Quorum Columbus June 2015

OCJUNE 2015 MAY 2014

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JUNE CONTENTS '15

6 SARA SHARES Community Pride

18 FROM THE ARCHIVES Corrbett Reynolds: Rudely Elegant

8 SCENE North Market 19th Annual Apron Gala

20 #wantlocal Locally Yours, Traxler Custom Printinge

10 BOOKS Simon vs. The Depressing Queer Romance

22 PRIDE FESTIVAL MAP Event Map Information

12 SINGULARLY SINGLETON See You in the Park

24 PARADE ROUTE

34 DERON FETZ Accommodating Disabilities in a Modern Workforce

25 MEMOIRS OF A MURSE Flagging Hankies

36 COUPLE Adam Fazio & Karl Whittington

26 SCENE

38 UPCOMING YES List and Pride Guide

28 PERSPECTIVE Coming Into Her Own

40 ADJOURN Kim Welter: Dispatches from Equality Ohio

14 SCENE Earth Jam 16 BARTENDER Colton Runion | Mouton

CCAD Fashion Show

30 DEVELOPMENT Columbus Paves the Way to Equality in Ohio 32 SCENE Out and About: Patios

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: Photographer | Ray Lavoie Models | Helena Troy, Jimmy Kleinfelder Wardrobe stylist | Erin Maloney : Hair/Make-up | Erryn Costa Hair2Envy Creative direction | Thomas McClure : Hair/Make-up Assistant | Kachelle Briggs

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, Cover 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: Kim Welter, Adjourn

CONVENE

Celebrating Uniqueness:

A Qmunity of Pride | ISAAC BENDELE JUNE IS A MONTH of Pride in Columbus. What I love about this month is that we each celebrate in our own way. Whether you’ll find yourself staking out a spot at the parade and walking around the park or having lemonade with friends in someone’s back yard, there isn’t just one way to show pride in our community. I feel it is important to be there for one another, realize how far we’ve come, and acknowledge there is still more to do.

In this year’s Pride edition you will find many great events to attend, a map of the festival, and some tips on how to have the most fun. We welcome Sean Fink to our coverage of the Scene. Kim Welter from Equality Ohio give us an update on the work being done to make sure our voices are heard and our rights are upheld.

I hope each of you will celebrate fully, drink responsibly, and play safely.

Happy Pride!

Isaac Bendele President and Publisher Isaac@quorumcolumbus.com

#jointhequorum PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

SARA SHARES

| SARA ERNEST IDENTITY, IDENTITY, IDENTITY. That seems to be all I want to talk about these days. Last month I shared my thoughts on gender and being “man enough,” or “woman enough.” Since it’s Pride month, I think we should talk about “gay enough.”

Who decides what is “gay enough” and what does that even mean?

I was recently on vacation with my partner Lori and a couple of our best friends. We were staying at a resort in Key West with a fantastic pool. This pool was so fantastic, as a matter of fact, that over the course of the four days we were there everyone in the group went down to the pool at least once on our own because we just couldn’t wait for anyone else. On one of those individual excursions my friend Bernie (not her real name), was in the pool alone with a group of lesbians we hadn’t seen before. I should make it clear that I wasn’t with her, so this is one person’s point of view and only my understanding of what happened.

WE OWE IT TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE TO BE PROUD OF EACH OTHER AND EVERYONE’S IDENITY AS A MEMBER OF IT. 6

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The women who were down at the pool were in couples and being affectionate with their partners. Bernie saw an opportunity to bond with people from her tribe. When she told them that she was a lesbian, they scoffed at her and made it clear that they didn’t believe her. Bernie’s problem, apparently, is that she doesn’t look gay enough.

I have to admit that while most people’s expression of themselves includes some of the stereotypes of their sexual orientation, Bernie’s does not. She knows that she doesn’t fit the socially accepted image of what a lesbian looks like and she’s ok with that. Her sexual identity is in no way tied to how she portrays herself to the world. Isn’t the most important thing what makes her feel comfortable? That she is most content walking through life in wedge sandals with a clutch purse?

I keep coming back to I Am What I Am from the Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles. For those who don’t know the song, pick up your phone right now and use your favorite media search app to find it and listen to it. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.

The singer is unabashedly unapologetic in taking pride in being “…my own special creation…” going so far as to say, “Life’s not worth a damn, til I can say, I am what I am.”

Why can’t we do that for each other? When someone tells us what they are, it takes so much pride for them to do so.

Who are we to judge the validity of someone else’s truth?

We focus so much in June on Pride in ourselves and being out and proud in our own lives. We owe it to the community as a whole to be proud of each other and everyone’s identity as a member of it.

The end of Act One of La Cage sees Zaza defiantly singing, “I am what I am, and what I am needs no excuses.” To that I say, “I hear you, girl!” and to the rest of the community, I say – neither do you.

SOuthBend "Still Your Favorite Corner Bar!"

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Bobby Hamlin & Debe Sun June 21 - 6pm

Stars of Pride Hosted by Helen Bedd Fri June 19 - 10pm & 12am

Project Open Hand Benefit Sat June - 27 6pm

Gay Pride Show Hosted by Darrah Landon with Southbend's Miss, Mr. and King Sat June 20 - 10pm & 12am

Kelly Vaughn Sun June 28 - 6pm

Hours: Mon / Sun - Noon to 2:30 Happy Hour: Mon thr Sat - Noon to 8 / Sun Noon to 6 Nightly Events call for more info or visit us at facebook.com/SouthbendTavern 126 E. Moler St. Columbus, Ohio (614) 444 - 3386 Southbend@wowway.biz

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SCENE

NORTH MARKET 19TH | SEAN FINK A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER with outrageously fun, homemade aprons to celebrate one of Columbus’ great treasures.

The only thing you need to bring to this block party potluck is yourself! The market comes alive with fun atmosphere, great food, freeflowing libations, and amazing entertainment to set the mood for an unforgettable night.

Proceeds go to the North Market Development Authority to help ensure that the North Market will always have a home in Columbus by preserving and promoting the traditional and cultural aspects of the market. Be sure to stop by some North Market classics like the Omega Bakery and The Fish Guys for some outstanding sustenance. So, next year, be sure to create your best kitchen apron and grab your tickets for one of the best events in town!

