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THE BIG PICTURE
A rainbow umbrella unfurls during the Columbus Pride Parade. For a wide-reaching guide on all things LGBTQIA+ in Columbus, turn to p. 63
L U X U R Y F E A T U R E S :
R E S O R T S T Y L E P O O L
T R A C K M A N G O L F S I M U L A T O R S
T H E A T E R
2 4 H O U R F I T N E S S C E N T E R
W I T H P E L O T O N B I K E S
A R C A D E L O U N G E
C O N F E R E N C E C E N T E R W I T H
P O D C A S T I N G E Q U I P E M N T
W O R T H I N G T O N S C H O O L S N o w O p e n !
l i v e p r e f e r r e d . c o m
Opening Volley
JONATHAN KEILHOLZ Writer & LGBTQIA+ Advocate
614 Pride
My friends and I drove into town through downpours. The storms showed no signs of stopping. It was Pride 2015, the theme was “Be the Change” and it was my first time seeing the Midwest’s largest sea of rainbows in my home
Columbus Pride is mostly an outdoor event. So on this day of nearly 100 percent chance of rain, there were no fair-weather friends. The grand marshal was my fellow Cincinnatian Jim Obergefell, whose name—less than a week later—would be on the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized gay
Precipitation was in the air, but so was history.
Our vehicle of 20-somethings arrived safely and—as expected—soaking wet. Despite the flooding that canceled activities, thousands of LGBTQIA+ families, friends, and allies marched along High Street, demonstrating resilience, unity, and wardrobe modifications that kept them equally dry and dapper.
It was awe-inspiring to witness drag queens like Virginia West marching near the Ohio Statehouse. It was electrifying to dance at Union Cafe alongside people who accepted me. And while I felt empowered to embrace my individuality, it was equally beautiful to slip into a crowd of like-minded people and be one of many.
It was a sense of belonging.
I grew up in Cincinnati, studied at Bowling Green State University and—at the time—was working in Toledo. Columbus was never on my radar. But from that day on, it would be. I quickly found a job here. And this year, I bought my first home in Merion Village—largely because of what I saw and how I felt that weekend.
As we mark ten years of marriage equality and ten years since (possibly) the soggiest Pride ever, the LGBTQ community faces greater challenges than the forecast. My mind goes back to that theme: “Be the Change.” I’m reminded of the strength we’ve witnessed and the changemakers who’ve held their heads, flags and signs high.
Columbus, you meant so much to me that day. And you have the power to mean so much to so many. All you have to do is show up. And why not dance
Taylor Dorrell, Camille Witt, Dave Shaw, Jordan Abbruzzese, Melinda Green,
Created by
� STAFF PICKS
Our Staff Picks
The LGBTQIA+ community has taught us all to unapologetically be “out & proud” about what makes us unique. Our staff at (614) Magazine shared some of the aspects they’re most proud of in their lives:
I’m proud of the lifelong friendships I’ve fostered since childhood. I think it takes a special kind of friendship to stay connected as you both evolve over the decades.
— Meghan Chapman, Account Executive
I'm proud of a lot of the things I've overcome, but nothing compares to how proud I am to be a dad!
—Andrew Thomas, Creative Coordinator
I'm proud of the loving relationships I've fostered with my friends and family, and how I support my fellow LGBTQ peeps!
— Meg Rhoads, Creative Designer
I am really proud that I was able to join and be a part of this amazing team!
Navigating post-grad has been scary, but this team has made it so easy and fun. I am so proud of how creative I have become over the years with my work!!
— Liann Trahey, Creative Designer
I’m proud to wear my heart on my sleeve.
— Sav McKee, Associate Editor
I’m proud that, no matter how many times I’ve been knocked down, I have kept getting back up. I’m proud of how much I give to others, and the heart I’ve nurtured despite how dark the world can be.
— Austin Black, Video Producer & Editor
ON the WEB
Do you check your news and entertainment updates on 614now.com? You should. Every day we’re posting Columbus’ top news, entertainment, and sports stories from throughout Central Ohio. Check out all the Columbus news online, including the new ones below at 614now.com and subscribe to our daily email!
COMING SOON
Popular Southern-style fried chicken chain opening third Central Ohio location this summer
Bojangles is opening its third Central Ohio location in Delaware this summer, at 39 Coughlin Lane!
FOOD & DRINK
Popular Mexican ice cream concept opening new Columbus location
Our lives are about to get a little bit sweeter. The Columbus-based life cream shop Dulce Vida announced yesterday that its newest location will open on May 25.
COMMUNITY
World-famous band donates $100k to two Columbus nonprofits
Through their foundation called All Within My Hands, Metallica donated a total of $65,000 to the local nonprofit Worthington Resource Pantry and $40,000 was given to The Open Shelter, a local advocacy center and housing shelter.
PRES S PLAY
614 VIDEO
Did you know that (614) has a YouTube channel with some very shareable video content? It’s true. Scan the QR codes to watch our newest videos, and keep an eye out for more!
(614) INSIDER
Raccoon with a Meth Pipe?!
Headlines we'd never thought we'd say for 500 please...
TASTING COLUMBUS
Beat the Heat with these Artisanal Cold Treats
Summer is heating up, and Jalisco's is one of the best places around to cool off and chill out! Try out their handmade, frozen treats..
#AsSeenInColumbus
king’s
↑ Ryan Ransom, founder and owner of Ransom Supply
← Ransom Supply is collaborating with The Memorial Golf Tournament this summer on a special collection
Find the Cord Collar Jacket in Field Green in stores or online →
The history of American fashion will undoubtedly have to reckon with the pandemic-sparked trend of homemade face masks.
There are mountains of literature on the science behind them and their effectiveness, or lack of effectiveness, in blocking the transmission of nefarious microorganisms. But little has been said about the phenomenon itself as a cultural trend. One Columbus resident offers a curious case that preceded the lockdowns and snowballed into a rather profitable clothing brand.
Before the lockdowns, Ryan Ransom noticed an influx in individuals wearing masks in public. At this point, there was a fear that COVID-19 would spread across the country, but there was no reason to get bent out of shape, not yet. Having asthma, he started to make his own masks at home, partially for his own protection and partially for the fun of it—he’d been working in various aspects of the fashion industry since he was in business school at OSU.
“I was like, ‘Oh, man, do I need one of those?’” Ransom recalled. “I had asthma. My parents were essential workers. I knew how to sew, so I just Googled a mask pattern, chopped up some old fabric, and started posting my results on Instagram.”
Things escalated pretty quickly—both in regards to COVID-19 and the number of people trying to buy his masks. Ryan made
“So I was like, ‘All right, hold on, let me try to put together an actual collection the way I would when I’m working with another client and do a little product campaign, roll it out the right way, do some cool marketing.’”
Photo by Taylor Dorell ↑
Ryan Ransom (left) in Ransom Supply’s new storefront, designed by local interior designer, Liz Dutton (right) ↓
Ryan Ransom holding a stack of Muirfield Village T-shirts, designed in collaboration with The Memorial Tournament ↓
The role of brand founder suited Ryan. Before the pandemic, he lived in Brooklyn (circa 2017) and when he returned to Columbus, he built experience and community in photo studios and creative projects, eventually freelancing for brands like Express, DSW, and Hollister.
As Ransom Supply gained momentum online, Ryan landed his first in-person opportunity at a holiday pop-up at Easton Town Center thanks to a program by the Columbus Fashion Alliance. “I had never worked retail before,” he admitted. “But I called in a lot of favors and I had a bunch of friends help me out. We built this store out in a couple of weeks and, surprisingly, I sold out of everything.”
With that success, Ryan kept the pop-up model alive, hosting popups in temporary spaces with parties and drops. “I think the marketing was really crucial with it,” he said. “It brought people together and it gave them something to do besides go out to the bars.”
That spirit led him back to the Short North in 2023 when he eyed another pop-up in a prime storefront, but the landlord, unfamiliar with the format of temporary pop-ups, wanted a three-year lease. Not interested in committing long-term and unable to convince the landlord otherwise, Ryan walked away. Then Betsy Pandora from the Short North Alliance stepped in.
