UNITE INDIANAPOLIS WINTER 2016

INDIANAPOLIS Winter 2016

Sarah Paulson + NCAA Fights to End Discrimination + KC & the Sunshine Band

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FROM THE TEAM

A new year is upon us once again and we can only hope it was as great as the last. In 2015, we were part of history, as we witnessed the Supreme Court of the United States grant the freedom to marry to all of us, regardless of sexual orientation. Although we can’t predict what will happen this year, we can keep working hard to ensure full equality for all citizens of this great country.

It is also a very exciting time for us here at UNITE. In addition to our sister publications in Cincinnati, Virginia, and Nashville, we have decided to launch an LGBT travel website called UNITE Travel, which will contain features, news, events and reviews as it relates to LGBT travel. Based on data compiled

by Community Marketing Inc. – a top LGBT market research firm – it is estimated that the annual economic impact of LGBT travelers is over $100 billion per year in the U.S. alone.

Here are some key findings from their research: • After a couple of years of post-recession slow growth, LGBTs reported significant travel increases over the past 12 months.

In 2014, LGBTs recorded a 9% positive increase rating in their leisure travel score, compared to only 2% in 2013.

• Frequent Travelers: 29% of LGBT participants are frequent leisure travelers, taking 5 or more leisure trips per year, with 10 or more leisure hotel room nights per year.

14% of LGBT respondents are frequent business travelers, taking 5 or more business trips per year.

• Business Travel: Over the past year, 24% of all LGBT survey participants reported extending a business trip at least one day for leisure purposes.

*Based on 2014 Data

If you would like submit stories and ideas for possible inclusion in UNITE Travel, please feel free to email me directly at: Joey@unitemag.com Thank you as always for your support!

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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Joey Amato Creative Director Blake Kniffin Arts & Entertainment Editor Arts Writer Book Reviewer Business Correspondents

Tom Alvarez Jorge Dorantes Jonathan George 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 Legal Writer Life & Style Writer Political Editor Sports Writer

Barbara Baird Albert Winks Josh Peters Nick Poust

Contributing Writers Nick Poust, Jesse Walker Brand Consultant Albert Winks Distribution Daniel Cope National Advertising Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021

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 (615) 852-6660.

Cover photo appears courtesy of Q Syndicate. www.unitemag.com /unitemagindy

BOOK REVIEW

And Then I Danced:

Traveling the Road to LGBT Equality reviewed by Jonathan George And Then I Danced: Traveling the Road to LGBT Equality by Mark Segal is a novel surrounding the journey about a young homosexual boy thirsty for acceptance and understanding through a trying time in American history. As a homosexual male, Segal has experienced what arguably every gay and lesbian member of society has experienced: prejudice, misunderstanding, and a need for acceptance (or, at the very least, tolerance). From experiencing firsthand the Stonewall riots to his pivotal and, at the time, controversial remarks on live television in the 70’s, as well as numerous others, Segal has been at the forefront of the gay rights movement. His expertise is clearly outlined in this work, and the knowledge the reader gains is unparalleled from other autobiographies and works of nonfiction on the market today.

Though Segal’s recount over numerous decades of the gay rights movement is very detailed, it is done almost to the point of disorganization. Though he even promises in an excerpt to maintain chronology throughout the book, it strays from that slightly and forces the reader to maintain full focus. It is certainly not the easiest book to follow, especially for those, like myself, who demonstrate naivety and/or a lack of knowledge in relation to all things involved with the gay rights movement. And, if you are in the same boat as me, you’ll be finding yourself questioning who people are and what Segal may be referring to often, marking your place with a ribbon or Tennessee Titans football ticket (my bookmark of choice), and Googling or asking Siri who a certain person is or what a certain event entailed.

a book without retaining much, especially in regards to names—they seem to be tossed around quite a bit with little to no explanation of who that individual is. (“Okay Google. Who is so-and-so?”) Though I would have appreciated a little more back story as to who these people were or more about certain aspects of the gay rights movement that are elaborated upon only slightly, this edition could create a thousand-page book that would not have been as marketable otherwise.

All in all, And Then I Danced: Traveling the Road to LGBT Equality is a necessary and well-rounded book about the gay rights movement, as well as the trials and tribulations that face the LGBT community every day. If you are looking for a quick read into this world, I would suggest you start with something more basic, or perhaps do your research about the Stonewall riots, and perhaps Segal himself. If you are rather knowledgeable in the realm of this movement and want a more detailed understanding of it, mixed in with Segal-like humor and charisma, this book is for you! pictured: Mark Segal photo by Peter Lien

To some readers, this may be a positive, as it forces you to expand your knowledge even further than the experiences outlined in Segal’s book; for others, it is perhaps a recipe for a sense of being a little lost, or, without doing the required research or having the necessary knowledge, leaving you blazing through

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TABLE OF CONTENTS WINTER AT THE IRT

pg. 24

Feature

Sarah Paulson’s Authentic Life

Book Review

And Then I Danced

JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 14

Sports

NCAA Fights to End Discrimination

Opinion

Chernobyl & Indiana

Arts Comedy tour de force

Lions & Lovers, & Newsies...Oh My! The Grand Canyon

Local Star

Dr. William Chernoff

Culture

Calder, The Musical IHS Teams with Smithsonian

Music

KC & the Sunshine Band

Dining

Plow & Anchor

JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 28

Travel

Hawaii is for Honeymooning

On the Aisle

Outreach is Everything

Health

Seasonal Affective Disorder

America’s favorite novel comes to life

Fashion

Mondo Guerra

IRTLIVE.COM | 317.635.5252

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SPORTS

Fights to End Discrimination

limited to local, city and state laws and ordinances.

We’ll continue to review current events in all cities bidding on NCAA championships and events, as well as cities that have already been named as future host sites, such as Indianapolis.”

by Nick Poust

When asked if they were for or against SB 100, the NCAA had no further comment.

On Tuesday, November 17, Indiana Senate Bill 100 was introduced by Senator Travis Holdman, R-Markle, a piece of legislation that, if passed, would expand the state’s civil rights law to include sexual orientation and gender identity. That pleases Chris Paulsen, campaign manager of Freedom Indiana, which fights for LGBT rights, but that the pro-LGBT provisions wouldn’t apply to religious organizations or small businesses of four employees or fewer has her and the grassroots organization’s 64,000 supporters fighting for an amendment.

Under Indianapolis’s human right’s ordinance, the city’s LGBT community is fully protected from discrimination and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which allows gay and transgender people to be fired, denied housing and further discriminated against elsewhere in the state because of their sexual orientation, including some Indianapolis suburbs.

Although Indianapolis is a safe-haven now, if SB 100 is passed as structured all city ordinances throughout Indiana that protect the LGBT community would be voided. In addition, it would disallow cities and towns from enacting additional civil rights ordinances.

“That bill has a lot of things that need to be changed,” Paulsen says. “So, we’re going to work with lawmakers to make those changes happen by having their constituents meet with their lawmakers to let them know we appreciate the protections that you’re offering but there’s too many things that need to be changed that actually take away protections.”

The bill and the overall discriminatory cloud looming over Indiana concern Paulsen for many reasons, and among them are the ramifications for fans when the 2016 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four and Championship games are held in Indianapolis April 3-5.

“That is a huge lesbian contingency,” Paulsen says.

“I have friends who want to come but they’ve contacted me and said, ‘is it safe?’ I have to tell them, yes, in Indianapolis, you’re covered. Now, if you go to Greenwood, I don’t know. There are no protections in Greenwood. And trying to find a hotel room during that is tough. Some of them are going to end up in Greenwood or Avon, places like that that aren’t protected.”