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ANNUAL APRON GALA

PHOTOS | SEAN FINK

MOVIES

Simon vs. The Depressing Queer Romance | CLAYTON WALTER LIKE MOST PEOPLE, I spend a lot of my time looking at screens. Phones, computers, tablets, TVs, and movie screens dominate my days. Even when I decide to read a book, I usually reach for my Kindle: Another screen.

But there’s something refreshing, even freeing, about disconnecting from the increasingly tangled web we electronically weave to pick up an actual, good-smelling, tactile book.

I go through phases of avid reading, and a recent trip home to Ohio had me in just such a phase. I blew through four books over a couple weeks and my mini marathon ended on the highest note possible. I’m a diehard young adult (YA) fiction fan, and most of my favorite books of the past few years fall squarely into that category. John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell are my modern literary heroes. They cut to the heart of what it is to be young, confused, in love, or desperate to be. Notably, their work sometimes (and in the case of Levithan, pretty much always) includes queer characters.

The finale of my reading marathon added a new author to my pantheon of revered YA geniuses, a literal new author.

Becky Albertalli’s debut, the humorously titled Simon vs.

The Homo Sapiens Agenda, ranks among the best books

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I’ve ever read. Like the work of those authors I mentioned above, it is brimming with emotion, wit, insight, and humor. I’m a sucker for a good high school romance in any medium, and this book doesn’t disappoint. The eponymous Simon is a closeted gay high schooler engaged in a supremely articulate online romance with the mysterious “Blue,” one of Simon’s peers. Part of the book’s fun is trying to guess the identity of Blue, but the story that unfolds proves to be worth so much more.

Queer stories are so rarely allowed to be unabashedly romantic. Take a look at queer romantic-comedies: The protagonists are often placed among straight couples to help “normalize” their other-ness. Kisses are shot from a distance. In other genres, characters get AIDS or beat up or retreat back into the closet. LGBTQ romance usually carries an asterisk, and as an avid consumer of queer movies and television, perhaps those darkly-tinged messages have contributed to the gradual decay of my inner romantic.

But not in Albertalli’s fantastic book. Simon is allowed to swoon, pine, and gush. Even when dealing with blackmail, embarrassment, family matters, and casual homophobia, our hero is upbeat, funny, and sharp. This is the kind of book I wish I had read when I was in high school, still deep

PHOTO | ALEJANDRO ESCAMILLA

in the closet, and even more deeply confused about who I was. Simon’s world is far from ideal, but it shines the same, because Albertalli allows us to believe happy endings can come out of the blue.

Even more impressively, Simon takes the specifically queer experience of coming out and makes it universal without compromising what it means to our community. The book observes how we are all changing, or how we all harbor secrets, and that we constantly have to announce who we are now, at this moment. It marks the ways we grow and adapt and change for the world to see. Coming out never stops, but that isn’t a bad thing.

The world needs more queer stories like Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda. It’s too easy to be cynical and to become engulfed in the snap judgment and harsh discourse of our online world. Albertalli graciously reminds us some things are worth hoping for, worth waiting for, and worth getting excited about. And that some books are worth turning off your cell phone and tuning out the real world for an afternoon.

SINGULARLY SINGLETON

| SILE SINGLETON COLUMBUS, OHIO, celebrates over 33 years of pride with its Pride Celebration this year. This is an amazing feat and testimony to the tireless work of the LGBTQA community here. I personally have volunteered for about 29 of those 33 years, serving as chair/co-chair of the Family Pride Area in the park for the last 11 of those years. My daughter was only six months old the first time we slathered her in sunscreen and the cutest floppy hat that has ever overwhelmed the tiny body underneath it.

I volunteered that year for two reasons: One, a friend of mine had been the in charge of creating a make-shift “family fun area,” but she moved out of state. Two, having a child really drove home for me how little “Pridefest“ planning was done with families in mind. In fact at that time, circa 2003/2004, Midwestern conversations about gays welcoming children intentionally into their festivities quickly deteriorated into fears about being accused of “recruiting,” fodder for custody battles, and concerns about safety issues as to whether we’d be able to keep the children safe from the pedophiles (seriously, these were the things we were saying about ourselves). Last, but certainly not least, it led to people wondering if putting financial effort toward what was thought to be a microscopic subset of the community was warranted? Shocking? Think about it: The majority of queer leadership consisted of single gays and lesbians looking to garner power in business with focus on the national “gay political agenda. ”Outside of AIDS/HIV work lesbians and gays rarely mixed. Seemingly, mimicking their straight counterparts, the women, i.e. lesbians, had the kids, as well as less than disposable incomes to support “community initiatives.” Therefore they were less noticeable or deemed as insignificant to the cause. Even among the lesbians, directly planning for moms and kids was an “oh yea -sigh- “after thought. There was also the fact that Gay Pride was an urban/ city thing so recognizing our rural/small town folks who often have children was not on the radar, either.

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For the community at large the concept of legalized gay marriage and what that would look like beyond a welldressed, highly successful, power couple with pearly white teeth was still in a fictional bubble. I wanted to change all that and, with the help of a few other really determined parents/family inclusive friends, we began to advocate in the planning stages of Pride for families and youth. About 6 years into that work we received our first cold hard cash ‘preevent’ donation which pushed our budget to $1500, landed a partnership with Local Matters (the fresh food art table), and got permission to host an amplified stage.

Today the Family and Youth Pride Area is on the map, in the brochure, and still on a tiny budget (Hint: Check, please).

It boasts two bounce houses, a dress up area, sand boxes, large motor games, crafts , snacks, a baby changing station, and more. It has come a long way from 12-16 kids (there was a set of sextuplets), a bunch of balloons , a couple cases of water, borrowed toys, and two harried moms doing facepainting. Last year a whopping 560+ youth and their families visited the area. Pretty amazing turn out for a “subset,” eh? I do wonder if as the face of same-sex parent families change (two daddies are all the rage now) the YFPA will experience a financial or sponsorship windfall. I dream of a youth and family 5k run, a national headliner for the stage, arcade games for the tweens, and big giveaways like Rosie O’Donnell would do if she lived in Columbus. Who knows? As a queer parent I can say I’m proud and blessed by what we do have.