“I told her my vision, and she was like, ‘That’s exactly what the neighborhood needs,’” he said. Betsy made a few calls and within ten minutes, he got an email: “You still want to do that four-month lease?”
“I was trying to stay sane and help the community. And then because of that, the community supported me.”
Inside the Ransom Supply shop today, its second year in the space, the concept has outgrown its pop-up roots. Modular fixtures, rolling racks, a layout that feels more like an installation than a standard store, were left behind and replaced with a far more permanent feel thanks to interior designer Liz Dutton. The Spring collection, now closing, brought sun-drenched tones and colorful designs, much of it shot on location in the desert again. Next up is the Memorial collection, a collaboration with the Memorial Tournament taking place in Dublin. The brand has released collaborations with other local staples like the Columbus Crew and Parable Cafe .
“I never wanted to be known as the ‘mask guy,’” Ryan told me sitting in the shop. The pandemic was a reason to make masks, to help the community, but the nature of the lockdown sparked a reason to begin a brand.
“I was trying to stay sane and help the community,” he said. “And then because of that, the community supported me.”
To check out the current collection, visit ransom.supply
↑ Ransom Supply’s newly remodeled storefront at 988 N. High St. in the Short North
From washboards and Bigfoot to frogs and pawpaw fruit, here’s
your guide to Ohio’s strangest
summer fun
By Jack McLaughlin
We probably don’t have to tell you this, but a lot of weird shit goes on in Ohio. And we’re here for it. So much so, that we’ve decided to round up some of the state’s strangest and most unique festivals, of which there are many.
Some of these are pretty out there, though. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Story Design by Andrew Thomas
MOTHAPALOOZA
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to see a luna moth, you probably understand why Ohio has a festival in honor of its unique moth species. Created by the Arc of Appalachia non-profit, this annual festival celebrates local moths and conservation with speakers, a “Caterpillar Lab,” and even a late-night moth hunt. Tickets required.
July 18-20, Bainbridge
WASHBOARD MUSIC FESTIVAL
A festival that celebrates the tried and true home implement of the washboard through music, parade, artists and more takes place in the heart of The Hocking Hills region. Visitors to the festival will see clothes hanging from the power lines in Downtown Logan, and even all 24 feet of the world’s largest washboard, located on the side of the Columbus Washboard Co.
JUNE 5-7, LOGAN AUG. 7-10, McARTHUR
HOCKING HILLS BIGFOOT FESTIVAL
Dive into the legend and lore of giant primates in Southern Ohio. Now in its 4th year, the festival features speakers, Bigfoot believers recounting their sightings, and even fun events, like a Bigfoot Beard Competition and a Bigfoot Howl Contest.
VALLEY CITY FROG JUMP FESTIVAL
Self-described as the ”frog jump capital of Ohio,” every year, Valley City hosts a festival where participants are encouraged to catch their frog, and measure its jumps against the jumps of hundreds of other frogs. There’s music and food too, but come on, we’re going for the frogs.
JULY 20-25, VALLEY CITY
PORK RIND
HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Every year in June, the small village of Harrod offers freshly-made pork rinds, cracklings, a parade and a whole host of family-friendly activities. Launched in 1989, as part of the Village’s 100th anniversary, the unique festival also combines pork and pageants, with its annual Pork Rind Festival Princess Pageant.
JUNE 13-14, HARROD
OHIO PAWPAW FESTIVAL
Oranges and apples are great, but we have a special place in our heart for weird, native Midwestern fruit. The Ohio Pawpaw Festival celebrates North America's largest native fruit through a festival each year, complete with a Biggest Pawpaw contest and even a Pawpaw Cookoff.
SEPT. 12-14, ALBANY
BEST OF THE REST
CIGAR FEST
A festival dedicated to all things cigars along the Scioto Mile
June 12-15, Columbus
FIREFISH FESTIVAL
An eclectic arts festival highlighted by the annual burning of a massive, flammable fish
June 12-15, Lorrain
OHIO JEEP FEST
Exactly what it sounds like, a festival dedicated to all things Jeep in Ohio
June 12-15, Chillicothe
TIRO TESTICLE FESTIVAL
EIf you want to try eating testicles, this is the event for you. Oh, there’s also live music
June 13-14, Tiro
MOONSHINE FESTIVAL
Learn all about the popular bootleg alcohol in the former moonshine capital of the world
MAY 23-26, NEW STRAITSVILLE
CLEVELAND
GARLIC FESTIVAL
Food, fun and a whole lot of garlic. Did we mention Cleveland also has a Pickle Festival?
AUG. 23-24, CLEVELAND
A viral couple has traveled the world together for social media, now they launch their next chapter offline, with a sunny cafe in Uptown Westerville
If you’re prone to pretending you're the main character every time you take a stroll to grab a cup of coffee, Begin Café in Uptown Westerville might just be the perfect place to set the scene for your next Saturday morning adventure. The historic space at 8 E. Main St. has been splashed in a cozy butter yellow that will transport you right back to mornings spent in Lorelai and Rory Gilmore’s kitchen in Gilmore Girls
The coffee shop officially opened on May 7th and is already proving to be a success. “There was a line out of the door and down the street!” coowner Kayla Tompkins beamed.
She and her husband, Mike Tompkins, are no strangers to creating hits. The couple created content online for 15 years, making a cappella music that landed them on Ellen and The Today Show, going on to tour with the likes of Elton John and The Jonas Brothers. They met in London, Ontario, in their high school drama club and have moved from Venice Beach to Nashville to Westerville, exploring the globe everywhere from London to Australia along the way. “While we were traveling, one of the things we always did was try to find a local coffee shop,” Kayla recalled. “Those spaces always gave us that feeling of community and home. I really feel that coffee shops draw people in no matter what corner of the world you live in.” →
"...COFFEE SHOPS DRAW PEOPLE IN NO MATTER WHAT CORNER OF THE WORLD YOU LIVE IN."
Story by Camille Witt
Photos by Tyler Jamison Design by Liann Trahey
Uptown Westerville's newest cafe offers everything from PB Toast and Turmeric Lemon Scones to Matcha Lattes
But while their viral success may have been a whirlwind, it’s clear their next chapter at Begin is the one they’re most excited about. The couple had been dreaming about opening a coffee shop in Nashville, but when the pandemic hit and Kayla had their second child, it illuminated their need for support. “We knew that we needed friends, family, and community,” she reflected. The couple had been visiting loved ones for years, spending Thanksgiving, holidays, and birthdays in Westerville. So, they made a bold move. A trusted friend scouted the perfect home for them in town, and they bought it sight unseen. “We’re locals!” Mike joked with a wide grin and a laugh.
Their enthusiasm for Central Ohio quickly evolved into a desire to contribute to the community that had welcomed them. Once settled in, the two connected with a city official to learn how they could get involved. When they saw the shop's location, the dream they thought they’d left in Nashville started to click into place. “I knew this place was special,” Kayla said with a smile.
Maintaining as much of the shop’s history as possible was deeply important to the two, who worked to restore the ornate ceilings and original windows dating back to 1910. “History can’t be manufactured,” Mike shared. They partnered with the Rowe design agency on the design of the store, which helped bring the soft, chic café concept to life.
PB Toast and a Breakfast Cookie from Begin Cafe ←
table when they visit. “I have always been someone who loves to host people,” Kayla confessed. “I am an introvert, but I just love to bring people together at the table to gather and eat. I love feeding people.”
Their shared passion for nourishing others is evident in every item on Begin's menu, down to the roasters they rotate, including Florin and St. Pete for drip and cold brew from Royal Flamingo as well as a selection of espressos, lattes, and other caffeinated treats. Their signature latte, The Garden, is creamy and comforting, with a gorgeous floral blend of chamomile and lavender aromatics, topped with a rose vanilla mist and flower petal sprinkles that just add that little something special to an otherwise ordinary morning. Kayla is excited for customers to give her Turmeric Lemon Scones a try. The weighty pastry is surprisingly light and fluffy, and gives off the same golden glow as the café. →
Saturday, July 12 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday, July 13 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Begin Cafe offers a variety of coffee and tea-based drinks ←
"YOU CAN BEGIN WRITING SOMETHING AND START AGAIN. YOU CAN ALWAYS BEGIN AGAIN."
