Franklinton. Nobody’s gonna pay to be in this building.’ And now look what’s happening.” Still, Thomas gets encouraged to go elsewhere. “People all the time are like, ‘Come teach in the suburbs, teach children, make more money.’ It’s not what I want to do.” Matt Wovrosh, one of the group’s instructors, adds that Franklinton really fits the group’s identity. “Franklinton very much exists kind of between the cracks of other things, or on the periphery, and we also exist in the cracks of other traditions and practices and exist kind of on the periphery.”

“I love Columbus, and after going other places, I feel like there’s not a better city. It sounds cheesy, but it’s affordable, it’s easy to get around, people are friendly. There’s a great gay and lesbian community here, which I love,” says Thomas. And perhaps most important for Thomas’s performance group, “It’s easy to do things. It was important to me to come back to take this opportunity to do what I really wanted to do, and Columbus allowed that.”

If the group isn’t catering to suburbanites, Thomas is unapologetic about who it is for: “I wanna have people who really feel passionate about what they’re doing. I want people who can’t afford it to be able to come in and do it, and I want the LGBT community involved. That’s why I’m here,” says Thomas. He goes out of his way to partner with other LGBTQ small business owners, such as Jes Bodimer of Aspire Circuit Training, who also performs with the group. Thomas says, “I’m tired in the world news and national news of hearing all this ‘We’re not gonna service these people,’ all this stuff going on right now. Push and push and push, and watch us let the dollars speak.” The group hopes to add Pride and ComFest appearances in the future, despite the challenges presented by outdoor spaces. In March, they will exhibit at the Arnold Classic in conjunction with Studio Rouge.

Thomas was immediately attracted to 400 West Rich Street and was one of its earliest tenants. “I walked into

Thomas’s true passion is the artistic aspect of the sport, however. “I want us doing meaningful, creative, unique stuff. We try to sneak in a little bit of art,” says Thomas. A recent show incorporated a German Bauhaus movement theme. “It was a movement about functionalism, shape and form. A performer doesn’t have to be all sparkly and pretty to be entertaining,” Thomas explains. 24

JANUARY 2015

“One of the things that Mikey’s themes often do is challenge us as performers to think about our art form in a different way,” adds Wovrosh. Being asked to think about his performance in this new expressive way “was probably just as challenging as anything else that we’ve done on the bar.” Brad Mead, the group’s marketing intern, was also challenged by the show. “I did a duet with a lady, and we did solid colors, really unified. We made symmetrical shapes with each other’s bodies. It was great.” Thomas strives to keep the aerial arts accessible. “We have classes for beginners that have never done it, exercise classes, very beginner workshops. I want people to feel like they can just walk in and try it. I don’t want it to be elite or exclusionary.” When asked why the group seems to have a particular appeal for queer people, Thomas says, “We’re just pounded and pounded and pounded to be on the defense, and we try to just announce that you don’t have to be anything but yourself in here.” Wovrosh points out that this ethic of acceptance also affects their performance aesthetic. “Things look a little bit more grounded, a little bit more like things that you would see in everyday life rather than an inaccessible circus-kitschy atmosphere that doesn’t seem real.” Mead and Wovrosh made the leap from classes to performance at Thomas’ encouragement. Wovrosh says, “Mikey is really good at drawing things out of you, and now I’ve learned to lean into the uncomfortable a little bit, and welcome those sorts of challenges.” Thomas joins in, “These guys are perfectly imperfect. The most difficult people I have to work with are people who are classically trained in dance or gymnastics; I want people that perform like they’re real people. I want this group that struggles hard together to make interesting work.” That interesting work will be on display March 28 at their next 400 West Rich Street show. The theme has not been announced, but Thomas teases that it is not to be missed: “We try to do in-house shows to keep ‘em affordable for people to attend and be offended at. We want people to be shocked and amazed and have fun.” Want to give the aerial arts a try? Monthly beginner workshops offer a no-commitment introduction. WP.MovementActivities.Com