I’ll see you in the park!

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EARTH JAM | SEAN FINK EARTH JAM is a unique fashion show highlighting the avant garde in hair. These outrageously polished creations make heads turn as they strut the runway. “This event does an amazing job of showcasing the work of the Aveda Institute Columbus students and Nurtur the Salon professionals,” says Nurtur the Salon Marketing outreach manager, and Earth Jam 2015 Co Chair Cheyenne Webb. Not only will you be witness to creations that you will never see anywhere else, you will be supporting a great cause: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio. “Earth Jam is not only about making the world around us look good, but also caring for our community,” says Cheyenne. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the kids at the event, and their enthusiasm was so contagious. Yes, this event is all about the children, but you will totally feel like a VIP adult. Walk the red carpet, grab a cocktail, enjoy the catered spread, and place a bid at the silent auction tables. This is a great place to wear a trend, or even start one. You must come here to be seen!

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FASHION SHOW

PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

SCENE BARTENDER

Colton Runion | HEATHER SCHUCK IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a classy joint to enjoy a refreshing cocktail, look no further than Mouton on High Street. The beautiful atmosphere and friendly, welcoming staff will send you into the night with a smile on your face. While you’re there be sure to introduce yourself to Colton Runion.

Working for two years as a barback before stepping into his role as bartender, Colton has long known the value of customer service and how to treat patrons with kindness, respect, and dignity. He attributes his success to his mentor Logan Demmy, who instilled in him a love for the service industry long before he ever set foot behind the well.

His favorite part of the job is the fast-paced lifestyle and ever-changing clientele. “I love nothing more than meeting and interacting with new people and this job definitely accommodates that need.” He is currently working to earn a Bachelor’s degree in biological archeology with the hopes of one day obtaining a PhD. Colton enjoys working at a unique bar that not only focuses on making fantastic, classic cocktails, but also showcases the beautiful space they are welcoming guests into: A classic speakeasy with secrets to reveal behind its ripped-off facade. Mouton has a cocktail happy hour until 7pm Monday through Friday featuring select classic cocktails and draft beer for $6. “We are a very laid back and fun bar, perfect for an after work cocktail or a night out with friends. After growing up in an incredibly small town, Columbus has certainly obtained that big city with a small town feel for someone who grew up on the farm.”

Mouton 945 North High Street 614-732-2660 Mouton954.com PHOTOS | KARI JASINSKI

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MAY 2015 JUNE 2015

COCKTAIL:

FUN FACT:

Last Night’s Mistake a Mouton cocktail by Logan Demmy - Mescal, Cynar, lime, simple, mole bitters

Colton grew up competitively barrel racing (horses) in Lexington, Ohio.

SCENETHE ARCHIVES FROM

| THOMAS QUEEN THE LEGENDARY RED PARTIES only survive in photographs and in the memories of those who attended. Not surprising, since the last one was held over 14 years ago.

Corbett Reynolds, the visionary who created these nights of dancing and revelry, considered these parties as more of an art installation, and those who attended them were part of the art. Though he was born in Tacoma, Washington, he made Columbus his home for most of his adult life, and is certainly on the short list of pioneers who put this former cowtown on the map.

Corbett attended the Columbus College of Art and Design, where he had a contentious relationship with the faculty.

From there he devoted the rest of his life to creative pursuits, first in the design of fabrics and wallcoverings, later to creating wonderful pieces of art from canvas and paint, wood, metal, glass, and concrete. He was re-purposing long before it became fashionable.

When a dilapidated old Art Deco movie house in the rough-and-tumble Franklinton neighborhood became available Corbett purchased it and spent the next two years converting it into a nightclub he named Rudely Elegant, the likes of which Columbus had never seen before. In recent conversations with Corbett’s close friend and creative ally, Randy Steele, the opening night scene came alive, with tales of 30 or more limousines lined up in front of the club, doormen in tuxedos, a light show, and disco music which kept the throngs dancing through the night.

From 1977 until 1985, Rudely Elegant was a destination party palace for gay men (and their allies) from all over the country. On special occasions, Corbett would bring in performers from the nightclub underground: Sylvester, Grace Jones, and the legendary drag superstar Divine, to name a few.

Once a month, Corbett would “turn out” the club for a theme party. Partygoers were encouraged to dress for the night’s theme, whether it be Tropicana, Military, or Western. The Valentine’s weekend theme party was called the Red Party, and after Rudely Elegant closed Corbett took the theme to various spaces around town before finally settling for the long run at the historic Valley Dale Ballroom on the northeast side of Columbus (and pushing it to the fall to correspond with the autumnal equinox).

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PHOTO | CHAS RAY KRIDER

Each Red Party had its own theme. In 1998 it was “Red House Saloon” with a red-painted stagecoach and life-size fiberglass buffalo high above the dance floor on pedestals. Sitting on said buffalo were scantily-clad hot men that Corbett brought in from around the country. The hostess of the party that year was Holly Woodlawn (who was one of Andy Warhol’s Superstars and the star of his film Trash). In 2001, the final year of the party, Corbett chose to call it “Red Fetish,” and the hostess was none other than television evangelist, Tammy Faye Baker Messner.

In the final peak years of the Red Party nearly 3500 revelers would attend. They came in from faraway places, including Germany and Canada, and nearly all of them wore costumes appropriate to the year’s theme. Corbett always brought in the star DJs of the Gay Circuit, including Julian Marsh, David Knapp, and Warren Gluck. Red Party was a weekend full of fun, with parties at many of the gay bars and clubs around the city leading up to and after the main event. The merchants of the Short North would dress up their windows with Red-themed décor in keeping with the celebratory atmosphere of the weekend.

Just months before the 25th Red Party, Corbett passed away in his sleep due to a heart attack.

