O&AN June 2011

MAINSTAGE

LINEUP Knowing Me Knowing You Jonny McGovern

AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST KIMBERLY CALDWELL

God窶電es & She Leslie Dysinger The Worsties Kat Graham

PREPARE FOR PRIDE Pride Awards Events Lists

PHOTO RECAP

Festival Story To-do Guide Sponsors Listings

FESTIVAL MAP PAGE 24 JUNE 2011

VOLUME 10 I ISSUE 6

need an attorney

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Patricia Snyder Attorney-at-Law The Law Office of Patricia L. Snyder 2401 White Avenue / Nashville TN 37204 615.279.4411 phone / 615.523.1179 fax pat@psnyderlaw.com / www.patriciasnyderlaw.com NO CHARGE FOR INITIAL CONSULTATION ALL PHONE CALLS PROMPTLY RETURNED General Practice, Landlord-Tenant Law, Personal Injury

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Nashville Pride makes great strides

A successful renaissance in recent years has paved the way for the biggest, best Pride Festival yet

by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

After the 2008 Nashville Pride festival, the organization stood $35,000 in debt and in danger of folding completely. But in the past three years, a team of Music City’s leading GLBT supporters have banded together to stimulate an impressive creative and financial renaissance.

According to Jack Davis, President of Nashville Pride and festival director from 2009-2010, that major turnaround now bodes well for what promises to be the biggest festival to date. Davis joined Nashville Pride in October 2008, and he’s been a firsthand witness to the winning transformation that Nashville Pride has experienced since its low point. Cost cutting measures and sponsorship commitments have contributed to the surge in organizational funds.

“Each year the festival costs around $80,000 to produce,” Davis says. “The organization has been cutting budgets and working with sponsors, the city, and other organizations to grow the festival without increasing the overall cost to produce it.”

In 2010, a $5 attendance fee was instituted to offset some of the costs in producing the festival. Although going forward in the first place was a gamble – “The board took a big risk putting on the festival,” Davis says – it proved to be the catalyst for even greater successes in the last season.

In addition to a full slate of summertime activities such as the annual Pride Pageant and the popular Roller Disco event, the Pride board have developed a consistent and eclectic rotation of events that draw attention to their cause year-round. “ Prior to the 2009 festival, the board felt it was important for the organization to maintain a presence throughout the year,” Davis says. “New events were added each month and the number of Pride related events increased with a lot of support from the community. While many of the events are fundraisers for Pride, they are also great community builders between (the city’s) GLBT organizations.”

The board presented a number of events for the 2010-2011 year, including: Cosmos & Costumes – a Halloween party with tasty cocktails and fun contests.

2 Chefs/2 Visions – a dinner hosted by Cha Chah and featuring Top Chef contestants Arnold Myint and Tracey Bloom.

Martinis & Jazz – an evening of hors d’oeuvres, elegant music and a popular silent auction.

All of these entertainment events are made possible by a dedicated group of individuals who offer their time and talents pro bono. Since Nashville Pride is organized solely by unpaid volunteers, the importance of their contributions can not be understated.

“On average it takes over 100 volunteers to put on a successful festival,” Davis notes. “Volunteers come from all walks of life, and many are allies or mother/son duos.”

Another major adjustment for the festival was the move from Centennial Park to the more prominent digs at Riverfront Park. That change in scenery helped attract nearly 18,000 visitors to the 2010 festival. What’s that old saying? Location, location, location.

“The Riverfront Park location helps encourage visitors, tourists, and other Tennesseans to walk through the festival,” Davis says. “The festival is the largest setup that takes place at Riverfront Park each year.”

Relationships among the GLBT organizations may be a key factor in continued progress, but just as important is the organization’s outreach to a more mainstream audience. Although triumphs in the political sphere have been few and far between in 2011, local business support still exists and extends Nashville Pride’s message of inclusiveness.

“A major focus for the organization over the past couple years has been building relationships throughout the community,” Davis says. “The city of Nashville and downtown businesses, most notably Hard Rock Café, Metro Human Relations, and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, have all stepped up to ensure the festival continues to grow. The 2011 festival looks to be the biggest festival yet, with over 100 vendors, and three stages.”

The following individuals were new Nashville Pride board members during the 2010-2011 year: Christy Ikner, Tony Barrow, Teryl Brake, Robert Vaughan. They joined returning board members Jack Davis, Jason Hunt, Jenn Garrett, Joey Leslie, Keith Hinkle, Joseph Woodson, Joey Brown and MAC.

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JUNE 2011

Nashville Pride Festival sponsor: Hallmark Volkswagen

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

The Brooks Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee invites you to Nashville’s party destination

Presented by Bridgestone-Firestone and Bacon & Caviar Gourmet Catering

AuGusT 12 7pm-11pm Lane Motor Museum Nashville Proceeds enable The Brooks Fund to support Middle Tennessee nonprofit programs that encourage understanding and acceptance of gay and lesbian citizens and enhance the quality of life for Nashville’s GLBT community.

Get your tickets at,

www.thebrooksfund.org stop by The Brooks Fund booth at Nashville Pride Festival for giveaways and more information!

The 2011 Nashville Pride Festival will include a highprofile supporter in the automotive industry.

Hallmark Volkswagen has signed up as a sponsor for this year’s celebration. One of the only dealers in the area selling 2010 new Volkswagens and used Volkswagens, Hallmark serves customers in Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Hendersonville, Madison and Cool Springs.

All locations include a large inventory of new and used VW cars, wagons, vans and SUVs. George Oeser, a salesperson for Hallmark Volkswagen, said that he hopes the partnership with Nashville Pride will advance acceptance in Nashville.

“I think it’s good for employees and good for the community to show that we respect and support (the festival),” he says. “It’s important that you have a relatively well-known local business that’s willing to sponsor.”

Given recent political arguments about gay rights in the workplace, Oeser believes that businesses who commit to the cause can greatly influence the city’s economic culture.

