6
Take a look at GLBT life 'back in the day'
by Kellye Pinkleton
Columbus-Ever wonder what GLBT life was like 20 years ago, 50 years ago?
Gay and lesbian bars were few, located in the worst parts of town and frequently raided by the police.
People were actually arrested for being dressed in clothing that did not correspond with their biological gender.
A couple who wished to rent an apartment together had to tell the landlord they were related to each other.
Private house parties were the predominant way to socialize and GLBT people met through complicated private social networks, while the secret language of glances and covert meeting places was the norm.
The GLBT community was small enough to be a community where almost everyone knew each other.
Two panel discussions examining GLBT life in Central Ohjo from the 1940s through the 1980s are planned as part of the Stonewall Columbus Pride celebration. Both panels will feature community leaders and other longtime and former Columbus residents. Panelists will share memories about their personal life experiences and how the local community has evolved and grown.
"Because our community existed on the fringes of society for many years, most of our history is only preserved through oral storytelling," said Rob Berger, event coordinator and past Stonewall board president.
"Stonewall Columbus encourages you to come out for an evening and hear the tragic and triumphant stories that make up our past."
Panel members will talk about "coming out" and being "in the closet," dating, relationships, social activities, scandals and controversies, politics, religion, and the birth and evolution of local GLBT organizations.
The first panel will be moderated by Columbus city councilmember Mary Jo Hudson and the second panel will be moderated by former Stonewall Columbus board president Douglas Whaley.
Both events are free and will be at the Stonewall Community Center, 1160 North High Street.
GLBT History: 1940s through 1970s will be June 15 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The panel members are Steve Shellabarger, Fred Holdridge, and Orn Huntington. This event will be moderated by Mary Jo Hudson.
GLBT History after 1981-the year Stonewall Columbus was founded-will be June 21 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The panel members are Chris Cozad, Elliot Fishman, Douglas Whaley, Dan Willis and Linda Schuler. This event will be moderated by Douglas Whaley.
For more information on these events or any Stonewall Columbus Pride Holiday activities, contact Dean Hindenlang, Pride Coordinator, at 614-930-2262 or by e-mail at dhindenlang@stonewallcolumbus.org.
Kellye Pinkleton is the interim executive director of Stonewall Columbus.
AIDS Walk Central Ohio to add a bike race this year
by Shawn Lucus
Columbus-More than 3,000 people from across the Central Ohio area are expected to take to the streets on Saturday, September 16, for the Dr. Robert J. Fass Memorial AIDS Walk and 5K Run. The event will raise muchneeded funds for ten local AIDS service organizations.
The walk and run are Central Ohio's largest AIDS fundraising event. The routes will wind through the Arena District and the Short North.
Since its inception in 1995, AIDS Walk and 5K Run Central Ohio has attracted the participation of thousands of people and businesses, raising nearly $2 million for the ten organizations.
The agencies that will receive financial support from it are:
•Camp Sunrise
• Columbus AIDS Task Force
• Delaware County AIDS Task Force •FACES, Family AIDS Clinic and Educational Services
• First Love
• Ohio AIDS Coalition
• Pater Noster House
• Project OpenHand Columbus • Tobias Project
• Union County AIDS Task Force Anyone can participate by calling 614447-5050 or by registering online at www.aidswalkcentralohio.org.
Keep checking the website for timeline updates and information on a new bike race that is coming for 2006.
There is no entrance fee to participate, but all walkers are encouraged to collect pledges by asking family, friends and co-workers to sponsor them. There is a minimum $25 donation to participate in the 5K Run. Corporate sponsor information is available online at www.aidswalkcentralohio.org or e-mail
aidswalk@catf.net.
Shawn Lucus is the project director for the Dr. Robert J. Fass Memorial AIDS Walk and 5k Run Central Ohio.
Pride Guide 2006
GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE
13
CASSI SHAFFER
Katie McKee, program director for Camp Sunrise, lower left, poses with members of the Columbus Comets women's professional football team on May 20.
The Perry Middle School powderpuff football team raised $256 for Camp Sunrise at the game, which saw the Comets trounce the West Michigan Mayhem, 30-7.
C-7
Camp Sunrise helps make HIV bearable for kids
by Katie McKee
For the past twelve years, Camp Sunrise has provided a week of summer camp for children across Ohio who are living with or impacted by HIV and AIDS.
For many children, this camp is a break from the day-to-day stressors they face throughout the year. Camp Sunrise eliminates the isolation surrounding HIV and AIDS and provides these children with a supportive environment in which they can discuss these issues without the fear of persecution or rejection.
Pam, a parent of three children who have attended Camp Sunrise, describes why this summer camp is an integral part of their lives.
"My children have been blessed to attend Camp Sunrise for ten years now," she said. "It is a camp where they can discuss HIV and AIDS without being traumatized. They have the freedom to be themselves, not a disease. They get to be children, and I do not have to worry about whether or not they are getting their medications-everyone at camp knows how important those medications are—and I do not have to worry about if they are having fun. They keep going back. Thank you, Camp Sunrise for being a very important part of making HIV/AIDS bearable."
Her son talks about camp as “a place I can go where no one judges me and where I do not have to show off to be liked."
Lead by a team of over sixty volunteers, Camp Sunrise looks forward to empowering children throughout Ohio who are impacted by HIV and AIDS until a cure is found. Camp Sunrise is always accepting donations and in-kind support. For more information, visit the website www.sunrisekids.org or contact kmckee@atfgc.org or 216-
432-9544.
Katie McKee is the program coordinator for Camp Sunrise.
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