South Carolina Pride Guide

YOUR GUIDE TO THE 24TH ANNUAL SC PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE

BE A PART // SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 // MAIN STREET COLUMBIA SC

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YOUR GUIDE TO THE 24TH ANNUAL SC PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE

BE A PART // SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 // MAIN STREET COLUMBIA SC

SANDRA

BERNHARD SEPTEMBER7

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Engage your mind and enrich your spirit at the Columbia Museum of Art. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, the CMA ranks among the leading art institutions in the country.

Find innovative exhibitions and creative educational programs, plus works by Botticelli, Monet, and Chihuly all under one roof.

1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC | 803.799.2810 | columbiamuseum.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS SC Pride Board................................................................................................................. 7 Letter from the President............................................................................................ 9 Letter from Columbia SC............................................................................................10 Letter from Richland County..................................................................................... 12 Sponsors............................................................................................................................ 15 Friends of Pride.............................................................................................................. 17 Pride Awards.................................................................................................................... 18 Sandra Bernhard........................................................................................................... 20 Pride in the City Events.............................................................................................. 24 Festival Map.................................................................................................................... 33 Parade Route.................................................................................................................. 34 Featured Festival Speakers........................................................................................37 Festival MC’s................................................................................................................... 38 Festival Headliner: Berlin featuring Terri Nunn..................................................44 Festival Entertainment: Kimberly Locke.............................................................. 46 Festival Entertainment: Morgan McMichaels...................................................... 49 Festival Entertainment: Mariah Balenciaga.........................................................50 Festival Entertainment: Phoenix............................................................................. 53 Festival Entertainment: Mr & Miss SC Pride 2013............................................. 54 After Party Entertainment: Amanda Lepore...................................................... 56 Community Comes Together to Show Pride ..................................................... 58 Proud Parenting Can Be Scary But Rewarding ................................................. 61 How Pride Can Change Your Life .......................................................................... 62 Openings Offers Welcome Place for Diverse Spiritual Traditions ............. 64 Homophobia .................................................................................................................. 67 The Guild Still Focuses on the “Social” In Marketing...................................... 69 Why I Am an Ally...........................................................................................................73 BGLSA at USC Works to Combat Ignorance.......................................................74 Photo Opp — Sweetheart Gala................................................................................ 76 Photo Opp — St Pat’s Parade...................................................................................80 Photo Opp — Mr & Miss SC Pride Pageant......................................................... 82

SC PRIDE GUIDE STAFF Nick Kask

DESIGN AND LAYOUT EDITOR & ADVERTISEMENT DESIGN

Jeff March

CONTENT EDITOR

George Hinchliffe PHOTOGRAPHER

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ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA PRIDE 2013 For more than the past two decades, the South Carolina Pride Movement has been on the forefront of fighting for LGBTQ rights to live, love, work and celebrate openly and honestly in South Carolina.

OUR MISSION The mission of the South Carolina Pride Movement is to support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community of South Carolina; to celebrate the richness and diversity of LGBT lives; to educate the general population on LGBT issues; and to advocate for equality and inclusion in all areas of life.

www.SCPride.org 1108 WOODROW STREET | COLUMBIA SC 29205

803-771-7713

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Jeff March PRESIDENT Glenn Pipkin VP OF PRIDE FESTIVAL Nick Kask VP OF MARKETING & OUTREACH Rob Derrick VP OF SPONSORSHIPS & FUNDING Chip Wade TREASURER Ryan Harman SECRETARY

BOARD MEMBERS Fred Connor Kaitlyn Jones Will Kirven Paul Scheiblich Justin Wise

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER

Lester Franzen

Harriet Hancock Center Foundation

MEMBER OF

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Lori Webb Josh Streetman Ashley Long Jaime Lomas Tommy Faircloth George Hinchliffe Dean Long Matt Mattox Don Nein Chase Nelson Martina Williams Robby Zobel

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Things Might Get a Little Freaky...

S&M Wednesdays: Half-Price Select Sushi & All Martinis S&M Wednesday and PRIDE night at the same time. Join us for Columbia’s best special on sushi and martinis, and let’s blow the lid off this town. Get fresh with us.

803.931.0700 • SakiFresh.com SakiTumi Grill & Sushi • 807 Gervais St • Vista • Open Mon-Sat @ 5pm 8

WELCOME FROM PRESIDENT OF PRIDE As President of the South Carolina Pride Movement, I would like to officially welcome you to the 24th Annual SC Pride Parade and Festival. This year’s event returns to Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia with the State Capital as its backdrop, reminding us all of our growing freedoms here in this Southern city. We have truly become “a part” of the community over the years as we continue to grow stronger and wiser in the issues that effect the LGBT community.

As our parade and festival continue to grow, I hope our minds and hearts do as well. This is your day to shine in the capital city. Invite your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to your festival and share your day with them. It is my hope that they join in opening their minds and hearts to ours for the betterment of the LGBT community and the future of equality for all.

This year has been groundbreaking in our equality, so we have much to celebrate, but we still have work to be done here in South Carolina. It is going to take the strength and togetherness of the LGBT community and our sincerest allies to make it happen.

I wholeheartedly believe that together we can become A PART, NOT APART. This year has certainly been a busy one in SC Pride as we continue to bring you events that gather us together throughout the year. We kept our goals high and will continue, leading up to our 25th anniversary in 2014! (Yes, the planning has begun!)

I would like to thank so many for their contributions to SC Pride 2013. The Board of Directors, the Executive Board, Volunteers, Vendors, Sponsors, Advertisers, and Allies: I can’t thank you enough for all of your efforts and support this year.

Thank you for all of your dedication. As my second year as President comes to an end, I wish to thank everyone who have welcomed me along the way with kind words, smiles, and open hearts. The understanding and support I have experienced has been overwhelming at times, but so encouraging and heartfelt.

It has been a great pleasure to work for the LGBT folks here in SC. I hope you will have the best day today and enjoy old friends and make some new ones. Mend fences and leave drama at the door. And I hope to see you tonight at “Aftermath” the Official After Party at Edventure Museum outdoors!

HAPPY PRIDE, EVERYONE! Be proud of yourself today and everyday!

Jeff March President, South Carolina Pride Movement 9

WELCOME FROM CITY OF COLUMBIA

CITY OF COLUMBIA SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

September 28, 2013

Greetings: On behalf of the City of Columbia and my fellow members of Columbia City Council, I want to welcome the South Carolina Pride Festival to our city. The City of Columbia is a proud sponsor of SC Pride and supports diversity in our city. The mission of the SC Pride is expressed throughout this festival.

We celebrate the success of your organization and the tremendous impact you have had on raising awareness of the GLBT community. The crowd you bring to our city is recognized by our council and we hope all your attendees will enjoy their stay and take advantage of the many amenities we offer our residents and visitors.

I wish you a safe and successful festival and invite you to return to Columbia often.

Sincerely,

Stephen K. Benjamin Mayor

Stephen K. Benjamin 1737 MAIN STREET 路 P.O. BOX 147 路 COLUMBIA, SC 29217 路 PHONE: (803)545-3075 路FAX: (803)733-8633

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WELCOME FROM RICHLAND COUNTY

Richland County Council

On behalf of Richland County Government, welcome to our great community in

celebration of the 2013 South Carolina Pride Parade and Festival. This celebration

provides a great backdrop to educate the public on the importance of diversity,

tolerance, and equality for ALL citizens. Richland County is proud to support SC

Pride and its mission to celebrate, educate and advocate for all citizens regardless of gender preference in South Carolina and beyond.

The SC Pride Annual Parade is a vehicle to put into action the mission of SC Pride, and to engage citizens of Columbia and Richland County, and the State of

South Carolina to learn the importance of acceptance and the acknowledgement of basic civil rights.

While you celebrate this weekend’s festivities, partake in the alluring sights and sounds that make Richland County uniquely urban, uniquely rural; but most

importantly, a uniquely special place we call home.

