Posted by Karla Rothan

Last week Stonewall Columbus hosted a faith forum at the Center on High. The event was very well attended and we received so many positive letters from those who attended the panel discussion. Four faith leaders from the Christian community came together to talk about being GLBTQI and reconciling your faith. This is one of a four part series that SWC will be conducting this year. So stay tuned to our website for future forums.

The holidays are fast approaching and this time of year can be very depressing for GLBTQI people. Many do not have good relationships with their families and it is very hard for them to find any joy during this time. I am very fortunate to be able to go home and celebrate with some of my relatives but I do know that I am lucky and many people do not have accepting families. I have been "out" for over twenty years but I have to admit that some situations in my family life can be difficult and the holidays can be one of them depending on which members of the family show up.

Two events at the Center on High are designed to help take our minds off of negative energy in our lives and gather for some fun. On Thanksgiving Day, TransOhio will be having a Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the Center. On Saturday, December 1, (Gallery Hop in the Short North) we will have a special party called, Glitter and Be Gay, a holiday bazaar. Organizations and individuals will decorate trees, wreaths or sleds to sell at the event and the proceeds from those sales goes back to the organizations. The center will be decked out for the holidays and the party is free and open to everyone.

In the hustle and bustle of dealing with homophobes and bigots this season, it is important to remember to have a little fun and experience some joy too. Join us if you can.