O&AN | July 2015

OUTANDABOUT NASHVILLE.COM

JULY 2015

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 07

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07.15

LETTER

from the

Marriage is a Milestone, Not a Destination As of our press date, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) had not handed down its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges to settle the question of marriage equality in the United States. Likely by the time this hits the stands, it will have done so.

Like almost everyone, we expect the decision to be favorable to the LGBT community, to some degree. But even if the decision is a full victory for equality, and thus a just cause for celebration, the fight is FAR from over. The biggest danger we face as a community is the loss of momentum, particularly as the backlash begins.

The cause of marriage equality is a white bread issue: It was thus perfect to bring people to our cause in the millions. So many people in the LGBT community seek that right, but perhaps even more importantly so many of our friends, families, and coworkers have seen our relationships grow and flourish, but hampered by the lack of equal protections. Marriage equality is an issue even the liberal religious could get behind to help normalize LGBT relationships.

Tens of millions of people became armchair activists, galvanized by the constant stream of court victories in the easy-to-measure march of liberty through the courts over the last five years. But after marriage, what are our issues?

Job security, housing rights, the personal security of our youth in schools, protections for trans people (including not only the aforementioned, but also a whole bevy of other

EDITOR

needs, from birth certificates to healthcare), to name only the most obvious. These fights will be made all the more difficult by the inevitable conservative legislative responses.

But in marriage equality we were all in the same boat, for the most part. Many LGBT people work for companies that have antidiscrimination policies for their employees, and many can afford housing in neighborhoods where discrimination is unlikely. In future fights, LGBT people and their allies will be asked to fight for issues that affect the weakest members of their community, but which may not be personal “top priority” issues.

It is essential that we continue to fight at one another’s side. If you aren’t convinced that those fights are yours too by the simple fact that all fights for civil rights are your fights too, then be convinced by the fact that until this fight is over, all victories are temporary.

Marriage equality will not be secure until all LGBT rights are secure.

Marriage equality won’t truly be secure until every stronghold of bias is worn down by the sight of what a beautiful place our country could be if everyone were free and equal, and even the least of us was protected from the legislation of the personal biases and dogmas of a loud and powerful mob. So before this battle is won, it’s time to start planning for the new front. I encourage everyone to examine the Tennessee Equality Project’s Local Government Advocacy Agenda 2015-2019 to start planning how you can best help! @jamesallengrady

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WHAT THE ‘JUST US’ PROGRAM REALLY MEANS GRAYSON HESTER

A room full of 30 adults from places with lofty acronyms like USDA and DCS stared at them. They sat where divinity students, lawyers and government officials had just led panels since 10 that morning. Yet, when their panel concluded, they were the only group to receive a tearful standing ovation.

In this summit hosted by the federal government, five LGBT high school students related wrenching accounts of estrangement, isolation and rejection—of self-harm and suicide attempts. But because of one program, two women and forty high schoolers like them, they then shared redemptive stories of inclusion, love and acceptance.

That’s the power of positive reinforcement. That’s the result of having a place to be authentically yourself. That’s the Just Us program. These 15-18 year-olds confidently answered personal questions some adults still struggle with, such as “What’s your coming out story?” and “Why is it important to be openly gay?”

Their responses held such power that many in the audience were reduced to tears.

One attendee asked, “Do you feel safer in urban areas than you do in rural areas?”

Lead Academy senior Leslie Berkley proudly answered: “I feel safe everywhere because I believe in myself.” That kind of self-assurance is hard to come by in any high schooler, let alone an 18-year-old transgendered one who looks female but identifies as male. And, to be sure, it didn’t come by accident.

Just Us, a program of the OASIS Center launched in 2011 by activist Pam Scheffer, owns most of the responsibility for that confidence. Through three distinct groups—Lounge, Students of Stonewall and TYME—the program empowers LGBT high schoolers to discover and love their authentic selves.

Just Us is the only program specifically for LGBT high schoolers in Middle Tennessee. As such, some of its members drive as far as 70 miles to get there to attend a two hour meeting called Called.

“The only place I feel authentically myself is here,” said Hickman County freshman Cyrus Frank, 15, who identifies as a gay male.

Attendance averages thirteen high schoolers per session, a far cry from the three boasted by the program in its fledgling days. Total membership now runs

in the neighborhood of forty, with no signs of stopping its growth.

If it were merely a support group, LGBT kids wouldn’t travel as far as they do for it. If it were simply an activist education group, these students wouldn’t keep coming back. Certainly, Lounge combines those two things well. But it runs deeper than that.

“Just Us has been a lifesaver,” said Berkley. “I didn’t have anything close to this before. You get a sense of family and community.”

Another student, 15-year-old Charlie Kelleher, a transgender gay male who preferred not to share his high school, expressed how Just Us rescued him from his dark nights of self-harm to the bright days of self-confidence he now experiences. “I was able to talk about what I felt, use my preferred pronouns and not have anyone question my identity,” he said. “[My first day] was the best day of my life.” Just Us members, he said, are his second family.

Program specialist Paige Regan, then, is the “mother” of this family. She leads the biweekly Lounge meeting, guiding the discussions and creating a space for them to feel safe and empowered. She assumes

a contract with Metro Nashville Public Schools to train every middle and high school teacher in the district.

But if all that sounds too ideological, Regan stresses the importance of maintaining a fun environment for the young people. After the summit, four of the five students gathered for an interview—or, more accurately, a free-for-all hangout interrupted periodically by questions. Once they left the spotlight, they also left behind their business-like attitudes and seriousness, trading them for fun and frivolity—typical teen stuff.

They stole spare moments between interview questions to glance at their phones; every question asked ran the risk of going out of control as the students rattled off anecdotes and jabs. They laughed with each other, they loved on each other. And if labels must be used, then “friends” simply would not suffice.

Indeed, Just Us is their second home.

And these kids are family. “We create community,” said Regan. “Hands down, it’s what we do best.”

Photo: Paige Regan

A SECOND HOME, A SECOND FAMILY

many roles—counselor, friend, teacher—and her coworkers and students love her for all of them. She also coordinates the other two Just Us programs and reaches out to the community.

And as a former English teacher, she concerns herself just as much with the students’ education as their emotional well-being, two things she maintains are inextricably linked. She says students must first feel safe, both within their own skin and their classroom, before they can succeed. Without that feeling of security, students cannot be expected to excel.

She tries in their meetings to avoid “empowerment in a vacuum,” she said.

Everything Just Us does is geared towards helping students realize their full potential, with the hopes they’ll then go out and help others do the same. Think of it as a support group salted with a dash of activism.

Regan and founder Scheffer lead by example and maintain an activist presence in Nashville, with participation in March’s summit being just one of the most recent examples. Together, they lead training sessions which teach educators how to navigate culturally diverse classrooms, with emphasis placed on sexual minorities.

Recently, they landed

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‘SHADES OF US’ FOR ‘JUST US’

LOCAL CORPORATIONS PARTNER UP TO RAISE MUCH NEEDED FUNDS JAMES GRADY | @jamesallangrady

Just Us is an Oasis Center program dedicated to serving high school students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or intersex. Over the last year, Nashville has seen and felt the impact of the tightening of budgets for services like OASIS, as the city lost its only safe sheltering option for LGBT youth (ages 18–24). The local community stepped in to mitigate this loss of services, but through Just Us Oasis continues to offer important services to LGBT youth.

From group meetings, where LGBT youth can enjoy the company of their peers and realize they are not alone in their struggles, to counseling, Just Us is not only changing lives, it is saving them. In Middle Tennessee, youth experience social isolation, bullying, lack of social networks, to name but a few obstacles they face.

For many, Just Us is the primary, if not only, point of contact many youth have with the community and services they desperately need.

But Oasis serves a number of communities, and Just Us doesn’t pay for itself. Programs such as this depend on the financial support of the wider LGBT community in order to help our youth grow and thrive at a most important time in their development. To this end, EQUAL, the LGBT employee resource group of Dollar General, has partnered with similar groups at other Middle Tennessee businesses—Caterpillar, Dell, Deloitte, Fifth Third Bank, Lend Lease, Nissan, ServiceSource, and UBS Financial services—to host “Shades of Us,” a fundraiser benefiting Just Us on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at the Nashville Ballet.

“The ‘Shades of Us’ event is the epitome of a ‘beacon of hope’ for LGBT youth in Middle Tennessee,” said Just Us founder Pam Sheffer.

“Oasis Center and the Just Us program are incredibly humbled by this outpouring of support for our young people and their families.

The proceeds from this event will help us secure desperately needed counseling services for our youth as they navigate through the process

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of acceptance, affirmation, and empowerment on the road to a full and happy life as their authentic selves.”

Sheffer believes today’s LGBT youth deserve a chance most of us never had. “Many LGBT adults,” she said, “never received the gift of counseling when they were teenagers struggling with their sexual and/or gender identity and as a result many are still struggling with feelings of shame, rejection, and isolation today.

We want our young people to have every opportunity to have a life filled with hope and happiness right now and in the future.”

“Shades of Us” is shaping up to be quite an event. Headlining the event is The Voice Season 3 finalist Cody Belew. For Belew, this event was an opportunity to support a cause he views as vital. “I’m thrilled,” Belew said, “to have been asked to participate in the ‘Shades of Us’ event! The work that Just Us does for LGBT youth is crucial in a society where social media is king. My heart breaks every time I read about one of our youth taking their life because of bullying and the like. If Just Us is able to help ease the burden of those trying teenage years in even a small way, then I’m with them all the way!”

Another impressive act participating is the Eric Stuart Band.

Even if you aren’t familiar with Stuart’s music, you may know him.

Or his voice anyway. Stuart was the voice of Brock and James in Pokemon and of Seto Kaiba in Yu-Gi-Oh! For Stuart, this show is an opportunity to help make Nashville, now his home, a better place.