“The LGBT community needs these businesses, these sponsors like Bridgestone, Hallmark (Volkswagen) and Cracker Barrel,” he says. “With what they’re saying in the State legislature now, this is important. I hope (the sponsorship) will make other businesses take a closer look.”

The seeds of this partnership were planted in an unlikely

location: East Nashville’s Foo Bar. Oeser, a former car salesman, was recently employed as a bartender at the popular Gallatin Road establishment. In November 2010, friend and frequent patron Aaron Hendrickson asked Oeser about his career plans and encouraged him to return to car sales.

“He asked if I’d be interested in selling cars again, and I said ‘Yes, but Hallmark needs to be involved in the Pride Festival’,” Oeser says. “He was a little surprised by that. I was thinking we could just rent out a booth at the festival, but now here we are.”

In February 2011, just three months after that conversation, Nashville Pride announced Hallmark Volkswagen as a presenting sponsor of this year’s festival. The reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive.

“The response has been pretty great,” Oeser says. “It’s pretty amazing. We manage a Facebook account for all the stores, and there’s not been one negative comment.”

Hallmark Volkswagen’s outspoken support for Nashville Pride and the LGBT community at large is not just a public display of affection. Since his tenure with the company began last winter, Oeser notes that new internal policies will extend domestic partnership benefits to employees, and the company’s non-discrimination statement has been amended to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

“We hope people will join in on the fun and have a great time,” Oeser says. “But we also want to move forward (with gay rights).”

Nashville Pride Festival host: Bridgestone

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. returns as a host for this year’s Nashville Pride.

“Bridgestone not only values diversity in our business, but also in our communities,” said Michael Fluck, director of brand and retail development for Bridgestone Firestone.

“Our company has a long history of supporting both local and national charities and events that promote diversity; we are proud to return as a sponsor of the Nashville Pride Festival and continue to support its important mission.”

Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc., includes all North America manufacturing and retail operations for the

Bridgestone group. In recent years, the company has made large advances in LGBT rights. In 2008’s Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI), they featured as the only tire company ranked on the list.

Bridgestone has marketed heavily, locally and nationally, spending millions of dollars in promoting their products to the GLBT community. The company has also provided corporate sponsorships for local events such as Nashville Pride, Unpredictable Fashion Show and the annual Human Rights Campaign Nashville Dinner.

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Nashville Pride celebrates local leaders, activists and volunteers New awards to be presented at Pride Rocks! Pre-Party June 16

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

Nashville Pride will honor several local community leaders with new awards on Thursday, June 16, at the Pride Rocks! Pre-Party hosted by the Hard Rock Cafe.

The Mark Middleton/Bianca Paige Pride Volunteer Award will be awarded to Keith Hinkle and MAC, two pride volunteers who embody Mark Middleton’s passion for and commitment to the GLBT community and Nashville’s annual Pride Festival.

Middleton, who passed away on June 4, 2010, and was perhaps best known as Bianca Paige “The Pantomime Rage,” donated his time and talents to many GLBT groups including Nashville Pride, Nashville CARES, Vanderbilt’s HIV Vaccine Trials, Vanderbilt Children with AIDS, The Conductors, Human Rights Campaign and the Comprehensive Care Center. He also served as spokesperson for “The Bianca Paige Awareness Network,” an organization dedicated to AIDS awareness and prevention.

The Mark Manasco Community Service award will be given to the board of

directors of OutCentral Community Center, who demonstrate Mark Manasco’s devotion to community service and GLBT organizations. Manasco, who passed away this year on January 12, was a long-time member of the choral group Nashville in Harmony and a board member of the Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce.

Nashville Pride awards Heather Thomsen with the Pride Rising Star award for her outstanding efforts and dedication to the success of the June 18 festival and Pride’s mission to educate and maintain a sense of pride, community and awareness of, about and for GLBT people and culture in Middle Tennessee.

Nashville Pride will also be honoring Mike Curb with the Ally Award for his stance at Belmont and his history of inclusion, thoughtfulness, and fairness in his business and the community Visit nashvillepride.org/blog to read more about each of the award recipients.

Regional PRIDE Festivals

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

Nashville PRIDE

Memphis Black Pride Knoxville Pride Fest

Nashville, TN nashvillepride.org June 18, 2011

Memphis, TN www.blackmemphis.org June 16-19, 2011

Knoxville, TN knoxvillepridefest.org June 25, 2011

movers. shakers. well, actually just shakers.

the

Mid-South Pride Memphis, TN midsouthpride.org October 15, 2011

Chattanooga Pride Festival

Nashville Black Pride

Chattanooga, TN tennesseevalleypride.com October

Nashville, TN www.brothersunited.com October 28-30, 2011

andrews

shaker c o l l e c t i o n T h r o u g h

A u g u S T

2 1 ,

2 0 1 1

Downtown Nashville fristcenter.org 615-244-3340 Members/Youth 18 and under FREE

Gather Up the Fragments is organized by Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, MA and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C. Funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Oval Boxes, Mount Lebanon, NY and Canterbury, NH, ca. 1840. Andrews Collection, Hancock Shaker Village. Photo by Michael Fredericks

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PHONE/FAX

JUNE 2011

615-596-6210

outandaboutnewspaper.com 617 Hart Lane, Nashville, TN 37206

Nashville Pride, Inc. | PO Box 330931 | Nashville, Tennessee 37203 | 615.650.6736

ADMINISTRATION

Jerry Jones, PUBLISHER

Welcome to Pride Month!

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Ryan Huber, WEBMASTER rhuber@outandaboutnewspaper.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sam Jones, Allen McAlister, Anita Moyt, Scott Eldredge, Michael Kimmel, Ellen Angelico, Jessica Coggins, Brent Collins, Lora Stevenson Obrohta, Jessica Gibson, and Victor Stepien SALES

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Rivendale Media, 212-242-6863 1248 Route 22 West, Mountainside NJ 07092 Pride Turnabout Cover Photo: Sid Niazi Out & About Newspaper strives to be a credible community news organization by engaging and educating our readers. All content of Out & About Newspaper is copyrighted 2008 by Out & About Nashville, Inc. and is protected by federal copyright law and shall not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. All photography is licensed stock imagery or has been supplied unless otherwise credited to a photographer and may not be reproduced without permission.