PHOTOS | RAY LAVOIE 2015 January

FEATURE

January 2015

I WANT PEOPLE THAT

PERFORM LIKE THEY’RE REAL PEOPLE

2015 January

FROM THE ARCHIVES

PAUL LYNDE | TOM QUEEN Peter Marshall: “In The Wizard of Oz, the Lion wanted courage, and the Tin Man wanted a heart. What did the Scarecrow want?” Paul Lynde: “He wanted the Tin Man to notice him.” FOR BABY BOOMERS like me, watching the original version of The Hollywood Squares, hosted by Peter Marshall, and featuring the acerbic wit of the “Center Square,” Paul Lynde, always promised a half hour full of belly-aching laughter. However, my childhood naïveté shrouded me from understanding how Lynde taunted acceptable social norms with campy gay humor at a time when being “outed” would ruin a Hollywood career. Marshall: “Is Billy Graham considered a good dresser?” Lynde: “No, but he’s a terrific end table.” Lynde was born on June 13, 1926 in nearby Mount Vernon, Ohio. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1944, he went on to study at Northwestern University, where his fellow students included Patricia Neal and Cloris Leachman. Upon graduating in 1948, he set his sights on the bright lights of New York City, where he first worked as a stand-up comic, and later made his first appearance on the Broadway stage in New Faces of 1952. After appearing in a short-lived television sitcom with Buddy Hackett, he returned to Broadway in the hit musical Bye Bye Birdie as Harry MacAfee, and later reprised the role in the Hollywood production of the show.

January 2015

During the 1960s, Lynde was a frequent guest star on many television sitcoms, but it was his first-season appearance on Bewitched as Samantha’s nervous driving instructor that led to a recurring role on the show as the jokester Uncle Arthur (appearing as this character 10 times during the run of the popular show). From there, he became a regular cast member of The Hollywood Squares from 1968 until 1981. Marshall: “Nathan Hale, one of the heroes of the American Revolution, was hung. Why?” Lynde: “Heredity.”

Corbett Reynolds, creator of Columbus’s legendary Red Parties, once noted that when Paul Lynde would visit his family in Ohio, he could sometimes be found perched on the bar at the Kismet (the predecessor to the former Columbus Eagle on Third Street.), signing his autograph on cocktail napkins and passing them out to whoever walked by.

Lynde’s distinctive snarky delivery continues to influence performers today, even serving as the inspiration for the character of Roger the Alien on Seth MacFarlane’s American Dad!, but it’s the legacy of his work bringing campy gay humor with an open secret wink and nudge into America’s living rooms on The Hollywood Squares that continues to make us laugh.

In fact, Lynde was a legendary lover of “the sauce,” and following his failed attempts at several television series, in addition to the ratings decline of The Hollywood Squares, his drinking and substance abuse went out of control.

Marshall: “What do you call a man who gives you diamonds and pearls?” Lynde: “I’d call him ‘darling’!”

LYNDE’S DISTINCTIVE SNARKY DELIVERY CONTINUES TO INFLUENCE PERFORMERS TODAY... Lynde continued to work in Hollywood, despite his demons and received an Emmy award in 1976 for being named Entertainer of the Year. He finally got sober in 1980, but his many years of addictions had taken their toll. Lynde was found dead at his Beverly Hills home, having apparently succumbed to a heart attack, on January 10, 1982 at the age of 55. His cremains were returned to Ohio, and if you want to pay homage to him at his final resting place, just head north out of Mount Vernon on State Route 3, and make a right on Gilchrist Road. He rests along with his family in tiny Amity Cemetery.

ILLUSTRATION | PATRICK BUTLER

Read more about Paul Lynde in the book Center Square: The Paul Lynde Story, by Steve Wilson and Joe Florenski. And if you want a night of surreal television-watching, find a copy of the 1976 Paul Lynde Halloween Special, with guest stars Donny and Marie Osmond, Margaret Hamilton, Betty White, Florence Henderson and musical guest KISS!

