Stonewall Columbus

The Center on High - Columbus, Ohio's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center

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The Big Give

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The Big Give is back, only a few days away, and bigger than ever! As I’m sure you know, The Big Give is a 24-hour, online, giving rally, and Columbus’s biggest charity event. It starts on Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. and ends on Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m.

When you give to Stonewall Columbus during The Big Give, your donation will be increased by their $1.3 million bonus pool.  (For example, and keeping the math easy, if a bonus pool of $1,000,000 is available and the total amount raised during The Big Give is $4,000,000, then 25 cents will be added to every dollar donated.) On top of that, The Columbus Foundation is waiving all processing fees, so all of your donation will go directly to Stonewall Columbus!

All you have to do on May 12th to donate to Stonewall Columbus and invest in Central Ohio’s LGBT Community, is follow this link: The Big Give – Stonewall Columbus.

Or take the scenic route and visit The Columbus Foundation, click on The Big Give banner, and then select Stonewall Columbus, Inc.

You can learn more about the amazing work Stonewall Columbus does for the LGBTQ Community in Central Ohio by going here.

If you have any questions about how to give through The Big Give or to Stonewall Columbus in general, contact Shane McClelland at smcclelland@stonewallcolumbus.org or 614-930-2263.

 

Spirit Day Vigil 2014

The Annual Spirit Day Candlelight Vigil was held in Goodale Park on Thursday, October 16, 2014.

We organize the vigil to show awareness for those LGBTQ people that have taken their lives or have been impacted by bullying.

Get more information about Spirit Day on the GLAAD Website.

Photos

(Click Here to View the Photos on a Mobile Device)

Speakers

Dr. Tamara Davis of the Alcohol, Drug, And Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH)

Cheryl Ward of Columbus Public Schools

Karen Izzi Gallagher

Cory Chan-Frederick, Alwin Chan-Frederick, and Aleta Polley

Musical Performance by Rain Maxwell, Student and Fort Hayes High School

Treatment Works. Recovery Happens.

Looking for a counselor? ADAMH provides the funding for our Free Counselor at the Center, Emily Clark. Click Here for more information.

One of the goals at ADAMH is to provide information to Franklin County citizens about issues like mental illness and substance abuse, in an effort to reduce the stigma or misconceptions associated with behavioral health care issues. It is always great to learn more about mental illness, treatment, and recovery.

Few may know mental illness is a common but treatable, health condition, similar to heart disease and diabetes. Mental illness affects the brain and is best treated by a healthcare professional. Examples include: stress, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

The approach to treatment for mental illness differs from person to person, with many different types of treatment available. Treatment needs to be individualized to be most effective. Some examples include: counseling, medication, outpatient or in-patient treatment.

Of the many who receive treatment for their mental illness most can and will recover. Recovery means different things to different people. Recovery can mean a person with a mental health or substance abuse problem is living a healthy, productive life, has a job, is raising and caring for a family, lives independently or volunteers in the community.

Contrary to many beliefs, mental illness can happen to anyone. It can be a friend, neighbor, family member, or spouse. The truth is one and four people will be affected by a mental illness or substance abuse issue in their lifetime. For this reason, it is important to know the facts.

With proper treatment, most children and adults can recover and go on to lead healthy, productive lives.

Do not let stigma prevent you from getting the care you or a family member needs. Seek the advice of a healthcare professional. For more information, visit the ADAMH website at www.adamhfranklin.org.

Sincerely,

David Royer
CEO
ADAMH Board of Franklin County

Stonewall Columbus Announces City Funding to help with Capital Improvements

Councilwoman Tyson and Karla Rothan

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWn28-GtAQg[/youtube]

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

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

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

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

Dykes on Mics Interview NFL PLayer and Super Ally Kris Kluwe

Dykes on Mics

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

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

Athlete Ally

Chris Kluwe

Chris’ Official Twitter

2012 Year in Review

Stonewall Columbus 2012 Year in Review

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

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

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

Robby Does Jazzercise – Lavender Limelight

By Robby Stephens

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

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

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

Christine describes her business this way:

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

Watch Robby’s Interview with Christine
 [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-4KG7AmzEM[/youtube]

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

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

 

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

 

Alone with Mr. Bergeron

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

Alone With Mr. Carter Official Website

The Sunday Brunch LGBT Bowling League

by Robby Stephens

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

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

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

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

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