Quorum Columbus March 2014

TIM DICK: TREAT YOURSELF! SAME-SEX TAXES

#wantlocal

OCMARCH 2014

THE MADNESS! STEALOHME -- i’M FREE! OR QUORUM COLUMBUS LGBTQA MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS MARCH 2014

6 FIRST PERSON Creating Change

18 MONEY Same-sex Tax Season

32 COUPLE Paul Richmond + Dennis Niekro

8 SCENE Pecha Kucha

20 PERSPECTIVE Are you Compromising?

34 TELEVISION Big Change on the Small Screen

11 THE TASTE BUDS Red Brick Tap & Grill

22 FEATURE Treat Yourself: Chocolate Month

36 CULTURE Russia’s Complicated Queer History

12 SARA SHARES Celebrate You

26 MOSAIC A Not So Gay Break-Up

38 SCENE Vox on the Rocks

14 DEVELOPMENT Forge Ahead, Columbus!

28 #wantlocal A Spring Sampler

40 FITNESS Functional Movement

16 MARCH BARTENDER Amy Hamby, Union Café

30 SEXPERT Making Sexual Health a Priority

45 ADJOURN Julia Applegate

On the Cover:

Tim Dick| Model Ray LaVoie | Photgrapher Schmidt’s Fudge Haus | Location

For more information visit: 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© 2014 Quorum Columbus Magazine. Reproduction without expressed written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All rights in letters, manuscripts, photographs, drawings, illustrations, and artwork sent to Quorum Columbus Magazine will be treated as assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to Quorum Columbus Magazine and Qmunity, LLC terms and conditions. All models are at least18 years of age. All photographs included are posed for by professional models or willing participants in Quorum Columbus Magazine except as otherwise noted. Neither said photographs nor accompanying editorial is indicative of sexual orientation. The publisher of the magazine does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers. ALL CONTENT AND RELATED MEDIA ARE COPYRIGHTED © 2014 BY QUORUM COLUMBUS MAGAZINE. All rights reserved.

A W A R D - W I N N I N G

INTRODUCES TWO EQUALLY DELICIOUS NEW FLAVORS SKYY Infusions® © 2014 Campari America, San Francisco, CA. Please enjoy responsibly.

quorum crew Isaac Bendele

Mickey J. Hart

Andrew Johnson

Erik Hayes

Jerry Turnes

Amy Tannenbaum

President & Publisher

Editor

Copy Editor

CFO Contributor

Web & Digital Media Developer

Columnist Photographer

Patrick Butler

JM Rayburn

Heather Doughty

Craig Chadwell

Mike Moffo

Sara Ernst

Graphic Designer Illustrator

Graphic Designer Social Media Manager

Graphic Designer

Columnist Graphic Designer

Columnist Account Executive

Columnist

Michael Greenhouse

John Henry, Jr

Que Jones

Bowen Marshall

Adrian Neil, Jr

Allyson Fridley

Columnist

Columnist

Columnist

Columnist

Columnist

Photographer

Mike Lovett

Josh McConaughy

Kris Littler

Joshua McCarty

Contributor

Distribution Coordinator

Also on the crew:

Ray LaVoie, Feature Photographer Mimi Webb, Scene Clayton Walter, Contributor Clare Hughes, Graphic Designer

This month’s Contributors: Julia Applegate, Adjourn Gustavo Carlos, First Person Scene

Scene

#jointhequorum

MARCHING ONWARD | MICKEY J. HART SOCIAL CHANGE DOES not march on as fast as the LGBTQ community would like, yet we do live in an exciting time of important progress. This is especially so for our trans* brothers and sisters. TransOhio recently hired Rashida Davison as their first Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. It is a clear mark of progress when a volunteer-based non-profit organization is able to hire an employee to fully focus on the group’s mission and goals. I send congratulations on this achievement to those who have given heart and soul to develop TransOhio.

Davison will engage community leaders, build coalitions among allies, create leadership opportunities for trans* and gender non-conforming people, and leverage relationships to impact policy issues in Ohio. Davison will no doubt play a role in TransOhio’s upcoming regional community discussions and their sixth Trans* and Ally Symposium this spring.

Engage: transohio.org

With winter thankfully winding down, it is time to treat yourself. March is National Chocolate Month, so I suggest you start with chocolate! Who better to help celebrate the month than Tim Dick who handcrafts a variety of chocolaty creations at Schmidt’s Fudge Haus? You are in for a tasty tour.

Quorum Columbus happily welcomes Mimi Webb who joins our Scene team with some loving chit-chat about Columbus.

Just in time for tax season, Erik Hays sorts out taxing filing for same-sex legally married Ohioans. Also this month: The Taste Buds dip into the newly renovated Red Brick Tap & Grill, Sara Ernest encourages recognition of the number one person in your life, JM Rayburn has what you want locally and John Henry, Jr. brings a reminder of the importance of focusing on sexual health issues. To mark Women’s History Month, we give prolific activist and educator Julia Applegate the final word.

Mickey J. Hart Editor

Cre ating Change 2014 FIRST PERSON

|GUSTAVO CARLOS I WAS PART OF A group of OSU students who attended this year’s Creating Change Conference in Houston, Texas.

The conference is coordinated by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and it brought together more than 4,000 people from all over the country. OSU’s Office of Student Life, Multicultural Center, Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Scarlet & Gay GLBT Alumni Society all generously collaborated to make the trip possible for us.

Presenters and participants came from all walks of life and included members of the business community, elected officials, faith leaders, students, volunteers and staff of nonprofit organizations. About 25 percent of these attendees were young people under 25. As a student, this lent to experiencing a real sense of community and empowerment.

As my friends and I entered the Hilton the first night we could not help but feel a bit taken aback by the abundance and diversity of out and open LGBTQ people.

I said to the group, “This must be what it feels like to be straight!” What I meant was how it feels to safely and openly navigate the world, as your most authentic self.

My most empowering experience at Creating Change happened during Laverne Cox’s keynote speech. As she spoke about her experiences, and as we cheered and celebrated her accomplishments, she was almost brought to tears several times. Early in her speech she explained, “I am not used to receiving this type of love.” To which we cheered louder, in a continuing expression of our love for her. During the speech she named many trans* women who have also advocated for the community. People like Janet Mock, Carmen Carrera, Sylvia Rivera, Candis Cayne, and CeCe McDonald. We cheered for them all, because as Cox asserted, “Loving trans* women is a revolutionary act!”

During the conference, my friends and I were ecstatic about the opportunity to be in rooms filled with people who look and identify like we do. I had that feeling while discussing the dynamics of systems of oppression and desire in people of color, in a room full of people of color.

I also felt it when I learned how to be trans* inclusive in a session about how to be more sex positive in the trans* community. I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend the Creating Change conference this year, and am very excited to implement what I learned into my own work.

OSU Creating Change Attendees (L to R): Devin Oliver, Jenna Thrash, Jamari White, Marcos Olivarez, Jaz Mickey, Rachel Weber, Gustavo Carlos, Ari Grubaugh, Patrick Charlesworth, Lucy Campbell, Megan Kupka and Angie Wellman.

About Gustavo

Gustavo Carlos is a fourth year Psychology and Sexuality Studies Major at OSU. He is the communications director of SHADES, head mentor of the Latino Leadership Development Institute, and works at OSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the area of Gender and Sexual Diversity Initiatives. He is from El Paso, Texas.

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March 2014

SouthBend "Still Your Favorite Corner Bar!"

