UNITE INDIANAPOLIS - INDY PRIDE EDITION

INDIANAPOLIS

Summer 2016

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EN OGUE

CELEBRATES INDY PRIDE

Photo by John Young / 123RF

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letter from the editor

A

s the new managing editor of UNITE Indy, I would like to welcome you to our Pride issue! In this issue you will find an interview with Mayor Hogsett, as well as an interview with openly gay Indy Car driver Freddy Niblack. And at the risk of sounding like a bit of self promotion, the Indiana Historical Society just announced my photo exhibit A Visual Journey: From AIDS to Marriage Equality is being made into a traveling exhibit for the State of Indiana, and will make its debut during this year’s Indy Pride.

Thirty years ago this summer I rode my bicycle from LA to NY, to help raise money and awareness for long term solutions to world hunger. It was the adventure of a lifetime with many obstacles along the way. My camera was stolen in Oklahoma, and I ended up with second degree burns on the lower half of my back during the first 100 mile ride of our trip.

I kept going, and much to the surprise of my family and friends, I made it to NY in one piece.

There have been many adventures, as well as numerous twists and turns since I completed my trek cross country in August 1986, and I am happy to report they led me to where I am today. UNITE Indy has proven to be a bright light in the Indianapolis area, and I am proud to be a part of it. I am looking forward to shining that light on various parts of our entire community in the months and years to come.

Enjoy this year’s Pride activities, and be sure to thank our out and proud sponsors for helping to make this magazine possible!

Publisher Joey Amato Creative Director Blake Kniffin Managing Editor Mark A. Lee Arts & Entertainment Editor Tom Alvarez Business Correspondents Norman R. Brandenstein, Bob Chenoweth, JJ Marie Gufreda Entertainment Contributors Chris Azzopardi, Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr. Food & Wine Editor Karen Kennedy Health Editor Matt Grant, Psy.D., HSPP Sports Writer Nick Poust Contributing Writers Dan Henkel, Deb Kent, Jesse Walker, Rachel Hill Ponko Brand Consultant Albert Winks Distribution Daniel Cope National Advertising Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021 Advertising & Editorial Joey Amato joey@unitemag.com (931) 313-9613 Licensing UNITE is currently available in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Nashville, and statewide in Virginia. To find out about licensing opportunities for UNITE, contact Joey Amato at joey@unitemag.com or call (931) 313-9613.

Cover photo by Troy Jensen www.unitemag.com /UNITELGBTMAG @UNITELGBTMAG

4 | UNITE Indianapolis

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pg. 8

Feature

En Vogue Headlines Indy Pride

Politics

Mayor Hogsett Welcomes Diversity

Culture

IHS Takes LGBT Exihibit on the Road IMA Announces Summer Nights Film Series

Arts & Entertainment

Motown, Mermaids, and Kinky Boots On the Aisle: Bob Harbin

Sports

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feature

V

photo by Troy Jensen

EN OGUE TO HEADLINE INDIANAPOLIS PRIDE

by Jesse Walker

Each year, the Circle City IN Pride Festival assembles entertainment that represents the growing and diverse tastes of the LGBT community. From up-and-coming country superstars to long-standing pop divas and EDM producer/DJ heavyweights, performances leave Festival attendees with a lasting memory. This year, the CCINP festival is set to deliver another stellar set of performances led by multi-platinum, multi-Grammy nominated recording artists En Vogue.

Ranked by Billboard Magazine as “one of the greatest musical groups of all time, the eighteenth most successful artist/band of the 90s,” En Vogue burst on the scene with their first hit single “Hold On.” They continued dominating the airwaves with “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” “Free Your Mind,” and many others, as well as the Salt-n-Pepa hit “Whatta Man.” “We are excited to have En Vogue headline our Salesforce Main Stage. For many of us their music brings back great memories of growing up. I personally am excited to see them!” exclaimed Festival Director, H.R. Hung.

En Vogue has returned to the airwaves with a new single — the group’s first in five years — called “Déjà vu” off their upcoming album, Electric Café.

8 | UNITE Indianapolis

Beauty, class, transcendence…the award-winning, multi-platinum female group, En Vogue, embodies the very definition of each word. After countless accolades, 20 million albums sold, multiple Grammy nominations, American Music Awards and Soul Train awards, the ultimate girl group of the 90s has now evolved into legendary R&B icons affectionately known as the “Real Funky Divas.” Today, En Vogue is redefining the idea of beauty, music and style with original members, Cindy Heron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, and long-standing member Rhona Bennett.

The group is currently in the studio recording their forthcoming release Electric Café, which features the lead single “Déjà vu”. The song evokes memories and pays homage to the sounds of 1960s R&B, with the visceral and precise harmonies that are synonymous with En Vogue. “Déjà vu” recreates images that capture the timeless and stunning beauty of old Hollywood. Visually, the ladies are styled by seasoned creative director, Troy Jensen (stylist for iconic En Vogue videos, “Free Your Mind” and “Don’t Let Go”), capturing the sophistication and elegance long associated with the En Vogue style.

“We’re proud of being considered trendsetters, fusing music with style from the beginning with our little black dresses to our red hot ‘Giving Him Something He Can Feel’ video to the futuristic look of ‘Free Your Mind’,” says Ellis. Now celebrating 25 years in the business, En Vogue has sustained their unique look and sound. “We adore our fans and constantly strive to give them music from our hearts,” says Bennett.

“Whether it’s old-school soul or challenging prejudice and racism with ‘Free Your Mind,’ as a group, we are consistently evolving musically and staying relevant with the times,” says Heron-Braggs. Known for their stirring performances, she continues, “We find total freedom and fulfillment when we hit the stage. It’s the ultimate connection with our fans. It’s about the energy you receive, the love, and the reciprocation from the message in the music.”

Long supporters of the LGBT community, En Vogue is excited about the opportunity to perform at two pride festivals this summer: Nashville and Indianapolis. “The community was there supporting us from the beginning, so every time we play an LGBT event, it’s always a party,” says Ellis. “Some of our best shows and favorite memories were in front of LGBT crowds. It’s going to be a high energy show with all the hits.”

Other Performances: The main stage will also include drag performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jujubee (Season 2) and Trixie Mattel (Season 7), and be emceed by none other than the Scruff Pit Crew, also of Drag Race fame.

Rounding out the main stage entertainers are singer-songwriter Haley Jonay; Prince cover band Royalty; local Hip-Hop artist Oreo Jones; and the legendary DJ Miss Honey Dijon, who for decades has paved the way for the Trans community in the Electronic Dance Music scene. The stage will be closed by a former Indy Pride board member that is now making her mark at Pride festivals and nightclubs all over the globe, DJ Deanne.

Indy Pride’s DJ stage, sponsored by IndyMojo, will continue the tradition of showcasing local DJ talent.

This year’s lineup includes several established DJs: DJ Fate, Knayte, Slater Hogan, Brandon Patr!k, Jackola, Charbonneau and a return to Indy from former Talbott Street resident, DJ Jared Curry.

Delta Airlines Named Presenting Sponsor: Delta continues its long-standing support of the LGBT community with their presenting sponsorship of this year’s festival. Delta employees have enjoyed health, dental, life insurance, pension and flight benefits for their same-sex partners for several years. Last year, the airline also joined in support of an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to support marriage equality.

Delta joined in similar legal efforts in the federal appellate courts as well.

“Indy Pride is incredibly excited about our sponsorship opportunity with Delta Air Lines,” says Indy Pride President Jason Hinson-Nolen. “To partner with such a fantastic representation of supporting the LGBT and ally communities is wonderful. We look forward to celebrating with Delta in June!” _________________ The Circle City IN Pride Festival will be held on Saturday, June 11th at the American Legion Mall (700 N. Pennsylvania St. — between St. Clair and Michigan, Meridian and Pennsylvania), 10 A.M. - 7 P.M. The full week of Pride events begins on Saturday, June 4th with the Rainbow 5K Run & Walk.

