UNITE NASHVILLE SEPT-OCT 2014

NASHVILLE September/October 2014

MARGARET ELLIS

+ the Nashville Grizzlies

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LETTER FROM THE

publisher Joey Amato managing editor Joseph Brownell creative director Blake Kniffin Publisher

Estella Pan, Jesse Walker Book Reviewer Sebastian Fortino Business editor A.J. Busé Business correspondent Michael Burcham, PhD, Business writers Dan J. Groover, Lisa Howe Fitness Editor Mark Allyn Nimmo Food & Wine Editor Joshua Simpson, John Winnett HEALTH EDITOR Brian Hooper, MDiv, PsyD Life & Style Writer Lee Humphreys, Kyle Kressin, Julie Reliford Music writers F. Daniel Kent, Ron Slomowicz Political Editor Jim Schmidt Arts & entertainment editors

photo by Josh Busby

It’s hard to believe the summer suns are setting, but that doesn’t mean the party ends. In fact, looking at our social calendar, Nashville’s LGBT community and organizations are gearing up for an eventful and unforgettable fall.

In September, you can celebrate our state’s equality victories at the Tennessee Equality Project’s Olympus or show your support for openly gay political candidates at The Victory Fund Brunch. And well, October, is just scary busy as many Nashville organizations host their annual fundraisers. This season’s highlights include: OutCentral’s Autumn Honors, Nashville CARES’ AIDS Walk, Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition’s annual dinner and the LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Taste. And let’s not forget the Grizzlies raucous Red Dress Rampage and Nashville Black Pride. I highly encourage you to support and attend as many events as you can as these organizations are on the front lines fighting to make Nashville a better place for our community.

This month, we are extremely proud to have the incredible Margaret Ellis grace our cover. Over the years, Margaret has been a substantial community ally, donating both time and money to numerous LGBT causes. In 2013, Ellis was honored with the Nashville HRC Steering Committee’s esteemed Equality Award at their annual gala.

I know I have said this in the past, but I think it’s worth noting again: We want to feature as many people in our community as possible in UNITE. Stories like Ellis’ and this month’s Local Star, JT Collins. There are thousands of LGBT individuals in our city who have amazing stories worth telling, so if you would like to be included in a future issue, please contact us.

Finally, if you haven’t “liked” us on Facebook or “followed” us on Twitter, please do so. We have been featuring a variety of news and lifestyle items that we do not publish in our print edition.

Matthew Jeffers Sam Felker, Melissa Toyos, Taylor Wirth

Account Executive contributing writers

Tyler Chapman, Mark Farrar, Sam Felker, Scott Glasgow, Joseph McLean Gregory, Lisa Howe, Rana Mukherji, Gordon Publow, Chris Robinette, Jeff Rymer, Jim Schmidt, Ro Toyos Advisory Board

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As always, thank you for your support!

Joey

cover photo appears courtesy of Margaret Ellis

table of contents 21 28

BUSINESS CHAMBER CHAT LGBT BUSINESS DIRECTORY

8 42

POLITICS STANDING UP

10

COMMUNITY DOUBLE DOSE OF DEL SHORES

12

RELIGION BURNING PASSIONS 14

F O C I S HE MU

T

N O S K C JA e l l i v h s a N

FEATURE NASHVILLE GRIZZLIES MARGARET ELLIS

e h t h t i w y n o h p m y

S

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 Get ready for a “Thriller” of an evening when the Nashville Symphony, a full band and vocalists pay tribute to the King of Pop.

615.687.6400 | NashvilleSymphony.org

THEATRE TRICK AND TREAT

16

GIVING BACK BROOKS FUND OUTCENTRAL

18 36

NOW MARRIAGE EQUALITY

26

LOCAL STAR JT COLLINS

30

DINING IN THE KITCHEN

32

BOOK REVIEW KITCHEN LIBRARY

34

MUSIC ERASURE RIQUE

38 46

ZEN SHARING SOUL FOOD

40

HEALTH HOW TO LOOK LIKE MADONNA

44

d n u F y r o t c i V v ille Champag ne Br unch

Na sh

4 1 0 2 , 8 2 . ep t S , y a d n Su w n Hotel o t n w o D v i l le Na sh Shera ton

h c n u r B r o f s Joi n U Thank You Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Michael Burcham Fifth Third Bank

Hosts

Congressman Jim Cooper Robert Collie Porsche Audi Nashville, Jeff Escue Jon Grayson Paul Hoffmann Salas Law Group, PLLC Stan Schklar & Marco Fernadez Schmidt Government Solutions LLC Tribe/Play

Table Captains

Suzanne Bradford & Judy Lojek Jon Glassmeyer & Scott Ridgway Patrick Hamilton & William Bullens Jeremy Davis & Matt Dillman Zak Kelley Derrick Lachney Richard Lancaster & Will Morgan Tom & Mario Lehenbauer-Baum Mark Lopez & Patrick Boggs Tommy Odle Robert Sikorski William Smithson David Taylor & Michael Ward Joseph Woodson

Reg ister today

victoryfund.org/nashville

as of Aug ust 15, 2014

Paid by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, www.victoryfund.org. Contributions or gifts to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund are not tax-deductible.

BUSINESS

Chamber Chat

by Joey Amato

Previously titled Tastefully Unpredictable, this year’s event returns with several exciting changes – including the bold rebranding, TASTE. “It was time for a new birth of the LGBT Chamber’s premier event,” LGBT Chamber Executive Director Lisa Howe said.

“The event is evolving much like the LGBT Chamber is evolving and changing the name of the event to TASTE allows immediate recognition of the type of event we are hosting.”

During TASTE, guests will indulge in culinary delights from more than 20 Nashville

restaurants and caterers, as well as sample signature cocktails created specifically for TASTE by local mixologists.

In addition to its new title, TASTE will also find itself housed in a new venue – the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. The museum is the only one of its kind in the world that pays tribute to the talented musicians who’ve played on the greatest recordings of all time, and it will be open that evening to all guests.

And what would an event at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum be without music?

The LGBT Chamber keeps the changes coming when they bring the tunes to taste with live performances from a wide range of artists and genres.

Music, food and drinks – what more could you ask for? While your taste buds tap dance on your tongue, guests will also

Guests enjoy last year’s Tastefully Unpredictable

get a taste of the goods and services that LGBT Chamber members have to offer as theere will be an array of items up for grabs in an incredible silent auction.

Committed to helping the economic growth of Greater Nashville, Howe explains that TASTE is more than a social event; it is instrumental in helping the Chamber achieve its mission.

“Anyone who is committed to the economic growth of Nashville should be committed to the LGBT Chamber and this event,” Howe said. “TASTE is a social event and a fun evening, but it still allows the LGBT Chamber to focus on our mission. We increase the reach of businesses to include LGBT consumers, employees, and suppliers. We help companies attract and retain talent. The LGBT Chamber helps local businesses genuinely attract LGBT tourists and visitors. Finally, we help our small business owners gain access to capital, procurement, clients, and other business support.”

Tickets are $75 for the VIP experience (while supplies last), $40 general admission and $50 at the door and can be purchased online at nashvilleglbtchamber.org/taste.

The Musicians Hall of Fame is located at 401 Gay Street. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for VIP and 6 p.m. for General Admission.

8 | UNITE MAGAZINE

photo by MyL Pac for MPack Photography

Are you ready to taste what the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce has in store for you this fall? You can bet when the Chamber unveils their annual social event and fundraiser on Sunday, October 19, your taste buds will be tantalized and your ear buds energized.

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politics

Representative Sherry Jones

photo courtesy of the State of TN

In the Tennessee General Assembly, there has not been a greater champion for LGBT rights than Democratic Rep. Sherry Jones of Nashville.

Elected in 1995, Jones represents House District 59 in South Nashville and Antioch in a district that few would call a liberal bastion, though it is reliably Democratic. She was a Metro Councilwoman for two terms prior to running for the House and also served as a member of the Metro Planning Commission. After she won election, she immediately became the type of legislator who was not willing to just sit in the background and be quiet.

Rep. Jones has been a frequent and outspoken advocate for child welfare. A critic of the Department of Children’s Services, Rep. Jones has worked promoting measures to reduce domestic violence cases. “There really is no one else up there who has fought harder for children and tried to make sure the state helps protect those that can’t protect themselves,” Aaron Campbell, Policy Associate with the Tennessee AIDS Action Network, said.

