Queer as he wants to be - Out & About Newspaper

APRIL
Vol. 5, No. 4, 2006
© 2006 Out & About Nashville, Inc.
State rep says
gays are unfit
to parent
by Jerry Jones
Publisher
A Tennessee state representative
said most homosexual
couples are unfit to
parent, and
that those couples
have
“numerous
emotional dysfunctions
and
Maggart psychological
issues.”
State representative Debra
Young Maggart, a
Republican from
Hendersonville, representing
District 45 (part of Sumner
County), made her comments
in an email to Sara
Dykstra, a master’s student
in special education at
Vanderbilt’s Peabody
College.
Dykstra had written members
of the Tennessee House
Committee on
Children and
Family Affairs
after hearing
of pending
legislation at
a PFLAG
meeting last
month. Her email asked legislators
not to create legislation
which would ban
homosexuals from adopting
or allowing them to be foster
parents.
In an email response to
Dykstra, Rep. Maggart wrote
“I am not convinced that
continued on page 12
NASHVILLE • KNOXVILLE • CHATTANOOGA • MEMPHIS • CLARKSVILLE
Queer as he wants to be
Actor/activist Robert Gant talks about coming out, his former
law career, and what comes after ‘Queer as Folk’
Photo courtesy of Robert
Gant’s Web site.
by F. Daniel Kent
A&E Editor
Actor, activist and philanthropist
Robert Gant was
presented with the
National Equality Award
during the proceedings of
the HRC Dinner
in Nashville
at Lowes
by Beth Maples-Bays
East Tennessee Bureau Chief
As the religious right marches across the
political landscape in search of battles to win
in the culture war, one strategy involves targeting
vulnerable GLBT youth through the
zealous “ex-gay” movement.
A recent National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force report, “Youth in the Crosshairs: the
Third Wave of Ex-Gay Activism,” reveals the
Vanderbilt Plaza on March 18.
Before the awards ceremony commenced,
Robert Gant talked with “Out
& About Newspaper: and “Inside Out
Nashville” entertainment editor F.
Daniel Kent in his suite at Lowes
Vanderbilt Plaza:
From 2001-2005, Gant appeared
on television screens across the
nation as one of the stars of
Showtime’s hit television series “Queer
as Folk” and has appeared in a number
of other television roles from the
WB’s “Popular” to NBC’s “Caroline
in the City” and many others.
In addition to his acting credits,
Robert gives a large portion of his
time back to the community
through community work and
volunteering. His “torch”
issue is that of aging in the
gay community, and
accordingly he supports a
number of organizations
that champion this cause.
The Tampa, Florida
native has been acting since
the age of ten and continues to pour
himself into the work that is his passion.
continued on page 50
Dykstra Task Force says GLBT youth under fire
recent upsurge of the “reparative therapy”
movement.
The study, launched from Miami Beach,
Fla., illustrates the nuts and bolts of a move-
continued on page 8
by Rachel Stanton
Business Writer
SEE PAGE 10
Black Pride sets date
for annual celebration
SEE PAGE 51
SEE PAGE 58
Leslie Jordan
comes to
TPAC for TEP
fundraiser
Erasure at
the Ryman;
Andy Bell
chats with
‘O&AN’
Church Street Cafe
to open in April
Ron Sanford and Debra Hyslop will open
Church Street Café later this month, serving
coffee, a full lunch menu (including soups,
salads, gourmet sandwiches, and wraps), lite
fare, wine and homemade desserts.
Sanford and Hyslop have entered into a
long-term lease with OutLoud owners Ted
Jensen and Kevin
Medley, and will
occupy the space
adjacent to
OutLoud (in the
Church Street
Business District) that originally had been
built to be a coffee shop operated by the
bookstore.
continued on page 37
W W W . O U T A N D A B O U T N E W S P A P E R . C O M

2 • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 3

4 • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006

Tennessee needs a bathhouse
The letter from Jake Kennedy, “Metro
should focus on ‘real crime” (March 2006
issue, page 5), and the article by Cooper
Pfeene, “Why I canceled my YMCA membership”
(March 2006 issue, page 34), show
the need in Nashville for a club like other
cities have. For example: St. Louis,
Columbus, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Ft.
Lauderdale and New Orleans just to name a
Drama queens and hissy fits
After reading the article in the March
issue by Cooper Pfeene (stage name), “Why
I canceled my YMCA membership,”
(March 2006 issue, page 34) I just had to
write.
The only thing worse than inappropriate
sexual behavior at the Y, is some drama
queen throwing a hissy fit at the Y.
I have to ask, how did he get that stick up
his butt being so anal-retentive?
Gary Hinshaw
glhinshaw@pstcc.edu
few. If we had such a place the “married
gays” would have a place they probably
could find sex and those of us who enjoy
“sex clubs” could spend our money locally
or at least in Tennessee.
James E. Gipson
bj@mailbug.com
Where have all the gay clubs gone?
I live in Murfreesboro and made one of
my rare trips into Nashville last week. I read
and enjoy your paper. At 52, I have lived in
the Nashville, Franklin and Murfreesboro
areas most all of my life. I went to the
Nashville clubs back when the Jungle,
Juanita’s, the Other Side, the old Cabaret and
the Tool Room were in existence. When last
call was yelled, we would all head over to
Malone’s Diner until the sun came up.
I noticed you include Clarksville along
with four major Tennessee cities on your banner.
I can remember going into the Clarksville
club years ago, with all those hunky Fort
Campbell soldiers and cute Austin Peay boys.
My question is this: why doesn’t
Murfreesboro have any clubs? I have lived
here now for a year (went to college here eons
With the announcement on Monday,
March 14, 2006, of 19 conservative groups
calling for the reinstatement of a boycott of
Ford Motor Co., I am reminded of our obligations
to those companies that do support
GLBT communities, organizations, and
employees. Ford has a long history of support
within our community. Ford products
now needs us!
If you are in the market for a new car,
ago), and you would think with a population
of 80,000 (larger than Clarksville), and an
MTSU student population of 37,000 (larger
than UT Knoxville now), there would be a
club here. There are no rainbow flags flying,
no legitimate bookstores, and as far as I know,
no organized gay group on MTSU campus. I
do know there are a lot of gay guys and lesbians
in the ’Boro, and when I ask, they all
seem despondent and in great want of a club
they can call their own here.
It might be a good story to pick up and
find out what makes this city so ignorant of its
large gay population. I will lend my two cents
if you think it would make good reading.
Terry Mayo
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Support for Ford Motor Company
consider a Ford product. They have a vast
array of options. They may not have that
cute little convertible roadster you have
been dreaming of, but they do have your
best interest at heart; they support your
community. Now, they need our support!
Michael Neely
michaeldneely@comcast.net
LETTER POLICY
Letters to the editor are welcome and encouraged.
Letters MUST be signed.
Unsigned letters will not be published.
O&AN reserves the right to edit for length/clarity and
does not guarantee publication.
Send your letters to:
editor@outandaboutnewspaper.com
LETTERS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 5

6 • CONTENTS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
c o n t e n t s
NEWS
Black Pride - 10
UT Diversity - 14
SMRA - 15
OIA celebrates 10 years - 17
FDA blood criteria - 19
OIA on O&A Today - 20
Chamber briefs - 21
Mansfield update - 24
One-in-Teen prom - 26
Hillsboro Presbyterian - 26
Ryan White drug program - 27
Soulforce Equality Ride - 28
Wade moves to UBS - 30
Unpredictable - 31-34
East TN briefs - 40
OP/ED
Cosmo - 44
P.O. Box 330818 | Nashville, Tennessee 37203
www.outandaboutnewspaper.com
615-596-6210
Out & About Newspaper strives to be a credible community news organization by engaging and educating
our readers. In-home mailed subscriptions are free. Out & About Newspaper does not accept any adult
advertising.
All content of Out & About Newspaper copyrighted (c) 2005 by Out & About Nashville, Inc. and is
protected by federal copyright law and shall not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.
The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, and cartoonists published herein is neither
inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the
sexual orientation of the person or persons.
Out & About Newspaper accepts unsolicited editorial material but cannot take responsibility for
its return. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. All rights revert to authors
upon publication. The editorial positions of Out & About Newspaper are expressed in editorials and in
editor’s notes as determined by the editor. Other opinions are those of writers and do not necessarily represent
the opinion of Out & About Newspaper or its staff. Letters to the Editor are encouraged but may be edited
for clarity and length. All letters sent may not be published.
Editor / Creative Director
Brent Meredith
editor@outandaboutnewspaper.com
East TN Bureau Chief
Beth Maples-Bays
beth@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Daniel Kent
daniel@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Assistant Editor
Maria Gumina
maria@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Middle TN Writers & Contributors
Ryan Breegle, Curt Bucy, Val Burke,
David Miller & Byron Simpson
East TN Writers & Contributors
David Shuler, Ken Palmer, Michael
Wilhoit, Dee Crum, Julie Auer
and James McKissic
Senior Photographers
Mike Robinson
photo@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Paul Balo
pbalo@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Staff Photographers
Danny Scates & Kenny Griffith
*See the next episode in the 04/17 issue of Inside Out Nashville.
‘The Gay Marriage Thing’ - 45
LIVING
Social Scene - 46
Val’s Voice - 46
Lambda Book Group - 48
Shock softball - 49
Locomotion - 49
Erasure @ the Ryman - 51
Gay rugby team - 53
Advertising Sales
Rita Hogan
rita@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Sheika Taylor
staylor@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Maria Gumina
maria@outandaboutnewspaper.com
East TN Sales Manager
Paul Balo
pbalo@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Classifieds Manager
Joseph Brant
joseph@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Copy Editors
Michael Kiggins & Marie Patrick
Community Resource Editor
Jarvis Handy
jarvis@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Editorial Cartoonist & Artist
C. Hugh Shelton
Facio & the ballet - 54
Hedwig in TN - 56
Josh Kilmer-Purcell - 57
Leslie Jordan @ TPAC - 58
Gyrl Groove & Gay Games - 59
Classifieds - 60
Chocolate Festival - 62
Bucy’s Book review - 62
Publisher
Jerry Jones
publisher@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Community Relations Director
Pam Wheeler
pam@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Special Issues Editor/Ad Designer
A.J. Busé
aj@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Circulation & Distribution Manager
Anita Hodge
ahodge@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Middle TN Distribution
Joseph Brant
joseph@outandaboutnewspaper.com
East TN Distribution
Paul Balo
pbalo@outandaboutnespaper.com
National Advertising Representative
Rivendell Media
1248 Route 22 West
Mountainside, NJ 07092
212-242-6863

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 7

8 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Photo provided
GLBT youth under fire — continued from page 1
ment that is designed to prevent GLBT
people from “owning” their identities
and whose main goal is to prevent those
same people from gaining basic civil
rights.
In fact, the “therapy” can do immediate
and long-term harm to gay youth
and has been associated with depression,
suicidal ideation, sexual dysfunction and
other psychosocial problems. There is
also a high correlation with distancing
from loved ones, both significant others
and biological
family members.
The impetus
for the study
also came from
the realization
on the part of
national experts
that there is a
shift in focus
Foreman
occurring within
the “ex-gay”
movement. In
turning away
from “curing” adults and focusing on
“prevention” in children and aggressive
treatment of teens, the movement has
begun to concentrate its attention on
some of the most vulnerable members
of our community.
“It is morally repugnant and downright
dangerous the way these extremists
demonize young people and prey on the
fears of parents through their so-called
ex-gay programs,” said Matt Foreman,
executive director of the National Gay
and Lesbian Task Force. “These programs
and conferences are often established
in states that are fertile ground
for right-wing organizing efforts,
notably in states that are considering
anti-same-sex marriage ballot measures.
It is no wonder that their organizers are
viewed as politically motivated.”
Foreman’s statement came only days
before a national Reclaiming America
for Christ conference held at Coral
Ridge Baptist Church in Fort
Lauderdale, Fla. The speakers’ roster for
that conference included Alan
Chambers, President of Exodus
International, an “ex-gay” umbrella
organization that claims worldwide
scope. Exodus International headquarters
are located in Orlando, Fla.
A cursory inventory of online references
reveals a minimum of twelve “exgay”
programs in Tennessee located
from Chattanooga to Kingsport to
Memphis. As previously reported in
“Out and About Newspaper”, Zach
Stark, a gay teen from Memphis, was
incarcerated in Refuge, a Love in Action
affiliate, last summer.
His blog chronicling his distress
regarding the treatment in that facility
sparked protests by Queer Action
Coalition and brought national attention
to Zach’s plight. Some of these programs
are affiliated with Exodus
International while others are “homegrown”
and lump gays together with sex
addicts of various stripes.
“Tennessee youth are particularly vulnerable
to faith-based attacks on their
identity,” asserted Paul Balo, president
of the Greater Knoxville Chapter of
PFLAG. “There are concerns about the
targeting of youth by any group fostering
exclusion. GLBTQ youth are especially
vulnerable to the isolation caused
by feeling different. Bible-belt culture
can provide easy justification for meanspirited
attacks on GLBTQ people.
PFLAG supports family communication,
which is often silenced by certain religious
beliefs, and provides referrals to
youth services.”
The Greater Knoxville area also boasts
Spectrum Diversi-Tea and Coffee House,
providing a venue for local youth to
find friends and a supportive environment.
Participation is limited to youth
aged 14 to 18. The group is hosted by
the Tennessee Valley Universalist
Unitarian Church with David Massey at
the helm of this very important group.
In nearby Oak Ridge, the recently
formed Oak Ridge High School Gay-
Straight Alliance offers yet another
resource for teens seeking support and
friendship. It is listed as a resource on
Outminds, an online community offering
an Internet haven for students aged
13 and older.
“We now have permission to have our
club and will be looking forward to creating
a more tolerant community at
ORHS,” asserted Tess Fulton, a leader in
the Alliance.
Additionally, there are tentative plans
to air the film “Trevor” as part of a Pride
2006 event focusing on the emotional
needs of GLBT youth and suicide prevention
in that population. �
Beth can be reached at
beth@outandaboutnewspaper.com

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 9

10 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Black Pride sets date for annual
celebration
Staff Reports
“Changing Hearts & Minds,”
Nashville’s fourth Annual Black
Pride Celebration, will take place
October 27-29.
The event is hosted by Brothers United
Network, Inc, the state’s only gay black
501c3 non-profit organization. Nashville
Black Pride (NBP) is one of more than 26
member cities within the International
Federation of Black Pride (IFBP) organization,
which attracts thousands of black
Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender
(LGBT) attendees throughout the nation,
as well as from Toronto and South Africa.
Nashville’s mission is to bring together
African American and other Gay/Same
Gender Loving (SGL) People of Color in
a social, non-threatening setting to uplift,
educate and present positive images that
help empower, affirm and maintain a
healthy, productive community.
Although the target population is predominately
African American, the weekend’s
celebration is open to all people
regardless of race, sexual orientation or
gender identity. NBP publishes a free
Black Pride Guide a month before the
weekend, as well as lists all of the events
in the Oct/Nov/Dec issue of The
Brothers United Newsletter entitled The
BU SOURCE 2006. In years past, it has
included letters from the Nashville
In the Knox Boyz article that ran on
page 21 of the March 2006 issue, “O&AN”
identified Andrew and BEAR’s surname is
Rodgers when it should have been Rogers.
The figure given for female to male surgical
costs was inaccurate. The actual figure
should have been $100,000 to $150.000.
The inclusion of the number of transsexual
people at 100,000 may be incorrect, however,
the actual number cannot be verified.
In the “Call to Duty Tour” article that
Mayor, the President of the IFBP and a
host of ads from sponsors, along with
many local and national organizations
and businesses.
“The guide is read by hundreds of
pride-goers, who help to bring thousands
of dollars into our city over the course of
the weekend,” said Dewayne Jenkins,
organizer of the event.
Activities will include a reception, book
signings, a spoken word event, live music
and entertainment, a town hall meeting
at Nashville CARES, a benefit party at
the Gibson Showcase at Opry Mills Mall
entitled “Blood of King & Queens; A
Night of Royalty,” workshops, couples
recognition, free, confidential HIV testing
and annual Black GLBT Film Fest at
the historic Belcourt Theater. For more
information, and host hotel location and
cost, visit the Web site or contact the
NBP planning team.
Nashville Black Pride, Post Office Box
68335, Nashville, Tenn. 37206
Dwayne Jenkins, President & Founder
Brothers United Program Office at
Nashville CARES: (615) 259-4866 x 269 /
Toll Free: (800) 845-4266 x 269
E-mail: NashBlackPride@aol.com
www.brothersunited.com/blackpride.htm
IFBP Web site: www.ifbprides.org �
Corrections — setting the record straight
ran on page 56 of the March 2006 issue,
“O&AN” reported that Tim Smith was a
logistics and embarkation specialist who
joined the military after one year of college.
His partner was ordered to stay on
base. His commanding officer, not his
NCO, forced him out, adding that he
would be “near impossible to replace.” �
“O&AN” is happy to make
these corrections.