Regarding the impact SB 100 could have, Bob Williams, NCAA senior vice president of communications, released the following statement: “NCAA core values call for an environment that is inclusive and nondiscriminatory for our student-athletes, membership, fans, staff and their families.

There are many factors in a thorough bid process that the NCAA considers when determining what cities will host the Final Four, including but not

“It’s huge as to whether we’re seen as welcoming or unwelcoming,” Paulsen says. “That vote will tell us. It will tell the world that Indiana isn’t a welcoming place or is welcoming. Every Hoosier and everyone who visits here should feel that protection wherever they go in the state.”

Paulsen thinks the heat is on the lawmakers, who are fully aware that this large tourist attraction is waiting in the wings. While the bill, passed as is or with amendments, wouldn’t go into effect until July 1, the deadline for a ruling is March 14 and could have immediate implications for the NCAA Tournament’s presence in Indianapolis.

“I think the lawmakers know that the spotlight is on them and that people are watching the Final Four here right after that is going to have a huge impact,” she says. “Three weeks later, the Final Four is here. So, are we going to have state-wide protections or aren’t we?”

When the session resumes in January, Freedom Indiana will hold rallies at the State house. The organization is no stranger to fighting for gay rights, as they were successful in putting a halt to the HJR-3 Bill, which was an attempt to make samesex marriage illegal. Paulsen believes their efforts and that of their supporters can lead to another victory for the LGBT community.

“It’s been a tough fight,” Paulsen says, “but we’ve done it before and we can do it again.”

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OPINION

Chernobyl & Indiana

by JJ Marie Gufreda It’s winter. You might be feeling like you want to get out of town. See the world. What would you do if you received this offer? “Check out our vacation specials - Chernobyl in Ukraine! Big savings on airfare and accommodations.” Would you click on the link? Are you checking weather reports to find the best time to visit? Have you asked for time off work so you can enjoy the culture and ambiance of Chernobyl and the surrounding areas?

Chernobyl is located in Ukraine near the border with Belarus. In 1986 it was a city of 14,000 people. The city was evacuated after the catastrophic nuclear accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. In April of 1986, there was an explosion at the plant. People died. Many suffered radiation poisoning. Chernobyl is now a ghost town. The government has put restrictions on visitors to Chernobyl and limits exposure to the radiation that still exists, 30 years after the disaster.

Chernobyl was a disaster in 1986 and continues to be a disaster.

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If you received the offer I mentioned above, would you consider it? Would you take the time to research the current radiation levels? Maybe it is not as bad as you have heard. Would you try to find places that are less dangerous to visit so you could take advantage of the bargain prices? If you are like me, you would immediately think, “No way I am going to Chernobyl.

That place is filled with radiation and is dangerous for man or beast.” I would not do research. I would not use Google. I would not even consider going and I’d quickly move on to research other places - any other places that are not Chernobyl.

What does Chernobyl have in common with Indiana?

In early 2015, Indiana endured the RFRA (Religious Freedom Restoration Act). Once the bill was signed, the outcry and the outrage were fast and loud. Indiana companies put expansion plans on hold. States, cities and companies restricted travel to our state for their employees.

Major conventions and events threatened to pull

out of commitments and avoid Indiana. It got ugly. And fast.

Indiana became like Chernobyl – stay away. Even if people did not know all the facts, perception quickly became reality.

I became concerned that the damage was becoming so great that we might not be able to ever change people’s opinions. Indiana might forever be known as a place to be avoided.

As President of the Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, I received emails from all over the country.

Some expressed their condolences that we should have to live in such a place as Indiana! Some offered their support and asked if there was anything they could do to help. One woman asked if I knew where she could obtain a bumper sticker so she could show the world that she was a Hoosier, but was not anti-gay! One man explained that several of his coworkers were planning to visit Indy for a convention and asked if there was any place in Indianapolis where his colleagues would be safe.

A few days after signing the original RFRA bill, Governor Pence argued during his TV interview with George Stephanopoulos that “Hoosiers don’t discriminate.” Indiana has a chance in 2016 to make it clear to the world that in fact Hoosiers do not discriminate. Hoosier Hospitality is real. We need some simple changes to our Civil Rights laws for LGBT citizens and all Hoosiers. Indiana needs to clarify rights simply without caveats or exceptions.

Many have described the addition to the Civil Rights laws simply – Four Words and a Comma.

Add Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity to the list of protected classes in Indiana.

We don’t want to be Chernobyl.

Four Words and a Comma will undo much of the damage from RFRA. JJ Marie Gufreda is the author of Left-Hander in London: A Field Guide to Transgenders, Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals - In the Family, On the Job and In the Pew and is a playwright and performer. Her new production is titled, Left-Hander in London – The Earthquake. JJ is the President of GEI, an Operations and Process Improvement consulting company and is President of the Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. She is a frequent speaker on Diversity, Religion and Political issues. JJ is married and has three children and three grandchildren.

ARTS

photo courtesy of Broadway Across America

Lions and Lovers and Newsies…Oh My!

by Joey Amato Broadway in Indianapolis is starting off the year with three incredible performances that will be sure to please LGBT theatre goers. To purchase your tickets soon as these shows will sell out.

The Wizard of Oz January 12-17, 2016, Clowes Memorial Hall “We’re off to see....” The most magical adventure of them all. This new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. Developed from

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the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires.

Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the whole family.

photo by Deen van Meer

Newsies March 15-20, 2016, Clowes Memorial Hall image courtesy of Broadway Across America

Once February 9-14, 2016, Clowes Memorial Hall Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, Once draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams... not living in fear... and the power of music to connect all of us.

They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines. Direct from Broadway comes Newsies, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards® for Best Score and Best Choreography, Newsies has audiences and critics alike calling it “A musical worth singing about!” (The New York Times). Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss. Based on true events, Newsies tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right...and staying true to who you are. Newsies was brought to the stage by an award-winning creative team. It features a score by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and Jack Feldman (The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride) and a book by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), with choreography by Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific) and direction by Jeff Calhoun (Big River).

UNITE Indianapolis | 11

LOCAL STAR

Transformational Care

by Norman R. Brandenstein As he speaks about growing up in his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada in the 1960 and 1970’s, Dr. William G. Chernoff states, “Any success that I have achieved, I really attribute to my mother, a home-economics teacher of 35 years, who taught my brother and I early on about the acceptance and understanding of ‘differentness’ in others.” She said that “when meeting someone, to not be afraid and to try to see the world through the lenses others are looking through.”

These words of wisdom and guidance have become the hallmark of Dr. Chernoffs work with LGBT patients throughout his career and within his current practice as a cosmetic surgeon in Indianapolis, IN and Santa Rosa, CA. Following the completion of his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Chernoff continued his postdoctoral education in both Canada and the United States with fellowships at the University of Western Ontario, the Midwest Center for Cosmetic Surgery at Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis, and concluded at the University of California, San Francisco, where he was designated as board certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. Additional board certifications were awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Otolaryngology/ Head and Neck Surgery.

It was while training in Toronto, Ontario and San Francisco, that Dr. Chernoff was first introduced to the surgical needs of transgender patients. He subsequently brought this specialty to his services provided to individuals in the Central Indiana and California communities. The standard course of care provided for both transgender females and males in their biological/physical transformation process involves preliminary

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Dr. William G. Chernoff photo courtesy of Chernoff Plastic Surgeons

mental health counseling and hormone replacement therapy, often followed by “upper body,” and in some cases “lower body” surgical procedures. Dr. Chernoff offers a range of facial plastic procedures as well as breast and body contouring. Early in his career, Dr. Chernoff worked exclusively with cancer patients, rebuilding jaws, facial bones, and repairing damaged tissue. This experience gives him the expertise to perform complex facial reshaping procedures that can either feminize or masculinize a patient’s face.

