O&AN January 2013

JAN 2013

VOLUME 12 I ISSUE 1

First issue free, each additional 50 cents

Also

Nashville to host LGBT Music Fest Wallace makes it on TLC’s ‘Next Great Baker’

'We have FAILED our children'

A look into GLBT

youth

in foster care, how you can help “the songs deliver a genuine jolt of pleasure.”

– The Huffington Post

January 22-27 at TPAC

tpac.org/catchMe | 615-782-4040

TPAC Box Office Downtown • Groups of 10 or more call 615-782-4060 Contains some mature content.

Presented by

CARRIE MAE WEEMS Three Decades of Photography and Video

Through January 13 DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE | 615-244-3340 | FRISTCENTER.ORG Members/Youth 18 and younger FREE

The exhibition is supported in part by grants from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and a gift from Robert and Richard Menschel.

Carrie Mae Weems. Afro-Chic (video still), 2010. DVD, 5 minutes, 30 seconds. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York. Š Carrie Mae Weems

FC2823_M2ab_OutAndAbout_CarrieMaeWeems.indd 1

9/25/12 10:39 AM

N E W S

LOCAL

Shelton brings up nondiscrimination ordinance at Clarksville City Council

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

Clarksville could become the next city to add sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policy. When the City Council met on Thursday, Dec. 13, business owner and

activist David Shelton spoke in support of this issue. But it was meet with a challenger voicing his thoughts on this issue.

Rev. Tommy Vallejos from Faith Outreach Church asked the council, “Can you or should you consider an ordinance in the coming months knowing that it would create a separate classification of people based on sexual orientation? Can you or should you consider an ordinance in the coming months knowing that by doing so you would divide the citizens of our community forever?”

Vallejos believes the wording of this ordinance is discriminatory and by passing this would open a “Pandora’s box” of lawsuits. “I cannot change the color of my skin ... But it is a fact that many people can and do change their sexual preference and their practices.”

He ended his five-minute speaking

limit by saying no company will come here because this will complicate rules more and “just because the president said it was OK doesn’t make it OK. Let’s record history and make it a community that comes together.”

Currently Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis are the only cities in Tennessee that have passed these additions. Nashville approved a mandate in 2011 saying companies wanting to do business must not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, but Gov. Bill Haslam signed a state law the following month blocking it.

This process is still in the early stages though. “I will meet with all of the council members and the mayor, and work with other organizations to drive up support,” Shelton said. “I will also be contacting civic groups and organizations in the community to build support.”

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan previously was elected by her collogues as the first female in Tennessee history to serves as House Majority Leader.

She also worked briefly for Austin Peay State University as executive director of

Community, Business Relations. APSU also has a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

“As a rule, Clarksville tends to be a live-and-let-live community. Unless people feel as if they are threatened, most of the people in the city would be either apathetic on the issue or somewhat supportive,” Shelton said.

“I believe it's only a small minority of people who oppose any form of LGBT equality.”

Shelton encourages Clarksvillians to contact their City Council representatives to support this change.

If interested in helping with the effort, visit his website skippingtothepiccolo. com. “All politics is local — and that's where we can have the most impact.

Person to person, face to face, and neighbor to neighbor.” O&AN

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N E W S

ORGANIZATION

HRC Nashville Equality Dinner set for March 9 615-246-2787 PHONE 615-596-6210 FAX

outandaboutnewspaper.com

By O&AN STAFF REPORT

STAFF

HRC Nashville will be hosting its annual Equality Dinner on March 9 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. This year’s theme is “a black & white affair with a pop of color.”

For the Ginny Markham-Jones past several years the event was held at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, but with remodeling the location had to change. The Renaissance Nashville Hotel is a member of the Marriott Family, which is a friend of the HRC and GLBT community.

The 2013 dinner chairs are Ginny Markham-Jones and Ian May. MarkhamJones is a production manager at The Bank of Nashville and is a passionate ally to the GLBT community and HRC. May works at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, which is an HRC national supporter.

Each year HRC Nashville honors

PUBLISHER Jerry Jones

jjones@outandaboutnewspaper.com

MANAGING EDITOR

LAYOUT & PRODUCTION

editor@outandaboutnewspaper.com

nward@outandaboutnewspaper.com

SALES MANAGER

ADVERTISING DESIGN

smee@outandaboutnewspaper.com

dhuff@outandaboutnewspaper.com

DISTRIBUTION

WEBMASTER

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Patrick Armstrong

Ian May

community members with awards: Equality Award, and Community Leadership Award. This year they are adding a Youth Diversity Award.

Nominations can be placed through their website at www.hrcnashville.org.

Last year Keith Merrill received the Equality Award and Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors awarded the Community Leadership Award.

HRC Nashville is currently seeking sponsors for the event. This years presenting sponsor is Bridgestone. If interested in becoming a sponsor, visit www.hrcnashville.org.

Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through their website. O&AN FACIALS • PEELS WAXING • EYELASH EXTENSIONS LASER TREATMENTS • BOTOX

Neil Ward

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ellen Angelico, Zack Barnes, Joseph Brownell, Ryan Darrow, Shannon Freeman, Jessica Gibson, Hollis Hollywood, Beth Roth, Ryan Whipkey, and Joe Morris

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gina Anderson, Jessi Coggins, Keith Hinkle, Ethan James, Sid Niazi, Jeremy Ryan, and Kelly Searcy

OPPORTUNITIES

Out & About Newspaper welcomes volunteer writers, photographers and videographers throughout the year. If you’re interested in contributing to our publication, send an email to editor@outandaboutnewspaper.com with a resume, contact information and samples of your work if available. Our volunteer staff is unpaid, but contributors do receive credit for their work in our print publication and online. Those seeking an internship in journalism or mass communications are strongly encouraged to apply.

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JANUARY 2013

LEGAL

Out & About Newspaper strives to be a credible community news organization by engaging and educating our readers. All content of Out & About Newspaper is copyrighted 2012 by Out & About Nashville, Inc. and is protected by federal copyright law and shall not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. All photography is licensed stock imagery or has been supplied unless otherwise credited to a photographer and may not be reproduced without permission. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representations does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of the person or persons.

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

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

N E W S

RALLY

Nashville TEP rally brings attention to workplace equality Advancing Equality Day on the Hill set for March 12

By PATRICK ARMSTRONG, MANAGING EDITOR editor@outandaboutnewspaper.com

The Tennessee Equality Project held a Rally for Workplace Equality on Sunday, Dec. 9, to promote work place equality at the state and national level. This

was just one of three rallies held across the state. Others were held in Memphis and Cookeville.

Nashville had about 50 people from the GBLT community gather in front the state capital in War Memorial Plaza. TEP President Chris Sanders lead the rally and introduced the speakers for the event. But Sanders said, "This rally has homework folks."

Red wristbands were handed out before the event started to remind people of two things. The first was to visit the URL written on the band, sign the petition it's linked to and post it online.

The petition was for the president to bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity by federal contractors. The petition needed 25,000 signatures for it to be sent to White House policy makers to issue a response.