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 11

12 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Unfit to parent — continued from page 1
just because our foster children desperately
need loving homes that we should just place
them in homes that are available when
research also shows that most homosexual
couples have numerous emotional dysfunctions
and psychological issues that may not be
healthy for children.”
Dykstra said she was shocked by the
response received from the elected official.
“My initial reaction when I read that was
both shock and anger. I was surprised to hear
such one-sided, ignorant and false logic coming
from someone who is elected for the common
good,” she said. “I do believe that Rep.
Maggart honestly believes she’s doing the right
thing by taking this position. She really
believes that there is something deviant about
being homosexual.”
Rep. Maggart went on to write to Dystra
that she had seen “evidence” that homosexuals
could not maintain a stable relationship,
and that gay couples often sought young men
to adopt for, apparently, “unfretted access to
subject them to a life of molestation and sexual
abuse.”
“We also have seen evidence that homosexual
couples prey on young males and have in
some instances adopted them in order to have
unfretted access to subject them to a life of
molestation and sexual abuse,” she wrote to
Dykstra. “Some of the evidence we were presented
showed that lesbian and gay couples
have a higher rate of breaking up than heterosexual
coupes as well as higher rates of promiscuity
outside of their relationships.”
That “evidence” was apparently presented to
a legislative same-sex parenting study committee,
which according to Maggart, met last summer
when “we met and heard testimony from
researchers on both sides of this issue.”
Rep. Maggart said “the State Director, Hedy
Weinburg of the ACLU and a representative
from Focus on the Family,” presented information
at that study committee.
While Rep. Maggart doesn’t say who “the
State Director” is, she could have been referring
to Linda O’Neal, executive director of the
Tennessee Commission on Children and
Youth.
O’Neal however, has told legislators that she
credits gays and lesbians for adopting children
who often are difficult to find homes for —
teenagers, those with behavioral problems and
large sibling groups.
‘’What children need the most is a loving
home — people who are committed to them to
be there through thick and thin, and there are
a lot of children in Tennessee who need a
home,’’ she told The Tennessean in a Feb.
2005 article.
Tennessee Equality Project president Randy
Cox said that Rep. Maggart should base her
opinion on peer reviewed studies, not those
that lean towards her own prejudice.
“Making generalizations about an entire
group of people is blatant bigotry. There are
no peer-reviewed studies to support her claims,
so they are only based on her own prejudices,”
Cox said. “Her comments ought to be a wake
up call not only for our rights but for anyone’s
rights who may be attacked. Our rights specifically
are at risk and we need to be talking to
our legislators about this issue.”
Dykstra, who points out to the representative
in her email that she is “not gay,” said she
considers herself to be a straight ally.
“Being a teacher of special education, I have
learned the value of both self-advocacy and
also having allies in the fight for equality. I
think that in this fight for civil rights and
equality, it is essential to have straight allies as
well as those who are directly affected,” she
said. “Sometimes straight allies can relate on a
different level and bring a different light to the
battle.”
Rep. Maggart is in her mid-40s and is single,
with one child, according to her biography
posted on the Tennessee Legislature Web site.
“I respect her for doing that (being a single
mother) and serving our state as she does,”
Dykstra said.
A survey of Out & About Newspaper readers
shows that more than 13 percent are raising
children.
A bill to ban gay adoption failed last year.
However, numerous bills affecting adoption
and child visitation rights have been filed this
year by many legislators who supported the
gay adoption ban bills last year. Some political
observers say that is a veiled attempt to ban
gay adoption by amending other laws affecting
parenting.
Those bills include: HB2945 - Purports to
expand the definition of “biological
parents”(Kelsey); HB2944 - Purports to clarify
“parental rights including guardianship” for
adoption (Kelsey); HB2763 - Bill extends child
visitation rights to grandparents (Strader)- Filed
by anti-gay adoption bill co-sponsor; bill opens
State child custody and visitation law; HB2943
- Bill purports to change a definition regarding
termination of rights in child custody matters
(Kelsey)- Filed by anti-gay adoption bill cosponsor;
bill opens State adoption law.;
SB2828 - Bill extends child visitation rights to
grandparents (McCleary)- Filed by anti-gay
adoption bill co-sponsor in the House; bill
opens State child custody and visitation law;
HB3606 - Establishes certain rights for children
and spouses in certain cases of neglect (Kelsey)
Filed by anti-gay adoption bill co-sponsor; bill
opens State estate law.
To view the entire email exchange between
Dykstra and Rep. Maggart, visit our Web site,
www.outandaboutnewspaper.com. �
Jerry can be contacted at
jjones@outandaboutnewspaper.com

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 13

14 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
UT Diversity Affairs Committee to
recommend GLBT commission
by Beth Maples-Bays
East Tennessee Bureau Chief
The Diversity Council of the University of
Tennessee at Knoxville is currently working on a
plan to increase campus equality by the formation
of a new campus-wide
Diversity Action Plan. Following
an April 2004 recommendation
from the Chancellor and Vice
Chancellors, the Committee will
seek to formulate policy that
“respects diversity in all its forms”
including sexual orientation.
The 2004 recommendations
also encouraged “spirited discus-
sion of diversity” in an effort to
effect positive change.
Acknowledging that there is
broad campus support for GLBTs,
the Diversity Council proposes a
comprehensive action plan that
will target inclusion and outreach
as ultimate goals. In addition, the
Council hopes to attract underrepresented
categories of student
and employees in greater numbers
along with fostering and
increasing relationships with
organizations representing these
groups both on campus and
around the world, ensuring inclusion
of curriculum addressing
diverse cultural aspects in order to
prepare students to function after
their educational experience is
over. To that end, they propose a
Quality Enhancement Plan
intended to increase diverse cultural
awareness. They also maintain
opposition to all forms of
discrimination.
The Council, headed up by
Co-Chairs Marva Rudolph,
Director of the Office of Equity
and Diversity, and Alan P.
Chesney, Executive Director of
the Knoxville area University of
Tennessee Human Resources
Department, should have recommendations
ready for approval by
the Board of Trustees as early as this month.
A hint of the coming policy can be seen in the
tagline currently approved for use in advertising,
position announcements, catalogs, posters, application
forms, and other related printed materials.
The tagline as it now stands is applicable only to
the Knoxville campus. The statement reads as follows:
“The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in
its efforts to ensure a welcoming environment for
all persons, does not discriminate on the basis of
sexual orientation in its campus-based programs,
services, and activities. Inquiries and complaints
should be directed to the Office of Equity and
Diversity.”
Sources close to the decision-making process
indicate that gender identity/expression language
will not be included in the new policy. There are
also suggestions that a Commission for GLBT
People will form in the manner of past commissions
such as the Commission for Women. The
Commission is anticipated to advise the
Chancellor regarding program and policy implementation
designed to create a more welcoming
environment for GLBT students, faculty, and
staff.
Chancellor Loren Crabtree’s official welcoming
statement for incoming faculty, staff, applicants,
and campus visitors includes sexual orientation as
a diversity category that is proactively recognized.
However, the official publication of the statement
emphasizes that it “does not constitute a change
in the University’s anti-discrimination policy.”
In the meantime, employees or students who
have complaints should address them to the
Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840
Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560. The
OED office can be reached by telephone at (865)
974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests
for accommodation of a disability should be
directed to the ADA Coordinator at the UTK
Office of Human Resources, 600 Henley Street,
Knoxville, TN 37996-4125. �
Beth can be reached at
beth@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Staff Reports
The Smoky Mountain Rodeo
Association has signed an exclusive GLBT
media sponsorship with the monthly “Out
& About Newspaper” and weekly “Inside
Out Nashville.”
The agreement nets the Smoky
Mountain Rodeo Association (SMRA)
more than $18,000 in combined advertising,
marketing, and support services offered
by “O&AN” and “iOut.”
“Out & About Newspaper,” Tennessee’s
largest monthly GLBT newspaper, and
“iOut,” Middle Tennessee’s oldest and
largest weekly GLBT newspaper, teamed up
to offer SMRA the exclusive agreement to
help the community organization after the
group requested a proposal from local
GLBT media.
“We solicited proposals from all local
GLBT media organizations and the board
and SMRA membership voted and agreed
the joint proposal from “O&AN” and
“iOut” exceeded our expectations,” said
Justin Waldner, president of SMRA.
Jerry Jones, publisher of “O&AN,” and
Linda Welch, publisher of “iOut,” brokered
the agreement for each of their companies.
“The combined power of ‘iOut’ and
‘O&AN’ (print, Internet and TV) reaches
an estimated 60,000 weekly and monthly
audience throughout Tennessee, Southern
Kentucky, and Northern Alabama,” Jones
said. “We are glad that we could partner
with a great GLBT weekly publication in
order to provide SMRA with a well-rounded
media package. It’s very exciting to be
building this relationship with the membership
of SMRA.”
SMRA will host the first-ever
International Gay Rodeo Association conference
and convention at the Preston
Hotel in October. Welch said she was
impressed with the groups planning and
community involvement.
“‘iOut’ is very proud to be the exclusive
GLBT weekly media partner with SMRA,”
Welch said. “I’ve been very impressed with
their community involvement, their growth
and their ability to reach out to a great different
number of people.”
The partnership agreement runs from
April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2007. Exact
terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 15
SMRA inks exclusive GLBT media agreement
(left to right) Linda Welch, publisher of “Inside Out Nashville;” Justin Waldner,
president of the Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association; and Jerry Jones, publisher
of “Out & About Newspaper,” sign a year-long exclusive GLBT media partnership
agreement worth more than $18,000.
“SMRA is very excited and consider ourselves
very lucky that we have such great
support in the Nashville community,”
Waldner said. “Having ‘iOut’ and ‘O&AN’
as sponsors of SMRA is just one great
example of this. We hope other cities are
as lucky as we are.” �
For more information on SMRA,
visit www.smra.net.
Photo by Todd Grantham

16 • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006

NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 17
Ethan Interactive, Inc. celebrates 10th anniversary
Staff Reports
Ethan Interactive, Inc., the parent company of the Out
in America Cities Network, turns 10 this year, having
served the online GLBT community since 1996.
Out in America Cities Network is the largest city-based
GLBT online network in the United States aimed at
informing, entertaining and uniting the global GLBT community.
The 178 city sites range from Out in NYC to Out in
San Diego with many cities in between as well as abroad:
13 city sites across Canada, eight in
Mexico and one in the United
Kingdom. OIA totals 7.6 million visitors
monthly.
“It’s been a privilege that we have
been able to serve the GLBT community
for 10 years,” said John Herman,
project manager for Ethan Interactive.
Each city site offers local news content,
resource information, event calendars
and advertisers giving it a local
feel; members have the ability to chat
with other people in their city. ”Out &
About Newspaper” provides news content
for Out In Nashville, Out In
Knoxville and Out In Chattanooga.
On the national level, the Web sites
contain national news, feature content
and other information of interest to the
GLBT community.
Out in America Cities Network first
began in the one-bedroom basement of
co-C.E.O. F. Jared Hunnell’s home in
December 1996. Originally only one
city site, Out in Columbus launched in
May 1997. During the first month,
more than 800 members signed up to
become members in the Columbus
area. Because of this growth, offices
moved to the second floor of the
Stonewall-Columbus building in the
Short North District.
In October 1997 Ethan Interactive
announced a merger with another Ohio
Web site, Out in Ohio, and launched
two new Web sites, Out in Cleveland
and Out in Cincinnati. In December
1997 Ethan Interactive surpassed all its
previous records when it released 22
new city sites and its total monthly hits
crossed the one-million mark.
Ethan Interactive, Inc. released a second
wave of 40 new city sites in 2000
and again in 2002 to boost the network’s
size to encompass more than
100 individual sites. Finally, OIA
reached 400,000 members and became
the largest city-based GLBT Web portal
in the United States in 2003. Corporate
headquarters completed another move
from the Stonewall-Columbus building
to the Miranova Corporate Tower in
downtown Columbus, Ohio.
Currently the Out in America Cities
Network boasts 750,000 members and 178 city sites which
include every state capital.
“We have been able to reach so many cities and members
across the country and around the world. It’s amazing!”
said Jonathan Mabry, brand marketing manager.
“We’ve come a long way and the Out in America Cities
Network is still growing.”
The Out in America Cities Network and its Columbusbased
parent company Ethan Interactive, Inc. have
become the most popular city-based LGBT online destination.
A monthly average of seven million households
throughout
North
America and
Europe visit at
least one of
the 178 individual
Web
sites within
the Out in America Cities Network. In its last year of operation,
the Out in America Cities Network experienced a
400-percent increase in membership. �

18 • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006

FDA holds workshop on blood
donor criteria
Gay men continue to be prohibited from donating blood
by David Miller
News Writer
The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) conducted a public workshop entitled
“Behavior-Based Blood Donor
Deferrals in the Era of Nucleic Acid
Testing” on March 8, 2006.
The workshop provided an opportunity
for public discussion on the scientific basis
for behavior-based donor deferral criteria,
and the value of their continued use now
that nucleic acid based tests (NAT) are
available for certain transfusion-transmissible
agents. Blood Banks, such as the
American Red Cross, state that “those who
are at increased risk of becoming infected
with HIV are not eligible to donate
blood.”
One of the key “risk” points they disqualify
eligibility for is if you are a male,
and have had sex even once with another
male since 1977. Many are understandably
upset by these discriminatory standards.
For a clearer picture of the hypocrisy surrounding
behavior based blood donation
guidelines, consider this: heterosexual
males who frequent prostitutes simply
have to wait 12 months and are then eligible
to donate. But the American Red
Cross points the finger back at the governing
body on the issue, the FDA.
The FDA states that one of their responsibilities
is to ensure that the U.S. Blood
supply is as safe as possible, and that
means a lifetime deferral for men who
have had sex with another man. Many feel
this is extremely homophobic, especially
in a time when HIV infections are growing
at alarming rates in the heterosexual community
and even more rapidly in the
African American population.
The FDA believes that donor deferrals
based on geographical, medical and behavioral
factors associated with an increased
risk for exposure to transfusion transmissible
infectious diseases are a first line of
defense against introducing newly emerging
infectious agents into the blood supply.
In the past, as tests were developed to
detect evidence of infection with such
agents, behavioral and other risk-based
deferrals were generally retained to provide
additional protection, particularly for
imperfect tests and imperfect inventory
management. As more advanced tests
become available, particularly the highly
sensitive and specific NAT tests capable of
directly detecting infectious agents in
blood at very early stages during infection,
a question arises whether specific risk factor
based deferrals, such as donations from
gay males, should be modified or even
eliminated.
The workshop featured presentations by
national and international experts from
government and academic institutions and
industry. The discussions included current
practices in the United States and abroad
regarding blood donor deferrals based on
high-risk behavior, comparison of selected
tissue donor deferral policies to blood
donor deferral policies, behavioral risks for
transfusion-transmitted diseases, residual
risks of infection from transfusion, and
potential alternative approaches to donor
screening and testing.
“The meeting was a chance to look at
the state of science in light of the question
of whether the FDA might support changing
the donor policy and modify what has
essentially been an indefinite, or lifetime,
donor deferral of men who have had sex
with men since 1977,” said Richard Klein,
the HIV/AIDS Program Director for the
Food and Drug Administration. “Most of
the meeting centered on examination of
how blood donation is managed, behavioral
risk deferral policies in Europe, the
effectiveness of screening technologies,
effectiveness of questionnaires and self
deferral (based on risk factors), and reviews
of window periods, errors, and transfusion
risks – and how they might change in the
age of nucleic acid testing, in addition to
HIV, Hepatitis, HHV-8 virus, HLTV-l and
ll, and emerging blood borne diseases (e.g.,
vCJD).”
A medical ethicist was also included in
the discussions to ensure that the social
context of the issue was not lost. His
responsibility to the meeting was to raise
challenging points about the moral and
social impact and implications of the
behavior-based deferral as it pertains to
MSMs (male sex with male).
It’s important to understand that this
was not a policy meeting, but a review of
what tools we have available now, and
what we know about their efficacy. There
was a considerable amount of data presented
and discussion at the meeting. FDA
officials now must analyze the data and
consider possible policy changes.
“I think this meeting moved us considerably
forward on the issue,” Klein concluded.
�
David can be reached at
dmiller@outandaboutnewspaper.com
NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 19

20 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Out in America reveals top five
online dating tips on ‘O&A Today’
Staff Reports
Out in America Cities Network sales
and marketing associate Michael Dutcher
revealed five tips for online dating in an
interview with Tennessee’s “Out & About
Newspaper” and CBS NewsChannel 5’s
GLBT news program, “Out & About
Today.”
Dutcher’s interview may also be seen
online at Out & About Today’s Web site,
www.outandabouttoday.com.
Out in America Cities Network is the
largest city-based GLBT online network in
the United States aimed at informing,
entertaining and uniting the global GLBT
community. For anyone interested in
online dating Dutcher recommended:
1. Know what Internet dating is. Online
personals and Internet dating are nothing
more than a different type of introduction.
It should be just a piece of your overall
social plan. Be good to yourself and love
will follow. Make it fun or don’t do it.
2. Know what you want. Have a good
idea what you like in a partner in terms of
character, heart, compatibility and personality.
Don’t be entirely focused on what
you don’t want; too much negativity can
make dating feel like a job.
3. Know what you don’t want. Weed
out the losers or potentially dangerous
people. Trust your intuition. Some clues of
strange behavior may include too many e-
mails too soon, sexually explicit language
or too many hidden secrets or contradictions
(what a married person might do to
cover up their home life, for example).
4. Don’t scare them away. A lot of freaks
are out there. Don’t appear desperate or
needy by asking too many questions or
being too much of a burden too soon.
5. Be Safe. Don’t give out your personal
information. Meet in a public place first
and tell a friend where you will be. Bring a
cell phone with you. Nothing is risk free.
Stay alert, make good choices and always
know that things aren’t always what they
seem.
“No matter where you meet a person
you’re taking a chance,” Dutcher said. “If
you have a hard time meeting people, this
is the perfect tool to do that. It allows you
the opportunity to learn a lot about a person
before you actually make that first
meeting with them.” �
For more information visit
www.outinamerica.com/safety or
www.outandabouttoday.com

