Posted by Karla Rothan

I just returned from a vacation in Florida and I am thrilled to be home. Columbus, Ohio is one of the greatest cities in the world. Why? One reason is because it is so GAY. We are very fortunate to have so many GLBT owned and operated businesses in and around our city. Check out this great article about our city and it just so happens they mention our community center too.

http://www.outtraveler.com/features.asp?did=1021

FROM THE FALL 2008 ISSUE OF THE OUT TRAVELER

Gayborhood: Short North, Columbus, Ohio
By McCarton Ackerman

Named by The Advocate in 2007 as one of the 10 best off-the-beaten-path U.S. cities for LGBT folks to live, Columbus has become the gay mecca of Ohio — maybe even the Midwest. Its center: the Short North, a quirky, bohemian arts district that’s steadily shed its rough-and-tumble skin since the mid ’80s. Extending from just north of downtown to just south of the Ohio State University campus, the nabe prides itself on diversity: Prominent LGBT organizations such as Stonewall Columbus exist in harmony with OSU’s hetero frat bars on North High Street, the main drag. 1920s-era row houses, brightly painted storefront murals, historically faithful steel light arches (an homage to its turn-of-the-century roots), and numerous “pocket parks” hidden between parking lots and buildings all make the area eminently walkable. During the monthly Gallery Hop (first Saturday), over 40 galleries stay open late for an arty party featuring jam-packed streets and live entertainment. Add on resolutely friendly locals and cultural activities galore, and it’s easy to see why there’s nothing short about Columbus’s queer-welcoming heart.

1. TORSO
772 N. High St.
TorsoOnline.com
Helping frumpy queers gay it up since 1998, this high-end unisex boutique and its swishy staff increase sex appeal with brand-name imported clothing and accessories from all over the world. Get ready for a night on the town with formfitting Pistol Pete shirts, Amigaz jewelry, Rufskin jeans, 23 brands of boxers and briefs, and authentic rugby shirts.

2. UNION CAFÉ
782 N. High St.
UnionCafe.com
Having recently switched locations, this gay staple ditched its tired video bar approach and reinvented itself with a slick bar-and-café makeover. Despite the change, you’ll still find cute waiters and specialty cocktails that are as lethal as ever. Take yours to the outdoor bar and admire one of Short North’s many famous murals while nibbling on quality American grub such as diablo pasta and steak salad.

3. SURLY GIRL SALOON
1126 N. High St.
SurlyGirlSaloon.com
Whether you’re a roller derby queen or suit-and-tie businessman, this quirky, female-owned rock bar is your rowdy, happy home. Pressed-tin ceilings, baroque chandeliers, and photos featuring “ladies of the night” twist an Old West bordello vibe into a mixed-crowd haven where queer coeds and soccer moms down Surly Temples (vodka with cherry-flavored soda) and sway to local DJs and live bands in the back “dungeon room.”

4. EUROPIA WINE & SPIRITS
672 N. High St.
EuropiaGourmet.com
Out owner Pia Hiotis and her predominantly gay staff keep gourmands stocked up on rare and organic wines, including upscale reds from Caymus Vineyards; champagnes and specialty beers, like Arrogant Bastard Ale; high-quality Valrhona chocolate; and cocktail essentials such as blue cheese–stuffed olives. Wine novices can sample a variety of vintages in the shop’s red velvet–draped basement testing room and sign up to receive updates on its roster of official tasting events.

5. THE LOFTS
55 E. Nationwide Blvd.
55Lofts.com
Housed in a wallpaper warehouse built in 1882, the 44 rooms of this hotel combine 19th-century architecture with ultramodern amenities including Frette linens and Aveda products. Its proximity to both the Short North and the Arena District’s theaters and concert halls makes it an aesthete’s dream.

6. SHERRIE GALLERIE
694 N. High St.
SherrieGallerie.com
Contemporary Eva Kwong vases, Karen Gilbert Pyrex and sterling silver bracelets, and frequent exhibitions by prominent gay artists make the Sherrie Gallerie a best bet during the monthly Gallery Hop. Exhibits change several times throughout the year, but the fashion-forward accessories in the store remain a must.

