Quorum Columbus May 2015

SHANNON HARDIN THIS IS HOME

OCMAY 2015 MAY 2014

YOUR MAY FLOWER THANK YOUME JUDGE BLACK! STEAL --TIMOTHY i’M FREE! OR QUORUM COLUMBUS LGBTQA MAGAZINE

WITH...

MALCOLM RIGGLE: HAVING A BANNER YEAR COUPLE: MOLLIE & KELLY FANKHAUSER BARTENDER: BRIAN MARSHALL

MAY CONTENTS '15

6 SARA SHARES Accuracy and the Fight for Equality

16 BARTENDER Brian Marshall, Hubbard Bar and Grill

28 PERSPECTIVE Sex...Why Not?

8 SCENE Out and About

18 FROM THE ARCHIVES Malcom Riggle: Having a Banner Year

30 TASET BUDS Mikey’s Late Night Slice

10 MOVIES The Best Policy

20 FEATURE Shannon Hardin | This is My Home

32 COUPLE Mollie and Kelly Fankhauser

12 MEMOIRS OF A MURSE Bred By Meth

24 DERON FETZ The Evolving 21st Century Workforce

34 UPCOMING The Yes List: 7 May Events

14 SCENE Banner Project Fundraiser at Axis

26 DEVELOPMENT Local Designer Proposes a New Concept for Restuarant Industry

36 SINGULARLY SINGLETON Speak Your Truth

QuorumColumbus.com Quorum Columbus Magazine is published monthly by Qmunity, LLC. Quorum Columbus Magazine issues are FREE at distribution locations throughout the greater Columbus area. COPYRIGHT© 2015 Quorum Columbus Magazine. Reproduction without expressed written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All rights in letters, manuscripts, photographs, drawings, illustrations, and artwork sent to Quorum Columbus Magazine will be treated as assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to Quorum Columbus Magazine and Qmunity, LLC terms and conditions. All models are at least18 years of age. All photographs included are posed for by professional models or willing participants in Quorum Columbus Magazine except as otherwise noted. Neither said photographs nor accompanying editorial is indicative of sexual orientation. The publisher of the magazine does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers.

ALL CONTENT AND RELATED MEDIA ARE COPYRIGHTED © 2015 BY QUORUM COLUMBUS MAGAZINE. All rights reserved.

ENTERTAIN. ENLIGHTEN. ENGAGE. Quorum: noun \kwo r- m\ The number of members of an assembly, usually a majority, required to be present to transact business.

Quorum Columbus Magazine: We strive to be a broad, diverse representation, or quorum, of the Columbus LGBTQA community by representing the community’s supportive efforts, experiences, aspirations and victories. #JOINTHEQUORUM

On the Cover:

Model | Shannon Hardin Photographer | Ray Lavoie

PRODUCED BY:

PRESENTED BY:

PROCEEDS BENEFIT:

Quorum Columbus Crew I saac B endele

M ickey J. H art

President & Publisher

Founding Editor

P atrick B utler

Graphic Designer Illustrator

E rik H ays

J erry T urnes

A my T annenbaum

Managing Editor

CFO

Multimedia Creative Manager | Graphic Designer

Columnist Photographer

JM R ayburn

H eather D oughty

Jeffrey Wise

T iffany S alter

M ike M offo

Graphic Designer Social Media Manager

Graphic Designer

Feature Writer

Feature Writer

Columnist Account Executive

C raig

C hadwell

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

Columnist

K ris L ittler

A ngel L emke

J oshua M c C arty

A llyson F ridley Also on the Crew:

Ray LaVoie, Feature Photographer Heather Schuck, Copy Editing Clayton Walter, Columnist Deron Fetz, Columnist Christopher Hetzer, Columnist Clare Hughes, Graphic Designer Kari Jasinski, Photographer C ontributor

D istribution C oordinator

P hotographer

CONVENE

Spring into May | ISAAC BENDELE WE MADE IT! Winter in Ohio was brutal this year, but the jackets and sweaters are away and the outdoor event calendar is filling up quickly! In between the many social events on your calendar be sure to get the yard ready and those closets cleaned out. Many neighborhood events are gearing up with Village Valuables in German village in Mid-May and the Westgate Home and Garden just around the corner in June. There is every excuse to get out of the house and explore Columbus!

This issue brings some exciting new talent to the team. Deron Fetz joins us with his new column to help give some perspective on making the most out of our days. Christopher Hetzer gives the first installment of Memoirs of a Murse. After all, who doesn’t love a crazy medical story balanced with a little advice? To help bring some personal honesty to the changing of the seasons, Sile Singleton gets right to the point and tells us to know our truth.

So many stories! Bring this issue of Quorum Columbus with you to your favorite patio, backyard or balcony and smile at the rediscovered sunshine.

We live in a beautiful city!

Isaac Bendele President and Publisher Isaac@quorumcolumbus.com

#jointhequorum

PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

City Councilmember Shannon Hardin sits with our very own JM Rayburn and tells us his superpower and why he’s made Columbus his home.

SARA SHARES

| SARA ERNEST “LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX, Baby. Let’s talk about you and me.

Let’s talk about all the good things, and the bad things that may be.” Ok, so quoting Salt-N-Pepa may not be the most conventional way to start a conversation about sex and gender. However, since we don’t talk about them and their meanings and differences enough, it seemed apropos.

It seems to me that not enough people pay attention to the vast differences in the meanings of these words and use them interchangeably. I have but one request on this topic: Please don’t. I think the fight for equality could benefit greatly from proper use of these words. I’m sure everyone at some point or another has learned the definitions of these words, but for the sake of this column we’ll go over their meanings so we can re-evaluate our understanding of them.

According to the World Health Organization’s website, “Sex” refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women. “Gender” refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women.

MAYBE IF WE GAVE OURSELVES A BREAK...

WE COULD SEE EVERYONE ENJOYS THINGS THAT GO AGAINST THEIR GENDER “NORM.”

Basically sex refers to our bodies, while gender refers to how we present our bodies to the public.