Nashville GLBT Chamber briefs
by Rachel Stanton
Business Writer
Brooks Fund receives boost
from Vanderbilt Law School
Vanderbilt University Law School
has donated $5,000 to be the primary
sponsor of the Brooks Fund promotional
Travel Raffle Announcement
Party.
The 2006 Travel Raffle is a second
annual event featuring a week-long
trip to France, including airfare and
private home accommodations. The
raffle will be held on June 9. Franklin
Brooks was an admired Vanderbilt
professor who valued human rights.
He led the movement to include a
NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 21
gay/lesbian anti-discrimination policy
on the Vanderbilt campus in the
1980s. The Brooks Fund, formally
known as the H. Franklin Brooks
Philanthropic Fund, serves “to encourage
inclusion, acceptance and recognition
of Middle Tennessee’s lesbian
and gay citizens by promoting
respect, equality, improving services
and strengthening alliances.”
(www.thebrooksfund.org)
The Brooks Fund’s advisor board,
in conjunction with the Community
Foundation of Middle Tennessee, has
also chosen a new logo to brand the
fund in addition to starting a new
advertising campaign to build awareness.
See their ad on page four of this
issue.
2005 Realty Rookie of the Year –
Knoxville
Johnny Daugherty received Rookie
of the Year honors at Heath Shuler
Real Estate’s Clinton office in
Knoxville. Daugherty started working
full-time with the company in
September of last year, and accrued a
2005 sales volume exceeding
$1,000,000.
Diversity training warms up
the Southeast
Diversity Builder held two spring
diversity-training classes at the request
of Bradford Health Services and an
Alabama water and sewer company.
The Bradford Health training came
about as a result of a PFLAG connection.
Both classes were highly interactive
and focused upon the following
topics: multicultural diversity (including
English as a second language),
racial diversity, infectious diseases, disabilities
and sexual orientation.
The Bradford Health Services diversity
training request came from a
PFLAG introduction of two community
individuals passionate about
diversity, Carolyn
McFall (Clinical Director at
Bradford Health Services) and Debbie
Stanton (Diversity Builder president).
McFall and Stanton began chatting
about the opportunity back in 2005
and all the cards ‘fell into place’ in
February.
continued on page 22
BUSINESS PAGE
The March NAPP meeting featured (left to
right) Stephen McRedmond, Deirdre Kerr
and Gary Gaston. McRedmon spoke
about the Neuhoff Packing Plant
Redevelopment. Photo by Jerry Jones
BUSINESS SUPPORTERS
NAPP members are able to purchase a special
spot on the NAPP Business Page for $15 a month.
Tennessee Equality Project
www.tnep.org
GNUUC
Greater Nashville
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
374 Hicks Road, Bellevue
615-673-7699 or gnuuc@gnuuc.org
Sunday Service at 11:00 a.m.
We Welcome Your Presence
P.O. Box 330627
Nashville, TN 37203
www.orowear.com TM
Ron Veasey
Direct: (615) 496-1847
toyotanashville@yahoo.com

22 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Nashville GLBT Chamber briefs — continued from page 21
In addition to the training, McFall requested
that Diversity Builder put together a Nashville
Diversity Resource Directory, so all participants
could walk away with a resource to reference
when working with diverse client populations.
Stanton developed a detailed list of community
resources with program descriptions and current
contact information.
“Out & About Newspaper” readers are welcome
to request a free Nashville Diversity Resource
Directory by sending an email to
info@diversitybuilder.com.
As a result of Stanton and
McFall’s PFLAG connection, twenty-one
of Bradford Health Services
counselors, personnel and special
guests participated in the company’s
first ever diversity training class.
Bradford Health Services has offered
chemical dependency treatment and
counseling for more than 25 years.
Bradford has several locations,
including Nashville, Birmingham,
Huntsville and Panama City,
Florida, to name a few.
The training was led by Dawn
Beatty, M.A., EdS. Beatty is currently
completing her doctorate degree
in Marriage and Family through
Seton Hall University. She has
acquired extensive expertise in
childhood trauma and domestic
violence in gay and lesbian relationships,
power and privilege in
supervision, child abuse, Latino
intermarriage and race and gender
research.
Photo provided
Patrick LaChance offers insurance
benefits to small businesses
and individuals
In February of 2006, Patrick
LaChance made a career move and
joined AFLAC of Tennessee.
LaChance previously managed the
Publix Bakery on
Moores Lane in
Franklin.
LaChance states
he will still bake
LaChance
gourmet cakes as
a side venture,
but is fully committed
to serving
the GLBT community’s insurance
needs.
While AFLAC does not boast a
high HRC Equality Index ranking,
it does offer some attractive GLBT
insurance components. For
instance, AFLAC extends its cancer
policies to HIV positive
patients and gladly includes transgender clients in
its health insurance programs.
LaChance is passionate about helping GLBT
businesses offer employee benefits, with little to
no ‘out of pocket’ costs. With the cost of health,
dental and life insurance constantly rising,
employees don’t always have the chance to secure
such benefits. Using AFLAC’s products,
LaChance feels he can bridge that gap.
According to LaChance, the most popular supplemental
insurance product offered by AFLAC
is the personal accident policy, which provides
funding to cover emergency treatment, ambulance
costs, exams and other expenses related to
‘on or off the job’ accidents. At AFLAC, the
salesperson serves as the claims processor to help
expedite and streamline claim payments. Other
available insurance options include hospital protection,
personal recovery and dental.
LaChance is a member of the Nashville’s
NLGJA (National Lesbian and Gay Journalist
Association) and is a writer for Out & About
Newspaper.
Patrick LaChance may be reached at (615) 545-
1579 or by email at PatrickLaChance@msn.com.
New Tanning Salon in Antioch
The Mango Moon opened its doors March 10,
2006, in the Antioch area to tanning salon clients.
Simultaneously, the salon announced that it will
be the first full-service tanning salon to offer jewelry
artisan workshops and other special promotions
conducted by co-owners Jeanne Marion and
Fran Faucette.
Marion elaborated, “Fran and I combined our
business expertise and talents and decided to offer
customers more than just a place to tan. We wanted
to provide a unique tanning experience and
offer customers the opportunity to learn jewelry
making from one of the top artists in the South.”
The Mango Moon would like to extend an
invitation to all of the GLBT community to
come enjoy the salon. Receive a 10 percent tanning
discount when mentioning this Out &
About Newspaper article.
The Mango Moon is located at 455 Bell Road,
in Nashville. They may be reached at (615) 399-
0422.
Harman presents
work at Fido and
Tribe
Fido, in Hillsboro
Village, presents
“Artography” by
artist Richard
Harman. This one
man exhibit starts
on April 1 and runs
continued on page 24

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 23

24 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Miller to be tried as an adult in Mansfield murder
Staff Reports
The 16-year-old Maplewood High School student
who was arrested and charged with the murder of Eric
Scott Mansfield has been transferred into the adult criminal
court system, said the detective heading up the
investigation.
Dionvelt Miller, a 10th grader at Maplewood, was
arrested by Metro Police on Dec. 7 after a tip from
CrimeStoppers led to his arrest. He was arrested at his
home at 2160 Rock City Street. He was charged with
criminal homicide, aggravated robbery and two counts
of unlawful weapon possession.
“We are awaiting the grand jury to present the case.
After the case is presented we will be playing the waiting
game for a trial date,” said Sgt. Anna-Maria Williams
with the Metro Police East investigative unit. “The date
the trial is set is dependent upon several things, including
how backed up the courts are and when a date will
work for both the prosecution and defense.”
Miller will stand trial along with 18-year-old Anthony
Robinson, who was
charged with criminal
homicide and robbery.
Robinson is believed
by police to have been
with Miller during the
incident.
Mansfield, 33, was
fatally wounded while
behind the wheel of
his silver Volkswagen
Jetta at Chapel and
Greenwood Avenues
on Friday, Nov. 11.
Mansfield drove a
short distance before
pulling to the side of
for six weeks until
the middle of
May. There will
be an artist‘s
reception and
party on April 1
from 6-10 p.m.
There will be food
and entertainment
provided. Stephen
Bargatze, the
number one close-up magician in the
country, will be performing his amazing
feats of magic and sleight of hand.
Harman’s unique talents have been
incorporated in this striking mixture of
art and photography that he has entitled…
“Artography”. Come and meet the
artist and have your art purchased signed
and personalized.
Harman’s works can also be seen at
Tribe beginning on Tuesday April 18 with
an artist reception and party.
2006 HRC Equality Dinner sees
increase in corporate support
With more than 600 people in attendance,
the 2006 HRC Nashville Equality
Chapel Avenue
between Douglas
and McKennie
Avenues. He suffered
a gunshot
wound to the chest
and was found
unresponsive by his
partner, O&AN
staff writer David
Miller.
In his statement
to detectives, Miller
said that he intended
to rob Mansfield
and take his car.
Miller said that Eric Mansfield was shot and
when Mansfield killed near his East Nashville
home on Friday, Nov. 11, 2005.
stopped at the
intersection, he
walked into the
street in front of the Volkswagen with pistol in hand.
Miller said Mansfield accelerated in an effort to get
away. Miller fired a shot. Mansfield drove a short distance
before pulling to the side of Chapel Avenue
between Douglas and McKennie Avenues. �
Chamber briefs — continued from page 22
Dinner held at the Loews Vanderbilt
Hotel, marked a record year for corporate
donations and sponsorships.
Leading the long list of sponsors was
Bridgestone as presenting sponsor, along
with silent auction sponsor CMT.
Celebrating the accomplishments in the
fight for gay rights and equality, the 11th
annual Tennessee Human Rights
Campaign Nashville Dinner Committee
has seen corporate involvement double
over the 10th annual event last year.
The 2006 event generated $33,000 in
sponsorships, while the 2005 event
brought in a then-record of $17,000.
“We want to recognize the unprecedented
support of local businesses like
Bridgestone, CMT and many others.
Their significant contributions have
made it possible for us to plan such an
extraordinary event,” said co-chair Doug
Huffines. �
Rachel Stanton is co-owner of Diversity
Builder. To have your business news
included in the business briefs, contact
her at Rachel@diversitybuilder.com.
Photo by Paul Balo

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 25

26 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Alternative prom set for May 6
Staff Reports
“Rainbow stars on the red carpet” will
be the theme of Middle Tennessee’s only
GLBT alternative prom, which will be
held Saturday, May 6.
The prom, in its fifth year, is open to
all GLBT youth and their supportive
friends (ages 14 to 20). It is sponsored by
One-In-Teen (OIT), and like all OIT
events, it is a drug and alcohol free event.
The theme capitalizes on an Academy
Awards/Oscar Night including a red carpet
walk replacing the traditional prom senior
walk/presentation.
The Prom will be held at the Onyx
Room in Nashville (624 Jefferson Street –
across from the bicentennial mall). Ticket
by Joey Hood
Staff Writer
Parishioners of Hillsboro Presbyterian
Church have adopted a progressive outreach
program for members of the GLBT
community, according to a recent press
release.
The extensive Covenant Companions
program was set up after the recent success
of a similarly themed program at
Nashville’s West End United Methodist
Church.
The program, which started Feb. 28 and
is held each Tuesday night, addresses the
struggles of openly gay Christians and
those members of the GLBT community
wishing to reconcile their sexual orientation
with the Christian faith.
“I often hear the stories of people who
have been through ex-gay ministries.
Afterward they often try to sort out their
faith, and many, like jilted lovers, end up
walking away from the very relationship
they wanted above all others, a relationship
with God,” Hillsboro Presbyterian
member Greg Gardner said.
“Without a doubt the church has misrepresented,
and continues to misrepresent,
the Christian faith and the message
of love and inclusiveness that is consistently
and unquestionably the message of
Jesus,” Gardener added.
The Rev. Michal Ann Pepper originally
envisioned the nine-week covenant group
prices are $7 in advance and $9 at the
door. Tickets can be purchased starting
April 19 at the One-In-Teen meetings.
“We are able to offer the community
this wonderful event at this easily affordable
price because of the generosity of our
fabulous prom sponsors,” said DeWayne
Fulton.
For more information contact One-In-
Teen at 615- 321-7288 or prom@one-inteen.org.
�
Hillsboro Presbyterian ‘out’ to GLBT
community with outreach program
for her congregation in California. Since
then, the program has gradually been
implemented at churches throughout the
country.
The basis of the program is inspired by
Pepper’s nationally recognized guidebook,
Reconciling Journey: A Devotional
Workbook for Lesbian and Gay Christians.
“The most basic assumption underlying
this workbook is that Christian discipleship
is the foundation of our lives. Our
sexual orientation is an important part of
who we are,” Pepper wrote in the book’s
preface.
Pepper’s book is divided into supplements
that correspond with the covenant
group’s lectionary. In the first week,
covenant members explored their faith
foundation and told stories of their own
struggles with their sexual orientation and
Christianity.
Gardner said that in upcoming weeks,
the Rev. Nancy McCurley will conduct a
group session on the common Biblical
passages that are used in denouncing
homosexuality and will provide a historical
reference point on how these verses are
misapplied.
For more information about visiting or
joining the covenant, contact Greg
Gardener greggardner@bellsouth.net.
Hillsboro Presbyterian is located at 5280
Hillsboro Road in Nashville. �
Joey can be reached at
jhood@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Eligible Ryan White HIV Drug
Assistance Program (HDAP)
Beneficiaries must enroll in Medicare Part D soon
Staff Reports
Tennesseans living with HIV/AIDS who
are currently enrolled in Medicare and
receiving medications through the Ryan
White HIV Drug Assistance Program
(HDAP) should enroll in a Medicare Part D
prescription plan soon.
“Ryan White drug benefits for these individuals
will end on April 15,” remarked
John Senter, Medical Care Management
Supervisor at Nashville’s Comprehensive
Care Center. “By getting a Part D plan in
place, they can maintain access to this lifesaving
treatment.”
Federal regulations require states to move
this category of patients to Medicare Part
D. A working group of advocates from
across Tennessee is once again urging those
affected to make an appointment with a
Medical Care Manager as soon as possible.
Patients who don’t know who to call can
find out via the Tennessee AIDS hotline at
1-800-525-AIDS (1-800-525-2437).
Participants may be responsible for premiums,
deductibles and co-pays, depending
on a number of factors. Financial assistance
for these costs is available to those who
qualify, but an additional application is
required. “Getting signed up can be a challenge,
but it also presents important opportunities,”
commented Mark Hubbard, the
interim chair of the Tennessee Association
of People With AIDS. “Medical Care
Managers have been solving problems and
advocating for us since Part D enrollment
began, and they are uniquely qualified to
provide assistance.”
The Tennessee Medicare Part D
HIV/AIDS Working Group was formed to
address the complex challenge of integrating
the new Medicare drug benefit with the
existing system of care for Tennesseans living
with HIV/AIDS. It is made up of experienced
professionals and volunteers who
currently work on the front lines of HIV
care and services across Tennessee. �
NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 27