COUPLE

Casey & Krista Mohr

January 2015

PHOTOS | AMY TANNENBAUM

| AMY TANNENBAUM THEY SAY THE THIRD time’s the charm. The first time Krista saw Casey, it was in a cafeteria at Bowling Green State University, where they were both students. “I told my friend: that is the most gorgeous girl,” says Krista. Her friend urged her to approach Casey, but Krista was not that bold. A year later, Krista was running home from the gym when it started to rain, so she took refuge in the school’s rugby house. By chance, Casey was there too – Krista recognized her right away and found the courage to approach her. “I can’t begin to describe how surreal a feeling it was,” says Krista. “I decided I wasn’t letting her get away.” They tried to date but decided they were better off as friends. “It was a maturity thing,” Krista explains. “We saw something, but it wasn’t the right timing.” After college, the two went their separate ways – Krista attended school in Florida, and Casey returned to her hometown of New Bremen, Ohio - but they continued to stay in touch. Even as they dated other people, they continued to think of each other. “Our significant others always hated us talking. Can’t imagine why!” Casey says. “There were a couple of months when we were cut off from communication!” Finally one afternoon in 2010 while Krista was studying, she got a call from an unknown number out of the blue – it was Casey. They had gone a year without speaking, and they talked all night. “I didn’t study at all that night.” Krista recalls. A long distance relationship soon began.

“Neither of us had ever lived in Columbus,” says Krista. “We had heard a lot great things about it, but we moved here for another great experience. It’s a younger and very accepting city.” Before the move actually happened, Krista began plans to pop the question. She saved up a long time to purchase the ring and had to keep the secret all the while, which was a huge challenge because Casey is a big planner and handles the finances. Before she even bought the ring, Krista asked Casey’s parents for permission; they were ecstatic. Finally, she popped the question during a trip to Chicago in June of 2013. It took some serious coercing to get Casey to agree to an early morning jog to the Bean sculpture in Millennium Park before it would fill up with tourists, but when they got there, Krista presented a sign that could only be read in the Bean’s reflection, reading: “Casey, will you marry me?” Casey responded, “Are you for real?” Krista was already down on one knee. They wasted no time in planning a wedding celebration that took place in February of 2014. They again chose Columbus as the location. They were aligned on just about all the decisions and everything fell into place. As Casey says, “The biggest decision was, who would walk down the aisle first?” As Casey and Krista prepare to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary next month, as well as their recent move to German Village, they look back on their wedding day with no regrets. “We knew the laws, that our marriage wouldn’t be recognized,” says Krista. “It is a bit disheartening, but we don’t let it get us down. We know that one day in our lifetime it will happen. We don’t let politics and society dictate how we live our lives, we’re not going to sit around and wait for the laws to catch up with the love we have for each other and how we want to express it.”

After a brief stint living together in Krista’s hometown of Hudson, Ohio, Krista got her first job offer in South Carolina, so they decided REGARDLESS IF THE GOVERNMENT to jump on the opportunity RECOGNIZES US OR NOT, OUR to move there together. Casey attributes their decision to their FRIENDS AND FAMILY DO THAT’S love of adventure: “We thought, ‘Let’s try a new thing and make MOST IMPORTANT. new friends. We don’t have kids Therefore, they haven’t left the or baggage. It’s easy for us to pack up and go. Why not?’” state to get legally married elsewhere. “Regardless if the government recognizes us or not, our friends and family do It’s a true reflection of their relationship that they would – that’s most important. They are the only people we need just pick up and move across the country to a new place. to recognize us in this moment in time for us to be happy.” “We love trying new things and putting ourselves out there and trying new experiences,” says Krista. But it was also a Their relationship works because they are a true balance, testament to their strong relationships with their families and they look at every experience as something to be shared back in Ohio that they decided that after three years in together. “We push each other to be better people every South Carolina, the time was right to return to their home day,” says Krista. “We’re both so comfortable and confident state. They still wanted to make it an experience that was with one another. We share a lot of similar interests. We are new, so they chose Columbus as their new home. each other’s best friends. We could laugh about anything. We have so much fun, every day is a new adventure!”