While Begin is already establishing itself as a morning and afternoon destination, the owners' plans for what’s next extend beyond daylight hours. The two are already dreaming about an evening program for the space. “At nighttime, this place just feels alive. It feels like it’s dancing in here,” Kayla shared as her eyes lit up at the possibility.
After years of planning, seeing customers enjoying their space has been profound. “We both have our own gifts and things that we bring to the table, but we’re both dreamers who can see a vision, and going after this together has been one of the greatest collaborations as a family,” Mike said proudly.
The most surprising aspect of opening the cafe has been the city’s immediate embrace. “Seeing five years of a dream come to reality brought on this wave of emotion,” Mike said. “I think it’s rare to find a place that just feels so community-driven. You can’t manufacture what Uptown is.”
“We did not expect the support that we got,” Kayla added, nodding in agreement. “The community has really rallied around us.” ♦
Begin your day at 8 E Main St. in Westerville with sips and bites that taste as good as they look.
Begin Cafe opened in a historic Westerville storefront in April
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Chef turned restaurant owner, Garrett Talmage, brings a taste of upscale, wood-fired cuisine to Columbus’ Latin dining scene
Victor Lazcano, Chef de Cuisine of Mezcla →
By Camille Witt
When you think of a Mexican restaurant, your mind might instantly start conjuring up images of sugar skulls, sombreros, neon margarita signs, and combo platters dripping in melted cheese. While those traditional, Americanized cantinas are always delicious and fun, Mezcla is excited to bring a more upscale take on Latin cuisine to Columbus.
Entering the new eatery, you’re immediately aware that the concept is here to shed Latin food’s casual persona. The establishment, which was formerly Market IV at 1022 Summit St., now feels more like an upscale bistro in Mexico City than a typical taqueria. The high-arched ceiling that the location is known for has been left intact, and a warm breeze carries the mingled scent of charred garlic and citrus through the dining room. Conversations mix with music that floats above the bar, creating a setting that’s just as sultry as the cuisine.
Behind this atmospheric addition to Italian Village’s dining scene is the mind of Garrett Talmage, whose journey to restaurant ownership began in the humblest of places.
“My first job was as a cook at Waffle House when I was 15 years old,” Talmage reflected on with a smile. But it was in those early days that his true culinary education began — not from formal training, but from the Hispanic and Latino coworkers he shared the kitchen with, who became both his mentors and his community.
“At one of my first jobs working at a corporate restaurant, a group of Latino coworkers shared a ceviche with me that wasn’t on the menu,” he recalled. The experience bonded him with his peers and sparked a curiosity that led him to learn more Spanish and explore Latin cuisine. Talmage, whose parents are both adopted, found a sense of family and identity among the people he worked with in the kitchen. →
↓ Mezcla, located on a cozy corner of Italian Village, also boasts a beautiful patio
Photos by Emma Mortellaro Story Design by Andrew Thomas
Years later, he would go on to work as the executive chef at restaurants like Cosecha and Nada, only becoming more immersed in Latin and Mexican cooking, going on to interview for a chef position at Market IV. He couldn’t have known the space would eventually be where his dream of owning his own place came to fruition, but as fate would have it, the empty shell would become the perfect home for his first restaurant. “I had to use my creative mind. I was ready to do what I wanted to do,” Talmage shared about his journey from chef to restaurant owner.
What separates Mezcla from other Mexican and Latin dining concepts is nothing short of their entire approach to cooking and the format of the restaurant itself. “It could have been a different concept in another city, but it couldn’t have been this restaurant anywhere else,” Talmage explained. “So much of the concept is in the kitchen; the way that it works is very different from anywhere else I’ve been a part of. We don’t have any traditional ovens or a range burner. Everything has to be done on a grill, in our fryer, or prepped in the wood-fired oven.”
The unconventional setup has dictated the menu he and Chef Victor have collaborated to create, lending itself well to Mexican and Latin flavors. Everything is touched by flame or smoke in some way, adding to the flavors that build and link each dish to each other. “Open flame is very important to this type of cuisine in order to get the kind of depth of flavor we offer,” Talmage explained.
The rest of the menu, which is broken up into verduras, mariscos, and carne, is designed for sharing. The classic carne asada comes hot off the grill with more golden tortillas warmly served on the side.
Salsa de arbol and tangy crema de rancho amplify the flavors, making for one of the most tender and flavorsome steak tacos you’ll ever have.
But, if there’s one dish you can’t leave without trying, it’s the scallop tostada. While the menu is expected to change with seasonality and new inspiration, Talmage expects the dish will be a mainstay for the restaurant, already proving to be incredibly popular. And it’s easy to see why – not only is it visually striking — served on a black corn tostada and piled high with diver scallop and cool, comforting coconut avocado mousse, but it’s also a total flavor bomb, dressed with salsa macha, which Talmage described as “Mexican chilli crisp.” It’s the kind of dish that makes you lock eyes with everyone at the table before demanding, “Try this.”
Naturally, there’s an incredible Mezcal menu not to be missed, offering guests the opportunity to explore the smoky, complex spirit. The bar program, developed by Beverage Director Jackson Proctor, has a selection of highly sippable libations, including the Ruby Pool. The drink is crisp, slightly fizzy, and exactly the kind of drink that transports you somewhere warm, sunny, and most definitely poolside.
In a city with an ever evolving food scene, Mezcla has created its own category, bringing the sense of community and love for Latin-Mexican cuisine Talmage discovered in the kitchen in those early days to life through the entire experience, from his team that moves through the space with palpable passion, to the customers who bond over shared dishes. ♦
Savor Mezcla’s unique wood-fired menu at 1022 Summit St. Make a reservation on their website, mezclacocina.com.
“OPEN FLAME IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THIS TYPE OF CUISINE IN ORDER TO GET THE KIND OF DEPTH OF FLAVOR WE OFFER.“
↓ The Alchemista, with añejo, mezcal, cacao, piloncillo, bitters, chocolate and orange
The Aguachile Tatemado, with albacore, cucumber, grapefruit, epazote avocado oil, and fennel →
At Equitas Health, we serve people, not patients.
You are more than a diagnosis or an identity. Your counseling appointment, teeth cleaning, or 3-month PrEP visit is not the only thing on your to-do list. You have days where it feels impossible to put your health goals first, and days when you can.
We are here to help make the difficult days a little easier, and help you get the most out of the good days.
We start by listening. We get to know all of you in order to care for all of you. We hope to earn your trust. We want you to have healthcare that lets you bring your whole self to the table – your mind and your body, your sexual orientation and your gender identity, your race and your culture, your healthcare past and your hopes for the future.
That’s what care for you looks like at Equitas Health. Let’s get better together.
Care for you. ALL of you.
At Equitas Health, we can help you reach your goals. You can build a team of physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, therapists, financial counselors, health advocates, and more. We combine the latest evidence-based practices with cultural humility to make it easy and comfortable for you to get the care you need.
Primary Care
You and your primary care provider will talk about your current health risks and work together to lower those risks with choices that work for you.
Pharmacy
Our full-service community pharmacies are more than just a place to pick up a refill. We’re here to help you get the most out of your treatment.
Dental
Let your smile show how good it feels to be healthy. At Equitas Health, your whole person healthcare can include quality, comfortable, and affordable dental care.
Gender Affirming Care
Wherever you are in your transition and beyond, a compassionate and experienced care team will put you and your goals first.
HIV/STI Testing
Knowing is everything! Whether your result is negative or positive, your HIV/STI check helps you make the best decisions about your health.
HIV Specialty Care
At Equitas Health, we help you build a treatment plan that works for you. Not the other way around.
HIV Health & Housing Support
If you are living with HIV, you may be able to get help paying for health insurance, meds, food, transportation, and housing.
PrEP Care
PrEP is a daily pill that can prevent HIV. Most Ohioans qualify for programs that cover the cost of PrEP and related expenses.