“It was an honor,” Stuart said, “to be asked to participate…. Anytime I can use the power of music for a good cause, I will. I grew up in New York in a very diverse community and have always believed in equality for all. This is just a small way I can give something back to my new home of Nashville and hopefully help create a safe and supportive community for the young people here. Come join us for a great night entertainment and help make a difference.”

Supporting Just Us is perfectly in

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JULY 2015

Cody Belew

Pam Sheffer

line with the mission of performance group Nashville in Harmony, which recently held its own innovative show tracing the history of the LGBT rights movement, “Rock N’ Rule,” during Pride month. “We are proud to be singing to support high school students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or intersex,” said Don Schlosser, the group’s artistic director. “Our vision for our community is a place where no one is marginalized, stigmatized, abused, or discriminated against based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender nonconformity. And that’s the whole reason that we sing!”

In addition to this impressive set of talent, the Nashville Ballet and comedian Barb Neligan will also be performing.

So come out and support local LGBT youth through this amazing example of local

corporate outreach and responsibility, and you are sure to leave entertained and uplifted.

The program, which will be held at the Nashville Ballet on July 14, 2015, begins with a VIP hour at 5:30, general admission at 6:30 p.m. VIP tickets are $100 and General Admission is $75, but all proceeds go to Just Us. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ shadesofus; purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/buyshadesofustickets.

@O U T A N D A B O U T N A S H

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RESHAPING OUR RELATIONSHIPS (WITH FOOD)

LGBT-OWNED GROCERY CHAIN, THE TURNIP TRUCK, EXPANDS ITS HORIZONS TESSIE AUSTIN

John Dyke, and his locally owned grocery chain, The Turnip Truck, has been part of the Nashville community for years, focusing on bringing organic and natural foods to our neighborhoods. His passion derives from growing up on a farm and being nourished by his family’s own land. The Turnip Truck is not just a place to buy food: it’s a place that is building community, feeding the body as well as the soul. Walk into any Turnip Truck location and you will find a variety of foods, as well as of people.

Whether it’s getting people back to enjoying food or introducing someone to a new food they may have never tried, The Turnip Truck seeks to engage people with food by offering a plethora of ways to excite your senses. John feels that some have lost the sense of how wonderful food is and where it comes from.

Soon, you’ll be able to experience this vibrant food community feeling in a new way East Nashville as the Five Points location moves to a much expanded Woodland Street facility. John’s vision for how to build a community around food, it seems, is never ending. The new Turnip Truck will be a place not only to shop, but also to learn about cooking, gather as a community, eat in the restaurant that will overlook the store and much, much more. This store is going to be so much more than just a place to buy food. People connect with each other every day over food and what better way to do that than with locally grown products that help you give back to the community you belong to?

John feels that being part of both the Nashville community at large and

its LGBT community is important.

His biggest contribution to the LGBT community is in being who he is, living as an open gay person, showing who he is and using the gifts he was given to serve his community. Those ideals are all very evident when he speaks about his passion, The Turnip Truck.

“What am I giving back to my community?” John pondered out loud.

After a brief moment, he continued, “Growing the Nashville community, having pride in our land and the people around us… Everything goes back to the community.” Those attributes are the founding principles he has used to grow his ideas into a reality.

John and his team want to keep developing the community in Nashville, providing healthy, nutritious options for food. But ultimately, by building an amazing team, he hopes he can step back and focus on the land, possibly helping

build some new community farms in the area. He sees others, also, that have this vision and passion, and he hopes that, as he moves forward, he will be able to help those that want to give back, wanting to farm and to learn to use their gifts to help others.

The team that John hopes will make all this possible is coming together nicely. This summer John has added two new members, Kim Tozke and Adam Williams. Tozke will be the Chief Operations Officer and Williams will be the Chief Financial Officer. These two have a long history of culinary experience, both having served their current roles at Provence. Their skills will not only allow the stores to thrive, but open up

the way for John to expand his vision of building a great Nashville community at the ever growing table he has so lovingly crafted. So be ready come early Fall to join in the community that is ever growing at The Turnip Truck’s new location in East Nashville.

John Dyke

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MAKING NASHVILLE SAFER FOR THE TRANS COMMUNITY TVALS BUILDS SAFE SPACES, BRIDGES “We give people a safe space, information, and answers to their questions. And along the way, we save lives.”

That about sums up the hard work TVals (Tennessee Vals) is doing in Middle Tennessee. “There are a lot of people who were ready to give up,” Marisa Richmond, co-founder of TVals, went on to say, “and we help those people find the road that they want to be on. We never steer anyone towards any road, but we give them the information they need so they can find the path that’s right for them.”

TVals, a non-political, educational, and social support group, was started in Nashville by Richmond and two others in 1992, when she moved back from Washington D.C. “When I moved back,”

SHAWN REILLY

for transgender people, Richmond decided to act. Her own experience in D.C. with the Transgender Education Association (TGEA) and as a co-founder of Crossroads, a transgender support group, helped.

The founders modeled their group using perspectives gleaned from organizations around the country. Bringing a support group to Nashville proved to have its own unique challenges, however, especially when the issue of how to support deeply religious, transgender people arose. “Many came from conservative fundamentalist backgrounds, and would ask, ‘What does God think of this?’” said Richmond.

TVals was the first, and for a long time only, transgender group raising visibility, organizing the first transgender mixer

she said, “I looked around and saw that there was a need.” At the time, there were no laws that successfully protected the transgender community. Not only were non-discrimination ordinances, and the safe school policies non-existent, but even at the federal level, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) had not yet been introduced (it would be later in 1994). The support structures that existed for the LGBTQ community were limited to a fairly small Pride celebration and a tiny community center in Berry Hill, located in an old house.”

Seeing the lack of support systems

at Pride and the local Transgender Day of Remembrance event. The group has contributed to the cultural shift of Nashville, as TVals supported members joining boards of other queer-focused organizations around Nashville also proved helpful, “We’ve raised visibility and awareness through the transgender community, there’s been lots of education work, and we have been there for everybody,” said Richmond.

Along with external difficulties, TVals has dealt with internal challenges, such as retention of board members. “We try to organize people to get up, to stand up,” said

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JULY 2015

current Chairperson Shaun Arroyo, “But it can be difficult when people get what they need and just move on.” This obstacle has proved tough, with the group currently only having half of its board positions filled.

Despite all obstacles, however, TVals operates on its strengths, and it prioritizes the accessibility of the group for all people.

“The current meeting site is very close to a bus stop,” said Richmond, “So when we moved, we made certain that our location was along a bus line. We wanted to make sure that we were accessible to young people and others who may not have a car.”

Accessibility has been attended to in other ways as well. The group is willing to make accommodations to those who cannot afford its annual membership dues. The ultimate goal is to maximize diversity, which helps make the group welcoming. “We’re not just transmen, or transwomen, we’re not just white. We have people of color, we have young people, we have old people,” said Arroyo. The group’s members range in age from sixteen to seventy-one, representing a wide variety of experiences brought to the table, enabling truly intergenerational conversations within the space.

currently in the midst of introducing a “Big Sister” program that would match transgender mentors with other transgender people who have questions about anything from relationships, to familial support, to medical transitioning.

The organization is also working with OutCentral to organize the “Out in Transforce Work Fair,” to be held later this summer, which will focus on connecting transgender people with trans inclusive businesses. Without job protection policies in place in the state of Tennessee, the fair will be a way of supporting transgender people in the process of liberation. “It can be extremely difficult to find work and ultimately get hired as a trans person in Tennessee,” said transgender Nashville resident, Adrian Sorolis, “and I see this job fair as something that will be a game changer for many people.”

Besides OutCentral, TVals has collaborated with many groups within the community, including Vanderbilt LGBTQI Life, with whom they have worked to support programs that highlight the queer community in Nashville, from the annual Vanderbilt drag show to the recent event

With newer identities emerging that fall outside of the gender binary, the group has worked to adapt and educate its members, in order to be supportive of all people who fall under the transgender umbrella. “When the first person came in that used ‘they, them, their’ pronouns, we were confused,” said Arroyo, “But we had them explain what that meant, in order to educate ourselves, and to make sure that all people feel comfortable in our meetings.”

TVals has always worked to create safe, supportive meeting spaces and programs for transpeople. The group is

with New York Times bestselling author and transgender activist Janet Mock. TVals hopes that, in the future, more organizations and leaders will be intentional in including them in conversations and events.

Despite the challenges it still faces, the TVals board is excited for what’s to come in the future. After an astounding twenty-two years, TVals is still here, and they want you to know it. “We’re here,” says Arroyo, “And we’re not going anywhere.”

For more information about TVals and its programs, visit facebook.com/ tennesseevals.

JAMES GRADY | @jamesallangrady

In 2005 only one state, Massachusetts, had marriage equality, and that was tenuous. The world was changing, yes, but it was a world away from today’s climate, especially in Nashville. So when Debbie Turner, president and general manager of WTVF NewsChannel 5, approached O&AN about partnering up for a community-based television show, it was innovative and unexpected.

According to Pam Wheeler, who has been one of the show’s hosts from the very beginning, “We were under the impression that this might have been the first local show aired by a major broadcast network affiliate devoted to, and run by, the LGBT community, in the country.”

Jerry Jones, publisher of O&AN, credited Turner with extending a hand to the LGBT community.

“NewsChannel 5 was producing an entire menu of community shows.

There was an entire array, and we were so excited and honored to be asked to partner with them.”

At the time, Turner told O&AN reporter Griffin Davis that the decision to include an LGBT program was a principled one. “Landmark, WTVF’s parent company, is promoting diversity and inclusiveness throughout the corporation. Within NewsChannel 5, we are focused on building an organization that embraces difference and where everyone feels included. Outside, we embrace numerous communities by providing

forums for news specific to them.

The GLBT community is important within Nashville and we hope that Out & About Today (O&AT) will be a program that they will find to be thoughtful and enjoyable.”

