2015-11-01 Outlook Ohio Magazine by Outlook Media, Inc

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The Voice of Ohio’s LGBT and Ally Community

THE Trans ISSUE T S HE

TATE OF THE

TRANSGENDER FIGHT FOR EQUALITY

R EMEMBERING & C ELEBRATING TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

ASHTON COLBY

TRANSITIONING ON YouTube

CINCY & COLUMBUS:

LGBT FILM FESTIVALS

ANDY COHEN THE OUTLOOK INTERVIEW

vol 20 • issue 6

november 2015

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november 2015

Outlook Magazine: Celebrating 20 years!

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Thanks to all our advertisers and readers for two decades of support! You rock!

november 2015

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vol 20 • #6

The Trans Issue 4 6 8 9

10 12 14 16 18

28 31

32 34 37 39 40 41

42 44 45 46

you are here snapshot

qmunity briefs

qmunity: bisexual awareness day qmunity: flag wars

polisigh: cleveland restrooms

insightout

in the shade

feature: state of the trans union

feature: trans health care feature: transitioning on youtube

feature: celebrated & remembered creative class: LGBTFest

creative class: OutReels Cincinnati

deep inside hollywood interview: andy cohen

calendar: columbus calendar: dayton

calendar: cincinnati calendar: toledo

calendar: cleveland

savage love

the divine life

puzzle & toons

next month:

The Holiday Issue on the cover:

Photographer Marcus Morris captures YouTube blogger Ashton Colby, whose story appears on Page 24. To view more of Marcus’s work, visit marcus-morris.com.

november 2015

you are here

PUBLISHER Christopher Hayes

The New Reality

A few weekends ago I was engaging in a binge-a-thon of reality TV, which I often do when I don’t feel like doing anything else, which I often don’t.

But at the same time, I do think the rising level of respect, acceptance and understanding of trans people will have real consequences.

Atlanta Plastic, a Lifetime show that follows three Atlanta plastic surgeons and their patients, had caught my eye. One, the doctors were cute. And two, well, see No. 1.

More Americans than ever know someone who is transgender, a trend that certainly helped gay and lesbian people in the struggle for tolerance and civil rights. There are trans celebrities who grace magazine covers, garner Twitter followers and influence public attitudes.

The patients were an, umm, interesting parade of reality-show oddballs: a woman with a ZZZ cup who just wanted a tummy tuck, a Michael Jackson impersonator who wanted a nose like the late King of Pop’s, a man who wanted a bigger penis but ended up recording a song about his small one.

I’ve heard it said more than once that the trans community is where the gay and lesbian community was 30 years ago - just at the cusp of widespread public acceptance.

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS Bob Vitale / Chad Frye

HEADQUARTERS Outlook Media, Inc. 815 N High St, Ste G, Columbus, OH 43215 614.268.8525 phone / 614.261.8200 fax SALES Chad Frye / cfrye@outlookmedia.com Mike Moffo / mike@outlookmedia.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media - 212.242.6863 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bob Vitale / bvitale@outlookmedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Erin McCalla / erin@outlookmedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Merisa Bowers, Alisa Caton, Luke Darby, Debé, Orie Givens, Andrew Keller, Erin McCalla, Romeo San Vicente, Dan Savage, Regina Sewell, Debra Shade, Jennifer Swann, Brynn Tannehill, Bob Vitale ART DIRECTOR Christopher Hayes / art@outlookmedia.com

Then came Vladimere, who came to see Dr. Baron about getting a double mastectomy. He was transgender, middle-aged with a longtime girlfriend. He looked confident and selfassured on the outside but didn’t feel that way inside. His story was touching and sweet. I cried as he cried when he saw a post-surgery reflection in the mirror that matched his own image of himself. As a gay man who came out in his 30s, I could relate to the joy of finally feeling like my true self. But I also was moved because Vladimere’s story was presented without the usual recordskipping sound effects and quizzical stares at the camera that are staples of reality TV when presenting something or someone out of the ordinary. Vladimere wasn’t comic relief, he wasn’t a freak show, he wasn’t an oddball. He was what the Atlanta Plastic doctors said makes them love their jobs. He was a person they could help to feel better, happier and more confident. I don’t want to brush aside the real issues and dangers that confront the transgender community when I express hope about the changes we’ve seen over the last few years. The sheer numbers and horrific details of the murders of transgender Americans over the last year are once again part of our November issue. The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance will be observed in ceremonies across Ohio and the world this month. It’s a day that makes me sad and angry.

That seems to be the case within our broader LGBT community as well. I see more PFLAG and GLSEN chapters putting issues of gender identity front and center in their educational and support missions. I see more LGB people acknowledging that it’s time to focus our collective efforts on the health and safety of our transgender friends and allies. And I see more L, G, B and T youth embracing the label of queer, not just as a simpler umbrella term for us all but as a sign of solidarity among sexual minorities whose journeys often follow the same path.

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Jessica Campbell, Mandee Johnson, Jennie Key Photography, Marcus Morris, Andrew Spear, Lauren Wade CYBERSPACE outlookohio.com outlookmedia.com networkcolumbus.com twitter / fb: outlook ohio Outlook is published and distributed by Outlook Media Inc., on the first day of each month throughout Ohio. Outlook is a free publication provided solely for the use of our readers. Any person who willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than 5 copies of any issue of Outlook with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading it shall be considered guilty of the crime of theft. Violators will be prosecuted.

Outlook is committed to telling the stories of everyone in the LGBT community. This Transgender Issue is our second, but we make a concerted effort in every issue to put transgender people and issues in the spotlight.

The views expressed in Outlook are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or personal, business, or professional practices of Outlook Media Inc., or its staff, ownership or management.

In 2016, we plan a special issue to highlight issues and achievements of the women in our community. We’re also making greater effort to be more inclusive of our often-overlooked bisexual friends.

Outlook Media Inc., does not investigate or accept responsibility for claims made in any advertisement. Outlook Media Inc., assumes no responsibility for claims arising in connection with products and services advertised herein, nor for the content of, or reply to, any advertisement. All material is copyrighted ©2015 Outlook Media Inc., All rights reserved.

In my three years at Outlook, I’ve always looked at our mission as not just informing LGBT people but also as educating our straight allies about the LGBT community.

puzzling solution - puzzle on pg 46

But more and more, I have come to realize we also exist to help those of us who are gay, lesbian, bi or transgender learn about each other. After all, reality TV can only teach a person so much. Bob Vitale Editor-in-Chief

TransOhio: 614.441.8167 or transohio.org.

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Thanks to all our advertisers and readers for two decades of support! You rock!

november 2015

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snapshot

KYC Garden Party, Columbus 09/27/15 photos: Jennie Key Photography

Coming Out Day 10/09/15 @ Capital University

Network Columbus 10/14/15 @ Griffin Gallery november 2015

Heartland Trans* Wellness Group: 513.549.4447 or transwellness.org.

Sherrod Brown with LGBT activists 10/05/15

Equality Toledo 10th Anniversary Party 10/10/15

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Thanks to all our advertisers and readers for two decades of support! You rock!

november 2015

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qmunity Cleveland Woman’s Murderer Confesses Delshawn Carroll will serve 18 years to life in prison, The Plain Dealer reported. Stergis, 22, was found in her car on Dec. 6, 2013, one day after another transgender A 20-year-old Cleveland man woman was found beaten to confessed in October to the death in her apartment in 2013 murder of Brittany Ster- Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn gis, a young transgender neighborhood. Police have woman who was shot to made no arrests in the murdeath inside her car on der of Betty Skinner, 52, but Cleveland’s West Side. have said the two murders

weren’t related. Carroll had been scheduled to go on trial on Oct. 14 for Stergis’ murder, but he pleaded guilty on Oct. 3. The Plain Dealer reported that authorities linked him to the scene through DNA and cell-phone records. Shell casings also matched a gun owned by one of Carroll’s relatives.

We are Pleased to Announce On the eve of the supermoon eclipse, September 26, 2015, local history was made at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. William Archibald and Michael Justice were married at the festival. It was a perfect venue for these two Lords as they gathered family and friends to participate in their celebration of love.

heart, a time to dispel outdated beliefs about ourselves and rise from the ashes with a renewed spirit of self-acceptance.”

professed their love of God and each other and their union was blessed. The Lords kept their plans simple yet adorned the service with majestic pieces. Lord William Archibald designed and tailored the fine raiment worn by the Lords, Groomsmaids and parents. A piper and two drummers led a magical procession of family and friends through the village to the 16th century English chapel where the wedding occurred.

Facebook reported, “The blood moon of Sept. 27, 2015, will ignite the fires of transformation, sparking a radical shift on both the individual and collective level of our consciousness. This is a These Lords, with the help of Weather, venue and family call to action for inner revolu- the Ohio Renaissance Festi- came together for a perfect tionaries and warriors of the val, did just that. They openly day of celebration.

Around Ohio

Cincinnati: The Kroger Co., the seventh largest employer in the United States, said in October that it would begin offering transition-related healthcare benefits to transgender people who are among its 400,000 workers. Cleveland: You love them; they drive you nuts. Now you can celebrate/commiserate with your fellow Browns fans through the team’s first officially sanctioned LGBT Browns Backers group. Browns Fans With a Twist watches games every week at Twist Social Club, 11633 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland, 44102. Columbus: Gay 4 Good once again will help the Mid-Ohio Food Bank build red wagons for the holidays. They’ve scheduled the work for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8a-noon and hope to assemble 800 wagons this year. The wagons are toys for children that are filled

november 2015

Dayton: The Greater Dayton LGBT Center already is thinking about Pride 2016. Message the group via Facebook if you’re interested in helping out. Springfield: First United Church of Christ voted in October to become an open and affirming congregation for LGBT people. The church (500 E High St, Springfield, 45505) said that members voted “with love in their hearts ... to embrace the inclusive message of Jesus.” Toledo: Keep Googling! The Toledo Area Transgender Support Group says it’s about to launch a website. TATS already is on Facebook as TATS: Toledo Area Transgender Support.

Conversion Therapy on the Chopping Block Leelah Alcorn, a 17-year-old transgender girl from suburban Cincinnati who killed herself in December 2014 by walking into traffic on a busy highway had been subject to conversion therapy.

For the second legislative session in a row, a group of Ohio lawmakers has proposed banning so-called conversion therapy in the state. Bills introduced in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate would prohibit doctors, nurses, psychologists, counselors, social workers and family therapists from any efforts aimed at changing the sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression of children younger than 18. Four states - California, Illinois, New Jersey and Oregon - have banned conversion therapy, and federal courts have upheld challenges to the laws.

with food for their families. Go to FB: Gay for Good - Columbus, OH for details.

The idea that health professionals can change someone’s orientation or identity has been thoroughly discredited, and the practice has been condemned by the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association and other groups.

National Center for Transgender Equality: transequality.org.

President Obama denounced the practice earlier this year, and US Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced a federal resolution condemning such therapy. A bill introduced in the Ohio Senate in 2013 never received a hearing or vote. Sens. Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus) and Edna Brown (D-Toledo) have reintroduced their proposal, which was assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. It’s Senate Bill 74. House Bill 247 was assigned to the House Health and Aging Committee, which includes the only two openly gay members of the state legislature: Reps. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Tim Brown (R-Bowling Green). The primary House sponsors are Reps. Denise Driehaus (D-Cincinnati) and Debbie Phillips (D-Albany). Cosponsors are Antonio, as well as Reps. Heather Bishoff (D-Blacklick), Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent), Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), Greta Johnson (D-Akron), Michelle LeporeHagan (D-Youngstown), Dan Ramos (D-Lorain), Michael Sheehy (D-Toledo), and Kent Smith (D-Euclid). outlookohio.com

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New Royalty Crowned for Cincinnati Troupe Alana Reign and Owen Cash were crowned as Reign posted: “Wow, what can I say but wow the 24th empress and emperor of the Impe- ... [for] the outpouring of love and support rial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buck- from my ICS family and the local friends and family.” eye Empire, a Cincinnati drag group that performs to The ISQCCBE hosts performraise money for local chariances throughout the year in ties. Southwestern Ohio to help nonprofit organizations that They won the titles at Coroare important to the LGBT nation XXIV, a weekend-long community. Among them: celebration that took place Caracole, Heartland Trans in early October. Wellness Group, GLSEN Greater Cincinnati, Planned “Two-and-a-half years ago I Parenthood-Southwest showed up at Cabaret. ... I didn’t know that I would get photo: Ron Comstock Ohio’s HIV Project, the Amerpulled into one of the greatican Foundation for Suicide est second families in existence,” wrote Cash, Prevention Cincinnati Chapter, PFLAG Cincinwho’s called the First King of the Queen City. nati and the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati.

AIDS Coalition Sessions to Empower Advocates The Ohio AIDS Coalition, which for almost 30 years has advocated on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS, is hosting four two-day sessions around the state to help people advocate for themselves.

Adrian Neil Jr., programs coordinator for the Ohio AIDS Coalition, said the goal of the program is to not only give people the information and skills they need to advocate on issues affecting people with HIV/AIDS, but also to give them platforms to put their new skills to use.

Columbus Attorney Attends DC Briefing for Bi Leaders by Merisa Bowers On Sept. 21, the White House Office of Public Engagement hosted more than 80 advocates from the bisexual community, kicking off this year’s national Bisexuality Awareness Week. The policy briefing brought together community leaders and federal officials to discuss the need for inclusion of bisexual people in federal programs and policies. My conversations focused on the need for competency, understanding and data collection that distinguishes among sexual minorities. At the briefing, I reconnected with bisexual attorneys from across the country, primarily discussing employment-related issues. We discussed the strength of federal policies in influencing privatesector practices and what can be done within employee resource groups or pride groups at private companies to be inclusive of bisexual people.