Mental Health Counseling
Life can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. Work with a counselor to address your challenges on your terms.
Survivor Support
Everyone deserves to be safe. We offer support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people who have been the target of violence and abuse.
Recovery & Addiction
Are you concerned about your substance use? When you are ready to begin your recovery journey, we are ready to walk beside you.
Not all services are available in all locations.
There are Equitas Health Community Health Centers & Pharmacies in Akron, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton. Whether you are two blocks or two hours away, there is Care for You at Equitas Health.
Telehealth & Telecounseling
Here are some of the services you can get with on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet with telehealth and telecounseling:
• Same-day sick visits
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A Pharmacy that Delivers
At an Equitas Health Pharmacy, you get people who take time to answer your questions; a call, text, or email when you need a refill; and delivery options for your meds if you live in Ohio or Kentucky (some restrictions apply).
Learn more at: EquitasHealthPharmacy.com
Our Services
Primary Care
• Preventive care and routine physicals
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Gynecology
• Annual exams
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Trans Health
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Wellness & Prevention
• HIV/STI testing & treatment
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Mental Health & Recovery
• Psychiatry
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Pharmacy
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*For those who qualify
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Same-day care for same day needs!
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• And more!
Equitas Health
King-Lincoln Community Health Center 750 E. Long St., Suite 3000 Columbus, OH 43203
Two ways to get the care you need!
(833) 378-4827
Starting at 9 AM on MON, WED, & THU, call to schedule your Express Care visit. Or just walk-in!
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Your donations, volunteer hours, activism, and feedback increase the reach and strength of our programs of services.
To learn how you can get involved, scan the QR code or visit EquitasHealth.com/get-involved
AMatthew Barbee’s management of Lancaster-area Rockmill Brewery shrouded the sprawling, picturesque estate in mystery, causing even die-hard fans to question what was happening at one of the crown jewels of the greater Columbus beer scene.
After the closure of Rockmill's Brewery District Expansion (Bandit Pizza & Pairings, formerly Rockmill Tavern), Barbee announced that the main Rockmill Brewing property in Lancaster was also for sale.
Enter German Village-area real estate developer Austin Caulk, who fell in love with Rockmill around that time, so much so that he proposed to then-girlfriend Taylor Scribner on the property. This led to a conversation with Barbee, the first of many dominoes to fall, eventually leading to fresh ownership and a fresh start under Caulk and Scribner.Throughout a process that
site’s adjacent residence (once Barbee’s home, now home to Caulk & Scribner), securing surrounding land parcels, winning a foreclosure auction and securing the rights to the Rockmill Brewing brand, equipment, and beer recipes, the on-property taproom never closed. Caulk, Scribner & partner investors took full operation of the site on August 1, 2024, capping the achievement with Rockmill Fest that September, a weekend-long beer & music festival, now an annual event.
amazing brand focused on the experience and great beer and we just want to continue to expound upon that and improve upon it,” Caulk said. “There's really nothing like this in Ohio, let alone, arguably, the Midwest.“
and a later ownership change, the beloved Rockmill Brewery is better than ever
↑ Enjoy an ice cold beer on Rockmill Brewing's extensive land
↑ A
bartender pouring one of Rockmill's signature, house-brewed drafts
“WE'RE JUST FOCUSING ON THE PROPERTY, GETTING PEOPLE TO FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH IT AND REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS AND WHAT IT CAN BE.”
The blending of Rockmill Brewing’s past and present can be seen perhaps most strikingly within a taproom menu where time-tested recipes preserved from previous years mingle with fresh experiments, new favorites, and even a rotating seltzer. After taking ownership of Rockmill, Caulk recruited veteran brewers Seth Dumm (Columbus Brewing Company) and Quinn Bartlett (Buzzsaw Brewing) to both honor and evolve Rockmill’s Belgian-style roots.
Core to the Rockmill mythos has long been the water sourced onlocation, said to in large part replicate Belgian water properties. Recent water tests confirmed to Caulk that preserving the use of Rockmill’s unique water source was viable and differentiating in an industry where most breweries use highly filtered water pulled from local municipalities.
“Water is the main ingredient in beer, so kind of like wine, it's an opportunity to give you a sense of
place and kind of beckon to nature a little bit, as opposed to city life,” Caulk said. “Beer doesn't really provide you that often with that opportunity.”
Two canned options, Rockmill’s popular Pilsner and White Ale varieties, are now available via local distribution in Columbus and along Ohio’s U.S. Route 33 corridor. Future plans include using data gained from can, keg, and taproom sales to drive additional distributed options.
Bar and restaurant connections have similarly been rekindled by Caulk, using a personal network of family and friends in the alcohol industry to secure keg distribution to a growing set of outlets including Northstar Cafe, The Little Grand Market and other outlets stretching as far afield as Athens, Ohio.
“The reception has been incredible,” Caulk said. “A lot of people were like, oh my God, we've been waiting for you to contact us. We've had a lot of people contact us too that kind of want
to be the first on the list to get it back. The brand was very strong, so it's been nice to kind of lean on that for sure.”
The structure used as Rockmill’s main bar and taproom between 2012 and 2019 was recently made available for rent through VRBO. The large structure and its five bedrooms can be secured during weekdays and select weekends not otherwise blocked by a growing string of private events ranging from weddings to corporate retreats.
A renewed focus on live music led Caulk and team to install a new lakeside stage area strategically oriented to transform the sweeping hill that borders the area into an amphitheater of sorts. Smaller acts set up inside the brewery’s taproom and every Thursday, local singer-songwriters are given an open mic opportunity with the caveat that all music must be original.
According to Caulk, Rockmill’s formula of great beer, live music, and
scenic surroundings is as potent as ever, with recent weekends “slammed” with visitors. Backcountry Barbecue recently graduated from part-time food truck to their full-time option, open any time Rockmill is open. The property remains open to outside (non-barbecue) food, upholding a long tradition of on-site picnics for families and friend groups.
“We love to see it, families coming down and kind of setting up shop and that's kind of what we want to be is a place for relationships to grow, you know?” Caulk said. “We're just focusing on the property, getting people to fall back in love with it and remember what it was and what it can be.” ♦
“THERE'S REALLY NOTHING LIKE THIS IN OHIO, LET ALONE, ARGUABLY, THE MIDWEST.”
Visit Rockmill Brewery Thursday through Sunday at 5705 Lithopolis Rd. NW in Lancaster.
Rockmill's sweeping outdoor acreage is always a popular haunt in the summer months. Photo courtesy of Blinkslow MKTG →
← From left, Osaka Tan Katsu team member Jessica, owners Eiko Sakamoto and Coz Sakamoto and team member Fatima
A Japanese couple fulfills a decadeslong dream by opening Columbus’ first tonkatsu-focused restaurant in the heart of Downtown
Story by Jordan Abbruzzese
Osaka Ton Katsu isn't usually spelled with a space. For owners Kazutaka “Coz” and Eiko Sakamoto, the break in the traditional Japanese dish is intentional, emphasizing that “ton” means pork and “katsu” translates to cutlet. The Sakamotos wanted customers to know their restaurant specializes in highquality pork–and they take it seriously
The popular Japanese dish consists of breaded, deep fried pork cutlet, served both crispy and juicy with a tonkatsu sauce. At Osaka Ton Katsu, located 194 S. High St. in Downtown Columbus, diners are enveloped in warm smiles and aromas of fried pork, chicken, and root vegetables as they walk through the door. Fresh ginger is grated into steaming tonjiru broth, and house-special sauce is carefully hand-drizzled over ton katsu teishoku.
“We don’t cut corners,” Coz shared. “We cook the way we would cook for our own family. Even though it’s deep fried stuff, we are using tenderloin, not loin. This is the biggest difference…No one tenderizes the pork, but we do. We take the extra step.”
