O&AN I December 2013

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DECEMBER 2013 VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 12

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Presents

After three years, countless votes and a few awards parties, we hung up our Gay Favorites hat in 2006. After nearly a decade since its inception, we looked at ourselves in the mirror. From our logo to our digital properties, we had a brand new look. Included in that look was our renewed commitment to the Nashville LGBT community and the positive work being done in its many organizations, but our outfit was not yet complete. We needed

table of contents

that finishing piece for the year. We opened our closet doors (it had been a while since those were opened) and looked up at that hat. It was dusty. It had been around for nearly 10 years. So we

NIGHTLIFE ...........

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took it down, polished it up and launched the 2013 Gay Faves.

DINING...........

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logged onto nominate their Gay Faves across 45 categories.

COMMUNITY...........

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Launched at the beginning of October, nearly 2,000 readers We had some laugh out loud submissions but when more than weren’t laughing anymore. We knew we had the perfect outfit.

LOOKING GOOD/FEELING GOOD...........

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PLACES...........

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PROFESSIONAL...........

3,000 readers logged on to vote at the end of October, we Our community deserves recognition from letting businesses know that we support them to letting organizations know that all of their hard work is appreciated. So without too much more grandeur, we tip our new hat, Gay Faves 2013, to the Nashville

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LGBT community. You deserve it.

DECEMBER 2013

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CONTRIBUTORS

Thank you to O&AN readers for supporting members of the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce: • •

• p.o. box 330971 nashville, tennessee 37203 615/507.5185

nashvilleglbtchamber.org facebook.com/NGLBTCC @NashLGBTCC

Lisa Howe – “Business Leader” Vanderbilt University Medical Center – “Health Services/Hospital” Nashville in Harmony – “Musician”

• Nashville CARES – “Non-Profit” • Abby Rubenfeld – “Lawyer” • Nashville Grizzlies – “Sports Team” • Tribe – “Happy Hour” • Play – “Place to Dance” • • • •

Nashville Pharmacy Services – “Pharmacy” Nashville Pride – “Event” Jeni’s Ice Cream – “Place to Take Visitors” The Hutton Hotel – “Hotel”

Congratulations to all the winners!

Writers : Ellen Angelico, Gregory Brand, Linda Brewer, Blake Brockway, Kyle Craig, Jaz Dorsey, Jessica Gibson, James A. Grady, Hollis Hollywood, Eric Patton and Kevin Wesley Photographers : Jessi Coggins and Katy Parson National Advertising Representative: Rivendell Media 1248 Route 22 West, Mountainside, NJ 07092 212-242-6863

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

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| Nightlife

On any given night of the week, it only takes a trip to one of our city’s numerous bars to see the impact nightlife has in our community. From our city’s drag performers, constantly giving their time and energy to countless causes across the metro region, to our favorite had a hard day at work must hit a Happy Hour spot, it was no surprise that Nightlife ranked highest in voting and nominations.

Doesn’t everyone—at least once in a while—have that need to bust it all out on the dance floor like no one is watching?

PLACETODANCE PLAY DANCE BAR

It’s built into their name so of course when readers were looking to vote for their Gay Faves Place to Dance Play was at the top of the list. This month get ready for an exciting New Year’s Eve with their Fire and Ice party. Get your All-Access Play/Tribe Pass for $25. And that’s not all, the minds behind Play Dance Bar just opened Play Louisville, expanding their monopoly on the best gay dance floors to two states.

OVERALLBAR TRIBE

This was a close category but Tribe edged out Lipstick Lounge by a couple dozen votes. And why not? With Suzy Wong’s attached and the Gay Faves Happy Hour award, it’s a one-stop shop for socializing. Plus, where else are you going to catch the Grizzlies throwing down with their 2014 calendar and a packed house celebrating those who performed and staffed one of Nashville’s first bars, Warehouse 28?

But we’re not going to get it twisted, Lipstick Lounge is not just a hotspot with the ladies, it’s our definite Gay Faves place to pick up a karaoke mic.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

NON-GAYBAR BEYOND THE EDGE

DISCJOCKEY

DRAGKING

Whether he’s serving up retro jams at his popular retro-parties at Tribe or spinning a contemporary crop of catchy songs at Play Dance Bar, DJ Phil takes the Gay Faves DJ category for 2013.

Allen graced the pages of O&AN earlier this year when he promoted his transition benefit. It’s been a defining year for Allen and being named O&AN Gay Faves Drag King performer is the icing on the cake.

DJ PHIL

DRAGQUEEN

NICHOLE ELLINGTON DUPREE

She’s been in the game for 20 years and was just as surprised as we were when she took top honors this year. See page 31 for our Nashville Untucked with Nichole Ellington Dupree.

JORDAN ALLEN

We don’t always have to stay on Church Street. As a matter of fact, Sunday Funday in East Nashville is one of our favorite parties and Beyond the Edge with their laid back sports bar atmosphere and rockin’ jukebox makes this our 2013 Non-Gay Bar Gay Faves award winner.

HAPPYHOUR

WEDNESDAY AT TRIBE

$2 Smirnoff, $3 Smirnoff flavors and $4 well drinks is all part of the reason why Tribe is packed every Wednesday from 5-8. Haven’t stopped in yourself? It’s great not only for budgets but also to meet boys.

KYLE MURANS

Bartender at Mad Donna’s for 4 years Catch Kyle at Mad Donna’s on Friday nights and Saturday and Sunday Brunches

Signature Drink: Martinis. I love to play with flavors.

It’s from Family Guy, so I am not sure you can print it.

Favorite Quote:

What do you like about bartending?

I love making drinks—the mixology. I’m one of them dorks who makes mixed drinks at home instead of drinking a beer or a glass of wine.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

BARTENDER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

DECEMBER 2013

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

As long it’s upbeat and not slow and draggy, I’m cool. Whenever I hear a slow and whiny song playing at work I always point it out like ‘who died and why are we listening to this, skip it!’

Something even your regulars don’t know about you: Most of the time people are surprised to find out that I know how to sew.

Growing up my mom use to sew a lot so I guess I subconsciously picked it up.

She never thought me how to sew and I never sat there and watched her. I guess from being around and catching glimpses of that I figured out how to do it.

The bar is packed, you’re crazy busy, but a patron needs a beverage, how does s/he get your attention?

I like to treat my bar guests equally so just get in a line with everybody so while I make drinks I can see you out of the corner of my eye. I try to look over the bar and remember the order guests approach the bar. I have really good visual memory so it’s easy for me to do that.

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PIZZA

| Dining

5 POINTS PIZZA

If we learned anything about next year’s Gay Faves, it’s that we need to widen the Dining category. But will more categories under the dining umbrella, widen the pool of Gay Faves nominees? From day one of nominations, we knew Margot McCormack and Arnold Myint would go head-to-head to see who would win Gay Faves Chef. And not only can you catch this year’s winner below but also on Out & About Today this month. Get your Gay Faves dining below.

Nom. Nom. Nom. Pizza is probably our favorite food and while Jon Stewart hilariously debated Chicago-style pizza versus NY Style on a recent episode, 5 Points Pizza was the clear winner for the 2013 Gay Faves Pizza category.