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MAY 2015

I’ve recently started hearing the term “Gender Reveal Party,” and every time I do it makes me start to twitch. I can’t fault anyone for wanting to know what to expect when their child is born and sharing that information with the people in their lives, but I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to words and their proper usage. It’s a bit of a joke amongst my co-workers, as a matter of fact. In this situation, though, it is so much deeper than just a desire to speak succinctly. I hate to break it to you moms, but you aren’t revealing the gender of your child. Accurately speaking, you are revealing the sex of your child. Your child will tell you what their gender is and how they choose to present it.

As a society, we put so much emphasis on how people should or should not represent their gender that we tie ourselves up in knots trying to fit into these boxes that almost no one fits exactly into. Maybe if we gave ourselves a break once in a while we could see that everyone enjoys something that goes against their gender “norm.”

In addition to using the proper terminology when speaking about matters related to male and female things versus masculine and feminine ones, we also need to cut our boys some slack. It struck me one day when I was looking through my Facebook feed and saw a post that talked about how we tell girls they can be anything they want, but boys are expected to be rough and tumble. If they show any signs of being anything less than a “man’s man” we should “whip them into shape.” Hold up. What? How is it still ok to advocate violence against someone just because they live their life in a way that is different than you do?

It seems to me, that if we elevate the people who dare to be different, whether it is something as small as accepting that some women wear their hair short just because they don’t like it long or something as significant as welcoming our trans brothers and sisters, our community would be much better off. Acknowledging that gender identity, like sexual orientation, is fluid, and embracing the people who color outside the lines could have a massive effect on our fight for equality. I, for one, would really like to be a part of that movement.

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OUT AND ABOUT

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OUT AND ABOUT

PHOTOS | KARI KASINSKI

MOVIES

The Best Policy PHOTO | PURE MUTT PRODUCTIONS

| CLAYTON WALTER I’VE WRITTEN BEFORE about how wonderful it is when celebrities come out, allowing fans to be inspired, moved, and excited by their announcements. Beloved actors and singers wield tremendous influence, so taking those bold steps on such a massive stage can be a beacon of hope to legions of queer fans, some who might be young, lonely, and confused.

In recent months, there’s been an exciting new trend in the sphere of queer celebrity: Elderly stars coming out. Joel Grey recently became the first out Oscar-winning actor, and Barry Manilow made headlines when he married his longtime manager. The news might not be particularly surprising in either case (though it’s never fair to assume, as it risks reinforcing stereotypes), but it’s certainly exciting.

For older generations, the time to come out is here.

The elderly queer community has had to face a life that we younger people cannot possibly understand. Sure, there’s still plenty of hate and intolerance out there, but the tides have changed and acceptance is on the rise. I’ve dealt with a rude comment here and there, but I’ve never been persecuted or attacked for who I am. For most older

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MAY 2015

gay and transgender men and women that is probably not the case. Many of them had little choice but to stay in the closet in their younger days, and perhaps feel alienated in a community that fetishizes, even idolizes, ideals of youthful beauty. Recently, films like Beginners and Before You Know It have tackled what it is to be old and queer, warts and all.

This year has already yielded an impressive crop of queer films: I’ve loved the bisexual rom-com Appropriate Behavior, the bold transgender romance Boy Meets Girl, and the complex story of evolving love between a man and his youthful lover in Eastern Boys. But the best queer film I’ve seen this year, the one that touches on this growing movement of elderly people coming out, is Justin Weinstein and Tyler Measom’s An Honest Liar.

FOR OLDER GENERATIONS, THE TIME TO COME OUT IS HERE.

An Honest Liar isn’t immediately an obvious entry in the queer documentary canon. It chronicles the life and work of famed magician James Randi, whose career spanned decades and included appearances on The Tonight Show and Happy Days. As his career progressed and the world became increasingly fascinated with the supernatural and unexplainable, Randi changed gears. He became an exposer of frauds, explaining how various illusionists, psychics, and televangelists pulled off their seemingly magical feats. Magic, he insists, should entertain. Magicians should admit that they are tricking their audiences, rather than dupe them out of their money (and senses).

As the film progresses, however, it hones in on Randi’s personal life and relationship with longtime partner Jose Alvarez. Randi lived his life in the closet, not wanting to give his opponents ammunition to attack him with. A man who exposed others’ secrets lived with one himself, but in later years, finally chose to announce it and to live and love in the public eye.

An Honest Liar is full of additional twists and turns – it’s almost a thriller – but by the end, it’s most affecting as a queer film. It’s a portrait of anxiety that gives way to love, despite whatever circumstances are in the way. It celebrates honesty and authenticity in a world that rarely recognizes it, that perhaps cannot handle it except in moderation. Most importantly it shows how love endures, edifies, and enriches lives. As a documentary, it’s rightfully packed with these sorts of personal yet universal truths, and one comes away better for having seen it.

MEMOIRS OF A MURSE

| CHRISTOPHER HETZER, RN AS A NURSE, I have cared for many people affected by Meth.

I once cared for a guy who had his arm amputated because he was injecting Meth into his veins. On another occasion I literally held someone’s brain because it had turned into necrotic goo. An aneurysm caused a young man to suffer a stroke on the left side of his brain. He was paralyzed on the right side of his body and, since the left side of the brain controls speech and recognition, he was unable to talk to or recognize his family and friends. He was unable to communicate his medical and personal needs. His parents had literally become the “shadow people” he had hallucinated while on Meth. He is trapped in a personal hell. If you are doing Meth I ask, “What quality of life do you want?”

I have witnessed married couples with unbreakable love fight with knives and destroy everything they had built with each other- All because Meth entangles itself into every aspect of one’s life and tricks the mind with false ideations of wellness and invincibility. It makes you lie, steal, and cheat on the ones you love. Statistics prove that you are at immense risk for acquiring an STI or HIV. Meth will change you mentally, socially, physically and spiritually. If you are doing Meth I ask, “How much of yourself do you want to lose?”

WHAT QUALITY OF LIFE DO YOU WANT? One cannot live synergistically with this drug. It will take everything you have, your passion for life and your soul before it takes your life. Meth is difficult to quit because it changes the brain’s physical structure and ability to regulate hormones, like the ones that control pleasure. Quitting is one of the most challenging obstacles any person can face, but it is possible. While I have seen it at its worst, I have seen success. There are people and programs that will help without judgment. If you are doing Meth I ask, “Why?”