Photos by Aaron Massey
Design by Liann Trahey
↑ Osaka Ton Katsu's Miso Soup
↓ Tonkatsu Teishoku drizzled with housemade Tonkatsu Sauce
↓ The Osaka Ton Katsu Don accompanied by sliced cabbage
The couple embarked on a research journey that involved training with authentic Japanese restaurants in different parts of the country. Coz soon found a restaurant he loved in Hiroshima, owned by an elderly Japanese woman. He began training with her, learning secret recipes, sometimes spending six days of the week cooking. This led to Coz and Eiko considering opening a Hiroshima-style restaurant in Osaka, where they lived.
“This would be like you opening a Chicago-style coffee shop here in Columbus,” Coz laughed.
Eiko spent time learning how to make tofu, regularly training at a tofu factory. When Coz was presented with a job offer in Troy, Ohio, the couple was intrigued by opportunities a move back to the states could bring for their family.
The job ultimately wasn’t a good fit for Coz, so the couple decided it could be time to embrace their dream. They viewed the South High Street spot for sale in late 2024, and found the location beautiful, with white tile lining the walls and plenty of space to build seating for customers. Natural light pours in through the large windows, opening up to the
bustling city sidewalk. The Sakamotos secured the space, and went to work renovating.
Osaka Ton Katsu opened in early 2025 as the only Japanese restaurant in Columbus that specializes in Osaka tonkatsu. Many other Japanese restaurants may offer tonkatsu on their menu with a variety of other dishes, like ramen and sushi, but Coz explains that his concept with Eiko is similar to traditional Japanese restaurants that focus on one type of dish.
“You don’t go to a regular restaurant and have ramen or sushi, you would go to a ramen shop or a sushi shop,” Coz explained. “We wanted to introduce this to Ohio—that there are set ups like this in Japan. Many Japanese people will understand what we are trying to do.”
Columbus is quickly taking to the spot, as Eiko has started to recognize regulars during their busy lunch rush each week day.
“We have a good price for a quick lunch for people
working around the area,” said Eiko.
Eiko also hopes to expand in the future, focusing on options beyond meat and fish. She would like to incorporate an additional fryer, or open a second location that would help them offer vegetarian options and provide halal meat for customers.
For now, Osaka Ton Katsu is regularly filled with Downtown employees, people trying tonkatsu for the first time, long-time tonkatsu fans, or Japanese families and tourists who are thrilled to find a taste of home. And each customer is taken care of by the small team, as Coz and Eiko finally live out their dream. ♦
Try Osaka Ton Katsu at 194 S. High St., and visit osaka-tonkatsu.com for more information.
Pork tenderloin Katsu served with miso soup and rice →
By Jack McLaughlin and
While the Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade is for many the crown jewel of the city’s celebrations this month, Columbus Pride is just as much about the Parade as it is about everything else the city has to offer, from gay bars to queerowned businesses, safe spaces, great drag and a whole lot more.
Stonewall will release its own guide to the Pride Parade (the Parade takes place June 13-14) sometime this month on its website. This year—with the help of KEMBA Financial Credit Union, who proudly recognizes and celebrates the many contributions the LGBTQIA+ community has made to Central Ohio—we’ve cobbled together a wide-reaching collection of all things LGBTQIA+ in the city outside of the Parade itself, where to find them, when to do them, and anything else you need to know.
Consider this your wide-reaching guide to celebrating Pride in Columbus, whoever you are, and whatever that looks like to you. →
Sav McKee Section Design by Meg Rhoads
L IFE'S A
DRAG!
A quick-hitting
As Columbus boasts one of the country’s largest Pride parades, it only follows that the city also claims an incredible drag scene. Especially in the advent of the annual Pride Parade, Columbus drag kicks things up a couple notches. We’ve marked some of the city’s top spots to catch a performance.
AXIS NIGHTCLUB
775 N. HIGH ST.
Billed as Columbus’ largest gay and LGBTQIA+ nightclub, Axis has been an indispensable part of the local drag scene for the last two decades. Axis boasts regular drag events with rotating drag kings and queens as hosts, two floors, and the massive Axis Pride Fest, which is held June 13-14. The festival, which requires tickets to enter, offers all day events and a Star-studded drag lineup.
DISTRICT WEST
145 N. HIGH ST.
Home of the West drag family—including famous drag queens like Nina West and Virginia West—you can’t say “drag” in Columbus without “District West.” Complete with weekly events, like Dragaoke every Tuesday and a drag competition every Thursday, District West also holds plenty of fun one-off events, like their Pride Drag Brunch on June 15.
↓ Photo courtesy of Axis Nightclub
UNION CAFE
782 N. HIGH ST.
A location on on High Street in the Short North, a top-tier patio, and a Drag Brunch every weekend. What more could you ask for than what Union Cafe is offering? Well, how about even more drag events? The popular Short North spot is home to a number of weekly drag series, a recurring Drag Brunch, and plenty of Pride-related events as well.
SOUTHBEND TAVERN
126 E. MOLER ST.
Described as the “best little show bar in Columbus,” Southbend Tavern is definitely not the largest venue on our list, but it more than makes up for this with its event schedule, which is jam-packed with karaoke and drag nights. Southbend Tavern’s own drag queen, Courtney Kelly (described by the bar as “Miss Southbend Tavern"), was even recently named Miss Gay Michigan America.
Photo courtesy of District West ↓
IVAN KANE’S FORTY DEUCE BURLESQUE & SPEAKEASY
3959 BRIGHTON ROSE SQ.
Pizza. And drag. No, we’re not talking about Slammers—this is Ivan Kane’s. Lauded for its regular burlesque shows, Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce features a New York-style pizza spot on one floor, and a burlesque stage on another. While it hosts semi-regular drag nights as
ILLUSIONS DRAG QUEEN SHOW
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
While Illusions doesn’t take place out of a single local establishment, this drag performance production team brings shows across the country. In Columbus, Illusions is hosting several upcoming Drag Dinners (every weekend in June and July, held at The Pearl) and Drag Brunches (every Saturday and Sunday for the rest of the year, held at Park Street Cantina). These shows require tickets, which can be purchased through eventbrite.com.
THE WALRUS
143 E. MAIN ST.
Don’t let The Walrus fool you. While it isn’t explicitly a gay bar, and might seem at first glance like a typical contemporary American bar and restaurant, it’s a hotbed for good drag performances, offering a full slate throughout the month of June, and it even hosted a drag brunch to kick off the Columbus Pride season.
Photo courtesy of Axis Nightclub ↑
Photocourtesyof Union Cafe
↓ A bearded drag queen performs for an excited crowd
THE BEST OF THE REST
JOIN THE
From sports leagues to tabletop gaming, here are LGBTQIA+ friendly clubs and safe spaces to join
ometimes, you might want to go to a different type of gay club, sans drinks and drag shows. Fortunately, there are plenty of those communities here in Columbus, too. →
STONEWALL SPORTS
Turns out, kickball is even more fun when you’re an adult. Stonewall Sports’ popular sports leagues, founded in 2017, boasts nearly 40 teams with over 600 players, and offers a sense of belonging and inclusion to LGBTQIA+ folks and their allies. Stonewall Sports offers seven sports seasons throughout the year, with options like kickball, dodgeball, bocce, yoga, billiards, and cornhole. Here,
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PRIDE GAMERS OF COLUMBUS
This niche group of gaymers offers a space for culture, inclusivity, and community through tabletop games. Pride Gamers of Columbus was founded in 2021, and since then, the nonprofit has built a space for LGBTQIA+ gamers and their allies through regular game nights at “gaming bars” such as Forge Tavern.
Kickball is in season at Stonewall Sports.
Photo by Sarah Pfeifer ↓
Pride Gamers of Columbus mid-session.
Photo by Jordy Middlebrooks ↓
QUEER CLIMBING COLUMBUS
In an effort to combat discrimination and prejudice in the sport of climbing, QCC seeks to create safer spaces where new and seasoned LGBTQIA+ climbers can flourish. They organize two climbing meet-ups a week, usually on Mondays and Fridays at popular indoor rock climbing locations such as Vertical Adventures and Chambers Purely Boulders.