The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representations does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of the person or persons.

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

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

On behalf of the entire Pride Board and Committees, welcome to the 23rd annual Nashville Pride Festival. The all-volunteer board has been working since the close of last year’s festival to bring you an action-packed exciting Pride Month and Festival.

This year’s festival returns to Riverfront Park for the third consecutive year. The city of Nashville, including the Mayor’s office and Convention and Visitors Bureau, has been big a supporter of the growing festival. The Riverfront location has been key to our success over the past two years. The visibility and increased support from sponsors continues to help us provide a better festival for the entire community.

The 2011 festival will feature three stages with all-day entertainment, mobile food vendors and street performers. In all, 100 vendors will be participating.

Our mission is to maintain a sense of community and awareness for and about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and culture throughout Middle Tennessee. This year, influential leaders and citizens of Nashville stood up and passed important laws to protect the rights of the GLBT community and that alone should give us something to celebrate. As a community we must work together and work with our allies to continue improving the lives of all Middle Tennesseans.

First, we want to extend a special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Hallmark Volkswagen.

Their involvement with this event has provided us the opportunity to offer a wide range of entertainment to festival attendees.

The festival could not take place without the support of our many sponsors including Tribe and Play Dance Bar, Bridgestone, Cracker Barrel, Vanderbilt Law School, Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce, Svedka, Bud Light, XO Communications, Dresher & Sharp PC, Out & About Newspaper and many more. See them all on our festival map on page 24 & 25 of the Pride Guide and be sure to reciprocate the support they’ve given to the GLBT community.

Jack Davis President Nashville Pride

JUNE 2011

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HOLY TRINITY CELEBRATES 0A-2P 1 5 2 JUNE

PRIDE! WITH NASHVILLE

We'll see you at the Riverfront June 18...and then join us at the church June 25 as we celebrate our Families!

Holy Trinity Community Church Family Pride Event. June 25, 10AM-2PM. WILL INCLUDE: Karaoke, Bouncy House, Inflatable Slide & Obstacle Course, Face Painting, Carnival Games, Volleyball, Live Entertainment at 11:00, Crafts, "Youth Cave" access to Wii and other games. PARKING & EVENT ARE FREE. Food Vendors will be available for the option to buy lunch or feel free to bring a picnic.

Sunday Services: 8:55, 10:15 & 11:35

www.HolyTrinityCommunityChurch.com 6727 charlotte pike

nashville, tn 37209

615.352.3838

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JUNE 2011

Memphis celebrates 17th annual Black Pride June 16-19 event includes contests, giveaways and free food

by ANITA MOYT, CONTRIBUTING WRITER amoyt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

The official 17th Annual Memphis Black Pride celebration is set for Thursday, June 16 through Sunday, June 19. This year’s theme is “Welcome to Sin City - what happens at Pride STAYS at Pride!”

On Thursday, festivities begin at 901 Entertainment Complex (136 Weaver) with male and female dancers. On Friday, mix and mingle at “Poker Face” at the host hotel, Holiday Inn Select - Memphis Airport (2240 Democrat Road) from 4-8 p.m. Later, 901 treats the girls to “Burlesque,” featuring female dancers, wet T-shirt

ATTN: ADVERTISERS We are now offering video commercial space prior to newsreels at outandaboutnewspaper.com.

contest and surprises all night long! And “Boys Behaving Badly” offers the guys male dancers, sexy underwear contest and more.

On Saturday, join Lady Bug in the host hotel for A Sin City Social with free food, giveaways and more, beginning at 11 a.m. At 4 p.m., cool off at the Toga Pool Party in the host hotel, featuring contests for best toga, sexy body and, of course, J-Setter competitions.

The party continues into the night at 901 with an all diva revue, hosted

by Chicago’s own Otis Mack and featuring Coco LaBelle Thomas, the 901 divas and many special guests.

On Sunday, it is time to party at the park! Bring your tents and your grills and enjoy the day and music provided by D J Hanz. The location is to be determined. Finally, represent your house at the Casino Royale Mini Ball at 901.

Categories and details are available at www.MemphisBlackPride.org.

Contact our sales manager, Jason Dargavell at 615.596.6210 for advertising opportunities.

WHY ADVERTISE WITH US? Out & About Newspaper reaches 20,000 unique web users monthly and is distributed in print at over 150 locations statewide.

FOR A FULL PRINT DISTRIBUTION LIST

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Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Brandon Teeftaller, APN specializing in brief therapy & medication management crisis and evening appointments available all patients welcome including adolescents and adults most insurance accepted including Medicare

Out & About Newspaper is Tennessee’s best GLBT source for news in print, on TV, and on the web.

2011 Ashwood Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37212 615 | 383.4694

JUNE 2011

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Announcing the 2011-12 HCA/TriStar Broadway at TpAc Season:

September 27 – October 2, 2011

November 15-20, 2011

February 7-12, 2012

March 20-25, 2012

shows n o s a e s ix s ll a See 50! tpac.org/broadway for less than $1 615-782-6560

or 1-800-410-4216 (M – F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

TPAC Box Office (Downtown or inside The Mall at Green Hills) Groups of 20 or more call 615-782-4060

2011-12 HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC Season is sponsored in part by:

January 3-8, 2012

May 1-6, 2012

N 2011-12 SEASO

Some shows may contain adult language and content. Memphis contains mature subject matter. As always, we encourage you to contact TPAC directly for more specifics. Artists, schedules and show titles are subject to change.

PLUS, receive priority seating for 2011-12 BrOAdwAy SpEciAlS including the return of Wicked, Nashville’s most popular musical!