28 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
SoulForce Equality riders
travel for justice
by Ken Palmer
Knoxville News Writer
A busload of GLBT youth hit the road this Spring
in protest of repressive policies on college and university
campuses. The 50-day event is intended to garner
support for GLBT equality in admission and other
policies primarily in place at military and religious
education institutions around the nation.
The 35 young adult members will visit 19 campuses
where known homophobic policies are in place. All
campuses on the itinerary ban the enrollment of
GLBT students.
“At all schools we seek dialogue because we have an
important message to share,” said Jacob Reitan, Co-
Director of the Soulforce Equality Ride.
Tour stops include campuses in Virginia, Tennessee,
Oklahoma, Texas, California, Utah, Colorado,
Minnesota, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York.
Haven Herrin, co-director of the Equality Ride,
noted, “We are a diverse group racially, religiously, culturally,
geographically and in terms of age (17-28). All
riders engage in this journey voluntarily.”
The Council for the Christian Colleges and
Universities (CCCU) was the kick-off site for the
national journey on March 9. President Bob Andringa
of CCCU has spoken to the group and promises
open communication.
Fifteen of the nineteen
schools are in the
CCCU group.
‘We have to believe,”
premised Haven, “that
everyone can engage in
this discussion with
peace, love and civility.
We fully accept whatever
results from our genuine
desire for negotiation.
Haven Herrin, codirector
of the
This (process) is about
Equality Ride
involving and educating
communities. The call for justice must come from all
people, across the nation.”
Angel Collie is the only trans-identified person on
the ride. “I believe I have a unique perspective because
people tend to treat me differently because I do pass
so well, especially among girls.”
Passing as a male seems to make people more comfortable
in talking to him.
“I also find there is more power in my personal
story than scriptural or factual reasoning,” Angel said.
“I also believe my perspective will be helpful because
there are not many people even on the ride who
understand trans issues. Therefore, I can raise aware-
Photo provided

ness.”
Being an advocate, Angel has paid a price. “I think the most
profound experiences have been being arrested and seeing
how I am treated in that system,” he reflected. “Both (arrests)
times I have passed as male,” Angel noted. “That has proved
to be a bonding experience in that (male) group.” Angel also
identifies genderqueer, boi and trannyfag. “I love it all!”
Angel said.
Future plans after the national tour are to get an associate
degree and transfer to a university. “I hope to get my undergraduate
degree in psychology or sociology and transfer to
the Pacific School of Religion to attain my Masters in
Divinity,” Angel said. “I would like to be ordained and work
for MCC.”
The goals of the ride are to challenge the institution policies,
enlighten the college leadership and advocate for closeted
students. The group will provide information regarding
local and national counseling resources.
“Helping those who are suffering under oppression is our
foremost goal,” Haven declared.
The participants are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and
straight allies. The weeklong orientation in Washington,
D.C., included the Soulforce philosophy of peaceful, nonviolent
resistance.
Included in the group is at least one high school student.
Nine riders are currently enrolled in college while the rest are
now out of school.
One rider, Monica Carmean, is a junior at Northwestern
University outside of Chicago, Ill. She wants to be a policy
advocate when she “grows up.”
For Monica, a straight ally, her sexual orientation is a nonissue
within the group. “We’re all people,” Monica affirmed,
“and we’re all seeking dialogue on the same issues. We have
so much more in common than we have different, and we
have more diversity than just our sexual orientation. I relate
to them easily. We’re all young,
enthusiastic, caring, amazing
people.”
Her faith background in the
United Church of Christ stresses
equality. “The Bible,” Monica
observed, “has been misused to
oppress many different groups
over the centuries: people of
color, women, people of other
faiths and others. GLBTQ people
are just the ones suffering
now. I can’t stand by and watch
any category of people be treated
as less than human.”
Twenty-four riders were
recently arrested during the
Equality Ride’s initial stop to
discuss civil rights at Liberty
University. After reading individual
statements, 15 members of
the Equality Ride group stepped
on the campus grounds at
Lynchburg, Virginia, where they
were arrested and charged.
More than 30 supporters
greeted the riders off campus.
Haven Herrin, co-director of the
Equality Ride, noted, “Reactions
were varied. About 35 came offcampus
to speak to us. Some
NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 29
were there to tell us we were sinners and engage in a polemical
debate. Many were truly there to hear our side.”
“One student came off campus,” Herrin disclosed, “and
told me that she agreed with us and did not
condemn us, nor did she feel she had the freedom
to have a different perspective than that
of Liberty University.”
This encounter contrasts with the April 2005
stop when the members were given cookies not
civic charges. Everyone arrested is free with a
future court summons and a possible fine.
“I am very proud of my brothers and sisters,”
Herrin commented, “that chose to go on
to Liberty campus to share our message. It is
too important, too much a matter of life and
death, to be turned away. It is sad that Falwell
decided we were too much of a threat to
engage in discussion.”
Additional arrests occurred when the riders
visited Regent University in Virginia Beach,
Virginia. They also experienced hate speech
that defaced their tour bus at the Lee
University Campus in Cleveland, Tenn.
Donna Davridge, who now resides in
Knoxville, Tenn. with partner, Kat, were both
discovered as lesbians
and dismissed from
Union University in
Jackson, Tenn., in
February 2004.
“What has been
amazing,” Dawn said,
“is that in the process
leading up to the ride,
I found an incredible
Davridge
Photo provided
amount of support that is just wonderful.”
Dawn learned about the Equality Ride on the
continued on page 30

30 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Wade moves financial planning
services to UBS
by Jerry Jones
Publisher
John Wade started out a year ago to
create a friendly financial advising environment
for the GLBT community when
he launched Freedom Financial.
He was so successful in fact that his
client base grew faster than he expected,
and wanted more services than he could
provide. It was that in mind that he has
closed Freedom Financial to move to one
of the world’s largest financial planning
and wealth management firms, UBS.
“The business entity of Freedom
Financial is gone,” Wade said. “However,
what made Freedom Financial still exists.
And that is the partnership I develop with
my clients to ensure as best as possible
that their goals for financial freedom
become a reality.”
Wade, who has more than 13-years
experience in lending, bank management,
investments and insurance sales, said he
will continue to do what he loves and he
says many of his clients need - that is real,
one-on-one financial planning. He will
continue in his role as a financial advisor
Photo provided Equality ride — continued from page 29
A busload of GLBT youth hit the road this Spring in protest of repressive
policies on college and university campuses. The 50-day event is intended to
garner support for GLBT equality in admission and other policies in place at
primarily military and religious education institutions around the nation.
Metropolitan Community Church
Knoxville bulletin board, and then quickly
joined. She will chronicle her journey on
her computer “to help set people free
from the prison of their mind-set.”
Fifteen or more riders will also keep a
journal. Shane Windemeyer plans to write
a book based on the riders’ experiences.
The Web site, www.equalityride.com, will
host a blog about the ride for updates during
their journey. Filmmaker Dave
and Certified
Financial
Planner with
UBS.
“That will not
change,” he
said. “While a
lot of my clients
need the basic
coaching
Freedom
Financial pro-
Wade
vided, many
need more services than I offered, services
such as money management, investments,
insurance, 401(k)roll-overs, etc.”
Wade said he researched to see if
Freedom Financial could provide those
services, and determined that the possibilities
were cost prohibitive.
“Many former, independent advisors
have been put out of business recently by
compliance costs alone,” he said. “Rather
than spend energy trying to reinvent the
wheel, I chose a firm that can provide
everything my clients could ever need. I
am the first to say that I am surprised by
continued on page 38
O’Brien is involved in the entire journey
with plans to create a documentary.
Developments in this story are making
news on an almost daily basis. Check our
Web site for exclusive updates.
For further information and to make
contributions, contact
www.equalityride.com. �
Ken can be reached at
kpalmer@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Photo provided

Play Dance Bar April 23, 2006
$20 general admission in advance • $50 vip runway seating
6 p.m. — Food and Silent Auction • 7 p.m. — Fashion Show
Tickets now available at PLAY and on-line at www.outandaboutnewspaper.com
Benefits Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce (NAPP)
unpredictable@comcast.net

Play Dance Bar April 23, 2006
$20 general admission in advance • $50 vip runway seating
6 p.m. — Food and Silent Auction • 7 p.m. — Fashion Show
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“Colorful Streams” Acrylic on Canvas by Stevn Dutton
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Set of 4 Bridgestone Tires
Bridgestone Firestone
8 Tickets to The Little Prince
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Screen Printed T-Shirt & Underwear by Trevor
Trevor Mikula
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SBResults, LLC
Ooey Gooey Night Out at Hotel Preston
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Entry to Play Dance Bar and use of VIP room for 5 people
Play Dance Bar
Urban Fusion Spa and Boutique Items
Urban Fusion Day Spa & Tanning Studio
2 tickets to “Wine on the River” - Sept 16th
Candace Price/Mike Carpenter ClearChannel Radio
Oil on Canvas Painting
Gina Julian
Exclusive Apparel and accessories from the Badd Collection
Betty Badd Couture
One Large Piece of hand sculptured pottery
Shack Art Pottery and Glass
Large Mosaic Flower Pot
Mosaic Lilly Creations
7 days dog boarding for 1 dog with pickup/drop off in Nashville area
Almost Home Pet Farm
Contemporary Large Silk Flower Arrangement
Blooming Boutique
Silent Auction Items
25 Free Movie Rental Certificate - Any Movies
OutLoud! Department Store
2 Club Seats for Titans/Ravens Home Game 2006
2nd Row near 45 Yard line – West Side
Gish, Sherwood & Friends/Jeff Lipscomb
2 End Zone Seats for Titans/Colts Home Game 2006
10th Row Center – North End Zone
Gish, Sherwood & Friends/Jeff Lipscomb
2 Tickets to Predators/Dallas Stars Home Game 2006/07 Season
3rd Row from Glass by Goalie
Gish, Sherwood & Friends/Jeff Lipscomb
5 Scented 16 oz. Candles, 4 Votive Candles, 2 Bath/Body Bars
Mia Bella’s Gourmet Candles by Debbie Trombley
2 Lucky’s Garage T-shirts, 1 Year VIP Memberships
and Invitations to Private Pre-Opening Party
Lucky’s Garage
Gift Basket
A Basket Case
1-Year Subscription to The Advocate Magazine
The Advocate - LPI Media
2 Bottles of Gun Oil 32oz Silicone Lube
Gun Oil
1 Year Subscription to Out Magazine
Out - LPI Media
Shampoo, Cut, Highlighting & Conditioning
Joseph Gregory
Male Erotica T-shirt
Katy K’s
Woman’s embroidered and Beaded Jacket
Katy K’s
1-Year Subscription to Envy Man
Envy Media Group
3 Autographed Hats - Blondie, Indigo Girls & Collective Soul
Bridgestone
Play Dance Bar April 23, 2006
$20 general admission in advance • $50 vip runway seating
6 p.m. — Food and Silent Auction • 7 p.m. — Fashion Show
Tickets now available at PLAY and on-line at www.outandaboutnewspaper.com

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 35

36 • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006

Church Street Cafe — continued from page 1
The 3,000 square foot space will seat
about 150 people.
The café is one of several new businesses
that plan to open in the Church Street district,
which is quickly becoming Nashville’s
GLBT business and entertainment area.
“The Church Street Café will offer the
GLBT community a great atmosphere in
which to relax with friends or plan the next
advocacy project,” said Chris Sanders, president
of the Nashville GLBT Chamber of
Commerce. “We should all support and
welcome businesses that extend such a
clear welcome to us and at the same time
showcase all the positive aspects of gay
Nashville to the wider community.”
In addition to a lunch menu, the café
will offer an evening fare that will include
an eclectic tapas, or tasting menu, with a
large selection of appetizers and small
plates.
The menu was developed after Hyslop
and Sanford consulted with Rodney Stutts,
touted as a regional restaurant expert.
Stutts advised Sanford and Hyslop on
menu options, staffing and kitchen setup.
“We hired Rodney to put the menu and
kitchen together and let the experts do
what experts do,” Sanford said. “As a result
of the consultation, the cafe plans to bring
several signature dishes to the street and
the downtown core, focusing on fresh
ingredients, varied choices and seasonal
offerings.”
Sanford said the cafe also plans to carry
local micro brewed beer, a large wine selection
and a full bar in the near future.
Hyslop and Sanford have worked together
intermittently for several years opening and
managing cafes, restaurants, nightclubs and
event spaces.
Sanford owns a design/decor company
called Flamboyant and Ron Sanford
Productions. He moved to Nashville from
Atlanta in 1995 where he was manager of
The Connection dance club, until leaving
due to a family illness.
“Since then, I’ve had a hungering for the
bar and restaurant world,” he said.
Hyslop recently moved back to
Nashville from Toronto, where she had
opened and managed The Looking Glass,
an elegant Alice in Wonderland themed
GLBT bar and restaurant. Hyslop owns an
event planning and production company
in Nashville called Plate Spinning
NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 37
Productions.
Sanford and Hyslop will continue
to operate their separate companies,
under the umbrella of the cafe.
Hyslop called the partnership with
Sanford, “a natural fit,” as they both
separately own production companies
that perform catering, décor
work, consulting and event production.
“The cafe gives both of us a home
base to house our current businesses,”
Sanford added.
Live music, entertainment and a
computer wi-fi hotspot will keep the
café alive as what Hyslop describes
as a “vibrant space for everyone in
Nashville - especially
Midtown/Music Row,” and refers to
it as “a wonderful blend of East
Nashville on the other side of the
river.”
“We are extremely excited about the
entertainment piece of this venture,”
Hyslop said. “We have a disc jockey booth,
and a wonderful stage area that can double
as a VIP room.”
Hyslop went on to comment about their
Debra Hyslop and Ron Sanford will open
Church Street Café later this month, serving
coffee, a full lunch menu (including soups,
salads, gourmet sandwiches, and wraps),
lite fare, wine and homemade desserts.
desire to feature the amazing wealth of talent
that Nashville has to offer.
“We look forward to being able to hold
showcases, CD release parties and songwriters’
nights,” she said.
And that’s not all – the first Sunday of
continued on page 38
Photo provided

38 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Church Street Cafe — continued from page 37
every month will showcase a new local artist’s work with a
wine and cheese reception. And, the artist’s work will
remain on display in the cafe for the remainder of the
month.
The café plans to offer outdoor seating in front of the
café, and open a patio up in back of the café.
“We are in the process of getting the
proper licensing to have a front patio,
and are planning to open the outdoor
section as soon as possible,” Sanford
said.
With Sanford and Hyslop agreeing
that parking can sometimes be a challenge
in the gay district, they were
exploring ideas to help patrons.
“The area in behind the café is always
a safe bet,” Hyslop said.
To accommodate their catering, box
lunch and ‘to go’ business, they said they
are investigating a way to offer a parking
spot or two for customers to pull up
curbside.
Church Street Café will be a welcoming
home for the community, said the
owners, where GLBT meetings and private
events will be held.
how the business has grown and caused me to
make recent choices as soon as I had to.”
Wade said UBS was excited about his business
plan, and the fact that he specializes in working
with GLBT clients.
“That is something no one else in Tennessee is
currently doing, at least as actively and publicly as
I am,” he said. “I have the freedom to continue
building my business with the clients I want and
the way my clients and I feel is best for them. It
certainly helps that UBS scored 100 on HRC’s
Corporate Equality Index.”
Wade said the decision to leave his own company
and go with UBS was a tough decision, but it
was one that he carefully explored.
“This opportunity provides the best option for
current and future clients as well as for my business,”
he said. “For those not familiar, UBS is one
A VIP room will offer an intimate space for community
meetings and private gatherings.
“The blossoming Church Street business district is one
of the most exciting parts of the city at present, and being
able to be a part of this development is thrilling,” Hyslop
said. “There is so much happening in this area for the
GLBT community and the Nashville community at large,
you can’t help but get caught up in the energy.”
Sanford and Hyslop have participated in community
organizations, such as Pride, HRC, GLSEN, PFLAG and a
variety of AIDS organizations. Hyslop is a member of
Nashville’s GLBT Chamber of Commerce and Diversity
Builder.
While an official grand opening date has not yet been
set, the owners said the evening will be exciting.
“We have already been approached by many talented
performers, from Music Row and the community,” Hyslop
said. “A total cross section of genres that have offered to
perform for our (grand) opening. We promise the opening
will be a fabulous celebration.” �
Rachel can be reached at
rachel@diversitybuilder.com
Wade moves to UBS — continued form page 30
of the most respected names in the industry and
the largest financial services firm in the world and
one of the largest in the US. Locally, the firm originated
as J C Bradford and Company, which
merged with Paine Weber before being acquired
by UBS. I have been blessed to have made
Freedom Financial a successful venture. I owe all
of my clients and friends a great deal of gratitude
for playing a large role in my success. The faith
they have in me to refer me to friends, colleagues
and clients is something for which I am very grateful.”
You can reach John by email at
john.wade@ubs.com. �
Jerry can be reached at
jjones@outandaboutnewspaper.com

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 39

40 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Photo provided
Photo provided
East Tennessee briefs
Task Force recognizes Maples-Bays for
ex-gay expose
A recent national audio press conference
held by The National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force launched their new study, “Youth in
the Crosshairs: The Third Wave of Ex-gay
Activism.” This Task
Force Public Policy
Institute study focuses
on the targeting of
GLBT youth by the
“ex-gay” or “reparative”
therapy movement.
Spurred to action
Maples-Bays
by a story first seen
on the “Out & About
Newspaper” Web site,
the story of Zach
Stark, a Memphis
teen who blogged the conditions of his incarceration
in a Love in Action-associated “treatment”
facility.
Task Force Policy Institute Research
Director Jason Cianciotto, co-author of the
study, offered thanks to Maples-Bays, “Out
& About Newspaper’s” East Tennessee
Bureau Chief, for breaking the story about
Zach’s incarceration in Refuge. The story was
picked up by other GLBT publications soon
after appearing on our Web site and shortly
thereafter made headlines in the mainstream
press, focusing national attention on these
programs.
The attention culminated in the closure of
the Memphis facility due to licensure problems
after a Tennessee Department of
Human Services investigation.
Jonesborough author nominated
for Lamda book award
Local Jonesborough author Jeanne
G’Fellers has been nominated for a Lambda
Literary Foundation Book Award and a
Golden Crown Literary Society Award (First
Round Nominations)
for her book, “No
Sister of Mine”.
The Lambda
Literary nomination
places G’Fellers work
in the science fiction/fantasy/horror
category while the
G’Fellers
Golden Crown nod
came for nominations
in both the
speculative fiction
and debut author categories.
“I am honored and humbled by all the
recognition,” says G’Fellers.
Jeanne and her family live on “a little land
with two cats, a three-foot-long water dragon
lizard, a dozen pampered Arbor Day trees
and a garden.”
You can find out more about G’Fellers at
her Web site: www.jeannegfellers.com.
Goins files Chapter 7 bankruptcy
The owner of the Electric Ballroom and
Classy Motors has filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy
according to reports obtained by “Out &
About Newspaper.” Rex Goins, a well-known
Knoxville business owner, is asking the courts
for relief from creditors. The Ballroom, a
venue primarily serving gay men, hosts drag
shows, live music, and other entertainment.
Classy Motors is best known for their series
of commercials that featured former
Carousel II Show Director Miss Shannon
DeVaughn.
Greater Knoxville LGBTQ Leadership
Council up and running
With widespread acceptance and participation
in the local community the Greater
Knoxville LGBTQ Leadership Council
(GKLLC) is moving ahead with projects
planned on many
front. Included in
their recent efforts are
a “Meet the Family”
mini-conference, a
speaker’s bureau ready
to address concerns
caused by the
November marriage
ballot initiative, outreach
to underserved
GLBTQ populations,
plans for Pride in June, a new Web site, and
many other projects.
The GKLLC is open to participation by
any interested party. For further information,
contact Amber Davis at
Amber@knoxlgbt.com.
PFLAG hosts Todd Cramer
Greater Knoxville PFLAG heard Todd
Cramer speak about the Tennessee Equality
Project and the “Advancing Equality Day on
the Hill” at the February 23 meeting. Cramer
spoke about contacts with legislators who
will be considering adoption, foster care,
birth certificate changes, and safe schools.
continued on page 42

