*

Shelter From the S Tackling LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in Ohio

Why Nina West Could Win It All

Out on the Court at Kent State

Artist and Activist Felicia DeRosa address youth homelessness in Cincinnati," says will help Kaleidoscope start another program Melissa Meyer, director of the initiative called Safe designed to keep members of the same age group and Supported, which is run by Lighthouse Youth & from becoming homeless. It will help them find a Family Services. "No matter where a young person home, pay move-in costs or help with initial rent interacts with the system, they're going to have a payments. positive experience. They're going to find that one supportive adult." Participants—the effort will begin with the capacity to help five people—will get a case worker to Love Boldly, a Cincinnati-area group that works to help them become self-sufficient, says Heather break down stereotypes and divisions between the Wise, who joined the agency in January as its new LGBTQ and conservative Christian communities, is housing program manager. part of an effort that helps families discuss issues that are at the heart of family divisions. Kaleidoscope raised $40,000 in just two months last fall to renovate and furnish a carriage house "Rejection is often based on religious beliefs, and behind its Downtown Columbus center that will this is for families who are really struggling," Meyer become housing for four young people by early says. "It's not for families who would go to PFLAG 2020. The supportive co-housing program also will meetings. We create a safe space where they can include case managers and educational services lay out on the table what they need to lay out on the such as life skills and financial literacy. table." In Akron, the LGBTQ The goal there is to keep community group called young people safe at CANAPI addresses housing home with their families. issues for LGBTQ youth and But another segment of A lot of our for people living with HIV. the homeless population In addition to paying for of LGBTQ youth is those the first month's rent for its who reach adulthood young people clients who must be younger without support from than age 25, the program their families and lose don't feel for people in Summit and eligibility for government Portage counties pays for assistance programs. items such as bus passes, safe using essentials and groceries. Lighthouse also It also helps young people coordinates a program make a budget. of volunteers who will the system. open their homes-"and "Everyone needs a safe hearts," the agency You have to haven, a safe space to call says-to LGBTQ 18- your own," says CANAPI to 24-year-olds who Executive Director Rebecca otherwise might be on be visibly Callahan. the streets. Hosts provide shelter and food for up to affirming. An estimated 171,000 a year, but another goal of homeless people in the the program is to create United States are 24 years ties to the community for Young people old or younger, which young adults just getting means more than 68,000 on their feet. identify as LGBTQ if the 40 look for that. percent estimate is true. Hosts undergo training before they begin Big percentages, according hosting; issues covered to research compiled by include conflict resolution, youth development, the National Coalition for LGBT Health, will abuse establishing boundaries and mentoring. alcohol or other substances. More will experience depression and consider suicide. More will engage If you have a story you'd like to suggest for Prizm, contact With help from the Columbus Foundation's LGBTQ- in "survival sex" to get food, shelter or money. More Editor Bob Vitale at [email protected]. focused Legacy Fund, Kaleidoscope Youth Center will contract HIV. More will be assaulted, attacked, FIND OUT MORE also is starting a Host Home Network this month raped or become victims of hate crimes. Check outPrizmNews.com for a list of programs in Ohio in Central Ohio with an informational session for focused on LGBTQ youth. prospective volunteers. (Look for details at the end "There are no silver bullets," University of Chicago of this article.) researchers concluded in their 2017 study of the Visit voicesofyouthcount.org to read the University of Chicago's research on youth homelessness in issue. "But the efforts and investments to end the United States. According to Upchurch, volunteers might house youth homelessness are worth it." their guests from one night to several months. Visit truecolorsfund.org to read the organization's research, analysis and assessment of Ohio's efforts to address LGBTQ The 18- to 24-year-olds will be getting support youth homelessness. services while they look for a permanent place to stay or work to reconcile with their families. Cincinnati-based Lighthouse Youth & Family Services is celebrating 50 years in 2019. Visit lys.org for more about the organization or lys.org/safe-and-supporfed for information "This is the age group that's most underserved," specifically about its Safe and Supported program for LGBTQ Upchurch says. The benefit of staying in a host youth. home, she says, is simple: "It's community. It's If you're interested in being a volunteer in Kaleidoscope Youth familial. It's a home." Center's new Host Home Network, attend an info session on Saturday, March 9 from noon-2 p.m. at the Martin Luther King A grant of more than $100,000 last year from the Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 1467 E. Long office of then-Attorney General Mike DeWine St., Columbus, 43203. Visitkycohio.org for more.

March 2019 PrizmNews.com We Proudly Support Love, Respect & Pride

r-f / >V . 692 High Street Worthington. OH 43085 ,jeMrfi&Ur \f 614.430.8800 | worthingtonjewelers.com Bronze Avery (Above) Green Velvet 'Trophy' Fescue Blend (Below) Singer-songwriter Bronze Avery released his fifth single—"Want 2," a massive Green Velvet Sod Farms, West Carrollton dance-pop anthem he describes as "bedroom sheets meet the dance floor"—at Let nature do the work for you! Dormant overseeding is the end of 2018. The up-and-coming queer artist has released four bops so far, done during the end of winter, when it's still too cold for with an upcoming debut album/EP around the corner. germination. As with any seeding program, good seed- instagram.com/bronzeavery soil contact is vital. 'Now Apocalypse' (Below) greenvelvet.com Series Release Date: March 10 Queer director Gregg Araki's newest project is a half-hour Starz comedy series about the trials and tribulations of hyper-sexual twenty-somethings in Los Angeles who are dealing with the end of the world. It stars Avan Jogia, Beau Urchoff and Tyler Posey. starz.com