*The Ukulele Cowboy Society Sun March 2 - 6 to 8pm

*Miss Ohio Fear Factor Sun March 9 - 7pm

*AIDS Walk Central Ohio Bar Crawl (starts and ends at Southbend) Sat March 8 - Noon to 5pm

*Bobby Hamlin Sun March 16 - 6 to 8pm

*The Real Homeless Animal Foundation (Benefit) Sat March 8 - 6 to 9pm

*The Snatch Sisters Sun March 23 - 8 to 10pm *The Blackburn Project Sun March 30 - 6 to 9pm

Hours: Mon / Sat - Noon to 2:30 / Happy Hour Noon to 8 / Sun 12 to 12 Nightly Events call for more info or visit us at facebook.com/SouthbendTavern 126 E. Moler St. Columbus, Ohio (614) 444 - 3386 Southbend@wowway.biz facebook.com/SouthBendTavern

Free WiFi * Free Parking * Never A Cover

Pecha

Columbus

Kucha

SCENE

| MIMI WEBB ON THE NIGHT BEFORE Valentine’s Day, Strongwater Food & Spirits held a fast-paced event focusing on Columbus Love: locals supporting locals. The five presentations centered on businesses and visionaries who champion a stronger and more viable Columbus community.

Drag Queen Nina West served as the host for the night. The presenters were Addie Mayella Cheges from Mute & Gold, John Lynch from Rambling House Soda Pop, Donald Isom and the I AM DANCE team, Chet Ridenour from car2go Columbus and the Short North Civic Association and Dr. Randy Sharma from RockDocOhio and Project Zero. There is no doubt that everyone in attendance walked away with an overwhelming sense of pride, love and appreciation for the city we call home.

Founded by an architectural firm in Japan in 2003, PechaKucha Night is an evening of “chit-chat” presentations that follow an international format of 20 images for 20 seconds. Presenters share ideas, work and passions in a relaxed and informal atmosphere to a community of creative and fun peers. The unofficial motto of “thinking and drinking” makes the nights not-to-bemissed events. Learn how to get involved or check out past presentations at: pechakucha.org/cities/columbus.

8

Love

HAVING A BALL: A Queer Night of Bowling SCENE 10

| MIKE LOVETT WHAT DO YOU DO when your friend has a birthday to celebrate and it’s freezing outside? Go bowling! When you get 14 gay men together, it’s far from your typical night at a bowling alley. Just entering the names of each bowler was a spectacle. Each player had to choose an alias for the night and live up to that character during the competition, so you can only imagine the confusion from spectators as they passed by and read our score cards on screen.

The following celebs and random aliases “graced” the Star Lanes Polaris bowling alley that night: Mulan, Kenae, Kesha, Janice, Princess, Mariah, Nick, Bon Qui Qui, Shaniqua, Nene and Key’auntay. This was just the beginning of the night out; do I need to say more?

March 2014

Red Brick Tap & Grill | CRAIG CHADWELL & MICHAEL MOFFO WE HEARD THAT THE old Red Brick at the corner of Gates and Bruck Streets in Merion Village was getting a makeover. George Stefanidis, the owner of Easy Street was investing time, love and a boatload of cash into the Red Brick renovation. Even knowing George, we were skeptical. The place used to be a real dive, after all.

About a month ago, our friends Rob and Stacia asked us to swing down to meet them at the new Red Brick Tap & Grill for a beer and some food. Having already had dinner, we went for the beer. We were elated to find 30 beers on tap, some of which even we had not yet sampled. We quickly took care of that.

Stacia was enjoying the Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese when we got there. Kindly, she offered to share. This, kids, is where the obsession began. Anyone can serve good beer, but few pair it with amazing, top-of-the-line bar food.

We quickly made plans to visit again.

One visit was on a very busy Friday night. There was a line for tables and the bar area was absolutely packed.

Granted, we waited a bit longer for our food than normal, but that was understandable. When we got our Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese, they were not as hot as what we would have wanted. Brooke happily took them back and, within minutes, we had a fresh, piping-hot order.

We have taken friends from many demographics to the new Red Brick Tap & Grill. Gay friends, straight friends, young friends, and not-so-young friends (sorry, Jayme)… all of us have thrown both thumbs sky-high.

The atmosphere is alive, the service is outstanding, the food is nearly flawless, the beer selection is admirable and the Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese. Did we mention how much we love the Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese?

Give em’ a shot! We are convinced you will be as thrilled as us. That said, if you go on a busy Friday or Saturday night, expect there to be a bit of a wait – a wait that is well worth it.

On our next of many trips, we had more of the appetizers.

Crostinis, Chicken Bites (a chunk o’ chicken, a jalapeno slice wrapped in bacon, all drizzled with sauce…uh huh… you read that right) and, of course, the Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese. (Soft pretzels – are you noticing a pattern here?)

We have noshed on the Calzones, a few of the hoagiesized sandwich offerings and, of course, MORE Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese and MORE Chicken Bites.

Each visit seems to get better and better. Our servers, Brooke and Nic, have delivered goodness to our table multiple times and each experience has been outstanding.

The entire staff lives up to George’s standards of making sure the customer is taken care of and taken care of with a smile.

Craig and Mike have been a couple for more than 11 years and were married in Washington, DC, in 2012.

They are the proud parents of three young adults. They appreciate friends, riding their motorcycles, reasonably-priced local eateries, good wine, and a nice IPA beer. With the amazing number of excellent locally-owned restaurants in Columbus, they always encourage you to “eat local” to support local businesses.

THE TASTE BUDS

For the Love of Beer Cheese

PERSPECTIVE

SARA SHARES | SARA ERNEST

BIRTHDAYS: CAN’T LIVE with them, can’t live without them. Oh, right, that saying typically applies to prospective dating partners, not calendar dates.

Everyone at some point or another has had or will have a meltdown because of an impending birthday. Some people start having panic attacks about birthdays at 25 while others hold them off until 40. It seems inevitable in this day and age.

We have so many pressures put on us to be better or do more, that we often don’t take the time to think about what we have managed to accomplish. Many of us see our birthdays as reminders of the time that has passed and the goals we’ve not seen through.

There are some of us who think of our birthdays as cursed. I think for a time I was one of those people. As I’ve mentioned before, I didn’t have many friends growing up. My parents always made sure we had family gatherings to share cake and ice cream, but other than a McDonald’s birthday party at some point early on, I didn’t really share a lot of birthdays with friends. There was no Sweet Sixteen party, and on my 21st birthday, I didn’t get carded for the wine coolers I bought and had with my parents.

Times have certainly changed and I’ve gotten to do some really fun stuff for my birthday. One year, my partner, Lori, splurged and paid for us to go to New York City for the weekend. For the big 3-0, we went to San Diego so I could see my favorite singer, Brandi Carlile, on my birthday. My friends have even indulged my whim to go roller skating for my birthday.

My birthdays have changed because my outlook has changed.

Before Lori and I got together, I looked at my birthday as if it was any other day. It didn’t really mean a whole lot to me because of the past and because I am one of those people who is ridiculously hard on myself when it comes to the things that I haven’t done well enough or at all.

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The shift in my perspective came one year when I told Lori that I didn’t want to have a party or anything because it was just another day. She got frustrated with me and told me that it was not just another day; if it weren’t for my birthday, I wouldn’t be here for us to be together and living the life that we live, a life that makes us both very happy. She was going to celebrate my birthday whether I wanted to or not.

MY BIRTHDAYS HAVE CHANGED A LOT BECAUSE MY OUTLOOK HAS CHANGED. Take a minute right now to think about the people in your life who are affected because you are here; there are more people than you realize. They want to celebrate you. These people are better for knowing you just because you are alive.