Best regards,

Kelvin E. Washington, Sr. District Ten

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JOIN COLUMBIA CITY BALLET FOR OUR 2013–2014 SEASON

OCTOBER 24–26

THE

DECEMBER 14–15 & 20–22

Alice IN WONDERLAND

JANUARY 31–FEBRUARY 1

giselle MARCH 21–22 CELEBRATING 53 YEARS TICKETS & INFORMATION

ColumbiaCityBallet.com PERFORMANCES ARE AT KOGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

WILLIAM STARRETT

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

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20

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TANK

NAVY w/ PINK

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TSHIRT GREY

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PRICES & STYLES MAY VARY

SC PRIDE 2013

APPAREL FEATURING THE A PART NOT APART SLOGAN AVAILABLE AT OUR EVENTS & FESTIVAL & ONLINE 14

www.scpride.org

SPONSORS FESTIVAL LEVEL

RED

ORANGE

YELLOW

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ADDITIONAL SPONSORS MAY HAVE BEEN ADDED SINCE PRINTING. PLEASE VISIT www.scpride.org FOR THE LATEST

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Events as unique as you— from start to finish!

JOIN US FOR ONE OF OUR EVENTS Blythewood Labor Day Run 10K and 5K 9.2.2013 Ryan Rawl Freedom Run 9.7.2013 Carolina Technology Conference 10.1.2013 Pawmetto Lifeline Fur Ball 10.19.2013 The Color Run Charleston 11.16.2013 Runway Run 11.23.2013 The Color Run Columbia 3.1.2014 St. Pat’s in Five Points Get to the Green 10K and 5K 3.14.2014

CONTACT US TO CREATE AN EVENT FOR YOU

If you are lacking time, staff resources or ideas, Eggplant Events Production has the creativity and experience to produce your next unique event from start to finish.

www.eggplantevents.com (803) 600-1800

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SPECIAL THANKS SC Pride Movement would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their support of money, time, goods, or expertise to help promote our events and mission.

Carlin Aindreas • Jennifer Boiling • Mason Branham • John Clarey Fred Connor • Chris Davis • Julia Davis • Rob Derrick • Kiki Deville Martina Diamante • Trevor Donovan • Edventure • Eggplant Events Kris Esgar • William Fick • Oliver Fox • Lester Franzen • Free Times Wes Funderburk • Jason Glenn • Tim Goldman • Luis Guzman Scott Hall • Ryan Harman • George Hinchliffe • Jinx • Kaitlyn Jones Nick Kask • Will Kirven • Koger Center for the Arts • Veronica la Blank Heath Lanier • Jaime Lomas • Keith Lomas • Tami Lorick Brenton Lueras • Mac & Company • Corey Mangum • Jeff March Rene Bach Martinez-Segerez • Matthew Mattox • Mark McAllister John McDonnold • Laura McDonnold • Jessica Millwood Jenni Montville • Dariterian Moore • Marshall Morris • Michael Musa Benson Odom • William Pettibone • Leslie Pierce • Greta Pierson Glenn Pipkin • Kerry Powers • Christina Ray • Ronald Reynolds David Rister • Paul Scheiblich • Nikolai Semenshin • Dave Shaw Sheraton Downtown Columbia • Tony Snell • Josh Streetman Larry Sypolt • Larry Thompson • Matt Tischler • Jesse Tobar Brian Trapp • Dustin Tucker • Chip Wade • Andrea Waters • Heath Welch Brenda Wheeler • Marty White • Justin Wise • Xavier • Melanie Zeigler

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PRIDE AWARDS Glenn Pipkin

Order of the Pink Palmetto

A special honor reserved for those who have volunteered or worked for the LGBT community for many years or who have accomplished major advances in South Carolina Previous Recipients: Mandy Carter, Chuck Archie, Michael Haigler, Alvin McEwen, Carole Stoneking, Santi Thompson, Ryan Wilson, Samantha Hunter, Tricia Phaup

Chip Wade

Unsung Hero

Someone who has been a true Hero for our LGBT community of SC but goes unrecognized for their work Previous Recipients: Jennifer Tague, Hollis Moore, Eddie Thompson, Nathanael O. Smith, Daniel Yackel, Dottie Cronise & Tiffany Adams

Tommy Starling

South Carolina Hero Award

Individual(s) who has been a true hero for our LGBT community of SC Previous Recipients: Robert Barnes & Jerry Kelly, Sheriff Leon Lott, Nekki Shutt, Leslie Johnson, Jennifer Tague, Christine Johnson

Ed Madden Media Advocacy

Free Times

Ryan Wilson Equality Award

Amy Garbati

Individual or business which has made an impact for equality in the local or regional media Previous Recipients: Ed Madden, Dan Cook of The Free-Times, Matt Comer of Q-notes, Sunhead Projects, Hub City Press, Adrian Zongrone, Alejandro Garcia-Lemos & Alliance For Full Acceptance

Individual who has volunteered in South Carolina, particularly on political, equality, or social justice issues Previous Recipients: Ryan Wilson, David Collier, Elke Kennedy & James Parker, Todd Shaw, Andrew Newton, Dean Pierce

Courage in Leadership Award

SC Rep. James Smith

Tony Snell Leadership Award

Nick Kask

A public official who stands up for LGBT Equality in a public way Previous Recipients: Spartanburg Mayor Junie White, Richland County Councilman Seth Rose, Chief Randy Scott & US Attorney for South Carolina William Nettles

Individual from SC Pride or the Harriet Hancock Center who has shown exceptional leadership Previous Recipients: Bert Easter, Kate Goodrich, Tamera Tedder, Santi Thompson, Michael Van Diver, Don Hair, Ed Madden, Blanchard Williams, Jennifer Early, Ryan Wilson, Jeff March

Fundraiser of the Year

Rob Derrick

President’s Award

Justin Wise

Individual or business that helped raise the most money for SC Pride 2013 Previous Recipients: Workshop Theatre of SC, Jennifer Early, Trustus Theatre, PT’s, Ben Arnold Beverage Company

Individual who deserves special recognition for their dedication to and support of SC Pride Previous Recipients: None

Community Partner of the Year Award

ACW Limo

Individual or business who has worked well with SC Pride to accomplish our goals Previous Recipients: Mayor Bob Coble, Columbia Museum of Art, City of Columbia, Reformation Lutheran Church, Richland County Council, WXRY 99.3 FM, Koger Center for the Arts

Volunteer Entertainer of the Year

Martina Diamante

A performer who has gone above and beyond to ensure our success at SC Pride events Previous Recipients: Angela DeBruhl & Jennifer Early, Kiki DeVille, Kiki Merlot, Patti O’Furniture, Brian Oxendine, Nicole Roberts, Jinx, Trevor Donovan & Marshall Morris

Harriet Hancock Volunteers of the Year

Treniss Capps & Paul Scheiblich

Two persons (one male and one female) who have shown tireless dedication to the cause and embody the values that our founder has maintained for all these years Previous Recipients: Matt Tischler, Blanchard Williams, Angela Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Sheila Wood, Dot Fishburne, Santi Thompson, Drew Pridgen, Tina Devlin & many, many others others

Designing with Pride Award

Someone who has used their creative talents for SC Pride Previous Recipients: Andrew Stinson, Kim Gillam, Nick Kask

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Matt Mattox

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SC PRIDE FUND-RAISER 8PM SATURDAY 9/7 KOGER CENTER TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.capitaltickets.com 20

SANDRA

BERNHARD

Sandra Bernhard began her career at L.A.’s famed Comedy Store in the ‘70s, and since then has written and starred in numerous one-woman shows, acted in movies and on television, recorded albums and authored books.