The decision, however, to stand for diversity came with its own risks for the station. Jones recalled, “The controversy arose shortly after we announced the development of the television program. The Southern Baptists made a big complaint about it, and the station lost several advertisers, at least short term.” No one would have been shocked if the station had dropped the program, but Jones said, “They stuck by it, their whole thing was that this was part of a slate of community programming and

this is a community. I have to admire them for sticking by their guns.”

Former O&AN editor Brent Meredith, who along with Wheeler and Jeremy Hatfield was one of the show’s original hosts, echoed that sentiment: “NewsChannel 5 took a lot of flak, from the Southern Baptist Convention—there were even protests I believe—and they not only stood by their decision, they have continued to do so for ten years!”

From the very first show, O&AT attempted to inform local audiences, and from the first show, it has delivered. In June 2005, interviewees included John Seigenthaler, founder of the First Amendment Center, thennew HRC President Joe Solmonese, and Abby Rubenfeld, in addition @O U T A N D A B O U T N A S H

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to business spotlights and Pride segments.

Once the show was renewed, reality set in, and it became clear the show was here to stay, at least for a while. This surprised more than a few people. Meredith laughed recalling that “Out Magazine did a little blurb on O&AT after a year… They were kind of shocked that Nashville had a dedicated program for our community, that Nashville, even ten years ago, was trying to be at all progressive!”

Over the years, the show has tried various formats, answering to different needs. As Wheeler noted, the show began before social media really took off. “We started in 2005,” she said, “pre-Facebook, pre- a lot of stuff actually! We were always covering this event or that—Artrageous or AIDS Walk or something. Now people can get information on events in so many places! So except for Pride we try to focus on features, now, and of course the kind of news that people are talking about.”

Chuck Long joined the show about eight years ago, and that also brought a new focus to the show, which has developed its entertainment coverage significantly.

“I started the Entertainment OutLook segment,” Long said, “to spotlight all the national, regional and local entertainment events happening in Nashville.” In recent years, too, Long has developed the show’s relationship with local theatre significantly.

With ten years under their belts, the show’s hosts are taking some time to reflect on where they’ve been and

where they’re going. Even though I chatted with them all separately, they were mostly in agreement on the most memorable guests: Margaret Cho, Leslie Jordan, Angela Johnson, George Takei, and Joyce Dewitt, to name a few. As Meredith put it, “These are the ones that stand out because you always wanted to meet them, and it was really cool!”

“The first time Margaret Cho came on the show in 2008,” Long recalled, “we devoted the entire episode to her. That was the first time we did an entire show around one guest. I loved her. She couldn’t get over the fact that Nashville had a tv show devoted to the LGBT community. She was to no one’s surprise hilarious, and incredibly witty, but what impressed me most, was how open and raw she was in discussing her own sexuality and what

it meant to her to be part of the LGBT community.”

Of Leslie Jordan, Long added, “He’s a master storyteller and can hold court for days. He had us all in stitches talking about the different ways he and Megan Mullally would try to one-up each other on Will & Grace. He told me, ‘Nobody has better comic timing than Megan Mullally … except me!’”

Then there are the guests that were memorable to the hosts because of how impactful they were. For Wheeler, Seigenthaler was a highlight.

“John Seigenthaler has to be one of the most remembered and one of our most storied and honored guests.”

Meredith recalls guests like Azariah Southworth. Who “used to be on the Christian networks and then he came out. There was a big debate, some people supporting him, some people

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JULY 2015

condemning him. We covered him and he was on the show a couple of times, talking about his process of coming out into that world.”

For Long, who also has a show devoted to country music, getting to talk to some of the same people on both shows has given him an interesting perspective. “I’ve interviewed Chely Wright and Ty Herndon many times over the years, but my favorite discussions with them have been on O&AT. When I interviewed them for different country shows over the years (and before any of us had come out) there was an unspoken code between us that said we had to put up a good front and only say certain surface things. But once they came out and then came on O&AT, they blew me away. We got to a whole different level that we had never even begun to approach in the past.”

Recurring guests are also favorites for the hosts. “We joke,” said Meredith, cracking out an old Saturday Night Live reference, “that Chris Sanders is the Steve Martin of O&AT, he’s been on so many times.

He and Marisa Richmond have been longtime guests, it’s great to develop this regular working relationship and to move along with them as their groups work. Those have been fun relationships to continue over the years. It’s also been invaluable to have the input of the print editors of O&AN—every editor has provided such unique and important feedback, and it’s wonderful to have that relationship.”

The show has been a great opportunity for its hosts, guests, and the Nashville community to share in the history, news, and culture that impacts LGBT people. But it’s been a lot of work. Jones said, “Well they put a lot of time and effort, and I don’t think people appreciate the effort.” Wheeler too added, “I think it’s important to note that it’s an all-volunteer operation—not just Brent, Chuck and I. We’ve had a lot of people over the years working on the show, and the station has put a lot into it.”

So where does the show go now? With the world changing so rapidly, is there still a need for a dedicated program like O&AT? There are still negative consequences for Tennesseans who come out, trans rights issues are barely heating up in the state, and even in Nashville there are plenty of people struggling. O&AT is an important resource for issues like this. “Over the years, we’ve had a lot of helpful stuff on the show, from social workers addressing LGBT issues, lawyers and doctors and accountants… We inform people of a lot of resources.”

For Wheeler, the show has always had value in giving people access. “When I moved to Nashville,” she said, “there was a little show on cable access related to LGBT issues. I don’t remember what it was called, but I remember zoning

in on that show because, you know, I was closet at the time. It helped me feel connected. And I just thought about that, how we could provide that access to people who aren’t in the know, or aren’t able to be an active participant.”

The people who get the most out of having O&AT aren’t the leaders, the big donors, or the kind of people who appear on the show. “I find the people who have watched the show most,” Wheeler said, “are not the people who are on the inside, the people going to every event or on the boards of all the organizations. No, when I’m out somewhere like Pride and someone comes up to me to talk about the show, its someone who lives out in a place like Springfield and isn’t as involved, and the show really gives them a connection to the community!” So, Nashville, here’s to another ten years of O&AT!

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JAMES GRADY | @jamesallangrady

The 2015 election cycle is shaping up to be an interesting one, and there isn’t a presidential race in sight. It isn’t even time to shake up the House of Representatives again, yet. No, this year, Nashville is home to a hot, seven-way race for mayor, and a field of city council hopefuls numbering in the low six figures. But seriously, 122 people are officially seeking forty-two metro offices.

With seven candidates, we have an overflow of riches. The seven men and women seeking office all have their own individual strengths and skills that we must recognize. But this is also a historic year for Nashville politics: no woman has run

for mayor of Nashville since Betty Nixon did in 1991, after twelve years on the council, and this year two are in contention.

Could this be the year when Nashville truly remakes its own history by putting a woman in control of the mayor’s office for the first time?

The race for vice mayor is far more uncomplicated as a straight-up, head-tohead matchup between former councilman David Briley and former councilman and state legislator Tim Garrett. Since the incumbent, Diane Neighbors, is termlimited, citizens will have to choose between these two experienced local politicians.

Twenty-six people, on the other hand,

are seeking one of the five at-large council seats. These seats are chosen by countywide election, like mayor and vice mayor, and this field is heavily populated by both concerned citizens and term-limited district councilmembers. This is a race to watch, filled as it is with both friends and foes of LGBT rights.

Many of Nashville’s district races are also hotly contested. There are thirtyfive districts represented on the Metro Council, and while nine of those races are uncontested, some have fields that ensure a runoff. District 1, for instance, has eight candidates.

In order to help LGBT and allied citizens get a better feel for the race, O&AN

Mayor

MEGAN BARRY www.meganbarry.com

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BARRY

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

Barry has spent the last eight years as a Metro at-large councilwoman. During her term, she has served has chaired the Budget and Finance Committee and the Education Committee, and she currently serves on the Codes, Fair and Farmer’s Market Committee, the Public Works Committee, and the Rules and Confirmations Committee. During her terms, she has shown herself to be a solid and constant supporter of Nashville’s LGBT community.

“I have been an ally and advocate for the LGBT community throughout my entire professional and political career,” Barry wrote. “Recently, I was awarded the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Ally Award for my efforts to promote equality in Nashville. As an Ethics and Compliance Officer by profession, I understand the importance of diversity and inclusion.”

Barry isn’t a newcomer to the fight, JULY 2015

sent questionnaires to every candidate for whom we could find a reliable contact.

Having assembled those responses, our senior leadership compared them and considered the candidates’ public record on the issues, if there was any, and where possible we came to an agreement on our endorsements, which we present to you here.

In some races there were many candidates worthy of endorsement, and the decision was hard. We thank all the proLGBT candidates, even those we did not endorse, for their commitment to justice and equality, and we wish them the best of luck.

and her promises aren’t lip-service. “I have actively worked to make Nashville welcoming for the LGBT community, for example through sponsoring Nashville’s first non-discrimination ordinance and cosponsoring our domestic partners benefits bill.”

These of course represent the most well-known examples, but Barry also has made more recent strides in behalf of the LGBT community. “In addition, while Nashville has become more accepting and inclusive of LGBT residents, our LGBT youth still suffer from an unacceptable amount of bullying and abuse in school.

In January, I sponsored a resolution with GLSEN of Middle Tennessee to recognize the dangers of bullying and implement ‘No Name-Calling Week.’”

Barry has clear and concrete plans for continuing to work with Nashville’s LGBT community, with particular emphasis on bullying, youth homelessness, and trans rights.

medical care and prevention services’ that include the LGBT community.”

including Barack Obama.

Given that one major concern of this election is the rate of growth and development in Nashville, some voters may worry about putting a real estate developer at the reins of the city. The potentials for conflict of interest seem enormous. One wonders how Freeman managed, as an owner of income properties with family in real estate securities, to avoid such conflicts when he served as director of Downtown Urban Development for the Metropolitan Nashville Development and Housing Agency. But assuming he did manage to avoid those conflicts, Freeman may have some unique insights into how to effectively grow Nashville.