MethProject.org Have Some F@cking Condom Sense 12

MAY 2015

The Anatomy of Meth Hands and Arms Open sores from picking “bugs” out of the skin Injection and Track Marks from Shooting Up

The Mind Aggression Paranoia Panic Attacks Hallucinations Depression Memory Loss Anhedonia

The Brain Headaches Migranes Seizures Strokes Coma

The Heart and Circulation The Body Chest Pain Multi Organ Damage and Failure High Blood Pressure Hyperthermia Vessel Damage Malnutrition Irregular or Fatal Heart Beats Impaired Immune System Irregular Clotting Increased Infections Heart Attack

The Bowels Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea

Reproduction Infertility Impotence Menstrual Problems

The Muscles Jerky Movements Convulsions Loss of Coordination

SCENE

BANNER PROJECT

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FUNDRAISER AT AXIS

PHOTOS | RAY LAVOIE

SCENE BARTENDER

BRIAN MARSHALL | HEATHER SCHUCK IF YOU’VE EVER found yourself in the Hubbard Bar and Grille it’s likely you’ve been introduced to Brian Marshall. He’s been serving up drinks for over two years now, and if you’re looking for something more than the average drink, he’s happy to twist you something new and interesting.

When Brian isn’t crafting up creative cocktails in the Short North he likes to spend his free time exploring the great outdoors. “Hiking, kayaking, camping, really anything that gets me outside and away from the hustle and bustle is welcome.” He loves waking up every morning in a city like Columbus, “It’s a great feeling to look out the window and see all walks of life intermingling with each other. It’s such a safe haven for someone like me. The level of acceptance and love, most nights, is palpable.”

If you’re looking for a killer happy hour, look no further. At Hubbard you can enjoy half off all beers, specialty cocktails, bottles of wine and shared plates from 4-6pm Monday through Friday and all evening on Sunday! And regarding the food, “our chef, Jordan Zacharias, is kind of a genius/alchemist when it comes to our food. Every weekend he runs some kind of special. Lately he’s been doing a paleo diet special to run along side other specials. Can’t really go wrong!”

COCKTAIL:

FUN FACT:

The New Old Fashion (Bourbon and Creme de Cassis, muddled with bitters, cherries and oranges served on the rocks)

Though the fast-paced life of a bartender keeps him busy, he always makes time to coax a few dulcet tones from the strings of his guitar.

Hubbard Bar and Grille 793 North High Street 614-291-5000 HubbardGrille.com 16

MAY 2015

PHOTO | JOSHUA MCCARTY

SCENETHE ARCHIVES FROM

PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

MALCOLM RIGGLE: Having A Banner Year | TOM QUEEN WHEN MALCOLM RIGGLE greets you at the door of his beautiful home, his sweet canine companion, Boltie, will likely be right behind him. A life of hard work and business acumen brought Malcolm to the point where he is today, dividing his time between Columbus and his home in Palm Springs (where he sat out the majority of our recent winter of discontent).

Malcolm was born in Worthington and his family lived a fairy tale life thanks to the answering service business owned by his father.

It was common for them to take exotic vacations to tropical resorts around the world. When he was a five-year-old, his family spent a nine-week vacation on the Hawaiian Islands. Coincidentally, Elvis Presley was there filming Blue Hawaii and while his father was out on a foray one day, Malcolm and his mother visited the set of the movie. An inquisitive little boy, Malcolm ran onto the

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set while filming was taking place. No sooner had the director yelled “cut”, when Elvis scooped up Malcolm in his arms. When the King of Rock ‘n Roll took one look at Malcolm’s beautiful mother (a fashion model and national beauty contest winner), he invited himself over to their hotel the next day to go swimming!

Malcolm spent much of his youth moving around the country with his mother and stepfather before finally landing in Atlanta, where he graduated from high school. His college years were spent at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he entered as a business major. Struggling with grades, he was soon mentored by a professor (an older gay man) named Don Dunifon, who convinced him that switching his major to art would enable him to successfully graduate with a degree. Malcolm credits the experience he attained in problem solving through creating art as playing a large role in his successful business career.

A few years after his father’s untimely passing, Malcolm returned to Columbus to take over the helm of the family business. Transitioning it to a national call center for businesses and government agencies, Call Message Resources maintains its base of operations here in Columbus, but plans to expand to other cities across the country. Malcolm has used the fruits of his success to give back to the community, underwriting many projects in the LGBT community. Currently, the Stonewall Banner Project is nearest and dearest to his heart. When he took over the project, there were only 15 aging banners to be hung on the streetlamps of the city during the weeks leading up to Gay Pride in Columbus. Today that number is up to 125, with an eventual goal of 200. A recent fundraiser at Axis, featuring the character of Sister Helen Holy (played by his friend Paul J. Williams) raised $9000 for the project.

Like many who came out in the late 1970’s, Malcolm recalls a different time. Most of the gay watering holes in Columbus in those days were located in risky neighborhoods and were entered through a back door or from an alley. In his own words: “I just remember always having to be nervous. The Malcolm that went to work and went to my office and met with clients in a three-piece business suit… Was very different from the Malcolm that went out to disco at night. Those two lives that you had to live were excruciatingly painful to your soul.”

He advises the young generation: “Be yourself, but don’t discount what people have done along the path to make it as easy as it currently is for you…a lot of people have blazed a lot of trails…I think you have to give reverence to what people have done… and what people are doing today that will make it better (in the future). Do not take for granted that next election. How you vote-AND YOU MUST VOTE-makes a difference. And if you don’t vote, don’t bitch.”

PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

To find out how you can support the Stonewall Banner Project, go to: TheBannerProject.com

FEATURE

SHANNON THIS IS HARDIN HOME

MAY 2015

PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

20

| JM RAYBURN I FIRST MET Shannon Hardin at a Forge Columbus social event last summer. His knowledge of urban issues and neighborhood development made quite an impression on me. Little did I know that Shannon Hardin was on track to be appointed to Columbus City Council this past October. His appointment is well deserved after helping launch and lead numerous programs and initiatives that have improved our city’s quality of life and provided important services to residents.

As external affairs manager for the office of Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Councilmember Hardin led the development of the Columbus Volunteer Challenge, a partnership with the United Way of Central Ohio through which Columbus residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools, universities, faith organizations, and other community groups come together in service to help build a community that is more inspired, proud, and engaged.