20pE1c1iA-1l2S: S

October 19 – November 6, 2011

January 27-28, 2012

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Specialist in LGBTQ Concerns Please see website for other areas of specialization

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Candid camera

Documentary film ‘This Is What Love in Action Looks Like,’ based on a Memphis man’s coming–out announcement, gains national attention

by ANITA MOYT, CONTRIBUTING WRITER amoyt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

?

16-year-old Zach Stark’s blog entry first hit the Internet on colored signs that caught the local media’s attention, and May 29, 2005. Zach, wanting to be open with his parents, had ultimately the attention of the nation and even the world. shared with them his same-sex desires.

“Something was registering with the larger population,” That blog entry got a lot of attention from a number of Fox says. “Certainly it was a collective effort. The national people, including Memphis resident Morgan Jon Fox. With his media started paying attention. It was a wild fire that began to ever-present video camera, Fox and friends suddenly were part spread at that point. Love In Action was symbolic of a very big of an event that took on a life of its own. issue.... It was a target of homophobia.”

“I just really wanted to tell them.

This is What Love In Action I wanted them to know so it was out Looks Like will be premiered at there...I wanted them to know so the Frameline 35 San Francisco that I didn’t feel like I was hiding International LGBT Film Festival myself from them, because they’re my from June 16-26. Fox explains that it parents,” Stark said in This is What was an arduous process for the film to Love in Action Looks Like, a new receive such an audience. documentary film directed by Fox. “Well, I’ve been looking at film Zach’s honesty led to his fests I wanted to debut the film at,” unwilling participation in Love he explains. “You submit and have in Action’s Refuge program, a to wait months to hear back from fundamentalist faith-based adolescent them. I heard back from Frameline program, AKA “straight camp,” (the producers of the event); they’ve as Zach’s friend Eileen Townsend always rejected me before.”

Memphis-born Zach Stark is the subject of Morgan Jon Fox's new referred to it in the film.

“San Francisco is the largest documentary, "This Is What Love in Action Looks Like," an in-depth examination of gay conversion therapy. Photo by Morgan Jon Fox. Fox read Zach’s blog entry attended GLBT film fest; it gets and was moved to action. “I was pretty shocked when I saw press,” Fox continued. “Other fests look to it for films. There the blog entry,” Fox says. “I saw the story about it totally is a trickledown effect. It is a great place to start. Plus there is unexpectedly. E. J. Friedman had written about it on his blog. representation from lots of major distributors, television, online Immediately everything else in my life just stopped. I was sites, etc. It will put the film on stage where it will be viewed very fortunate; I had the whole summer off and had a flexible and offered.” schedule so I was able to dedicate my time to organize and be However, the business aspect of the film’s success is not a part of this. Of course, I thought of when I was younger. We Fox’s ultimate goal for the documentary.

(Zach and Fox) both went to White Station High School. I was “Our goal is to be viewed by as many people as possible able to call others from White Station; they were already aware to have the largest impact,” Fox said. “I want it to be seen by of it when I called them about it. They said we are thinking as many people as possible to create a dialogue to see what about protests. My response was, ‘Absolutely.’ It hit home and happened here. People will see it and go on and stand up for pulled on my heart strings and had an impact.” their friends.”

Fox explained how the internet blogs, combined with In a surprising turn of events, Love in Action’s executive the grassroots effort in Memphis, drew attention to Zach’s director John Smid had a change of heart about his life’s work. plight, detailed in his 2005 blog entry, which told how he was That transformation is described in the film. devastated with being placed at the facility by his parents.

“My, that was really shocking to me,” Fox says. “Smid “Strategically, Friedman and Chris Davis (writer for The was our enemy; the person to target. Chants were directed Memphis Flyer) were part of a blogging community, a political at him. I requested a meeting with Smid to have direct blogosphere that was national,” Fox says. “They spread it on communication, a challenge. I had an agenda to prove I was the Internet whereas me and my friends and Zach’s friends right. were connected on a ground level.”

However, during that meeting with Smid, I let my guard “Local community, non-activists, regular everyday people down and told him about my life... I was a happy gay person, saw injustice and stood up,” Fox continues. “(It was) like stable, in a relationship. I did not debate him. The meeting someone picking on their friends and they said, ‘No this isn’t ended and we went on our way.” going to happen.’ It was done out of love and hope and with However, Fox sustained contact with Love in Action and messages of positivity.”

Smid.“I continued attending open meetings at Love In Action, It was those young people, the parents, the homosexuals to check on them,” Fox said. and the heterosexuals, the everyday people holding up handCANDID continued on page 19

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JUNE 2011

Class dismissed

Sen. Stacey Campfield explains genesis behind ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

by VICTOR STEPIEN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER vstepien@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Much decried by the LGBT community in Tennessee, the SB0049 bill introduced by Senator Stacey Campfield, proposes to leave out any mention of homosexuality in classrooms up to ninth grade in all public schools. Beyond the hue and cry, comfort may be found in the fact that this bill will not be applicable to private education across Tennessee, nor will it impinge upon any curricula for teenagers over the age of 15.

Still, concerns about its ramifications for teachers

and students alike may appear legitimate. For Sen. Campfield, however, “[his] bill is neutral. A teacher shall not speak in favor or against your chosen lifestyle.

I do not think someone's sexual preference is relevant in the education of a 7- or even a 12-year-old.”

Asked about the concern raised by some that this legislation would bury public school teachers in the closet, for fear of dismissal if the truth were to be made public, he opines, “I see no reason why a teacher’s

sexuality should ever be an issue unless the teacher decided to make it part of the curricula. In fact, it could stop a similar situation to where a Memphis teacher outed a gay couple to a school and then called the students' parents and chastised them.”

In all fairness, Sen. Campfield seems to be standing by the conservative principle that turning down the volume on issues seen as controversial by some will avoid uncalled-for aggravation. Moreover, when I asked him about whether he thinks this might lead to further gay bullying in schools, he retorts, “In Tennessee we already have antibullying legislation. I was one of the original co-sponsors when it passed three or so years ago.

