Quorum Columbus July 2015

Pride Yearbook & Events Columbus

eakfast Adventures

KEIth SpeErs

GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

JULY '15 CONTENTS 6 SARA SHARES Common Revelation

18 FROM THE ARCHIVES Keith Speers: Knocking it Out of the Park

31 WHAT THE FORK The Tastiest Meal of the Day

8 SCENE 2015 Pride Yearbook

20 FEATURE All In: 2015 GSWS

32 SCENE Mary Ann Brandt: Songs Gays Like

10 DEVELOPMENT Is Columbus Ready to Innovate?

24 SCENE LocalBar

33 UPCOMING YES List for July

12 SCENE Mama’s Boys Drag Kings of Pride

26 MEMOIRS OF A MURSE LGBTQA...K?

34 COUPLE Craig Scheidler & Joel Diaz

14 SCENE HRC

28 PERSPECTIVE Interview with Dr. Davis

39 SCENE Equality Ohio at the Franklin County C.H.

15 SCENE Pride Brunch

30 DERON FETZ The New American Dream

40 WE THE PEOPLE The Meaning of: Obergefell v. Hodges

16 BARTENDER Brittany Anne Preston | Short North Tavern

41 ADJOURN Cheryl Harrison | An Ally for the Field

QuorumColumbus.com ENTERTAIN. ENLIGHTEN. ENGAGE.

Pride Yearbook & Events Columbus

eakfast Adventures

KEIth SpeErs

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

GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES PREVIEW On the Cover: Photographer | Ray Lavoie Model | Darrin Ebbert

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.

YEARS

Quorum Columbus Crew I saac B endele

M ickey J. H art

A ngel L emke

President & Publisher

Founding Editor

E rik H ays

J erry T urnes

A my T annenbaum

CFO

Multimedia Creative Manager | Graphic Designer

Columnist Photographer

Managing Editor

P atrick B utler

JM R ayburn

H eather D oughty

Jeffrey Wise

T iffany S alter

Graphic Designer Illustrator

Graphic Designer Social Media Manager

Graphic Designer

Feature Writer

Feature Writer

S ara E rnest

S ile

S ingleton

J ohn H enry , J r

A drian N eil -H obson

T om Q ueen

Columnist

Columnist

Columnist

Columnist

Columnist

K ris L ittler

J oshua M c C arty

A llyson F ridley

Also on the Crew:

C ontributor

D istribution C oordinator

P hotographer

Ray LaVoie, Feature Photographer

Heather Schuck, Managing Editor Clayton Walter, Columnist Shane Carpenter, Account Executive Deron Fetz, Columnist Sean Fink, Columnist / Account Executive Christopher Hetzer, Columnist Clare Hughes, Graphic Designer Kari Jasinski, Photographer

This Month’s Contributor: Cheryl Harrison, Adjourn

CONVENE

LOVE IS LOVE | ISAAC BENDELE IF YOU HAVEN’T already heard, the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series is returning to Columbus next month and we have an exciting preview for you. We’ll help you get to know some of the players and their stories. The camaraderie found after hours of practice and teamwork is strong and thousands of players will be visiting our city to knock it out of the park. Players will be coming from all over for a competitive event.

In this month’s issue you’ll get some great recommendations to shake up your morning routine, share in a moment of revelation, have a frank discussion about what the American Dream has become, and get an in-depth look at the physiology behind some of our desires.

Perspectives tells us what it means to be a High Impact Leader and Development investigates what a little innovation could bring to our city. Scene takes us to the heart of some of Columbus’ most talked about events and despite an incredibly wet Pride weekend, our reasons for celebrating were not dampened. This month’s issue has many captured moments from a very memorable Pride.

In the spirit of togetherness, take a minute to share your adventures and join us in ours for another month of Qmunity and Quorum.

Isaac Bendele President and Publisher Isaac@quorumcolumbus.com

#jointhequorum

PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

SARA SHARES

| SARA ERNEST OVER THE WEEKEND, lying under the stars with tens of thousands of my closest friends, before one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to, I had an epiphany. The anticipation was almost palpable as we waited for one of the biggest reasons we had all driven hundreds of miles and many hours.

Since we had some time to kill, and it was a beautifully clear sky, I laid back on the blanket and took a moment to appreciate what was happening. That’s when it hit me: I have at least one thing in common with every single person in this audience right now.

After seeing shows throughout the weekend at Bonnaroo 2015, I thought I knew what my partner, Lori, and I were getting ourselves into. It was a huge event, with about 100,000 attendees. We knew going to Mumford and Sons would require us to show up early to get a good vantage point from which to see them headline the day’s concerts. By the time we showed up at the venue, approximately thirty five minutes prior to the opening guitar riff, it was already packed. We quickly found a spot as close to the front of our section as we could and laid out our blanket to wait for the show to start.

It may not seem like such a big deal, but to me, in that moment, it was a revelation. Regardless of the color of their skin, their political views, their intellect or abilities, I was bonded to every single person in the audience by a desire to see this band.

WE HEAR ALL THE TIME THAT WE HAVE MORE IN COMMON WITH PEOPLE THAN WE THINK, SO IT WOULD SEEM THAT THIS CONCEPT SHOULD BE FAIRLY SIMPLE TO GRASP 6

JULY 2015

A great many people spend a great deal of time focusing on the things we don’t like about others or how they are different. We use so much energy trying to convert people to seeing things our way, or believing in the things we believe that all we see are differences.

We hear all the time that we have more in common with people than we think, so it would seem that this concept should be fairly simple to grasp. We see examples all the time of the truth in this idea. The differences that are obvious, sometimes make it hard to see the commonalities that aren’t, though.

Bonnaroo really does bring in people from all walks of life. I saw people in all shapes and sizes, colors, tattoo coverage, ages, and any other distinguishing feature a person can think of. It’s not hard to see in a setting like this why it is easy to forget that we have something in common. Walking around the festival grounds, though, there is a sense of togetherness and an understanding that everyone is there to have a good time and listen to some really great music.

Not only did we have something in common with everyone else in the venue before the show, we now have a shared experience in the show, which should make this common bond even stronger.

I would like to close this column with a challenge. The next major event you attend, such as a concert, play, work conference, sporting event, or any number of other things along those lines, find the person who looks the most different from you and strike up a conversation. You already know you have something in common.

