The Arts Issue This Season's Can and Artists for LG,

Edwaard Liang Balancing Act

Anne E . DeChi Sings for All of Us

The Dismal Reco of Mike DeWin 'He Is a Danger to LCBT Community' have a lot of children. There could be a statistical DeWine denounced the guidance as arrogant, civil-rights advocates are "organized, mobilized, chance...' Before I could finish, Mike DeWine told elitist, heavy-handed and an insult to the demonized forces of hell." me he thought the conversation had ended." "basic decency and common sense" of Ohio communities. He added Ohio to a lawsuit filed by 'NOW...HE'SATRUMPEE' DeWine voted no on the bill. In response to nine other states that was dropped when the Trump questions early this year from The Columbus administration rescinded the letter's advice. Despite a 12-year average of just 24 annual points Dispatch, he said he opposes adding sexual from the HRC, DeWine is often described as a orientation and gender identity and expression to But his aversion to civil rights for transgender moderate Republican. In the Senate, he was part Ohio's nondiscrimination laws, too. Americans goes back further than that. of a group that tried to come up with a compromise on immigration reform. MARRIAGE EQUALITY? 'I DON'T' In yearly HRC scorecards, DeWine scored some of his only points for adopting an HRC-suggested It's a tag DeWine used to embrace, although he As a senator, DeWine voted twice for proposed policy against discrimination in his own office prefers to call himself a "rock-solid conservative" constitutional amendments that would have based on people's sexual orientation. But when these days. One campaign ad said he's 'fighting barred same-sex couples from getting married in the HRC urged lawmakers to add gender identity for President Trump's travel ban," even though he the United States. He voted for the 1996 Defense to their nondiscrimination policies in 2003, expressed concerns about it in 2017. of Marriage Act as well. DeWine demurred. In 2012, DeWine endorsed Mitt Romney in the After he was elected as Ohio attorney general in Republican presidential primaries but switched 2010, he argued that the U.S. Supreme Court had to Santorum after his former Senate colleague no business creating a nationwide definition of won a string of early primaries and caucuses. He marriage. In the case of Cincinnati widower Jim endorsed Gov. John Kasich for president in 2016 Obergefell, who wanted a state-issued death but turned enthusiastically to Donald Trump in the certificate to list his late husband as married, "DeWine fought general election. DeWine tied himself in a logical knot. Granting same-sex couples the freedom to marry, he said He criticized Trump after an "Access Hollywood" in 2015, would intrude on the freedom of Ohioans tape showed him making obscene comments who voted a decade earlier to deny them that for exclusion. about women, but he voted for him anyway. freedom. Feighan says it's a big reason the 71-year-old has In both positions, DeWine ended up on the losing He fought for survived for so long in Ohio politics. side. The proposed constitutional amendments never made it out of the U.S. Senate, and the "Now in the age of Trump," he says, "he's a Supreme Court sided with Obergefell in its Trumpee." 2015 ruling that resulted in nationwide marriage discrimination." equality. FIND OUT MORE Jim Obergefell "DeWine fought for exclusion. He fought for Ohioans will choose a governor, state officers, discrimination," Obergefell says now. "He fought General Assembly members, U.S. Housemembers me all the way to the Supreme Court of the United and a U.S. senator in this year's mid-term elections States in order to deny recognition of our lawful THE COMPANY HE KEEPS on Tuesday, Nov. 6. marriage, to ensure that my husband's last official record as a person would forever be incorrect." HRC congressional tallies show that in 43 votes on The deadline to register or to update your voter issues of interest to LGBTQ Americans during his registration is Tuesday, Oct. 9. Visit myohiovote. "As an attorney, DeWine should be well-aware two terms in U.S. Senate, DeWine was in lock-step com for more information. The website maintained of the fact that a majority of voters passing a law 35 times with fellow Republican Rick Santorum of by the Ohio secretary of state also has details doesn't make the law right, just or constitutional. Pennsylvania, a man whose anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is about early-voting options, polling locations and Our nation's history is rife with examples of this so harsh that openly gay writer Dan Savage started other election matters. happening, examples he obviously ignores." a campaign to... well... if you don't know that whole story by now, google it. Mike DeWine doesn't talk about LGBTQ issues On June 26, 2015, when the court issued its on his campaign website, either, but you can find decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (the state DeWine endorsed Santorum for president in 2012, where he stands on the opioid crisis, the economy eventually paid out $1.3 million in attorney fees and Santorum returned the favor as the Ohio and children's issues at mikedewine.com. to the winning side), DeWine seemed to accept governor's race got underway last fall. defeat: "The court has now made its decision." DeWine is running against Democrat Richard "I can count on Mike," Santorum said during a visit Cordray, whose campaign website is But as a candidate for governor, he's ready to to a hamburger shop in Troy last October, according cordrayforohio.com. Visit prizmnews.com for a relitigate. Cincinnati Right to Life, an anti-abortion to the Piqua Daily Call. "He's got consistent, profile of Cordray from our June issue and for his group that has branched out into anti-LGBTQ conservative values and has articulated that when answers to a Prizm questionnaire about LGBTQ causes, asked candidates in March: "Do you it was popular and when it was not." issues. support the union of one man and one woman as the only definition of marriage that should be DeWine, according to Santorum, hasn't reinvented Green Party candidate Constance Gadell-Newton legally recognized at all levels of government?" himself. He's articulating the same values now that is the Green Party candidate for governor. Her Both DeWine and running mate Jon Husted he stood for in the U.S. Senate. website isconstanceforohio.com. answered in capital letters: "YES." They must be the same values DeWine shared TRANS RIGHTS?'NO' on July 17 at a Family Research Council pastors briefing in Columbus, where attendees laid hands During the final months of Barack Obama's on him and prayed. presidency in 2016, the U.S. Justice and Education Prizm Editor Bob Vitale has covered departments told schools around the country The Southern Poverty Law Center classifies the government and politics for three decades. that transgender children had the right to use Family Research Council as an extremist group. You can reach him by email at bobvitale@ restrooms and other facilities in line with their The subsidiary that hosted DeWine, a pastoral prizmnews.com or follow him on Twitter @Bob_Vitale. gender identity. outreach effort called Watchmen on the Wall, is led by Kenyn Cureton, who has said that LGBTQ

September 2018 PRIZMnews.com turn OUT 2018 | #turnOUT

The continued attacks by Donald Trump and Mike Pence towards LGBTQ people, women, people of color, and immigrants has gone uncontested by some members of Congress for far too long. Enough is enough.

Human Rights Campaign Ohio has been hard at work to elect pro-equality champions up and down the ballot this year, but we can't do it without you!

Text VOTER to 30644 and sign up to volunteer with HRC Ohio!

HUMAN RIGHTS #turnOUT CAMPAIGN HRC.ORG/VOTE £ Photo by Tom Apathy Photography 'M f Losb and Found t It's important to me to tell personal stories,' f Anne E. DeChant says. The Cleveland native's latest album is full of them.

By Gregg Shapiro getting hairy on 1-65. I got off in Munfordville I recently interviewed gay singer/songwriter (about half-way between Louisville and the Steve Grand about his new album, "Not the Cleveland-bred and Nashville-based singer/ Tennessee line) and drove the back roads through End of Me," in which he addresses his road to songwriter Anne E. DeChant has the kind of soul- Bonnieville, population 250. recovery. Other artists, including Nicole Atkins stirring voice that is as well-suited to rock and and Nina Diaz (of Girl in a Coma), deal with country as it is to emotional ballads. Her new six- If you look on the liner notes, you will see a thank similar themes in recent albums. To me, your song EP, "Lost in Kentucky," effortlessly covers all you to the people of those two places. I rode song, "Dance With Your Demons," is in the same those bases, sometimes even in the same song. back roads and we went past the Dollar General, camp. the Bacon Creek Tavern, the church where the "What Do You Care" is a timely statement about preacher who is referenced in the song "Lost in It was co-written Robert Wolf and E. Marlowe. the political and religious opportunists who traffic Kentucky" told me "what's important to you" is When I wrote it with them, since then-and until I in intolerance toward our community: "The boys important to him. I know some of the back roads decided to record it at the urging of my partner—I in the Statehouse are stirring the pot/They make and the backwoods for sure. didn't consider it particularly about me. As I began you believe I'm something I'm not." The equally to perform it and prepare to perform it, it occurred to me that in many ways it is about me. powerful "Dance With Your Demons" has the Speaking of Kentucky, it's not a state known potential to become a recovery anthem. for its welcoming attitude to LGBT folks, from I've not been in the throes of addiction like the County Clerk Kim Davis refusing to issue same- woman in the song, but the second verse of the And DJs at country radio stations would be foolish sex marriage licenses to Mitch McConnell's song where I talk about having this voice that to ignore tunes such as "Train Song" and the title antics in D.C. The song "What Do You Care" track, which are custom-made for their fans. "lives inside my head/It tells me I'm not good enough, sounds like your way of fitting politics into your I'm not pretty, Cm a mess," that's certainly personal work. Being based in Nashville and originally from tome. Cleveland, I can see how it would be easy to get Politics, to me, is a lot of things, but part of it is lost in Kentucky... You start performing when you are in your 20s regard for human beings. and suddenly you're being handed free beer [laughs] everywhere you go while you're working. People In what I do, which is to write and perform, it's often ask me why musicians and artists have ... which is the title of your latest album. Is this a important to me to tell personal stories. A lot of a propensity to addiction. I don't know the full route you travel on a regular basis? times from the first person, which is the case with answer to that. I think it'sa lot of things, but one of "What Do You Care," so that people are getting a them is that you're in a culture where it's absolutely Yes. glimpse into a person's life so that they might have OK to drink while you're working. empathy. If you don't understand someone, then I Have you figured out all of the shortcuts and don't think the chances for empathy are very high. You kind of dive into it in your early 20s. It's a party, best ways to go? and you're on a high because of what you do. It's With my songs I attempt to tell a personal story so a consequence of the job to be able to control Apparently not [laughs]. A couple of weeks ago, that it opens the door to understanding, empathy that. I'd say I faced some of that. I think everybody I was driving through and I noticed that it was and change. danced with their demons. Whether or not they