OUTRUNNERS COLUMBUS
Established in 2018 with FrontRunners International, OutRunners Columbus welcomes all people, regardless of sexual orientation or pace, to join a weekly running and/or walking route throughout Central Ohio. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, join in on trails in Worthington and a loop through Olentangy Trail, all with people who accept you as you are.
A distance runner is cheered on during a race ↓
A climber attempts a boulder problem in a climbing gym
COLUMBUS GAY MEN'S CHORUS
Their mission is to increase recognition, understanding, and acceptance of individuals part of the LGBTQIA+ community through a range of vocal, musical, theatrical, and dance presentations. There are four ensembles to join, including the Full Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Illuminati, Vox, and The Columbus Queerscendos.
NRFPT BOWLING
Not Ready for Prime Time Bowling League was founded back in 1978, creating a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ bowlers. The season begins in late summer, and takes place on Monday nights at HP Lanes.
RAINBOW MAHJONG LEAGUE
Club Diversity, an LGBTQIA+ bar located in a historic German Village building, hosts an inclusive Mahjong League. The league is for anyone experienced in the game of Mahjong, or for LGBTQIA+ newcomers who are looking for a unique way to connect with others. The tile-based game originated in China and is similar to Rummy.
Mahjong in action ↑
Friends bowling together ↓
GA STA Y'S Y
HERE TO
From Irish pubs to a popular pizzeria, here are five of Columbus’ most indispensable gay bars
Photos by Jen Brown
The gay bar scene in Columbus is about as eclectic as they come. Our city boasts a gay Irish pub, a steakhouseturned gay bar and an LGBTQIA+ spot where the only thing better than the vibes are the pizza. With June now upon us and Pride season in full swing, we’re bringing you a handful of Columbus’ must-visit Gay bars.
CAVAN’S IRISH PUB
1409 S. HIGH ST.
Irish pub? Check. Gay bar? Also check.
While it might seem like it defies common logic, this popular Columbus spot offers everything from drag to karaoke and gay bingo. What’s more, it also takes a total of zero days off, as it remains open until 2:30 a.m. 365 days a year. Yes, you read that right. Cavan’s, which opened in 2009, is backed by prolific Columbus hospitality operator Matthew Mefferd, who also owns the longstanding AWOL Bar (which opened in 1999) in addition to Olde Towne East Tavern.
SLAMMERS BAR & PIZZA KITCHEN
202 E. LONG ST.
Many outside of the city’s LGBTQIA+ scene likely know Slammers for its pizza, as it's been serving its thin and crispy Columbus-style pies now for more than 30 years. First opened in 1993, it is billed as Ohio’s oldest gay bar, in addition to one of only several dozen lesbian bars in the nation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it even received support from the lesbian Bar Project. With a slogan of “All Walks, One Groove,” Slammers has served as a friendly and welcoming space for any and all over the course of three decades.
↓ Slammers' famous pizza
Marion
Vintage photo albums on display at Southbend Tavern
UNION CAFE
782
N. HIGH ST.
With recurring drag events multiple times each week— including its famous Drag Brunch— and a location in the heart of The Short North, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Union Cafe is a cornerstone of the Columbus gay community. And, you could argue, of the city’s nightlife scene in general, as it routinely stands as one of Columbus’ most frequent Uber stops. With a patio that overlooks High Street, plenty of flat-screens TVs showing an eclectic mix of content (yes, that includes sports) and a popular menu of contemporary American dishes, Union Cafe is nothing short of a Columbus destination.
TREMONT LOUNGE
708 S. HIGH ST.
Originally opened in 1987, Tremont Lounge began as a steakhouse, before becoming the Brewery District Gay bar that it operates as today. In addition to plenty of gay and LGBTQIA-friendly events and a “home bar” atmosphere, the long-standing spot has another very important thing going for it: cheap drinks. Like, really cheap. According to a 2021 interview, owner Billy Halford claimed the concept boasted the cheapest drinks in The Arch City.
“I’ll put it this way: when I moved here in ‘04, we sold beer and domestic drinks for $2 apiece,” he said. “Today, in 2021, we sell beer and domestic drinks for $2.50 apiece.”
↓ Union Cafe's patio is nearly always busy during the month of June
↑ The High Street entrance to Tremont Lounge
From coffee shops to climbing gyms, Columbus is full of ally businesses ready to provide a safe haven to the LGBTQIA+ community, and a whole of fun
While The Arch City boasts its own fair share of LGBTQIA+-owned spots, there are an equal number of businesses that may not be explicitly marked as gay, but are safe spaces for the queer community. Whether that means they’re LGBTQIA+-owned, offer special community events and initiatives, or just boast a particularlyaccepting atmosphere, here’s a list if you’re looking for a safe space to patronize or have a good time.
LITTLE GAY BOOKSTORE
@LITTLEGAYBOOKSTORE
While this explicitly LGBTQIA+ bookshop doesn’t have a physical location, there are plenty of opportunities to check out both them and their queer-focused book collection this month and next. Check their Instagram (@littlegaybookstore) to see where to find them in person for both June and July.
OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT STORE
1230 N. HIGH ST.
The name says most, but not all, of it. Out of the Closet not only serves as an LGBTQIA+-friendly thrift store—boasting cool finds for even cooler prices—it goes even deeper than that. The concept, which operates multiple locations across the country, uses a portion of each purchase to benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit helping those fighting against HIV and AIDS.
↓ An LGBTQIA+ section stands out in a local bookstore
↓ An Out of the Closet rack lined with cool finds, photo by Jen Brown
THE FORGE TAVERN
1375 BETHEL RD.
If you’re looking to socialize with the LGBTQIA+ community but you’re not one for clubbing, you don’t need to worry. The Forge Tavern is an excellent alternative, offering a huge variety of local tabletop games and a welcoming environment. This “boardgaming bar” allows you to grab a few drinks in a much less chaotic setting. The Forge holds its own LGBTQIA+ nights, in addition to hosting regular meetups for The Pride Gamers of Columbus.
FUZZ
3309 N. HIGH ST.
Some of the coolest nails you’ll see in Columbus AND tattoos? Sign us up. Fuzz is a queer-owned and operated independent collective of nail and tattoo artists that calls a fittinglyawesome Clintonville storefront home. So if you want to get your nails done or score a new tat before the parade, you’ll know where to go.
↓ A Fuzz artist works on a client's nails. Photo by Jen Brown
BAKE ME HAPPY
500 E. WHITTIER ST.
What’s better than digging into a handful of gourmet (and glutenfree) re-creations of your favorite Little Debbie snacks (we’re talking Zebra Cakes, Cosmic Brownies, Nutty Bars and more)? How about doing so while supporting a gay and Black-owned business that’s truly concerned with hoisting up its community.
THE ORACLE
1159 OAK ST.
Two words. Candy. Rain. This Olde Towne East hotspot hosts one of Columbus’ most fun and frenzied recurring dance parties: the vinyldriven and retro-focused Candy Rain. The event is a regular hotspot for the Columbus queer community. And it’s a whole lot of fun as well.
↓ Photo courtesy of The Oracle
PARABLE
149 S. HIGH ST.
Not only is Parable Black and queer-owned, it also serves as one of Columbus’ hottest new spots for coffee, baked goods and now—with the addition of its Parable After Dark sister concept that takes over in the evening—cocktails, too. Did we mention they also host a killer jazz night?
THE WALRUS
143 E. MAIN ST.
While The Walrus may appear at first glance to serve as a fairly standard bar and restaurant, it boasts regular drag shows and even a now-popular Drag Brunch. The Downtown eatery also holds fundraising brunches to benefit the Kaleidoscope Youth Center, a Columbus non-profit dedicated to providing free programming, housing and support to the city’s queer youth.
↑ A pour-over from Parable, photo by Aaron Massey
COSI
333 W. BROAD ST.
While COSI’s programming typically caters to a younger demographic, the iconic Columbus museum’s monthly COSI After Dark series is a different story entirely. On June 12, the alcoholfriendly and adult-only event will take place, with this month serving as COSI’s Pride Prom, full of dancing, drag performances, live DJs and a whole lot more. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door.