SEXPERT

3 MYTHS | JOHN HENRY, JR AT THIS TIME of year, it is natural to reflect on the past, to remember and celebrate victories and remind ourselves of the work we have yet to complete. One constant road-block on our journey is the persistence of myths and falsehoods. We are all susceptible to the occasional misunderstanding or confusion of facts and reason. This is abundantly clear in our sexual practices and understanding of how our bodies work and interact with others’ bodies. We cannot grow as long as we continue to believe and reaffirm misinformation. Here are just a few common sexual health myths I encounter regularly:

“Lesbians are not at risk for HIV and other STIs.”

While it is true that lesbians, or women who have sex with other women, tend to be on the lower spectrum of risk for HIV infection, the same cannot be said about other STIs (sexually transmitted infections). The ways in which women tend to have sex with each other are not “ideal” for the transmission of HIV due to the lack of an exchange of bodily fluids. Mutual masturbation and oral sex (even with the use of toys) do not facilitate the same exchange of fluids that we see with heterosexual and male-to-male intercourse. That being said, STIs are easily transmitted through oral sex and even skin to skin contact. Both bacterial (chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis) and viral infections (HPV and herpes) are very real possibilities for women who have sex with other women.

“If I am the top, I can’t get HIV.”

HIV is spread through the exchange of fluids from one partner to another. While a “bottom,” or receptive partner during anal sex, is at higher risk, there is still an exchange of fluids between both partners. Men who are exclusively tops are by no means immune to the possibility of HIV infection.

January 2015

“HIV is now easily treated with just a pill a day.”

While we have certainly come a long way in the past 30 years of this epidemic, HIV is still a life-changing condition. We no longer consider HIV a terminal illness; however, it is a lifelong chronic disease that requires constant care and daily medication. Although there are “one-pill-a-day” regimens available, they do not work for everyone. In addition to the physical maintenance of HIV, it often takes a heavy toll on one’s emotional and mental well-being. While the face and realities of HIV/AIDS have changed, the idea that it is easily dealt with and not a big deal is completely false. The myths clarified here will not go away as a result of this article, but I encourage you to become a mythbuster by actively correcting others when they make inaccurate claims. It is 2015 and time to inform yourself and others of the truths and realities of sexual health.

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

SARA SHARES

NECESSARY CONVERSATIONS AND

Understanding

| SARA ERNEST “One thing I know is that none of us truly knows the mind or heart of another. We can fool ourselves, let ourselves believe that we know better. The truth of the matter is that none … knows what is in another’s heart.” - Colleen Vanderlinden, Nether I’VE SPENT THE BETTER part of the last two weeks marinating on how to say how I feel about the recent mid-term elections, Rose McGowan’s statements about misogyny and gay men and the grand jury decisions across the country without appropriating anyone’s righteous anger or discounting any other viewpoints just because they differ from mine. My head has been really busy. There is so much that goes into all of these things, each with its own intricacies and nuances and points of view that I can’t possibly hope to understand all of them. My initial goal was to write about the mid-term elections and what that means for women’s equality. The legislation that has been passed in recent months shutting down family planning clinics, requiring waiting periods for women who have decided to terminate their pregnancies and requiring invasive trans-vaginal ultrasounds as an unnecessary but mandatory test prior to ending a pregnancy, coupled with liberal losses and significant conservative gains in many elected positions, has made it a frustrating _ and for some, scary _ time to be a woman.

Then I sat back and watched the responses on social media and other online media and was appalled at what I saw. When the object of someone’s argument is to point out how they are not a misogynist, slut shaming and victim blaming should probably not be a cornerstone of their argument. When one of my friends told me he wanted to “c*nt punch” Taylor Swift for all the reasons that I have new found respect for her, I decided that this was something I needed to talk about. Finally, with the most trepidation, because I don’t want to appropriate anyone’s anger or pain, I have to talk about Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Right or wrong, these men are dead and countless other lives have been ruined or altered as a result. I have black friends, and I have cop friends, and it’s tough to be caught in the middle of some of the necessary conversations that have ensued around me because I have never been black in America or stood in front of another human being in true fear for my life. Without these experiences, I have no authority to speak on the current ones.