For up-to-date details, visit www.circlecityINpride.org.

UNITE Indianapolis | 9

politics

MAYOR HOGSETT

WELCOMES DIVERSITY

by Norman R. Brandenstein On the day he was to honor a memory of local civil rights history by speaking at the annual Landmark for Peace Memorial park in the near-north side of Indianapolis, in commemoration of the April 4, 1968 appearance by Robert F. Kennedy who announced to the gathered audience the death of Martin Luther King Jr., the thoughts of Mayor Joe Hogsett were focused on his own history of human rights experiences, as well as his intentions for developing and maintaining basic rights for the LGBT community of Central Indiana.

What has been your history of awareness and understanding of the experiences of the local LGBT community?

Throughout the entirety of my public life as an elected official, having previously served as Indiana Secretary of State, I have tried to be a public advocate and be outspoken for the human rights for all citizens. Here in Indianapolis, we have had the benefit of a Human Rights ordinance for ten years now, which I joined in celebrating with former Mayor’s Peterson and Ballard in December. Frankly, since beginning my campaign for mayor and in the three months I have served, I have been intentional in being available to all aspects of our community, including the annual Indy Pride event, which is one of my favorite festivals.

There have been several stages where my passion for equal rights for all citizens has been accelerated and my awareness raised. First would be the debate surrounding the City human rights ordinance ten years ago, when all of the “horrible results” that were predicted have not manifested. Then we had the efforts in the Indiana General Assembly to amend the constitution regarding same-sex marriage, which was thankfully defeated. There were also the series of court cases that have now given our country the direction we have needed. Most recent-

10 | UNITE Indianapolis

photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office

ly, there was the entire RFRA debacle, and the logical extension of how that debate has affected the Indianapolis LGBT community and the community at large.

If we are to continue to aspire to be a destination city for talented people and evolve economically, then we need to sound the clarion call that Indianapolis remains a diverse community that welcomes all. And ultimately, I think that we as citizens of this city need to continue to be active participants in bringing about these kinds of changes for the entirety of the State of Indiana.

Given the actions taken in other states around the country, how do you see yourself and this administration having impact at the state level here in Indiana?

The truth is that economic development in the 21st Century is all about recruiting talented people.

I think the role of mayors throughout Indiana is to maintain efforts to heighten the perceptions of communities as being hospitable to all people, and to inform our legislators that the protection of rights needs to be extended to all residents of our state through civil rights laws. Here in metropolitan Indianapolis, inclusive of the contiguous counties, we are the economic engine that drives Central Indiana, if not the broader state. Indianapolis has to be the beacon in furthering the progress of civil rights. When the Indianapolis mayor goes through the halls of the General Assembly and speaks on these issues, I think

the Indy Pride festival from its origins, I see it as an example of a grass-roots initiative for effecting change, and I see that as a result, Indianapolis has changed. This is in keeping with our character and our heritage.

that the Representatives know that this voice embodies the voices of other mayors as well. How that translates into success critically depends on all mayors’ working together to convince their local Representatives about how critical these issues are.

In this annual season of Pride, what is your message to the local LGBT community?

Beyond economic development, are there aspects at a more human level that you envision for the future?

At the end of the day, I think that Indianapolis finds strength in diversity. When we are at our best and enjoying what we all aspire for in a sense of community, it is only achievable when everyone appreciates that we find our greatest identity in how accepting and open we are. I am old enough to recall that Indianapolis has evolved from being a very ethnically homogenous community into a more divergent population – this resulting from the outstanding leadership of my predecessors, and the more recent increase in international representation. We now have a different city than the one I was introduced to when growing up in Rushville in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s.

And this progress has been exemplified in the LGBT community as well. As I look at the transformation of

The general message is that Pride is an important acknowledgement and recognition of our growth, a festive celebration that should be celebrated 365 days a year. While we come together at a designated time of year, and it is good to come together as a community, it is equally important that we remain vigilant about the work that is still to be done for the human rights, equal rights and the civil rights of all Hoosiers, in all ways, every single day of the year.

Norman R. Brandenstein is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor serving the local LGBTQ community for over 14 years. His prior career was as a professional performance artist and administrator.

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culture

photo by Mark A. Lee

INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY TAKES LGBT EXHIBIT ON THE ROAD

by Rachel Hill Ponko The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) will mark Circle City IN Pride Week (June 4-11) with the public debut of its LGBT traveling exhibit. A Visual Journey: From AIDS to Marriage Equality will be on display at the Circle City IN Pride Festival on Saturday, June 11. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis.

12 | UNITE Indianapolis

The new traveling exhibit celebrates 30 years of LGBT history as seen through the lens of photographer Mark A. Lee. His photographs give visitors a front row seat to events, both public and private, that shaped the lives of many Hoosiers.

“A Visual Journey: From AIDS to Marriage Equality not only documents members of the AIDS community, past and present Bag Ladies, members of Pride and those who fought for marriage equality,” says Lee. “It also pays tribute to five very special people who are no longer here – for reasons other than AIDS – and takes a sneak peek into our future, as it takes a closer look at the transgender community.”

Lee’s photographs show the story of how far LGBT Hoosiers have come and the tremendous changes they have endured as they tirelessly worked to-

ward marriage equality. The exhibit elicits sadness for the past, but also gives hope for the future.

riage Equality should contact Karen DePauw at (317) 233-3110 or localhistoryservices@indianahistory.org.

The traveling exhibit, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company and Cummins, also highlights IHS’s work with the Indiana LGBT Collecting Initiative. The initiative focuses on collecting, preserving and sharing stories of LGBT Hoosiers. First announced in 2014, it now includes oral histories, photographs and research materials donated to the IHS archive.

Indy Pride and IHS Team Up for Circle City IN Pride Week Events

The Indiana LGBT Collecting Initiative is supported by the Efroymson Family Fund and a grant from The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate. For more information on the initiative, or to donate items, call (317) 232-1882 or visit IHS online at www.indianahistory.org.

Organizations who wish to book A Visual Journey: From AIDS to Mar-

Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center (450 W. Ohio St.) Wednesday, June 8 Wellness Fair Eli Lilly Hall (5-7 P.M.) - Free Indy Pride and IHS are teaming up to present Circle City IN Pride History Night at the History Center. The event kicks off at 5 P.M., with a wellness fair featuring organizations that serve the transgender community. Then at 7 P.M., writer, director, film producer and LGBT activist Andrea James takes the stage as keynote speaker of the program Being Transgender

in Indiana: Making History Past and Present.

Being Transgender in Indiana: Making History Past and Present Frank and Katrina Basile Theater (7-9 P.M.) - $10 per person Friday, June 10 Kiss Me Kate Film Screening (9 P.M., seating starts at 7:30 P.M.) Kruse Family Stardust Terrace The History Center serves as the host location for Pride Movie Night, which also celebrates Hoosier composer Cole Porter’s 125th birthday. A free screening of Porter’s iconic musical Kiss Me Kate is open to all ages. Seating is first come, first served. Refreshments are available for purchase.

Pictured: The Indiana Youth Group high-fives spectators at the Indy Pride Parade in 2014 - Mark A. Lee LGBT Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society.

UNITE Indianapolis | 13

arts & entertainment

MOTOWN, MERMAIDS, & KINKY BOOTS

by Jesse Walker

Kinky Boots, courtesy of Broadway in Indianapolis

Broadway in Indianapolis recently announced the all-new 20162017 season which includes the Indiana premiere of the Tony® Award-winning Best Musical, Kinky Boots. Also, returning as a season option, Jersey Boys will take the stage at Clowes Memorial Hall next year.

program is part of the True Colors Fund to give LGBT youth who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness opportunities to learn about career opportunities in the theatre industry.”