12 | March 2019 PrizmNews.com 'When Brooklyn Was Queer' (Left) Book Release Date: March 5 From the early days of Walt Whitman to the women who worked the Navy Yard during World War 11, this book recounts the queer history of Brooklyn since the 1850s. Author Hugh Ryan tells the story of many forgotten or overlooked LGBTQ figures, such as drag king Ella Wesner and lesbian dancer Mabel Hampton. hughryan.org/when-brooklyn-was-queer • $17.57 'Mapplethorpe' (Below) An authentic global dining experience awaits. Movie Release Date: March 1 barcelonacolumbus.com | 614.443.3699 263 E. WhittierSt., Columbus, OH Based on the story of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, Ondi Timoner's biopic stars Matt Smith ("The Queen"). It explores the life and career of a man whose work sparked outrage in the 1980s with its homoerotic themes and portrayals of BDSM culture. samuelgoldwynfilms.com/mapplethorpe

March 2019 PrizmNews.com | 13 There's an Art to Her Activism

Felicia DeRosa has long addressed social themes in her art. Now she uses a lorn, too.

Story and Photos by Staley Munroe

or the majority of her career, Felicia FDeRosa has approached social justice and activism through her art. Over 30-some-odd years, she has explored and reflected back themes such as gender roles, the body as it's exploited in media and advertising, mental illness, homelessness, faith, addiction, self-destruction, and, from time to time, politics.

Since embracing her reality and coming out fully as a transwoman, though, DeRosa also has been called into more direct action. She's a vocal board member of TransOhio and has co-organized the last three Transgender Day of Remembrance gatherings in Columbus. She has spoken on panels and offered training.

When the New York Times reported last fall on a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plan to define transgender people out of existence, the Columbus College of Art & Design instructor partnered with friend, transman and recent CCAD grad Clark Baker to stage a rally at the Statehouse and a protest March up High Street that drew more than 250 people.

"The trans community covers a wide, diverse spread of people and issues, from gender and racial equality, to employment and healthcare, to community service and public safety," she says. "Moving forward, the trans community needs to unite, stand shoulder-to-shoulder and be louder, smarter and more articulate than the people who speak against us."

But in order for there to be real change, DeRosa says, people outside the trans community—both within and outside the LGBTQAAI + + community-need to be reached. "Allies need to leverage their privilege," she say?

14 | March 2019 PrizmNews.i LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce ANNUAL MEETING

Join us in an interactive and unique format to share your input on important topics in our community and learn more about how you can engage in the work of Plexus.

Register | More info ThinkPlexus.< LIFE IN THE AGE OF REMBRANDT Dutch Masterpieces from the Dordrecht Museum

Exclusive U.S. venue Thursday, March 7 The Agora 5:30 pm Registration Admission Free for Loud & 6:00 pm Meeting Proud LGBTQ Members 7:30 pm Reception

Columbus CM«A Museum of Art 480 East Broad Street | columbusmuseum.org

March 2019 PrizmNews.com 15 How did you get your start?

I have been a professional, working artist since I was 12, when I was discovered by a local gallerist who included my ink-wash studies into my first group exhibition. I was that kid. I studied anything and everything anyone would teach me, exhibiting at least twice a year before eventually earning a BFA from the Academy of Art University (in San Francisco) in 1997.

During the following six years, I survived as an "artist-at-large," eventually becoming an active, long-standing fixture of the West Coast underground and salon gallery scenes. I made my living on pop-inspired portraits and public murals.

In 2010, my wife, Gwen, and I relocated to Columbus, looking for grad programs and to be nearer to family. I started teaching at the Columbus College of Art & Design in 2013 and later graduated with my MFA.

I started my transition on Jan. 1, 2016, and got back to work in 2017.

This train don't stop.

How has your trans identity influenced your work?

Transitioning takes a lot of energy and forward thinking. From the beginning, I've made a conscious effort to be self-aware and mindful, not just toward myself but to those around me.

I took a year off from art-making to allow for self-exploration and discovery. To be. To figure out what being authentic means to me.

This, in turn, has softened my work. It's become more pensive, freer. It's less about control and more about release. My art is in transition, too.

What impact or themes do you hope your exhibits help viewers walkaway with?

All I have ever wanted to do with my work is feel connected. To myself, to others—to something bigger than imagination.

In a sense, my work is about the fluidity of perception. I want people to see themselves as I do. To see me as I want to be seen. To see ourselves in each other. In a word, empathy. My hope is that people walk away feeling like they have been included.

16 I March 2019 PrizmNews.com What is the most important aspect of your creative process?

Music, cheese puffs and maybe a touch of sleep deprivation?

What one piece of advice would you give to young queer visual artists hoping to "make it"?

Your story is your greatest gift. Don't hold back.

Tell me about your role at CCAD and what you hope to impart to your students there.

I do my best to be the person I needed in my life when I was them.

What would success look like for you over the next year?

I don't know. I'm quite happy living in the moment VERDI right now. Buy me a drink and ask me then. What are your current projects, and what's next JSL Traviata for you?

I am currently exploring raw honesty by way of 100 PR. 26, 7p APR. 28, 3p large-scale, subtle neutral-toned figure studies. ~ jrforming Arts Center A snapshot of humanity in a state of becoming. That and more public art. ets:$25-$100 216.368.6062 raTheater.org/Travi

Staley Munroe is Prizm's creative director. You can follow her on Instagram at @silverwindrider or contact her by email at [email protected]. FIND OUT MORE Browse through Felicia DeRosa's work, keep track other exhibition plans and learn more about her at derosaart.com. be bold. You can follow Felicia DeRosa on Facebook at DeRosa.art, on Instagram at @feliciaderosa and on Tumblrat Connect with the LGBTQ+ feliciaderosa.tumblr.com. audience and advertise today.