IT IS EASY TO PUT OUR THOUGHTS OUT TO THE WORLD WITHOUT THINKING OR CARING.

Within days of the mid-term elections, Rose McGowan, American actress and director, caused an uproar by saying, “Gay men are as misogynistic as straight men, if not more so.” At first I was pretty upset. Many gay men hold very important places in my life, and I was angry that she would lump all of them under the Misogynist Banner.

In this world of digital communication, it is easy to put our thoughts out to the world without thinking or caring. Many people have said many things that they will probably regret for a very long time because technology makes it so easy to do so. What it comes down to is this: in the words of Ian Maclaren, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

DEVELOPMENT

MAKE IT A CREATIVE NEW YEAR!

| JM RAYBURN CREATIVITY IS THE SUM of two processes: thinking and producing. Many of us focus on the imaginative thinking aspect, but fall short on the doing or producing. As we kick-off a new year, I encourage you to make the most of International Creativity Month and its purpose to inspire people around the globe to harness the power of creativity.

January 2015

A 2012 Adobe study on creativity found that eight in 10 people felt that unlocking creativity is critical to economic growth, and nearly two-thirds of respondents felt creativity is valuable to society, yet a striking minority — only one in four people — believed that they were living up to their own creative potential. Thus, there is a creativity gap that needs to be addressed. Fortunately, Columbus has a unique assortment of institutions and organizations to start and complete the creative cycle. You don’t have to go to New York City, San Francisco or Los Angeles to find success in a creative industry. Everything you need is here. Our city is recognized as a top 10 place to start a business. Columbus is a national leader when it comes to LGBTQ empowerment and inclusion, economic opportunity, economic growth and affordability. We are home to a high concentration of fashion designers and retail innovators and a hotbed of entrepreneurs and high-growth companies. If you can make it in Columbus, you can make it anywhere. The best place to start the creative process is to pick up where others left off. Museums and art galleries are the most obvious candidates. Columbus Museum of Art is free to the public on Sundays. How convenient! Currently on display are two fitting exhibitions to get the creative juices flowing: Think Outside the Brick and In ___ We Trust: Art and Money. Next on the list is Wexner Center for the Arts. Admission is free on Thursday evenings and first Sundays, yet this world-class institution is certainly worth the cost of admission any day of the week. If you are looking for more grit with a DIY aesthetic, then you must pay a visit to 400 West Rich Street in East Franklinton. You’ll find a determined community of local artists and creative types who are looking for others to join their ranks. While in the area, swing by COSI and be amazed by the planetarium. For inspiration in the digital realm, check out TEDxColumbus videos at TedxColumbus.Com/Videos. I attended the sixth annual TEDxColumbus event in November and left energized and empowered with “ideas worth sharing.” If you hunger for more, OSU has a raised the bar on the democratization of knowledge via Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) that are open to anyone around the world utilizing free and open resources. I enrolled in the Technicity MOOC last year to study smart city initiatives. Once inspired and armed with knowledge, you are ready to make your ideas a reality. Columbus Idea Foundry is the largest “makerspace” on the planet. A monthly membership fee of $35 plus an hourly fee gives you access to a multitude of tools, including a 3D printer and a laser cutter, to make your next creation or start your new enterprise. Columbus Cultural Arts Center offers a wide variety of in-depth, hands-on art classes at varying experience levels. I took an introductory screen printing course there and loved it. Columbus College of Art & Design offers a wide variety of community-focused Continuing

and Professional Studies workshops of varying lengths to suit your schedule. If you share my interest in learning how to sew and knit, Dabble & Stitch is a great resource. Their introductory sewing class is quite helpful and loads of fun if you’re the only gay boy in a class of ladies! For those who want to learn how to harness the awesome power of the coding, there are many resources available to you. Even if you think the buzz around “learning how to code” is overkill, you have to admit it’s here to stay. Why not learn it?! Columbus has its own chapter of Girl Develop It, a nonprofit that provides affordable and accessible programs to women who want to learn web and software development through mentorship and handson instruction.The annual DrupalCamp Ohio provides a space to learn an open source content management platform that powers millions of websites and applications, whether you’re a beginner, a developer, designer or business owner. Pencil this opportunity into your November calendar. Columbus Code Camp is a community event where software developers learn from their peers. Another fall event, look for this one in October — that gives you plenty of time to work on your coding skills. It’s a new year; go forth and create!