Freeman’s position on LGBT rights in Nashville is clear. Where he has the power, he will act in behalf of the community; where he does not, he will be an advocate

Bone has practiced law in Nashville at Bone McAllester Norton PLLC for over a decade, with an emphasis on “mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and advising emerging businesses, entrepreneurs, corporate offices and directors, and government entities.” Bone also considers himself an “entrepreneur at heart” and has ties to a number of Tennessee-based entities.

In responding to O&AN’s candidate questionnaire, Bone affirms that, “with an ever-changing federal and state landscape, we must affirm that discrimination in any form on the basis of race, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, color, age, and/or disability in our hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation

Fox is running for mayor under the banner of “businessman, little league coach, all-around good guy, running for mayor”— and it’s darn appealing. You can even get on his site and set up a personal, ten-minute phone call with the man, or “mayoral speed-dating.” Fox is also promoting something called “The Nashville Way,” the kind of giving spirit that he thinks is the true heart of Nashville, which he believes is threatened by poorly managed growth and its consequences.

All of that sounds better than focusing on his history as a hedge fund manager, or playing up the conservative foundations of his platform. Indeed, much

Fox wrote, “I expect the issue of gay marriage will loom large in the upcoming year, but I am sure other critical issues also will be important – good learning environment in schools for LGBT students, inclusion of LGBT residents in all areas of Metro government, attractive business climate affecting all Nashville residents. I believe the head of a government agency must take the initiative to ensure that all citizens, especially those historically exposed to discriminatory behavior, are afforded equal protection and opportunity.”

This is a belief Fox promises to act upon: “I will be clear as Mayor that discrimination based on LGBT status is unacceptable.

I am intolerant of disrespectful behavior toward others, will create an environment throughout Metro that prioritizes respect, and will urgently address any concerns that come to my attention.” He also said,

BONE

FOX

FREEMAN GENTRY

of our programs, services and activities will not be tolerated.” While this must make Bone sound like the lawyer he is, it’s notable that he includes gender identity as well as sexual orientation.

Bone also pledges to work with and support the work of Just Us and other such programs as mayor, as well as to work to ensure that city government reflects the community it serves (he explicitly adds that this includes “the LGBT community”). He also explicitly addresses healthcare, adding “As Mayor, I will support the directives of the CDC and others to ensure that the city is ‘considering the needs of LGBT people in programs designed to improve the health of entire communities’ and recognizing that ‘there is also a need for culturally competent

of his campaign seems run by Republicanoriented firm, Stampede Consulting.

Rachel Barrett is handling his fundraising, and she has organized such efforts for everyone from Mitt Romney to Bill Frist and Elizabeth Dole (she began her career as Communications Director for the Tennessee Republican Party, which might make Tennessee’s LGBT citizen’s a bit wary, given the company she must have kept).

Nevertheless, there are no doubt many in the LGBT community to whom Fox’s genteel conservativism will speak.

And at least from his responses to our questions, it does not seem that his views on government responsibility and social equality are cut from the same cloth as, say, the Republicans on the hill.

“job discrimination against transgender residents is unacceptable and that the work environment must be free of intimidation. I will seek to model the behavior we expect from all Metro employees in this regard.”

CHARLES ROBERT BONE www.boneformayor.com

DAVID FOX www.foxfornashville.com

BILL FREEMAN freeman2015.com

Bill Freeman is a Nashville real estate mogul, whose company, Freeman Webb, employs over 500 people and manages over 15,000 apartment units in the Southeast.

Freeman is also active in his community, having sat on boards of organizations from the Nashville State Community College Foundation to the Nashville Public Television Council and beyond. He has also been an active fundraiser for democrats,

for change at higher levels of government.

“In the event that the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Obergefell v. Hodges (Tanco v. Haslam), I will continue to call for an end to Tennessee’s same-sex marriage ban, through legislation or referendum,” Freeman said. He also pledged to work to help strengthen safeguards for teens in schools and LGBT employees in government, including insuring that trans people have adequate access to medical care, including coverage for transitioning.

Perhaps most innovative, Freeman is looking into a possible work-around for the state legislation countering Metro’s non-discrimination policy. He said he is “exploring a proposal to require that tax-increment financing be denied to @O U T A N D A B O U T N A S H

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any company relocating to Nashville if that company does not have a nondiscrimination policy in place. (They can still do business with Metro per the state’s wrongheaded nullification of Metro’s nondiscrimination ordinance, but would not be eligible for tax incentives.)” Whether it works or not, that is some out-of-the-box thinking in support of LGBT rights.

HOWARD GENTRY howardgentryformayor.com

Gentry is currently the Davidson County Criminal Court clerk, but that is not his first publicly elected office. Gentry has won three races for countywide public office: he was Metro’s first AfricanAmerican councilman-at-large and Nashville-Davidson County’s first AfricanAmerican vice mayor. Gentry also ran for

KANE mayor in 2007, barely missing the runoffs.

In addition to his history of government service, Gentry also has experience in business and a noble record of community service. In addition to building up his own insurance business, Gentry also served as CEO of Backfield in Motion, a non-profit aimed at helping inner-city boys, as well as the Nashville Chamber Public Benefit Foundation.

With his focus on social equity, Gentry is deeply sympathetic to the challenges LGBT people face. “As a person who grew up in segregated Nashville and faced

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discrimination, I do understand there are special challenges that our LGBTQ citizens face. I have heard those concerns and shared them over the years.”

In order to prioritize such concerns in the halls of power, and in keeping with his goal of making sure Nashville becomes “a better Nashville, not just a bigger Nashville”, Gentry proposes, “One of my priorities is to implement an Office of Social Equity. One of its functions will be to conduct outreach with the LGBTQ Community to hear your many concerns and to make sure that Metro government is responsive throughout each department and the city in terms of safety, fairness and all the issues that LGBTQ people face in different ways from straight people.

Within that Office of Social Equity will be an LGBTQ person who will be the point

Senator John Kerry. But Kane’s reputation in Nashville is tied to his role as founder and former CEO of LEAD Public Schools, a Nashville-based charter organization.

In 2006, Kane lobbied hard to get his charter approved for a school in North Nashville, and LEAD Academy was unanimously approved by the school board as the city’s first charter high school.

By the time Kane stepped away as CEO, LEAD was approved to run six schools in Nashville, an organization with over 200 employees and a budget to match.

Kane brings the same enthusiasm that drove his expansion of LEAD to the issues facing the LGBT community: “When we finally get national marriage equality, we will not rest on our laurels here in Nashville. We must do everything we can to support LGBT families, starting with

REBROVICK

person for the community. That person will likely have additional duties according to his/her field of specialty.”

JEREMY KANE www.kaneformayor.com

Kane touts himself as having “been recognized as a leader in building partnerships between public schools and community, faith, and business organizations.” A graduate of Stanford University and Vanderbilt University, Kane has taught in public and private schools, and even served as a speech writer for

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JULY 2015

funding affordable childcare and PreK. We need to support LGBT students in our schools, individuals in our workplaces, and families in our places of worship. Most of all, we need to celebrate the successes of the LGBT movement while acknowledging that much remains to be done, particularly for areas of concern to trans individuals and LGBT people of color.”

Of all the candidates, each of whom stated support for the trans community, it is Kane who was most explicit and emphatic.

“Securing the rights of transgendered citizens in Nashville,” Kane wrote, “starts

with recognizing that most trans people are not like Caitlyn Jenner. They don’t have the support, platform, and resources she is lucky enough to have. Too many of our transgender citizens find themselves on the streets or ignored in their communities.

Securing their rights starts by securing their representation: in my administration and on the Council. We can also use city government as a model for private business by fully respecting, endorsing, and supporting any city employee’s decision to transition should they choose to do so.”

LINDA ESKIND REBROVICK www.lindafornashville.com

Rebrovick is a career businesswoman of the highest caliber: she has held senior positions at major international tech firms Dell and IBM, among other companies.

For the past five years, she has helmed her own firm, Consensus Point. Specializing in marketing research technology, Consensus Point has been named as one of the ten most innovative companies in software, and serves some of the world’s largest global market research firms with its “prediction analysis platform and innovation management” software.

When it comes to the issues, one of Rebrovick’s top concerns resonates with Nashvillians: transportation. Anyone who has ever lacked for a car and tried to route a bus outside of city center has seen the monster Rebrovick is trying to slay. And she is bringing the same innovative spirit that she brought to her career in technology to this problem.

“Nashville’s government needs to be as diverse as its population,” Rebrovick wrote, “and I’ve been very vocal about that. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do, because diverse organizations produce better results.

Becoming more diverse from top to bottom includes diversity of background and thought, and the LGBT community is an important part of that.”

Rebrovick approaches the problems of the LGBT community with the efficiency of a manager: “As a city, we must lead by example. This means diversity becomes everyone’s responsibility and is integrated into everyone’s goals and daily performance. Management and leadership teams will have responsibility in their performance goals and evaluations for diversity, and this fundamental guiding principle will improve the operating atmosphere of Metro government.”

O&AN ENDORSEMENTS FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT SEATS Endorsement

When it comes to LGBT issues, every candidate openly and directly committed to promoting non-discrimination and upholding the rights of LGBT citizens.

This development is most promising for our city, and we salute the candidates for their bold and affirming stands.

In the end, however, O&AN has chosen to endorse Megan Barry for Mayor.

Only Gentry rivals Barry in knowledge of local government, but Berry’s solid commitment to working for LGBT rights through the offices of local government is unparalleled and undeniable. Every candidate has leadership skills in spades, but business acumen is no substitute for Barry’s experience in working through the council.

Barry’s skills and commitment make us confident in her ability to realize her pledge, “To make all of our students feel safe in our schools”, “to update our anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies, create district-wide anti-slur policies, and educate administrators on LGBT+ and other student issues”, and “to do a better job of incorporating transgender citizens into our government.”

