Quorum Columbus August 2014 by Quorum Columbus

OC AUGUST 2014 MAY 2014

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8 SCENE Big Gay Sing

10 SCENE Friends of the Shelter

12 SARA SHAREES Not Bad Just Misunderstood

14 SEXPERT Weighing The Benefits

15 MOVIES Queer Docs: Stronger Than Fiction

16 FROM THE ARCHIVES Devine Does Columbus

18 AUGUST BARTENDER Molly Watson, Fabian’s Pizza

20 TASTE BUDS Aab India

22 COVER A Girl’s Best Friend

26 FEATURE Pups and Parents in the Park

30 DEVELOPMENT Farmers’ Markets Team Up

32 FITNESS Positive Thinking

34 LIFE Roseland Resort

36 COUPLE Adam + Luke McCash

38 PARENTING A Is For Ally And Action

45 ADJOURN Lynn Greer | Competition For The Cause

On the Cover:

Photographer | Ray Lavoie Vivian Von Brokenhymen Costume - Patrick Howell Hair - Penny Tration Jewelry - Nova Starr Hellin Bed Dress - Samantha Rollins Samantha Rollins Doggy Friends Luki Walter Taylor Jean

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.

6 SINGULARLY SINGLETON World Pride: Toronto

Celebrate!

1777 East Broad Street | Columbus www.fpconservatory.org | 614.715.8100 eventsales@fpconservatory.org Indoor & Outdoor Venues Select 2014 Dates Still Available

Quorum Columbus Angel Lemke

Erik Hays

Jerry Turnes

Andrew Johnson

Multimedia Creative Manager / Designer

Feature Writer

Isaac Bendele

Mickey J. Hart

President & Publisher

Editor

Amy Tannenbaum

Patrick Butler

JM Rayburn

Heather Doughty

Craig Chadwell

Mike Moffo

Columnist

Graphic Designer Illustrator

Graphic Designer Social Media Manager

Graphic Designer

Columnist Graphic Designer

Columnist Account Executive

Photographer

Managing Editor

CFO

Sara Ernest

Michael Greenhouse

John Henry, Jr

Adrian Jay Neil-Hobson

Allyson Fridley

Columnist

Photographer

Josh McConaughy

Also on the crew:

Mike Lovett

Kris Littler

Joshua McCarty

Contributor

Distribution Coordinator

Ray LaVoie, Feature Photographer Meg Alley, Columnist Tom Queen, Columnist Sile Singleton, Columnist Clayton Walter, Columnist Clare Hughes, Graphic Designer Mimi Webb, Scene This Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Contributors: Todd Popp, Photography Scene

Scene

CONVENE

AUGUST, ANIMALS & ATHELETES | MICKEY J. HART “Where did the summer go?” This is the question that haunts me each year when August rolls around. However, it is important to not let the dog days of summer get us down. There are still plenty of sunny days and fun nights yet to come before autumn arrives. For example, this month LGBTQ athletes and spectators from around the world will be gathering in Cleveland and Akron for the 2014 Gay Games. This is one of those not-to-be-missed events, and if you think three hours is too far to travel, consider that the 2018 Gay Games will be held in Paris. We had so much fun with last August’s pet issue; we decided to go for round two. As you read through these pages, you will see several stories on this theme. We have teamed up with our cover drag queen trio to help local animals, Sara Ernest champions pit bulls, and we feature pet photos once again. This month we welcome two new folks to the Quorum crew. Sile Singleton kicks off an on-going column with her reflection on attending World Pride. Tom Queen will provide stories from the archive of Columbus’ LGBTQ past; his first piece focuses on Divine’s local appearances. Meg Alley shares about the importance of ally action, Josh McCaughey travels to Roseland Resort, and Clayton Walter previews several queer documentaries. We adjourn with an invitation for Columbus to join the world at the Gay Games from one of my heroes, Lynn Greer. Mickey J. Hart Editor

#jointhequorum

SINGULARLY SINGLETON

| SILE SINGLETON AWESOME. INSPIRING. OVERWHELMING. Other-worldly. Words just don’t seem to get to the crux of the feeling. Can you imagine the difficulty of describing the experience of attending the life-changing World Pride Toronto? I’m a bit of a nerd, so I really wanted to give you the standard barrage of “official facts and figures,” but unfortunately the final numbers are unavailable, so forgive me, fellow geeks, but color commentary will have to do this go ‘round. The journey began with the drive north, and as usual for us, we got stopped at the border. (Hey, my wifey must look like someone devious because whether we travel by plane, train or automobile, she always gets questioned or detained; maybe it’s the light eyes, dark hair, fair-but-doesn’t-look-European skin—you figure it out—we just always get stopped.) While they checked our passports, we chatted with a border guard who shared that there had been a steady stream of folks headed to Toronto, but most were not as “honest” as us in admitting that they’re on their way to Pride. We had a somber moment, thinking about all the reasons why someone would be scared. We got the green light and, on our way out, made the conscious decision to scream at the top of our lungs, “Happy World Pride, for all those before and behind us who feel silenced!” That was just the beginning of a four-day bender of thinking “I am so frickin’ proud to be a big ol’ queer!” Pride in Toronto is normally non-stop; this was a different beast altogether. When I tell you the city of Toronto gets behind its gays, my word! You could not pick up a paper, look at a billboard, or turn on the telly without something about World Pride appearing. Every business, gas station, pub, art gallery and museum was primed and waving the rainbow flag. There were exhibits in every nook and cranny, even outside of the advertised gay neighborhoods and areas. Oh, and honey childs, the parties, clubs, T-dances, women-only bathhouse (Go, Canada!) and meet-and-greets! No Joke: Spectacular. The last Friday of the celebration is the goosebump-inducing Trans March, which was at least three hours long. The trans community and its allies did the damn thing! Over a thousand folks walked the route, and I cannot begin to estimate how many people lined the streets. I was so choked up, I could barely see. I kept laughing and wiping my eyes and just saying “thank you” to the heavens.

AUGUST 2014

On Saturday, the Dyke march kicked off at 2 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. when we were coming off one of the seven official Pride stages, we learned that the march had only just ended. When we went by the park to check out the Dyke March celebration an hour later, there were still women piling into the area, blocking traffic. On Sunday, the World Pride march kicked off at 1 p.m. There were 12,500 registered participants! Imagine how many did not register! It was wall-to-wall people. There had to be close to a million folks in or along the route. The parade took six hours to complete.

