From the Executive Director

The Daily Beast has picked Columbus, Ohio as the 16th Gayest City in America

Karla Rothan — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:25:45 +0000

16. Columbus, OH
Same-sex couples per thousand households: 5.27   The Republican-Democratic battleground state of Ohio has become widely known for its anti-gay marriage protests. But that hasn’t stopped Columbus, the state’s capital city, from making the list. Columbus, in fact, has a gay culture all its own: There’s a gay men’s chorus, and it’s host to a huge GLBT organization, Stonewall Columbus. Plus there’s a massive annual gay-pride festival to boot.

Read the Full Story
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-07-20/the-20-gayest-cities-in-america/

Columbus Pride 2009 Ranked #5 on Columbus Underground

Karla Rothan — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:05:18 +0000

The Stonewall Columbus 2009 Pride Festival has been ranked #5 on the Best Events of Columbus List for 2009 by Columbus Underground from their reader survey.

Here are the Top 10 Best Events of 2009, as rated by their readers:

Comfest
Columbus Arts Festival
Independents’ Day
Highball Halloween
Gay Pride Festival
Red White & Boom
Gallery Hop
Jazz & Ribs Festival
Dublin Irish Festival
Parking Lot Blowout

Read the complete article here

http://www.columbusunderground.com/best-columbus-event-of-2009-comfest

When Times Are Hard People Need A Safe Place to Be

Karla Rothan — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:05:10 +0000

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
Executive Director
Stonewall Columbus, Inc.

International Conference Brings Visitors from the World

Karla Rothan — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:58:57 +0000

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

Central Ohio GLBT Meet the Candidates Night for Ohio and National Races

Karla Rothan — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:51:52 +0000

On Thursday, October 2, 2008 Stonewall Columbus hosted another “Meet the Candidates Night.” Members of the GLBT community of Central Ohio were able to visit with candidates from both the republican and democratic parties. Last year two legislators, Dan Stewart (D) and David Goodman (R) sponsored the housing and employer non discrimination bill. Audience members were very interested find out which of the candidates were behind this bill and which would support future efforts to have it passed and turned into law. Overall, everyone attending the forum seem to feel as if they really knew how each candidate felt about our GLBT issues.

Photos from Forum

Click here to view the photos from the forum.

Franklin County LGBT Candidates Night at the Center – Watch It

Karla Rothan — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:53:25 +0000

Last Tuesday, the Center on High hosted “Meet the Candidates Night.” The purpose of the event is to allow the community to meet and ask questions of those individuals in our community who are running for public office. Rob Berger did a fantastic job organizing the event and he also moderated the evening. Attendees wrote questions for the candidates and each had to answer the questions within a minutes time. What was really great about the evening was that so many candidates both Democrat and Republican showed up to speak with our GLBT community. All of them were very interested in our community issues and challenges. As a voter I left the forum feeling very confident and secure about the votes that I will cast in the next month. I encourage everyone to find some time to have some heart to heart and face to face talks with these individuals who are running for office. If you were not able to make it to the center, we taped it for your enjoyment. Although the forum was not intended to be a debate, it did get rather heated so take a moment and check it out. It’s getting HOT in HERE!

Click here to watch the entire forum

HIV Infections on the Rise

Karla Rothan — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:13:19 +0000

HIV infection is on the rise in our community. For so many years this was not the case but recent studies show that more and more gay men in their 30’s and 40’s are getting HIV. It has been difficult for some in our community to consistently maintain safe behaviors. Alcohol and drug abuse are key factors. Individuals who are using are more likely to engage in unsafe sex. There are many men who are living two lives unable to accept their homosexuality. They have unprotected sex with other men and then bring HIV home to their wives or female lovers. One of our missions at the Center on High is to build self esteem in our LGBT community and reduce negative feelings about one’s sexual orientation. We have a free coming out group for men on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month and also a men’s discussion group on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Stonewall Columbus partners with CATF on the 1st Thursday and 2nd Saturday of every month for free HIV testing. The test utilizes an oral swab that requires no blood and no needles. Results are ready in 30 minutes and counselors are on hand to help. Please check out the Stonewall programs on our website a http://www.stonewallcolumbus.org.

To read more information about the new studies concerning HIV go to http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/09/12/hiv.blacks.gays/index.html

Damesbond Event

Karla Rothan — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:50:11 +0000

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:

Columbus Ohio is a Great Destination

Karla Rothan — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:36:11 +0000

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.

Another Year and a Big Celebration

Karla Rothan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:28:44 +0000

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!