Creativity Web Resources

While Columbus has much to offer, here are some on-line resources I find to be useful:

Code.org exists to expand the number of students, especially women and people of color, with access to the learning tools for coding languages. CodeCademy.com allows users to start learning how to design their own websites with HTML and CSS, and animate their own names with Javascript. CreativeLive.com broadcasts live classes on the Internet to foster an interaction between the instructor and other students to shape the class direction. Pinterest.com is a powerful tool at your fingertips for cultivating your ideas into inspiration and concept boards. I set aside at least 15 minutes a day to pin. SkillShare.com is an online learning community for creators. Classes are categorized under creative arts, design, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and technology and are taught by industry leaders. TeamTreehouse.com is arguably the most indepth learning tool for coding and covers a wide variety of topics. That comes at a price — $25 for a basic plan and $49 for a pro plan that gives you access to exclusive workshops and interviews.

UPCOMING

FEATURING 6 NOT-TO-BE-MISSED COLUMBUS EVENTS IN JANUARY

D: Now through January 25 T: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. / Thursday until 8:30 p.m. L: 480 E. Broad Street $: $12 / $8 for seniors and college students with an ID / Free on Sunday W: ColumbusMuseum.org

D: Saturday, January 10 T: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. L: Stonewall Center, 1160 N. High Street W: Facebook.com/ ColumbusUrbanPride

D: Saturday, January 10 T: Doors at 7:00 p.m. / Show at 8:00 p.m. L: Axis Night Club, 775 N. High Street $: $6 / $30 table for 4.

Think Outside the Brick Exhibit Third annual exhibition of Columbus landmarks built with LEGO® blocks.

Broadway In Columbus: Newsies Disney’s 2012 Tony winner for Best Score and Best Choreography. D: January 13 - 18 T: Various L: Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State Street $: $39 - $99 W: Columbus.Broadway.com

Columbus Urban Pride Planning Committee Help start the planning process for fifth anniversary events.

Pride Leadership’s 2015 Recruitment Reception Learn about this United Way program to train and place LGBTQ people on local non-profit boards. D: Wednesday, January 14 T: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. L: Barley’s Brewing Company, 467 N. High Street RSVP Required: Kelly.Mclennan@ UWCentralOhio.org

Nina West’s Think You Can Do Drag Competition Amateur drag competition with over $1,000 in cash and prizes.

Equality Ohio’s Allies for Equality Honoring Kimber Perfect and Tom Katsenmey. D: Wednesday, January 14 T: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. L: Strongwater, 401 W. Town Street $: $100 + RSVP Required: EqualityOhio.org