I KEPT THINKING TO MYSELF THAT I WISHED THAT EVERYONE WHO DOUBTS WHO THEY ARE, WHO WISHES THEY WEREN’T GAY OR WHO HATES ON THE LGBTQ PEOPLE COULD SEE WHAT I WAS SEEING. I kept thinking to myself that I wished that everyone who doubts who they are, who wishes they weren’t gay or who hates on the LGBTQ people could see what I was seeing. There were droves of police officers marching for their cities and countries, and families out the wazoo. Some of the most inspiring groups were the 65+ queer activist folk—from all over the world—in wheelchairs, on walkers and with canes, all marching. They made me so proud to be there and so thankful to them for carrying the torch. I was moved when finding myself surrounded by First Nations folks who did not speak my native tongue, yet were eager to share their language for Pride with me. I had lumps in my throat as folks in paper bag masks or hoods walked by, reminding us that even this far from their countries they could not risk being recognized for fear of retaliation to themselves or their families. Throughout the trip, I kept saying little prayers to Sylvia Rivera, thanking her for that 1969 night at the Stonewall Inn and knowing she was dancing (along with Harvey, Sylvester, Audre, Marsha P, and all our departed elders) among the twirling flags and banners, clapping and kissing cheeks. Suffice it to say: do yourself a favor and get your passport for the next Toronto Pride, and then change your life by going to World Pride Madrid 2017. I know I will.

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SCENE

| MIKE LOVETT ONCE AGAIN MY cherry has been popped! Recently I attended the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus Big Gay Sing at the historic Lincoln Theater in the King-Lincoln District. I must admit that I did not know what to expect. All I knew: gay men singing, Nina West hosting and my friend Steven Frost was having his clothes ripped off of him. That list was enough to get me in the door! Once seated, I looked over the program and notice a plethora of gay anthems new and old; I was barely able to sit still in my seat as I could hear each song replay in my head. The program included: We are Family, Summer Nights, Living on a Prayer, It’s Raining Men, Love Shack, Bohemian Rhapsody, Last Dance, We are Family and many more.

AUGUST 2014

Nina West, dressed to the nines (as usual), graced the stage to announce that the show was going to be different; this show was CGMC’s first ever sing-along. For those who love Glee and karaoke, it was heaven. It was a lively show with many surprises, including a brief appearance by WBNS-10 TV’s chief meteorologist Chris Bradley during It’s Raining Men. It was evident throughout the show that members and the crew put a lot of time and talent into this show. Next season is the CGMC’s 25th Anniversary year, and they are preparing a year full of electrifying entertainment. I highly suggest that you go online to get a ticket to one of the upcoming shows or purchase the season tickets. Find out more at: CGMC.com

PHOTOS | TODD POPP

2014 AUGUST

SCENE

Friends of the Shelter Friends of the Shelter recently held a fundraiser at Whole Foods. They fund the medical care of sick and injured Franklin County Dog Shelter dogs that would not be considered adoptable or would not survive without medical assistance. They treat about 350 dogs (and a few cats) per year at a cost of $120,000-150,000. Learn more, volunteer or donate: FriendsOfTheShelter.org

AUGUST 2014

Great dogs like Roxie are available for adoption at the Franklin County Dog Shelter Roxie - 6 years old Jack Russell Terrier Mix Roxie plays well with other dogs and is very sociable. FranklinCountyDogs.com

SARA SHARES

This topic is a hot button issue with many, and there are plenty of statistically-driven arguments out there. Instead, this column is a personal appeal as my partner and I adopted a pit bull named Sadie about seven months ago, and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Sadie is mostly American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff ) according to the DNA test we did on her. This breed is one of four, or five, depending on who you ask, breeds considered to be pit bulls. Some people claim that there are as many as 25 breeds considered to be pits. How can we possibly legislate against a breed of dog when we can’t even agree on what constitutes the specific breed?

| SARA ERNEST

The sad reality is that most dogs are judged based solely on appearance. If they have a square head and exceptional muscle tone, people assume they are pits whether they are or not. The only way to know a dog’s breed with certainty is to DNA test them.

PICTURE IT: YOU’RE at an outing with friends and meet the sweetest girl. You’re pretty sure that she’s interested because she keeps looking at you and wants to be near you. You talk to the people with her, and they tell you she’s looking for someone like you who likes to have a good time and spend lots of time outdoors. Then you tell them where you live, and the conversation comes screeching to an abrupt and awkward halt.

Even if a DNA test is run, what does that prove? For us, it proved that Sadie is a highly intelligent, loyal, graceful dog that is eager to please. The test showed us that she is indeed a terrier, so stubborn streaks may show themselves from time to time, but it did not show us anything about her propensity to bite or attack unprovoked. Many studies actually indicate that AmStaffs are some of the most even tempered dogs and the least likely to attack unprovoked.

It turns out that the people you are talking to are the foster parents of the pit bull who just stole your heart, and you live in a municipality with Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) prohibiting pits.

Simply put, dogs bite. Fights happen. Injuries are received. This has very little to do with a breed profile, but much to do with an individual dog’s temperament and the pack their alpha makes for them.

Breed-Specific Legislation? BSL represents a range of legislation, usually at the local level, varying from restrictions on pet ownership to outright bans. Against pits? Sure, you’ve heard that pits have a reputation for aggression, but not this sweet girl with the sad eyes and floppy ears. How could she possibly be aggressive? She’s not, but some are, so your town has put legislation in place to outlaw pits altogether rather than promote responsible dog ownership or accountability for individual owners.

The moment I laid eyes on Captain Sadie Barkington, I knew I was done for. I knew in that moment that I would do whatever it took to make sure that she had the life she deserves, including speaking out against BSL and attempting to educate those who don’t understand pits. She’s a beautiful creature, and I understand what it’s like for someone to assume they know the content of my character just because of one little detail. Before we even knew it, Sadie and I already had something in common.

AUGUST 2014

SEXPERT

| JOHN HENRY, JR THE FIRST SUNDAY of August is International Friendship Day, a day to celebrate our friends and the unique bonds we have with those individuals outside of our biological family. For the LGBTQ community, our friends often form what is commonly referred to as “families of choice.” That is, in the absence of acceptance or strong relationships with our biological families, we as a community often form tight kinship networks with other LGBTQA people. Whether or not you have a good relationship with your biological family, your friends are no doubt an important part of your life. A good friend supports and accepts you unconditionally and is there for you through thick and thin.

On the other side, some argue that a “friends with benefits” scenario could be healthy and productive when the people involved communicate clearly and have boundaries in place. I am not here to pick sides, but to offer some suggestions to those involved or interested in such an arrangement should the opportunity present itself.

With friends being such integral parts of our lives, especially for LGBTQ folks, what happens when a friend becomes more than just a friend? We’ve all seen friendships develop into some kind of romantic relationship. A friend is often someone who shares things in common with you, who you enjoy being around and trust—all desirable qualities one might look for in a partner. However, what if you are not looking for romance? Is a purely sexual relationship with a close friend possible or is such an arrangement doomed? Are there benefits to a “friends with benefits” arrangement?

change over time, and some individuals may not be as forthcoming about their true motives as we would all hope. However, if boundaries are established and communication is ongoing, I think there is potential for both parties to benefit.

EVEN WHEN BOTH PARTIES DESIRE A “NO-STRINGS-ATTACHED” SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP, FEELINGS CHANGE OVER TIME. According to journalists, bloggers and individuals on social media, there are basically two schools of thought on this topic. One side argues that in every situation where friends take on a more physical relationship, one or both individuals will ultimately want something more. If this desire is one-sided, that person will be hurt, and the friendship will be ruined when they are rejected by the other.