DeRosa is a board member of TransOhio, which provides For more information, contact Advertising services, education, support and advocacy for transgender Director Joe Matessa at (614) 975-4724 Ohioans. Visittransohio.org or FB: TransOhio to learn more [email protected] about the organization and the 11th Annual TransOhio Trans and Ally Symposium, scheduled for April 26-28 in Columbus.

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Creative Director and Photographer: Staley Munroe

Lighting and Production: KenFalk

Hair and Makeup: Square One Salon & Spa, MM Creative Studios

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19. PriimWews.com Story and Photo by Austin Mariasy basketball player. I'm here to play basketball," she says. "Sexuality matters, but not as much he lights go out, the music blares and the when it comes to stuff like this." Tvideo board high above half-court screams to life. A lone spotlight travels in a figure eight Smith says her whole team is close, but she has around the entire M.A.C. Center. built strong friendships with a few teammates. Sometimes after practice, she says, they sit Kent State University's women's basketball around and talk about relationship stuff and team forms a tunnel leading from their bench the differences between dating women and onto the court. A single player stands at the dating men. As the only bisexual person on the opening, and as the announcer calls each team, she has a unique perspective; she says name, the players run through the tunnel of it has made for some great conversations and hands and do a small dance of sorts with the has led to some really close friendships. player at the mouth of the tunnel. Life as a college basketball player certainly After the last name is called, the lights come isn't easy. The practice schedule is demanding, up, the music still blares, and the team has and the travel schedule for games can make formed a circle around that same player from classes that much harder. Fortunately, at least the mouth of the tunnel. Monique Smith leads for Smith, her LGBTQ identity doesn't add to everyone in a chant and a dance to get the the difficulty of being a student-athlete. team fired up for the game that's about to start. At least that more often seems to be the case She stomps her feet and whips like she's about for lesbians and bi women in sports. to nae nae. Her teammates yell. Smith stomps herfeetand brushes her hair, already in a tight "I think there is much more of a stigma for bunonthetopof herhead, behind herears. Her men," Smith says of gay and bi male athletes. teammates yell some more. At the end of the dance, they put their hands in the middle of the Kent State Women's Associate Head Coach circle, say some words of encouragement, and Fran Recchia agrees. In 10 years of coaching on the count of three they all say, "Together!" at the college level, she says she has worked with a number of young LGBTQ women, The game begins. including some who came out long before they arrived on campus. So goes the pregame ritual every couple of days when the Golden Flashes play. They'll do "There probably isn't as much [stigma], this at least 29 times this season, and second- especially in women's basketball because year guard Monique Smith is in the middle every there is such a large community and there are time. She's the loudest and most enthusiastic so many coaches and professional athletes player on the team, and she definitely cheers who are out," she says. the loudest during celebrations. Contrasted with professional men's basketball She stands out in another way, too. Smith is and the single out player in its history (Jason the only openly bisexual woman on the team. Collins), there are at least 13 out women playing in the WNBA today. Like many LGBTQ people, she knew her identity from a young age but took her time Kent's women's basketball program tries very coming out to her family. When Smith was in hard to foster a sense of family among its the 8th grade, she developed a bit of a crush players, coaches and staff. Smith isn't the first on a girl in her class. She thought it was just LGBTQ student-athlete to come through the a friendship at first, but as time went on she program and won't be the last. realized there was more to it than that. / "Coming out is a very scary thing, but the "It feels a little bit more than a friendship," community is very open and welcoming," she recalls thinking at the time. "I don't really Recchia says. "The level of support they would know. Maybe other people feel this way, too. receive from the coaching staff and their And I figured it out, and I was like, I like girls teammates would be well beyond what they too." think they would."

The San Diego native has always been accepted by her family, and that gave her the confidence to come out and play basketball Unguarded as an openly bisexual woman in a Division 1 Austin Mariasy is photojournalism major at Kent State program, the highest level of college sports. University. He'd like to profile and photograph more LGBTQ athletes in Ohio for Prizm. Kent State has been an accepting place for You can reach him [email protected]. Kent Slate baskeibai Smith, both on and off the basketball court. FIND OUT MORE Like most universities, it enforces LGBTQ- Oufsports is a website that covers LGBTQ athletes and inclusive anti-discrimination policies and LGBTQ issues in sports. Visit oufsporfs.com. offers Safe Space training to maintain a Follow the Kent State women's basketball team at welcoming environment. The university also kentsfatesporfs.com or on Twitter at @KenfSfateWbb. has a history of supporting the You Can Play The NCAA women's basketball tournament starts on offthecoui project, a national campaign to rid sports at all Friday, March 22 and concludes on Sunday, April 7 with levels of homophobia. the national championship game in Tampa. Follow the acfionatespn.com/womens-baskefball "At the end of the day, I'm still Mo. I'm still a Equitas Health a? Care for All

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Learn more at EquitasHealth.com Hometown: Cincinnati Identifies As: Gay Pronouns: He/Him/His

Nate Moster calls himself "a corporate-turned- creative."

"I worked in marketing for 15 years, and after six years at a global healthcare technology company, I hit my wall," he says. "I didn't know if I hated the company or the work more, but it negatively affected me."

During a three-month sabbatical, the Cincinnatian looked for inspiration to rewrite his career path. While sweeping floors and scrubbing buckets at a flower shop, the owner showed him how to select, store and arrange flowers.

"I started freelancing with other shops and eventually y started my own endeavor. I've moved from single orders to florals for larger events, seasonal decor for businesses and full-scale event planning."

x and Fellow (foxandfellow.com) is that endeavor.

o you love about being a florist? \ / II for that magic moment. Flowers are like paints. "if you're a painter, you stare at a canvas and wonder what the final picture will look like. I feel the same with florals. I select them based on color, texture and style, then I start designing. Often, I'm in the middle of a concept and I hate it. Then suddenly, I add one more stem of r something and bam! It all comes together. That's the '' magic moment. * What was your most memorable gig or client?