Since her first election, she has stood up against a number of anti-LGBT measures filed.

Although she remembers over

STANDING UP AT THE STATE HOUSE 10 | UNITE MAGAZINE

by Jim Schmidt

the years it has not always been easy to stop them – even under the previous Democratic majorities.

“Back in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, most of our Democrats were more conservative than some of the Republicans, so you didn’t find many folks that were willing to stand up and say ‘this isn’t right, we shouldn’t be passing discrimination against people just because of how they are or who they love’,” Jones shared.

During her tenure as Chairwoman of the House Children and Family Affairs subcommittee, she faced great pressures in stopping a number of bills that would have done everything from banning adoption and foster parenting by same-sex couples to the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

While she was successful in using clever legislative maneuvering to hold back some of those bills, others like the constitutional ban had too much momentum in the times to stop. “One of the things that I will look back on my legislative career and be proud about is being able to convince enough of my colleagues to delay or kill bad bills –especially things like bans on gay adoptions,” Jones said. “You would think with all the kids out there who need good families we shouldn’t be discriminating against anyone as long as they can be a good parent!”

Rep. Jones was also instrumental as a small group of women legislators who made up a Health subcommittee that for years defeated legislation that would have restricted a woman’s right to choose and access to reproductive health services. As the legislature grew more conservative, becoming majority Republican, many of those bills came to pass, but she continues to bring a voice to those with a pro-choice viewpoint.

Aside from working to protect LGBT rights, Jones has recently taken up another well-publicized cause – legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. “All of the research and data clearly shows a valuable purpose for marijuana to treat a number of health conditions and it can ease a lot of suffering for people with terrible diseases,” Jones explained. “Even some of my more conservative colleagues are seeing that.” She is hopeful that the bill will make its way out of the full Health committee next year.

While she has certainly been willing to take a stand on her own, she is happy to see more legislators doing the same on LGBT rights in the state House. We are just willing to bet though that she will still be the loudest voice when it comes time to take that stand.

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community

DOUBLe DOSE OF DEL SHORES

photo by Chuck Marcelo

by Joseph Brownell John Lasiter has run a relatively quiet campaign since announcing he would vie for an at-large seat on the Metro Council. Of course when the Nashville Scene made that announcement 18 months ago and the race isn’t until next August, slow and steady is apropos. But now, with less than a year until county voters choose at the ballot box, Lasiter is prepared for the “nonstop” and is making some noise promoting a two-night event with the long absent Del Shores.

South, nearly a hop, skip and jump away, without stopping for years. But Nashville’s Del drought ends when Shores brings his one-man show My Sordid Best to PLAY, on Sunday, October 12.

Shores, known for such queer Southern-fried classics as Sordid Lives and Southern Baptist Sissies, has been sailing through the

The following night, October 13, Shores will debut the award-winning Southern Baptist Sissies film at The Belcourt

12 | UNITE MAGAZINE

“Get ready,” Shores warns. “The night will not be politically correct. Nashville is my number six city on Facebook in fans, so I’m just thrilled to be back and to return to PLAY for my show.”

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John Lasiter

photo by Jeremy Ryan

Theatre and participate in an audience Q&A in a fundraising effort to support Lasiter’s campaign.

A playwright himself, Lasiter is heavily engaged within the city’s arts community. “One of my biggest passions for my candidacy is local arts and the non-profit arts organizations in Nashville,” Lasiter shares. “A thriving arts scene contributes not only to a city’s culture, but has a large impact on its commerce.”

While Shores himself may have been absent from Nashville, area productions of his work have continued to fill the void. This summer the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts presented Sordid Lives and just last year, KB Productions performed six straight sold-out performances of Southern Baptist Sissies. Miss it? Tickets to Shores’ one-night only show will include a performance from members of the KB Productions’ cast.

Tickets for Shores’ My Sordid Best at PLAY are on sale now ($10-$30) at delshores.tix.com and visit belcourt.org for Southern Baptist Sissies film screening tickets.

religion

BURNING PASSIONS ONE MAN’S MISSION FOR EQUALITY

by Lee Humphreys As tempers flare in in Ferguson, Missouri – just four hours northwest of Nashville – after a young, unarmed African-American teen was allegedly gunned down by a local police officer, one can’t help but imagine the disturbing images of Rev. Charles Moore, a retired Texas Methodist pastor who lit himself on fire in an attempt to raise awareness about racism and other social justice issues earlier this summer.

Rev. Moore, who dedicated his life to social justice causes, left behind a note lamenting a legacy of racism and lynching not only in Grand Saline, Texas, but across America as a whole. In the note he remarked:

14 | UNITE MAGAZINE

“Many African American were lynched around here, probably some in Grand Saline: hanged, decapitated and burned, some while still alive. The vision of them haunts me greatly. So at this late date, I have decided to join them by giving my body to be burned, with love in my heart not only for them but also of the perpetrators of such horror.”

In the 1950s and ‘60s, Moore worked throughout Texas in an effort to integrate churches. Rev. Jack

PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY Albright, who worked alongside of Moore, told the Dallas Morning News, “he was very clear about where he believed the church should be about opening its doors to African-Americans and treating them like human beings.”

Former colleagues remembered Moore’s radical and serious approach to his faith. Rev. Sid Hall Jr., recalled that Moore had “… a conviction that if the Bible stood for anything, it stood for radical inclusiveness . . .”

That inclusiveness extended to the LGBT community as well. While it is common for Christians to be excommunicated or kicked out of the church for being gay, in 1995, Moore decided to make a difference by organizing a hunger strike during a conference that included major religious leaders in the Methodist Church being held in Austin.

While Rev. Hall tried to persuade Moore to abandon his idea, Moore’s 15-day fast caused the Council of Bishops to change their policy on how they treated the LGBT community. The council released a statement admitting how the church has been responsible for ostracizing gay people, but the statement stopped short of saying being gay is not a sin.

Although largely ignored by the national mainstream media, Moore’s death and legacy of radical opposition to social injustice serves as a reminder that the oppression and inequality of any minority should be a crusade for all.

In the days following the shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, national LGBT organizations joined in solidarity to voice their support for Michael Brown, his family and the community that now must find a way to rebuild itself after such a tragic event.

And isn’t that what we are all doing anyways?

Searching for ways to change the hearts and minds of our neighbors so that the LGBT community can rebuild and experience equality? And not just marriage equality but equality in representation, the labor force and beyond. One only needs to look as far as Missouri or even Chattanooga, where LGBT city employees lost both their domestic partner benefits and their non-discrimination ordinance after a popular vote in August, to see where healing and growth need to happen.

Rev. Moore has moved many people in the LGBT community by being a straight Christian man willing to die for causes that were not specifically his own. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and Moore has sent a resounding message of his love for everyone through his death.

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TRICK & TREAT NASHVILLE’S HALLOWEEN PLAYBILL

by Joseph Brownell

Ryan Ward as Ash in the original Toronto production of Evil Dead - The Musical.

16 | UNITE MAGAZINE

photo courtesy of Starvox Entertainment

Looking for a bit more merriment with your murder? How about a sweet transvestite with your trick or treat? If it’s mayhem you’re craving and musicals you’re singing, then the Nashville theatre community is teeming with October productions that blend your Halloween fright fest with a howling funfest.