CHEF/ FINEDINING

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

MARGOT MCCORMACK It was a close category but in the finals days a push for Chef Margot McCormack, who covered our April 2013 issue with her wife and child, was all it took. And is it any wonder readers voted Margot McCormack 2013 Gay Faves Chef? They also voted Margot’s Gay Faves Fine Dining. But that’s not McCormack’s only restaurant: Marché, known for its breakfast/lunch/brunch menus, recently began to serve dinner as well.

Want to get inside some of Chef McCormack’s secrets in the kitchen?

Tune into Out & About Today this month when she drops by the studios to whip up some of her holiday favorites.

BRUNCH

MAD DONNA’S

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

COFFEE

BONGO JAVA PHOTOS COURTESY OF OUT & ABOUT TODAY

FIRSTDATE/ BESTOVERALL RESTAURANT: SUZY WONG’S HOUSE OF YUM

Local celebrity chef Arnold Myint’s Suzy Wong’s is not just a house of yum for the O&AN readers who voted it Best Overall Restaurant, we’re thinking it’s also a house of YUM since readers also voted it Gay Faves First Date Restaurant. Not only is the food great, but if you didn’t know it’s named after Myint’s drag alter ego, Suzy Wong.

Whether in drag or out of drag, Myint continues to build his success.

Wong placed in the Top 10 of Miss Gay America in October and Myint’s restaurants combined donated more than $16,000 to Nashville CARES for the 2013 Dining Out for Life.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

O&AN readers are fiercely loyal to their coffee spots so it wasn’t clear at all who was going to win this category. With 3 locations (Belmont, Omni and East Nashville) Bongo Java surged ahead faster than a triple shot gets working to snap you out of a case of the Mondays. Maybe it’s their Milky Way that keeps people dropping by for a caffeine fix/sugar rush or their quick, sensible and delicious menu but if you haven’t checked out Bongo Java, stop in for some new creations as they announced the winners of their Winter Drink Competition in the middle of November.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

DECEMBER 2013

We’re not sure whether it’s their East Nash ‘Beignets,’ their Crab Cake Benny or their Bloody Mary Bar we keep coming back for but on Saturdays and Sundays, Mad Donna’s is apparently the O&AN readers brunch hotspot. And we’re not surprised.

Nashville Untucked columnist Paige Turner is one of the hosts of Drag Bingo held every Tuesday night.

PATIO 3 CROW

Is it Sunday Funday or Showtunes Sunday without a stop at 3 Crow?

We’ve never met a Nashville Grizzlies’ rugby player who thought so. It might be their token happy hour or just its damn, laid-back vibe but when the weather is right, 3 Crow is packed inside and out making its expansive patio the perfect place to pound a pint.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

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DECEMBER 2013

LGBT MUSICIAN LGBT ACTOR/ NASHVILLE IN HARMONY ARTIST

| Community We’re pretty damn lucky. If you take a moment to look around you and get to know the community you live in, you’ll see great work being done on every front. From the amazing events and fundraisers nominated for Gay Faves Event (Nashville Pride, TEP’s Olympus, Music City Sisters’ H8s a Drag) to our cities’ kick ass sports teams. Get a taste of your Gay Faves Community winners below!

Using music to build community and create social change, Nashville in Harmony has celebrated a banner year which is capstoned with Sugar Plums, their December 5 holiday concert in which Gay Faves politician Karl Dean will be on hand to introduce their Ryman Auditorium debut. Tickets are still available for that and the rest of the shows in their TenSational anniversary season.

EVENT

NASHVILLE PRIDE

Change is in the air and it’s no more evident than with Pride’s announcement that this year’s festival would move from Riverfront to Public Square Park.

While many are already cheering the addition of shade during the sometimes overheated weekend, Centennial Park detractors maintain their stalwart position for Pride to move back. Well, march forward we say. And Pride is with the announcement of a Friday night concert and their redesigned website.

JARED ALLMAN

In 2009, Jared Allman took part of our now defunct series Nashville Exposed. Since then the hottie has starred on the reality series Girls Who Like Boys, Who Like Boy as well as several films including 2012’s locally filmed Scenes from a Gay Marriage and its sequel, More Scenes from a Gay Marriage, which just finished shooting in Nashville last month. And while we’re excited for what’s next in Allman’s career, his move late last year to Atlanta opens up the door for a new Gay Faves LGBT Actor/Artist in 2014.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATY PARSON

NONPROFIT NASHVILLE CARES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF O&AN STAFF

PHOTOS COURTESY OF O&AN STAFF

Between a record breaking year for their Annual Dining Out for Life and reaching their $230,000 goal for Nashville AIDS Walk, Nashville CARES continue to be the largest provider of HIV/AIDS services for Tennessee. Last year, Nashville CARES provided HIV education to 24,300 LGBT individuals, 13,000 free confidential HIV tests across Middle Tennessee and provided support services that included food, housing and medical bills to 2,500 men, women and children living with the disease.

So it’s no wonder Nashville CARES won the 2013 Gay Faves Nonprofit but their services depend on fundraising and community awareness. So mark your calendars for February 8 when Nashville CARES holds their Avant Garde Masquerade Ball.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ETHAN JAMES

SPORTSTEAM

NASHVILLE GRIZZLIES

Every time they’re on the pitch, they give it all and now the Nashville Grizzlies’ are nearly baring it all for their 2014 calendar. If they continue to release their calendars, does any other team have a chance to take away the Gay Faves Sports Team trophy next year? We’re not sure . . . but we are sure that we may leave our calendar stuck on February all year long.

Shot by Christopher Malone of PhotoGenesis Studio, the $20 calendars can be purchased via the Grizzlies’ website (nashvillegrizzlies.org). Proceeds help send the team to the 2014 Bingham Cup in Sydney, Australia.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

POLITICIAN KARL DEAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF O&AN STAFF

Want to be the first to know all things Pride? Join Nashville Pride’s Friends with Benefits program. For a tax-deductible donation of $150, you’ll have access to this year’s events 2 Chefs/2 Visions, Martinis and Jazz, Pride Turnabout Show and so much more.

Visit nashvillepride.org to sign up

Mayor of Music City may have his hands full with a battle over AMP, but according to O&AN readers, he’s their Gay Faves 2013 Politician and has served as an ally to the LGBT Nashville community.

DECEMBER 2013

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER MALONE

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COMING IN 2014!

For more details, stay tuned to our website.

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DECEMBER 2013

| Looking Good/Feeling Good

You’re so vain . . . we bet you think this category is about you. Stereotypically, we know who will turn the head at this year’s holiday party, but aren’t there days when you just want to throw on a ball cap and go. Sure, there are. But even on those days we know you’re Looking Good and Feeling Good. Dive into this year’s winners below.

PETSERVICES

NASHVILLE HUMANE ASSOCIATION

Whether you see their O&AN Pet of the Week ads or catch their adorable canine and feline faces on television or at various events across Metro Nashville, Nashville Humane Association works hard at placing pets in the perfect home.

But that’s not all. Need a holiday pet photo? This month, drop by Nashville Pet Products Center (2621 Cruzen St) on December 7 for part of the NHA annual Holiday Pet Photo Shoot. Packages begin at only $40 and proceeds benefit a wonderful organization—your 2013 Gay Faves for Pet Services, Nashville Humane Association.

