From the Executive Director » Center on High http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog Karla's Blog Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:52:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 2006-2007 stonewallcolumbus@gmail.com (From the Executive Director) stonewallcolumbus@gmail.com (From the Executive Director) http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg From the Executive Director http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog 144 144 Karla's Blog From the Executive Director From the Executive Director stonewallcolumbus@gmail.com no no Finishing Your Holiday Shopping? Get a Deal and Support Stonewall Columbus http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2010/12/08/holiday-guide-2010/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2010/12/08/holiday-guide-2010/#comments Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:33:39 +0000 admin http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/?p=80

Give Stonewall Columbus Items

Give the Gift of Stonewall Columbus Membership

  • Free and Discounted Movies at the Gateway
  • Discounted Center Classes
  • Wholesale Pricing at Carpet King
  • Discounts at Other Local Businesses

Give a Yoga or Ballroom Center Class Gift Certificate

Give Tickets to Pride Night at the Blue Jackets (March 11th)

Give Stonewall Merchandise

Lavender Listings Coupons to Stretch Your Holiday Dollars

15% off Boarding at Animal Hospital of Polaris

20% off the Frame on your Complete Custom Frame at Fifth Avenue Galleries and Custom Framing

$20 off $100 / $100 Off $400 Purchases at the Diamond Exchange

$5 off $50 Purchase at Hayley Gallery – Art, Jewelry and Custom Framing

$10 off First Visit at Ohio Massage Therapy Professionals

]]> http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2010/12/08/holiday-guide-2010/feed/ 0 2011 Pantry Drive a Success! http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2010/12/07/2011-pantry-drive-a-success/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2010/12/07/2011-pantry-drive-a-success/#comments Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:36:55 +0000 admin http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/?p=77

Thank You to everyone who donated to the Stonewall Columbus Pantry Drive!

During our 2010 Pantry Drive items collected were donated to Project OpenHand, a Program of LifeCare Alliance dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in central Ohio. We received over 275 non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, health & beauty items and pet food during the drive. We also received a generous $1000 cash donation from a gentleman who at one time had to use Project OpenHand services. Visit our YouTube Channel where Michelle Jones of LifeCare Alliance talks more about Project OpenHand and the services they provide to our community.

Visit http://www.lifecarealliance.org for more information about the organization.

]]> http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2010/12/07/2011-pantry-drive-a-success/feed/ 0 When Times Are Hard People Need A Safe Place to Be http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/12/24/when-times-are/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/12/24/when-times-are/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:05:10 +0000 Karla Rothan http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/?p=55 This year Stonewall helped so many people who needed a safe place to be: the young high school student who was bullied every day of his life, the eighty-six year old who just lost her partner of fifty years and the new dads who wanted to have a family picture taken with Santa without a snide look on the photographer’s face.

As we move into the final weeks of 2008, I think it is a good time to review the wonderful year we had at the Center on High, Stonewall Columbus. Our accomplishments were many, from producing the largest Pride celebration in the midwest with approximately 120,000 people in attendance, to the expansion of our health and wellness series of classes. We also hosted several exhibits, conferences and workshops including the Transgender Symposium, the Columbus College of Art and Design’s senior show, the GOHI history panels, “Meet the Candidates” Night and an Evening with Leslie Jordan. New to our website this year was our SWC TV show which offers vital information for our community with a little bit of entertainment thrown in for fun.

Our greatest and most pressing challenge for the upcoming year is fiscal. The economic crisis has affected us all; charitable giving has been reduced across the board. Like many other organizations, we’ve had to make cuts to the budget across all areas. However, we are left with our greatest asset: the excellent staff, volunteers and board and their commitment to the LGBT citizens of central Ohio.

In order to continue the important work we do, we will need your continued support in 2009. We encourage you to give a gift online today. Think about giving the gift of membership to someone you love this year. Contributions to the center go directly to helping LGBT people lead healthier and happier lives.

Click here to become a member of the Stonewall Columbus Center on High.

We look forward to the year ahead, and wish you peace and happiness this holiday season. Thank you, as always, for keeping up with the family here at Stonewall Columbus. Please take a look at our photo galleries so you can see the impact of our center in action!

Warm regards,
Karla Rothan
Karla Rothan
Executive Director
Stonewall Columbus, Inc.

