O&AN I September 2013

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SEPTEMBER 2013 VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 9

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Nashville Couple applies for Tennessee marriage license FAX

615-246-2787

PHONE 615-596-6210

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STAFF

Publisher : Jerry Jones jjones@outandaboutnashville.com

Managing Editor : Joseph Brownell jbrownell@outandaboutnashville.com

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Distribution : George Webster PHOTO BY JOSEPH BROWNELL

From left: Deen Thompson, Jef Laudieri, Will Peyton, Nina Pacent and Renee Kasman

BY JOSEPH BROWNELL

In late July, the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) announced that they would begin encouraging same-sex couples across Tennessee to apply for marriage licenses, despite a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

On August 7, TEP took action and mobilized couples from across the state as they applied and were turned down for marriage licenses.

In Nashville, Jef Laudieri and Will Peyton showed up at a Davidson County Clerk Office in hopes of receiving a marriage license after being together for nine years.

“It’s important that Tennessee get on board with the other 13 states that have done this ... we are at a serious economic disadvantage and a civic disadvantage for not being able to marry,” Laudieri told reporters after he and Peyton were denied based on Tennessee law. “We just want the same piece of mind that every other married couple has always had and we want to do it in Tennessee where we live.”

Other Nashville couples, including Nina Pacent and Renee Kasman, joined Laudieri and Peyton.

Pacent and Kasman, who were married legally in New York following the June SCOTUS decisions, wished to know what provisions Tennessee had to recognize their marriage. “We want to know how to get information, how we can be recognized in the state of Tennessee,” Kasman said. “There seems to be a lot of confusion as to what we are eligible for and what we’re not eligible for.” “We just want

to protect each other,” Pacent added. Pacent and Kasman have been together for 28 years.

Like Laudieri and Peyton’s experience, the Davidson County Clerk was only able to recite Tennessee state statute in response to Kasman and Pacent’s inquiry.

Chris Sanders, acting TEP Executive Director, told reporters this was a first step in the necessary court challenge to Tennessee’s same-sex marriage ban.

“It’s going to require a court challenge.

What happened today was a piece of that. This gives the couples that apply for marriage licenses, but are refused, more standing if they wish to challenge the state constitutional marriage ban in court . . . this is one part of a multi-pronged strategy to overturn Tennessee’s state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.”

gwebster@outandaboutnashville.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers : Ellen Angelico, Chris Azzopardi, Gregory Brand, Linda Brewer, Kyle Craig , Jaz Dorsey, Jessica Gibson, Van Gower, Hollis Hollywood, Sean Larkin and Kevin Wesley Copy Editor : Ukela A. Moore Photographers : Katy Parson and Jessi Coggins National Advertising Representative: Rivendell Media 1248 Route 22 West, Mountainside, NJ 07092 212-242-6863

OPPORTUNITIES

Out & About Nashville welcomes volunteer writers, photographers and videographers throughout the year. If you’re interested in contributing to our publication, send an email to editor@ outandaboutnashville.com with a resume, contact information and samples of your work if available. Our volunteer staff is unpaid, but contributors do receive credit for their work in our print publication and online.

Those seeking an internship in journalism or mass communications are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additionally, two Memphis area couples and one Wilson County couple applied for marriage licenses but were denied.

Cover Photo: Martin O’Connor Photography Cover Design: Tylor Loposser

Visit O&AN online for more information including on-site video of Laudieri and Peyton.

Out & About Nashville strives to be a credible community news organization by engaging and educating our readers.

All content of Out & About Nashville is copyrighted 2013 by Out & About Nashville, Inc. and is protected by federal copyright law and shall not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. All photography is licensed stock imagery or has been supplied unless otherwise credited to a photographer and may not be reproduced without permission. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representations does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of the person or persons.

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Out & About Nashville accepts unsolicited material but cannot take responsibility for its return. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject or edit and submission. All rights revert to authors upon publication. The editorial positions of Out & About Nashville are expressed in editorials and in the editor’s notes as determined by the editor. Other opinions are those of writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Out & About Nashville or its staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged but may be edited for clarity and length. All letters sent may not be published.

Out & About Nashville only accepts adult advertising within set guidelines and on a case by case basis.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

OUT TO WIN

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Contributions or gifts to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund are not tax-deductible.

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Metro Nashville Council approves $50K payout to city employee for homophobic graffiti $50K. Apparently that’s what a hostile work environment with repeated homophobic graffiti is worth for one Metro Water Services employee.

Les “Bud” Buckner filed suit against the city over alleged harassment that stems from the beginning of his employment seven years ago.

Buckner still remains employed with Metro Water Services Filed in March of 2012, Buckner’s lawsuit alleges that between late 2010 and early 2013, he was the victim of homophobic graffiti in various frequented common areas. Buckner’s lawsuit claims the city allowed a hostile work environment to persist, thus violating Tennessee Human Rights Act. On August 6, the Metro Council approved a resolution, based upon recommendations from city lawyers that would payout $50K out of the Judgments & Losses Fund to settle Buckner’s suit.

The resolution was approved by the Budget and Finance Committee.

Metro Nashville has had a non-discrimination ordinance on the books since 2009.

Tennessee city becomes the first to offer benefits to same sex partners of city employees, religious fall-out ensues

A small Tennessee municipality put itself on the map of equality in early August by becoming the first city in Tennessee to extend benefits to same-sex couples for its city workers. In a 4-1 vote, the Collegedale County Commission voted in favor of extending benefits.

The singular no vote came from Collegedale Mayor John Turner, who according to The Chattanooga Times Free Press, voted no for 74 residents who told him they opposed the plan.

The initiative was led by city police Detective Kat Cooper, who was denied benefits for her partner Krista after they were married this spring in Maryland.

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“It is such a huge weight off our shoulders,” Cooper said. “We don’t have to constantly worry about health expenses or sudden emergencies. It’s hard to explain how much this means to us.”

Benefits are expected to take effect during the next enrollment period, which begins on January 1.

But Cooper could not have imagined the fall-out from such a victory. Later in the month, following the announcement, reports surfaced that members of Cooper’s family were ousted from their church for refusing to repent for their sins.

Sins? Ken Willis, minister at Ridgedale Church

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of Christ, told The Chattanooga Times Free Press that Cooper’s family was guilty of endorsing her lifestyle.

Cooper’s mother was reported to have stood by her daughter’s side while she was seeking to change Collegedale’s policy regarding city employees.

So when did unconditional love become a sin?

We give three cheers to Collegedale but we’ll pray for Ridgedale Church of Christ.

SEPTEMBER 2013

8/19/13 6:55 AM

THE IMPACT...TWO MONTHS LATER September 2013

1. Rhode Island & Minnesota 1 3

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2. New Mexico:

4

2

1

6

5 STATES WITH MARRIAGE EQUALITY

3. Pennsylvania

STATES WITH CIVIL UNIONS / DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS

5. Hawaii

STATES WITH SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BANS

6. Kentucky

7. Indiana

4. Tennessee

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MTSU Lambda releases 2013 fall events It’s September and you know what that means … back-toschool time! And MTSU is already planning their fall with events for students and the community at large.

MTSU Lambda is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year and will kick off the 2013-14 school year at full speed with LGBTQ History Month events, film screenings and speakers on a wide variety of topics.

CHECK OUT THE EVENTS BELOW: SEPTEMBER 25

TEP and Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce speakers

OCTOBER

An extensive Lambda Archive display, made up of event flyers, campus wide newsletters from the 90s, and artifacts from every era of the organization will be up in the library for the month of October.

OCTOBER 1

Lecture: What do you need to know about LGBTQ History

OCTOBER 7

Lecture: Transgender Awareness

OCTOBER 7-11

Gay’ze Through History, a collection of yard signs, each displaying a different figure in LGBTQ history, will be on display on the KUC Knoll from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

OCTOBER 16

Film Screening: Tennessee Queer where politics, religion and gay pride clash in a small Tennessee town in this hilarious feature film.

OCTOBER 19

MTSU LGBTQ Alumni Dinner

OCTOBER 23

Lecture: Gender Identity

OCTOBER 24-25

Film Screening: Bully Tickets to the film will be $5 and all proceeds will be benefiting the Middle Tennessee GLSEN Jumpstart program, a charity for LGBTQ youth in Middle Tennessee.

For more information about the listed events, including times and location, visit MTSU Lambda online (capone.mtsu.edu/mtlambda/) or ‘like’ their Facebook page (facebook.com/MTLambda).

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SEPTEMBER 2013

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THE ANTI-LGBT LAWS IN RUSSIA HAVE CREATED AN INTERNATIONAL CONTROVERSY, SO WE ASKED O&AN READERS SHOULD WE BOYCOTT THE OLYMPICS? ALSO...

SHOULD WE BOYCOTT

MARK WOODS “Boycotting is essentially saying, ‘Well, if you don’t want us, we won’t come.’ Boycotting them, to me, just seems like reluctant acceptance that LGBT people don’t belong. That’s NOT the case - go compete, show you’re on the same ground.”

SEE OUR READERS’ RESPONSES:

ZACH SMITH “That’s how some athletes make a living. That’s almost like say I’m just going to quit my job. Compete and kick some ass!”

MARY ELLEN MARTINS “Time for a good old fashioned GLBT ass whooping! Bring home as many medals as possible and stand on the platforms with some type of rainbow symbol!”

JONATHAN ANDERSON-BELL “Boycott! Going sort of condones it, doesn’t it?”

FRANK VACA “I like the [vodka] boycott cause it’s drawing attention to the problem.”

