GAY PEOPLE'S

Chronicle

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Ohio's Newspaper for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community www.GayPeoplesChronicle.com Volume 27, Issue 13 December 16, 2011

Teen gets 90 days for attack on classmate

by Anthony Glassman

Chillicothe-An October 17 attack on a gay classmate at UnionScioto High School has earned a student 90 days in juvenile detention.

Ross County Juvenile Court Judge Richard Ward handed down the sentence on November 29, also ordering that Levi Sever, 15, attend mental health counseling and take classes while serving his sentence. He pleaded guilty to a count of assault.

Sever has not been back to Union-Scioto High School since his attack on Zach Huston. He was originally suspended for three days, but Huston's mother, Rebecca Collins, accused the school of having ignored previous complaints of bullying.

She narrated a video that was posted to Facebook and YouTube of the attack on her son, which showed Sever lying in wait for Huston before attacking him, and Huston trying to get away before being knocked down and pummeled.

Ross County Prosecutor Matt Schmidt said at the time that his office was weighing charges, and had requested a report on Huston's injuries before deciding whether to file assault or felonious assault charges. Huston suffered chipped teeth and a possible concussion in the attack.

While the school district has an anti-bullying policy, as required by state law, the policy does not specifically address sexual orientation, nor does Ohio's anti-bullying statute enumerate categories. State Rep. Nickie Antonio of Lakewood has introduced a bill that would change that, adding categories including sexual orientation.

Collins, who went to the ACLU on behalf of her son, was angered at the school's seemingly lackadaisical early response. The school's administration backpedaled, however, when the video was televised on local news.

Huston told WBNS Channel 10 in Columbus that the, school ini-

ked down and pumtially blamed him for the attack.

Two days before the attack, Sever posted a comment on one of Huston's Facebook photos, saying, "Check out the definition of a fag.'"

"He basically said, 'There's a few

gay kids in school and you're the only one they have problems with. So, what can you do to tone yourself down?" "Huston said.

Browns linebacker makes marriage video

by Anthony Glassman

Cleveland-A familiar face to Browns fans has added his voice to the campaign for marriage equality.

Super Bowl champion Scott Fujita, a Browns linebacker, recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's "Americans for Marriage Equality" campaign, released on December 7.

He joins basketball player Steve Nash, hockey player Sean Avery and football players Michael Strahan and Brendan Ayanbadejo.

"I'm Scott Fujita and I support marriage equality. As an NFL linebacker, I play the game tough but

fair. I've been married for 12 years, and I know that it is unfair to keep other loving, committed couples from getting married and protecting their families," he says in the video. "Please join me and a majority of Americans and support marriage equality."

In addition to sports stars, others who have added their weight to the campaign range from Newark Mayor Cory Booker and NAACP chairman Julian Bond to actorcomedian John Leguizamo and Mo'Nique.

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Andrew Larsen presents the Founder's Award to Doug Lamielle at the 34th annual Holiday with Heart Charity Gayla on December 3 at the Toledo Club.

'Holiday with Heart' brings in $10,000 for two Toledo causes

by Rick Cornett

Toledo-The 34th Annual Holiday with Heart Charity Gayla sold out the main dining room at the Toledo Club for the second year in a row on December 3. Partygoers were even seated out in the entry hallway leading into the dining room.

Just over 300 people came to the event, which raised over $10,000 for this year's two benefiting charities, the Pride of Toledo Foundation and AIDS research by Dr. Joan Duggan at the University of Toledo Medical College.

The Pride of Toledo Foundation puts on the Toledo Pride Parade and Festival in August.

The evening was dedicated to founding committee member Dick Flock, who died in September at the age of 78. His partner of 35 years, Ed Hoffman, spoke in his memory.

The annual Founder's Award was presented to the Flower Market for ten years of donations to

this charity;d the award was accepted by store manager Doug Lamielle. The Flower Market has donated over $8,000 in floral arrangements over the past decade.

Last year's recipient, Terry Hymore, owner of Ripcord and Blush bars, donated all the desserts for the third year in a row, to the delight and gratitude of the organizing committee.

Entertainment was provided by the legendary Twila Starr and the lovely MaKayla Sinclaire Styles as DJ Dan Cheney pumped out the music. There was also a sexy fashion show presented by Steve Brown, owner of City Boyz Menswear, with two hot models. Additional funds were raised with a 50/ 50 raffle. The raffle winner donated the purse back to Holiday with Heart.

Committee members Rick Cornett, Andrew Larsen, Wayne North, David Bingham, Ed Hoffman and new member

Inside This Issue

Kenyetta White gave special thanks to volunteer coordinator Billy Mann and his team, Mitchell Perez, Emily Hickey, Ashley Ward, Maggie Vetter, Kelly Staufer, Don Srozynski and Michelle Fortress.

The Toledo Free Press was the official media sponsor for the second year, and editor-in-chief Michael Miller and his wife Shannon attended again. Other media sponsors include Pride's Eye, Outlines Toledo and Tagala newsletter.

The evening was a glittering night of pride for the local LGBT community to come together to celebrate the holidays in grand style and benefit others.

"We are proud to say we are still standing after thirty four years and this has become the premier social event for the Toledo gay community," said one board member. "It is sad, but all our other social events and benefits are gone: SRO,

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U.S. takes major stand for worldwide LGBT rights

News Briefs.

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Charlie's Calendar

Restoring an icon to its

Resource Directory Classifieds .......

community

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