I understand all the trauma that comes with getting another year older and not feeling like you’ve accomplished what you wanted. Put that out of your mind. That is not important. What is important is the dog you rescued or the person you smiled at who paid it forward. You do good in the world every day without even realizing it and you’ve accomplished more than you think.

You are more than the things you didn’t get done this year.

Take the time to think about the things and people you’ve had a positive effect on and celebrate you!

F

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DEVELOPMENT

| JM RAYBURN

facebook.com/jm.rayburn

BY 2050, AN ESTIMATED 604,000 more people will live in the Columbus Region. Over the past 40 years, the region’s population grew by 707,000 people. The region added 235,900 between 2000 and 2010 alone. Simply put, the Columbus Region will absorb a population equal to the entire city of Boston over the next 36 years. At the same time, it will add 318,000 jobs. These estimates are based on compounded growth of 6.43 percent over the next four decades, half the rate experienced between 2000 and 2010. The transportation system required to accommodate this growth is complex, and the vision will need to be comprehensive. This level of growth cannot be accommodated by the expansion of the highway system alone.

Currently, the Columbus Region is “auto-centric,” with nearly 83 percent of commuters driving alone to work each day. However, that will not be true in the future.

An aging population, changing lifestyle preferences of younger generations, increasing environmental awareness, expanding competition for labor and business, rising costs of driving, and questionable funding from the federal government are all forcing the region to confront the deficiencies in the current transportation system. Now is the time to prepare for additional travel options.

Forge Ahead is a community-driven plan for building world-class public transportation in Columbus. The team behind Forge Ahead has partnered with Chicago-based Civic Artworks, which provides an online platform enabling citizens to share new ideas and concerns about their community with their neighbors. They are also working in concert with local advocacy organizations and government entities to create a single plan that incorporates many recommendations and missions into one vision. The final Forge Ahead plan will be presented to the community in early 2015.

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BY 2050, THE COLUMBUS REGION WILL GROW BY A POPULATION EQUAL TO THE ENTIRE CITY OF BOSTON. AT THE SAME TIME, THE REGION WILL ADD 318,000 JOBS. Currently, the Forge Ahead Team is executing the first of three phases of the plan. They are co-teaching a participatory planning class at OSU this semester to help aggregate stakeholder input. Now is your chance to share ideas that can help improve public transportation in Columbus. Submit and share your ideas online at: civicartworks.com/projects/forge-ahead

Walk it. Bike it. Share it. Transit. #ForgeAhead

Columbus has the density.

Columbus has the highest population density compared to other competing cities.

Indianapolis Population (2012)

834,852

Population density Light Rail/Streetcar Amtrak

2,270 per mi2 Planning YES

Columbus Population (2012)

809,798

Population density 3,624 per mi2 Light Rail/Streetcar NO Amtrak NO

Columbus is also one of the largest cities in America without any railbased transit.

Charlotte

Austin Population (2012)

842,592

Population density Light Rail/Streetcar Amtrak

2,653 per mi YES YES

Population (2012)

775,202

Population density Light Rail/Streetcar Amtrak

2,457 per mi2 YES YES

10,712

2

Owning a car is expensive.

$9,122 (60.8 cents per mile)

$744 $75

The average annual cost to own and operate a sedan, according to AAA. Annual cost to ride COTA (twelve 31-day passes).

Annual cost for a CoGo membership.

The number of people that moved within Columbus city limits in 2012.

61% The percentage of U.S. 18-years-olds with a driver’s license in 2010. In 1983, 80 percent of 18-years-olds held a driver’s license.

BARTENDER OF THE MONTH AMY ENJOYS WORKING at the bar she had dubbed “The Mothership” since she sees it as place where people can come to feel at home. She has called Union Café her home for the past four years. “It is amazing to go to a job where there is always a familiar smile and a friend wanting to hang out,” she said. Amy loves that working at Union Cafe has given her the opportunity to build some fantastic relationships with a wide variety of co-workers and guests.

Amy holds a bachelor’s in art therapy and a master’s in social work. You can’t help but imagine that her education has come in handy over her 12 years as a bartender. Amy loves working and being in the heart of Columbus’ LGBTQ Community. “Once I saw how thriving the gay community was in Columbus, I knew I had to be here. I fell in love with the Short North … I can enjoy the things I love, with the person I love, and be who I am without criticism. I finally feel at home in a community that supports my identity and work for a place that is a hub for so many,” she said.

Amy likes the variety of nightly events at Union, but her favorite shift to work is Sunday Showtunes Shenanigans. Surely the $5 Sunday Funday Margarita Madness adds to the shenanigans.

WHO:

Amy Hamby

WHERE:

Union Café 782 N. High Street Columbus, OH 43215 614.421-2233 unioncafe.com

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March 2014

COCKTAIL:

Blue Gatorade Shot Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka + Blue Curacao + Sweet & Sour Mix + Lemon-Lime Soda *Shake with ice then strain into a shot glass

FUN FACT:

Amy will be taking her first flying lesson in April. Her other adventures include hanggliding, snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef and driving a race car.

Photo | Joshua McCarty

Same-sex Taxes: MONEY

Sorting Out the Mess in Ohio | ERIK HAYS

LAST YEAR THE Supreme Court held in United States v. Windsor that the federal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman as husband and wife is unconstitutional. The decision overturned section 3 of DOMA, which dictated that same-sex couples who were legally married in a state were not treated as married for federal purposes, including the tax Code, ERISA and other federal laws. But, section 2 is still in effect, which says that states don’t have to recognize other states’ same-sex marriages.

What does this mean for same-sex couples living in Ohio?

Let’s find out! But before we start, a word of caution: This is information, not advice. Current or potential same-sex married couples should consult a CPA or tax attorney.

Having a quality tax advisor is a great way to save money and safeguard your financial future. That said, here are FAQs about filing same-sex taxes.

Q: How do I know if this applies to me?

A: If you got legally married to someone of the same gender in a state that recognizes it, then you are married according to the IRS. This is true even if you currently live in a state that does not recognize same-sex marriages, like Ohio. Domestic partnerships, civil unions and other similar formal relationships do not qualify as marriages for tax purposes.

Q: I’m in a legal same-sex marriage. What does that mean for my federal and state filing statuses?

A: Married couples will generally have to file as married filing jointly or separately for this and future tax years. But, Ohio has a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and does not recognize other states’ lawful same-sex marriages, so you’ll have to file as single or head of household.

Q: So, same-sex married couples will be married for federal taxes and not married for Ohio taxes; how does that work?

A: The short answer is: It’s a mess. For basically everyone else, Ohio taxes start with your federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and you work your way through the Ohio 1040 after that. But, for same-sex couples, their federal AGI is for both of them if they are filing jointly. Ohio forces these couples to file a separate form, schedule IT S, which reconciles the married federal AGI back to that of each individual filing as single or head of household. Basically, same-sex couples will have to compute the values on the schedule as if they filed their federal return using the single or head of household status in order to reach a federal AGI close to that of a single person in their situation. Then, both spouses will have to file their own separate Ohio tax returns using this AGI figure and submit their tax forms with the schedule. These complicated and burdensome requirements are a good reason to find a tax professional.

Q: Will I pay more in taxes or less?

A: This is completely dependent on your situation. Most couples’ Ohio taxes will look similar. However, for federal purposes, same-sex couples could either pay more or less based on their income. Since same-sex couples now have to file as married for federal purposes, those couples with two higher incomes may pay more due to the so called “marriage penalty.”

Q: What about amended returns and estate taxes?