ADAM BARNES (ELAN)

ELAN

Opening their Green Hills Hair location in 1999 followed by Elan Skin in Green Hills in 2004 and then a Germantown location expansion in 2008, Elan is not only named 2013 Gay Faves Salon from O&AN readers but also took top honors in this year’s Nashville Scene.

Elan is gearing up for another big step in December as they prepare to expand their Green Hills Skin with Elan Restore. “The whole goal of the expansion is to introduce newer services we haven’t ever dabbled in before,” says Adam Hayes, who oversees brand development at Elan. “These are more medical, more solution focused services for people do not know their option or do not have options right now.”

Services are to include: Coolsculpting, Neograft: Hair Growth Therapy and cutting edge tattoo removal.

YMCA DOWNTOWN

More times than not when we drive by the parking deck is full, so it’s not a surprise that the Downtown YMCA would take honors at 2013 Gay Faves Gym. We expect as the holidays roll on and resolutions begin to be made (and broken) the Downtown YMCA will continue to reign.

PLACETOBUY NEWCLOTHES

PLACETOBUY USEDCLOTHES

One stop shopping seems to be the priority for O&AN readers when they’re looking for clothes, so it’s no wonder that Green Hills Mall swept the 2013 Gay Faves Place to Buy New Clothes. Anchored by Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Macy’s, there are plenty of options when looking for that perfect outfit.

Whether you’re looking for your red dress for the Grizzlies’ Red Dress Rampage or looking for something vintage for your Friday night, Goodwill topped the list for places to buy used clothes. Was that before or after the NBC news report about the loophole in the law that allows Goodwill to pay its disabled workers subminimum wages?

GREEN HILLS MALL

STYLIST

SALON

GYM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELAN SALON

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELAN SALON

To Adam Barnes, hair is your best accessory and it only takes one time sitting in his chair at Elan’s Germantown location to know that hair is more than a business to Barnes. Check out our spotlight on Barnes on page 20.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELAN SALON

TATTOO

BRANDON HANNAH AT LONE WOLF TATTOO

Some people ink, others don’t. But for those who do, the reasons are varied.

We wanted to know who readers trusted to get their tattoos and while there were several parlors/artists in the nomination period, Brandon Hanna (pictured being tattooed himself) at East Nashville’s Lone Wolf Tattoo takes 2013 Gay Faves Tattoo Artists. So check Brandon out at their East Nashville location . . . and hey if you decide you want to remove your tattoo, our 2013 Gay Faves Salon winner, Elan, will begin its removal services sometime this month.

GOODWILL

DECEMBER 2013

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

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Nashville Symphony The Irish Tenors Christmas Show

The Snowman

Handel’s Messiah

For children & their families!

December 5

December 7

December 11-13

The Ann & Monroe Carell Family Trust

CONCERT SPONSORS

PIED PIPER CHILDREN’S SERIES

Christmas with

Amy Grant & Vince Gill

A Holiday Music Experience with

KEM

Limited seats remaining!

December 19-21 CONCERT SPONSOR

December 22

NashvilleSymphony.org | 615.687.6400

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

CONCERT TICKETS MAKE GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS!

Presented without orchestra

BUY TICKETS AT:

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Give the Gift of Music!

DECEMBER 2013

WITH SUPPORT FROM

BOOKSTORE MCKAY

| Places

We live in Music City and while Gay Faves Live Music Venue was a part of our Places category, it was not the only part of this category we cared about. We wanted to know where O&AN readers saw their movies, bought their books and where they had to take out of town visitors.

Read on. The answers might surprise you!

It’s our 2013 Gay Faves Places.

SPIRITUALPLACE HOLY TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH

It’s not only a place of worship that embraces diversity but Holy Trinity Community Church (HTCC) is a growing place of worship. On November 17, the church celebrated the opening of its new 450-seat sanctuary to a standing room only crowd. Additionally, HTCC has built strong ties to community organizations such as Tennessee Equality Project and Nashville CARES. In fact, this month HTCC celebrates the holiday season with its Christmas Concerts on December 14 and 15. Saturday night’s show’s offerings will benefit Nashville CARES.

MUSICVENUE THE RYMAN

If walls could talk, the stories coming from the mouths of what is known as the “Mother Church of Country Music” would probably be as fabled as they are long. For more than 120 years, The Ryman stage has been a go-to destination for performers of all genres. We already have our tickets to hear the one and only Jennifer Nettles for her solo tour.

Maybe someone should build a coffee shop inside McKay because we could spend ALL weekend surfing through not only their expansive collection of used books but also music, movies and more. There’s nothing like stumbling across a childhood favorite or even an outdated book in their LGBT section. Haven’t been to McKay? Put down that Kindle and smell a book again!

HOTEL

HUTTON HOTEL

Located on West End Avenue, the Hutton Hotel offers a boutique hotel experience in the heart of Midtown Nashville.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

PLACETOTAKE VISITORS JENI’S ICE CREAM

MOVIETHEATER

At first it looked like Jeni’s was going to have to battle for Broadway/ Downtown as Gay Faves Place to Take Visitors but over the two week voting period Jeni’s creamed the competition.

And why not? A double scoop (or three when no one is watching) of their Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream and you’ll know why.

BELCOURT

Where else can you catch the entire series of Harry Potter movies, the latest Cannes Film Festival lesbian love fest, and the Reba McEntire starring Tremors?

Well, the Belcourt Theatre, duh! And with their upcoming Coen Brothers retrospective (Fargo,The Big Lebowski) December 6-20, we know where we’ll be spending much of our holiday season. At the Belcourt, duh!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

DECEMBER 2013

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

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| Professional/Business Services

At this year’s Nashville LGBT Chamber’s Excellence in Business Awards, Sam McClure said that if we wanted to excel as a community we needed to build wealth. That thought has stuck with us all year and it’s part of what makes the 2013 Professional/Business Services category so exciting, knowing there are members of the LGBT community in the professional/business world making a huge difference every day. So from Lawyers to Dentists to LGBT Business Leader and Owner, spend some time with our 2013 Gay Faves winners.

LGBTBUSINESS LEADER

LISA HOWE

LAWYER

ABBY RUBENFELD

It’s no surprise that in such a crowded category, Abby Rubenfeld would take 2013 Gay Faves lawyer in a landslide. After all she is one of the lawyers behind the October 21 lawsuit, urging the state of Tennessee to recognize the marriage of four Tennessee couples legally married in other states. In fact, in late November the couples asked for immediate protection of their families. See the story on page 22.

PHOTO COURTESY OF O&AN STAFF

After nearly tripling membership in her first year, Executive Director Lisa Howe has worked tirelessly to raise the bar for the now Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Howe told O&AN that her goal is to give Chamber events “a broader appeal and more professional image.” That image helped evolve this year’s Excellence in Business Awards from 50 person brunch to more than 200 in attendance at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

And that’s not all. Howe is seeking innovative ways to raise the bar in 2014 including a new program for members called Partner Perks. It’s a membership loyalty card that will allow members to collect discounts on services from the chamber’s more than 100 members.