JEREMY ASPLUND “I don’t understand boycotting a vodka that sponsors prides and have said they are pro-LGBT, seems like you’re punishing them after they were good...”

AUSTIN SHERRY “Who cares? It’s not vodka’s fault Putin’s a dick. Boycott him, not vodka.”

REV. SCOTT KELLY “The only way to change minds about the LGBT community is not to shy away from the spotlight but to be a firm presence in the community. We must show our neighbors, both locally and internationally, that we share common values that make us people, not less than. I can’t think of a better opportunity than the Olympics to live that out.”

GEORGE OESER “I am inclined to say yes to the boycott of Russian products even if one company has worked to be an ally of the LGBT community. I think it could have an impact due to the oligarchical nature of the Russian government. I also think that while we should boycott Russian products we should carefully choose the products we replace them with to signal our support for countries that support the LGBT community. So if you are giving up Russian vodka, why not replace it with Dutch Jenever?”

ERIN SMITH-NEWLAND “I have to agree with Mark. Show them not only are they exceptional athletes, but gracious competitors as well!”

AMANDA MILLER “I think something Russian should be boycotted because they are behaving quite badly right now, I’m just not sure Vodka is the way to go.”

CLAYTON MARBREY “Maybe, if it were a Russian product I could see it but it’s not and boycotting is only hurting SPI corporation in Latvia. Would be like boycotting Fireball because it’s a whiskey and Jack Daniels is a whiskey made in Tennessee, which is anti-gay.”

OPIE EVER “I think I can give my opinion on laws in other countries but I don’t have the right to try and change them. That is up to its citizens. I also think if we are going to boycott products from nations guilty of trampling over people, let’s start with the biggest criminal first...the US.” BRAD D. MCCLURE “I think if [Stoli] is an ally, then we need to support them.”

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SEPTEMBER 2013

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GLSEN teams with Music City Sisters for ‘I am an ally’ photo campaign at OutCentral Tennessee schools should be safe for all students. But it’s a fact, according to the 2011 Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) school climate in Tennessee report, 90 percent of students reported hearing homophobic remarks and experience verbal harassment because of their sexual identity or gender expression.

Furthermore, a mere 3% of Tennessee students surveyed reported attending a school with a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that included sexual identity and gender expression. In reality, students who identify as LGBT are twice as likely to experience bullying than their straight counterparts.

In early 2013 the Safe School Improvement Act, aimed at amending the Elementary and Secondary School Act to include a code of conduct the prohibits bullying and includes sexual identity and gender expression, was reintroduced into both the House and the Senate but the victims of bullying in Tennessee cannot wait any longer. They need help and support now. They need an ally . . . they need you.

Established nationally in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. The mission of GLSEN, and its local chapters, is to work to ensure that each member of every school community is valued and respected.

The Middle Tennessee GLSEN chapter plans to do just that on September 11 as it joins forces with the Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and their annual Alphabet Art exhibit at OutCentral to kick off its Ally Photo Campaign in advance of October’s National Ally Week.

Who can be an ally? Anyone!

In a blog post last year, former Middle Tennessee GLSEN Jumpstart Adult Coordinator Jessica Toste defined an ally as someone that “believes all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, deserve to feel safe and supported” and someone that supports “efforts to end anti-LGBT bias, bullying, and harassment in our schools.”

On September 11 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., GLSEN will host the beginning of their Ally campaign. The event will feature a photo campaign where the community is

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invited to show their support for Tennessee students by proclaiming their commitment to being an ally. The photo campaign will also have a social media component where allies from across the nation can join in by downloading the ally sign and taking a photo.

They can then share the photo on GLSEN Middle TN Facebook page, Instagram with hashtag #AllyWeek2013 or by tweeting the photo to @OutandAboutNash and @ GLSENMiddleTN. Allies can also email their photo directly to GLSEN Middle TN at middletn@chapters.glsen.org.

The photo campaign will lead up to GLSEN’s National Ally Week to be held October 21-25 with an event co-sponsored with the Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce on October 24 at Anode (926 Main St.). The event will run from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and feature catering from Edley’s BBQ. So say the words with us . . . I AM AN ALLY. And make plans to join GLSEN on September 11 or download your ally sign now and share your commitment to Middle Tennessee LGBT students across social media.

You can download your ally sign from outandaboutnashville.com

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

SEPTEMBER 2013

Artwork provided by Eric Coppinger, www.ericcoppinger.com

Show your support for LGBT students September 11

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Music City Sisters present their Annual Alphabet Art Exhibit Art unveiled at OutCentral September 6

BY LINDA BREWER

If I said queer art to you, would you have the image of an abstractly askew painting with the head of a body under its arm and a worm coming out of its eye? Or would you think of fabulous artwork done by even more fabulous queer artists? If you guessed the latter, you would be right. But where can you find the art of queer artists singled out? Here in Nashville, that’s where.

Named for the jumble of letters that make up the acronym GLBTQIA, Alphabet Art: A Juried Exhibition of Queer Artist is just that, an exhibition that seeks to showcase the lives, experiences, stories and dreams of our gloriously gay community, hosted by the Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Now in its fourth year, Alphabet Art has become a staple in the Music City Sisters’ fundraising and community outreach efforts. It was a lack of queer art that spurred Freudianschlip, an Angel in Waiting for the Music City Sisters of Indulgence, to

solely dedicated to presenting outstanding GLBTQIA artists and their works.”

And so, Alphabet Art: A Juried Exhibition of Queer Artist was born to the Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an international service society order who, in the tradition of generations of service orders like Catholic nuns, are dedicated to enhancing the city in which they live.

conceive the event. “In the first year of our order we were brainstorming on ideas for a uniquely ‘Sister’ event, something that had not been done in Nashville,” Freudianschlip explained. “At some point in the ongoing conversation a ‘silent auction’ was tossed out and my mind began to play out different ways to present artists’ works, but not devalue the work, as so often happens with the underbidding of silent auctions. After a few weeks of searching the web, I discovered there are no annual juried events showcasing queer artists. You can find the once in a while art show that is part of a pride week but nothing

“We conduct educational outreach on issues relevant to our community. We assist in supporting charitable and social groups in Nashville. But most importantly we offer people another perspective on what queer life can be, all while looking fabulous,” explained Freudianschlip.

The exhibition is an excellent opportunity for artists of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, twospirit, inter-sexed, and allied community, to submit their original works of art for the world to see—or at least Nashville. The event supports the Sisters’ mission by ALPHABET ART cont’d on page 16

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BY KYLE CRAIG

She’s the Goddess of reason and intelligent activity and aptly celebrated when the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) gathers for its annual celebration, Olympus. This year’s event, Athena Returns, takes place at The Parthenon on September 21.

In addition to being their annual fundraising gala, Olympus also presents a chance for TEP and the Tennessee LGBT community to celebrate this year’s achievements.

From another legislative session defeating Campfield’s ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill’ and the positive progress of Tennessee’s Dignity for All Students Act to the Knox County anti-discrimination ordinance and their groundwork for legal actions challenging same-sex marriage bans in Tennessee, there is plenty of intelligent activity to celebrate.

“Olympus is one of the most fun nights you can have in Tennessee that will grow the movement for equality here at home,” said TEP acting Executive Director Chris Sanders.

“All the funds support initiatives that help us advance equality like the 2009 and 2011 Metro, 2012 Knoxville and Memphis, and the 2013 Knox County non-discrimination ordinances.

We have big plans for advancing workplace equality this year and moving forward with challenging

Tennessee’s ban on same-sex marriage.

When you buy a ticket, it fuels that kind of work.”

Nearly 300 turned out to don togas and admire Athena at last year’s inaugural Olympus event, raising nearly $5,000.

Olympus: Chapter 2 promises to be a mixture of fun and politics as equality supporters from across Tennessee converge upon Centennial Park.

In addition to reason and intelligent activity, Athena is also the Goddess of arts and literature. In a short program built into Olympus, TEP honors those in the world of media and government they consider Champions of Equality. The list includes: Clay Bennett (Chattanooga Times Free Press), Reid Hedgepeth (Memphis City Council), Ina Hughs (Knoxville News Sentinel), Gail Kerr (The Tennessean), Bianca Phillips (The Memphis Flyer), Pam Strickland (Knoxville News Sentinel), Wendi Thomas (Commercial Appeal) and Jeff Woods (Nashville Scene). The honorees have helped advance equality throughout their community and are helping move Tennessee forward in advocating awareness throughout the state.

So get those leather gladiator kilts ready or google how to drape a sheet and start working on your costume. Athena and the rest of the Gods and Goddesses will descend from Olympus seeking justice and equality for all of Tennessee before you know it.

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Alphabet Art (cont.)

showing the public another aspect of the GLBTQIA community.

This year’s call for artist submissions was open from April 4 through July 8. Artists, including Tom Brodhed, will unveil their work to public view and possibly receive an award while the viewing public has a chance to consider a new way of viewing GLBTQIA life. The one-of-a-kind juried exhibit

awards a $1000 cash prize divided between the top three entries.

Brodhed’s entry, entitled Liebestod from the German words for love and death, showcases Ernie and Bert. “When Ernie and Bert decided to commit suicide rather than join the Tea Party, an unfortunate requirement of their corporate jobs, the two lovers ascended into a realm of inchoate outlines of warm

and cuddly plush toys that had once inhabited their respective bedrooms when they were young,”Brodhed explained. “And in being gay they had remained young at heart throughout their tortured years as actuaries for a multinational insurance firm.”

Alphabet Art’s opening reception and award ceremony will take place September 6 from 6 - 9 p.m. and the exhibition will be available for public view September 8 through October 5, during the same times.