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 41

42 • NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
East Tennessee briefs — continued from page 40
Response from members and visitors showed
great interest concerning the individual legislators
and the legislative process. Cramer also
shared both how he would be impacted personally
and how Tennessee citizens would be
impacted.
Todd Cramer is Co-Chair/Co-President of
the Greater Knoxville LGBTQ Leadership
Council and heads up the Knoxville Human
Rights Meet-Up Group. He is currently a
board member of the Tennessee Equality
Project.
PFLAG meets on the fourth Thursday of
each month (Third Thursday in November
and December) at the Tennessee Valley
Unitarian Universalist Church. Meeting time
is 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
KTown Softball to host additional
women’s team
Knoxville’s GLBT softball league’s Keith
McDaniel reports that there are enough signups
to add another
women’s team for
the Spring 2006
schedule.
“It looks like we
might have enough girls for another all
female team, which will take us to nine
teams,” says McDaniel, who is searching for
sponsors for the additional team. Funds are
needed for start-up fees and jerseys.
Contact KTown Softball by visiting its
Web site at: www.ktownsoftball.com.
Click on “email” in the left margin navigation
bar.
Equality Radio now
Equality Radio is now streaming for your
listening pleasure. Run by Donna Hankins of
the Lesbian Social Group and Greater
Knoxville LGBTQ Leadership Council, the
well-known local networker is looking for
events announcements and other news to
broadcast via the Internet-based radio station.
“It’s my hope that our GLBTQ family will
be informed, alert, and ready to act for equality.
If not now, when family? Let’s work
together for change before the self-righteous
moralists reverse any more of our progress. If
we don’t pay attention, they will win. Send
me your thoughts to broadcast on
www.equalityradio.com. Wake your neighbors,”
urges Hankins.
On January 20, 1941, in his third inaugural
address, Franklin Delano Roosevelt shared
these words: “A nation, like a person, has a
mind – a mind that must be kept informed
and alert, that must know itself, that understands
the hopes and needs of its neighbors –
all the other nations that live within the narrowing
circle of the world. “
You can reach Donna by email at
donna@equalityradio.com.
Leadership Council speaker’s bureau
to address marriage ballot initiative
The Greater Knoxville LGBTQ Leadership
Council has a speaker’s bureau poised to
address the upcoming marriage ballot initiative
that will go before Tennessee voters in
November.
In conjunction with local members of the
Tennessee Equality Project, the GKLLC
speaker’s bureau hopes to speak to the concerns
regarding the upcoming vote.
Marriage equality is already outlawed in
Tennessee. A law defining marriage as solely
between one man and one woman has been
on the books since 1996. The ballot initiative’s
supporters hope to ban marriage equality
forever by altering our Tennessee State
Constitution in the upcoming election. The
measure would also invalidate same-sex marriages
solemnized outside the state of
Tennessee.
Freedom to Marry, a national coalition of
GLBT and supportive organizations, shines a
spotlight on efforts to reach out to our supportive
allies in the community. Their Web
site features resources that underlie their mis-

sion of bringing marriage equality to every state in the
union. Visit their Web site at
www.freedomtomarry.org.
Chattanooga GLBT Forum
Chattanooga has a new online venue providing
Internet and real time community for GLBTs. The
Chattanooga GLBT Web site offers discussion/support,
current events, news, entertainment, games, and
other GLBT resources.
Visit them online at www.chattanooga-glbt.org.
ETSU Rainbow Ball
The Rainbow Alliance of the East Tennessee State
University in Johnson City is planning a formal
dance. RSVPs are needed by April 6, 2006. At least 75
people are needed to buy tickets in order to secure the
venue. Donations are welcome. For further information,
contact the Rainbow Alliance Chair Ashley
Hatfield at AshleyHatfield1985@yahoo.com.
Hodges Library Culture Corner to feature
GLBT theme this semester
The Culture Corner at the University of Tennessee
John C. Hodges Library highlights GLBT topics this
semester. Showcasing issues such as history, parenting,
coming out, education and other subjects concerning.
These books are available for on-site use or checkout.
“We chose this topic because we felt there was a
need to show that there is more to GLBTQ culture
than what we are often shown on TV or the stereotypes
that are becoming all too common,” explained
Kawanna Bright, instructional services librarian and
Culture Corner curator.
The John C. Hodges Library is the primary library
facility for the entire University of Tennessee at
Knoxville campus. It houses more than 1.8 million
volumes including books, periodicals, film, audiotape,
and other media.
The Culture Corner is a UT Diversity Committee
project and is located near the Reference Room on
the first floor. The Culture Corner’s theme changes
each semester to showcase various aspects of diversity.
For further information visit their Web site at
www.lib.utk.edu/diversity/culturecorner or phone
them at (865) 974-4351
The John C. Hodges Library is located at 1015
Volunteer Blvd. on UTK’s campus. �
NEWS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 43

44 • OP/ED • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Spring brings time of renewal and art
by Cosmo Shitay
Columnist
Spring is in the air and it’s time to renew
the pursuit of our passions in life once
again. It’s like an awakening, a renewal,
with new thoughts, new growth and fresh
joy.
It’s been a sleepy winter and many of us
are more than ready to plug ourselves into a
live outlet. We’re all
going to die one day,
right? So we should
get out there and pursue
what we really
want to do. There is
more support in
Nashville for the arts
of all forms than there
ever has been.
What a great foundation
to build upon!
I remember when
being here felt as if
one were limited to a
few choices. Well, that
has changed! Nashville
is full of artists–and art
lovers–of all walks.
That works for me. That’s why this whole
art culture thing is growing so fast here.
Without art, and the expression of it,
what would be the point of conquering the
rest of the world? Art expresses the inexpressible
and the awesomeness of things we
cannot possibly express by other limited
means, such as words. Don’t words just get
in the way sometimes, anyway? Then why
am I writing this column…with words? It’s
to tell you to cut off the cable TV, shrug off
the winter cold, get out of the “box” and
see what’s out there for you, in this big,
huge, wonderful world that is our gift from
the god(s).
Mentor somebody, do something you’ve
never done before, take a risk and break
out!
If you are an artist but don’t show your
work anywhere, there are organizations out
there to provide an open venue for your
art. For example, Plowhaus Artist’s Co-op
in East Nashville has its own space in which
to exhibit. And, their artists are on many
different levels of accomplishment, so you
shouldn’t be intimidated. For more information,
visit info@plowhaus.com. Another
group, Untitled Artists,
is uncensored and you
can easily participate in
their quarterly shows.
Their Web site is
info@untitlednashville.org.
There are
more out there than
just these two, so start
digging around town
and many more will
turn up, I assure you.
I suggest that you
visit some of the
exhibits and talk to a
few participants before
you decide with whom
to be involved and to
what extent.
Another popular way to show your art is
at restaurants and clubs. Please be kind to
these art-loving individuals and remember,
they operate restaurants that show art; they
are not galleries that serve food. Three such
establishments are Fido’s and Jackson’s,
both of which are in Hillsboro Village, and
Tribe on Church Street. Provence at the
roundabout also shows art, not to mention
many more restaurants and clubs that span
from west to east Nashville and even to
other planets. Trust me–I’ve been! �
Cosmo can be reached at
cosmo@outandaboutnewspaper.com

‘The Gay Marriage Thing’
by Cooper Pfeene
Contributor
On Wednesday March 15, 2006, the
First Unitarian Universalist Church of
Nashville, held a screening of “The Gay
Marriage Thing,” a documentary directed
by Stephanie Higgins. In what I’m told is
typical Nashville fashion when it comes to
gay social causes, and despite the fact that
this showing had been well advertised in
advance, there were maybe 30 people in
attendance.
“The Gay Marriage Thing” is less than
an hour long and follows a lesbian couple
– Lorre and her partner Gayle – as they
tentatively plan their wedding. The plans
are tentative because the bulk of this
footage was shot before May 17, 2004, the
day when same sex
couples were finally
allowed to get mar-
riage licenses in
Massachusetts.
While I wished the
documentary were
balanced, also following
a similar male
couple, it’s clear that
Higgins focused on
this couple for both
pragmatic and illustrative
reasons: from the
credits, Lorre and
Gayle were involved
in the filmmaking; but more importantly,
the couple are an example of the devotion
and responsibility heterosexist America
often denies GLBTs because of stereotypes.
Much of the documentary is spent showing
the dedication this lesbian couple
shows in taking care of Lorre’s sole surviving
great aunt, feisty and funny Auntie
Germaine, as both women function, more
or less, as primary caretakers. The point,
though not subtle, is one that needs to be
made – namely, that the “gay lifestyle” is
often quite at odds with the idea many heterosexuals
hold, is, actually, not a
“lifestyle” per se as it is a “life” replete with
the commitments and dependencies of a
“traditional” family.
While well-intentioned, “The Gay
Marriage Thing” as is, is more a rough
draft than a finished piece. There are some
rather poignant moments that are unfortunately
marred by the rather heavy-handed
chapter breaks of Fred Phelps-style protest
footage with all the expected signs. Higgins
probably wanted to show the “battle in
Massachusetts,” as one person calls it, but
these interludes become a skull-caving
When we deny the presence
of God in others,
we’re then able to commit
atrocities of varying
degrees with minimal
moral qualms.
sledge hammer.
“The Gay Marriage Thing” does include
interviews with two reverends, one affirming,
the other what Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. would call a “moderate white” – or one
“who prefers a negative peace which is the
absence of tension to a positive of peace
which is the presence of justice” (“Letter
from Birmingham Jail”) – and a State
Representative, Kathi-Anne Reinstein, who
voted in favor of the amendment, but
Higgins relies too much on the nonaffirming
reverend, Richard Weisenbach.
He’s opposed to gay marriage – but
not gay people, no, no, no, he repeatedly
avows – because “homosexual behavior is
dangerous and unhealthy.” He also states,
“Part of me sees the homosexual as victim
of crossed wires in their [sic] childhood
or difficult relations with their [sic] parents.”
Yes, if you can’t
understand it, you
can always pathologize
it. As
Southerners often
say before insulting
someone, “God
bless her little heart,
but…”
What’s missing
from this documentary
is a more
diverse selection of
voices from both
sides of the debate.
I can play devil’s advocate for all but a
few things, so I can concede that not
everyone who opposes extending marriage
rights to us homosexuals is a religious
zealot – a bigot, yes; uneducated,
unreasoned, not always – and to paint
that camp as being uniform in its opposition
is careless at best and disingenuous
at worst.
Carlton Smith, the affirming reverend,
says that “God was missing from the
debate.” This is a central issue, for to
deny equal rights under the law is to
establish a hierarchy of personal worth
that reeks of Eugenics. When we deny the
presence of God in others, we’re then
able to commit atrocities of varying
degrees with minimal moral qualms. A
discussion of this aspect of the debate by
religious scholars would have broadened
the reach of the documentary.
What follows may read, though that’s
not how it’s intended, as a backhanded
compliment, but if you have a chance to
see “The Gay Marriage Thing” you
should. While imperfect, it’s both important
and, at times, powerful. Hopefully,
OP/ED • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 45
this screening will be repeated, as we
Tennesseans face a November vote on a
constitutional amendment that, should it
pass, could saddle us with another discriminatory
law for at least eight years. While
the Tennessee Equality Project (T.E.P.) is
working with various groups to defeat the
proposed amendment, it needs all the help
it can get.
The U.U.C. is willing to lend the movie
out for home viewing parties. The First
U.U. Church of Nashville can be contacted
through its Web site: http://www.firstuunashville.org
T.E.P. can be contacted through its Web
site: http://tnequalityproject.com. �
Cooper Pfeene can be reached at
cpfeene@outandaboutnewspaper.com

46 • SOCIAL SCENE • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Val’s
Voice
by Val Burke
Social Writer
Well, the HRC Dinner was
quite a smashing success again this
year.
Although...as we ALL know I
am NOT one to complain,
BUT...it was a little difficult to
cover all the events taking place
from our little CORNER of the
room! I almost needed a pair of
roller skates AND binoculars to
capture all the news.
But, you can rest assured I didn’t
let a little thing like that stop
me! While I am thinking about
it, my husband AJ was seated
right up front, without the slightest
bit of guilt (or inquiry) of
WHERE I might be seated! Can
you spell d-i-v-o-r-c-e Tammy?
The dinner was excellent,
although I was not really sure if
those were mashed potatoes or
something very similar. However,
they were still very tasty no matter
what they were. After referring to
my menu, I have discovered that it
was corn polenta. (Where do they
find these dishes?) And, while I am
on the subject, what is broccolini?
I liked the way they had the
silent auction set upstairs this year,
with quite an array of items to bid
on. The addition of music being
played while browsing was another
nice touch.
Nashville In Harmony performed
right before dinner began
and they were outstanding as
usual.
The entertainment was fabulous!
Nashville’s own Jen Foster was
joined by Stephanie Callahan (of
Halcyon fame). They did an
acoustic set that was very good.
Lee Ann Womack sounded amazing
and of course she sang “I
Hope You Dance,” although I didn’t
really see any body take her up
on that one.
HELLOOO...? Robert Gant
gave an interesting talk, saying the
time for feeling like second class
citizens is over.
The one thing I can say about
the entire evening is this, there
were quite a few “shiny, happy
people” in attendance for a great
cause! Don’t forget there is
ALWAYS time to donate to this
cause, so DIG DEEP!
Till next time.... �
Val Burke can be reached at
val@outandaboutnewspaper.com

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 47

48 • LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Lambda Book Group meets monthly to talk
about gay literature
by Curt Bucy
Book Reviewer
I am not sure if all my GLBT readers out
there know it, but there is a gay book club
in town!
The Lambda Book Group started in 1996
at BookStar here in Nashville, and after a
hiatus for a few years, it has started again in
full force this January. The force behind
the Lambda Book Group is Davis-Kidd’s
own Pat Patrick.
Patrick, who is the book reviewer for
“Inside Out Nashville, wanted to start a
forum for the GLBT community to get
together to talk about their genre in the
book world.
The group meets once a month on the
third Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Nashville’s
Davis-Kidd bookstore in its new location in
Green Hills Mall.
In a large, comfortable conference room
inside Bronté, members of the GLBT community
get together to discuss a book of
the group’s choosing.
Patrick says it’s a challenge to pick books
that are appealing to both gay men and les-
bians, but he tries to alternate and choose
books that are common and uniting for
both groups. The groups are averaging
around 25 right now but in the group’s
prime at BookStar, there were often 45 people
present.
His goal is to get back to that number.
He also expressed wishes to expand the gay
and lesbian section at Davis-Kidd (which is
where he also works).
The Lambda Book Group meetings are
simple. Once the book is decided, Patrick
puts together a list of discussion questions
for the meeting. Then everyone gets together
to discuss the work with his or her fellow
bookworms. Patrick said they are very informal
and all are given a chance to talk if
they so wish.
If you are interested in joining the
Lambda Book Group, please email Pat
Patrick at ppatrick@josephbeth.com.
Lambda Book Group
Davis-Kidd Booksellers
3rd Wednesday of the month
7 p.m. until they are finished!
April’s book: Dream Boy by Jim
Grimsley
The force behind the Lambda Book
Group is Davis-Kidd’s Pat Patrick.
May’s book: I’m Not Myself These Days
by Josh Kilmer-Purcell �
Curt can be reached at
curt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Photo by Curt Bucy

Shock softball team takes third at Florida tourney
Staff Reports
The Shock softball team, representing
Nashville in the Gasparilla Softball Classic in
Tampa Florida, won third place.
The Gasparilla Softball Classic is a regional
softball classic and was attended by some 50
teams from throughout the U.S. The proceeds
from the tournament went to a local charity.
The games were played March 18 and 19.
The Shock team is part of the Music City
Softball League, which consists of 17 men,
women and open division teams.
Last year the Shock team took second place
at the World Series in July 2005. The World
Series will be held in Ft Lauderdale, Fla. August
14 to 19.
Music City Softball League is a member of
NAGAAA, an international organization composed
of men and women dedicated to promoting
amateur athletics for the gay community.
The NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series is
the largest attended ANNUAL gay event of its
kind worldwide.
The Music City Softball League spring season
started April 2.
For player information and registration contact
615-269-9779 or email
mensopensoftbal@yahoo.com or sign up on
the web at www.musiccitysoftball.com. �
Chattanooga’s Locomotion on track to Pittsburgh
by Dee Crumm
Staff Writer
The Chattanooga Locomotion women’s
football team has proud new owners. Felicia
Hudson and Karen Timon look forward to
an exciting future with the Locomotion.
With Coach Steve Lewis returning for his
fifth season, all 30 players from last season’s
roster returning, and 18 new players, the
Locomotion believes it has the foundation
for a championship team. Last year it was 6-2
and third place in the playoffs.
“We are very strong, have a larger roster, a
new quarterback and definite plans to win
the championship” states Hudson.
Owners Hudson and Timon have moved
the Locomotion to Red Bank High School
field. They expect gate attendance to average
2,000 this year and are excited about their
prospects.
Their goal is to win the Southern Division
Championship for the third year in a row
and play in the National Championship
game.
Get on track with this exciting 2006
Locomotion team! �
Dee can be reached at
dcrumm@outandaboutnewspaper.com
LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 49