]]> http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/12/24/when-times-are/feed/ 0 International Conference Brings Visitors from the World http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/10/16/international-conference-brings-visitors-from-the-world/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/10/16/international-conference-brings-visitors-from-the-world/#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:58:57 +0000 Karla Rothan http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/?p=49 Stonewall Columbus is buzzing this week with visitors from all over the world including the United States, Nova Scotia, New Zealand, London, France and Rome. This is the 10th Anniversary of the IDKEX (International Drag King Extravanganza). The Center on High is in the midst of a cultural explosion with artists who are at the forefront of artistic gender expression. The Youth Speakeasy turns the mic over to the new generation of performers. Artists ages 4-18 will perform in the Annex on Friday. The conference will last for two days with a showcase event in the Arena District’s Lifestyle Pavilion on Saturday night. Tickets are available at Stonewall Columbus until 5:00 p.m. on Friday and at the performance venue that evening.

Here is a preview of some of the art that will be on display at the Center during this weekend:

View the photos on Flickr

]]> http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/10/16/international-conference-brings-visitors-from-the-world/feed/ 0 Damesbond Event http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/09/10/damesbond-event/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/09/10/damesbond-event/#comments Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:50:11 +0000 Karla Rothan http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/09/10/damesbond-event/ On Monday, September 8, 2008, I had the pleasure of speaking for the Damesbond organization here at the Center on High. Approximately seventy business women came together at the center to network and learn about Stonewall Columbus and ask some very important city planning questions of Councilwoman, Mary Ellen O’Shaughnessy. Mary Ellen cruised into the meeting via bicycle after attending council’s meeting downtown. Her method of transportation proved that without a doubt, she practices what she preaches with regards to keeping our city a greener place to live. The event was a great opportunity for women in business to meet one another and make connections. You do not have to have your own business to join the group and it was exciting to have so many new visitors at the center. For a list of upcoming Damesbond events and to find out more information, please visit www.damesbond.com.

Here are some video highlights from the event:

]]> http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/09/10/damesbond-event/feed/ 0 Pride is All Month Long http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/06/16/pride-is-all-month-long/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/06/16/pride-is-all-month-long/#comments Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:03:33 +0000 Karla Rothan http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/?p=29 This weekend was spectacular! I played golf for the very first time and did all 18 holes. I took a few lessons when I was a kid but gave up because no one that I knew played golf. I have fallen in love with the sport this weekend at the Stonewall Golf Classic at Raymond Golf Course. Kelly Trent and the staff at Raymond were so gracious and patient with us. The rain did not keep anyone away and everyone seemed to really enjoy being together. Then Sunday, the generous and talented Leslie Jordan of “Will & Grace” fame stopped by the Center on High to meet people and share some of his stories from Hollywood and beyond. I really expected him to just say, “hello” and then go, but he stayed and mingled and entertained us for over an hour. He talked about how great the community center is and how wonderful it is for GLBT people to be able to go to a welcoming and affirming place. He reminded us that years ago people had to socialize in a bars, because that is the only place we could go to meet one another. Leslie gave us a memorable evening of laughs at our center.

]]> http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/06/16/pride-is-all-month-long/feed/ 2 Religion and a Personal Matter http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/02/01/religion-and-a-personal-matter/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/02/01/religion-and-a-personal-matter/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:17:05 +0000 Karla Rothan http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/02/01/religion-and-a-personal-matter/ Many people in our community feel ostracized from their churches and it is important to remember that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people struggle with issues of faith every day of their lives. This issue rang true for me just recently when my niece asked me to be her confirmation sponsor. In Catholicism the third sacrament of initiation is confirmation. I was so honored that she asked me to be her special and significant witness. There were a couple of problems for me however. One problem was that I had not yet been confirmed myself. When I was a child my father died the year I was to be confirmed, my family was in chaos and as a result, I never did receive the sacrament, which in Catholicism is necessary for future sponsorship opportunities. After thinking long and hard about the whole experience and how the church treats homosexuals, I made the choice that my niece was the most important issue here. I decided to go ahead and walk the path and reach out to the church one more time. I did not have much hope that this would be a good experience, to be honest. As a lesbian I am well aware of the church’s teachings with regards to homosexuality. As the Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus, however it was imperative that I was “out” as I walked along this path. After some very honest interviews with a priest and a long religious retreat, I could be confirmed and in good conscience accept the sacrament of confirmation. I am thrilled that I was also able to be with my niece on that very special day. So many people in our community have not had my same positive experience with their churches and it is up to us to change the perceptions of these institutions. This is why Stonewall Columbus has made the Faith Initiative at the Center on High a core value for our organization. A committee driven by the leadership of our board of trustees is working diligently to put together several forums this year to address the issues of faith in Columbus. Also our Lavender Listings will have a special section devoted to affirming churches so that our intake and referral desk can make sure that new and current residents of our city know what churches are open and accepting of our LGBT families. When asked Stonewall Columbus welcomes the opportunity to partner with our faith community in order to bring about some healing. Please stay connected to our website for upcoming information about our panel discussions around faith and feel free to comment and add suggestions to our blogspot. We welcome healthy dialogue from the community. Open dialogue is a crucial tool to use to make changes both in the ways that we perceive our faith and ourselves.