CHICAGO

TPAC - October 21-26

CARRIE THE MUSICAL

STREET THEATRE COMPANY - October 3-12 And you thought your prom date was bad?! Originally produced on Broadway in 1988, Street Theatre Company (STC) follows their September performances of Jesus Christ Superstar with a revamped version of the sinister Carrie. And that’s not all, STC returns with Macabaret, an irreverent, racy evening of gallows humor, song, and dance, at the Belmont Mansion October 29 and 30. For additional show and ticketing info, visit www.streettheatrecompany.org photo by Paul Kolnik

EVIL DEAD - THE MUSICAL TPAC - October 17-18

Terra C MacLeod as Velma Kelly and Ensemble

You better brush up on your tango – “Cell Block Tango” that is. The classic musical Chicago is the perfect tale of murderous tragedy, revenge . . . and all that jazz. Starring Dancing with the Stars’ John O’Hurley, you won’t want to miss the incredible dance sequences. We’re not responsible for what happens if you miss this show, just remember you had it coming. For additional show and ticketing info, visit www.tpac.org

ROCKY HORROR SHOW

ROXY REGIONAL THEATRE - October 24-31

photo courtesy of Starvox Entertainment

Fans of Sam Raimi’s cult film favorites Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness, will rejoice as elements of their favorites come together in this musical adaptation. If you’re looking for truly immersive Evil Dead experience, make sure you sit in the Splatter Zone. For additional show and ticketing info, visit www.tpac.org

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

THE FORTRESS - October 17-26

photo by Alan Goldstein

Michael Spaziani as Dr. Frank N. Furter

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky – so what happens when The Addams Family invites Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend (and his family) over for dinner? Check out the Circle Players at Fortress in October to find out. (snap, snap) For additional show and ticketing info, visit www.circleplayers.net

There’s no time warp needed if you want to catch a staged version of Rocky Horror Show, just be prepared to travel to Clarksville to catch one of five shows—including a special midnight Halloween show. Fans trek near and far so dammit, Janet, it’s worth it. For additional show and ticketing info, visit www.roxyregionaltheatre.org

UNITE MAGAZINE | 17

giving back

A LOOK AT THE LIFE OF H. FRANKLIN BROOKS No matter one’s age, race, religion or beliefs, H. Franklin Brooks wanted everyone to feel included. Thanks to his genuine interest in people, Brooks endeared himself to people from all walks of life. He could sit down at a four-yearold child’s level and listen as intently and with as much engagement as he would with a colleague or student. That was what made him beloved.

For 25 years, Brooks was one of the most treasured figures on Vanderbilt University’s campus. As an associate professor in the Department of French and Italian, he was repeatedly recognized as much for his creative teaching technique as for his natural friendliness and personal integrity.

Instrumental in leading the dialogue that eventually helped include gays and lesbians in the university’s anti-harassment policy in the late 1980s, Brooks also served as the faculty sponsor for the first gay and lesbian student organization on campus.

After Brooks’ passing in 1994, a group of his friends wanted to honor him and continue his forthright championing of human rights, and so The H. Franklin Brooks Philanthropic Fund was created at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Brooks’ tireless work to promote equality for gays and lesbians as well as diversity among the community as a whole, is a legacy that lives on through The Brooks Fund.

THE POWER OF ENDOWMENT: THE BROOKS FUND ... FOREVER As an endowment of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The Brooks Fund will be a funding source for LGBT issues in Middle Tennessee. Forever. It operates much like the retirement account your financial planner encouraged you to open – the money is invested and when the time

18 | UNITE MAGAZINE

photo courtesy of The Brooks Fund

“The grant from The Brooks Fund and The Community Foundation was the first tangible support we received and it helped solidify to us and the community that this is a worthwhile project.” —Joshua Rigsby

comes to make a distribution, only a small percentage is paid out so that the account and the distributions continue to grow.

The Brooks Fund infused larger amounts of money into the community early on as a member of The National Lesbian and Gay Community Partnership, but when it began paying out five percent of the Fund in 2003, there was $3,650 available for grantmaking.

In 2014, The Brooks Fund granted more than $16,700 to deserving nonprofit organizations.

REINFORCING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH GRANTS With the help of our generous donors, supporters and volunteers, The Brooks Fund is able to distribute grants to Middle Tennessee organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the LGBT community. Since 1997, the endowment has provided over $207,600 to a variety of nonprofit organizations to support health and safety programs, youth counseling and mentoring, sensitivity and diversity programs, and the fine arts.

The Brooks Fund annually accepts grant applications from Middle Tennessee nonprofits supporting the LGBT community, through The Community Foundation’s discretionary grant process. For more information, visit CFMT.org or call The Community Foundation at (615) 321-4939.

BROOKS FUND GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT Founded in 1988, MT Lambda strives to provide a safe and secure place for everyone with an emphasis on the LGBT+ community at Middle Tennessee State University. As the group prepared for their 25th year of service, long-time group advisor Dr. William Langston posed a question to MT Lambda’s president Joshua Rigsby – “What do you want to do to leave a mark?”

After months of thought and planning, the LGBT+ College Conference was born. The inaugural event, which took place on MTSU’s campus in April, brought together more than 220 students from 22 Tennessee Board of Regents and University of Tennessee System institutions. The Brooks Fund’s grant to this effort was the first financial contribution to the effort.

It covered a variety of subjects from community building to political strategy, and empowered students from various institutions across the state to use their individual student organizations as a mechanism for positive change geared towards awareness, inclusion, and diversity.

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feature

photo by Christopher Malone

Nashville is familiar with the Grizzlies’ growl. Whether soaping up Saturns with sex (and sass) at Lipstick Lounge or hosting the annual raucous Red Dress Rampage, the Grizzlies’ blend of brotherhood and sport has brokered themselves a bigger stage. Over the past year, the Grizzlies’ roar has been heard across the world.

National blog attention for their nakedness helped the Grizzlies sell quite a few more copies of their 2014 calendar,

sales that helped propel the Grizzlies to the 2014 Bingham Cup. Held in Sydney, Australia, the Grizzlies ruck and mauled their way down under in the middle of August. And, of course, once they get back, there’s this year’s Red Dress Rampage.

Meet two of the Grizzlies who help make this more than a sports team, Spring 2014 Man of the Season, Chris Schmidt, and 2014 Eddie Lightsey Auxiliary Awardee, Jake King.

NASHVILLE GRIZZLIES FROM A GROWL TO A ROAR

UNITE MAGAZINE | 21

MAN OF THE season

CHRIS SCHMIDT For most people, the desire to join a sports team is usually spurred by the urge to get into shape. For others, it might be simply to expand their social circle.

For Chris Schmidt, lacing up his first pair of cleats was more about finding a place in Nashville that was his very own. He needed something to make this town feel like home.

In 2007, at the age of 19, Schmidt moved to Nashville from a small southern Alabama town and immediately fell into the swing of things. He began working at a law firm downtown while simultaneously waiting tables and taking college night classes every waking moment in between his nine to five. Free time was unnecessary in a city of strangers. Unbeknownst to this country kid, the Nashville Grizzlies were mere cubs, just having completed their first season since their genesis one year prior. Unfortunately, they could’ve been hosting games in his backyard and he would never have noticed.

Work. School. Work. Sleep.

Fast-forward five years and you would no longer recognize the baby-faced ‘Bama boy as he steps out of his car to survey his very first rugby practice. Aside from a year or two of softball in early elementary school, the closest Schmidt had been to playing any form of sports was rolling his eyes when a new Madden NFL video game was released. Starting your athletic career with rugby seems insane, but when he first met the Grizzlies at their booth at the Hot Chicken Festival 2012, the need for a break in routine overpowered his voice of reason.

When you can chop off nine fingers and still be able to count your number of friends on one hand, you know something has to be done.

Schmidt has been with the team for two years now and has taken an active role with everything from fundraising to his seat on the Board of Directors. Shedding some pounds and making life-long friends from all over the country has been fantastic, but taking home the “Man of the Season” award during the Spring 2014 season was his proudest moment since his U-Haul rolled across the Tennessee state line.

The Nashville Grizzlies are the epitome of the equality towards which the nation seems to be striving.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of your age, income, race, and/or sexuality. Just give a bit of enthusiasm and they will help you with the rest. “These people are my family now,” Schmidt says. “They are my world. I love them dearly and wouldn’t trade them for all the tea in China . . . I don’t like tea, but you get my drift.”

Eddie Lightsey Auxiliary AwardEE JAKE KING Jake King has been an auxiliary member of the Nashville Grizzlies since 2012, receiving the Eddie Lightsey Auxiliary Award for the Spring 2014 season. He was recently named to the Grizzlies’ Board as Auxiliary Member at-Large.

King joined the auxiliary group as a way to get involved with the team and the organization as a whole. He has cerebral palsy, which affects his ability to play on the team, but he found that by joining the auxiliary, he could still participate in the organization and support his Grizzly brothers.

As King explained, “I was first introduced to the Nashville Grizzlies several years ago, through my friend and fellow Grizzly Daniel Vincent. Looking back on my first interactions with the team, and long before I joined the auxiliary, the entire Grizzly organization made me feel welcome and accepted. Because as we all know it’s hard to be someone that is considered to be different or outside the ‘norm’ of society. Never once have I felt unwelcome or different than anyone on the team.”