Early in my venture, I was hired to do florals for the 50th wedding anniversary of a major-league sports team owner, so the pressure was on. The event transformed a multi-room venue into an Italian villa, an Oktoberfest beer garden and the English countryside.

While rooms were wrapped in scenery and flooring to Nate Moster Further the immersion, florals were important to bring the space to life. Being new, I grossly underestimated the materials and time it would take. // lost count of how many U-Haul trucks I drove to that pace, filled with trees and ferns and urns. I was calling * I everyone I knew. "Can you stick moss in a fake stone fence? Great. Get over here now."

It was stressful, but I learned how important details are to selling a scene and how big I could actually go with ^mywork.

What are the current trends you're seeing? ,/-^\ Modern floral design is very foraged, meaning what you see looks like it was snatched out of your backyard. Dried flowers, branches and varieties of grasses are 'eatured. Contemporary arrangements are less J nnd more natural.

Instagram is a great way to see what's happening on the floral front. For large-scale contemporary trends, I follow Mary Lennox out of Berlin (@ruby_marylennox) and Emily Thompson out of New York (@emilythompsonflowers). If you want to see event and wedding floral trends in Ohio, follow is ^monthly portrait celebrating my good friend Kristen Sekowski at Yellow Canary lio's LGBTQ + community. (@yellowcanarycincinnati). $•* SUN \ Behavioral Columbus A Safe Place to Be You

<&s^ Introducing AURORA Dedicated LGBTQ+ Inpatient Program

men a return to mental ealth seems hard, SUN / is here. When identifying as LGBTQIA+ makes it harder, we have Aurora. While millions of Americans struggle with mental illness, those in the LGBTQIA+ community are three times more likely to live with one. You are not alone.

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Story & Book by love is struggling, we Keythe Farley & Brian Flemming can help. Music & Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe

icensed under agreement with Weekly World News

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March 2019 PrizmNews.com | 27 OUT IN OHIO

Panel Conversation

stu Maddux Joe Applebaum Andie Hock lewHann K Steve Makovec Donna Tramell GflTSlLENT i A x x x x x A ;

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•u3C\> •• i « •'! • ill:m •i;;:' " [[ F.-5- * - - i AT" ~~ 1 «* I hank you to our ft > * !*- -^.. February Sponspors ». A Cleveland Opera Theaber Pride Group Berea

Gay composer Jake Heggie, an Ohio native, premiered his new 'is work, "Newer Every Day: Songs for Kiri," at the Feb. 6 kickoff for the Cleveland Opera Theater's new LGBTQ affinity group. CAMELOT CELLARS Winber Is a Urban Boutique Winery Heggie's piece was performed by Drag Show Ann Moss and the Baldwin Wallace Columbus Conservatory Symphony Orchestra.

•SHORT NORTH- The students at Columbus' Arts & College Preparatory Academy PIECE-CAKE LGBT Horizons staged their annual student drag of Aging show on Feb. 8 for a sell-out crowd Special guest Mikayla Denise Summib Robinson, the reigning Miss Gay Dayton Ohio, performed the final number.

W About 235 people attended a Prizm Connects two-day conference, Feb. 11 and 12, on issues of aging in the is a new event LGBTQ community. It was hosted series that will at Sinclair Community College by provide networking Rainbow Elder Care of Greater Dayton and the Ruth Frost Parker opportunities for Center for Abundant Aging. members of the Topics at the first-of-its-kind local LGBTQ+ summit included housing, communitvand their culturally competent care, and intersectionality and aging. ^Q tn pnnanp anr connect in a safe and welcoming space.

Find out out more at PrizmNews.com rTrTr

28 I March 2019 PrizmNews.com NEWS FLASH ARTCOLUMBU Antonio Reintroduces the Ohio Fairness Act State Sen. Nickie Antonio reintroduced legislation in February MAKES •J/' that would outlaw discrimination in Ohio based on a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. COLUMBU "People deserve basic human dignity and rights in employment and housing," the Lakewood Democrat said. "My bill will help Ohio become a safer, more welcoming place." Ohio is one of 29 states whose nondiscrimination laws exclude all LGBTQ people. Gov. Mike DeWine has said in the past that he opposes expanding nondiscrimination laws in Ohio, but he issued an executive order shortly after being sworn in that prohibits discrimination against 'J' LGBTQ state employees.

Brown Calls Ohio Judicial Nominees 'Too Extreme' The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Feb. 7 for two federal court nominees opposed by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown as too right-wing. The records of Columbus lawyers Eric Murphy and Chad Readier include work opposing LGBTQ civil rights. As Ohio's solicitor general, Murphy argued against marriage equality before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015. As an acting assistant U.S. attorney general, Readier has argued for ousting transgender Americans from the military.

President Donald Trump has nominated Murphy and Readier to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The full Senate has yet to vote on their nominations.

'The Battle Is Not Yet Over' for Trans Service Members LBGTQ groups vowed to keep up the fight, but a 5-4 ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 22 means the Trump administration can deny transgender Americans the opportunity to serve their country as lower courts hear challenges to the policy.

The ruling came from the court's conservative majority: Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, John Roberts and Clarence I AM ANDREW Thomas. "I do not know for sure if my journey toward rejoining the EVITT. military is now over," Jody Davis, a Columbus veteran who hopes to rejoin the Ohio Army National Guard, wrote in an online essay T I k FAVi for Prizm. IS MY ART. Gay Council Member to Run for Mayor in Newark Openly gay Newark City Council member Jeremy Blake filed paperwork in February to run for mayor. He'd be the third openly gay person in history to serve as mayor of an Ohio community. Blake, who's in the middle ol his second council term in the Licking To create the art of Nina West, I sometimes / County city of 49,000, vowed in his campaign announcement to (d to pull back and get exposure to different be "the people's mayor." He introduced a theme of "Our Newark" mediums and artists. I Love creating Nina in a city and said he would address issues of poverty and neighborhood safety as his priorities. that encourages and celebrates all art—regardless The Democrat will challenge second-term Republican incumbent of medium. Columbus fosters growth, and provides Jeff Hall in the Nov. 5 election. opportunity for collaboration and conversation.