ZIPZONE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
7925 N. HIGH ST.
If you’re not into dancing or drinking, but you are into sending burly 5.11s with techy cruxes on lead, Vertical Adventures may be the place for you. The OG Columbus climbing gym, Vertical Adventures, offers an LGBTQIA+ climbing night on the 4th Sunday of every month. Not only does this provide the opportunity to meet–and climb with–gay climbers in Columbus, LGBTQIA+ community members can enter on these days for just $9.
Jumping on a zip line is a rush all by itself, so how about cruising through the canopy after dark, and with a special Pride flair? On June 6-7, ZipZone Outdoor Adventures will be hosting a two-hour night zip line session that encourages visitors to celebrate Pride with colors, costumes, and whatever else they see fit. Tickets are $109.
↓ The front entrance to COSI ↓ The scenic view from a zipline
Queens like Nina West may rule the Columbus drag scene, but the Drag Kings of Columbus—including Shawty West and Commander Sins—are showing they’re just as loyal and royal
Say“drag,” and most people don’t immediately jump to the word “king.”
Let’s face it—the art of drag kinging doesn’t make national news very often, and kings don’t usually get the attention that their sister queens do. It may be less visible, but it’s no less elaborate. Kinging is an art form in its own right.
The practice of “male impersonation” isn’t a modern invention; it dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China, where women often played the roles of men in theater. Later, in Europe’s improvisational commedia dell’arte, women commonly portrayed men on stage. And in opera, women took on the roles of young men as the famed castrati (males castrated to preserve their pure, youthful voices) fell out of fashion and the practice was banned.
Today, in the drag community, male impersonation includes trans and non-binary people as well as women. The artistry and illusion is much deeper than centuries ago, when simply putting on pants and a hat might be enough for a woman to pass for a male on stage. Facial hair, a “package,” body language, and the elusive Adam’s apple are essential to the art form.
Like drag queens, kings challenge social norms, explore gender expression, and satirize stereotypes with music, comedy, dance, and flamboyance. Unlike queens, of course, it’s with a decidedly male perspective. The patriarchy is dismantled through comedy. Toxic masculinity is parodied. And, often, kinging simply celebrates male gender expression in all its forms.
For these two local drag kings, the creative opportunities and rewards are endless.
By Melinda Green | Photos by Sarah Pfeifer
Shawty West
UNEXPECTED BEGINNINGS
The performing side of drag came totally by chance for Shawty West.
“I started about 10 years ago, working on set design and a lot of the production side of the drag shows that Virginia and Nina [West] were having. And, during one of the shows, V-Master Chad got sick and was unable to perform—and we couldn't remove his solo,” West recalled.
But, he continued, fortune was on the West family’s side. “[V-Master Chad] and I just so happened to wear the same size everything. So Nina asked if I knew the song that he was doing. And I was like, ‘Oh my God, yeah, I love the song.’”
So Virginia painted his face, and the rest was history. “It was a lot of adrenaline and a lot of nerves. It felt like everything was in slow motion, like, I can see everyone's face, I can see like all the tricks that I was trying to do with [Chad’s] outfit and trying to mimic what he was doing, and seeing Nina and Virginia in the wings, staring, like, ‘How's it going?’ And [afterward] I thought, ‘That wasn't bad.’”
From that first medley as The Princess and the Frog’s Dr. Facilier, West was hooked on performing.
He wasn’t a seasoned performer. He studied traditional visual arts at the School of Performing Arts in Cincinnati and media studies (mainly film) at Columbus College of Art & Design. But now, he’s one of the big names in the Columbus drag king scene.
Part of that is due to his attention to detail, like in his appearance. “I still try to use my skills that I've learned from painting and drawing and apply that to my makeup,” he said. “For example, my beard: it's not just one layer; I put like 3 or 4 different layers of things on it to try to help give it that dimension.”
Today, from designing the posters and ads, to working in the District West office, to creating sets and backdrops, to building costumes out of thrifted items with his drag siblings, he has the skills to (almost) single handedly put together his own full productions, which he loves to do.
“I always start with, ‘What do I want to talk about? What do I think people need to hear and what different messages I can get across and how expressive that can be?’ And then I start visualizing everything and create an ad or a poster and try to make it feel kind of like a movie, and start adding the little pieces together,” he said. And, little by little, those pieces become his full-fledged works of art. →
←You can catch a Shawty West performance at District West
Commander Sins A CANVAS OF A DIFFERENT SORT
His Instagram description reads “Drag King | Trans | Demon.” For Commander Sins, the “emo kid phase” never left.
“I live in this horror alternative [world],” he said. “I take a lot of inspiration from horror movies—Hellraiser is probably one of my favorites to pull from. I do a lot of music from Queen of the Damned
“And then, I am an emo kid through and through,” he continued, laughing. “[It] never was just a phase. It never left. Still wearing black today. I like to do a lot of Green Day, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Good Charlotte, all these emo bands that just spoke to me as a kid and never left.”
Born and raised in Tucson, Commander moved to Ohio and studied drawing and painting at Bowling Green State University. There, at a drag show, he met the first of his two drag moms.
“I ended up being in a duet with her. And I enjoyed being on stage and having a different art form,” he recalled. “She was like, ‘If you really like it, look up Landon Cider. These are your possibilities as a king.’ And I have been doing this now for 10 years.”
Today, he works to push the envelope. He comes up with ideas and new “demons” daily— thousands over the course of his career so far.
“I like to say that I have a ‘staple’ face that no one ever knows because it's never the same,” he said. “I've done a lot of clown looks. I've done a lot of demon looks. I have a few like general “safe” looks where it's just a natural base. But I do love playing with colors and changing it up.”
He continued, “Over the years, I've learned to use [drag] as an extension of my canvas. If there's something that I want to create but it doesn't seem right on canvas, I will put it on stage instead.”
Still, the process is much the same. “If you're looking in the mirror, it's like you're painting right directly to a canvas,” he continued. “I even use paint brushes to put makeup on my face. Like, I don't use real makeup brushes.”
He explained, “That's definitely where my painter's side comes out—when I paint my face. I watch myself become the character that I'm going to be that night, whatever demon I decided to do that day. I enjoy the process of watching my face go from my everyday face to whatever I end up being, whether I'm blue, purple, red, green, you know, whatever it is. I enjoy that moment of seeing the transformation.”
And, for this grown-up emo kid, watching that transformation is the best thing about being a drag king. ♦
Follow @_shawtywest and @commandersins on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming performances.
“OVER THE YEARS, I'VE LEARNED TO USE [DRAG] AS AN EXTENSION OF MY CANVAS. IF THERE'S SOMETHING THAT I WANT TO CREATE BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT ON CANVAS, I WILL PUT IT ON STAGE INSTEAD.”
Explore 150 Years of Ohio History!
Historic Zoar Village
One of America’s most successful communal settlements and now a National Historic Landmark District featuring original 19th-century architecture. historiczoarvillage.com | 330-874-3011
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Walk in the footsteps of American Heroes and visit our National Historic Landmark Museum featuring rich WWII canteen and railroad history.
dennisondepot.org | 740-922-6776
Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens
Features stunning wooden carvings and gardens honoring the “World’s Master Carver’s” lifelong artistry and attention to detail.
warthermuseum.com | 330-505-6003
Fort Laurens Museum
The site of Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, which features a museum, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an outline of the original fort.
fortlaurensmuseum.org | 330-874-2059
250 Buckeye Train & Transportation Celebration
Join us for the 250 Buckeye Train & Transportation Celebration on April 25 and 26, 2026, showcasing Ohio’s rich history of planes, trains, and automobiles!
america250-ohio.org/ 250-buckeye-train 740-922-6776
Reeves Victorian Home Museum
A beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion showcasing Victorian-era life, décor and Dover history.
doverhistory.org | 330-343-7040
Quintessentially Midwestern and irrefutably awesome, these five Great Lakes dune getaways are a summer staple worth driving for
By Laura Hennigan
THE DUNES
← Ride ATVs at Silver Lake State Park, located in Mears, MI
Design by Andrew Thomas
Planning a summer vacation can be a tough decision, especially if everyone has a different opinion about where to go. Should you choose a beach, with miles of shoreline and breathtaking sunsets over the water? Or would the mountains be better, with plenty of hiking trails and incredible views from the top?