There has been increased exposure in the general public about the experiences of transgender individuals. Dr.

Chernoff has continued to find challenges with the “lack of empathy, acceptance and understanding of the journey and the internal strife of these individuals.” He further states, “I have met more bigots and prejudicial people throughout my experiences across the United States, primarily based in fear, even within the educated medical community.” In spite of this level of negativity, Dr. Chernoff has had a significantly positive experience with his LGBT patients.

“They have been a group of some of the most gracious and grateful patients I have had the privilege of taking care of. And, for many of my non-LGBT patients, I have had the opportunity to watch a transformation in their opinions through their encounters in the clinic waiting room.”

A primary challenge for transgender patients in the course of their movement into the clinical care stages of the transitional process has been the financial costs of the range of procedures. Dr. Chernoff works with each patient to find the most economical approach to their care. The sensitivity and attunement that he was first taught by his mother and that he provides in all aspects of his practice have also been instilled in the training of the students he has encountered in teaching appointments around the globe, as well as with his full team of colleagues and assistants in Indianapolis and Santa Rosa.

For further information about Dr. Chernoff and his clinical services, contact his Indianapolis office located at 9002 N. Meridian Street, Suite 205, by calling (317) 573-8899, or visit the web site at www.drchernoff.com.

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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ART

The Grand Canyon A Special Exhibition at the Eiteljorg Museum

by Blake Kniffin The Grand Canyon, a national park and world heritage site that draws millions of visitors each year, is an inspiration to generations of tourists, explorers, and artists, and has been home to indigenous people for thousands of years.

It is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, and contains a delicate ecosystem defined by plants, animals, and people. This unique exhibition will take place at the Eiteljorg Museum from March 26 - August 7, 2016.

Careful studies of potential audiences and surveys of the public show that the Grand Canyon

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is a subject of great interest that will effectively reach strong audiences throughout the Midwest, including Chicago and St. Louis.

The Grand Canyon is a multidisciplinary presentation that examines many aspects of art, history, and culture so that visitors can better understand the interaction of people with this important area.

Art and artifacts from leading public collections will be used to illustrate the stories of exploration, promotion, tourism, and survival in the unusual environments of the Canyon. From the course of the river at the bottom to the top rim of the

Surgical & Non-Surgical

Grand Canyon, visitors will gain a view of this remarkable place that can only be improved by visiting the Canyon itself. Imagine, among other things, great paintings by Thomas Moran, life vests worn by early explorers following the river, Native objects made from natural materials found in and around the Canyon, advertising materials created to market tourism, a Harvey Girl waitress outfit, and Santa Fe dining car accessories and advertising, all of which tell different stories about the Grand Canyon. There will be lessons about the negative effects people have had on this majestic place, as well as the successes in preservation and restoration.

Expressions of the Grand Canyon by painters and photographers are at the heart of the exhibition. Groupings of paintings from those by William Henry Holmes and Thomas Moran tied to exploration of the space in the 19th century, to those done to promote the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway and the Southwest are of note. Examples by William R. Leigh, Louis Akin, Gunnar Widforss, E. I. Couse, Oscar E. Berninghaus, and more will be featured. Works by more contemporary and living artists such as Wilson Hurley, Curt Walters, Peter Nisbet and others are evidence of continuing traditions in expressions of the Canyon. Pottery, paintings, basketry, weavings, and other art forms by Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Hualapi, and artists from other indigenous cultures demonstrate other art forms coming from the region.

This is an engaging exhibition. It is one to be experienced, not just through viewing notable art and artifacts. There will be a “ranger” guide telling stories of the canyon. Film footage will take you on sweeping aerial and boat trips through the canyon. Among the highlights of related programs to be presented are: • Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk (a collaboration with the IMAX at the Indiana State Museum next door to the Eiteljorg.

• Performance of the Grand Canyon Suite with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra • Presentations by artists Peter Nisbet and Curt Walters.

For more information, visit www.eiteljorg.org

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TRANSITIONING Women & Men

Dr. Chernoff’s Patient After Facial Feminization Surgery Treatments Offered with Compassionate Care FACE, NECK, EYEBROW & EYELID LIFT JAW & FOREHEAD REDUCTION THYROID CARTILAGE SCULPTING FACIAL IMPLANTS RHINOPLASTY & NOSE RESHAPING BODY SCULPTING & SHAPING BREAST AUGMENTATION OR REDUCTION FOLLICULAR UNIT HAIR TRANSPLANT NON-SURGICAL INJECTABLES

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Thomas Moran, The Grand Canyon (detail), 1917, oil on canvas.

Bequest of Kenneth S. “Bud” and Nancy Adams.

and Asso

M EE T T II C C S SU CCOOSS M UR RG G EE OO NN SS

CULTURE

Alvarez and Klein Forge Their Own ‘Path to Follow’ for ‘Calder, The Musical’

by Jorge Dorantes It was early one summer morning when fate was decided. Lying amongst coils of rope on the deck of ship sailing off the Guatemalan coast, a young Alexander Calder stirred from a doze. He awoke, rising to stare into the early morning sky. It was then that Calder came across a sight that would forever transform his life.

“I saw the beginning of a fiery red sunrise on one side of the sky,” Calder describes in his autobiography. “And on the other, the moon shone like a silver coin.”

According to later accounts, the sight inspired Calder to abandon all pretense of pursing a “practical” career as a mechanical engineer, opting instead to continue the family legacy by pursuing his passion in the arts.

Calder would later in life go on to become a beloved and incredibly prolific and internationally recognized artist.

Ninety-three years following that early summer morning, Calder’s life is transforming yet again – this time, through music.

Producers Tom Alvarez and Dustin Klein of Indianapolis, are now giving new life to Calder’s art through a musical production based on a children’s book of the artist’s life, “Sandy’s Circus”, by author Tanya Lee Stone.

Inspired by the illustrations of Boris Kulikov in “Sandy’s Circus”, Alvarez and Klein are in the process of writing and producing a musical based on the artist’s life and work.

“We’re going to tell Calder’s story, but not just in a biographical sense,” says Alvarez.

“We’re also bringing his art to life. Calder strived to bring his art to life during his lifetime and now we want to do the same for another generation.”

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Alvarez and Klein’s production is unique in that it is one of very few biographical plays. This uniqueness is compounded by the duo’s desire to craft a musical that also infuses elements of the artist’s work into his life story.

One scene within “Calder, The Musical” involves a full-scale circus production; a scene entirely based on “Calder’s Circus”, a toy theatre piece created by Calder currently owned by the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.

Calder’s visionary moment by the sea has also been transformed. This pivotal moment of Calder’s life is now a song titled, “A Path to Follow”.

With a soothing ballad-like melody, Calder crones as he gazes into the early morning sky: At that moment I searched my soul Remembering a time I felt whole Recalling my childhood delight Letting my reverie take flight I felt lost. In misery falling Until I embraced, my true calling

“A Path to Follow” is currently one of eight songs written and composed by Alvarez and Klein.

hope to begin the official casting for the production in late spring.

“When I first heard the music, I found it to be a very traditional Broadway-style,” says Marianne Williams Tobias, philanthropist and program annotator for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

“It’s very easy listening. The lyrics are very creative and illustrious of the topic and mood. There’s also a jollity to it, which is a refreshing approach to a musical structure that is quite traditional, but at the same time has originality.”