“A performer of stunning originality. Funny but foxy, super smart and slightly mad!” (WCBS) Bernhard’s live performances are a thrilling hybrid of standup comedy and rock ‘n roll, a raucous mix of political satire, pop culture commentary and cabaret. “The experience is like hanging out with a hip and funny friend who never fails to lift you up with her outrageous freedom.” (Los Angeles Times, 8/11) From 1991 to 1996 Bernhard played Nancy Bartlett—the first openly gay character on a network sitcom—on Roseanne. And she has had guest starring or recurring roles on numerous other shows, among them: Good Christian Belles, Hot in Cleveland, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Crossing Jordan, Law & Order: SVU, Will&Grace, The Sopranos, The L Word, Ally McBeal, The Larry Sanders Show, and The Richard Pryor Show. She has appeared more than 30 times on Late Night with David Letterman and has been a regular guest of Howard Stern’s since the early ‘80s.

Her first one-woman show, the groundbreaking Without You I’m Nothing, ran for six months off-Broadway in 1988 and served as inspiration for the film and Grammy-nominated album of the same name. The critically acclaimed I’m Still Here… Dammit! opened off-Broadway in 1997, moved to Broadway a year later, and was filmed for an HBO special. The New York Times described Bernhard as a “living, breathing bonfire” and applauded the show, calling it “an angst driven, foul-mouthed, poison-laced joy ride that banks and careens frenetically through the worlds of fashion, celebrity, rock, and religion.” In 2006, Bernhard’s Everything Bad and Beautiful also opened to raves. “Give the dame her due, it’s invigorating to be in the presence of a true original.” (The New York Times, 6/06) Her most recent show, I Love Being Me, Don’t You? played to sold-out crowds for an extended run last summer in Los Angeles. “She has chutzpah to spare, but it’s her articulate intelligence that earns our attention … It’s [her] combination of glamour and accessibility that accounts for Bernhard’s enduring appeal,” wrote the Los Angeles Times.

Bernhard’s film credits include Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy, for which she was awarded Best Supporting Actress by the National Society of Film Critics; Nicholas Roeg’s Track 29; Hudson Hawk; Dinner Rush; and Dare.

Bernhard has also written three books: Confessions of a Pretty Lady (Harper&Row, 1988), Love, Love and Love (HarperCollins, 1994), and May I Kiss You on the Lips, Miss Sandra? (William Morrow,1998). Her work has also been published in numerous magazines, including, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Conde Nast Traveler, Rolling Stone, Interview, and Spy. 21

ALL families are welcome at SC Pride!

THAT’S WHY HARRIET HANCOCK LGBT CENTER IS PRESENTING

Our FREE Family Pride area is located on Washington Street from Main towards Assembly.

11am to 5pm

BOUNCY CASTLE PETTING ZOO CAMEL RIDES GAMES CRAFT AREA FAMILY-FRIENDLY VENDORS SMOKING & DRINKING PROHIBITED IN FAMILY AREA

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CENTER 1108 Woodrow St Columbia SC 803-771-7713 22

LGBTCenterSC.org

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Wishing You a Wonderful Gay Pride 2013!

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PRIDE IN THE CITY — SUNDAY AFTERNOON Opening Ceremony & Volunteer Luncheon & Orientation 2PM Sunday, September 22 Columbia Museum of Art’s Boyd Plaza Hampton & Main Streets Free All Are Welcome!

Come sign up to volunteer for SC Pride Festival & Parade! This meeting is necessary to sign up for tasks and help be A PART. Want to help in a certain area? You need to be here to claim it! All are welcome! We want to keep volunteer shifts as short and easy as possible, so we look forward to a good turn out!

Plus! Free lunch!

What A Difference Compassion Makes Unitarian Universalists honor the worth and dignity of all people, including those who are LGBTQ. Please join us for a special Sunday service celebrating Pride Week on Sept. 22, at 11 am, 2701 Heyward Street, Columbia.

Featured Guests: Dr. Ed Madden, author and professor of English at USC; The Lady Chablis, author, female impersonator and star of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil; and Dr. Elaine Townsend, musician and professor of social work at Coker College.

Tel. 803.799.0845 www.uucolumbia.org Rev. Neal Jones, Minister 24

PRIDE IN THE CITY — SUNDAY NIGHT 6–11PM Sunday, September 22 AMF Park Lanes 900 Axtell Dr., Cayce SC Free Bowling & Shoe Rental Cash Bar & Food Entertainment All Ages Columbia Rainbowlers Come join the Columbia Rainbowlers in a sponsored Bowling Night!

Come bowl for free—including shoe rental! Bad at bowling? Come for the entertainment! Great at bowling? Consider joining the league! No matter what, this event promises to be fun for all!

Fall League starts September 8th

PARKLANES 900 Axtell Drive, Cayce (next to D’s Wings)

Contact Daryl Cate for more info ........ 803.378.4933 25

PRIDE IN THE CITY — MONDAY Tales of Transgender Children in Antebellum America Lecture by Dr. Jennifer Manion 5PM Monday, September 23 USC Law School Auditorium 701 Main Street, Columbia SC Free Jen Manion is Associate Professor of History and Director of LGBTQ Resource Center at Connecticut College. Manion was a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellows at the American Antiquarian Society in 201213 where she began research for her project, “Crossing Gender: Nineteenth Century Female Masculinities.” Her first book is a study of women’s criminality in post-revolutionary Philadelphia, Liberty’s Prisoners: Gender, Sexuality, and Punishment in Early America (forthcoming). Jen served on the governing board of the American Historical Association’s Committee on LGBT History from 2008-2001.

She received her Ph.D. in history from Rutgers University in 2008. Manion is co-editor of the essay collection, Taking Back the Academy: History of Activism, History as Activism (Routledge, 2004) and has published inSigns: A Journal of Women in Culture and Society, Journal of the Early Republic, and TSQ: Transgender Studies Quarterly.

“Tales of Transgender Children in Antebellum America” Childhood has long been a crucial moment for the instruction and regulation of appropriate gendered or sexual behavior. Antebellum children’s literature provides a rich window into the malleability of gender in its representation of transgender children (those who embraced gender roles typically assigned to members of the opposite sex). Such portrayals departed from conventions that rooted children in simple, normative, and non-threatening gender expressions.

Transgender children were often punished for their transgression, as parents, ministers, and writers tried to teach young girls and boys to internalize and embrace a traditional gender role rooted in their sex.

Nonetheless, these representations challenged a social order rooted in sexual difference and helped to promote the possibility that one could indeed live across or between genders.

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PRIDE IN THE CITY — TUESDAY 6–9PM Tuesday, September 24 Location TBD Columbia SC $7.50 Cash Bar Tickets and info www.scequality.org/events

SC Pride and SC Equality are teaming up to host a special Pride week screening of Breaking Through, a documentary on confronting the demons that stand in the way of living life fully, told by those who ran openly LGBT campaigns—and won.

Openly LGBT elected officials at all levels and from across the country, (including the first gay US Senator, Tammy Baldwin; and Annise Parker, Mayor of Houston, the fourth largest city in America) share their stories of selfdoubt and triumph over multiple barriers ranging from race and poverty to gender and sexual orientation, revealing a deeply personal, rarely-seen side of politicians and gay people.

Despite whispers, smears, and even physical threats, they beat the odds and now serve openly and effectively. But how did they achieve their goals, and at what personal cost? Find out at this Pride screening of “Breaking Through” in Columbia. This film has been named as one of the five “don’t miss movies” of the year.

About the film: www.breakingthroughmovie.com Reception with cash bar at 6pm, show time at 6:45pm. Following the film, a talkback discussion will feature the Director and Producer Cindy Abel and a representative of SC Equality PAC, which works to elect LGBT-friendly politicians in South Carolina.

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PRIDE IN THE CITY — WEDNESDAY 7PM Wednesday, September 25 SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar 807 Gervias St, Columbia SC 29201 803-931-0700 No Cover All Ages Come be A PART of S&M Wednesday S&M stands for “Sushi & Martinis” every Wednesday at SakiTumi. Enjoy HALF-PRICE on select sushi rolls and ALL martinis/mojitos/margaritas!

This is by far the best deal in Columbia on a Wednesday night. Come see why. See ad on page 8 for more information.

IT ONLY TAKES A SPARK TO IGNITE A FIRE.