AUGUST 2014

I think both sides of this argument make valid points. There is definitely opportunity for those involved in a casual sexual relationship with a friend to get hurt. Even when both parties desire a “no-strings-attached” sexual relationship, feelings

What is always most important is that you are true to yourself. You have very little, if any, control over your friend’s thoughts and feelings about the situation, so it is imperative that you are clear on what you want and that you express those desires to your friend. You must also be willing to end the sexual relationship if at any time you feel yourself getting too emotionally attached or feel that your friend may be. In order to salvage a friendship if the sexual component ends, you must practice good damage control and avoid as much pain as possible. If a “friends with benefits” arrangement is something you are considering, just be sure it is truly what you want, continue to communicate clearly with your friend and keep weighing the benefits. As with any intimate relationship, always protect your physical and emotional health. 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 ARCOhio.org

MOVIES

QUEER DOCUMENTARIES: STRONGER THAN FICTION | CLAYTON WALTER ONE OF THE REASONS I love film is the medium’s power for storytelling. Novels leave it up to the reader to imagine the worlds contained within the author’s words, but with a movie, the director, screenwriter and everyone else involved shape a precise representation of a collective vision, and thus film often offers a storyteller the most power in weaving a tale. Often the most powerful stories in cinema are those told in documentaries. While narrative film may seek to reveal truths about reality through fantastical flourishes or provide an escape from the world around us, documentaries give voice to those who we often cannot hear and a face to communities that we may not see. Viewers sometimes think of documentaries as boring, educational and bland – the cinematic analogue to a textbook, perhaps – but when a documentary is well-crafted, and its subject worthy, there are few genres that can pack a comparable emotional punch or informative heft. Some of the best LGBTQ movies released every year are documentaries, and adding these movies to one’s Netflix queue isn’t only worthwhile, but perhaps essential to being an erudite, active participant in our community. It’s too easy to become deeply entrenched in our local communities, our circles of friends and regular haunts. It’s important to be involved in this way, but we should also be attuned to the experiences of sexual minorities elsewhere in the world and to the experiences of those in our past in order to understand how we came to be where we are today. Just this year, documentaries have shed light on subcultures of the LGBTQ population that often get overlooked. Out Here takes a look at LGBTQ farmers from around the country, the rare members of sexual minorities who don’t heed the pull of teeming urban communities. PJ Raval’s stunning Before You Know It focuses on three elderly gay men, but makes larger observations about what it means to be old and homosexual, to be searching for love, companionship and meaning in one’s twilight years. Both reveal that we are more diverse than we realize and encourage us to reach out to those we might ignore, or not even know. Other essential documentaries focus on social issues. Last year, two great docs focused on the violence and persecution facing sexual minorities in Uganda: Call Me Kuchu features footage from deep in the trenches,

chronicling the lives and efforts of Ugandans who stand strong in the face of possible imprisonment and death every day, while God Loves Uganda starts on our shores, revealing the way America exports its culture wars to other nations and sows seeds of hate in international communities. Watching these films makes one thankful to live in a relatively tolerant country, and will hopefully galvanize viewers to take action in the face of injustice, even when it’s happening half a world away.

Documentaries also provide a way to construct queer history, bringing forth stories that remained out of the public view as they were unfolding, as well as piecing together major events in a comprehensive, illuminating manner. How to Survive a Plague is a meticulous account of the efforts of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) and TAG (Treatment Action Group) during the AIDS epidemic, while The Times of Harvey Milk provides an indepth look at California’s first openly gay elected official. Stonewall Uprising chronicles the defining moment of the modern day gay liberation movement, and the media’s treatment of gays and lesbians at the time. To say one doesn’t like documentaries only reveals that one hasn’t explored the genre enough; documentaries contain as much variety as narrative film. There are comedies, tragedies, horrors and romances to be found in the frames of nonfiction film. Most importantly, there are stories that need to be told and deserve to be heard.

2014 AUGUST

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Divine Does Columbus | TOM QUEEN IN THIS DEBUT column about Columbus LGBTQ History, it seems fitting that we tie in to this issue’s pet theme with the gay icon whose infamous scene with a canine co-star remains unforgettable to any person who has ever watched John Waters’ Pink Flamingos. The legendary Divine was, in real life, Harris Glenn Milstead, the only child in a conservative middle-class family who lived in the Baltimore suburbs. Falling in with a group of free-spirited “ artsy-fartsy” types headed by hometown pal, John Waters, Glenn, as he chose to be called, soon began appearing in low-budget homemade films as “Divine,” a very portly, in-your-face drag queen. Divine’s character was as over-the-top as her makeup, and as Waters’ films, such as Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble and Desperate Living, were embraced by the art film crowd, Divine’s legendary career began. Divine’s fame spread as she recorded a series of disco songs (Walk Like a Man, Shoot Your Shot) that became huge hits in the gay nightclub world. To promote her records, Divine traveled across the country and throughout Europe, appearing to huge crowds of devoted LGBTQ fans (and quite a few straight ones) including three appearances during the late 70s and early 80s at Corbett Reynolds’ legendary venue, Rudely Elegant, which was located in a converted Art Deco movie theater in the then rough-and-tumble Franklinton area of the city. (Look for more about Corbett in the months to come, as his contributions to the city of Columbus and its thriving gay community are very important aspects of our local LGBTQ history.) By the time of Divine’s last appearance at Rudely Elegant in 1983, her expanding waistline, which had resulted from a legendary appetite, began to take its toll on her health. The dining area in Corbett’s grand manor home on Neil Avenue involved a trip down some rickety stairs to the basement. To accommodate Divine’s decreased mobility, and to prevent an accident, Corbett and his son, Andy Jensen, served lunch to Divine on the cozy front porch of the home. Imagine driving down Neil Avenue that day, and seeing the first international drag superstar nibbling on a sandwich!

AUGUST 2014

IMAGINE DRIVING DOWN NEIL AVENUE THAT DAY, AND SEEING THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL DRAG SUPERSTAR NIBBLING ON A SANDWICH! Divine’s star continued to rise, thanks in large part to the crossover popularity of Waters’ hit film, Hairspray. Just as Divine was set to achieve mainstream success, playing a recurring role as a man in the Fox sitcom Married With Children, she passed away in her sleep, due to complications of an enlarged heart, at the age of 42. Divine’s character and image remain an important part of pop culture today, including serving as the inspiration for the character of Ursula the sea witch in the Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid. For those who would like to learn more about Divine, I highly recommend the recently-released documentary film, I Am Divine, which chronicles the drag legend’s rise to stardom. And for all of you dog lovers, you need to spend some time viewing Pink Flamingos. Don’t miss the final scene—you’ll never look at doggie doo-doo quite the same way again.

Thursday, August 14, 5:30–10pm

Y IC B S MU E LIV

N U G P O P

Relax with friends on a summer evening, enjoy refreshing cocktails and sizzling specialties hot off the grill. Classic pop hits performed live by Popgun.