The policy briefing also brought together government officials and local acProject HEAL, which tivists from across the country to address stands for Hope, Empowtopics such as federal hate-crimes law, immierment, Advocacy and A “networking café” will put gration, health policy and research, and youth Leadership, began in Octhem in touch with leadership programs. Attendees participated in discustober with a session in opportunities. sion groups focused on eight topics during Columbus. Others are breakout sessions. Each group then reported planned for Nov. 14-15 in Cleveland (Marriott Visit ohioaidscoalition.org for more informaback on key concerns or strategies addressed Downtown at Key Center), Dec. 12-13 in tion about Project HEAL and to register for the by them. Cincinnati (location TBD), and Jan. 9-10 in summits. Attendance is limited to 25 in each Dayton (Miami Valley Housing Opportunities). location. One of the most moving personal stories was shared by Apphia Kumar. Apphia spent six years as a bisexual activist in India. She was Etheridge Performs for Women’s Prison Inmates stalked and threatened, including threats of sexual and physical violence. singing her hit, “A Little Bit of Me.” She visited the prison in Marysville on Oct. 7 to return the favor. The singer performed for 30 minutes, according to USA Today, and she shared words of encouragement for the women. On Twitter, she said the experience was amazing. When she visited Columbus in May to speak at the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio’s annual “You can change the world and I want to infundraiser, Melissa Etheridge saw a video of spire you to do that,” she told the women. “I inmates at the Ohio Reformatory for Women want to fill you with that.” outlookohio.com

When she first came to the United States, she didn’t know she could apply for asylum. Although many asylum seekers are bisexual, Apphia’s was the first-known claim for asylum in the United States based on bisexual identity and her LGBT advocacy in India. She was granted asylum, but there is no guarantee of a stable and safe future for her. I was honored to be invited to attend the White House policy briefing because of my involve-

Kaleidoscope Youth Center’s Genderscope: 614.294.5437 or kycohio.org.

ment in local LGBTQ advocacy. In 2013 I cofounded Bi Local, a Columbus group affiliated with Equality Ohio, to raise visibility and advocate on behalf of the bisexual, pansexual and queer community of Central Ohio. Used in policy and community contexts, bisexuality is a broad term that people use by itself or with other identity labels. Bisexuality is commonly defined as “the potential to be attracted - romantically and/or sexually - to people of more than one sex and/or gender, not necessarily at the same time, not necessarily in the same way, and not necessarily to the same degree.” Although studies show that bisexuals make up roughly half of the LGB community, the bisexual community is often invisible. Not everybody who is attracted to more than one gender describes himself, herself or their self as bisexual. There are many reasons for not identifying as bisexual, including negative stereotyping, different cultural understandings of sexuality, and a desire to be accepted by either the lesbian and gay community or the straight community. Bi Local founders Cate Stock and Kelly Francone, along with me and other volunteers and supporters, are working to help folks feel accepted and visible in the LGBTQ community. Kelly and OSU graduate student Stefanie Best spoke at the Central Ohio LGBTQ Health Equity Conference on bi-erasure and bi-phobia in healthcare on Oct. 30. Bi Local hosts meet-and-greets at Bossy Grrl’s Pin Up Joint (2598 N High St, Columbus, 43202) on the second Thursday of every month. We also host bimonthly roundtable meetings at Equality Ohio on the third Sunday. Visit bilocal614.org or FB: Bi Local. Merisa Bowers is a proud native daughter of Ohio, raised in Canton and crisscrossing the state for school and career in Cincinnati and Cleveland. She now maintains a law practice in Columbus that focuses on family law and criminal defense. You can find more on her website - yes, it needs to be updated - at MerisaBowersLaw.com.

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qmunity

A New Battle in Olde Towne 12 Years After Filmmakers Documented Tensions Between Gay and Black Residents in Columbus’ Olde Towne East, Neighbors Unite Against Big Developers

Chief Baba Shongo Obadina

Story by Andrew Keller Photos by Andrew Spear This Nov. 1, as part of a celebration of its Film/Video Residency Program, the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus will screen Flag Wars, a documentary chronicling gentrification in the city’s Olde Towne East neighborhood. The 2003 film portrayed the issue through the lens of identity politics, framing the story with images of the flags of both the LGBT and African-American communities 10

november 2015

that residents hung from their homes. Go to a meeting of the Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association today, however, and such discussion is nowhere to be found. On a September 2015 agenda filled mostly with construction and beautification projects, the only item of concern for residents was the construction of a large, modern-looking apartment building at the corner of 18th and Main streets. Some see it and other large-scale development as a threat to the character of a neighborhood whose homes date to the late 1800s.

The conflict between old and new residents portrayed in Flag Wars, while not a bygone issue to all, seems to many to be a thing of the past. A newer influx of straight families, young people and developers is ushering the neighborhood into yet another stage of gentrification and adding a new chapter to the history of Olde Towne East.

that set the stage for a film like Flag Wars in the first place.

That a once-poor neighborhood could attract such interest might surprise some. But to Bernadette Hanlon, assistant professor of city and regional planning at Ohio State University, it’s part of the same forces

Longtime resident Roger Bohn and his husband moved to the neighborhood when they were looking for a home in the 1990s. The neighborhood of big Italianate, Victorian, Gothic Revival and other homes - it

“Gentrification only occurs when there is a certain level of disinvestment [in the neighborhood],” she said. “Only when you have this disinvestment does it become profitable to reinvest in it.”

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was once called the Silk Stocking District because of its affluence - had become, as Bohn described it, “a bit Wild West-y.” “There were a lot of drug houses. We had one apartment building easily doing 100 deals a night, without skipping a beat,” Bohn said. “Their customer service must have been amazing.”

gentrification and the city’s reaction to it pushed out many residents of Olde Towne East who couldn’t afford to keep their homes maintained at a new standard.

‘‘We were the only gay people living along here for a while. But nowadays, we have... gay, gay, gay, gay, straight, gay, not sure, gay,straight, gay, gay and gay-friendly...’’

But as more new homebuyers followed, Bohn said, the neighborhood became increasingly attractive to investors.

Roger Bohn and husband Daniel Barber “That was hitting right around 2005. That’s when it really started. Even today, he said, African-AmeriYou really saw people buying homes and fixcans are losing their homes as the ing them up, and then flipping them.” last untouched patches of the neighborhood are being developed. According to Bohn, he and many other LGBT residents experienced little resistance or ten- “The biggest thing has been code enforcesion with those who had lived in Olde Town ment,” Obadina said. “They see an indigeEast before their arrival - despite what’s nous person that doesn’t make the same shown in Flag Wars. And nowadays, he said, money, they are busy trying to survive, ... they LGBT people are the norm. don’t have the assets to put into that property, to fix it up, ... and they hit them with it.” “We were the only gay people living along here for a while. But nowadays,” he said, “It’s changing still in that black people are pointing from his living room to each of his being pushed out and white people are movneighbors, “we have... gay, gay, gay, gay, ing in. It’s all about land. We [this neighborstraight, gay, not sure, gay, straight, gay, gay hood] have the best houses, ... the best and gay-friendly...” space.”

But if Bohn and others experienced no real conflict, the influx of new buyers had a big impact on the poorer African-American residents who had been the neighborhood’s majority since the 1990s. Chief Baba Shongo Obadina, an African-American art gallery proprietor and a subject of Flag Wars, said

Flag Wars Filmed in Columbus’ Olde Towne East neighborhood over a period of four years, Flag Wars is a very personal account of urban gentrification and its effects on a outlookohio.com

But Bohn and Obadina agree on one thing: Today, the demographic trends are shifting toward straight white families and young white singles who often follow LGBT people into urban neighborhoods. OSU’s Hanlon said a change in social atticommunity. Now a common phenomenon, gay families began moving into the area in the 1990s. Attracted by its relatively inexpensive Victorian homes, their renovations began increasing property values and displacing the neighborhood’s working-class families, many of them AfricanAmerican. Clashes arose, exposing prejudice and self-interest on both sides as well as the common dream of having a home to call your own.

or Clintonville or Grandview.”

tudes is part of the growing desirability of areas such as Olde Towne East. Elsewhere in Ohio, Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine, Cleveland’s Ohio City, Dayton’s Oregon District and Toledo’s Old West End have experienced similar changes. “There’s a millennial population not wanting to move into a suburban lifestyle,” she said. “Either because they don’t want to, or in some cases they can’t afford it.”

As more affluent residents move into the area, more businesses and development are following. And just as community members such as Obadina felt threatened by the last influx, many such as Bohn feel big developments could threaten the character of their neighborhood today. Such plans are even beginning to draw active resistance. When a developer proposed a seven-story building on Parsons Avenue, the community took to the streets and the developer downsized the plan.

Heather Worthington, a lawyer for Franklin County and a mother, moved in precisely because she wanted a nicer neighborhood where she could be closer to work.

But just as Obadina laments the loss of the pre-Flag Wars Olde Towne East and expresses uncertainty that the trend can be reversed, Bohn admits the latest type of development can’t be held back forever in the neighborhood he has come to know.

“We were really drawn here by the neighborhood, the houses and how easy it was to get around, and by the affordability of Olde Towne East vs. a neighborhood in, say, Bexley

“It’s not going to look like the 1800s forever,” he said.

The 2003 documentary by Linda Goode Bryant and Laura Poitras will be shown on Sunday, Nov. 1 at the Wexner Center (1871 N High St, Columbus, 43210) at 3p as the final installment of a series celebrating 25 years of film and video residencies. Tickets are $8, or $6 for members, students or seniors.

Transgender, Crossdressing, Gender Variant Peer Support (Columbus): transohio@gmail.com.

Andrew Keller grew up in Cincinnati, graduated with a degree in journalism from OSU and now lives in Columbus. He writes regularly for Outlook. november 2015

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polisigh

Fighting the Law

LGBT Groups Band Together Against Cleveland Restroom Rules

by Luke Darby A coalition of LGBT groups has banded together to change a law in Cleveland that gives bosses and business owners the right to tell transgender people which restroom they must use. An ordinance first proposed two years ago would put Cleveland in line with more than 150 other cities across the country that allow transgender people to use public restrooms in line with their gender identity. Trans people have that right already in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and all other Ohio cities that include gender identity in local nondiscrimination laws.

based on gender identity, but it exempts anyone who denies a transgender person access to the restroom of his, her or their identity. The proposed ordinance would have no effect on religious institutions or schools. Ohio’s track record on transgender discrimination is disheartening. Of nearly 200 trans Ohioans who responded to a 2011 discrimination survey from the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National LGBTQ Task Force, 81 percent reported mistreatment or harassment while at work. Forty-six percent said they were not hired because of their gender identity, and 40 percent of trans or gender noncomforming youth reported being physically assaulted at school.

A campaign called Cleveland Is Ready it’s supported by Equality Ohio, Cleveland Advocates for Transgender Equality, the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, PFLAG, the Human Rights Campaign and others - has been talking about the issue at summer festivals and community events. A vote by the Cleveland City Council hasn’t been scheduled.

One of the goals of Cleveland Is Ready is to bring attention to the difficulties transgender people live with and to put human faces on such problems. Volunteer Darius Stubbs, who is transgender, has been educating people about Ordinance 1446-13 and has found that Clevelanders are willing to be won over.

As far as policy goes, Ordinance 1446-13 is far from sweeping. It’s a very specific adjustment to already existing legislation: It tweaks language to close what advocates see as a loophole in the city’s nondiscrimination laws. The Cleveland Municipal Code bans discrimination

“There’s this strange misunderstanding about the difference between sexual identity and sexual orientation. So there’s a lot of fear, particularly in my experience listening to people, concerning transgender women. It’s steeped in homophobia and transphobia, this idea

november 2015

that a male-bodied person will be in the women’s bathroom.” Social conservative activists have fought similar legislation in other parts of the country by stoking fears. In August 2014, voters in Fayetteville, Ark., rejected a similar measure after Michelle Duggar recorded a robocall warning that the law would allow “males with past child predator convictions that [sic] claim they are female” to use women’s restrooms. In an FAQ page at its website, clevelandisready.org, the campaign devotes four of 12 questions to such fears: • Does this ordinance mean that all public facilities will have to be open to anyone - regardless of gender or gender expression? • Does this mean that both men and women would be able to use any and every public bathroom, locker room, store dressing room and shower in Cleveland? • Does this mean that men will be able to dress up as women and use the women’s room? • Under this law, will girls be exposed to male genitalia in bathrooms or other facilities? The answers: No, no, no and no. As Equality Ohio puts it: “This ordinance is simple. It allows a person who has un-

Look for Cleveland Advocates for Transgender Equality on Facebook.

dergone or is undergoing gender transition to use the restroom in a place of public accommodation or their workplace that matches the gender they live everyday, but without fear of violence, harassment or discrimination. This ordinance does not change the fact that it is illegal to enter a restroom to harm people, harass people or invade people’s privacy.” “The concern is that there’s some way that some predator might use that to their advantage,” Stubbs said. “Really, the point of my speaking with people is to explain how illogical that is. And to explain that transgender people are people, and people have to use the restroom. No one’s going to go in the restroom to bother someone if that’s not what their intent is.” Stubbs said people’s fears come from a lack of understanding. “When you’re talking about the fact that it’s just people trying to live their lives, the fact that it has nothing to do with politics - once you break it down into simple terms like that, there’s no choice but to say, ‘Oh, that makes sense.’” Luke Darby is a Clevelandbased freelance journalist who writes about food and politics. Follow him on Twitter @dukelarby. outlookohio.com

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TransFamily of Cleveland: 216.691.HELP (4357) or transfamily.org.

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insightout

What are the signs of gambling addiction?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, gambling addicts: • Need to make higher and higher bets in order to achieve the desired excitement.

• Feel restless or irritable when they try to cut down or quit gambling.

Aren’t When All Bets Are Off

Just Like Substance Abuse, Gambling Addiction Brings Problems by Regina Sewell

“It’s hard to walk away from a winning streak, even harder to leave the table when you’re on a losing one.”

- Cara Bertoia

Lottery: A tax on people who are bad at math.

- Unknown

Four out of five Americans engage in some form of gambling on a yearly basis. Whether it’s an evening of poker with friends, a wager on the Super Bowl, a trip to a casino, a lottery ticket or a competitive bet between friends, gambling is just entertainment for most people. But 20 million Americans have problems at work and with their social lives because of gambling, and about 2 million Americans are addicted to gambling. How can a habit that doesn’t involve chemicals be addictive? Like amphetamines and cocaine, gambling prompts neurons in the

november 2015

reward system of the brain to squirt out mega-doses of dopamine, which in turn makes people feel really, really good. As a source of reference, for problem gamblers, gambling has 10 times the feel-good impact of chocolate or sex. The catch is that the brain builds a tolerance to the dopamine rush. As a consequence, continuous gambling causes the brain to produce less dopamine and to become less responsive to its effects. This means that in order to feel the dopamine high, gambling addicts have to keep gambling and play for higher and riskier stakes. It’s hard for gambling addicts to get and stay “sober,” because their brains eventually stop pumping out dopamine. Without gambling to trigger the dopamine rush, gambling addicts feel lifeless. But that’s not all. As with amphetamine or cocaine use, continuous gambling weakens the neural pathways to the prefrontal cortex - the part of the brain that curbs our impulses. So the more a problem gambler gambles, the lower their

impulse control and the harder it is for them to call it quits even when they are losing. These weakened neural pathways make giving up gambling incredibly difficult. Opportunities to gamble are everywhere, and without the impulse control, it’s just so easy to place a bet or buy a lottery ticket on a whim and slide back into the addiction. There’s also a huge psychological component to gambling addiction. Gambling allows you to be the rock star. When big-time gamblers walk into a casino, people welcome them with open arms, free drinks and, sometimes at the bigger casinos, free rooms and concerts. And as long as they are winning and spending money, they can have an entourage. This sense of feeling important is hard to give up. To ask Regina Sewell a question, propose a column topic, read about her approach to counseling, or check out her books and other writing, go to reginasewell.com.