“Alphabet Art would not be possible without the generous contributions from our visionary patrons. The monetary awards the Champions of the Exhibition receive is made up of the financial support our patrons provide. The more patrons we have, the larger the awards,” hinted Freudianschlip.

So wherever you place yourself in the alphabet of life—no matter if you are a Queer artist, a Straight buyer, a Bisexual lover of art or a Transgender social butterfly looking for some culture, Alphabet Art offers a myriad of experiences when it opens at OutCentral.

For a full schedule of public viewings, visit outcentral.org. ‘Like’ the Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence on Facebook to find out more about Alphabet Art, or check out their website at alphabetart.musiccitysisters.org/

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SEPTEMBER 2013

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17

Survival Instincts: Director David France discusses ‘How to Survive a Plague’ Film screens at OutCentral on September 27

BY VAN GOWER

In first-time director David France’s engrossing, heartbreaking new documentary How to Survive a Plague, which screens at OutCentral on September 27, the dawn of the AIDS epidemic is revisited through film footage and interviews that were shot by 31 videographers while actual events were unfolding.

France, a former journalist, witnessed first-hand the organizing meetings, protests and political rallies, and sometime schisms that coursed through the HIV/AIDS movement.

We chatted with David France about his film and got his perspective on where we stand as a community now in the war against HIV and AIDS. One of the things that struck me about the film was the almost unabashed resistance by people in positions of power – whether that was politicians, lawmakers, drug companies, etcetera –

who could do something but who resisted helping find a cure. Was it literally just fear or a resistance to gay people?

It’s really hard to remember how really hated gay people were back then. The gay movement had not made great advances in the year since 1969 to 1981 when HIV struck. Some infrastructure had been

The mission of Project UNO is to empower and equip today’s men who have sex with men with essential needs to impact their purpose in life. The UNO mission is to challenge and engage these men to find strength on their own using the five S’s: Strength, Safe, Self Purpose, Sober, and Status.

To travel back to such a dark and fearful time in LGBT – and American – history would seem a daunting and downbeat venture, yet France has masterfully honed some 700 hours of footage down into a tight work of art that is at times both serious and celebratory, introducing us to the pioneering warriors, particularly the members of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), who fought in blood, sweat, and tears against the power establishment that wasn’t doing anything to help quell the rising epidemic.

The resulting experience is an essential one that, by film’s end, envelops the viewer in emotions that must be confronted if our society – with all the social and medical strides that have been achieved – will continue to effect greater miracles.

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in place for the community, but gay people still had no role in civic life by the time this disease struck. There were no openly gay people working in Washington. There were literally no openly gay people working at newspapers. I was a reporter starting back then, and there were literally no openly gay reporters. It’s hard to imagine today. So in a way, AIDS became a way to express that ignorance and real detestation.

So it became an open season on discrimination and ignorance?

Absolutely. And then look who comes next – IV drug users. Then people of color communities. They

were not much better off than the gay community was in relation to official public policy, so it was a dark time for civil rights and civil engagements for the communities that were struck by the epidemic. And the very first thing AIDS activists had to do was establish their humanity in the eyes of institutional science and government funding.

They really had to convey that “we are people too.”

We are humans, and as humans we deserve some compassion, which was also being withheld. The things that were free were being withheld from the community, much less the things that were expensive.

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For me, the most dramatic and powerful imagery in the film is the footage of the protest organizing meetings and the protests themselves.

They’re very visceral, giving the viewer a “you are there” experience.

It makes one feel the urgency, the passion, and the anger that was going on. Since you were there to report on many of those events, how deeply ingrained in your heart have they remained, particularly when you were compiling the footage for the film?

I was there in those rooms at those demonstrations, and I think I had pushed my memories of them away, locked my memories of them away.

When I went back to the footage, it was a very painful experience, but also invigorating that the community was so unified and focused in this movement and the ultimate goal of getting medications for this disease. I had also forgotten how clever they were, both in their ability to master the science but also in the colorful aspects of their protestations.

Larry Kramer’s “plague” outburst scene was almost heartstopping. The sheer anger he displayed in shaming his fellow activists for the fractured structure that their protest efforts had become caused me to wonder why there might have been such divisiveness. Especially since, in so much footage, there seemed to be such a unified passion for the cause of AIDS treatments. How much of this seeming disorganized nature did you witness during your coverage?

SURVIVAL INSTINCTS cont’d on page 34

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

19

Matt & Trey Adopt

Tennessee couple navigates building a family

BY JAMES A. GRADY

In Tennessee, gay couples can’t adopt, right?

Well, it’s not that simple. The process for LGBT couples is often long, with extra and often invisible hurdles. While a heterosexual couple can adopt as a couple, one member of a same-sex couple must adopt as a single parent. A second legal process secures guardianship for the second parent. Further, many adoption agencies are religious, with doctrinal commitments that leave same-sex couples with few options.

Matthew Smith and Trey Darnell are like any other couple who want kids. “We both wanted to be fathers before we met each other,” Matt said. “I always wanted to have kids and surrogacy just cost so

much money and I put it out of sight, out of mind.” As a couple, given the adoption roadblocks, their focus initially centered on surrogacy, often prohibitively expensive. In the end, however, research showed Matt and Trey that even “in conservative northeast Tennessee, adoption was possible.”

But possible is one thing, realistic is quite another.

As they moved to the first stage of the process, a home study, they faced cold facts. “No local social workers would even do the home study, not even from Knoxville,” Matt recalled. In the end, a social worker from Nashville agreed to make the 4-hour (each way) trek.

When they had an approved home study in hand, Trey and Matt finally revealed to family and friends their journey toward parenthood. “Our moms were so excited,” Matt said. “Both of them worried we’d never have kids, and Trey is an only child, so his mom thought she might never have grandkids.”

Concern for what lay ahead, clouded that excitement. This was, after all, just the beginning.

Matt and Trey needed an agency, and many refused to work with gay couples, while others refused to promote them actively to birthparents. In effect, as Trey put it, “They were willing to take our money, but not to work actively to place a child with us.”

Then came a rejection that spoke to every fear and internalized barrier: “birthparents looking to make an adoption plan for their child through Bethany are overwhelmingly looking for more traditional, married couples to place with.”

Disheartened, Matt and Trey traveled to Atlanta for an information session with the Independent Adoption Center (IAC), an agency recommended by the Human Rights Campaign. That weekend coincided with Atlanta Pride, and the discovery that IAC had a booth at Pride was a boost they both sorely needed.

IAC represents nearly as many same-sex couples as heterosexual couples and would “promote [Matt and Trey] as a couple alongside others.”

This helped Matt and Trey realize that they had

done exactly what those social barriers promoted. “We were being harder on ourselves than we needed to be.

We accepted the stereotype that it would be harder for us and that no family would choose us.” Once they got past this internal block, Matt said, “Our experience showed us that there is a right birth family for every adopting family and reality wasn’t nearly as hard on us as our own self-image. We came to terms with the fact that you don’t have to be a traditional family to be the right family.”

The couple proceeded to IAC’s weekend intensive program about adoption and the legal hurdles, and then IAC helped them develop a “Dear Birth Mother” introducing themselves as a prospective family. Approval of this letter by IAC, a few months later, meant that Matt and Trey “went live,” were put through matching processes and submitted for consideration by birth mothers.

During the waiting game, the couple opened up about their path to adoption in the Johnson City Press. Though nervous about possible responses, the article led a local lesbian couple in the area who had already been through the process to contact them.

They introduced Matt and Trey to a local attorney who would handle their case. Perhaps more importantly, they shared their experiences with adoption and parenthood with the young couple, and continued to be a source of support along the way.

Their path to adoption has been winding and expensive as many programs that help with the costs of adoption simply don’t help same-sex couples.

Tennessee’s legal barriers make adoption harder for same-sex couples. Increasingly, however, national and local groups advocate for and work with same-sex couples in Tennessee.

Currently, there is at least one local agency, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, that will help same-sex couples through both the initial adoption process and the legal proceeding legalizing the second parent’s status. JFS provides adoption services to Jewish and non-Jewish couples.

Matt and Trey remain positive in reflecting on their experience. “We want people to know that it may be hard, but if you want it bad enough and work hard, there are ways to adopt. It may not be fair, but having to work this hard shows how much we want to be

MATT AND TREY cont’d on page 25

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21

Dance on: Ballet in the Park returns for its second year

BY JOSEPH BROWNELL

Close your eyes. Now imagine you are at the ballet. What do you hear? The pitter-patter of feet across the stage? The stifled cough the gentlemen next to you is trying to hold back because the show is reaching its climax? Or is it the music bouncing off the walls, slipping notes into your ears?

Well, at Ballet in the Park you might just hear an ambulance wail down West End or a helicopter on their way to Vanderbilt Medical Center.

And, according to Dance Theatre of Tennessee’s (DTT) Artistic Director Christopher Mohnani, it’s all part of the challenging rewards of hosting the city’s only outdoor ballet dance performance.

Now in its second year, Ballet in the Park is back for not one but two weekends in September with its final performance set to kick off the city’s month long celebration of the arts, Artober.

Last year’s event, the first Ballet in the Park, was plagued by uncooperative weather resulting in only two full performances. But from those two performances, over 1,300 people came to Centennial Park to witness DTT’s performance of Carmen.

And while they cannot predict the weather, Mohnani has high hopes about this year’s attendance. “The feedback we got last year was that a lot of people were upset that by the time they knew about it, it was done. So hopefully having two weekends this time there’ll be more opportunities for people to come and see it and leeway in case the weather does not work with us.”

