OC MAY 2014
THANK YOU JUDGE BLACK! STEAL ME --TIMOTHY i’M FREE! Thank You Judge Black! QUORUM COLUMBUS LGBTQA MAGAZINE
• • • •
N R A B D N A R G THE S N A C I H O M E AT T H
Ce C e Ceremonies & Weddings Corporate Retreats Reunions & Gatherings Anniversary Celebrations
MORIES WHERE ME TIME FE LAST A LI
rustic with breathtaking views The Grand Barn Barn n offers offers off ers r an atmosphere am at mo mos o osphe ph p h re e of of upscale, up cal ups ale le classic cllassi cla ss s s c romance rroma omance oma nce combined with the best amenities to make every event a success. A winding spiral staircase with woven grapevine railing to the upper loft/bar area is one example of the exquisite detail you will experience. Separate dressing/meeting areas are ideal for bridal party preparations or, in a corporate retreat setting, for smaller sessions or classes.
& S N I B A C N MOHICA S E S U O H E E TR
• Four well-appointed, Amish-built cabins sleep 8 to 15 • Charming White Oak Treehouse sleeps 4 • Famous Brew Haus Treehouse featured on Animal Planet’s “Tree House Masters” sleeps 2 • Cabins are walking distance to zip line and adjacent to mountain bike trails
CONTACT ME, OWNER KEVIN MOONEY, OR MY STAFF. WE WELCOME ALL PEOPLE TO BOOK EVENTS, WEDDINGS, CEREMONIES, & CELEBRATIONS! Home of The Grand Barn at The Mohicans • 22650 Vess Rd, Glenmont OH 44628 • 440-799-3419 www.themohicangrandbarn.com • Find us on Facebook at The Grand Barn Wedding Center www.themohicancabins.com • Find us on Facebook at Mohican Cabins
CONTENTS
6 SARA SHARES Words, Labels and Respect
20 THE TASTE BUDS Dan’s Drive In
MAY 2014
8 SCENE Wine Tasting 26 BIKE SCENE Head Out on the Highway
10 COLLEGE SCENE Fusion’s Fabulous Year 28 PERSPECTIVE Leaders of Today
11 PARENTING Butterflies, Flowers and…Spider-Man? 30 DEVELOPMENT More Art, More Monet
12 SCENE Oh, the DRAUMA 32 MOVIES Out Here Yields a Bountiful Harvest
14 INTERVIEW Dee W. Ieye’s Fresh Story 34 FITNESS The Power of the Plank
16 MAY BARTENDER Rick Green, Club Diversity 35 SCENE Eleganza
18 SEXPERT Summer Lovin’ 36 COUPLE
Jo and Brooke McKahan
40 SPOTLIGHT
TransOhio Symposium
45 ADJOURN Rick Neal, Ohio Marriage Caravan
On the Cover:
Gregg Dodd | Model Ray LaVoie | Photographer
For more information visit: QuorumColumbus.com
Quorum Columbus Magazine is published monthly by Qmunity, LLC. Quorum Columbus Magazine issues are FREE at distribution locations throughout the greater Columbus area. COPYRIGHT© 2014 Quorum Columbus Magazine. Reproduction without expressed written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All rights in letters, manuscripts, photographs, drawings, illustrations, and artwork sent to Quorum Columbus Magazine will be treated as assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to Quorum Columbus Magazine and Qmunity, LLC terms and conditions. All models are at least18 years of age. All photographs included are posed for by professional models or willing participants in Quorum Columbus Magazine except as otherwise noted. Neither said photographs nor accompanying editorial is indicative of sexual orientation. The publisher of the magazine does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers. ALL CONTENT AND RELATED MEDIA ARE COPYRIGHTED © 2014 BY QUORUM COLUMBUS MAGAZINE. All rights reserved.
22 FEATURE The Real Life Journey of Gregg Dodd
quorum crew Isaac Bendele
Mickey J. Hart
Andrew Johnson
Erik Hayes
Jerry Turnes
Amy Tannenbaum
President & Publisher
Editor
Copy Editor
CFO
Web & Digital Media Developer
Columnist Photographer
Patrick Butler
JM Rayburn
Heather Doughty
Craig Chadwell
Mike Moffo
Sara Ernest
Graphic Designer Illustrator
Graphic Designer Social Media Manager
Graphic Designer
Columnist Graphic Designer
Columnist Account Executive
Columnist
Michael Greenhouse
John Henry, Jr
Bowen Marshall
Adrian Neil, Jr
Alex Copeland
Allyson Fridley
Columnist
Columnist
Columnist
Columnist
Contributor
Photographer
Mike Lovett
Josh McConaughy
Kris Littler
Joshua McCarty
Contributor
Distribution Coordinator
Also on the crew:
Ray LaVoie, Feature Photographer Mimi Webb, Scene Clayton Walter, Contributor Clare Hughes, Graphic Designer
This Month’s Contributors:
Scene
Scene
Meg Alley, Writer Kari Jasinski, Photographer Rick Neal, Writer Heather Wack, Photographer
O p portun it ies A bound | MICKEY J. HART
LOOK AROUND. This is the payoff for a long and arduous winter. Spring is in bloom and the pulse of the city is quickly picking up. With many events and opportunities in the works, it is hard to keep up. The good news is you don’t have to; you just have to pick the ones you can do and have fun. As you look through this issue you will see that the Quorum crew made it to a few events and have the pictures to prove it. Speaking of opportunities and making choices, this month we feature Gregg Dodd, who kicked off 2014 by making a list of 52 goals to accomplish by year’s end that he calls #greggslist. He is making strides on his list and we tagged along for his latest adventure. For Mother’s Day, local mom Meg Alley shares the story of Braelin, her 7-year-old transgender son. We interview Columbus native Kevin Farrell about the release of this book, Confessions of a Drag Queen Tupperware® Lady. We also preview one of my favorite spring events, the TransOhio Symposium. Having attended twice, I highly recommend it to everyone. All of this and our columnists have been very busy too. Josh McConaughy chats with Dylan Barile from Wine Trends to learn more about vino. Sarah Ernest encourages the eradication of “the r word” from our vocabulary. Adrian Neil, Jr. shared about his involvement with the Young Black Gay Men’s Leadership Initiative. Clayton Walter reviews the queer farming documentary, Out Here. The Taste Buds take an early morning motorcycle ride to Dan’s Drive In.
Mickey J. Hart Editor mickey@quorumcolumbus.com
#jointhequorum
PHOTOS | RAY LAVOIE
Thankfully, Ohio recently took an interesting step forward on the path to marriage equality. Rick Neal wraps up this issue with the story of the Ohio Marriage Caravan.
SARA SHARES
| SARA ERNEST EACH OF US RESPONDS in our own way to words. Some of us pick apart every nuance of a sentence and analyze every word choice to determine exactly what is meant by the speaker. The phrase “reading between the lines” comes to mind. Others let most words roll off their backs. The simple fact though is that words affect each of us in some way. Think about your angriest moment. I would be willing to bet it starts with something along the lines of, “I got into an argument with someone because they said I…” Now let’s think about the times we have tried to make people mad. Sure, there were probably instances when we kissed someone we shouldn’t have or “borrowed” something without asking, but I would be willing to bet that nine times out of 10, it all came down to us running our mouths with the intent of hurting someone else’s feelings. Every community has slurs that are used against its members on a regular basis. The LGBTQ community is painfully familiar with that. We have some options though to change the game. It is up to us to take the power out of those words. The most common way to take the power out the slurs that are hurled against us is an awareness campaign. A few years ago, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) started the Think B4 You Speak Campaign aimed at educating people about the harmful effects of using the phrase “That’s so gay” or any derivative of it. According to thinkb4youspeak.com, “the goal (of the campaign) is to reduce and prevent the use of homophobic language in an effort to create a more positive environment for LGBT teens.”
LEARN MORE: r-word.org glsen.org 6
MAY 2014
The people at GLSEN knew the only way to change the mentality that it was acceptable to use the word” gay” in place of “dumb” or “ugly” or “stupid” was to put it into a perspective that people could understand and ask them if they knew what they were saying when they said, “That’s so gay.” We are not the only community faced with such a problem. The special needs community deals with a similar situation as well. Every day, numerous members of our human family are relegated to a lower place in society by “the r word.” The simple fact that these people were born with a developmental disability makes some people think that they are a lesser class of person. Intellectual and developmental disabilities come in many forms and affect people in all walks of life. People in every corner of the world are affected by any number of developmental challenges, from autism and Down Syndrome to dyslexia and ADHD. The problem is that people who throw around “the r word,” don’t take the time to learn the differences between these challenges. They don’t see the individual behind the label and what all they have to offer. It seems to me that the LGBTQ community has something in common with the special needs community that many of us have probably never thought about. We know firsthand what it feels like to be slapped with a label that doesn’t really apply to us. I know many people think that “retarded” is “just a word” and “how much harm could it really cause?” I would call on my LGBTQ brothers and sisters to stop and answer that question for themselves and consider how much easier it would be to use a word that is actually appropriate. It is our job as human beings to make the world a better place for the rest of our human family. A good place to focus our energies would be for us to “Spread the Word to End the Word.”