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SUSTAINING (^GILEAD ORANGE BARREL|MEDIA dance them out the door is their own thing. Well... I'm thinking I've driven 1,300 miles in the 'What Do You Care' last week. You get yourself up and you go. You I hope, with this song, to recognize that we have My daddy had hands rough from turning a wrench promote. You try to delegate and offset some of demons. I recently heard a quote that goes, Back pain grease stains blue collar sense your work. That's a challenge because you don't "If a thing is not acknowledged, it cannot be His life fits him just fine have the backing of a label, so you are trying to healed." I believe "Dance With Your Demons" is an I was his boy born into that rhythm use every ounce of genuine, respectful, loving acknowledgement of addiction or demons being Butthe skin I was in for the soul I was given connection that you've made with people and ask present in life, therefore an opportunity to heal. Never felt like mine fortheir help.

I love the exhilaration of "Train Song." I am a caterpillar burst into wings You're not able to offer a lot of money to them, Let me fly into the air but they're happy to do it if you've created a good I do too! I'm a child of God coming into myself relationship. After all these years, I'm starting to What do you care see that more and more. I'm not the kind of person How did that song come to be? who walks into a room and says, "I need to know The boys in the state house are stirring the pot that person." I just see someone and think, "They I was in Ontario and there's a train that runs through They make you believe I'm something I'm not look nice, I think I'll talk to them." a small town called Bolsover. I heard it coming. And boy don't it hurt when they do They lie about me fortheir personal gain You're in wide-open space there, and the sound It's strange to say, but I'm a little bit shy that way. coming and then zipping past me and moving on To take your mind off the minimum wage And write off hard working people like you When I'm put in a position to market and create into the distance was particularly striking. relationships, that's when I become shy. It's so I am a caterpillar burst into wings easy for me to perform, get off stage and talk to It occurred to me that when I watch or hear a train, Let me fly into the air people one-on-one at my merch table. I love I'm taken to the past or into the future, but rarely I'm a child of God coming into myself them. I can look them in the eye. the present. That's kind of what inspired it. I was What do you care at my mom's house and I had my ukulele, which But when I have to hustle, market to advance my I'd started playing, and the sun was coming up My daddy was raised on the good book career, that's not so easy. and I started thinking about the train. I wrote it on He didn't plan on what I put him through ukulele, so very sparse. Buthe felt my pain and rolled with the change As an artist with a long history of live He still loves me why don't you performance, what can people attending your It brought up lots of memories; heartache from a shows expect from your upcoming tour dates? breakup, and "I shoulda leaned in for that kiss" was I am a caterpiilarburst info wings an opportunity that I blew [laughs]. Let me fly into the air They can expect that I'm going to kick their asses I'm a child of God coming into myself [laughs], From trains to airplanes, I was wondering if What do you care you would mind saying a few words about what I'm going to give them the best of me on that day. has become your signature song, "Girls and -Music and lyrics by Anne E. DeChant I'm going to talk to them with my songs. My job is Airplanes." to reach out to them and say, "This is my life, this is your life, this is our night. Let's rock and roll!" First of all, you should know that I do not like to fly!

I don't either! I haven't been on a plane since FIND OUT MORE 1995. From 1998 to 2007, Anne E. DeChant was voted Oh, my goodness! I've been trying really hard to as Cleveland's best singer/songwriter, vocalist, or avoid them. folk/acoustic act 14 times by readers of Cleveland Scene and other local publications. I was at a show near Chattanooga last year. (This guy who was a pilot) had on his sunglasses and a She has opened for Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, leather jacket. He handed me his card and said, "I Joan Jett, Joan Armatrading and others. She has do private rides. You're welcome to come aboard." played Olivia Cruises, Lilith Fair and was a featured I said, "Thank you very much and no thank you!" act at the 2014 Gay Games in Cleveland.

It's funny because this song has given me lots of She grew up in Avon Lake. gifts. I was just interested in the iconic Rosie the Rivetergraphic. I thought, "I kind of know whatthis You can hear Anne E. DeChant's music, including is about, but I probably should know." I researched tracks from her new album, "Lost in Kentucky," at the image online and found out about the WASPs, anneedechant.com. You can follow her on Twitter the Women's Army Service Pilots (of World War II). @anneedechant.

I was so intrigued, being a woman who's always Anne E. DeChant will be back in Ohio for a been aware of women having to do double the show at the Holland Theatre in Bellefontaine on work to be recognized, to be respected, to be paid Wednesday, Oct. 10. Tickets are available through well, to move up as far as they can go. That was a her website. primary example of women in our country trying to do just that. Years later, along comes Billie Jean King, who said, "Hey, we're not getting paid an 11th of what men in tennis are being paid." It spawned a lot of movement, which we really need to keep working on. Gregg Shapiro is an entertainment journalist who writes for LGBTQ publications around Since the release of your first album, "Effort of the country. He interviewed another gay singer/songwriter from Northeast Ohio, Mike the Spin," 22 years ago, you have maintained Maimone, for our January issue. You can your career as an indie artist. Please say follow Gregg on Twitter @greggsha. something about the challenges and rewards of being independent.

September 2018 PRIZMnews.com YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRRORS CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART We've seen so many selfies over the last couple months of people standing in rooms full of mirrors, lights and other objects that seem to go on forever. They're creations of Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, and they're part of "Infinity Mirrors," which runs through Sept. 30 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum recommends purchasing or reserving tickets online at clevelandart.org.

INDIAN SUNFLOWER GRAPHITE WALLPAPER MY ART. DESIGNERS GUILD Wallpaper is back and more chic than ever. Since the launch of the Couture House in 1987, the Christian Lacroix style has been unique, exuberant, colorful and baroque. Today, Maison Christian Lacroix expresses its dynamism and love for color via its lifestyle collections designed by Creative Director Sacha Walckhoff. designersguild.com.

'LIZZIE' RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 14 The urban forests of Columbus provide the Chloe Sevigny and Kristen Stewart star in this new tale of Lizzie material for my art. I've learned that determination Borden. When Bridget (Stewart), a young maid, comes to work for the and commitment are the greatest skills for any Borden family, unhappy Lizzie (Sevigny) finds an understanding and craftsman. I'm Devon Palmer. Woodworking is kindred spirit. Innocent companionship soon escalates into attraction, love and bloody revenge, lizziethemovie.com. my art and there's no place I'd rather make it Learn more about Devon's story and other Columbus artists and events. ColumbusMakesArt.com #artmakescbus

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September 2018 PRIZMnews.com | 15 Here are the queer stars and stones coming to Ohio during the coming arts season.

By Bob Vitale From community theater stages to Ouicken Loans Arena, LGBTO stories and artists will be in the spotlight repeatedly over the coming months.

We've not done the math—not our strong suit—but the lineups at Ohio arts venues for the new season sure make us more hopeful than that annual GLAAD report about the lack of LGBTO characters on TV and in the movies.

And it's not just productions of "Rent" we're talking about, although you can catch the third year of its 20th anniversary tour soon in Cincinnati and Columbus. There are many more, often new LGBTO voices, reflecting so many more of our stories, experiences and identities.

