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PolyColumbus and HCCO have teamed up to co-sponser:

Sex and Sexism in Ancient Rome: Crossroads of Sexual Freedom & State Oppression

A talk given by Richard Carrier, Ph.D.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015
7:00 -9:00 pm
at
Kafe Kerouac
2250 N High, Columbus, Ohio 43202

YOU MUST RSVP via Facebook or Meet Up— Please do not comment here on this post. Please do RSVP– as we may move to a larger venue if we reach max capacity at the Kafe.

Richard Carrier, Ph.D. (ancient history, Columbia University) will discuss several aspects of open sexuality and the policing of sexuality in Ancient Rome, and their connection to the stark sexism and mild homophobia of this pre-Christian time. Sexism and homophobia in this era were less products of religion and more products of secular attitudes. Even in the face of state and social attempts to oppress sexual expression, the universality of fascinating human sexual choices still shined through.

Carrier will illustrate these points with intriguing and (at times) ribald stories about demonesses in the Talmud, priestesses with strap-ons, bisexual MMFs, and how many men the law said you had to sleep with to be legally qualified as a whore (with the attendant consequences). Yet many things, such as consensual, public, gender-equal non-monogamy, remained taboo. “When in Rome…” the saying goes, but what were the common features of what (or who) you could do while in Ancient Rome, without risking severe sanction?

Note: This talk will include explicit discussions of human sexuality and sexual thoughts and practices, given from a sex-positive, consent-focused, GLBT-inclusive perspective. Given the nature of the talk, we respectfully ask that you leave the kids at home.

This talk is co-sponsored by the Humanist Community of Central Ohio and PolyColumbus. Admission is free for dues-paid members of those organizations. For all others, an $8 donation following the talk is suggested to help cover Dr. Carrier’s honorarium.

We request all attendees purchase a beverage from the Kafe in appreciation for the free venue. Rick Carrier will be available through 9 p.m. to answer questions from the group and engage in follow-up discussions.

PLEASE RSVP at either the HCCO or PolyColumbus Meetup pages or the Facebook event (but not more than one of these) so we can get an accurate planned attendance. If there are sufficient RSVPs between the two Meetup pages and the Facebook event, we may consider moving the event to a larger (but substantially more expensive) venue.

About Dr. Carrier:

Richard Carrier is a world-renowned author and speaker. As a professional historian, published philosopher, and prominent defender of the American freethought movement, Dr. Carrier has appeared across the U.S., Canada and the U.K., and on American television and London radio, defending sound historical methods and the ethical worldview of secular naturalism. His books and articles have received international attention. With a Ph.D. from Columbia University in ancient history, he specializes in the intellectual history of Greece and Rome, particularly ancient philosophy, religion, and science, with emphasis on the origins of Christianity and the use and progress of science under the Roman empire. He is also a published expert in the modern philosophy of naturalism as a worldview. He is the author of On the Historicity of Jesus, Proving History, Sense and Goodness without God, Not the Impossible Faith, Why I Am Not a Christian, and Hitler Homer Bible Christ, and a contributor to The Empty Tomb, The Christian Delusion, The End of Christianity, and Christianity Is Not Great, as well as copious work in history and philosophy, online and in print. He is currently working on several upcoming projects, but also teaching affordable online courses in secular philosophy, history, and methodology at Partners for Secular Activism, and blogging and speaking about history, philosophy, feminism, and other moral causes, as well as his past in the military and his current life in polyamory.

A long time PolyColumbus member recently shared with a Board member, that a physician mentioned that Columbus has experienced a “syphilis outbreak.”

PolyColumbus encourages all people to stay on top of their sexual health and encourages everyone to gather as much knowledge about their sexual health and their partners’ sexual health in order to make healthy decisions. It truly is the more the you know.

In researching this issue– we found the following information.

Columbus is experiencing a syphilis outbreak.

While the trend in Franklin County has been increasing over the last several years, the City and County are still focused on the outbreak this summer. Several news outlets have published stories on this outbreak over the last year. Several within in the last three months.

AIDS Resource Center has a very informative blog post about the outbreak and syphilis in general.

In many of the stories we reviewed, one of the possible causes of this outbreak, is the mistaken notion that syphilis is a STI of the past. While treatable when it is caught early, the long-term health ramifications of untreated syphilis are very serious.

While HIV testing is often offered in various venues as a stand alone test– it is important to have a comprehensive STI evaluation and testing done regularly.

There are a variety of resources in the community where one can have the full battery of testing done. Some members of PolyColumbus have reported that private physicians discourage or will not perform testing, unless one is experiencing a problem or that testing is not covered by insurance. Other members report that their physician is more than willing to conduct regular testing and it is covered by their insurance.

In Franklin County the health department offers STI counseling and testing at a variety of locations and times each week at little to no cost (sometimes a sliding scale.) To find a testing facility near you– consult this list.

Last year we were fortunate to have the Health Department come and speak with us STIs, safer sex practices, and testing. We fully plan to do this again in the future. It is a good partnership we have developed.

At PRIDE we made a connection with the AIDS Task Force and certainly plan to continue to partner with the Health Department and other groups, in order to keep the flow of information happening.

It truly is the more you know. Research, ask questions, and remember knowledge is power.

This year we will be at ComFest– two ways.

As Volunteers

As an organization, PolyColumbus would like to show a strong volunteer presence for Comfest this year.