PRESENTS A CABARET TO BENEFIT

October 18 & 19

Reception 6:30PM & Performance 7:30PM

Columbia Music Festival Association 914 Pulaski Street in the Vista Downtown Columbia THEATER SEATING $35

CABARET SEATING $50

TABLE $350

LEARN MORE OR RESERVE TICKETS

803-779-7257 SILVER SPONSOR

www.palss.org 28

info@palss.org

PRIDE IN THE CITY — THURSDAY 10PM Thursday, September 26 PT’s 1109 1109 Assembly St, Columbia SC 29201 803-253-8900 $5 Cover — Donation to SC Pride 18+

Don’t miss the Pride Kick-off Party at PT’s 1109!

Start your Pride weekend off right with Thirsty Tranny Thursday with host Carla Cox! Enjoy the area’s best drag performers, including the 2013-14 newly crowned Miss South Carolina Pride!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

SHOWS EVERY TUES, WED, THURS & SAT DANCERS ON FRIDAYS KARAOKE ON SUNDAYS

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PRIDE IN THE CITY — FRIDAY 5–9PM Friday, September 27 Sheraton Rooftop Bar 1400 Main Street, Columbia SC No Cover Cash Bar 21+ Don’t miss the SC Pride in the City Official Pre-Party!

DJ Trevor will be spinning as the bartenders of Sheraton Rooftop serve up your favorites—including a drink special! There’s only one place to be to watch the sun set and the party start!

ROOF TOP LOUNGE AT SHERATON COLUMBIA DOWNTOWN HOTEL

1400 Main Street Mon–Sat 4:30pm–12am The Roof Top Lounge offers an unbeatable view of Columbia and a trendy assortment of drinks and literally a breath of fresh air.

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PRIDE IN THE CITY — SUNDAY AFTER PRIDE 2PM Sunday, September 29 Pride Picnic by Harriet Hancock LGBT Center Columbia Museum of Art’s Boyd Plaza Hampton & Main Streets Free All Are Welcome!

Come recover from an amazing celebration of Pride with the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center. Enjoy a free picnic on the plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art!

Hollis Moore Licenses Clinical Counselor

Serving the LGBTQ Community

(803) 445-3114 hollym1130@aol.com

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PROUD SPONSOR OF SC PRIDE 2013.

Š2013 Time Warner Cable, Inc. All rights reserved. Time Warner Cable and the eye/ear logo are trademarks of Time Warner Inc. Used under license.

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PARADE STARTS AT NOON 9/28 TUNE IN TO WXRY 99.3 FM

FOR LIVE COMMENTARY ON THE PARADE BY PATTI O’FURNITURE & MORE!

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STAY IN COMFORT, JUST MINUTES FROM THE FESTIVAL

PER NIGHT MUST CALL TO BOOK 803-695-0062 MENTION PRIDE FOR RATE

COLUMBIA SE / FORT JACKSON 250 E EXCHANGE BLVD COLUMBIA SC 29209 (803) 695-0062

FESTIVAL SPEAKERS George Willis “Bill” Eiwen

Bill Eiwen is a native of Lancaster, PA. He has been an ordained minister for more than 35 years having served six congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in both Texas and South Carolina. His last position was as pastor of Reformation Lutheran Church, a Welcoming congregation, from which he retired in June 2012. Bill and his wife, Ginny, have been married for 39 years and have two grown daughters, and six grandchildren.

Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin

Steve Benjamin was elected Mayor of Columbia in April of 2010. He has worked very actively in community initiatives with numerous public and private organizations dating back to his years at the University of South Carolina where he served as President of the Student Government and as Student Bar Association President at the USC School of Law.

Ryan Wilson

Ryan Wilson is executive director of SC Equality, serving in that capacity for the past year. Ryan has volunteered in numerous other capacities including on the board of SC Pride Movement, on the board of Harriet Hancock Foundation, serving on several Pink Party steering committees, the HRC Carolina Gala planning committee, and has been a member of the SC Gay + Lesbian Business Guild since 2006. During his time at SC Pride the festival budget grew as a result of increased sponsorships and local grant funding while the attendance grew from 5,000 to more than 8,000 people in just two years.

Mark Sandlin

Mark Sandlin is an ordained Presbyterian PC(USA) and a selfdescribed progressive minister currently serving at Vandalia Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC. Mark is a co-founder of The Christian Left and blogs at The God Article. He has been featured on NPR’s The Story with Dick Gordon, PBS’s Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly, and the upcoming documentary film Amendment One. He received his M. Div. from Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity. He will be speaking at the Openings Meeting on September 27, at Pride on September 28, and at Pride Sunday on September 29.

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FESTIVAL MC’s Tony Snell

Longtime gay activist Tony Snell served as president of SC Pride for several years. During that time, he was one of the community’s most articulate spokespeople in the Statehouse and public forums, organizing many initiatives and demonstrations over the years, including the infamous trip to the art museum at Bob Jones University, which had prohibited gay alumni from visiting campus. In 1998, Snell was interviewed along with Harriet Hancock by The New York TImes in a groundbreaking story about gay and lesbian political organizations in South Carolina.

Paris Lefaris A resident Diva of Columbia, Paris Lefaris has been gracing the stage for more than 16 years. A current cast member of the PT’s 1109 Divas, she is known for her high energy dance moves as well as her gracefulness. She holds several titles from her career, including Miss SC Pride, Miss SC Black Pride, Miss Upstate Pride, Miss Hope for the Peedee, Miss DIVA, Miss Pantheon, Miss Timeout, Miss Timeout Sweetheart, Miss Greenville, Miss Castle, Miss Castle New, Miss SC New. She can be seen performing and hosting throughout South Carolina.

Chase Nelson

Winner of Pride Talent 2012, Chase W. Nelson is a PhD student in genetics and Presidential Fellow at the University of South Carolina (Columbia). Besides music, Nelson also enjoys writing, swing dancing, and learning Mandarin Chinese, among other endeavors. He’s honored and delighted to be performing our national anthem.

Special Thanks to our Festival’s Interpreters for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing!

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DIVERSITY INCLUSION is part of our commitment to be an active partner in the communities we serve.

LARRY

SYPOLT for MAYOR of COLUMBIA

LarrySypolt.com 39

About Our Projects RAINBOW RADIO South Carolina’s only radio broadcast highlighting all aspects of LGBT culture including celebrities, current events, local activists, entertainers, politicians, and more.

YOUTH EMPOWERED AGAINST HIV (YEAH!) For men ages 18-24, this peer-led program focuses on HIV education and prevention while battling stereotypes associated with the disease.

How to Get Involved Contributions to the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center are vital to sustaining our success. As the only LGBT community center in South Carolina, we rely on support from our community including monetary donations and volunteer time.

Donations to the Harriet Hancock Center Foundation are tax deductible. If you would like to volunteer for one of our projects or are interested in internship opportunities, visit our website for more information www.LGBTCenterSC.org.

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About the Center Located in the heart of Columbia, the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center is the hub of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activity in the Midlands of South Carolina. Named after longtime activist and cofounder of the South Carolina Pride Movement, the Center provides a safe and welcoming space for South Carolina’s LGBT community and its allies.

Our facility offers a variety of resources including a free lending library, meeting spaces for LGBT-supportive groups, and a directory of LGBTfriendly businesses, organizations, and counselors while also serving as the headquarters for the South Carolina Pride Movement.

The resources provided at the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center are free and available to everyone during operating hours. These times may vary depending on the availability of center staff and volunteers. For the most current operating hours and our full calendar of events please visit www.LGBTCenterSC.org.

YOUTH OUTLOUD This activity group for teenagers (ages 15-19) is a space for them to be themselves in a nonjudgmental environment that is safe from bullying and promotes self-value.

LGBTQ INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION (IPV) TASK FORCE This task force is comprised of representatives from agencies in the Midlands dedicated to building healthy relationships and ending violence against LGBTQ individuals at the hands of their intimate partners.