“Broadway in Indy is coming out! We are thrilled to have just announced our upcoming season, which includes my favorite, Kinky Boots,” states Matthew Porter of Broadway in Indianapolis.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award® - winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes.

“It’s not only a big, bright, and colorful Broadway musical, it’s also a lesson about the power of community, and how we should treat other people. In fact, Broadway in Indianapolis will be working with the Raise You Up Community Youth Program in our community when the show is in town a year from now. The

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music January 10-15, 2017 Old National Centre

14 | UNITE Indianapolis

The 2016-2017 Season Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella November 15-20, 2016 Clowes Memorial Hall

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! A brand new production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien, is coming to The Old National Centre. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” and the title song.

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Disney’s The Little Mermaid February 7-12, 2017 Old National Centre Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical featuring all of the songs you know and love, and a few new ones by Oscar®-winning composer Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, Theatre Under The Stars’ production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid is one the whole family will enjoy. Dive on in! Life is the bubbles.

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Motown the Musical March 28-April 2, 2017 Old National Centre It began as one man’s story… became everyone’s music… and is now Broadway’s musical. Motown the Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Experience it live on stage in the record-breaking smash hit Motown the Musical!

Kinky Boots May 16-21, 2017 Clowes Memorial Hall Kinky Boots is Broadway’s huge-hearted, highheeled hit! Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.

With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. Kinky Boots is the winner of six Broadway Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography.

Jersey Boys February 28-March 5, 2017 Clowes Memorial Hall This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30! Jersey Boys features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

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sports

photo by Nikki Myers of Nikki Rae Photography

CHECKERED DREAMS

by Nick Poust

Freddy Niblack is the first openly gay driver in the Indy Car Series, but that’s not all that defines him. As is the case for so many athletes, homosexual or not, he is also a person looking to accomplish a dream—a dream he’s had since his childhood days spent carving a race track through neighbors’ yards on his go-kart as the sound of the nearby Indianapolis 500 engulfed the air surrounding his family’s Speedway, IN home.

“I literally grew up two blocks from the track, and I was born in May, which happens to be the month that all the festivities for the 500 go on,” Niblack says. “My mom said I would scream and cry until she’d sit me on the porch and let me hear the Indy cars. They were like a lullaby. As long as there were racecars and motors, I was good.”

Niblack, 44, is still longing to be part of the roar that hummed as his childhood’s theme.

He came out as a teenager and has traveled down a bumpy road filled with discrimination in his professional career. While he was racing in the mini Indy series in 1992 he was the subject of hatred remarks that led to his

16 | UNITE Indianapolis

departure. “Someone put a poster on my race trailer that said ‘AIDS cures fags,’” he says, “and so that team owner didn’t want me anymore.”

Niblack then went to Europe, hoping for a better opportunity, but more of the same transpired. “People over there were even less accepting,” he says. “It didn’t matter if you had a podium finish, a first-place finish or a top-five, you were still the gay driver.”

“With some teams gay men are viewed as the weak link, which is funny because some of my times and finishes were a lot better than my counterparts, or my teammates,” he adds. “Instead of being happy for me it became a source of pain.”

That’s not the case anymore, however. Niblack is back home after signing on to race for Indianapolis-based Top Kart USA, which didn’t even know he was gay when he was signed. He will be competing in the Freedom 100 on May 27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and for the first time, his presence in the driver’s seat isn’t because of his sexual orientation or the sponsors and revenue that would coincide. It’s about his talent.

“Here, it was all about what I brought to the table,” Niblack says.

“There wasn’t this Indy car mentality. And what I mean by that is a lot of Indy car people, they forget to be human, and they forget what this sport is about. It’s to have fun… For the first time in a long time I feel welcome. The gay thing isn’t really brought up unless I bring it up.”

That’s not to say his sexual orientation and its impact on the racing community doesn’t matter to Niblack. It means plenty. In his 22 years

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on the track, no one from the LGBT community has ever come to see him in his element. That changed on March 22, when Indianapolis’s JJ Gufreda, the president of GEI, Inc.—the first transgender-owned company certified as LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce—attended a testing at Lucas Oil Raceway.

“I was on the track, going about 170 [miles per hour], and when I saw JJ, when I was in my racecar on the track I waved to her,” Niblack says. “To see JJ walk up was such a milestone, such a sense of pride. JJ wasn’t there to flip her hair or challenge the bathroom rules; she was solely there to support me. And in my entire career I cannot think of a more defining moment than seeing JJ walk up.”

Niblack wants this to be the start of a pattern, to make the LGBT community feel as welcome at the racetrack as Top Kart USA and Gufreda have made him feel.

“To see someone come in who is different, who is out of the ordinary—and guess what, they are today’s ordinary,” he says. “They are today’s human being. The gay community, take your place. Be supportive. Be proud of your own people.

Not everybody dresses up like Tina Turner and lip-syncs for their life. Not all gay men are strippers or escorts or wear eyeliner. Embrace diversity. Embrace our differences.”

Niblack says he simply races better when he’s happy, and after he saw Gufreda he increased his lap speed by 1.5 seconds. “I had this feeling of self-worth, this feeling of strength in numbers, and this feeling of love,” he says. “That’s huge for me. An honor, and I’m very grateful. I can’t imagine if I had 100 people from the community there, what I would do.”

Including the Freedom 100, Niblack is scheduled to race 13 times this summer—and while the Indianapolis 500 isn’t one of them, he plans on inhabiting one of those cars someday soon.

The 500 may be the ultimate goal for Niblack and Top Kart USA, but this year is about honing their craft as a team. Top Kart USA is predominately self-funded, and just this past March was the first time his number-22 car spent time on the ground, let alone a track.

“We’re not focused on Indy Car this year,” he says.

“We’re focused on the cars that we have, and making them well. We’re not begrudging about what we have and angry about what we don’t have. We’re happy

18 | UNITE Indianapolis

about what we have and focused on what we have. We want a winning car. We want a winning team.”

Niblack brings his individual sponsors to Top Kart USA, but unlike other stops on his road that’s not the reason behind his presence. “We don’t need that sponsor money to create something,” says Blake Deister, the team’s co-owner. “It’s already created.”

With all of the pieces but the driver upon his arrival, the immediate acceptance of Deister and the Top Kart USA team was a weight off Niblack’s shoulders. Here, he can just race, without distaste for his sexuality in the undercurrent, waiting to rear its discriminatory head.

“It is such a small part of my life, but it is who I am,” he says, regarding his homosexuality. “It’s just not a factor here. Now, at other places, it was ‘we don’t want you going here, we don’t want you going there, we don’t want you dealing with this publication, we don’t want you dealing with this gay event.’ Well, I am a gay man. My community, I want their support and their love, and I’m not going to be something that I’m not, and that’s the most important thing.”

Our community should have much reason to cheer.

Not just because of what he represents, but because of his talent, and that of his team.

“I have the same big visions and the same big dreams, but I’m intelligent enough to know that you have to start here before you can get here,” Niblack says. “These guys will be here until midnight if that’s what it takes.”

And so will Niblack, with his childhood’s lullaby forever in his head, striving to accomplish just one of his many goals, hoping to influence a community along the way.

Nick Poust joined UNITE in October 2015, shortly after moving to Indianapolis from Portland, Oregon.