Partners: BACARDI USA;We Are Glitterati Tickets available at the door or online www.fpconservatory.org

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 1777 E. Broad St. | 614.715.8100 | www.fpconservatory.org

SCENE BARTENDER AUGUST

| ANGEL LEMKE Molly has been at Fabian’s Pizza for one year, following her first year of bartending at another venue. She has loved becoming part of the Short North community. “There are so many events and places in the Short North that I never would have been aware of if I hadn’t started working at Fabian’s,” she says. “The Short North is an area where everyone can feel welcome and free to express who they are, all while having a great time!” When not behind the bar, Molly loves to be by the water, boating, fishing or enjoying the adult-only island at Zoombezi Bay. Molly encourages everyone to enjoy the unique atmosphere at Fabian’s. “It still has that personal, neighborhood bar feel. . .My coworkers and I will learn your face and name if you stop by on a regular basis. Of course, there’s also the pizza! “We serve deep dish pizza in a city that is dominated by thin and/or crispy pizza.” Patrons can say hi to Molly and enjoy that pizza at a spectacular discount during Happy Hour (SundayThursday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) when large specialty pizzas are $7 off and small specialty pizzas are $5 off. Wash it down with discounted well drinks, bottles and drafts, PBR tall boys or Fireball and Jameson.

WHO:

Molly Watson

WHERE:

Fabian’s Pizza 691 N High St Columbus, OH 43215 614.221.8240

18 36 18

AUGUST 2014 2014

COCKTAIL:

Whipped Rita – Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, Jose Cuervo, triple sec and lime juice

FUN FACT:

Molly begins her third year at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in the fall.

PHOTO | JOSHUA MCCARTY

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TASTE BUDS

Aab India in Grandview -You’ll Aab-solutely Love It! | CRAIG CHADWELL & MIKE MOFFO Don’t let some bad humor in our title dissuade you from diving deeper here to explore an amazing, locally-owned (of course!) gem of a restaurant. Whether it’s a lunch, dinner or brunch buffet, Aab India Restaurant is worth the trip to Grandview! When we were kids in Ohio farm country, Indian flavors weren’t familiar to our youthful palates. Corn on the cob? Yes. Green beans from the garden? Yes. A beef burger from a local farmer? Yes. Chicken covered in yogurt and spices roasted for hours in a clay oven? New to us! But being fans of tasty and spicy food, we’ve grown fond of Indian fare over the past couple of years. Columbus has lots of great Indian dining options, but when it’s time to sit down for a big curry nosh, we tend to walk into and wobble out of Aab India Restaurant. Walk into 1470 Grandview Avenue and the smell immediately sets the mood for the great dining ahead. If you’re feeling like variety, there’s a daily buffet Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and weekends from noon until 3 p.m. We recommend the buffet since it contains many of our must-have favorites. For a starter, the flat, oven-roasted naan bread is excellent and the garlic-stuffed naan adds some nice extra flavor, but the three chutney sauces available (mint, a quite-spicy onion and a tangy sweet and sour) are amazing. You’ve gotta try them all, and also try mixing them. For the vegetarian, we suggest the Aloo Choley, featuring garbanzo beans and potatoes, or the Saag Paneer with cheese cubes cooked in spinach and cream. Even though The Taste Buds are both carnivores, these are great for variety. The Tandoori Chicken with its trademark red color is exceptional and is an Aab India specialty. The one item that we both heartily agree on (and elbow each other out of the way to grab the buffet spoon for) is Aab’s Chicken Tikka Masala. If you aren’t familiar, Tikka Masala contains yogurt, tomato, coriander and other spices (as best our not-so-refined taste buds can discern.) It’s got just the right level of spice to bring a good, mild-to-medium heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the lamb, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spice combination: Lamb Jalfrezi. 20

AUGUST 2014

Don’t avoid Indian food if you’re more timid about spicy foods. There are plenty of options that involve spices without heat. Well, so we’ve heard. Being heat-spice junkies, we opt for the more pore-opening choices. Now with all this fancy food, we suggest the fancy beverage “jal barpha.” That’s our rough translation for “ice water.” In reality, there’s so much flavor to the food – and such a variety of flavors – that you just need a little cooling off and a simple palate cleansing to truly enjoy the dining excellence of Aab India Restaurant.

AAB INDIA IS NOW TWICE AS WITH TWO LOCATIONS IN THE COLUMBUS AREA: GRANDVIEW - 1470 W GRANDVIEW AVE DUBLIN - 6642 SAWMILL RD

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COVER

A Girl ’s Best Friend

| ANDREW JOHNSON

NCONDITIONAL LOVE. It’s what drag queens Samantha Rollins, Vivian Von Brokenhymen and Hellin Bedd all agree is an amazing perk when owning a dog, and it’s why they have become such strong advocates for animal rights. “It’s like having your own personal happiness machine. They never judge,” Samantha said. “A dog can teach you everything you need to know about how to enjoy life.” Samantha has owned her 14(ish)-year-old Norwegian Elk mix and shelter rescue, Taylor Jean, for 12 years. She has been a member of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for more than a decade and encourages anyone interested in protecting animal rights to do the same.

heart, not just my head, that calls for an end to it all.” Vivian saw a piece of that wretched plight herself in 2009 when she first met Luki, her 7-year-old black Doberman. After learning from a veterinary technician that a family was looking to find a new home for Luki, Vivian made the trip to meet him. She said what she saw was heartbreaking. Despite the fact it was a cold winter with temperatures dipping to zero degrees, Luki was kept in a wire crate with no tray or bedding. His urine was frozen to the floor, and he was fed from a paper plate. Vivian said she wasn’t sure how he was getting water.

Animals give so much and ultimately ask for so little in return. It’s important to me to be an advocate because they are unable to advocate for themselves.

“It is important to be involved in animal welfare because they have an inherent worth and value separate from their usefulness to humans. Every creature has the right to live free from pain and suffering,” she said. “When I see, hear or read of the wretched plight of animals in the hands of humans, their pain, suffering, loneliness, innocence and death, I can’t help but be angered and disgusted by the weight of evil some humans put upon these mute, powerless creatures. It is my

22 36

AUGUST2014 August 2014

“I wanted to take him that very moment,” she said. After introducing Luki to her red Doberman, Klaus, to ensure the dogs got along, she gave him a new home with Klaus and her pug, Pugsley, who has since passed. Luki is now thriving.

“He’s a sweet boy and has completely overcome his early years. His personality has changed so much. He wasn’t one for wanting affection, which is the exact opposite of the Dobe personality,” she said. “He was content to eat, drink tons of water and curl up and sleep. He’s become a total lover who will sit at your feet, push back into you enough to move a chair and

August 2014

COVER wants love and kisses all the time.”

focus on the needs that exist in our community?” Vivian said. “So I’ll paint on a face, corset to where I can barely breathe, don my heels and a dress and get out there and drum up some support. We’ll have a lot of fun in the process.”