Weather is not the only challenge when hosting an outdoor event like Ballet in the Park. “There are so many challenges to doing a ballet theatrical experience in a park,” Mohnani explained. “It’s little things like making sure the sets are holding up and the wind is not blowing them or creating a theater experience like backstage and having a crossover so the audience is not seeing the dancers preparing. We even had to get a floor to put across the concrete stage, a special linoleum floor for ballet and take it up every night. Every day is almost an initial set up.”

But the work that goes into staging

22

Ballet in the Park is a labor of love for Mohnani. “I’m always excited with Ballet in the Park because the very first ballet in the Philippines was a Don Quixote ballet in the park,” he shared.

“I didn’t know I was going to end up a professional ballet dancer as a career but I was just so enthralled by it. That’s the same thing I’m hoping—that there a lot more Christopher’s out there that will end up not just being ballet dancers but loving the art form and continuing to support it.

Ballet in the Park is not only the kickoff to Artober but also DTT’s fourth season. Mohnani admits to struggling to establish DTT over the last four years but if his recent Emerging Leaders Award from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce is any indication, those struggles are paying off.

“I think the key is to measure your success to your own journey. It’s tough.

We started this during a time when the economy collapsed and there’s already such a heavy and longtime arts organization in the city and a very successful existing dance company in the city. For us to come in we knew it was going to be a challenge but I am still surprised at the amount and the speed of growth that we have been experiencing.

That tells me that despite the challenges that there is room for somebody like us and there is a need for what we have to give.”

And this year, Mohnani and DTT will give audiences another tragic love story—Giselle. For Mohnani, selecting the ballet is easy, “I honestly believe that bringing story ballets are the best because the audience is sitting down, watching and going through the journey with the dancers. I feel like Giselle is the perfect traditional classical ballet starter.

The story is easily relatable; it’s about a girl who falls in love but he’s already engaged to someone else and dies of a broken heart. She comes back in the afterlife and forgives the guy in order to save him from dying himself.”

DTT presents Giselle and Ballet in the Park will take place September 20-22 and then again September 27-30 at 7:30 p.m.. The cost is free but DTT suggests a $10 donation. “We are trying to condition the audience that sure they are coming to the park and seeing this and it

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

SEPTEMBER 2013

photos provided by DTT

is what you can expect when you go to an actual theater but with that you have to pay a certain amount,” Mohnani explained.

But you can’t put a price tag on the other entertainment DTT has planned for Ballet in the Park. There will of course be food vendors but also pre-show entertainment each night starting at 6:30 p.m.. While the schedule of pre-show entertainment has yet to be released, Mohnani promises everything from singer-songwriters and the Nashville Youth Orchestra to magic from Jason Michaels and juggling from Nashville’s Playing By Air. Food vendors, singers, orchestras, jugglers, magicians and ballet? An event of these proportions understandably takes a lot to run which is why DTT has partnered with Hands on Nashville to help staff the event with volunteers.

And who knows? One of those volunteers might be a ‘Christopher’ and be on that stage when Ballet in the Park hits its tenth year anniversary.

OutFlix in Memphis screens LGBT films September 6-12

Previews for ‘Bridegroom,’ ‘The New Black’ and ‘The Rugby Player’

BY JOSEPH BROWNELL

OutFlix gears up for their 16th year, September 6 -12, in Memphis with a lineup that will blow your mind. From LOL comedies like G.B.F. and a brand new short films program to thought provoking documentaries that examine issues facing the LGBT community, OutFlix has a film for everyone.

“I think it’s very important that we show ourselves on the big screen and that we celebrate and tell our stories,” shared first year Festival Director Ben Helm. “For me personally, it’s opened my eyes to a lot of things like issues with transgender [community] and situations with other countries. Last year we showed a film called Call Me Kuchu, which was about the situation in Uganda. Movies can really show things to you and tell it in a way that really brings it home in a way that a speech or a debate can’t.”

Three stories in particular caught our attention this year: Bridegroom, The Rugby Player and The New Black.

From losing a loved one and having no legal protections, to a story of a mother and son forever bonded by 9/11 and the intersection of race, religion and sexuality, each of these three films present contemporary issues faced by our community at large.

BRIDE GROOM

Shane Bitney Crone’s life changed in 2011. After the accidental death of his partner Tom, Crone was devastated when Tom’s family threatened Crone with violence if he attended the funeral.

To Tom’s immediate family, Crone did not exist.

“Being in our twenties we just never had serious discussions about death or if one of us got really sick,” Crone lamented. “It was just something that wasn’t even on the radar. I think it is an important message of our story: it doesn’t matter if you’re gay or straight or in your 20s, you should plan as much as you can for the unexpected.”

A year later, Crone filmed a video for YouTube entitled “It Could Happen to You.” “The anniversary of his accident was approaching and throughout the course of the year I was very depressed,” Crone revealed. “I finally reached this point where I felt like I needed to speak out for myself and try to prevent what happened to me from happening to someone else. I felt like I needed to share our story which also in a way was to honor Tom and his life.”

What was meant to be a personal message that Crone hoped would be seen by a handful of people ended up being seen by millions when it went viral.

The video spurred Linda Bloodworth-Thomason (Designing Women) to contact Crone in an effort to convince him to tell his story. “I was nervous about the process when you open yourself up and put yourself out there,” Crone shared. “Really, you’re opening the door to a lot of potential criticism but I think posting the YouTube video prepared for the idea of allowing a larger audience to see such a

personal side of me.”

Ultimately Crone said he was honored that Thomason wanted to tell his story. “This wasn’t just a Hollywood person wanting to make a film, it was a lady who really is passionate about human rights.”

The idea for the resulting film, Bridegroom, really took shape after a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign.

At the time, it was the website’s most successfully funded film project.

Crone and Thomason worked on the film for 14 months and while still grieving, Crone found strength in others during filming. “It was definitely hard at times going through all your home videos and constantly revisiting the worst time in my life. At the same time you have to remind yourself that this story can help a lot of people. I received support from thousands of people from the YouTube video and even suicidal teenagers that said the story gave them hope. You remind yourself of those things and you keep plugging ahead.”

And now Tennessee can see the powerful documentary Bridegroom when it opens the OutFlix Film Festival in Memphis on September 6.

And nearly two and a half years later, Crone’s life has changed again.

He described Tom as the confident and passionate one in their relationship but his voice marks a man with a newfound passion of his own. “I’ve been able to go to so many places and meet so many wonderful people,” Crone beamed. “I think that I’ve found my purpose in life—as cheesy as that sounds. I enjoyed the business that we had promoting musicians and social media but for me now I feel like being an activist and just trying to use my voice to help our community is what I’m going to do. Whether that’s make another film, whether it’s going on a speaking tour, I don’t know. I’m just trying to be as active as I can.”

OUTFLIX cont’d on page 32 SEPTEMBER 2013

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23

Unique Cheekwood exhibit looks at ‘Love’

Artists examine the meaning of love in a changing world since the 90s

BY JAZ DORSEY

Artists and poets were the rock stars of the 19th century, and art exhibits like the 1863 Salon des Refuses in Paris had the power to literally revolutionize human consciousness by challenging the parameter of perception and social awareness.

Then art outright exploded in the 20th century as we were catapulted from Cubism to Bauhaus to Dada to Abstract to Deconstructivism to Multi Media installations.

No sooner had humans accepted some new tangent, then along comes Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Bobb Goldsteinn—and folks are standing in front of a canvass splattered with paint, a painting of soup cans or a wall of 1,000 mini television screens all showing the same image. For decades we were jolted.

What? Is that art? This is what we said to ourselves and to one another. But by the end of the century we were pretty numb. Oh, more art, we’d say. Between that attitude and a late 20th century media meteor shower and the sensory overload it unleashed on us, art exhibitions lost some of their oomph.

Cheekwood continues to bring innovative and engaging exhibits to Nashville and its latest offering finds itself set against a relative time in history. More

Love: Art, Politics and sharing since the 1990s could put art exhibitions back on the GPS of cultural and philosophical tourists, or at the very least end up in their hearts.

More Love is an astounding exhibition curated

by Claire Schneider for the Ackland Art Museum at UNC-Chapel Hill and features 45 works by 33 different artists working within the time frame of the last 25 years. It also comes with a 240-page hard cover catalogue that could easily serve as the text for a graduate seminar in the philosophy of art at Harvard.

More Love, which premiered at the Ackland earlier this year, opens at Cheekwood on September 20 and runs through January 5, 2014. After that it will not travel any further, so in that 19th century spirit which fueled the impact of an art exhibit, the world, which needs to experience More Love, will now have to come to Nashville.

If your idea of an art show is paintings in frames on a wall, be prepared for something else. More Love“explores the deep human need for connecting in a world changed by gender and sexual politics, technology and global capitalization.”

One example of what folks who make this

pilgrimage can expect is an interactive exhibit from Yoko Ono which involves having your picture taken with someone you love. The pictures will be added to the exhibition, so the exhibition will exponentially increase based on the number of folks who participate in Yoko’s work.

Another out of the box participatory work is Lee Walton’s “This Saturday from Noon to One, a family will view the exhibition.” Just like it says, each Saturday a different family will be documented visiting the exhibit with a portrait, which will serve as a record of the exhibition. Families interested in participating should visit the work’s website at leewalton.com/cheekwood.html Cheekwood and Nashville are taking their place in the art world limelight thanks in large part to the

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relationship between two curators - Claire Schneider, who was the consulting curator for the initial exhibition in Chapel Hill, and Jochen Wierich, the Cheekwood’s art curator. The two have worked together in the past and when More Love came on Mr. Wierich’s radar, he stepped in to negotiate bringing the exhibit to the Cheekwood’s Museum of Art. “In the 1960s, the call for love was revolutionary and built around unity; today, it is more of an idealized plea than a movement,” said guest curator Claire Schneider. “This exhibition explores love as an undercurrent in a culture of people overloaded with ways to connect but still wrestling with isolation. I wanted to examine love, personal relationships, and community engagement through the lens of contemporary art. What has changed in the political, economic, technological, and co-production aspects of our world in the last twenty years to affect the way we interact with others? My goal was to show love’s complexity as well as its transformative power.”