King feels strongly that the entire group of Grizzlies treat each other as equals and as an essential part of the team. This goes for players, coaches, auxiliary members, “Old Boys” (former players), and board members alike.

According to him, the team provides each person the chance to learn and grow, to build on their differences, and also to shine and stand out in many different positive ways.

King was born and raised in Nashville and attended LaVergne High School. He is a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. King interned at the Tennessee General Assembly during their last session, and in 2013, he interned with the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C..

King lives in Smyrna with his partner of seven years, Christopher Malone, a Grizzlies’ “Old Boy” himself. In addition to his work with the Grizzlies, he is an active volunteer with OutCentral of Nashville and enjoys working with the special needs community in his spare time.

UNITE MAGAZINE | 23

THE NASHVILLE GRIZZLIES jeremy dykes

“The Grizzlies embraced me as a teammate and patiently helped me improve at the game. We have a diverse mix of players, some of whom have played rugby all their lives and others who are just starting out. Everybody makes an effort to welcome new players.” - Thomas Hormby

24 | UNITE MAGAZINE

“Brotherhood, both within the Grizzlies and the rugby community as a whole. It’s great to have a group of guys that has my back both on and off the pitch. I love that I can go to pretty much any city with a rugby team, join in on a practice, and have a beer afterwards.”

- Jeremy Dykes

thomas horm

by

john bledsoe

“It really is awesome how many various and different friends I’ve made—on my team and others—that I never would have met outside of rugby. But more than that, rugby is just a really fun, addictive sport!”

- John Bledsoe

joe clark

mark pilking

ton

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The Fight for Marriage Equality CONTINUES IN TENNESSEE

now

by Sam Felker and Taylor Wirth

The fight for marriage equality didn’t end with last year’s landmark Supreme Court case, United States v. Windsor; in many respects that was just the beginning. Since that decision was handed down in June 2013, numerous lower state and federal courts across America (some place the number at 36), including a federal court in Nashville, have struck down full or partial bans on same-sex marriage. But those cases are now working their way through the appellate system towards another likely showdown in the United States Supreme Court, which many experts believe will occur next summer.

On August 6, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals –which covers the states of Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee – heard oral arguments in six cases from those states challenging same-sex marriage bans. Federal judges in each of the states had ruled in favor of marriage for same-sex couples. Each case was a little different, but the Tennessee case, Tanco v. Haslam, perhaps had the most compelling facts of all because the plaintiffs are couples who were married under the laws of New York and California and then moved to Tennessee, which does not recognize their marriages.

Two of the couples have children, one of which was born during the pendency of the case. The Nashville district court found that Tennessee could not ignore the rights of legally married same-sex couples. The judge’s ruling stated that “all signs indicate that, in the eyes of the United States Constitution, the plaintiffs’ marriages will be placed on an equal footing with those of heterosexual couples and that proscriptions against same-sex marriage will soon become a footnote in the annals of American history.”

The arguments before the Sixth Circuit were spirited, with Judge Martha Craig Daughtrey, a senior judge appointed by President Bill Clinton, repeatedly challenging the lawyers representing the states to explain how excluding same-sex couples from marry-

26 | UNITE MAGAZINE

ing furthered procreation, the states’ express rationale for limited marriage to opposite sex couples: “[Same-sex couples] are going to go on having children and they’re going to go on getting married. It’s happening in states where samesex marriages are allowed: I’m sorry, I’m struggling to get this picture.

There’s nothing about these laws that have stopped any heterosexual couple from getting married or discouraged them from procreating deliberately or accidentally. What are we dealing with here?”

The other two judges, both appointed by President George W. Bush, however, appeared more sympathetic to the states’ arguments that state legislatures and the votes of the people – not the courts – are in the best position to determine the issue.

Nashville attorney Bill Harbison argued forcefully for the Tennessee plaintiffs, pointing out the obvious harm caused when Tennessee does not recognize valid same-sex marriages from other states. “Tennessee’s laws do, in fact, cause harm to the plaintiffs,” Harbison argued. “They cause harm to people similarly situated. [The marriage ban] is an extreme intrusion into a relationship that they’ve formed validly, voluntarily. They not only asked for benefits, but they assumed obligations to each other and to their children.

There are children in our case - there’s even been a child born during the case.

I don’t think the harm caused to these plaintiffs is really in controversy.”

Harbison also pointed out that when Tennessee passed the ban on same-sex marriage, it reversed, for no legitimate reason, a long-standing practice in the state of recognizing marriages performed in other states. “What Tennessee did [when they passed this law] was taking the normal ‘place of celebration’ rule that Tennessee had always honored - people who are married elsewhere and moved to Tennessee would be considered married in Tennessee - and then acting to prevent that [for same-sex couples]. To me the court needs to ask why Tennessee did that.

What was the reason for Tennessee doing that? The reason they have given is procreation, but there is not a logical link between procreation and what these laws are attempting to do. They don’t further procreation, they don’t make accidental procreation more or less likely. They don’t have a connection with that purpose.”

Although there was no indication of when the Sixth Circuit would rule on the cases from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee, same-sex marriage supporters are hopeful. Recently, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals was the first appellate court to recognize a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, and on July 28, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of same-sex couples’ freedom to marry, finding Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

While officials called for the court to stay that decision, in early August it was announced that they would not. Only time will tell whether this winning streak will continue in the Sixth Circuit and then again in 2015 when the Supreme Court will likely be called upon again to weigh in on the issue of marriage equality.

Sam Felker and Taylor Wirth are both attorneys at Baker Donelson.

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feature

Seeing life through the lens

OF MARGARET ELLIS

by A.J. Busé

You know that feeling when you meet someone for the first time, but instantly feel like you’ve been best friends for years? That’s what it’s like when you meet Margaret Ellis.

When I arrived at the home of this life-long, outspoken advocate for equality, I instantly felt right at home. From the welcoming licks from her dog Pinky to her greeting me at the door with a warm embrace typically reserved for dear friends, Ellis is definitely a true ally to the LGBT community.

“I’m a big hugger,” she beamed unapologetically. In fact, Ellis is unapologetic about most everything in her life: her history of LGBT support, being married to the love of her life, her avant-garde style and her interest in the drag scene. It’s who she is and she enjoys every part of it.

In addition to her reputation as a strong LGBT ally, Ellis is also known as one of Nashville’s most successful jewelry designers. She’s designed a number of custom rings for partnership ceremonies and gay weddings, but she sold her jewelry business last year and now spends much of her retirement traveling with her husband Fred and photographing drag shows and pageants from behind the scenes.

Having grown up in a handful of small, Southern towns, Ellis always felt like a radical, liberal outcast. That feeling subsided when she entered a gay bar for the first time. When Ellis started making gay friends, she realized that she had found her kindred spirit.

While she has always enjoyed and supported drag artists, her interest was recently re-energized through her relationship

28 | UNITE MAGAZINE

with Nashville celebrity chef Arnold Myint. A friend since childhood, Ellis even considers herself to be his surrogate and stage mom. As Myint slowly developed his Suzy Wong character, Ellis’ interest grew in tandem.

“I’m drawn to androgynous people because they don’t define themselves by gender,” Ellis says. So she began expressing her admiration through photography.

And that’s what Ellis believes fighting for equality is all about: people just being who they are, loving who they love and expressing themselves without the restrictions of gender-defined expectations. She cares deeply about

images appear courtesy of Margaret Ellis

Many of her photos capture the backstage frenzy as performers prepare to become

the glamorous females they impersonate.

You’d think this would make the guys a little uncomfortable, having someone in their way, taking photos of events that are typically never seen by their fans. Not so. “I love them and they love me,” she laughs. “It’s all good.”

not only marriage equality, but equality in all other areas. “Civil rights are not something that people should be able to vote on, they are something that should belong to everyone, without question,” she says passionately.

As a teenager in the 1950s and ‘60s, Ellis was keenly aware of the civil rights struggles during that time. In fact, it was those struggles that helped light Ellis’ spark of activism, which still burns to this day. She’s worked for HIV/AIDS research, diligently supported gay rights organizations and even co-chaired the Nashville Human Rights Campaign Equality Gala two years in a row. In 2013, the HRC-Nashville Steering Committee honored Ellis with its esteemed Equality Award.