Upon graduating with a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oregon in 2012, he spent a year-anda-half covering the arts, food, politics and sports in his hometown of Eugene for the Eugene Weekly.

shining light

gala

A benefit to shine a light of hope and awareness on lgBtQ youth suicide with a performance by lgBt Pioneer & Activist

Sandra Bernhard

*Celebrity speaker funded by Community health network

host of daily show Sandyland on SiriusXM Radio

June 18 • NCAA Grand Ballroom

general Admission Dinner & show: $85 ViP Cocktail Reception with sandra, plus Dinner & show: $125

Tickets at IndianaYouthGroup.org or (317) 755-4940

*the Celebrity Presenter was funded (in part) by grant #sM061768 from sAMhsA, Us Dept. of health & human services (hhs). the views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the Celebrity Presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of sAMhsA or hhs.

Inclusion

Interface ÂŽ

health

THE SWEET SPOT: LIVING A LIFE OF AUTHENTICITY

by Matt Grant, Psy.D., HSPP

Let’s take some time, maybe a minute or two, and imagine the perfect place where you can exist being your most authentic loving self without fear, regret, worry, hate, etc.

How do you look? What are you wearing? What kinds of things are you doing? Are there people you’re talking to?

What does this place look like?

Is it familiar? How does it feel to be in this utopian space?

What do you see? Are there particular or familiar smells?

How does it make you feel, imagining this perfect world?

20 | UNITE Indianapolis

Utopias are societies where communities exist in harmony with no divisions or divisiveness. Doesn’t that sound ideal? It’s no surprise that as Pride approaches, I start thinking about my own ideal society. One where everyone is free to be their own genuine, honest, transparent self without apologies, restraints, or labels. A utopia where everyone lives authentically and is at peace with themselves as well as the world around them.

For the LGBTQA person, living authentically is probably one of life’s biggest challenges. We live in such a hyper-competitive, judgmental and critical world and that takes a toll. We’re bombarded from birth with homophobic messages.

Whether it was about sexuality, gender norms or gender expression, the message was the same. We’re unacceptable. We’re judged every moment and we are found lacking.

And that’s where living authentically comes in. The world doesn’t embrace the kind of self-awareness that living authentically requires, and it’s not something we’re taught. It’s something we must actively create in our own lives.

Living a life of authenticity requires you to really know yourself. Not just who you are, but who you want to be, both in what you value and what you stand for.

And here’s the hard part—it means you have to accept all of you...the good and the not so good and all the imperfections that come with being human. Instead of hiding behind a mask, living authentically forces you to not only acknowledge all that you’re made of, but to celebrate it. You aren’t just accepting who you are, you’re reveling in it. This means that being authentic requires vulnerability, and ultimately, requires being genuine. In a culture that emphasizes a “Fake it till you make it” mentality, there is no better time than Pride time on learning how to live more authentically. But how do we do this?

1. Live the life you love, not the one you think society accepts. Begin to act in a way that aligns with your values, beliefs, likes and dislikes. If it isn’t you to attend the biggest soirees, stop attending. Or only attend when it feels right. People pigeonhole themselves and don’t allow themselves the latitude to do what feels right in the moment.

Just because it didn’t feel right yesterday doesn’t mean it’s not right today. Above all, be genuine to who you are.

2. Accept your strengths and your weaknesses. Sorry to be the party pooper, but you can’t be amazing and perfect at everything! Just be yourself because nobody can do that. And be your own ideal, not someone else’s!

3. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. If that’s uncomfortable to you, start small. Find someone you feel comfortable with and allow them to see your vulnerable side. Or better yet, take a risk and put yourself out there and let others see who you really are. It’s freeing just allowing yourself to be.

If you want more intimacy in your life, take a chance and be vulnerable.

4. Dump the homophobic messages you received growing up. These aren’t yours to carry anymore. Imagine yourself writing these messages on a piece of paper and tossing them into open flames. It’s time to release this baggage because it’s weighing you down and creating obstacles to living authentically.

5. Make a note when you’re acting inauthentic.

Take some time to reflect on these experiences. Get to know yourself at a deeper level and what might have driven you to act inauthentic. When we have a deeper understanding of who we are, we can tell when we aren’t living according to our own values and beliefs. In those moments, have the courage to examine your behavior and reflect on the experience so you can identify the triggers and better arm yourself against them in the future. Gaining self-knowledge is so important in becoming more authentic.

6. Take some time with guided meditation.

Guided meditation is a deep state of relaxation by the use of a guide. This is usually a calming experience and will open your mind. Having an open mind typically allows a person to see the bigger picture and many perspectives. So often we can find ourselves getting stuck in a rut because of how we might view or think about ourselves, others, and the world. If this is something you resonate with, mediate and you might be surprised to learn some things about yourself!

Living authentically requires a great deal of work, but overtime, you’ll soon find that just being yourself is pretty easy. I think Brené Brown sums it up quite well when she says, “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”

I’m learning that there’s nothing sweeter in life than living a life of authenticity.

Matt Grant, Psy.D., HSPP is a clinical psychologist and sole proprietor of NorthStar Psychological + Consultation Services, LLC, located in the heart of downtown, Indianapolis.

He is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur, consultant, educator, mentor, blogger, and public speaker.

UNITE Indianapolis | 21

dining

top five tips

FOR AN AWESOME PRIDE PARTY

by Karen Kennedy

Peachy Pride Cocktail:

22 | UNITE Indianapolis

Spring is upon us and glorious summer is just around the corner. Perhaps your thoughts are turning to spring cleaning—finally washing those windows, detailing the car… maybe organizing that junk drawer?

If those are the kinds of thoughts you’re thinking, please stop reading now. I cannot help you.

But if spring means for you, as it does for me, pulling out your cutest summer frock and throwing a party, pull up a chair.

(In fact, just bring your chair over to our house because we’re mixing up fruity cocktails right now.) Spring also means PRIDE is upon us! Don’t wait for an invitation—start making a guest list and impress your friends after the parade with an easy-breezy cocktail and hors d’oeuvres affair.

Here are my top five party-throwing tips for you.

1

Invite a Diverse Group: Don’t be afraid to invite from across your spectrum of both you and your partner’s friends. But be thoughtful.

Take a moment in advance to think about the things your guests might have in common and help them out. Who just got back from Europe, and who’s thinking of planning a trip?

Where did everyone go to college? Introduce them and tell them right up front what they have in common—they can take it from there.

2

Create a Signature Cocktail: Put it where everyone can help themselves. Make it something easy to mix up when it starts to run low, and make sure you’ve got plenty of ice! Put the bar in the area farthest from the entrance to keep traffic flow moving.

3

Create a Lovely Tablespace for Your Food Buffet: It only takes a few extra minutes to make it look like it was done by a pro. Choose a festive tablecloth (or shower curtain, or piece of fabric) and layer it over several risers of different heights. You can use milk crates, shoe boxes or inverted pots and baking dishes.

Put together a nice vase of flowers and set it on the highest point of the table. Arrange all of your platters so that they face the starting point, where the plates and napkins are, and don’t forget serving utensils for each dish.

4 5

Bite-Size is the Right Size: When your guests are walking around trying to juggle a plate and the all-important cocktail, they’re not going to be able to negotiate a fork and knife too. Create delicious, one-bite treats that they can pop in their mouths and chew quickly if their crush finally comes over to chat.

Have a Diverse Menu: The odds are pretty good that there’s going to be at least one vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free guest. Kill all of those birds with one stone by serving at least one item that covers all of those bases—Sriracha hummus, white bean dip or

guacamole with fresh veggies does it all. And don’t try to grill. You’ll end up a hot mess and miss most of the fun. Grill a pork tenderloin the day before and then slice it the day of the party and make sliders on mini croissants or Hawaiian buns with some goat cheese, arugula and mango chutney. Round out your menu with delicious little phyllo tartlets, chips or mini twice baked potatoes and iceberg wedge salad skewers. If you want to serve dessert, pick up some plastic shot glasses and mini spoons and make “shooters” with bits of brownie, caramel sauce, nuts and whipped cream. Set everything out at least 20 minutes before your guests are due.

