Chalk It Up to Experience

CHALK IT UP TO

EXPERIENCE

DEAR

Major who mama got sus-

are

RUTHIE,

problem over here. I’m gay, but I have a good friend says he’s is straight. I hang out with him and his baby a lot. Things were fine until the guy and I got drunk, naked and had sex one night. The baby mama is now picious, figuring out that something happened between him and I, and I don’t know what to do. Things awkward and cringy between all three of us.

LOOKING FOR ADVICE,

Confused Karl

DEAR KARL,

Let’s start with a reminder to keep it in your pants, honey. Just because someone invites you to do the horizontal tango doesn’t mean you have to take him up on it. That said, I understand that alcohol can make people do stupid things. We’ve all been there, sugar, so chalk this up to experience and know better moving forward. Don’t hit the sheets with your amigos!

Look, doll face, this guy is raising a child with the woman involved. They’ll have a bond for many years that you simply are not part of. That said, talk to the guy and ask how he’d like to proceed. After all, he may have to deal with the repercussions of your little tryst long after you’re out of the picture.

Speaking of which, you might need to walk away from the friendship with both parties. Acknowledging that their relationship has greater importance due to their co-parenting obligations will make it easier to move away from the friendship should the awkwardness prove too great.

XXOO Ruthie

Have a question for Ruthie? Want to share an event with her? Contact Ruthie at dearruthie@shepex.com.

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Ruthie’s Social Calendar

JANUARY 5

MEN’S COMING-OUT VIRTUAL GROUP VIA MILWAUKEE LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER: This free support group is ideal for anyone 18 and older struggling with the coming out process. Make new friends, share experiences, concerns and ideas, and explore the steps to self-realization and acceptance every first and third Tuesday of the month. See the calendar at mkelgbt.org for access to the 6-7:30 p.m. online meeting.

JANUARY 7

RENDEZVOUS AT LACAGE NITECLUB (801 S. SECOND ST.): Didn’t quite get enough New Year’s hijinks? Hit up this 10 p.m. party and get your fill. Three tiers of drink specials, go-go boys and midnight karaoke give you a jumpstart on the weekend.

JANUARY 12

ONLINE SCREENING OF EMBODIED TRUTH: FINDING WAYS TO MOVE TOGETHER VIA COOPERATIVE PERFORMANCE: Take in this streaming, on-demand film that examines parenting through gender and race in accordance with the BLM and Me Too movements. The 30-minute film combines the spoken word with dance and storytelling. Visit cooperativeperformance.org for more on the film that streams through February 7.

JANUARY 16

WINTER’S FARMERS MARKET AT MITCHELL PARK DOMES (524 S. LAYTON BLVD.): Looking to eat healthier in 2021? Keep your fridge stocked with fresh produce when you swing by this popular marketplace. Held in the Greenhouse Annex at The Domes, the 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. event features dozens of local vendors selling everything from veggies, fruit and honey to handmade soaps, beverage and more.

JANUARY 18

MONDAY MOVIE MATINÉE AT THIS IS IT! (418 E. WELLS ST.): Get cozy at Milwaukee’s longest running LGBTQ bar with a free 5:30 p.m. movie and popcorn. The movie changes every Monday, but the good times, friendly bartenders and insane drink specials always stay the same!

JANUARY 22

ICE CASTLES AT GENEVA NATIONAL RESORT (1221 GENEVA NATIONAL AVE. S., LAKE GENEVA): Relish the beauty of winter when you explore this one-of-akind castle featuring tunnels, slides, caverns, crawls spaces and more, all made of ice. You’re sure be mesmerized by the wintery wishing well, thrones, fountains and more. The family friendly attraction is open 4-10:30 p.m. through February 28, weather allowing. See icecastles.com/wisconsin for tickets.

JANUARY 29

‘DEAR RUTHIE’S DINING WITH THE DIVAS’ AT HAMBURGER MARY’S (730 S. FIFTH ST.): Join me and my special guests for what’s been named Milwaukee’s best drag show. Get your groove on with beer, burgers, cocktails and queens during the 7 and 9 p.m. shows. Come for one or stay for both. Seating is limited, so make a reservation via hamburgermarys.com/mke, and I’ll see you there!