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JULY 2015

2015 STONEWALL COL

UMBUS PRIDE YEARBOOK

PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

DEVELOPMENT

Is Columbus Ready to Innovate? | JM RAYBURN AS THE UNITED STATES continues to emerge from the Great Recession, a remarkable shift is occurring in the spatial geography of innovation. For the last 50 years, Silicon Valley and other suburban corridors with massive corporate campuses have dominated the geography of innovation. These were built to be automobile-oriented with little emphasis on the quality of life or on integrating jobs, housing, and entertainment.

Today, innovation is taking place where people come together, not in isolated spaces.

The shift in where innovation occurs has given rise to what many call innovation districts. These districts are sprouting up in urban areas where anchor institutions and companies cluster and connect with start-ups and creative industries. The sort of creative industries we are talking about include design, architecture/urban planning, tech, advertising, and marketing. Many have a DIY aesthetic made possible by 3D printing and machinery, much like you see at the Columbus Idea Foundry. Innovation districts are compact and accessible by all modes of transportation.

It’s all about programming: Choreographing spontaneous opportunities for smart people to interact with each other.

This is what separates innovation districts from corporate science parks. Given all of these characteristics, innovation districts are taking root in world-class cities with both large employment markets and economic diversity. For example, the New York City economy is strong, vibrant and evolving.

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While healthcare remains the City’s largest employer and financial services its engine of economic output, high-tech and creative industries are growing rapidly, changing the dynamics of the economy.

Over the past year, local community leaders have begun a dialogue around the introduction of an innovation district in Columbus. State Representative Michael Stinziano, in particular, has been a big advocate. “With 135 colleges and universities located throughout Ohio, I am confident that we have the ideal environment for an innovation district program,” Stinziano said. “In my district alone, there are seven college campuses. This is an excellent opportunity to encourage growth and investment for companies that may not be eligible for other incentives the State of Ohio offers to businesses. Campuses and companies will be able to foster a positive, mutual relationship in these new communities based on training, degree planning opportunities for students, and a skilled, workready pool of job candidates for the companies. Ohioans will reap the benefits of this program.” There are three Columbus neighborhoods in particular that serve as strong contenders for innovation districts: The Short North, Downtown, and Franklinton. These are the neighborhoods where Columbus can encourage new jobs, creativity, and economic opportunity. Let’s take the necessary steps and formalize the creation of an innovation district in either or all of these neighborhoods.

Economic assets are the companies, institutions and organizations that drive, cultivate or support an innovation-rich environment.

Networking assets are the relationships between individuals, companies, and institutions that have the potential to generate, sharpen, and/or accelerate the advancement of ideas.

Physical assets are the public and privately-owned spaces designed and organized to stimulate new and higher levels of connectivity, collaboration, and innovation.

INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

WHO DELIVERS INNOVATION DISTRICTS The list of institutions and individuals that are driving the growth of innovation districts is as varied as the economic composition of districts themselves.

Mayors and local governments, such as State Representative Michael Stinziano.

Major real estate developers and major landowners, such as Nationwide Realty Investors and Kaufman Development.

Anchor companies, such as Nationwide Insurance.

Advanced research institutions, such as The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the Battelle Memorial Institute.

Advanced medical campuses, such as the Wexner Medical Center and Grant Medical Center.

Philanthropic investors, such as the Columbus Foundation.

Incubators, accelerators, and other economic cultivators, such as Rev1 Ventures, and EDCI, Drive Capital.

Social networking programmers, such as Forge Columbus.

SCENE

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JULY 2015

M a m a ' s B oys D r ag

Kings

of

Pride

PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

SCENE

HRC | SEAN FINK I WAS IN Heaven at this event. The only thing missing was Cher! Ms. Brittany Snow, Jim Obergefell, and Crystal Waters made this event out of this world! I am always overwhelmed by the emotion of joy, support, and love at this event. The Archie Griffin Ballroom was transformed into a space of love and inspiration for this magical night. Our lovely co-chairs, Anjali Chavan and Craig Scheidler, were looking on point as usual. Anjali and Craig say, “Human Rights Campaign is the seminal organization in the United States that is advocating for the LGBTQ citizens. It raises awareness about the needs of our community and creates a platform for us to speak both about inequality and empowerment.� The Columbus HRC gala is a beautiful event that joins together the LGBTQ community and their allies to celebrate the past victories and forge forward. And what a celebration it was! Axis hosted the after party in their newly remodeled lounge where the dancing and fun continued.

I cannot wait until next year! Yay HRC, and HAPPY PRIDE!

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PHOTOS | SEAN FINK

PRIDE BRUNCH | SEAN FINK IT ONLY SEEMS fitting to close out a gay weekend with brunch, right?! I had the pleasure of attending this year’s PRIDE brunch held at the Columbus Athenaeum where all in attendance got to help celebrate this year’s Grand Marshall, Jim Obergefell, who is helping to change the LGBTQ community. Jim has been named in the Supreme Court decision on marriage equality that we just recently heard some great news concerning. This was the second time I had the chance to hear Jim speak, and I found every word motivating and inspiring. He is humble, yet bold, on a matter that affects all of our lives. Other speakers and attendees included Malcolm Wriggle, 10TVs Kristyn Hartman, and former Governor of Ohio, Ted Strickland. The brunch, hosted by Stonewall Columbus, was a great recap of this year’s PRIDE, as well as a future look into the life of Stonewall Columbus. Attending this event, I was reminded why we celebrate PRIDE and the reality within the LGBTQ community. I believe Jim said it best when he said, “We all deserve the rights, responsibilities, and respect that come with marriage, and I’m honored to be part of this fight for equality and to help celebrate how far we have come!” HAPPY PRIDE!

PHOTOS | SEAN FINK

SCENE BARTENDER

Brittany Anne Preston | HEATHER SCHUCK

“Bitty”

she was brought to Ohio by the love of her life, a woman who is now her wife. “After 7 years of dating, we were married [on] May 9th in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was amazing!” She feels lucky to live in a city that is supportive of the LGBTQA community.

“As a lesbian working at the Tavern, from its location, to the bartenders, to the clientele, there isn’t another place I have felt so accepted and loved.”