Here are the highlights. You can find even more at PrizmNews.com, where we maintain Ohio's most comprehensive calendar of LGBTQ-themed events.

Sites of Power: Soft Thrones by Jova Lynne Exhibit through Saturday, October 27 Toledo In January, Lynne traveled to her familial home of Kingston, Jamaica, to collaborate on a series of workshops with queer-identified, female-spectrum Jamaicans. These conversations—as well as the artist's own reflections on identity-have informed the portraits and objects presented in "Soft Thrones." More info: catoledo.org/jovalynne.com

Love Story by Candice Breitz Saturday, September! - Sunday, September 16 Cleveland This work is based on the personal narratives of six people who have fled oppression in their home countries, including Shabeena Francis Saveri, a transgender activist from India. In one part of the video installation, the stories are told by Alec Baldwin and Julianne Moore; in the other they're shared by the people themselves. It's a commentary on our identification with fictional characters and disinterest in real stories. More info: playhousesquare.org.

'Fun Home' Friday, September 14 • Sunday, September30 Toledo Friday, October 26- Sunday, November 4 Dayton When her father dies, Alison dives into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father's hidden desires. More info: bctheatre.org/toledorep.org.

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< Mickalene Thomas: 'This Much (or an Act of Violence Toward Queen Latifah I Can't See You Without Me the Institution of Marriage)' Saturday, November 10 Friday, September 14, 2018 - Sunday, December 30Friday , October 12 - Saturday, November 3 Toledo Columbus Cleveland The film and music legend performs with the Toledo Symphony. Muse: Mickalene Thomas Photographs Gar can't decide between the man he's having an Saturday, October 20 - Sunday, January 13 affair with and the man on one knee with a ring. More info: toledosymphony.com. Dayton Facades start crumbling as the world implodes around him, but Gar just wants to dance with his Thomas creates paintings, collages, photography, Amy Ray With Amythyst Kiah video and installations that draw on art history and friends. London's To Do List calls this play by John Tuesday, November 13 Fitzpatrick a "daring emotional three-way." popular culture to create a contemporary vision of Ne/sonvi//e female sexuality, beauty and power. Her work will More info: convergence-continuum.org. Tuesday, November27 be featured in overlapping exhibits at the Wexner Akron Center for the Arts in Columbus and at the Dayton Art Institute. 'Breaking the Code' Longtime Indigo Girl Amy Ray and her band are releasing a new country album titled "Holler" later Wednesday, October 24 • Sunday, November 11 More info: mickalenethomas.com. this month. Her opening act in Nelsonville will be Columbus Amythyst Kiah, who in May was rated at the top of Mathematical genius Alan Turing was a pioneer in The Advocate's list of queer country artists. 'An Act of God' the field of computers and computer science. His Friday, September 14 - Sunday, October 7 More info: amy-ray.com/amythystkiah.com. work breaking Nazi code during World War 11 saved Lakewood countless lives, yet he plummeted into ruin after his Thursday, November 1 - Sunday, November 18 sexual orientation was discovered. Justin Vivian Bond Dayton Thursday, November 15 More info: catco.org/evolutiontheatre.org. God (played in Broadway productions of David Columbus Javerbaum's comedy by Jim Parsons and Sean Bond is a Tony-nominated performer whom The Hayes) and his devoted angels answer some of La Cage Aux Folles' New Yorker called "the best cabaret artist of (their) the deepest questions that have plagued mankind generation." Bond is the author of the Lambda Thursday, November 1 - Sunday, November25 since Creation. And here's a revelation: He really Literary Award-winning memoir "Tango: My Columbus did create Adam and Steve. Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels." This 2010 revival of one of Broadway's biggest and More info: beckcenter.org/humanracetheatre.org. More info: ccad.edu. happiest hits gains even more relevance in today's world. It's a tribute to family values, 21st-century 'Looking for Langston' style. Indigo Girls With the Cincinnati Pops Tuesday, November20 Friday, October 5 - Sunday, February 3 More info: shortnorthstage.org. Columbus Cincinnati This exhibition presents Isaac Julien's landmark The Grammy-winning duo behind hits like "Closer to Fine" and "Galileo" bring their signature blend of 1989 film about Harlem Renaissance poet and Elton John folk rock to the Cincinnati Pops for a program of fan playwright Langston Hughes, along with a selection Friday, November2 favorites across their groundbreaking career. of related photographic works. The images mine Columbus the aesthetics of black and queer histories, from More info: cincinnatisymphony.org/pops. Saturday, November 3 James VanDerZee's funerary and studio portraits Cleveland of Harlem residents during the 1920s to George Piatt Lynes's male nudes of the 1930s to Robert Wednesday, February 27 Jason Mraz Tuesday, December4 Mapplethorpe's eroticized photographs of black Cincinnati Columbus men during the 1980s. After five decades and 4,000 live shows, Sir Elton In June, Billboard asked a number of celebs to starts a three-year, 300-show farewell tour this More info: columbusmuseum.org. share love letters to the LGBTQ community as part month. He'll make his way through Columbus, of Pride month. Jason Mraz took his as a chance to Cleveland and Cincinnati as part of the long come out as bisexual: We still have a long way to go/ goodbye. But know/I am bi your side/All ways. More info: eltonjohn.com. More info: jasonmraz.com.

September 2018 PRIZMnews.com | 17 Panic! at the Disco place to go is your favorite diner. Especially when that diner just might be a time machine. It's a super- Saturday, January 26 queer time-travel adventure, with dinosaurs. Cincinnati More info: knowtheatre.com. Wednesday, January 30 Cleveland "I guess this is me coming out as pansexual," Selina Thompson: 'Race Cards' frontman Brendon Urie told Paper magazine in July Monday, February 25 - Saturday, March 2 after talking about his attraction to individuals and Cincinnati not their gender. Panic! is on a world tour in support How many questions do you have about race? Q of its latest album, "Pray for the Wicked." Selina Thompson has a thousand-and counting. More info: panicatthedisco.com. Her installation and performance, comprised of questions painstakingly transcribed onto note cards, can be thought of as generous invitations to Peter Hujar: Speed of Life start a conversation of your own. "As a queer black Saturday, February 2- Sunday, April 28 woman, I am often expected to educate people on D Columbus race, class and gender," she says. "Enough! Time for you to think for yourself." o Admired and loved by those within the New York "D CD arts scene before his death from AIDS in 1987, More info: contemporaryartscenter.org. m Hujar is only now receiving wider recognition 'Rent' as one of the late 20th century's greatest photo Tuesday, December11 - Sunday, December23 portraitists. 'The Legend of Georgia McBride' Cincinnati More info: wexarts.org. Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 12 Tuesday, March 19 - Sunday, March 24 Dayton Columbus John Waters: Indecent Exposure He's young, he's broke, and he just found out his wife is going to have a baby. To make matters even This reimagining of Puccini's "La Boheme" follows Saturday, February 2- Sunday, April 28 more desperate, Casey is fired from his gig as an an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists Columbus struggling to follow their dreams without selling Elvis impersonator in a small-town Florida bar. out. The Wexner Center for the Arts will host one of just When the bar owner brings in a B-level drag show two exhibitions of more than 160 photographs, to replace his act, Casey finds that he has a whole More info: cincinnatiarts.org/capa.com. sculptures and videos by Waters, one of the most lot to learn about show business-and himself. transgressive and celebrated figures working today. More info: bctheatre.org. '35mm: A Musical Exhibition' Friday, January 4- Sunday, January 13 More info: wexarts.org. Columbus Station Hope 2019 Saturday, May 4 This multimedia musical by husband-and- 'Liberace!' Cleveland husband team Matthew Murphey and Ryan Scott Thursday, February 14 • Sunday, February 17 Oliver explores a groundbreaking new concept in Cleveland Station Hope is a community event celebrating musical theater and reimagines what the modern There was a lot more to Liberace than rhinestones Cleveland's social justice history and exploring musical can be. and fur. David Maiocco brings the flamboyant but contemporary struggles for freedom and equality. Explore the historic properties around St. John's More info: srotheatre.org. closeted entertainer back in a one-man show that doesn't ignore the parts Liberace never talked Episcopal Church-Cleveland's first authenticated about. Underground Railroad site—while viewing works of theater, music, storytelling and dance inspired by 'The Shadow Box' More info: theatreinthecircle.com the most important issues of our time. Friday, January 11 - Sunday, January 27 Dayton More info: cptonline.org. "The Shadow Box" made its Broadway debut in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' Thursday, February 21 - Sunday, March 3 1977, winning both a Tony for Best Play and a 'Shakesqueer' Pulitzer Prize for drama. Joe, Brian and Felicity Cleveland Friday, June 7 - Sunday, June 23 come from different walks of life but each is dying Friday, March 15 - Saturday, March 23 Akron of cancer. Joe's wife is in denial, Felicity awaits a Toledo visit from her daughter, and Brian plays referee This all-new show-the first phase of a two-part between his ex-wife and his male lover. This "trivial comedy for serious people" uses project—is based on Shakespeare's "Taming humor to play with themes of society, marriage and of the Shrew" and revolves around characters More info: daytontheatreguild.org. relationships. And since its debut in 1895, people representative of the LGBTQ+ community. have debated the gay subtext of Oscar Wilde's play. More info: rubbercitytheatre.com. 'Almost, Maine' Thursday, January 17 - Sunday, February 3 More info: Akron playhousesquare.org/thevillageplayers.org Village People Saturday, June 8 Nine short plays explore love and loss in a remote, Toledo mythical almost-town called Almost, Maine. 'Always Plenty of Light at the The play became famous in 2014 when a North Starlight All Night Diner' Lead singer Victor Willis is back for the disco Carolina high school principal canceled a student Friday, February 22 - Monday, March 11 group's 40th anniversary. This performance is a production because it included a gay story line. Cincinnati fundraiser for the Valentine Theatre. More info: weathervaneplayhouse.com. When an asteroid threatens the earth, the logical More info: valentinetheatre.com.