1108 Woodrow St Columbia SC 803-771-7713 LGBTCenterSC.org 41

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28 EVENTS 12PM Noon — SC Pride Parade

Main & Gervais Streets — See page 34 for Parade Route We invite you to join us for our annual Parade down Main Street! SC Pride is celebrating 24 years of organizing Pride Celebrations in South Carolina! Come out and help us support, celebrate, educate, and advocate for the LGBT community of South Carolina.

NEW THIS YEAR: We will be carrying a giant RAINBOW FLAG in the parade! Be sure to toss dollars and change in to donate to SC Pride and help make Pride even stronger!

1PM — SC Pride Festival

Main Street from Lady to Hampton See page 33 for Festival Map Dozens and dozens of Vendors! Worldclass Entertainment on our Mainstage!

Berlin featuring Terri Nunn! Kimberley Locke! RuPaul’s DragRacers! Amazing local talent on our secondary stage! Mr & MIss SC Pride! DJ Trevor! There’s so much going on at the 24th Annual SC Pride Festival! You definitely want to be A PART of this year!

LOOK FOR OUR NEW STREET BANNERS ON MAIN AND GERVAIS STREETS

10PM

EdVenture — Gervais Street See pages 56 & 84 for more info Don’t miss Amanda Lepore at the ONLY place to be Saturday night! Join us on the terrace at EdVenture for the biggest party to hit Pride all year long! Come party at the Aftermath and be A PART of it all!

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BERLIN FEATURING TERRI NUNN Join SC Pride as we welcome electronic icons BERLIN FEATURING TERRI NUNN, performing a FULL BAND CONCERT for FREE at the 24th Annual SC PRIDE FESTIVAL. Live on our Main Street Stage!

BERLIN will forever be recognized as the American progenitor of electro-pop artistry with sensually appealing lyrics. Few bands emerging from the era of BERLIN have achieved as far-reaching and long-lasting an impact and, rarely, such a timeless array of musical grooves. The Los Angeles-based band made its first national impression with the provocative single “Sex (I’m A…)” from the platinum-selling debut EP Pleasure Victim in 1982. “The Metro” and “No More Words” were also chart toppers, but it was the unforgettable, intimate, and strikingly beautiful love song, “Take My Breath Away” that took the band to another level. The ballad’s defining role in the Tom Cruise film, Top Gun, helped solidify BERLIN’s everlasting place in American pop-culture. The song was a #1 international hit and received both the Golden Globe and Academy Award for “Best Original Song” in 1986.

BERLIN, the groundbreaking synth-electro-pop band fronted by the enigmatic TERRI NUNN, has announced the release of their seventh studio album, Animal, set for release on September 17th via Something-Music/INgrooves Fontana.

Animal incorporates modern electronic dance music, yet remains true to the groundbreaking synth-electro-pop sounds and amazing vocals that continue to define BERLIN. Animal is the result of NUNN’s re-ignited love affair with current electronic 44

7PM SATURDAY 9/28 MAIN STAGE music, and the feeling that BERLIN could make a unique statement in the EDM [electronic dance music] milieu. “It’s still my favorite medium. I’ve loved it since I met John [Crawford, original Berlin bassist) in 1979, when he wanted to bring electronic music to America, because it wasn’t here yet,” she recalls.

The first single from Animal, “It’s the Way”, is a vulnerable ballad written in that distinctive BERLIN style. Co-written with and produced by Bryan Todd (Josh Kelley, Big Time Rush, Ashley Tisdale, Jordin Sparks), the single is very personal to NUNN, “It’s about my fear of connection; of saying how I feel to my partner. I haven’t been very good at that in my life. It scares me. What I learn as I get older is that it’s not about money or ‘making it.’ It’s about connection; that’s where the real joy, passion and bliss comes from. I’ve been afraid to tell the truth, afraid to trust someone. But I know it’s the only way to bliss.”

Since the band’s formation, TERRI NUNN and BERLIN have received a total of twelve gold and platinum album awards and NUNN’s unyielding influence has earned her the #11 spot on VH1.com’s “100 Greatest Women in Rock.” Currently, NUNN also hosts the radio show Unbound with Terri Nunn on 88.5 FM KCSN Los Angeles with co-host Wendy Liebman. During the show, the two provide their listening audience with a Saturday night soundscape of great music, interviews and NUNN’s personal take on a wide variety of lively topics.

A major fall tour will be announced shortly. Joining NUNN on the road will be Carlton Bost on guitars (Orgy, Deadsy) keyboardist, Dave Schulz (Goo Goo Dolls, General Public) and long-time drummer, Chris Olivas.

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KIMBERLEY LOCKE

SATURDAY 9/28 MAIN STAGE Kimberley Locke gained fame with her participation in the 2003 American Idol® television series where she was second runner up. Her EP, “Four For The Floor,” was released via her company, I AM Entertainment with a subsequent release last Fall of her single “Finally Free” as an extended mix package.

Songs of the Decade” list.

She founded I AM Entertainment in 2011, allowing her to not only take full control over her own career but to aid other artists in the development of their brands and products.

For the past several years, Locke has been actively involved with One Heartland, a national non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children and their families impacted by HIV/AIDS, where she is one of the organization’s board of directors. She has also worked with several other HIV/AIDS related charities, including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, YouthAIDS, Nashville CARES, and the Davy Foundation.

Immediately following “American Idol,” Locke was signed to Curb Records where she enjoyed a very successful career as a recording artist, having had eight Top 20 Adult Contemporary hits and four #1 Dance hits across various Billboard charts. She has also made history as being the only recording artist to score a #1 Christmas song on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart three years in a row. Last year, her #1 club hit, a remake of the Freda Payne classic “Band of Gold,” was included on Billboard’s “Top 50 Dance 46

In 2010 she released her dance single “Strobelight,” a collaboration with “Idol” judge and producer Randy Jackson’s Dream Merchant 21 label and INgrooves. “Strobelight” hit Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Chart several times upon its release.

Locke currently produces and stars in her web cooking show “Cooking with Kimberley.” She also serves as a panel expert on COZI TV’s new reality show competition, “Next Great Family Band.”

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OFFICIAL DJ OF SC PRIDE 2013 DJS • LIGHTING • EVENT SERVICES

843-573-7049

www.ALowCountryEvent.com 48

MORGAN McMICHAELS SATURDAY 9/28 MAIN STAGE

Morgan McMichaels is the female persona of drag performer Thomas White.

A local fixture in Southern California’s drag circuit, White became a reality television personality when he joined the cast of the second season of the popular cable television reality competition RuPaul’s Drag Race.

McMichaels joined the cast of the second season of RuPaul’s in 2010. During his time on the show, he became close friends with fellow contestant Sonique and continued his friendship with Raven. Highlights included losing his wig during a Gone with the Wind-inspired photo shoot, winning the first challenge with a Barbarella-inspired costume, getting into a heated argument with fellow contestant Mystique Summers Madison (which was featured in an “Untucked” episode), and winning a lip sync battle to the song “Two of Hearts” by Stacey Q — against contestant Sonique. McMichaels’ final challenge was to pose for a wedding photo as both the bride and the groom, and design and model a wedding gown.

McMichaels, along with fellow contestants Raven, Jujubee, and Pandora Boxx, appeared in RuPaul’s Drag U, a spinoff Logo series in summer 2010. In 2011, McMichaels was also featured in the music video “S&M” by Barbadian singer Rihanna, which was released as the third single off her fifth album Loud. He joined the cast of the second season of RuPaul’s Drag U, which made its season premiere in 2011. Recently, McMichaels made a guest appearance on Tabatha Takes Over at the VIP Nightclub in Riverside, Ca., where McMichaels performed a lip sync as Tabatha. Morgan was also featured in Lady Gaga’s lyric video of Applause along with other drag queens.

Follow Morgan at www.morganmcmichaels.com

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MARIAH BALENCIAGA SATURDAY 9/28 MAIN STAGE

A Georgia native, Mariah Balenciaga has always had a passion for beautiful things and creativity. It was no surprise that Mariah Balenciaga would do big things. Mariah first hit the “Drag Ball Scene” in 1999-2000 and took them by storm!