YOU’LL FIND MANY GREAT establishments in the Short North, but none have stood longer than the Short North Tavern on High Street. If you’ve ever crossed it’s awningcovered threshold, it’s likely you’ve met Brittany Anne Preston (AKA Bitty). “Everyone gets a smile and a wave from me. I like to try and make someone’s day just a little brighter. My coworkers call me sunshine.” A bartender for 12 years now, the last six and half have been with the Short North Tavern. “I guess you could say I kinda like it here.”

Bitty encourages everyone to stop into the Short North Tavern sometime to check out their good selection of food and nightly specials. “Taco Night on Mondays is one of my faves. $1 tacos? Don’t mind if I do!”

From the stories, to the smiles, to the great friends that have become part of her family, Bitty can’t land on one thing in particular she likes best about her job. An “import”from Wisconsin,

COCKTAIL:

Short North Tavern 674 North High Street 614-221-2432

Bucky Punch: Three olives cherry, roses, lime, triple sec, cranberry, and a splash of 7 (for funziez)

FUN FACT: When she’s not bartending, Bitty is busy pursuing her passion, a business called Mimi’s Pet Services, a dog walking, pet sitting, grooming business.

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MAY 2015 JULY

PHOTO | JOSHUA MCCARTY

PHOTOS | RAY LAVOIE

SCENETHE ARCHIVES FROM

Knocking It Out

of the

Park

| TOM QUEEN FOR THE SECOND TIME time in just five years, Columbus is hosting the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series. It is a big event that will bring thousands of athletes into the city for the games. Watching over them all, as well as participating as a player himself, is Columbus’ own Keith Speers.

Keith, originally from the Chicago area, “grew up in a ball-playing family.” His dad was a coach, and, as he puts it: “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t play ball.” In fact, he has been playing the game for 43 years. Keith was one of the tallest kids in his class, as well as an athlete, and never recalls being bullied for being “different.”

However, he always watched over those kids who couldn’t hide their “differences” to ensure that they wouldn’t be picked on.

For many of these “different kids,” it seemed inconceivable to be “out” and an athlete. For many just like Keith, finding NAGAAA 18

JULY 2015

and gay softball was almost salvation. In Keith’s words: “I found home. There were tons of people just like me.” Keith first played gay softball in Chicago, then later in San Diego. When he first came to Columbus, the city’s gay softball league was not a member of the NAGAAA (North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance) organization. There were only five cities which were part of NAGAAA when its first World Series debuted in 1976.

Keith made his debut as a player in the World Series in 1991.

Keith started out as a player in Columbus, then was named a national delegate to NAGAAA, serving in that capacity from 2010 to 2014. He was named the Ethics Chair in 2011, and just this year was named the Assistant Commissioner/Athletic Director for the entire organization. In this capacity, he will be watching over all the games to ensure fair play. He is responsible for execution of the ratings system, the rules of play, and administering the execution of the tournament (including the brackets and game schedules).

As a player in the tournament this year, Keith will be with the Union Jacks, sponsored by Union Café. This is a C division team.

The A division team players are, in some cases, of near-professional athletic ability, and the D division is for entry-level players. All teams are allowed to have up to three non-LGBT players.

Keith shares that NAGAAA can’t say enough good things about Columbus, especially considering its successful run as the host city in 2010. Columbus is, in fact, the first city to host the World Series twice within a five-year interval since NAGAAA consisted of only five participating cities. “Fields, proximity, convenience make Columbus a great host city.” Indeed, many in NAGAAA would love to see Columbus host every year.

The 2015 Gay Softball World Series is a major event in the city’s summer schedule. The opening ceremonies will be held downtown at The Columbus Commons on Monday, August 17th. The event is open to all, with a modest admission fee for non-players, and will feature nationally known “out and proud” country artist, Ty Herndon. The tournament’s games will be held at Berliner Park, the largest group of playing fields in one place in the entire country. So get out there and cheer on the players. Let’s show Keith and all of our visitors that we’re “All In!”

For more information about the Gay Softball World Series, go to GWSW2015.org.

FEATURE

2015 GAY SOFTBALL

ALL

PHOTO | OHIOWINS.COM

| JEFFREY SCOTT WISE NEXT MONTH COLUMBUS will be ALL IN hosting the largest annual gay sporting event in the world. The Gay Softball World Series is in its 39th year and this is the second year Columbus is hosting the event. With its 31 fields, Berliner Park is the largest softball park in the country and a prime location for this year’s tournament.

Here are a few of the faces behind the game and a peek into what to expect next month when over 200 teams come from around the world to compete in our great city.

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WORLD SERIES

IN! Jason is from Columbus. He was introduced to the softball culture of Columbus through a friend. When his friend was no longer able to play on the team due to a scheduling conflict, Jason took his place. He describes the teams as being pretty tight knit and, above all, the camaraderie is amazing. Jason’s straight brother plays on his team and his parents even attend the games.

The bonds between him and his teammates are very strong and the reciprocal support between his teammates and family show just how important these relationships are. Jason’s family involvement is so strong, when a couple on his team decided to get married, Jason’s parents were invited to the wedding. Jason describes how much he values his teammates and the bonds they have built as being something like a fraternity. No matter where they go, they have friends because of softball. “It’s kind of cool that there is another environment to engage with each other outside of bars.”

PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

JASON

FEATURE

DARRIN

Darrin is originally from Delaware. Softball has been a huge part of Darrin’s life as an out gay man. His interest was sparked by watching Bat-N-Rouge during one Columbus Pride, but he was a little uncomfortable with his own sexuality and the gay community at first. After meeting some of the guys and hitting it off, he joined the Columbus team. The camaraderie the team and league offered gave him the courage to become comfortable in his own skin and allowed him to meet and be comfortable around many different people. Determined to play in the Gay Softball World Series before Columbus had NAGAAA representation, he joined the Pittsburgh league in 2004. He made the six hour round-trip drive every weekend in order to stay on the team. He went with that team to San Diego for his first Gay Softball World Series and his love for the game grew even stronger. He came back to Columbus and shared his experience with his teammates and the league and encouraged them to seek NAGAAA representation so Columbus could be represented in the coming World Championships.

In 2010, he was a part of the bidding committee to host the World Series for the first time in Columbus, which we won. “It is so cool to have people from all over the country and Canada in Columbus. It is a great opportunity to showcase our city and our community. Berliner park allows for the whole event to be held in one area and allows more people to be directly involved.”