Chatting with Randy Steele about Corbett’s plans for the 25th the talk turned to his great idea for that year: A ceiling full of mirror balls. We will never know just how amazing that party might have been, but his spirit will live on in the memories of those who got to experience his particular brand of genius first-hand.

For the month of June there will be an exhibition of Corbett’s artwork at The Hilton downtown. The opening reception is Tuesday, June 2nd from 5 until 7 pm.

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PRIDE 2015 exclusive

LOCALLY YOURS, TRAXLER CUSTOM PRINTING | JM RAYBURN ORIGINALLY FOUNDED AS Traxler Tees LLC in 2010, Traxler Custom Printing has rapidly grown into more than just printing tees. In early 2014 the company rebranded and restructured to provide services for all printing types.

Their specialties are screen printing, pad printing, and offset printing, which means there are few things they can’t print. Consider Traxler Custom Printing a one-stop shop for all businesses.

JM Who is your role model, and why?

ZT Anyone who aspires to jump ship and “do their own

thing.” That can include starting your own business or quitting your job to pursue a job you will actually enjoy. That is the definition of success. Successful people are all my role models. Success is not driven by money or monetary wealth, but wealth of happiness, freedom, love, and the pursuit of your dreams. Sure, I would have probably done well (monetarily) had I stayed in the tech industry as an analyst. But my drive, my motivation, and passion where elsewhere. The transition to a small business owner was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I would not and will not trade it for anything in the world.

JM Why have you chosen the custom printing and apparel industry?

ZT I grew up as an artist. I wanted to be a photographer 20

JUNE 2015

but the digital age totally killed that for me. The chemistry and technical aspect of properly preparing

PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

The company calls the Clintonville neighborhood home and their mission is to create and retain local jobs and help our economy. The materials needed to complete each product are all bought locally. It’s fair to say Traxler Custom Printing leads by example when it comes to boosting the local economy. Not to mention the company is a huge advocate of LGBT equality and rights.

You can support them in return with orders and referrals.

Exclusive Quorum interview with Zachary Traxler, Founder of Traxler Custom Printing

“Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” — Anna Lappé art and screens for a high quality print is very enjoyable to me. I am also an extremely driven salesman. My friends tell me I can sell a ketchup popsicle to a lady in white gloves. However, my father, Ron Kaplan, has been in the printing and apparel industry since 1978. I learned the “old school” way of preparing for printing and actual printing from my father and many others.

New technology has just made us more efficient and able to offer more than was available when I was a kid.

Columbus was also a huge factor in my decision.

JM In what ways will you support the LGBT community with your work?

ZT We were one of the first for profit businesses to back

Freedom to Marry Ohio. The LBGT community in Columbus is extremely strong and proud. The least we can do for them is show our passion for acceptance and equality. The most we can do and stand behind them and support them 110%. So if you need anything, we’re here for YOU.

order your pride 2015 traxler tees!

TraxlerTees.com PRIDE TILL I DIE It’s about supporting everyone. It’s about caring and being selfless.

It’s about PRIDE TILL I DIE. Traxler Custom Printing supports equality for everyone. That’s why they have rolled out this tee exclusively for this year’s Columbus Pride Parade and Festival. It also comes with a matching bumper sticker. I’ve already ordered mine!

VISIT OHIO, WE’RE NOT INDIANIA Before the PRIDE TILL I DIE tee, there was this little gem. The backlash to Indiana’s recent religious freedom law has evolved from social media to clothing. This particular tee bears the words, “Visit Ohio. We’re not Indiana.” An outline of Ohio also appears on the shirt, with rainbow colors filling in the borders.

PRIDE MAP

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MEMOIRS OF A MURSE

| CHRISTOPHER HETZER, RN OUTSIDE THE ANIMAL naming of gay men, there is a complex structure for color coding sexual desires, communicated using a bandana. This color coded system originated just after the Gold Rush; When cowboys were the real deal. Due to a shortage in women, roles had to be assigned during square dancing. Those who wore blue bandanas took the male lead while those who wore red assumed the female position.

Fast forward to the 1970’s, the Hanky Code evolved into the modern day Flagging system for gay men to discreetly seek out a suitable partner for their favorite rendition of the horizontal “square dance,” usually taking place in a gay bar, bath house, or the home of a generous host. By the mid 1970’s the Hanky Code/Flagging became a staple of the modern leather culture.

Although the Hanky Code is not used as frequently today, I encourage ALL of you to talk to each other honestly about your sexual wants and needs.

How did one wear the bandanas? Generally speaking, Tops would wear a bandana in LEFT pant pocket and Bottoms would wear a bandana in RIGHT pant pocket. The chart below includes only some of the main kinks, fetishes, and interests. Googling the Hanky Code, you will find an extensive list. (Leave it to the gays to color code every sexual fantasy!)

KNOW YOUR STATUS!!

No matter what your practice is this PRIDE: Practice safe, and have some condom sense!

Black - S&M

Yellow - Water Sports

Grey - Bondage

Red - Fisting

Dark Blue - Anal Sex

Pink - Toys

Light Blue - Oral Sex

Orange - Anything Goes

Hunter Green - Daddy/Boy

Rust - Cowboys

Kelly Green - Hustler/Prostitution

Leopard Print - Tattoos

Olive - Military

Mosquito Net - Outdoors

Mustard - 8++

B/W Checkered

Purple - Piercings Lavender - Drag Queen

Safe Sex

Argyle Print - Geeks 25

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SCENE

CCAD FASHION SHOW | SEAN FINK WORK THE RUNWAY sweetie! The senior fashion show hosted by CCAD is a yearly event not to be missed. From the designers, to the fashion, party and guest list, this event is dripping with eleganza. CCAD, one of the most prestigious design schools in the country pulls out all the stops for this fashion show. At a glance you may think that you are in New York during Mercedes Benz fashion week. Put on your trendiest outfit, grab your fabulous friends, and get ready to sip on champagne while watching some great designs parade down the catwalk. The party does not end when the lights go down; it is actually just getting started. Join the A list crowd at the after party and dance the night away in style.