]]> http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/02/01/religion-and-a-personal-matter/feed/ 6 New Years Blog http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/01/02/new-years-blog/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/01/02/new-years-blog/#comments Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:33:23 +0000 Karla Rothan http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/?p=22 Click here if you have trouble viewing the video.

]]> http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2008/01/02/new-years-blog/feed/ 0 Accomplishments of 2007 and Looking Ahead at 2008 http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2007/12/28/accomplishments-of-2007-and-looking-ahead-at-2008/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2007/12/28/accomplishments-of-2007-and-looking-ahead-at-2008/#comments Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:43:53 +0000 Karla Rothan http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/?p=21 What a pivotal year 2007 was for Stonewall Columbus! After twenty six years SWC redefined its mission, purchased two buildings in the Short North and began its journey to build the first LGBTQIA community center in Central Ohio.

The Board of Trustees hired a permanent Executive Director in March 2007 after not having one in place since 2005. They branded the organization and named the community center, the Center on High. The organization ended 2007 with a balanced budget and projects the same for 2008.

Karla Rothan, the Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus received an appointment to Mayor Coleman’s 2012 Commission as one of the chairs of the Diversity Committee giving our community a voice at the table to set priorities for the Columbus Bicentennial Celebration.

She regularly speaks to high schools and community organizations. She sat on panels at WOSU, Owens Corning in Toledo, The Columbus Metropolitan Club and the Kirwin Institute for Diversity.

SWC staffs an intake and referral desk receiving over 3600 calls a year that contain a wide range of issues: coming out, transgender support, employment discrimination, depression and anxiety, and family/personal relationship.

In June, Stonewall Columbus produced the most successful Pride to date with an estimated 110,000 participants. Stonewall Columbus Pride is one of the few in the nation that continues to grow.

SWC created three new program initiatives: Health, Faith and Diversity. SWC conducts a free health clinic with skilled professionally offering services to the community twice a month.

The first floor of the center has been painted. One of the restrooms was made handicap accessible and remodeled with new flooring and fixtures.

For the first time the second floor of Stonewall was opened for community use. The organization renovated the second floor. SWC refurbished bathrooms and meeting rooms, and installed a new high efficiency furnace and
air. In addition, SWC created a multipurpose room, Studio One; which has benefited over 50 organizations and facilitated 26 programs. Forums were created for the entire community including: I’m Gay, Where’s God, The Health
Forum (Specifically Discussing LGBT Health), Meet the Candidate’s Night, and the GLBT History Panel. Fulfilling its commitment to the arts, Stonewall produced two short original LGBT plays and conducted readings of new work. The
center featured the work of visual artists as well.

The Stonewall Columbus website: www.stonewallcolumbus.org became a virtual community center. The new and improved site features online Lavender Listings opportunities, program information including Pride and a blog by the
Executive Director. The ED blog regularly features podcasts that discuss important LGBT issues with community leaders.

In addition to Outlook Weekly, Stonewall Columbus was featured in the following local and national publications: The Advocate, Curve Magazine, Columbus Monthly, The Dispatch, and Business First.

Looking Ahead to 2008

Programs and Events:

Health and Wellness Clinic Expanded to address Anxiety and Depression: Forum TBA

Outlook Weekly Network Columbus Presentation: January 9

Pride Kickoff Party at Union Bar + Food: February 19

Transgender and Ally Symposium: March 7- 9

Student Art Installation / Collaboration with CCAD: April 5

Lavender Listings 2008 – 09: May 1

Pride Kickoff Celebration at the Center on High: June 7

Pride Festival and March: June 28

A Night OUT: VIVA Las Vegas: September 20

Glitter and Be Gay Winter Festival: December 6

Organizationally

Expand our Board of Trustees

Create a 3-year Strategic Plan that includes a Capital Campaign

Building Improvements:

Install new energy efficient handicap accessible doors in the High Street building

In the 4th Street Annex begin repairing the first floor to make it usable for community groups

Install some new windows in the 4th Street Annex

Install new furnace and air in the 4th Street Annex

]]> http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2007/12/28/accomplishments-of-2007-and-looking-ahead-at-2008/feed/ 0 Faith, Families and Holiday Fun http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2007/10/29/faith-families-and-holiday-fun/ http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/2007/10/29/faith-families-and-holiday-fun/#comments Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:59:26 +0000 Karla Rothan http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org/blog/?p=15 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.

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