This August, 10 years after the 2005 games in San Diego, Columbus is hosting the event for the second time at Berliner Park and Darrin will again be a part of this amazing event with people from around the world right here in our great city.

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PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

Tonya is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She has been with her team for over ten years. When she first started with her team, the park in which they played had them wait outside the gates until all the children were gone before they could approach the field. The fear and ignorance of the people there at the time was appalling. Now, ten years later, the parks welcome her and her teams. The league has become like family and through her league’s hard work and leadership, their community has come closer together in mutual respect and the common love of the game.

“We are like brothers and sisters with different mothers and fathers,” she says, describing what the teams mean to her. “The tournaments usually fall on holiday weekends, so it feels like we get to spend the holidays with our family. We have each other’s backs in a heartbeat.” When describing her feelings about Columbus she describes our city as being a “warming” community. Tonya and her four teams are thrilled to come to Columbus in August for the world series to experience yet another world-class softball tournament in our beautiful, world-class city.

PHOTO | CARRIE JEFFRIES

Tonya

Brad is from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He got involved in softball in 2008 when a few guys from Dallas moved to Tulsa and posted an ad in an attempt to get a gay softball team started. Brad has always been athletic and was playing city league softball at the time. His initial reaction was, “huh, this is going to be interesting.� He immediately noticed the learning and teaching curves he would be working with when he joined the team. Spurred on by a history of playing sports, he took on the opportunity to build friendships with the guys and, using his athletic inclinations, helped their teams become successful. In the first year, enough people signed up for the team that they actually had two and a half. Their debut world series was in Chicago in 2011.

His team finished 8th. By the time the tournament was over, they had already begun to plan the next one in the Twin Cities. He took the same group of guys and finished 2nd in Minneapolis. Brad describes his experience with the league as being extremely positive and that it builds camaraderie and bridges between the straight and gay communities in Tulsa. Brad is thrilled to bring his team to Columbus in August to play in this exciting tournament.

The support from the city and the LGBTQ community of our local softball teams has been overwhelming. It is an honor for our city to have the opportunity to host such an exciting international event right here in Columbus.

Make sure to mark your calendars August 17-21 and come support our teams and our broader community!

Celebrate

PHOTO | MARK LEHOUILLER

BRAD

Marriage

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MEMOIRS OF A MURSE

| CHRISTOPHER HETZER, RN SHOULD KINK be considered in our ever so all-inclusive a cronym? There are three fundamentals to consider: Physiology of sex, culture, and kink.

Physiologically, sex can be boiled down to two ever erotic terms: Neurotransmitters and hormones. Each take their spot light on center stage in the realm of the bedroom, dungeon, shower; wherever you feel most comfortable.

The first dynamic duo is Dopamine and Phenylethylamine (PEA), both have effects similar to cocaine. These are the key reasons to our lustful attraction, pleasure, and they power our desire. If the release of dopamine during orgasm didn’t evolve with us throughout our human existence, the human species would never have survived. Think about it, who would want to deal with the headaches of Scruff games and dating if there was no pleasure incorporated with it?

The Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), “Modern Brain,” allows us to consider cause and effect, and judgment. (In males, it does not mature until 25yrs. Need I remind us of our college years?) After an initial infatuation, Dopamine and PEA effect the PFC, causing a decrease in judgment. This causes the Limbic System, an ancient part of the brain controlling primal drives and emotions, to fire up. (Why do you think bars have shirtless gymnasts selling test tubes of alcohol? They are capitalizing on our primal drive and decreased judgment!) The primal drive is SEX, and it sells!

Oxytocin (the brain’s “Love Juice”) will create feelings warmth, security, and attachment. This hormone is more complicated chemically, which implies it is really relatively more recent than dopamine in our evolution. It allows us to connect to others.

Culture is a complicated system based around learned behavior patterns that identify members of a society ( excluding biological attributes). Culture is defined by its language, traditions, beliefs, and physical artifacts. Within culture you have subculture, and because the LGBT community has these traits- we are a subculture. (I am sure Nina West has some artifacts lurking in her closet that can either be displayed in a LGBT Museum or have need for a microscope… I digress.)

In regards to culture and human sexuality kink is an umbrella term used to describe “unconventional sexual concepts or practices.”

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It is a means for expressing a more heightened intimacy between sexual partners.

Some argue that the Kinsey Scale should account for KinkI am going to have to put my “rope down” on this. The Kinsey Scale ranks which sex/gender you have an attraction to. It does not rank how freaky you are when you F@$&.

Kink can be romantic, as evidenced by the trendy Fifty Shades of Gray. Some of us may like leather, Submissive/ Dominant roles, whips and chains, nipple play, or ropes/restraints but it does not mean we are in love with those individual(s) with whom we consent.

“I am a bisexual woman, ‘kinkster,’ and I am attracted to a top figure- not male or female specific,” states a local CMH resident (and successful professional at one of our leading Forbes companies). She continues to explain that in her current two year relationship she addresses her younger male lover as “sir,” and she is addressed as “pet.”

She has the ability to fall in love with either gender, but expresses that love by being submissive to her dominant lover. She states, “It is about communication. It is knowing his limits and knowing mine… I know he respects me and I him…I consider myself a feminist; and he is pro-choice… Together we heighten each other’s sexual desires while we help each other accomplish our goals and dreams- both professionally and passionately.”

Unarguably, she falls in the category of Bisexual, not because of her sexual expression, but because of her identity. Adding “K” to the acronym would give those Red politicians fuel to say that sexual orientation is based on sex, not love and identity. If anything, just make another scale… and call it the KINK Scale.

I can see the messages on Scruff chats now: PigBenis: “I just scored a 6 on the Kink Scale. You?” CallMeMaybe: “I scored a 5... Wanna stretch out my score?”

To some people, there may not be a difference between a cock ring and a wedding ring. However, to most, the difference is between their desire in the sexual release of Dopamine and the security love connection of Oxytocin.

-Be Free

-Be Smart

-Be Safe

-Get Kinky

Entertain Enlighten Engage

PERSPECTIVE

Interview with Dr. Davis on the Health Impact LeaderAward | JM RAYBURN THE GREATER COLUMBUS LGBTQ Health Coalition is a community-based initiative that consists of health care providers, caregivers, community leaders, organizations, and allies, all with the goal of fostering positive health and safety outcomes within the city’s gender and sexually diverse communities. This includes, but is not limited to, becoming a visible voice of advocacy for gender and sexually diverse clients, educating and providing inclusive wellness resources and filling data gaps in research.