If you are planning on coming down to the festival this weekend, please consider signing up to volunteer for an hour or two.  To volunteer please visit the Comfest website.

You can also sign up on the spot at the volunteer booth located in Goodale Park during the festival.

We are offering a PolyColumbus  annual membership and a t-shirts [supplies limited– rsvp early to ensure you get one and PLEASE wear it at the Festival] to anyone who donates their time and you will also be given a Comfest t-shirt by the festival organizers. We want to show our dedication to the community so that we can increase our chances at securing a booth at Comfest next year to show off our PolyColumbus pride! There were over 600 applications this year to fill just 180 spots.

Please message Misty Taylor on Facebook if you sign up to volunteer so that we can get your shirt size [sizes are limited– we will do our best] and keep track of how many volunteers PolyColumbus has this year. Make sure to mention that you are from PolyColumbus if possible, when you check in. We are a strong member of our community and we want to make sure everyone knows that!

As a PolyColumbus Social Gathering

PolyColumbus folks will be gathering to enjoy the music, food, and vendors at Comfest.

Meet us near the stage at the corner of Park St. and Goodale St. at noon on Saturday, June 27, 2015. We will hang out there for about 15-20 minutes and then find a place to set up chairs and blankets.

It’s free to enter the festival, but bring money if you plan to buy food/drinks. They encourage you to leave your coolers at home and alcohol is not allowed to be brought into the park. Beer/wine will be available to purchase.

Check out the website: www.comfest.com for more details. If you plan on arriving later than noon and want to find us, you can text Misty Taylor or B. Adam Taylor. Message Misty via Facebook if you need a phone number.

This is a family friendly event!

For years we have wanted to be a part of pride. Karen and I would have conversations about it, but we always lacked the funds and the people power to make it happen. Now we have both and the BOD is super excited to be a part of PRIDE 2015. It might sound dramatic or cliche, but it really is a dream come true.

It is our big– citywide debut. The first time we will have real, live exposure  at a festival.

Our commitment at PRIDE is two fold. We will be hosting a table/booth. This is a great way to share our information with interested people. We hope to gather email addresses, so that we can reach out to people, after the festival. We will have information available, buttons and ink pens.

We will also be walking in the parade. This is about visibility.  Going to watch the parade– look for us and our purple t-shirts.

There are several volunteer slots still available. This is a great way to join in and help the organization out. You will get an annual membership and a t-shirt, meet new people, and have a great time.

Want to walk in the parade? We space in our parade group, we would love to walk with you.

This is a going to be a great weekend and we could not have done it with out all your support!

To sign up to volunteer, use this link.

Not sure you can commit… that is ok too. Email– polycolumbusboard@gmail.com to be added to the email blasts, these emails will include maps and meeting points, so you can join us on the fly (you might not get a t-shirt right away going this route, so just wear some purple!)

Want information about PRIDE, the location, the schedule and where to park. Visit PRIDE 2015  for all the details.

Working another booth at the event? Swing by and say hi to us! We would love to see you!

On Wednesday 4/29 join PolyColumbus for Swing Dancing at Nyoh’s Bar & Grill.

Where:  Nyoh’s Bar & Grill, 2871 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus 43202.

When: Beginner lesson from 7:30 – 8:00pm
DJ from 8:00 – 11:00pm.
Admission is $3
Haven’t danced before? No problem! There’s a beginner lesson that will get you started to dance the rest of the night. Or just come out for happy hour that lasts until 9pm and burgers are $2 off all night long.

There is no need to RSVP, just come and swing the night away!

If you have questions email PolyColumbusBoard@gmail.com!

Be there or Be Square Daddy-o!

As April draws to a close, we plan to visit 16-Bit on Sunday, April 26 from noon-5:00 pm. This is a family friendly outing. Bring your little people and play some old school games.

Bring the entire poly pod, family or tribe. Enjoy some libations and some games. Games are free with the purchase of a drink.

This is a drop by and have some fun event and various board members and social committee members will be there throughout the day!

Get Your Game On!

16-Bit is located:

254 S. 4th Street
Columbus, OH 43215

and most meters are free on Sunday.

On Thursday, April 9, 2015 GCJ University is hosting a Polyamory Discussion. PolyColumbus is planning to attend. GCJ University is offering PolyColumbus members a discount. To take advantage of the discount, please email PolyColumbusBoard at gmail and we will give you the discount code.

From the GCJ Facebook page:

Are you considering Polyamory? Maybe you’re excited, maybe you’re a little nervous about it..

Are you newly in a Poly relationship, and want to learn how to navigate it?…

Have you been struggling in your Polyamorous relationship?

Want to know how to meet other Poly people in the community?

These topics and more will be discussed in this supportive group discussion

18+ entry
$10/person

For more information, visit GCJ University on Facebook or their website.

It is exciting to have another polyamory discussion opportunity in Columbus, especially for those who cannot make our 2nd Monday evening meetings.

Recently Board Members Rose McDonnell and Susan Porter were interviewed on the The American Association’s weekly podcast, The Humanist Hour.

Topics covered were polyamory, relationship styles, the intersection of polyamory and humanism.

The podcast can be found on their website.

I found the podcast using my native iPhone podcast app.

A navigation link will be added to the newsletter page for reference.

Please feel free to share the podcast announcement or link to the podcast in your social network of choice.