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PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

PERSPECTIVE | ADRIAN JAY NEIL JR.

coming into her own

WE ALL REACH a point in our lives where we have to reevaluate, be it careers, family goals, or living a healthier lifestyle. For me this has happened numerous times (and I am not even thirty), but it’s a part of growing. If we are not taking the time to think about where we are and where we want to be in life we are doing a great injustice to ourselves. This is something that Alexis Stevens (Steven Dunn) knows and lives by.

I had the pleasure of meeting Alexis a few months ago when she joined a committee that I chair under Columbus Urban Pride. Alexis has a light about her that draws a person in, but what really made me fall in love with her was the fact that she saw an overlooked need in the LGBTQ community here in Columbus. A need to be more inclusive, especially when as it relates to the LGBTQ community of color. She saw a disconnect and wanted to do something about it.

Throughout her nine-year career Alexis has tried to be mindful of diversity and inclusion, something that’s very clear in her shows.

She showcases the talents of seasoned and new performers and makes a point to do performances that everyone can enjoy.

Being this open only comes from the growth and revaluation of one’s life. “I believe that allowing yourself to learn and be immersed in other cultures only helps you grow as an individual.”

Currently Alexis Stevens is preparing for her third main stage show, Dirty Little Witches, playing at Axis Night club on June 5th, 6th, and 7th. This show is especially exciting because it represents a new chapter in her life, not only as an entertainer, but as a man. Alexis is entering into a time in her life where she can enjoy the fruits of her labor as Alexis Stevens that also has allowed her the creative freedom to be comfortable with Steven Dunn. The show collides her two worlds and the result is a renewed sense of self worth and trust in her creative vision.

Coming back to my point, we all have times we have to look ourselves in the mirror and ask, “Who am I?” There have been a number of times I’ve had to do this myself: Take a step back and figure out who I was.

I had to learn how to love myself enough to be comfortable with all of me, both personally and professionally. I had to learn my worth and it’s something that I find myself still learning today. It’s a lifelong lesson.

As we age we are supposed to grow and mature, trying to be the best us we can be and falling in love with everything that makes us uniquely us. Once we understand this concept we can begin to truly appreciate not only ourselves but others and their differences. Remember, “If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?

Tickets for Dirty Little Witches can be purchased at EventBrite.com.

Cavan Irish Pub 1409 S High St

Karaoke Mondays & Thursdays Softball Sunday Cookouts

Food Truck Tuesdays Karaoke Tuesdays Trivia Wednesdays Karaoke Fridays

DEVELOPMENT

Columbus Paves the Way to Equality in Ohio

| JM RAYBURN COLUMBUS’ PROSPERITY IS BUILT on its ability to attract the rich, the clever, and the hard-working from all over Ohio, the United States, and the world. Our municipal leaders have recognized this for some time. In January 2011, in an unprecedented collaboration among numerous stakeholders, the mayor and Columbus City Council led the charge to rebrand the city as “Smart and Open.” Officially adopting a progressive attitude where people who stand out will never stand alone. Where diversity isn’t just a state of being, but a state of mind – made real through people, businesses, and neighborhoods every day. Columbus is a city that embraces inclusion, and which prides itself on being a welcoming city. The outcome? We continue to lead the state in both population growth and job creation, attracting the best and brightest from around the world.

While some states are trying to turn back the clock on equal rights, the City of Columbus is focused on promoting equality in our community. In 2011, Columbus City Council, with the support of Mayor Coleman, extended benefits to the domestic partners of City employees. In 2012, again with support from the Mayor, City Council established a Domestic Partnership Registry whereby loving couples may officially document a relationship of mutual love and care. Since its inception nearly 200 couples have registered.

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Not only did City Council pass a tough anti-discrimination law, but just last year leadership proposed comprehensive anti-discrimination language to be included in the Columbus Charter – a change to the city’s constitution that Columbus voters overwhelmingly supported.

Under the direction of Mayor Coleman and Council President Andrew Ginther, Columbus has become the only Ohio city with full equal-rights provisions in its city charter. These laws make it illegal for anyone in the City of Columbus to discriminate based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, family or military status, or any other status that is protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance. To take matters a step further, City Council passed a resolution this past December to express support for marriage equality.

Our city leaders have reached the legal limits of what they can do to empower and protect the LGBT community, but they’ve expanded their support to social services. Through the city’s contracts with various human service agencies, City Council has maintained the longtime support for organizations that offer important programs to the Columbus community such as the Stonewall Community Center and the Kaleidoscope Youth Center After School programs. For years the City of Columbus has depended

pathway to equality 1990

Columbus Community Relations Commission The City of Columbus establishes the Community Relations Commission to work to bring civic leaders, business leaders, citizens and elected officials together on issues of ethnic, racial and cultural diversity, including those of the LGBT community. City Council has supported the work on this City Department since that time.

2011

Domestic Partner Benefits The City of Columbus, with support and approval of City Council, extends benefits to the domestic partners of City employees.

Economic Empowerment Data shows the Columbus LGBT community has a buying power of $7.5 billion. That equates to about 8% of the metropolitan economy.

2012

Domestic Partner Registry Council amends the Columbus City Code to create the City of Columbus Domestic Partnership Registry whereby loving couples may officially document a relationship of mutual love and care. upon and supported the good work on the AIDS Resource Center (ARC) Ohio in Columbus. I have used these services for the betterment of my health and well-being, as I am sure countless others have. It is important to remember that a healthy community is a strong community.

Economically, the Columbus LGBT community has not only survived under the current leadership—we’ve thrived.

The pink dollar market measures the economic muscle of our community. The pink dollar describes the buying power of the LGBT community. Buying power is not the same as wealth. Rather, it shows one critical measure of the growth and size of the highly sought out LGBT consumer market. Using 2011 data from the US Census, GayCensus, and The Media Audit, the pink dollar amount in Columbus is roughly $7.5 billion. That equates to about 8% of the metropolitan economy. It’s quite substantial when compared to other cities in the region and on the coasts.

This strong record of advancing progressive policies demonstrates how much can be accomplished by a city leadership that is dedicated to equality. While we still have more work to do in Ohio to ensure that LGBT Ohioans have full legal equality, I believe we are on the right track. Thank you, Mayor Coleman and Council President Ginther, for lighting the way.