2020 Field Includes an Openly Gay Candidate There's no place I'd rather make my art. The mayor of South Bend, Ind., became the first out LGBTQ candidate for president when he joined the 2020 Democratic field Learn more about Andrew's story and other in late January. Columbus artists and events. Although Pete Buttigieg is considered a longshot—three U.S. presidents have served as mayors, but all were in higher offices ColumbusMakesArt.com between city hall and the White House—he is well-respected in political circles. He's 37, a Harvard graduate, a Rhodes Scholar #artmakescbus and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. He came out in a June 2015 essay in his hometown paper.

Buttigieg also would be the first member of the Millennial generation to serve as president. [7®%%" DMG ®6 (foot ©PNCBANK

March 2019 PrizmNews.com 29 Reasons Why

Could Win It All

Levitt, a native of North Canton She Gives Back and a theater graduate of Denison University, has been doing drag for In a 2018 story in The Columbus 18 years. He made Nina his full-time Dispatch, Levitt estimated that he job last year. has raised more than $2 million for charity as Nina West. Among Nina first made a name for herself his favorite causes: Kaleidoscope outside of Ohio with a victory in Youth Center and Equitas Health. the 2008 Entertainer of the Year pageant. It's a title whose runners- Nina has emceed huge events such up include Shangela, Alyssa as the Ohio AIDS Walk. And at every Edwards, Trinity the Tuck and fellow big Nina show, tips from a final Season 11 competitor Brooke Lynn charity number—about $1,500 each Hytes. time—go to community groups.

She's a Student of the Game "Not only has she helped raise money to help support our mission, In his weekly "DragCast" podcast she has used her platform to "This is my time. I'm ready," (look for it on ninawest.com), Levitt educate and raise awareness Nina West said the day she was often discusses "Drag Race" and about the issues that affect our introduced as part of the 16-queen the drag community. community," says Equitas Health cast for Season 11 of "RuPaul'sDrag Chief Marketing and Community Race." When Manila Luzon was eliminated Affairs Officer Joel Diaz. "The in early February from Season 4 of impact of her support for Equitas So America, meet Nina West. The RPDR "All Stars," he talked about Health's life-saving work is forever drag persona of Columbus' Andrew different ways of playing the game: cemented in our history." Levitt is a legend in Central Ohio, with a "Survivor"-like strategy of voted along with zookeeper Jack eliminating competitors vs. doing She's Nina Hanna and Buckeyes legend Archie your best and playing nice. Griffin a couple years ago as one of "I love you so much and cannot wait the city's favorite celebrities. "'Drag Race' is not so set up that to watch America fall in love with way," he said of the more cut-throat you!" Nina's drag mother, Virginia It's all up to Ru as to whom Ru-les strategy. "At least the fandom West, posted when news broke of as the Ru-lustrious champion of doesn't want it to be." the Season 11 casting. Season Ru-leven. He also said he has asked former It's easy to see Nina becoming a But if you want our advice, Ru, go contestants who've made their way Jinkx Monsoon or Bob the Drag with ourgirl... to Columbus what they would have Queen: that fan favorite who also done differently on the show. wins the crown. This Ain't Her First Time at the Rodeo... Sounds like Nina's going in with a "I'm here to do me, and I'm here to plan. do the one thing I've done well for "I'm just a really big ol' man in a 18 years," Levitt said on that recent dress," Nina likes to say. She's a Comedy Queen... podcast. "Win lose or draw... I'm But she's no neophyte. and More still going to do me at the end of the day." In her pre-season interview, Nina describes her style as "big, campy, classic drag." She's more than that, Bob Vitale is the editor of Prizm. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram at though. @Bob_Virale or email him at [email protected]. She's done pageants. She's done FIND OUT MORE live events where she needs to think on her feet (her interaction with Season 11 of "RuPaul's Drag Race"starts Thursday, Feb. 28 at 9 p.m. on VH1. We'll have Adam Rippon in the live-streamed special coverage of Nina West's run at the Season 11 "RuVeal" was a highlight crown throughout the season at of the otherwise cringe-worthy PnzmNews.com. webcast). Levitt, as Nina West and Nina's website is ninawest.com. Follow heron other characters, also has done Instagram and Twitter at @nina west, or look theater. for her pages on Facebook and YouTube.

March 2019 PrizmNews.com CALENDAR w \s . s^ r+ f* <• w_ \ /"* O sD .fgP 3 ° a 4j £LT M ¥ <* SjJgi *S? MM Live. /•» ^k *"* Loud ^ iiT'/ Ww |'\7 ^ .J