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We Drink Wine with Diamonds in the Glass | JOSH MCCONAUGHY
SCENE
WHETHER YOU’RE A FAN of a full-bodied red with dinner, strictly stick to chardonnay at parties or like a bold bubbly on special occasions, everyone enjoys a nice glass of wine from time to time. If you’re anything like me, you know the basics about wine: white with chicken and fish, red with steak, don’t ask for an ice cube in your “mer-lot” and white zinfandel is not a great choice if you’re over the age of 20. Sound familiar? I wanted to educate myself more and learn about the unique wine offerings that Columbus offers, so I had a lovely conversation with my good friend Dylan Barile while we sipped vino. Dylan is a sales representative for Wine Trends in Columbus and has always impressed me with his ability to choose a perfect bottle of wine, whether it costs $10 or $100. Dylan’s first recommendation for someone looking to experience great wine and food tasting events in Columbus is the Taste of Dine Originals on May 15 at the Capital University Field House. Attendees can sample regional wines and food from 30 vineyards, three craft breweries and 48 restaurants. He also suggests visiting different retail shops such as Wine on High in the Short North, House Wine in Old Worthington, The Twisted Vine in Grandview and Meza Wine Shop in Westerville. These shops offer affordable happy hour tastings so you can sample a variety of different wines to see which you like the best. Weiland’s Market in Clintonville also has a great wine department, according to Dylan. He says, “They have one of the most knowledgeable wine staffs in the city of Columbus with great French and Italian wine sections.”
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If you want to impress your dinner date with your taste in fine wine, try the highly recommended DeepWood restaurant for a unique dining experience. Located at 511 N. High St. across from the convention center, they are known for their great wine and artisan cocktails, as well as their inspired menu. So what does this year hold in store for wine drinkers? Dylan shares that trendy red blends are still very popular and usually very affordable, but 2014 might be the year that chardonnay comes back with a vengeance. Wine producers in Australia, California and the Pacific Northwest are showing excitement about chardonnay in the coming year, so look for it to gain popularity in the next couple seasons.
It was great to catch up with my good friend Dylan over a bottle of wine. Check out the link below for a list of some of the many locations to explore wine options in Columbus. No matter your preference, a sophisticated wine event can be a nice alternative to far too many Vodka Red Bulls at the bar. Plus, you may even learn something interesting. For more information on Dylan’s favorite wine places, visit us at: QuorumColumbus.Com
club diversity 863 South High
Home of the original DRUNKEN GUMMI BEARS!
Where there is NEVER a Cover Tue: Movie Night Thur: Tom Crumley on Piano Sun: Karaoke with Calvin & Jason
Enjoy it with us in a cosy gazebo on our beautiful Backyard Patio!
Fusion’s Fabulous Year COLLEGE SCENE
| MICKEY J. HART WHAT STARTED YEAR’S ago as an ad-hoc organization is now one of Stonewall Columbus’ on-going programs. Stonewall Fusion is a social space for the central Ohio college-aged LGBTQ community. The socials offer attendees an alcohol-free venue that features music, dancing, food, games and drag performances. Fusion is held on the first Friday of months that the local colleges and universities are in session. This year’s socials were themed Back to School, Halloween’s Revenge, Winter Bash, Luau Lounge and Valentine’s Day Bash. The Great Queersby Fusion Prom wrapped up this year’s socials on April 4 at Columbus State Community College. Longtime Fusion hostess Alexis Stevens and special guest Selena T. West entertained the prom crowd. The fun starts up again next fall.
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MAY 2014
PHOTOS| MICKEY J. HART
PARENTING
Butterflies, flowers and ... Spider-Man? | MEG ALLEY
WHEN I WAS ASKED to write a perspective piece on transgender issues, my first thought was, “I’m not a writer, nor am I transgender. But perspective? I have perspective.” I’m the fortunate parent of a transgender 7 year old.
I held to the belief that maybe she was just confused. I was terrified about what it meant for Braelin (a coincidentally androgenous name) in the world. How could I protect and defend and be the greatest advocate possible?
After two boys, I anxiously awaited the ultrasound results. When I heard “It’s a girl,” tears streamed down my face. Finally I was going to have a girl. It was time for butterflies, flowers and cute little outfits. I’m not a girlie girl, so I wasn’t planning for frills and lace. At the very least, there would be no more Spider-Man.
I sought professional guidance to try to understand my role. What I uncovered was less about Braelin and all about me: my own fears of being judged. I was facing intense scrutiny from those around me. Would I be blamed as a parent for somehow causing this? What would people think of me? What if I did it wrong and somehow made things worse? How was I going to accept this so my child could go into the world with complete self-love and understanding? Was I even capable of the strength needed to be his advocate? A very wise man told me to take a deep breath and let Braelin be my guide.
She had all the parts that made her a girl except for the one I couldn’t see. Deep down inside, in the very core of her being, my girl was really a boy. While seeking answers to behavioral issues like ADHD, I was told she was Gender Dysphoric: discontent with her assigned gender. This was an official diagnosis for which there was no treatment or cure. My husband and I were already saying things like, “You can be whatever you want when you grow up” and “You were born with girl parts, but that doesn’t make you a girl.”
DEEP DOWN INSIDE ... MY GIRL WAS REALLY A BOY. Without fully understanding or knowing what being
transgender meant, we were already opening the doors of acceptance. Family and friends tried to reassure us that it was “just a phase” and that “she’s just a tomboy with older brothers” or even “she’s doing it because she gets attention.” Ignorance often leads to blame or quick assumptions. It’s not that I believe people were trying to be hurtful, but the reality of what we were facing couldn’t be easily dismissed. I don’t blame them for not understanding. After all, I had no idea of what it meant to be transgender, so how could I expect them to? Armed with only unconditional love, I set out to navigate and understand. I doubted, denied, cried and even panicked at times. I am extremely open-minded and accepting, but this took me to the extreme edge of what I could comprehend. I secretly harbored the notion that someday we would look back and say, “Remember when you wanted so badly to be a boy?”
This has been a lengthy process of grieving, letting go and accepting, a process I wasn’t expecting and for which I didn’t feel prepared. I felt such a deep sense of loss mixed with triumphant moments of love and awe. I had to quit fighting my own demons. The turning point for me was letting Braelin cut his hair “like a boy.” He would beg and plead, but I wasn’t ready to let go of my little girl. He snuck away with scissors and cut his own hair three times before he was 5 years old. I wanted to protect him from ridicule and bullying. I envisioned the kids at the bus stop, laughing and pointing. When the chair was turned and he saw his hair for the first time, I thought his smile would blind me. He felt complete with a simple haircut. I gave him the greatest gift I could ever give to him: abandoning my selfish fears and give him freedom to be who he truly was. It was one of the most cathartic moments on my journey of accepting. At the bus stop, I hesitantly followed him, dreading the reaction of the other kids. They said, “You look like a boy!” to which Braelin responded, “I know! Isn’t it awesome?!” I am so proud to be the parent of a transgender child and so grateful to have the opportunity to be having this conversation. Editor’s Note: We are thrilled that Meg Alley has started this conversation in time for Mother’s Day. She will continue the conversation of her journey in raising a transgender child in future issues
2014 May
11
SCENE
Oh! the DRAUMA!
| MICKEY J. HART
THE BLUESTONE WAS packed on April 19 for DRAUMA. It was packed with fashion designers, hairstylists, makeup artists, body painters, models, DJs, dancers, music, theatrics, performers, talent, creativity, extremes, applause and drama. The venue offered guests a variety of spaces to enjoy, such as the outdoor dance tent, a cabaret room, a photo booth and several lounge areas. While each space offered something special, the focus of the night was clearly on the main stage, complete with a runway of non-stop fun, fashions and fantasy. Drag Queen Nina West and L.A.-based indie electro/pop group Happy Pills were the headliners of the night that included 10 additional performers and DJs. DRAUMA also served as the Alternative Fashion Week’s “Kick Off” Show. The 18 Alternate Fashion Mob designers shared a sampling of their works, while over 14 other designers offered larger collections. All combined, it made for an impressive fashion showing judging from the crowd’s ecstatic reaction throughout the show. Evolved Body Art and Rendezvous Hair Salon know how to present an entertaining spectacle with wide-reaching appeal. They also know how to pay it forward with a portion of the DRAUMA proceeds benefitting Prayers for Alex, Sidreh and the Columbus Youth Guild.