The LGBTQ Health Coalition, in partnership with the Wexner Medical Center, will be hosting the first Central Ohio LGBTQ Health Equity Conference on October 30th-31st at The Ohio State University. The purpose of the conference is to identify various health disparities within the LGBTQ communities and to address the lack of data as it relates to LGBTQ individuals. In an effort to recognize and honor the work of health and social service providers who have or are currently providing culturally competent care and services, the organizers are proud to announce the debut of the Health Impact Leader Awards that will be presented this year during the conference.

The purpose of the award ceremony is to recognize individual physicians, nurses, social workers, advocates, community members, volunteers, and agencies that have made a positive impact on the health of the LGBTQ Community. Individual nominees need not be LGBTQ identified, nor must they have made contributions as part of their professional employment. The LGBTQ Health Coalition hopes to recognize the work of both seasoned and emerging leaders who have made a significant impact on the health of this community. Nominations may also be submitted by email to ColumbusLGBTQHealth@gmail.com.

Please include name of nominee, contact information, place of employment, and brief summary for the basis of nomination. All nominations are due July 31st, 2015.

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Recently, Quorum Columbus sat down with Dr. John Davis, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases at Ohio State University and LGBT healthcare expert, to discuss the significance of the HILA award for our community.

What are the most important values a Health Impact Leader can demonstrate?

I think the most important value would be commitment to serving the LGBTQ community. For example, health or social service nominees might have promoted their services to the LGBTQ community, fostered an LGBTQ friendly office environment, or have asked clients or patients demographic information questions in a way that affirms a diversity of experiences of gender identity and sexual orientation.

Community advocates might have displayed exceedingly generous behavior toward improving health for the LGBTQ community as a whole, or even on an individual level.

For example, a heterosexual couple in Columbus lost two sons to HIV in the early years of the epidemic. They turned their grief into community action and spent the next 20 years delivering meals to HIV+ individuals all over Columbus. They collected aluminum cans to raise money to fund a client holiday dinner for 200 HIV+ community members every Christmas. In the case of community organizations, a HILA nominee may have supported LGBTQ health improvement efforts through spearheading programming for the community, or securing grant funds to provide services to community members. We really want to recognize those advocates, organizations, and service providers who have been there for the community in an ongoing and positive way.

What ought to motivate a Health Impact Leader?

I think community service, social justice and a desire to improve health outcomes for an underserved community are some of the motivations that might inspire someone who embodies the spirit of a Health Impact Leader. A HILA nominee would have gone above and beyond expectations to dedicate himself or herself to improving some aspect of health or wellness in this population.

Is there more weight placed on how many followers an individual has or how many other leaders they inspire?

No. We are not looking to recognize nominees based on size or scope of practice or service. We recognize that in some cases an individual can have just as much impact on a few people as an organization can have on many people. We expect to award several nominees in distinct categories. For example, we may have an award for physicians, an award for social workers, one for a community advocate, etc. We are not trying to evaluate every nominee according to the same standards, but rather to group nominees in categories and look for the nominees with really stellar stories.

Given your experience, what kind of leader is needed to further health equity within the Columbus LGBTQ community?

We need leaders who recognize the impact of stigma, discrimination, heterosexism, transphobia, and other negative attitudes toward those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities have on LGBTQ identified people. We need leaders who are willing to talk about these things and work to dismantle them. We need providers and agencies that welcome the LGBTQ community and are committed to providing LGBTQ-centered care. We need public policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Ultimately, we need people who are willing to go the extra mile to serve our historically underserved community.

DERON FETZ

The New American Dream

| DERON FETZ SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, after several candid conversations with my leadership team, followed by much personal deliberation, I decided that my professional and personal goals were no longer in line with the company’s and it was simply no longer a good fit for me. I gave my resignation notice shortly thereafter and worked with my team to ensure a smooth transition before I left. I am finding that at this point in my career that it’s absolutely essential for me to work with people who want to achieve progress, to realize common goals, and to work towards achieving the ultimate goal of bettering the lives of everyone in the community rather than working for people to achieve the goals of a select few- something I had always struggled to satisfy in the traditional private sector. As I began transitioning out of my old role held in the suburbs and began getting more involved in my urban community, I quickly began to learn that the desires I have for my career are reminiscent of many in my generation. We are in the midst of a paradigm shift and the emergence of a brand new American Dream that is inspiring several young, talented individuals to abandon traditional Corporate America for socially progressive businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and entrepreneurship.

Say what you want about that precocious generation of “90’s kids” but we are very much the generation with the world at our fingertips, the generation that has seen the most glass ceilings shatter, and the generation that watched news coverage of 9/11 while in class. It only makes good sense that we are very much the generation of “anything is possible” and the generation of “no bullshit”.

Many of us have come to realize that we are all still very much apart of a system where some have the deck stacked greatly in their favor while many have the deck stacked against them. As a society we are reducing one another down to numbers and measuring the worth of our lives solely based on our ability to make money. Previous generations have accepted this as “normal” through

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perpetuating the myth of some magical proverbial ladder that everyone has the ability to climb. But there is nothing normal or romantic about the reality of systematically keeping certain groups marginalized in order to hoard wealth and power for a select few.

Historically, we’ve come to call our lust for personal material gain “The American Dream” but in doing so we began missing out on many aspects of the human experience and losing respect for quality of life. The New American Dream seeks to restore balance. One cannot deny the importance of money but money alone doesn’t make the world go ‘round and money alone certainly won’t keep the world going ‘round for generations to come. Keeping the earth spinning depends greatly on how we distribute our wealth, what we focus our energy on, and what we choose to spend our money on. These realizations have led to the emergence of a much more altruistic, purposeful American Dream that includes a place at the table for anyone willing to work and many are abandoning their roles in traditional corporations to be a part of it.

As Leigh Gallagher points out in his book The End of The Suburbs: Where the American Dream is Moving, Millennials are buying bikes and public transit passes instead of cars, we are abandoning spacious townhouses for efficiency lofts, and we have whittled down our desire for objects to a few electronic devices. We are also trading in our cubicles for more communal workspaces that allow us to be both more autonomous and collaborative. This is greatly in part due to the realization that success isn’t the same for everyone and it shouldn’t be an exclusive commodity for people of very specific types of intelligence, talents, socio-economic backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, and race. Generations before us have failed to recognize the importance of including a seat at the table for everyone who is hungry, but we are an infinitely diverse species and we must honor and respect what each of us has to offer in order for our communities to be their strongest.