The petition received around 5,000 signatures.

“I believe that even though we didn't reach 25,000, there’s a way we can add our numbers to other efforts and get them presented to the administration,”

Sanders said. “Right now we’re in talks with some national organizations working on the issue and we’re considering next steps.”

The second reminder was about Advancing Equality Day on the Hill on March 12. This day is designated for people to talk to their elected officials and say what's important to them. The rally then shifted to the speakers.

The speakers included Vanderbilt Lambda President Sarah Smith, Metro Human Relations Commission Executive Director Caroline Blackwell, Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition President Marissa Richmond, Nashville PFLAG President Kathy Halbrooks and Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet GSA member Gray Alexander.

“The rallies and the media that followed them helped put the issue back in the spotlight last week and resulted in some national organizations contacting us about partnering on future efforts,” Sanders said. For more information, please visit www.tnequalityproject.org. O&AN

N E W S

OPINION

What’s in store for 2013?

Become an active member in the GLBT community, help bring change

by PATRICK ARMSTRONG, MANAGING EDITOR editor@outandaboutnewspaper.com

This past year, Tennessee became the laughing stock because of policies our legislature passed, and tried to pass. It was so bad that Mother Jones named Tennessee America’s worst state legislature.

That’s pretty bad when you think about it. There was the abstinence-only sex education program, Saggy Pants bill, Police the Potty bill, License to Bully bill, and the infamous Don’t Say Gay bill.

We had U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais’ abortion scandal and Sen. Stacey Campfield spread lies about HIV/ AIDS ... And created the Don’t Say Gay bill. All of this culminated into a media firestorm with coverage on CNN, FoxNews and even “The Colbert Report.” And you know it’s really bad

when Colbert talks about it.

This leads me to think: What could next year hold for the GLBT community in the state legislature, and what can we do about it?

It’s a scary thought. Republicans now have 24 senators and 67 members in the House after the election.

Democrats have nine and 24. That’s a supermajority for Republicans.

Democrats last held that in 1976 and Republicans since Reconstruction, according to legislative records.

All of these bills affecting the GLBT community that failed or died last year could be brought up again.

“This is wrong and it needs to end,” said Tennessee Equality Project President Chris Sanders at Rally for Equality.

“Tennessee is a laughing stock; so let it end this year.”

2013 cont’d on page 21

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O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . CO M

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O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . C O M

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JANUARY 2013

NATIONAL

N E W S

New FBI data shows increase of hate crimes based on sexual orientation

Don’t let taxes throw you

FBI to begin collecting hate crime data on gender identity in 2013

the fiscal cliff

By O&AN STAFF REPORT

Washington – For the first time, crimes directed against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation are the second most frequent hate crime committed after crimes based on race, according to the 2011 Hate Crimes statistics released by the FBI as part of the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.

Surpassing crimes committed on the basis on religion, the number of reported hate crimes committed against gay men and lesbians increased from 1,277 in 2010 to 1,293 in 2011.

In May, the Tennessee Board of Investigation’s 2011 Hate Crimes was released and showed that hate crimes based on sexual orientation almost doubled from 2010 to 2011.

The overall percentage of the reported sexually biased hate crimes was 16.1 percent, or 42 out of the 261 total reported hate crimes in 2011. In 2010, those numbers were 23 out 173, or 13.3 percent.

A greater number of lesbians were hate crime victims than were gay men (23 anti-female homosexual crimes versus 16 anti-male homosexual crimes).

Hate crimes of an anti-lesbian bias also showed the biggest increase from 2010, jumping from five reported offenses to 23.

Memphis Police Department reported the greatest number of total anti-gay and -lesbian hate crimes that included forcible rape, aggravated assault, simple assault and intimidation.

Gallatin and Hendersonville Police Departments noted the lowest number of reported anti-homosexual crimes with one count of simple assault each.

“The 2011 FBI hate crimes data is a sad reminder that even as we make great strides toward equality under the law, LGBT people in face dangers in

America,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “We must rid our country of the violence that has devastated our community for far too long.”

Hate crimes statistics are submitted to the FBI by law enforcement agencies across the country on a voluntary basis – there is no requirement under the law for agencies to submit the data.

In 2011, the number of agencies reporting this data dropped to 14,575, a decrease from 14,977 the previous year. Of these data-submitting agencies, only 1,944 reported even a single hate crime to the FBI, the lowest number of agencies reporting one or more hate crimes since 2002.

Reporting hate crimes to the FBI is a criterion in HRC’s new Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the first rating system of GLBT inclusion in municipal law, which was released in November. Such reporting demonstrates law enforcement’s attention to such crimes and ensures that the larger law enforcement community is able to accurately gauge the scope of and responses to hate crimes.

Crimes reported to the FBI involve those motivated by biases based on race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/ national origin and disability. Currently, the FBI does not collect data on hate crimes committed on the basis of gender identity.

Under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the FBI will begin collecting this data in 2013 and will report these statistics beginning in 2014. HRC and partner organizations have worked with the FBI to implement changes to hate crimes data collection since the passage of the Act in 2009, assisting in updating the agency’s crime reporting form and training materials to include gender identity. O&AN

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O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . CO M

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A R T S

MUSIC

Folk singer scores 9th Grammy nomination for audio book

by GREGORY BRAND, CONTRIBUTING WRITER gbrand@outandaboutnewspaper.com

She has been making memorable and impactful music since she was in her teens. And while her latest accolade stands evenly matched with many she has already earned, folk music legend Janis Ian is content to continue making art for creativity’s sake.

Since the release of her first recordings in the

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O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . C O M

Janis Ian | Photo from janisian.com

’60s, Ian has earned a reputation for honest and livedin music, poetry and prose that can be popular and push the envelope.

JANUARY 2013

Ian, born Janis Eddy Fink in Farmingdale, N.J., has independently served as a voice of a free-thinking generation by just being herself and sharing her messages through her work.

“I have never thought of myself as an artist that aimed to be impactful,” Ian said. “I just feel like it’s about talent and creating art. I’m in it for the expression.”

In the course of expressing herself over the years, she has racked up a resume filled with numerous distinctions and awards for her thought-provoking and honest contributions to the world’s creative climate.

The newest honor she has received is proof that even decades after her first recording, she still has a vital message to share.

This year, Ian has earned her ninth Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for the audio book of her autobiography, “Society’s Child.”

Named after her ground-breaking debut single, Ian shares this nomination with a very distinct collection of fellow nominees. The nominees include former President Bill Clinton, current first lady, Michelle Obama, comedian and television personality Ellen Degeneres and political commentator, Rachel Maddow.

“It’s pretty cool just to be nominated. It’s interesting that the nominees are all sort of democratic too,” Ian said with a laugh. “I don’t think I have a chance in hell of beating them but they are all great and it’s an honor to be named among them.”

Many of her fans might be quick to disagree.

For Ian, this is not her first trip to the Grammy’s.

In 1975 she earned her first golden gramophone for her folk hit “At Seventeen” and has managed to produce a steady stream of work in various creative genres well into the 21st century.