Councilmember Hardin served as the mayor’s LGBT liaison, providing a strong voice for the community in city government and working with Columbus City Council to ensure that the city earned a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. Hardin also managed the Mayor’s Religious Advisory Commission, which hosts a biannual faith meeting and annual prayer service.

Councilmember Hardin earned his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College after studying abroad in Nairobi, Kenya. He was born and raised in Columbus and is a proud resident of the South Side.

I recently sat down with Councilmember Hardin to learn about his new role and his plans to make Columbus a stronger city through his public service.

JM Is there someone in your family who serves as your role model?

SH Well, everyone has more than one role model. Mayor

Coleman is certainly a mentor for me. When my father passed, he really stepped up and played a father-like role. He inspired me to pursue my professional track. I couldn’t have taken it to this point, at this age, without his guidance.

The role of mentor is to see in you some things you don’t necessarily know are there. But they do it in an organic way and thus encourage you to pursue your dreams. The mayor has shown a lot of people, and not just myself, how to be a service leader. He has taught me how to manage making decisions and how to be comfortable making decisions knowing that you’re not going to make everyone happy.

My mom has been a huge role model as well. She was in public service as an assistant to the mayor. She started in Columbus City Council a few months before I was born. I literally grew up in City Hall. She was able to show me that you can be kind and still get things done. Her work ethic was impressive as someone who balanced work life with motherhood. There is truth in the expression it takes a village to raise a child. I come from a very big family that so happens to be a close knit one. My grandmother and others helped my mother along the way. It wasn’t always evident that we were lower middle class and struggling at times. She clearly showed me how to do what you have to do with love and grace.

JM Is there anyone you draw inspiration from?

SH I would have to say Mayor Coleman. He’s been mayor

for 16 years and served on City Council for another nine years before that. The decisions he has made have been very tough. In the end, if you ask a majority of people in Columbus their thoughts on his leadership, you will find many people are appreciative of his leadership and have emotions tied to his leadership. If I am able to have a legacy as forward and impactful for both the physical city and its people, I will be very happy.

I hope my superpower is the ability to connect with people and to be empathetic. People come from all sorts of different backgrounds and experiences. We all have our faults and come from different situations.

Even though I grew up around politicians, I don’t feel like a politician. When I talk about issues that are important to me, they aren’t political. They are personal.

JM Why have you chosen to serve on Columbus City

Council? What do you want to accomplish in this role?

SH I went for this opportunity because I was born and

raised in Columbus. I have a drive for public service. It is the greatest honor to serve on City Council because one can help lead and shape the future of a city that you care so much about. I want to do my due diligence to make sure Columbus is inclusive for everybody. On a personal level, it means a lot to contribute to that social fabric of what Columbus is and what it is becoming.

I think local government is the best place to serve because you get things done. This is especially true in Columbus where different communities respect each other and we thrive off of our diversity.

I also thought it was important to bring a younger perspective to Columbus City Council. My hope is that I can bring a certain perspective being an openly gay

FEATURE African American male. Furthermore, my roots are in the South Side of Columbus, a neighborhood that has historically been disadvantaged and disenfranchised from the overall success of the city. I wanted to make sure that folks from the South Side have a voice and are represented well. I want them to feel welcomed to join into the success of the city. It will be a big smack in the face if we leave behind entire groups of people. We see that in our schools and there is work to be done.

It only takes a 10-minute drive in any direction from Downtown to see that our success as a city is not being shared. I believe we can do better and we must.

JM How would you like to see public funds and resources invested in our neighborhoods?

SH As Chair of Public Service and Transportation

Committee, I’ve learned to appreciate how important infrastructure is as a catalyst for growth.

It can even be as simple as sidewalks and curbs.

When we go out and have our council community nights twice a month around town, the top items that people want are investments in sidewalks and curbs. People view crumbling curbs as a negative reflection of the neighborhood.

Youth and youth safety programs are other areas to target public investment. When I was in the mayor’s office, I created the A.P.P.S. program, which is an acronym for Applications for Purpose, Pride, and Success. This program focuses on crime prevention and intervention. On the prevention side, we opened our city rec centers to provide a safe space as well as provide educational opportunities to further personal growth. On the intervention side, we focus on leaders of rift raft because they are still leaders.

We hired intervention workers from neighborhoods.

Some of these intervention workers served time and are reformed members of our community. We purposely chose these kinds of people because they can talk to troubled youth in a more authentic way than we can. Even though I come from the South Side, I wear a suit and a tie. I probably could relate, but the perception is I cannot. The intervention workers are street level social workers that help find those barriers to success. A lot of the leaders from the streets have deficiencies in education. We address this by providing GED classes and workforce development.

We want them to enter into a career field that pays well. A lot of the folks out in our neighborhoods selling drugs and engaging in criminal activity lack role models and have lost faith in school because they don’t realize the return on investment.

We must work with at-risk youth because they have certain aspects of entrepreneurial skills and they know how to pull folks together behind them. So the

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challenge is to help them change course and use their skills for good. We need to show them there are other opportunities. That’s why I have decided to stay in my neighborhood. At-risk youth need to see that there is another way out. The reason why so many at-risk folks the in hood want to be basketball players, or football players, or drug dealers is because that’s what many people who look like them and with similar roots do.

They don’t believe there is any other way.

JM In what ways will you support the LGBT community on Columbus City Council?

SH We live in a very progressive city. The council before

me has already stepped up and reached the legislative limits for LGBT protections. An example is our city’s 100 point rating on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index. Since I joined council, we put forward a resolution to become the first large city in the state to support marriage equality. I’m very proud of that.

We also have workplace discrimination protections in our city charter on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Those protections carry fines if violated. I believe there is room for conversation to increase those fines so it’s more than a slap on the wrist. The message we want heard loud and clear is that bigotry and homophobia will cost you in Columbus.

It’s a serious offense. We need to continue to push the state to follow suit.