A: The Windsor decision affected more than 200 sections of the Internal Revenue Code, so here are only a few highlights. The IRS allows same-sex couples to file amended returns for three years prior. Again, whether or not this would be advantageous is dependent on your situation. Since the only estate tax in effect in Ohio is the federal estate tax, same-sex couples are now entitled to the same estate tax exemption as opposite-sex couples.

The Windsor decision will continue to have lasting and farreaching effects on every corner of the tax law. The recent federal case about Ohio same-sex couples and death certificates, and its pending appeal, might very well force Ohio to recognize same-sex marriages for tax purposes. For now we have to deal with what we’ve got: a complicated mess. Therefore I suggest, yet again, you find a good tax professional, because while you have to pay taxes, you don’t have to leave a tip.

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Circular 230 Disclosure: This communication is not a tax opinion, and does not constitute tax advice. Pursuant to Internal Revenue Service regulations, this communication is not intended or written to be used by a taxpayer for the purposes of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.

COMPROMISING? | ADRIAN NEIL, JR “AN AGREEMENT OR a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions” is the definition of compromise. Lately this is something that I have been struggling with, as it relates to my career and my personal life.

I rarely share details about my personal life, but at times I feel it is necessary; this is one of those times. My fiancé and I are having numerous conversations, sometimes arguments, about the balance of time for my career and our relationship.

For those who know me, know that I give 110 percent to whatever I do. I like to work hard and unless I am constantly moving and contributing in some way, shape or form, I am not satisfied. Some may call that a workaholic. But I think it’s being passionate about what you do. When did working hard and being driven become negatives?

Recently this topic came up again between us. He thinks that I work so much that I do not invest enough time in our relationship. He also expresses concern that since I am HIV+, I should allow myself to rest more. Here is the challenge: how do you achieve career or personal goals and still make sure you are equally invested in your relationship without feeling like you are settling? I have always been a very ambitious and driven type of person. It is what I know and what has been embedded in me from the beginning. I know what I want to achieve and in what time frame I would like to achieve it.

HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE CAREER OR PERSONAL GOALS AND STILL MAKE SURE YOU ARE EQUALLY INVESTED IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITHOUT FEELING LIKE YOU ARE SETTLING? Now I can only speak from the perspective of being in a gay male relationship, but I think one of the issues is that we sometime forget that we are two men. And from my experience, men have a natural instinct or desire to provide and to be the bread winners. Too many times we try to either place ourselves or our partners in a certain role, and we forget that with being the same sex, we have a lot of the same drives.

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March 2014

In this case, my fiancé had to be honest with himself and me to acknowledge the fact that he wanted someone who was not career driven. He wanted a partner who would take on the traditional “woman” aspects in the relationship and do all the things that society says a woman should do: cook, clean, watch the kids, etc. As he was talking about this, I started wondering how many other gay men think like that. The more I thought about it, I realized many of my “masculine” gay friends feel and think the same way.

It’s difficult to find compromise as a couple, but at some point the two individuals have to reach a point of balance within the relationship. And they have to learn to do so without resenting the other person. We can’t be naïve to the fact that these concessions will be difficult and that someone may even feel as though they are settling. On the positive side, once they learn to get past the emotions the couple is open to a whole new level of love.

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March 2014

Treat Yourself! | ISAAC BENDELE “EVERYONE DESERVES to treat themselves, to be pampered,” says Tim Dick the “Fudge Master” at Schmidt’s Fudge Haus in German Village. Creating chocolaty delights to brighten someone’s day is something in that Tim takes great pride. This is Chocolate Month and as we dig ourselves out of winter, it could not come at a better time.

Recently a few of the Quorum crew had the pleasure of watching Belgian chocolate and roasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, creamy caramel, smooth peanut butter and fluffy marshmallows turn into treats which bring a smile to the faces of those walking through the fudge-haus doors at 220 E. Kossuth Street.

When watching all of the ingredients become tasty and beautiful treats, we felt almost like we were watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with The Candy Man playing over and over in our heads. Tim is full of smiles, laughter and, as any respectable sweet maker, the occasional song too!

The old-fashioned process starts when sugar is added to a beautiful copper kettle, Belgian Coco powder is carefully sifted with cream and butter is added shortly after. He heats the mixture to around 236 degrees and then pours

EVERYONE DESERVES TO TREAT THEMSELVES, TO BE PAMPERED. it over a thick and beautiful marble table to help with an even cooling process. The fudge is folded and stirred carefully as it cools, gaining its creamy, yet firm texture.

The sense of nostalgia with the traditional fudge process is exciting and brings up many joyous childhood memories.

If you happen to be in the store while it’s being made, it is quite a show.

As the smell of chocolate fills the room, so does the sense of joy, and the rising number of smiles on the faces of visitors in the shop is infectious. Tim has many stories of visitors coming in the shop after having a rough day and buying treats as gifts for others. “I take such joy bringing a smile to people who come to visit. I love bringing them back to that feeling they had when they were a child

FEATURE

Celebrating Chocolate Month with Tim Dick

discovering the joy of sweet chocolate,” says Tim. Even adults love sampling all the different selections and are surprised at his willingness to experiment and try making new creations.

Spicy Fudge, Sea Salt Carmel’s, Turtles and Bear Claws are just a few things Tim has tried making just right for people around him. Even with all his skill and experience, he still considers himself an amateur. Keeping his sense of adventure and not fearing mistakes is important to Tim. He said discovering new ingredients and exploring new ideas helps keep his energy alive and helps bring his positivity to others.

Tim’s positive energy is overwhelming. With his animated expressions, many can’t help but to smile when meeting him. He prides himself on taking negative conversations happening around him and refocusing them on positive feelings.

Bringing his creativity and passion to the business in ways few could imitate, Tim seems to have the perfect outlet for his skill and personality. Coming into the fudge haus you may be expecting the feeling of a normal retail

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establishment. What we found was a sense of excitement and joy in the air. I can’t help but think this positive energy finds its way into the chocolate creations being enjoyed.

As we celebrate chocolate month, just meeting Tim Dick turned out to be a wonderful surprise. We are reminded that as we get distracted by the chaos in our lives, the sometimes gloomy Ohio winter or that day when nothing seems to be going right, sometimes we need to stop and find that special treat to enjoy a happy moment of indulgence. Take a moment, treat yourself to some chocolate and have a better day.

Photos | Ray LaVoie

MOSAIC

| BOWEN MARSHALL IT WAS ONE of those break ups: messy, dramatic, a whole he-said, he-said affair of supposed infidelity (the “we were on a break” debate raged on for weeks), public fights and many nights of consoling the inconsolable.

Like a high schooler in the quad at lunch, all I could do was stand on the sidelines and gape. Like two fighters in a boxing ring where the arena is a dance club and the gloves are made of drama, my friend and his ex were duking it out for the championship.

The bitterness of the breakup culminated one night when, in an effort to both console himself with companionship and also to show his ex that he could move on, my friend asked the quintessential question of our gay times, “Should I hook up with this guy on Grindr?”

Now, I have nothing against online connections, but in that moment with his eyes still red with tears, I had to ask myself, “When trying to cope with the heartache of a break-up, why do we seem to work so hard to break our hearts even more?”

The next day over brunch, I began to reflect on my own relationship scars and the heartbreaking moves I have pulled during breakups and I jotted down a list of what I have learned.

•

•

Avoid the drama bombs. When a relationship closes down, it’s tempting to exit dramatically by leaving emotional land mines via voicemail, Snapchat or text messages. What’s sent in a moment of anger never go way and may later blow up in your face.

Don’t make collateral damage out of mutual friends (i.e. don’t ask your friends to pick sides). This is unfair to your friends as it drags them into you and your ex’s relationship battle. If your break up is going to be a battle, it is yours to fight and no one else’s.