With a distinctive voice and gift for lyricism, Ian has had hits that post among popular music while still maintaining the roots and content of music connected with so much more.

She is noted for being as real and honest with her music as she is with her life and relationships. On par with her honest creative life, Ian made headlines when she came out as a member of the GLBT community in 1993. She is currently residing in Nashville with her partner Patricia Snyder, a Nashville-area attorney.

“I’ve never written the kind of music that lends itself to being able to hide,” Ian said. “I don’t think I could be so honest and open in my work and be something different in my life.”

Ian has always placed emphasis on telling richer stories that resonate beyond just being entertainment and branches into work that impacts people that happen to be tuned in.

As with the current audio book that has earned her newest round of attention, Ian maintains that she will continue to use her gift of talent to tell stories that matter to her and people living their lives every day. To her she is making art for the sake of producing work that is creative.

“The opportunity to express myself in my work is what has kept me working over the years. I really do enjoy it.” O&AN

A R T S

DRAG

Miss Gay America Founder Jerry Peek on a life in the business of drag

by HOLLIS HOLLYWOOD, CONTRIBUTING WRITER hollis@hollishollywood.com

All across the country people are discovering the art of female impersonation, and drag shows are doing big business in most major US cities and many smaller towns. RuPaul’s Drag Race has brought attention to the art form to the masses, and drag is appealing to a wider variety of audiences than it has in years.

While dressing onstage as another gender dates back centuries and is found in nearly every culture from shamanic rituals, to societies banning female actors, to vaudeville and beyond, each generation has somehow made its unique mark on the industry.

Pageants are a big part of the art of drag and female impersonation, with performers investing countless hours and serious money to perfect their craft and compete for cash, prizes and acclaim.

The Miss Gay America pageant is unique that all contestants must be biologically male. No transgender performers, and no drag artists taking female hormone therapies or having undergone cosmetic surgeries below the neck are allowed to compete.

Long-time pageant owner Norman Jones is acknowledged as the force behind the success of MGA, owned since 2005 by Larry Tyger and Terry Eason, but without its creator, Nashville native Jerry Peek, the respected competition would not exist today.

Hollis sat down at a Nashville restaurant with Jerry this week and learned about his role in this major part of drag history and found out how he also made his mark on the world of female impersonation in their mutual hometown.

Hollis Hollywood: You opened the first drag bar in Nashville, The Watch Your Coat & Hat Saloon in 1971. A year later you founded the Miss Gay America pageant, which you sold to the first winner, Norma Kristie, after the third year. You weren’t a performer yourself, so how did you find inspiration to jump into the world of female impersonation? Take me back to the beginning.

Jerry Peek: The Watch Your Coat & Hat Saloon was opened originally as a Country & Western music bar. It was the first business on [Nashville tourist and entertainment center] Second Avenue aside from warehouses. We had it worked out so that if an artist like Little Jimmy Dickens was in town playing at the Grand Ole Opry on a Saturday night, he could book a show with us on Friday night in order to pay his band.

Back then we could get a popular Country & Western artist like that for $200-$300, which was relatively cheap. Unfortunately that meant we only

did good business on Friday and Saturday nights.

Obviously that concept would not have worked. I had heard about a successful bar in Indianapolis that had female impersonators, so I went there with my partner, Joe, and saw my first show.

To say I was knocked out is an understatement.

Looking back, these performers weren’t even comparable with what we wound up with, but I loved the idea and what I saw. I brought back the concept to my (straight) business partner who didn’t really like the idea, but knew unless we did something different the saloon would go under. So he eventually said, “Take it and run with it.”

Holly Hollywood is an entertainment and dragbeat beat writer for www.hollishollywood.com. O&AN Read the full Q&A at outandaboutnewspaper.com

JANUARY 2013

The first Miss Gay America Pageant - Center-Charlie Brown, First Runner Up. Left- Miss Gay America 1971- Norma Kristie (All photos from the private collection of Jerry Peek)

O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . CO M

9

'We have FAILED our children'

Recently the Tennessee Department of Children Service’s has been under the scrutiny of the media.

With 8,457 children currently in foster care, who wouldn’t be concerned?

But there is a group within the foster care system that they are struggling to find homes for. That group is GLBT youth.

While it’s unknown the exact number of in the system, it’s something our community should be aware of. And it’s easy to think the reason for this is because of their sexuality.

But according to one person who has been helping the state find homes for these “lost children,” the real reason for the problem will leave our community reassessing their actions. And hopefully will lead to some to “step-up to the plate.”

“

THE ISSUES

The predominate reason they are having problems with GLBT youth issues is not so much because of sexuality, but because of all of the other behaviors kids get into,” said Pastor Greg Bullard from Covenant of the Cross. “Whether it’s prostitution or drug dealing or violence, there’s a lot of other things that are attendant with that and it becomes harder.”

He said for example if there’s a violent teenage boy who’s fighting against who he is and trying to find a place when there are younger children in the home. That’s where some of these problems come from.

The other part of This year’s recommended budget was decreased by the problem, in his opinion, is something you would not expect. “Quite frankly our (GLBT) community has completely failed our youth,” Bullard said. “We have acted more scared of children and youth other than sometimes men who are wanting a young thing to date, while they may always be legal ... We have been too scared to do what we had to do to make sure they have safe space. We blame everybody else for that and I’m going to tell you it’s not everybody else’s job to make sure our children are safe.”

Bullard and his church at Covenant of the Cross have worked with several youth to the point where he has lost count. “Foster care has it’s usual issues, but I have yet to find an issue of it being just purely a gay and lesbian issue, it’s always other issues going on,” he said. “And it’s really hard for us to deal with and help people.”

Bullard has been a pastor at Covenant of the Cross since 2002 and previously served at churches in Alabama, Memphis and one other church in Nashville. He has focused a lot of his time and energy into counseling services, as well as pastoral.

He has opened up his home and helped people struggling. But with a baby now, his husband and him cannot do that anymore. “The reality is too many times (our community) hasn’t been giving a helping hand up when we should have been. And too often we blame another agency or another person because the result we thought should have happened didn’t happen because we didn’t do what we should have done.”

$14,942,400

A look into

GLBT youth in foster care, how you can help

by PATRICK ARMSTRONG, MANAGING EDITOR editor@outandaboutnewspaper.com

“Most of the kids that lose or can’t find a foster home is because of the some other issue. DCS cannot show me one time (where a youth was kicked out of a foster home because of their sexuality),” Bullard said.

THE NUMBERS

R

ecently, DCS has received a lot of media attention regarding the deaths of 31 children who were in the state’s protection in the first six months of 2012. children currently in foster care According to the 2011-12 state budget, the Department of Children’s Services total recommended budget is more than $651 million. The total recommend full-time personnel are 4,570 and six part-time. The money is funded through the state, federal government and other means.

The 2009-10 actual budget was $660,793,600. The 2010-11 estimated budget increased by $5,659,900. But this year’s recommended budget was decreased by $14,942,400.