What The Fork

The Tastiest Meal of the Day | JAMES KNIFENFORK We are fortunate to live in a vibrant, exciting, and accepting city. In case that’s not enough, Columbus also has one of the most amazing food scenes in the country. Our gastronomic city has made several “destination” or “secret foodie cities” lists in the past few years. From flagship restaurants to neighborhood gems, Columbus culinary professionals are expanding horizons. I am excited to share some of Columbus’ greatest foods and food adventures with you.

Let’s start at the very beginning…Breakfast.

Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day. In fact, recent research proves that consuming high-quality protein at breakfast results in consuming fewer calories later in the day.

Columbus does breakfast right. From high-end, fancy breakfast buffets on the weekend to food trucks and drive-thrus, there is something for everyone.

My current favorite restaurant for a breakfast meeting, a destination surely to impress out-of-town guests, is the Guild House. The Guild House is located in the Short North and is one of the newest members of the Cameron Mitchell family of restaurants.

Cameron made breakfast special, and tasty, with a creative flair. The steak and eggs is one of the best renditions of this classic I have tasted. My steak was well seasoned and prepared medium-rare.

The caramelized onions were savory with a bit of sweetness. I really enjoyed the over-easy eggs as they provided the perfect sauce for the steak. Fingerling potatoes, toast, and preserves round out the dish.

If you are a bit more adventurous, order the Guild House’s signature Smoked Chicken Hash. This amazing creation combines several of my favorites – sweet potatoes, bacon, and two perfectly poached eggs. The chicken was lightly smoked and flavorful. Roasted

poblano peppers and salsa verde contributed great flavor and freshness, with just the right amount of heat. Gouda cheese provided a nice accent. My mouth is watering as I think about my inevitable return.

On the other end of the breakfast spectrum is fast food. We are all looking for a quick, inexpensive breakfast on our way to work. Most quick serve restaurants now offer a breakfast menu. My personal go-to for a fast and affordable breakfast is White Castle.

White Castle (several central Ohio locations) has somewhat limited, yet delicious breakfast offerings. You can order breakfast sliders with egg, cheese, and your choice of sausage, bacon, or even a hamburger.

I usually order the Breakfast Toast Sandwich.

This more nutritious option combines a fried egg, sausage or bacon, and cheese, served on wheat toast. The eggs are freshly cracked and cooked in the restaurant. I normally order sausage (I am not a fan of fast food bacon) and when it meets the egg and cheese, it is a yummy start to my day. For those that prefer something sweeter, try the Waffle Breakfast Slider.

Mini Belgian waffles with a hint of maple envelope the meat, egg, and cheese for a unique taste treat.

The most important meal of the day just happens to be one of the tastiest. A few more destinations worth checking out include: DK Diner, German Village Coffee Shop, Jack and Benny’s, Nancy’s, and the Beechwold Diner. All of these offer good, basic breakfast. Eggs, traditional breakfast meats, and pancakes are the norm. Nothing fancy, but it is filling and delicious.

Not to mention wholesome and affordable. Looking for something unique? Try Katalina’s for amazing pancake balls. If you are a bit more daring, visit Tasi and try the black bean cake with poached eggs – yum!

Everyone has his or her own favorite restaurant for breakfast. Visit our blog and share yours.

Bitter Sweet is passionate about food and sharing it with friends. We invite you to join us as we begin this culinary adventure.

SCENE

MARY ANN BRANDT:

SONGS GAYS LIKE

| SEAN FINK My first kick-off event for PRIDE this year was May Ann Brandt’s show, Songs Gays Like, hosted by Level Dining Lounge. One of Columbus’ greatest entertainers, Mary Ann Brandt took us on a gay sing-a-long extravaganza Thursday night in Level’s chic upstairs lounge. The colorful and exuberant cast led the crowd on a multi-decade singa-long show through the 60’s and today, highlighting the greats, like Diana Ross and Mariah Carey. I cannot think of a better way to get into the PRIDE spirit than by having a couple (or eight) cocktails and singing along with Mary and her cast to some of my all-time favorite songs. So thank you Mary Ann Brandt, and Level Dining Lounge for starting my 2015 Columbus PRIDE off right! And p.s., Mary, I am so looking forward to your back to school special, and Christmas Spectacular! HAPPY PRIDE!

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PHOTOS | SEAN FINK

THE YES LIST:

UPCOMING

Featuring 7 Not-To-Be-Missed Columbus Events in July

32nd Annual Doo Dah Parade

JULY 4

Celebrate liberty and lunacy: Watch, march in, or volunteer for the craziest parade in history!

D: Saturday, July 4 T: 1:00 p.m.

L: Victorian Village and Short North $: Free

Mayor’s Twilight Bike Ride Finale

JULY 10

Join Mayor Michael B. Coleman for this 13mile evening tour through the heart of the city.

D: Friday, July 10 T: 6:30 p.m.

L: Rich Street Bridge $: $40 W: M3SSports.com

Moonlight Market

JULY 11

Come out to Gay Street for this monthly outdoor street festival/marketplace with over 100 sidewalk vendors.

D: Saturday, July 11 T: 6:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m.

L: Gay Street W: MoonlightMarketColumbus.com

BEEFQUAKE Premiere Party

JULY 11 11

Join the fun at this monthly “homo” dance party featuring Tony Fairchild and Ken Baldwin.

D: Saturday, July 11 T: 10:00 p.m.

L: Barracks/AWOL, 49 Parsons Avenue $: $5

42nd Miss Gay Ohio America Pageant

JULY 11-12

Current Miss Gay Ohio Alexis Stevens will help crown her successor at this year’s pageant.

D: July 11 - 12 T: Door at 7:00 p.m. / Pageant at 8:00 p.m.

L: Axis Nightclub

Olde Towne East Tour of Historic Homes

JULY 12

Journey through the history, beauty and character of Woodland Park featuring a range of architectural styles.

D: Sunday, July 12 T: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

L: Eldon and Elsie Ward YMCA, 130 Woodland Avenue $: $15/$20 W: OldeTowneEast.org

CAPA Summer Movie Series: The Gang’s All Here (1943)

JULY 24

Busby Berkeley’s imagination runs wild in a vividly-colored musical extravaganza featuring Carmen Miranda.