Curators are, on the whole, a modest lot when it comes to the public eye, but the curator makes the exhibition and in this case Schneider and Wierich deserve recognition for forging this important partnership.

An additional treat for those who attend More Love before November 10th is the opportunity to enjoy Cheekwood’s current offering, Bruce Munro’s Light.

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Matt and Trey cont’d from page 20 parents, and what we’re willing to put into raising a child.” Most of all, they want to share that, even in Tennessee, where the barriers are so high, if you put yourself out there and work for it, “you’ll be amazed by the support you get, the positives outweigh the negatives and keep you going.” If things are ever going to change in Tennessee, Matt believes we have to “keep spreading the positives about same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption: it’s a good thing and it’s attainable.”

All that positivity and hard work hasn’t been for nothing: if all goes well, Matt and Trey will be welcoming Baby T-Rex (it’s a nickname, we promise) home in the next couple of weeks!

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Eli Lieb: A Lieb of Faith

YouTube sensation talks Steve Grand, being a heartthrob and his gay competition

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

YouTube’s been good to Eli Lieb.

The Iowa-born, boyishly handsome musician, who’s amassed a faithful following with his own distinctive twist on radio songs, recently dropped his new intoxicating pop single “Young Love.” It’s sweet and liberating, and it features two lovers who just happen to be men (who happen to be cute, and who also happen to kiss).

The video premiered just days after “All-American Boy,” in which out “country” hunk Steve Grand falls for a straight boy, became a viral hit. The two, however, couldn’t be more different.

photos by Ben Easter

Where would you be without YouTube?

I have no idea. I’ve been making music since I was 16 and YouTube didn’t really become a huge platform until the last few years. I would’ve found another way of doing it, but thank god for YouTube and the Internet because it’s so much more accessible.

Now YouTube is a massive machine and everybody is trying to make it their stage.

Would you consider reality TV shows like American Idol?

I’m never closed off to anything.

If it’s something that feels right, I’ll go for it. If it’s something that doesn’t feel right, no matter what it is, I won’t do it.

26

I don’t get how you haven’t been signed to a major record label yet.

How has that not happened?

(Laughs) I can’t answer that.

What’s going on with the sophomore album?

A lot of stuff in my life right now is changing for the positive career-wise. I recently moved to L.A. and I’m doing a lot. There’s a lot of change happening.

I’m never gonna stop making music, that’s for sure. But I can’t be like, “My next album is coming out in a couple of months,” you know? But I’m making music every day, let’s just say that.

It sounds like things are in the works that you can’t talk about right now.

(Laughs) Yeah.

Why more of an acoustic approach to the upcoming album?

I’m writing a lot on guitar. It doesn’t mean the songs will end up on guitar, but my first album was experimenting with sound and learning to use all the programs. Now I’m more into the swing of things and my writing has changed a lot in terms of the music that I release.

Now it’s pop music, which I love. I love a straight-up pop song. And that’s definitely my sensibility. It’s just the evolution of me as an artist.

After hearing “Young Love,” I have the sense you’re inspired by ’80s music and Taylor Swift.

Yeah, it’s funny the way that I write music: Whatever comes out is purely just what comes out. And it’s not overly saturated with influence, because I’m just making music all day long. I just don’t sit down and listen to stuff that’s going on, so a lot of times I think there’s a lot of energy in the air and ideas keep passing through. If it sounds like something, it’s a coincidence, I guess.

Everything is in the eye of the beholder.

Was it a coincidence, too, that “Young Love” was released just days after Steve Grand’s “All-American Boy,” or was that released in reaction to his video?

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SEPTEMBER 2013

photos by Ben Easter

I released this a week after his got released, and there’s no way I could’ve made that in a week. But people are accusing me of trying to ride his coattail. I’ve been planning this video for a long time, and it just so happened that his was released a week before mine was about to come out. So it’s the most bizarre coincidence.

The even more bizarre coincidence is that some of the shots in the videos are similar. That’s what blew my mind more. The reality is, it seems like a shocking thing when people release a video that has same-sex partners in it, but if you were to take away the firework scene or the car scene, it’s just ELI LIEB cont’d on page 39

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Jason and deMarco’s new normal Musician couple brings ‘Celebrate Diversity Tour’ to Nashville

BY SEAN LARKIN

Jason and deMarco met 12 years ago when Jason, a solo spiritual artist at the time, was visiting Los Angeles. Jason went to the restaurant where deMarco was the host. The two locked eyes and although it wasn’t love at first sight, deMarco thought Jason was cute and noticed the twinkle in Jason’s eye when he looked at deMarco.

DeMarco, however, was in a yearlong relationship at the time—with a girl.

He soon realized that the feelings he was experiencing with Jason ran deeper than any he had ever felt towards the opposite sex. When he stopped caring what others would say, or how it would affect his music career when fans found out that he was gay, deMarco knew he was in love.

The duo first recorded a Christmas album together in 2002, then quickly began recording more albums together.

To date, they have released six albums and several singles, two that climbed the Billboard charts. LOGO TV even awarded Jason and deMarco’s hit 2006 single, “This is Love,” with their Video of the Year award.

Jason and deMarco will perform tracks from their latest release, Safe, when their Celebrating Diversity Tour makes three area stopsSeptember 27-29.

How do you feel about the recent Supreme Court rulings?

J: We’re obviously thrilled, however, we know that there is still a lot of work to be done. deMarco is Canadian and we are hoping citizenship

rights will be available to same-sex married couples so he can become a US citizen.

Equality is a journey and we know we are in it for the long haul.

In the documentary film, We’re All Angels, your Pentacostal parents revealed they had a very hard time accepting your homosexuality. How did they accept your decision to create a family?

J: My parents have been amazing.

We couldn’t have done this without them.

Shortly after the boys were born my parents relocated to Houston where we live. They watch the boys on weekends that we travel and perform.

Why did you decide to make Texas your home?

D: While living in Los Angeles, we met a producer who lived in Houston. We were traveling back and forth so much to record that we decided to relocate for a year. That year stretched a bit longer.

Was it difficult to create a family in Texas?

J: For us, moving to Texas was key to creating our family. We met our surrogate in Houston.

D: The only difficult part about Texas is that two men aren’t allowed to be listed as parents on the birth certificates. We had to have a secondparent adoption and adopt each other’s biological child. It would have been nice to both be on the birth certificates.

JASON & DEMARCO cont’d on page 37

What have you learned from the progress your parents have made to your homosexuality?

J: I’ve learned that anything is possible. Sometimes I have to remind myself how far my parents have come and not take it for granted.

Do you feel the country has become more accepting?

D: The country is still very divided.

We’re grateful that we have a President who is an advocate for our community.

We’re grateful that many LGBT issues are surfacing rather than being swept under the rug. From our experience, I think many people are much more open-minded.

J: When we share that we are a gay couple with twin sons, people aren’t as shocked as they probably would have been ten years ago. Shows like Modern Family help people see that there are other types of families out there.

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Local playwright Michael McFaden debuts new musical ‘City of Light’

Performances set for September 27-29 at Franklin’s Boiler Room Theatre

BY JAZ DORSEY

If W. S Gilbert, of Gilbert & Sullivan fame, were alive right now, he might be worried. One of the great treats of the new musical City of Light are the lyrics, set to the music of Gilbert’s collaborator, Sir Arthur Sullivan. Every bit as clever and intricate as any that Mr. Gilbert ever wrote, these lyrics are by the play’s author, Michael McFaden, and are without doubt one reason that City of Light took first place in last year’s new musicals competition at Franklin’s Boiler Room Theatre.

The prize for winning was a production at The Boiler Room, and McFaden, who also tends bar at Blue Gene’s on Church Street, is getting his cast of 20 geared up to hit the stage for three performances, September 27 - 29.

These performances are the result of McFaden’s nearly three year revealing journey with City of Light. “As to the journey from conception to stage, each step along the way has revealed something new about the piece,” McFaden shared. “And, really, I just tried to let it tell me where it wanted to go. What has continually been a pleasant surprise is how just the right music has always been there like it was waiting for me. It’s sort of like Arthur Sullivan was sitting next to me saying, ‘Here, use this old number from “The Beauty Stone.” It’s perfect for this moment in City of Light.’

So, the writing was a joy. Even the rewrites.”

City of Light brings together McFaden’s lifelong love of Gilbert & Sullivan and his fascination with the town of Lily Dale, New York. Founded in the 1870s, Lily Dale soon became a haven for free thinkers, attracting folks such as Susan B Anthony, C. S. Lewis and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Along with the intelligentsia, Lily Dale was also known for its mystics, mediums and spiritualists. Mae West used to go to Lily Dale - and had her own personal medium. McFaden’s story is built on this history, following a young widow who seeks to communicate with her deceased husband.

The cast includes Church Street staples Steve Mogck, who hosts karaoke at Blue Gene’s (as well as The Stirrup) and Chris Mitchell, who DJs at Canvas.

Audiences will also recognize Daniel

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“Houdini wasn’t in the original script,” says McFaden. “He was added only after I had a dialogue with Broadway producer Liz Morten (Caroline, or Change), who felt that the show needed more of a villain. As Houdini used to actively expose fraudulent mediums in Lily Dale, his character seemed the perfect fit.”