Police Chief Kim Jacobs In April, Deputy Chief Kimberley Jacobs is named the first female and first lesbian Police Chief in the city’s history.

2013, 2014

Perfect Scores on the 2013, 2014 HRC Municipal Equality Index Columbus achieves a perfect score in terms of treating its LGBT residents with dignity and respect, according to the 2013 and 2014 Municipal Equality Index.

2014

HRC Equality Award Columbus receives HRC’s 2014 Equality Award in recognition of the city’s longtime efforts to make Columbus the best community in the nation for LGBT people.

Anti-Discrimination Legislation Columbus becomes the only Ohio city with full equal-rights provisions in its city charter.

Marriage Equality Columbus City Council passes a resolution to express support for marriage equality.

SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT | SEAN FINK COLUMBUS HAS NO shortage of great patios to help us enjoy these amazing summer nights. As the saying goes, make new friends but keep the old; and definitely use these words of wisdom for your summer evening bar enjoyment. eXile Bar on fourth has one of the best patios in town, not to mention one of the sexiest bartenders by the name of Marvel. Twink? Otter? Bear? No problem! All are welcome at this bar. Start a game of Corn-hole or relax around the fire pit. Either way, you are sure to enjoy yourself.

If dreamy bartenders get you going, be sure to stop by Cavan’s Irish Pub on South High Street and let Paul mix you up something

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great. You may come for the drinks and the view, but you will stay for the neighborhood feel and casual outdoor space that invites you to take advantage of it. The new “in” patio right now is at Odd Fellow’s, located in the Short North. This watering hole has everything you need in a great bar including eclectic décor, an inviting patio, gorgeous bartenders, and Mikey’s Late Night Slice! Stop in and let Bethy and Dylan pour you one of their unique cocktails like the Odd Dog, which is one of my favorites.

Also, Dylan is pretty easy on the eyes. Don’t make just one of these places your stop this summer. Get out and experience the patios of Columbus! Your taste buds and eyes will thank you for it.

PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

PRIDE NEWS & SAFETY What’s New at Pride?

HUMAN FOOSBALL – If you’ve ever played foosball, you can probably imagine a life-size version, right? Well…Minus the backflips! In this game, players stand in front of moveable poles and maneuver the ball through the ‘field’ to the goal. A team tournament will be held Friday evening during the Festival and Saturday will be open to the public for free-play.

“Take PRIDE In Your Neighborhood!”

Grab A Bag. Pitch In. Show Your PRIDE! This year, Columbus Pride is proud to announce this new initiative. The Pride Festival and The Pride Parade generate an enormous amount of trash each year and although Stonewall Columbus spends thousands of dollars to make sure that it’s collected efficiently and quickly, the sheer number of participants can make that difficult during peak hours. On Saturday, in order to assist in the cleanup efforts, Pride Volunteers will be handing out brightly colored trash bags (a rainbow... if you will) at the parade line-up area, on the parade route and at the festival grounds. Stonewall is asking participants and attendees to use those bags to pick up any trash they see in their area and then deposit the bag beside any nearby trash receptacle. This is just one more way for you to show your PRIDE to our neighbors, our businesses, and our city! Your help is needed! So...

Please grab a bag and help us succeed with this new community effort.

Pride Weekend Safety Tips: •

Listen to Police and Pride Security. They are there to keep you safe.

•

Ignore any protesters and keep on marching!

•

Pace yourself

•

Stay hydrated

•

Do not leave your drink unattended

•

Leave your pets at home

•

Keep the neighborhood clean

•

Respect those who own houses around Goodale Park

•

Use the trash and recycling receptacles

•

Park legally

•

Stay aware of your surroundings when walking around town

•

Tag your bag with your emergency contact information (Bag Tags available at the Information Booths and Stonewall Tent)

•

Tag your child with an emergency contact wristband (Wristbands available at the Information Booths and Stonewall Tent)

•

Quickly vacate park when the festival closes each day

•

Outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted

•

Be respectful

DERON FETZ

Accommodating Disabilities in a Modern Workforce | DERON FETZ ADVANCED RESEARCH IN the Psychology of Motivation is telling us that autonomy, a sense of gratitude, and passion lead us to be more motivated. The practice of setting employees up to work remotely has proven to be more cost-effective than bringing employees into the office. The dawning of the great information age allows us to do any computer-based job from anywhere and at any time. We’ve utilized modern day advancements to revolutionize almost every aspect of business and to serve clients and customers from all over the world all the while becoming more profitable. All these advancements and yet we’ve failed to revolutionize how we accommodate people living with disabilities and those who care for them.

Two federal acts that establish job protection for disabled workers and employees who have family members in need of their care were established in the early nineties.

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was established in 1993 and only applies to employees and employers who meet the eligibility criteria. The Americans with Disabilities Act was established in 1990 and for the most part none of the basic fundamentals of FMLA or ADA have changed since they were established and few states have taken an initiative to modernize their leave laws to ensure things such as Short Term Disability and Paid Family Leave benefits. With most countries in Europe and Canada having much more extensive family leave, disability, and maternity leave laws, it is clear that the United States is behind the rest of the first world.

With less need to micromanage, and fewer time and location restraints, we can free up a much larger portion of the workforce for people living with disabilities and people who need to care for family members. Companies such as

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Google and Apple are backing the “less restraints equals more productivity” philosophy in practice. These practices are even backed by major companies locally operating here in the Columbus Metro Area. Medco and Aetna, for instance, have experienced success in setting up a good percentage of their employees to work almost exclusively from their homes.

I’ve worked for third party leave administrators for the better part of the last decade. There is no denying the stigma placed on employees who miss work due to a disabling condition or who need to care for a disabled family member – many of us have probably witnessed it in our workplaces. The truth is, most disabled employees don’t enjoy being away from work. In fact, not working over a period of time actually leads to frustration, a loss of a sense of purpose, and a lost sense of control over the wellbeing of one’s family. It has been in my experience that the vast majority of people who are disabled or have family members in need of their care don’t want to miss work; they simply want and need the capacity to be able to work around their conditions and their schedules to care for their family members.