•

Alcohol is a downer, not break-up celebration juice. In moments of sadness, drinking a spirit might seem like a way to raise your spirits, but this is a mistake. Alcohol ghouls live to haunt you and make you feel even worse about your break-up.

•

Beware of the meat Grindr. Online dating apps are great for finding connections with others; but if you are using a quick connection to try and get over an ex, beware that the only thing getting ground that night may be your heart.

•

Don’t use friends as therapists. Talk to your friends, then stop. I give myself three to six months to talk about my relationship grief or sorrow with friends and then I pick-up and move on. I use this time limit because a.) I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer around my friends and b.) if I am still sad about a break up six months out, it could be a sign that I need to explore my feelings further with a trained mental health professional.

•

Moving on doesn’t always mean getting over an ex. From time to time, we all may look back on a past relationship with affection, nostalgia, or loss, and that’s okay. It means that the relationship was important to us and that when it was good, it was good. Be grateful for that time. And then as Eat, Pray, Love taught us, send your ex some loving thoughts and well wishes and then drop the thought and continue on with your life.

I know my friend will be all right even though he’s grieving right now. He may look for love in a few “wrong places,” but in the process of searching, he’s bound to stumble upon the right place where a new love is waiting.

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A Spring Sampler

“Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” — Anna Lappé

| JM RAYBURN

FRANKLINTON Bake Me Happy

bakemehappygf.com

Co-owner Wendy Miller Pugh began her journey into the world of gluten-free cooking and baking in 2006. After many years of self-study, she decided to take an immersion course at the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America and began trying out recipes on unsuspecting friends. Bake Me Happy is committed to “making your next bite the most decadent thing you have tried since sliced bread.” Wendy is a part of the LGBTQ community she serves and understands the importance of being a small business owner.

ARENA DISTRICT Pastaria Seconda

pastarianorthmarket.com

Looking for fresh, handmade ravioli and pasta for al fresco dining this spring? Pastaria Seconda is where you need to go. I took home a variety of ravioli to see how they compared to my Italian grandmother’s cooking.

They were delicious! Pastaria Seconda also serves well-portioned Italian dishes freshly made each day accompanied with a variety of homemade sauces. Every entree they serve is made fresh to order.

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DOWNTOWN 39 Below Frozen Yogurt

facebook.com/39Below

39 BeLow FroYo is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop with a spectacular variety of gluten-free, sugar-free, lactose-free, seasonal and traditional yogurt flavors and only the finest quality toppings. That means you are the creator of your own experience. No more waiting in a single file line. No more behind-thecounter service where the employee controls the amount that you get in the cup. No more begging for extra toppings. You pick the yogurt and you pick the toppings. And then you pay by weight. As I like to say, “YOLO for FROYO!”

SHORT NORTH HOMAGE

homage.com

Are you a t-shirt enthusiasts and lover of nostalgia? HOMAGE turns back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture. From Babe Ruth to Larry Bird, their clothing tell stories of triumph, individualism and hustle, preserving the old school and creating new legacies. I think it’s safe to say the store is a Short North institution. Pay homage.

Improving LGBTQ Healthcare: A Community Conversation Columbus Public Health’s new LGBTQ Health Initiative will host a public event on Wednesday, March 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the CPH Auditorium (240 Parsons Avenue). The event will introduce the new initiative to the LGBTQA community and collect ideas about how to reduce LGBTQ health disparities. Dr. Beth T. Tranen from the Briggs Road Medical Center will be the featured speaker.

| JOHN HENRY, JR THIS MONTH, STONEWALL Columbus will host a week dedicated to LGBTQ Health and Wellness. In addition, Columbus Public Health has recently started a group called the Columbus LGBTQ Health Coalition.

It is clear that Columbus is beginning to stress the importance of our community making our health a priority. The city is recognizing that LGBTQ people have unique health concerns, there are disparities in care and action is necessary. While the overarching message is about disparities in access to care and a lack of cultural competency among providers, I’m concerned more by the unique health concerns and specific threats that target our community.

At the end of the day, what makes LGBTQ people different is sex. We are as diverse a population as any, but it is a sexual identity that is contingent on your genitalia and what you do with it. That is why most of our unique health concerns are related of sexual health. As I have said many times in this column, HIV/AIDS is a health crisis and it disproportionately affects young men who have sex with men. It has been, arguably, our most pressing health issue since its discovery in 1981. However, it is not the only sexually transmitted infection that should be on our radar.

Known affectionately as “the great imitator” because of its atypical signs and symptoms, syphilis rates have been continually rising in gay and bisexual men for the last 20 years. The Centers for Disease Control’s 2011 STD Surveillance Report reveals that in the United States “primary and secondary syphilis rates are increasing among gay and bisexual men, who now account for more than 70 percent of all infections” and adds that “the highest rates (are) being found in men 20-29 years old.”

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While treatment is easy and effective, left untreated the disease can have serious effects and increase the risk of acquiring HIV. Gail Bolan, M.D., director of STD Prevention at the CDC, estimates a “two-to-five-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV if exposed to that infection when syphilis is present.”

So, a disease that was nearly eradicated with the advent and increased availability of penicillin in the 1940s is now having a comeback in men who have sex with men and exacerbating the worst health crisis in history among gay and bisexual men.

Stonewall Columbus’ LGBTQ Health & Wellness 2014 The Center on High (1160 N. High Street ) will host daily events on March 3 – 9.

Join them for community health checks, free mammograms, holistic medicine, veterans’ health checks and an LGBTQ Community sports field day and cookout. Details at: stonewallcolumbus.org/healthweek

Free confidential HIV and STI testing is available at ARC Ohio’s locations.

Anonymous HIV testing is available.

For more information call 614-299-2437 or visit: arcohio.org

While our city undergoes a renaissance of its approach to LGBTQ health, we need our community members to change with us. It is no longer good enough to get an HIV test once a year. The behavior that continues to put our community at risk must change. Talk with your sexual partners about STI’s and testing. Take ownership of your own health by practicing safer sex and getting tested for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis AT LEAST once a year. Getting tested is the only way to know if you are infected with any of these; most can be cured and all can be treated.

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PAUL RICHMOND & DENNIS NIEKRO COUPLE

| AMY TANNENBAUM “I MET THE PERFECT MAN!” Paul exclaimed, prancing down the aisles at work the day after his first date with Dennis more than eight years ago. A week earlier, while on a hunt online to find a good New Year’s party, Paul encountered Dennis and they starting chatting; of course Dennis had no idea where a good party was. They met for dinner at the Bexley Monk a week later, where they hit it off right away, despite their very different personalities. “I thought maybe he was too sophisticated and together for me!” says Paul. “I was sitting there blabbing away, and here’s this guy who has a good job, is dressed nicely and has a nice house and is probably thinking, ‘What is wrong with this man?’”

it all. “I can’t wrap my head around this huge expense for a wedding that basically would be just a party,” Dennis explains.

“There wouldn’t be any legal benefit for doing it.” Instead, they put their ideas on the back burner, focusing on other life changes as Dennis transitioned into a new career, they bought a home together and made the decision to stay in Columbus.

Years later, while helping their friends plan their own wedding, Paul came across an article about the C-Bus of Love – an event organized by Columbus residents and activists Joshua and Steve Snyder-Hill, where 25 LGBT couples would travel by bus to Washington D.C. to be legally married on the

AS WE SAID OUR VOWS, IT STILL FELT LIKE IT WAS OUR LITTLE MOMENT.” And yet, when Paul recalled a recent trip to New York to meet Dolly Parton, Dennis suggested a movie for them to watch together one day: Sordid Lives, in which the main character is a man in a mental institution who does drag and has a fondness for female country singers. They wasted no time, watching it together that evening.