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12 MAY 2014 MAY 2014
PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY
PHOTOS | RAY LAVOIE
Dee W. Ieye's Fresh Story
Q&A
| ISAAC BENDELE WE CAUGHT COLUMBUS native Kevin Farrell just after a return flight from L.A. as part of his book release tour. In Confessions of a Drag Queen Tupperware® Lady, Farrell tells his story of a rising actor who turned a hobby to supplement his income into a career. He created the Dee W. leye persona and, with his stylized approach to drag, quickly became North America’s number one Tupperware sales person. However, Farrell does more than sell wonderful plastic containers in drag at great parties. Making people laugh brightens Dee’s day and this casual Q & A brightened ours.
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H
ow would you describe your performance style?
K High comedy! I have very f
stylized make-up. I do not try to pass as a woman.
W
hich drag performers are your biggest influencers
K Comic drag actors like Flip Wilson f
as Geraldine, Barry Humphries as Dame Edna and Clinton Leupp as Coco Peru. Jeffery Roberson as Varla Jean Merman. They had/have real characters. Not just a pretty boy dressed like a woman lip-syncing to famous singers.
W
hat led to writing your new book?
Kf
T
ell us your favorite story from the book.
Kf
I was approached by Nancy Sayles at a party in Woodland Hills, CA. She was intrigued by me and my story. Tootsie meets 2012! She asked if my story had ever been told. I said, “No.” She offered to be my publisher and away we went. People are always asking me at my parties my story and how I got started. Now it’s in a book. I love the fact that I did a party where I was convinced that all the couples there were wife swappers. I had this odd feeling throughout the party that something was up. I can’t tell you for SURE they all were swingers, but I had never had that feeling in my gut before.
W
Kf
W
Kf
D
Kf
hat do you hope your book will accomplish?
hat have been your favorite ways you have been able to give back?
id you have a favorite moment while writing the book?
W
hat is one of your favorite moments from selling and performing over the years?
I really like how my life has turned out. I always knew I’d make it as an entertainer. I had it all planned out: famous actor, money, reputation, successful. I thought it would be as Kevin – boy actor. But now it’s Dee W. Ieye – famous drag queen Tupperware Lady. I got the end product, but what’s funny is it all came in different packaging.
I love, love, love charities, especially children’s charities. I love to do fundraisers to help kids. Sometimes, I do my Tupperware show or I do a BINGO party as a fundraiser. Both are great ways to have fun and help charities.
Really – having my lunch meetings with Nancy in Toluca Lake, CA. We’d meet for sushi. I’d tell her my stories. We’d laugh and enjoy good food. When I moved back to Ohio, I left some great friends behind. They will always be in my life, like Nancy now being my publisher and publicist. But we have to Skype our sushi sessions now and the threehour difference is not so convenient.
Kf
I love to make a difference in someone’s day. Someone may be going through a difficult time and I am able to help them escape that for a period of time. Laughter is a great release and a great healer. I had a woman host a party once in L.A. After the party she talked to me in her driveway as I was packing up the car (as Kevin – not as Dee). She thanked me for a lovely evening. She had not had anyone in her house for over a year. She had shot a home intruder the year previous, who lived. The year had been a year of court battles and unhappiness as this man tried to sue her for shooting him. She said that she had not had anyone in the house and having all her family and friends in the house laughing and having a good time was like having the house blessed. It, seriously, made me cry. I love moments like that. It validates what I do for a living. It’s more than selling plastic – it’s changing lives. Learn more about Kevin Farrell or Dee W. Ieye at: DeeWIeye.com
BARTENDER OF THE MONTH | MICKEY J. HART LIKE ITS NAME IMPLIES, Club Diversity offers something for everyone. Rick Green, who has been a bartender for 11 years, adds to the mix. “I try to get a feel for each person to see how much I can banter or joke with them,” he said. Rick enjoys working at this unique bar in a converted large house in German Village. For Rick, the best aspect of Club Diversity is the different people who stop in. “We are known for having a very diverse group of people on any given night,” said Rick. The bar’s interesting and diverse evening line-up clearly contributes to this. Rick invites you to join them for triple-feature movie night on Tuesdays, Thomas
WHO: Rick Green
WHERE:
Club Diversity 863 S. High Street Columbus, OH 43206 614.224-4050 clubdiversity.biz
Crumley at the piano on Thursdays, free live music on the weekends and karaoke on Sundays. In addition to all this, the bar works with local theater companies on occasion who utilize their theater space/private party room on the second level for special shows. It is easy to feel at home at Club Diversity, whether you are at the main bar, the front parlor, the back room or hanging out in the spacious backyard complete with patio and several seating areas. During the warm weather months, the backyard is the perfect place to enjoy one of their many martinis. Rick suggests you try their famous Chocolate Martini or the Tropical Martini.
COCKTAIL:
Tropical Martini Equal parts coconut, pineapple, mango and passion fruit rums + peach schnapps + red passion Alize *Shake with ice and enjoy
FUN FACT:
Rick loves to cook and eat. He’s been known to talk recipes with customers and post recipes on Facebook. PHOTO | JOSHUA MCCARTY
16
MAY 2014
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SEXPERT SEXPERT
| JOHN HENRY, JR SUMMER IS ALMOST here and the temperature outside is not the only thing heating up. Our sexual desires are at their peak during the warmer months. Research showing a spike in Google keyword searches for words related to pornography, prostitution and dating sites during June and July as well as increased birth and STI rates in the months following all support this claim. Whether it’s the increase in social opportunities, the scant clothing of the season or some biological inclination, something about summer gets us hot. So, here are a few suggestions to make the most of your summer lust and keep you safe.
CRUISING FROM YOUR FAVORITE PATIO BAR CAN BE A BLAST, BUT DON’T LOSE YOUR SENSES Drinking and summer seem intrinsically bonded. There is almost nothing better than a cool drink on a warm day. However, one too many can make the next day hellish in more than one way. Waking up next to a stranger is never fun and that person is almost never as attractive as you may have thought the night before. Also, sex just isn’t that great when one or both partners cannot function to their full potential. Cruising from your favorite bar patio can be a blast but don’t lose your senses. If you are going out drinking, surround yourself with friends and focus on the task at hand. If you are out for a different reason, keep your drinking in check. Next, always be prepared. You never know when a “new friend” may come along and you should never rely on the other person to have protection. Keep condoms with you at all times so you are ready if and when the opportunity presents itself. Any time you leave the house, put a couple in your pocket for good measure. It is also important to keep your latex out of direct sunlight and heat. That means don’t keep a box in the car or one in your wallet. Heat and pressure are latex’s worst enemies.
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And last, but certainly not least, have fun! Summer is an amazing time in Columbus. People are out and about and there is always something going on. With a different festival almost every weekend, concerts throughout the city and a truly amazing nightlife, the possibilities are endless. Summer is probably the best time to meet that special someone or reignite the flame of a current relationship. As always, be smart, stay safe and enjoy your summer.
Free confidential HIV and STI testing is available at ARC Ohio’s locations Anonymous HIV testing is available. For more information, call 614-299-2437 or visit www.arcohio.org
Dan's Drive In: Breakfast
and
Beyond
THE TASTE BUDS
| CRAIG CHADWELL & MIKE MOFFO AS SUMMER NEARS and the allure of sunny mornings springs us out of bed a bit sooner, the first thing that comes to our minds is: “Where is a great place to have breakfast?” For the Taste Buds, a go-to favorite is Dan’s Drive In located at 1881 S. High St., just south of German Village. With a diner-style menu that spans all mealtimes, Dan’s is far more than just a breakfast spot. It has a Greek influence and their Gyros are out of this world. But, we digress. Dan’s is a place where we meet many of our biker friends for breakfast before we head off on a ride. A quick shot down High Street and you have access to many of Ohio’s most beautiful roads and rides. The prices at Dan’s are incomparable. One favorite is the Big Country Breakfast. At $4.99, it includes homemade biscuits topped with their own sausage gravy, two eggs, home fries and sausage patties. $4.99! Their Eggs Benedict at $6.19 is one of the best Eggs Benedict we have ever tried.
The service staff still treats you the way they would have back then, too. Friendly, upbeat, fast service gets you in and out quickly. In addition to all of this, they keep the place very clean. The clientele at Dan’s is as varied as their food. You will see everything from the suburban minivan mom to bikers to members of the LGBTQ community and everything in between. Everyone gets along. Often times, conversation will go between tables. The place just fosters a friendly feel. We find ourselves at Dan’s a few times every month. Never have we been unhappy. The service, the food, the environment – it is always great! We give Dan’s an enthusiastic four thumbs up. And when you see a group of bikers sitting there, don’t be shy to say hello. You never know, it could be our group!