Northwest Northeast Central West Southwest Film Comedy and Music Concert On Campus Fundraiser 'Persona' Suzanne Westenhoefer Columbus Gay Men's Chorus: Wright State Rainbow Alliance HRC's Cincinnati Color Ball Friday, March 15 With Diana Chittester Live Loud/Live Proud Drag Revue Saturday, March 2 Friday, March 22 Saturday, March 16- Saturday, March 30 The British feminist website, The Human Rights Campaign is the Sunday, March 17 Mookychick, once called "Persona" Lesbian comic Suzanne The annual drag show—a Wright nation's largest LGBTQ advocacy "arguably the most wonderful Westenhoefer never does the same In the year we celebrate the 50th State University tradition for 17 group. The annual fundraising gala lesbian-themed film of all time." show twice. She can't. She doesn't anniversary of the 1969 Stonewal years—raises money for LGBTQA+ in Cincinnati is one of three in Ohio: write anything down. uprising, the Columbus Gay Men's scholarships. Columbus' eventtakes place in June, The 1966 film directed by Ingmar Chorus will celebrate us. and Cleveland supporters gather in Bergman stars Liv Ullmann and She'll perform on a bill with lesbian Student queens and kings, a long with August. Bibi Andersson. singer-songwriter Diana Chittester The first concert of its 29th season a few local professionals, will take of Cleveland. Tickets are $25 for is a singing, dancing celebration of the stage at 8 p.m., but doors open Michael Chanak Jr., who led the Tickets for the UT Fridays on Film the 8 p.m. show at the Akron Civic what makes our community unique. at 7 at Wright State's Student Union- effort for Procter & Gamble to adopt Series are $12, or $8 for students, Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, The chorus will perform songs by Apollo Room, 3640 Colonel Glenn an expanded diversity statement in children, seniors, UT staff and 44308. David Bowie, Queen, Bette Midler Hwy., Fairborn, 45324. Donations at 1992, will be honored with the David military. It will be shown 7:30 p.m. at and many more LGBTQ icons. the door are encouraged. C. Crowley Leadership Award. The the University of Toledo Center for Visit akroncivic.com for details. U.S. Bank Employee Resource Group Performing Arts-Room 1039, 1910 There are three concerts planned, Get more information at will receive the Corporate Award. W. Rocket Drive, Toledo, 43606. at 8 p.m. Saturday and at 3 p.m. wright.edu/glbtqa. Blazing River Freedom Band: and 8 p.m. on Sunday at the Lincoln The ball starts at 5 p.m. at the Hyatt You can order tickets at D Is for Dance: Saturday, March 2 Theatre, 769 E. Long St., Columbus, Regency Cincinnati, 151 W. 5th St., toledo.tix.com. at Pilgrim Congregational United 43203. Tickets are $35. Dana Sintell Hosts Trivia Night Cincinnati, 45202. Tickets are $200, Church of Christ, 2592 W. 14th at the DAI: Friday, March 1 at the or $125 for students. Learn more about the chorus St., Cleveland, 44113. 7 p.m. $10 Dayton Art Institute's Shaw Gothic and get details of the concert at You can reserve your spot at Karaoke: Tuesday, March 5 at suggested donation at the door. Cloister, 456 Belmonte Park N., columbusgaymenschorus.com. hrccincinnati.org. McCune's Other Side, 5038 Lewis blazingriverband.org. Dayton, 45405. 5:30 p.m- Ave., Toledo, 43612.10 p.m. FB: 8 p.m. $20, or $10 for members. Naomi Smalls: Saturday, March 2 McCune's Other Side Bistro Bar. daytonartinstitute.org. at Interbelt Nite Club, 70 N. Howard RJ Cowdery: Saturday, March Art Exhibition: Selina Thompson's Falcons After Dark: Over the St., Akron, 44308. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 2 at Natalie's Coal-Fired Pizza Miss & Mr. MJ 's 2019 Pageant: Race Cards: Friday, March 1 Rainbow: Friday, March 8 at $18-$45. FB: Interbelt Nite Club. & Live Music, 5601 N. High St., Friday, March 1 and Saturday, and Saturday, March 2 at the BGSU's Bowen-Thompson Student Worthington, 43085. 9:30 p.m. March 2 at MJ's on Jefferson, 20 N. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Union Multipurpose Room, 1001 Cleveland Bears Annual Winter $10-$15. nataliescoalfiredpizza. Jefferson St., Dayton, 45402. FB: 6th St., Cincinnati, 45202.10 a.m.- E. WoosterSt., Bowling Green, Picnic-Potluck: Sunday, March com. MJ's on Jeffrson. 4 p.m. contemporaryartscenter.org. 43402. 8 p.m.-midnight. 3 at North Chagrin Reservation's Strawberry Lane Pavilion, [email protected]. Screw Winter Cornhole Tourney: College Night: Thursday, March Proud Scholars' Kamikaze Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Sunday, March 3 at Slammers, 7 at Masque, 34 N. Jefferson St., Pageant: Sunday, March 3 at Justin Case Cabaret Show: Willoughby Hills, 44094.1:30 p.m.- 202 E. Long St., Columbus, 43215. Dayton, 45402. 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m. The Cabaret, 1122 Walnut St., Thursday, March 14 atGeorgjz, 4:30 p.m. clevelandbears.org. Noon. FB: CLSL - Softball League. every Thursday. $5. FB: Masque. Cincinnati, 45202. 6 p.m. 1205 Adams St., Toledo, 43604. FB: Proud Scholars. Shows will be on the second and Plexus Annual Meeting: Thursday, Nonprofit Tuesdays to Benefit PFLAG Dayton Monthly Meeting: fourth Thursdays of every month. March 7 at The Agora, 5000 Euclid TransOhio: Tuesday, March 5 Tuesday, March 12 at Harmony Theater: 'Always Plenty of Light FB: Georgjz419 Fun Food & Spirits. Ave., Cleveland, 44103. 5:30 p.m.- at Platform Beer Co., 408 N. 6th Creek Church, 5280 Bigger Road, at the Starlight All-Night Diner': 8:30 p.m. $15 for members, or $25 St., Columbus, 43215. 3 p.m.- Kettering, 45460. 7:30 p.m. Through Saturday, March 16 at 'The I mportance of Being Earnest': for nonmembers. thinkplexus.org. midnight. FB: TransOhio. FB: PFLAG Dayton. Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Friday, March 15-Saturday, March Cincinnati, 45202. 8 p.m. (3 p.m. on 23 at the Village Players Theatre, Mr. Cleveland Bear Contest: Greater Dayton Transgender Alex Da Corte on John Waters: Sundays). $25-$35. 2740 Upton Ave., Toledo, 43606. Saturday, March 16 at the Leather Thursday, March 7 at the Wexner Mental Health Summit: Friday, knowtheatre.com. 8 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sunday). $20. Stallion Saloon, 2205 St. Clair Ave. Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High March 22 at Sinclair Conference thevillageplayers.org. NE, Cleveland, 44114. 9 p.m.-12:30 St., Columbus, 43210.1 p.m. Free, Center, Sinclair Community Laughs Per Minute Live With a.m. FB: Leather Stallion Saloon. but RSVP required. College, 444 W. 3rd St., Dayton, Marsden Kelly: Friday, March 8 Film: 'Wendy and Lucy': Tuesday, wexarts.org/talks-and-more. 45402. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $150, or at Below Zero, 1120 Walnut St., March 26 at BGSU's BGSU's North Coast Men's Chorus: Wet: $25 for students. Cincinnati, 45202. 8 p.m. $5. Bowen-Thompson Student Union Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, Family Pride Network Bowling FB: Below Zero Lounge. Room 206,1001 E. Wooster St., March 24 at Lakewood Civic Day: Saturday, March 9 at Sequoia Diesel's King Show: Saturday, Bowling Green, 43402. Auditorium, 14100 Franklin Blvd., Pro Bowl, 5501 Sandalwood Blvd., March 23 at Diesel Bar & Nightclub, March Tea Dace: Sunday, March 10 7:30 p.m. events.bgsu.edu/group/ Lakewood, 44107. 8 p.m. Saturday Columbus, 43229. 1914 Edwards Ave., Springfield, at 3 Points Urban Brewery, 331 E. department_of_theatre_film. and 3 p.m. Sunday. $10-$50. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. FB: Family Pride 45503.11 p.m. $5 for 21 + , and 13th St., Cincinnati, 45202. 4 p.m- ncmchorus.org. Network of Central Ohio. $10 for 18-20. 7 p.m. FB: It's Time For Another Transgender Day of Visibility: FB: Diesel Bar & Nightclub. Tea Dance. Thursday, March 28 at BGSU Cleveland International Film 'Rent': Tuesday, March Firelands, PIT & Allied Health Wing, Festival: Wednesday, March 19-Sunday, March 24 at the Dayton Gay Men's Chorus: Under Bear Night and Chili Cookoff: 1 University Drive, Huron, 44839. 27-Sunday, April 7 at Tower Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., the Big Top: Saturday, March 30 Thursday, March 14 at Old Street firelands.bgsu.edu. City Cinemas, 230 W. Huron Columbus, 43215. Showtimes at the Dayton Art I nstitute, 456 Saloon, 13 Old St., Monroe, 45050. Road, Cleveland, 44113. Check vary. $134+. capa.com. Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 45405. 8 p.m. FB: Old Street Saloon. Theater: 'Steel Magnolias': Friday, clevelandfilm.org for films and 8 p.m. $35. March 29-Sunday, March 31 at times. Brothers Who Brunch: Sunday, Daytongaymenschorus.org. Caracole Run/Walk for AIDS: Col I ingwood Arts Center, 2413 March 31 at Harmony Project, 777 Sunday, March 31 at Spring Grove Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, 43620. Cleveland Opera Theatre's E. Long St., Columbus, 43203.1 Cemetery and Arboretum, 4521 8 p.m. (3 p.m. on Sunday). $15. FB: Bernstein @ Bop Stop: Saturday, p.m.-3p.m. Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, March 30 at Bop Stop, 2920 Detroit Stone Productions. equitashealthinstitute.com. 45232. 8 a.m. $25. caracole.org. Ave., Cleveland, 44113. 7 p.m. $40. clevelandoperatheatre.org.