• Are often preoccupied with gambling, for example: spending a lot of time reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture or trying to figure out how to get money to gamble. • Chase their losses by gambling again rather than cutting losses by walking away. • Lie to cover up how much they gamble. • Gamble to avoid feeling uncomfortable, negative emotions such as helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression.

• Jeopardize or lose relationships, jobs, or educational or career opportunities because of gambling. • Rely on others to bail them out of desperate financial situations caused by gambling. • Have been unsuccessful at repeated efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling.

Meeting four or more of these criteria (for people who are not manic) is a sure-fire sign of gambling addiction.

If you think you or someone you love has a gambling problem and you’d like help, call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1.800.522.4700 or visit ncpgambling.org. You can find one of Ohio’s 43 Gamblers Anonymous chapters through gamblersanonymous.org.

And for an inside view of gambling addiction and recovery, read All Bets Are Off: Losers, Liars and Recovery From Gambling Addiction by Arnie and Sheila Wexler with Steve Jacobson.

Cincinnati Trans* Community Group: 513.549.4447 or transwellness.org.

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Transsexual Peer Support (Cincinnati): 513.344.0116 or crossport.org.

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in the shade

Change Has Got Us This Far and Will Take Us Even Further

by Debra Shade Wake up, wake up, wake up! Remove your blinders and look around you. It’s 2015. Twenty fifteen! That’s two-thousand fifteen. Do you feel the impact of that? Do you know the amount of change, growth and prosperity that reflects? Imagine if it was 1 or 1951, could you kill and cook your own food? Imagine removing the blinders and seeing the life before your freedoms. Your freedoms, whatever your nationality or race. Your freedoms. Being a male and having the work you do to feed your family be that which only your muscles could do. Imagine building the first structure, stove, wrench, sweater, shoe or moving vehicle. Could you lift that mallet to smash a horseshoe? Could you milk cows for eight hours? Take those blinders off! Look around you and be thankful. Thankful for hardwood floors that prevent us from having to sweep rocks from under our feet indoors. Thankful for walls and a roof that prevent the weather from getting us wet and cold. Thankful that there is change, there is adaptability, passed on from generation to generation. Yet many people have the audacity to keep blinders on while utilizing the privileges they

november 2015

were gifted and the gall to deny others from doing the same. There are privileges we have now that we are using against one another, and it’s disgusting.

You with your blinders on to change and acceptance of all. That as a Lesbian I am denied any of these privileges, as a black woman I am denied any of these privileges, as a mother, a partner, a wife, a business Change is the one thing that’s consistent. It’s owner, a neighbor or a friend. How dare you needed, and it is unavoidable. The keep blinders on and tell me I don’t deserve issue is how you adapt to it. to utilize electricity, healthcare, You have every right to food, cars, flights, clothing, reject it - continue loans, a place to pray, a “You have to grow your own place to relax, a place every right to food, wear to call home or a job reject change leaves for I love? warmth, decontinue to grow your liver mesYour blinders are own food, wear leaves for sages via preventing you pigeon carfrom seeing your warmth, deliver messages rier - but you own family memvia pigeon carrier don’t have to. ber who has opted but you don’t You have to live blinder-free means, inventions and create a coalition have to.” that brilliant minds for the homeless, your brought to reality, and cousin who lifted blinders and that change has made life so developed a method to preserve food much easier. beyond a day. Your friends, sister, mother’s brother who took their blinders off and develWake up, wake up, wake up. Remove your oped a pulley, a desk, a plate, forks, couches, blinders and see what you have been ignorbeds and lamps. ing. We can drive, we can fly! We can fish or we can buy fish and never see the fisher. Oh, Your blinders prevent you from saying thank the length this could be if I listed all that we you. Thank you to those on whose shoulders can do now that we couldn’t do in year 1 or we stand. The answer is not to force like1951. I am embarrassed that we act as if all minded thinkers to live in the same region, to of this is the result of something we did shun someone who does something that is alone. not your preference. It’s to be thankful that TransAlive (Akron): 330.240.1600 or FB: TransAlive.

you can have a preference. Wake up, wake up, wake up. Remove your blinders and embrace the next great concept. Have respect for what others have gone though so that you may stand where you are today. Let go of all that is preventing you from enjoying the forward progress we have made. It’s 2015. Send an email of hope just because you are able to. Attend a church of your choice because a leader has created it. Party like a rock star, because a rock star was born! Leave a forward-thinker the space to think freely, and you will be the first to reap the benefits. Imagine being the neighbor of the soul who figured out how to build a motorized washing machine. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t take your laundry over every weekend! Ohio, you are stifling. You are controlling, you are ignorant, and you are standing still in a place where everywhere else it’s 2015. Wake up, wake up, wake up.

Debra Shade is an author and owner of Shade Media. You can find her on Facebook at Shadyontop or follow her on Twitter @shadeyontop, and you can find her books at amazon.com or a Lion’s Den near you. outlookohio.com

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Thanks to all our advertisers and readers for two decades of support! You rock!

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A Tale

Comm

As Acceptance and Visibility Rise for Transgender on the basis of it possibly being to someone of the same sex. The rights of transgender prisoners have been under increasing legal scrutiny. In Maryland, state courts ruled that transgender inmates are protected from abuse and neglect under the Prison Rape Elimination Act. The 9th Circuit also ruled that transgender prisoners have a constitutional right to transition-related care. by Brynn Tannehill

one of the most watched primetime TV events of the year.

The past year has been a momentous one for transgender people in the United States. Great progress has been made in many areas: law, policy, health and culture to name a few. With these advances, though, has come a terrible backlash from those who hate and fear transgender people, the price of which is often being paid in blood. Transgender rights are being eroded at the state level, and many federal agencies such as the Department of Defense and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement continue to have dangerous and discriminatory policies on the books. Never before have transgender people been so visible culturally. A sitting American President uttered the word transgender for the first time, and in a State of the Union Address, no less. Laverne Cox is a household name, and Caitlyn Jenner’s coming out was

As visibility has increased, so has the number of transgender people who are out. The percentage of Americans who know a transgender person has doubled in the past seven years, climbing to 16 percent. Law and policy on transgender people at the federal level has continued to improve across the board. In 2015 alone, federal courts decided that employers cannot force transgender employees to use the restroom opposite their gender identity, nor can coworkers deliberately misgender them. The 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals ruled that transgender undocumented immigrants can claim political refugee status under the Convention Against Torture if they’re fleeing anti-LGBT persecution in their home countries. The US Supreme Court decision on marriage equality means a transgender person’s marriage no longer can be challenged legally

The transgender community has made great strides under the Obama administration. During his tenure, the Department of State and other agencies have begun allowing people to change their gender markers on passports and other government ID without requiring surgery. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission now considers cases of employment discrimination against transgender people to be sex discrimination under the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Similarly, the Department of Education officially considers discrimination against transgender students to be a form of sex discrimination under Title IX. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has said discrimination against transgender renters or homebuyers constitutes sex discrimination and is prohibited under the Fair Housing Act. In just the past year, the Office of Management and Budget has informed insurers covering federal employees that they cannot exclude transition-related care from their

policies. More importantly, the Department of Health and Human Services has proposed that transgender people be allowed to sue for coverage of transition-related care under the non-discrimination clauses of the Affordable Care Act. Most symbolically significant is Obama’s Executive Order 11246, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity by federal contractors. Perhaps the most surprising development in the past year is with the Department of Defense. In July, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that the Pentagon would voluntarily halt the discharges of transgender service members. The department has formed a working group to develop a plan that will allow transgender people to finally serve openly. At Pentagon Pride, it was also announced that sexual orientation has been added to the military’s equal opportunity policy, and by 2016, when transgender people are serving openly, gender identity will have been added as well. It is the last part of the federal government where LGBT Americans can be discriminated against legally. At the state level, progress has been uneven. On the positive side, a first-of-its-kind law in California ensures that transgender people’s gender identity is accurately reflected on their death certificates. And two more states - Illinois and Oregon -

When she saw Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover in June, Jenn Dolari tweeted, “Where’s MY Vanity Fair cover?”

Dolari and her roommate, Crystal Frasier, created “Call Me _______,” an online meme that allowed other trans people to create their own magazine covers. Thousands have been posted on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and other social media.

november 2015

“These are stories I want to see out there,” Dolari wrote. “To let the public know that we are worthy of our own covers, our own articles, our own stories.”

Toledo Area Transgender Support: 419.619.6810 or FB: TATS: Toledo Area Transgender Support.

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of Two

unities

Americans, Physical and Legal Assaults Continue banned so-called conversion therapy for minors. (A similar bill has been introduced in Ohio. See Page 8 for details.) California, New Jersey and Washington, DC, already have done so; the bans have been upheld in federal court, and appeals to the Supreme Court have been denied. A New Jersey court also found an organization promoting conversion therapy guilty of fraud. Unfortunately, with progress comes a backlash. Transgender refugees suffer atrocious levels of harassment, abuse and sexual assault while in federal custody. While only 1 in 500 detainees is transgender, one out of every five victims of assault in ICE custody is transgender. Although ICE has promised to protect transgender detainees, policy changes enacted so far have been mostly symbolic. This year 85 anti-LGBT bills were introduced in 28 states, many of which targeted the transgender community in particular. In 32 states - and at the federal level - there is no law offering specific protections for transgender people in housing, employment, credit, and public accommodations. It is unlikely there will be progress in this area anytime soon. Most of the bad legislation failed to pass, but the few that did were devastating setbacks. Arkansas joined Tennessee in nullifying all local LGBT protections, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who’s also a Republican presi-

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dential candidate, again vetoed a bill that would allow transgender people to change gender markers on their birth certificates without being forced to undergo expensive and often-unwanted gender-reassignment surgery. Opponents of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance have put the law on a ballot for repeal in Texas’ biggest city. In California, the most draconian anti-transgender initiative to date is gathering signatures for the November 2016 ballot. It would ban transgender people from using restrooms different from their birth sex and allow anyone who feels their privacy is violated by a transgender person who enters a restroom unlawfully to sue that person. In both cases, anti-transgender groups portray transgender people as potential rapists and child molesters, just as they’ve done to gay men for ages. Powerful hate groups such as the Family Research Council have been pushing state legislatures to pass similar bills that would prevent legal gender marker changes and eliminate legal protections for transgender people. They’ve been encouraging “Christians” to reject transgender people’s identities, and they’ve been promoting laws to prevent transgender people from using restrooms. The organizations have been concern-trolling transgender people, demonizing medical care for transgender people and promoting

the same pray-away-the-trans programs that utterly failed to make gay people straight. The ultimate goal of these initiatives is to make it impossible for transgender people to exist within American society, and therefore self-deport back into the closet. Additionally, the next step for religious-freedom arguments is likely to be that Christians do not have to recognize a transgender coworker’s name or gender identity, and that being forced to use the correct name and pronouns is a violation of their religious freedom (since their religion forbids them from recognizing a transgender person’s identity). Waves of conservative bloggers have been picking up this mantra and reinforcing the narrative of hate groups. It’s a coordinated effort to oppose the new narratives about transgender people being established in the wider media. Meanwhile, this backlash and rejection has cost the community dearly. A record 23 trans-

Yo Trans (Youngstown): FB: Yo Trans.

gender or gender fluid Americans, 19 of them women of color, have been murdered so far in 2015. Cincinnati-area teen Leelah Alcorn’s suicide in December 2014 sparked a cry for better treatment of transgender youth, yet hate-fueled rallies against transgender student integration have made national news. The past year has been a time of great progress and great sorrow. Full societal and legal acceptance of transgender people might be a long time coming, but the past year has brought us several steps closer to that point.

Brynn Tannehill is a former naval aviator and former Xenia resident who can be found on Twitter at @BrynnTannehill. She also writes for The Bilerico Project, The Huffington Post and The Good Men Project. Her next column will appear in Outlook in January.

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november 2015

Outlook Magazine: Celebrating 20 years!

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feature

PUTTING THE

Care IN HEALTHCARE

Tommilynn Travis photo: Lauren Wade by Jennifer Swann Tommilynn Travis spent years driving an 18wheeler across the United States, but the trip she remembers most is the one she took after the job ended. Two years ago she set out along US Highway 62 from the oilfields of New Mexico, where she’d recently begun working, to the Texas panhandle town of Lubbock, 110 miles northwest. Travis was at a crossroads in her life. Newly divorced, estranged from her kids and nearing 40, she had decided to transition from male to female. As for most people in her situation, starting the transition wasn’t easy. Nobody in Hobbs, NM, had any experience treating gender dysphoria, the severe condition of depression and anxiety that ensues when people feel their body doesn’t match their sex. “They weren’t trained; they weren’t taught; they had no clue,” Travis says today. The doctors she saw were baffled. The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico was five hours away in Albuquerque. An appointment would take all day. After making dozens of phone calls, she set out for an infertility clinic in conservative West Texas. When she walked in with a recommendation from outlookohio.com

From a Tiny LA Clinic, Advocates Seek Big Changes in Access and Treatment

Diana Feliz Oliva photo: Lauren Wade

Although Travis now lives in California, one of 16 states that ban healthcare discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, “Surprisingly, at that clinic, I didn’t have many she still has faced insurance-related delays issues,” Travis remembers, speaking in a soft and outright denial of transition-related care. Southern twang, a relic of her Tennessee up- (Ohio has no laws addressing discrimination bringing. “They were so used to dealing with based on gender identity or sexual orientation people in crisis situations all of the time - cou- in health care, housples that couldn’t have babies or whatever. ing, employThey were extremely supportive.” ment or The major downside was the expense. Few in- public accommodasurance carriers covered the treatment, despite the American Medical Association’s 2008 tions.) declaration that gender dysphoria is a serious Travis is at medical condition that can cause people to the forefront become suicidal if they don’t have access to of a moveappropriate medical care and treatment. ment to get trans people “It saved my life, hormone therapy. It did,” access to Travis says. “It was all out of pocket back healthcare then; it was terribly expensive.” and to force insurance Some Steps Forward, companies to cover hormone therapy and genBut Not in Healthcare der-confirmation surgery. Activists say it’s the next big civil rights battleground for transgenWhile acceptance seems to be accelerating in der Americans. the United States with celebrities such as Caitlyn Jenner and Laverne Cox getting unThe 2010 Affordable Care Act banned discrimprecedented levels of attention, many trans ination in healthcare on the basis of sex, but people continue to face harassment and dis- some say the law wasn’t explicit enough when crimination in the healthcare system. They’re it comes to trans people and their needs. And frequently denied access to vital treatments without a clear anti-discrimination statement because insurers refuse to cover the costs. that covers gender identity, many insurance her therapist and asked to be put on female hormones, the doctor didn’t bat an eye.

plans continue to exclude all transition-related care. Being trans is an identity that comes with a bill. Hormone therapy to treat gender dysphoria costs money, and the male-to-female surgical procedure can cost from $7,000 to $24,000, according to the Transgender Law Center. Female-tomale surgery can cost upwards of $100,000.