They also have a variety of skillets. One of our favorites is the Vegetarian Skillet (with a cheat): tomatoes, spinach, onions, green peppers, zucchini, scrambled eggs and home fries, all topped with cheddar and mozzarella. We, however, like to add gyro meat to the dish, making it not vegetarian at all, but all the more delicious to us. Dan’s is an absolute throwback. You walk into a feeling of the ’50s. You can almost picture a sock hop happening inside. This has probably happened, considering it has been there since 1951.
YOU WILL SEE EVERYTHING FROM THE SUBURBAN MINIVAN MOM TO BIKERS TO MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY
Craig & Mike have been a couple for more than 11 years and were married in Washington, DC, in 2012. They are the proud parents of three young adults. They appreciate friends, riding their motorcycles, reasonably-priced local eateries, good wine and a nice IPA beer. With the amazing number of excellent locally-owned restaurants in Columbus, they always encourage you to “eat local” to support local businesses. 20
MAY 2014
superlow 1200T
LGBT GARAGE PARTY! JOIN FELLOW RIDERS AS WE WELCOME OUR MOTORCYCLING LGBT BROTHERS AND SISTERS. FRIDAY, MAY 9TH FROM 6-7PM, come to C&A Harley-Davidson速 to see vendors, tattoo artists, and riding demonstrations. Then SATURDAY, MAY 10 FROM 6-9PM, join us at Circus Restaurant and Bar, 1227 N High St Columbus, for C&A HARLEY-DAVIDSON速 BIKE NIGHT.
COME ENJOY WHAT THE COLUMBUS LGBT BIKER SCENE HAS TO OFFER. PRIZES, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD, & DRINKS!
C & A H ar l e y- Davi ds o n 速 7 6 1 0 C o m m er c e P l ac e Plain City / Dublin 6 1 4 - 7 6 4 - B I KE 2014 Breakout
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FEATURE LABEL PHOTO | RAY LAVOIE 00 22
XXXXXXX APRIL 2014 2014
The Li fe Real Journey Gregg Dodd of
#greggslist | ISAAC BENDELE LIFE IS A JOURNEY – so enjoy the side trips. And 2014 is a series of side trips for Gregg Dodd. Part New Year’s resolution and part bucket list, for some, it might be a list that is achieved in a lifetime. Gregg set out on Jan. 1 to accomplish 52 things he’s never done before, averaging one new thing each week. For him, it’s a personal challenge to seize each and every moment of the year. In 2012, Gregg made headlines with his famous “hug-log” that even I was included in on March 3. You may remember that he set out to hug at least one person a day and track it in a little black book that he was rarely found without. This simplistic, yet inspiring, 2012 New Year’s resolution quickly found him inspiring hugs throughout our city. Gregg tells me, “People that I didn’t even know were coming up to me off the street and asking me if they could hug me because they wanted to be included in my ‘hug-log.’” Like the 60’s, he inspired free love. Well, at least free hugs. And out of this, his 2014 #greggslist was born.
#7
Take a cooking class
Like most of us do, Gregg woke up on New Year’s Day and made his list of resolutions. The list didn’t include the typical things like losing weight, saving money or quitting smoking. Instead, his resolution list included a long list of “people, places or things” that he’s never experienced. Have you ever seen something in a movie, read something in a book or saw a photo on your news feed and said, “I want to try that someday”? 2014 is Gregg’s “someday.” Like the hug-log, it started as a personal journey when he simply wrote out his list on his floor-toceiling chalkboard wall in his kitchen and posted the photo on Facebook. From there, “his” journey became “our” journey. Taking only 15 minutes to jot down on his chalkboard, the list became real. With an inspiring balance of complex and simple tasks, Gregg’s list came to life. “It’s about making that personal connection and knowing when to seize the right moment,” Gregg tells me. Authenticity to Gregg is key for making true life experiences with intimate, indelible moments to hold dear for the rest of his life.
FEATURE
With eight months to go, Gregg is making significant progress with accomplishing 14 items on his list: 1. 5. 7. 9. 14. 26. 31. 33. 35. 37. 38. 39. 42. 45.
Grow a beard. Research my family tree. Take a cooking class. Take a helicopter ride. Take a trapeze class. Learn how to make a perfect martini from a professional bartender. Leave a $100 tip on a small bill. Stay up 24 hours in New York City. Get a tattoo. Swim two miles. Participate in a polar bear plunge. Kiss someone on a dare. Eat something outside of my comfort zone. No alcohol for a month.
“The best part about this entire experience is the outpouring of support,” Gregg tells me. “From the moment that I posted the list on Facebook, friends have signed onto be part of the journey and help me accomplish specific items that were on their own bucket list. And even more profound than that are the dozens of individuals who have told me that my list has inspired their own list to accomplish this year. And that in and of itself makes it all worthwhile and adds meaning to each number I cross off.” Quorum will be following Gregg on his progress, encouraging him and sending him messages of inspiration and encouragement. He’s hopeful, but not certain if he’ll succeed in accomplishing every item on his list. We’re rooting for him to turn “someday” into ”today” for each number by year’s end. Know of a person, place or thing to help Gregg on his list? Let him know at gregg@quorumcolumbus.com.
To
#greggslist Gregg will:
accomplish
this year
• Take at least 11 trips outside of Columbus • Run at least 95.8 miles • Swim at least 2.5 miles • Have 31 consecutive days of sobriety • Spend his budget of at least $5,200 • Share at least 10 bottles of wine with friends
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#33
Take a helicopter ride. “I figured I could pay for a helicopter ride at the Ohio State Fair and fly over campus or see the sights of NYC from high above. I chose NYC. Lady Liberty never looked so good.”
Learn to make a perfect martini. “My friend Derek, who is the bar manager at the Pearl in the Short North, literally set up ‘bar school’ for me one evening. I thought I was simply going to watch him make a martini. Instead, I got schooled in crafting a cocktail that I consumed many times. Let’s just say I got an A in making and an A+ in shaking.”
#35
Get a tattoo.
FEATURE
#26
SCENE
| MIKE MOFFO BACK WHEN I WAS barely old enough to walk, my parents bought me my first dirt bike. I remember taping flashlights to the front of that bike so that I could ride at night. We lived out in the country and there were no neighbors close enough to bother, so I rode. Constantly. From there, motorcycles – especially road bikes became an obsession. As I aged, the thought of having a road bike wouldn’t leave my head. At the age of 16, I got my license and I rode. I submerged myself into the biker culture. I was part of a now defunct motorcycle club and continued that way until coming out 12 years ago. Back then, I never expected that I would ever be allowed into that biker culture again. I assumed the camaraderie of being a motorcyclist was something that was “no longer,” so I almost gave up on riding. A few years back, the urge hit me again, and hard. It became an obsession again. I had to be on the open road. My husband Craig and I talked it through and decided it was something that we could swing. I bought a bike again. After riding passenger for a while, Craig decided he wanted to give it a try. We got him a bike and we started riding together. That feeling of being together yet being lost in our own thoughts was something we both fell in love with. As we continued, we befriended many other bikers. Straight bikers. Those people you see and assume that they would be mean and gruff and would hate on gays. But they didn’t. They accepted us into their biker families like we were no different than the next guy. No judgment, no harassment, no negativity. In the mind of most bikers, if you’re “on two,” you’re family, no matter who you love or what sexuality you claim. You, to them, are a brother or sister of the road. We have been on many long-distance rides with our new-found families. Myrtle Beach, Chicago and all over Ohio. Never have we had an issue. We have gained such a mass of friends and supporters out of this that we feel silly for ever expecting otherwise.
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Recently, we befriended a motorcycle club. These men and women dedicate so much time and money to charities that you would think they would never have time to ride. They are solidly some of the best people we have ever met. Last spring, their president approached us about becoming members. He had talked to everyone in his chapter and made sure no one had a problem with us being who we are. Unanimously, they decided that they wanted us to be part of the group.
THAT FEELING OF BEING TOGETHER YET BEING LOST IN OUR OWN THOUGHTS WAS SOMETHING WE BOTH FELL IN LOVE WITH. Though we didn’t choose to become full members, we do consider ourselves “hang-arounds,” people who support this brotherhood as much as we can. We often will ride with the group to different destinations. Be it a poker run or just a ride for fun, these are some of the greatest people to ride with. And it isn’t that they accept us; it is that they don’t even acknowledge that we are “different.” We are their brothers, no matter what. Riding a motorcycle, be it solo or with a group, is the most freeing feeling you could ever experience. The fear of the unknown, the beautiful scenery, the feeling of absolute freedom … the experience is something that I have never found anywhere else. I have always joked, ”One minute you hold your breath to keep from smelling the road kill you just passed, and the next, you are breathing in the lilacs you see growing down the hill.” Riding puts you in touch with all things nature. Riding clears your mind. Riding sets you free.
