Here - Out & About Newspaper

L I F E OPINION
Why the Words Matter
by JESSICA GIBSON, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
jgibson@outandaboutnewspaper.com
As a contributing writer to Out &
About Newspaper for some time now,
it has been my honor and privilege to
bring news and interesting articles to
the readers of this publication. I have
had the pleasure of interviewing various
people and organizations, and reporting
back what they thought, said, and in
a lot of cases, fought for. I have been
inspired, amused and always interested
in what others had to say — especially
those people who are actively involved
in the never-ending fight for equality.
What is not so widely known is my
history with O&AN, and why I am so
honored to be a writer for the paper.
I grew up in southern Mississippi,
with a father who was a preacher in a
cult-like religion. I knew I was different
at an early age, of course. Shame
quickly became the overriding influence
as I grew up, resulting in my becoming
a super-macho, slightly homophobic
guy who followed all the rules.
Eventually, I achieved the
“American Dream.” Beautiful wife, two
amazing kids, beautiful historic house
20
— and a pretty cool job as a firefighter.
I’m sure you know how the story goes:
I was — I am — transgender. And I
couldn’t live the lie anymore.
Acknowledging that fact to the
ones who loved me and thought they
knew me was the hardest thing I have
ever done. The second-hardest thing
was dismantling the life and family I
had.
Towards the middle of 2006, it was
clear I would be moving to Nashville.
My now former wife had transferred
within her company to Nashville, and
the need to be close to my children,
along with a desire to transition in a
new place, decided things.
But, I was going into a new place
completely blind. I didn’t know anyone.
I didn’t know who to turn to for support
or help with transitioning. So I began
to obsessively search for GLBT related
content on Nashville.
That’s when I found O&AN.
To a person blindly trying to find
her way in a completely new and topsyturvy
world, it was a beacon. Finally,
OUTANDABOUTNEWSPAPER.COM OCTOBER 2012
I had found a map, a guide to help
me find my way in a new place and a
new life. I found support groups, read
articles on what was happening in the
GLBT community, and even devoured
the ads. I learned who was GLBT
friendly, as well as places to avoid
and pitfalls to steer clear of. It was my
trusted, go-to source before I arrived in
Nashville, and ever since.
Some time has passed since those
initial “Bambi-on-ice” moments, and I
have settled enough into this gorgeous
city to truly call it home. But I never
forgot the help I got from O&AN.
When I saw an ad asking for writers to
help contribute content to the paper, I
felt it was something I needed to do.
A very small way to help repay the
assistance I received in that dark and
stormy time, I thought.
Instead, it has become an
embarrassment of riches for me. To be
given such interesting assignments to
write about, to help tell your story, my
story, our story ... well, it’s gotta be
the most fun a girl can have with her
clothes on!
To Jerry, Patrick and all the staff
at O&AN: Thank you. For everything.
Happy 10th anniversary! O&AN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
TODAY
WATCH LIVE
FRIDAYS AT
10 p.m.
ONLY ON
Tickets available at all outlets, Kroger, the Ryman Box Office, ryman.com or (800) 745-3000