“It saved my life, hormone therapy. It did. It was all out of pocket back then; it was terribly expensive.”

Gatlyn Dame Group (Dayton): 513.571.1874 or gatlyndamegroup.com.

As a patient volunteer on the Transgender Health Advisory Board of St. John’s Well Child & Family Center, an LA-based nonprofit providing health care and services at eight centers and five schools, Travis works to educate insurers about their obligations under the healthcare reform law and pushes them to pay for care for people like her. When her own insurance company delayed approval of a prescription for progesterone, Travis filed a grievance. When her claim for gender confirmation surgery was denied, she fought back until she got it approved. “It was like pulling teeth,” she says. “It was november 2015

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About two miles away from the health center, a trans woman named Deshawnda “Ta-Ta” Sanchez was murdered late last year. It’s not the kind of neighborhood where you might exSt. John’s recently prepared a report on the pect to find one of the most radically progresstatus of transgender health care in the United States, the culmination of years of re- sive health programs in the country, search, community surveys and input from the specializing in serving a low-income transadvisory board. Its primary conclusion: “Many gender population. of the health plans are systematically denying It’s one of just five federally qualified health access to care even though it’s a mandate under the Affordable Care Act,” says CEO Jim centers to offer a transgender healthcare program - and according to Mangia, it’s the Mangia. only one to provide services to people who are In September, the Obama administration pro- undocumented, many of them non-English speakers. posed a new rule that would clearly ban healthcare discrimination on the basis of genSince St. John’s launched the program in der identity or sexual orientation. January 2013, it has ballooned from nine paAll the hours Travis has spent “calling, fuss- tients to nearly 500. At a time of growing ing, trying to figure out who’s in charge, who’s awareness and acceptance of the trans community, it’s a precedent-setting attempt to adholding things back - it’s going to pay off for all these other people who were too scared to dress an old problem. say anything,” she says. She’s no longer alone in the fight for transgender health care, as she In a 2011 survey conducted by the National sometimes felt in New Mexico. Now she’s sur- Center for Transgender Equality, 19 percent of rounded by a community of transgender men transgender or gender-nonconforming people reported being denied medical care, and 28 and women with urgent medical needs. percent reported verbal harassment during a “Rather than just be an advocate for myself,” doctor visit. she says, she now has “these 400, 500 other girls” to fight for. “It’s not just me. That’s the That’s among those who managed to see a way I always try to look at it - as not just help- doctor. Many transgender people can’t afford medical care. About half of respondents in the ing me but helping everybody where I can.” survey said they had delayed even basic medThe efforts are paying off. Travis is waiting on ical care because of the cost. It doesn’t help that transgender people experience unemploya phone call from her insurance company to let her know her surgery has been scheduled - ment at a rate about double the general population. and covered. ignorance of the law - the fact that we need this to function normally.”

For Trans Americans, the Needs are Great

Access to hormones - which many St. John’s patients were previously buying on the black market, like illicit drugs - is just one aspect of

The light on Diana Feliz Oliva’s office telephone flashes red with new voicemails, signifying to her one thing: patients needing her attention. As the Transgender Health Program coordinator at St. John’s, Oliva schedules all first-time appointments for transgender patients.

the St. John’s program, alongside psychological counseling, HIV testing, referrals for gender-confirmation surgery and assistance enrolling in insurance. By providing legal and unemployment resources, the program seeks to address problems in the community that can’t be diagnosed by doctors or fixed with BandAids.

health centers around the country and help change an industry that largely misunderstands the needs of the transgender population. “Caitlyn Jenner aside, it’s still a relatively new situation people are just learning about, and it’s just kind of moved into the mainstream in a way that it never had been,” he says. “It’s not a comfortable subject to talk about in the health care community.”

Although the mood is grave, the room feels inclusive and welcoming. It’s the kind of environment that Travis didn’t know existed four years ago. Shortly after her ex-wife moved the family to New Mexico from Dallas, she left Travis for somebody else.

“She told me, ‘You’re not man enough for me.’ A Decision: ‘I Gotta Live’ And it really struck a nerve,” Travis recalls. “My whole world fell apart because of that. I On a warm Thursday in August, Travis and fel- was like, ‘OK, I did everything I was supposed low members of the Transgender Health Advi- to, everything I was taught. It didn’t work.’ I thought I was broken.” sory Board, along with a crowd of staffers, politicians and activists, gather in a conferShe didn’t want to live anymore. The morning after she attempted suicide, she says, “I made the decision: I gotta live. I need to be me. I can’t give up. I’m too stubborn.” She started taking hormones in July 2013, after making that first 110-mile trek to Texas. At the time, she had been working in the oil fields, transporting fresh water out of drilling rigs and into disposal sites. “I’d been hauling fuel and crude oil, asphalt, whatever. It was very heavy manual labor, and it was very dirty - it was very nasty,” she recalls. “When they had oil spills and whatever, they would call us to come help clean up. It was gross. Absolutely gross.”

Oliva, a transgender woman, knows it can mean the difference between life and death. Forty-one percent of trans people attempt suicide, according to a survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality, compared with 1.6 percent of the general population. photo: Lauren Wade

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Staffers rattle off some of the report’s painful statistics: Transgender people experience homelessness at double the rate of the general population, for example. The presenters pause to say the names of the transgender women who have been murdered in the United States since January. The number was 16 at the time of the event; it was 23 by the middle of October.

“Many of the health plans are systematically denying access to care even though it’s Mangia a mandate under hopes the Transgender the Affordable Health Program Care Act.” can be a model for

“I cannot go home and sleep at night until this light is clear,” she says.

ence room at St. John’s to celebrate the release of the center’s report on trans healthcare in the United States.

When she told her boss she was going to start transitioning, he shrugged.

Gender Resistance (Case Western Reserve University): 216.368.5428 or case.edu/lgbt.

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“He’s like, ‘As long as you can do your job, It’s been about six months since Travis moved to California - and it took nearly I don’t care.’” that amount of time for her insurer to apThe boss’ wife, the company’s only female prove her prescription for progesterone, employee at the time, was happy to have she says. But since she’s been taking the another woman on the team. Her cowork- steroid hormone, her mental outlook has improved drastically. She has started ers began to gossip when her transition going out with friends again, something became noticeable, but they never gave she shunned for a long time after starting her grief. the transition, and has begun warming Travis relished the new attention from the up to the idea of dating for the first time since her marriage fell apart. other laborers she came across in the field. One day, she recalls, “I backed up to a site to unload - we were filling up a When she first started the transition, she pit for a drilling rig - and I get out of the thought, “It’s hard enough to be an older truck, and there were four guys filling up guy trying to find love, much less an older transgender woman. I just closed off. I the hoses for me.” got so jaded, I just quit looking.” By that time, she had grown her hair out But taking progesterone, she says, has and had started wearing a bright pink gotten her to the point where she no hard hat. “I was like, ‘Chivalry is not longer feels “ugly inside.” dead!’” When the company folded, Travis headed west to California, where she imagined she wouldn’t have to jump through any more hoops for healthcare. In March, she arrived in a coastal suburb of Los Angeles to live with her mother, who had found herself alone after her husband died. Travis’ mother had two sons and always wanted a daughter; after a year of denial, she has finally come to accept that now she has one.

Along with the mental changes, her physical transformation is under way. She’s been working for months to lose weight so she can reach her ideal BMI, which is often used to determine a patient’s candidacy for gender confirmation surgery. Since beginning her transition, she’s dropped 60 pounds - just 20 short of her goal weight.

The commute to St. John’s is a short drive compared with Travis’ old truck-driving runs, and she’s found purpose helping people overcome obstacles the healthcare system still places in front of trans patients.

“Mama has always told me that I was the person trying to take care of everybody else. I used to put myself last. Now I make sure to include myself in the mix,” Travis says. “I do not like seeing people thinking they have to be the victim. You have to empower yourself, sugar.”

Pushing for Changes in Transgender Care

Among the policy changes Mangia and his staff have proposed are removing the authorization process required for hormone therapy and making it a lifetimeapproved medication, like insulin. They also would like to see timely access to gender-affirming surgeries like the one Travis has been waiting months to schedule. “One patient was denied hormones, and then when she wanted to access other services, they said, ‘Sorry, you’re not on hormones,’” Mangia says. outlookohio.com

Recovery from the surgery, which can keep a person out of work for up to two months, will be small stuff compared with what Travis and others have had to overcome.

This article originally appeared on TakePart.com and is reprinted with permission. TakePart.com is a digital news and lifestyle magazine and social action platform for the conscious consumer. It’s a division of Participant Media, the company behind Pivot Television Network and films such as Lincoln, Contagion, The Help, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Food Inc., Waiting for Superman, CitizenFour and An Inconvenient Truth.

Families of Trans* Youth Support Group (Columbus): 614.294.5437 or michelle@kycohio.org.

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TRANSITIONING ON

Online Channel Is More Than Makeup Tutorials and Music Videos

by Erin McCalla

Like a lot of millennials, Ashton Colby takes videos and posts them to YouTube. He doesn’t sing or dance or play pranks on his friends. He just turns the camera on and talks. It turns out that more than 7,000 people are tuning in to hear what the Ohio State University student from Columbus has to say, because Colby is speaking to fellow members of a transgender community that doesn’t often see itself in the media. “Trans people are craving representation; they are craving to see people like them,” he said. “They need to know that they can exist and thrive and be happy. ... It took YouTube to get to this place. Media is now making attempts and we are seeing more real, authentic stories instead of sensationalizing trans bodies and surgeries.” Colby, who is 23, started his physical transition 3½ years ago with testosterone, but he didn’t publicly document his journey from the start. He made videos for himself - like a private, digital diary - to see his progression. After 1½ years on testosterone and after getting his top surgery, he made a compilation video to show his family. Colby felt so empowered and his family liked the video so much that he posted it to 24

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YouTube, where it quickly garnered several hundred views. With positive feedback, he kept posting: Colby now has more than 40 videos discussing his transition and top surgery, dating advice, and what it means to be a Christian trans man.

“I know how critical YouTube was for me,” he said. “It sounds silly to say that I wouldn’t be alive without YouTube, but that’s the reality of it.”

knowing that other trans people will see me respond; I’ll never respond to escalate the situation. I’ll try to make it a learning experience if I can.”

It was in his freshman-year dorm room at Ohio State University where he found a video that spoke to him.

Colby looks like a lot of other men his age with a trendy haircut and facial hair; he said he could easily “pass” and go about his studies at OSU’s John Glenn School of Public Affairs. But Colby wants to serve his community and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

The video site has become a lifeline - and help line - for trans people. Search for “transgender advice” on YouTube and you “I remember a trans guy around my age sayget 75,900 hits, videos by trans men and ing, ‘You don’t have to have surgery, you trans women on everything from coming out don’t have to take hormones to be trans; you to dressing to dating to going can do whatever you need to do.’ I to school. There also never really heard that,” he “It are videos for parsaid. “I thought I was just sounds silly ents and allies going to be pushed into of trans peodoing a one-size-fitsto say that I ple. all transition, which wasn’t what I “We’ve needed, but I had without kind of had no previous repreto create sentation. That was YouTube, but that’s our own little a light bulb moment the niche. We for me.” hadn’t really seen that in the Now as a YouTube regular, media before - trans he gets comments, and everypeople just living their lives,” one knows how toxic that can be. Colby Colby said. “I grew up seeing Jerry Springer doesn’t ignore them, though. and horrible representations of trans people, so I thought that’s what trans people were.” “There’s so much positivity that I’ve gotten that it far outweighs the handful of negative And as much as Colby’s channel has been a comments. But it’s so hard not to internalize comfort to others, he has also been a benefi- when people tell you to go kill yourself pretty ciary of the user-content site. regularly,” he said. “I respond to comments

wouldn’t be alive reality of it.”

Trans*Mission (Ohio State University): transmission.org.ohio-state.edu.

“I’m going to continue to transition and grow. I think people believe there is a Point A to Point B with transitioning, but I see my whole life as a transition, and I see myself everevolving and developing more into the man and person I want to be,” he said. “It’s important to keep making videos because even if I don’t do anything more with my physical transition, I would still be a trans person experiencing a trans life. ... I just can’t sit back and say, ‘My work is done.’ It’s bigger than just me; it’s bigger than just what I need to do for my transition. I need to see this community be able to live more fully.”

Erin McCalla is the managing editor of Outlook and a journalism graduate from Miami University. You can reach her at erin@outlookmedia.com.

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TeenSpace (Cincinnati): 513.549.4447 or transwellness.org/teenspace.

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feature

Remembering

Say Their Names by Bob Vitale

Transgender Day of Remembrance

It became a recurring hashtag this year after every murder of a transgender person in the United States. #saytheirnames Say them out loud so people will learn about the horrific, ongoing terrorism against trans people in our country and around the world. Say them out loud so people will know the dangers a trans person faces just walking down the street. Say them out loud until law enforcement begins recognizing anti-trans violence as the hate crime that it is. And say them out loud in the hope that there are fewer to mourn in 2016.