All students should be free of bullying, none should be considered a 'special' class entitled to ‘special treatment.’ That, to me, is the acme of discrimination.”

Still, when faced with the recent case of a student at Messiah College in Pennsylvania who was harassed for being gay despite anti-harassment provisions in their code of ethics, Sen. Campfield remains silent. While similar incidents could occur – and probably have – in public schools, a naive optimism in man's heart that disregards discrimination seems to rule the day.

Sen. Campfield's perspective rests upon a heteronormative rostrum. While it would seem common sense to leave out any talk of sexuality in children's education, the bill seems to promote it as long as it is between a man and a woman.

“The reason I left heterosexuality in the bill was to stop silly lawsuits where activists try and ban the words ‘mother and father’ as an endorsement of heterosexuality or make it so a teacher could no longer teach the basics of reproduction without fear of a lawsuit,” Sen. Campfield explains.

Yet beyond sexuality, affection may be more relevant to the realm of childhood. Asked about why homosexual affection may be inappropriate for teachers to talk about, he declined to comment.

Ultimately, Sen. Campfield’s bill follows in the wake of a recent effort by conservatives to overhaul the public school system, most recently with Bill Frist's SCORE in Nashville and Mike Huckabee’s Learning Our History cartoons at a national level. Sen. Campfield’s effort is simply a socially conservative take in this wind of change.

Perhaps most importantly, it remains to be seen whether his bill will influence the way private schools are run, or whether the forces of the free market, whose consumers include same-sex families, will prevail.

JUNE 2011

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A historical perspective on the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill Two historians, Lillian Faderman and Ian Lekus, discuss Sen. Stacey Campfield’s legislation

by VICTOR STEPIEN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER vstepien@outandaboutnewspaper.com

For two of the nation’s most renowned LGBT historians, Lillian Faderman and Ian Lekus, Senator Campfield’s bill may not be as harmless as some might think. Dr. Lillian Faderman, author of many books including Surpassing the Love of Men and Odd Bird and Twilight Lovers, believes there is “a moral obligation to tell the truth.’’

Similarly, Dr. Ian Lekus, a History Professor at Harvard University who specializes in LGBT history, thinks the bill encourages a “dishonest’’ behavior on the part of educators.

“Ending prejudice is multi-generational work,” he says. “But one critical step towards creating an LGBT-affirming culture is being honest about all the LGBT people in our history books, the LGBT characters in our literature, etc. Visibly including LGBT people in the diverse landscape of our culture is critical to reassuring LGBT youth that they are just as valued members of our society as anyone else.’’

Both historians seem to agree that the bill is not the right path to take when it comes to curtailing bullying.

“Statistics show that LGBT youth often grow up in confusion and depression because of societal rejection inside the classroom,” Dr. Faderman explains. “I believe that for them to know that the role models they admire were gay, for example Walt Whitman or Willa Cather, will reduce the likelihood of suicides among LGBT youth. Similarly, when heterosexual students realize the people they admire were gay, they will be less likely to bully other children for being gay.’’

Dr. Lekus adds, “Moreover, bullies thrive on the assumption that they can get away with harassment and violence without being challenged, and that their victims are isolated and alone. LGBT-inclusive curricula, along with anti-bullying policies and legislation, will help rob bullies of their power to intimidate, as we make it clear that all people are valued regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.’’

Asked when students should be taught that a given historical figure was LGBT, Dr. Faderman says, “whenever those people come up in class.”

“We are not talking about the graphic details of what they did in their bedrooms,” she adds. “We are talking about their identities

as gay and lesbian human beings. Young children should know about close, loving, lifetime bonds with people of the same sex. This is not about the genital component.’’

Dr. Lekus echoes those sentiments: “We don’t have a minimum age when students learn that historical figures were heterosexual, so why should there be

a fixed age when students learn that some of our forefathers and foremothers were LGBT? Without question, students need age-appropriate curricula, but our youth are a lot smarter and more clever than this bill’s sponsors presume, and this measure patronizes our youth rather than protects them.’’

Read more at outandaboutnewspaper.com

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JUNE 2011

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nashville pride month event listings

THERE’S POWER IN OUR PRIDE.

Pride Fashion Show

Please participate in the largest Gay & Lesbian Community Survey in history, and help demonstrate the growing Power in Our Pride.

06/04/11 Mad Donna's, Nashville

Everyone who completes the survey by June 15, 2011 will be entered into a drawing to win one of

Pride Roller Disco

Please take the survey today, and tell your friends!

06/08/11 Brentwood Skate Center, Brentwood

Nashville in Harmony at TPAC 06/09/11 TPAC - James K. Polk Theater, Nashville

Bowling Event Benefit for HRC and Nashville Pride 06/10/11 Hillwood Strike & Spare, Nashville

walk with mayor dean 06/11/11 Percy Warner Park/Mossy Ridge Trail, Nashville

Nashville Pride Pageant 06/12/11 Play Dance Bar, Nashville

Pride Rocks!

06/16/11 Hard Rock Cafe Reverb Room, Nashville

official Pride weekend Kick-off 06/17/11 Tribe/Play, Nashville

Nashville Pride Festival 06/18/11 Riverfront Park, Nashville

official Pride after party 06/18/11 Tribe/Play, Nashville

PROUD - showing our colors, benefit for Nashville Pride and Bianca Page Awareness Network 06/19/11 Play Dance Bar, Nashville

Our 2010 survey had 45,000 respondents from over 100 countries!

outandaboutnewspaper.com About the Gay & Lesbian Community Survey® : Tremendous strides toward full equality have been achieved by our communities over the past decade. There’s Power in Our Pride. Power to make a difference!