So what’s next for this avid supporter of LGBT rights? Travel. First trip on the list: she and her husband Frank plan to take one of their two Mini Coopers and drive to Mexico for a few months. But she won’t stay away very long. Before we know it, she and her camera will be backstage at a drag pageant, documenting the fascinating and magical world of female impersonation. She’s even thinking about one day publishing a book of some of her photos.

Dylan Stephens as two genders.

And, of course, she won’t stop fighting for the rights of all her LGBT friends, either. Her parting comment sums it up perfectly: “I have no idea why I turned out this way, but I’m glad I did!” Me too, Margaret, me too.

“I’m drawn to androgynous people because they don’t define themselves by gender.”

Andrew Pentecost as himself (left) and as his drag queen persona Angel Electra.

UNITE MAGAZINE | 29

further from fellow students and her faith community.

local star

When it came time to attend college, Collins returned to the United States to attend Samford University in Birmingham.

Knowing the Africa she loved had no place for a white business woman, she hoped her home country was a place she could find acceptance. However, she quickly discovered that her years of absence made her a stranger in her homeland, too. She was shocked and intimidated by the abundance of everything commercial and deeply disappointed in American religion.

Even something as simple as the American dialect of the English language gave her trouble. It was so full of unfamiliar colloquialisms and cultural references, that she often had trouble following conversations.

JT COLLINS

photo by Kim Ewell

THE LONG ROAD HOME

by Julie Reliford Born in Nashville, JT Collins has met many people, traveled many miles, and learned many life lessons on her fascinating journey back to her hometown.

From the age of six, Collins grew up in Malawi, a peaceful country in southeast Africa. The oldest daughter of Southern Baptist missionaries, she enjoyed experiencing the beauty of the African landscape, the charm of local customs, and the spiritual connection she felt in the people. As a white American, she was home-schooled separately from the local kids. While she loved mingling with the natives and experiencing the local culture, Collins never really felt like she fit in.

When Collins was eleven, her mother had a very uncomfortable talk with her in which she asked if she was homosexual. Collins had yet to hear that word and was not even familiar with the concept. She thought some girls were really pretty, and she had a best friend that she loved spending time with, but

30 | UNITE MAGAZINE

she assumed everybody had similar thoughts. However, in the conservative community of Christian missionaries, holding hands and the suggestion of a kiss between friends was enough to generate probing questions. At the end of the conversation with her mother, Collins was still confused about the concept of homosexuality and not sure whether it described her or not. One thing she knew for sure, she wanted to do the right thing and make her mother happy so she denied being homosexual.

As a teenager, Collins was given the choice to stay with her family in Malawi, or attend a Christian boarding school in Kenya. Collins saw Kenya as a new start and a chance to find a place where she might fit in. While she found adventure and enjoyed her four years in Kenya, she did not find the acceptance and understanding that she was hoping for. On the contrary, her burgeoning understanding that she may truly be homosexual only served to separate her even

After college, she made another attempt to fit in by marrying her best friend’s brother. At this point, she was fully aware of being gay, but she thought that doing the right thing to make everyone else happy would eventually make her happy, too. Once again she was disappointed and the marriage ended in divorce.

Collins eventually realized that in order to be happy she needed to embrace all of who she was as wonderful and right. She found her way back home to Nashville, which to her surprise is where she finally found a community of faith and creativity where she is not only accepted but embraced. Today, she lives with her partner in their dream house on the river. She has written a novel, Face in the Mirror, which is inspired by her personal story and will be published soon.

Julie Reliford is a full-service marketing consultant specializing in creative writing, artistic design, and event promotion. www.juliereliford.com

The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce presents

TASTE Get a taste of top local food, spirits, music, and most of all fun. This is the LGBT Chamber’s big night out! Don’t miss your TASTE. The LGBT Chamber’s premier social event and fundraiser, benefiting the mission of the LGBT Chamber...

This year’s event brings you a TASTE around music with the event being held at the Musicians hall of fame.

TASTE of local live musical performances in several different genres.

TASTE of delicious food from over 20 restaurants.

TASTE of spirits from local breweries, wineries, and liquor distilleries.

TASTE of shopping with an incredible silent auction.

For tickets and info, visit nashvilleglbtchamber.org/taste

In the Kitchen

D dining

WITH CHEF JOSHUA SIMPSON

photo courtesy of Chef Joshua Simpson

Roasted Brie & Peppered Goat Cheese Ingredients: • • • •

4 -6 oz. triple cream Brie (room temp) 2-3 oz. goat cheese Fresh cracked black pepper 3 tablespoons Trū Bee Barrel-Aged Honey (trubeehoney.com) • 1 tablespoon fig mustard jam • Arugula (Garnish) • Charred Naan bread

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

On a piece of parchment paper, crack a fair amount of black pepper. Roll your goat cheese into a disc and press it into the pepper to coat. If you’re a lover of black pepper, then the more the better.

Place your room temp Brie in an oven safe baking dish and add the goat cheese on top. Place in the oven and heat 12-15 minutes until it’s melted and bubbling and the goat cheese is slightly browned in spots.

This is a great summer and fall treat when friends are coming over or great snack for lounging on the patio with an awesome pinot.

Pull the dish out and drizzle with the (amazing) honey and place back in the oven for 3-5 minutes. After the dish is nice and hot, add a tablespoon of fig mustard to the top to finish it off.

Chef Notes: some don’t like the rind on the Brie, if that’s you just trim it off before roasting it. A veg peeler works great or a small knife

I love fresh Naan with this dish. Throw it on the grill for a second or heat it in the oven, drizzle it with olive oil and add a pinch of salt. Serve warm.

32 | UNITE MAGAZINE

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REVIEW book

Kitchen Library FOUR COOKBOOKS TO LOVE

by Sebastian Fortino

I’ll admit it: I’m the first one to look up a recipe online, even a standard occasionally to brush up. However, I also keep four essential cookbooks at home to guide with meal preparation. While three of the titles in my collection are standard – one is fairly new – they each provide a different style when it comes to composing breakfasts, lunches, dinners and everything in between.

So whether you’re a master chef or an amateur foodie, pick these titles up and get cooking today. Or, as Julia Child would say, bon appétit!

1. Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volumes One & Two

by Julia Child & Simone Beck Perhaps, I didn’t have to put both volumes on the list because everyone should have this collection of French cuisine in their kitchen. You may scoff and say her classic Boeuf Bourguignon is all over the Internet, however, no one reproduces the recipe exactly the way it was passed into culinary scripture. I feel you really need to recreate her Boeuf Bourguignon (and its nearly 30 steps) at least four times before you can put the book aside and create your own much-lauded, special occasion dish. As intended, Mastering the Art of French Cooking gives you the confidence to become your own chef de cuisine.

2. The Moosewood Cookbook

by Mollie Katzen Largely responsible for introducing vegetarian cooking to American homes, Mollie Katzen’s The Moosewood Cookbook has earned its place in kitchen libraries. First published in 1977, the history of the cookbook – and the base of its inspiration – has an undeniably sexy ‘70s vibe. It celebrates an era in which hummus was not yet commonplace in American diets and inspired readers to proudly serve Stuffed Eggplant “Hippie Style” to most likely disapproving, clean-shaven, visiting parents.

And just in time for holiday foodie gifts, a 40th Anniversary Edition is coming out in October.

3. The Essential James Beard Cookbook

by James Beard Often called the Dean of American Cookery, James Beard was a man who lived, ate and wrote big.

His style is informed by a variety of influences namely his English mother, an early foodie who ran a boarding house in Portland, Ore., and her Chinese chef, who was also his godfather. Spending time in France post-World War II, Beard had a revolutionary idea that America had its own cuisine that was marked with a sense of fun yet elegant simplicity. His meatloaf alone truly glamorizes a mundane standard. Beard was also openly gay and after his death in 1985, his New York home was turned into a foundation partially realized by his great friend Julia Child.

4. The Complete Cooking For Two Cookbook

by America’s Test Kitchens Many of you know cooking for two can be burdensome, if not, even a waste. This is especially true if half of your household doesn’t care for leftovers. This fairly recent cookbook offers a guide to cooking for two, complete with over 650 recipes. The variety is astounding and features versatile chapters such as “Vegetarian Mains,” “Slow-Cooker Favorites” and “Asian Noodle Dishes.” Within its pages, you’ll also find fun variations to shake things up in the second-most important room in the house – the kitchen. There’s even a helpful time, money and food-saving opening chapter simply entitled, “The Basics of Cooking for Two.” Linguine with Fresh Clam Sauce is a delicious, light and easy example of how America’s Test Kitchen can turn a favorite dish into a weeknight staple that’s perfect for you and your partner.