Serving the children and becoming renowned for her beauty, sex appeal, grace & kindness, Mariah Balenciaga took these skills and challenged her self to compete for the title of RuPaul’s next Drag super star on RuPaul’s Drag Race season #3. Unfortunately, she did not snatch the crown, but Rupaul saw something in Mariah and invited her to be a professor on her spin off show “Drag U” seasons 2 & 3.

Mariah Balenciaga continues to tour the country & prove that she is more than just a pretty face.

Be sure to follow Mariah on twitter @MUG4DAYZ and be a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mariahbalenciaga

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Complimentary luxury shuttle available within 2 miles of our property.

803-988-1400 | 1400 MAIN STREET | COLUMBIA SC 29201 sheratoncolumbiadowntown.com 51

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52

PHOENIX

SATURDAY 9/28 MAIN STAGE Brian Trapp aka Phoenix has been performing in the art of female impersonation for 12 years now. Like the mythological creature, this Phoenix is always recreating herself and evolving with different looks and characters. Expect the unexpected with this one, one day you may get an androgynous punk rock creature and the next a high glamour, overly feminine diva. Phoenix is a lover of fashion, make up, and anything with a dark glamorous edge, but don’t let her dark edge fool you, she is a light hearted, sassy but fun diva, always ready for a good time.

Throughout the years Phoenix has performed all over the country from coast to coast. Performing for major circuit events from White Party Palm Springs to Wonder World/ Gay Days Orlando. Phoenix has also appeared in or featured in several big screen movies and tv shows: Tyler Perry’s “Good Deeds,” MTV’s “Teen Wolf,” Oxygen’s “Janice Dickinson’s Modeling Agency,” the upcoming film “Last Vegas,” to name a few, but most well known from “Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 3.”

Currently residing in Atlanta, you can find Phoenix performing almost any day of the week at bars all around the city and through out the country. If you’re ever in her city of Atlanta check her out at her two main home bars Jungle Night Club and Burkharts Pub. Catch Phoenix on Facebook at www.facebook.com/phoenix.atl or follow her on Twitter @phoenix_atl

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MR & MISS SC PRIDE

SATURDAY 9/28 MAIN STAGE

Mr SC Pride Oliver Fox

Miss SC Pride Veronica la Blank

Newly crowned Mr SC Pride Oliver Fox will take to the mainstage in his first official duty for SC Pride!

Just crowned Miss SC Pride, Veronica la Blank joins us on the mainstage at Pride in her first official duty as reigning Queen!

Crowned earlier this summer as the Emperor of Charleston Pride, Oliver Fox is ready to show the state what he can do!

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Don’t miss this crowd-pleasing diva as she literally flies across the stage and into your hearts. Bring your dollars!

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10

PM

AMANDA LEPORE

SATURDAY 9/28 EDVENTURE

The world’s most famous transsexual and an effervescent fixture on the New York scene, Amanda Lepore has been at the cutting edge of culture since the club kid era, breaking and re-making the rules for music, marketing, and gender.

Her new album, I…Amanda Lepore, is the culmination of her long reign as the queen of Gotham’s button pushing (and button popping) carnival, cementing her status as the most prevalent risk taking creative artist and good-time gal after dark. A sort of woozy inflatable doll, Amanda comes off like a Jeff Koons statue of Marilyn Monroe, a walking work in progress whose nonstop array of surgeries have made her a unique comment on womanhood, and every inch a dame.

In Milan, she was dubbed La Silicona. In New York, she gets paid to enter a room, lips first. It’s not a party until her benevolent presence is spotted on a banquette, like a space alien sex goddess crossed with a curvy Disney goldfish, doling out insights, giggles, and occasionally free drink tickets. A dominatrix and a regular member of Michael Alig’s clubland circus at Limelight’s weekly Disco 2000 in the early ‘90s, Amanda went on to work Patricia Field’s makeup counter while finding her constantly changing face the most marketable object in town. It’s been used to promote Heatherette, M.A.C., and Swatch, to name just three trendy brands.

Usually, Amanda would rather sing about more important things than just boys and hair—like her privates! Her 2007 club hit “My Pussy (Is Famous)” giddily reminded the world that, while it arrived without a pricetag on it, her fertile crescent is now worth millions.

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57

Community comes together to show Pride

BY TREVOR DONOVAN — OFFICIAL SC PRIDE DJ

We are happy to be helping with SC Pride again this year! It’s always great to come to Columbia and celebrate pride with everyone from all over the state.

Although there is still a great deal of discrimination in our society today, we have gained so much more acceptance in recent years. Our GLBT community is becoming more transparent; we do not want to hide who we are, or pretend to be someone else. We are taking more pride in whom we are instead of feeling shameful, having “Gay Pride”.

Pride celebrations have been bringing the community together for years. However, the number of cities that are hosting Pride celebrations are growing every year. This goes to show that people are standing up for who they are and it shouldn’t matter who they love. Being proud of who we are and taking a stand is necessary and an important part of showing the entire community that we are people too. We are normal everyday people, and being gay does not define us as a person. Our lives do not revolve around being gay. We do not want to be known as “those gay boys.” We want to be known for all the things that we are, instead of one of the things that we happen to be. Being gay just happens to be a part of us, a part for which we are proud.

Over the past few years, television has made a massive impact on people’s perception of homosexuality. It has positively impacted views towards gay rights and shows that a gay person is just like everyone else. There is much reason to celebrate during this Pride season.

Thirteen states now recognize marriage equality and the majority of Americans are supporting equality. A Pride celebration not only reminds us of how far we have come, but also shows us that we still have work to do. We can only hope that our children will grow up in a world where gays are fully accepted into the mainstream. We are seeing it now in larger communities, but the day will come where there is equality for all, everywhere!

We stay active and give back by supporting organizations that help to promote social acceptance. South Carolina Pride is a great example of the community coming together for this reason. It’s OK to love who you love! We encourage you to get involved, and stay involved year round by volunteering with your local organizations, and donating to causes that will help make a difference. This is the only way we will make our community better for everyone…

Stay Proud!

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Proud Parenting can be scary but rewarding

BY TOMMY STARLING

Being a parent is one of the most difficult, exhausting, and frightening jobs in the world. Parenting is also one of the most rewarding, loving, and exciting honors you can experience. There are many challenges that come with the title of father or mother but those challenges can be compounded if you are a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender parent. Parenting is not for everyone but for those who choose to accept that honor deserve an extra dose of respect and encouragement.

I have lived in South Carolina with my husband Jeff for almost 18 years. We have a beautiful 7-year-old daughter and the most handsome 4-month-old baby son. My family is not much different from any other except we also have the added inconvenience of judgment and ridicule. Because we are gay, we always feel as if we are under a microscope and that society is hovering over us just waiting for us to make a mistake. We feel as if we always have to prove that we are good parents and we are succeeding. According to research from The Williams Institute, an estimated three million LGBT Americans have had a child and as many as 6 million American children and adults have an LGBT parent. Additionally, childrearing among same-sex couples is most common in the South. So, we are not a small number of people and we are in no way alone.

We have found that our best weapon against those in society that would judge us is to simply be outspoken and live our lives respectfully. We follow the premise of Family Equality Council by changing hearts and minds one person at a time by telling our story. When our friends, family, co-workers, and political leaders get to know us for who we really are, they find out quickly that we have more in common than we do differences. We have made a conscious effort to volunteer in our child’s school, engage in community service, and invite people into our lives. We have found that by integrating ourselves into the lives of others, we have gained an enormous amount of support and respect from people with whom we would have never engaged prior to having children.

Building allies has an enormous impact in changing hearts and minds. Our allies will stand up for us and convince others to view us as equal.

I encourage everyone, especially LGBT parents, to live their lives openly and respectfully. Share your story with people and do your best to be active members of society. We are agents of change and must lead by example. If we want true equality we have to be willing to work for it in a way that gains dignity and respect for our community. Our children are our future but we are responsible for making that world a better place for them to thrive. It is great to be proud of who you are but even better when your pride changes others.