If you want to learn more about motorcycles and riding in an LGBTQ-friendly environment, check out: C&A Harley Davidson® at 7610 Commerce Place, Plain City, OH. Better yet, attend their LGBTQ Garage Party on May 9 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. where they will have areas set up to help you find what fits you best. C&A Harley David≠≠son® markets directly to the LGBTQ community and have stepped up as a supportive dealership.
JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH!
PRIDE FESTIVAL at Goodale Park
OH MYYY! OUR PRIDE GRAND MARSHAL George Takei
Friday, June 20 • 4 - 11 PM Saturday, June 21 • 11 AM - 8PM
PRIDE PARADE Saturday, June 21
Step-Off at 11am on Broad & Front
FEATURED PERFORMERS FRIDAY, JUNE 20
PRIDE BRUNCH Sunday, June 22 11am - 1pm The Columbus Athenaeum
PRIDE PATIO
DJs and Dance Floor Friday and Saturday!
Alex Newell
Crystal Bowersox
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
WEAR YOUR PRIDE
Entrance Donation Dog Tags and Wristbands Now on Sale!
Beverly McClellan
Vicci Martinez
For the full schedule of events visit:
columbuspride.org or call (614) 299-7764
WILD RUTZ
Winslow
/columbuspride
LEADERS OF TODAY PERSPECTIVE
| ADRIAN NEIL, JR. RECENTLY I HAD BEEN struggling with my career decision, doubting whether or not the work I am doing is affecting change. There are few young African American men who have sex with men (MSM) in Columbus who are in key positions in the field of HIV prevention, policy and advocacy or who have a desire to mobilize the African American MSM community. I often felt alone and without support in my struggle, but all that changed on April 2 when I became part of the Young Black Gay Men’s Leadership Initiative (YBGLI). I dedicate this column to them. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced an alarming 48 percent increase of new HIV cases among young African American MSM between the ages of 13 – 29. As a result, the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition assembled five dynamic young gay leaders to strategize to address the need for increased peer-based community mobilization and activism in combatting the HIV epidemic. In the spring of 2012 the five leaders created the YBGLI.
The initiative is led by an organizing committee of young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) under the age of 30 with professional backgrounds in research, community mobilization, policy and advocacy. Membership consists of young African American gay, bisexual, and/or same gender loving men from different areas of the country. The initiative’s mission is to address the issues disproportionately affecting their peers, particularly related to HIV prevention, care and treatment, through leadership mobilization and policy efforts. In 2012 the YBGLI hosted its first Policy and Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. Fifty-three African American MSM came together to discuss the HIV/AIDS epidemic and different ways they could contribute to the fighting it and to address other disparities within the MSM of color community. Members also participated in discussions on research, policy, advocacy, leadership, health disparities and mobilization.
I applied to and was accepted to attend the recent 2014 YBGLI Policy and Advocacy Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The summit was one of the most inspiring, motivating and educational experiences in my life. I was surrounded by like-minded men who shared the same passion I have for mobilizing YBMSM to become mentally, physically and emotionally empowered. It was so refreshing since it was so different from what I have experienced in Columbus or in Ohio. This year’s summit also included 58 of the most passionate and determined YBMSM. We were chosen to be a part of the summit based on the work they were doing and the potential we had to become better leaders within their communities. We gathered to discuss HIV/AIDS, policy, advocacy, Obamacare, the African American church and homosexuality, stigma and ways we can mobilize our communities. To be able to be in a room with so many diverse and inspiring men was simply amazing.
From the moment I stepped onto the plane to Atlanta, I knew my life would change. Prior to attending the summit, I was struggling with the fact that there are very few African American MSM who are open about their sexuality to look up to as leaders in Columbus, and I was continuously looking for others like myself who I can look up to for advice, affirmation and lean on for support. I now know that I am not alone. It is empowering to have a group of supporters throughout the nation who I can call on and look up to. I no longer struggle; instead, I am stepping up to be one of the few YBMSM leaders in my community. My passion for the work I do was reignited by the summit and I left knowing that the work I am doing is needed and supported. No matter what challenges that I have or will face, I will never give up.
Learn More: ybgli.org
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Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 1777 E. Broad St. | 614.715.8100 | www.fpconservatory.org
MORE ART, MORE MONET
DEVELOPMENT
| JM RAYBURN INVESTMENTS IN THE ARTS have a return on investment for individuals, neighborhoods and cities. This has been true for centuries. Powerful countries have invested their riches in public art, architecture and music, and those investments play a role in showcasing economic strength and desirability. People flock to cities and regions to see these works, and the arts directly improve the quality of life a place offers its residents. The arts economy aggregates all of these investments and activities so we can measure the economic impact or the dollar amount the arts contributes to the overall economy. The arts economy has never been more important. As Kenny McDonald, CEO of Columbus 2020, said, “A strong cultural community conveys that your place is engaging and open. Smart and creative people seek interesting work, interesting places in which to do their work and opportunities to work with interesting people.” The presence of a dynamic arts scene is evidence of a community’s ability to serve the needs of both up-and-coming and top talent, which helps to attract and retain top employers. Columbus is fortunate to have the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) to support the arts and advance culture of the region. The GCAC funds exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. The GCAC also provides periodic reporting on the breadth of the Columbus arts economy. The Columbus arts economy generates $226 million in economic activity and supports 8,500 jobs. It is a huge economic force of artists, museum workers, arts marketers and more. When we add in the for-profit creative sector, Columbus is an arts powerhouse with over $3 billion in annual receipts and 25,000 jobs. In 2011, for every public
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IN 2011, FOR EVERY PUBLIC DOLLAR INVESTED BY THE CITY IN ARTS AND CULTURE, $34.57 WAS PUMPED BACK INTO THE LOCAL ECONOMY. dollar invested by the city in arts and culture, $34.57 was pumped back into the local economy from other sources, including earned income by arts organizations. That is a superb return on investment and it speaks volumes to the benefits of art investments for economic development. The GCAC reporting also highlights the vital role arts organizations play as they contributed more than $79 million to the Columbus economy through direct expenditures. In addition, these organizations’ programming provided more than 4.3 million arts experiences for Columbus residents and served 369,000 school children. Now that we have data on the arts economy, how can we identify growth opportunities and raise the bar higher? A few years ago, Mayor Michael B. Coleman commissioned a study of how to increase funding for tourism and the arts. The study found that an additional $8.6 million is needed to sustain the arts, create jobs and increase tourism. Since then, the city budget has included funding increases for tourism and arts. Mayor Coleman also identified a growth
PHOTO | GREATER COLUMBUS ARTS COUNCIL
opportunity in city’s hotel bed tax. This tax is a standard practice of local governments across the United States to generate revenue from visitors who use public services but do not pay local taxes as residents do. The local bed tax was traditionally divided almost 5050 between the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and the City of Columbus. The city would then divide its share five ways, with Experience Columbus, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Columbus Housing Trust Corporation, human-services agencies and the city’s general revenue fund each getting a cut. Two years ago, the City of Columbus restructured the hotel bed tax. Columbus now gives its cut entirely to tourism, arts and human-services spending. As a result, funding for the arts increased by $700,000 or 24.5 percent over the previous year. Mayor Coleman also signed an executive order to establish the new Columbus Public Art Program, which will allocate a minimum of $250,000 per year to public art projects. I would like to see public art projects in the form of painting the street, murals, sculptures—basically anything that creates visual interest and surprise, which also slows down vehicular traffic. A great way for you to support the local arts is to attend the Columbus Arts Festival on June 6 - 8 this year. The festival hosts hundreds of juried artists from across the United States, as well as several international artists. Last year, nearly 450,000 people were in attendance and more than $200,000 was raised for arts programming in the region.
out here Yields a Bountiful Harvest MOVIES
| CLAYTON WALTER LGBTQ PEOPLE LIVING in rural areas sometimes dream of escaping their small, often conservative communities for the thriving liberalism of big cities. The diversity of metropolitan areas means anyone can find people they relate to and feel at home. For many LGBTQ people, the idea that such a sense of inclusion and warmth can be found in more isolated places, far from the lights and noise of the city, seems like a fantasy. But such is the case of the communities featured in Jonah Mossberg’s Out Here, a documentary about queer farmers. From the film’s outset, Mossberg admits the relative futility of making such a film: There’s no way to exhaustively chronicle the lives and work of these farmers or to focus all that he saw into a fine point. The queer farming community is just as diverse as any other collection of people, with the film’s subjects coming from different ethnic backgrounds, community types and family situations. They represent the rare minorities – sexual and often racial – that work in an industry dominated by straight white men. Even labeling the collection of farmers shown in the film – seven farms are shown of the dozens that Mossberg visited while filming over the course of four years – as “queer farmers” proves problematic, and thus emblematic of how vivid and exciting their community is. An opening montage tasks the farmers with defining queer, eliciting a range of answers involving sexual identity, political status and relation to the larger community. Similarly, the film later asks for them to define farming, which again brings out a variety of perspectives and ideas.