D: Friday, July 24 T: 7:30 p.m.

L: The Ohio Theatre $: $4 W: CAPA.com

Say Yes, Columbus:

Tweet your #YesListColumbus ideas to Mickey@QuorumColumbus.com.

COUPLE

CRAIG SCHEIDLER & JOEL DIAZ

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PHOTOS | AMY TANNENBAUM PHOTOS | AMY TANNENBAUM

| AMY TANNENBAUM Before Craig and Joel’s lives intersected, they grew up across the country — Craig in Cincinnati and Joel in Houston, TX. Craig grew up the youngest in a small family, raised by open-minded and progressive parents. Joel grew up the youngest of seven in a Catholic family, where coming out proved more of a challenging experience — but he is happy to have the support of a majority of his family.

Ohio State University brought Craig and Joel to Columbus, and they met at a mutual friend’s birthday party in 2011. They have called Columbus home for many years now.

Both Joel and Craig work in the non-profit sector. Craig is a Development Manager for OhioHealth, while Joel works for AIDS Resource Center as the Chief Marketing and Community Relations Officer. Outside of work, they both support the Human Rights Campaign, with Craig co-chairing their recent Gala in 2015 and Joel co-chairing in 2009. They’re both involved in local politics as well, recently co-hosting a fundraiser to support Columbus City Councilman Shannon Hardin, the first openly gay man to serve on Columbus City Council.

On a Thursday evening in April of 2014, it was with their love of Columbus in mind, that Joel surprised Craig with a tour of the city. “I came home to flowers and a sealed envelope,” recalls Craig.

“Inside was the first in a series of clues that led me on a scavenger hunt across Columbus. Each stop was a milestone in our relationship, eventually leading me to the Columbus Museum of Art where we had our first date. There Joel proposed to me in Derby Court.”

With Craig’s acceptance, the couple has been hard at work ever since, planning their dream wedding: at a Villa just outside Sitges, Spain. (Appropriate with their love of travel!) Their close friends and family are joining them in a small ceremony. “Marriage is important to us because it begins a lifelong journey of love and commitment to one another,” explains Craig.

As they put together all the details for their nuptials later this summer, they keep each other distressed by keeping one another laughing. “My favorite thing about Joel is that he always finds a way to make me laugh, even when I’m having a rough day,” says Craig. Meanwhile, Joel says, “My favorite thing about Craig is his sweet and attentive personality. He puts a smile on my face every time I see him.” Their relationship works because they have very similar personalities and a lot in common. “We believe that community is key, and we support each other in everything we do,” explains Craig.

“We believe that community is key, and we support each other in everything we do.

They are happy to call Columbus home, as Craig describes it: “It is such a vibrant city yet still retains that ‘small town’ feel.” They also appreciate the diverse and supportive community here.

“Columbus is a city where you can be yourself and experience so many new things,” says Joel. However, despite their love for Columbus, their favorite thing to do together is travel. “We love to go on as many adventures as possible,” says Craig. “We love to experience new places!”

So after the wedding, what’s next for this dynamic duo? Adding to the family! They plan to begin the adoption process next year.

Says Craig, “with any luck, we’ll have a baby in 2016!”

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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 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 Stonewall Columbus 614-299-7764 www.stonewallcolumbus.org The leading visionary, inclusive and fun-spirited LGBT organization in Central Ohio – sets the pace for increasing the visibility and acceptance of the community. It continues to be the driving force on LGBT issues and our Center is the first stop for many in the LGBT and allied community.

ARC Ohio 800-252-0827 www.arcohio.org Fghts the spread of HIV, works towards reducing its transmission, stigma and the resulting discrimination through education and awareness, and provides quality services to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. BRAVO (Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization) 614-294-STOP www.bravo-ohio.org Works to eliminate violence perpetuated on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identification through 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.

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 www.pflagcolumbus.org An educational advocacy group working to increase awareness and understanding. Education and advocacy are the primary means of creating a hospitable environment 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.

Sisters of Lavender www.sistersoflavender.org A social/support for women 40 and over. S.O.L. is the oldest lesbian organization in Columbus.

TransOhio 614-441-8167 www.transohio.org Serves the Ohio transgender and allied communities by providing services, education, support and advocacy to promote and improve the health, safety and life experience of Ohio transgender individuals.

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NATIONAL ORGAN1ZATIONS GLAAD www.glaad.org National organization that promotes fair, accurate and inclusive representation as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.

Human Rights Campaign www.hrc.com The nation’s largest gay and lesbian political organization.

NGLTF www.thetaskforce.org The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) 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.

The Queer Resources Directory www.qrd.org The QRD contains over 20,000 files about anything and everything queer including families, youth, politics, resources, media and more.

ARTS & MUSIC Capital Pride Band of Columbus 614-325-1590 www.cappride.org An Ohio-based LGBT organization that formed in 2003 and currently has a membership of over 70 instrumentalists.Our "all are welcome" policy applies to anyone interested in membership, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age and sexual orientation.

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus 614-228-2462 www.ColumbusGayMensChorus.com Singing out since 1990, this chorus presents a series of concerts 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 before. Recent Off-Broadway and Broadway shows as well as new works and world premieres at an affordable price!

Imagine Productions 614-398-1110 www.imaginecolumbus.com Imagine Productions is a non-profit community theatrical troupe committed to entertaining and educating community stakeholders in the Columbus Metro area through performing arts. We believe in inclusiveness, openness, and tolerance, and recognize that empowerment and growth occurs with audiences and performers, alike.

Wexner Center for the Arts 614-292-3535 www.wexarts.org Internationally known contemporary arts center at

Ohio State, offering visual arts, performing arts, film, and educational programs, as well as a store and a café (Heirloom), all under one roof in an architectural landmark.

COUNSELING Randi Cohen, LPCC-S 614-267-1993 www.randicohen.com Private practice in counseling working with adults helping to create strong sense of self, good communication tools & to get a clearer sense of how others see you, by focusing on awareness and working in the present.

Shawn D. King, PhD., LISW 614-655-3554 www.shawnkingphd.com Providing individual, family, and group counseling services to the LGBT community. Specializing in relationship issues, anger management and mental health services including anxiety and depression.