Meanwhile, Alvarez and Klein plan to continue doing further research on the life of Alexander Calder while intermittently writing and more composing songs.

Tobias, a longtime friend of Alvarez, was recently recruited to serve as the musical advisor for the music of, “Calder, The Musical”. Under her guidance, the music has matured and lyrics have been reworked through a process of word painting.

“She’s just musically brilliant,” says Klein referring to Tobias.

“She doesn’t hold back on criticism either and we love that,” adds Alvarez. “We really want to expose our work to professionals like her here in the community.”

For Alvarez and Klein, professionalism is key.

Aside from developing the production aspects of “Calder, The Musical”, the pair has been working tirelessly to develop the business organization piece as well.

Within the last three months, Alvarez and Klein have contracted the services of local entertainment lawyer, Robert Meitus. Under his guidance, the pair launched Klein and Alvarez Productions, LLC.

While developing the musical further over the next few months, they are immediately beginning their fundraising efforts in order to produce the show.

Alvarez and Klein have partnered with Fractured Atlas, a national non-profit artist service organization providing a range of support services for the independent arts community, to receive fiscal sponsorship, meaning the production now holds a shared 501(c)(3) making all donations to the project tax deductible.

The duo is currently seeking individual and private donations, corporate donations, sponsorships and grants in order to fund the show. They hope that with the support of the community, they can give back to the community by paying the artists, actors, dancers and designers involved with the show.

“For those people out there who support local artists, this is a great opportunity to support and help us,” says Alvarez. “This is your chance.

We’re putting together a great team and giving artists a financial opportunity to do their art.”

For more information about “Calder, The Musical” please contact Tom Alvarez at tomalva@gmail.com.

Alvarez and Klein now also have a premier date.

Thanks to the support of the executive director of IndyFringe, Pauline Moffat, “Calder, The Musical” will have a soft opening during the 2016 IndyFringe Festival and a full debut during IndyFringe’s 2016 regular season lineup.

Partial casting for roles has also begun. Mariel Greenlee, a dancer with Dance Kaleidoscope has signed on to choreograph the musical numbers in the production. While Ashley Kiefer, former costume designer for the Phoenix Theatre has agreed to do costuming for the show. Alvarez and Klein (left to right) Producers, Dustin Klein & Tom Alvarez photos by Thomas Mueller

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MUSIC Harry Wayne Casey photo by A. Streiber

Get Down with KC

by Joey Amato

KC and the Sunshine Band are still as popular today as they were when they first danced into the music scene 40 years ago. Harry Wayne Casey – KC for short – developed a unique fusion of R&B and funk, with a hint of a Latin percussion groove, giving us an impressive string of hits like “Get Down Tonight”, “That’s The Way (I Like It) and “Shake Your Booty”. His sound and influence can be heard today in music by artists like Bruno Mars. Maroon 5 and Robin Thicke.

The South Florida resident has sold over 100 million records, earned nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award. KC led one of the most progressive bands of the 70’s and is credited with changing the sound of modern pop music.

For the first time in over a decade, KC and the Sunshine Band recently released a new album,

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Feeling You! The 60s. The album is a tribute to the era that shaped KC into the revolutionary artist he became in the 70s, as a young person becoming acquainted with the world around him.

Just like the rest of America during that time he was shaped by the music, conflicts, innocence, sex, social and political movements and counterculture of the era – which led to him founding the dance revolution. “The widespread social and political issues of the 1960s was, in part, the inspiration to do something that would make people forget about their problems and be happy,” said Casey. “People were looking for something that would divert their attention from the negative aspects of everyday life surrounding them.”

The album is part one of the two-part Feeling You project, and features covers of songs by sixties legends Bob Dylan, The Kinks, The Righteous Brothers and Aaron Neville.

What was your inspiration for new album?

During my shows, I used to play some obscure tracks from albums that I recorded and I felt I wasn’t capturing the entire audience, so I started doing cover versions of popular hits. I did “True Colors”, “Love the One You’re With” and even “Say What You Need to Say” by John Mayer. I always wanted to record a few cover songs on an album, so when I started recording a new album of original material and added some covers, I thought why not record a 2 CD set.

What song did you wish you wrote?

There are so many, but I wish I wrote “Hello” by Adele. It’s such a great song, I can’t stop listening to it.

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

Living the American dream. The awards are great and getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is incredible, but the biggest reward is getting to see and feel the audience every night and share the music with them.

Do you ever get tired of touring?

Not really. It’s a bit of a hassle today. I’ve really enjoyed the last 20 years, but it’s taken me a long time to feel comfortable in my own skin and understand my character (KC versus Harry Wayne Casey). When you are living in it you don’t have time to step out.

What advice would you give to young artists?

Go with your heart and believe in yourself. With social media and iTunes, it makes it easier for young artists to get exposure rather than relying on an A&R guy at a major label. Being humble is also very important.

What is the most embarrassing thing to happen on stage?

I’ve fallen several times and that’s always embarrassing. I forget entire verses of lyrics sometimes too. If I get distracted at all, I don’t remember. But most all, I was wearing this jumpsuit during a show in Ohio and I never used to wear underwear. Next thing you know, I’m exposed. Talk about a wardrobe malfunction.

KC and the Sunshine Band still play over 100 live shows annually, circling the country and playing dates regularly throughout Europe, Australia and South America. KC’s songs have stood the test of time and still make fans want to do a little dance, make a little love and get down!

UNWIND AFTER WORK. Pre-show complimentary Sun King brews and New Day mead, and half-priced drinks from the IRT bar throughout our Tuesday performances.

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DINING REVIEW

Plow & Anchor

43 E. 9th Street 964-0538 plowandanchor.com

Plow Beef

photo by Karen Kennedy

Plow and Anchor

by Karen Kennedy

Our glorious city has some fabulous restaurant rows. Park your car once on Mass.

Ave. on a Saturday night and you can wander freely, choosing between a multitude of divine destinations. The same is true in Fountain Square or on Carmel’s Main Street. But sometimes we have to take just a few steps off the beaten path to seek out interesting but somewhat isolated dining destinations (and we might have to walk a block in the cold from our hard-won parking spot to get there, but hey, we’re hardy Midwesterners.)

If we do decide to take that divergent path, we might find ourselves at Plow and Anchor, the latest incarnation in this corner space of the historic Ambassador building at Pennsylvania and 9th Street.

True to its name, the menu embraces both land and sea, but with an eye toward the fruits of local farming and sustainable seafood. Plow and Anchor is the creation of restaurateurs Craig Baker and Derek Means (of Bent Rail and the Local.)

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Karen Kennedy is an Indianapolis-based food writer with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She is the owner of Small Potatoes, a catering and event planning company, and the creator of the Indie Indy Foodie Tours.

It’s been a rocky start; the small kitchen has been through several executive chefs in its nearly two years of business. It’s currently helmed by Matt Robey, (of the Local and Libertine) sous chef John Herndon (recently relocated from Oakley’s Bistro) and newcomer Seiji Higassa-Bryant.

The shining gem is the central raw bar, which has about ten seats and a great view of the action. Beautifully presented oysters, cured char, tuna poke and bay scallop crudo sail out to the dining room but there’s also a secret menu that’s only available at the bar. And if you pull up a stool there on the right night, you might even find a celebrity guest chef tinkering around back there.

As is becoming the custom in many of our favorite spots, you’ll be greeted with an aperitif. On the night of our visit it was a refreshing mix of sweet and dry vermouth.

