Click here to view the embedded video.

Stonewall Columbus is pleased to announce that Columbus city council has extended a grant in the amount of $50,000 for capital improvements at the LGBT community center. For 32 years, Stonewall Columbus has been meeting the needs of the LGBT community through education and advocacy programs. Ordinance 1102-2013, sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee chair Priscilla R. Tyson, will provide $50,000 in Emergency Human Services funding to help Stonewall make needed repairs to their 1160 North High Street facility and the adjacent 4^th Street Annex. Repairs include, but are not limited to, restroom upgrades, electric and lighting, emergency exits, gutters and downspouts.

“First, I want to take this opportunity to thank council for this tremendous support. Our partnership with the city has helped to make Stonewall Columbus a leading organization in the region,” said Karla Rothan, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus.  “Each year 30,000 visitors arrive at the center looking for a safe place to get help. The Center on High is just that place and we could not have touched the lives of so many without the long-term support of our city,” she added.

Stonewall Columbus plans to raise additional dollars to expand the facility, connect the buildings and create second floor accessibility. This will enable Stonewall Columbus to more fully and effectively provide additional programs for the LGBT community, especially older adults, families and youth. “Having the confidence and investment of our city helps us to achieve that goal,” explained Rothan.

Stonewall Columbus serves the Central Ohio LGBT community by providing a community center and offering programming and services that enhance the well-being and visibility of our diverse community through discovery, affirmation and celebration. For more information about Stonewall Columbus visit our website at www.stonewallcolumbus.org.

Brooke and Lori interview Chris Kluwe – super Ally and punter for the Minnesota Vikings. Chris discusses his very vocal support for marriage equality, his amicus brief to the Supreme Court and the unique position that pro sports figures can play in being role models for gay youth. And what does Kluwe really think of Justice Scalia?

Deadspin: ”They Won’t Magically Turn You Into A Lustful Cockmonster”: Chris Kluwe Explains Gay Marriage To The Politician Who Is Offended By An NFL Player Supporting It

Athlete Ally

Chris’ Official Twitter

For thirty-one years Stonewall Columbus has been the leading visionary LGBT organization in Central Ohio. We end a very successful 2012 reflecting on the accomplishments of this year. Two programs in particular stand out as highlights for our community. Our Trailblazer and Fusion programs grew exponentially in 2012 and we could not have accomplished this milestone without the help of both The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation and Cardinal Health. As we enter a new and exciting year we are grateful to the thousands of volunteers, donors and members of the center whose generous spirits have enabled us to fulfill our mission and helped us to change the lives of so many in our community. Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

STAND WITH US – Help support the work we do by making a donation and becoming a Member of the Center on High
Get More Information Here

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 16

Trailblazers visit the Air Force Museum in Dayton – Just one of our many Trailblazer Outings

The Lavender Listings is Central Ohio’s only LGBT business community directory. As an enhancement to this advertising resource, we’re beginning a new ‘Lavender Limelight’ that will occur monthly. We will visit local Lavender Listings businesses and highlight what makes their services special. We will also get a glimpse into their motivation to support the LGBT community. Did you know that 100% of proceeds benefit Stonewall Columbus?

Our first Lavender Limelight shines on “Jazzercise Upper Arlington.” I attended one of their advanced classes along with owner Christine Zoyhofski. The fun, upbeat, and welcoming environment is why this form of fitness instruction and Jazzercise Upper Arlington are such a success. Jazzercise Upper Arlington is located in Kenny Centre Mall with safe, convenient parking and is just minutes from SR 315.

Using remixes on modern hip-hop, R&B, and pop songs keeps the energy flowing. Each 3-5 minute song is choreographed with brief instructions from the trainer who performs on a stage at the front of the room. It was amazing to me that you can work out and have so much fun at the same time. I’m looking forward to going back with a group of friends. One of my favorite things I learned from one of the students is that it’s also a great place to make new friends. My impression is that no matter your age, weight, or how active you are, all are welcome. Although the classes are choreographed, it is set up so that you can go at your own pace. I definitely think I’m somebody who stays active, but the day after this class my legs and arms were burning! I only did 15-20 minutes. Can you imagine what it would be like to do the full hour?