8,457

The 2009-10 actual budget had 4,950 full-time personnel and 25 part-time. The 2010-11 estimated budget decreased by 144 full-time and 19 part-time personnel. This year’ recommended budget had another decrease by 239 full-time personnel and kept six part-time. That’s a total of 383 full-time personnel cut from the budget since 2009.

Bullard believes the reason DCS fails is because they are not acquitted enough resources. “Sometime’s there is such a heavy caseload that you can’t do it all,” he said. “And will us valuing low taxes; at some level the issue isn’t the people who are working and doing their best.”

Bullard said, “Jesus is the only one I know that can multiple fish and bread.

He can feed 5,000 with two fish and five loaves of bread, but Jesus don’t work for DCS.” According to Molly Sudderth, director of Communications for DCS, at fiscal year-end 2011, DCS had 7,514 children in foster care. As of Dec. 21, 2012, the total increased by 943.

One of the individuals Bullard has helped before — and church has helped —thought that he wanted “something in return” for helping him. “Every person who had said they were there to

help him wanted a favor from him ...

In the bed,” Bullard said. “He thought everybody who would want to help him, wanted to do something sexually because that was his only experience.”

According to Covenant Cupboard’s — Covenant of the Cross’s community assistant program — website, 20 percent of all homeless youth identify as GLBT. About 60 percent commit suicide. And around 60 percent of homeless GLBT youth have been sexually victimized.

“That’s actually a lot more common than people expect,” Bullard said. “Not because of what someone did outside our community. It’s because of what people inside our community did.”

He believes the safety of our children should come first; even before equal rights. “There are GLBT youth on the street getting rapped because GLBT adults have not taken their responsibility seriously,” Bullard said. “If someone is starving in my community, equal rights don’t mean nothing to me.”

“

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We always need to remember that DCS needs a lot of support,” Bullard said. “We don’t think about that organization to go volunteer for to help create safe spaces even for just any child.”

There is a location full of toys that DCS takes children that have been pulled from a home. Volunteers can sit or play with them: anything to create a sense of normalcy.

Not only is DCS in Nashville, but in small towns like Smithville. They place youth all of the time with people in our community according to Bullard.

“The question isn’t do they get placed; the question is do we sign up so that they can be placed with us. DSC will do what’s in the best interest of the child all of the time.”

Bullard recently received permission from the DCS to start a PATH class with the specific target of the GLBT community. Anyone seeking to become a foster parent must take a 30-hour training program — Parents As Tender Healers — and provide five references, fingerprints and undergo a complete background check.

The PATH class will first be held at Covenant of the Cross. For Bullard, safety of child is his paramount issue.

His goal is to get 15 men and

women in the PATH class who would be willing to take an emergency child at the drop of a hat. “My hope is to help DCS identify people and train people who will be positive role models, who will not have any form of attraction to a child or teenager ... These kids need to know they are in a safe place.”

This PATH class will be held at Covenant of the Cross starting around the end of February and will go through mid-April. The church will provide food and maybe handling the registration process to make it easier.

If interested, Bullard wants you to contact his church. “I am always going to be cognizant as a pastor with a lot of child in my church,” he said. His church has increased by over 500 percent with the number of children. They now have to add classroom space for more children. They also feed around 150 people per month.

According to DCS website, foster parents can be “single or married, with or without their own children, employed or not employed (but must be able to financially meet needs), be in good health, at least 21, and be a homeowner or renter.”

Other criteria include “love and care for children with problems, learn to use behavioral management skills,

JANUARY 2013

have room in your home and in your daily life, and give without expecting anything in return.”

Foster families do receive a daily rate for each child they foster. Accord to Sudderth, the regular rates are $23.26 per day for ages 0-11. Ages 12 and up receive $27.28.

Special circumstances rates are $25.59 per to day for ages 0-11 and $30.01 for ages 12 and up. “The greatest benefit I think is helping a child realize their potential,” Bullard said.

A concept has been created that Nashville is only friendly to the GLBT community, but in the end DCS will do what’s in the best interest of the child.

Bullard said, ”I don’t know any kid who cares (if their foster parent is GLBT).

They just want somebody to love them.

For us to blame everybody else is to seek to scapegoat somebody because we didn’t prepare to do what we should’ve done.”

Bullard ended by saying, “There’s a lot kids who need help. I hope people step up. Because in a city of 1.5 million people total in the metro area, just on bare statistics, that would mean there’s 150,000 GLBT adults. Why don’t we have more of them helping in the foster system? And it isn’t because DCS doesn’t want them in it.” O&AN

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E N T E R T A I N M E N T

TV

Wallace makes it on TLC’s ‘Next Great Baker’

flatter than a yeast-free loaf of bread. “What you saw is a good interpretation of the level of drama on our team during that first challenge,” Wallace said. “Of course, editing always plays into any program, but that first cake challenge was a hot mess plain and simple.”

While Wallace was able to bounce back the second week and help his team claim victory, he admits some of his work on the show wasn’t his best.

“Placed in that environment, all calm and common sense left me,” Wallace admitted. “Some of the stuff I made on the show does not reflect what I am capable of doing. It was work done under extreme levels of pressure while working with strangers under intense sleep deprivation.”

But does he win? While Wallace is unable to comment on the results of the show, he continues to

battle for the top spot and title of “Next Great Baker” as of press time.

So what would Wallace do with the $100,000?

“First, Dustin and I are going on a nice long vacation,” Wallace smiled. “I would put some money into growing my cake art into a business, and save some for the future.”

Despite filming in New York and New Jersey, it’s a future that keeps Wallace in Tennessee. “[I] live by the old motto be the change you want to see in the world. So I represent my state as a proud, gay Tennessean,” Wallace beamed.

But that’s not all Wallace wants to represent.

There’s a coveted Grand Marshal position of the Waverly Christmas Parade that Wallace will be gunning for next year. O&AN

Garrett Wallace | Photo by Jeff Rave

By JOSEPH BROWNELL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER jbrownell@outandaboutnewspaper.com

It’s as easy as pie. Tell that to Waverly, Tenn. native Garrett Wallace as he competes for $100,000, a spread in “Redbook” and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work alongside Buddy Valastro on this season of TLC’s “Next Great Baker.”

Wallace’s joy for being in the kitchen started at an early age. “My mom tells the story of when she would give me leftover biscuit dough,” Wallace reminisced.

“She said I would play with and mold that dough for hours. I suppose my passion comes from seeing people I love and admire most finding joy in cooking and baking.”

And that joy is evident when watching Wallace on television. During the season premiere, Wallace showcased his southern charm (and skills) by creating “heaven in a crispy, fried bundle” — a fried pie with peanut butter, banana and bacon. While Valastro declined to taste it during the Baker’s Challenge, Wallace assures us the off-camera the camera men were fighting over who would get to eat it.

Wallace auditioned for “Next Great Baker” at the behest of a childhood friend. “I never thought I would do reality television. In fact, ‘RuPaul's Drag Race’ is the only reality show I really enjoy,” Wallace joked.