Since then, their relationship has been the perfect representation of yin and yang – Paul as the artistic dreamer, grounded by the ever practical Dennis. However, their personalities intersect in places that enrich their relationship, bettering themselves as individuals and as a couple. Dennis has helped organize and focus Paul’s art career, while Paul encourages Dennis to dream big; Dennis admits that without Paul, he’s unsure he would have ever considered returning to school to pursue his dream career.

“I’m the grounded one,” explains Dennis, “and he’s the dreamer out in the ether … our personalities are very different, but our core values are the same. What matters most is that we are completely compatible. We aren’t trying to change each other. What we have as a couple allows us to be more fully individualized and actualized.”

Six month into their relationship, Dennis and Paul moved in together, and after much begging, Dennis proposed to Paul at the one year mark. But how to actually “tie the knot” became a harder question to answer. They wanted to have a ceremony, and Paul had big dreams of a fancy party, but Dennis had trouble coming to terms with the meaning of 32

March 2014

steps of the U. S. Supreme Court. At first, Paul wasn’t sure that Dennis would want to participate. But as he gathered more information and discussed it with Dennis in more detail, they realized it was the perfect opportunity to get married, have it be legal and to be a part of something big.

“It wasn’t just us committing to each other,” says Dennis, “but also becoming involved in the political fight to bring marriage equality to Ohio.”

PHOTOS | AMY TANNENBAUM The pair did not entirely know what to expect from their wedding day on June 21, 2013, and there were plenty of surprises. When the group arrived at the Supreme Court building, they discovered they weren’t allowed to be married on the actual steps. The biggest surprise of all was when each couple was given the opportunity to walk down the steps of the Supreme Court for professional portraits. “The whole day seemed completely magical and surreal,” says Dennis. “We all felt pretty special.”

“It wasn’t at all what I envisioned my wedding day would be like,” Paul explains. “I thought it would feel very communal, but I was surprised in the moment at how personal it was. As we said our vows, it still felt like it was our little moment.” Dennis agrees, and says there isn’t anything they would have done differently: “Bottom line, we accomplished our goal: we got married.”

In the future, Dennis and Paul still plan to have a Jewish wedding ceremony, as they originally envisioned, but they will wait until marriage equality comes to Ohio. Explains Dennis, “That will be a good way to reaffirm the commitment we’ve already made.”

Big Change on the

Small Screen PHOTO | TWITTER.COM/LOOKINGHBO

TELEVISION

| CLAYTON WALTER GROWING UP IN A series of small, mostly white, conservative Midwest towns, I wasn’t exposed to the LGBTQ community for most of my childhood. The first out people I knew were a few guys who were brave enough to come out during high school; how they mustered the courage to do so, I’m not sure. At the time, bearing a Christian upbringing and boasting a cadre of friends from similar backgrounds, the thought of being out – and being proud of who I was – was less than a dream; it was an impossibility.

That secret has resonated with me, remained with me, because it speaks to the power of popular images. It’s easy to dismiss shows like Glee and Modern Family, both of which have fallen somewhat into predictable patterns after being on for many years. But both are brimming with positive messages about minorities, and that’s not a light burden. For people in small, heternormative towns where minorities of any sort are rare, these images of queerness can help to inform minds that might otherwise be warped by damning religious doctrine or hateful political stances.

For many of my friends and families, homosexuality was almost like a fantasy, something they never came in contact with in their insular social circles in their small, church-going towns. It was conjured in nightmarish fashion from the pulpit and in the conservative media, like an illness one should consider him- or herself lucky to have not contracted, and more so, to have not come in contact with. Homophobia didn’t exactly run rampant, at least not in the aggressively hateful style of Westboro Baptist Church and their ilk. Instead, it was a passive, ignorant state of being: out of (immediate) sight, out of mind.

These images tend to mostly crop up on television.

Whereas LGBTQ movies often end in tragedy – whether it’s infidelity, illness or a retreat into the closet – television programs often embrace such characters and let them find their happy endings. And with viewers getting to know them more and more each week, social change can happen on an individual level. It’s an awesome thing to see.

I’m a frequent visitor of PostSecret.com, a website where people anonymously send in postcards bearing their deepest secrets, which are then posted for the world to see. Most of the cards (posted every Sunday) land with a punch of emotion or humor, then quickly fade from memory. But one has always lingered in my mind: a postcard bearing the image of Mitch and Cam, gay characters on ABC’s hit comedy Modern Family, along with the following text: “These two characters cured my homophobia. Best thing that ever happened to me.”

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And as viewers become more comfortable seeing LGBTQ characters on shows they love to watch, maybe they’ll even be emboldened to take a deeper dive with something like HBO’s new gay dramedy, Looking, which presents the gay community with astounding honesty and humor. Those glowing boxes in our living rooms are powerful things. I’m glad some creative types are using that power for good.

BEEF: MUSCLE CLASSIC PARTY Friday 2/28 and Saturday 3/1 9 PM

MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION DJ Venus Saturday 3/8 9 PM

ST. PATRICK’S DAY Exile is open Monday, 3/17

S’CREAMIN’ for COMEDY March 19 after Happy Hour

CRAB RACING with KRIS Thursdays 9:30 PM

BACKTRAX

GEAR

70’s and 80’s DJ Matt Sphar First Fridays 9 PM

Sports Gear Night DJ Matt Sphar Third Fridays 9 PM

MALE DANCERS DJ Venus Sundays and Tuesdays 10 PM www.facebook.com/Exilecolumbus Open Tuesday - Sunday 4 PM Visit TORSO Leather + Fetish above EXILE

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Russia’s Complicated Queer History CULTURE

| QUE JONES THE PAST MONTH marked the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and Russia spent an exuberant amount of money, more than previous years combined, to host the winter games. The opening ceremonies were a spectacular display of lights and athletes all accompanied by beautiful music. While the world spotlight has illuminated this Far East country, not all has been good. We are all familiar with the travesty happening currently with homosexuality in Russian culture.

Many fought to pull the games from Russia altogether. Yet Russia shone a light on its past during the opening ceremonies, a light led by a flaming bird and two historically great men, one of whom happened to be homosexual.

The Firebird Overture written by Stravinsky permeated the entire opening ceremonies. This work about death and rebirth, written in the early 20th century, meant a lot to the composer. Stravinsky was not gay, but he was a firm believer in modern ideals and art. Stravinsky’s early music had an early cry for freedom and interestingly enough this was his only music written while in Russia. Stravinsky lived in Russia until he was 28. He then lived in Switzerland and France for 29 years and spent his final 32 years in the U.S. Filled with Russian folk songs, The Firebird, tells a story of the world being destroyed and reborn in the flames. Many historians believe this was a reference to the political turmoil in Russia, and this turmoil inevitably led to Stravinsky abandoning his homeland. Stravinsky started his career idolizing the music of Tchaikovsky.

Tchaikovsky, as you may remember, was a homosexual in 19th century Russia. He is also one of the Great Russian composers and is considered one of the greatest romantics to ever live. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, many Columbus residents may be familiar with this work due to BalletMets’ yearly performances, was also heavily featured during the Sochi Olympic’s opening ceremonies. Why would a country so fervently speaking out against homosexuals feature a man who was a homosexual? Tchaikovsky’s brother, Modest, was an openly gay male who resided with his boyfriend Kolia at the end of the 19th century. Today he would be imprisoned and his property seized by the government.