50 • LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Robert Gant talks — continued from page 1
O&AN: I understand that you have a law degree. How
did you go from that to being an actor?
Robert Gant: I was in Nashville when I was 18 and
almost came to Vanderbilt for college but I didn’t get the
scholarship that I needed so I ended up going to the
University of Pennsylvania. I was English major and then
went to law school in Georgetown. After law school I
moved to LA to work for a law firm which closed their
doors very quickly after I arrived. It was then that I decided
to go for my dream of being an actor.
O&AN: You have participated in a number of HRC
events over the past couple years. Why do you feel that
HRC is so important that you devote such a large portion
of your time to them?
RG: I think that there are many groups that are worthwhile.
As I started to heal myself and grow as a person I
experienced a natural expansion of wanting to do that
beyond myself in order to help others. In some ways I started
doing that small at first but “Queer as Folk” really gave
me an opportunity to do that more broadly. I really saw it
as my responsibility to help initiate change particularly in
this area. So, for a little while, I started collecting all of
those little pamphlets that you see for different organizations
until I had a big stack of them. I went through them
all and tried to decide which ones spoke the most to me
and HRC was one of those. It was very important to me to
support a very broad based organization that is a bigger
mouthpiece on behalf of our rights and the bigger movement
towards equality.
O&AN: What was it like for you being first a lawyer then
an actor and having to come out as a gay man?
RG: Like most people it wasn’t a light switch event. It
took many years and many stages. When I was in college I
was in a very jock-type fraternity and raised some eyebrows
in my senior year by wearing a pink armband on Gay
Awareness Day, but I still wouldn’t come out and say it.
Some people can dive right into the waters but I was terrified.
It was a very gradual process. My family could not
have been less supportive. When I first told my mom that I
was coming out on the cover of a national magazine she
screamed at me, “Why don’t you just shoot us in the heart
with a rifle first?” I didn’t come out professionally until I
started on “QAF.” That was a big step forward for me
because I was terrified before that.
O&AN: How did being on “QAF” and almost instantly
becoming one of the most recognizable people in the U.S.
affect your life as a gay man?
RG: It made me have to look at the places in my life
where I was still growing. I realized that now people were
really looking at me where they might not have been
before. I had to make a choice about how I wanted to
show up as a man. It made me turn a lot of attention
toward healing wounds and focusing on internal things like
my relationships and the fears associated with them. I had
a lot of healing to do that I didn’t realize before. I focused
on really giving myself that gift because I really wanted to
be seen as a man of integrity. I took a long hiatus from dating
as a part of that process and I am currently single.
O&AN: Has your celebrity made dating a difficult issue
for you?
RG: It was at the beginning because I took a lot of
adjusting. As a gay kid there was nothing that I wanted
more than to be noticed and to get attention and love.
When I started on “QAF,” finally it was flooding at me and
I had to take a step back to learn how to receive all of that
energy that was so heavily equated with the show. I really
had to learn how to stay grounded. Now it’s not so tough.
I can tell now where people are coming from and it’s a really
interesting thing.
O&AN: Now that “QAF,” which was such a huge part of
your life, is over, do you find yourself missing it?
RG: I do and I don’t. I was very happy to be back in LA.
The winters in Toronto were horrible. I wouldn’t trade the
experience for the world, but I think I’m ready for the next
chapter in my life.
O&AN: What is that chapter going to include?
RG: I have just joined Chad Allen and Christopher
Racster in a new production company called Mythgarden
that is planning a number of gay-centric movie projects
that have a very heart based theme. We are about to begin
shooting on a film called “Save Me” about the ex-gay ministry
alongside Judith Light. It promises to be a lot of fun.
I’m also negotiating a project with Logo that will be lots of
fun, so I’m going to be keeping very busy over the next
couple years. �
Daniel can be reached at
daniel@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Erasure gay icon Andy Bell
talks with ‘O&AN’
by F. Daniel Kent
A&E Editor
In 1985 Andy Bell and Vince Clark
burst into the forefront of electronic music
and made history by forming the band
Erasure, after Clark’s departure from
another legendary musical tour de force
Depeche Mode.
On May 6, these legendary performers
will once more make history following the
release of their new album “Union Street,”
which brings soulful new depths and
acoustic and country-western textures to 11
songs spanning their entire career, the pair
will head to Nashville to begin their firstever
acoustic U.S. tour at the legendary
Ryman Auditorium, the original home of
the Grand Ole Opry.
“Union Street” proves there has always
been much more to Vince and Andy than
shiny pop thrills. Unplugged, both musically
and emotionally, they have never
before sounded so graceful or so heartfelt.
This is an album full of pleasant surprises,
but coming from Erasure that is no surprise
at all.
Recently, O&AN had the chance to
interview gay icon Andy Bell over the
phone about the band’s upcoming appearance
at the Ryman and how “Union
Street” came to be.
Why did you decide to kick off your
tour for the first time in Nashville?
We thought it would be a great way to
start this tour out because I have always
wanted to play there and I have never been
in all the years that we have been performing.
It has been almost a year since your last
tour ended. What are you doing to gear
yourselves up for this tour?
We are really working on promoting
“Union Street” mainly right now. Before
the last tour I had a double hip replacement
and had to take lots of physical therapy
and really hit the gym to get back in
shape before going out on tour. It was a
very physical tour so I haven’t done anything
since. We did sixty shows last year so
we’re taking it easy this time around. There
are only ten dates in the US, eight in the
UK and three in Europe. We start
rehearsals for the tour at the beginning of
April. I’m here and the band is there in
Nashville where we will meet them and
then just go out from there.
Do you miss touring much since you
have been inactive for such a long time?
Not really, no. Whenever we get to do
something new like this it’s really nice. It
will be great fun to meet all of the musicians
who will be touring with us since this
is a sort of first for us. It’s usually just
Vince and myself on the road and this
time out we will have a full band backing
us for the first time ever. I’m getting really
excited about this tour and can’t wait to
get out on the road but I really don’t miss
the previous tour because it’s good to be
home and back to my own life.
Erasure has always been known as an
electronic band. Why did you feel drawn
to reinterpreting your old works in an
acoustic album?
I’ve always wanted to do a Country &
Western album because I was brought up
on it largely as a kid. Country music is
quite huge in England. In Peterborough
where I am from we have a huge Country
& Western music festival every year and
my parents were huge fans of Johnny
Cash, Charley Pride and Slim Whitman.
We were promoting other people’s work in
America recently at acoustic geared radio
stations where we met up with Steve Walsh
who is the producer of “Union Street” and
it went so well that we decided to do a few
acoustic shows that were about forty or so
minutes long in New York. The vibe there
was so good that we thought rather than
doing another album of covers we would
use our own songs and treat them in an
acoustic country way. I really think that the
continued on page 53
LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 51

52 • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006

Gay rugby team forms in Nashville
Staff Reports
A new gay sports league made its
Nashville debut this past month,
marking the start of a gay men’s
rugby football club (R.F.C.).
The Nashville Grizzlies started
regular practice sessions and rookie
clinics starting in March, the club is
looking for players, fans and supporters.
Tennessee-native Ben Marks
and several other rugby fans wanting
alternative athletic and social opportunities
initially started the league.
Marks recently returned to
Nashville after two years on the
Dallas Diablos R.F.C., a club which,
like many other gay R.F.C.’s across the
country, formed in the wake of publicity
surrounding the heroic death of Mark
Bingham, a member of San Francisco’s
gay R.F.C., on Sept. 11’s flight 93.
Nashville’s gay R.F.C is open to players
with varying levels of experience. The club
is made up of both seasoned veterans and
those who have never stepped onto a
rugby pitch (a.k.a. the field).
Marks emphasizes that everyone can
support the Nashville Grizzlies even if
musicians we used on the album were brilliant
and it made my voice sound very nice.
Was there any trepidation when recording
“Union Street” that some of the more
hardcore fans of your electronic work
might be turned off by this extreme departure
from your previous work?
Well, I don’t think so because Vince is a
sort of electro god in his own right at the
moment so I feel like it is admirable of him
to kind of take a step back and allow some
of his songs to be re-imagined in a different
light. Our fans pretty much genuinely like
everything we do. We’ve done quite a few
sorts of indie sounding albums before with
lots of guitar but this is a totally different
thing from even that. I think it will allow
the fans to enjoy our sound in a more intimate
way. For the next record we will return
to doing electronic music, so this isn’t a
permanent change by any means.
How did you feel about the songs as you
watched them change into their acoustic
versions before your eyes?
It was really quite amazing I think to see
these songs re-imagined in such a way. I was
quite surprised at them because the songs
all seem to grow with you over time and
when we did them this time it was almost
as if another person were singing them
entirely.
Some of the team members of Nashville's
new gay rugby team the Nashville Grizzlies
include (left to right) Doug Sladen, Daryl
Woods, Chris Sanders, Stan Schklar,
Richard Benoit, Adam Ross, and Ben Marks.
they do not think they can play.
“Whether you come to the practices to
cheer, or party with the club at our postmatch
drink-ups, or sweat their butts off
on the pitch, everyone in Nashville can
help make the Nashville Grizzlies a great
success and ultimately strengthen our
community,” he said.
For more information visit Visit
www.NashvilleGrizzlies.com or email
info@NashvilleGrizzlies.com to learn
more about the club. To learn about gay
rugby worldwide, go to www.igrab.net. �
Andy Bell talks — continued from page 51
You and Vince have been performing
together since 1985. What is it like for
you to continue collaborating with someone
over such a long period of time?
It’s really quite lovely. We always have
such a great fun time together. I think I
might have blown it ages ago had it not
been for our partnership. If Vince weren’t
there I might have made many more mistakes
than I have thus far. He’s really kind
of low-key and down-to-earth. We both love
songwriting so we just get on with it.
After the tour promoting “Union Street”
is done what is next on your plate to tackle?
At the end of the tour there is a festival
in the U.S. called “True Colors” which we
will potentially be joining with Cyndi
Lauper, the Scissor Sisters and the B-52’s. I
will also have another single released from
the solo album I released last year and then
we’ll start working on the next album but
not before we relax a bit. *chuckles*
Tickets to the Ryman show are available
through Ticketmaster at
www.ticketmaster.com or through the
Ryman box office at www.ryman.com or by
calling 615.889.3060. �
F. Daniel Kent can be contacted at
daniel@outandaboutnewspaper.com
LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 53
Photo by James Barnett

54 • LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Facio channels inner child for
‘The Velveteen Rabbit’
by F. Daniel Kent
A&E Editor
For its season finale, the Nashville Ballet will present
two springtime classics, the Velveteen Rabbit and
George Frederic Handel’s masterpiece Messiah.
The Velveteen Rabbit is the timeless and magical
children’s tale about a toy rabbit
that longs to become real – and
finally gets its wish.
This colorful and whimsical allnew
production, choreographed
by Paul Vasterling, is updated
with Southern flare, and The
Nashville Symphony performs a
commissioned score by Grammy
nominated and renowned local
composer Don Hart.
Although long associated with
the Christmas season, Handel
originally performed Messiah at
Easter. The Nashville Opera
Ensemble chorus and soloists
join The Nashville Symphony to
accompany this ballet.
Marking his third collaboration
with Vasterling and the
Nashville Ballet with The
Velveteen Rabbit, set designer
Jason Facio—who is not only the
Public Relations Director for the
Nashville Opera but also the
nine-year partner to Vasterling—
spent over a year putting together
the set design for the piece.
Facio received his formal training
in architecture at the
Universidad de Belgrano in
Buenos Aires, Argentina, where
he lived for fifteen years. In 1994
he was awarded most creative
structural design at the Concurso
anual de la Facultad de
Arquitectura and later joined the
Buenos Aires Performing Arts
Studio where he studied scenic
design. In 1996 Facio returned to
the United States in pursuit of
his career in the arts.
In 2003 his set design for
Nashville Ballet’s, Ouroboros,
was hailed “a striking abstract set
design” by Dance Magazine.
Recently, Facio spoke with
“O&AN” about his work for the
Nashville Ballet.
Your previous two set designs
for the Nashville Ballet have
been strongly
abstract. Do you continue
that theme with
the set design for
“The Velveteen
Rabbit”?
Not at all. “The
Velveteen Rabbit” is a
complete departure
for me. Paul and I
talked about it for a
long time before we
decided to do it
because it is not my
Facio
favorite thing to do
literal work.
Why do you feel more drawn to abstract work as
opposed to figurative or literal work?
I really like for people to make the connections for
themselves. A lot of times I will have people tell me
how much they enjoy a certain part of the sets and
how they felt about its contextual meaning and I am
always interested to hear how different their interpretation
is from what my intent at the time was.
How did you find yourself approaching the set
design for “The Velveteen Rabbit” knowing that you
were going to be doing something completely outside
of your usual work?
There is actually a little bit of abstraction this time
as well in terms of the fact that I tried to make the sets
all look as if a child drew them. As a result, I tried to
approach the work from a child’s point of view. To
prepare I looked at a lot of children’s books and then
I went out and bought a child’s set of watercolors
which provided me with a very limited palette to work
from. One of the things that I did was using my left
hand to draw because I’m right handed in order to be
able to get a more childlike irregularity and innocence
into the images.
Was it difficult for you as an adult professional to
get inside of the headspace of a small child in order
to produce the effect that you desired?
It was challenging to stay honest and not fake it. It
was very hard to not betray what I was trying to do by
imitating a child’s perspective rather than drawing my
work from the child within myself.
Celebrations of Spring featuring The Velveteen
Rabbit and Messiah will be presented on Friday, April
7 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and
Sunday, April 9 at 2 p.m. at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson
Hall. Tickets are available at www.tpac.org, TPAC Box
Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in
The Mall at Green Hills) and all Ticketmaster outlets,
by calling Ticketmaster, 615/255-ARTS (2787) or by
visiting www.ticketmaster.com. �
Daniel can be reached at
daniel@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Photo provided

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 55

56 • LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Hedwig to rock Middle Tennessee
by F. Daniel Kent
A&E Editor
For the first time ever in Middle
Tennessee, Murfreesboro based Glam!Smash
Productions will present a limited, two-performance
run of John
Cameron Mitchell and
Steven Trask’s explosive
musical work, Hedwig and
The Angry Inch.
The show, which originally
premiered Off-
Broadway at the Jane Street
Theatre in 1998 and made
into an award winning film
in 2001 is an unflinching
look at love, fate, heartbreak,
David Bowie,
idioms, and the search for
the other half.
This sometimes shock-
ing, sometimes hilarious,
and ultimately moving
piece takes its audience on
a journey that they may
not expect – into the world
of the “internationally
ignored song-stylist” Hedwig, who’s experience
as a transgendered housewife-turnedrock
star hits a universal chord with anyone
who has experienced and lost love.
Murfreesboro native Austin Sanders, who
stars as Hedwig, spoke with O&AN about
the show.
“Hedwig & the Angry Inch” will be the
first production for Glam!Smash
Productions. What inspired you to choose
this piece as your maiden production?
I have wanted to put on Hedwig for quite
a while now and I thought it would be a
great idea if instead of putting on the show
in a traditional theatre we put it on in a club
or bar setting that would make people feel as
if they were really going to see Hedwig perform.
I also wanted to be able to have the
band come out afterward to put on a glam
rock set of music.
How as a straight man did you prepare
yourself to get into the part of a transsexual
woman fronting a glam band?
It really wasn’t that difficult for me. The
things that make me identify with Hedwig
are things that are really universal. She’s
looking for her other half so the sex is really
incidental to the theme. I played the Emcee
in Cabaret so the cross-dressing is something
that I’m already experienced with. The hardest
part is really walking around in the heels.
I always want to play parts that are different
from me that stretch and grow me as a person
and as an actor.
Other than the aesthetics involved with
the costuming and make-up what was the
most difficult thing for you in getting into
the head of such a difficult part to play as
Hedwig?
For me the hardest part was getting over
my fear of it mostly because I love the
movie so much and I think that John
Glam!Smash Productions will present a limited run of
John Cameron Mitchell and Steven Trask’s explosive
musical work, Hedwig and The Angry Inch.
Cameron Mitchell does an amazing job. I
was afraid that people would think I was a
bad Hedwig by comparison. I really wanted
people to come out and feel like they are
really seeing Hedwig perform and not some
imitator. I really wanted to be able to honor
the material enough to do the show justice.
The shows will be performed at clubs that
traditionally host solely musical acts, so the
audience will be standing and dancing in the
club, making the night a true rock show
experience.
Hedwig’s band, The Angry Inch, is made
up mostly of musicians who have played a
part in the Murfreesboro/Nashville music
scene for several years, members being former
or current members of such bands as
The Fluid Ounces, Glossary, S.J. and the
Props, and Deadly Origami. At the conclusion
of the performance of Hedwig and the
Angry Inch, the entire band/cast will be
returning to perform some of their favorite
glam rock tunes as a tribute to the music
loved both by Hedwig and the cast themselves.
The show will be performed on April 13th
at Nashville’s legendary Exit/In, and on
April 14th at Wall$treet on the square in
Murfreesboro. Both shows start at 9:00 p.m.
and are $8.00. Tickets are available at
Ticketmaster.com for the April 13th show.
There will be no pre-sale for the April 14th
performance. Both shows are 18+, ID
required. �
F. Daniel Kent can be contacted at
daniel@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Photo provided

