outlook: columbus
outlook: columbus is a monthly produced publication with content that contains both locally and nationally focused features with a mix of columns, editorials, arts & entertainment, sports, celebrity interviews and community news. The publication replaced Outlook Weekly as the company’s primary publication. The magazine can be found for free in over 800 locations within the Columbus area including local libraries, restaurants, and night clubs or by paid, home-delivery subscription. outlook: columbus differentiates itself from similar GLBT publications by its advertising. outlook doesn’t limit it’s partners to gay-owned or gay-themed advertisers but also gay-friendly or straight owned but open-minded type businesses including national advertisers Bank One, Time Warner, and American Express among local businesses. The magazine’s content is diverse as well, targeting a large cross section of the community while at the same time speaking to specific groups under the large GLBT umbrella. According to studies listed on their corporate website, outlook: columbus is the number one media choice for the Columbus GLBT and allied community, the number one media choice for newcomers to Columbus who have been in the city for 5 years or less, and the number two print choice for African Americans in Columbus.
Michael Daniels, The Rebel Commander (Co-owner, Publisher, Business Director)
Michael is a pinko-socialist tree-hugging neo-pagan gay who believes in marriage equality, universal health care, and magic of unicorns. Along with his trusty sidekick and husbwife, Noka Davers, he spends his time fighting injustice, educating the masses on the power of niche markets, and burning Karl Rove books on tape. To supplement his income and Noka’s shopping habits, he moonlights as a Marian Harris impersonator. He is the secret lovechild of Dixie Carter and Bea Arthur – inseminated with the seed of Harvey Milk – and enjoys Thai food, Americas Next Top Model marathons, and the color plaid. Signal the Rebel commander!
Christopher Hayes, Master of the Universe (Co-owner, Publisher, Editor in Chief)
Mr. Hayes thinks the world would be a much better place is Reagonomics actually worked, Iron Man was real, and there was a restaurant that just served corn. As Columbus’s most eligible bachelor that no one knows, he constantly wrestles with the paradox of being universally wanted while still having very few dates. As a Catholic, red(ish) head and dyslectic professional queer publisher, he lives a life of irony prolifically demonstrated by his allergy to ginger. Not nearly as poetic, Hayes is also allergic to nut-meg and onions, which make him a narcoleptic poopaholic, and his Thanksgiving dinner a bitch. When not drunk on Appletinis or Manhattans (yes you can like both) he enjoys waving at other Jeep owners, watching Cougar Town and dreaming of the day when Garbage will go back on tour. Ok, the last two happen whether he’s drunk or not. Hung-over or not, he’s always grateful for his family and friends who love him despite his incessant mumbling and his unnatural hostility when doped up on caffeine. By the power of ginger-skull!
Mary Malone, The Greatest Show on Earth (Account Executive)
Mary is the righteous mama of a 5-year-old daughter. Both enjoy playing dress-up, making up recipes from whatever’s left over in the fridge, and singing off key. (Mary is still trying to live down her late night impression of Nancy Sinatra’s, These Boots Are Made for Walking from two decades ago). With lots of experience in sales and advertising, she is now in charge of managing outlook’s newest endeavor, High St. Neighborhoods, all well as supporting the growth and success of outlook by promoting businesses to the most lucrative niche market in the city. As a queer deadhead and aspiring lesbian, she is a niche within a niche, and understands what it’s like to live outside the standard categories. Plus she knows just enough hippies (like her girlfriend Lisa) to help you disappear from the grid…. seriously. A moderate, and self-proclaimed Clinton-Democrat, she can successfully dodge all incriminating accusations and has mastered the art of answering a question with a question. Step into the center ring!
Robert Trautman, Purveyor of Visual Arts (Contributing Designer)
Traut is a highly caffeinated graphic designer whose job it is to understand the big picture and distill any complexities into engaging, attractive designs fit for public consumption. He’s pretty good at it too. His evenings are often spent listening to an array of noise from his diverse music collection while either painting, shooting photos or working on freelance projects. When not working in the outlook design sweatshop, he spends as much time as he possibly can with his wonderful, loving, and patient partner Jeff, who can sometimes be seen performing at area discotheques under the name of Candi Panties. Traut lives an interesting life of art, design, photography, travel and gay. Ideally he hopes one day to become an anthropomorphized homosexual speak and spell with a penchant for painting. Go Fishing!
Erin McCalla, The Deadliest Catch (Editor)
A whirling wizard of wit, Erin excels in weaving the written word. (Oh, alliteration.) Full-time straight ally, part-time bear hunter, she also has a patent pending on glitter blasting gloves that will be heavily featured during her pretend glam band performances. After a few recent trips and tumbles, Erin has decided to invest in full body armor complete with a bedazzled helmet to stay stylish. She’s the only writer you’ll meet that doesn’t drink coffee, but stays caffeinated by mainlining Diet Coke. When not editing, you’ll find Erin in a hole in the wall bar drinking bourbon and listening to Otis Redding (preferably while flirting with a beefy lumberjack.) Catch her if you can!
Phillecia Cochran, The Ultimate Clambake (Ecuadorian Correspondent)
Phillecia is oulook’s resident constantly-harassed-intern-turned-constantly-harrassed-editorial-assistant. She would love to respond to the names Phillecia, Phil, or Philly but has been forced to respond to a myriad of names – most of which have been so lovingly bestowed upon her by Chad Frye. When not at the butt of jokes about having female genitalia, she is a kiddie wrangler at Kinder Care. Phillecia holds a degree in journalism and art from Otterbein and as a result, expects an eternally empty checking account. She is a left-swinging atheist who not so secretly wishes she could be a drag queen and that Shane McCutcheon was a real person. Philly is currently in Quito, Ecuador teaching art and the wonders of Britney Spears to students of all ages. Get me some Philly!