All of the music is by Sullivan but none of it comes from any of his collaborations with Gilbert. The 27 musical numbers draw from seven light operas, one grand opera, two religious oratorios and one partsong. Since the composer is known almost exclusively for the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, City of Light gives audiences a chance to experience and enjoy Sir Arthur’s neglected contributions.

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Nashville in Harmony brings New York City to Music City with ‘Bravo! Broadway’

Concert held September 28 at TPAC

BY KEVIN WESLEY

Whether you’ve practiced the “Time Warp” at home over the last three decades or just enjoyed “Seasons of Love” from Rent on repeat since the late 90s, if you love the idea of a night on the town Broadway style, then mark September 28 on your calendar.

Nashville in Harmony brings New York City to Music City, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) to be more exact, with the first show in their TENsational 10th anniversary season.

This Broadway revue will include numbers from some of the most famous musicals in show history such as: “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, “Little Shop of Horrors,” “For Good” from Wicked, “Footloose” and much more. The special evening will also feature special guest Martha Wilkinson, Blake Whyte and dance performances

by The Nashville Swing Dance Foundation.

publicity photo provided

Nashville’s own Martha Wilkinson brings over 25 years of professional experience to Bravo! Broadway.

Wilkinson, who serves as the Artistic Director for Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, is a nine-time First Night award-winning actress for her work in musical theatre. Performing in and directing over 100 shows, Wilkinson is best known for roles such as Mrs.

Lovett in Sweeny Todd and her work in The 39 Steps.

Bravo! Broadway will also feature New York musiczan, Blake Whyte. Whyte just released his much anticipated debut album, More Like Myself, co-produced by Jeffery Lee Campbell (Sting), and is known for his roles in Wicked and Mamma Mia. Whyte is the perfect complement to Nashville in Harmony’s mission. “I believe we are all connected through the common language of music and that its ability to inspire and heal are limitless,” said Whyte. His personal philosophy embodies everything in which Nashville in Harmony strives for. The melding of these two talents (and philosophies) serve to enhance the showcase of the very best that Broadway and Nashville have to offer.

Bravo! Broadway is the first of four performances for NiH’s celebratory TENsational series. NiH has been creating a way to build bridges of understanding between the LGBT community and the Nashville community at large since 2003.

Marketing chair Julie Reliford summed up their ten year mission best, “The idea was to intentionally form a chorus in which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people could stand side by side with their straight allies and raise their voices in songs of unity, love, and support.”

Nashville in Harmony strives to model within the chorus, the ideals they wish to see in society—that everyone is not only accepted but embraced and valued for exactly who they are. So whether you’re a Broadway lead or a chorus gal, Nashville in Harmony hopes that you’ll come out and sing with them at TPAC on September 28.

Tickets information, including special 4-packs starting at $20 a ticket, can be found at nashvilleinharmony.org

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stories of Mark Bingham. Bingham was an openly gay rugby player. Bingham was also an amateur documentarian ,who according to Gracheff, filmed his life from the age 16. Bingham was also a passenger on United Flight 93 and is considered a 9/11 hero.

With the many layers of Bingham’s life, the story of his relationship with his mother, Alice, is The Rugby Player’s centerpiece. “In many ways it took ten years to get here,” said Gracheff.

“The benefit from that was that it really Is 2013 the year of the LGBT athlete? In April, NBA star Jason Collins allowed the story to mature. If we had been able to complete the documentary came out. Followed by Brittney Griner, a few years after 9/11 it wouldn’t have who came out as lesbian days after been the powerful and nuanced story being the No. 1 draft selection for the that we now have. I think the fact the WNBA. More recently, WWE wrestler story was able to mature, the fact that Darren Young came out. But for every we were really able to document Alice LGBT success story, another story and her journey of rebuilding her life exposing the difficulties still faced by since 9/11 is really key to making this LGBT athletes waits in the wings—just take Russia and the conflict surrounding film as engaging as it is.”

According to Gracheff, in the film the 2014 Winter Olympics for example.

Alice admits to her shame the period Set against the collective courage of time it took her to get to a point of of Collins, Griner, Young and countless others, director/producer Scott Gracheff love and acceptance when Bingham first came out. Alice herself is a beacon of offers a lesser known story of heroism strength as she has since devoted her and courage with The Rugby Player, time and energy to pro-LGBT causes. which screens September 8 at OutFlix “I think Alice and Mark’s story in Film Festival in Memphis. particular certainly proves that when The Rugby Player tells the many

Outflix page 23

THE RUGBY PLAYER

someone makes the decision to come out and live openly and honestly in our society and they are met with love and acceptance as opposed to intolerance and violence, they can grow up to be amazing individuals and in Mark’s case grow up to be heroes,” Gracheff said.

And Bingham is considered a hero of United Flight 93. Believed to have been diverted from destroying the nation’s capital, Bingham is considered among those who disarmed the terrorists on that fateful morning. “In some way a portion of the story is from 12 years ago,” Gracheff explained. “The bigger story is a lot more evergreen than that.”

The bigger story in the film tackles issues such as marriage equality and homophobia in organized sports at all levels. “Mark Bingham’s story proves that prejudice, intolerance and homophobia has no place in the world and certainly not a place in organized sports,” Gracheff said. In order to get that message out there, producer Holly Million is developing a “robust educational outreach initiative” with the film in hopes of getting the film shown in schools. “We hope to soon get to the day that LGBTQ youth feel completely accepted and supported to choose any path they see fit unimpeded by outdated,

unfair stereotypes,” Gracheff finished.

With less than a dozen screenings under their belt, Gracheff is thrilled about the reception The Rugby Player has received. After its Memphis screening on September 8, the film will see its New York premiere on 9/11 this year at New Fest NYC. The film will be screened with the filmmaking crew and Bingham’s mother at the Lincoln Centre. “We have had a few screenings where people in the audience were affected directly by 9/11 and we’re so honored that people have felt our film to be healing. The fact that we will be screening the film on the twelfth anniversary of 9/11 is really meaningful for all involved.”

THE NEW BLACK

Filmmaker Yoruba Richen was fascinated with the contradiction that faced the nation following the 2008

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elections. On one hand, the nation celebrated diversity and the election of our first black president but at the same time witnessed the removal of marriage rights for millions of same-sex couples in California with Prop 8’s passage.

“Despite the elation that many felt and demonstrations of joy in the street, there was also the anger that gay marriage had been taken away on this monumental night of the election of the President,” Richen shared. “Almost the next day African-Americans were being blamed for its passage and I found that quite disturbing and confusing.

Some of it was based on this poll that came out that later proved false—that African-American’s voted for Prop 8 in extremely high numbers—but it made me want to look into this narrative of black versus gay that was so potent and consistent.”

While the idea gestated, Ruben said that were waiting for another ballot initiative and in 2012, Maryland became that battleground and the setting for Richen’s film The New Black, which screen at OutFlix Film Festival in Memphis on Sunday September 8.

“I started to find characters who were working on this issue, who were trying to bridge that divide and in that point in 2008 we thought that 2010 might see another ballot initiative but it just so happened that it didn’t happen in California and happened in Maryland in this past election,” Richen said. “I had been working on the film for a couple years looking at folks were trying to bridge the gap between the gay community and the black community, working within the black church around this issue and with people who had been personally affected by this and then Maryland happened last summer and it kinda brought together all of the different pieces I had been looking at.”

While Maryland serves as the film’s setting, Richen is quick to point

“If you want to have a coalition where Black Americans and other people of color are supporting gay rights then the LGBT, whitedominated, male-led—although that’s changing—but what they call Gay Inc. has to also be on board for issues that are affecting the black community and other communities of color.”

The New Black has won audience awards across the country including at AFI Docs in Washington, DC, Q Fest in Philadelphia and Frameline in San Francisco.

“I’ve been so thrilled about how the film has been received and the enthusiastic response from the audience—it’s really hitting a nerve,” said Richen. “But I’m really excited to see how the film is received in the South.”

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portraits out the national themes that the documentary presents. “…the film goes into the wider themes of homophobia in the black church, the relationship between the community and the LGBT community and how the Christian right has inserted themselves into the fight.”

According to Richen, the film examines whether the black community should accept LGBT rights as a part of greater “human rights.” With increased coverage on race relations, the timeliness of Richen’s documentary cannot be debated. Given the day that the LGBT community celebrated history with the June 26 SCOTUS decisions, the Voting Rights Act was basically dismantled. When asked about the inverse of the black community’s relationship with the LGBT community, Richen also said the film implicitly examines that relationship.

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You know what I was more surprised by was how long they did hold it together. If you look at previous grassroots movements in this country, very few of them had that kind of multiyear cohesion that AIDS activism had. The protest version of it, ACT UP, had seven or eight solid years in unison without a single member being paid to keep moving the science forward. And how they did that is a story for the ages, I think. But what happened when they hit the wall was, I think, just some exhaustion and there was some trauma just from having lived in the plague years in New York, and frustration that as much energy as they had put in to that point they had not made the kind of progress they were hoping for. So, it made sense, it was a logical human reaction to that kind of despair and loss.

For all of the justified seriousness and somber tone of the movement that we witness in the film, there were moments of levity and humor… whether in some of the laughter among the activists, or (in one of my favorite moments) cloaking Senator Jesse Helms’ home in a giant condom. How important was humor in those days? Was it hard to come by, with all the frustration, struggle, and death that was surrounding the movement?