Gay and lesbian survey studies have opened doors (and minds) in leading corporations and organizations, which in turn have recognized the value of their LGBT employees through the establishment of equal hiring policies been a catalyst, leading to sweeping changes in political and social inclusivity. y absent until recently, we now see a growing variety of a products and services represented in gay media, celebrating our diversity. Ads keep LGBT publications and websites in business, serving their communities with independent news and information.

Beyond simply advertising, though, these companies support us in many ways, including sponsoring community events and funding community-based charities in order to earn our loyalty.

Taking an annual pulse on market trends through surveys helps demonstrate the LGBT positive change.

We respect your privacy. All personal survey data is held securely by Community Marketing, Inc., a gay-owned and opern San Francisco, and will not be sold to third parties or used for marketing purposes. CMI Gay Market Research + Development LabTM

Lesbian Market Research + Development LabTM

® 2011 Community Marketing, Inc., 584 Castro St. #834, San Francisco CA 94114 USA www.CommunityMarketingInc.com Gay & Lesbian Community Survey and Gay & Lesbian Consumer Index are trademarks of Community Marketing, Inc.

outandaboutnewspaper.com

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Birthday

APRIL 3, 1989

NASHVILLE

Current Town

Nashville, Tennessee Profession

CUSTOMER SERVICE Zodiac ID

ARIES

William Andrew patterson

Hometown

Jackson, TENNESSEE

JUNE 2011

One item that you never leave home without: My cell phone.

I feel most confident when: I am on the dancefloor. I’m a professional hip-hop dancer so music lights me up like nothing else.

What’s your favorite food: Anything Italian & Breakfast Food.

My greatest acheivement has been: Helping support my family and raise my little brother while continuing to create new life experiences for myself.

What do you hope your next greatest achievement will be: I want to start a successful career in the performance industry, whether it be as a model, a dancer, or any other art form. I want to reinvent the way people view art as a whole and show them something they have never seen before. Expect the unexpected.

Boxers or briefs: Trunks. Enough coverage to hold it all in but small enough to keep it sexy!

If you won $1 million (tax free) and had to give half of it away, who would you give it to: My mom. She has raised me to be the best man I can be and I have no idea what I would do without her. She’s my hero.

Photo by: Ethan James

ALWAYS SEEKING

NEW PLAYERS

Congratulations

NO EXPERIENCE

NECCECARY

ALL SHAPES

& SIZES WELCOME

COME VISIT US

AT NASHVILE

PRIDE

on winning CaBlE’s ‘PowEr of inClusion’ award

Sold By Cole.net The key to your real estate needs...

Nicole A. Coppersmith, ABR

$500 from every sale donated to Helping Healing Hearts

(615) 300-8809 soldbycole@aol.com

Forest Hills Realtors 2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite 202B Nashville, TN 37215 (615) 383-8880

Joyce D. Peacock, EA, CFP 2723 Berrywood Drive Nashville, TN 37204 615/783-0050 peacockfinancial@bellsouth.net

JUNE 2011

outandaboutnewspaper.com

Drop by our booth at the

JUNE 18,2011 NASHVILLE PRIDE FESTIVAL

to join and get a 15 month membership for the price of 12!

Welcomes You To Nashville!

Membership in Nashville’s GLBT Chamber of Commerce is open to any individual or business.

You can join for as little as $75* a year!

Mark your calendars!

July 17, 2011 For our Wildly Unpredictable Fashion Show Held at Play Dance Bar - 1519 Church Street, Nashville TN 37203 Food and Silent Auction 5:30 p.m.

Show and Surprises 7:00 p.m. $25 in advance for General Admisson $30 at the door for General Admisson $60 VIP Admission Join or renew your membership at the Chamber’s Pride booth and get up to 4 discounted tickets to Wildly Unpredictable! ($10 off general admission tickets and $20 off VIP - limited availability)

*Individual member cost; Students and Not-For-Profits receive a discount, see website for details.

We encourage you to patronize and support our members!

For a complete listing of chamber members visit: www.NashvilleGLBTchamber.org

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HOPE

TAKES

ACTION

Pride Guide.indd 1

JUNE 2011

More than 1,000 people in Nashville and 30,000 around the world have volunteered for an HIV vaccine study.

Call: 615.322.HOPE (615.322.4673)

or visit: hivvaccineresearch.com Help end HIV. Volunteers will be compensated for their time. You cannot contract HIV from the vaccine.

5/16/11 5:10 PM

JUNE 2011

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CANDID continued from page 11 “We (Fox and Smid) kept meeting. We were having conversations. We were talking about where we came from.

Because that is the way we related, he saw things from a different perspective. He had only met gay people who were in crisis and had not seen anyone from a happy perspective.

So, from my perspective I learned it was best not to be judgmental and have a hardcore agenda because you are not going to hear them or be vulnerable or be yourself.”

Smid ultimately resigned his position at Love in Action.

“He offered an apology letter after he left Love In Action from his perspective and wanted to start to communicate with people,” Fox said. “He realized he had emotionally damaged others and wanted to say he was sorry.I even got criticism from people who had been through Love In Action, saying I wasn’t one who was damaged by him since I didn’t

go through Love in Action. I had to step back, but John continued with open blogs.” “(Smid) recently wrote a blog speaking toward how there is this false judgment toward the gay community,” continued Fox. “...the ex-gay movements were all criticizing him. They said he was wrong and stopped communicating with him. It is sad how all these people were turning on him, where he was their former leader. He opened up and now he is criticized; it is fascinating for sure.”

According to Fox, Smid will be attending the film’s premiere in San Francisco. “I feel very proud of the film and what everyone else did to make it possible,” Fox said. “From coming out to protest, people standing up to tell their story on film, and people who made the film.”

The trailer for the film can be seen on YouTube and at www.loveinactionmovie.com.

Timberfell odge L

2240 Van Hill Road Greeneville, TN 37745 Lodge: (423) 234-0833 Toll-Free: (800) 437-0118 www.timberfell.com

Talking can help.