SAY YES, COLUMBUS: TWEET YOUR IDEAS TO @QUORUMCOLUMBUS AND USE #YESLISTCOLUMBUS

January 2015

SCENE

KALEIDOSCOPE YOUTH

DECEMBER 2014

PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

CENTER’S OPEN HOUSE

CRAB RACES | KRIS LITTLER GREAT NAMES: Hum Bug, No Imitation, Macho Man Randy Crabbage, Give ‘Em Shell, The Disappointment, Crab Tree, Merry Crabs-mas, Long Arm of the Claw, Crabbing Ohio Forward, Shemp’s Crab and Attempting to Look Hipster. NOT SO GREAT NAMES: With the holidays and caring people giving gifts, it occurred to me that there are no bad crabs, just people who come up with really, really bad names. You know who you are…Let’s get it together in 2015 UPDATE: Since professional crabs are part of the C.C.R.A. (Columbus Crab Racing Association) and dues paying members are allowed to sue owners for holiday wages, the crabs did their Christmas race early and demanded the rest of the year off. UPCOMING: Thanks for all the community support of the crab races! Each year they get bigger and better…and more fun. Be on the lookout for our special races this year. Join us for the races. You have two chances each week! FASCINATING FACT: A hermit crab changes shells every time it molts and grows larger, but crabs are known to also change shells for no reason. Crabs are on a constant mission of house hunting. Hope to see you at the races, Local bar on Mondays at 9:30 p.m. Exile bar on Thursdays at 9:30 p.m.

Until next time, stay crabby!

You can follow the crabs on Facebook, CRABRACINGWITHKRIS

FITNESS

| MICHAEL GREENHOUSE WHILE RESEARCH indicates that joint range of motion is improved acutely and chronically after flexibility exercises, flexibility training continues to be one of the most overlooked aspects of most people’s fitness programs. With a growing focus on functional training to enable optimal body competitive and everyday activity performance, it’s imperative that proper levels of joint mobility be established to ensure quality movement.

DO: Roll it out. While most people think stretching is the only way to enhance flexibility, self-myofascial release to address tissue density is also effective and should be incorporated into your exercise experience. Begin your warm-up with tools such as a foam roller, medball, baseball, tennis ball or lacrosse ball to decrease trigger points or “knots” within the muscles. Use these tools by applying pressure to commonly tight areas of the body to relieve tension and increase blood flow. In turn, rolling helps to enhance mobility and improve overall movement quality. Selfmyofascial release incorporated into the cool-down offers even more flexibility-related benefits.

DON’T: Go in cold. Research suggests that flexibility exercises are most effective when the muscles are warm. Therefore, engaging in light aerobic activity – such as jogging, jumping jacks or briskly walking to get the blood flowing to the tissue – can prove beneficial before performing static stretches.

DO: Get mobile. When it comes to injury prevention, ensuring adequate joint mobility is crucial. The body is comprised of joints that tend to favor stability – such as the knees and lumbar spine and joints that favor mobility – including the ankles, hips, thoracic spine and shoulders. To get more out of movements, workouts should include a dynamic warmup. A proper warm-up enhances range of motion in the four aforementioned joints. Proper warm-up movements should include mimic the five primary movement patterns: squatting; lunging; pushing; pulling; and rotational or twisting movements.

DON’T: Focus on one area. Flexibility training, like resistance training, is joint specific. There is not one specific exercise or stretch that improves your overall flexibility. Instead, incorporate a variety of movements and stretching techniques into your training. The goal is to target the major muscle tendon units of the neck, chest, shoulder girdle, trunk, lower back, hips, legs and ankles.

DO: Mix up your approach. From proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) with a partner to static stretching in mind-body modalities like yoga, mixing up your approach to flexibility will not only offer improvement in range of motion around the joints, it will also keep this component of your workout routine exciting and ultimately more enjoyable.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF FLEXIBILITY TRAINING

DON’T: Make it painful. As is the case with any aspect of fitness, when it comes to flexibility training, you want to feel challenged. However, there’s a big difference between slight discomfort and extreme pain. When performing static stretching, make it a point to stretch only to the point of feeling mild tightness or slight discomfort to ensure the greatest level of safety and effectiveness.

DO: Prioritize flexibility. While flexibility exercises increase general joint range of motion, chronic improvements are seen after three to four weeks of regularly stretching at least two to three times per week. For the greatest benefit, perform flexibility training after your resistance-training workouts. It is important to stay committed in your approach to stretching regularly.

DON’T: Skimp on static stretching. For best results, aim to hold each static stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat each one two to four times, completing a total of 60 seconds per joint. This type of stretching needs to be performed after you have completed your training for that specific area. Doing static stretching then training will reduce the amount of muscular output which can lead to poor performance or movement related injury. While more studies are needed to definitively understand the role flexibility training plays in reducing the risk of injuries and minimizing delayed onset muscle soreness, flexibility is certainly an essential component of a wellrounded workout routine.