While Russia was removing rights from homosexuals, both those native to Russia and international visitors for the games, remember they were also very proud of their classical culture – a culture filled with great artists whom, importantly, also happen to be gay.

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A BREIF HISTORY Starting in the 17th century it is documented that homosexuals were put to death by burning. By the early 19th century an LGBTQ subculture had developed. This culture of openly homosexual males and females lasted until the early 20th century when the Tsarist government was overthrown and the communist party came to power.

In 1993 under pressure from the European Council, Russian President Boris Yeltsin made homosexuality legal, although several restrictions were left in place.

In 1999 homosexuality was officially removed from the list of Russian mental disorders. In 2003 a law was passed making homosexuality and gender identification reasons for disability from the military.

Since 2007 Pride celebrations have been banned and attempts to hold celebrations have ending in public flogging and prison for organizers.

The most recent ban was the denial of a pride house, a safe place for gay athletes to go and socialize, in the 2014 Olympic Village. Russia released a statement saying antipropaganda laws would be enforced in Sochi to which the International Olympic Committee responded they would enforce rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which forbids political protest, against athletes who made support of the LGBT community.

Crab Races with Kris

| KRIS LITTLER

UPDATE

During their much needed vacation, the crabs traveled to Mexico, Cozumel, Honduras and Grand Cayman. They also visited Miami and Ft. Lauderdale in Florida. The crabs enjoyed visits from family and friends. To keep in shape, they even did some training with the locals. Along the way, a few new crabs were recruited to the Columbus Crab Racing Circuit.

U P C O M I N G

It is March and the crabs are back in action! They are tanned, well-rested and ready to run. Join them in the fun. Bring your Great and Not So Great Names to the races on Mondays at Local Bar and Thursdays at Exile Bar. The sign ups begin at 9:30 p.m. and it’s always free to play!

Until next time, stay crabby!

FOLLOW THE CRABS/CrabRacingwithKris

The only thing better than vacation is seeing others’ vacation photos.

Here are Lazarus, Night Shade, Araayou, Gus and Big C taking it easy on their recent travels.

VOX ROCKED! SCENE 38

| JOSH MCCONAUGHY THE COLUMBUS GAY Men’s Chorus’ 2013-2014 season, Our House, is in full swing. On February 14 and 15, Vox, the CGMC’s premier small ensemble, performed three sold-out shows of Vox on the Rocks at the Columbus Performing Art Center’s Van Fleet Theater. It was a lively and colorful show that highlighted members’ individual and ensemble singing talents. Next up this season, the chorus partners with BalletMet to present Family Ties on March 14-16 at the Lincoln Theater.

March 2014

Be Part of Scene: AIDS Walk Bar Craw On Saturday, March 8, the Third Annual AIDS Walk Bar Crawl will kick-off registration for the 2014 Dr. Robert J. Fass Memorial AIDS Walk Central Ohio. The bar crawl consists of two routes: Short North and German Village. Last year 375 people attended so it’s a chance to meet new people while visiting several bars. The $25 donation includes five complimentary drink tickets for the bars on your route and an AIDS Walk t-shirt.

Register at: aidswalkcentralohio.com

PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

club diversity 863 South High Where there is NEVER a Cover Tue: Movie Night Thur: Tom Crumley on Piano Sun: Karaoke with Calvin & Jason

1st Seth Gibson 7th Rockbridge Crossing 8th Sean McKay 15th Thomas Crumley 17th St. Patrick’s Drinks & Beer Specials 21st Ukelele Cowboy Society 22nd James Blackmon 28th Central Ohio Aids Walk Benefit 29th Kevin Patrick Sweeny Band

The Power in Functional Movement Training FITNESS

| MICHAEL GREENHOUSE TEN YEARS AGO it was extremely rare to be at the gym and find a kettlebell, a suspension trainer or a foam roller. If you happened upon one of these items, you would be hard pressed to find a fitness center in which to use them. Now, almost all fitness studios and chain gyms have eliminated many elliptical and chest machines to make room for functional training machines – exercise machines that mimic human movement.

Achieving functional fitness is not hard. It involves a simple repertoire of moves that are so effective they’re being used by everyone from Navy SEALs to professional athletes. Functional training is nothing new, but too many “fitness professionals” today still tend to push old-school, single plane machines.

The phrase “train the movement not the muscles” describes the root of functional training. Muscles do not operate in isolation. Think about it: not a single sport requires bicep curls. And daily life never demands a seated hamstring extension. Yet every day fitness goers sit then push and pull then extend, as they perform actions that mimic nothing reflective of natural human movements.

The type of fitness to embrace is one that helps us move better in our daily lives. Simultaneously, we need to focus on training that will reduce the chance of injury. We must focus on fundamental human movement patterns like running, squatting, jumping, standing, pushing and pulling.(Notice that I did not list sitting as a fundamental human pattern.) To achieve true functional fitness (in other words “real overall health”), you will need to work out with compound, multi-jointed movements on multiple planes.

Here are some great functional movements to put together as a workout this month: - Squats - Push-ups - Pull-ups -Boxing (heavy bag work) -Sprints

Every time you enter a gym this month (or whenever you work out), do these basic functional exercises.

Start by doing each exercise (with good form) for 60 seconds. If you have to stop in the middle to rest, that’s OK. Rest quickly and get back to it for the remainder of the 60 seconds. In total, this workout should take only about 10 minutes: 5 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest.

If you can, perform this workout twice through.

That gives you a 20-minute workout that gets you off of single-plane machines and into more beneficial, functional and multi-plane movements. You’ll find that your overall health, core strength, flexibility and mobility will be greatly improved by implementing multi-plane, functional movements.

EMBRACE FITNESS THAT HELPS US MOVE BETTER IN OUR DAILY LIVES Michael Greenhouse owns Pure Functional Movements and specializes as a personal trainer in the areas of: • Exercise Physiology • Bio-mechanics • Strength & Conditioning • Diet • Rehabilitation Therapy Learn more about his services at: facebook.com/purefunctionalmovements or purefunctionalmovements.com

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DOWNTOWN ITALIAN VILLAGE CLINTONVILLE

OLD NORTH COLUMBUS

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 27 Garage: Resurrected Downtown 40 E Long St 614. 205.4317

EAT + DRINK. 11 12 21 23 25 28

La Fogata Grill Short North 790 N High St 614.294.7656 Level Dining Lounge Short North 700 N High St 614.754.7111 Union Short North 782 N High St 614.421.2233 Circus Short North 1120 N High St 614.421.2998 Barrel 44 Short North 1227 N High St 614.294.2277 BossyGrrl’s Pin-Up Joint Old North Columbus 2598 N High St

614.725.5402

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 15 17 20

26 Explorers Club Merion Village 1586 S High St 614.725.0155

Cavan Irish Pub Merion Village 1409 S High St 614.725.5502 Club Diversity Brewery District 863 S High St 614.224.4050 South Bend Merion Village 126 E. Moler St 614.444.3386 The Toolbox Saloon South Side 744 Frebis Ave 614.670.8113 Tremont Brewery District 708 S High St 614.445.9365

DRINK + DANCE. 1 A.W.O.L. Bar + The Barracks Olde Towne East 49 Parsons Ave 614.621.8779

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MUNITY RESOURCES

LOCAL & STATE ORGANIZATIONS

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Stonewall Columbus 614-299-7764 www.stonewallcolumbus.org This local community and resource center serves the Central Ohio LGBTQ community by providing programs and services that enhance the well-being and visibility of a diverse

GLAAD www.glaad.org A national organization that promotes fair, accurate, and inclusive media representations of LGBTQ people. as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Additionally, Stonewall Columbus hosts the annual Pride Holiday.