34 | UNITE MAGAZINE

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giving back When OutCentral hosts their annual Autumn Honors ceremony on October 15, they’ll not only celebrate their seventh birthday but also an incredible year of growth for Greater Nashville’s LGBT Community Center.

STRENGTHENING NASHVILLE’S LGBT CULTURAL LEGACY

At this year’s Gay 5K the cheers were just a little louder as runners (and walkers) crossed the finish line. It was marked excitement, not only for the tremendous commitment required to rise early on a summer weekend after Pride, but for the record-breaking attendance at the seventh annual event.

by Joseph Brownell additional reporting by Julie Reliford

In 2007, a tiny race that could – known then only as The Rainbow Run – laced up its shoes with only six runners. Launched as a way to promote health and wellness in the LGBT community, The Rainbow Run evolved into the present day Gay 5K and seven years later, 200 additional runners hit the Shelby Bottom Greenway to race for equality.

“This was our first year as a chip-timed race and we’re thrilled to see its impact on runner turnout for this year’s race,” Patrick Boggs, Gay 5K Committee co-chair and OutCentral Board Vice Chair, said.

“We certainly couldn’t celebrate without the tremendous help of community volunteers and, of course, those who ran the race. We’ve listened to the feedback we received and cannot wait to implement runners’ ideas in 2015!”

The Gay 5K is not the only success the OutCentral Board has hit the ground running with. Serving as a communicative hub for community issues, OutCentral served as the force to gather local leaders last month at a community forum to discuss the lack of resources for homeless LGBT youth in Nashville.

OutCentral Board Chair Robbie Maris notes that by facilitating the conversation, OutCentral is growing into the community center role it strives to fill. “We’ve listened to a lot of people who have stepped up this year and told us what they wanted. The community is recognizing OutCentral’s unique position and the

36 | UNITE MAGAZINE

space affords us to be flexible and creative with our rentals and programming.”

In the past year, OutCentral has continued its support of local LGBT artists with revolving shows, the most recent the works of Clayton Reynolds, and has served as space for the engaging sexual health discussions, including support for this month’s Thrive^615 being held on September 20 at the Renaissance Hotel.

But Maris notes that OutCentral is laying the groundwork for initiatives that he hopes will propel OutCentral’s future and it’s a future that former board member and president Del Rey Zimmerman is excited about.

“OutCentral is no longer Nashville’s best kept secret because the secret is out about what a vibrant space it is,” Zimmerman shares. “We have several LGBT bars in town and those are good places for our community to socialize, but OutCentral is a place to share a sense of culture. We need to be intentional about the culture we are creating because that is a statement about who we are as people. The more engaged we are about promoting art, education, and wellness, the more we are people of depth, character, and creativity. The events featured at OutCentral are a part of the cultural legacy that we leave behind.”

Advocating for the LGBT Community Financial & Estate Planning Issues

Franklin C. Weightman, Ph.D., C.E.P. Investment Advisor Representative

Gay 5k winners

photo by Joseph Brownell

Estate Protection | Personal Protection Income Protection | Tax Protection Investment Protection

And OutCentral plans to celebrate those in the Nashville community who have made a difference this year at their fourth annual Autumn Honors.

Autumn Honors recognizes individuals and organizations that have made, and continue to make, a difference in Middle Tennessee through visual and performing arts, literature and journalism, fashion, cuisine, philanthropy, education, and athletics. Past winners have included recording artist Mary Gauthier, chef and restaurateur Arnold Myint, and Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Howe.

This year’s honorees include: longtime LGBT rights advocate Iris Buhl, Nashville fine arts and local journalism fixture John Bridges, recently appointed Metro Board of Health Chair Sam Felker, social entrepreneur Nancy VanReece, Councilman Peter Westerholm, legal eagle Abby Rubenfeld and Bob Benson, the Metro county employee who championed the recent legislation for domestic partner benefits.

The OutCentral Board will also honor outgoing board members Joe Morris, Scott Ridgway, Stacey Irvin and Derek Gibson, as well as Volunteer of the Year award to Marina Portillo, for their service.

While Maris underscores the importance of all the contributions made in both the national and local communities, he hints that Autumn Honors may be more than just an awards night. “We’re witnessing important evolution in history right now – not just an LGBT rights, but a collective consciousness to take care of one another,” Maris says. “That’s what we’re here for, to try and take care of the LGBT community. We’re excited about Autumn Honors and we’re excited to announce one of our first steps in achieving that goal at this year’s Autumn Honors.”

For more information on Autumn Honors, as well as a link to purchase tickets, please visit outcentral.org

frank.weightman@radianpartners.net 341 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 210 Franklin, TN 37067 | (615) 261-4632 Securities and advisory services offered through FSC Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC. Radian Partners is not affiliated with FSC or registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.

M music

Erasure Brings EDM Back To War Memorial

by DJ Ron Slomowicz

photos courtesy of Erasure

Nearly thirty years into their career, Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, better known as Erasure, continue to make quality electronic dance music for their legions of fans around the world. Following up their holiday-themed album Snow Globe, they worked with producer Richard X to create their very modern yet retro-inspired sixteenth album, The Violet Fame. You can hear the influences of Giorgio Moroder on “Paradise,” allusions to their Wild!-era on “Reason,” and even the galloping sounds of ‘90s Hi-NRG on “Sacred.” Though if you listen closely to the down-tempo tracks “Smoke and Mirrors” and “Be the One,” you hear how Bell’s voice has become sweeter and more soulful over the years.

Erasure has a lot of love for Nashville, even releasing a live acoustic show filmed at the Ryman Auditorium. From the sounds of The Violet Flame, we can expect an equally magical show when they perform at the War

38 | UNITE MAGAZINE

Memorial Auditorium on October 8. We spoke with Erasure’s Andy Bell in advance of the show about working with Richard X, Nashville memories and who he’d like to work with in the future.

The Violet Flame is a symbol of spiritual alchemy symbolizing healing and transformation - is that one of the inspirations for the album?

I feel like I’ve gone round in one hell of a great big circle and if I hadn’t learned anything within that cycle it would be a very sad day. Onwards and upwards, as they say.

If your intent is to grow in a spiritual way then that is what will happen. It did and life is a beautiful thing.

The lead single “Elevation” does has a very spiritual feel to it.

Have you experienced a new sense of spiritual growth?

I think you feel some kind of inner spiritual freedom as you grow to love and respect both yourself and others.

What was it like working with Richard X on the album?

[He is] very disciplined and funny. I like to make people laugh in the studio and they help me to be serious. The young ones are very professional these days.

Did writing the music in Miami change the vibe at all?

It made it sunnier; more spontaneous and clubbier.

Miami definitely is known for club life.

What’s your take on gay life there?

It’s getting better but I don’t want to go too mad...I love the new Score & Twist.

How is the DJing going?

I had a huge DJ break, like a power nap.

Dance music has come full circle, with the comeback of ‘90s house and synth-pop.

What recent releases are you feeling?

All that is good begins with a SMILE!

Röyksopp & Robyn’s “Do It Again.”

Congratulations on topping the Club Chart with Dave Aude on “Aftermath (Here We Go).” What was it like working someone other than Vince?

Fabulous. Dave is so great and a huge fan of Erasure- so it was smiles all round.

Who would you like to work with that you haven’t yet?

Annie Lennox.

GET A SMILE IN ONE DAY Are you missing teeth? Are you tired of dentures?

All of us here in Nashville are quite appreciative that you are stopping here. What is your fondest memory of the city?

A great DJ gig, handsome guys and ribs.

What was it like performing at legendary Ryman Auditorium on your last tour?

Fabulous! I love the smell of the grease paint and grease.

Y’all are touring with All Hail the Silence, the new synthpop band of BT and Christian Burns. How did you meet up with them?

Through our manager; Vince was working on some solo material with him last year.

Do you foresee any collaborations while on the road with them?

You just never know; strange things do happen.

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SHARING SOUL FOOD

by Brian Hooper, M.Div., Psy.D.