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Thus, while Out Here’s subjects share little in common with each other, that lack of commonality speaks to the one broad observation Mossberg can garner from his trek across the country: that there is no easy way to survey queer farming. None of the farmers get a ton of time on screen (the film flies by at barely more than an hour long), so viewers get small tastes of life on a goat farm in Kansas or a children’s garden in Philadelphia. Mossberg cracks open the door to a world that many (myself included) may have never even thought of, so urban-minded are many in the LGBTQ community. The film has a charming, appropriately homegrown feel to it; Mossberg allows the farmers to riff on the farming process, the allure of farming and matters of identity. Much of the most interesting discourse is on which communities the farmers feel most closely connected to. Far from the dense pockets of sexual minorities in big cities, most of the farmers feel most connected to their farming friends and the people in their communities that they provide food. A lesbian couple in Kansas talks about how they feel close to other families they connected with after having their son. There’s a thrilling sense of identity that is more than sexually based; these people are gay, lesbian and transgender, yes, but they are so much more than their sexuality. They are mothers, sons, friends, workers, church-goers and contributors to communities in big cities and far smaller rural areas. Out Here reminds us that there are many stories to tell in the LGBTQ community and as many perspectives, goals and lifestyles as there are people. The diversity is beautiful. It doesn’t create division, but rather gives more reason to celebrate what an interesting, eclectic community we are, finding meaning and happiness in many ways, in endless places. on hand for a Q&A session after the film.
Out Here was screened at the Ohio Union on Tuesday, April 15 through the sponsorship of several OSU and College of Wooster departments and groups. Filmmaker Jonah Mossberg and Ohio queer farmers Josh Coltman (Williamsfield, OH), Caty Crabb (Rutland, OH) and Derek S. Lory (Clintonville, OH) were on hand for a Q&A session after the film. PHOTOS | KARI JASINSKI
6$7 0D\ SP “Burgers 021 0D\ $OO 'D\ Cinco
for Boobies� charity cookout benefiting Komen For The Cure
de Mayo! $2.50 Corona & Jose Cuervo shots )5, 0D\ SP Hellin Bedd’s ZODIAC show, dancing after show 6$7 0D\ SP SKIN & FETISH in The Barracks, fetish gear or shirts off, $2 cover 6$7 0D\ SP Mary Nolan’s Drag Revue, dancing after show 681 0D\ SP Memorial Day Blackout Dance Party, Free body painting! 6$7 0D\ SP Maria Lopez presents...THE BITCHES ARE BACK, dancing after show feat. Ashley Stewart, Mary Nolan, Honey Mustard, & Hairyola Nolan
Ĺƒ
The
POWER
FITNESS
| MICHAEL GREENHOUSE
of the
WHEN IT COMES TO TRENDS in the fitness industry, core exercises have lasted and increased in popularity over the years. You know something has caught on when new students ask about specific terminology and exercises (i.e. ab-roller and crunches) during the first training session. While kettle-bells, myofascial release and plyometric are still foreign to many, virtually everyone knows about planks and how to hold one (Until they are told to do so for more than 10 seconds). Despite the fact that the plank is usually associated with core training, students often ask me how the sensation felt in their shoulders, legs or low back is training the abs. In truth, this lack of understanding by students and fitness goers really illustrates the issue many fitness professionals face when prescribing exercises that are intended to train core stability. Though many fitness enthusiasts know how to crunch their abs into submission, few actually possess an understanding of how to properly engage these muscles in daily life. To perform a plank correctly, you must be able to engage your core muscles to create a neutral spine, which is the correct position during walking, squatting and daily life movement. Let me explain why the plank is such a great exercise. The abdominals tighten around the spine to provide support during exercise or daily tasks such as bending over and rotating. Contracting the abs in a plank is known as an abdominal brace. As opposed to drawing in the waist to the spine, planking involves a simultaneous contraction of all abdominal muscles to provide additional stiffness and support to the spine. This method of creating strength in the muscles around the spine will help the body create power and reduce pain such as lower back issues.
THIS...WILL HELP THE BODY CREATE POWER AND REDUCE PAIN SUCH AS LOWER BACK ISSUES. 34
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PLANK
While this reaction happens automatically with healthy adults with a strong mid-section, a lack of conscious control during exercise is often related to a host of issues such as back pain and weakness of core muscles deep inside our bodies. While the outer core consists of the visible stomach muscles (rectus abdominis and obliques), the muscles of the inner core are located close to our joints (multifidus, diaphragm, pelvic floor and transverse abdominis). The function of these muscles is to contract isometrically before movement occurs to stabilize the joints. If this cannot be achieved, the chance of injury increases and the ability to create significant power will not exist. The most important thing to understand about this idea is that these muscles must fire before any movement takes place in order to create stability. Interestingly, a timing delay in this reaction has been found to exist in fitness goers with chronic back pain – illustrating the fact that the presence of chronic or acute pain can throw off the way our inner core fires and stabilizes the body. By contrast, the muscles of the outer core are responsible for moving or preventing motion of the extremities and trunk after the inner core muscles have fired. A common error made in training programs for students who are deconditioned or returning from injury is an overabundance of outer core training without re-establishing control of these inner core muscles. But in order to do so, we must first establish whether or not these muscles are working correctly and whether the client is able to actively engage an abdominal brace. For this purpose, we can rely on several key tests, but one of the best and easiest to perform tests is to perform a plank in perfect form for at least two minutes. If this can be achieved, it will prove your core muscles are stabilizing correctly and working efficiently. Michael Greenhouse owns Pure Functional Movements and specializes as a personal trainer in the areas of: • Exercise Physiology • Bio-mechanics • Strength & Conditioning
• Diet • Rehabilitation Therapy
Learn more about his services: facebook.com/purefunctionalmovements purefunctionalmovements.com
SCENE
An ELEGANZA Evening Under the Big Top | MIMI WEBB ONE’S MIND USUALLY doesn’t drift to thoughts of lavishness and extravagance when thinking about a circus, but Circus Restaurant & Bar was certainly that and much more on April 11. As soon as host Helena Troy took the stage the mood was set for a fun house of witty humor, over-flowing libations and a crowd of people enjoying a night out! With a line up that included Deva Station, Diamond Hunter and Vee Love, as soon as the music started the magic began.
PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY
2014 MAY
35
PHOTO | AMY TANNENBAUM
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Jo & Brooke McKahan | AMY TANNENBAUM THOUGH JO AND BROOKE MCKAHAN now call Newark home, their story begins outside of central Ohio. Growing up in New Philadelphia, Jo spent her summers in Cambridge and later moved there to start beauty school 8 years ago. It was in Cambridge that following year when she met Brooke’s sister Shannon, who insisted the two meet. But Brooke resisted, because Shannon had been trying a little too hard to play matchmaker recently. Later on, Brooke came across Jo’s picture and asked Shannon, “That’s her? Hook me up!” to which Shannon replied, “Oh she’s not asking about you anymore.” So Brooke had to find another friend to introduce her to Jo. For Brooke and Jo, it was evident right away they had something special; they moved in together within a week. Though they had opposite schedules – Brooke worked 3rd shift in Zanesville – they spent all their time together. “We just took sleeping out of the schedule,” Jo says. They admit that they are very different from each other: Brooke is easy-going, forgiving, and relaxed, while Jo is type A and wound tight. says Jo. Indeed, since they met in 2007, they’ve spent a total of three nights apart. Early in their relationship, they knew they wanted to get out of Cambridge, so they began moving west. They first moved to Zanesville, until they found the home they really wanted in Newark. They wanted a home with plenty of land for their 4 dogs, and once they settled, they added 4 pigme goats, 27 chickens and 2 more dogs! Also added to the mix were Jo’s three children from a previous relationship. Later that year, Brooke proposed to Jo by leaving her a note in her lunch, which read: “LET’S GET MARRIED” in big block letters. They wasted no time, traveling to Vermont in the hopes of becoming legally married, however, their legal civil union
was not converted to marriage because it was before a certain cutoff date. Years later, they learned of the C-Bus of Love and were legally married last summer along with 25 other couples on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC. Even after their trip to Vermont, though, they knew they wanted to have a baby, but as the kids got older and more self-sufficient, they enjoyed their new lifestyle and continue to delay starting the process. But as they watched their friends getting pregnant, says Brooke, “we realized we needed to do it now or never.” Using an anonymous donor from a sperm bank, they tried to get pregnant a total of four times; two attempts resulted in miscarriages. “After the first time [miscarrying], I second guessed going through that again,” explains Brooke. “Every month you don’t want to get your hopes up.” They even had a photo shoot lined up just before their legal wedding that was intended to be used for a pregnancy announcement; instead they used the images as engagement pictures. On their last attempt, they waited the full three months to safely announce. With their baby due this July, they are planning all the logistics of the birth now. They are planning to have the baby in Washington, DC, where they can both be listed on the birth certificate, and where second parent adoption is allowed. Once the second parent adoption takes place in DC, all states, including Ohio, have to acknowledge it. In order to ensure all goes as planned, they will need to induce three weeks prior to the due date. As Jo and Brooke anxiously await the arrival of the newest addition to their family, they are also approaching the 1 year anniversary of their Washington DC wedding. Jo and Brooke will have a lot to celebrate this summer!