Hellin Bedd adopted her 1-year-old Shih Tzu, Walter Bedd, in April after losing her first dog in July 2013. “We wanted to wait a bit of time to grieve and to honor his memory and spend quality time with our other dog (Heidi Bedd, a six-year old basset hound/Shar Pei mix) before we adopted another. In April, we felt we were ready to look again and were blessed that this little guy had been brought to the shelter the day before.”

Pet Promise Benefit

Life can be drag for far too many pets. Help change that! Join Hellin Bedd, Vivian Von Brokenhymen and Samantha Rollins for a night of entertainment for a great cause.

Hellin said it was bittersweet to watch her family dynamic change, as she has watched Heidi transition from being the little sister, to being the only child, to being the big sister. “Our kids are amazing. I really can’t picture our lives without them,” Hellin said.

Friday, August 15 7:00 p.m. Dirty Franks–West, 2836 W. Broad Street Full Details: QuorumColumbus.com

Like her fellow drag queens, Hellin was led by her love to join the fight to defend animals. “Animals give so much and ultimately ask for so little in return. It’s important to me to be an advocate because they are unable to advocate for themselves. If you ever look into an animal’s eyes, you know they feel and intuit things,” she said.

PHOTOS | RAY LAVOIE

The three animal crusaders have teamed up with Quorum Columbus and Dirty Franks–West to raise money to support Pet Promise, a local non-profit working to better that lives of pets through education, rescue, sterilization and adoption. “I feel very strongly that it’s everyone’s responsibility to give back, to do some good for others. A 7-foot drag queen draws attention—let’s be honest—much more so than a 6’1” dude. So why not use that attention to

August 2014

FEATURE

PUPS AND PARENTS Owners: Lori Boldman & Sara Ernest Pet: Captain Sadie Barkington Breed: Pit Mix Age: 3 Nickname: Nugget From: Peace for Paws About: She gives high-fives and grunts when she knows sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting peanut butter.

Owner: Ryan Provost Pet: Scout Breed: Feist Age: 3 From: Humane Society About: Scout howls to the Wednesday emergency alarm test.

AUGUST 2014

IN GOODALE PARK Owner: Ben Schlotterer Pet: Copper Breed: Shina Inu Age: 7 Nickname: Little Dude From: A shelter About: He’ll take on any squirrel or groundhog.

Owners: Audra & Lacy Wheeler Pets: Bella and Monkey Breed: Pomeranian & Lab/Border Collie mix Ages: 6 and 4 Nicknames: Booze & Monk From: Pets Without Parents About: Monkey loves his ball. Bella loves food – all food!

PHOTOS | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

2014 AUGUST

PUPS AND PARENTS IN GOODALE PARK

Owner: Brenton McCuskey Pet: Olin Breed: Great Dane Age: 16 months From: A pet rescue service About: He follows me everywhere!

AUGUST 2014

Owner: Josh McConaughy Pet: Rocco Breed: Shepherd mix Age: 4 From: Franklin County Dog Shelter About: Rocco loves cuddling and carrots.

Upcoming Events LGBT Adults (50+)

OUTINGS! SEMINARS! WORKSHOPS! TRAVEL! SOCIALIZE!

stonewallcolumbus.org/trailblazers or call (614) 930-2265

LGBT Hiking Club Saturday, August 16, 2014 Meet at 10:30am

at Prarie Oaks Metro Park Hike

RSVP Requested for Picnic

http://bit.ly/swchiking

CATCO: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Based on the classic comedy ﬁlm starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, two huckster conmen are living the high life on the French Riviera.

Save the Date - Friday, September 12, 2014

Reserve your Ticket Today! $15 Meet at the Center at 10am Limited Seating

1160 North High Street - Columbus (614) 299-7764 stonewallcolumbus.org

My Community. My Connection. Central Ohio’s LGBT Community Center

DEVELOPMENT

FARMERS’ MARKETS TEAM UP TO ASSIST LOCAL FAMILIES | JM RAYBURN SINCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, we have been told by parents and teachers to eat a healthy diet. Why? Because comic heroes like Popeye did. If you wanted to be big and strong, you ate foods like spinach. What you weren’t taught in school was how much spinach and other healthy foods cost. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an American consumer spends more than $500 a month on food for an average of about $6,372 per year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that a healthy diet for a family of four costs about $12,600 per year. That figure doesn’t include organic or agriculturally-sustainable foods, so the real number could be in the $18,000 range. Healthy food isn’t cheap! Organic food costs more for a variety of economically legitimate reasons. These include labor costs, the scale of production or targeted federal subsidies that don’t reach organic food growers. Cost is only one side of the problem; let’s not forget about accessibility to healthy food. If an area lacks accessibility to full-service grocery stores and to affordable healthy food choices, it is commonly referred to as a food desert. This is an area located more than one mile from a 10,000 square foot-sized grocery store. Gas stations and fast-food restaurants don’t qualify. There are 42 neighborhoods in Franklin County that are considered food deserts. These neighborhoods are home to about 99,400 people, or about eight percent of the total county population. There are 92 major grocery stores and nearly 600 fastfood restaurants countywide. The abundance of fast-food fare makes it much easier and cheaper to get to a drivethrough window than to a grocery store. That’s a problem that needs to be addressed by the community at large.

AUGUST 2014

Efforts to improve access to produce are already underway in Columbus. In fact, an exciting program was announced last month to make fresh produce more affordable for cash-strapped households. A consortium of six farmers’ markets will make more affordable, fresh, local produce available for low-income Columbus residents with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through a program called Veggie SNAPs. The City of Columbus and Franklin County will cover the costs for SNAP recipients at participating farmers’ markets, including Bexley, Clintonville, Columbus Public Health, the Franklin Park Conservatory, Franklinton Gardens and Pearl Market. Pearl Market piloted a similar program last year and saw an increase in their SNAP transactions by 134 percent in 2013, compared to the 2012 season. Franklin County and Columbus officials expect similar results under the expanded Veggie SNAPS program. The purpose is not only to create access and provide food sustainability for residents who rely on government food assistance, but also to educate consumers and boost the local economy. Supporting our local farmers markets is good for Ohio’s top industry – agriculture – which contributes over $79 billion to our state’s economy. Data also shows that food incentive programs help to stimulate the economy, with an estimated $1.70 of economic activity resulting from every $1 in SNAP benefits. The Veggie SNAPs program is even more important following the reduction of the 2014 Farm Bill which cut $8.6 billion from the Federal SNAP program, drastically affecting low-income families by making fresh produce prohibitive on a tighter SNAP budget. Of Franklin County’s 215,694 SNAP recipients, about 48 percent are children. As a community, we must continue to address food deserts and use tools like Veggies SNAPS to add to the overall local food security and protect our most vulnerable residents from the destructive consequences of poor child nutrition.