Lisa How has ALSO been named Chair for the Southeast Region by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce CCBO. Howe will provide assistance and guidance and serve as a liaison for other Chambers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Thank you for voting us Best Dentist!

Straighten your teeth in 6 months with clear braces!

Zoom whitening available

Full-Service Family Dentistry Cosmetics Implants Sedation

The Ultimate in New Technology And Comfort

TV in the Ceiling

In-office crown machine – CEREC No case too complex!

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

Lisa Howe (on the right)

HEALTH SERVICES DENTALSERVICES VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

If you had to get sick, Nashville is the best place to do it. Everywhere you turn there is a hospital or health service but none more ubiquitous than Vanderbilt Medical Center.

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EAST SIDE SMILES

Say Cheese. With the O&AN cameras at events across town we want to catch you smiling and East Side Smiles is the place to go. Located in East Nashville, the full-service family dentistry was voted 2013 Gay Faves Dental Services and that is something to smile about.

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DECEMBER 2013

Dr. Thomas Hadley 7 North 10th Street East Nashville, TN 37206 Across from Marché

#1 rated dentist on

615.227.2400 | eastsidesmiles.net

BANK

VETSERVICES

Like coffee, O&AN readers are fiercely loyal to their banks and this was a three way tie throughout most of the race before Regions Bank brought it home in the final days.

Is there an area of town where you can’t stop in at a Value Vet? With 6 Middle Tennesee locations, they have you covered when it comes to Vet Services.

REGIONS

REALESTATE SHEILA BARNARD

After winning in the first Gay Favorite awards, Sheila Barnard is back to stake her claim to 2013 Gay Faves Real Estate. And why not? She’s been in the real estate game through ups and downs and still comes out on top.

VALUE VET

PHARMACY

NASHVILLE PHARMACY SERVICES

NPS shows it’s community support year round. This year they manned an expansive booth at the Nashville AIDS Walk and even helped sponsor the must-see documentary How to Survive a Plague at OutCentral. For their continued support, O&AN readers say thank you and name NPS 2013 Gay Faves Pharmacy.

Your life.

Your pharmacy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

LGBTOWNED BUSINESS TURNIP TRUCK

The Turnip Truck duked it out with the ladies at Lipstick Lounge for this category but ultimately fresh and organic won. If you’re looking for a local and sustainable way to shop and eat, choose The Turnip Truck Natural Market. And it’s more than a shopping experience. A quick trip to their website and you can find recipes and more. And December is the perfect time to drop by and try some of their yummy soups.

• Free, fast delivery • Free shipping • Personalized service Your independent hometown pharmacy since 2001.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

NOW WITH 2 LOCATIONS! 100 Oaks Plaza Suite 57100 719 Thompson Lane Nashville, TN 37204 615.371.1210

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DECEMBER 2013

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Holy Trinity’s Music & Theater Team invites you to be our Christmas guest this year.

Christmas Concerts:

Sat., Dec. 14th at 7:00 pm Sun., Dec. 15th at 9:30am & 11:00am Sunday Services: 9:30am, 11:00am | 6727 Charlotte Pike www.HolyTrinityCommunityChurch.com | 615.352.3838

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DECEMBER 2013

| Close Calls

There were several categories that were close calls but none closer than the 2013 Gay Faves Bartender category. Each of the five nominated bartenders had a roll of regulars who logged on in droves to vote for their master mixologist and we hated having to pick only one. So we present the 2013 Gay Faves Close Call spotlight. Get to know some of Nashville’s favorite bartenders.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSI COGGINS

ALISSAHARDIN Bartender at Play for 2 ½ years

Catch Alissa behind the bar at Play most Wednesdays through Sundays.

MALACHITAYLOR

Bartender at Canvas since Aug. 2012 Catch Malachi at Canvas Monday through Friday nights

Signature Drink: Long Island/Blue Hawaiians Favorite Quote: “Is all that we see or seem/ But a dream within a dream?” ~ Edgar Allan Poe

When I’m not working at the bar, I’m_________ (fill in the blank) I’m either working out, running, or biking somewhere. I like to keep myself busy - I can’t really sit in one spot for too long.

The bar is packed, you’re crazy busy, but a patron needs a beverage, how does s/he get your attention?

Simple eye contact works best to get my attention.

Something even your regulars don’t know about you : I’m a huge nerd. Bring up role playing games and you have a conversation with me that could last for hours.

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

I’m a pretty big Deadmau5 fan, so I enjoy when one of his tracks are playing.

WILLGRONËS

Bartender at Tribe for nearly 7 years Catch Will at Tribe every week on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.

Signature Drink: Chocolate Martini (which he learned from his bartending hero and retired Tribe bartender Loy Carney) reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.” ~ Thomas Jefferson Favorite Quote: “Fix

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

I like anything Shakira, and “Wannabe” by The Spice Girls pretty much makes my night. Yes, I am that gay!

When I’m not working at the bar, I’m_________ (fill in the blank) Working on projects around the house, spending quality time with my husband Brad, or working on photography projects.

Something even your regulars don’t know about you : I love Byzantine art and have a collection of Greek Orthodox Iconography—random I know.

Signature Drink: I have a couple signatures like “The Britney” and a “Kickass”,but I’m always creating new drinks so it’s hard to say what my fave drink is to make. the change you wish to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

Favorite Quote: “Be

What do you like about bartending?

The social aspect. I get to see new faces all the time, and I love the loyalty from my regulars—that makes me smile.

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

“Animals” by Martin Garrix. Did you know he is like 17?!

When I’m not working at the bar, I’m_________ (fill in the blank) Traveling, volunteering, running.

If I’m not traveling 2 hours west of here visiting my family, I’ll be in a different country somewhere. I try to volunteer as much as I can. Lately, I have been working at a youth center 2-3 days a week. I enjoy running and yoga and anything to help clear my mind and keep me fit.

The bar is packed, you’re crazy busy, but a patron needs a beverage, how does s/he get your attention?

Put money in my face and I will most likely look your direction (laughs).

What do you expect?

DECEMBER 2013

TIMMYHARKUM

Bartender at Stirrup for 5 ½ years (also an owner)

Catch Timmy at Stirrup Tuesdays, Fridays and from open to close on Saturdays

Signature Drink: I like making layered shots but I also have a few ‘made up’ drinks—some good, some not.

Favorite Quote:

Last Call

You’re surrounded constantly by music, what’s your favorite song to work to?

We have an internet jukebox at Stirrup, so there are like a million songs on it, but I think my favorite is Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.” I play it all the time.

What do you like about bartending?

I like everything that goes with it, from meeting new people to hanging out with the regulars. The only thing I really don’t like to do is tell somebody that their credit card is declined When I’m not working at the bar, I’m_________ (fill in the blank) I am always at Stirrup but in the summer I am at the lake or you can find me at SAM’s.

The bar is packed, you’re crazy busy, but a patron needs a beverage, how does s/he get your attention?

Just wave a dollar at me, believe me, I will see it.

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DECEMBER 2013

American Chronicles: The Ar t of Norman Rockwell has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum, Stoc kbridge, Massachusetts.