Interesting small plates feature lots of nicely paired vegetarian options including oyster mushroom ravioli and a winter’s delight of kabocha squash four ways: as an earthy but creamy soup, a lightly fried and delicious bread, a delicate tempura and a piquant conserva. On our visit, we also sampled a perfectly seared tenderloin of beef with candied garlic, yellow onion marmalade and a crunchy sunflower seed bread.

The menu is ever-evolving, as the seasons change and the culinary team continues to spread their wings, so don’t be disappointed if a favorite item is reimagined or even replaced from one visit to the next. Highlights from the entrée section on our visit included poached sable with gnocchi and red curry and Indiana delicata squash stuffed with artichokes, cranberries, gremolata and cotija cheese.

The dessert selection is small but tempting.

Our server’s favorite, the Bete Noire, was sold out on the night of our visit, but we very much enjoyed the extremely dense (I either needed a steak knife or more frequent upper body workouts) but incredibly moist Tres Leches whole wheat cake. While neither of us truly loved the accompanying elderberry reduction, we fought over the buttermilk Chantilly cream.

Plow Cake

photo by Karen Kennedy

Plow and Anchor serves beer and wine only, but they’ve created some interesting signature “cocktails” that feature cava and prosecco. The wine list leans mostly toward European wines, but also includes some Californian heavy hitters like Orin Swift’s Machete and Papillon. A nice selection of local and regional brews is available both in both draft and bottle.

While the service staff, under the direction of general manager Lisa Bailey, is gracious, stylish and welcoming, the atmosphere seems to be at odds with itself. The menu suggests a posh, warm and elegant dining experience, but the room is starkly modern and the eclectic music selection ranges from Adele to hip-hop. The floor to ceiling windows, original tile floor, bare tables, paper napkins and metal chairs create an austere feel that the food and staff can’t quite undo. Especially in these cold winter months, the space could use some warmth.

Plow and Anchor is finding its way. Both Robey and Herndon have some great ideas for rounding out the current menu concept. They plan to start by bringing the menu more closely in line with the original concept of the simplicity of land and sea; heartier portions rounded out by interesting sides and a focus on preserving and serving the bounty of the warmer months through pickling and canning the best of the season to serve year-round. They’ve also undertaken the ambitious commitment to bake their own breads and make their own pastas.

Upcoming special events include a Farm to Table Wine Tasting Dinner on February 29.

UNITE Indianapolis | 21

TRAVEL

Sunset over Oahu’s Waikiki Beach photo by Blake Kniffin

Hawaii

is for Honeymooning

by Blake Kniffin Hawaii. This Pacific paradise was the last state admitted to the Union in 1959. Having only been a state for barely half of a century, Hawaii still feels like an exotic island nation. The state’s capital, Honolulu, sits on the beautiful Island of Oahu. Providing the perfect combination of tourism, metropolitan, and tropical hideaways, Honolulu is the perfect place for the honeymooning homosexual.

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Many think that a trip to Hawaii is far beyond their budget allows. However, airfare and hotel accommodations are comparable to a trip to Vegas.

Speaking of accommodations, Waikiki Beach’s Hotel Renew provides the perfect balance of luxury and local flavor. This boutique hotel is nestled a stone’s throw from the beach and boasts breathtaking

ocean-view rooms. Up-scale, modern, and clean, Hotel Renew is LGBT-friendly. Upon checking in, the staff welcomes guests with delicious pineapple juice and warm, steamed towels. Adorned with a beautiful water feature, Hotel Renew’s lobby provides a lovely breakfast buffet which doubles as a bar in the evenings. With affordable rates, Hotel Renew is certainly the perfect place for LGBT-honeymooners.

While staying on Waikiki Beach, couples must take an afternoon adventure to Diamond Head. Part of the Honolulu Volcanic Series, Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone. Don’t be mistaken, Diamond Head is not an active volcano. It was designated a US National Landmark in 1968. Open to the public, Diamond Head provides a trail to the top, for hikers to view the stunning ocean and surrounding landscape of Oahu.

Plan to spend several days at the beach to unwind and enjoy the sensational seascape. On at least one of those days, make it a late one. Hawaiian sunsets are stunning and are best viewed from a beach chair. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities to take surfing lessons. If that’s not for you, it’s certainly fun to watch others try!

The two must-see parts of Pearl Harbor are the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri tour. Sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona’s memorial is built over its final resting place. The USS Missouri, docked next to the USS Arizona Memorial, was the location of the Japanese surrender, which marked the end of World War II. Like bookends, the two ships proudly serve as the beginning and ending markers of the United States’ involvement in the war.

The Island of Oahu is also home to the historic Pearl Harbor. This historical site is a must-see for everyone visiting the island. Roberts Hawaii, a local tour company, is a fantastic way to experience Pearl Harbor. Their friendly tour guides pick up guests at their hotels and shuttle them to Pearl Harbor in a comfortable, air-conditioned (this is important folks) bus. Once at Pearl Harbor, Roberts Hawaii guests are able to bypass the long ticketing lines and are provided free audio-guided tours narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis.

With so much to see and do, it’s recommended honeymooners stay more than a week to enjoy one another and everything Oahu has to offer. To find out more about the Island of Oahu, visit www.gohawaii.com/oahuisland.

CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF HOOSIER HISTORY

E X H I B I T

NOW OPEN PART OF THE INDIANA EXPERIENCE

Presented by The O’Bannon Foundation, a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation, and Jock and Penny Fortune EUGENE AND MARILYN GLICK INDIANA HISTORY CENTER 450 WEST OHIO STREET | DOWNTOWN ON THE CANAL

www.indianahistory.org

photo courtesy of Q Syndicate

24 | UNITE Indianapolis

Sarah Paulson’s Authentic Life

by Chris Azzopardi

What does Sarah Paulson remember about the first time she kissed a girl?

“Nothing that I’m going to tell you!” she teases, laughing as if to say “nice try.”

Not that the actress’ entire life is a secret.

It hasn’t been.

In 2005, when then-girlfriend Cherry Jones was named a winner at the Tony Awards, Paulson planted a sweet kiss on Jones’ lips. But the 40-year-old acting dynamo isn’t one to kiss and tell – a practice extending to many aspects of her public life, which she’s regulated for a reason: so as not to distract from the stories she’s a part of telling.

Those stories are wide-ranging. In addition to her chameleonic roles in Ryan Murphy’s FX hit American Horror Story, where she’s currently playing a hip ’80s-inspired druggie named Sally, she stars as Cate Blanchett’s former flame, Abby, in writer-director Todd Haynes’ powerful lesbian love story Carol. In the film, Blanchett plays a married woman with a passionate desire for a department store clerk named Therese (Rooney Mara). But it’s the 1950s – homosexuality is taboo, and the closet doors are closed.

Paulson’s story is a different one, however. And the doors? They’re mostly open.

How do you reflect on your accidental coming out?

I was very young, and I was in love. It was the reality of the person I was with.

She just won a Tony Award – I’m not gonna pat her on the back, give her the big thumbs up and say, “Go up there and get your award, sweetie.” It was not a really conscious thought. I didn’t think of what the implications were gonna be. I just did what was true and honest to me in that moment. The truth of the matter is, it was early enough in my career that there have been no attachments made to me as a performer. I think the thing that makes it somewhat easier in terms of there not having been ramifications is that I’m a character actress – nobody is assigning a particular kind of sexual anything to me, I don’t think. Maybe that’s totally not true (laughs). But it just seems if you’re sort of known for being a sex kitten and that’s how you come on the scene, and then you end up being a total femme fatale actress, and then all of a sudden you make a statement about your sexuality, it becomes news. Whereas I’m a character actress; I can do a lot of things. I don’t think anybody’s made one particular association with me that would then make them go, “Well, I can’t see her this way now.”