Participating Franklin County Farmers’ Markets Bexley Farmers’ Market D: Thursdays T: 4 – 7 p.m. L: 2111 E Main St Clintonville Farmers’ Market D: Saturdays through Nov. 22 T: 9 a.m. – Noon and D: Wednesdays through Aug. 20 T: 4 – 7 p.m. L: N High St at Dunedin Rd Columbus Public Health D: Thursday: Aug. 7 & Aug. 14 T: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. L: 240 Parsons Avenue

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Farmers’ Market D: Wednesdays through Oct. 1 T: 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. L: 1777 E Broad St Franklinton Produce Market D: Mondays and Wednesday T: 4 – 7 p.m. L: 1003 W Town St Pearl Market D: Tuesdays & Thursdays through Oct. 30 T: 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. L: Alleyways between Broad, High, Gay and Third Sts Learn more about Veggie SNAPS: FranklinCountyOhio.gov/Commissioners.

FITNESS

IMPROVE YOUR FITNESS WITH POSITIVE THINKING | MICHAEL GREENHOUSE NEGATIVE THINKING PLAYS a significant role in weight loss efforts. Negative thoughts can lead to self-defeating behaviors such as going off your diet, overeating and skipping your exercise routine. These thoughts act like parasites, silently eating away at your health, but the good news: negative thoughts can be overcome! Your state-of-mind affects your health, so when you are pessimistic, you can always expect the worst of your body’s fight-or-flight responses to remain stuck in standby mode. Think of it like revving an engine: It might be useful before the race, but if you keep revving, you may burn out your motor. Similarly, consistently negative thought patterns can cause long-term damage. In addition to the burden of worrying itself, pessimism can lead to higher blood pressure, higher triglyceride levels and greater risk of heart attack. Thinking negatively is not only a bad habit, but it also has a highly negative affect on your organs.

OPTIMISM IS LIKE A MUSCLE: IF YOU EXERCISE IT ON A REGULAR BASIS, YOU CAN BUILD IT UP. Michael Greenhouse owns Pure Functional Movements and specializes as a personal trainer in the areas of: Exercise Physiology • Bio-mechanics • Diet • Strength & Conditioning • Rehabilitation Therapy Learn more about his services: Facebook.com/PureFunctionalMovements PureFunctionalMovements.com 32

AUGUST 2014

Below is a list of the organs that a worrying mind hurts most. • Spinal Cord: The stress signals shoot down the spinal cord and through the nervous system, putting organs in a state of high alert. • Heart: A stress signal causes the pulse and blood pressure to spike, and inflammatory molecules begin to travel through the bloodstream, which may cause blockages. • Lungs: Airways dilate and begin to work overtime to keep up with the higher demand of oxygen. • Amygdala: When the brain detects negative emotion, it sends out a stress signal through the entire body, increasing heart rate and flipping the body into a fight-or-flight response system. Optimism is like a muscle: if you exercise it on a regular basis, you can build it up. Once a week or so, try powering up your outlook by checking off the activities in this optimism-building workout. • Reflect on the positive past: Think of accomplishments and events that make you proud. • Relish the present: Before you go to bed, think about three good things that happened that day. • Imagine your future: Picture your perfect life – in lots of detail – five years from now; then focus on what’s attainable. Like negative thinking, positive thinking plays a significant role in your good health. Positive thoughts help you get on track and stay on track to a healthy lifestyle. Happy and hopeful people are more likely to exercise, eat healthy, and stop bad habits. In other words, happiness empowers you to take charge of your health and your fitness. Staying positive also helps control your cortisol level, which is linked to weight gain, multiple sclerosis and heart disease. So start looking on the bright side – you might just save your life.

GAY GAMES 9

ON YOUR MARK… GET SET…GAMES HISTORY

The realities of life for LGBTQ athletes were very different in 1980 when Dr. Tom Waddell envisioned the Gay Games as a “vehicle of change.” Over the past 32 years, the Games have changed the perceptions, norms and political attitudes of participants, spectators and the world.

YEARS & LOCATIONS 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9:

1982 - San Francisco, California, USA 1986 - San Francisco, California, USA 1990 - Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada 1994 - New York City, New York, USA 1998 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2002 - Sydney, Australia 2006 - Chicago, Illinois, USA 2010 - Cologne, Germany 2014 - Cleveland & Akron, Ohio, USA

SPORTS

36 Sport Competitions: Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Billiards/Pool, Bodybuilding, Bowling, Cheer, Cycling, DanceSport, Darts, Diving, Flag Football, Figure Skating, Golf, Ice Hockey, Marathon/Half Marathon, Martial Arts, Open Water Swim, Powerlifting, Racquetball, Road Races (5K and 10K), Rock/Sport Climbing, Rowing, Sailing, Soccer/Football, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track and Field, Triathlon, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling/Grappling

EXTRAS:

The Games will feature an official band and a chorus with more than 150 musicians and singers each. The members practice separately until they unite for three intense rehearsal days in Cleveland. The International Gay Rodeo Association will hold a rodeo in Tallmadge, OH as a Gay Games 9 affiliated event. GayGamesRodeo.org Musicians & Bands: Boy George, Indigo Girls, Ana Matronic, Betty Who, Robin S, JD Samson and MEN, Bright Light Bright Light, Le1 f, Jenny Owen Youngs, Anne E. Dechant Trio, Diana Chittester and Hannah Thomas.

OPENING CEREMONY

D: Saturday, August 9 T: 7 - 10:30 p.m. L: Quicken Loans Arena, Downtown Cleveland TICKETS: $20-$75, online only ABOUT: The Opening Ceremony will feature appearances and performances by Lance Bass, Andrea McArdle, Greg Louganis, Alex Newell and the Pointer Sisters.

CLOSING CEREMONY

D: Saturday, Aug.16 T: 5 - 10 p.m. L: Mall C, Lakeside Avenue, Downtown Cleveland TICKETS: $15, online or at door ABOUT: The Closing Ceremony is held to celebrate, reflect and pass the torch to Paris, France the host of the 2018: Gay Games 10.

LIFE

Roseland Resort: Home Away From Home | JOSH MCCONAUGHY WE ALL LIKE a place to escape to and forget about the repetitive nature of our everyday lives. For me and many other Columbus gay men, our getaway spot is a private gay men’s resort in the mountains of West Virginia called Roseland. Roseland was founded in 1996 when the original owner purchased a 220-acre farm, complete with farm house and barn, at the end of a dead-end country road with plans to create a private club for gay men. While he did much to establish the grounds and facilities, the current owners have developed the property in to a yearround resort. Roseland now features a heated in-ground pool, hot tubs, steam room, sauna, recreation room, bar, restaurant, general store, observatory, gym and shower/restroom facilities. For those who wish to stay connected they also offer Wi-Fi and satellite TV. What is most memorable about a trip to Roseland is the natural beauty that surrounds you. You get a sense of it as you wind up the (at times treacherous) roads to the resort, and catch glimpses of the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains. The property features 11 miles of maintained hiking trails and a small river to explore at the bottom of the mountain. The most breathtaking sight is how clearly you can see the Milky Way and millions of stars in the dark cloudless sky above you. For these reasons and more, Roseland lives up to its tag line: “It’s all about the view.”