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How Pride can change your life

BY MARTINA DIAMANTE, 2012-13 MISS SC PRIDE

I’d like to take a moment to exhale, reflect, and share my feelings about my SC Pride experience. Pride can be a double-edged sword. Not having enough or having too much of it can keep you from attaining recognition you deserve, achieving goals that you have set, or receiving opportunities that may present themselves. For nearly two years in Atlanta, I allowed myself to suffer by letting pride keep me from mending bridges I had burned, resolving problems that I let spiral out of control, and not asking for help that I desperately needed until I reached a dire, critical point of almost no return. But when I finally let go of my pride and made a cry for help, it came. As much as I did not want to come back where I began this journey 19 years ago, it’s where I NEEDED to come to move forward. And when I let the wall of my own PRIDE come down and quit blocking my blessings they started to come and they haven’t stopped coming.

When I think back of all the nights I cried myself to sleep, not knowing if I was going to eat that day, the freezing showers or stifling summer days, not even wanting to get up out of bed and face the world, feeling powerless that I would ever get myself to a better place...It’s a miracle to me that now I am looking at myself in pictures with a crown on my head, a smile on my face, a song in my heart, and the chance to take all that darkness I’ve been through to help bring other people to light. Thank you, God. A year ago, I scoffed at the idea of competing for the title of Miss South Carolina Pride—a title which slipped from my fingers 17 years ago. That pageant ended with a tie and I lost the tiebreaker. I congratulated the winner, self-evaluated, and moved on to eventually win a national title in 2002, Miss Gay National. Little did I know a door I thought long closed would suddenly fly open. To be really honest, I moved home to pick up the pieces of my broken heart and shattered life and put them back together. I thought, “How can I lead people as a QUEEN when I can’t even stand on my own two feet?”

One year later, I can’t imagine how my life would have been had I not won this title. I want to thank everyone who has made SC PRIDE such a wonderful experience for me: Jeff March and the SC PRIDE Committee, Volunteers, and Sponsors for putting together one of the best LGBT Prides around; My corporate sponsor, PT’s 1109; Patti O’Furniture and Nicole Roberts; my niece, Kia, you gave me my voice back when you gave me your violin; Heath Welch, Justin Xavier Carteret, Jerome Davis, and Peter Kristopher; my head cheerleader, Trinessa Dubas; the SC LGBT community who has embraced me with open arms; and last but not least, to my parents and family for the unconditional love and support even when I thought it wasn’t there or what it was supposed to be, I know now. To anyone I might have forgotten, please forgive me but know I appreciate your support.

And please remember, nothing lasts forever. Make the most of every moment.

Life can get better but you have to want it to and sometimes that means asking for help, digging deep within, and letting go of your PRIDE. You are not alone in this world. If not today, then sometime soon do something to make you feel proud!

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Openings offers welcome place for diverse spiritual traditions

BY MICHAEL HAIGLER

Openings is a supportive & welcoming network of GLBT persons & straight allies coming from diverse spiritual traditions to open hearts, minds, and doors.

We currently meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month at various church and collegiate locations around Columbia.

Meetings start at 6pm with a meal, followed by a meditation and program at around 6:30pm. The group was started three years ago in response to the needs of individuals in different churches who felt isolated and alone in their desires to work towards GLBT inclusion in their churches.

The concept was to provide a safe gathering space for like-minded folks who could create a network of support and encouragement for each other. Attendance at meetings can range from 30 to 50 people comprised of lay persons, community members/leaders, retired clergy, and active clergy. All are welcome. Please refer to our website for information on past and future meetings. www.openingssc.org PRIDE 2013 FAITH EVENTS Sunday 9/22/13 at 11AM Pride Sunday at Unitarian Universalist Church 2701 Heyward St and Woodrow Special Guests: Dr. Ed Madden, The Lady Chablis, Dr. Elaine Townsend Friday 9/27/13 at 6PM Openings Meeting at Reformation Lutheran Church 1118 Union St., Columbia Guest Speaker: Rev. Mark Sandlin Sunday 9/29/13 at 10:30AM Pride Sunday at Reformation Lutheran Church 1118 Union St. at River Drive, Columbia, SC Guest Pastor: Rev. Mark Sandlin 64

Reformation Lutheran Church An old Church doing

new ministry – with PRIDE!

ALL ARE WELCOME…

All the Time!

Reformation, a congregation of Christ’s Church, welcomes everyone to join us in a journey of faith. We are committed to providing worship, programs, ministries and pastoral care to all —regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religious background, color, economic status or national origin. Everyone is welcome in this place, where the love of God is the foundation of all that we say and do.

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHEDULE

9:00 am Contemporary Worship Service 10:00 am Coffee and Fellowship 10:10 am Sunday School 11:15 am Traditional Liturgy Worship Service 10:30 am One Combined Service—Special Occasions 1118 Union Street at River Drive Columbia SC 29201 803.252.1507 VISIT US ON THE WEB AT www.reformationlutherancolumbiasc.com A Reconciling in Christ Congregation (RIC) 65

Business. Litigation. Transactions. Employment Law. Real Estate.

66

I’m not saying you’re homophobic; I’m just saying you’re homophobic

BY MARK SANDLIN

Fear will be the death of me. That’s what I hear denominations trying to tell us, “Fear will be the death of me.” Until today, I’ve restrained from calling people “homophobic.” I’ve called their laws homophobic, their ideas homophobic, their words homophobic, but never them. So, today I’m coming out as a person who calls other people homophobic.

Why? Well, because they are. Homophobia is the fear of homosexuality. At this point, it is impossible for me to believe that most people who hide behind the Bible or denominational polity haven’t had more than ample time to recognize that those two things simply don’t support their belief that homosexuality is a sin.

I’ve written on the topic from time to time and have produced what many say is the one of the best resources online to combat biblical gay bashing (there are plenty of other equally good resources). There are also some exceptional books on the topic which go into much greater depth about the very few places the Bible makes any mention of same-sex relationships.

All of them show clearly that using the Bible to condemn homosexuality is an act of misreading the Bible. For anyone who has been exposed to this very clear research, using the Bible to condemn homosexuality is a willful misuse of the Bible and, as I point out in my piece on the “clobber verses,” it is also exactly what the Bible considers “using God’s name in vain to be.”

For me, the final nail in the “you’re being homophobic coffin” is a video from Matthew Vines. From his talk: “It’s still commonplace for straight Christians to say, ‘Yes, I believe that homosexuality is a sin, but don’t blame me—I’m just reading the Bible. That’s just what it says.’ Well, first of all, no, you are not just reading the Bible. You are taking a few verses out of context and extracting from them an absolute condemnation that was never intended. But you are also striking to the very core of another human being and gutting them of their sense of dignity and of self-worth. You are reinforcing the message that gay people have heard for centuries: You will always be alone. You come from a family, but you’ll never form one of your own. You are uniquely unworthy of loving and being loved by another person, and all because you’re different, because you’re gay.”

My denomination, the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America - PC (USA), at it’s national gathering this year voted against marriage equality. Some of those who opposed recognizing marriage equality, stood up and basically equated same-sex relationships with bestiality (among other things). They equated a loving, consenting relationship with something that is clearly not about either. These are intelligent people. So, why are they willing to make such fallacious leaps in logic on top of using God’s name in vain? Fear. Fear works some mighty mojo on the intellect.

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Ghandi said, “The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear.”

People are homophobic, not because they hate, but because they fear. The people who voted against recognizing marriage equality which serves only to lead our denomination further down the road to certain demise as we demonstrate clearly to younger generations that the PC(USA) prefers exclusion over inclusion and polity over people, believe it or not, are mostly loving people.

They just happen to fear what they don’t understand. Homophobia is the fear of homosexuality. I’m not saying they’re homophobic in a hateful kind of way; I’m just saying they’re homophobic in a fearful kind of way.