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Plans hadn’t been announced before our deadline for ceremonies in Columbus, Toledo and other Ohio cities. We’ll post them on our Facebook page as soon as they’re shared. Cincinnati: A collective of organizations will host a remembrance ceremony at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3711 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, 45220, on Friday, Nov. 20 at 7p. Cleveland: There will be walking candlelight vigil that ends with a ceremony at University United Methodist Church, 919 E 107th St, Cleveland, 44108,

at 6p. The starting location of the walk has not been deter mined yet but look for the Facebook event or email transactivist@sbcglobal.net for more information. Dayton: Have A Gay Day will host a remembrance ceremony at Courthouse Square, North Main Street, Dayton, 45402, on Friday, Nov. 20 from 7p-8:30p. Ohio University: A vigil is planned at Galbreath Chapel, S Court St, Athens, 45701, on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7p. Wright State University: The school’s Rainbow Alliance will set up a table in the Student Union on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Thursday, Nov. 19, from 11a-3p to share information about the annual observance.

Remembering Brian Golec

His friends still send him Facebook messages to say how much they love and miss him. Brian Golec, a 22-year-old from Akron, was stabbed to death on Feb. 13, 2015. His father pleaded guilty to the murder in August. Although media around the world identified Brian as transgender, his friends said he no longer identified as trans. He hated labels, one friend said, but probably considered himself as androgynous. Gizzy Fowler, 24 Nashville, Tenn. Nov. 12, 2014 Shot in the head

Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO): 1.866.86.BRAVO or bravo-ohio.org.

and Deshawnda Sanchez, 21 Los Angeles, Calif. Dec. 3, 2014 Robbed and shot to death The LA Times said Sanchez dreamed of becoming a doctor or lawyer. At her funeral, friends had a 10-minute impromptu dance party in honor of her vibrant spirit. Papi Edwards, 20 Louisville, Ky. Jan. 9, 2015 Shot in the chest Lamia Beard, 30 Norfolk, Va. Jan. 17, 2015 Shot multiple times Her sister told AlterNet.com that Lamia spoke fluent French and was an avid reader. She played

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Celebrating

the oboe, piccolo and flute in high school and had majored in music education for two years at Norfolk State University. Ty Underwood, 24 Tyler, Texas Jan. 26, 2015 Shot three times Michelle (Yazmin) Vash Payne, 33 Van Nuys, Calif. Jan. 31, 2015 Stabbed multiple times Taja DeJesus, 36 San Francisco, California February 3, 2015 Stabbed multiple times At 3 years of age, Taja asked her mother: “When do I get to grow up and be a girl?,” SFGate reported. At the Trans

Thrive Community center, a program manager said: “She ... just wanted to participate in everything. She was very vocal about issues in the trans community, especially when it came to health and disparity.”

only recently had begun taking hormones, according to The Chicago Tribune. Her mother told the paper that she already had noticed a new glow to Keyshia’s skin. More than 300 people attended her funeral.

Penny Proud, 21 New Orleans, La. Feb. 10, 2015 Shot multiple times

Vanessa Santillan, 33 Miami, Fla. March 28, 2015 Strangled and beaten in London

Kristina Gomez Reinwald, 46 Miami, Fla. Feb. 15, 2015 Stabbed to death Keyshia Blige, 33 Mongtomery, Ill. March 7, 2015 Shot to death Keyshia had been a longtime drag performer in Chicago but

London Chanel, 21 Philadelphia, Pa. May 18, 2015 Stabbed in the neck and back Mercedes Williamson, 17 Theodore, Ala. June 1, 2015 Stabbed to death in Mississippi

Jasmine Collins, 32 Kansas City, Mo. June 23, 2015 Stabbed to death

KC Haggard, 66 Fresno, Calif. July 23, 2015 Stabbed in the neck

Ashton OÊHara, 25 Detroit, Mich. July 14, 2015 Found dead in a field

Shade Schuler, 22 Dallas, Texas July 29, 2016 Shot to death

India Clarke, 25 Tampa, Fla. July 21, 2015 Beaten to death

Amber Monroe, 20 Detroit, Mich. Aug. 8, 2015 Shot to death

India came out four years ago as transgender to her friends and family. A friend told the Tampa Bay Times: “It made her stronger, because she was coming into herself.” The paper said her favorite song was “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls.

Kandis Capri, 35 Phoenix, Ariz. Aug. 11, 2015 Shot to death Elisha Walker, 20 Johnston County, NC Found Aug. 13, 2015

Tamara Dominguez, 36 Kansas City, Mo. Aug. 15, 2015 Run over multiple times According to KCTV-TV, friends who gathered to mourn Tamara said her favorite saying was, “Todo por que soy bonita,” or “Always because I’m beautiful.” The Guardian reported that friends brought red and white flowers to her funeral, which is a Mexican tradition for women. Kiesha Jenkins, 22 Philadelphia, Pa. Oct. 6, 2015 Attacked by mob, shot Zella Ziona, 21 Montgomery County, Md. Oct. 15, 2015 Shot in the head

JUST A LITTLE RESPECT It’s hard to discriminate against your neighbors, Zoë Lapin figures. That’s why she’s photographing transgender Clevelanders in the places they love most. Most likely, they’re the places non-transgender Clevelanders love most, too. Lapin (pictured right), a trans artist who calls Cleveland home, is in the middle of a project she calls the Cleveland Trans/GNC Respect Campaign. She’s photographing trans and gender-nonconforming folks around town and chronicling what they love about their city. “The plan is to show that our communities are part of Cleveland,” she said. Email Lapin at hello@zoelapin.com and put Respect Campaign in the subject line.

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Trans Lifeline: 877.565.8860 or translifeline.org.

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creative class

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Upstairs Inferno @ Canzani Center, CCAD, 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, 43215: In 1973, a New Orleans gay club was set ablaze and 32 people died. Robert Camina’s documentary includes the survivors and families of those murdered, and it examines how little was done by authories to catch those responsible. 7p; $5.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Akron @ Drexel Theater, 2254 E Main St, Columbus, 43209:

Columbus LGBT Film Fest Focuses on Tales of Authentic Lives

by Alisa Caton

There’s something different coming to the big screen this month at LGBTFest, put on by Stonewall Columbus in connection with the Columbus International Film+Video festival. In previous years, many films focused on issues within the LGBT community, said Lori Gum, Stonewall’s program coordinator and a founder of the 10-film LGBT division, which will take place Nov. 7, 10 and 13 at the Columbus College of Art & Design and the Drexel Theater. Gum said the jury would view submissions about the struggle to fit in and feel accepted, or about political issues such as adoption. This year, there was a strong, hopeful shift in the 47 submissions from 13 countries. “The amazing thing ... is it is a lot more about living as one’s authentic self and being confident in that,” Gum said. Two of this year’s big winners tell stories that recognize gender and sexuality as just pieces of a bigger puzzle in defining a person. Akron won this year’s best narrative film award and tells the story of two freshman boys at the University of Akron falling love. The story is not rooted in the challenges of being a gay couple, but instead recognizes the external forces that can affect any people working through a relationship. “In conversations I have had with friends and family gay and straight - it became obvious that people are 28

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ready to hear stories that include gay characters but are not primarily concerned with the characters’ sexuality,” said Akron director Brian O’Donnell, an Ohio native. “Culture has changed. Where once there was a focus on ‘difference,’ people are now living with a deeper understanding of and openness to each other. I wanted my screenplay to reflect that new reality.”

Ohioan Brian O’Donnell’s story is about two freshman boys at the University of Akron who fall in love. Their parents are supportive, but a tragic event in their mothers’ pasts threatens to tear them apart. 7p, $7.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Awards and LGBT Shorts Night @ Canzani Center, CCAD, 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, 43215: There’s a reception at 6:30p, and the screenings begin at 7:30p; $8. The shorts to be shown are:

The grand prize winner, TomGirl, is a documentary short about Jake, a 7-year-old who is gender-nonconforming and is being raised by overwhelmingly accepting parents. Director Jeremy Asher Lynch said that after meeting Jake, he felt it was important to tell the story of a family empowering their child to be free in their expression.

• Barrio Boy: Dennis Shinners’ film is about a Latino barber

“To be honest, we, as a collective, had never heard the terms gender-neutral/gender-nonconforming until we started this project.” Lynch said. “We just knew Jake was an amazing kid and sometimes he wore dresses and played hockey.”

• Taper: Paul Sauline tells the story of a young boy growing

“This project helped us understand that there is a gender spectrum, not just male and female. I hope audiences can look at Jake and his family and see that all they are doing is letting Jake be himself. He hasn’t made all this up, they haven’t forced this on him. He is just a kid being a kid.”

work that turns into an emotional journey, he must confess one of his biggest secrets. By Joshua Alan Rogers.

in Brooklyn who quietly falls in love with a stranger over the course of a haircut.

• Chance: Trevor has become isolated and alone after his wife dies. After a chance encounter in the park with a strange man, he begins to live again. By Jake Gaf and Pablo Brandao.

up in the 1990s as he falls under the influence of his friends and family.

• Pick Up: Jessie Ritter is a car-service driver; after a night of

• Intrinsic Moral Evil: Three male dancers toy with viewers’ perceptions and expectations. Is it a dream or a coming of age? By Harm Weistra.

• You. Me. Bathroom. Sex. Now: Francisco Lupini’s short Alisa Caton is a freelance writer from Columbus and agraduate of Ohio University. You can follow her on Twitter @alisacaton.

comedy is about a man who goes to all the wrong places to get over heartbreak.

• TomGirl: Meet Jake, a gender-nonconforming 7-year-old who isn’t afraid to be his true self. By Jeremy Asher Roth.

TransOhio Partners’ Discussion Group (Columbus): 614.441.8167 or transohio.org.

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PFLAG Cincinnati: 513.721.7900 or pflagcinci.org.

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creative class

Binge Watch-WorthY

SESSION 1 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 @ 8p ScoutÊs Oath: The film examines the Boy Scouts’ exclusion of gay, adult volunteers and how the Boy Scouts have influenced American youth and the national perception regarding sexuality, gender identity and masculinity. (13 minutes)

Alison and Jeremy: Childhood friends Alison and Jeremy reconnect after 10 years. Alison never stopped loving Jeremy, but he has a deep secret to share with her. (28 minutes)

Cincinnati LGBT Film Fest Showcases 20 Shorts, Features by Erin McCalla Formerly known as the CNKY Film Festival, OutReels Cincinnati is the cityÊs annual LGBT film festival. This yearÊs festival runs in eight sessions from Nov. 1315 and will showcase more than 20 short and feature films from around the world. All showings take place at the Aronoff Center, 650 Wal-

nut St, Cincinnati, 45202. Ticket cost $12.25 per session or $62.25 for a festival pass. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 513.621.2787 or visit cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ outreels-cincinnati. Erin McCalla is the managing editor of Outlook. Share your story ideas with her at erin@outlookmedia.com.

tian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl with a homeless trans woman in the title role. (4 minutes)

Matchgirl

SESSION 3 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 @ 2p

Phoria: A portrait of five trans people who were assigned female at birth. (9 minutes)

Late Expectations

SESSION 2 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 @ noon

To Mum (Love, Me): Joan is a closeted lesbian living with her mother in this coming-out story set in modern-day Singapore. (21 minutes)

Late Expectations: India is the model stuChance: A random encounter in a park with a dent and is heading to Brown University on a scholmysterious stranger reawakens Trevor from the iso- arship next fall. On the outside, she seems to living the teenage dream with her loving girlfriend, but lation of mourning for his late wife. (17 minutes) she hides a secret that threatens to end her most For Him: Oren is a young dancer coping with important relationships. (12 minutes) the loss of the person closest to him while dealing with prejudice against him. (19 minutes)

minutes) Better Half From Leonard to Leona: Ab Kua No Darker Than Midnight SESSION 5 More: A documentary about SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 the life and work of trans ac- SESSION 4 @ 8p tivist Leona Lo. (36 minutes) SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 @ 5:30p

Mistranslated: This film follows four trans people who Dissonance: A transgen- experience street harassment, der person is ostracized when cat-calling and unwanted atMatchgirl: A contempotheir traditional community tention in public. (10 minutes) rary adaptation of Hans Chris- discovers their identity. (4

Mx. Pink: Gender pluralism is tackled in a love story between Gabriel and Jigs. (14 minutes) Darker Than Midnight: Davide runs away from home because he looks more feminine than other boys. (93 minutes)

SESSION 7 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 @ 3p

SESSION 6 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 @ 1p Christine at the Crossroads

Equal Justice Under Law: Shot and edited on June 26, 2015, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality. (4 minutes)

Kisses in the Wind: Grappling with her budding sexuality, Dana turns to church for guidance. (17 minutes) Christine at the Crossroads: A young married woman must come to grips with her repressed sexuality when she falls in love with a female co-worker. (55 minutes) outlookohio.com

UpStairs Inferno: The Documentary: On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans. The result was the largest mass murder of LGBT people in US history. Thirty-two people were killed, and some bodies were never identified. This film brings humanity to the headlines by shining a light on the painful effect the tragedy had on survivors, witnesses and loved ones. (96 minutes)

hopefulROMANTIC: A musical about a man’s journey through love, heartbreak and healing. (17 minutes) Better Half: Happy couple Tony and Leo adopt an infirm child who was abandoned at a local hospital and Leo must face his fear of being a father. (110 minutes)

And Counting: Living two decades longer with HIV than he imagined possible, Quinn’s life unfolds with loss, love and celebration. (15 minutes)

Furious Saint Jack & Otter, Alone: A lonely man narrates his path from isolation to ecstasy when he meets a beautiful stranger at a bar. (6 minutes)

Gazelle: The Love Issue: Paulo is internationally famous in the underground scene for his alter-ego, Gazelle. After the death of his partner, Eric, he embarks on a transformation and searches for a meaningful way to deepen Gazelle’s life. (93 minutes)

Akron: Benny and Christopher are college freshman who begin to date with the support of their family and friends. But a tragic event in both their mothers’ pasts threatens to tear them apart. (90 minutes)

Furious Saint Jack & Otter, Alone

SESSION 8 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 @ 6:30p

Crossport (Cincinnati): 513.344.0116 or crossport.org.

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deep inside hollywood by Romeo San Vicente

ÂHart to HartÊ Remake Will Have Gay Couple

Filmmaker Tells Story of Disabled Gay Men

A by-the-book lawyer named Jonathan Hart and his freespirited partner in life and crime-solving, Dan Hartman, are about to pick up where Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers left off.