18 | September 2018 PRIZMnews.com Cleveland PUBLIC PIMM theatre .

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September 2018 PRIZMnews.com 19 You r Vote Matters Don't Forget to Register!

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% ^^ ^

'Cacophony' Karen Snouffer Ink, acrylic, marker and collage on paper Instagram: @karensnoufferart

LIVING FOR ART FOR LIFE By Bridget Sarpong The Columbus Museum of Art will host this year's Art for Life gala on Saturday, Sept. 15. Since 1989, the biennial event has raised about $3 million for HIV/AIDS medical care, prevention, education, testing and advocacy services. The fundraiser includes live and silent auctions of works by artists from Ohio and around the world. In 2016, Art for Life raised more than $600,000 for Equitas Health. This year's auctions will feature two silkscreen prints by Keith Haring that are valued at $24,000 each.

Here's a sampling of the art featured at this year's Art for Life.

Ticket links and more information can be found at 'Epione's Universal Remedy Is Love' Lisa McLymont Acrylic, watercolor pencil, neo-color pastel, graphite, house paint on birch panel Instagram: @lisamclymont

Continued on page 22 XEVELAND PERA THEATER

2018-2019 Main-Stage Productions

Traviata id Oct. 6 & 7 Apr. 26 & 28

Cleveland's premiere opera company offers inclusive performances ranging from full-scale Main-Stage Productions to alternative venue Opera UpClose experiences, the annual {NOW} Festival, the Free Summer Concert Series and the Amahl and The Night Visitiors Production Tour.

For tickets and to discover more, visit ClevelandOperaTheater.org Living for Life / Continued from page 20

'Thespians' Alicia Jean "AJ" Vanderelli Oil on canvas Instagram: @thevanderelliroom 'Orange Orchids' Barbara Vogel Hand-held wand digital scan and print barbvogel.net

'Flower III' Keith Haring Silkscreen print haring.com

'Frenzy on Frenchman Street' 'From Pain to Vigilance' Linda Langhorst Grant Gilsdorf Oil on canvas Acrylic on canvas lindalanghorst.com Instagram: @gg_paint

22 | September 2018 PRIZMnews.com wexner center I EXHIBITIONS lickalen I homas: m ws*

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Racquet: I See You, 2018 (detail). Rhinestones, acrylic, glitter, oil pastel, and oil paint on canvas mounted on wood panel, 108 x 144 x 2 in. Courtesy of the artist and Lehmann Maui CRANE FAMILY FOUNDATION CRABBE, BROWN 8, JAMES v New York and Hong Kong. © Mickalene Thomas / Artist Rights DONNA AND LARRY JAMES % Huntington dOCSSr- Ohio Arts $£ TOBC OLU„ " vYork. Organized by the We) by Michael Goodson, senior curator of exhibitions, and Lucy I. Zimmerman, assistant curator. WEXNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY | WEXARTS .ORG | 0019 @WEXARTS #THEWEX

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September 2018 PRIZMnews.com | 23 •"* B

Stylish brands are ushering in the beginnings of a new fall wardrobe, and where better to be casually chic than the Cincinnati Art Museum?

Located in Cincinnati's scenic Eden Park, the museum features a diverse collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years. The modern simplicity of Loft and the classic luxe comfort of Samson, A Men's Emporium pair beautifully with the timeless works of art to create our September fashion feature.

style advice? Fall back into velvets and knit sweaters rst signs of cooler evenings, but keep it light and "Ofted-toxthe last warm huqs of summer. Liqhtly layer, and enjoy the seasonal transition in your styling.

Another bit of advice? Visit the Cincinnati Art Museum. Go to cincinnatiartmuseum.org to makl plans.

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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND THE WIZARD OF OZ STRAIGHT NO CHASER OCTOBER 23-25,2018 RUDOLPH THE RED-NOS DECEMBER 2,2018 REINDEER: THE MUSICAL CHICAGO NOVEMBER 16 & 17,2018 THE BOOK OF MORMON FEBRUARY 1& 2, 2019 MAY 21-26,2019

WITH BROADWAY SERIES TICKETS, ifflCenter Stage.eofn YOU CAN SWAP A SHOW! 937-228-3630 . GROUPS SAVE! Call 937-461-8295 Ohio Arts ASK HOW! FOR MORE: victoriatheatre.com Honeycomb Cotton Cardigan by O.N.S. Tribal Stripe Button-Up by Nifty Genius Navy Corduroy Pant by JACHS NY

28 I September 2018 PRIZMnews.. p columbus *2 symphony In Full Splendor: Opening Night at the Symphony HOOL VOX ON THE ROCKS Rossen Milanov, conductor mwmmmmmm Sept. 21-22 I 8pm Ohio Theatre

The new Masterworks season opens with an irresistible selection of masterpieces OCTOBER 5 & 6, 2018 inspired by the Disney classic, Fantasia. Bach's majestic music as seen through the eyes of the CGMC is dedicated to increasing awareness of, legendary conductor Stokowski and support for, the entire LGBTQ+ community. and Wagner's terrifying "Ride CGMCs premier small ensemble, VOX, goes back to school with of the Valkyries" are paired songs that bring back memories of high school: lunch time, teachers, with the rich orchestral palettes lockers, gym class, pep rallies, and of course Prom and Homecoming! of Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Strauss' iconic Also Sprach Zarathustra, made Friday, October 5 @ 8pm famous by the feature film 2001: Saturday, October 6 @ 2pm A Space Odyssey. Saturday, October 6 @ 8pm

Join Columbus Symphony Pride. Visit: columbussymphony.com/support/pride Discover your SMARTER self. columbussymphony.com ticketmaster Get Your IT- Get your tickets today at CGMC.COM! 614.469.0939 800.745.3000 Tickets Today! CAPA Ticket Center additional fees may apply

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Dayton I Centerville I Cincinnati I Florence Connect with the LGBTQ + audience Columbus Easton I Columbus Polaris NOW OPEN! and advertise with Prizm today.

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September 2018 PRIZMnews.com 29 A Balancing Act

vearwifhCc js'BalletMet, Artistic Director Edwaard Liang keeps lings running at home while traveling the world as a top choreographer. Plus, he just added marnaoe to his repertoire.

By Erin McCalla

For Edwaard Liang, it's all about balance—and not just the physical kind needed to forge a dance career that has included featured roles with the New York City Ballet and a stint in the Broadway production of "Fosse."

As artistic director of Columbus' BalletMet, Liang balances duties such as choreographing ballets, planning the performance season, and budgeting and managing dancers and staff. As a much-in-demand choreographer, he balances a schedule that includes travel around the country and world.

September 2018 PRIZMnews.com Creative director and photographer: Harriet Whitney Frishmuth (American, 1880-1980), "The Vine,"1923, bronze. Staley Jophiel Munroe © Harriet Whitney Friesmuth, Centennial Gift of Dwight J. Thomson, 1980.258. Style: Sara Powell Hair: John Michael Matthews of Bangstudio Makeup: Jamalia Jackson Artistry Models: Docherty Talent Agency and Heyman Talent Agency J

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sC^iSk. NEWS FLASH

Visit PrizmNews.com for the latest LGBTQ news from across Ohio, and sign up for weekly news and events updates by email. Here are last month's headlines from our website.

