8 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

NOVEMBER 22, 1996

New Columbus eatery to donate a share to gay groups

by Bruce D. Mann Columbus-The lesbian and gay community will be adding a unique new restaurant to its list of dining establishments when the gay-themed Out on Main opens on November 29. The restaurant will be donating a portion of its profits to several organizations, many of which serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Owners and life partners Michael Caven and Thomas Grote have also assembled an eclectic array of lesbian and gay memorabilia to decorate the restaurant, including Elton John's multi-colored costume from his 1980 Central Park concert.

"I can see how someone might think we're creating a gay Planet Hollywood or Hard Rock Cafe," said Caven, “but we envision a place where everyone, not just gays and lesbians, can gather in an atmosphere of affirmation and support, and eat great food."

The "upscale-casual" menu will be served in three distinct dining areas, named "Celebration," "Intimacy” and “Gathering." An espresso and pastry center and piano bar will also be housed in the 125-year-old renovated brick building.

Craven and Grote commissioned a series of wall murals that include the Elton John costume, a Liberace ensemble, Melissa Etheridge's guitar, and a pair of Greg Louganis' Speedos.

"We want to celebrate the cultural and historical impact of lesbians and gays on our society," said Caven.

Out on Main also intends to not only reflect these contributions, but contribute something back to the community as well, by donating 10 percent of the restaurant's profits to benefit a variety of groups under the auspices of FLIP, a foundation created by Caven and Grote.

"FLIP stands for Freedom, Love, Inspiration and Progress," said Grote, who also serves as one of its trustees. "From the day

Michael and I first discussed this project, we have been absolutely dedicated to the concept of making Out on Main work for the community."

Among the organizations to benefit from FLIP are Choices, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, AIDS Service Connection, Stonewall Community Center, the Ohio Human Rights Bar Association, the King Arts Center, and the National Organization on Male Sexual Victimization.

The groups will receive $500 checks as part of Out on Main's grand opening on the day after Thanksgiving at 11 am.

Artist Ife Franklin, illustrator and writer Michael Willhoite (Daddy's Roommate), and editor Kevin Jennings (One Teacher in Ten) will present the endowments, to be known as the FLIP Awards.

Out on Main is located at 122 E. Main St. and can be contacted by calling 614224-9520.

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Homophobia never mentioned in 'talk show' case

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have trouble dealing with all that stuff," juror Joyce O'Brien said.

Jeffrey Montgomery, president of the Triangle Foundation, a Michigan gay and lesbian anti-violence agency, said that homophobia has been underplayed in the

trial.

"In a healthy society, the gender of the two parties should not be regarded as so volatile an issue that an individual would be driven to kill an unrequited admirer,” Montgomery said.

The case and all of its extensive mainstream media coverage-focused attention

on "ambush television" and titillating daytime TV tactics. Homophobia was never mentioned.

'He's gay, I'm not. That's why I killed him.”

-Jonathan Schmitz

Montgomery said that by focusing on the role that the Jenny Jones show played in Schmitz's "humiliation," lawyers ignored the central issue.

"In their efforts to frame a defense for the indefensible, the lawyers [sought] to divert attention from the cold facts of the case, specifically, that Jon was offended by being publicly identified as the object of another man's fantasy” said Montgomery. “We have said from the outset that this case is about anti-gay attitudes and one man's incapacity to deal with homosexual attraction.”

Schmitz could get anywhere from eight years to life in prison with the possibility of parole when he is sentenced Dec. 4. Firstdegree murder carries no hope of parole.

In a separate case, Scott Amedure's fam ily is suing the Jenny Jones producers for $25 million.

Oven

announces the

Productions

1997 Womyn's Variety Show Planning meetings

Mark your calendar today & get involved in the most exciting womyn-only event in Cleveland!! Come to the very first meeting with your ideas: Acts (singers, musicians, comedians, dancers,

performance artists, poets and anything goes) Party Crew Stagecrew

Brainstorming for skits

Volunteering

Backstage

Recycling

Security

Vendors

Tech

Door

All meetings listed below will be held at the Unitarian Society. 2785 Lancashire Rd, Cleveland Hgts.

Kickoff meeting Sunday, Dec. 8, 1996, 7PM

Sunday, Dec. 15, 1996, 7PM

Sunday, Dec. 22, 1996, 7PM

MC auditions

Sunday, Jan. 19, 1997, 6PM

ARTISTS!! SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK FOR SHOW LOGO BY DECEMBER 22.

Call the Oven office at 321-7799 and leave your name and phone number if you cannot attend, but would like to volunteer.

Enjoy the holidays with

Oven Productions An Evening At

The Inn on Coventry

2785 Euclid Hgts. Blvd., Cleveland Hgts.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 14, 1996

Dinner 8pm 10pm

Karaoke with Singing Sandy 10pm ??

$20 per person includes dinner, coffee, dessert and Karaoke

After 10pm $5 admission for Karaoke only Cash Bar

For reservations, tickets & menu selection call 216-371-1811

▾Tickets must be purchased in advance ▾

Womyn only & smoke-free event Limited seating is available