Photo by Sarah Dot Stanley
by Ryan Breegle
A&E Writer
Falling in love with the wrong boy is a theme that most
everyone knows a little about. Author Josh Kilmer-Purcell
realized this when he penned his memoir, I Am Not
Myself These Days.
He also knew that to keep a reader’s interest he’d be
wise to include true facts about his own life when he was
with this bad boy, such as going from his nightly
escapades as drag queen Aquadisiac to waking up to go to
his day job, copywriter at a New York City advertising
agency.
When I spoke with Kilmer-Purcell in a Nashville coffee
shop along with photographer Sarah Dot Stanley and his
press rep Sharon Glassmeyer, we began by discussing what
about being a drag queen in the late 1990s interested him.
“I never so much liked the performing part of it, I liked
the getting dressed up, I liked creating another creature.
So I would only do performances, or do shows–I did a lot
of hosting, emceeing. I liked getting paid just to show
up,” Kilmer-Purcell said. “That was my goal.”
His drag queen alter ego, nicknamed Aqua, had a brilliant
gimmick: plastic domes in place of breasts, filled with
water and live goldfish. These domes also have mirrors on
their backs and little flashing lights that shine off the mirrors,
causing the cones, water and fish to glow. He
explained, “I knew that I had to be different in some way.
I’ve seen a lot of drag queens come and go. The ones that
stuck had something about their personality, something
that was really different.”
“I think there’s a distinct line between drag queens,
transsexuals and transgenders. And that’s part of the reason
I left drag, because in New York in the late 90s when
black market hormones became widely available, it seemed
like a lot of drag queens were taking these hormones. And
I’m like, ‘but you’re not transgender.’ And their bodies
became costumes, and I thought that was harmful. So it
just got a little dark at that point, and that’s when I left.”
Kilmer-Purcell includes a chapter detailing his transformation
routine each night before descending on New York
City as Aqua. Taking you through each step, with numerous
glasses of straight vodka along the way, it’s a fascinat-
LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 57
Josh Kilmer-Purcell dishes on drag queens, a male escort, and NYC
Photo provided
Kilmer-Purcell and alter ego Aqua
ing read both for someone who puts on make-up everyday
or for someone who never has. “That wasn’t in the original
draft. Both my editor and my partner wanted me to
include it. I was like, ‘nobody wants to read about that, it’s
really clinical.’ And I kind of wrote it very clinical, because
they were insisting that I do it.”
After being in New York for only a few months, Kilmer-
Purcell met a “crack-head, male escort hooker,” he calls
Jack, although at first he thought Jack was a successful doctor.
No matter his chosen profession, Jack made a definite
impression on both Aqua and Josh. “He was
the only one that knew me both
in and out of drag. He’s the only
one that would talk to me the
same both ways. It’s like he
never even saw the makeup. Like
me being in drag was like you
putting on a different sweater. It
never phased him, and I just
found that intriguing. In a way,
he was the one that knew me
best. He never let me try crack,
and that to me was very heroic.
Here he is, a crack addict, and I
begged him to let me see what it
was that had such a hold over
him, and he wouldn’t let me do
it. And I’m so grateful for that.
Writing a chronicle of events
that happened ten years ago is a
feat in itself, but when you
douse those memories in 10 to 15 glasses of
vodka every night and wake up most mornings
in random places after blacking out the
night before, recounting specific events
seems nearly impossible. Kilmer-Purcell
explains how he managed it: “When you’re
writing a memoir of ten years ago, memory
to me is just little blips of senses. You have
to string them together in an order that
makes sense, and one of those blips of
memory is the sense of smell or the sense of
taste.
“What I can say is that every single emotion
that you feel or that you got from my
descriptions was the emotion that I was feeling.
To me it doesn’t matter that I order a
breakfast burrito or fried eggs. I honestly
don’t remember, but I remember how I felt
when all of that happened. It’s an emotional
record of what happened. Now the things
that people would lots of times say couldn’t
possibly have happened, those are the
things that I remember in excruciating
detail. Like getting raped, or getting beat up.
I remember every single instant of those the
best.”
The setting of I Am Not Myself These
Days and the events that take place are
somewhat reminiscent of James St. James’
Disco Bloodbath, the novel that detailed
the rise and fall of New York City club kidturned
murderer Michael Alig that became
the Macauley Culkin film, Party Monster.
And while Kilmer-Purcell admits to loving that book and
being in New York around the time that Alig was finally
arrested for killing a drug dealer, he wanted his book to be
more than “a freak show.”
“When I was a kid I would go to freak shows, and it
wasn’t the bearded lady that was interesting, I was like,
‘what does her husband look like?’ ‘What kind of car does
she drive?’ It wasn’t the beard—I always want to know what
they do when they’re not being freaks. So I felt like his
continued on page 58

58 • LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Comedian Leslie Jordan heads to
Nashville to raise funds for TEP
by F. Daniel Kent
A&E Editor
Out actor Leslie Jordan, star of the film
“Sordid Lives” and frequent guest star on
“Will & Grace,” will perform his one-man
show on April 25 at 8 p.m. at TPAC’s
Johnson Theatre, benefiting the Tennessee
Equality Project (TEP).
Jordan has recently offered his one-man
show “Like a Dog on Linolium” in
Atlanta. The Nashville show will draw
from his stand-up routine, his one-man
show, and new material. Originally titled
“When You Swish Upon A Star,” Jordan
changed the name of the show at the insistence
of his producers.
“They insisted that it would only appeal
to a gay audience which I have disagreed
with from day one,” Jordan confessed in a
recent interview with O&AN.
“In the show I talk a lot about my past
as a crystal meth user. It was my little
secret. No one knew. I’ve been in recovery
for eight years now. One of the last lines in
the play I say ‘when I used to do all of that
cocaine and everything I was like a dog on
linolium: there was a whole lot of activity
but I just wasn’t really getting anywhere.’
They loved the line and it stuck as the
title.”
Proceeds from the event go to the
Tennessee Equality Project, a statewide
organization that lobbies the General
Assembly to protect GLBT rights. TEP is
also currently fighting the marriage discrimination
amendment that will appear
on the November ballot in Tennessee
through its “Vote No” campaign.
TEP membership chairman John Wade
expressed his excitement about Jordan’s
Out actor Leslie Jordan will perform
his one-man show on April 25 at 8
p.m. at TPAC benefiting the
Tennessee Equality Project (TEP).
show. “We are grateful to Leslie Jordan for
offering his extraordinary talent to highlight
the cause of equality,” Wade said.
“His show will help us reach the GLBT
community and a large number of our
allies.”
Tickets for the show are available for
purchase at www.tnep.org or through
Ticketmaster at $35 for general admission
and $50 for VIP packages. VIP packages
offer a meet-and-greet session with Jordan
including autographs and pictures after the
show.
Sponsorship opportunities are available
by contacting info@tnep.org. �
Daniel can be reached at
daniel@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Josh Kilmer-Purcell — continued from page 57
book was about the freak show, and it’s a
good telling of a freak show.”
For Kilmer-Purcell, the future holds a
film version of his memoir and defending
himself against attacks from animal-rights
organizations. “PETA’s after me right
now…they were dime store goldfish. And I
had one that lived over two and a half years.
So you know, they were happy. They had a
great aquarium. When they’re in the tits,
you’re moving around, the water’s sloshing
around so they get the air. They seemed
happy, they were little showqueen fish.”
Although he brought Aqua back for promotional
photos while promoting I Am Not
Myself These Days, Josh Kilmer-Purcell has
moved on from his drag queen days, now a
partner in a midsize advertising agency in
Manhattan, living with his partner of six
years, an honest-to-God doctor.
For Kilmer-Purcell, Aqua was there for
him when she needed to be. “It was a creative
outlet, but it was also very destructive.
There were some points when I was too fragile
that I couldn’t put myself in that position
to have anymore wacky hijinks happen. So
when she was gone, she was gone for a reason.
And that’s why she’s gone today.”
I Am Not Myself These Days is available
at Davis-Kidd Booksellers and Outloud
Books. �
Ryan can be reached at
rbreegle@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Photo provided

y Beth Maples-Bays
East Tennessee Bureau Chief
Knoxville’s own GyrlGroove softball
team is eyeing the Gay Games VII. The all
women team has set its sights high as its
members consider participating in the
Chicago sports and cultural event.
Thousands of people have already bought
tickets to the event with many more
expected.
“Out & About Newspaper” and “Inside
Out Nashville” are exclusive GLBT media
sponsors for the Gay Games in Middle and
East Tennessee. “Family and Friends
Magazine” in Memphis serves as the exclusive
West Tennessee GLBT media sponsor.
A group from Nashville, Team Nashville
(www.teamnashville.org), plans to take as
many as can participate
and hopes to walk in the
opening and closing ceremonies
together to represent
Tennessee.
Sir Elton John serves
this year as a new
Ambassador for Gay
Games VII.
“I am thrilled to be
involved with the Gay
Games. For more than
two decades the Gay
Games have turned a
well-deserved spotlight
on athletic and cultural
performances by members of the lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender community
and their friends from around the world,”
Sir Elton notes.
Sir Elton serves alongside tennis legend
Billie Jean King, Olympic gold-medalist
Bruce Hayes, former U.S. Ambassador
James C. Hormel, actress and activist
Judith Light, and artist Tom Bianchi as Gay
Games Ambassadors.
A total of 30 sports will now be featured
at the quadrennial event. The Gay Games
VII Sports Program will now feature badminton,
basketball, beach volleyball, billiards,
bowling, cycling, dance sport, darts,
diving, flag football, figure skating, golf, ice
hockey, marathon, martial arts,
physique/body building, power lifting, racquetball,
rowing, rugby, sailing, soccer,
softball, swimming, tennis, track and field,
triathlon, volleyball, water polo, and
wrestling. The 5 and 10K events are sponsored
by O&AN, with wrestling sponsored
by iOut.
The Cultural Program will feature participant
performances in band and chorus.
12,000 participants are expected at Gay
Games VII.
GyrlGroove organizers and players are
excited about the possibility of participating
in this historic event.
The organization receives no
financial support through city or
county funding. They are asking
for support that would enable
them to participate in Gay
Games VII and help defray the
cost of uniforms, trophies, tournament
fees, equipment and
additional activities for the players.
GyrlGroove’s softball team
is part of the non-profit recreational
softball league, K-Town
Softball.
“We offer a unique program
aimed at ideals in health, citizenship,
scholarship and character
of women,” states Angie Young,
GyrlGroove coach. “We help to bring
women of all ages to learn a sense of
sportsmanship, fellowship, self-coordination
and group cooperation.”
“This year we are attempting to raise
$5,000 in order for our women to participate
in the Gay Games VII. The Games is
a quadrennial event that already has 8,000
participants from more than 30 countries
committed to attending. We would like to
be a part of history,” Young continues.
LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 59
GyrlGroove softball team eyes participating in Gay Games
Dates for the Games are July 15-22,
2006. The opening ceremony will be in
Soldier’s Field and Closing Ceremony in
Wrigley Field. An audience of more than
60,000 is expected. The event will be televised.
All donations are appreciated.
Demonstrate your support of the lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgendered community.
Contact Coach Angie Young at 865-675-
7955 or at me@angieyoung.com. Check
out the GyrlGroove softball team’s Web
site at www.angieyoung.com/softball.
Further information about Gay Games
VII can be found online at
www.gaygameschicago.org or you can join
TEAM NASHVILLE online at www.teamnashville.org.
�
Beth can be reached at
beth@outandaboutnewspaper.com

60 • CLASSIFIEDS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
ACCOMMODATIONS
Smoky Mountain Paradise. Gatlinburg,
TN. Private, secluded and romantic settings.
Creekside and forested vacation cabins. All
amenities. Hot tub, fireplace, pets ok. 865-429-
0400. www.StoneCreekCabins.com
Timberfell Lodge 2240 Van Hill Road
Greeneville, TN 37745 (800) 437-0118
www.timberfell.com
ADVERTISING/MARKETING
Brand New Day. Advertising. Public
Relations. Marketing. Graphic Design. Special
Events Planning. 615-414-3940. brandnewday@comcast.net
Receive free 6 month banner ad on
Diversity Builder with first 1) Diversity Builder
Directory listing, or 2) E-mail/newsletter marketing
campaign purchase. Call 615-794-
5047 or visit www.diversitybuilder.com
Get noticed by our 25,000+ readers! With
more than 3,500 home subscribers and a print
run of 14,000, Out & About Newspaper is
Tennessee’s largest monthly newspaper.
Distribution points in Nashville, Chattanooga,
Huntsville, Knoxville and Atlanta. Call one of our
advertising reps for more information. 615-
596-6210.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Equality = Healthy = Pride.
www.ClarksvillePride.com
Gay Games 2006 in Chicago. Nashville
teams NOW forming. Games will be held July
15-22, 2006. Contact Keith Little or Sam Felker
at www.teamnashvillegaygames.org. Out &
About Newspaper and Inside OUT Nashville are
proud to be exclusive Middle Tennessee media
sponsors of the Gay Games.
Gun Oil offers a variety of products for men
and women to enhance your personal experience.
Available at a variety of outlets in
Tennessee or online at www.gunoil.com
Vanderbilt University’s Office for
GLBT Life: programming, education, training,
and social events for all VU community. For
more information, call: 615.322.3330 or
www.vanderbilt.edu/glbt
Watch “Out & About Today” only on
Newschannel 5+ (Comcast channel 50 in
Nashville). Saturdays at 9:30pm and Sundays
at 10:00pm
ANTIQUES/ARTS
Dangenart Gallery. 83 Arcade Building,
Nashville, TN. 37219
AUTOMOBILES
South East Chrysler and Jeep. 2800
Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211.
www.seautoinc.com
Toyota – New Toyota cars, pre-owned vehicles.
Car buying can still be a relaxed, respectful
and satisfying experience at a dealership
noted for its honesty, integrity and commitment
to customer service. To discuss your needs and
schedule a showing or a test drive, call Mike
Romanello at 615-230-9000.
$500 off at the Jim Reed Used Car
Supercenter. Show us our display ad in
this issue before you start shopping and get an
additional $500 off your
price.
BARS
Images. Chattanooga’s hottest dance and
show bar. 5pm to 3am. 18 – 21 admitted nightly
after 9pm. 6005 Lee Highway. 423-855-
8210. www.mirage-complex.com
PLAY at Nashville’s newest dance club, featuring
DJ Lenny B. Church Street, next to Tribe.
www.playdancebar.com
Tribe. Big City Hot … Nashville Friendly.
1517 Church Street. Nashville, TN. Daily
happy hour, 4 - 8 p.m. 615-329-2912.
www.tribenashville.com.
CLEANING
Sqeek E Kleen Services of Nashville specializes
in whatever your cleaning needs are including:
residential, commercial, move-ins, and moveouts.
We are affordable and fully insured with
excellent references.We can schedule our services
weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Give us a call
today for your FREE estimate! 615-525-6480.
COUNSELING/SUPPORT
Alternative Counseling Center is
GLBT supportive. 3105 Essary Drive, Knoxville,
TN 37918. Call 865-687-8990 or FAX 865-
687-1190
CLASSIFIEDS
Dr. Andrew Adler, Licensed Psychologist.
Solution-focused psychotherapy for
individuals and couples. 1808 West End
Avenue Suite 827, Nashville. 615-321-4566.
www.andrewadler.com We need to talk.
Carlton Cornett, LCSW. 20 years of experience
in gay-affirming individual psychotherapy,
couples & family counseling. 2817 West
End Ave., Suite 208, Nashville, TN. 615-329-
9509. www.bigfoot.com/~ccornett
Nancy Mott, MS, EdS, SeniorLPE. Gayaffirming
individual and couple counseling. 20
years experience. 3117 E. Fifth Ave, Knoxville.
865-637-8801
Leslie Ratliff, LCSW. Individual & Couple
Counseling. 1719 West End Ave, Suite 614
East Nashville, TN 615-321-2000
John Waide, Ph.D., LCSW, 1501 16th Ave.
South, Nashville, TN 615-400-5911; Barbara
Sanders, LCSW, by appointment only 615-414-
2553.
FOR RENT
Rock Harbor Condo for rent. 515
Basswood Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209. 2 BR,
1 BA, totally updated, $625. 615-352-7529.
home.comcast.net/~rockharborcondo/1.html
Room for rent. $550 unfurnished or $600
furnished. All bills, W/D & home gym included.
Between 65 & 24 only 6 minutes from downtown
Nashville. Quiet, safe neighborhood with
great parking and a fun living environment. Call
615-593-1176.
FLORISTS
Blooming Boutique. Flowers and Gifts:
Contemporary Designs with Class & Elegance.
4511 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville. 615-383-
4310. www.thebloomingboutique.com
FUNERAL/ CREMATION
A new tradition in affordable funeral service.
Frank A. Burns Funeral & Cremation
Services. 530 Third Ave S. Ste 4. Nashville.
Offering LifeGem created memorial diamonds.
www.webfh.com/frankaburns 615-770-0023
GENERAL/PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
About Town Limo. GLBT owned. Call Jeff
Shaver at 615-330-6885 or Sheila at 615-
641-2442
Car repair you can trust. All makes and
models. Hillsboro Village and Woodbine Shell –
Member of GLBT chamber of commerce and
Diversity Builder. 10% to new customers. 615-
298-2079
CPA Services – finally a GLBT-friendly CPA!
Teresa H. Driver, CPA, for big and small companies.
Let me help you for your company’s bookkeeping.
Call Teresa at 615-758-8943
Edge of Belle Meade: “A True Salon
Experience.” 992 Davidson Drive, Ste 103,
Nashville, TN 37205. www.theedgesalon.com
Shawin’s Construction. Over 20 years
experience drywall hanging & finishing, painting,
lawn work, decks, privacy fences, plumbing,
etc. For all your construction needs, call Sherry
at 615-830-5954 – 24/7. Also emg work.
Solutions for hair loss! Hair restoration
centers of Tennessee. Dr. Dan Hale. Call today
for a free hair and scalp analysis. Johnson City,
Nashville, Knoxville. 1-800-MD- HAIRS.
GROUPS
The Butterflies. A support group for transsexuals.
1767 Mooreland Drive, Suite 126,
Clarksville, TN 37040. 1-866-248-2754 Email:
terrijocolby@aol.com
Join NAPP (Nashville Association of
Professional Persons) for its meeting the fourth
Tuesday of each month at Lowe’s Vanderbilt
Plaza. Visit www.NashvilleGLBTchamber.org
Help Mom & Dad Out! PFLAG Nashville
welcomes you, and especially your parents, the
3rd Tuesday of each month, except December.
615-366-0888 or info@pflagnashville.org for
more info.
One-In-Teen Youth Services. www.onein-teen.org.
Assisting sexual minority youth create
support & leadership for themselves and
their peers.
Community Advisory Board of the
Vanderbilt AIDS Clinical Trials Center monthly
meetings providing a forum for discussion
about the latest developments in HIV/AIDS
treatment and research locally and globally.
345 24th Avenue North, Suite 105. Nashville,
TN 37203. 615-467-0154 Ext 106. vandyactccab@bellsouth.net.
www.aidscalendar.net
HEALTH
Bradley Bullock, MD. Comfortable, compassionate,
competent care for the whole family.
Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics.
1607 Westgate Circle, Ste 200, Brentwood.
615-376-8195
Michael A. MacQuarrie, M.D. General
Practice Medicine 602 East Clark Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 615-494-3202 Open
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m.
Nashville Pharmacy Services.
Offering fast, friendly, personal service. Free
delivery & free shipping on all prescriptions.
Call 615-371-1210
Pharmacare Specialty Pharmacy.
218 20th Avenue. Nashville, TN 37203
HELP WANTED
Arbonne District manager seeks GLBTfriendly
representatives to work full/part-time in
Tennessee and Kentucky. Have fun, earn money,
and help the community. Call Vivian: 615-415-
8874
Looking for skilled electricians, dry
wallers, and plumbers for part-time work. Will
be working for licensed and bonded contractor.
For more information contact Sybil at 615-
848-7035.
Office/Housekeeper. Timberfell Lodge,
Northeast TN. Premier men’s resort. Immediate
opening for office/housekeeper. Live on property.
800-437-0118, e-mail timberfell@timberfell.com
Advertising Sales. Enormous earning
potential in highly untapped markets. Earn
commission, selling ads in Nashville, Knoxville
and Atlanta for Out & About Newspaper. Call
Jerry at 615-596-6210 or email
publisher@outandaboutnewspaper.com.
HOME FOR SALE
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – Exquisite mountain
land. 1+/- acre lots available (some lakefront)
in secluded, gated community w/ 14 acre
lake on beautiful Lookout Mountain. Call 256-
634-1134 to set up your personal showing.
NASHVILLE – convenient to downtown.
Small house in East Nashville. 2 BR/1 BA.
Washer-dryer and cable connections, custom
kitchen, fenced-in backyard. $85,500. Contact
Jeff Rymer of Village Real Estate at 615-400-
0027 or jeffrymer@villagerealestate.com