[Show as slideshow]

Christine describes her business this way:

Every Jazzercise group fitness class combines dance-based cardio with strength training and stretching to sculpt, tone and lengthen muscles for maximum fat burn. Choreographed to today’s hottest music, Jazzercise is a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing. Start dancing yourself fit and change the shape of your body today!

Watch Robby’s Interview with Christine
 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thank you to the Jazzercise members for allowing us to attend their class.

Stay tuned for more Lavender Limelights by Robby in upcoming newsletters and blogs by Stonewall Columbus and Lavender Listings.

For more information about the Lavender Listings please visit www.lavenderlistings.com.

Brooke and Lori talk with Jean Pierre Bergeron, writer/director of the film “Alone with Mr. Carter” 1st place winner of the Stonewall Columbus LGBT division of The 2012 Columbus International Film + Video Festival. Mr. Bergeron, an acclaimed actor with a career that has spanned nearly 40 years, also decided to “come out” at the premiere of this film last year in Los Angeles. As Mr. Bergeron says, “This little film saved my life”. A compelling film and a fascinating film maker. “Alone with Mr. Carter” will be screened on Nov. 14th at The Gateway Cinema at 7pm with Mr. Bergeron in attendance.

Alone With Mr. Carter Official Website

Click here to view the embedded video.

Photo Gallery

[Show as slideshow]

123►

Central Ohio’s largest LGBT Bowling League is in full swing and heading into their third week of bowling. “The Sunday Brunch” league bowls every Sunday at H.P. Lanes at 2012 Innis Rd in Columbus @ 3:00pm. The league is at a 34 team count and is always welcoming new teams at the start of the season. This is my 7th year bowling with the league. It has allowed me the opportunity to make great friends.

The Sunday Brunch league not only offers bowling for members of the LGBT community in a safe environment, but it also gives back. Members pay dues throughout the year which cover the cost of the use of the bowling alley, but a portion of these dues are used to create a Prize Fund and a Charitable Giving fund. Each year players compete to be ranked in the top spots. At the end of the season the top teams compete for ranking and to receive a portion of the prize fund for their achievement. Teams also vote on a  number of charities to receive funds from the charitable giving fund.

Sunday Brunch not only welcomes members of the LGBT Community, but also has numerous Allies as returning bowlers each year.

Spectators and fans are welcome to join us every Sunday at H.P. Lanes @ 3:00pm.

[Show as slideshow]

A Fantastic Tale of Cosmic Improbability; Lori tries to get her head around the fact that Brooke once dated two Ryan Smiths at the same time!

WNCI has posted the following message on their Facebook page:

WNCI is aware of the complaint regarding the recent program that aired Thursday morning on our morning show. We understand your concerns, it was unacceptable and insensitive, and we apologize to anyone we offended, that was never our intentions. WNCI support the gay community and again, we are so sorry to anyone we offended.

WNCI’s Morning Zoo Show is hosting a “contest” to see if one of the morning guys (Jimmy) can “change” a hot lesbian if he dates her. This show is syndicated across the state, including places like Youngstown, Mansfield, Harrisburg & Lima. Please let Tony Travatto, Director of Programming at WNCI, know how inappropriate, unacceptable & insulting you find this antic, especially for young listeners.

WNCI
tonytravatto@clearchannel.com
614-486-6101

The following letters were emailed to Mr. Travatto by MJ Hudson and by Karla Rothan, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus

MJ Hudson’s Email

Dear Mr. Travatto – I enjoy listening to WNCI through the day. I turned it on in the car this AM and was horrified to hear Dave, Jimmy & Kelesy talking about a “contest” for Jimmy to convert a lesbian to a heterosexual woman by dating her. Then, they were joking about how hot she was and that he might lose to the cat. I am a lesbian, and it was unbelievably insulting to hear such banter on your station. The idea that I require conversion is in and of itself insulting. I also immediately thought of the young people in the Morning Zoo listening area, including in more conservative areas of places like Lima, Mansfield and Youngstown, and thought how awful such a message is for young people who are listening to hear. This “contest” is really degrading, sending a message that if you are gay or lesbian, that you need to be altered and are not acceptable.

I ask that WNCI cease this banter immediately, and issue an apology to its listeners for broadcasting such insensitive material on the air. I am copying Karla Rothan, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus, on this email. Karla and her colleagues can be a good resource to you and your colleagues regarding the harmful nature of this type of programming.