Setting aside the trendy appropriation of a Smiths song title for his latest feature, Oscillate Wildly, filmmaker Travis Mathews doesn’t much like to go where others have already tread.

Who are Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers you ask, oh young person? They were the backbone of the breezy, silly, glamorous Hart to Hart, an ABC staple of the 1980s.

His narrative feature, I Want Your Love, featured explicit real sex as it told the story of a going-away party and gay male longing. His next, Interior. Leather Bar, imagined an alternate life for the controversial 1980 film, Cruising.

And now that show is getting the queer reboot it needs, thanks to producer Carol Mendelsohn and Sony TV. We love this idea, and we want something more than two pretty, bland, white guys as leads, OK? Go outside the box, with us, remakers, and give us Guillermo Diaz and Alec Mapa, or alt-comics Hannibal Buress and Kyle Kinane, or Empire’s Jussie Smollett and Damon Wayons Jr. Whatever it takes, really. Just don’t be boring and we’ll watch.

ÂMary Poppins 2Ê Might Require a Lot of Sugar We’ve reached a point in film history - and more specifically, in the history of the business of Hollywood - where remakes and reboots are just How Things Are, like it or not. We side mostly with not, FYI. So it’ll come as zero shock that Walt Disney Studios has big plans to revisit its most beloved and acclaimed liveaction film of all time: Mary Poppins. It isn’t going to be a proper sequel, nor will it be a remake. It will be set about 20 years after the original film, in 1930s London, and will draw its plot from stories in PL Travers eight Poppins books. Disney has chosen Rob Marshall (Chicago) as director and Life of Pi’s David Magee as screenwriter for the project. They’ve also chosen acclaimed songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray). But what they haven’t chosen yet is the big catch: Mary Poppins herself. Who steps into the shoes of Julie Andrews and holds her own? Who dares? We have no idea. But she’d better be that perfect combination of stern disciplinarian and bright, song-filled enthusiasm, or it’s all going to be like a pot of room-temperature tea. Oh, wait, we’ve got it: Emily Blunt. It’s Emily Blunt.

Photo: Mandee Johnson

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You hear that, Hollywood? It’s Emily Blunt. You have your instructions. We are thankfull for all our readers and advertisers!

And now he’s teamed with executive producer James Franco and some gay men with disabilities for Oscillate, which is shooting now. Among the production consultants is queer blogger Andrew Morrison Gurza, who lives with cerebral palsy. The film revolves around a subject usually ignored by queer cinema: the lives of physically challenged gay men, specifically one working-class guy with cerebral palsy and his search for love during a scorching Texas summer. The goal is simple: matter-of-fact representation and moving drama not based on triumphant “overcoming,” and a reminder that stories for everyone often come from highly specific - and singular - circumstances.

Gary Marshall Ensemble Features Lesbian Comic Look, we’re not going to lie and tell you we’re overly excited for Garry Marshall’s upcoming mega-ensemble comedy, Mother’s Day. That’s because we saw his earlier movies, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve. Fool me twice and all that. But these films are big hits with big swaths of the population in the same way that Olive Garden is a popular Italian restaurant. Somebody out there is lining up for it. But let’s talk about love for a moment. We love lesbian stand-up Cameron Esposito, and Mother’s Day will have a lesbian storyline featuring the comic. She’ll play a young mother raising a son with her female partner, and she’ll be joined on screen by the usual Garry Marshall cast of dozens: Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Jason Sudeikis, Tomorrowland’s Britt Robertson, Timothy Olyphant, The Daily Show’s Aasif Mandvi and Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell, to name eight. And after the ludicrously timid gay male storyline of Valentine’s Day, there’s only one way for Marshall’s brand of sometimes-clueless inclusiveness to go, and that’s up. Get ready for April 2016. a Your mom is going to want to see this one. Romeo San Vicente is the king of Smiths song karaoke and will dominate all competitors. He can be reached at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.

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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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interview

Two Silver Foxes, One Tour: Andy Cohen, Anderson Cooper Coming to Columbus by Orie Givens

TV exec-turned-celebrity Andy Cohen hasn’t slowed down since leaving his high-powered post a few years ago. And now, celebrity Andy is joining his famous BFF, Anderson Cooper, on a speaking tour that will stop in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 14. Cohen took some time on the evening of Yom Kippur to talk with Outlook about his tour, his new network on Sirius XM, the unexpected success of the Real Housewives franchise and why conversations about boys keep the AC bond strong. Orie Givens: You recently launched a Sirius network with a bunch of new programming. Tell us about that. Andy Cohen: It’s great. It’s everything I love, basically. It’s Sandra Bernhard, Bevy Smith. I’ve got a show I’m on, I’ve got four shows I’m on. OG: Wow! AC: My friend John Rickey, who is a great actor, [has] this show called My Favorite Song, where you get to learn about your favorite people through music. It’s a lot of fun. The programming is great. I’m very thrilled about it.

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OG: What made you want to start a network? AC: They came to me and asked me if I would be interested in doing shows, but ... I thought, “Oh, I have too much going on.” And then, when they came and said, “Would you like to do your own channel? And it would be named after you, and you could do your own thing...” And I just thought that would be a great opportunity. And it’s not Bravo. ... You know ... people call me “Bravo Andy,” but this is all Andy.

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OG: Speaking of Bravo, let’s talk about Real Housewives. It’s become this big thing. Did you know it would expand to be where it is? AC: I didn’t, I had no idea. We came up with the show, and I thought we were nuts to add the words of Orange County, because I thought we would never do this in another city, but now

here we are. And I think it’s kind of replaced the soap opera. It’s the modern-day soap opera. OG: So let’s change gears a bit, and talk about your tour visiting Columbus in November, the AC2 tour with Anderson Cooper - or what I’m calling the “Silver Foxy Tour.” What is it like getting to work on something like this with your best friend? AC: It’s so fun. It’s different in every city. And we handpick the cities, the cities that we want to visit. On a drive to New York, I spent a night in Columbus and it was very clear to me that it was a very cool town that I wanted to come back to, so it was on my list. It’s a blast and each show is different, and we interview each other and it’s really like hanging out with us. It’s pretty close to if you went out drinking with us - just kind of shooting the shit and gossiping. ... We spill the T, basically, and we let the audience interview us, and they can ask us absolutely anything. Someone in Boston got up and asked us how big our dicks are. OG: [Laughs] So did you answer? AC: I think I said I’m happy with mine. I think Anderson just giggled and blushed. OG: That sounds about right. Just so you know, people will read this interview and probably ask you more pointed

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questions about what’s going on down there. AC: Good! OG: You and Anderson are friends, and I’m a gay man so I know how gay men can sometimes be. Was there ever any competition for guys? AC: No, but that’s really one of the reasons we’re so compatible as friends. He’s not only been very supportive of me, he’s been supportive of very aspect of my life per-

OG: So kind of like a friend but like a mentor in some ways, right? I think that’s great. Why do you think, and, no tea no shade, Mr. Cooper wasn’t available for interviews. ... How would he answer that question? AC: I think he would say the same. I think we’ve got great chemistry and we’re good friends to each other, we’re supportive. And we talk about boys. I don’t think he would say that, but it’s certainly one of my favorite things to talk to him about. OG: I personally think having good conversations about boys is the foundation of any good gay male friendship. And picking clothes... AC: I agree!

“We spill the T, basically, and we let the audience interview us, and they can

ask us absolutely anything. Someone in Boston got up and asked us how big our dicks are. I think I said I’m happy with mine. I think

Anderson just giggled and blushed.

sonally and professionally. He’s also someone that I could really rely on for guidance. You know, I’ve been famous for only about seven years, eight years, he’s really helped me out through some gnarly moments. He’s been great that way. OG: Can you elaborate on those moments he’s helped you out on? AC: How can I put this? I’ve just gone to him for professional advice countless times. Sometimes it’s if I’ve been being dragged publicly for something that I’ve said offhandedly on my show, that I’m getting a lot of flak from in the press. He’s the first person I’ve sent both my books to and asked him for his unvarnished opinion. So, just ... all those ways.

OG: Well, before we go, what do you want to say to the folks in Ohio who are thinking about buying a ticket? AC: I would say what I would say if I was inviting you. ... Basically people are always tweeting, “Let’s hang out, we would have so much fun!” To get someone to buy a ticket I would say, “Come hang out with me.” Because basically it’s like hanging out with Anderson and I [sic], so come hang out with us. OG: You say, “It’s like hanging out with us,” so I assume there will be beverages involved? AC: Yes! I drink Tequila on stage and usually, Anderson is like, “Did you drink all that tequila on stage?” And I say, “Yes, don’t worry about it.” And I make him do a shot in our dressing room before we go on. OG: Yes, that is awesome! AC: Because I want everyone to get loose Anderson. I want them to get the Anderson that I love so much. Catch loose Anderson and even looser Andy as they spill the T(equila) at the Palace Theatre in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 8p. Tickets run from $58 to $108 and are available by calling 614.469.0939 or visiting capa.com. Remember, you can ask them anything. Anything. You’re welcome.

OG: So earlier you talked about coming into your celebrity. How do you deal with navigating the public hanging onto every word you say, and then sometimes responding in a hurtful way? AC: You just have to take it with a grain of salt. You’ve got to understand that everything you say isn’t going to please everybody. It’s a part of the game; it’s what happens. OG: Do you read the press about you, or do you avoid it? AC: Well, some... You know, the internet is for haters anyway.

PFLAG Columbus: 614.313.9956 or columbuspflag.org.

Orie Givens is the host/news director of QueerMinded America and is launching the QueerMinded Radio Network this fall. Follow his daily musings on twitter @oracle83 and connect with QueerMinded at radioqueerminded.com.

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november 2015

Outlook Magazine: Celebrating 20 years!

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Out & About in

Central Ohio

Columbus • Ohio State University • Stonewall Columbus • Wall Street • Southbend

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Unfair: Christians and the LGBT Question @ King Avenue United Methodist Church, 299 King Ave, Columbus, 43201; 614.424.6050; kingave.org: John Shore, a blogger and founder of the NALT (Not All Like That) Christians Project, wrote the book that gives this program its name. The discussion will equip you with some tools to respond with confidence to people who have exclusive interpretations of the Bible and Christianity. 10a. CONGA Halloween Party @ location given to those who RSVP; congaline.org: The Central Ohio Naturist Guy Alliance gathering includes a costume party, but don’t spend too much on fabric. “The goods need to be showing,” organizers say. 2p-5p; $10 ($5 for members). Movie Screening: The Mask You Live In @ OSU McPherson Lab, Room 1000, 140 W 18th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, 614.806.5122: This 2015 documentary follows boys and young men as they navigate society’s strict definition of masculinity. 3p.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Glamazonia III: Revenge of the Vagine @ Wall Street, 144 N Wall St, Columbus, 43215; 614.464.2800; FB: Wall Street Night Club: Helena Troy - and Ashley O’Shea, Diamond Hunter, Nikki Stone, Mary Nolan, Bianna Reyonce, Mitze Peterbilt, Cherry Poppins and Mr. Pottymouth present the final chapter of their sci-fi drag opera. There are more shows scheduled for 8p on Nov. 8, 14 and 15. 8p; $10 (tables for $50-$75).

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Drawing and Painting With Paul Richmond @ Stonewall Columbus, 1160 N High St, Columbus, 43201; 614.299.7764; stonewallcolumbus.org: A new six-class session (first and third Wednesdays) begins with instructor Paul Richmond. It’s for beginners to experienced artists, and you choose your medium: graphite drawing, colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, oil paint and more. 6:30p-9:30p.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Network Columbus @ The Kitchen, 231 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, 43215; 614.268.8525, x1; FB: Network Columbus: Outlook’s monthly social gathering convenes at The Kitchen, a lesbian-owned restaurant that’s one of our favorites. 6p-8p.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Columbus Women’s Chorus Fall Concert @ King Avenue United Methodist Church, 299 King Ave, Columbus, 43201; 614.636.3541; colswomenschorus.org: The chorus aims to create social change through music. 3p. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Holiday Lights Go On @ Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, 43215; columbuscommons.org: It’s time to flip the switch on the holiday season in Downtown Columbus. Don’t worry: AEP is paying the bill. 5p.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Columbus Coyotes Bachelor Auction @ Axis, 775 N High St, Columbus, 43215; 614.291.4008; axisonhigh.com: The LGBT rugby team’s annual WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 fundraiser gives you a chance to pick your faThanksgiving Eve Dance Party With Willam @ Axis, 775 N High St, Columbus, 43215; vorite guy for a special date package. 9p; $5. 614.291.4008, axisonhigh.com: It’s Axis’ fourth annual pre-holiday dance party. 10p; $6. SATURDAY, Evolution Theatre Company: Zanna Don’t NOVEMBER 21 @ Columbus Performing Arts CenterStonewall Hiking Club @ Blendon Woods, 4265 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Van Fleet Theater, 549 Franklin Ave, E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, 43017; Thanksgiving Potluck @ Southbend Tavern, 126 E Columbus, 43215; 614.233.1124; 614.930.2265; FB: LGBT Hiking Club - Stonewall Moler St, Columbus, 43207; 614.444.3386; FB: evolutiontheatre.org: The LGBT the- Columbus: Monthly hikes are for all levels of fit- Southbend Tavern: Over the river and through the ater company presents Tim Acito’s ness. 10:30a-noon. woods, to the South Side of Columbus you go. 2p. tale of a world in which gay is the new straight and the popular lead in the school musical is a closeted heterosexual. All ends well, though, after the arrival of Zanna, a magical fairy who brings love to one and all. (More performances are scheduled for Nov. 12-15 and 19-21. Tickets for those shows are $20-$25.) 8p; $10.