Equitas Health, BRAVO Begin Discussions of Possible Merger Leaders from Equitas Health and BRAVO have begun discussions about linking the LGBTQ health provider and Ohio's statewide anti-violence organization. If boards of both groups agree—talks just began in August, and no timetable has been set—BRAVO would become an Equitas Health subsidiary. LINCOLN THEATRE Pride Night at Kings Island Is Back! Organizers announced after last year's Pride Night at Kings Island that the event was being put to rest after 20 years. It was a short rest, though. Cincinnati Pride has taken responsibility for the legendary event that draws LGBTQ people from across the Midwest. It will take place on Friday, The Columbus Gay Men's Sept. 7 at the 364-acre amusement park north of Chorus honored Harmony Cincinnati. Project founder David Brown Human Rights Campaign at its annual fundraiser President Chad Griffin updated attendees of Pence Liked Columbus Pride So Much, on July 27 at the Lincoln Happy Pride! He Came Back for Toledo's Theatre. the 2018 HRC Cleveland Dinner on the national For the second time this summer, Vice President organization's election Mike Pence visited an Ohio city just as it kicked off The chorus will host vocal its annual Pride celebration. And for the second placements on Sunday, efforts in Ohio. time this summer, he was greeted by a dance Sept. 9 and 16 at the Lesbian comic Dana party/protest calling attention to his notoriously Ohio Theatre's Galbreath A parade down Adams anti-LGBTQ record. Goldberg and openly gay Pavilion. Get all the details Street and a festival at singer David Hernandez Planned Parenthood supporters in Northwest at columbusgaymenschorus. Promenade Park on Aug. performed at the 25th Ohio organized the Aug. 14 "ResistDance" near a com/sing-with-us. 18 were the highlights of annual fundraiser on Aug. highway exit in the Toledo suburb of Perrysburg, Toledo Pride, which for the where Pence was attending a political fundraiser 18 at the Hilton Downtown first time included a week at an undisclosed location. Later that night was the Cleveland. official kickoll party for Toledo Pride. of events. ni MAN From a bar crawl on Aug. 11 RIGHTS Openly Gay Ohioan Among miruu Candidates Endorsed by Obama to a brunch crawl on Aug. 19, Toledo's Pride A 26-year-old openly gay candidate from the celebration helped raise Southeast Ohio town of Nelsonville is among 81 Democrats nationwide who've won former money for Equality Toledo President Barack Obama's endorsement in the Nov. and paid tribute to those 1 6 elections. who paved the way for r? the level of inclusion our "I'm still a little stunned and completely proud 1 1 that he weighed in in our race," Democrat Taylor community enjoys today. ' 1 Sappington told Prizm. Sappinglon is running in HUUAKl the 94th Ohio House District, which stretches from — «H.HTS Athens to the Ohio River and includes Athens, Meigs, Vinton and Washington counties.

Businesses Can Add 'Open to All' Pledge to Their Yelp Profiles Do they take reservations? Do they have a patio? Will they refuse to bake a cake for your wedding or demand you use the other restroom? More than 70 million Yelp users have a new bit of information to consider when choosing a business to patronize. The app and website are offering businesses a chance to declare their openness to all customers as part of a national campaign that counters right-wing efforts to cloak discrimination under the guise of "religious freedom."

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In reflection of the Harlem Renaissance OPENING RECEPTION SEPTEMBER 28 5 - 8 PM

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September 2018 PRIZMnews.com 33 <&&.. %*

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Photo by Staley Munroe One of Us is a monthly portrait celebrating the diversity of Ohio's LGBTQ + community.

34 I September 2018 PRIZMnews.com I

Meg Harpe

Home: Columbus Identifies As: Lesbian Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Meg Harpe is 26 and "Aries to the core," which, if you aren't one Meg's advice for would-be business owners: or don't have many of them in your life, means she has a strong sense of leadership and individuality. "Go for it. Putting your name on something is the power of pride. If you want to create, create! You can do it!" Does she ever. On the challenges of self-expression: Harpe owns The Cut, a barber shop on S. 4th Street in Downtown Columbus, where members of the Columbus Crew, members of "I wouldn't call it a challenge rather than frustration that had Beyonce's crew and "some of the dopest dudes in the city" stop turned into inspiration... Sometimes I forget I don't have the most by for a cut, a hot towel, a beard trim and more. traditional aesthetic until I walk through Kroger in Powell, Ohio, and everyone stays back 10 feet. A little about herself: "I forget because I'm so comfortable in my choices to look the "I've been doing hair for six years after ending a soccer career and way I look. And, yes, I am aware I look like a boy. Pretty cool that a brief stint in the military. I enjoy a glass or four of a good red vino I'm a chick, though! Have fun with that, society." after work in the company of the best friends a girl could ask for."

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September 2018 PRIZMnews.com 35 Music an 18-year-old from Littleton, Colo., who's an out « Pentatonix lesbian. 7 p.m. at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 45424. Tickets are $23.50- The Grammy Award-winning a cappella foursome $68. More info: rosemusiccenter.com. includes openly gay Scott Hoying and Mitch Grassi, who have another group called Superfruit. 8 p.m. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, 45230. Tickets start at $15. More info: ^^j Theater riverbend.org. Pentatonix has another Ohio show 'Blue, Miss BiI lie: An Evening Northwest scheduled for 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13 at Blossom with Billie Holiday' Northeast Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 44223. Tickets for that show start Ma'Sue Productions, an African American-focused West at $18. More info: livenationvenue.com/blossom- theater company presents this intelligent, hilarious, music-center. stylish entry on one of the most fascinating Central personalities of the 20th century. 8 p.m. at the Akron Southwest THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Civic Theater, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 44308. Tickets are $20. Two more performances are scheduled for Southeast •01 Music Sept. 14 and 15. More info: FB: Ma'Sue Productions. ^^ 'Bayard Rustin: The Man Behind the Dream' FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 The story of the late civil-rights icon-he worked alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King and also stood •Ml Drag up as an openly gay man —is told in an oratorio written Drag Bingo With Veranda L'Ni ALENDA by Steve Milloy, the artistic director of the Cincinnati Men's Chorus. It will be performed four times this A Cleveland favorite hosts the Late Nite Lounge event More events at PrizmNews.com month by singers from Dayton, Yellow Springs with free admission, free bingo, fun bar swag and f SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 and Greater Cincinnati. 7 p.m. at Antioch College's prizes from Ambiance. 11 p.m. at Music Box Supper Foundry Theatre, 920 Corry St., Yellow Springs, Club, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 44113. More info: •JJ Drag 45387. The event is free. Other performances are musicboxcle.com. ^^ Monet X Change scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 The fan favorite and Miss Congeniality from "RuPaul's 45402; 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 back at Antioch's Drag Race" Season 10 performs in Columbus on Foundry Theatre; and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9 at a nationwide tour. 9 p.m. at Axis, 775 N. High St., •gl Conference House of Joy, 5912 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, 45224. Columbus, 43215. Tickets start at $10. More info: FB: U Midwest Regional Transgender Symposium More info: bayardthemanthedream.org. Axis Nightclub. As part of its first-ever three-day conference for medical professionals, the Living With Change FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 •01 Theater Foundation also will sponsor a free, all-day event for ^r 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' the general public. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sharonville •01 Community Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Cincinnati, Evolution Theatre presents the adventure of three ^r Pride Night at Kings Island 45246. More info: livingwithchange.org. friends, Tick, Bernadette and Adam, a glamorous Cincinnati Pride is the new host for the event that Sydney trio who agree to take their show on the road draws LGBTQ people from across the Midwest. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 to the middle of the Australian outback. 8 p.m. at Shangela-halleloo!-will be the headline entertainer, Shedd Theatre, Columbus Performing Arts Center, along with Kennedy Davenport and "American Idol" 549 Franklin Ave., Columbus, 43215. Tickets are $15- •01 Music contestant Ada Vox. 6 p.m.-midnight at Kings Island, $35. More info: evolutiontheatre.org. ^r Conspirare: 'Considering Matthew Shepard' 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Mills, 45034. Tickets The Grammy-winning choir from Austin, Texas, will are $39. More info: cincinnatipride.org. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 perform a three-part oratorio that's an evocative and compassionate musical response to the 1998 murder SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 •0J Communitinity of Matthew Shepard. 8 p.m. at Kobacker Hall-Moore Akron Family Black Pride Musical Arts Center, Bowling Green State University, •I Fundraiser Bowling Green, Bowling Green, 43403. Ticketing and Akron's Family Black Pride will bring together all who ^^ Rescue Runway more information: conspirare.org. wish to celebrate people of LGBTQ identity in our communities. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Hardesty Park, 1615 There is no other runway this cute, and not just WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 W. Market St., Akron, 44313. More info: Family Black because Vivian Von Brokenhymen will be on it! This Pride. event will raise money for six rescue groups and encourage people to foster or adopt a pet. Adoptable M0j Fundraiser animals will strut the runway with Columbus ™ Gayme Night With BRAVO ^01 At the Bars celebs and heroes. 11:30 p.m. at the Franklin Park Wr Art in the Bar Kingmakers and the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Conservatory's Wells Barn, 1777 E. Broad St., Organization are teaming up on the third Wednesday The work of four Toledo artists will be displayed and Columbus, 43203. Tickets are $35-$55. More info: of every month for a new fundraiser. Each Gayme available for sale. The list of artists wasn't available FB: Rescue Runway Columbus. Night, 18 percent of the proceeds will be donated at press time but will be shared through our online directly to BRAVO. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Kingmakers, 17 calendar of events. 2 p.m.-6 p.m. at R House, 5534 •01 Music Buttles Ave., Columbus, 43215. More info: bravo- Secor Road, Toledo, 43623. More info: FB: Rhouse ^r BrandiCarlile ohio.org. Bar. The lesbian singer says, "I've gone through all sorts of vocal phases, from pop to blues to R&B, but no matter THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 what I do, I just can't get the country and western out •01 Music of my voice." 7:30 p.m. at the Taft Theatre, 317 E. 5th •0| Business St., Cincinnati, 45202. Tickets are $36-$70.50. More ^r Plexus Network Night *r Boy George& Culture Club info: tafttheatre.org. Bring your business cards and make new connections Since 1981, Culture Club has sold more than 50 at the monthly gathering of Northeast Ohio's chamber million records worldwide, led by the classic hits, "Do MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 of commerce for the LGBTQ community. 6 p.m.-8:30 You Really Want to Hurt Me," "Karma Chameleon," p.m. at the Westin Downtown Cleveland, 777 St. Clair and "I'll Tumble 4 Ya." 8 p.m. at Fraze Pavilion, 695 •f Music Ave. NE, Cleveland, 44114. More info: thinkplexus. Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, 45429. Tickets are ^r Jurneeand 'American Idol' Live org. $45-$75, and there's a VIP package for $400. More info: fraze.com. After its return to television this spring, "American Idol" is taking its show on the road. The tour will feature this season's Top 7 finalists, including Jurnee,