LOFTS & CONDOS
FOR SALE
Fifth and Main. Be bold. Live bold. Town
Homes, Lofts and Flats for sale. Retail and
commercial office space for lease.
www.5andM.com
Cumberland Penthouses. Make the
view a part of your day. One-, two- and threebedroom
condos available for sale. Contact
Giarratana Realty, LLC, 615.255.2034.
www.cumberlandpenthouses.com
HOME SERVICES
Elite Pest Control. Family special:
$32/mo with $85 initial fee. Limited time only.
615-833-4232. Brentwood, TN
INTERIOR DESIGN
Horizon Blinds Design Center (615)
781-0448. Graber Blinds, Shades and Drapery
Hardware. 15% off with this ad. FREE installation.
FREE consultation. 6 MONTHS same as
cash** some restrictions apply.
LEGAL SERVICES
Bart Durham, Injury Attorneys. www.bartdurham.com
615-242-9000 “justice is your
right and we demand it”
Michael J. Mills, Attorney at Law. 1130
Eighth Avenue South, Nashville, 37203.
www.mmillsatty.com E-mail: mmillsatty@aol.com
Rubenfeld & Associates. Attorneys at
Law. Serving the community since 1979.
2409 Hillsboro Road, Suite 200 Nashville, TN
37212 arubenfeld@rubenfeldlaw.com
Patricia Snyder, Attorney at Law. No
charge for initial consultation. 810 Broadway,
Ste 502, Nashville, TN 37203. 615-726-3311
MASSAGE SERVICES
Classic Touch Massage Brian Johnston,
LMT 615-714-2966 Specializing in Deep
Tissue Massage. Relaxation and sport massage
also available jbarjfarmboys@yahoo.com
Michael Manly Massage Therapy--
Licensed, Professional, Experienced--deep tissue,
relaxation, neuromuscular, sports.
Convenient Nashville studio. By appt. M-F and
most weekends. 615.578.0037
MORTGAGE/LENDERS
Home loans! 100% financing! No out-ofpocket
closing costs! Free pre-qualification!
Call Justin at LCB Home Loans at 866-955-
6268.
Real people you can trust for all your mortgage
needs. All American Mortgage can help
make buying a home fast, easy, and stress-free.
Let our experience make your dreams come
true. Call today or e-mail LaVon DuBois or
Angela Rogers at 615-885-2107. allamericanmortgage@comcast.net
Save your money – stop paying the bank!
Amazing home refinancing and new home
mortgage options available. Call or e-mail Mike
Machak & Brad Tilford at 615-460-1178.
mortgagebymike@comcast.net – Carteret
Mortgage
Got Diversity? We do! Please call on Roger
Gore at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for all your
home financing needs. He’ll get you to the closing
table on-time and stress-free. 615-347-
1821 or roger.w.gore@wellsfargo.com
PERFORMING ARTS
Nashville Ballet. www.nashvilleballet.com
615-297-2966
Nashville Opera. www.nashvilleopera.org
615-832-5242
Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
www.tpac.org 615-782-4000
Tennessee Repertory Theater.
www.tnrep.org 615-244-4878
PETS & SUPPLIES
Dizzy’s Dog Wash. Self service dog wash.
All natural foods and treats. Drop offs by appt.
512 Heather Place, Nashville. 615-463-7338.
dizzysdogwash@comcast.net
PHOTOGRAPHY
Through the Lens Gallery and Gifts.
Affordable fine art photography for home or
office. Over 40 artists exhibiting.
www.ThruTheLenseGallery.com 14 Market
Square. 865-595-4444.
PUBLICATIONS
Gay Yellow Pages. Available at OutLoud!
or visit www.gayellowpages.com to order direct.
FREE SUBSCRIPTION. Out & About
Newspaper, serving 25,000+ readers in
Nashville, Knoxville and Atlanta, delivered to
your home in a plain envelope via U.S. Mail.
Send name, address to subscriptions@outandaboutnewspaper.com
or call 615-596-6210.
REALTORS
D.L. (Debra) Smith Construction. We
build homes, not houses. 615-405-9106 (cell)
and Toni Pack, Coldwell Banker. 615-405-
9106.
CLASSIFIEDS • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 61
Kelly Can Realty Associates. Sheila
D. Barnard, Realtor 615-641-2442 sdbrealty@aol.com
Jim Bolen/Crye-Leike, Realtors bringing
buyers and sellers together 5055 Maryland
Way 615-373-3513-Office 615-371-2930-
Direct www.crye-leike.com jimbolen@comcast.net
Johnna Bailey of Bob Parks Realty. Buying
or selling … it is our family business! Mobile:
615-397-4567 jbailey@realtracs.com
Keith McDaniel, Southland GMAC Real
Estate, Fountain City/Knoxville. 865-687-
4840. Committed to excellence.
www.KeithMcDaniel.info
Need a realtor in the Knoxville area?
Johnny Daugherty, 865-591-3656. Heath
Shuler Real Estate. Office: 865-457-6699
“Just Joe” Village Real Estate. Joe Woods,
Bringing people home. See www.just-joe.com
Phone: 615-460-0085. E-mail: joe@justjoe.com
Kate Nelson. Discover the economic power of
homeownership. knelson@villagerealestate.com
Office: 615-383-6964. Mobile: 615-268-0319
Adex! Homsellers. Michael McKee, broker.
“Head and shoulders above the others.” Call me
for all your real estate needs. 615-297-7285.
www.adexhomesellers.com
Nashville Title Insurance Corporation.With
one-on-one service, we have the flexibility to
close anytime, anywhere. Phone: 615-385-
5944. 2818 Bransford Ave. Nashville
Daniel Pittman. Crye-Leike Realtors. A
passionate commitment to unsurpassed service.
615-771-6620 or cell 615-335-7583.
Daniel.pittman@crye-leike.com
Roger D. Tucker/Village Real Estate.
Making buyers and sellers dreams come true.
Cell: 615-512-2324. www.RogerDTucker.com
Steve Deasy/ERA Hillwood. Phone:615-
356-6000. Cell: 615-596-1826. sdeasy@realtracs.com
We know the market! Log on to
www.JeffRymer.com to view the best homes on
the market in Middle Tennessee. Office: 615-
321-0577 Cell: 615-400-0027
The Realty Association. Doug
Brightwell.Office: 615-385-9010. Cell: 615-
977-0929. dbrightwell@realtracs.com
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Christ Community Church - Building a
community of faith, hope and love through
Jesus Christ. 4425 Ashland City Highway
Nashville, TN 615-259-9636 Worship 10 a.m.
Sunday, Bible Study 6p.m. Wednesday
Christian Community Church of
Clarksville. Join us every Sunday at 4pm at 125
N. Riverside Drive. www.ccc-clarksville.com
The Church of the Living Water 731
South Dickerson Pike Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Church: 615-851-2345 Pastor: 615-948-
2679 revtonyandronnie@aol.com
www.churchofthelivingwater.org
Covenant of the Cross – a great
place…to call your home! 916 W Old Hickory
Blvd, Madison TN 37115. 615-316-7719
www.covenantofthecross.com
First Church Unity. 5125 Franklin Road,
Nashville, TN 37220. www.firstchurchunity.org
615-333-1323
Greater Nashville Unitarian
Universalist Congregation. A welcoming church
that’s interested in arts and music as much as
we are in you. 615-673-7699. www.gnuuc.org
Holy Trinity Community Church – an
affirming Christian community that ministers to
all people without regard to race, gender, sexual
orientation or social status. 6727 Charlotte
Pike, Nashville TN 37209. 615-837-2424
Unity Church for Positive Living. 2710 Old
Lebanon Rd, Suite 6, Nashville, TN, 37214.
615-391-5408. www.unitynashville.org
RESTAURANTS
Green Hills Grille. 1645 Westgate Circle,
Brentwood TN 37027 www.greenhillsgrille.com
615-661-4682
Jackson’s Bar & Bistro. From cocktails
to coffee, small plates to dinner – served late in
a bistro-style setting. Phone: 615-385-9968.
1800 21st Ave S. It’s time to come out!
Provence Breads & Café. Beauty is
only crust deep. It’s the taste that counts.
www.provencebreads.com
Stay out! – Rumba Rum Bar & Satay Grill.
Bar & full menu ‘til 2 a.m. In the heart of West
End. Phone: 615-321-1350
RETAIL
Bridgestone/Firestone.
www.Bridgestone-Firestone.com
McKay Used Books, CDs, DVDs, games
and more. Two great locations: 230 Papermill
Place Way, Knoxville, TN 37919. Phone: 865-
588-0331 and; 6435 Lee Highway,
Chattanooga, TN 37421. Phone: 423-892-
0067.
Natural Selections. Award winning
designs for contemporary unions. 1802 21st
Ave. S. 615-463-9919.Wed-Sat 11a.m.-6p.m.
Some Place Antiques, Collectibles,
Consignments, Estate Sales, and eBay specialist
in the East Ridge Mall, 6503 Slate Road,
Chattanooga, TN Call 423-899-9442 e-mail:
someplaceantiq@aol.com
Visual Eyes Sunglasses. Frames –
accessories – gift certificates. 2011 Murphy
Ave, Ste 602, 6th Floor, Baptist North Medical
Bldg. 320-EYES (3937)
Mr. Whisker’s Discount Wines & Liquors.
Fast, friendly service. Large spirit selection &
specialty wines. Case volume discounts. 31
White Bridge Rd. 615-353-0094.
ROOMMATES
Room for rent. $550 unfurnished or $600
furnished. All bills, W/D & home gym included.
Between 65 & 24 only 6 minutes from downtown
Nashville. Quiet, safe neighborhood with
great parking and a fun living environment. Call
615-593-1176.
SALONS
Men’s Services. Private Salon on West
End offering hair, color, shaving, waxing, chemical
peels, facials. Contact Jacob at 615-297-
3774.
Venus Envy. GLBT-owned salon in
Franklin/Williamson County area, great custom
color work. Receive 25% off on first visit when
you mention this ad. Call Gloria at 615-403-
8330.
UPHOLSTERY
Old Chair/New Chair. Upholstery and
slipcovers $75 - $150 your fabric. No pickups
or deliveries. Call Ken 615-256-3818
www.OldChairNewChair.com
VOLUNTEERS
The Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program is
asking healthy, uninfected people from all
backgrounds to help find a vaccine to prevent
HIV. You cannot get HIV from the vaccine. You
should be available for 12-18 months.
You will be compensated for your time. Call
322-HOPE (322-4673) or 1-888-559-HOPE
for more information. (www.hivvaccineresearch.com)

62 • LIVING • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006
Chocolate festival celebrates ‘sweet 16’
Staff Reports
With more than 4,000 people
devouring more than
100,000 of the finest chocolate
the world has to offer, the
16th annual Incredible Edible
Chocolate Festival will held
on April 30 from 1 to 5 p.m.
at The Factory in Franklin.
“The Chocolate Festival
benefits Outlook Nashville, a
49-year-old non-profit agency
that serves children and adults with developmental
disabilities. The Incredible Edible
Chocolate Festival is the major special
event fundraiser for the agency and is
awaited with great anticipation by Middle
Tennessee,” said Jim Robert, Outlook
Nashville development coordinator. “Our
goal this year is to raise $30,000 to enhance
and improve our facilities and programs.”
The festival is open to entries from the
public in both professional and amateur
divisions. The chocolate dessert categories
include: cakes, cookies, brownies, candies,
pies and wild card entries. Judges will be
by Curt Bucy
Book Reviewer
Richard McCann’s “Mother of
Sorrows” is a collection of previously
published short stories that are all linked
together by a family.
They are written in the first-person,
which gives the stories a memoir feel even
though they are fictional. The magic of
the stories is that they stand alone but are
magically linked by the nameless narrator
throughout all ten short stories.
The story starts in post-World War II
Washington, DC in the beginnings of
suburbia. Everything looks alike yet everything
is of course not what it seems. We
are introduced to a family who seems to
have it all, but who is hiding a secret. The
youngest son is the narrator and we learn
of his knowledge of his homosexuality
before he even knows what that means.
We are introduced to a beautiful mother
who, in her simple and elegant way,
entices her son into complete adoration, a
government official father who tries to
relate to a son he doesn’t understand, and
a brother who, in the end, turns out to
have more in common with his younger
sibling than we first suspect. Through the
complete love for his mother, the need to
please his father and earn the love and
understanding he never had and the
on hand to award the coveted
grand prize, “people choice
award” in both the amateur and
professional categories.
Outlook Nashville was founded
in 1957, by a group of individuals
who shared concern
about the lack of social opportunities
for people with disabilities.
Today, more than 150 children
and adults across Middle
Tennessee benefit from the
innovative and quality services available at
Outlook Nashville. Additionally, Outlook
Nashville offers community based outreach
programs for children and adults.
“We have high hopes that the 2006
‘Sweet 16’ Incredible Edible Chocolate
Festival will be our best one ever,” Robert
said. “Everyone has that special chocolate
dessert that is the best ever. Bring it to the
competition at The Factory for the chance
to win a People’s Choice Award.”
If you would like more information on
the event, contract Robert at devdir@outlooknashville.org
or www.outlooknashville.org.
�
‘Mother of Sorrows’ beautifully written,
poignant and stirring
desire to have
his brother with
him always, the
main character’s
life unfolds.
Through death
and sorrow, the
story evolves
and finally,
more than 30
years later, we
see the
youngest son’s end in the horizon.
“Mother of Sorrows” is one of the most
beautifully written, poignant and stirring
works I have read in a long time. The stories
seem to naturally evolve through the
writer’s wonderful way of presenting life
simply and emotionally at the same time.
I found his writing to be similar to that of
Michael Cunningham in that the story,
however complex, unfolds naturally and
through likeable and emotional characters.
“Mother of Sorrows” is available at local
bookstores, online and at the Nashville
Public Library. �
“Mother of Sorrows”
By Richard McCann
Pantheon Books, 196 pp., $20.00
Curt can be reached at
curt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006 • 63

64 • OUT & ABOUT NEWSPAPER • APRIL, 2006