Readers’ Tips
One of the oldest restaurants in the Short North, Rigsby’s Kitchen is an iconic neighborhood staple of classic Italian cooking and the perfect place to “duck in and have a cocktail and snack before hitting the disco circuit.”
Joe Sullivan, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Posted by Karla Rothan

Pride Holiday and March is a huge celebration for our community and Stonewall Columbus is thrilled to be able to present this event for our city. The hundreds of volunteers that it takes to put this event on every year are the real heroes when it comes to Pride. Many of them give up their vacation time, their family time and their fun time to make this day happen and Stonewall Columbus is eternally grateful. The day always begins a little foggy for me and our staff. We each have probably already put in about 65 hours that week. Inspiration comes when we look down High Street at a sea of people before us all having a good time. Celebrating our culture and giving back is what Pride is all about and i think the 120,000 people that attended this year would have to agree, it was the best day ever!

Posted by Karla Rothan

(Click here to view the video on Viddler) 

In response to an increase in cases of syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in central Ohio, Columbus AIDS Task Force is launching a targeted marketing campaign to inform the community and reduce the number of new cases.  The campaign consists of 4 key messages delivered via business-size palm cards, 11×17 posters and t-shirts.  Edgy, though-provoking and informative, the campaign directs the reader to the Ohio HIV/AIDS/STD hotline where the caller can receive more information about syphilis including local test sites.

The campaign will launch in tandem with Columbus Pride activities starting the weekend of June 27, 2008.  In addition to Pride activities, materials will be distributed at gay bars, community centers and bath houses.  The campaign will run for one year.

• The number of new syphilis cases in Ohio has risen 59% since 2000
• In 2006, Ohio ranked 32 out of 50 states for number of syphilis cases reported in the U.S., but 70%* of the syphilis cases in Ohio were reported in Franklin County which represents an alarming local health issue. 
• Men are diagnosed at a rate 3x higher than females and African American and Latino men are diagnosed at higher rates than white males
• While data collected in ODH surveillance stats does not include risk category information for syphilis contraction, local research indicates that men who have sex with men are the population at highest risk for syphilis contraction.
• According to the CDC, Genital sores (chancres) caused by syphilis make it easier to transmit and acquire HIV infection sexually. There is an estimated 2- to 5-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV if exposed to that infection when syphilis is present.
• Possible reasons cited for increases of syphilis among gay men are methamphetamine use leading to unprotected sex with multiple partners and the Internet’s role in connecting gay men together for casual sex.
• Because the behaviors that transmit HIV are the same behaviors that transmit syphilis and because having an HIV diagnosis increases your chances of contracting another STD and contracting another STD when you have a compromised immune system can advance the impact the virus has on individual health, it is critical to address issue of HIV/syphilis co-infection.
• The Ohio HIV/AIDS/STD hotline (800-332-2437), which is operated by Columbus AIDS Task Force, will refer callers to local test sites and provide information.  Caller-specific demographic data and campaign-related data will be collected.
• Test locations in Central Ohio include:  OSU Student Health Center: (students only), Columbus Public Health (CPH), Planned Parenthood, Tobias Project, Inc.

Posted by Karla Rothan

For several years now we have had at least 3-5  “tollbooth gates” at Pride. I want to make sure that everyone understands why this is so. When I began volunteering for Stonewall Columbus in 1998, we had about 20,000 people come to our festival and parade. Now in 2008, just ten years later, we are expecting approximately 115,000 participants. Each year the festival and parade grows and so does our costs. Stonewall Columbus spends close to $100,000 to put this event on every year. Across the country many cities have stopped creating Pride celebrations because of the cost and you can see how that happens. For a small nonprofit with a total budget of $465,000 this is a huge undertaking. We ask that festival goers please give $5 at the gate, more if you can and less if you can’t. Or if you purchase your commemorative dogtag, you are admitted to the festival for free. We have gotten some calls at the center from angry folks who believe that the festival should be totally free. Unfortunately, Stonewall Columbus is not in the position to do that. Some in our community argue that the park is a public place and therefore they will not pay to enter it. That is your choice and I understand your position. I beg you to reconsider making a small donation to our center because putting this event on is not now, nor never has been, free for Stonewall. We pay for police, insurance, rental of equipment, rental of the stage, street closures, meter bagging, permits, entertainment, tents, tables, chairs, refuse collection and cleanup crew. It is expensive and without your help we will not be able to continue this tradition in June that we all love so much.