Being that it will be another two years before the PC(USA) can again address this issue, I’m afraid society will have already passed us by (in many ways it already is doing so); we’ve relegated ourselves to further irrelevance when it comes to contemporary topics. While I know I’ll get plenty of PC(USA)ers taking issue with that point, the reality is this kind of behavior is built into the system.

Until the system changes, we will continue to see this kind of behavior just like we did with slavery, just like we did with ordination for women and LGBT folk— and the younger generations will observe it, take note, and continue to walk away from institutionalized religion and specifically from the PC(USA).

So, what can we do about it? Karl Augustus Menninger, author of The Human Mind and Love Against Hate, once said, “Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out.” We need to educate folks, educate the fear out of them.

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The Guild still focuses on the “social” in marketing

BY SHELIA MORRIS

Want to meet instead of tweet? Want to see more than a profile picture?

Remember when social networking included an “LOL” you could hear? Join The Guild of South Carolina IN PERSON on the second Thursday of each month for the opportunity to network with LGBT and LGBT-friendly folks and businesses in our area. Bring your friends and make new ones in an environment that encourages and supports your best interests as a community member. We want to get to know you whether you’re a newcomer to the Palmetto State or simply new to The Guild.

The Guild of South Carolina was formed 20 years ago as a nonprofit volunteer organization to complement the existing grassroots efforts of SC Pride and HIVAIDS service providers. Its purpose was then, and is now, to promote businesses that are owned by LGBT and LGBT-friendly individuals and to provide a meeting place for consumers to get to know them in a social setting. Venues and programs change with The Guild’s leadership from year to year, but their commitment to working for our community’s best interests remains unchanged.

Venues have moved from ballrooms in Embassy Suites to Lake Murray boat cruises to pizza parlors to restaurants on Main Street to bars in the Vista and to cafés in Five Points. Programs have included the mayor of Columbia, the governor of South Carolina, the Columbia City Ballet, Trustus Theater and an Annual Gala that recognizes extraordinary volunteers and community partners.

Highlights of past monthly programs include a presentation by executive director of SC Equality Ryan Wilson discussing his trip to Washington, D.C. with Harriet Hancock to meet President Obama for the LGBT Pride Month celebration at the White House. Another great meeting occurred when Travel Unlimited owner Matthew DeGuire spoke and gave away free airline tickets to one lucky Guild member!

Benefits to businesses include networking opportunities at the monthly meeting, a table available for promotional items at the meeting, online advertising and a chance to spotlight your business during a program.

The Guild invites you to be part of a professional group that represents your community in a positive and progressive manner. Join them in our efforts to continue The Guild’s historical mission to empower LGBT and LGBT-friendly patrons and providers. Visit their website at www.scglbg.org for meeting places and times and for online membership forms. Membership forms are also available at the meetings.

Tweet if you must, but meet up personally with The Guild. You’ll be glad you did.

Sheila Morris was co-founder and first president of The Guild.

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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS ESTABLISHED

Encouraging business development and education, The Guild offers members a venue to share stories, swap leads and create opportunities with other people who value their professional success within the community.

You do not have to be a business owner to be a part of the Guild!

Individuals can utilize the group to meet and greet with LGBT and LGBT friendly owned business owners , enjoy food and drinks and get to know other people in the community.

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REGULAR MEETINGS ARE SECOND THURSDAYS OF EACH MONTH FOR MORE INFORMATION www.SCGLBG.org (803) 771-0411 /TheGuildOfSouthCarolina @TheGuildofSC 71

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Why I Am an Ally

BY KATHRYN REDDIC

I am not gay. I have never had a gay family member. I grew up in a very southern, hetero-normative community and attended a very traditional private school. I have never had a close friend come out to me, and no Angel of God has ever come to me in a dream, urging me to stand up for homosexuals. I have never personally witnessed a homophobic hate-crime. I consider myself a Christian. And yet, I am a zealous advocate and a passionately and wholeheartedly invested Ally of the LGBTQI community.

When asked to explain why I am an Ally, I encounter a bit of a roadblock because I don’t really have a “story.” However uninteresting it may seem, I really think I have spent my entire life truly believing in a most literal definition of the word “equality,” and simply not being able to comprehend how some find it acceptable to restrict it in any way.

That being said, I have somewhat of a childlike, uncomplicated view of equality.

Since I was very young, it has seemed utterly straightforward: equality means everyone. Denying someone of any right because they are attracted to a member of the same sex has always seemed as strange to me as if we chose to deny a person something for preferring waffles over pancakes, or for having freckles. Waffles, freckles, boyfriends, or girlfriends - we are all human. In a country founded upon equality, our preferences and our intrinsic physical and emotional attributes should have no impact on our rights as human beings.

Simple though it may seem, Americans have struggled with this idea throughout our history, and many have fought to change the term “everyone” into various versions of “everyone except.” It is my belief, though, that one day in the not-sodistant future, Americans will feel just as ashamed to have denied the rights of homosexuals as they do when remembering the times African Americans were required to use separate bathrooms and ride in the back of the bus.

Needless to say, I am a passionate believer in equality. But when it comes to my support for the LGBTQI community specifically, my position becomes even simpler. Sure, a big part of it is that I have many incredible, beautiful, homosexual friends whom I believe should have every joy in life. It makes me sick to think of them being bullied, restricted, or hurt in any way, and I wish that everyone could see them, first and foremost, as fellow human beings. But even more basic than that, I believe with every ounce of my being that true love is a gift; one that should be treasured, protected, and celebrated, no matter the form. Of all things in life, love should be the last upon which we place hate.

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BGLSA at USC works to combat ignorance

BY MASON BRANHAM

College, for those who choose to continue their education, can be one of the greatest experiences in life, for it is the perfect time to reflect upon and develop one’s personal identity. In most cases, higher education is a place of abundant knowledge, but it can also be a breeding ground for cliques and sameness.

People are quickly expected to separate into groups based upon class, race, or commonly held beliefs or interests. These cliques, though strong in companionship, indirectly deny themselves input from ‘outsiders’, and this is how is ignorance is born.

The Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Alliance (BGLSA) at the University of South Carolina, however, works to combat this ignorance by remaining constantly visible and working to educate all students, faculty and staff about the importance of being accepting.

Annually, the Alliance welcomes LGBTQ and ally students, and their families with the annual commUNITY Picnic. This event is always upbeat and attempts to show students that the campus climate at USC is extremely warm and inviting. BGLSA’s annual Birdcage is the largest drag show in Columbia and has featured headliners such as Shangela of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Dorae Saunders of America’s Got Talent. There is no greater joy than seeing students embrace the art of drag by frantically hurrying to find one-dollar bills just to have an excuse to approach the lovely performers.

The University of South Carolina recently recognized BGLSA as the “2013 Student Organization of the Year” for “their outstanding leadership, service to the school and community, and tireless dedication to the cause of LGBT student rights.” The award is wonderful, but the fact that USC finally recognizes and appreciates BGLSA is the ‘cherry on top’. This award truly shows how education, dedication, and a little bit of love will triumph over ignorance every time.

Meetings are every Tuesday at 8pm. Please visit facebook.com/BGLSA for more information.

Mission: BGLSA provides support to LGBTQ and ally students at USC by creating a fun and welcoming environment at weekly meetings, increasing visibility on campus with social and service events, and fostering an inclusive attitude in the Carolina community by empowering members to be advocate for equality.

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BGLSA provides support to LGBTQ and ally students at USC by creating a fun and welcoming environment at weekly meetings, increasing visibility on campus with social and service events, and fostering an inclusive attitude in the Carolina community by empowering members to be advocate for equality.

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SWEETHEART GALA

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FEBRUARY 23, 2013

PHOTOS BY GEORGE HINCHLIFFE

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SWEETHEART GALA CONTINUED

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FEBRUARY 23, 2013

PHOTOS BY GEORGE HINCHLIFFE

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ST PAT’S IN FIVE POINTS

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Columbia, SC 29202

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