September 2018 PRIZMnews.com •J Theater ^r 'Devil Boys From Beyond' Annual LGBTQ Family Flying saucers, muscle hunks, men in pumps are all part of this Evolution Theatre comedy that's an Conference & Resource Fair homage to C-movies, leading ladies, low-budget sci-fi films of the '50s and the golden age of camp. L*J •i^-j 7:30 p.m. at the Van Fleet Theatre in the Columbus k -L Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave., Columbus, OH Columbus, 43215. Tickets are $15-$25. There are FAMILY PRIDE NETWORK six performances scheduled through Saturday, Sept. 29. More info: evolutiontheatre.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Pathways to Parenthood: Fundraiser Kent State University Rainbow Run 9am-12pm The third annual Rainbow Run, hosted by the Kent Sessions include State LGBTQ Student Center, will help replenish Adoption, Foster its Emergency Fund, which supports students Parenting, Surrogacy & who are in crisis, sometimes after being disowned by family for coming out. 7 p.m. at KSU's Risman * -1-, Assisted Reproduction, Plaza, Kent, 44243. Registration is $20 for and Financial Planning. students and $25 for non-students. More info: kent.edu/lgbtq. Resource & Book SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Fair, Lunch & Family Programming: •01 Health 11:30am-1:30pm ^r Trans Job Fair and Wellness Day ails & Res TransOhio is partnering with Clintonville Drew the Magician, Counseling & Wellness for this free event. Health familypridenetwork.org/events Face-Painting, a Balloon- topics include voice therapy, insurance coverage, Artist, lunch from City medical options and coming out; employers Barbecue, Resource Fair, in attendance will include Equitas Health, and more! Nationwide Children's Hospital, Donatos and Equitas i Chase. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Columbus Public Health, # Care for All 240 Parsons Ave., Columbus, 43215. More info: transohio.org. . J,

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

•01 Community PFLAG Cleveland Annual Picnic You don't need to be a PFLAG Cleveland member to attend, but please bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share and drinks for yourself. PFLAG will provide a meat and vegetarian main dish, utensils, plates, cups and napkins. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at Coe Lake Park, Berea, 44017. More info: pflagcleveland.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 ^ Health OCTOBER 6, 201810A-2P Wj Caracole Conference Topics include: Intersection of Opioids, HIV 4401 Hilton Corporate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232 and Hepatitis C; Best Practices Working With Those Living with HIV; Housing First/Permanent CELEBRATING LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH Supportive Housing; Motivational Interviewing; Ethics in the Digital World; Harm Reduction. 8 WITH THE THEME OF PERSEVERANCE a.m.-4 p.m. at the American Red Cross Building, 2111 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, 45207. More info: THROUGH ART caracole.org. FOOD TRUCKS PUBLIC CHALK CONTEST GROUP MURAL PROJECT

FEATURING CHALK ARTISTS Lisa McLymont, Tausha Cox, Brittney Barnhart, Larry Doyle, Fawn Baker, Amanda Cook, Duarte Brown, Larry Doyle, Stephanie Cieslak, and more! ARTCOLLEGEPREP.ORG

September 2018 PRIZMnews.com | 37 Integrated Pain Solutions FOR ACTIVE LIVING

Back Pain, Joint Pain, Cancer Pain Ohio Lesbian Festival Thursday, September 20-Sunday, September 23 Hoover Y-Park, Lockbourne "No matter what /our pain is, our All Women Are Welcome at Ohio Lesbian Festival tmitment is to you." "Years ago," say organizers of the Ohio Lesbian Festival, "the founding mothers made the radical political decision to use the word lesbian in the name of the music festival at a time when it was not socially acceptable and generally unsafe to do so." 614-383-6450 • ipscolumbus.com That was in 1989. These days, the word lesbian certainly isn't considered unacceptable, but as more women have begun to identify themselves as queer, it doesn't exactly seem de rigueur, either. But not the Ohio Lesbian Festival, which takes place from Thursday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 23 just south of Columbus. "The Ohio Lesbian Festival continues to carve out space created by lesbians," organizers say, although it's open for all women "to enjoy, share community, and connect in a rare and powerful way." And "all women" includes all women: lesbians, bisexual women, straight women, cisgender women, transgender women. The motto of the festival is SING WITH CG "All Womyn Welcome, Always." FORTHEHOLIDA The festival has a new location this year: Hoover Y Park, 1570 Rohr Road, Lockbourne, 43137. CGMC is dedicated to increasing iwareness of, and support for, the Entertainers include: entire LGBTQ+ community. Here's the entertainment schedule: Friday Night Stage: • Crys Matthews, winner of the 2017 NewSong Music Competition; singer and NO AUDITIONS! muralist Natalia Zukerman; and indie-pop artist Heather Mae. Rehearsals begin • Comic Mimi Gonzalez, who has appeared on Logo's "One Night Stand Up." fember. • Folk legend Ferron, who has recorded 15 albums since her 1977 debut. • Krudas Cubensi (pictured above), a queer, feminist Afro-Cuban hip hop duo that describes its music as "a weapon to fight oppression." r your FESTIVE self. CGMC.CO Saturday Day Stage: • Namoli Brennet, a folk-rock artist who was named to the inaugural Trans 100 list. • Tracy Walker, whose music sits at the crossroads of folk, rock, country, jazz and blues. •