If you are relaxed and having fun, your guests will too. Pride only comes around once a year, so make the most of it and have a blast!

Peachy Pride Cocktail: In a two gallon beverage dispenser, mix ½ bottle of citrus vodka with a full bottle of Trader Joe’s Dixie Peach nectar. Add two cups of Prosecco. Garnish with rainbow fruit skewers. (Raspberry, cantaloupe, mango, kiwi, blueberry and a sprig of fresh mint.) Serve over ice.

Easy Phyllo Tartlets: Pick up a few boxes of mini phyllo tart shells (available in the freezer section of most grocery stores.)

Fill with any combination of your favorite ingredients. We love gorgonzola, spiced pecans and a dab of fig jam, or Brie with apricot preserves and a sliver of fresh jalapeno. Finish with a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar and a snip of fresh herbs.

Karen Kennedy, the Circle City’s “Maven of Merriment” is an Indianapolis-based event planner and food writer. She is the owner of Small Potatoes, a catering and event planning company specializing in unique, themed and custom menus for groups of up to 300 guests.

UNITE Indianapolis | 23

on the aisle

BOB HARBIN:

AN INTREPID IMPRESARIO WITH AN EYE FOR TALENT

by Tom Alvarez

It is well known within Indianapolis theater circles that when independent producer/director Bob Harbin puts on a show, it is truly something special.

The owner/operator of BOBDIREX LLC formed his company in 2010, with a mission to provide “excellent production values with tight budgets, diversity in casting and dedication to the growth of the youth of Indianapolis.” Adding to a string of critical and box offices successes that have included Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, BOBDIREX will present the hit Broadway musical, Billy Elliot, June 24 through July 12 at Marian University.

Recently this writer sat down with Harbin, a former Senior Vice President of Casting and Development at the Fox Broadcasting Company in L.A., to chat about Billy Elliot, the LGBT community, and gay pride.

vowed then when it became available I would find a way to do it here in Indy. It’s not only wonderfully entertaining but its themes are important, especially here in our city.

What are its themes?

Realizing that no matter how small your world seems to be, no matter how small the people around you would like to make you feel, you can still pursue your very big dreams and break the chains that seem to hold you down. Accept and trust the help and support offered from others. Don’t be afraid to ask for and accept the support from those around you.

How might it relate to the celebration of gay pride?

I think those ideas are the essence of gay pride. We have a week every year that hopefully helps everyone in the LGBT community to be who they are without fear. That’s very important. It is equally important to help each other to have the pride to be who we are every day. That’s what pride is about; being proud of who we are without fear. Hopefully in our own personal strength we will inspire others to find their strength.

What has been your own journey as a gay man?

I feel so blessed to have been born in 1951. It’s been a long and mostly rewarding journey. I struggled with abuse, climbed out of my own cocoon and learned to accept and love the man I am today. Those of us older folk fought the hard fights.

Why did you choose Billy Elliot? I spent a great deal of my life living in fear. But through the incredible help of some wonderful folk, gay and straight, I lived to find my own inner strength. I I was able to see the production in lived to find an incredible man who made my life complete and who continues to New York and was mesmerized. I shape my life in his passing. I’ve fought for gay rights and feel overwhelmed with

24 | UNITE Indianapolis

H O O S IE R S TAT E T R A IN the changes that have been accomplished. I hope to live a bit longer and continue to help others on their journey.

As an artist?

Well, I consider myself a gay artist so it’s hard to separate the two. I want to present theatre in such a way that all communities are addressed and paid attention to. So even if a show’s main theme does not have a gay slant, or black slant, or Jewish slant, or you name the slant, I want to find a way for all those slants to still be represented in some way. We need to go the way we want the world to go.

What do you say to younger LGBTs about their legacy?

Recognize that you have one. Recognize that the work hasn’t already all been done. Recognize that the life you celebrate came with a cost. Read and study. Know that the precautions you get to debate over have been given to you by thousands of men and women who died without the same choices. You have a responsibility to carry the flag. And carry it for all people not just the LGBT community. This life we lead is a team sport. Learn to lead and play on the team.

Why should the LGBT community support theater?

First off, everyone should support theatre. LGBTers must recognize the freedom theater offers and how often it expresses the themes we search for in our lives. And through the years I believe the theater was one of the first places to offer that freedom of expression without fear. Oy! I bet Shakespeare had to settle a lot of bitch fights over who got to play Juliet.

HOOSIER

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LAWYERS ADVOCATING FOR JUSTICE

What can audiences expect when they come to see Billy Elliot?

A wonderful story told by some incredible Indianapolis talent.

An amazing performance by Thomas Whitcomb from Plainfield. Choreography as only Kenny Shepard can accomplish Beautiful voices led by Trevor Fanning. A solid team show that will have you on your feet with excitement. A BOBDIREX show that audiences can anticipate with great expectations.

For tickets and information about Billy Elliot visit www.bobdirex.com. Photo courtesy of Bob Harbin.

Sexual Abuse | Personal Injury | Student Rights | Consumer Protection Class Action | Criminal Defense | Civil Rights

Tom Alvarez is a longtime journalist, reviewer and Emmy Award-winning television producer & director. He covers the performing arts in Central Indiana for Examiner.com and is also a regular contributor on WISH-Channel 8’s Indy Style.

1433 North Meridian Street Suite 202, Indianapolis, IN 46202

phone 317.721.9214 email info@sllawfirm.com

www.sllawfirm.com

health

ESKENAZI HEALTH NAMED LEADER IN LGBT HEALTHCARE

by Joey Amato

photo by Mark A. Lee

The Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and Eskenazi Health campus has been recognized as a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational branch of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. Eskenazi Health is one of only four health care systems in Indiana recognized by the HRC. The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.

26 | UNITE Indianapolis

Eskenazi Health earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.

Eskenazi Health is one of a select group of 496 health care facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.

“Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming health care. Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality are helping to change that, and, in the process, making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “LGBT people have a right to be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates Eskenazi Health for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”

The Healthcare Equality Index offers health care facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2016, or to download a free copy of the report, please visit www.hrc.org/hei.

Anthony

eam realty

Covering all your real estate needs when you need us.

317.220.6002

www.AnthonyTeamRealty.com

F.C. Tucker Company, Inc.

real estate

HOW TO BE A BUYER IN A SELLER’S MARKET

by Deb Kent Skip the extras. Pay your own closing costs. Buy your own home warranty. Don’t ask the sellers to include the patio furniture and porch swing. Don’t ask for a property survey.

Forget the contingencies. If you need to sell your house first before you can buy one, don’t even bother making an offer now. Get your house under contract first, then go shopping.

A

s of this writing, Indy is in the midst of a bustling, mind-blowing, almost surreal seller’s market. Most of my houses have gone into multiple offers within hours of listings and sell significantly over the original price.

Buyers and realtors agree: It’s crazy out there.

Buyers need savvy strategies to make their offer more appealing than their rivals’, especially when the seller is considering several offers and has asked for “highest and best.” Try these: Make it snappy. If you like to take your time with big decisions, contemplate, meditate, consult with family members, research neighborhoods, you are going to hate this: Be ready to write an offer sitting in your agent’s car in the driveway.

Come strong. Unless the house has been languishing on the market for weeks or priced eleven thousand dollars above other properties in the hood, offer list price or a little more, especially if it’s in a place where houses are moving like hotcakes. (I’m looking at you, Irvington.)

Go cash or conventional. Cash offers are the fairest of them all. With no lenders or appraisals involved, the process moves faster and more smoothly. Conventional loans are usually more attractive than other types because the appraisal process is less stringent. A VA loan, for instance, requires certain repairs be made before closing. Sellers don’t like that.