This exhibition is made possible with the generous suppor t from National Endowment for the Ar ts, American Masterpieces Program; the Henr y Luce Foundation; Cur tis Publishing Co.; Norman Rockwell Family Agency; and the Stockman Family Foundation. This exhibition is suppor ted by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the ar t and Humanities.

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

Anne & Joe Russell SUPPORTING SPONSOR:

HOSPITALIT Y SPONSOR:

The Frist Center for the Visual Ar ts gratefully acknowledges our Picasso Circle Members as Exhibition Patrons.

THE FRIST CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY:

Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission

This exhibition is suppor ted by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Ar ts and the Humanities.

DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE 919 BROADWAY FRISTCENTER.ORG

Norman Rockwell. Christmas Homecoming (detail). Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, December 25, 1948. Š 1948: SEPS. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections

FC4621_Mab_Out&About_NormanRockwell_Christmas.indd 1

DECEMBER 2013

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.CO M 19 11/11/13 3:12 PM

PUBLICITY PHOTO PROVIDED

A Cut Above: Spotlight on 2013 Gay Faves Stylist, Adam Barnes JOSEPH BROWNELL

If you haven’t taken a seat in this man’s chair at the Germantown Elan location, you’re missing out. Take a moment and find out why Adam Barnes is a cut above the rest.

Congratulations first on this year’s Gay Faves nomination and win.

Can you talk a bit about your style philosophy?

Thank you so much! I feel so honored. My clients voted for the salon and me and that feels amazing. I’m so very appreciative. We work really hard for our clients’ experience—that’s always been the goal. Even if I do it with a little song and dance . . .which usually happens at least a few times a day.

I have always loved making people smile; they are then much more open to appreciating their own pretty.

It’s inspiring. Alongside them, I gain inspiration from images from all kinds of magazines, runways, and social media

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like Pinterest and Instagram. People are constantly posting new and incredible things to encourage creativity.

We all know the cliché eyes are the window to the soul . . . what would you say hair is?

That’s easy. Hair is the ultimate accessory!

Can you talk a bit about your journey as a stylist? Maybe a bit about pre-Elan?

I started my journey through style like any other lil’ boy, with a fascination of pretty things. It wasn’t long before I was doing girlfriends’ makeup and hair to go out. When I moved to Nashville, I made it official and got my license.

I did some free-lance work with CMT while working at Elan in Green Hills. I got to work with stars like Taylor Swift and on video shoots, and commercial spots. One other highlight of my early career was getting to tell my dad that I worked on CMT’s show Making the

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

DECEMBER 2013

Team. He went back to the plant telling all his friends that his son did the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders!

I happily owned and operated my own salon for four years here in historic Germantown. A year into my salon ownership, I started educating with Davines on the weekends. I started travelling between 10 states teaching color education and styling to salons. It keeps me on my toes traveling to so many different areas.

And I just got promoted to being just two steps away from the creation of all the new trends. I love that my careeris always evolving. There is never any boredom!

I see your email address AdamsHairTips@gmail.com –do you have a website or advice column that I couldn’t find?

I’m trying out a new thing for me.

Blogging. Maybe telling everyone about it will light that fire under me. So visit me online at www.adamshairtips.me

and I’m also on Twitter and Pinterest with the same name.

Do you prefer a certain type of client? Maybe one who allows you to experiment vs. already knowing what they want?

My ideal client is one that wants to come in, sit down, and tell me about their life. Maybe I would get a few bad hair stories or some wishes that their hair might perform, but mostly I want to design that perfect style for them. Creating someone’s total look is my favorite.

Three words to describe Adam Barnes . . . GO! These questions always throw me. Sometimes I feel I’m a talker for a living. Anyone could tell you I’m much too long-winded for three little words (laughs). Let’s try . . ambitious, attentive and creative. cont’d on page 27

GRIZZLIES VS. ALTANTA BUCKS • PHOTO: CHARLIE STATON

The Nashville Grizzlies RFC is a USA Rugby Division III club. We are a socially and ethnically diverse group of guys ages 19-50 learning a great sport, getting some good exercise and giving back to our community.

We welcome new players, gay and straight, experienced, new to rugby or even new to organized sports.

thank you!

DECEMBER 2013

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

21

Nashville in the News

Married same-sex couples in Tennessee ask court for immediate protection of their families O&AN STAFF

On November 19, four legally married same-sex couples who recently filed a federal lawsuit challenging Tennessee’s refusal to respect their marriages asked the court for immediate protection of their families while the lawsuit proceeds.

The relief requested by the couples would take effect immediately and remain in effect as the case proceeds toward a final resolution. The couples are Dr. Valeria Tanco and Dr. Sophy Jesty (pictured); Army Reserve Sergeant First Class Ijpe DeKoe and Thom Kostura of Memphis; Kellie Miller and Vanessa DeVillez of Greenbrier; and Matthew Mansell and Johno Espejo of Franklin.

The couples argue that such an order is necessary because Tennessee’s refusal to respect their marriages is putting their families at risk of serious harms. For example, Dr. Tanco and Dr. Jesty are expecting a child in the spring

22

and want to ensure that both parents will be respected and can make decisions and protect and care for their child.

“We filed today’s motion because we want to protect our family,” said Dr. Jesty. “We are expecting a child in a few months, and it is extremely distressing that the law makes it impossible for us both to be recognized as legal parents.

We urgently need the same protections as other married couples so that we can give our child the stability and protection she deserves.”

On October 21, 2013, the couples filed a federal lawsuit arguing that Tennessee’s laws prohibiting recognition of the couples’ marriages violate the federal Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process and the constitutionally protected right to travel between and move to other states.

For more on this story, visit our website.

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

DECEMBER 2013

PHOTOS COURTESY OF O&AN STAFF

Three Nashvillians named to POZ 100 list O&AN Staff Reports

POZ magazine, an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, today announced the fourth annual POZ 100.

This year, POZ asked individuals and organizations to nominate an HIV-positive person in their community who is an unsung hero in the fight against AIDS. For the first time, the list is made up completely of people living with the virus.

The list includes individuals of all ages, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations from across the United States and Puerto Rico, at organizations large and small—including three Nashvillians: activist/blogger/O&AN consultant Josh Robbins and Nashville CARES medical case managers Bryant Bergeron and Tony Carlew.

“The individuals on this year’s list may not consider themselves to be heroes, but we do,” said Oriol Gutierrez, POZ’s editor-inchief. “Each person—in his or her own unique way—is taking a brave stand against the virus. They are fighting back.

From people who volunteer for AIDS service organizations or work as policy advocates, to those who act as educators to promote prevention and treatment, this list represents an incredibly diverse spectrum of people living with HIV and making a difference on the front lines in their communities,” Gutierrez said.

The people spotlighted on this year’s POZ 100 will inspire readers with their passion to effect change in the world.

By telling their stories, POZ hopes the public at large will better understand that the fight against HIV/AIDS continues.

“Because they are living with the virus themselves, these individuals have a unique understanding of what needs to be done and how best to do it,” Gutierrez continued. “They know what it’s like to be newly diagnosed and how it feels to deal with HIV-related stigma and discrimination. They understand the challenges of accessing care, treatment and support. By sharing their stories, they are not only inspiring others living with the virus but also empowering themselves and the entire HIV community.”