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Photography by Jen Zmuda

And as a newlywed whose husband works as an to Broadway, where he danced with Bebe Neuwirth to Shanghai, where he's working on a project in assistant high school principal, he balances all that and Ann Reinking. partnership with the Chinese government. work with a happy home life in Columbus. Liang describes husband John Kuijper as "one of my biggest He also danced with the Nederlands Dans Theater The trip also gave Liang a chance to travel to Tibet, supporters" and a tireless advocate for the ballet, but and Norwegian National Ballet. where he met with the Dalai Lama's top deputy. he cherishes the time they share outside all that. Liang accepted the job as artistic director of BalletMet, After China, Liang and Kuijper traveled to San When Liang isn't working, the couple enjoy nice his first time in such a role, and says he's working to Francisco to get married at City Hall. They meals—he calls himself a "foodie"—gardening, put Columbus on the map in the world of ballet. honeymooned in Sonoma. spending time with their dog and renovating their new home in German Village. "It is a balancing act, especially for what I feel my job When Liang speaks of Kuijper, his voice brightens. If is. I want to try to bring the best that I can around Kuijper is Liang's biggest fan, Liang also serves the "My partner loves projects and he loves gardening... the world to Columbus. I really feel like it's my job to same role for his husband. and I now love gardening myself, and trees, and being bring ballets that have changed the dance landscape able to nurture that part of our creativity." and choreographers who are a part of that." "He's an assistant principal. He was at South High School, but he's now at Briggs. He is inspired by Liang's mission and vision is to bring world-class art, It's a challenge he says his company can handle. Columbus City Schools and urban teaching and artists and dance lo Columbus, all while fostering administration. He really feels like he can do some creativity among his dancers, collaborating with other "Because of the beautiful dancers I have at BalletMet, good. He taught in the South Side of Chicago for 13 performance companies and showing the breadth of they have the ability to span completely modern to years, so he has a lot of experience," Liang says. "He's dance in each season's lineup. very classical ballets. And I think that it's really my biggest advocate here, and he's one of my biggest important for BalletMet to show a breadth of what supporters." Dance observers say he's succeeding. Dance dance is." International magazine credits him with "reinventing" Liang and Kuijper have been together eight years. BalletMet by raising the level of both artistry and Liang is a choreographical artistic director, meaning They lived in Chicago's Gold Coast before moving to technique. Others say Liang has refreshed the he's not only in charge of managing staff and Columbus for Liang's job with BalletMet. company's repertoire. dancers, budgets and planning each season, he also choreographs many of those performances, too. He "Edwaard was forever traveling for his work He has been the artistic director in Columbus for five choreographs for companies around world as well internationally," Kuijper says. "We chose Columbus years, but his roots aren't in the Midwest. Liang was and says his travels inspire much of his choreography so we could settle down, have a home with a garden born in Taiwan and moved to California's Bay Area and space for us to relax and entertain with our little when he was 5 years old. At 13, he moved to New This summer he traveled a little more than usual. pug, Spanky." York to study dance at the School of American Ballet, After Ballet Met wrapped up its season in May, and he stayed in New York for the next 25 years. Liang flew to Hamburg, Germany, to work with the Kuijper calls his husband both passionate and Liang worked as a member of the corps de ballet and Hamburg Ballet on a new work. He then spent some mission-driven, and he's proud of Liang's efforts to soloist at the New York City Ballet before moving on time in New York and Los Angeles before traveling enrich the quality of BalletMet's Dance Academy for

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EquitasHealthPharmacy.com children as young as 3. "He embraces began in 2014 and had a sequel in 2016. continual improvement," Kuijper says, "and as an educator I'm always paying In his five years with BalletMet, Liang attention to those who lead not only says he has learned that the trajectory by words but by example." of reward for an artistic director is different than that of a dancer or When Liang chooses performances choreographer. for the BalletMet season, it's again all about balance. He looks for full- "Choreographers, within a couple lengths that will invite family-friendly of months or weeks, are able to see audiences, as well as programs that are the fruits of their labor. Dancers are cutting-edge. the same way; every day they see growth or a challenge when they get "I'm super excited to bring Christopher to perform new ballets. But an artistic Wheeldon and Justin Peck to director's arc in their career is very Columbus. This will be Wheeldon's different, and that was new. It's been third ballet at BalletMet, but 'After the much longer," Liang says. Rain' is one of his masterpieces," Liang says of the first installation of the "In these past five years, I'm just 2018-19 BalletMet season, "Lineage: A starting to see the fruits of my labor Collection of Short Ballets." and the development of the artists and of the company and how our The triple-bill consists of Wheeldon's branding efforts have changed. We're "After the Rain," Peck's "In Creases," revitalizing BalletMet's name, not and George Balanchine's "Square only in Columbus, but nationally. We Dance." "After the Rain" debuted at want to be known and be a part of the the New York City Ballet in 2005 with dance landscape, and hopefully be Liang in one of the lead roles. celebrated one day."

Peck's piece premiered in 2012, when Because of Liang's background as a the choreographer was just 24 years dancer and choreographer, he tries to old. He's now the New York City encourage his own dancers to create Ballet's resident choreographer and and choreograph. caused a stir in ballet circles last fall when he recast one of his pieces with "I'm still trying to find different two men in the central pas de deux. platforms for our dancers to be creative and support them in their journey," he "Justin Peck, 1 would say, is the golden says. That's definitely on the horizon boy of dance right now," Liang says. for me. It takes time to program and "He just won a Tony Award, so in this develop and make sure that you do program, we have two Tony Award- things with integrity. I'm hoping to winning choreographers with 'Square push more. I think that it's still more Dance' by Balanchine, which is another of a desire than an actuality, but it's masterpiece." coming."

BalletMet also will perform its yearly It's all part of the balance. production of "The Nutcracker" in December, then "Don Quixote" and FIND OUT MORE "Cinderella" before ending the season with a triple-bill of Liang's short To learn more about Edwaard Liang ballets in late May. and his career, visit edwaardliang.com. You also can follow him on Instagram "The season is spanning longer than ©edwaardliang. Find BalletMet's we ever have. We are also going to YouTube channel and do a search on do the arts festival in June," Liang YouTube for Edwaard Liang to see says. "We have never had a triple-bill interviews and videos of his dancing or program in the end of May, so I and choreography. really want to test out the market in Columbus and hopefully we can do BalletMet will celebrate its 45th more summer programs and festivals year in 2019. Visit balletmet.org for so I can provide more weeks of work information about the 2018-19 season. for the dancers and the company. That also means I can bring more dance to Columbus in the summertime."

Collaborating with other performing arts companies is something Liang loves. The company is working with Shadowbox, a Columbus performance troupe, for Liang's short ballet, ErinMcCallaisa "Wunderland," and there are talks of freelance writer from Columbus, and her doing a third installation of "Twisted," favorite ballet a performance with the Columbus is "Giselle." Symphony and Opera Columbus that Photos by Jen Zmuda

September 2018 PRIZMnews.com THE ARTS ISSUE A Balancing Act Edwaard Liang travels the world as a much-in- demand choreographer. But he always comes home to Columbus, his husband and his job as artistic director for BalletMet.

Lost and Found 31 m*. Cleveland-bred, Nashville based singer Anne E. DeChant has long included personal stories in her work. r" "i.of her new songs, "What Do You Care," tells a story we all can relate to.

*n '••- i LGBTQ Must-Sees As Elton John passes through Ohio to say farewell, a imhor r\i i in-anrl -rnminn I f^RTPt ar-Hctc aro c+nnninn I by to say hello. Here's your first look at the coming y season's schedule of concerts, stage productions, art exhibits and other performances by some our community's brighest talent.

Art for Life Two prints by the late Keith Haring are the stars of i^ySar's Art for Life, the biennial fundraising auction y] .at benefits Equitas Health's HIV/AIDS treatment and services across Ohio.

POLITICS

The Real Mike De\ SJ* The Republican nominee for governor isn't too enthusiastic about sharing his views on the important issues facing LGBTQ Ohioans. A look at his rec~ shows \ V FASHION Stylish brands are ushering in t iningsof a new ill wardrobe, and where better t. . sually chic than O/J the Cincinnat)tii Art MiispiimMuseum? Z—~~t

/ K, PARTMENTS / >m the Editor 7 /

s Flash 32 One of Us 34 Jessica Wojtasek Calendar of Events 36 Oil on canvas > esswo.com . ,'ojtasek is one of 92 artists wl iL» IS Sept. 15 at Art for Life, the biennial fundr "See more Art for Life pieces on Page 20. me of Ellen's line: "I don't want to marry a goat! I don't even want to date a goat!"—I flicked the good angel off my shoulder and jumped in the fray.