Thank you for your consideration of my concerns.

Mary Jo Hudson
Columbus, Ohio

Karla Rothan’s Email

Mr. Travatto:

I echo Ms Hudson’s concerns. On Thursday, October 18, Stonewall Columbus will be presenting a candlelight vigil at Goodale Park to honor the lives of young people who have committed suicide because of bullying. I invite you to join us. Every day in this country young people are sent the message that being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is unacceptable and in thousands of cases the ridicule is too much to handle. Your message is contributing to this problem and giving ammunition to bullies. The message that a young person needs to change his or her sexual orientation is irresponsible and could be a contributing factor to a young person’s decision to end his or her life. I urge you to immediately take this hateful speech off the air ways to make room for more positive change.

Karla Rothan
Stonewall Columbus

Please let Tony Travatto, Director of Programming at WNCI, know how inappropriate, unacceptable & insulting you find this antic, especially for young listeners.

WNCI
tonytravatto@clearchannel.com
614-486-6101

“There was a cabaret and there was a Master-of-Ceremonies and there was a city called Berlin in a country called Germany and it was the end of the world…”

‘Let the Short North Stage take you on a riveting journey back to that racy, doomed world with an unforgettable score by John Kander and Fred Ebb and a haunting book by Joe Masteroff.

This past weekend I attended the opening night of the Short North Stage’s production of ‘Cabaret.’  If you haven’t been to The Garden Theater, you have to put it on your calendar.  Renovations continue to bring this historical landmark more and more to life.  The cast of Cabaret did an exceptional job bringing to life characters of the past and added a modern day flare of scandal and temptation.  Show dates are available from September 28^th through October 7^th and tickets can be purchased on line at www.shortnorthstage.org.

[Show as slideshow]

Lori and Brooke interview the very funny Paula Poundstone to talk about her upcoming show at the Lincoln Theater on Sept. 29th and also investigate the seedy side of “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” along with the discussion of Paula’s now infamous epic defense of Ring Dings in response to Michael Pollan’s dissing of her favorite snack food.

Paula’s Official Website

Robby Stephens will contribute coverage of local events, businesses and people of interest to the Central Ohio lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community to Stonewall Columbus in order to enhance and expand our community reporting.

Robby Stephens is the owner of American Family Insurance Robby W Stephens Insurance Agency. He is a four time recipient of the Agent of the Month award and three time State Life professional of the month.

“I want to sincerely welcome Robby Stephens to our team! The Center on High is often the first stop for folks in our community who need to find out information or obtain resources. It is our hope that Robby will help us to get the word out about events and happenings that support our community. Robby will be focusing on stories that make us proud to live, work and play in Columbus, Ohio.” said Karla Rothan, Stonewall Columbus Executive Director.

Stonewall Columbus serves the Central Ohio LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community by providing a community center and offering programming and services that enhance the well-being and visibility of our diverse community through discovery, affirmation and celebration.

Lori and Brooke unveil the mystery of lesbians and their love of softball….and Lori tries to get Brooke a date with a shortstop! We interview Yvonne Zipter author of “Diamonds Are A Dyke’s Best Friend” and chat with local lesbian coaches and players. Do you think softball is a lesbian game…or is that a stereo-type? Listen and tell us what you think!

Lori Gum and Brooke Cartus interview the hilarious Fortune Feimster of “Chelsea Lately” and “Last Comic Standing” fame! Fortune will be appearing at Wall Street Nightclub Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 8pm. Tickets still at available at the door!

Fortune’s Official Website

Stonewall Program Coordinator Lori Gum and stand-up comedian Brooke Cartus hit you with the new bi-weekly Stonewall Columbus podcast, bringing you the most up to date news and events in the LGBT community, along with interviews with girls in bars and cars and everything in between! Our first official podcast will hit the interweb this Saturday, July 14th featuring our interview with Fortune Feimster, roundtable regular on E’s “Chelsea Lately”, who is performing at Wall Street Nightclub right here in Columbus on Saturday night at 8pm. Check out brownpapertickets.com for details!