For more on this story, visit our website.

State of LGBT equality in 4 Tennessee cities detailed in HRC’s Municipal Equality Index O&AN Staff Reports

A report on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality in America’s cities by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, rated 291 cities across the nation, including 4 cities in Tennessee. The 2013 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) is the second edition of the only nationwide rating system of LGBT inclusion in municipal law. This year’s index finds that cities across the country, including in Tennessee, continued to prove that municipalities will act to support equality for LGBT people, even where states and the federal government have failed to do so. The MEI was issued in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute.

The average score for cities in Tennessee is 39 out of 100 points, which falls below the national average. Chattanooga scored 15 points, Knoxville scored 38 points, Memphis scored 40 points, and Nashville scored 61 points.

Key findings from the MEI create a snapshot of LGBT equality in 291 municipalities of varying sizes drawn from every state in the nation – these include the 50 state capitals, the 150 most populous cities in the country, the three largest cities in every state, the city home to each state’s largest public university, and the 25 large, 25 mid-size, and 25 small municipalities with the highest proportion of same-sex couples. Twenty-five cities earned a perfect 100-point score and serve as shining examples of LGBT inclusivity, with excellent policies ranging from non-discrimination laws, equal employee benefits, and cutting-edge city services.

•Cities across the country achieved excellent scores, demonstrating that cities have a commitment to LGBT equality that is unbridled by regionalism and not confined to parts of the country many people assume are most LGBT friendly; •25 cities received perfect scores (100 points) in 2013; 11 did in 2012; •Of cities that scored 100, 8 cities came from states without comprehensive relationship recognition and without statewide non-discrimination laws (compared to two such cities in 2012); •31 million people live in cities that cover trans people at the city level alone; •In 2012 we rated 137 cities with a total population of 55,853,651; in 2013 we rated 291 cities with a population total of 77,851,822; •10% of cities scored over 96 points, 25% scored over 78 points. The average

score was 57 points, half of cities scored over 60 points. 25% of cities scored 35 points or fewer; and 3.5% of cities scored 10 points or fewer.

•Cities tended to have higher scores where the city was selected for having a high proportion of same-sex couples, and the presence of openly LGBT city officials and LGBT police liaisons tended to be correlated with higher scores.

“The MEI has been a helpful tool as we seek to advance equality in Tennessee cities,” said Chris Sanders, executive director of the Tennessee Equality Project. “Since the data for this report were compiled, Knoxville has begun offering partner benefits to its government employees and the Chattanooga City Council just voted on partner benefits and an inclusive nondiscrimination policy for its municipal employees. We expect the scores of Tennessee cities to be even higher in next year’s report.”

For more on this story, visit our website.

DECEMBER 2013

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HIVMidTN launches digital ‘211’ HIV Service ELLEN ANGELICO

If you need to borrow a book, you go to the library. If you need a loan, you go to a bank. But where do you go if you have questions about HIV or just found out you are HIV positive?

Thanks to the Nashville Health Management Foundation, you go to HIVMidTN.org.

“We’re the 211 of HIV in our area,” community partnership consultant Nancy VanReece says with a laugh.

HIVMidTN.org is a brand new website launched by the Nashville Health Management Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to improve public health. Whether you are HIV positive yourself, have a friend with HIV, want to find services, or just have questions, HIVMidTN.org can direct you to organizations in Middle Tennessee that can help.

“We’re there to point people in the right direction,” says VanReece, “not to be the service but to point to it.”

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Pointing people toward existing services would significantly reduce the spread of HIV in Middle Tennessee. “There were 300 new cases of HIV every year being recorded in our region,” VanReece explains. “The thing that really emotionally drew me to helping with the organization was this fact: if those 300 recently diagnosed people received the care that is available to them on an ongoing basis, that number would automatically drop to 12 [new cases of HIV per year].”

According to VanReece, people who are HIV positive in Middle Tennessee don’t seek care for a variety of reasons.

“They may discover they’re HIV positive and go into the ‘closet’ about it. There’s some stigma still attached to the disease so they could go months or years without seeing signs and they get in denial,” she points out.

Sometimes people don’t seek care because of poverty. “They would love to get the care but they don’t have

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

DECEMBER 2013

transportation, or they have to decide if they’re going to use their money for medicine or food without realizing there are subsidies available,” VanReece says, continuing, “Homelessness is an issue. If the medicine has to be refrigerated, how does that happen? There are solutions that exist. We exist to gather that information and close those gaps.”

New cases of HIV from people ages 15-25 grew 106% from 2007. “That tells us a lot about the psychological place new cases are coming from,” says VanReece. “They may not even tell their parents, and a young, healthy male may think, ‘I can beat this,’ or, ‘This isn’t a death sentence anymore, I’ll be okay,’ not realizing it requires maintenance for that to happen.”

HIVMidTN.org is looking to create a dialogue about HIV in Middle Tennessee. “Simply talking more about it and trying our best every day to remove the stigma helps folks who have this disease to talk about it as if they had

diabetes,” VanReece says. VanReece would like to see more people who are HIV positive in Middle Tennessee be unafraid to tell their stories and be role models for the community. “Part of our second phase at HIVMidTN.org is to be a place where those stories can be safe and told. Right now when you go to find those stories, they’re not from Middle Tennessee,” she says. cont’d on page 27

A Christmas Wish: The Mary Nails reunite ELLEN ANGELICO

Many bands in Nashville spend their time studiously perfecting their craft, striving to be taken seriously in the business. The mary nails are not that band.

“We have so many friends in the city who are actual serious musicians and they tell us, ‘You are really getting away with murder here,” laughs Marc Stowe, founder of the mary nails.

In 2005, Stowe and his friend Scott Sosna were walking their dogs and coming up with songs about their experiences in the dog park. The subject matter of these early mary nails tunes ranged from picking up after your dog to the futility of attempting to hide a bodacious rear end in camouflage jeans.

The more tunes they wrote, the more Stowe wanted to find people to sing them.

“I had asked a neighbor of ours, named Latoya, if she was a singer,” Stowe says. “She said, ‘No, I got kicked out of church choir when I was young,’ and I

said, ‘Great! We need you.’”

While Latoya did vocals on the very first mary nails demos, Stowe wanted “another girl that could actually sing,” so he headed to the Lipstick Lounge where he found Dawn Freeman. “She was up there killing a version of ‘Sarah Smile’

by Hall and Oates and I was just drunk enough to stand by the side of the stage,” explains Stowe. “To this day she will tell you she was looking over there going, ‘Who is this drunk white man standing next to me?’”

They recruited another friend, Scott Douglas, to sing and Stowe’s team was complete. He had his keyboard, his drum machine, his singers, and his friend Kat Martin (“Our token heterosexual,” says Stowe.) who played his demos for Mike Grimes, owner of The Basement. Grimes was impressed and gave the mary nails a show at The Basement’s New Faces Night.

Recalls Stowe, “It just grew from there. We started booking dates and people wanted us to come play their clubs, I think because we sold a lot of alcohol.”