One of the things somebody said to me in the course of my reporting to bring this story together is that there was a lot of fun people were having in the middle of all the death and dying. It was a kind of declaration of a will to live, and part of the fierce connection to life that a lot of those activists were living in was their ability to keep a sense of humor even if it was a sense of humor around death and dying. There were some morbid edges to it.

Ideas like ridicule – they used ridicule politically, in a way, to help bring the general public’s way of thinking around to their own. And that’s what that Helms action was about. It was about ridiculing a buffoon who ordinary Americans needed permission to think of as a buffoon. [The condom protest] gave them that and helped undermine his power in the Senate.

There seems to be a sense of invincibility to HIV and AIDS now because of these successful drugs. The proliferation of bareback gay porn videos and continued unprotected sex come immediately to mind.

Coming from your personal experience with losing your lover to AIDS complications and having been a journalist covering the front lines of the early days of the epidemic, having seen and heard all that you have, what would you say to these men who still engage in unprotected sex? A sense of “it won’t happen to me” or thinking they can get away with it.

Or actually not caring whether or not they do. You talk to young people now who are not practicing safe sex, and they talk about this idea that it’s just

SEPTEMBER 2013

a pill a day, which unfortunately it’s not. It’s a complicated course of medications, and we still don’t know what it’s going to be like for somebody two decades out, three decades out on those pills. Nobody’s lived that long on those pills yet. If you’re 20 years old and you contract HIV, they’re projecting you’ve got 50 years that you can live on those pills. You can live until 70, but what does that mean and what kind of life is that, what is your health going to be like? We still don’t know those things.

But you know, I don’t reserve my blame for the porn industry and the people who are not thinking about HIV transmission or not thinking about protecting themselves. I think the organized community, the gay community, has not done enough to keep the discussion going. They haven’t done anything. It’s the AIDS organizations that it’s been left to. There’s an article in the Harvard Lesbian and Gay Review, or whatever it’s called now, in the newest issue – someone saying this is a gay epidemic. We’ve been denying it for many years. But over half of new cases remain men who have sex with men. Mostly young, but some in their fifties and sixties. If we don’t claim that, then we’re not going to do anything about finding a way to address it. We’re denying what’s so apparent: gay men are at serious risk of contracting HIV. We’ve got 50 or 55 thousand new cases of HIV in the United States every year. That’s unchanged in the last 17 years, but who’s addressing that and HIV prevention. But if those cases are in our community, we should be addressing that and we’re not.

With all the successful drugs available now that are greatly extending lives, why is it still important to remember the early days of the AIDS epidemic that you document so beautifully in your film?

AIDS activism is the last great American social justice movement. It follows feminism, it follows the anti-war movement, it follows the civil rights movement, and so far it has not been inducted into the canon of those great American grassroots movements, and it belongs. It belongs as the legacy that all Americans are inheriting, and all of the ways that science and medicine have changed as a result of that deserve to be acknowledged. It’s our history, our American history.

Also, it’s a story of heroes, and I think certainly the gay community has a lack of heroes.

I think the community at large is desperate for examples of individuals who, with no special powers, are able to confront this problem and bring it to its knees. That’s a reason to go back to this story – to see what can be done with perseverance and good organization. I think of this as an American story that way.

How to Survive a Plague will screen at OutCentral September 27 at 8 p.m..

Admission is free but donations are accepted.

SEPTEMBER 2013

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

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OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

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Jason and deMarco’s New Normal page 27

photo courtesy of Silver Line Image

Did you consider adopting?

D: At the time, we didn’t realize fostering-to-adopt was an option. Fostering scared us because we feared falling in love with a child and then having to return them to their biological parents. We have since learned that there are thousands of children available for adoption in every state. The parental rights of these children have already been terminated. In addition, adoptees are actually paid by the states and children may qualify for benefits including a free college education and medical insurance. Even after adopting, parents still qualify for a monthly stipend when adopting a child out of the foster system. This is a great opportunity for same-sex couples and for anyone who doesn’t have the finances to do otherwise. If we have more children, this will be the route we take.

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Do you worry your children may face discrimination in school?

J: I think every parent wishes they could keep their child in a safe bubble.

We will definitely want to make sure there are other kids with same-sex parents attending our boys’ school.

What is your goal with the Celebrating Diversity tour?

J: We hope that our tour will remind everyone that whether straight, gay, black, white, male, female, adopted… we are all part of this human family. Most of us want the same thing. We hope to find someone to love who will love us in return just as we are.

Your latest album is called Safe. Is that a reflection of how you feel today?

D: We feel more safe and secure now than ever. We have built a beautiful relationship, career and family together, in spite of all odds.

The album also ties in to your non-profit, S.A.F.E. J: S.A.F.E (Safe, Affirming, Family Environment) aims to support GLBTQ youth in foster care and connect them with affirming foster homes. We are also a resource to gay and lesbian individuals and couples who wish to learn about beginning the process of parenting. A portion of the proceeds from our ticketed events will go to support S.A.F.E. Will you perform “This Is Love”?

D: “This is Love” is our biggest hit so we always try to include it.

Jason and deMarco’s “Celebrating Diversity” concert takes place Friday September 27 at Puckett’s at Lieper’s Fork in Franklin, Saturday, September 28 at Holy Trinity Community Church in Nashville and Sunday, September 29 at Convenant of the Cross in Nashville. Suggested donation $20. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefit S.A.F.E., Jason & deMarco’s non-profit charity for GLBTQ foster and homeless youth. Visit jasonanddemarco.com for more information.

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Eli Lieb: A Lieb of Faith page 26 the same as Rihanna and Adele putting out videos and both having love stories.

But because it’s two guys, it seems like it’s trying to be the same thing.

And not just two men … two gay men.

Does that change things?

What I’ve noticed with the comparisons to Steve and I: When I set out to make this video, I specifically did not want it to have a “gay theme;” I just wanted to be authentic to who I am, and who I am is this very comfortable human being in my own skin. My sexuality is just one part of who I am; it’s not something I focus on and I definitely don’t want to make it a big deal. So, when I was going to shoot this video, I knew it had to have a love interest, because it’s a love song and it just was not an option to me to not have a guy. I also wanted to shoot it in a way that was no different than any other video, where you just feel the love rather than being hit over the head with an agenda or a point of view. Not saying that was Steve at all, but I find a lot of gay stuff does have sort of a gay theme to it, which isn’t bad; I just didn’t want to do that. And Steve’s story is a different story than mine.

I guess I can say that we have different points of view and we’re at different places in our lives, and different people respond to different things. Some people, who are very free in their love and who they are, might relate to mine more because they see it as a celebration – about not having to hide who you are. But then there’s other people who might be struggling more and aren’t at that place in their life and they still feel that struggle and seeing (Grand’s version), they can relate to that more. They’re just telling two different stories.

Obviously there’s something in the air if he and I both release a video this close to each other with … I almost don’t want to say similar content; it’s just our people speaking out for who they are and showing who they are in the world, regardless of where they are in their life. I’m very happy to be able to show my story and the lack of fear and acceptance with who I am. I didn’t have an agenda with the video, and I feel very fulfilled that I can help people feel better about themselves and shed fear and be who they are. And as an openly gay man, I definitely want to represent the community in a positive

way. There’s a sense of pride with it. I just want everybody in the world to just be who they are without fear, and that transcends way beyond sexuality.

Are you at all bothered by comparisons between not just you and Steve Grand but with other gay artists?

That’s something you get used to and understand. I actually have been really happy about the response to the video. Most people are saying it’s not grouped into this “gay” category. It’s just a video about people in love.

Has being out affected your career in either direction?

It’s affected it for the better. I think being independent and calling my own shots has helped as well. When you’re being your authentic self and you are free with who you are, you will gravitate an audience.

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There’s a big part of the gay community who admires your music as much as your looks. Have you thought about yourself as a heartthrob in the community? And how do you deal with that flattery and attention?

Oh man, I don’t even know how to answer that. (Laughs) We all are human beings and we all have our insecurities, and people see you in a different way than you see yourself. But I don’t think of myself as a heartthrob. I don’t really know how to answer that question. It’s a really difficult one.

Because you have to talk about how good you look?

And it’s arrogant. There’s a very common misconception about me.

People think I’m standoffish, but I’m not; I’m just shy. I am a super grounded, down-to-earth person, and I think the more that I put stuff out that is my authentic self, that comes across more. Nobody sees themselves as other people sees them. I don’t know anybody who does. And if they do, a lot of times they’re a person you don’t want to be around. (Laughs)

photos by Ben Easter

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Out & About Nashville is proud to announce its sponsorship of Nashville’s only LGBT kickball league

The announcement comes as HotMess Kickball kicks off its third season on September 8

For more information, visit hotmesskickball.com

NASH VILLE ’S ON LY LG BT

GUE A E L L L KICKBA

Nashville softball teams compete in Gay World Series in Washington DC

Grizzlies kick off 2013 season The Grizzlies kicked off their 2013-14 season last month with a Beer Bust at Tribe.

The Nashville Grizzlies RFC is a USA Rugby Division III club, open to men ages 18 to 50. The team welcomes new players, gay and straight, experienced, new to rugby or even new to organized sports.

The Grizzlies will practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of September. Want a chance to see them in action? Check out their Home Match on September 28 against the Atlanta Bucks.

Also make sure to drop by the Grizzlies’ car wash fundraiser Saturday, September 7 beginning at 9 a.m..

COURTESY OF KATY PARSON

The event will be held at The Lipstick Lounge.

Interested in joining the Nashville Grizzlies or just want more details about events? Visit them online at grizzliesrugby.org or ‘like’ their Facebook page (facebook.com/ nashvillegrizzliesrfc).