“I felt this would be a good opportunity to get some exposure for my work as a cake artist, and take things to the next level business-wise.”

With the next level also comes mounting pressure.

During his first team challenge, the teamwork fell JANUARY 2013

O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . CO M

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A R T S

MUSIC

Q&A with Jacob from Nemesis Rising

By ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandnewspaper.com

Unfortunately, in 2006 I did not have cable.

Honestly, I still don’t have cable and I usually go to bars to catch stuff (read: Chicago Bears games) on TV. But if I did have cable and if it was 2006 again, as a young musician I probably would have taken great interest in the Logo show, “Jacob and Joshua: Nemesis Rising.” The show followed twin brothers Jacob and Joshua Miller who navigated the music business as

openly gay artists. I had the opportunity to catch up with Jacob after a recent visit of his to Nashville.

Jacob: I love Nashville and I always feel like I’m home when I’m there. It is where I grew up as a man, really. I was finally away from my parents’ watchful eyes and had the freedom to discover who I am. I come to Nashville two or three times a year.

and bickering and conflict is just what goes with the territory in reality television … It’s going to be edited in a way to maximize the dramatic impact. That all makes sense to me but there were certainly scenes that made me cringe a little. The two episodes filmed in Montana with my family were important episodes and I’m proud of them. I think it gave families who are struggling with the complicated emotions of a family member “coming out” a bird’s eye view of my family dealing with the same issue.

O&AN: Was it weird to work out some of those more personal issues on TV?

O&AN: Speaking of your family, what is Joshua up to these days?

Jacob: I think the dramatic scenes of constant arguing

Jacob: Joshua has been in a relationship with his boyfriend for several years now and they spend a lot of time traveling. He is also in school getting his audio engineering degree. He and his boyfriend live about seven blocks away from me so we spend a lot of time together just like always. He has also been writing a lot of great music over the last couple years. I’ve always thought that Joshua is such a talented songwriter.

O&AN: During the show, you spent a lot of time in Nashville. Do you come back to visit often?

O&AN: And what about you? What have you been up to since the show ended?

Jacob: After the show ended Joshua and I continued to tour for a while and then I took a long break. My relationship ended and I was pretty heartbroken and I just didn’t feel like singing anymore. I also felt like I wanted to record an album by myself, without Joshua.

I just wanted to tell my own story through my music and I felt like a lot of the real reason why I sing and perform got lost in the drama of the television series.

I pretty much just sat around for a few years and tried to figure out what to do with myself. I wrote a lot of new music during that time so I guess if anything good came of that period it is the music.

O&AN: What’s next for you?

Jacob: I’m getting ready to record some new music and I’m excited to get back on stage and start singing again. Come out and see me when I do and I’m sure I’ll bump into you in Nashville sometime soon. O&AN

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A R T S

YEAR IN REVIEW

Top 10 news stories of 2012 from outandaboutnewspaper.com

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

18,929 Hits: GLSEN of Middle Tennessee releases statement on bullying epidemic; By: Staff Report; Run Date: Jan. 23 11,201 Hits: Josh Robbins comes OUT; By: Joe Morris; Run Date: March 5

10,187 Hits: Nashville brings the 'green' with Earth Day Festival; By: Jessica Gibson; Run Date: April 1

9,887 Hits: T ayst the difference change can make; By: Jessica Gibson; Run Date: April 1 9,684 Hits: W here does your money go when you Dine Out?; By: Ben Rock; Run Date: April 1

9,205 Hits: H owe Named Executive Director of Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce; By: Jerry Jones; Run Date: Feb. 6 9,012 Hits: T ennessee Tech to host anti-bullying conference; By: Blake Boldt; Run Date: Jan. 1 8,608 Hits: Q&A: Fearlessly funny comedienne Lianna Carrera; By: Jessica Gibson; Run Date: March 2

8,477 Hits: Progress made as bills put on hold at Equality Day event; By: Ben Rock; Run Date: March 14

8,012 Hits: Maria Salas named to Nashville Bar Association board; By: Ellen Angelico; Hits: 8,012; Run Date: Feb. 3

Top news stories of 2012 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2012 in photos

• • • • TEP Olympus

TEP Rally for Equality in Nashville

Top Tennessee GLBT News of 2012 • •

MNSA: 2012 Classic Tournament

Wanderlust Carnival: Unmasked

•

•

• Nashville Pride Festival

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Nashville AIDS Walk

O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . C O M

Nashville Pride Festival

JANUARY 2013

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

Obama wins re-election Obama becomes the first sitting president to endorse same-sex marriage 3 states approve gay marriage, 2 approve pot legalization Hurricane Sandy’s destruction Neil Armstrong died Summer Olympics in London Sikh Temple shooting Aurora, Colo. shooting Portland mall shooting Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting Supreme Court upholds health care law Dick Clark died Whitney Houston died Discovery’s final voyage 100th anniversary of the Titanic Mars Curiosity rover lands Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee Facebook goes public with IPO End of the world paranoia Ambassador to Libya killed Gen. Petraeus resigns from CIA over sex scandal

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

“ Don’t Say Gay,” “License to Bully” bills die “Police the Potty” bill withdrawn Knoxville, Memphis approve addition of sexual orientation, gender identity to city nondiscrimination ordinance Gov. Haslam takes heat from county Republican parties over grievances including allowing and retaining openly homosexuals to make policy decisions in DCS Lenoir City High School yearbook sparks uproar over pro-gay profile of a graduating student. O&AN

A R T S

MUSIC

Nashville to host LGBT Music Fest Feb. 1-3

by LINDA BREWER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER lbrewer@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Registration is currently open for the LGBT Music Fest, happening Feb. 1, 2 and 3 on Nashville's Music Row. The fest is expected to host more than 400 performing artists, songwriters and industry professionals in an exciting mix of music entertainment, education and networking events.

“The LGBT Music Fest is actually the first of it's kind. It focuses on bringing together lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender music creators, industry and fans,” said Cornelius “Popcorn” Robertson, founder of the Nashville Song Writers Festival on Music Row. “It’s quite a historical happening; (a festival) featuring LGBT artists and songwriters.”

LGBT performing artists and songwriters of any genre are invited to take the stage from noon to midnight, Friday through Sunday for an “open call” performance on Nashville's Music Row at various entertainment venues including the Music Row Best Western Lounge. You are welcomed to introduce your best song by scheduling a performance or “open mic” on indoor stage locations in the vicinity of Demonbreun and Division Streets.

The Music Row Best Western is home base Then get your party on again at the “Valentines for the festival, and is Carnival” featuring an informal holding several events including the music industry costume party with dancing on Feb. 2. from 6 p.m. to information tables and training sessions from noon midnight. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a casual “We have LGBT in all levels of the music Networking Mixer on Sunday. “It economically industry yet in Nashville most must hide or risk losing impacts recording studios, venues, and other industry their endorsements. Like Chely Wright, for example,” service providers and tourism, but the real impact is Robertson said. “So LGBT is nothing new to the Nashville stepping out and supporting all genres of shadows of Nashville's past movers and shakers.” music, not just Country Music,” Robertson said.