On a personal level, I am in an interesting position of being from both the African American and LGBT communities. It’s been a learning opportunity over the past several months where I’ve begun to talk more openly about my sexuality than I have in the past. It’s not been out of shame, but I didn’t want that to be the center of conversation. What I am realizing, is how important it is that I acknowledge who I am and talk about it. When I look at who is still contracting HIV at high rates, it’s young African Americans in the LGBT community. I want to do something about it. I come

MY HOPE IS THAT I CAN BRING A CERTAIN PERSPECTIVE BEING AN OPENLY GAY AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE.

from the church. I was grown and raised in the African American church. We all have our challenges and our stories about coming out and living in our authentic selves. In the Black community, it is not that easy because of the role of the church. The questions that we still have around our sexuality are still very present in how we are accepted. It’s been tough to be involved in the church and be openly LGBT. Hopefully, I can be an example for all folks in Columbus—straight, gay, black, white. The intersection between the black church and my sexuality is something I am still dealing with.

But I do know one thing for certain: The love that Jesus Christ has for us and the love a same-sex couple have for each other is the same love. It’s rooted in the same place. These are tough conversations we need to have.

We have to give it its time and space. It’s a generational story as well. My hope is that my role as an African American LGBT councilmember will be a meaningful contribution to the movement.

JM How can the LGBT community support you?

SH The truth is I still have to work to do. I didn’t rise up

JM Why have you chosen Columbus to call home?

SH We are the best city in the world. I have traveled a lot

and have lived in Atlanta. I have not found a city as open-minded, as welcoming, and that has as many opportunities as Columbus has. This is home. This is where my family is. I would not have chosen this life anywhere else. Only in Columbus can my story be true.

I WOULD NOT HAVE CHOSEN THIS LIFE ANYWHERE ELSE. ONLY IN COLUMBUS CAN MY STORY BE TRUE.

through the LGBT movement. I need to be out and engaged in the community more. The biggest thing I ask is for understanding and patience. I am still learning but I am learning as a member of the community.

PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE

DERON FETZ

The Evolving 21st Century Workforce

| DERON FETZ AS MORE millennials enter the workforce we are seeing the emergence of a new brand of “worker” creating a new workforce altogether. Dying are the days of the 9 to 5, punch in, do exactly what you are directed to do, punch out, and leave mindset.

Rather than very distinctly separating “work” from “life”, the new worker, who is more driven by passion, is recognizing work and life as one in the same.

For the new worker “work” and “life” exist in technological and physical harmony because they are constantly dialed into their network in some way, shape, or form. They cannot help not to be because the new worker was born with an infinite amount of information at their fingertips.

The new worker demands a sense of control over their work and wants to be an active partner at their workplace from the entry level on up to the executive level (if leadership hierarchy even exists in their organization).

The new worker wants to feel a sense of contribution to a greater goal and wants a sustainable workforce. The new worker is always looking to collaborate with others within their organization and also with others outside of their organization. The new worker wants to work for herself, for his organization and also for her community.

As a result, some employers have chosen and are choosing to adapt to the needs of the millennial worker in all aspects of Employee Relations, and are flourishing as a result, while other employers are struggling to accommodate the millennial workforce and are therefore struggling to replace and maintain a high level of talent. New economy

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MAY 2015

PHOTO | ISRAEL SUNDSETH

employers are recognizing the benefits of embracing the new worker in all areas of business because taking care of the modern worker means you have a continuous network of people in your employees who are constantly connected to social networks, either virtually or inperson. Almost without knowing it, they are promoting your company and its products and services to other potential talent, potential customers, potential clients, and potential business partners. As the new economy continues to dawn and workers begin to insist on having more control over their work and how they do their work employers now have to ask: Do we want to be an employer of the past and fade away with the passing of time, or do we want to be an employer of the future and thrive along with a new generation?

The 21st century worker is more diverse than ever. Even at the executive level, the workforce now consists of millennials, baby boomers, and everything in between and they are of all races, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religions. Furthermore, it is time to consider all aspects of diversity and we must further include intellectual diversity, creative diversity, generational diversity, and diversity in physical ability when including a place at the table for all workers. The new economy will only realize its full potential if we make a commitment to help one another realize what could be incredibly diverse and varying definitions of success.

The very diverse 21st century worker needs a ginger-toginger to partner with them. I want to be that ginge! Or at the very least help begin an open, ongoing dialogue on how we can all partner with one another and help one another succeed despite how varied and different our definitions of success may be.

DEVELOPMENT

Local designer proposes a new concept for restaurant industry

| JM RAYBURN THE 2013 FILM, Her, offers a world set in a near future where smartphones have been replaced by fully immersive operating systems that are sentient enough to have personalities. Director Spike Jonze uses the film to ponder the nature of love in the encroaching virtual world. Now take that concept and swap out the word love for food. The big idea then evolves into an interactive food service interface. It’s the focus of CCAD interior design student, Evan Alexander.

His concept fits well for the Columbus market, which is one of the premier test markets in the country.

Evan’s intent centers around the restaurant dining experience, more specifically the juxtaposition of what is going to happen when you mix modern technology with a timeless feel. It’s more than landing on the next trend; rather, it’s about modernizing the overall dining experience with a classic feel.

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MAY 2015

Evan believes this is achievable by paying attention to detail. He seeks to make an interactive restaurant experience that will challenge the senses. This integrated interface would feature many user-friendly benefits, whether it be ordering take out from a restaurant or staying to dine. It would also connect to the patron’s social media, like Facebook. It would link user and all others at the table to share what they have enjoyed eating and their reviews. This interactivity would carry through the procession of restaurant experience whether it be a user’s smartphone or a fully integrated bill to include a survey of the overall experience that the user could use to rate the restaurant. The restaurant’s interactivity would extend to include a touchscreen display outside for any passersby to review the menu and get a feel for the ambiance.

The classic New York establishments inspire Evan to develop his concept around the idea of family and friends gathered around the table—as well as those friends who are not present, using their interactive applications on their electronic devices.

More about Evan Alexander JM Who is your role model, and why?

JM How can the LGBT community support you ?

EA Ralph Lauren, because he has set a standard in the

EA The LGBT community can support me by upholding a

industry. Not only creating great designs but an aspirational lifestyle - I really respect him in many ways.

He grew up in the Bronx, not coming from much, and got his start by creating a unique tie line that he sewed and sold in a drawer out of the Empire State Building. If someone as successful and talented as him started out that way, I feel like there’s hope for the rest of us. People who were afraid to take a risk didn’t create great things.