You do seem to put your career before your personal life.

I do think it’s more important, and I know that Matt Damon got a terrible amount of flak for the way he phrased those things (earlier this year, he said: “People shouldn’t know anything about your sexuality because that’s one of the mysteries that you should be able to play.”), but the sentiment is still true: My personal life... I’m not gonna hide it from you, but I also don’t want you to think about that before you think about the character I’m playing. And so I want that to be of paramount importance – it’s of paramount importance to me that you believe the story I’m trying to be a part of telling you, and if my personal life is going to get in the way of that, I don’t like that at all.

Have you been strategic, then, in what you reveal to the public?

The thing with Cherry was very accidental. And, again, I was very young. If it happened to me today, I don’t know what I would do necessarily. I really don’t. I think what I’d like to think is that I would just be who I am and whomever I was with, if I had won an award or they had won award or if it was some kind of public thing, I would not do what I would do simply because I was afraid of being revealed. I don’t think that would be a choice I would make. But I think it was hard a bit because when she and I broke up (in 2009) there were some public statements said by her in, I think, an accidental way that ended up being hurtful to me, so I’ve been very kind of careful now about what I’m willing to talk about in terms of specifics.

So, it’s not been strategic; it’s been life experience. I’ve learned lessons, and therefore I behave in different ways now, and they are not in ways I’m upset about or ways that I think are not good. But like for Therese in Carol, UNITE Indianapolis | 25

How would you describe Abby’s relationship with Carol?

Carol and Abby were former lovers, for sure. But it was brief and it was much more meaningful to Abby than it was to Carol. In the scene with Cate at the bar, when we’re having our martinis and I say, “I hope you know what you’re doing,” about Therese, I basically say, we can just go back and have that furniture store in New Jersey and Carol basically says no. That is my 1952 way of saying, “Let’s try this again.” It’s code for, “Let’s make out.”

Carol doesn’t want that with Abby. For me, what I was interested in portraying and making sure was there was that sort of sadness that Abby has – that light and love for Carol that’s not reciprocated – but still, that she would rather be in Carol’s orbit in any way that she can be, so she will be a friend to her no matter what.

You’ve been so matter of fact about your sexuality since unintentionally coming out in 2005.

How have you escaped becoming a pillar for the LGBT community?

photo courtesy of Q Syndicate

you live and you learn and you come into your own and you start to be responsible for your own power and your own choices and what you’re willing to reveal. At the end of the day, I put enough of my interior life on camera when I’m acting by giving as much of myself as I possibly can – I don’t have to give everything to everyone.

Did working on a movie about repressed sexuality have you reflecting on your own sexuality?

What it really made me think about is the power of love and how, at the end of the day, love is love, period. The end. It sounds cliché, but I think most clichés are clichés because they’re very, very true.

And it’s very interesting, because I’ve been with men and women, and (the movie) puts a very fine point on that truth, which is that it’s very personal and that love is love, and sometimes you love a person you weren’t expecting to love – and how glorious is that?

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Because I refuse to give any kind of label just to satisfy what people need. I understand that everybody wants to have a person to look toward that is actively making change around this issue, and I understand for young people coming out they want to attach that hope to a particular person, but I think that honesty is the most important piece of this for me.

All I can say is, I’ve done both, and I don’t let either experience define me. I don’t let having been with a man make me think I am heterosexual, or make me want to call myself that, because I know I have been attracted to women – and have lived with women. So, for me, I’m not looking to define myself, and I’m sorry if that is something that is seen as a rejection of or an unwillingness to embrace (my sexuality) in a public way, but it’s simply not. It’s simply what’s true for me, and that’s all I can speak to.

I can’t speak to how anybody’s experience about this works for them or how they got there or where their comfort zone lies. I would never want that for anyone, and I would never want anyone to ask that of me. And simply because I’m somewhat of a public person doesn’t mean that I then have a responsibility to give you what you want simply because you think I should.

Do you think there is pressure on LGBT celebrities to be activists?

in the world.” I will be around as long as they’ll have me – absolutely.

I do, and I think sometimes within the community itself people are like, “You have a responsibility to it – young people need the voices, we need the voices, we need people to see it.” And I get it. But my reality is different than your reality. I have had different experiences. I can meet a man tomorrow and fall in love with him and marry him and I wouldn’t discount any of the experiences that I’ve had with women, or vice versa. I just don’t think anyone is in a position to dictate what that is for me. I understand why the call is what the call is, and that’s also why I don’t hide it. I don’t pretend it’s not true. It’s just, I have to be honest about what’s true for me, that things kind of coexist.

Both AHS and Carol are associated with sexuality in some way or another. As an actress, are you drawn to roles related to sexuality?

Let’s talk about American Horror Story: Hotel, in which you’re currently starring. And you’ve been on the show since the beginning, in 2011. Are you seeing it through to the end?

As human beings we are very fascinated by sexuality and what it means and who we’re attracted and why, because I think there’s a really big mystery about it. There’s something so unknowable about it, which is part of what makes it so exciting.

And I do think this about my career all the time: People think I pick such great jobs – that I picked 12 Years a Slave, I picked Carol, I picked Game Change. I auditioned for them and I got the jobs.

And so I’ve been lucky – I actually give the credit to Steve McQueen and Todd Haynes and Ryan Murphy and people who saw something in me that they went, “You’re the girl. I want you.” And so, it’s less about choices I’ve made and things I’ve been drawn to – it’s what has been drawn to me.

If they’ll have me. They’re gonna have to drag me out of here kicking and screaming. It’s gonna be American Horror Story Season 720 and I’ll be an 80-year-old woman going, “This is the greatest job

Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

ON THE AISLE

Katrina & Frank Basile photo by Jorge Dorantes

Outreach is Everything for Philanthropists Katrina & Frank Basile

by Tom Alvarez Because they have given millions to support Indianapolis performing and visual arts institutions, the names of philanthropists Frank and Katrina Basile are inscribed on structures that include Phoenix Theatre, Indiana Arts Center, IndyFringe, Indianapolis Opera, and Herron School of Art. Recently UNITE sat down with Frank, a retired senior vice president of the Gene B. Glick Co and Katrina, a realtor with F.C. Tucker Company, Inc., to discuss their passion for the arts, their philosophy of giving, and their open-minded attitudes.

Orleans. We were very poor. It wasn’t even on my parent’s radar. I want to make up for that and also I am interested in outreach to those, especially youngsters, minorities, physically challenged and so on, who are not exposed and would not benefit from the arts because of that.

Katrina: My involvement and interest in the arts is due to Frank. Like him, I had never really been involved in or exposed to the arts growing up.

Why do you support the arts?

How have the performing arts enriched your lives?

Frank: For one thing, I was not exposed to the arts growing up in New

Frank: I can’t imagine now not having the opportunity to attend performing

28 | UNITE Indianapolis

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.

arts events whether they are operas, plays, musicals or dance performances, storytelling or visual art exhibits. It has greatly improved the quality of our lives and our existence. Katrina and I want to encourage our community to make the arts available to more people to enjoy. Art enhances the individual’s quality of life and by extension, the quality of the community’s life. We so much enjoy attending performances but the people involved in these organizations have also become friends. So we look forward to attending events not only for the performances but also seeing people who are our friends that we cross paths with.