Vice Mayor

We endorse David Briley—however, both candidates have a history of outreach to, and have elicited strong support from, the LGBT community.

At-Large

In this wide open field, there are more candidates in support of LGBT rights than there are seats, which makes this a difficult set of choices. In the end our board chose to endorse Erin Coleman, Jim Shulman, Lonnell Matthews, Erica Gillmore, and John Lasiter. Shulman, Matthews, and Gillmore are all solid allies with strong voices when it comes to LGBT issues.

Erin Coleman impressed us with the frankness of her responses. “Frankly, by walking through the door,” Coleman wrote, “our elected officials should reach out to Just Us and other civic organizations, attend meetings, learn what they are about.

I want to be a voice for all of Nashville.”

And we believe she will.

John Lasiter is an out, gay man in Nashville, who is committed to working for the rights of other LGBT people and for the good of the greater Nashville community.

However, there are a number of

candidates we must mention—they too would, we believe, be supportive of issues pertaining to LGBT rights: Phillip Hostettler, Bob Mendes, Buddy Baker (a Republican who sponsored the 2009 non-discrimination ordinance and voted ‘Yes’ on partner benefits), Adam Dread (a Republican who voted for and worked in behalf of non-discrimination around 200203), and Frank Harrison, Walter Hunt, Jason Holleman, and Sandra Moore, all of whom voted ‘Yes’ on partner benefits.

On the other hand, there are candidates who must be mentioned for the opposite reason, an anti-endorsement if you will.

Robert Duvall was a staunch opponent of LGBT rights while on the Council, while Karen Bennett either abstained or absented herself from the vote.

District 1: Jonathan Richardson has

committed to working with the LGBT community on diversity training and inclusiveness in city government and services.

District 2: NO ENDORSEMENT District 3: NO ENDORSEMENT District 4: NO ENDORSEMENT

issues of concern to the LGBT community, you can’t go wrong here.

District 9: NO ENDORSEMENT. While

we lack enough information to know if his opponent is better on the issue, it is important to note that incumbent Bill Pridemore is opposed to LGBT wellbeing. He didn’t just vote no, he vigorously opposed domestic partner benefits, pleading in the final reading that offering equal coverage to hardworking LGBT Nashvillians somehow compromised his values and those of his constituents.

District 10: NO ENDORSEMENT. While

incumbent Doug Pardue is unopposed, his opposition to LGBT rights couldn’t have been made any clearer in his votes of partner benefits. Creative write-ins might send a message.

District 11: Larry Hagar is unopposed but during an interview with O&AN related to a controversy around some of his comments overheard in a café, Hagar came across as supporting LGBT issues. Let’s see if he puts his money where his mouth is!

District 12: NO ENDORSEMENT. Steve

District 5: Incumbent Scott Davis was Glover is unopposed, but he too voted

an important voice behind the push for domestic partner benefits last year, and thus has a proven record of standing up for the LGBT community, and thus receives O&AN’s endorsement. However candidate Sarah Martin would also be a strong ally.

District 6: This race pits openly gay candidate Brett Withers against Peter Westerholm, the driving force behind Metro’s domestic partner benefits ordinance. Ultimately, with both men strongly in the corner of LGBT rights, Brett Withers’ strengths in neighborhood planning and fighting for zoning issues earned him our endorsement

against partner benefits, so while you should go vote, you might want to think twice before adding to this guy’s yes column.

District 13: Marilyn Robinson is former president of the local NAACP, and has worked well with LGBT advocacy groups in the past.

District 14: Kevin Rhoten is unopposed

but he’s committed to the fight against discrimination and homelessness.

District 7: Anthony Davis has been a powerful voice in nondiscrimination and partner benefits debates, and he remains committed to “pushing the State of Tennessee to change and adapt to our times.”

District 15: Jeff Syracuse presents a real opportunity. Incumbent Phil Claiborne, who is term-limited, was one of the driving force against LGBT interests on the last council. Syracuse is a game changer for this district: “I believe LGBT issues are Civil Rights issues and will vote in favor on issues helping to ensure all citizens are treated equally.”

District 8: Nancy VanReece—as an out candidate with a well-known stance on

District 16: Mike Freeman is a clear choice here, challenging as he is one of the

opponents of partner benefits. This former Scout and Marine pledges that he would never vote for legislation that did not treat “members of the LGBT community fairly.”

District 17: This district race presents three

candidates all of whom strongly support the LGBT community and all of whom bring passion to the job. We could be proud to support any of them, but Paula Foster is the candidate we endorse. As a lesbian and a mother, with a 19-year career working with HIV/AIDS patients, we feel she would bring much needed wisdom to the Council.

District 18: The unopposed Burkley Allen has proven herself to be an ally to the LGBT community!

District 19: Freddie O’Connell doesn’t just support LGBT rights in theory, he’s pounding the pavement, attending Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition meetings and keeping abreast of the issues of concern to our community.

District 20: NO ENDORSEMENT. In

this district, all the candidates are very affirming, but it was impossible for our committee to highlight one over the others.

District 21: NO ENDORSEMENT District 22: NO ENDORSEMENT. The unopposed Sheri Weiner stayed home for both roll call votes on domestic partner benefits.

District 23: Mina Johnson is committed

to building on past victories for the LGBT community in Nashville.

District 24: Kathleen Murphy has a solid

record of support for the LGBT community and has O&AN’s endorsement.

District 25: NO ENDORSEMENT. District 26: Jeremy Elrod is committed to helping advance TEP’s local government advocacy agenda, and has a solid knowledge of issues of concern to the LGBT community, even referencing PREP in his discussions of LGBT healthcare.

District 27: NO

ENDORSEMENT.

@O U T A N D A B O U T N A S H

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Davette Blalock abstained on partner benefits but has seemed to reach out to LGBT voters since. Her opponent’s positions are unclear.

District 28: Melissa Smithson is committed to an agenda favorable to the LGBT community.

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District 29: Incumbent Karen Johnson

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was a supporter of domestic partner benefits and has a history of standing behind the LGBT community.

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District 30: Jason Potts, the unopposed incumbent, supported partner benefits.

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District 31: Fabian Bedne, the unopposed incumbent, supported partner benefits, and says he will make himself available to perform ALL weddings. He also sits on the board of Oasis Center, and has an active interest in the youth homelessness issue.

District 32: NO

ENDORSEMENT. Jacobia Dowell abstained twice on partner benefits, but with no response from her opponents, she MAY still be the best choice. She went on the record to say, “I will work to keep their rights just like any other member of the community. We should not discriminate.”

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strong ally, supporting “domestic partner benefits, dialog between the Metro Police and LGBT community, and promotion of state legislation to permit nondiscrimination laws like the one the state previously invalidated.”

JULY 2015

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District 35: Dave Rosenberg will be a

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record of LGBT support, and so he has O&AN’s endorsement. His opponent Jimmy Gafford, however, also pledges that he “would support all citizens to be treated fairly no matter of their sexual orientation.”

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District 33: Sam Coleman has a strong

District 34: Steve Butler has been pounding the LGBT pavement, attending TEP forums and reaching out for our community’s support.

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FROM JAMES GRADY | @jamesallangrady

Few actresses can boast a career like Shirley MacLaine’s. Her 1955 film debut in the comedy-mystery The Trouble with Harry, directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, won her a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year, and in sixty years in the business she never really slowed down. On July 30, 2015, Nashvillians will have the opportunity to come out to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, learn more about this great actress’s career, and ask her about … well, anything. And trust me, there is a lot!

Today, MacLaine is perhaps still best known for the role of Aurora Greenway in Terms of Endearment. And rightly so: that role, for which she finally won the Academy Award, also won her Best Actress from the Golden Globes, the New York Film Critic’s Circle, and many others.

Then of course there is her memorable performance in Steel Magnolias as Louisa Boudreaux. Roles like this have kept MacLaine a living presence for many LGBT audiences.

Recently MacLaine was introduced to a new generation, when she appeared on Glee as June Dolloway as a celebrity with an eye for talent who attempted to get in the middle of the Kurt and Blaine situation.

But in the last few years, roles in projects from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Downton Abbey to new indy projects like Wild Oats and Men of Granite, show that MacLaine’s seventh decade in show business might just be heating up. So you might want to keep an eye on her!

What keeps MacLaine relevant?

Besides maintaining her acting career, MacLaine is not afraid of difficult topics and is more than willing to tell you what she thinks about them. Her bestselling books have been made the center of controversies over the years, and MacLaine is unapologetic. When I asked her to address the controversy over her words about the Holocaust, for instance, MacLaine didn’t back down.

“What I was writing about was horror from a cosmic perspective. How one looks at horror and how one deals with that kind of horror, and what is the responsibility we all have. This man from the London Daily Mail took one sentence out of context. It doesn’t matter, the subject of how to deal with horror is an important topic to deal with!” This willingness to stand her ground

IN FILM & may anger some, but it’s a characteristic that made her unafraid to confront dangerous topics before they were safe.

Very early in her career, MacLaine was cast to play one of the leads of the film version of Lillian Hellman’s play, The Children’s Hour, opposite Audrey Hepburn.

MacLaine and Hepburn played teachers in a small boarding school whose lives are ruined by the accusation of lesbianism.

That spiral culminates in the suicide of MacLaine’s character. The ultimate cut of the film, however, downplays some of the play’s insinuations of the love between the women characters.

I asked MacLaine whether that was the plan from the beginning, whether those changes made it easier to take the role.

“NO!” she said. “I expected us to shoot what we read [as Hellman wrote]—and we did shoot it that way but he cut them out!” For MacLaine, this was an important opportunity lost. “Wyler, who directed it from Hellman’s, play got intimidated as we got into the movie…. I objected to things he cut out displaying Martha’s love for Karen. It was the first time a big Hollywood film addressed a same sex love affair, and I wish he had been more courageous.”