For more information about the LGBT Music The educational portion of the festival, hosted Fest, visit www.lgbtmusicfest.org, send an email by the Independent Music Association, will offer to info@lgbtmusicfest.org or call (615) 424-1491. hands-on advice on topics including Product and Registration is $300 for three days, $200 for two days Career Critiques, Recording, Publishing, Plugging and $125 for a single day. The general public can and Distribution, among others, allowing attendees to purchase an armband for attendance to all three days “Speak to a Pro” in mentoring sessions designed to of live music for $50. O&AN answer questions about “Music as a Business.”

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A R T S

MOVIE

Lane brothers travel from ‘Hollywood to Dollywood’in new documentary

by BETH ROTH, CONTRIBUTING WRITER broth@outandaboutnewspaper.com

The recently released to DVD documentary from “Hollywood to Dollywood” appears on its surface to be a road trip movie — two gay brothers and a friend travel across the country in hopes of meeting their favorite singer. In reality, it is a story about the universal need for acceptance and unconditional love.

Gary and Larry Lane are twin brothers from rural North Carolina who moved to L.A. after coming out to each other in their teens and realizing their limited options for happiness in tiny Goldsboro, N.C. They found success in Hollywood scoring modeling gigs, acting roles and winning on reality shows like “Fear Factor” and “Wipeout.” But, the brothers still feel that they have unfinished business

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Initially, that unfinished business seems to be the duel desire to both honor their idol Dolly Parton and establish themselves as screenwriters.

Gary and Larry have been working for five years on a screenplay called “Full Circle” that features a plum role for the gay icon.

As they put the finishing touches on the script, they decide that their best chance of getting of it into Parton’s hands will be to attend the 2010 25th Anniversary of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

After getting some constructive criticism from their circle of friends, including Dustin Lance Black (Oscar-winning screenwriter for “Milk” and Beverly Jordan (Beverly Leslie on “Will & Grace” and east Tennessee native), the brothers and Gary’s partner of five years, Mike

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MOVIE

It is especially poignant to hear the twins describe coming out to their mother at age 25. She asked them to put their hand on a Bible and swear that they were not gay.

Tired of pretending, they told her the truth.

Photo from Breaking Glass Pictures

Bowen, set off in a rented RV named Jolene.

Yes, there are adventures along the way. The RV almost gets blown over in the tornado-like winds of the Texas panhandle. They visit a friend in Fayetteville, Ark. and sing some karaoke.

There’s a quick stop at Graceland. They have to navigate the flood-ravaged streets of downtown Nashville to meet the contact who has their Dollywood VIP passes, and they attend the “Night of 1,000 Dollys” in Knoxville.

The guys are traveling over 2,000 miles, which

means there’s plenty of time to talk along the way.

In conversations that are as heartbreaking as they are revealing, Gary and Larry explain to midwesterner Mike what it is like to grow up gay in the Bible belt: the pressure of keeping their sexuality a secret from their Southern Baptist family and everyone else in their small southern town; the fear of being rejected and shunned by those they loved; and the crushing realization their family may be incapable of giving them unconditional love.

Even as they reveal these harsh truths about their family and their fellow southerners, they rationalize them. It is hard to make peace with the idea that people you love can’t return the emotion.

It is especially poignant to hear the twins describe

JANUARY 2013

coming out to their mother at age 25. She asked them to put their hand on a Bible and swear that they were not gay. Tired of pretending, they told her the truth.

She broke down and still struggles with the fact they are gay. Her inability to accept them without condition and love them unequivocally is clearly an unresolved issue with them and is the tragic subtext of the film.

From their earliest memories of singing along to “Islands in the Stream,” the twins have always loved Parton’s music. As they began to come to terms with their sexuality and what it would mean, they found comfort in the words of her songs, her emotional generosity, and her firm belief “we’re supposed to love each other for exactly who we are.”

Juxtaposed with discussions about their mother, the brothers’ praise for Parton’s well-known attitude of acceptance and inclusion clarifies the underlying theme of their journey: Gary and Larry, like most people, desperately want to be loved for who they are.

Do the twins make it to Dollywood? Do they give the screenplay to Dolly? To answer that would give away the ending. Frankly, whether or not she agrees to star in their movie isn’t as important as the true takeaway from this film: what Dolly means to so many people, and so many gay southern men in particular: she symbolizes the kind of motherly love and unconditional acceptance is sadly elusive for many in the GLBT community. O&AN

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by STEVEN DISNEY, CONTRIBUTING WRITER sdisney@outandaboutnewspaper.com

With the New Year underway, the community needs to take a moment to remember a leader who recently passed away: Gene Floyd.

She founded the Nashville chapter of PFLAG in the 1980's along with other supportive members of the area, her many accomplishments from that point stand as a testament to her character. She will be remembered as one who stood up to bigotry by bringing diversity to the region.

“If you never had the pleasure of meeting Gene, I’m very sorry,” said Chris Sanders, Tennessee Equality Project president, at the Rally for Equality. “She is responsible for really setting the ground work for creating a very hospitable climate in our city.”

One of the people that knew her well and helped co-chair PFLAG with her is Wayne Rosing who recalled how Floyd approached one situation. “Once on a talk show on Channel 5 which occurred shortly after our first billboard, ‘Someone You Know and Love is Gay!’ was defaced in 1998,” he said.

“Larry Britton, Nick Beres, Gene and a Nashville minister participated. Now mind you, the Nashville minister was not from any mainstream denomination, he had started his own church. A number of hateful things were said during that talk show, nothing hateful from Gene of course. She spoke calmly yet forcefully on behalf of the GLBT community.”

Rosing said at PFLAG meetings,

JANUARY 2013

Floyd often said to judgmental parents who used the “choice” word, that regardless of why her son was gay, she had no intention of losing her relationship with him. She also suggested she knew he was gay before he did.

“She was pro LGBT before it was cool,” Sanders said.

“Gene participated in interviews, talk shows, fundraisers (at Illusions and The Connection), workshops for teachers on teaching tolerance, pre-Thanksgiving dinners for GLBT students at MTSU. She manned a PFLAG booth annually at Pride festivals even passing out due to the heat one year at a festival held at Bicentennial Mall,” Rosing said. “She was there in the heat in her 70 plus years.

Again, I really cannot think of a GLBT person who has given more to the GLBT community for a longer period of time (three decades) than Gene did.”

Rosing was sadden by the low turn out of the community to support this amazing woman. “While Gene gave tirelessly of her time and talent for about three decades, the GLBTs she served did not show up for her memorial,” he said.

“I can only speculate about how many more GLBTs would have shown up for the memorial of a drag queen. What does that say about ‘our’ community?”

According to PFLAG Nashville’s Facebook page, Floyd will also be remembered at their January meeting.