Katrina: I think that I am more open minded. It is a lot like travel. We love to travel. The arts transform you. They take you places outside yourself, even though it may be momentary. They can be relaxing, healing, and even spiritual. There is so much about the arts that is developmental. A lot of times when you grow up with something you take it for granted but if it is new to you it remains exciting.

How do you decide what you want to support?

Katrina: It has to be a good fit. Frank is a southern gentleman. He can decline without hurting anybody’s feelings and people expect to be declined, of course. Often times, big donors don’t give to smaller organizations so somebody has to. We are more intimately involved with those organizations.

We give to groups whose art forms we enjoy and missions we believe in.

What have you learned about giving?

Frank: I have learned that the giver should be thanking the people who are the solicitors or the fundraisers instead of vice versa. The organizations are giving the givers the opportunities to give his or her time, talent and treasure to something outside of himself that can benefit other people. It gives the giver such a great feeling of satisfaction because he or she is doing something to fulfill his own mission or desire, such as we are doing.

What satisfaction do you get from knowing that you help artists?

Frank: It gives us immense satisfaction to be able to play a small part in helping an artist fulfill his or

her dreams. There is a fellow who is a local actor, one our favorites among many. I saw him taking bagels off a shelf at a restaurant where he worked and I remember thinking, “How sad it is that someone with that magnificent talent has to have a day job such as that to make a living to support himself. How much more effective this person could be if he had the resources to devote more time to his profession and his passion instead of having to scrape for a living. His talent could be so much better utilized.” We had the opportunity to help him so that he could spend more time working at his craft. It gave us an immense amount of satisfaction.

You have many friends in the LGBT community.

What informs your open-mindedness towards them?

Frank: I have never had any notion that anybody was different than anybody else. We are all human.

I don’t even look at anybody as being a part of any minority group—a person of color or LGBTs. Like Will Rogers said, “I never met a man I didn’t like.”

Fortunately, I don’t need help in that area but the arts can help educate people to be more accepting. My personal mission is to help other human beings become all they can become and use their God-given talents and potential to become successful in whatever success means to them. When they do this they automatically become more accepting of other people, they automatically become happier, they automatically feel less need to lord it over somebody else, or think how superior they are to somebody else when they achieve a high degree of their own satisfaction.

What would you say to those who have not experienced the arts about why they should?

Katrina: I’d say start small. Don’t go to the symphony if it is intimidating. Start someplace else. If you are already doing something, try something else to expand your interests. Push yourself to attend. Explore and find out what is most enjoyable to you. There is also the social aspect. People are people everywhere. It was intimidating to me in the early days when we first started going and I was quiet. Once you become comfortable you become yourself. Indianapolis, now, is a different world that what it used to be and there is so much to do and so many choices that to not take advantage of it is almost a sin.

UNITE Indianapolis | 29

HEALTH

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): It’s More Than Just The Blues

by Matt Grant, Psy.D., HSPP Hibernation...who’s got time for that? With calendars packed to the max, never-ending errands to run, and social gatherings galore, reality just doesn’t leave space to hibernate. But for some of us, that’s all we can think about.

Although evolutionarily there were benefits to this behavior, times have changed. Unfortunately for some, our bodies haven’t kept up.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as SAD, is a depression that occurs around the fall and winter. A lot of people report having the “winter blues” during the colder months, but SAD is more than just the blues, it can be a serious condition. Individuals who suffer from SAD often report the following: • hopelessness • anxiousness and irritability • sadness • lowered energy and motivation (e.g., sluggishness) • feeling withdrawn • decreased libido • increased sleep, appetite, and weight gain • increased alcohol consumption • bodily aches and pains • difficulty concentrating • loss of interest in things once enjoyed • when serious, some may report thoughts of suicide Simply, SAD is a Major Depressive Disorder that is Recurrent with a Seasonal Pattern. Curious about whether or not you’re suffering from a winter depression? Go to the Center for Environmental Therapeutics website at www.cet.org and take the online self-assessment titled, “Your Current Level of Depression” to see how many markers for SAD you have.

Print your results and share with your healthcare provider.

SAD is the body’s response to the seasonal shift in the amount of daylight. A person’s circadian rhythm can be affected when the nights become longer and days become shorter. Our bodies are programmed to equate darkness with sleep, so the loss of daylight means our bodies want to go to sleep earlier and sleep longer.

This physiological process is driven by melatonin, which the brain produces in larger quantities during the fall

30 | UNITE Indianapolis

and winter. Melatonin is responsible for helping the body fall asleep, so when it is introduced into the system in larger amounts and earlier in the day, thanks to the early sunsets this time of year, it can make people feel sluggish. Also, during fall and winter, we know that serotonin, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the body lowers, affecting one’s mood. Sometimes to increase serotonin, people consume more carbohydrates like cakes, cookies, ice cream, and pizza and pasta. Why? Because this indirectly increases one’s serotonin-the more serotonin we have available the better we feel. Despite these benefits, I wouldn’t suggest going on carb binges anytime soon because there are healthier ways to manage your SAD as you will see here!

Some people are at greater risk of developing SAD than others. Generally, we tend to see it more often in women than men.

Living further from the equator where the nights are longer can also be a trigger. We know SAD can run in families, so one may have a predisposition to develop it. It’s also more likely to hit someone who has a history of depression or mood disorders. Since there aren’t any particular medical tests that can be performed to diagnose SAD, it’s important to know your risk factors. Since the

symptoms of SAD can be similar to the symptoms of other medical conditions, your doctor is likely to perform tests (e.g. blood work) to rule out other medical conditions.

The first line of treatment for moderate levels of SAD is light therapy also known as phototherapy. If you have milder symptoms of SAD, try to get more access to daytime light. The best time for this would be around noon when the sunlight is the strongest.

Even though it might be super cold, put on a coat and try to spend approximately 15 to 30 minutes outdoors. If you going outdoors isn’t feasible, find a window that would be conducive to allow the light to enter your eyes.

For some however, this isn’t enough. When this is the case, SAD is treated with light therapy to reset one’s circadian rhythm using what is a called a “light box.” Basically, it’s a box with bright white fluorescent bulbs with UV radiation filtered out. The typical intensity of this light is 10,000 lux with an average daily exposure of 30 minutes, which is ideally administered in the morning. Since everyone’s circadian rhythm is different, it’s best to take the online self-assessment to determine what time of day administering light therapy would be most beneficial.

To know when to administer light therapy, go to the

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Center for Environmental Therapeutics at www. cet.org and take the self-assessment online titled, “Your Circadian Rhythm Type.”

Although light therapy is one of the first lines of treatment for SAD, there are additional treatments that can also be effective. Keep in mind that sometimes it takes ‘trial and error’ to see which one(s) work best for you.

These include: • psychotherapy • taking antidepressants • exercising • eating healthier • taking supplements (e.g., Fish Oil, Vitamin D, B12, St. John’s Wort, SAMe) • participating in mind-body practices such as yoga, acupuncture, meditation/guided imagery, and massage therapy It’s important to know there is help for those who suffer from SAD. If this describes you, reach out to your medical doctor or healthcare provider to determine if what you are experiencing is SAD. And before you take measures to treat your symptoms, learn about your treatment options.

Resources: Thomas Moran, The Grand Canyon (detail), 1917, oil on canvas.

Bequest of Kenneth S. “Bud” and Nancy Adams.

THE GRAND CANYON

1. Unsure where to buy SAD products? Check out the Center for Environmental Therapeutics and click on the “Shop” tab.

2. Do you enjoy or need to be on your computer until bedtime? Then it’s a MUST that you download f.lux. This filter will automatically adapt your screens brightness to the time of day; it filters out the bright white light that suppresses melatonin so you don’t have problems falling asleep when you want to.