Movie Screening: Flag Wars @ Wexner Center Film/Video Theater, 1871 N High St, Columbus, 43210; wexarts.org: The 2003 documentary told the story of Columbus’ Olde Towne East and relations between newly arriving gay residents and longtime African-American FRIDAY, residents. 3p; $8 ($6 for students and seniors). NOVEMBER 13 Capital Pride Band Fall Concert @ King Avenue United Methodist Church, 299 King Ave, ColumWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Trailblazers Outing: The Elephant Man @ Riffe bus, 43201; 614.325.1590; cappride.org: You’ve Center Studio 2, 77 S High St, Columbus, 43215; seen them march at Pride, now you can enjoy 614.299.7764; stonewallcolumbus.org/trailblaz- Central Ohio’s LGBT band in a more intimate ers: The Stonewall Columbus group for LGBT setting. They’ll also perform on Sunday, Nov. 15 people 50+ will take in a CATCO matinee show- at 3p. The Friday concert is at 8p; ticket info ing of the Tony-winning story that just TBA. enjoyed a Broadway revival. Meet at the Center on High for transSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 portation to the theater. 10a; Craftin’ Outlaws Holiday Show $20. @ Greater Columbus Convention Center Battelle North Ballroom, 400 N High St, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 LGBT Veterans Recognition Columbus, 43215; craftinoutCeremony @ Stonewall laws.com: Columbus’ longestColumbus, 1160 N High St, running alternative craft festival Columbus, 43201; 614.299.7764; celebrates 10 years of unique, stonewallcolumbus.org: An annual where-did-you-find-that gifts. There also program to honor the service of LGBT men and will be take-and-make crafts for you to try. 11awomen who have served our country in its armed 5p. forces. outlookohio.com

Look for Columbus’s Transgender & Friends on Facebook.

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Outlook Magazine: Celebrating 20 years!

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Western Ohio

Dayton • Springfield • Wright State • Masque • MJ’s

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Breaking Silences: Sex & Disability Conference @ Wright State University Student Union, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, 45435; julie.williams@wright.edu: The threeday conference will explore issues of sexual health, images of beauty, sexuality, gender identity, inter-ability relationships and more among the disability community. Organizers say the sessions are LGBT-inclusive. 8a; $250. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Human Race Theatre Company: Steel Magnolias @ The Loft, 126 N Main St, Dayton, 45402; 937.228.3630; humanracetheatre.org: The tale of friendship among six Louisiana women is a favorite of gay men and lesbians alike, even though there are no gay or lesbian characters. There are performances every Tuesday-Sunday (except Thanksgiving) through Nov. 29. 8p; $32-$50. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Miss Big & Beautiful Nationals, Mr. Big & Sexy Nationals, Mr. Sexy National @ Masque, 20 N Jefferson St, Dayton, 45402; 937.228.2582; clubmasque.com: It’s a triplecrown weekend at Masque, and the pageants are open to all with no preliminaries. Events continue on Saturday and Sunday. 2p registration for contestants; $150 entry. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Evil Dead: Makeup Class @ Victoria Theatre, 138 N Main St, Dayton, 45402; 937.228.7591; victoriatheatre.com: While Evil Dead: The Musical is in town, Wright State University professor John Lavarnway will teach a master class on makeup. 2p; $25. outlookohio.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Monday Movie Night @ MJ’s on Jefferson, 20 N Jefferson St, Dayton, 45402; 937.223.3259; mjsonjefferson.com: Every Monday night, there’s a different LGBT classic and free popcorn. 9p. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Karaoke Thursday @ Diesel, 1914 Edwards Ave, Springfield, 45503; 937.324.0383; FB: Diesel Bar & Nightclub: Every Thursday. 10p. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Lesbian Dayton Happy Hour @ Red Carpet Tavern, 3301 Wayne Ave, Dayton, 45420; lesbiandayton.com: The group for gay and bi woman meets on the second Friday of every month. 7p-9:30p. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Mu Crew’s 11th Birthday Party @ Pi House, 15 W 4th St, Suite 200, Dayton, 45402; 937.461.2437, x2015; FB: The Mu Crew: The social and educational group for men ages 18-29 celebrates No. 11. Come for lunch and dinner, games and annual awards. Noon. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Wright State Rainbow Alliance Equity Banquet @ WSU Student Union Apollo Room, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, 45435; 937.775.5565; FB: Wright State University Rainbow Alliance: Wright State’s gay-straight alliance hosts its annual banquet/benefit to raise money for a scholarship fund that helps LGBTQA students. 6:30p-9p; call for ticket info. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Mu Crew Movie Outing: The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2 @ theater TBD; 937.461.2437, x2015; FB: The Mu Crew: The group for men ages 18-29 will get dinner and then see the fourth and final Hunger Games movie. Check the Facebook page for details as the release date draws near. 6p. PFLAG Dayton: 937.640.3333 or pflagdayton.org.

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Out &Out About & in About in

Southwest Ohio

Cincinnati • Highland Heights, KY • The Cabaret SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Buyer and Cellar @ Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, 1127 Vine St, Cincinnati, 45202; 513. 421.3555; ensemblecincinnati.org: It’s the end of a three-week run for this one-man play about an out-of-work actor who takes a job as shopkeeper in Barbra Streisand’s basement mall. 2p; $18-$44.

but three days of activities accompany the contests. The weekend package includes admission to the contest, dance, Saturday breakfast and two cocktail parties. Kink U will be offering Saturday classes as well. $69.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Muse: Cincinnati Women’s Choir Fall Concert @ Northern Kentucky University Greaves Hall, Nunn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Big Freedia Bounce Shakedown Tour 2015 @ Bog- Drive, Highland Heights, Ky., 41099; 513.221.1118; art’s, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, 45219; musechoir.org: The choir’s annual fall concert is 513.872.8801; bogarts.com: The Queen Diva and re- themed, “Rivers, Valleys, Mountains: Our Life’s Jourality TV star who helped popularize bounce music ney.” It features Appalachian music and guest brings her Fuse TV-sponsored tour to Ohio. She’ll artists MaCrow and the Lady Slippers Bluegrass also perform on Friday, Nov. 6 at House of Blues in band. (Another performance is planned for Sunday, Cleveland. 7:30p; $18. November 15 at 3p at St. Anthony Parish, 6104 Desmond St, Cincinnati, 45227.) 7p; $10-$20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Megan Hilty: Rosemary Clooney’s Songbook @ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Music Hall Springer Auditorium, 1241 Elm St, Adore Delano @ The Cabaret, 1122 Walnut St, Cincinnati, 45202; 513.621.ARTS (2787); cincinna- Cincinnati, 45202; 513.202.4052; FB: The Cabaret: tiarts.org: “Sway,” “Tenderly,” “Mambo Italiano” Penny Tration and her girls host the RPDR Season 6 and other hits of Cincinnati’s sweetheart will be per- runner-up. You can get tickets early through a link formed by Hilty (Wicked, TV’s Smash) and the at The Cabaret’s Facebook Cincinnati Pops. There are more performances page. 9p; $20-$25 (tables scheduled for 8p on Saturday, Nov. 7, and 2p on $100-$150). Sunday, Nov. 8. 8p; $20-$110. FRIDAY, After the Moment: Reflections on Robert MapNOVEMBER 20 plethorpe @ Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E 6th St, Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremony @ Cincinnati, 45202; 513.345.8400; contemporaryartscenter.org: It’s been 25 years since an exhibit of Clifton Cultural Arts Center 3711 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220; FB: the late photographer’s work helped ignite the culGreater Cincinnati Transgender Day of Rememture wars. Now, the Cincinnati museum whose director was prosecuted over the exhibit looks at how brance: A collective of organizations in the Greater Mapplethorpe and the 1990 controversy have influ- Cincinnati area is hosting a ceremony to remember enced artists in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The ex- lives lost to transphobia and to celebrate the future hibit runs through March 13, 2016; $7.50 ($5.50 for of the transgender community. 7p. students and seniors). MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Gay Literature Group of Greater Cincinnati @ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Ride for Equality @ CycleBar, 2713 Edmondson Rd, Clifton United Methodist Church, 3416 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, 45209; FB: Ride for Equality: The Human Cincinnati, 45220; FB: Gay Literature Group of Rights Campaign’s Greater Cincinnati chapter hosts Greater Cincinnati: November’s book is The Gallery by John Horne Burns, a 1947 novel set in occupied a different kind of fundraiser. Wear your workout clothes and go for a ride at the indoor cycling studio. Naples that is one of the first to look directly at gay life in the military. 3:15p; $25. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Violet Chacki: The Kiss & Tell Tour @ Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, 45219; 513.872.8801; bogarts.com: It’s billed as a burlesque extravaganza with the winner of RPDR Season 7. 8p; $22.50-$75.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Tri-State Contest Weekend @ various locations through Sunday, Nov. 15; FB: Tri-State Contest Weekend: The titles of Mr. Tri State Leather, Mr. Tri State Rubber and Mr. Tri State Pup are up for grabs, november 2015

TransSaints (Cincinnati): 513.429.5085 or transsaints.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Irving Berlin’s White Christmas @ Procter and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St, Cincinnati, 45202; 513.621.ARTS (2787); cincinnatiarts.org: The classic holiday movie comes to the stage, and it’s worth seeing for all the reasons you rewatch it on TV every year. There are performances scheduled every Tuesday-Sunday (except Thanksgiving) through Dec. 6. 7:30p; $25.75$105.75. outlookohio.com

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Out & About in

Northwest Ohio Toledo • Bowling Green • University of Toledo • BGSU

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Refugee Crisis Benefit Concert @ BGSU Wooster Center, 1124 E Wooster St, Bowling Green, 43402; 419.372.8487: Faculty and students from BGSU’s ethnomusicology area perform a benefit concert to aid the current global refugee crisis. 8p; ticket info not available.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 This Filthy World: An Evening with John Waters @ BGSU’s Kobacker Hall, Moore Musical Arts Center, 1001 E Wooster St, Bowling Green, 43403; 419.372.8171; calendar.bgsu.edu: As if introducing the world to the late, great Divine wouldn’t have been enough, John Waters has directed 16 movies, written seven books and had his artwork exhibited worldwide. His oneman show is free - and a book-signing/reception follows - but tickets are required. 8p. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Outlook’s Toledo Drag Photo Shoot @ Legends, 117 N Erie St, Toledo, 43604; 614.268.8525, x3; FB: Outlook Magazine Drag Photo Shoot: Our annual Drag Issue, coming out in January 2016, will include a special photo feature on the drag queens and kings of Toledo. See the Facebook page or call Editor Bob Vitale at the phone number listed for more info. 2p.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 BGSU Theatre Department: A Perfect Wedding @ Thomas B and Kathleen M Donnell Theatre, Wolfe Center for the Arts, Ridge Street and N Mercer Road, Bowling Green, 43402; 419.372.8171; bgsu.edu/arts: Love, romance, marriage: It all falls apart until two gay wedding planners decide to get married and everyone’s faith in the institution of marriage is restored. (More performances are scheduled for 8p on Nov. 20 and 21, as well as 2p on Nov. 21 and 22.) 8p; $20 ($5 in advance for students and $15 in advance for all others).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 The Laramie Project @ University of Toledo Center for Performing Arts, 1910 W Rocket Dr, Toledo, 43606; 419.530.ARTS (2787); utoledo.edu/comm-arts: UT’s theater department presents the 2000 play that draws on hundreds of interviews conducted with residents of Laramie, Wyo., after the brutal 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student. Performances also are scheduled for 7:30 on Saturday, Nov. 21, and 2p on Sunday, Nov. 22. The play closes on Sunday, Dec. 6. 7:30p; $15 ($8 for students, $10 for seniors and staff).

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Findlay Spectrum’s Family Fun Bowling Night @ AMF Sportsman Lanes, 616 Trenton Ave, Findlay, 45840; 419.551.0821; FB: Findlay Spectrum: Organizers will provide the bowling fee and shoe rental from 5p-7p for anyone who brings a new unwrapped toy for local charities. The first three THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Not in Our Town Meeting @ Bowling Green City bowlers to get turkey frames will win a turkey. Administrative Services Building, 304 N Church St, Email spectrumoffindlay@gmail.com to RSVP. 5pBowling Green, 43402; 419.372.2197 or 419.372. 7p. 2081; bgsu.edu/not-in-our-town: BGSU and the city of Bowling Green have an ongoing effort to FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 make their communities more inclusive. 3p-5p. Ohio State University Marching Band @ Stranahan Theater & Great Hall, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, 43614; 419.381.8851; stranahantheWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Authors! Authors! Series: Gloria Steinem @ ater.org: Sorry, Wolverines fans. We know there are Stranahan Theater & Great Hall, 4645 Heathera lot of you in Toledo, but we’re the voice of Ohio’s downs Blvd, Toledo, 43614; LGBT and Ally community, so we’re more than a litauthors.toledolibrary.org: On the release of her tle partial to the Scarlet & Gray. The Buckeyes’ eighth book, My Life on the Road, the Toledo native, band will perform for Northwest Ohio fans on its feminist icon, activist, journalist and National way to Ann Arbor for Saturday’s game. 7:30p; $25. Women’s Hall of Fame member is comSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 ing home to Fashion With the Stars @ Radisson Hotel at speak, anUTMC, 3100 Glendale Ave, Toledo, 43614; swer ques419.266.2853 or 419.908.6596; tions and uthealth.utoledo.edu/ryanwhiteprogram: Love & sign books. Hip Hop Atlanta’s Rasheeda will host a World 7p; $10 ($8 AIDS Day fashion show dedicated to fashion’s for students). fallen stars. Check the website for the time and ticket info. outlookohio.com

PFLAG Toledo: 419.386.7830 or pflagtoledo.org.