Entering the gates of Timberfell, you feel its spells immediately.

The sensation intensifies as you drive past a meadow dotted with tents and RVs. Men are everywhere, enjoying the pool complex, with hot tub and sauna. The road continues into the hollow, passing a willowdraped pond, and then opens at the lodge itself. It is a three-story stone and log house, with a colorful mixture of eclectic and antique furnishings. Steep ridges rise on three sides, so close you can almost touch them. You feel safe in this gay world apart, and the mood is both reflected and reinforced by the attentive staff. You will be greeted by owners/innkeepers Bill and Steve. Hospitality is home here.

UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS

Out In America

June 9 – 12 Camp Bear 2011 Timberfell’s own 3rd Annual Bear Event!!

Brought to you by Bear Patrol, BearFilms, and TimBears. This fur-friendly event provides special cocktail mixers, pool parties, cookouts, t-shirt vendors, and after hour parties.

The 6th annual Mr. TimBear contest will be held in conjunction with this event.

All attendees must register for the run at www.campbear.net and then book lodging reservations at Timberfell Lodge.

July 29 – 31

June 23 - 25

Last year’s competition was the hottest ever with more than 15 men competing for cash, lodging prizes and the coveted title of Mr. Timberfell. This is a big weekend with great parties and music. Book early to get your choice of rooms. Interested contestants call our office or email us for details.

Trailer Trash / Sordid Lives Weekend 6th Annual Brother Boy Boozey Bash in the RV Park, Trashiest Campsite/RV, Trailer Park Tour of Homes, Redneck Golf Cart Parade, and more. Join us for a fun filled weekend featuring this great satire movie of the South.

July 15 – 17

Domination 2011: The Leather Experience Special Guest Hosts: Western North Carolina-Asheville Leathermen Cocktail/social mixers. Friday night Straps ‘n Chaps Party and Saturday Black-Out Party.

August 12 – 14 Mr. Timberfell 10th Annual Competition

Uniform-Fetish Weekend/ Gryphons Deliverance 2011 Run

August 26 – 28

Military, cop, fireman, biker, latex or rubber …we want you here! On Saturday night, the Tavern is the place to be to show off your duds! After-hours Black-Out Party in the Backroom.

Country music and men in Wranglers!

Cowpoke Ho-Down on Saturday night at The Tavern. Dust off your hats boys and get back on that horse... it’s going to be long, hard ride!

Cowboys ‘n Boots Weekend

An uplifting collection of unique and inspiring stories from gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.

Sunday, June 12 @ 8:30 PM Nashville Public Television

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Bianca Paige

JUNE 2011

JUNE 2011

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In perfect harmony

Middle Tennessee chorus Nashville in Harmony concludes successful season

by ERIC TYSON, CONTRIBUTING WRITER etyson@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Nashville in Harmony (NiH) is hitting the road once again. As part of their spring 2011 concert season entitled “A Home for Us All,” Middle Tennessee’s only city chorus comprised of GLBT people and their friends will be traveling by bus over the first weekend in June to Chattanooga and then on to Birmingham. There, they will perform with sister chorus Magic City Choral Society on June 4.

This will be the second road tour for the chorus following last year’s concert in Louisville. Nashville in Harmony then returns to Music City on June 9 to perform “A Home for us All,” their season finale concert event at Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s (TPAC) Polk Theater. NiH has seen tremendous growth in the last several years in both membership and audience size. They recently had the honor of performing with the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in February for a three-night production of “Broadway Rocks!” and were invited to perform again as part of the Regions Free Day of Music on May 22.

Nashville in Harmony continues to receive generous grants from The Franklin Brooks Philanthropic Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission.

“A Home for Us All” was chosen as the overarching theme for this season because the chorus wanted to consciously reach out to groups that might not be aware of Nashville in Harmony or its mission - using music to build community and create social change.

Most of NiH’s 100+ members are from the GLBT community and, though much ground has been gained in the fight for acceptance and equal rights, many of them have experienced non-acceptance and isolation as a minority group first hand. They wanted to reach out to other minority groups such as the homeless, immigrants, African Americans and others that have or may be currently experiencing similar non-acceptance. “[We wanted] to intentionally connect with and take our music to people in our community who are marginalized or disenfranchised,” says director Don Schlosser.

This connection is being made in several ways. During the month of March,

Nashville in Harmony’s membership participated in a community service project to help 18 men move from homelessness to affordable housing by filling welcome baskets to the point of overflowing with household items for their new homes. That same month, NiH invited members and former members of the homeless community to speak to the chorus during regular rehearsals to raise awareness.

The months of April and May saw visits by members of the immigrant and African-America communities as well. Nashville in Harmony is also taking its music to these groups starting with a performance for the homeless at Room in the Inn where the chorus performed a 40 minute set before dozens of enthusiastic listeners. During the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black National Anthem, a homeless African-American man stood up, placed his hand over his heart and quietly mouthed the lyrics, his eyes moist with tears of pride.

“It was an incredibly moving experience to make that connection with him,” says chorus member Bill Richeson. “Afterward, he hugged almost every one of us.”

The chorus will be returning to Room in the Inn later in the season. They will also be participating in the morning worship service at Southside Baptist Church during their trip to Birmingham. Southside is a grand, 120-year-old church committed to “building an inclusive community of grace.” Partnering with different groups fosters learning and understanding and builds bonds between groups.

“Through these acts of listening, singing and building community, Nashville in Harmony’s music is sweeter and our resolve firmer that we can be an instrument of social change in Music City and beyond,” says chorus member Laura Valentine.

Through their music, their outreach and community service, Nashville in Harmony lives by example the values and power of diversity. “I think it’s safe to say most music groups exist to perform...their art is their mission,” says Schlosser. “For Nashville in Harmony, art is not our mission. Community is our mission - art is our strategy. NiH is a ... group with a purpose larger than our lives.”