JM Why have you chosen the interior design industry?

EA Well, it kind of chose me. My focus for a long time has

been in the graphic design field, but I found myself gravitating towards branding and concepts for major fashion brands. So I think it was a natural evolution to get where I am now. It may sound silly, but from a young age I loved playing The Sims and getting the floor plan and rooms just right and I thought my calling was to be an architect, but by the time I was out of high school the time came to make a decision. My design work is an extension of my artistic soul - creativity is like breathing for me, it’s my life force. So I don’t think I could pin point one aspect, I wouldn’t say I’m a graphic designer or interior designer because those are just labels. I like to think of myself as someone with a vision to make other people’s lives more beautiful and inspiring. Graphics and design creates infinite opportunities for people to grow, and I feel blessed to be able to give such a life-changing gift.

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

EA I feel to make a difference in this world, you need to

inspire the people around you and empower them to make their own lives better. I am a firm believer in helping others, and especially treating people like part of my family. It’s why I try to always support local LGBT businesses, whether that takes the form of graphic design or interior design. I would love to eventually do the graphics package for some of our many fundraisers and benefits we have in our community.

strong sense of character and morality in all aspects of your life. Be true to yourself. I encourage everyone to keep growing and inspiring.

JM Why have you chosen Columbus as home?

EA It actually surprised me how much culture and diversity is here. It’s definitely not your average Midwestern city. Columbus is vibrant and full of so many talented and influential people. It’s precisely why I proposed our city for my restaurant concept. There are always festivals, musicals, shows, and gallery openings to go to. I think these are the things that make us stronger as individuals and as a community, and it personally gives me a feeling of togetherness and pride for Columbus.

JM What advice would you share with our readers who are interested in interior design?

EA Throw out the rulebook; I think rules were meant to

be broken. Be forward thinking and push the limits on what you think design is. Do it for your own emotion and trust your instincts. Design is a story and you are the author.

PERSPECTIVE

| ADRIAN NEIL-HOBSON I WILL ADMIT I am someone who enjoys sex a lot, almost whenever and however. Sex is one of the best things that has ever happened to mankind, in my opinion, of course. Even though sex can be amazing, it can also be the root of some serious issues. It’s one of the things that can ruin marriages and relationships. It has the power to turn friends against one another, it can become addictive, and even cause wars (Helen of Troy, anyone?). Needless to say, sex is something powerful and sex is the subject of this month’s column.

I went to go see Fifty Shades of Grey recently and fell in love with it. I will be honest and admit that the movie wasn’t great and the book was much better but the concept was amazing. It made individuals, like myself and probably you, feel okay about having fetishes. It made it feel normal. So many people are embarrassed about their sexual desires but, like technology, sex is forever evolving and it’s not a bad thing.

SEX WITHOUT LOVE IS MEANINGLESS, BUT AS FAR AS MEANINGLESS EXPERIENCES GO IT’S PRETTY DAMN GOOD. Even though people are talking more openly about sex now, it sometimes is still this little kept secret, especially when you start talking about anything outside of “normal” sex (i.e. gay sex, kink, fetishes, etc.). People are still afraid to let out their inner freaks and be okay with it. But why? Why is it so wrong to explore and be open and honest about it? Some may argue that the reason we have such high rates of HIV infection is because we don’t talk about sex enough. I am not saying that we should tell the world every detail of our sex lives, but if we were to provide a safe and educating space about sex then, in my opinion, it would help. A lot. I even know some people who are embarrassed to admit that they are on certain dating (hook-up) sites/apps such as Jack’d, Grindr, and/or BGC. What is there to be embarrassed about? We are human, after all. We all need a sexual release.

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Then of course there’s masturbation. I was lucky enough to have a mother who actually encouraged masturbation; after all it’s the safest form of sexual pleasure when you start talking about STD’s and pregnancy. There are adults who are reluctant to admit that they frequent sex stores for certain toys or porn. If we don’t know what pleases us sexually, how the heck can we expect someone else to? As always, I like to be transparent with my readers and I will admit that yes, I do masturbate. Depending on the week, it may be as many as five times.

Like with almost anything, any form of sex done in excess can be a negative thing and can become an addiction. It’s imperative to know your limits and boundaries, to make sure that it doesn’t take over your life and doesn’t turn into something unhealthy.

Sexual addiction is something that is very real and serious. There are people who have lost their jobs and families because of a sexual addiction, but as long as it’s done in a healthy way and in healthy amounts (that’s up for you to decide) then I say go for it.

Sex is something that is not to be ashamed of and it is something that we as a society should embrace more. And I am not talking heterosexual missionary position sex, but sex today. Gay sex, fetishes, porn, masturbation and all the other things that sex encompasses. Woody Allen said it best, “Sex without love is meaningless, but as far as meaningless experiences go it’s pretty damn good.”

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TASTE BUDS

| CRAIG CHADWELL & MIKE MOFFO AS GUYS WHO REVIEW restaurants, all too often we are bound to reviewing based on food and service alone. Every once in a while we have the pleasure of telling our readers just how awesome a restaurant is based on the cool things the owners do for the community.

Mikey’s Late Night Slice provides both great food and service. They also, like some others, give a damn about their customers – regardless of who they are. On top of serving exceptionally good pizza (we recommend the Spicy Ass Pepperoni with the Slut Sauce) they serve up a different kind of dish – one that we, the LGBT community, should really take time to appreciate.

They care about our rights.

Take the time that someone said a homophobic comment to a couple that was waiting in line. When the offender finally got to order their slice, they were refused service. The people working made it known that they wouldn’t stand for that kind of bigotry in their establishment.

In other words, they went all anti-Indiana on their asses.

Not only did they ask this loud-mouth to leave, they printed t-shirts. One says “No Slut Sauce For You, Mr. Homophobe, ”the other “Take a Stand”. What’s more, they didn’t use this to capitalize on their coolness. Instead they have donated profits from the shirts to Equality Ohio, an advocacy group.

Our favorite thing about this whole incident was the fact that this is starting to become common in the gayborhood. More and more people are refusing to tolerate hate. How cool, right?