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Out & About Out &in About in

Northeast Ohio Cleveland • Akron • Canton • Kent State University

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Ordinary Days @ Dietz Theater, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 44313; 330.836.2626; weathervaneplayhouse.com: This musical tells the story of four young New Yorkers and how their lives intersect. Adam Gwon, who wrote the music and lyrics, loosely based the queer character, Warren, on himself. There are more performances scheduled for 7:30p on Nov. 57 and 12-14, and at 2:30p on Nov. 7-8 and 14. 2:30p; $10-$26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Big Freedia Bounce Shakedown Tour 2015 @ House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 44114; 216.523.BLUE (2583); houseofblues.com/cleveland: The Queen Diva and reality TV star who helped popularize bounce music brings her Fuse TVsponsored tour to Ohio. She’ll also perform on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Bogart’s in Cincinnati. 8p; $20.

november 2015

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Akron Film + Pride: Five Dances @ Nightlight Cinema, 30 N High St, Akron, 44308; 330.252.5782; nightlightcinema: The monthly film series continues with the 2013 story of a young dancer who weighs whether to return to his family in Kansas or stay in New York to live his own life. 7p; $10. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Lecture: Susan Stryker: Trans (in My) Life @ Kent Student Center Kiva, Kent State University, 1075 Risman Dr, Kent, 44240; 330.672.8580; kent.edu/lgbtq: The University of Arizona professor has written a history of transgender people in the United States and has directed documentaries about Christine Jorgensen and the Compton Cafeteria riots. 7p-9p.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 All Shook Up @ Baldwin Wallace University’s John Patrick Theatre, Kleist Center for Art & Drama, 95 E Bagley Rd, Berea, 44017; 440.826.2240; bw.edu/tickets: The music of Elvis Presley is woven into a 1950s story of love and mistaken identities that echoes Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. 7:30p (shows also are SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 GLSEN-Northeast Ohio Youth Conference @ scheduled for 7:30p on Nov. 13-15 and 19LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, 21, and at 2:30p on Nov. 15, 21 and 22); $25 6600 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 44102; ($10 for students and $20 for seniors). 216.556.0960; glsen.org/chapters/neo: Students in the Cleveland area can engage in di- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 alogue about LGBTQA issues, diversity and Fabulous Food Show @ I-X Center, 1 I-X Cenhow to make schools safer for all students. ter Dr, Cleveland, 44135; Register online for the free event. (There’s fabulousfoodshow.com: It’s billed as the naalso a GLSEN youth conference in Akron on tion’s biggest presentation of fine food, fine Saturday, Nov. 21). 9a-4p. art, craft breweries, wineries and restaurants. The three-day show includes 450 companies and celebrity foodies Michael Symon, Gail SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Thriving Gay Men Open House @ Unity Cen- Simmons, Aaron Sanchez and Buddy Valastro. ter of the Heights, 2653 S Taylor Rd, Cleve10a-6p; $30-$45 per day for show, or higher land Heights, 44118; 440.319.1085; for celebrity sessions. davidfearn@aol.com: Meet gay men who are sharing the many ways they thrive through SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 discussion and activities. Light food proCleveland Bears Trip to Amish Country @ Berlin, Ohio, 44610; clevelandbears.org: The vided. RSVP via phone or email. 6p-8p. Northeast Ohio bear group heads to the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country in Holmes County, with visits planned to Wendel August Forge in

PFLAG Cleveland: 216.556.1701 or pflagcleveland.org.

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Berlin, Schrock’s Amish Farm and Village in Millersburg and Grandma’s Homestead Restaurant in Farmerstown. Visit the website for details on carpooling. Noon. Arktos Bears Chili Cook-Off @ Cocktails Cleveland, 9208 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 44102; arktosbears.org: If you don’t think bears can cook, check out the Facebook group called Bears in the Kitchen! 9p. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 2015 AIDS Memorial Quilt Panel-Making Workshop @ MetroHealth Medical Center Main Campus, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, 44109; 216.778.5583; rthomas7@metrohealth.org: Make a panel for your loved ones who have died from an AIDS-related illness. No sewing or quilting experience is required; material and guidance are provided. You must register by Nov. 8. 10a-6p. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Women’s Happy Hour @ Tapped Out, 3415 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, 44134; 440.342.3098; thewh2.com: A monthly gathering that rotates around Northeast Ohio nightspots. 5p-9p. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 GLSEN-Northeast Ohio Youth Conference @ Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd, Fairlawn, 44333; 216.556.0960; glsen.org/chapters/neo: Students in the Akron-Canton area can engage in dialogue about LGBTQA issues, diversity and how to make schools safer for all students. Register online for the free event. (There’s also a GLSEN youth conference in Cleveland on Saturday, Nov. 7). 9a-4p. Canton Ohio Prime Timers Thanksgiving Dinner @ Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4120 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, 44709; 330.605.0417; cantonohiopt.com: Pass the mashed potatoes! Prime Timers is a social group for mature gay and bi men. 5p. outlookohio.com

Elvis Is in the Kleist Center @ Baldwin Wallace University’s John Patrick Theatre, Kleist Center for Art & Drama, 95 E Bagley Rd, Berea, 44017; 216.651.5428; lgbtcleveland.org/tada-series.html: The ongoing series of LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland fundraisers continues at a performance of All Shook Up at Baldwin Wallace University (see Nov. 12 listing). 7p; $45. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 So You Think You Can Dance @ State Theatre, Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 44115; 216.241.6000; playhousesquare.org: The 10 finalists from Season 12 of the hit Fox dance competition are on tour. 8p; $10-$75. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Cleveland Play House: A Christmas Story @ Allen Theatre, Playhouse Square, 1407 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 44115; 216.241.6000; clevelandplayhouse.com: The stage show based on the holiday classic movie has all your favorites, including the bunny suit and the leg lamp. It runs through Wednesday, Dec. 23. 7:30p; $2-$80. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Winterfest @ Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 44115; downtowncleveland.com: Cleveland’s holidays start off with horse and carriage rides, the first ever tree-lighting ceremony at Playhouse Square, a fireworks show and more. 1p. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Iron Eagles Christmas Kickoff Benefit Show @ Cocktails Akron, 33 W Mapledale Ave, Akron, 44301; ironeagles.com: It’s the first of a series of holiday charitable events for the leather/Levi’s group that knows the true meaning of Christmas. 5p. Look for TransCleveland Social Group on Facebook.

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savage love

by Dan Savage

DOWN THERE

I am a cis woman in my mid 20s. I get a pang or a spasm of pain in a place deep in my clit/urethra area. I can’t pinpoint which part exactly. It takes me by surprise every time it happens, so I jerk around and press my crotch for a hot second - which doesn’t help, but it’s about the only thing I can do. This obviously does not look cool in public, and regardless of when it happens, the episode irritates me. Around four or five convulsions happen and then quickly it’s over. There’s no pattern; it happens at random times and anywhere from one to four times daily. It started about a week ago. It doesn’t hurt when I pee, apply pressure to the area, work out, masturbate or orgasm. I wonder if my lady spasms are associated with stress. I started a new job in September that I love, but it’s very demanding of my time, which has taken a toll on my mental and physical health (i.e., doing work things all fucking day, having no “me” time).

“SPASM’s symptoms most closely map onto a condition called ‘interstitial cystitis’ or bladder pain syndrome,” Dr. Brotto and Dr. Huber explained. “IC is diagnosed when there is chronic bladder or urethral pain in the absence of a known cause. It’s typically described as having the symptoms or sensations of a bladder infection, without actually having an infection.” “Although IC usually has a gradual onset and presents with pressure more often than pain, some women do describe a sudden onset, with pain as the most prominent symptom as opposed to pressure. Since IC often coexists with vulvodynia (vulval pain), dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and endometriosis (when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus), if this individual has any of these other diagnoses, then IC may be more likely to account for her pain.” How can you determine if it’s IC? “IC is best assessed by a urologist, who may choose to do further urine tests, like examination of urine under a microscope, and even a cystoscopy - putting a narrow camera through the urethra into the bladder to take a look.”

What’s going on down there? What’s the solution? Will doing Kegels help me manage these spasms? (PS: I’m a lesbian if that detail is helpful.) - Super Perplexed About Spasms Mostly I shared your letter with Dr. Lori Brotto, an associate professor in the Department of Gynecology at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Brotto has done extensive research on vaginal/vulval pain and is a recognized expert on this subject and lot of others. Brotto shared your letter with Dr. Jonathan Huber, an Ottawa-based gynecologist with expertise in treating genital pain. “SPASM definitely needs to see a physician as soon as possible to have her vulva and vagina examined,” Dr. Brotto and Dr. Huber wrote in their joint response. “The collection of symptoms she describes does not map perfectly onto any single diagnosis, so these ideas below are best guesses.” Before we get to those best guesses, a word of warning for the hypochondriacs in my readership: If you’re the kind of person who can’t read about mysterious symptoms and their possible causes without immediately developing those symptoms - particularly vagina-having hypochondriacs - you might want to skip the rest of this response. OK, back to the good doctors... “Sudden onset, intermittent genital pain can be caused by a number of simple things, such as abrasions, an infection, an allergic reaction, buildup of smegma, dermatosis, etc.,” Dr. Brotto and Dr. Huber wrote. “Although these things are unlikely to be the cause of her pain, they’re easy to rule out and treat, if necessary.”

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Another possible cause: a urethral diverticulum. “It’s like an outpouching along the tube of the urethra,” Dr. Brotto and Dr. Huber wrote. “This is kind of like a deadended cave where urine and other debris can collect, which can possibly lead to infection and pain.” A gynecologist might be able to diagnose a diverticulum during a normal exam - just by feeling around - but you’ll most likely need to have a tiny camera stuffed up your urethra to diagnose this one too, SPASM. Moving on... “Some of her symptoms also sound like the beginnings of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, a condition of unwanted genital sensations and arousal in the absence of sexual desire. PGAD can be triggered by stress and temporarily relieved with orgasms. For some women with PGAD, it is related to starting or stopping a medication (especially antidepressants).” The good news: There are treatments for all of these conditions. Follow Dr. Brotto on Twitter @DrLoriBrotto, and follow Dr. Huber @DrJonathanHuber. (PS: Lesbians, in my experience, are always helpful.)

You can email Dan Savage at mail@savagelove.net, follow him on Twitter at @fakedansavage or listen to his weekly podcast, Savage Lovecast, every Tuesday at thestranger.com/savage. Savage Love appears every month in Outlook and every week at outlookohio.com.

GenderQueer Discussion Group (Cleveland): 216.651.5428, x113 or MSimek@lgbtcleveland.org.

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the divine life

by Debé

Scorpio (October 23 November 21) You are attracting people like a moth to a flame, but you have no patience for shallow interaction. If they can’t go deep with you, socially or sexually, you can’t be bothered. Sometimes it’s more fun to get out your new birthday toys and play with yourself.

Sizzling Scorpios: KD Lang, Ru Paul, Megan Mullally and BD Wong. Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) You know what you want, and you’re eager to go after it. Due diligence is boring; it’s much more fun to fly by the seat of your pants. Just be careful or you’ll land on your head instead of your feet. Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) What’s with the drama, baby? Things will go much better if you don’t sweat the small stuff, so chill already. People are in your corner, so you don’t need to try that hard to push what you want. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Good things come to those who wait. That expression might piss you off, but it’s very true right now. Look around and enjoy what’s in front of you for a little longer. You might miss it later. Pisces (February 19 - March 20) You are always sensitive, but you can’t handle the extra stimuli this month. Try not to let family gatherings push your hot buttons, and no dance club for you! Think comfy robe and hot toddy. Aries (March 21 - April 19) You can be aloof, but you need to go the other direction this month. You need to engage others. They can help you fine-tune your passion and creativity. Besides, you love an audience! Taurus (April 20 - May 20) You’ve worked hard, and that gives you a lot of satisfaction. Downtime can be satisfying, too, so take some time to rest and reflect on outlookohio.com

your accomplishments. A little R&R can put a smile on your face. Gemini (May 21 June 20) The month begins with some deep thinking about what, or whom, you really want. Dig in until the full moon in your sign on the 25th makes you restless again. You’ll be ready for some action by Thanksgiving. Cancer (June 21 - July 22) You might think the emotional seesaw you’ve been on isn’t getting you anywhere but dizzy. It is actually bringing you clarity, so give yourself permission to feel, even if it hurts. A little psychic S&M might be just the thing. Leo (July 23 - August 22) As the holidays approach, you may be feeling a little insecure about some people in your life. Just put on your game face and be fierce. You’ve got this, my friend. Your lion heart will triumph in the end. Virgo (August 23 - September 22) A deluge of opportunity is overwhelming, offering endless opportunities. Take time to enjoy your Cinderella moment while you can. Soon enough that glass slipper will turn back into a work shoe. Libra (September 23 - October 22) I imagine you are tired after all that hard work, both inside and out. That introspection thing can be exhausting. Maybe you should grab your significant other and get out of Dodge. Thanksgiving on a secluded island, perhaps? Handy Tip A simian line is a fusion of the heart line and head line in a hand. The owner of such a hand is usually very intense and passionate. They are all in or all out. Debé is a palmist, intuitive adviser and metaphysical teacher in Columbus. She is available for personal readings, parties, events and workshops. For more information, go to thepassionatepalmist.com. Look for her horoscopes every month in Outlook.

Alpha Omega Society (Ashland): aosoc.org or outreach@aosoc.org.

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BI SONGS Across

1 Olympic award for Ireen Wüst 6 Supporter of Julia Morgan? 10 They were under Hoover 14 Advil rival 15 Global rights org. 16 Drumbeat start 17 They’re green when you pluck them 18 *”I Kissed A Girl” singer 20 Non-Judy garland 21 “I’ve ___ had!” 23 Annoyances 24 Meat that may be tender 26 *With 45-Across, “Baby Blue” singer 27 The “T” in T.E. Lawrence 29 Doesn’t feel up 30 Old PC program 33 Poe visitor 34 Miss, to Mauresmo 35 Leafy veggie 36 Ball of film 37 Cold-cocks

...

38 “Art of Love” poet 39 Umlaut pair, in Rilke’s language 40 Shaft output 41 Tee shot for Rosie Jones 42 That, south of the border 43 Abel’s assassin 44 Word after bottom 45 *See 26-Across 46 Raunchy British sitcom 47 Gets to second base, perhaps 50 Comic strip dog 51 Family magazine 54 *Pete, who sang “Rough Boys” 56 Full of the latest 58 The African Queen author 59 Early Ron Howard role 60 More cunning 61 First of the Democratic ass drawers 62 Fairy godmother’s stick 63 Former NFL player Tuaolo

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V Down

1 Edifice complex 2 Novelist Wiesel 3 *”Cool For The Summer” singer 4 Greeting to Maria 5 L of GLAAD 6 Vehicles for some dykes 7 Flair 8 Literary rep. 9 Erections with ribbons wrapped around them 10 *”Coming Clean” singers ___ Day 11 “Terrif!” 12 “To be” to Henri 13 “Over my dead body!” and more 19 Small shooters shoot them off 22 Tennessee Williams twosome 25 Black pussy cats, e.g. 26 Leaves at the altar 27 It may be rough 28 Circles overhead 29 *”Bicoastal”

singer Peter 30 *”John, I’m Only Dancing” singer 31 Kind of drab 32 Passover dinner 34 Richly deserve 35 Land of Margaret Cho’s ancestors 37 Place to exam someone’s dinghy 41 Man-to-man, to Sue Wicks 43 Disney frames 44 Crime-fighting org. 45 *”Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright)” singer Jackson 46 Changed from a pair to a threesome 47 Owner of a gay dog on South Park 48 Cicero’s garment 49 Some of Mary’s lambs 50 Way to come 52 Web surfer 53 Supermodel Banks 55 MPG monitor 57 Dottermans of Antonia’s Line

PFLAG Akron: 330.342.5825 or pflagakron.com.

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Thanks to all our advertisers and readers for two decades of support! You rock!

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november 2015

Outlook Magazine: Celebrating 20 years!

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