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OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

SEPTEMBER 2013

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In order to raise money for travel, teams held beer bust fundraisers, a drag show and a bowling party.

Interested in the upcoming season of softball? Visit mnsasoftball.com for more details. Also, visit outandaboutnashville. com for more Gay World Series coverage.

After wrapping up a waterlogged season in June and having their tournament rained out, three Metro area Nashville softball teams are making the journey to Washington, DC for the 2013 Gay World Series.

The Gay World Series is being held this year from August 26 -31.

The Nashville Flash, Nashville Force and Nashville Blaze descend upon DC at the end of August to hopefully bring home a title to Tennessee.

Nashville – 636 Old Hickory Boulevard Chattanooga – 7734 Lee Highway Knoxville – 230 Papermill Place Way

Buy • Sell • Trade www.mckaybooks.com Find Something You Want Now posting great McKay finds on Facebook & Twitter!

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After living in Washington, DC, Derrick Lachney decided that Nashville needed its own LGBT Kickball league last summer. Season one was a success as was season two this spring.

Now, HotMess Kickball prepares to kicks off its third and most successful season to date. With over 200 participants and 11 teams, season three registration was a massive success.

“We have long supported the Nashville sports community and we’re excited to broaden our relationship with HotMess Kickball,” said Jerry Jones, publisher of O&AN. “We’re constantly looking for ways to give back to a community that has supported us for over ten years.”

HotMess Kickball takes place at East Park on Sunday beginning September 8. The league will kick off their season with a HotMess Mixer at Tribe on Friday, September 6.

Giselle Nicole competes for Miss Tennessee Gay America 2013

Timberfell Lodge

timberfell.com

Pageant takes place at Play on September 15

By Hollis Hollywood

PUBLICITY PHOTO PROVIDED

Drag queen, female illusionist, dancer, performance artist and activist.

All are accurate descriptions of Miss Gay Middle TN, Giselle Nicole, but she’d rather you just call her an entertainer.

The Nashville resident has distinguished herself in the past two years by winning local pageants, astounding drag show audiences around the city with her killer dance moves, and snagging a role in the upcoming Robin Williams movie filmed in Nashville over the summer. Giselle credits her work as a performer with giving her courage to be herself and fight for the rights of others to do the same.

“Being an artist has given me the power to defy any barriers placed on me by society, community, stereotypes, or even circumstances,” she explained.

“It has allowed me to explore who I am as a person and creatively challenged me to stand for myself and refuse to be labeled or put into a box. As a performer I am able to show up and say, ‘This is who I am, and this is what I do.’ It is incredibly liberating.”

A native of Knoxville, Giselle relocated to Nashville in 2012 after winning a newcomer pageant at her hometown club, The Carousel. Although her primary reason for relocating was love, her husband Bradford is a Nashvillian, she was also ready to expand her career. Becoming a part of the Nashville performance scene seemed

like a logical step.

Another logical choice for the upbeat and witty young artist was the Miss Gay America (MGA) pageant system, founded in Nashville in 1973 by Jerry Peek. The MGA pageant and its preliminary competitions set themselves apart from other drag pageants by limiting contestants to biological males with no cosmetic surgery below the neck or female hormone therapy. Like many artists who gravitate to the MGA system, this distinction was appealing to Giselle. “I like that I am judged by my skills to pull off the art of female impersonation. The fact it was an allmale competition without the help of cosmetic procedures really caught my eye. No offense to my friends who are ‘nip and tuckers’ out there, but it evens up the playing field.”

Current MGTNA, Suzy Wong agrees. “I thought the system was perfect for me. I loved its rich history, but also because of what I do and who I am physically. I am a boy from head to toe with no modifications.

Another unique aspect of MGA is its judging category “male interview,” in which contestants present themselves in male form and answer questions about the lives and careers they lead outside of their drag persona.

As Wong prepares to crown her successor, she has her sights set on another title. “I’m excited to have won Miss Gay Mid-America and already be headed to nationals so I can focus on completing my duties as Miss Gay Tennessee and mentoring the girls in that pageant this year,” Suzy told O&AN, “plus of course practicing and perfecting my package for Miss Gay America in St. Louis in October.”

Giselle has been preparing for the state pageant with a similar focus.

“Preparing for Miss Tennessee America is different from Miss Middle Tennessee America in that it takes the need for more discipline, hard work, and most importantly faith that what I bring to the competition will be nothing short of my best,” Giselle said. “The idea of representing my home state on a

September 13 – 15 Cowboys ‘n Boots Weekend Country music and MEN in tight Wranglers! A country recipe for HOT fun! COWPOKE HO-DOWN on Saturday night at The Tavern with country music. Dust off your hats and get back on that horse!

It is going to be a LONG HARD RIDE! Break out the BOOTS men!

September 27 – 29 Fall BearFest & Pool Closing Party Fall is upon us and time to enjoy the pool one more weekend before the frosts come! Come party with BEARS, BEARS, BEARS!! Hirsute mean and those that admire come to the mountains for a very festive weekend with Deutsch flair! German inspired menus and HOT HOT HOT parties.

October 25 – 27 Monster Bash Halloween Weekend Friday Night Leather Party and Halloween Costume Party Saturday evening! Great videos, lights, and dancing!! The Tavern will also be open Saturday from 12pm-5pm for pool, beer, snacks, movies and Wii for some early Trick or Treating!!!

Come visit us in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

2240 Van Hill Road Greeneville, TN 37745 FOR RESERVATIONS:

423-234-0833 1-800-437-0118 national level would be such a huge honor for me.”

Giselle appreciates the opportunities Miss Gay America has provided her to give back to the LGBT community and support interests close to her heart like bullying awareness and prevention.

“The MGA System has provided me with a huge platform to advocate for anti-bullying, which means I am able to reach more people, hearts, and minds in hopes of promoting social change. I have so many young people interacting with me on social media, and I have learned they are really listening,” Giselle explained. “I can’t bear to see one more suicide of another youth on my timeline because they where bullied. When SEPTEMBER 2013

I hear directly from a young person that something I have said or done has helped them find hope, it is the best feeling imaginable. It’s horrible to hear stories about how kids have been treated cruelly just for being themselves, but it encourages me to continue trying to lift up and encourage all the beautiful kids who are struggling out there. I want to be a light in their hearts and minds.”

The Miss Gay TN America 2013 Pageant will be held at PLAY Dance Bar on September 15 at 7:00 p.m. sharp. Admission is $10 with limited tables for sale at $50. Email JC Productions at inspectorjeff44@aol.com for info.

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

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09.2013 5

6

Music City Sisters’ Night

Music City Sisters present: Alphabet Art

Canvas Lounge

Sisters night held the first Thursday of each month benefitting local charities.

Visit the Music City Sisters on Facebook for more details.

7 p.m.

8

OutCentral

See page 14 for more details.

11

Great City Race

Join Vickie Davis for an informal discussion about any and all things transgender.

An urban scavenger hunt on steroids. This race is perfect for anyone planning to audition for The Amazing Race. Visit honkytonkcentral.com/gcr for more details.

OutCentral

6 p.m.

19

Nashville Opera presents Sweet and HOT Noah Liff Opera Center

Join the Nashville Opera with an exotic rum and tequila sampling to prepare for October’s Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers.

Honky Tonk Central

Ballet in the Park Centennial Park

See page 22 for more details.

September 20-22 & September 27-30 / 7:30 p.m.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

27

Movie Screening How to Survive a Plague OutCentral

Academy Award nominated HIV/AIDS documentary sponsored by NPS Pharmacy, Tribe and Play. See page 18 for more details.

8 p.m.

O&AN presents Girl on Girl Comedy

8 p.m.

1 p.m.

Miss Gay Tennessee America Pageant Play Dance bar

See page 41 for more details.

7:00 p.m.

18

Nashville Beyond Condoms: Primetimers Classic Women and New Movie: Trick PreventionTechnologies OutCentral

8:00 p.m.

21

Olympus Chapter 2: Athena Returns The Parthenon

See page 15 for more details.

7: 00 p.m.

Margaret Cho Zanie’s Nashville

6 - 8:00 p.m.

24

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast TPAC

Disney’s hit show roars onto the TPAC stage. Get tickets and show times online at tpac.org September 24- 29

28

Nashville in Harmony presents Bravo!

Broadway

Tickets are $30. Early and TPAC late night show on Friday and Saturday. Visit zaniesnashville. See page 31 for more details. com for tickets and show times.

September 27- 29

Nashville Airport Marriot

Contact wresh@comcast.net HIV/AIDS forum and discussion; for more information RSVP at www.discoverymatters.org

11:00 a.m.

20

September 6 -12 Various showtimes

Join Christy Eidson and a fresh cast of comedians for this month’s Girl on Girl.

Watch O&AN Facebook for your chance to win tickets.

Join NashvilleGayParents.com and Barrington Gist for a workshop designed for LGBT families. Visit nashvillegayparents.com for more details.

Transgender Drop-In

See page 23 for details.

Zanie’s Nashville

752 Madison Square, Madison TN

15

Memphis

6 p.m

Wealth Planning for LGBT Families

12

OutFlix Festival

7:30 p.m.

QDP Nashville The 5 Spot

Queer Dance Party hosted third Friday of every month. $1 Cover; 21+ 9 p.m.

Jack Spencer. Christianne (detail), 2002. Gelatin silver print with oleopasto glaze. Courtesy of the artist. Š Jack Spencer

Through October 13 DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE | 615.244.3340 | FRISTCENTER.ORG Members/Youth 18 and younger FREE Presenting Sponsor:

The Atticus Trust The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is supported in part by:

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