28 | UNITE Indianapolis

Be flexible. Let sellers pick the closing date, and let them stick around awhile. Normally buyers take possession at closing but these are not normal times. Your offer will be more appealing if you can give the sellers a few days after closing to move their stuff out.

Take the house as is. This one’s not for the faint-hearted. Promise sellers you won’t nickle-and-dime them over repairs. Know that you can always back out if the inspection turns up expensive major problems. Alternatively, the seller may be willing to drop the price to compensate for any big defects.

Write a sincere letter. Tell the seller why you are crazy about the house and how you are looking forward to giving it the love and care it deserves. All offers being equal, often the one with the heartstring-tugging letter gets the advantage.

Pictured: Realtors Deb Kent (left) and Jamie Willis, her wife and business partner.

culture

IMA ANNOUNCES SUMMER NIGHTS FILM SERIES

by Blake Kniffin

Beginning June 3, Friday nights at the Museum will once again feature timeless movies from across the decades and interactive preshow programming in the IMA Amphitheater. Still one of Indianapolis’ most unique outdoor film experiences, the 40th anniversary of this longstanding tradition will offer four audience-selected films, two double features and new preshow entertainment.

New this year, an 18-hole putt-putt course will be available for preshow entertainment. Mini Golf at the IMA—located directly above the IMA Amphitheater on the Alliance Sculpture Court—features original holes designed by local and regional artists. In honor of Indiana’s 2016 Bicentennial, each hole is inspired

by Indiana history, heritage and landmarks. Moviegoers can putt through covered bridges and Indiana farmland, former city landmarks and amusement parks and even a reproduction of Kurt Vonnegut’s office before enjoying a movie under the stars.

photo by Mark A. Lee

“We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of this Indy summer tradition by continuing to add to the preshow experience,” said Scott Stulen, the IMA’s curator of audience experiences and performance. “Come early to play a round of trivia and mini golf, grab a beer and a gourmet hot dog, snap a selfie in a photo booth and enjoy the beautiful sunset. This year, we have added two double feature nights for your viewing pleasure. Get tickets early, so you don’t miss out on your favorite flick.”

The 40th Anniversary Lineup Includes:

June 10: Eighties Adventure Double Feature - Adventures in Babysitting/ Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure July 15: Roman Holiday July 22: Crazy for Swayze Double Feature - Road House/Dirty Dancing After the success of last year’s brack- July 29: Close Encounters of the Third Kind et tournament, the public was once Aug. 5: Winner of ’90s/’00s - Moulin Rouge! again invited to vote for which films Aug.12: Winner of ’40s/’50s - Casablanca Aug. 19: Winner of ’60s/’70s - West Side Story they would like to see included in Aug. 26: Winner of ’80s - The Princess Bride the lineup. Last month, a bracket on the IMA website pitted 64 films from different decades against each Tickets are $8 for IMA members and $12 for the public, unless otherwise noted, and are available for purchase in advance at the Guest Services other. In August, the IMA will Desk, online or by phone at 317-923-1331 Double Feature tickets are $18 screen the winning films from the for the public and $12 for members. Members can also purchase season ‘40s and ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, ‘80s, passes for $95 through June 3.

‘90s and ‘00s brackets.

30 | UNITE Indianapolis

paparazzi

MOJITO MADNESS! VI AT GLOSSBRENNER MANSION

photos by Mark A. Lee

outreach

SANDRA BERNHARD TO PERFORM AT IYG’S SHINING LIGHT GALA

by Mark A. Lee

On Saturday, June 18, Actor-Writer-Performer-SiriusXMRadio Host Sandra Bernhard will perform at Indiana Youth Group’s Inaugural Shining Light Gala being held at the NCAA Grand Ball Room in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Shining Light Gala is a benefit to “Shine a Light” of hope and awareness on LGBTQ youth suicide. Mary Byrne, Executive Director of IYG explained why there is such an urgent need to bring awareness to this issue, “LGBTQ youth are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide as their straight peers and the rate doubles to 8.4 times if the youth comes from a rejecting family.” Byrne went on to highlight some more staggering numbers, “Indiana has the nation’s highest rate of students who have contemplated suicide and the second highest rate of high school students attempting suicide. One in 9 Indiana youth have attempted suicide! We need to look at youth suicide as an epidemic.”

Yet, LGBTQ youth do not necessarily kill themselves because they are LGBTQ. Most LGBTQ youth attempt or die by suicide in response to isolation, depression, bullying, discrimination, homophobia, anxiety, substance abuse, violence and low self-esteem driven by societal and family rejection.

Much of the country was shocked last year when the Indiana state legislature took aim at the LGBTQ community with the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and again this year when comprehensive civil rights were denied to LGBTQ Hoosiers. While some denied it has anything to do with discriminating against LGBTQ individuals, the youth IYG serves heard an unfortunate message loud and clear.

The message? You are not good enough and if people don’t want to serve you, they don’t have to serve you. “Hurtful messages like this have a drastic effect on LGBTQ youth. This type of negative messaging compounds the stressors LGBTQ youth are under resulting in the highest percentage of depression and suicide rate of any youth demographic,” said Stephen T. Russell, University of Texas-Austin.

Myranda Warden, Director of Programs & Training at IYG said, “We are not trying to sensationalize the situation or be

alarmists, the facts of this matter are in the statistics as well as the youth who come through our doors. Our youth are in trouble and this issue demands our attention… Simply put - It is a matter of life or death.”

IYG’s Plan of Action: New Programming Indiana Youth Group has developed the FIRST of its kind program, an eight (8) week, cohort-based suicide prevention curriculum specifically written for LGBTQ youth. The program is named Thrive: Dare to be Powerful. Currently, there are no *Evidence-Based suicide prevention programs adapted to LGBTQ youth or found to be effective for LGBTQ youth, despite the fact that LGBTQ youth are so much more at risk especially in Indiana with the highest rate of students who have contemplated suicide.

But NEW PROGRAMS need funding. And while the price of funding awareness and programming is high...

The cost of youth life is even higher.

Visit www.indianayouthgroup.org to purchase tickets to the Shining Light Gala. Photo courtesy of Indiana Youth Group.

***The Celebrity Speaker was funded (in part) by grant #SM061768 from SAMHSA, US Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS). The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the Celebrity Speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.

32 | UNITE Indianapolis

BE PART OF

INDIANA HISTORY!

A group of young Hoosiers display a rainbow flag on the steps of the Indiana Statehouse after the defeat of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) by the Supreme Court on June 26, 2013. This image is part of IHS’s newest traveling exhibit, A Visual Journey: From AIDS to Marriage Equality, featuring photography by Mark A. Lee.

Indiana Historical Society’s Indiana LGBT Collecting Initiative seeks to collect and preserve the rich history, tradition and culture of the LGBT community in Indiana. The addition of LGBT-related materials – including photos, books, personal papers, records and more – helps fill a gap in the historical record.

VISIT OUR BOOTH AT THE CIRCLE CITY IN PRIDE FESTIVAL ON JUNE 11 TO:

• Get the first look at our newest traveling exhibit, A Visual Journey: From AIDS to Marriage Equality, featuring images from IHS’s Mark A. Lee LGBT Photo Collection • Learn how to be part of IHS’s Indiana LGBT Collecting Initiative TrAveLInG exHIBIT PreSenTed By

Indiana LGBT Collecting Initiative supported by the Efroymson Family Fund and a grant from The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate

www.indianahistory.org

(317) 232-1882

uPCOMING

EVENTS AT THe HISTory CenTer Circle City IN Pride History Night – Being Transgender in Indiana: Making History Past and Present Wednesday, June 8 Wellness Fair, 5 to 7 p.m., Free Program, 7 to 9 p.m., $10

Kiss Me Kate Film Screening Friday, June 10 Seating 7:30 p.m. | Film 9 p.m.