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

ARC Ohio 800-252-0827 www.arcohio.org Fights the spread of HIV, works towards reducing its transmission, stigma and the resulting discrimination through education and awareness, and provides quality services to BRAD (Buckeye Alliance of the Deaf ) membership@gmail.com www.bradohio.com Protects and promotes the interests and well-being of deaf and hard of hearing LGBTQ people while increasing awareness about the needs of Deaf and hard of hearing community.

BRAVO (Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization) 614-294-STOP www.bravo-ohio.org Works to eliminate violence perpetuated on the basis of prevention, advocacy, violence documentation and survivor services.

Equality Ohio 614-224-0400 www.equalityohio.org A statewide lobbying organization working to secure equality for LGBT Ohioans.

FreedomOhio 614-246-3807 www.freedomohio.com The Freedom to Marry Ohio movement is dedicated to ending marriage discrimination in Ohio.

Kaleidoscope Youth Center 614-294-5437 www.kycohio.org Provides advocacy, education, support and a safe environment for LGBT youth in Central Ohio.

P-FLAG Columbus 614-806-8025 awareness and understanding for Central Ohio’s LGBT citizens and our families, friends and allies.

Rainbow Sisters www.rainbowsisters.info A social and community-oriented group for lesbian women age 40 and over.

NGLTF www.thetaskforce.org The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is a leading progressive civil rights organization that has supported grassroots organizing since 1973.

The National Coalition for LGBT Youth www.outproud.org A wide range of resources available for youth and educators.

ARTS & MUSIC Capital Pride Band of Columbus 614-325-1590 www.cappride.org A statewide LGBTQ organization of instrumentalists promoting the joy of music, friendship, and personal growth.

They provide a variety of performances each year.

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus 614-228-2462 www.cgmc.com Singing out since 1990, this chorus presents a series of concerts each year. Open auditions held prior to rehearsal for each show.

Evolution Theatre Company 614-233-1124 www.evolutiontheatre.org A semi-professional theatre company that presents musicals, dramas and comedies that have not been seen in the area well as new works and world premieres.

Imagine Productions 614-398-1110 www.imaginecolumbus.com entertaining and educating community stakeholders. They recognize that empowerment and growth occurs for both the audience and performer.

Wexner Center for the Arts 614-292-3535 www.wexarts.org Internationally known contemporary arts center at OSU, programs, as well as a store and a café all under one roof in an architectural landmark.

COUNSELING

Sisters of Lavender

614-445-8277

A social/support for women 40 and over. S.O.L. is the oldest lesbian organization in Columbus.

A center for psychotherapy and growth with a long history of working with LGBTQ clients.

TransOhio 614-441-8167 www.transohio.org Serves the Ohio transgender and allied communities by providing services, education, support and advocacy.

Randi Cohen, LPCC-S 614-267-1993 www.randicohen.com Helping adult clients to create a strong sense of self, learn good communication skills, and gain a clearer sense of how others see you.

Why Marriage Matters Ohio www.whymarriagemattersoh.org A marriage equality education campaign supporting the right for any loving, committed Ohio couple to marry.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS AHF Wellness Center & Out of the Closet Pharmacy: 614-732-5947 Wellness Center: 614-223-1532 www.aidshealth.org The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) operates Out of the full-service pharmacy, and HIV testing at the corner of N. High St., Suite 350.

CHOICES 614-224-4663 www.choicescolumbus.org Since 1977 they have provided counseling, shelter, crisis intervention, education and community and legal support and advocacy to central Ohio residents facing domestic violence.

Columbus Public Health LGBTQ Health Initiative 614-645-1493 www.publichealth.columbus.gov As part of the department’s mission to protect health and cultural competency trainings to health care and other service providers. Additionally, their LGBTQ Health Advocate manages The Crystal Club 614-214-4828 www.thecrystalclub.org female impersonators, and other transgender individuals.

Huckleberry House 614-294-5553 www.huckhouse.org Established in 1970 to provide a safe place for runaway youth homeless or runaways.

NetCare 614-276-CARE www.netcareaccess.org Provides 24 hour mental health and substance abuse crisis intervention, stabilization and assessment for Franklin County Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio, Inc. 614-224-2235 www.plannedparenthood.org The nation's oldest and largest sexual and reproductive health care organization.

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

MOVING FORWARD | JULIA APPLEGATE IT’S NEARLY HALF-WAY through the Sochi Olympics as I write this. In fact, I am under a blanket on the couch watching the women’s snowcross event as I type. Six days into the games and five of the seven American medals have been won by women. For those of you rusty on your math, that’s a whopping 71 percent. To paraphrase a slogan from the old Virginia Slims advertisement, “We’ve come a long way, baby.”

But, have we really? These are the same Olympic Games where women ski jumpers, being permitted to jump for the first time, are fighting off suggestions that the sport threatens female reproductive organs. Seriously? Somehow a man’s penis can sustain the impact from a 300-foot jump better than a woman’s uterus? What year is it anyway, and why are we still having these kinds of conversations?

March is Women’s History Month and it’s as good a time as any to think about the L in LGBTQ. How are we doing as lesbians and as women? How far have we come and how far do we still need to go? Are we liberated as women, dykes, queers, trans people, tomboys, butches and femmes? Have we achieved equality with respect to sex, gender and sexual orientation? Does liberation even matter anymore?

The weekend I wrote this, Facebook and Twitter blew up with the news of Ellen Page coming out. She said she was “tired of hiding.” My first thought was “wow, look how much things have changed.” Then I read her speech and thought about how much still needs to be done. Homophobia hasn’t been eradicated and while its grip has loosened, it still forces many people to lead lives of secrecy and shame. Suicide, depression, alcoholism and obesity still occur at rates higher in the lesbian population than that of the general population of women. We still have work to do.

So, for now I’m thinking that while some things are miles easier than they were 20 years ago, we best not let our guard down.

Until women, queer or straight, can compete in the sport of their choice, work (for equal pay) in the profession they love, or follow whatever dream they have, we’re not done fighting. Until the day when “coming out” ceases to be a thing, women need feminism and events like Women’s History Month. Sure, things can get better, but they aren’t done getting better yet and it doesn’t happen without a fight. Raise a fist this March and keep the movement alive.

These are heavy questions for a Sunday night, but they are ones I reflect on frequently. So much has changed since I managed to creep out of the closet over the course of one very hot summer in 1991. In those days, the best I had for role models was the ultra closeted Melissa Etheridge and the rumored-to-be gay k.d. lang. This was pre-Internet, and the best way to find other gay people at Ohio University was to go to the alternative dance night and hope for the best. Or, out yourself by going to a weekly gay support group meeting. Me, I downed a couple of shots every Saturday and took my chances at the bar.

Twenty three years later I am in a committed relationship with my partner of 12 years. We are the parents of two happy, spirited kids and I earn a good chunk of my paycheck leading the LGBTQ Health Initiative at the Columbus Public Health Department. I swim on a gay swim team and rarely think twice about holding hands in public. Things got better … at least in my life.

Read a Q & A with Julia Applegate at: QuorumColumbus.com

Julia Applegate leads the Columbus Public Health Department’s LGBTQ Health Initiative. She holds a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies from OSU and has worked as an adjunct professor of Women’s Studies. Applegate helped establish Columbus’ first drag king troupe, H.I.S. Kings, and was a founding member of the International Drag King Community Extravaganza. Julia served on the board of the Ohio Splash, was a founding member of the OSU LGBT Alumni Society and most recently served as the Co-President of the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association. She lives in Clintonville with her partner and two children.