COUPLE
We drive each other crazy, but we can’t stand to be apart!
CRAB RACES
CRAB RACES
| KRIS LITTLER
GREAT NAMES:
Crab-tain America, Helter Shell-ter, Shell-qiel O’neil, Crustacean Frustration, Molt & Bolt, Scuttle Butt, Beach Baller, That Crab has Gull, Shell from Hell!
NOT SO GREAT NAMES:
UPDATE:
So much will happen over the next few months: special themed races, PRIDE and a crab costume contest. Plus as the weather gets nicer, even more racers will be out. Be on time for the races, so you’re sure to get a crab!
Teddy, Troy, Mr. Crabbs, Jaeger, I don’t know, Yellow, Sperm Burp, All you can eat crab legs, Scab, Pseudo Cyst, Va-Gina, Number 3, and Kris Littler. (Really people?)
UPCOMING:
FASCINATING FACT:
Until then, Stay Crabby!
Home Sweet Shell: Hermit crabs spend a great deal of looking for the perfect shell.
Weekly Races:
Local Bar: Mondays at 9:30 p.m. Exile Bar: Thursdays at 9:30 p.m.
Facebook/CrabRacingwithKris
Cinco de Mayo means CRABO de Mayo! Join us on Monday, May 5 at 9:30 p.m. at Local Bar.
Crustacean Sensation!
Don’t miss our biggest event to date on Thursday, June 26 at 9:30 p.m. at Exile Bar. It will be your chance to show off those creative costuming skills! Create a Hermit crab/crab costume for our contest and you could win BIG prizes and cash! Plus, those who don a costume can be part of a publicity event. That means everyone will be a winner and part of something that will have Columbus talking. Find more details on Facebook and right here next month.
SouthBend "Still Your Favorite Corner Bar!"
*Cancer Benefit Hosted by RUSHENA Sat May 3 - 6pm *The Ukulele Cowboy Society Sun May 4 - 6 to 8pm *Southbend Titans Benefit Sat May 10 *The Blackburn Project Sun May 11 - 6 to 9pm *Benefit Hosted by Drew Paul Terrace Sat May 17 - 630pm *Bobby Hamlin Sun May 18 - 6 to 8pm *Memorial Day Cookout/Potluck Mon May 26 - starts at 2pm Hours: Mon / Sat - Noon to 2:30 / Happy Hour Noon to 8 / Sun 12 to 12 Nightly Events call for more info or visit us at facebook.com/SouthbendTavern 126 E. Moler St. Columbus, Ohio (614) 444 - 3386 Southbend@wowway.biz facebook.com/SouthBendTavern
Free WiFi * Free Parking * Never A Cover
TransOhio's Sixth Symposium SPOTLIGHT
| MICKEY J. HART While most of us have some understand the needs and obstacles for the LGBQ community related to sexual orientation, many of us are still clueless about the complexities faced by trans*, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. We all have plenty to learn about gender identity and expression. Later this month there is an excellent opportunity to educate yourself and to get to meet some wonderful people. TransOhio continues their tradition of educating trans* people and the community at-large about the lives and needs of trans* and gender non-conforming individuals with their Sixth TransOhio Trans and Ally Symposium. Presenters are encouraged to “think outside the box” as they develop sessions. Sessions may include presentations, panels, workshop, group discussions, arts and crafts, activities and performances. This three day educational conference will take place May 30, 31 and June 1 at OSU’s Ohio Union (1739 N. High St.). As a community that knows the value of having allies on our side for understanding and support, we can certainly work to be stronger allies to the trans* members of our community. The cost starts at $50 for Saturday and Sunday. Registration and more information are available at TransOhio.org.
Friday, May 30: Provider’s Day Sessions This full day of sessions and speakers is geared toward medical, legal and social work professionals and service providers. CEUs/CLEs are available for most sessions for those with credentials seeking continuing education credits. Provider's Day keynote speaker is Dr. Kristen Benson, Ph.D., LMFT, CFLE. She is an assistant professor of human development and family science at North Dakota State University and a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified family Life educator. Her current research explores the experiences of parents raising transgender and gender creative children. She is committed to training therapists to create affirmative therapeutic spaces for transgender clients and their loved ones.
Saturday, May 31: General Conference Sessions This full day will feature the symposium’s keynote speaker and offer a variety of sessions covering a broad range of trans* and related topics. Symposium keynote speaker Kyle Allum was the first openly transgender Division I athlete. He has been featured in Sports Illustrated, OUT magazine’s Out 100 and The Advocate’s 40 under 40. Allum now shares his story with athletic departments and universities across the U.S. He is the founder and creative director of Project I Am Enough that utilizes artistic projects, identity discussions and self-acceptance encouragement. The fact that the suicide rate is still very high among LGBTQ youth is a constant reminder for Allum to diligently continue his work. Allum said, “We must learn to love ourselves before we can hope for change anywhere else.”
Sunday, June 1, 2014: General Conference Sessions This half day will offer additional sessions on a broad range of trans* and related topics. Here is a sampling of Saturday and Sunday sessions: Kylar Broadus will facilitate a panel entitled “Walking While Transgender” that is geared toward stopping violence and murder. Cory Chan-Frederick will educate about new policies for trans* students in public schools, anti-bullying policies and federal civil rights statutes that are now being used to protect and include them in the classroom. Andrea Schultz will present on playing sports as and with trans* athletes with a focus on how they can better accommodate trans* identified athletes. Irene Testerman and Claire Roberts will facilitate a Q& A session for partners of trans* individuals. Harper Jean Tobin and Lisa Mottet will present on ending abuse of trans* people in jails and prisons and how to advocate for fewer incarcerated trans* people .
Mission
TransOhio serves the Ohio transgender and ally communities by providing services, education, support and advocacy, which promotes and improves the health, safety and life experience of the Ohio transgender individual and community. 40
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SCENE PHOTOS | HEATHER WACK
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2 Axis Short North 775 N High St 614.291.4008 22 Wall Street Night Club Downtown 144 N Wall St 614.464.2800 27 Garage: Resurrected Downtown 40 E Long St 614. 205.4317
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La Fogata Grill Short North 790 N High St 614.294.7656 Level Dining Lounge Short North 700 N High St 614.754.7111 Union Short North 782 N High St 614.421.2233 Circus Short North 1127 N High St 614.421.2998 Barrel 44 Short North 1220 N High St 614.294.2277 BossyGrrl’s Pin-Up Joint Old North Columbus 2598 N High St
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SHOP. 9 The Garden Short North 1186 N High St 614.294.2869 18 Torso Short North 772 N High St 614.421.7663 19 Torso (in Exile) Italian Village 893 N 4th St 614.299.0069
ENGAGE. 5 ARC OHIO Clintonville 4400 N High St 614.299.2437 24 ARC OHIO Medical Ctr + Pharmacy Short North 1033 N High St 16 Stonewall Columbus Short North 1160 N High St 614.299.7764
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Cavan Irish Pub Merion Village 1409 S High St 614.725.5502 Club Diversity Brewery District 863 S High St 614.224.4050 South Bend Merion Village 126 E. Moler St 614.444.3386 The Toolbox Saloon South Side 744 Frebis Ave 614.670.8113 Tremont Brewery District 708 S High St 614.445.9365
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MUNITY RESOURCES
LOCAL & STATE ORGANIZATIONS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Stonewall Columbus 614-299-7764 www.stonewallcolumbus.org This local community and resource center serves the Central Ohio LGBTQ community by providing programs and services that enhance the well-being and visibility of a diverse
GLAAD www.glaad.org A national organization that promotes fair, accurate, and inclusive media representations of LGBTQ people. as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Additionally, Stonewall Columbus hosts the annual Pride Holiday.