2015 January

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DRINK.

DANCE.

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 MOUTON Short North 954 N High St 614.732.4660 Cray Eatery & Drinkery Italian Village 697 N 4th St 614.745.1693

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

MERION VILLAGE

BREWERY DISTRICT SOUTH SIDE OLDE TOWNE EAST

EAT + DRINK. DRINK. 3 6 7 15 17 20

24 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 Columbus Fuel Bar Merion Village 1312 S High St 614.725.0130 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.

W HAT W ILL I T ELL M Y C HILDREN ?: T HE U NRESOLVED R IDDLE

ADJOURN

U.S. R ACE R ELATIONS

| TAYO CLYBURN ONCE, I WAS STOPPED by a police officer for driving too slowly through an economically privileged area of Columbus. I rolled down my window and waited for the officer to approach my silver Alero. Per the officer’s request, I provided my driver’s license and vehicle registration, which he held unread in his hand while he questioned me. “Are you the owner of this vehicle?” he asked. “Did you steal this car? If you stole this car, you better tell me now because I can find out!” After a moment of stunned silence, I realized that I was completely invisible to him. He saw a criminal, cruising the streets for trouble, when in actuality I was a young student with a bad sense of direction, driving a few miles under the speed limit in an effort to find the restaurant where my friend was having her going away party. I was at a loss for how to respond to his questions, which seemed irrational to me. I finally spoke after a moment of stunned silence, “Sir, I really do not know what information to give you other than what you’ve asked for.” Having learned not to take my hands off of the steering wheel, I nodded towards his hand, “You have my registration there. If you’ll look, you’ll see the car is mine.” I think that something about the confusion, bewilderment and fear in my voice must have softened the officer because he finally looked down at my information and his demeanor quickly changed. By the end of our encounter, he was giving me directions and encouraging me to have a good evening. For the rest of the night, amidst the laughter and conversation of friends at the restaurant, I replayed my interaction with the policeman over and over again, trying to recall if I’d done everything my father had taught me when I was teenager first learning to drive. When pulled over by the police: be respectful; keep your hands on the wheel; if your hands must leave the wheel, notify the officer(s) before you move them; don’t speak unless spoken to; always keep your car registration up to date and in the car; and never drive without a valid driver’s license.

officer looked at me and saw someone else, someone contentious, criminal and non-compliant. Nearly ten years have passed since that incident, and I don’t feel any closer to solving this riddle than when I was that scared kid.

HE DIDN’T TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO WHEN AN OFFICER LOOKED AT ME AND SAW SOMEONE ELSE My partner is pregnant with our first child. I’ll be a parent soon, and in the wake of recent incidents of fatal violence against black youth, I’ve become obsessed with how I will supplement my father’s instruction with lessons that I’m still learning myself. How does one resist erasure? In those moments when the line between visibility and invisibility is the same as the line between freedom and imprisonment, or God forbid, life and death, what should I tell our child to do in order to be seen as a person whose life is of value and worth preserving? Naively, I thought I’d have much more time to find the answers to these questions, but American history is littered with young black bodies, and time has not changed this. Tamir Rice was only twelve years old when he was killed by police while playing with a toy gun on a playground. He was shot within five seconds of the arrival of police officers—no words of wisdom could have saved him. So, I don’t know what I’ll say to our child. Perhaps I’ll do for them as my father did for me – raise them to be the best people they can be and then pray that they are spared.

My father, like so many parents of black children, had hoped that teaching me to be polite, respectable and law-obeying might one day save my life. But he didn’t tell me what to do if and when these tactics failed. He didn’t offer any words of wisdom about how to combat invisibility. He didn’t tell me what I should do when an

Dr. Tayo Clyburn is Executive Director of Mission and Strategic Partnerships in OSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. He lives in Columbus with his partner, Tara Polansky, an artist and instructor at the Columbus College of Art & Design, and their dog, B.T.

2015 JANUARY