Ohio's Most Comprehensive Calendar of LGBTQ+ Events: PrizmNews.com/calendar

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ENTERTAINMENT 4 Why Nina West Could Win It All Her fans have been waiting years for Nina /Vest to shantay her way into the spotlight I's Drag Race." We run down the i/hy the Queen of Columbus just might sashay away with the Season 11 crown.

COMMUNITY Artist and Activist uei\u» has always addressed sues through her artwork. With the transgender community under attack on multiple fronts from the Trump administration, she's now picking up a bullhorn as well.

FASHION Nothing Succeeds Like Excess Take a look at some of the bracelets, bands, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry that prove how diamonds (and other gems) are a queer's best friend.

SPORTS Unguarded Monique Smith fires up her teammates and the crowd before every Kent State women's basketball game. She has a lot to cheer about. As an openly bisexual student- athlete, she's surrounded by acceptance and support.

DEPARTMENTS Letter From the Editor 5 Next Best Things 12 One of Us 26 Out in Ohio 28 News Flash 29 Calendar of Events 30 Lebber PTIZM From bhe Chief Executive Officer Bill Hardy Edibor President Joel Diaz

Publisher Carol Zimmer Clark [email protected] called someone she dearly loves to share a bit of happy Editor news. I listened as her loved one purposely misgendered Bob Vitale [email protected] her.

Creative Director In case that person is reading this, I'll say what I told Staley Jophiel Munroe Staley that day: The people who love you have no reason [email protected] to feel anything but pride in who you are.

Designer We've traveled all over Ohio together to conduct Patrick Butler interviews and photo shoots. When we stopped one fall [email protected] day at a gas station/Subway along 1-71 outside Columbus, Advertising Director Staley grabbed my arm as she often does when she wants Joe Matessa e've all faced adversity as LGBTQ people, and we an escort, and we walked in with her dress flowing [email protected] Wall react to it in different ways. Put me in the get- behind us. She ordered her sandwich fixin's in grand style and chatted up pretty much everyone working and Contributing Writer mad-and-get-even category. It comes from 32 years as a waiting in line. Austin Mariasy journalist and 54 years as an Italian.