Human Rights Campaign www.hrc.com The nation’s largest gay and lesbian political organization.
ARC Ohio 800-252-0827 www.arcohio.org Fights the spread of HIV, works towards reducing its transmission, stigma and the resulting discrimination through education and awareness, and provides quality services to BRAD (Buckeye Alliance of the Deaf ) membership@gmail.com www.bradohio.com Protects and promotes the interests and well-being of deaf and hard of hearing LGBTQ people while increasing awareness about the needs of Deaf and hard of hearing community. BRAVO (Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization) 614-294-STOP www.bravo-ohio.org Works to eliminate violence perpetuated on the basis of prevention, advocacy, violence documentation and survivor services. Equality Ohio 614-224-0400 www.equalityohio.org A statewide lobbying organization working to secure equality for LGBT Ohioans. FreedomOhio 614-246-3807 www.freedomohio.com The Freedom to Marry Ohio movement is dedicated to ending marriage discrimination in Ohio. Kaleidoscope Youth Center 614-294-5437 www.kycohio.org Provides advocacy, education, support and a safe environment for LGBT youth in Central Ohio. P-FLAG Columbus 614-806-8025 awareness and understanding for Central Ohio’s LGBT citizens and our families, friends and allies. Rainbow Sisters www.rainbowsisters.info A social and community-oriented group for lesbian women age 40 and over.
NGLTF www.thetaskforce.org The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is a leading progressive civil rights organization that has supported grassroots organizing since 1973. The National Coalition for LGBT Youth www.outproud.org A wide range of resources available for youth and educators. ARTS & MUSIC Capital Pride Band of Columbus 614-325-1590 www.cappride.org A statewide LGBTQ organization of instrumentalists promoting the joy of music, friendship, and personal growth. They provide a variety of performances each year. Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus 614-228-2462 www.cgmc.com Singing out since 1990, this chorus presents a series of concerts each year. Open auditions held prior to rehearsal for each show. Evolution Theatre Company 614-233-1124 www.evolutiontheatre.org A semi-professional theatre company that presents musicals, dramas and comedies that have not been seen in the area well as new works and world premieres. Imagine Productions 614-398-1110 www.imaginecolumbus.com entertaining and educating community stakeholders. They recognize that empowerment and growth occurs for both the audience and performer. Wexner Center for the Arts 614-292-3535 www.wexarts.org Internationally known contemporary arts center at OSU, programs, as well as a store and a café all under one roof in an architectural landmark. COUNSELING
Sisters of Lavender
614-445-8277
A social/support for women 40 and over. S.O.L. is the oldest lesbian organization in Columbus.
A center for psychotherapy and growth with a long history of working with LGBTQ clients.
TransOhio 614-441-8167 www.transohio.org Serves the Ohio transgender and allied communities by providing services, education, support and advocacy.
Randi Cohen, LPCC-S 614-267-1993 www.randicohen.com Helping adult clients to create a strong sense of self, learn good communication skills, and gain a clearer sense of how others see you.
Why Marriage Matters Ohio www.whymarriagemattersoh.org A marriage equality education campaign supporting the right for any loving, committed Ohio couple to marry.
Shawn D. King, PhD., LISW 614-655-3554 www.shawnkingphd.com Providing individual, family, and group counseling services to the LGBTQ community. Specializing in relationship issues, anger management and mental health services. HEALTH & WELLNESS AHF Wellness Center & Out of the Closet Pharmacy: 614-732-5947 Wellness Center: 614-223-1532 www.aidshealth.org The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) operates Out of the full-service pharmacy, and HIV testing at the corner of N. High St., Suite 350. CHOICES 614-224-4663 www.choicescolumbus.org Since 1977 they have provided counseling, shelter, crisis intervention, education and community and legal support and advocacy to central Ohio residents facing domestic violence. Columbus Public Health LGBTQ Health Initiative 614-645-1493 www.publichealth.columbus.gov As part of the department’s mission to protect health and cultural competency trainings to health care and other service providers. Additionally, their LGBTQ Health Advocate manages The Crystal Club 614-214-4828 www.thecrystalclub.org female impersonators, and other transgender individuals. Huckleberry House 614-294-5553 www.huckhouse.org Established in 1970 to provide a safe place for runaway youth homeless or runaways. NetCare 614-276-CARE www.netcareaccess.org Provides 24 hour mental health and substance abuse crisis intervention, stabilization and assessment for Franklin County Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio, Inc. 614-224-2235 www.plannedparenthood.org The nation's oldest and largest sexual and reproductive health care organization. Trevor Project 866-4U-TREVOR www.thetrevorproject.org Determined to end suicide among LGBT youth by providing nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline.
C aravan B rings M arriage H ome T o O hio | RICK NEAL SEVERAL SATURDAYS AGO, my husband, Tom Grote, and I looked at each other after breakfast, as our two little girls were tearing apart the playroom and the previous night’s dishes beckoned from the sink, and said, “We’ve got to do something.” The day before, Federal District Court Judge Timothy Black concluded a hearing in Cincinnati by proclaiming that he was inclined to rule in favor of the plaintiffs, four samesex couples who wanted the state of Ohio to recognize their out-of-state marriages by listing both spouses on the birth certificates of their children. To make it simple, his ruling would strike down altogether Ohio’s ban on recognizing same-sex marriages from outside the state. Judge Black also announced he would issue his ruling on April 14, giving us just a few days to get organized. We knew the ruling would get hung up on appeal, although we thought there might be a brief window after its release to press for recognition. We knew there were same-sex couples in Ohio who wanted the benefits and protections of marriage but might be wary of the cost and complications involved with getting married elsewhere. And we suspected that taking a group of people to another state to get married might generate some media interest and give us a chance to highlight the indignity of our state’s discriminatory marriage amendment. By the end of the day, we had met two couples – Leah Kaiser and Jenn Lape, and Cara Blessing and Chelsea Bolyard – willing to join the group. By Sunday, we were calling the group the Ohio Marriage Caravan and had decided to take it to Chicago the following Friday – just five days away. Lynne Bowman at the Human Rights Campaign connected us with Lambda Legal, who promised they could get us a waiver of the one-day waiting period for marriage in Illinois. Lauren Kinsey, our social media guru, got Tom and me set up on Twitter (successfully) and Instagram (less so). We started labeling everything #marriagecaravan, and we were on our way. On Wednesday, Shayla Shannon and Ashley Billey from Cleveland joined the caravan; a gay couple in Columbus got in touch, but then couldn’t go because one of the guys couldn’t get off work. Media attention started to build, too, with articles appearing in gay papers (both here and in Chicago) and The Columbus Dispatch, as well as TV news interviews. For once, attention focused on the stories of love, commitment and pride that we hear every day – but are so often obscured by bigots given airtime in an effort to achieve “balance.”
Friday arrived. The caravan set off from different points, all joining up on a glorious spring day in Chicago. The ladies emerged glowing from the hotel and we walked over to the county clerk’s office – every step documented by the wonderful Amy Clark, who runs a photography studio in Columbus and graciously offered her services pro bono after reading about the caravan. The clerk’s terrific staff quickly issued the marriage licenses – and a lesbian couple in town from Indiana for the same reason got swept up in the caravan as we were whisked over to the chambers of Judge Martin Moltz. As promised, the judge waived the waiting period, and an air of quiet excitement settled over the room. Each couple in turn was married, committing themselves to each other through thick and thin, for better and for worse. We celebrated afterwards, accepting congratulations from passers-by as we left the courthouse and toasting each other that evening. We returned to Ohio the next morning, bringing marriage back home just in time for Judge Black’s ruling. The judge completely repudiated the state’s ban on recognizing outof-state same-sex marriages, declaring that the anti-equality argument “is staggeringly devoid of any legitimate justification for the state’s ongoing arbitrary discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.” In a disappointing but not surprising move, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, backed by Governor John Kasich, appealed the ruling, forcing Judge Black to put his decision on hold while that process moves toward its ultimate destination at the U.S. Supreme Court. Four beautiful couples got married in Chicago and can immediately take advantage of the benefits and protections provided to married couples by the federal government. As long as our elected officials block recognition at home, however, we are stymied, lacking a legal relationship with our own children, excluded from family health insurance coverage and confirmed in our status as second-class citizens. Despite this, we are winning. We will stand up, we will get married, we will demand our equality – until our exclusion is no longer tolerated and those who support it are left behind.
Rick Neal is married to long-time LGBTQ activist and businessman Tom Grote and is a stay-at-home dad to their two daughters, Amoret and Sophia. He has degrees in public health and international relations, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco, and ran relief programs for refugees in Asia and Africa before moving to Columbus in 2007. Rick and Tom are committed to the fight for marriage equality in Ohio and plan to organize more marriage caravans throughout the appeals process.
2014 May
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