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Back to Mikey’s – the food. We have all had that night where we leave one of our local watering holes and decide that something greasy and fattening is exactly what we need. We have options, though not many, at 3 a.m.

Take a walk to Mikey’s or find a Mikey’s truck parked nearby.

Grab a slice – the variety is pretty amazing, the pizza is fantastic, the service is always with a smile, and the other customers are just as cool as you.

Mikey Sorboro, the owner, is also making something more permanent. He has acquired 268 S. 4th St. and is opening a full-service restaurant complete with a bar, tables, and the always-cool attitude. Heck, they are even revamping the original location on High St. in the ShoNo! We, your Taste Buds, love to see local business thrive. When we first visited Mikey’s 5 years ago, we had a sneaking suspicion this place would be around for a nice long while.

Luckily, we were right and they continue to pump out quality product, awesome staff, and that little something different that keeps us coming back.

Our thumbs are covered in Slut Sauce and Spicy Ass Pepperoni, but you won’t mind. We hold all four high for Mikey’s Late Night Slice. Get you some!

5K Walk/Run

RESCUE RUN

Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, May 23, 2015

RESCUERUN.COM Meet Casper, the official spokesdog of the PetPromise Rescue Run 2015

Photo Courtesy of Lucky Lola Studios, luckylolastudios.com

Underdog to Wonderdog Casper, a Great Pyrenees puppy, was rescued from rural Kentucky suffering from neglect. This gentle giant was born without toes on his front paw, causing him to be off balance and unable to walk normally. PetPromise is raising funds so that Casper can be fitted with a prosthesis which will help him walk and live the life he deserves. He has a BIG life in front of him. Help join the cause!

PetPromise.org/donate

GOLD

MEDIA

BRONZE

COMMUNITY

COUPLE

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PHOTO | AMY TANNENBAUM

Mollie & Kelly Fankhauser

| AMY TANNENBAUM

MOLLIE AND KELLY NOW serve up tasty baked goods in their German Village bakery, but they first met in Frisco, Texas, playing professional golf. They traveled the world together, tasting culinary offerings at each city and planting the seeds for their future endeavors in Columbus.

Mollie and Kelly both grew up in conservative families — Mollie in Columbus, Kelly in California — and it took their families some time to accept them when they came out in their late teens and early 20s. While some family members on Kelly’s side never came around, Mollie now calls her family some of her biggest supporters.

They may have met in Texas, but they weren’t there for long.

Their relationship began during a time of constant travel and they found themselves on the road for 45 weeks out of the year. “[Traveling] All across the US and traveling internationally allowed us to experience so many places together,” says Mollie.

But even while encumbered by the rigorous schedule of professional golf and international travel, the dream of opening a bakery was never far from their minds. “We always talked about opening a bakery in Columbus once our golf careers were over,” says Kelly. “Cakes and cupcakes have always been a part of that American celebration accessory. We loved the idea of our baked goods being a part of someone’s birthday celebration or family gathering.”

As they traveled they looked for inspiration in each city. “We would always look for the local culinary scene everywhere we went,” explains Mollie. “Sometimes we would wake up early to practice on the golf course, just so we could have the afternoon and evening to explore the restaurants and cafes of the city we were in for the week.”

On a stop in Chicago during their golf tour, they became engaged. “Our engagement was more of a conversation than a proposal,” recalls Mollie. “We started having a conversation about wanting to get married, which led us to the decision that although we couldn’t legally get married in Ohio, we wanted to have a commitment ceremony.” They celebrated their

commitment with family in German Village in 2007, and later were legally married in New York in 2014.

When their golf careers came to an end in 2011 they began the journey of making the dream a reality, perfecting their recipes while setting the standard early on to offer only the highest quality of baked goods. “We use only butter and bake everything fresh for each day,” says Kelly.

Kittie’s Cakes opened on Third Street in German Village in April of 2013. They maintained the classic American theme when expanding their menu to include their Micky ‘Os (oatmeal crème pies) and whoopee pies. “Our biscuits & jam are some of customers’ favorite baked goods we make, along with our cinnamon rolls and scones that we make daily,” says Kelly.

When asked of their favorite activity to do together, both Mollie and Kelly and have the same answer, and it’s no surprise: Cooking! “We work so well together in the kitchen, that it makes it really fun to not only work together, but also enjoy the ‘fruits of our labor!’” says Mollie. They also love trying local restaurants and spending time with their golden retriever, Linus, on long walks around the city.

“I can honestly say that I can spend all day with Mollie and I love every minute of it,” says Kelly. “Mollie is the most considerate, thoughtful, caring person I know, and her sense of humor and wit keep me laughing throughout the day.” And Mollie also has plenty to gush about: “My favorite thing about Kelly is she’s so caring and loving to everyone,” she says. “Customers or family, Kelly is always wanting to make sure the people in her life are taken care of.”

No more traveling around the world for these two. They have seen so many cities, but Columbus will always be home. Mollie sums up their love for Columbus when she says, “Columbus seems to always be evolving. Whether it be the culinary scene, arts or urban living, Columbus keeps moving. Columbus has remained a city that embraces our diversity and constantly pushes to become better.”

UPCOMING

THE YES LIST:

Featuring 7 Not-To-Be-Missed Columbus Events in May Xanadu MAY

1-17

Imagine Productions presents this 80’s-themed roller-skating musical about a Greek muse’s journey from Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach.

D: May 1 - 17 T: 7:30 p.m.

L: Wall Street Nightclub $: $17 W: ImagineColumbus.org

Improving Healthcare for the Lesbian Community MAY

14

Columbus Public Health, Stonewall Columbus, and Family Pride Network team up for this community conversation about lesbian health concerns.

D: Thursday, May 14 T: 6:30 p.m.

L: Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Avenue $: Free W: Columbus.gov/PublicHealth

Village Valuables MAY

16

More than 10,000 bargain-hunters from all over Central Ohio flood German Village for the city’s biggest yard sale day. Residents set up shop on the sidewalks and in their yards and garages to sell their treasures.

D: Saturday, May 16 T: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

L: German VIllage $: Free W: GermanVillage.com

Earth Jam 2015 MAY

19

Aveda Institute Columbus presents this runway celebration the art of film through fashion and beauty that benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters.

D: Tuesday, May 19 T: Doors: 6:30 p.m. / Show: 7:30 p.m.