“Basically,” MacLaine says of the struggle for gay rights in the many years since, “I’ve always been there.… I’m really amazed at how fast it’s taken off, though!

I think what it’s showing is that there are more diversified realities for gender and sexuality than anyone imagines, and I don’t know how we survived so long keeping it under wraps! I really don’t understand Russia and other places. It’s like the world is getting polarized over gender and sexuality! Whatever is free and democratic makes things better even if it hurts at first.”

But she ties the reaction of anti-LGBT movements to the same malaise that she feels is paralyzing people all over the world. “They don’t know what to make of the world, and they’ve given up on a lot of what’s out there.” For the negative folks that means reactionary responses to halt progress. Most people, however, are seeking answers, and those are the people MacLaine wants to reach through her writing and through interacting with audiences.

“People want to know why people are doing what they are doing. They’re looking to explain why people are acting the way they are all over the world. Maybe that

TO METAPHYSICS seeking is what has opened people up and made us so much more free related to gender and sexuality. It’s stupid to be so shortsighted with regard to diversity when so much is happening all over the world.”

The Schermerhorn event on July 30, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., is an unmatched opportunity for MacLaine fans, or skeptics, and film buffs.

“So what happens,” MacLaine said, explaining the evening in her own words, “is I put together a compendium of all my stuff—stage, screen, politics, social causes, love affairs, and metaphysics. Then I come out and [award-winning novelist Ann Patchett] is going to do an interview, and there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions. Basically, the theatre will become my living room and you’ll all be my guests!”

What might you hear? You never really know with MacLaine, but she did offer this teaser: “I talk about the Rat Pack, UFOs, and leaders in the world and what it was to know them— any questions they want to ask are on the table! That’s what a Q&A is!” MacLaine thinks that her program will really speak to LGBT audiences. “They’re really my favorite crowd, of course,” she said with a laugh. “They would really love this show because it’s so about freedom … that’s my favorite.”

For more information about the show, or tickets, visit nashvillesymphony. org. @O U T A N D A B O U T N A S H

23

THE Viral Animal IS YOUR FRIEND

WHAT EDM MUSICIAN D POWERS LEARNED FROM HIS TWO MOMS AMY SULAM | @Amysulam

I’m pretty sure that, when most of us think of rap music, we generally conjure up misogynistic undertones, glorified violence and homophobia. The genre gets a bad rap when it comes to equality and women’s rights, which isn’t always warranted. It is a gritty, in-your-face genre that can be used to deliver a bevy of different messages depending on who is holding the pen.

Recently I sat down with D Powers— of Viral Animal—an artist, a rapper, who is part of the New Nashville sound. Many things set him apart stylistically. Perhaps what makes him most unique—given his chosen genre—is that Powers is a product of lesbian parenting. And not only does he have two moms, his brother is gay.

Most importantly, Powers isn’t shy about telling people: “I love my moms and my brother. I’m proud of them and they support me.” He, likewise, feels passionately about gay rights “I just think everyone should be treated equally. What’s the difference?”

Powers doesn’t really see the way he grew up as unique, because it’s what he’s always known. In talking with him, you get to see that beneath his rapper’s “swagger,” there’s an incredibly sweet, sincere and kind person. And it is both characteristics, the sincerity and the swagger instilled in him at a young age by his mothers, that has helped make him such a musical innovator. His sound is unlike any other because he’s not afraid to take chances.

To get a better picture of his background, you have to turn back the clock. D Powers was born Damar Howard in San Antonio, Texas, but early on his family moved to Norfolk, Virginia. Even at an early age, Powers loved music. But he had a tough childhood, and at a young age ran into trouble in the streets. At that point, Powers was sent to Texas to live with his grandparents, where church became an important part of his life. Through outlets such as church choir, Powers realized music was something he wanted to pursue seriously.

Powers has been actively involved in multiple aspects of the music industry, from performance to production. In 1997 Powers already had a demo deal with EPIC/Sony as an R&B artist under Mark 1 Management based in Austin, Texas. While this ultimately did not jumpstart an R&B career, it gave him important insight into the industry.

24

His experience with Sony, pushed him to help upcoming artists in the music industry insure they could maintain some of the creative control over their products. This is something he is still passionate about. His company Brand Ur Band helps indie artists grow through carefully constructed social media campaigns.

About two years ago, Powers moved to Nashville and was signed to Nashville

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

JULY 2015

Underground, with Shawn Carnes as his manger. Now Powers is easily one of the hardest working men in Nashville music, as he is more focused on developing his own brand while continuing to support his fellow musicians.

Over the years, his style of music has developed. His music is EDM (electronic dance music) at its core but with a twist of R&B that marries beautifully to its hip

hop vibe, creating a sound that is unlike any other. It’s been dubbed “luxury dance music.”

His creativity, work ethic and professionalism are character traits instilled in him at a young age by his moms. Even with the difficult struggles that surrounded their day to day life, his moms managed to create a home that was a safe haven, encouraged hard work and supported one another’s dreams.

His incredible levels of success on multiple fronts flies in the face of those who insist gay parenting will negatively impact children. This is a point Powers made emphatically: “Gay parenting isn’t the problem, bad parenting is the problem.”

Some of the things people often cite as requiring a dad, like work ethic and learning to interact with women, are characteristics Powers explicitly credits to his moms. “When my stepmom would get after me, I was more scared of her than my dad,” he remarked, chuckling as he recalled misadventures in his boyhood. His moms also taught him how to treat a lady and how to be a thoughtful partner. “Everything I know about women and dating, I learned from them.” He continued “I’m very close with my family. My moms’ opinions are important to me.”

His moms raised a strong willed, industrious, southern gentleman who can still play the bad boy on stage. They also raised a conscientious ally. His manager, Shawn Carnes who is like a big brother to him, hipped him to gay scene here in Nashville. “I just like hanging out with Shawn and he goes to Play, so I went,” he said in a matter of fact tone lacking any stigma about the scene. He even popped into the Turnabout Party on June 5, 2015, to show his support for the Pride Board and of course enjoy the show. Powers also says he loves Pride and participating as an advocate. “I’m looking forward to the Pride festival! It’s always a blast!”

Hopefully, as his career develops, Powers’ shining example of the quality parenting same sex couples can do will help change the hearts and minds of his industry, beginning with the New Nashville, and of his potential audiences, who are used to seeing and hearing very different messages.

Check out the online version of this story for Amy Sulam’s full video interview with D Powers. For more information about D Powers, of Viral Animal, check out his website, www. viralanimal.com, and follow him on Twitter @viralanimal.

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JULY 2015

A NEW ERA OF TRANS AURORA SEXTON

We have come a long way since Christine Jorgensen, the first person to undergo Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS) stepped off the plane in 1952. The President for the first time used the word transgender in his State Of The Union Address and trans people are thriving in once unattainable tiers of society. Shows like Transparent and Orange Is The New Black are racking up awards and many trans roles are going to real trans people.

But the night Bruce Jenner appeared with Diane Sawyer to tell the world he was actually she, I watched with eyes full of tears. “This is it” I thought to myself, “This is going to change everything. For all of us.”

You can’t know unless you are trans what it felt like to see someone of Jenner’s stature do what she did so publicly. Famed Olympian, American hero, father of the Kardashian empire—the kind of man that other men wanted to be … all a lie. Not to us but himself. Can you imagine living 65 years looking in the mirror every day and never truly being happy?

I thought back to childhood, how I always gravitated toward feminine things and the horror I experienced at the first signs of rough masculinity. If I had someone like this to look to as an example of a successful trans person could it have made my journey easier, better, faster? The answer to all is undoubtedly yes.

Caitlyn is certainly not alone in the spotlight. Powerful voices like Janet Mock, author of the memoir, Redefining Realness, are sharing their stories. Other trans people, like my friends Precious Davis and Myles Brady, a trans couple, are moving mountains with their social activism for gay and trans youth, garnering them invitations from Miley Cyrus to join her Happy Hippies Foundation as faces of her new #InstaPride campaign.

Then there is Laverne Cox, the multi layered trans mega star of OITNB fame and cover girl of TIME Magazine’s “The Transgender Tipping Point.” Cox told TIME, “We are in a place now where more and more trans people want to come forward and say, ‘This is who I am.’ And more trans people are willing to tell their stories. More of us are living visibly and pursuing our dreams visibly, so people can say, ‘Oh yeah, I know someone who is trans.’ When people have points of reference that are humanizing, that demystifies difference.”

Seeing Cox and Jenner everywhere blows my mind. If you grew up in the

90’s like I did, the only place you saw transsexuals was on Jerry Springer or Maury Povich paraded like animals in front of screaming audiences under freak show titles. There were no people like me on TV to look to for guidance, and if there were they were always cast in a negative light.

It wasn’t until I saw trans actress Candis Cayne twirl across the screen that I thought

REALITY

later when at fifteen a friend told me about, and dispensed to me, my first hormone pills. I finally had to sit my mother down and she said to me, “You’re my child regardless, I love you and if you’re going to do this you are going to do it right—with a doctor—and if you’re going to be a woman you need to stop cussing like a sailor.”

Thus began my path of regular hormone

trying to survive.

If it wasn’t for a few friends stepping in to take a firm hand in my life I probably wouldn’t be alive to write this. They provided a family when I needed one.

Eventually I repaired the relationships with my birth family and through it all they love me, accept me and continue to support me.

I’m beyond fortunate but many aren’t so lucky, nor do they have the access to the doctors and quality medical care to help them look on the outside how they feel inside.

Like I said it hasn’t been smooth sailing. I’ve actually had the experience of being ID’ed before being allowed to use the lady’s room—in, of all places, a gay bar. After reporting the incident, the bar owner not only apologized but introduced sensitivity training for his staff on trans customers. Obviously there is a lot to unpack there for another time but because I

Aurora Sexton

to myself, “I don’t know how she looks like that but that’s what I want to be!’