People are invited to come by and share their stories of her. Meetings are the third Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Oasis Center Commons Room. O&AN

BACK 2013 cont’d from page 5 I was at that rally. It was actually my first GLBT one and I thought there would be many people there. It was put out in multiple weekly e-blasts, sponsored by 27 organizations and shared on Facebook and Twitter. But to my surprise there were about 50 people there.

This was a good event and promoted multiple ways, but where was our community? Where were you reading this right now?

If we really want to bring change and let our voices be heard, our community needs to be involved more with these issues. I challenge everyone reading this to make a goal to do something to help advance our community this year.

Advancing Equality Day on the Hill will be on Tuesday, March 12.

Mark your calendars, put it in your iPhone or whatever it takes for you to remember this date. Be there.

This is a chance to meet with state lawmakers and let your voices be heard. If they see the same people there, chances are no impact will be made.

E T C But if they actually see our community in full force, I bet a lot would be surprised how many of us are out there.

It’s better to try than to do nothing at all, right?

Another option is to call or email your elected officials and let them know you opinion on future bills affecting our community. By just scanning the QRcode in this article, you will find the contact information to every elected official in the state.

Complacency will not move us forward. But us coming together and acting as one will show that we care about what’s going on and we will not let legislation affecting our community, children, youth and family pass without a fight! O&AN

Scan the QR Code to contact your state officials

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L I F E

FASHION

New Year, New You!

By RENEE LAYHER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER rlayher@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Happy New Year! It’s that time that you set forth your New Years resolutions, as you focus on what is important for you to accomplish this year. Whether it’s getting out of a job or career that has you down, or saving for that fabulous new car, or committing to

improving your health, you can do it! I can help with some tips in getting into that closet, and cleaning out the old to make room for the new.

Let’s talk about jackets and jeans. I believe jackets and jeans are pieces that you continue to hold onto. Unless, you have not been able to wear them for over two years (being generous with the timeframe), you more than likely are not going to get in them, again.

Now, don’t be depressed about this, just make a commitment to yourself that you are cleaning out to make way for better. Now, if your jackets and jeans are too big, but you love them, you can take those pieces in, and have them re-cut to fit your body, and make them more modern for today’s fashion.

If you have a tailor or seamstress that you love, then awesome. If you don’t, you might want to seek out a wardrobe stylist to help pin, and modernize your pieces.

If you have not touched them or looked at them in over a year, then the items in your closet such as shirts, pants, suits, T-shirts and sweaters need to go.

Now, you don’t have to throw them out.

L I F E

HAIR CARE

7 tsips on keeping your hair fierce this winter

smooth enough for you. It's a 10 does wonders for damaged hair 4. Are You Kidding Me?: Everyone has those days where they over sleep or are running late. Well there are a couple of products that will help your hair look fresh without having to re-wash it.

Dry shampoo! Just spray some at the root and comb though to remove extra oils and grease.

by JOSHUA DAVID, CONTRIBUTING WRITER jdavid@outandaboutnewspaper.com

5. Ooooooo Shiny: Everyone loves shiny hair, right? If you feel your hair looks dull but don't have time to see your stylist, go out and purchase a shine spray or serum.

My favorite is by Matrix. It's their biolage shine serum. Just one pump is all you need to bring some life back.

1. Hot and Cold: Cold weather can be harsh on your hair, and if you blow dry, flat iron and/or curl your hair without protection you are just asking for trouble. Try to always use a heat protection spray before using any hot tools.

You can spray it all over or each strand. The chi iron guard does wonders 2. 3 Days: It's OK to not shampoo your hair everyday. I like to make mine last about three days.

Maybe down the first day, curled the second (of course using that heat protection) and then pulled back the third.

3. Spritz: Try using a leave in conditioner when you get out of the shower if you feel your hair isn't

You have options of Goodwill or Consignment stores to sell your items for you. Now, of course, don’t take your Fruit of the Loom T-shirts and expect a consignment shop to sell those for you.

Just say goodbye, and hand them off to a charitable organization for someone less fortunate to have.

One thing to consider for your style in the New Year, is you don’t have to get tricky, or be in the latest trends. Start off with knowing what a good fit is for your body, and then cleaning out all of the rest that you continually look at, but know that you will never wear.

If the thought of all of this overwhelms you, I would suggest in investing in a wardrobe stylist to come, and go through your closet, help get you cleaned out, and give you some tips on what works for you, and what basics to start with based on your own personal needs. This is a service that I do, and would love to help you. Be good to yourself this New Year, and make your goals attainable. Happy 2013!

Renee Layher is a stylist to the stars and owner of the menswear boutique, The Label, located at 2222 12th Ave. S. in Nashville. O&AN

6. So Many Options!!!: When it comes to shampoo and conditioner it can be a pain to choose which one. Always ask this question first what do you want them to do?

Do you want them to help your curls or straighten them out? What about do you want your color last longer? Well there are lines that are color safe so always look for that when wanting your color to last.

Facebook.com/outandaboutnews

Joico is the line of choice for me because it has the perfect ph balance for your hair 7. Snip Snip: By getting just a slight trim every six to eight weeks, you will help your hair continue to grow in a healthy manner. If you let the split ends stay, they will win the battle.

Joshua David works at Suite One Salon located at 2907 12th Ave. S. O&AN

Twitter.com/outandaboutnews

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O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . C O M

JANUARY 2013

CLASS

L I F E

Miranda’s

Kink 101: understanding the kink community

by SUSAN WOODS, CONTRIBUTING WRITER swoods@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Kink. What is the first thing thought of when this word is used? Whips or chains? Leather and bondage? My answer would be yes to all of the above and then some!

But after experiencing the Kink 101 class, I came away with a few more words to describe the class as well as the group of individuals that participate in the local kink scene in Nashville.

Those would be communication, community and freedom.

For eight years running, Nashville’s local dungeon has been operating as a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization for those who seek to participate in the local kink scene. Activities range anywhere from your “traditional” lover of bondage and spankings, to the more acquired taste of the furry population.

Furries are a subculture of the kink scene that dress up in fur suits to do animal role playing. Not your cup of tea? No worries. There are also leatherfolk, rope experts and bears, oh my!

When corresponding with the teacher Meronym, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I showed up. I was a bit apprehensive given the subject matter, but decided in the name of all things journalism to put on my big girl pants and see what this fetish stuff was all about.

Meronym, who has been an active member of the kink community for four years, as well as some other kinky folk that attended, seemed a bit nervous about my presence but I assured them that I would not be taking any pictures or using any of their names.

Privacy is of course a very important subject of the class given

some preconceived notions about the types of individuals that participate in kink activity. The class does a wonderful job of putting those hasty assumptions to rest.

Numerous topics were covered ranging from the basic vocabulary associated with the kink community to safety procedures that are encouraged.

Despite what the kink novice make think, it is considered unacceptable practice to tie someone up and leave them. This is a big no no and will definitely get you a slap on the hand … and not in a good way!

Another really important function of the class is its mission to dispel the fears those who are unfamiliar with kink might have. One of the biggest misconceptions is those in the kink community are into hurting one another.