Some guests come for a weekend or two a year, but there are dozens of “seasonal” members who purchase campers on the grounds and have a place of their own anytime they want. If you enjoy tent or RV camping there are 100 sites available. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, and some sites are equipped with electricity. If you enjoy more modern conveniences, you can book cabins, private rooms and suites.

AUGUST 2014

During the summer, the pool is the daytime focal point. There is always music, a variety of swim trunks and birthday suits (yes, this is a clothing optional resort), plenty of beverages, and interesting company – old and new friends alike. On weekend nights and special occasions, the bar becomes the nighttime gathering spot as a bumping dance club. Of course, like other men-only venues, some “boys will be boys.” However, the best aspect of the Roseland experience is the sense of friendship and brotherhood experienced during each visit.

If you’re looking for a little adventure and a fun place to relax, Roseland is a great option that is only a three-hour drive from Columbus. The owners and staff are phenomenal and always take good care of their guests and the facilities. During a long weekend, such as the upcoming Labor Day holiday, Roseland hosts between 600-800 guests, so you’ll be sure to make new friends. I’ve frequented Roseland off and on for the past ten years. I started going as a tent camper, but last year I purchased a permanent camper with attached desk. Sometimes I go with a large group of Columbus friends, sometimes I make the trip with someone I’m dating for a romantic weekend, and other times I just pack a duffle bag and take my dog, Rocco, and head up the mountain for some relaxing, quiet time. Roseland is what you make of it. For me, it has become a “home away from home” where I have made lifelong friends. It’s a place I can relax and let go of the stress of city life while allowing me to meet amazing men from all over the country. For more information visit: RoselandWV.com

PHOTOS | MICKEY J. HART

COUPLE

ADAM & LUKE McCASH | AMY TANNENBAUM WHILE MANY ANXIOUSLY awaited the outcome of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act, the future of Adam and Luke McCash’s entire relationship hung in the balance. The DOMA ruling would decide whether or not they would be able to stay in the same country together for much longer. “We followed the news closely, more so than our friends,” says Adam. “It was really a huge thing for us when it was passed.” Growing up in Northeast Ohio, Adam moved to New Zealand in 2006 due to feeling alienated by the 2004 presidential election and the passing of Prop 8. He moved with his mom, a New Zealand citizen, and his pup Emma. Adam explains, “There was something quite exciting about moving to another country like New Zealand that was already offering full gay rights.” Six month later, on Valentine’s Day of 2007, he met Luke, a New Zealand native. They had a union ceremony in 2009, and the next year the universe propelled Adam to return to the States – bringing Luke with him. They ultimately relocated to Columbus. Adam and Luke admit they took a leap of faith in making the move across the world. Luke obtained a student visa, and Adam took a job at Franklin University to get tuition benefits. They stretched out Luke’s classes to allow him to stay for as long as possible. “Franklin has been a pretty remarkable institution in terms of offering equal benefits, even before DOMA was overturned,” says Adam. Still, Luke’s student visa prohibited him from working more than part time, so the couple came to depend on Adam’s income, which wasn’t substantial. On top of that, unlike straight married couples, Adam was taxed $3,000 for Luke’s tuition as a benefit. “Money was very tight,” says Luke. Adam and Luke went into the move with the expectation that they would be in the U.S. no longer than four years. The move was especially hard on Luke, who was leaving his home country. “It’s a very hard thing to do, to move away from the country where all your family is, into a country where you’ve never lived before, in a country that feels uninviting,” explains Luke. “I am married to someone, and the government doesn’t even care about it.” 36

August 2014

When DOMA was overturned in 2013, it changed everything. “It happened a lot sooner than we expected,” says Adam, “It’s been a remarkable thing to say we’ve been part of the civil rights movement for gays and lesbians. We were part of that voice and part of that movement.” For Luke, the overturning of DOMA meant he could stay in the States with Adam, and the “four year plan” was less definitive now. “There were lots of tears of joy and celebration for us when DOMA was overturned,” says Luke. “It meant so much.” Adam and Luke got married just after the decision at the end of July, but as an international couple, they had a long process ahead of them. “We had to document proof from the year we met, until now, that we had accounts together, we had rented apartments together, anything and everything that proved that we were a legitimate couple,” says Adam. Luckily Adam had the incredible foresight to keep all necessary documents neatly filed. The couple then had to be interviewed in person, while reviewing the documentation. There was even the possibility they would be interviewed separately. “It’s a very nerve-wracking process,” explains Adam. “To think the legitimacy of our relationship was being reduced to a single interview by someone shuffling papers.” To their surprise, the interview process turned out to be very quick and easy – just a few basic questions. Much shorter than the typical four month waiting period, Adam and Luke went in for the interview on a Monday, and received the green card the following Friday, on the seven year anniversary of the day they met: Valentine’s Day. “The universe has been very kind to us, telling us we’re on the right path,” says Adam. Looking back, making the big move across the world to New Zealand was a challenge for Adam, but the purpose was fully realized later in finding Luke. The couple, who own a home together in Olde Towne East, now loves calling Columbus home, and. “I think Columbus is the most gay-friendly place I’ve ever lived,” says Luke. “It feels very comfortable here, we really like it here.” “If home is defined by where the people you love are, then it was easy to make home in New Zealand,” says Adam, “But Emma is happy to be back in the States, she loves the snow.”

PHOTOS | AMY TANNENBAUM

August 2014

PARENTING

is for ALLY and ACTION | MEG ALLEY WHAT DOES IT MEAN to be an ally? An ally is more than just “being OK” with what others believe or how they live their lives. It’s more than saying, “Sure, I have a gay friend,” or “I’m OK with drag queens” or even “People can do what they want in the privacy of their own bedrooms.” I have always been open-minded and accepting. I believe that we are all different and that everyone deserves consideration and equality. I had always considered myself an ally to the LGBTQ community. Then my transgender son Braelin came along, and I was faced with the question of what being an ally really meant. I took a hard look in the mirror and asked,“Just how far am I willing to go to support, defend and affect real change for the future of my son?” I believe that ally is an action word. Simple recognition that there are inequities and injustices no longer seems sufficient. Until I was given the gift of having a transgender child, I lived in a supportive but passive world, believing all the while that I was satisfactorily engaged in support of those who are LGBTQ. However, I lacked the full understanding of what it meant to be in a true partnership with a community that wasn’t naturally my own. When a country goes to war, its allies step up and fight for a cause that does not belong to them. Or maybe, ultimately, it does. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Simply because the fight isn’t my own doesn’t negate the role I have to play. The community that Braelin is a part of by birth requires those who don’t need to show up but are willing to: People taking action to ensure that the rights of the many are equally extended to the few. As I raise my trans kid, I’ve begun to understand just how necessary it is to abandon my apathy and confront on his behalf. Without allies in this world, he stands alone. Having people who are willing to step outside of their privilege and insist upon equal rights gives Braelin a fighting chance. In order to achieve his maximum potential, he must have people willing to take action. I have come to value being an ally, and it is remarkable to watch those around me climb aboard. On the day I had to meet with the school administration to discuss Braelin being transgender, I came armed with guns ablaze; ready to fight.

