Stonewall Columbus Celebrates Local Gay History

Did you ever wonder what GLBT life was like 20 years ago, 50 years ago?

• Gay and lesbian bars were few, located in the worst parts of town and frequently raided by the police
• People were actually arrested for being dressed in clothing that did not correspond with their biological gender
• A couple who wished to rent an apartment together had to tell the landlord they were related to each other
• Private house parties were a predominant way to socialize and GLBT people met through complicated private social networks
• The secret language of glances and covert meeting places was the norm
• The GLBT community was small enough to be a community where almost everyone knew each other

Two panel discussions examining GLBT life in Central Ohio from the 1940s through the 1980s are planned as a part of the Stonewall Columbus Pride celebration during June 2006. Both panels will feature community leaders and other longtime and former Columbus residents. Panelists will share memories about their personal life experiences and how our local community has evolved and grown.

“Because our community existed on the fringes of society for many years, most of our history is only preserved through oral storytelling. Stonewall Columbus encourages you to come out for an evening and hear the tragic and triumphant stories that make up our past,” said Rob Berger, Event Coordinator and Past Stonewall Columbus Board President.

Panel members will talk about “coming out” and being “in the closet” dating, relationships, social activities, scandals and controversies, politics, religion, and the birth and evolution of our local GLBT organizations. The first panel will be moderated by Columbus City Council Member Mary Jo Hudson and the second panel will be moderated by former Stonewall Columbus Board President Douglas Whaley. Both events are free and will be held at the Stonewall Columbus Community Center located at 1160 N. High Street.

The specific event details are:

GLBT History — 1940s through 1970s
June 15, 2006
7 to 9 p.m.
The panel members are Steve Shellabarger, Fred Holdridge, and Orn Huntington. This event will be moderated by M.J. Hudson.

LBT History after 1981 [the year Stonewall Columbus was founded]
June 21, 2006
7 to 9 p.m.
The panel members are Chris Cozad, Elliot Fishman, Douglas Whaley, Dan Willis and Linda Schuler. This event will be moderated by Douglas Whaley.

For more information on these events or any Stonewall Columbus Pride Holiday activities, please contact Dean Hindenlang, Pride Coordinator, at 614-930-2262 or by email at dhindenlang@stonewallcolumbus.org