Amazingly, not only can you have the best of both worlds, but several of these picturesque locales are within driving distance of Central Ohio. Enter sand dunes: nature’s answer to the perfect balance of tranquility and adventure. Think beautiful scenery, charming small towns, winding, hilly drives and a wide range of activities for everyone.
Once the glaciers that carved out the Great Lakes had melted away, they left an abundance of sand behind. Over time, waves pushed this sand towards the shore and then westerly winds blew it to form towering dunes. The majority of Midwest sand dunes are located along Lake Michigan, which has the largest collection of freshwater dunes in the world. They encompass more than 275,000 acres statewide and are even visible from space.
There are many options for visiting sand dunes, so we’ve done the legwork and rounded up the top spots for your summer getaway. →
↑ Silver Lake Land Dunes in Mears, MI
Curtis Sittenfeld, Author
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is one of those special places that immediately feels like home. Here, you can tour a nostalgic summer town and go from indoor pool to outdoor pool and back. Ready to watch a perfect sunset melt into the lake? THE TIME IS NOW.
Sleeping Bear Dunes (Empire, MI)
Sleeping Bear, the Midwest’s most popular sand dune, was named “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America. Near Traverse City in Northwest Michigan, it draws summer crowds. Drive Pierce Stocking Trail to the 450-foot observation deck for stunning views— but beware, rescues from the steep slope cost $3,000.
Dunes (Sawyer, MI)
Just 20 miles north of the Indiana border, Sawyer, Michigan offers small-town charm with antique shops, a great brewery, and Warren Dunes State Park. The 1,000acre park features dunes, forest, wetlands, two campgrounds, and water ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding. Hang gliding is also allowed with a permit.
State
Yes, Wisconsin has dunes. North of Milwaukee, KohlerAndrae State Park features scenic dunes, beaches, and forests full of wildlife. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and over 100 campsites. The standout Dune Cordwalk Trail winds through the sand on wood-plank paths. The park also offers a nature center, guided walks, and seasonal events.
Located along Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, this scenic area—home to Hart, Mears, and Pentwater—is the only place east of the Mississippi where you can legally ride offroad vehicles on 450 dune acres. You can also sandboard, horseback ride, bike, climb Little Sable Point Lighthouse, or relax on nearby sugar sand beaches.
Just 30 minutes southwest of Warren Dunes, Indiana Dunes National Park is an ecological gem and the fourth most biodiverse U.S. national park. Explore forests, bogs, and beaches with 1,100 plant species and nearly 400 bird species. While Mount Baldy is closed to climbers, plenty of other dunes are open for fun and relaxation.
"THOSE DUNES ARE TO THE MIDWEST WHAT THE GRAND CANYON IS TO ARIZONA AND THE YOSEMITE TO CALIFORNIA. THEY CONSTITUTE A SIGNATURE OF TIME AND ETERNITY."
Warren
Kohler-Andrae
Park (Sheboygan, WI)
Indiana Dunes National Park (Porter, IN)
Silver Lake Sand Dunes (Mears, MI)
↑ Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire, MI
Carl Sandburg, Writer, in a 1958 letter to Senator Paul Douglas
How a gay couple in German Village more than a half-century ago paved the way for acceptance, and defied expectations along the way
By John M. Clark
Story Design by Andrew Thomas
↓ Howard Burns and Fred Holdridge were both lovers and business partners, opening Hausfrau Haven in German Village together, which is still there today
It must have been love at first sight on that summer night in 1951 when Fred Holdridge and Howard Burns briefly exchanged glances at a small bar in Chicago. Just a few hours later, the two were making out along a nearby “lovers’ lane” in Howard’s brand-new Oldsmobile convertible. But when a police car with lights shining pulled up behind them, the young couple couldn’t believe their incredible, bad luck.
Homosexuality was illegal then. Even a hint of what happened that night would certainly cause the men to lose their jobs with New York Central Railroad and, quite likely, their families, too. The cops told them not to worry; all they needed to do was hand over Howard’s car and they wouldn’t say a word. “Well, they’re not getting my car,” Howard said under his breath. Heated negotiations ensued, finally leading to a compromise. The officers would accept $100. And because neither of the men had that much cash on them, the police had to take a personal check.
Not the most auspicious start to a romance that would last more than 50 years. But it was one the future “mayors” of German Village would often reflect on when the topic of gay relations came up. Whether it was running a kitschy general store called “Hausfrau Haven,” washing cars or managing their real estate investments, Fred and Howard determined the best way for them to lead their lives was to respect everyone, to be friends with anyone who needed a friend, and to counsel other young, gay men who just needed a shoulder (or two) to lean on. →
Fred + Howard
It was no secret to anyone who knew them that Fred and Howard were a gay couple. But they rarely talked about it. They went about their business of instilling some excitement into the community – starting theater companies, selling The New York Times and “bawdy” greeting cards at their store, staging bed races on Beck Street, and cultivating hundreds of relationships along the way. Perhaps above all else, Fred and Howard became the gay couple that even straight people at the time enjoyed having as friends.
Long-time friend and biographer Beth Ervin recalls Fred and Howard’s stories about moving to the Columbus area, eight years after they first met. “They bought a house on Sunbury Road, near Alum Creek,” she said. “And, also, a four-unit apartment building. And then a car wash in Delaware. But their employees soon quit, and they found themselves doing manual labor … for three years.”
Eventually, the pair wound up in German Village, running a small, coin
laundry and trying to figure out how to keep the connected grocery operating so that it wouldn’t be re-zoned as residential. All the while, they became invested in this new urban community that was being called “historic” German Village, and making friends every which way they turned.
“At first,” Fred told Beth, “Our best customers were the kids who came in to buy penny candy.” Then, they realized there was a market for The New York Times south of Broad Street for inexpensive wines and for dirty greeting cards. “Every time two people would ask for the same thing, we would write it down on a pad by the register. That’s how we expanded our inventory.”
Then, there were the novelty items that everybody talked about. One gentleman stopped in to buy picnic supplies for his children and him. After picking out a redcheckered tablecloth, he found that Fred and Howard had a bag of plastic ants for sale beneath the counter. They sold a wicker coffin…but just one. As soon as the
“THEIR ENERGY ENVELOPED THOSE AROUND THEM AND CREATED A MOVEMENT STEEPED IN CIVIC PRIDE (AND) A SENSE OF COMMUNITY.”
fun had worn off for one buyer, he would return it and someone else would lay claim to it.
By now, Fred and Howard had moved to an apartment above Hausfrau Haven in the building they owned. There was no question the two were romantically, as well as professionally, involved. But no one seemed to mind.
As a young gay man in his 20s, Norm Hall was one German Village resident who loved stopping by the store. “They always had music playing – the old standards, which made everyone feel welcome,” he said. “What really was amazing to me were their friendships. They had more straight friends than gay friends. And all these straight people knew they were gay and absolutely loved them.”
Later, in 2001, Fred Holdridge and Howard Burns received what they thought was an unusual request. The Columbus Dispatch wanted to use the occasion of their 50th year together for them to “come out” as gay. They both thought it was a silly idea, as surely that was no secret to anyone.
Finally, though, they obliged. And thus, the entire city was given the opportunity to honor these two old men who had meant so much to so many. Howard, who had been in declining health, died a few months later at the age of 80. Fred continued carrying the torch for mutual friendship and respect until 2010, when he passed away at 86, surrounded in his apartment by long-time friends as they listened to Frank Sinatra.
“It was worse than losing family members when they died,” Dodrill recalled. And from Hall, “People loved them and wanted to know what they had been doing. Because if they were doing it, it had to be fun and amazing.”
A few years after their deaths, Fred and Howard received a commemorative plaque on the front of their former general store, Hausfrau Haven. It reads, in part, “Their energy enveloped those around them and created a movement steeped in civic pride (and) a sense of community.” ♦
← Fred & Howard's commerative plaque outside of Hausfrau Haven
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