I admire people who turn adversity into action. When Back in the car, she told me she does that sometimes Contributing Photographers when she feels uneasy. It throws people off and makes Austin Mariasy, Ken Falk then-Gov. John Kasich said in 2017 that he wasn't aware of any discrimination taking place because of people's it difficult for them to hate her. sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, Prizm encourages feedback from the folks at Equality Ohio organized people who've lost But it doesn't always stop them. our readers. Share your comments at jobs, been kicked out of apartments or refused service [email protected] When I pulled the car around once on a cold afternoon in by businesses to share their stories with him in the form Cleveland, she shared with me how a group of teenagers For news consideration, event listings, of weekly letters. letters to the editor and inquiries about had just harassed her. She took solace in the one girl who told her friends to stop. freelance writing, email I've seen members of our community stand up before bobvifa le@prizmne ws. com their mayors, their legislators, their school principals Last year at the Human Rights Campaign gala in and priests, speaking truth to the same power that has For photography submissions and Cincinnati, she endured an elevator ride at the casino inquiries about modeling/styling rarely listened to them in the past. with a family that looked nowhere near as glamorous as assignments, email she did but felt the need to try to humiliate her anyway. [email protected] I've cried with people who've shared stories of being attacked physically by strangers or abused emotionally Address subscription inquiries to 1 cry when Staley tells me these things because she by family. Their strength—first just to survive, then to Carol Clark, Prizm Magazine deserves every bit of love that she puts out into the 7575 Huntington Park Drive, use their experience to help us all—always inspires me. world. I cry when she tells me these things because 1 Columbus, Ohio, 43235 know they happen all too often to her and others. Staley Munroe always inspires me, loo. © 2019 Prizm magazine.

For permissions and questions contact If you've met Prizm's creative director, chances are you But what I love most about Staley—what I love most [email protected]. love her almost as much as 1 do. Heck, my sister and about our whole big, beautiful community—is how she holds her head high and always moves forward. Prizm is a proud member of the National sister-in-law love her and they've only met her through Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Facebook. Staley is getting married this month, to a great guy who shares her faith and spirituality, her love of music, her Cover photo by Staley Munroe She's smart. She's creative. She's skilled, and she's passion and creativity and good cheer. talented. She's also one of the most gracious people I've ever known. When I marveled once at her Photoshop I wish her all the happiness she deserves. skills on that photo of me up at the top of this page—the one where I have one chin and a lovely complexion—she politely replied that she really didn't do all that much.

But it goes beyond her ability to make me look presentable.

Staley's grace belies what she has gone through in Bob Vitale her life. She's been homeless and hungry. She's been shunned and isolated. I was with her once when she

March 2019 PrizmNews.com | 5 .i***

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By Bob Vitale The True Colors Fund, a national group cofounded is the least likely reason to be cited; most were by Cyndi Lauper, estimates that while 7 percent of kicked out of their homes or ran away from families hree days a week, LGBTQ kids as young as 11 all youth identify as part of the LGBTQ community, that made homelife unbearable. Tcan drop by the LGBT Community Center of 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. Greater Cleveland to play video games, watch TV, And once they're out of their homes, Upchurch do crafts and hang out. "We know that queer youth are over-represented says, LGBTQ youth are less likely to seek help. "A in homelessness," says Erin Upchurch, executive lot of our young people don't feel safe using the At the Harvey House in Toledo, there are clothes director of Kaleidoscope Youth Center, which is system. You have to be visibly affirming. Young in the closet for teens who want to change into expanding into housing programs for its young people look for that." something more comfortably aligned with their participants. For both trans youth and those who gender identity. identify as lesbian, gay, bi or queer, family poverty Ohio gets middling marks on efforts to tackle the issue of youth homelessness. It has a plan, which In Dayton, the young men of the Mu Crew gather in itself was worth enough points to put the state for monthly game nights, shopping trips, and the just about in the middle of a 2018 state-by-state occasional dinner and a movie. assessment from the True Colors Fund.

As trans, genderqueer, gender-nonconforming But Ohio doesn't do much to address the unique and questioning kids get to know each other at circumstances of LGBTQ youth who are homeless, twice-weekly gatherings within the clubhouse­ the report found. There's nothing in the state's plan like Kaleidoscope Youth Center in Columbus, their that recognizes LGBTQ youth as having special parents gather to support each other as well. fears or needs, and the state doesn't require people working with homeless youth to undergo any type In this era of queer proms and drag-queen story of training to boost LGBTQ cultural competency. hours and gay-straight alliances, it seems in many ways that life has never been better for LGBTQ That doesn't mean homeless LGBTQ youth are youth. completely on their own, though. Across Ohio, community groups are creating their own programs, But that big, wide, welcoming world out there often with the help of state or federal funding. doesn't mean much when the people inside your own home don't want you there. We celebrate Cincinnati and Hamilton County are part of an movies like "Love, Simon," but reality for a sizable LGBTQ youth homelessness prevention pilot portion of our youngest generation has a much project begun by the U.S. Department of Housing darker plot. and Urban Development under President Barack Obama. It includes everything from educating LGBTQ youth are 2.2 times more likely to find families and service providers to building a network themselves without a home—sleeping outdoors, of volunteers who will take young adults into their in a shelter, or couch-surfing among friends—than homes as they get on their feet. their straight and cisgender peers, according to a 2017 study by the University of Chicago. "It's going to really overhaul the system of how we

March 2019 PrizmNews.com SATURDAY APRIL 13TH I URBAN ARTIFACT

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