In 2010, the mary nails went on

hiatus due Stowe getting sick, much to the disappointment of many fans. Perhaps their biggest fan is Chuck Beard, owner of all-local bookstore East Side Story.

“The lyrics could make you laugh, cry, and dance all at the same time,” says Beard. “It’s the truth and it’s fun; everyone smiles at a mary nails show.”

Last year, Beard started East Side Storytellin’, a free event for local authors

DECEMBER 2013

to do readings and for musicians to play for an appreciative listening audience.

“It’s good people and a good time and a unique experience,” says Beard. “Most of the time it unfolds with coincidences and connections happening that I never planned, which makes it even better.”

At East Side Storytellin’ on December 17, the mary nails will be cont’d on page 27 granting Beard his

PUBLICITY PHOTO PROVIDED

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From the bottom of our paws...

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thank you! for voting us Best Pet Service!

IN DECEMBER,

WE’RE DECKING THE HALLS

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with adoptions, holiday pet photos, and a microchip clinic.

Please join us during “Home For The Holidays” & help us celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7th Microchip Clinic Nashville Humane Association 213 Oceola Avenue Holiday Pet Portraits Nashville Pet Products 2621 Cruzen Street

VISIT US FOR ADOPTIONS 213 Oceola Avenue Nashville TN 37209 nashvillehumane.org 615.352.1010 nashvillehumane.org Monday 10am – 5pm Tuesday 10am – 5pm Wednesday CLOSED Thursday 10am – 5pm Friday 10am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday 12pm – 5pm

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DECEMBER 2013

HIVMidTN page 24

VanReece explains that everyone can help remove the stigma of HIV. “It requires all of us to ask hard questions,” she says. “The health department recommends if you’re sexually active to be tested every six months. ’When was the last time you were tested?’ needs to not be a negative question.”

In addition to starting a dialogue about HIV in their personal lives, people in Middle Tennessee can help by helping HIVMidTN.org. “Go to the website and tell us what you like about it; tell us what doesn’t work,” VanReece says.

HIVMidTN.org has a graphic created by Nashville designer Rob Williams illustrating the “300 to 12” drop in new cases. “We wanted to make it a cool enough sticker to put on your skateboard,” laughs VanReece. Subscribers to HIVMidTN. org’s newsletter get a free sticker, and a download “300 to 12” poster is available in the “About” section of HIVMidTN.org.

VanReece and the folks at HIVMidTN.org would like to people throughout Middle Tennessee to know about “300 to 12.” “Put it up wherever you want!” VanReece says.

A Christmas Wish page 25

Christmas wish by reuniting for a performance. “It’s a Christmas miracle,” Beard says. “Their music and personalities are otherworldly, just like the author and artist who will be featuring his book, Mark Slonicker. I thought the combination of those acts together would make for an amazing night.”

The show is at Mad Donna’s in East Nashville and it starts at 7pm sharp.

Beard says to get there early to secure a seat and encourages everyone to buy merch from the author. Afterwards, there will be a meet and greet.

“The mary nails haven’t played in so long, and who knows if they’ll play after this?” says Beard.

“I love doing the mary nails, it’s ridiculous fun,” Stowe says. “Plus it’s an aerobics class for me!”

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEEDED

Adam Barnes page 20

What’s next for Adam Barnes?

I’m going to start focusing on my career here. Nashville’s an amazing city with lots going on right now especially.

I can’t wait to build my personal brand further by taking on different projects in Nashville’s fashion scenes. I would also love to create more inspiring support for the amazing stylists I work with in town.

METRO NASHVILLE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Executive Director Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000 plus benefits

View entire posting & apply online:

www.nashville.gov/Human-Resources/Employment-Opportunities.aspx

RUBENFELD LAW OFFICE, PC

Thank you for voting me Best Lawyer!

Serving the Community since 1979

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2409 HILLSBORO ROAD, SUITE 200 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37212

www.rubenfeldlaw.com

DECEMBER 2013

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International Transgender Day of Remembrance

NOVEMBER 20

TH

Vanderbilt University Office of LGBTQI Life partnered with more than 30 community and university organizations for the annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance.

With more than 150 in attendance, it was their largest Nashville TDOR celebration yet.

Organizations in attendance included: Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition, Tennessee Vals, T Men, Nashville in Harmony, OutCentral, Project Uno, Music City Sisters, and HRC Nashville.

Visit us online for more photos and videos from the night’s events.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF O&AN STAFF

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Nashville Untucked: Nichole Ellington Dupree PAIGE TURNER

With more than twenty years in the business, Nichole Ellington Dupree got her Nashville start at Warehouse 28, which celebrated a packed house party last Friday night.

Known for that ‘death drop’ split, you can now catch this Playmate Wednesday through Saturdays on the stages at 2013 Gay Faves Place to Dance, Play Dance Bar. But that’s not all. Dupree can also be found hosting her own Monday night show ‘Mondays are a Drag’ at Tribe. Starting at 9:30 p.m., the show is the perfect way to blow those Monday blues off. With $5 Bushwacker bargains and $3 Pinnacle flavors, Tribe proves their monopoly on the happiest happy hour prices extends well beyond their Gay Faves winning Wednesday Smirnoff specials.

So whether you’ve followed Nichole Ellington Dupree across the changing landscape of Nashville’s LGBT community or you’re tipping

her weekly at Tribe and Play, yours truly gets to the bottom of why Nichole Ellington Dupree is your 2013 Gay Faves Drag Queen.

NASHVILLE

Congrats on winning Gay Faves Drag Queen, how does it feel?

When I heard the news of being voted Gay Fave Drag Queen for Nashville, I was very much thrown off.

With all the new babies on the scene, I didn’t even think I was a nominee.

Being down from social media I had no idea it was goin’ on. It kinda feels like, ‘excuse me . . . HEY MISS SPICY!!

You are still relevant, so get out there and tell your story!’ I’m happy for the love that Nashville has shown me and I’ll continue to do what you’ve grown to love about me and of course throw in some twists (laughs).

with

PAIGE TURNER

You’ve been in the game for 20 years, do you remember your first drag performance? (laughs) No, I don’t remember what my very first song on stage was.

There were so many songs that I loved and every time I had the chance to hit the stage there was a new song. There were more clubs back then which gave several opportunities and different atmospheres. I was always there.

Country, Blues, Pop, Club— I was on it.

Nichole, you talk about more clubs back then. You’ve performed at so many landmarks in Nashville’s past and witnessed changes in the community landscape. What has that been like for you?

When I think of how much the scene has changed it bothers me from time to time. I started at a very early age so I was exposed to some of the greatest entertainers that you’ll ever see. When I stepped onto my first stage it was at Warehouse 28 and then a bar in Little Five Points. Christian Paige, Tracy Carlton Lewis, Latasha Blair Scott, Lilly White, Racquel Scott, Raquita Rashad, Moldavia Ishtar were my playmates back then.

But no one affected me like Vanessa Del Rio; she was responsible for the birth of Nichole. cont’d on page 33 DECEMBER 2013

“

I’m more aggressive on stage.

That’s my time to do what I want.

“

Hey there lovely Untuckers! I was planning on writing this month’s ‘Nashville Untucked’ all about me since I campaigned for 2013 Gay Faves Drag Queen harder than Miley Cyrus twerked that teddy bear on the VMA Awards.