HEALTH & WELLNESS CHOICES 614-224-4663 www.choicescolumbus.org Takes pride in being the premier direct service provider of accredited domestic violence programming in central Ohio. Since 1977 they have provided counseling, shelter, crisis intervention, education and community and legal support and advocacy to central Ohio residents facing domestic violence.

The Crystal Club 614-214-4828 www.thecrystalclub.org A non-profit support group for crossdressers, transsexuals, 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 in Columbus. Today, it provides many programs to help teens all over Franklin County who are in crisis situations, who are homeless or runaways.

NetCare 614-276-CARE www.netcareaccess.org Provides twenty-four hour mental health and substance abuse crisis intervention, stabilization and assessment for Franklin County residents.

Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio, Inc. 614-224-2235 www.plannedparenthood.org The nation's oldest and largest sexual and reproductive health care organization. America's most trusted name in women's health.

Trevor Project 866-4U-TREVOR www.thetrevorproject.org Determined to end suicide among LGBT youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline.

SCENE E Q UA L I T Y O H I O AT T H E FRANKLIN COUNT Y COUR THOUSE

PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

WE THE PEOPLE

The meaning of

Obergefell v. Hodges | ERIK HAYS A little over 155 years ago, as our country approached a cataclysmic struggle over other freedoms, Abrahvam Lincoln wrote: “It can not have failed to strike you that these men ask for just… the same thing-fairness, and fairness only.

This, so far as in my power, they, and all others, shall have.”

On June 26th, the Supreme Court held that same-sex couples are also entitled to fairness in the eyes of the law.

What Obergefell v. Hodges Says: Equal Dignity Under the Law The opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges is quite comprehensive. Justice Kennedy, writing for the 5-4 majority, declared state marriage bans unconstitutional and reaffirmed a fundamental right to marriage. The opinion opens with a discussion of marriage and how it has changed throughout recorded history, noting that “marriage is essential to our most profound hopes and aspirations.” Here, Justice Kennedy charts the demise of arranged marriages and coverture, likening these developments to the LGBT community’s struggle to simply be treated fairly under the law.

The opinion moves on to tackle the first substantive doctrine, the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

This protects “fundamental liberties” that should be respected, and these liberties “extend to certain personal choices central to individual dignity and autonomy, including intimate choices that define personal identity and beliefs.” Kennedy notes that while history and tradition are important to determining which rights should be considered fundamental, “the nature of injustice is that we may not always see it in our own times,” and thus we cannot confine our analysis only to the past. The Court states that marriage is one of these fundamental rights, because it is inherent in the concept of freedom of choice, it creates a very important twoperson unit, it safeguards family units, and because it is an institution so fundamental to our social order.

The Court finds same-sex marriage bans inapposite to these justifications, and “with that knowledge comes the recognition that laws excluding same-sex couples from the marriage right impose stigma and injury of the kind prohibited by our basic charter.”

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The fundamental liberties doctrine is not the only part of the Fourteenth Amendment that speaks to the issue, Justice Kennedy also looks to the Equal Protection Clause for guidance. Here the Court acknowledges the unequal treatment under the law of the same-sex marriage bans, stating “same-sex couples are denied all of the benefits afforded to opposite-sex couples and are barred from exercising a fundamental right.” The Court says since this denial “serves to disrespect and subordinate them” and “works a grave and continuing harm,” it violates the Equal Protection Clause and that the marriage bans must fall.

Kennedy does not stop here, though. He also deals with argument that democracy should be allowed to run its course, because we have not had enough public debate on the subject. Kennedy is not swayed by this argument, and also submits the established principle that “fundamental rights may not be submitted to a vote.” He also is not swayed by the other counter-arguments, including that those who oppose same-sex marriage will somehow be silenced.

Finally, The Court ends by addressing the other question they presented, holding that states must also recognize other states’ same-sex marriages.

Overall, it is a very powerful and sometimes deeply moving opinion that vindicates the rights of same-sex couples everywhere.

We the People: Meaning of Obergefell going forward.

It is the challenge of each generation to come to a greater understanding of our constitution and the rights and responsibilities it bestows. Our rocky but persistent journey towards a more perfect definition of We the People has seen many defining moments.

We stand at another moment in history where this definition has become more inclusive and our freedom more perfect. It is now our responsibility to expand that definition further, and ensure equality for all.

ADJOURN

An Ally for the Field | CHERYL HARRISON For the past two years I’ve had to regularly explain WHY I have been volunteering on the marketing committee for the 2015 Gay Softball World Series, one of -- if not THE -- largest LGBT sporting events in the world, which is coming to Columbus next month.

Some people ask because I am myself not LGBT, although most people get that allies are active in the community, too.

Some people ask because I rather vocally dislike all types of sportsball. Bats and bases just don’t do it for me. (Honestly, I probably won’t watch many, or any, of the softball games -- but hey, I will be at the after parties. Does that count?)

No, the question I’m usually asked isn’t about my personal reasons for being involved -- it’s about WHY there is a “Gay” Softball World series in the first place.

“Can’t they just play ‘regular’ softball?”

“Why does there need to be a ‘gay’ version of everything?”

That WHY is the same as my WHY -- which has nothing to do with my sexual preference or affinity for sports.

When I was at the 2014 Gay Softball World Series in Dallas last summer, I interviewed many of the players and organizers about why they’re involved. An ostracized man on the verge of suicide before finding a home on his city’s softball team.

An athlete finally able to play a sport without hiding his real identity for fear of being beaten. And dozens more stories from men and women who finally found a place to fit in.

I have plenty of LGBT friends who have found acceptance in the broader Columbus community. We are fortunate to live in a city that, for the most part, is embracing of diversity. But plenty of places -- like my southeast Ohio hometown, a large portion of the Southern United States, and, yes, even a jock-filled locker room in a city as “welcoming” as Columbus -- may not be.

I’m a straight, sports-averse woman who’s volunteering with the 2015 Gay Softball World Series because I think everyone should have a place where they are safe to be themselves. So I’ll see you in August at the games -- or, let’s be honest, at the after parties.

Cheryl Harrison is the owner of public relations firm speechbubble and the editor of booze news blog DrinkUpColumbus.com, which has been voted one of the top blogs in the city for the past five years. Cheryl is a board game and sci-fi nerd and a constant advocate for craft beer and Columbus.