PTIZM I told her that heterosexual "preferences" are shoved in people's faces face every day, on "The Bachelor," Lebber in 99.9 percent of movies and love songs, in every hip- hop video. I told her it's not a "preference." Chief Executive Officer Bill Hardy From I told her that when we take our concerns to courts, President people like her say we're trying to "legislate from the Joel Diaz bhe bench" and tell us to talk to our legislators. When we appeal to our legislators, they say we should get Publisher Edibor public support first. And when we try to talk about Carol Zimmer Clark our issues publicly, people like her say we're throwing [email protected] our sexuality in their faces. Editor In Prizm's first year of publication—the issue in your BobVitale I told her that an 18-year-old simply saying he's gay [email protected] hands is No. 12!—it has been an absolute thrill to is not talking about sex. Garrett Baldwin's sexual see the impact of our efforts to elevate the stories of orientation is relevant because he is running against Creative Director LGBTQ Ohioans: an Ohio legislator who is hostile to the idea of LGBTQ Staley Jophiel Munroe people being treated equally in Ohio. [email protected] • In January, we reported on the gap between Cleveland's lived equality for LGBTQ residents and city Finally, I told her that the magazine I edit spotlights Designer government's comparative lack of efforts to address Patrick Butler LGBTQ Ohioans and the issues that affect us because [email protected] our needs. It sparked an effort by community leaders we live in a world where LGBTQ kids are five times and city officials to do better; the city now has LGBTQ more likely to attempt suicide. I told her that's because Advertising Director liaisons in Mayor Frank Jackson's office and the of the hate and shame thrown at them constantly. Joe Matessa Division of Police to carry concerns to the people who [email protected] can address them. At Toledo Pride last month, as my boyfriend and I watched young people dance down Summit Street Contributing Writers • In June, we were the first news outlet to report with rainbow, bi and trans flags tied around their Erin McCalla, Staley Munroe, Bridget on plans for a raucous, joyous protest/dance party shoulders, I thought about my own youth there in the Sarpong, Gregg Shapiro in Columbus on a day thai brought the opening early 1980s. of Columbus Pride and a visit to the city by Vice President Mike "He Wants to Hang Them All" Pence. Contributing Photographers People whispered—actually, they gossiped and Tom Apathy, Allison Burk, Lisa McLymont, It was a story eventually covered by everyone from laughed openly—about a former basketball star from BobVitale, Jen Zmuda The Columbus Dispatch to CNN to The Guardian of my high school who supposedly had been seen coming London. out of The Open Closet, a local gay bar. I feared if the day would ever come when they'd whisper and gossip Prizm encourages feedback from • Prizm wasn't the first outlet to write about an anti- and laugh about me. our readers. Share your comments at trans Ohio House bill introduced by two Cincinnati- [email protected] area Republicans, but we were the first to focus on The don'l-shove-it-in-my-face lady might prefer a world a provision that would charge teachers with a felony where everyone whispers about who's gay or lesbian For news consideration, event listings, letters to the editor and inquiries about if they don't tattle on children who show undefined or bi or trans. She might prefer a world where she owns freelance writing, email signs of gender dysphoria. Our story was chased by the word queer and gets to wield it as a weapon. [email protected] The Cincinnati Enquirer and later picked up by USA Today, Time, CNN, ABC, NBC and other national news But I like the world and the Toledo of today, where For photography submissions and organizations. kids wear glitter on their cheeks and don't give a damn inquiries about modeling/styling what others think. They own the word queer, and they assignments, email • The cover story from our July issue about Garrett wear it as proudly as they wear those flags. [email protected] Baldwin, an openly gay high school senior from Mechanicsburg who is challenging anti-LGBTQ state Telling our community's stories—telling your stories— Fairand accurate reporting is critical to our mission. Rep. Nino Vitale in the Nov. 6 elections, prompted is an important part of creating the change we all want If you discover an error, please contact our editor, stories in LGBTQ Nation, OutSports, HuffPost Queer to see. Bob Vitale, [email protected]. Voices, Instinct and other websites. At Prizm, we're just getting started. Address subscription inquiries to It was one woman's reaction after WCMH-TV in Carol Clark, Prizm Magazine Columbus aired a story about Baldwin, though, that 7575 Huntington Park Drive, made me even more energized to share the stories of Columbus. Ohio. 43235 LGBTQ Ohioans.

© 2018 Prizm magazine A woman whose other posts include advice to For permissions and questions contact [email protected]. schoolchildren to "just be nice" had doubled- and tripled-down on her ignorance with a series of Bob Vitale Prizm is a proud member of the National comments on the station's Facebook page. Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce "Who cares what his sex preference is ??'• Cover photo by Jen Zmuda "Fight for civil rights, good. Shoving one's sexual preference in everyone's lives, not good. ... Take the agenda to courts, not the streets and media."

When she finally got around to equating homosexuality with bestiality—they always do, and it always reminds

September 2018 PRIZMnews.com The Real Mike DeWine

The Republican candidate for governor doesn't want to talk about LGBTQ issues, but his record speaks for itself.

By Bob Vitale began taking a more prominent spot on the year when AIDS was the leading cause of death for national agenda during the 1990s, his positions Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. For a moment, Mike DeWine played the part of have been closely aligned with some of our politician just as you'd expect from a man who community's most notorious foes. In 1995, Equitas Health President and CEO Bill has been running for office since the year ABBA Hardy was in his second year as head of what was released "Dancing Queen." "Mike Dewine is not a friend of the LGBT then the AIDS Foundation Miami Valley in Dayton. community," says Edward Feighan, who served He remembers well what he and others were up The Republican nominee for governor of Ohio alongside the Republican in the U.S. House against as they urged lawmakers to help. "It was gave me a hearty handshake and a big smile when for eight years in the 1980s. Feighan, who easier for them to send HIV funding for innocent I introduced myself in an emptying Hilton ballroom represented suburban areas of Cuyahoga County, children than approve domestic funding for gay in Columbus. I had just been part of a panel left Congress in 1993 and came out as gay in 1995. men who got the disease because of their, quote, discussion on diversity and inclusion, and he 'immoral lifestyles,'" he says. had just accepted a local business newspaper's "He was a pleasant colleague to work with," diversity award for programs in the Ohio attorney Feighan says. "But he is a danger to the LGBT "That's the other part of Mike DeWine's legacy," general's office. community in Ohio." Hardy says. "His record on LGBT equality isdismal. He's done nothing." "Yeah! I saw you up there!" DeWine gushed. I got AN UNHEALTHY START to the point. NO ON NONDISCRIMINATION Afterfourterms intheU.S. Houseandfouryearsas "Given the theme of the day," I said, "could I ask Ohio's lieutenant governor, DeWine was elected to For the first time ever, the U.S. Senate scheduled you a few questions about LGBTQ issues?" the U.S. Senate in 1994. a vote in 1996 on the Employment Non- Discrimination Act, which would have added sexual The smile disappeared from the face of the man In July 1995, as the Senate took up reauthorization orientation to the nation's nondiscrimination laws. who had just been so glad-handingly friendly. We of the Ryan White Act, he supported an amendment (Early versions of the bill did not cover gender stood silent for a few seconds. "We're not doing offered by the late, legendary homophobe, Jesse identity and expression.) interviews today," he said finally. Helms, as part of the North Carolina senator's efforts to slash federal AIDS spending. The Feighan, newly out and back in Ohio, called his "Well, it's not an interview, really," I responded. disease, Helms contended, didn't deserve so old colleague from the U.S. House. Advocates "Just a couple questions about things like much attention. It was a result of "deliberate, knew the Senate vote was going to be close; nondiscrimination and..." disgusting, revolting conduct," he said. It was Vice President Al Gore was on standby in case he "transmitted by people deliberately engaging in needed to break a tie. "We're not doing interviews today," DeWine said unnatural acts." again as he walked away. His press secretary Feighan told DeWine why—and for whom—a told me by email the next day that the attorney In subsequent years, DeWine would be lauded— nondiscrimination law was needed. general had been unable to talk because he had he was congratulated by Bono in 2003—for to get going to a 2 p.m. press conference. From the supporting U.S. efforts to fight AIDS in Africa "I told him that I was lucky to have a very supportive looks of a later Facebook post, though, he still had and the Caribbean. But the Helms amendment he and loving family," he recalls. "I told him, 'This is not enough time on his way out the door to gather nine voted for would have erased federal funding to goingtoaffectmy life, Mike. Nobodyisgoingtofire employees, make sure one of them was holding gay community health centers around the United me. Nobody is going to deny me an apartment.' But that just-won diversity plaque and summon up States that were providing care to people with I told him there are a lot of young people in danger another smile for a photographer. AIDS. because their bosses or landlords suspect—not even know, but suspect-they might be lesbian or But DeWine's reaction to my invitation to share DeWine's vote to defund AIDS treatment for gay gay or bisexual." his views on LGBTQ issues with LGBTQ Ohioans men came the same year that AIDS deaths hit their shouldn't be surprising. Ever since our issues peak in the United States and in Ohio. It was also a And then Feighan went there. "I said, 'Mike, you

September 2018 PRIZMnews.com Now is a good time to start your next adventure

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