Well guess what y’all? I didn’t win! But I’m happy to get inside the world of the queen who did win . . .

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

31

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Some shows also include variety acts such as burlesque and pole dancers.

32

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

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Zanies Comedy Night Club 2025 8th Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee

DECEMBER 2013

Nashville

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186 Providence Rd 731/ 424-7226

19 Crossland Ave 931/ 648-0365

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She was the special guest at that bar and when she saw me she said I would be great in drag. Coming from where I was from, I had very low self-esteem. She invited me to her house and the makeup began, when she was finished I was in complete shock. I was in my opinion— beautiful. This was mind blowing. After feeling like the ugly duckling for so long I was shocked to see this transformation.

Other kids of hers came and saw their new addition to the family and it went boom from there.

I then had the opportunity to perform at her bar, Warehouse 28, where I met Rita Ross, Stephanie Wells, Diana Hutton, and Bianca Paige. They were all supportive to me and offered any advice willingly.

My 1st big performance was Rita Ross’ Closet Ball but I couldn’t go on stage with her in my current condition, as you see, I didn’t wear pads. She invited me to her house where she made pads for me and showed me the difference and immediately I was hooked and eager to learn from the pros. I was in love! The reaction on their faces every time I hit the stage was overwhelming.

I had several places to express my point of view. The Cabaret, The Jungle,

Victor Victoria’s, Tool Box, Wynonas and the Triangle were a few places that you would find my face. Each venue had their local girls and I was just a happy sponge. It was hard to see these places go. Now that there’s just one show bar here in Nashville, I feel girls don’t get the exposure to the different audiences where different types of drag can be appreciated and supported.

Who has been a big inspiration to you in your life?

I’ve been inspired by many but my Mother has given me my kind heart and my ability to show forgiveness. Because of her, I am able to deal with the ups and downs of life…which for me is consumed by drag.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment in the drag world?

My biggest accomplishment to me is that drag helped me to not be so shy and timid. I’m more aggressive on stage.

That’s my time to do what I want.

“

My biggest accomplishment in life I have not completed yet— learning to make my imagination come to reality.

“

Nashville Untucked page 31

RuPaul’s Drag Race has become a huge craze around the world, what are your feelings on the show? Do you feel it has been a positive or negative influence on the drag community?

I’m sorry to say that I have not watched the show. Working in the scene as long as I have you choose where your influences come from. I’ve met some of the girls and I appreciate them for what they bring to the show. Sometimes I’ve been like ‘How did she win?’ but

people shouldn’t forget that there are girls in their own community that can be your very own “drag race.”

Who has been a big inspiration to you in your life?

I’ve been inspired by many but my Mother has given me my kind heart and my ability to show forgiveness. Because of her, I am able to deal with the ups and downs of life…which for me is consumed by drag.

What advice would you give someone who thinks they may do drag?

Do it because you have a love for entertaining and know the fame or fortune can never compare to the overwhelming ovation of your audience.

Timberfell Lodge

Outside of your drag performances, what would you consider your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment in life I have not completed yet—learning to make my imagination come to reality.

timberfell.com December 6 – 8 12th Annual Christmas Open House Weekend Our gift to you to thank you for a great year! Drop in cocktail supper and open bar on Saturday evening at The Tavern. 30% discount on all rooms for the weekend. Annual Santa Bear and Sexy Elves Party at the Tavern. Bring a wrapped Christmas ornament for the for the ornament exchange.

Happy Holidays to all our guests!

December 20 – 25 Christmas Holiday Gathering

need an attorney

?

Join our family for a memorable celebration. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!

December 27 – January 1 New Year’s Celebration

a Voice for the Voiceless

Food, champagne, noise makers, and MEN! What a way to start 2014 and a New Year at Timberfell Lodge!

You don’t want to miss the party.

Be safe…stay with us and walk back to your room! The Taven will be open on Saturday 12pm-5pm for pool, beer, snacks, movies and Wii.

Patricia Snyder Attorney-at-Law The Law Office of Patricia L. Snyder 2400 Crestmoor Road / Nashville TN 37215

Come visit us in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

615.279.4411 phone / 615.523.1179 fax pat@psnyderlaw.com / www.psnyderlaw.com No ChArge for INItIAL CoNSuLtAtIoN If you meNtIoN o&AN ALL PhoNe CALLS PromPtLy returNed

2240 Van Hill Road Greeneville, TN 37745

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Criminal Law: Felonies & Misdemeanors duI, Sex offenses, Internet-Based Crimes

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

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DECEMBER 2013

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

33

12.2013 4

SuicideGirls present: Blackheart Burlesque Tour

DECEMBER

Marathon Music Works

After a 6-year hiatus, SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque tour is back with all new performances and music, complete with tongue-in-cheek humor and raw erotic sexuality. Tickets can be purchased in advance at marathonmusicworks.com $23/$20.

8 p.m. doors / 9 p.m. show

4

5

Street Theatre Company presents Hair

Music City Sisters’ Night

Nashville in Harmony presents Sugar Plums

Revival of a Musical. Defining the genre of a Rock Musical, HAIR tells the story of a politically active group of hippies living in NYC and protesting the Vietnam War. Tickets $18. More information at streettheatrecompany.org/

Join the Music City Sisters for their monthly Sisters’ night raising money for local LGBT organizations.

December 4-8 / Various showtimes

December 5 / 7 p.m.

Nashville in Harmony presents their holiday show for their first ever Ryman concert. Tickets priced at $20/$30/$40 and available at ticketmaster.com

Canvas Lounge

Street Theatre Company -1933 Elm Hill Pike

6

Drag in the Holidays with The Pink Panthers

Ryman Auditorium

7:30 p.m.

A Christmas Story

Scrooge: The Musical

Join Host and Emcee Daisy Rae Welch for the MNSA Pink Panther’s holiday tradition. $10 cover.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre presents the cult classic, now a Nashville holiday tradition, A Christmas Story for a fifth year. Tickets range from $45-$50.

Forget Bill Murray, this rendition of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, is a must see.

Ticket information available at boilerroomtheatre.com. Various prices.

7 p.m. doors / 8 p.m. show

December 6-22 / Various showtimes

Play Dance Bar

7

Nashville Humane Association Holiday Pet Photos Nashville Pet Products Center - 2621 Cruzen St

Packages start at $40 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Boiler Room Theatre

Andrew Johnson Theatre

December 6-22 / Various showtimes

11

12

War Memorial Auditorium

Play Dance Bar

Toys for Tots Charity Show

A John Waters Christmas This critically-acclaimed one-man show from John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, A Dirty Shame) pokes fun at the holiday season with adult-appropriate humor, putting the X in Xmas.

Tickets available at wmarocks.com

Join Mac Productions and drag performers from across MetroNashville for their annual Toys for Tots fundraiser.

Show 8 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

13

Grizzlies Holiday Fundraiser Tribe

Join the Nashville Grizzlies for their annual holiday fundraiser 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

17

East Side Story Tellin’ Holiday Show Mad Donna’s

See page 25 for more info 7 p.m.

31

New Year’s Eve Everywhere

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