This is simply not true. Does this mean there is not pain? No. But the boundaries are clear. Lines are drawn.

And there is of course negotiation.

A very popular saying in the kink community is “hurt verses harm.”

Through strong communication, those boundaries and lines are respected.

There is a lot of information to take in but it’s done in a comfortable nonthreatening way so it’s easy to soak it up without even realizing. I found myself using the word “munch” the next day in passing.

Munches are social gatherings with other kinks. Obviously since I am a “vanilla” or “muggle,” there was no kink involved. Don’t know what a vanilla or muggle is? Then chances are high that you are one!

For more information on the Kink 101 Class, please contact Meronym at meronym@myself.com. O&AN

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JANUARY 2013

O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . CO M

23

FIND Don’t let your cabinet overflow with L I F E

SKIN CARE

unused skincare products

by MELISSA RHODES, CONTRIBUTING WRITER mrhodes@outandaboutnewspaper.com

US 15,000 copies

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With so many preventative as well as damage-reversing procedures and products as there on the market, the options can be overwhelming.

As a registered nurse, licensed aesthetician and medical spa owner, the number one thing I hear from clients is that their medicine cabinet is overflowing with products they don’t use or don’t know how to use.

The most important thing to understand is skincare is never onesize-fits-all and even products that may be marketed specifically for men or for women may not be appropriate for all skin types. For instance, just because men's skin typically produces more oil than women's does not mean this is so for all men. Rather than purchasing products strategically marketed for your gender, purchasing products for your skin type is much more beneficial.

Visiting a licensed specialist is a great way to narrow down what type of skin you have and what combination of products and treatments will work best for you. During a consultation your skin may be analyzed under a bright light and magnifying lamp to discover issues that may be difficult to see with the naked eye.

Along with determining skin’s hydration level, sun damage, broken capillaries and texture can better be assessed in a professional setting.

A consultation is also beneficial so you have the opportunity to discuss your skincare concerns and goals and develop a treatment plan, which might include at-home products (creams, scrubs, serums), professional treatments

like microdermabrasion or chemical peels, or more advanced skincare such as laser treatments and injectables.

Once skin type and goals are established, some basic product information to keep in mind is that over-the-counter products, or “cosmetics” as defined by the FDA, are only designed to work on the top layers of the skin. While you might notice an initial change in moisture levels or skin texture, these products do not affect the structure or function of your skin.

Long-term cellular changes, such as actually erasing wrinkles and sun damage, can only occur by using medical grade products or “cosmeceuticals,” which are provided by skincare professionals. Which products you should use depends on your long-term skincare goals.

Combining quality products to help maintain a proper PH Balance and follow-ups with your skincare professional will ensure you are not wasting money on unnecessary or ineffective products.

It is also important to keep in mind that products should be occasionally adjusted. As seasons change more or less moisture is needed – in winter skin tends to become drier than in humid summer months. Skin can also become tolerant to products over time, so adjustments may need to be made to strength levels or frequency of use.

Finally, keeping up with all of the new fad ingredients and products can be intriguing (who isn’t tempted by the new miracle products that promise to make you look years younger!), but more often than not, the time-tested products such as Retin A and Vitamin C are still the gold standard for anti-aging.

While discoveries are made and product advancements can be revolutionary, it is best to avoid fad products until they have been well researched over time.

In future columns, I hope to answer more questions about specific products and treatments. In the meantime, please join in our social media community discussions or schedule a complimentary consultation at one of our two medical spa locations.

Melissa Rhodes is a registered nurse and licensed aesthetician. She owns Glow Skincare in East Nashville, located in Platinum Salon (1013 Fatherland St.) and Ona Ultimate Skincare in Belle Meade (6592 Hwy 100, Suite 101). O&AN

VISIT US ONLINE

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Visit www.outandaboutnewspaper.com for coverage from the Presidential inaguration on Monday Jan. 21, 2013

Tennessee’s largest GLBT publication celebrating 10 years of serving the entire community

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O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . C O M

JANUARY 2013

EXPOSED

TODAY WATCH LIVE

Jo e nei ber

FRIDAYS AT 10 p.m.

ONLY ON

Birthday

Timberfell Lodge

december 9 Current Town

nashville, TenNess ee

timberfell.com

Hometown

Geneseo, north dakota

January 25 – 27 Onyx Leather Ball* Get out the heavy leather and be ready to show it off! Leathermen and their admirers will converge for this Winter event. There will be an after hours Black-Out Party at the Tavern both nights. Do not miss it!

The Tavern will be open on Saturday from 12pm-5pm for pool, beer, snacks, movies and Wii!! *50% DISCOUNT OFF ROOMS

Zodiac ID

sagittarius

Photo by: Ethan James

all about joe I feel most confident when:

I’m surrounded by family and friends who love me no matter what.

What’s your favorite food?

Pizza and pasta.

My greatest achievement has been:

Moving to Nashville. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time and it finally happened five years ago.

What do you hope your next greatest achievement will be?

I have always wanted to work in the music business, even working with an artist’s fan club… maybe one day?

What’s one item you can’t leave home without?

My cell phone. I’m lost without it!

Boxers or briefs?

Briefs.

If you won $1 million (tax free) and had to give half of it away, who would you give it to?

My parent’s and family. They have done so much for me over the years and to give back, in a big way, would be an incredible feeling.

Winter Room Rate Specials “BUTTS IN BEDS WEEKENDS” 50% discount on weekend room rates January 4–March 31,2013.

Party all you want any weekend and walk back to your room with no worries! We have four special themed weekends during the winter just to warm things up a bit!

During each themed weekend, The Tavern will be open on Saturdays from 12pm-5pm for pool, beer, snacks, movies, and Wii!

Come visit us in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

2240 Van Hill Road Greeneville, TN 37745 FOR RESERVATIONS:

423-234-0833 1-800-437-0118 JANUARY 2013

O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S PA P E R . CO M

25

it’s time

Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Brandon Teeftaller, APN

to feel

better

DoctorMay.net Christopher May DC 2933 Berry Hill Dr Nashville, TN 37204

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medical care for your entire family 615/376-8195 1607 Westgate Circle Suite 200 Brentwood

Bradley Bullock, MD Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Psychotherapy

5111 Maryland Way Brentwood, TN 37027

Individuals & Couples

John Waide, PhD, LCSW 615/400.5911 waide@psychotherapy-and-psychoanalysis.com Barbara Sanders, LCSW 615/414.2553 BarbaraSandersLCSW@gmail.com Music Row / Vanderbilt Area

Parents.

Families.

Friends.

Moving equality forward.

LEARN MORE. GET INVOLVED. VISIT PFLAGNASHVILLE.ORG TODAY!

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FRIDAYS AT 10 p.m.

ONLY ON

Special guest George Takei will make a rare appearance in Nashville to narrate Schoenberg’s A Survivor from Warsaw, a moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. Also on the program are extraordinary works by Adams, Ives and Shostakovich.

BUY TICKETS AT: NashvilleSymphony.org 615.687.6400

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