Rather than shaming and systematically targeting disabled employees and employees who have to care for their family members, let’s be true leaders and partner with employees to help them work full time and live productive lives. Let’s use our readily available and inexpensive technology to free up as much of the workforce we possibly can to enable the success of almost anyone. The couple grand spent upfront to accommodate employees to work from home will rapidly pay off as it will enable otherwise disabled employees and employees caring for disabled family members to do what they can, when they can and miss less work.

Entertain Enlighten Engage

ADAM FAZIO & KARL WHITTINGTON

COUPLE

| AMY TANNENBAUM ADAM AND KARL met for the first time as two of five guy gays tasked to make over a guy in a Queer Eye for the Straight Guy edition of a makeover column in their college newspaper — back in 2003 when it was THE show — and were set up on a coffeeshop date by mutual friends months later. They initially bonded over Scrabble and hit it off right away, and Karl mentioned on the first date how excited he was about being a dad someday. Ten years later, they were in Columbus, married, and beginning the process to start a family.

Adam, from Minneapolis, MN, and Karl, from Chapel Hill, NC, came from supportive families. They began their relationship while in college in Vermont in 2003. Just a couple of months later, Karl graduated and moved out to Berkely, California, and they maintained a long distance relationship for the rest of Adam’s time in college. It was while they were living in California that they became engaged in spring of 2008. They had a legal courthouse wedding in Oakland later that year, during the brief period when it was legal before Proposition 8 passed, and later celebrated in a bigger way with family friends in Berkeley in March 2009. “We think of the March date as our anniversary, even though the other one is the official legal date,” explains Adam.

“For us, the most important part of getting married was celebrating our relationship with family and friends.”

Adam and Karl made the move to Columbus in August 2010, when Karl got a job as a professor with Ohio State.

“We didn’t really know what to expect — neither of us had much experience with Ohio,” admits Karl. “We were excited to move here, but cautious — we didn’t know whether we’d want to stay long-term. But we have really liked it here and are planning to stay.”

Their next step was beginning the journey to parenthood, as Karl explains: “Adam and I were always pretty sure that we wanted to have kids; we just didn’t know exactly how we’d do it.” They didn’t know a lot about adoption, and were under the impression that adopting an infant was near-impossible for gay couples, so they began to focus on the surrogacy route first. However,

through several acquaintances around town, they learned of a local agency that had worked out infant adoptions for many gay families, and suddenly this appeared to be a real possibility for them. They began their first training in September of 2013, and just 11 months later, their daughter Nina was born. In between, they completed training, an in-home study, received approval by the agency, and figured out the legal aspects, but overall they were impressed at how seamless the process felt.

They were picked by Nina’s birth mom before the birth and got to know her well.“ She included us in the birth/delivery plan, and we were able to be at the hospital when Nina was born,” says Adam. “We spent three days at the hospital with her — the mandatory waiting period in Ohio before babies can move into the custody of adoptive parents — but had a room just for the three of us and got to spend all of our time together.”

Adam and Karl have relished their new roles as parents. As a family, they love living in German Village and visiting Schiller Park together at least twice a day. They are homebodies in some ways, loving to cook, garden and have friends over, but Adam and Karl also don’t feel like they have to do everything together. A key aspect of their relationship that makes it work is communication.

Karl explains: “We talk about everything, and there isn’t anything that’s off limits to bring up,” Adam recalls: “We got really good at that early on in our relationship when we were living on separate coasts.”

Nowadays their favorite way to spend time is together, with Nina, and exploring their walkable neighborhood in German Village. At Pistacia Vera and Harvest, the staff asks about Nina when they go in without her. Both transplants to Columbus, they love to call this city home. “I like how Columbus feels like a small town and also a big city,” explains Karl. “I feel like there are lots of places to go, but I do recognize people all over town, even if I don’t know them personally, and I like that.”

PHOTOS | AMY TANNENBAUM 36

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UPCOMING

THE YES LIST:

Featuring 7 Not-To-Be-Missed Columbus Events in June Walk With A Doc: Lesbians & Queer Families Walk

Dr. Shelley Blackburn will lead an informative and healthy walk through the park for lesbians and queer families.

D: Saturday, June 6 T: 8:45 a.m.

L: Franklin Park

Pride Bicycle Ride

Peddle with pride through Columbus with stops at Pattycake Bakery and The Pint House.

D: Saturday, June 6 T: 9:30 a.m.

L: Paradise Garage, 921 N. High Street $: $15 R: ColumbusPride.org

At the Intersection: Emerging from the Shadows of Trauma

This panel will empower LGBTQ Communities of Color and educate about race, intersectionality and trauma.

D: Thursday, June 11 T: 6:00 p.m.

L: Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Avenue

Pride Poker Run

Tour around on your motorcycle to charted locations to collect a winning poker hand.

D: Saturday, June 13 T: Registration: 10: 00 a.m. / Start: 11:00 a.m.

L: Club Diversity, 863 S. High Street R: ColumbusPride.org

Pride History Lecture

Join OSU history professor Daniel Rivers for the colorful history of Pride.

D: Sunday, June 14 T: 5:30 p.m.

L: Stonewall’s Center on High, 1160 N High Street

Purple Reign: Michael Walters as Dame Edna

Kick off your Pride festivities with this loving musical parody tribute to the diva from down under.

D: Wednesday, June 17 T: Doors: 7:00 p.m. / Show: 8:00 p.m.

L: Wall Street Nightclub $: $15 / $25 VIP Seating

Divas Dead or Alive with Christine Pedi

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus wraps up their 25th Anniversary celebration with this tribute to our favorite divas.

D: June 26 - 28 T: 8:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

L: Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long Street $: $35 W: ColumbusGayMensChorus.com 38

JUNE 2015

Say Yes, Columbus:

Tweet your ideas to @QuorumColumbus and use #YesListColumbus

Your Guide To Pride Weekend:

Be The Change Mary Ann Brandt’s Songs Gays Like T: 9 p.m.

L: Level Dining Lounge

Stonewall’s Pride Festival T: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

L: Goodale Park Swimwear Fashion Show With Ellen’s “Nick The Gardener” T: Gates: 6 p.m.