Kruse Family Stardust Terrace, free and open to all ages

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING A Total Solution CPA & Consulting Service, Inc. Crystal Allen (317) 225-4378 www.ATSIndyCPA.com

ARCHITECTURE Demerly Architects Mark Demerly, AA (317) 847-0724 www.DemerlyArchitects.com Misch Bobrick Design, LLC Reed Bobrick (317) 430-1835 www.MischBobrick.com PHANOMEN/design Brent A. Roberts, AIA, VP of Architectural Services (317) 439-4355 www.Phanomen.com

BUTCHER MARKET Joe’s Butcher Shop & Fish Market Joe Lazzara (317) 846-8877 www.JoesButcherShop.com

CATERING Small Potatoes Karen Kennedy, Head Potato (317) 515-7414 www.SmallPotatoesIndy.com

CAREER COACHING Solution-Focused Coaching Services Drew Carey (317) 670-5912 www.Solution-FocusedCoaching.com

CREATIVE SERVICES Ayokay Jack Shepler (317) 210-2965 (210-AYOK) www.Ayokay.com Swellfire Job Wise (317) 653-1931 www.Swellfire.com

CONSULTING Basecamp Business Consulting, LLC Albert Winks 361-676-0504 www.AWBasecamp.com

34 | UNITE Indianapolis

CULTURE Broadway in Indianapolis (800) 793-7469 www.BroadwayInIndianapolis.com Chris Gonzalez Library & Archives Michael Bohr www.IndyPride.org Conspire: Contemporary Craft J.D. Grove (812) 340-2259 www.ConspireIndiana.com Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art Tamara Winfrey Harris (317) 636-WEST www.Eiteljorg.org Indiana Historical Society (317) 232-1882 www.IndianaHistory.org Indianapolis Museum of Art (317) 923-1331 www.IMAMuseum.org

FUNERAL & CREMATION Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services Sam Perry or Jeff Veldhof (317) 636-6655 www.LauckFuneralHome.com

HEATING & COOLING Masters Heating & Cooling by Van Valer, Inc. Brian Biehn, Donna Dearing, or Dennis Sturdavent (317) 881-9074 www.VanValer.com

HOSPITALITY Nestle Inn Leesa Smith (317) 610-5200 www.NestleIndy.com

LEGAL

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (317) 639-4300 www.IndianapolisSymphony.org

Blackwell, Burke & Ramsey, P.C. Jeffrey E. Ramsey (317) 635-5005 www.BBRLawPC.com

Phoenix Theatre Tom Robertson or Daniel Boleyn (317) 635-7529 www.PhoenixTheatre.org

Flood + Lewis, LLC Kate Flood (317) 460-3772 www.FloodAndLewis.com

DISC JOCKEY ENT. MGS DJs Don Masters (317) 384-2672 www.MGSDJs.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management Chris Douglas (317) 843-8300 www.CHDouglas.com HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. Thomas Tinucci (773) 294-0228 www.ThomasTinucci.com Merkel - Damer Financial Strategies Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Maureen Damer, CRPC®, ADPA®, RICP® - First Vice President-Investments Virginia Merkel, CFP®, ADPA®, RICP® -Managing Director-Investments (317) 208-3713 www.MerkelDamerFSGroup.com

FLORIST/WEDDING PLANNER Coby Palmer Designs Coby Palmer FlowersByCoby@aol.com

Saeed & Little, LLP Jessica Wegg (317) 721-9214 www.SLLawFirm.com

MEDIA & ADVERTISING Optimedia Casey Duckworth or Weston de Raismes (317) 639-5135 www.Optimedia-US.com

NON-PROFIT Indiana Youth Group Mary Byrne or Myranda Warden (317) 541-8726 www.IndianaYouthGroup.org Prime Timers Indianapolis Kimbrough Johnson (317) 426-5963 www.PrimeTimersWW.com/Indianapolis Spencer Pride, Inc. Jonathan A. Balash (812) 821-3073 www.SpencerPride.org

Be a part of the UNITE Magazine LGBT business directory.

Email joey@unitemag.com for more information.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL ESTATE CONT’D.

Anjali Fong Photography Anjali Fong (812) 733-0328 www.AnjaliFongPhoto.com

CSI Daniel Cope (317) 641-2768 www.CopeSellsIndy.com

Great Exposures Mark A. Lee (317) 443-8337 www.GreatExposures.net

The Deb Kent Gallery of Homes Deb Kent (317) 225-2253 www.DebKentRealtor.com

POLITICS Gay Hoosiers for Bernie (317) 840-6552 Gayhoosiersforbernie@gmail.com

PRINT & REPRODUCTION Print Resources, Inc. Jason Hoffman (317) 833-7000 www.PrintIndy.com

REAL ESTATE The ANTHONY Team James Anthony (317) 220-6002 www.AnthonyTeamRealty.com

Scott Lacy, Asset One Real Estate Scott Lacy (317) 777-1805 www.LacySells.com

RESTAURANT Greek Islands Restaurant (317) 636-0700 www.GreekIslandsRestaurant.com

RELIGION All Souls Unitarian Church Rev. Anastassia Zinke (317) 545-6005 www.AllSoulsIndy.org St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (317) 253-1277 www.StPaulsIndy.org

SALON SERVICES Sage, a Salon (317) 780-1818 www.sageasalon.com

TRANSPORTATION Aadvanced Limousines Linda Carter (317) 716-1201 www.317limousines.com TRAVEL The Hoosier State Train Heather Hice (317) 617-0122 www.HoosierStateTrain.com

TRAVEL Experience Travel Dave Bunn, CTA (317) 426-2227 www.BookWithExperienceTravel.com

WEDDING SERVICES Dan Henkel, Wedding Officiant (317) 446-2666 www.danhenkelofficiant.com

Cope Sells Indy Your Real Estate Heroes

CSI

Your Realty Link

(317) 641-2768 www.copesellsindy.com

HEALTHCARE DIRECTORY ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT Alzheimer’s Association (317) 575-9620 www.Alz.org

BENEFITS Personal Benefits Service

Jay Cox, Certified Retirement Financial Advisor (317) 774-9170 www.PersonalBenefitsService.com Description: Personal Benefits Service, LLC provides education to understand all the options for Medicare coverage, advice on selecting the best benefit for your circumstance, and assistance with enrolling in the program/provider that best serves your needs. No fees for services.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE Compass Chiropractic (317) 257-2800 www.CompassIndy.com

COMPREHENSIVE CARE Eskenazi Health (317) 880-0000 www.EskenaziHealth.edu Description: As one of only four health care facilities in Indiana to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, Eskenazi Health provides high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered health care to the residents of Marion County and Central Indiana. Nationally recognized programs include a Level I trauma center, regional burn center, comprehensive senior care program, women’s and children’s services, teen and adolescent care programs, Eskenazi Health Midtown Community Mental Health, and a network of primary care sites known as Eskenazi Health Center. The Eskenazi Health Center currently hosts one of the few Transgender Clinics in the country.

COSMETIC SURGERY Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery (317) 434-1039 www.DrChernoff.com

36 | UNITE Indianapolis

FAMILY & GYN. Mosaic Health & Healing Arts Dr. Katie Bast (574) 537-2680 www.MosaicHHA.org Description: Opening July 1, 2016, Mosaic will begin taking calls to schedule appointments in early June. The practice offers family medicine and primary care for all ages including (but not limited to) Prenatal/OB, full spectrum gynecological care, hormone replacement therapy for transgender individuals, chronic disease management and a network of integrative healing modalities such as massage, nutritional health and spiritual care.