AUGUST 2014

I barely made it through the door before I was met with heartfelt smiles and eager eyes. They had a plan of action to protect Braelin and help him feel a part of rather than apart from. His teacher had ideas to make the classroom more gender neutral. The guidance counselor offered a weekly lunch with Braelin so that he would know that he always had a safe place to go. The principal teared up as she shared her desire to support. They came together with one voice and asked, “How can we help?” They inspire me to be louder. I asked Braelin’s brother what he thought it meant to be an ally. He said, “It’s a friend you can trust, but not just a friend; someone who will stick up for you.” After attending Columbus Pride for the first time this year, I can say that I am proud to support and be an engaged ally to this community that is now a part of me. Braelin has given me the gift of no longer silently upholding what I know to be right. Thanks to him, my passive position of support has become an active role in affecting change.

CRAB RACING

C rab R aces

| KRIS LITTLER

with

GREAT NAMES Crabsby, Stills & Nash, Hash Crab, Crabtimus Prime, Fueled by Ramen, Agador Spartacus, I. Am. Sparta!, Rung Hunner, Crab-itha, Death Claw, For the Love of Conch, and Hugh Jass

U P D A T E The Doo Dah Parade had crabs! It was an AMAZING time with your costume contest winners. The crabs were all over the streets in the Short North, pressing the flesh, I mean claw.

NOT SO GREAT NAMES Goat Poker, Des Lightening, Jason’s Crab, Chrissy, Adolf Crabler, F**K! it doesn’t Matter, Mel needs a versatile Top, Overserved, No Shots Rolando, Kara and Glitter.

Because of that we have already seen a rise in attendance on race nights at both bars. That means a limited amount of crabs, so be on time for sign up. Get there early because the races always start on real time, not bar time or drag time.

FASCINATING FACT Thinking of getting your own pet hermit crabs? They love all-plastic exercise wheels and need to move!

Come join the race! Local Bar: Mondays at 9:30 p.m. Exile Bar: Thursdays at 9:30 p.m.

K ris

August is BEAR season! We kicked off the season a little early; our Bear Camp Crab Races were held on Thursday, July 31. Check our Facebook page to discover the surprise theme race throughout the month. And if you haven’t already: Join Crab Racing with Kris on Facebook.

Until then, : Stay Crabby !

Now �at �e shadow of DOMA has lifted...

The Law Office of Jennifer L. Coriell Are you prepared for the legal changes in your future? We’re here to help.

Family Law

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www.jclawohio.com 6 1 4 - 8 0 0 - 0 4 7 9 jcoriell@jclawohio.com

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DRINK.

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4 Club 20 Old North Columbus 20 E Duncan Ave 614.261.9111 8 Exile Italian Village 893 N 4th St 614.299.0069 10 Wine on High Short North 789 N High St 614. 294.8466 13 Local Bar Short North 913 N High St 614.670.8958 14 Slammers Downtown 202 E Long St 614.221.8880

2 Axis Short North 775 N High St 614.291.4008 22 Wall Street Night Club Downtown 144 N Wall St 614.464.2800

EAT + DRINK. 11 12 21 23 25

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

28 BossyGrrlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pin-Up Joint Old North Columbus 2598 N High St

614.725.5402 00

XXXXXXX 2014

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

LABEL

MERION VILLAGE

BREWERY DISTRICT SOUTH SIDE OLDE TOWNE EAST

EAT + DRINK.

DRINK. 3 6 15 17 20

26 Explorers Club Merion Village 1586 S High St 614.725.0155

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

DRINK + DANCE. 1 A.W.O.L. Bar + The Barracks Olde Towne East 49 Parsons Ave 614.621.8779

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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.

ADJOURN

| LYNN GREER For more than half my life, I have organized, advocated, raised funds and fought for social justice and equal rights for LGBTQ people. What most people don’t know is that I was professional golfer first. I played golf for Ohio State and went on to play competitively, joining the ranks of the PGA and LPGA club division. Having the Gay Games held in Ohio this month is the perfect intersection of my two lives. From the day I heard Cleveland and Akron were selected to host the 2014 Gay Games, I became committed to making them the best Games ever. Ohio is my home state, and I want us to shine under the international spotlight. I’ve have had the privileged of playing in several Gay Games, and the competitions have been highlights of my life. I will always remember the opening ceremonies of the 2000 Gay Games in Sydney. An Iranian athlete came into the stadium with his head and face covered because in his home country this athlete would be executed simply for being gay. That image is a vivid reminder of the impact of the Games. There’s nothing more powerful than the way the Gay Games change people’s minds, actions and beliefs about the LGBTQ community. The 2014 Gay Games are presented by the Cleveland Foundation and will take place August 9 - 16 at venues throughout Cleveland and Akron. As the world’s largest inclusive sporting event, the Gay Games will bring an estimated 20,000 participants and spectators from 40 countries to Northeast Ohio to compete, play, celebrate and unify. Despite being the smallest locations to ever host the Games, Cleveland and Akron are ready to deliver a world-class experience with modern venues, natural beauty and a cultural arts scene that is second to none. Gay Games 9 has enjoyed tremendous corporate support, from businesses large and small, and they are the first in Gay Games history to have a presenting sponsor.

Learn more about Gay Games 9: GG9CLE.com Facebook.com/GayGamesCleveland Organizers are working hard to deliver an exceptional experience, and there is a palpable understanding of the lasting significance reaching well beyond the week of the Games. The 2014 Gay Games will establish a Legacy Fund at the Cleveland Foundation to be used for future LGBTQ projects and interests in Northeast Ohio. Civic, religious and cultural institutions have formed lasting relationships with the intent to further evolve progressive ideology and enact change. Gay Games 9 has been the impetus for many positive and longlasting outcomes that will only improve life for LGBTQ Ohioans. Cleveland and Akron are ready for their close-up and excited to welcome the world with the warmth and hospitality of the Midwest. The Gay Games will make an impact on the LGBTQ community, here and abroad, and will positively influence the future of Ohio’s political and social landscape. As Buckeyes, we all need to be there to demonstrate our support and commitment to LGBTQ equality in Ohio and throughout the world! No athlete, from any country, should have to cover their face in fear of their life ever again. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! See you at the Games.

Ohio is a state that carries significant political weight, yet we lag far behind in LGBTQ-friendly legislation and protections. While the region is not typically viewed as a gay destination, the selection of Cleveland and Akron for the 2014 Games will stimulate important conversations and create a valuable platform for educating about the value of diversity in the heartland. Lynn Greer serves as the co-chair of Leadership Council for the 2014 Gay Games. She has worked for LGBTQ equality and social justice efforts in Ohio and nationally since 1986. Lynn was the founding co-chair of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a national organization based in Washington, DC. She was a co-founder of The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation. Lynn was co-owner and publisher of Outlook Media for six years. As a longtime Columbus resident, Lynn’s impact is still making a difference locally. She now resides in Incline Village, NV. Lynn and her partner Stevie Walton have been together for 20 years. They were married in Hawaii in January.

2014 August