Although it began in 1986, the Slow Food Movement is still something new to many.

Its overall mission is to curate and encourage the growing, preparation, and enjoyment of regional foods and to educate communities on how to achieve this in ways that are ecologically sound and that encourage the consumption of food with its fullest possible value.

I applaud the mission and goals of the movement and I’d like to explore one aspect and a couple of its dimensions: savoring all that is consumed.

Food value extends beyond what is found in a meal’s nutrients, it involves sharing. And I’m not just talking about donating to the local food pantry, although, as far too many in our country still face challenging times, that is important too. The sharing I’m talking about is gathering friends, family and neighbors around food.

For millennia, people have eaten together: elders shared wisdom, hunters told tales of their adventures, gatherers toiled to fill their baskets and then rejoiced over the harvest’s plenty. And this was all done with a reverence for

a mystery that held the feast and the participants together in a sacred bond.

They could not break bread without breaking open their lives.

And everyone – from the greatest hunter to the smallest grubber

– broke open and shared their stories. Bodies were nourished and souls were fed; there were no to-go orders or breakfasts on buns. Food served a sacramental function – reconnecting those who gathered not only to each other, but to their mysterious world.

These types of gatherings need to happen for gathering’s sake alone. It should not be time to network, time to do committee work, or be a company related “working meal.” Even though those are sometimes good and necessary gatherings, we need times just to taste the food and share the hospitality of our hearts in the midst of a presently hostile world. In the midst of what is broken, we need to break bread and open hearts so that broken hearts can be healed. In doing so, hopefully we can all can be reminded that we indeed do not live on bread alone.

1. Be present. Pay attention to what your body and mind are doing. Sometimes our bodies arrive and depart but our conscious awareness never arrives. Breathe into being present, whether you are hosting a gathering, are a guest, or dining alone.

2. Remember that the most important ingredient in any meal or food is attentive love. Express your joy for your guests by asking yourself what would delight them. It could be a special dessert or a place card that has a single word below their name identifying their finest trait.

3. Savor the flavor of what you are receiving.

Pause and taste fully. What you taste may be on your fork, but it may also be what is served up in the stories others are sharing. Don’t just swallow as you wait for the next bite, but take in the complex tastes. This is no time to post a review or instruct the cook. It is time to digest.

4. Say grace. Yup, that’s right. Believer or not, find a space in your heart where you can be grateful that life is more than just doing or building or acquiring. Such gratitude opens perceptions to larger dimensions . . . and prevents heartburn.

The Gospel of St. Luke tells the story of Jesus meeting up with two of his followers on the evening following his resurrection. They are downcast, not having heard the morning’s good news. They do not recognize him. The evening falls and they invite this stranger to share a simple meal with them.

When the stranger takes the bread in his hands and gives thanks, they recognize him and rejoice just before he vanishes. They are left facing each other in amazement.

When we break bread and share a meal together with open hearts, there is opportunity for our truest selves to be revealed, and for others to catch a glimpse of themselves in our eyes too. We can see more clearly by candlelight than by the light of the boardroom. Mouths that earlier watered over an anticipated business deal now have a sweeter taste to enjoy. Gratitude is flavored with awe. This is the stuff of soul food and the experience can be amazing!

Brian Hooper, M.Div., Psy.D. is a licensed pastoral psychotherapist with a private practice in the Belle Meade area of Nashville. He invites you to visit his website www.drbrianhooper.com.

N A S H V I L L E

Here are four tips for enjoying a soulful meal:

Bud Lite BeerBust

all-u-can drink after 8pm

Karaoke

Sundays Mondays Tuesdays

Full Menu Video Games Covered Patio Internet Juke Box

“your favorite neighborhood bar...”

1 5 2 9 4 t h AV E . S O U T H 615.782.0043

w w w. s t i r r u p n a s h v i l l e . c o m

SAT-SUN 2P-3A

MON-FRI 4P-3A

LGBT BUSINESS DIRECTORY ART GALLERIES Rymer Gallery 233 5th Ave N (615) 752-6030 www.therymergallery.com

ATTRACTIONS Cheekwood Botanical Garden 1200 Forrest Park Drive (615) 356-8000 www.cheekwood.org Frist Center for the Visual Arts 919 Broadway (615) 244-3340 www.fristcenter.org Ryman Auditorium 116 5th Avenue North (615) 889-3060 www.ryman.com Schermerhorn Symphony Center 1 Symphony Place (615) 687-6400 www.nashvillesymphony.org Tennessee Performing Arts Center 505 Deaderick Street, 3rd Floor www.tpac.org War Memorial Auditorium 301 6th Avenue North www.wmarocks.com

BOOK RETAILERS Barnes & Noble 2501 West End Avenue (615) 343-2665 www.vanderbilt.bncollege.com Hope Diamond Collection, Inc. www.josephmcleangregory.com

CREATIVE SERVICES b-kreative, llc (615) 870-4545 www.b-kreativellc.com Jump Start Agency (615) 656-5277 www.jsanow.com

Be a part of the UNITE Magazine LGBT business directory.

Email joey@unitemag.com for more information.

42 | UNITE MAGAZINE

EVENT SPACES

MEDICAL SERVICES

Scarritt-Bennett Center 1008 19th Avenue South (615) 340-7500 www.scarrittbennett.org

Dr. Bradley Bullock—General 1607 Westgate Circle, Suite 200 Brentwood (615) 376-8195

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Dr. Brian Hooper—Psychotherapy (615) 485-5923 www.drbrianhooper.com

Capital Financial Chris Robinette 12 Cadillac Drive, Brentwood (615) 309-6468 www.capitalfinancialgroup.net Fifth Third Bank Fifth Third Center 424 Church Street, Suite 700 (615) 687-3115 www.53.com Radian Partners 341 Cool Springs Boulevard (615) 261-4632

FLORAL DESIGNERS OSHi Flowers 150 Third Avenue South (615) 259-0444 217 A. Sixth Avenue North (615) 254-6744 www.oshiflowers.com

INSURANCE Insurance for Tennessee Tom Lejsek (615) 822-5007 InsuranceForTennessee@comcast.net New York Life Erik Lindsey 840 Crescent Centre Dr. Franklin (615) 224-9572

LEGAL SERVICES Rubenfeld Law Office, PC Abby Rubenfeld 2409 Hillsboro Road, Suite 200 (615) 386-9077 arubenfeld@rubenfeldlaw.com

Dental Bliss—Dental Services 151 Rosa Helm Way, Franklin (615) 794-8810 Dr. Allan Redash—Integrative/ Natural Medicine 953 Main Street #111 (615) 226-2244 http://drredash.com Toyos Clinic—Eye Care 600A Frazier Dr. #110, Franklin (615) 764-1999 1800 State Street, Nashville (615) 327-4015 www.toyosclinic.com

NIGHTLIFE Play 1519 Church Street (615) 322-9627 www.playdancebar.com Stirrup 1529 4th Ave S (615) 782-0043 www.stirrupnashville.com Trax 1501 Ensley Blvd.

(615) 742-8856 Tribe 1517 Church Street (615) 329-2912 www.tribenashville.com

NONPROFIT The Community Foundation 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, Suite 400 (615) 321-4939 www.cfmt.org Nashville CARES 633 Thompson Lane (615) 259-4866 www.nashvillecares.org Prime Timers (615) 269-3263 www.tnprimetimers.org

REAL ESTATE Exit Realty Kel Williams (615) 957-5626 Village Real Estate Lon Hurst (615) 946-3177 lhurst@villagerealestate.com

RESTAURANTS Batter’d & Fried 1008-A Woodland Street (615) 226-9283 www.batteredandfriend.com Beyond the Edge 112 South 11th Street (615) 226-3343 www.beyondtheedge.net East Side Drifters 1008-B Woodland Street (615) 262-2776 www.driftersnashville.com

Expertise, Personal Service, Helpful Advice Take a trip with confidence knowing that every detail has been planned. Our professional consultants are experts in LGBT travel and take the time to get to know you and your travel goals. We take care of all the details and provide personalized service before, during and after the trip. We take very seriously our role in helping our LGBT clients select destinations and properties where they will always be welcomed.