Premier Primary Care & Gynecology Clark Brittain, DO & Mary Mahern, MD: WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) members (812) 331-9160 www.PremierHealthcare.org Description: Located in Bloomington, Premier Primary Care and Gynecology has two board-certified physicians providing family practice and gynecological services, which include the following: Hormone therapy for gender transition/maintenance as well as for menopause and andropause, gynecologic surgery including robotic hysterectomy, and full-spectrum primary care for men and women.

The practice has affiliations with two medical schools and major medical facilities.

MENTAL HEALTH Andrea Barbour, MA, LMFTA (812) 764-4931 www.AndreaBarbour.com Description: Andrea Barbour is an experienced and compassionate psychoanalytic psychotherapist providing treatment for individuals and couples.

Barbour provides treatment for a range of concerns including depression and mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, trauma and sexual difficulties.

Brooke-Randolph, LMHC (317) 455-LMHC www.Brooke-Randolph.com Description: Brooke Randolph works with both couples and individuals on relationship issues ranging from premarital to post-divorce counseling with an emphasis on Imago techniques. Randolph also love working with adult adoptees on a variety of issues including career, relationships, emotional regulation, birth parent search, and reunion.

Childers Counseling Service Don Childers LMHC, LCSW, CCMHC, RTC, MA (317) 409-7849 www.childerscounseling.com Cos Raimondi, LCSW, LCAC (317) 581-1779 ext. 1

The Damien Center Fernanda Amado (317) 632-0123 www.damien.org

Description: Married for 23 years, Cos Raimondi is a member of the LGBT community and has provided counseling and/or psychotherapy services for 39 years. He provides individual and couples therapy and teaches training classes about mindfulness skills to build increased awareness in our daily lives.

Rosa’s Nest Rocio Borreguero (317) 480-3469 www.RosasNest.org

Freedomway Therapy Services Adriano Zachariadhes, MA, MHC (317) 730-4433 FreedomwayTherapy@yahoo.com

Description: Rosa’s Nest is a grassroots, non-profit, community-based organization designed to positively impact the health and wellbeing of the Latino community and other underserved communities in Central Indiana with a focus on HIV/AIDS.

Description: Adriano Zachariadhes is a Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Res. located in downtown Indianapolis. Zachariadhes’ goal is to support you towards better understanding and healing.

HIV/AIDS SUPPORT

Norman R. Brandenstein, L.M.H.C. Licensed Mental Health Counselor

MENTAL HEALTH CONT’D. Norman R. Brandenstein, LMHC
 Licensed Mental Health Counselor (317) 767-0273

Serving the Central Indiana GLBTQ community for over 14 years.

9135 N. Meridian Street, Suite A-9 Indianapolis, IN 46260

Confidential Voice Mail: (317) 767-0273 NorthStar Psychological + Consultation Services, LLC Matthew Grant, Psy.D., HSPP (317) 632-3225 www.NorthStarPsych.com Soaring Heart Counseling Kathy G. Slaughter, MSW, LCSW (317) 670-8200 www.SoaringHeartCounseling.com

Prime Timers Indianapolis A social organization for mature gay men

Your Life Solutions Karen V. Sutherland, LMFT (219) 250-2157 of (219) 246-9837 www.YourLifeSolutions.org Description: Your Life Solutions offers affirming support through individual and group counseling for the LGBT community looking to better cope with challenges from relationship problems, depression, anxiety, gender identity, and substance abuse.

www.primetimersww.com/indianapolis

TRANS COMPETENCY TRAINING Indiana Youth Group/Training & Resource Department Myranda Warden (317) 541-8726 www.IndianaYouthGroup.org Description: Healthcare providers, mental healthcare providers, community members, educators and business professionals will be trained on basic competencies around the very complex topic of gender. Terminology to use and to avoid, risks associated with the transgender community, best practices in serving the transgender community, and ways to advocate on behalf of the community will be addressed.

Training packages can include Environmental Scan, Knowledge-Based Pre- and Post- Assessments and Measurable Objectives.

SURVIVORS OF ABUSE SUPPORT The Julian Center Jennifer Reister (317) 920-9320 (24-hour Crisis Line) (317) 941-2200 (Non-Emergency Line) www.JulianCenter.org

Be a part of the UNITE Magazine LGBT business directory.

Email joey@unitemag.com for more information.

Basecamp Business Consulting

Helping Your Company Reach Its Peak (361) 676-0504 | albert@awbasecamp.com

positive thought

THIS STRAIGHT ALLY SEES HOPE

by Dan Henkel

It’s a dose of adrenalin and an infusion of love. Walking in the parade that culminates the Circle City IN Pride Festival (June 4-11 this year) is an annual highlight for my wife, Beth, and me. We don PFLAG shirts, toss trinkets and blow kisses to those lining the parade route, but we get much more in return.

The eager waves and shouts of “Thank you!” from those we greet lift our hearts and hint at past struggles for support from what should be its most reliable source—family.

Too many people battle through adolescence in families who reject their emerging gender identity or sexual orientation. Aren’t the teen years excruciating enough, even with the unquestioned support of our loved ones? No wonder rates of depression, homelessness and suicide are through the roof for LGBTQ youth, who too often are shut out just when they are most vulnerable.

This is why we must support organizations such as PRIDE, PFLAG and Indiana Youth Group (IYG).

Signs of hope From the viewpoint of this straight ally, at least, things are looking up. While I don’t pretend to have the insights or cred of one who has fought these battles at the deepest personal level, I’m encouraged that: • Acceptance is growing as more people realize they have friends and family

38 | UNITE Indianapolis

members who are LGBTQ and who are worthy, contributing members of the community; • Civil rights and legal protections are advancing, even in laggardly Indiana. A growing patchwork of community ordinances gives hope, and advocates continue to force a robust dialogue on the issue; • Marriage equality now allows all loving couples to tie the knot openly, with full legal recognition. As a wedding officiant, it’s my privilege to help people with this most joyous of life’s transitions. I especially enjoy co-officiating with my wife, and conducting the wedding of our daughter and her wife was the thrill of a lifetime.

Generational differences make it clear that much of the lingering animus against LGBTQ people will disappear along with those who hold less enlightened attitudes. Younger Americans tend to value diversity more than their elders have, and they expect to see it where they live, work, shop and play. Millennials who came of age seeing women and minorities in positions of achievement and authority want to see those posts reflect the gamut of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Much to be done The picture isn’t universally rosy, of course. Where are the state laws affirming the worth and dignity of all citizens, and welcoming a diverse community of workers and families? When will our roster of elected leaders more nearly reflect the population they serve? How can we ensure proper medical and mental health care, housing and employment opportunities for those who are disproportionately denied them? What will it take to eradicate festering hatred and discrimination that alienate some of our most vulnerable and creative citizens?

The struggle continues, but the wind is at our backs and the momentum of history is on our side.

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Reasons to work with Deb:

1. She specializes in vintage neighborhoods around downtown Indy.

2. Deb & her wife Jamie have no concept of “business hours.” If they’re awake, they’re available. Call/text: 317-225-2253 or email debraskent@gmail.com.

3. Deb will not show up for appointments in a blazer and heels. Hope you like women in Chucks.

4 Has a 5,000-square-foot warehouse stocked with fabulous furniture and decor, and stages all her listings FOR FREE. 5. Some people have an office cat. We have office donkeys.

6. Voted Indy’s Best Realtor by Readers of NUVO magazine.

7. Will not tell you to refinish your floors when all you really need to do is paint that ugly living room.

8. Will relentlessly stalk a neighborhood in search of the perfect house for her clients.

9. Will not waste your time showing you houses in Avon when you’re determined to live near Mass Ave. 10. All of Deb’s listings get the Star Treatment: gorgeous staging, magazine quality photography, and intense paid daily advertising, all on Deb’s dime.

The Deb Kent Gallery of Homes 317-564-9100 www.DebKentRealtor.com 6015 Bonna Ave, Indianapolis IN 46219

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