OPENING MARCH 26 The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder and a national park that draws millions of visitors.

The Grand Canyon is a multidisciplinary exhibition filled with art and artifacts that illustrate how people experience this amazing place.

Indianapolis | Visit us at eiteljorg.org

PRESENTED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM:

Frank N. and Patricia L. Owings

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.

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CULTURE

Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center photo courtesy of Indiana Historical Society

Indiana Historical Society Named Smithsonian Affiliate

by Jesse Walker

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is proud to announce it joins a leading group of national museums and cultural organizations as an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The director of Smithsonian Affiliations presented IHS with the mark of distinction at the recent annual Found-

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ers Day Dinner, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis. “We are deeply honored to be part of a select group of organizations that shares the Smithso-

nian’s extraordinary resources,” said John A. Herbst, IHS President and CEO. “This important new partnership not only reaffirms the unique visitor experience offered by the History Center, but assures a future of enhanced programs and enriched exhibitions.”

As an Affiliate, IHS gains access to national treasures, artifacts and art on loan from the Smithsonian’s vast collections. The new partnership also allows IHS to host traveling exhibitions, to collaborate on educational initiatives and membership opportunities, and to participate in professional development programs.

There are more than 200 Affiliates nationwide, acting as ambassadors to the Smithsonian, but IHS is just the second to bring its vast resources to the state of Indiana.

“The Historical Society, one of the oldest in our country, is well recognized for its important collections, engaging exhibits, pioneering research, and high quality, professional staff,” said Harold A. Closter, director of the Smithsonian Affiliations program. “The Smithsonian has a long standing interest in Indiana -- the land and its inhabitants, as well as the technological and artistic achievements that have emanated from the Hoosier State.

We look forward to this new partnership and to the future collaborations that will further illuminate Indiana’s rich history and its impact on America and the world.”

The special announcement by the Smithsonian was the first to honor IHS at the annual Founders Day dinner and awards. The Midwest Travel Writers Association (MTWA) also presented IHS with its 2015 GEMmy Award, recognizing attractions MTWA deems to be gems because they provide travelers with an exceptional experience.

For more information visit www.indianahistory.org.

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

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

FASHION

Positive Thoughts: Q&A with Mondo Guerra

by Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr. Mondo Guerra is a fashion designer who first came to fame in 2010 as a contestant on the eighth season of the reality television show Project Runway. Although he didn’t win, Guerra was a fan favorite, even before he disclosed his HIV-positive status on the show. At that moment he also took on the role of HIV/AIDS activist.

Guerra went through a whirlwind of media attention. Since then, his celebrity profile has certainly increased. He won the debut season of Project Runway All Stars and became a mentor on Under the Gunn (a spinoff series named after Project Runway host Tim Gunn). His designs include apparel, accessories and jewelry.

Guerra has also found a way to connect his design career with his advocacy. In addition to being a spokesperson for “I Design,” an HIV/ AIDS media campaign sponsored by Merck, Guerra is a spokesperson for “Dining Out for Life,” an annual fundraiser sponsored by Subaru, in which restaurants donate proceeds to local HIV/AIDS groups. Five years after publicly disclosing he has HIV, Guerra explains how his life has changed and shares his goals for the future.

What prompted you to get tested for the virus in 2001 at the age of 22?

When I was younger, I believed, like every young person, that I was invincible. I was not making the best decisions. I could feel there was something different about me. So I got tested, and my test came back positive.

After the diagnosis, I was devastated. I grew up in a Latino household and community, and there was never any discussion about HIV/ AIDS, so it was definitely scary to me. I did not know how to deal with it.

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photo courtesy of Q Syndicate

When I was newly diagnosed, I was very ashamed and afraid. I didn’t really seek any support. I hate to say this, but in a lot of ways, looking back now, being raised Roman Catholic, I felt like it was some kind of punishment.

I stayed silent about my positive status even up to when I was in the hospital with pneumonia over Christmas in 2009. With my family and friends visiting me, I asked my doctors not to disclose any information.

They were walking into a room with a bed where I was hooked up to this and that, and in my heart and mind I was dying of AIDS. I still didn’t talk about it. I hit rock bottom, and I knew I had to start taking better care of myself.

I started taking medical advice and the proper treatments that I needed, and I got better very quickly. I had goals. For such a long time before I was in the hospital, HIV was defining who I was as a person and also as a creative.

The creative part of me was dying, so I had no reason to live. This creativity, the outlets where I was able to express myself, I used them to escape, a way to get through the day. This emotional and spiritual support is an important part of keeping me going.

Tell us about your decision to disclose on Project Runway in 2010.

that came from the table that night, and it hurts me still because I didn’t trust them and that made me feel bad.

Speaking of your family, your mom and aunts inspired some of your eyewear.

My eyewear collection is inspired by family and friends. There is a whole set of eyewear that is named after my mom and her sisters. It is my way to give back to them, because they have been so supportive and inspirational. It is the least I can do.

I’ve had the great opportunity to have a reality show competition pivot me into some visibility for my designs. It has been such a blessing to have a crossover between my creative work and my advocacy.

Any collaboration that I do at this point must have some kind of way to give back. So I’m glad that part of the See eyewear proceeds goes to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. It just makes sense to me to be able to do that for others.

What’s next for you?

My revelation on Project Runway was life-changing. It came from fear and turned into a huge sense of responsibility. I walked out on that runway in such a mood, but two hours later I was like, “What are people going to say?”

Right now, I am focusing on restructuring my business. I would love to focus more on my fashion. Advocacy remains dear to me, so I would like more ways to do this crossover of my interests.

I was completely scared, so it wasn’t until four days before the episode aired that I told my parents. My parents still live in the home that I grew up in. At the dinner table, we have assigned seating that has never changed.

I am working on a new show where I am allowed to communicate about HIV and my creative work.

I’m not very sure on the direction of it, but it’s important for me to give inspiration and information to young people.

We had dinner. I knew in my heart – which was beating a million miles an hour – that I just had to come out with it, so I told my parents. “I know” was the first thing my mom told me, that motherly instinct I have always heard about. We talked some more, then my mom said, “I am proud of you.”

This interview originally appeared on POZ.com.

That helped me to talk about HIV/AIDS more. I get very emotional about it still because I felt the love

Oriol R. Gutierrez Jr. is the editor-in-chief of POZ magazine. Find him on Twitter @oriolgutierrez.

This column is a project of Plus, Positively Aware, POZ, TheBody.com and Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service. Visit their websites: www.hivplusmag. com, www.positivelyaware.com, www.poz.com and www.thebody.com — for the latest updates on HIV/AIDS.

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DIRECTORY

ARTS & CULTURE Ball State University, Department of Theatre and Dance Kristin Ramsey (765) 285-8749 www.bsu.edu/theatre Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art (317) 636-9378 www.Eiteljorg.org

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MEDIA & ADVERTISING Optimedia Diana Bell (317) 639-5129 www.optimedia-us.com

PRINTING, MAILING & PROMO Print Resources, Inc. Jason Hoffman (317) 833-7000 www.printindy.com

PRIVATE MEN’S SAUNA CLUB INDIANAPOLIS Aaron Hunt (317) 635-5796 www.theclubs.com

REAL ESTATE Cope Sells Indy Daniel Cope (317) 641-2768 www.CopeSellsIndy.com

UNITE’s LGBT Directory is comprised of local businesses that are either LGBT-owned, or LGBT-friendly. To become part of our directory, email joey@unitemag.com to find out more!

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