I came up in the middle class suburbs of Denver knowing from a young age I was different from other kids. It was through my involvement in local GLBT youth support groups that I discovered drag and you couldn’t keep me out of it. I remember my mom asking me at the time, “Do you want to be a woman?” I replied “no!” but began to ask myself, “could I”?

That question was answered years

injections, testosterone blockers, painful laser hair removal, and, at eighteen, breast augmentation.

Transitioning at a young age gave me time to settle into myself and indeed find my place in the world. That’s not to say it was all smooth sailing. I dealt with bullying, addiction, severe depression, an abusive stepfather that forced me out of the house at thirteen, homelessness and rejection, couch surfing alongside queens, drug dealers, prostitutes and everything in between just

spoke up I made things better for everyone else. This is why Caitlyn Jenner on the cover of Vanity Fair is so important.

We need more trans people from all backgrounds to stand up and share their stories with the world, to show that there is hope, love and success after you transition.

That’s why I’m sharing my stories. Thanks to hers, I can envision a future full of possibility in places I never dreamed I could go… and I’m dreaming big!

Tune into Caitlyn Jenner’s new series “I Am Cait” premiering July 26 on E! For Trans Support visit www. transequality.org; for more information on the #InstaPride project and Happy Hippy Foundation visit www. happyhippies.org; and follow Aurora on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/Tumbler/ AuroraSexton @O U T A N D A B O U T N A S H

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IS MUSIC CITY’S STAR ON THE RISE?

MYINT COMPETES TO BE THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR

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and people stabbing each other behind their backs. That doesn’t really happen here with this format, because of the nature of the job they’re trying to fill.”

Backstabbing makes for great drama, but the network doesn’t want its hosts to have that kind of reputation.

In addition to highlighting cooking and presentation skills, the contestants

Food Network Star follows a wellworn template for reality competitions.

Each week, a contestant gets eliminated based on challenges. Contestants are primarily vying for a shot at hosting their own show. “Basically,” explained Myint, “Food Network Star is looking for the network’s next new TV show and host, their next star chef.

The nature of the prize gives the game a different feel too. “They are looking for somebody with a brand that best represents their company,” Myint said. “So I love the show in that it’s not like the nitty gritty shows, where they want to hear cussing and fighting

are also promoting their own brand and show, so it’s not necessarily enough for the food to be delicious if it isn’t coherent with the concept. “So,” according to Myint, “the challenges also strongly incorporate presentation both on the plate and as a host. In the past, they have had a challenge where they had to launch a product line and try to sell it on HSN, for example. In our first episode, we had to present in front of a whole party, who judged whether our food matched our brand. My platform is that I want to bring that element of fine dining and effortless entertaining into your house—that’s what I’m trying to sell.”

Photo: Brett Warren

was only one more open casting, in New York the following day!” The next day, on the other side of the country, Myint was in line for a cattle call audition.

“You get thirty seconds, so I went in, spit everything out, and was bright and lively, and then just had to wait for the call.” Myint, it turned out, had what the show’s producers were looking for.

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

JULY 2015

RAJA DOING SUZY’S FACE

Photo: Margaret Ellis

JAMES GRADY | @jamesallangrady

When Food Network Star returned for its eleventh season on June 7, 2015, Nashville viewers probably recognized some familiar faces, other than Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay, of course. Most notably, one of the show’s contestants is none other than Chef Arnold Myint of Suzy Wong’s, PM, and BLVD Bistro.

At only thirty-two, Myint is already one of the Nashville food scene’s most well-known personalities. He’s been a fixture of that scene practically since he was born. He grew up in a restaurant that was part of Nashville’s early food revolution, his mother’s International Market.

“The food movement in Nashville that motivated me as a child, that inspired me, was really strong, and independent and hip,” Myint recalled.

“My mother opening the international market in the late 1970s was pretty bad-ass! Having Randy Rayburn and Tin Angel and the old Virago, that stuff was so cool back in the day.” When you combine the passion that instilled with his talents as a chef and his flamboyant alter-ego, Suzy Wong, Myint was almost destined to a larger-than-life role in the food scene.

That destiny was almost, and partially, realized in 2010, when Myint appeared on season seven of Bravo’s reality cooking show, Top Chef. While he started in the middle of the pack in the first episode, he received high marks the following episode, and won the elimination challenge in his third episode. His fans were thus shocked when he was eliminated in only the fourth round.

The boost Myint received from his first run left him hungry for another chance. “I didn’t feel like I got my full time there, which I don’t like to relive that often, but it definitely motivated me to push for something else. Ultimately, Food Network Star presented itself as his best opportunity for another bite at the apple.

“I was sitting with my talent manager out in L.A. trying to figure out what my strategy would be,” Myint explained, “and Food Network Star came up. However they were in the last week of their audition process, and there

It makes since that Myint would try to market himself as, forgive me, Suzy Homemaker. While it’s Arnold competing so far, Suzy is never far behind. “Right out of the gate Giada mentioned that she was intrigued by Suzy, within the first five seconds of episode one you see a picture of Suzy, and she’s definitely part of my brand and part of what I want to include in my brand,” Myint said.

“Suzy ties into this as a homemaker who is into design and décor,” Myint explained. “Look at the savory baking challenge, where we paid homage to bakeries but with savory dishes. I

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made meatloaf cupcakes with whipped potato icing and pickled cherry tomatoes on top, a three layer meatloaf princess cake, and cake pops… I did a full table display, bigger than everyone else’s, like a window display. Hopefully it shows the judges that I mean business, that I’m ready to have my own show, that I’m thought out technically and aesthetically.”

One personally meaningful moment for Myint came when Alex Guarnaschelli was a visiting judge/mentor. “She was my teacher in culinary school and she’s had such amazing success since then, becoming a Food Network celebrity chef, an award-winning restauranteur…. I’m a very emotional person and I wear it on my sleeve: for her to be there made me feel that I’d come full circle and for her to recognize and remember be was so awesome. It was also nice to have a familiar face there.”

So far, Myint says he’s already got a lot of value out of the show: “It’s not very often you get a second chance to do something like this. I’m also excited to push myself and learn from all the people who are there to help. They are industry experts and to gain that immediate feedback in invaluable. You don’t get this many heavy hitters in a room at once to help you mold you future; it’s been like a crash course in what I hope will be my next career.”

No matter what happens, Myint has his eyes on the prize. “My main focus is to make an impression on the network and executives, and hopefully what will come of that is an interest in working with me more in the future. I didn’t get far on Top Chef at all but it got me sucked into L.A. to the point that I can’t think of any other job but this now. I don’t think you necessarily have to win the show to continue life in this field.”

However, Myint does want to win the show!

“The show isn’t only in our hand, so I want to encourage everyone to vote for fan favorite (a couple of times a day if not more), and make sure that fan favorite is me! People can follow my social media, which you can find on ArnoldMyint.com.”

So tune in to Food Network Star, check out your hometown chef, and see what it’s all about!

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SNARKOLOGY: IT’S HARD BEING THIS SEXY DISCLAIMER: Amy Sulam is a comic, and not everyone thinks she’s as funny as she does. We condone nothing she says, particularly not if you decide to take the following seriously. It should not be taken as such.

AMY SULAM | @Amysulam

Am I right ladies? Sometimes I get carried away and forget that my place in the world is to be an object of sexual desire for the straight guys— AKA the patriarchy. When I get such ideas I’m usually reminded, as soon as I state them, of where I really belong.

Most straight guys think lesbians and bisexual women (not men) are hot.

Sometimes they like to think, even out loud, that we exist just for their pleasure because … obviously.

Often when I share articles or even positive memes on social media that are meant to be uplifting or funny for lesbians or bisexual women, just like clockwork I will get responses from men like this: “That’s so hot,” “Do you bag chicks?” or “Are you into threeways?” It gets really annoying and sometimes downright disrespectful.

Sometimes you see something similar when straight women go out gay clubs and grope go-go dancers, try to rub the bartender’s chest, etc.

We are not your property, nor your pet. We don’t exist to amuse you. We contribute to the world, fall in love, and have fun just like everyone else, and what we do or who we do it with isn’t fodder for your entertainment.

So, allow me to clarify some things for you…

Let’s start with the transgender community. No, it is NEVER okay to ask how someone has sex or what’s going on with their genitals.

It’s not cool to ask someone why they are transgender or if they think it’s a mental illness. Second, it’s not cool for you to go on and on with your insensitive “ally” comments, like “Hey! It’s cool, do what you want with your body. It’s a free country.” And don’t get me started on incorrect pronouns! Yeah, whatever a transgender person wants to do to live life to fullest is okay, and no, random

guest in our bar, your approval is neither required nor desired.

Second, gay men are not here to be your pets. I have seen ACTUAL ads on craigslist placed by straight girls looking for a gay bestie. Then my head exploded. Look, it’s weird to shop for a gay friend the way you would for a dog. Maybe if you weren’t insufferable, uptight, and ugly you’d have some gay friends, but you clearly are those things. So … sorry about it!

When you come into our bars, ladies, don’t act like a vapid 6!+@#. No, you can’t grab the go-go dancer’s package; no, you can’t

establishment and dudes were making out with each other?! Whaaaaaaaat?!

I can’t! Seriously, I can’t! Gay men aren’t there for you to gawk at when you come into our establishments: act like you’ve seen paved roads and electricity at least ONCE in your stain of a life.

Now, for lesbians and bisexual women. Number one, I don’t rightly care if my sexual orientation is arousing to you: you’re gross if you

“No, I don’t want to hang out with you and your swinger wife..” touch the bar staff or the queens; and, no, you damn sure can’t get on stage with the queens. I actually heard a drunk bachelorette party say OUT LOUD in Suzy Wongs: “We were at a gay bar! With all the gays! And boys were making out!” Holy cow! You went into a gay

want me to know that. Yes, I have slept with women, and no I don’t give a crap if you like that or not. Pictures or memes I post aren’t sitting there just waiting for your knuckle dragging, dim witted comment. No, you can’t

watch: don’t be an idiot.