L: Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Avenue $: $15 + W: AvedaColumbus.com/Earth-Jam-Fashion-Benefit

Other Prom 2015: Masquerade MAY

23

Kaleidoscope Youth Center hosts Central Ohio’s Alternative Prom for LGBTQA youth ages 12-20.

D: Saturday, May 23 T: 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

L: Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High Street $: Free / photo ID required W: KYCOhio.org

PINK PARTY: Stand Up to Bullying MAY

29

Virginia West hosts this anti-bullying showcase benefitting BRAVO and Stonewall Columbus with guest speaker OSU wrestling champ Mike Pucillo.

D: Friday, May 29 T: Doors: 8:00 p.m. / Show: 9:00 p.m.

L: Axis Nightclub $: Tables: $25 – 40 / General: $5 W: AxisOnHigh/com

7th TransOhio Trans & Ally Symposium MAY

29-31 34

MAY 2015

This event kicks off with Provider’s Day on Friday with general conference sessions throughout the weekend and a keynote panel of trans teens.

D: May 29 - 31 T: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

L: OSU Multicultural Center, Ohio Union $: Varies by day / CEUs offered on Friday W: Facebook.com/TransOhio

Say Yes, Columbus:

Tweet your ideas to @QuorumColumbus and use #YesListColumbus

ENTERTAIN ENLIGHTEN ENGAGE

SINGULARLY SINGLETON

| SILE SINGLETON -SIGH- I know that life is about constant change and our human need to try to stop, delay, replicate, and control the process. It’s our very essence. I’m a bit overwhelmed, this fine Spring season, by the stunning number of situations and relationships around me that are just trashed up because of fear and a lack of knowledge around blatant misrepresentations and misunderstandings of what healthy communication looks like. Why all the stealth? Seriously. Y’all know who you are so don’t look around and wonder. If you think I mean you - I do. Either that or you have a guilty conscious.

Either way, inbox me, I can recommend a book or two.

All this strife going on with friends, lovers, co-workers, marriages... It is nothing new. Ten billion dollars a year is generated by the self help industry, which is growing each year. Clearly there is a desire (factual or fostered) for the information that really only changes in terms of euphemisms, sleek pics, and order of steps to betterment.

From 12 steps to 7 levels to 5 languages with a side helping of chicken soup for a variety of occasions, 4 hours to one power; The “I’m OK, You’re OK” message is simple: Be open and honest. Speak your truth.

BREATHE. AND FOR GOD’S SAKE, BE OPEN AND HONEST AND SPEAK YOUR TRUTH. In the event that you, like me, are stuck on “Wait? What!?” wrestling with the simplicity of the message and are too cheap/vain to buy or check out the audio book, allow me to impart some late night decoding with you. ____ (I used Sile), stop lying, stop telling partial tales and leaving out the parts you think won’t be accepted. Stop telling your mutual friends you’re sorry or you miss a person or you think that what they are doing is great, hoping they’ll carry back what you want known. All this so you can skip out on being vulnerable, on looking bad, on admitting poor choices or actual intentions sounded great to you before you said it out loud.

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Stop saying you’re doing what’s best for the person or group when you know daggone well your main concern is yourself. Not mad at that, just stop kiddin’ yourself and own your crap. Stop with the greasy semantics, mincing of verbs, and convincing yourself you’re doing what’s best for whomever by holding and misrepresenting what’s real. Do get in front of a mirror and look, really look, in your eyes: Are you truly being honest? Do you have to look down to say yes? Do you think the exercise is ‘stoopid?’ Look in your eyes and say what you’ve been saying to keep the pot stirred, to re-iterate your righteousness, to blind yourself from what you don’t want others to see as weak. Feel good about it? Or are there a bunch of “yeah buts,” and re-hashing over ”what happened was” or anger or clinging on to your damn story despite what your soul knows is truth? I don’t know one single person that is not broken. Human perfection is a myth. Allow the epiphanies to happen. Breathe. And, for God’s sake, be open and honest and speak your truth.

614-594-0230

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4 Club 20 Old North Columbus 20 E Duncan Ave 614.261.9111 8 Exile Italian Village 893 N 4th St 614.299.0069 10 Wine on High Short North 789 N High St 614. 294.8466 13 Local Bar Short North 913 N High St 614.670.8958 14 Slammers Downtown 202 E Long St 614.221.8880

2 Axis Short North 775 N High St 614.291.4008 22 Wall Street Night Club Downtown 144 N Wall St 614.464.2800

EAT + DRINK. 11 12 21 23 25

La Fogata Grill Short North 790 N High St 614.294.7656 Level Dining Lounge Short North 700 N High St 614.754.7111 Union Short North 782 N High St 614.421.2233 MOUTON Short North 954 N High St 614.732.4660 Cray Eatery & Drinkery Italian Village 697 N 4th St 614.745.1693

SHOP. 9 The Garden Short North 1186 N High St 614.294.2869 18 Torso Short North 772 N High St 614.421.7663 19 Torso (in Exile) Italian Village 893 N 4th St 614.299.0069

ENGAGE. 5 ARC OHIO Clintonville 4400 N High St 614.299.2437 24 ARC OHIO Medical Ctr + Pharmacy Short North 1033 N High St 16 Stonewall Columbus Short North 1160 N High St 614.299.7764

MERION VILLAGE

BREWERY DISTRICT SOUTH SIDE OLDE TOWNE EAST

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

24 Explorers Club Merion Village 1586 S High St 614.725.0155

Cavan Irish Pub Merion Village 1409 S High St 614.725.5502 Club Diversity Brewery District 863 S High St 614.224.4050 Columbus Fuel Bar Merion Village 1312 S High St 614.725.0130 South Bend Merion Village 126 E. Moler St 614.444.3386 The Toolbox Saloon South Side 744 Frebis Ave 614.670.8113 Tremont Brewery District 708 S High St 614.445.9365

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

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MUNITY RESOURCES

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

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

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

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

P-FLAG Columbus 614-806-8025 www.pflagcolumbus.org An educational advocacy group working to increase awareness and understanding. Education and advocacy are the primary means of creating a hospitable environment for Central Ohio’s LGBT citizens and our families, friends and allies.

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

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

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

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.