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Watanabe 1400 McGavock Pike (615) 226-1112 www.watanabesushibar.com

RETAIL The Label 2222 12th Avenue South (615) 915-0722 www.thelabelnashville.com

SALONS/SPAS Elan Hair & Skin 3756 Hillsboro Pike (615) 269-0222 www.elannashville.com Studio BBC 1219 17th Avenue South (615) 473-6954 www.studiobbcsalon.com Studio Gaven 100 International Drive, Franklin (615) 503-9788 www.studiogaven.com

TRAVEL Cruise Planners (615) 953-9516 www.letsvamoose.com Tropicana Evansville (800) 342-5386 www.tropicanacasinos.com

EqualityTravel.net • info@equalitytravel.net • 800.705.0052

health HOW TO LOOK LIKE MADONNA

by Melissa Toyos

Celebrities in Hollywood have long known the secret to recapturing youth and improving skin appearance. At 53 years old, Madonna made a splash at the 2012 Super Bowl with her flawless complexion after undergoing fractionated CO2 laser. Now the secret of ageless beauty has arrived in Nashville.

The Mixto laser at Toyos Clinic, Nashville and Cool Springs (Lasering USA, San Ramon, CA), is the most advanced laser technology available for skin resurfacing and reversal of aging. It significantly improves the look of fine and deep wrinkles and stretch marks and scars – including acne scars. Using patented technology, Mixto delivers transformative benefits in just one treatment without the pain and downtime of older technologies.

Mixto patients receive an immediate boost in skin tightening that you can see and feel during the 30-minute procedure. The real secret weapon is the laser’s ability to turn on

bk

The Mixto laser is also used in eyelid rejuvenation, both upper and lower lids. A single Mixto session can tighten under eye bags or drooping upper lids or Mixto can be used in the office for a more definitive surgical removal of excessive eyelid skin without needles or blades. Because of the advanced laser technology, patients experience less bruising and downtime and return to their activities sooner.

Most patients report minimal side effects. Post-laser skin can look sunburned with redness and some swelling. Side effects depend on the depth and amount of treatment.

b-kreative, llc

like what you see in

the body’s the natural production of collagen. This process lasts for one year and results in a very gradual but dramatic tightening and firming of the skin. No one will notice that you’ve had work done as the new collagen comes in, and you keep looking better and better. Results are more natural looking than a traditional facelift and without needles, surgery or prolonged healing. Mixto treatments can be adjusted for minimal downtime for skin polishing or up to 10 days of social downtime for a non-surgical facelift. Clinical studies show that results are maintained for 5 years or longer after a single Mixto treatment. I have personally seen highly successful results from the Mixto procedure. Patients look incredibly natural and rejuvenated, like themselves but 10-15 years younger.

More people than ever before are looking for non-surgical means to look their best without taking time away from their busy lives. If you want results like Madonna and other Hollywood celebrities without the cost or downtime of other procedures, look for a doctor you trust.

?

graphic design | 615.870.4545 | b-kreativellc.com

Melissa Toyos, MD at Toyos Clinic can be reached at (615) 327-4015.

CELEBRATE

VICTORY

HONORING THE

2014 CHAMPIONS OF EQUALITY AWARD RECIPIENTS

JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION FOR THE BATTLES WE’VE WON, AND THOSE WE’RE STILL FIGHTING. PLENTIFUL FOOD & DRINK, WITH A LIVE DJ SET FROM VJ STRETCH

FRI SEPT 19

M

is channeling Old Blue Eyes with his uplifting rendition of “That’s Life” or treating himself to a hand of his own “Sexual Solitaire,” Riqué owns every moment as his unique gift to the world. There is a sense of wonder and emotion in his delivery resonant with the spirit and the flesh equally.

music

In Riqué’s capable hands, profanity becomes a sacred duty, a rite of the Holy Fool of old, the one person in all the realm who spoke truth to power without fear of reprisal.

He is effective not only because was what he says is true, but said with such sharp wit no sane man would dare challenge it.

photo courtesy of Riqué

The Sacred Profanity OF RIQUÉ

by F. Daniel Kent The philosopher once quipped, “The secret thoughts of a man run over all things, holy, profane, clean, obscene, grave, and light, without shame or blame.” Said philosopher was single and kept the company of young boys, but the point remains the same.

We now live in a time where lines are drawn betwixt what is considered sacred, therefore good, and that considered profane, therefore evil. Leaning casually against the sign at this crossroads of the culture wars (indeed switching the signs to point in each other’s respective opposite directions) is where the magnificent Riqué may be found.

That’s “Riqué”. One word.

Like Madonna. But, with better hair.

“Religion along the way fucked things up,” the silver haired devil exclaims with an angelic grin to passersby.

Born out of his most recent one-man show “Like a Whore in Church,” Riqué’s newest album Risqué is a bawdy bounty of classic cabaret favorites and

46 | UNITE MAGAZINE

Riqué originals poking, prodding and provoking listeners with unapologetic abandon.

The opening track “Blow Me . . .A Kiss” sets the stage with a double dose of double entendre sure to have you sucking hard . . . for air from laughing. “Fake it Till You Make It” is a tongue-in-cheek paean to self-empowerment followed by a simply “Unforgettable” cover of the standard of the same name paying homage to Chet Baker with its understated urgency. The repeated admonishment to “Get yer head out of yer ass” makes the message of “No Global Warming” a one-two punch of pointed, powerhouse profanity and comic levity transforming this track into an anthem for those valuing truth over expedience.

Over the course of ten tracks and about thirty minutes, Riqué takes his listeners on a journey handling sensitive subject matter with precise comedic timing making the bitter pills that much easier to . . . um . . . swallow. If he

Blessed early on with a strong desire and ability to sing, Riqué made the first steps toward his dreams by realizing his dreams wouldn’t pay the bills. As if by design, a friend’s mother had a Cuban beauty salon and immediately upon entering it, the sixteen-year-old had a moment of clarity.

He marched home and somehow charmed his ultra macho, Italian Catholic father into sending his youngest son to hair school. For the next 10 years, Riqué built a sterling reputation as a hair stylist then attended conservatory at the Tennessee Repertory Theatre in Nashville while still maintaining a steady clientele.

It wasn’t long before his scissors were trimming the locks of country music royalty like The Judds, Rosanne Cash and his friend, and client of thirty years, Emmylou Harris.

Well-known for her striking mane of silver hair, Harris has let no other stylist’s scissors touch her head outside of a few singular emergencies since 1984.

His plans had come to fruition but something completely unplanned would alter his life in the most profound ways.

Living in New York at the height of the AIDS epidemic, Riqué’s brother Sean Sebastian was the epitome of a strong, gay man. The brothers were partially estranged when the call came from Los Angeles. Sean Sebastian had AIDS. He didn’t want to go back to New York. He wanted to die in Nashville.

Boarding a plane to bring his brother home, Riqué was his primary caregiver in his final months - a role necessitating he act as arbitrator between his dying brother and their estranged mother and three brothers. This experience would inform Riqué’s first one man show “Centered in the Storm,” a moving combination of black humor and uplifting moments reflecting the roller coaster of emotions the dysfunctional family endured during this time. The production included Emmylou Harris as the voice of the Angel.

His place as stylist of choice for A-listers solidified, Riqué continues to pursue a life in which creation and enlightenment go hand in hand. Every day, every joke, every song is a chance to invoke the spirit of Mexican poet Cesar A. Cruz who said, “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”

Truly a heavenly calling, and Riqué is just the devil to do it.

VICTORIA PARKER

WED SEPT 17

MILK

WILLAM

FRI SEPT 26

FRI OCT 3

TAMMIE BROWN

FRI OCT 17

HALLOWEEN 2014 NASHVILLE’S BIGGEST COSTUME CONTEST

$5000 IN CASH & PRIZES

FREAKSHOW FRI OCT 31 a tribute to alfred hitchcock

WEEN

featuring his most infamous horror scenes

FRI OCT 31 @TRIBENASHVILLE /TRIBENASHVILLE 1517 CHURCH ST | 615.329.2912 | TRIBENASHVILLE.COM /PLAYDANCEBAR @PLAYDANCEBAR 1519 CHURCH ST | 615.322.9627 | PLAYDANCEBAR.COM

Three Levels of Luxury with Something for Everyone

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2222 12th Ave. S. | 615.915.0722 11 - 7 (Mon - Thurs) | 10 - 5:30 (Fri - Sat) thelabelnashville.com | info@thelabelnashville.com