No, I don’t want to hang out with you and your swinger wife: your assumptions show a complete lack of self-awareness on your part. Go sling your wife’s roast beef sandwich at someone else. No, I don’t do threeways, nor will my girlfriend and I create an instant three-way scenario for you. You’d assume that if a woman says she’s attracted to other women, then logically she’s not looking to be a cock gobbler. Though I guess common sense isn’t common to everyone.

Furthermore, bisexual people aren’t chronic cheaters, nor are they more sexually promiscuous than other people. Cheating is a character flaw, sexual orientation has nothing to do with a person’s character. Generally, bi sexual people fall in love with you as a person, not your parts. Which means they bond on an intellectual level, and thus are LESS likely to cheat.

Also, why is it “hot” or even acceptable for women to be bisexual but gross and weird for men to be? But that’s whole different subject…. In the interest of equality, it should be the same, but it’s not. In movies it’s a tee hee hee if a girl “experiments” with other girls, but if a guy has a “ONE TIME in college I experimented with a guy story,” it’s presented as a source of ridicule. What is it about being feminine that is so terrifying to our society that they either have to ridicule it in men or sexualize and degrade it in women? Are we a nation of bedwetters with mommy issues?! I mean, really what gives? You’d think Vag Vader was the world’s oldest villain.

I can’t wrap my brain around it, but hey guess it’s our fault LGBT community. We were born this way, dead sexy! In conclusion, don’t be an ass-hat when you visit our bars, keep you pervy comments to yourself, and never you mind what I was looking for on Craigslist that one time! @O U T A N D A B O U T N A S H

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stays the same!

How did you feel when you won Miss Continental? How many times have you competed?

Honestly, I felt relieved that I never had to compete again! I also felt exhilarated and very proud of myself. It was only my second attempt!

A KIKI WITH PAIGE TURNER | @PaigeTurner01

Holy untucked, are we raving about Nashville’s newest Playmate, Brooke Lynn Hytes! Not only is she the current reigning Miss Continental, but she is an amazing performer. This lady hails from Toronto, Canada, where she was first a professional dancer studying at Canada’s National Ballet School, before starting her blazing drag career.

She is a highly decorated queen, winning titles all over our neighbor to the north before expanding her career to the U.S. In 2013, she became Derby City Entertainer of the Year, and then earning first alternate for 2013 Entertainer of the Year. That very same year Miss Hytes was setting new heights in her career by also becoming Miss Michigan Continental 2013, and first alternate for Miss Continental at nationals. Being the hard working star she is, she tried her hand again this past year at Continental, claiming the crown.

If you have visited Play Dance Bar recently, chances are you have seen this queen work the stage with her jaw dropping performances, consisting of extreme acrobatics and timeless dance techniques.

Meeting her has been amazing! She is extremely down to Earth and an all-around amazing human being. She was recently a part of the POP Drag Brunch raising money for Nashville Pride, showing even more how she values the community here in our lovely city.

So sit back and relax! It’s time to get untucked, as we get to know one of the newest member of the drag community here in Music City!

Sexual. I think (at least I hope) Brooke Lynn is a very seductive, feline type of performer ... at least that’s what I am going for. She’s also a goofball. That differs from me as a person because I am kind of shy and not exactly seductive as a man ... but the goofball part

How has winning the title changed your life?

Well, I was offered a job here in Nashville for starters, and it allowed me to apply, and get, a three year work visa to the states!

How many titles do you currently hold or have you held throughout your career?

I am currently Miss Continental and

technically still Miss Canada Ultimate. I have held six titles throughout my career besides those two.

How would you describe the pageant world? How do national systems and bar pageants differ?

Expensive!! I think bar titles and national titles really aren’t that different because you can get a national quality queen with a national quality package in a bar title and vice versa. I think the main difference is the organization, the prize money, and, of course, the prestige and exposure.

Were you excited to become a playmate?

How did this decision come about?

Very excited! They asked me to come down and audition and the rest is history!

How would you describe your experience as a Playmate thus far?

It’s been lovely, really. The girls and the staff and management have been really welcoming.

What is the difference between drag here in Music City compared to other cities you have worked or performed in?

The performers tend to wear more clothes on stage here in Nashville.

Who is your favorite entertainer in the drag industry and why? Outside the drag industry?

Sasha Colby! I love her because she is beautiful, kind and unbelievably talented.

Non drag entertainers? I would probably have to say Beyonce, Patti Labelle or Tina Turner, because they all are just that: ENTERTAINERS!

Who inspired you to become a performer?

When did you begin journey?

My Drag Mother Fara N Hyte was the first Queen I ever saw when I was 19, and she was my inspiration...so I guess I started ten years ago!

How do you feel about RuPaul’s Drag Race? Do you think it has been a positive or negative influence in the drag community?

Have you ever auditioned?

I think its great opportunity for whoever gets on the show. I think it’s been positive because it’s helped mainstream drag, but it’s been negative because all these new queens think that’s what drag is. They don’t know or care about what came before Drag Race, which is sad to me. And, no, I have never auditioned.

How would you describe your onstage persona? How does it differ from your real life personality?

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?

That I’m an introverted extravert, and that I

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JULY 2015

am addicted to buying wigs.

and INVEST IN YOUR CRAFT!

What types of things do you do in your down time when not performing or traveling?

Eat, SLEEP, and catch up on TV!!

How long does it take you to paint/ prepare for an upcoming show or performance?

It takes me about an hour and a half to get ready for a show to perform.

Do you have any other hobbies that aren’t drag related?

Dance classes, sometimes, but sadly no. Drag is kind of my whole life right now.

Do you do any celebrity impersonations or other characters in your performances?

I do Cher and Britney, and I am currently working on Celine Dion!

What is the best advice you could give to an aspiring entertainer, especially ones wanting to compete in Miss Continental or any other pageant system?

Watch, learn, don’t be afraid to ask questions,

Where can our readers keep up with you on social media?

I’m on Facebook as Brooke Lynn Hytes, my Twitter is @bhytesbrock and my Instragram is @bhytes.

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33

Photos: Julius Greene

BOBBI WILLIAMS

Apologies to Will Rogers, but … I never met a lesbian I didn’t like. At least not in Nashville. I know it’s wrong to generalize, so I’ll say that there are probably some unlikable lesbians here.

However, they‘re avoiding me, and for that I’m truly thankful.

Why do I say this? Well, for one thing, they’re fun. I’m not saying they “Just want to have fun.” (No matter what Cindy Lauper says.) But they know how to have a good time. One of the women I met here turned sixty a while back, and a bunch of her friends surprised her with—are you ready for this?—a parade!

I mean a real parade, with a marching band and floats and clowns. The whole nine yards. I just don’t see any straight women doing that. And I don’t think the gay men I know would have done it either. But there they were, on a Saturday afternoon, lining up around the corner from her house so that she wouldn’t know what was up until they came marching down the street.

For another thing, lesbians listen to me. Growing up male, I realized after a while that, to a large extent, the women I had conversations with were just pretending to be interested in what I was saying. It’s one of those behaviors women develop as a way to get along in a man’s world. And when presenting as

IN A HOT TUB

a woman, I’m a bit embarrassed to say, I developed the habit myself. I noticed how men love to talk about themselves, and how they love a woman who appears to be enraptured by tales of their exploits.

It’s “all about them.” But not really. The content of their conversation is never really about them: it’s more about who they want you to think they are.

But if I sit down to have a conversation with a lesbian I can learn more in fifteen minutes about her, who she is—i.e. who she really is—the person, rather than her ‘accomplishments’ and acts of bravado.

So when a lesbian compliments my outfit or makeup it’s usually a legitimate compliment, as opposed to women who remain mentally stranded in high school. (“Ooh…I love that dress. Where did you get it?”)

And they give really good hugs. Sorry, guys—straight, gay, or otherwise—you just can’t pull that off.

So I suppose it’s pointless for me to say that loving lesbians is just a sub-category of my love for women in general. The best bosses I ever had were women. My mother was a woman. And so was my sister.

But before I get all stickysentimental and ask that you join me in a chorus of Kumbaya, I should mention that in Austin, Texas, where I lived for 26 years, the lesbian bar there made it clear that girls like me were not welcomed.

Have times changed? I hope so. The next

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JULY 2015

time I’m in Austin I’ll have to check it out.

transgender spokespersons, and others, and that they recently announced that the festival is being discontinued.)

So how does the transgender phenomena relate to lesbians? (I’ll get to the hot tub in a minute.) As explained here before, transgender and sexual orientation aren’t the same. And while I’m fine with telling others I’m transgendered, when they ask my sexual orientation I’m “old school” and usually tell them it’s none of their business.

However, sometimes it’s necessary, if for no other reason than the need to define terms, to explain that a transgendered person’s sexuality is just as varied as those sexualities found in the wider world. And that confuses them.

If I identify as female and I’m sexually attracted to a woman, am I a lesbian?

And if so, does it matter if I’m not “post-op”? Or what if I identify as a male, but I’m anatomically female? I know a couple who were both born male: both had sexual

Can 13 lesbians fit in a hot tub?

And then there’s the infamous Womyn’s Music Festival, held in Michigan every year, which has clearly stated that it’s strictly for “women born as women.” (I won’t go into the politics, except to say that there has been an ongoing “dialogue” with radical feminists, human rights activists,

reassignment surgery, and were legally married to each other.

Are they a lesbian couple? A gay couple? The answer is: What the hell does it matter!?

We all just want to have fun, enjoy life, find love, and be happy. And I’ve met more lesbians here in Nashville who meet those criteria than the self-declared gays, bisexuals, transgendered, and so-called Christians.

So…to the main question: can 13 lesbians fit in a hot tub? The answer is yes, but not for long. I saw the tub with my own eyes and it now has a leak.

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