Special Projects Manager, Income
United Way of Central Ohio (UWCO) is seeking a Special Projects Manager to support the implementation and management of special projects in its Income impact area. The Special Projects Manager will be responsible for supporting high-impact, high-visibility activities that lead to the achievement of the organization’s Bold Goals for advancing the common good. In addition, this person will support efforts of Income Impact Council and the Financial Stability and Emergency Food, Shelter and Financial Assistance Results Committees.

The Special Projects Manager’s primary responsibility is to strengthen and expand the work of the Franklin County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition. This includes: enhancing marketing and outreach efforts, building the capacity of volunteer income tax assistance sites, streamlining volunteer recruitment and training, implementing a database system to track, measure and report outcomes, identifying opportunities to integrate asset building strategies into the Coalition’s work and leading resource development efforts.

Ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree, four years of human services experience and general knowledge of issues impacting the financial well-being of low-to-moderate income individuals and families. Must be detail oriented with ability to work independently and set priorities. Candidate must have strong problem solving and communication skills. Must maintain a professional demeanor at all times and have the ability to interact with diverse populations to include volunteers.
Candidate must have the ability to work a flexible schedule to include some evenings and / or weekends during the tax season, which runs from January through April. Candidate must be computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Office 2007. Competitive Salary with benefits and free parking. EOE. This position is funded by a single year grant.

Resume and cover letter should be combined in one Word document and submitted by Wednesday, November 24, 2010 via the following URL address:

https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=534647

Visit the Chris Awards website for more information and a complete festival schedule.

The CIF+VF and Brothers Drake Fine Meads present an evening of Animation 4 Adults, a night of movies and mead. Join us for an evening of animation, experimental films, an awards ceremony for visiting filmmakers from around the world and one of Columbus’ best parties.

Cartoons (including the Ohio premiere of Bill Plympton’s “The Cow Who Wanted to Be a Hamburger”), movies, live music, food, beer (from Stella Artois) and the Brothers Drake Fine Mead! All for only $10 (free for CIF+VF members), a fantastic deal.

Gay short films that we are screening for this event:

toward the blue
Director Randi Caspersen

Looking back at film footage of his West Hollywood neighborhood, a filmmaker wonders how his dreams fit into the world of gay porn stars.
http://web.mac.com/randycaspersen/randycaspersen.com/TTB_Screenings.html

Strands
Director Paul Neudorf

Animated strands of fingerprints interact with and manipulate dancer Jonathan Turcotte in this film about consciousness, desire and the awareness we have of the marks we leave behind.

http://www.paulneudorf.com/films/

TransOhio Community Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 25, 2010
1:00pm
Stonewall Columbus Center on High
1160 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
614-441-8167

This dinner is open to the entire Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay and Ally community. There are no excuses to spend the day alone! Come early and stay late! This is open to the entire GLBTQI and Ally community (kids are welcome!). RSVP’s are not required, but it will help us in our planning. TransOhio will provide the turkey & and necessary paper plate-ware.

Please bring a dish to share with others (and a serving spoon, fork or knife) and something to drink.

Volunteers are needed to setup, decorate and clean up at the end of the evening.

If you can volunteer, please let us know – send an email to transohio@transohio.org or call us (614) 441-8167 (this is a voicemail only number, please leave a message).

Please join your TransOhio family on Thanksgiving!

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is held in November each year to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender, each was a victim of violence based on bias or prejudice against transgender people.

The list of deaths available at http://www.rememberingourdead.org only contains those deaths known to the transgender community or that have been reported to the media. The Day of Remembrance is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.

This year’s vigil will take place on Thursday, November 18, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at King Avenue United Methodist Church, located at 299 King Avenue, Columbus, 43201. King Avenue United Methodist Church is handicap accessible. The vigil will be ASL interpreted.

Remember. Honor. Empower.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is intended to raise public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media does not perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of transgender people who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance gives transgender people and their allies a chance to step forward and stand in vigil, memorializing those who have died by anti-transgender violence.

Community Partners include: TransOhio, Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO), King Avenue United Methodist Church, North Congregational United Church of Christs’ Gender Fold Action Alliance, New Leaf Columbus, Stonewall Columbus, The Ohio State University GLBT Alumni Society, Equality Ohio, HRC-Columbus, Columbus AIDS Task Force, The Ohio State University Multicultual Center.

Visit http://www.transohio.org for more information.