L: Axis Nightclub JAEGER Run For Pride 5K T: Registration: 6 p.m./ Start: 7 p.m.

L: Goodale Park R: RunForPride.org Stonewall’s Pride Festival T: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

L: Goodale Park

2014 Pride Parade

T: Step-off at 11 a.m.

L: High St. from Broad St. to Buttles Ave.

Unity Ball & Dragapalooza T: 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.

L: Axis Nightclub

2015 Pride Brunch

T: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

L: Columbus Athenaeum Advance Ticket Sales Only

Urban Pride’s Gospel Service

D: Sunday, June 15 T: 11:30 a.m.

L: Driven By Purpose, 459 E. Hudson Street

CLGSA’s 30th Annual Bat-n-Rouge T: Gates: Noon / First Pitch: 3 p.m.

L: Dodge Park, 667 Sullivant Avenue

Urban Pride’s After Pride Fellowship Brunch T: 1:00 p.m.

L: Lucille’s Banquet Hall, 1340 Parsons Avenue Urban Pride’s Networking Red Carpet T: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

L: De-Novo Bistro & Bar, 201 S. High Street

There are many other Pride-related events at your favorite bars and venues.

Learn more: ColumbusPride.org

ADJOURN

Dispatches f rom

| KIM WELTER An update from the statewide LGBT equality organization that makes sure our voices are heard and our rights are upheld.

WE’VE COME a long way in the last 10 years. In fact, 10 years ago we were just recovering from a legal ban on our right to marry the ones we love. We may be on the cusp of marriage equality, but there’s so much more!

LGBT Ohioans still don’t have basic protections against discrimination, and it has been challenging working with the legislature to get those protections.

At the same time, we’ve enjoyed many successes: We have been able to head off bans on same-sex adoption and Religious Freedom Restoration Acts.

As the Supreme Court continues to deliberate on marriage equality, we still have work to do in Ohio to achieve both legal and lived equality. So I want to give you an update on the work going on across the state and how you can get involved.

Ending Bullying in Our Schools Many schools in Ohio use “model policies” that are drafted by legal and policy experts. One of the most commonly used suppliers of these model policies – NEOLA – has recently added (or enumerated) sexual orientation and transgender identity as one of the most common characteristics that are frequently associated with bullying.

This change will allow many schools that use NEOLA’s policies to address bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity specifically.

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Unfortunately, the Ohio Department of Education’s model policy has no such list of characteristics which makes invisible what we know to be true: That LGBT youth are targeted. This continues to be an area of concern.

Reparative Therapy and The Memory of Leelah Alcorn Leelah Alcorn committed suicide on December 28th, 2014.

The story became national when her blog automatically updated with a suicide note. It was clear in her note that so-called reparative therapy was a large contributing factor – treatment that tried to “change” Leelah’s deeply held belief that she was female, and not male.

Leelah’s words speak for themselves.

My death needs to be counted in the number of transgender people who commit suicide this year. I want someone to look at that number and say ‘that’s fucked up’ and fix it. Fix society. Please.

We heard her call. Reparative therapy for minors is against licensed therapists’ code of ethics, though still technically legal. We are working to eliminate the impact of this harmful practice.

Kim Welter has been recently promoted to Deputy Director after serving as the Director of Programs and Outreach at Equality Ohio, and briefly as interim Executive Director. With over five years of experience within the organization, she is Equality Ohio’s most seasoned staff member. She joined the organization in 2008 after serving as the Executive Director of Equality Toledo for over 2 years. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she got her secondary teaching certificate through the University of Findlay and her Master of

Standing with Scouts for Equality Brian Peffly was an assistant Scoutmaster with Ohio Troop 192. He reached the Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank a Scout can earn. Brian is also gay.

On March 13th, 2015 Boy Scouts of America terminated his membership. It’s very clear retaliation for Brian being out as a Scout.

Equality Ohio joined with Scouts for Equality, ACLU of Ohio, and the Human Rights Campaign to stand up with Brian to protect the right to Scout without discrimination.

We all know that his local chapter should live up to their own policy, stand with Brian and stand up to the national Boy Scouts of America by bringing Brian back.

We stand with Brian Peffly. To learn more and sign our petition, visit StandWithBrian.org.

Work Around The State In Cleveland, Equality Ohio is an active partner in Cleveland Advocates for Transgender Equality. We are working with local activists to make Cleveland’s existing nondiscrimination ordinance trans*inclusive. The work is not done. The trans*inclusive measure (1446-13) still needs to be passed. To be a part of lifting up this local legislation, contact Nicole@equalityohio.org.

In Bexley (near Columbus), Equality Ohio has been working closely with City Councilperson Deneese Owen to make Bexley one of the most inclusive cities in Ohio.

That work caught the eye of Grandview Heights, and they are now making similar progress. To volunteer in Columbus, contact Vashitta@equalityohio.org.

See You Out There We are excited about marriage equality. And, we know that Ohio has a continued, strategic path to reach lived equality. Let’s leverage our best activist energy that we’ve demonstrated for marriage and keep moving the needle of change forward in Ohio. (Fortunately, if there’s one thing we’ve proven in the last decade, it’s that we have plenty of that energy to go around and we can sustain this effort.)

Arts and Education from the University of Toledo where she taught composition for 3 years. Kim is a 2009/2010 graduate of the Center for Progressive Leadership and serves on the Advisory Board for the Progressive Majority. In 2010, Kim took a leave of absence from Equality Ohio to serve as Campaign Manager for the ONE Bowling Green Campaign in Bowling Green, Ohio, which successfully defended two local non-discrimination ordinances from a ballot initiative to repeal.

ENJOY SUMMER ON OUR

PATIO! Saturday Night!

June 20th

Pride Patio Party With DJ outdoor dance floor + lots of giveaways!

MONDAY MARGARITA MADNESS TACO TEQUILA TUESDAY

790 N HIGH ST. COLUMBUS, OH

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DOWNTOWN ITALIAN VILLAGE CLINTONVILLE

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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 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.