For more information about the chorus, concert events and tickets, visit www. nashvilleinharmony.org.

outandaboutnewspaper.com

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

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JUNE 2011

Downtown Where to eat, play and more

OutCentral Community Center It’s a hub of activity for the GLBTQIF community offering a variety of game nights, movie nights, workshops and other special events each week. The first of its kind in Nashville, the center also offers meeting space where groups can meet and collaborate to build strong relationships within the community. 1709 Church St., Nashville, 37203. Visit outcentral.org to see what they have in store during Pride Week!

Bars & Nightclubs Play Dance Bar If you’re in a dancing mood after the day’s festivities have come to a close, you won’t want to miss out on Play. Nationally known as one of the hottest places to shake your groove thing, Play offers a massive dance floor, constant laser lightshow and multilevel bar. The bar’s ever-entertaining cast of drag queens take the stage in the show bar each night Wednesday - Sunday at 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. 1519 Church Street. playdancebar.com Tribe Nashville Located just next door to Play is its sister bar, Tribe. A big-city type video bar, Tribe offers up a variety of top-notch drinks in a sophisticated setting. 1517 Church St. tribenashville.com The Lipstick Lounge The Lipstick Lounge is famous throughout the south as the bar to visit when in Nashville. Lesbian-owned and founded in 2002, the “Lounge” is a popular nightspot for all walks of life. The friendly staff, events and daily food and drink specials make Lipstick a home away from home to anyone who enters. With a mix of live music, karaoke, and pure hip-hop dance music, every traveler is sure to find something to enjoy at this bar. 1400 Woodland Street. thelipsticklounge.com Canvas Lounge The newest addition to the thriving Church Street scene, Canvas Lounge is a warm, inviting neighborhood bar with quirky artwork, a tasty array of tapas and an eclectic mix of music on the weekends. 1707 Church St. Blue Gene’s Want a casual evening with one of the best jukeboxes around? Then stroll back down Church Street to 1715 and step into Blue Gene’s. This neighborhood-style bar is a meeting place for the locals, and out of-towners quickly find themselves at home here as well. bluegenes37203.com Vibe Nightclub Still need some more Church Street? Next door to Blue Gene’s is Vibe Nightclub, one of Nashville’s most fun dance and entertainment destinations. Open Saturday evenings from 9 p.m., shows usually begin around 11 p.m. 1713 Church St. The Stirrup From the ashes of the legendary Chute came The Stirrup ... at least the name, and the bartenders/owners Mikey and Timmy. Neighbors meet up here to have a drink

and catch up, and it’s become the home bar for the Conductors L/L club and the Middle Tennessee Bear Alliance, and just about every sports team in town has been known to show up on the patio for a keg or two from time to time. 1529 4th Ave. S. stirrupnashville.com Trax Trax offers a more casual sports bar atmosphere with plenty of visual experiences with the many TVs throughout, which is great during football season. It also offers pool tables and dart boards for the sportsman in you. 1501 Ensley Boulevard.

Purple Heys Purple Heys offers a super casual and relaxed atmosphere more suited for happy hour than a wild night on the town. This is more of a local hangout than a nightclub yet it attracts a Cheers type of crowd with plenty of regulars and casual fun.

1401 4th Avenue S.

Dining Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel, part retail store and part restaurant, is headquartered in Lebanon, Tenn. A Southern-themed family style establishment, Cracker Barrel will satisfy any appetite during breakfast, lunch or dinner. From bacon and eggs to turkey and dressing, the menu is brimming with old-fashioned comfort food. crackerbarrel.com Hard Rock Cafe Hard Rock is a haven for fans of music, food, and great times. Whether you are down for a Legendary Burger, live music, a Classic Tee, a Rock Star Suite, or the latest collectible pin, there’s something for everyone. Every Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel & Casino, or Live around the world serves up authentic experiences that rock. Since its establishment in 1971, Hard Rock has also been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities. 100 Broadway. hardrock.com Suzy Wong’s House of Yum Located right next door to Tribe on Church Street, Suzy’s has become one of the hottest meal tickets in town. Chef Arnold Myint (a contender on last season’s Top Chef) named the joint after the popular 1950s novel, The World of Suzie Wong, the story of a beautiful Asian “lady of the evening” falling in love with an American diplomat (played by William Holden in the camp classic 1960 movie.) Get ready for, in Myint’s words “a brothel of epicurean delights.” suzywongsnashville.com Marche Artisan Foods Marche Artisan foods is a European-style cafe and marketplace rolled into one.

You can dine on the savory dishes from their menu for brunch, lunch and dinner throughout the day or be adventurous and buy the trimmings necessary to create your own menu. The cafe offers wine and changes up its menu from month-to-month so you can find something to new to enjoy every few weeks. 1000 Main Street in East Nashville. marcheartisanfoods.com

JUNE 2011

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breakdown

23

during Nashville Pride Festival Nuvo Burrito On any given day, there is a place where you can get a “Margarito,” watch the “Nuvo Network” and relax with friends while enjoying a freshly prepared “90210 QuesIdea.” Where, you ask? Right in East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood at hotspot Nuvo Burrito. The American-style burrito and quesadilla menu is only second in popularity to the “Glee” parties every week. 1000 Main St. nuvoburrito.com Mad Donna’s Across the street from the Lipstick Lounge sits Mad Donna’s, another East Side favorite. From burgers to more upscale fare, this neighborhood restaurant can suit just about any taste. And for more fun, head upstairs for Drag Bingo and other weekly activities. 1313 Woodland St., Nashville 38203. maddonnas.com

Shopping Gibson Guitars Today’s Gibson electric guitars represent the history as well as the future of the electric guitar. 1612 Elm Hill Pike. gibson.com Miranda’s Miranda’s, formerly Metro News Book Store, holds a large selection of entertainment products, with a wide array of adult DVDs, books, games, lingerie, incense and novelties. 822 5th Avenue S. Nadeau Furniture Nadeau is dedicated to enhancing their customers’ lives by consistently discovering and offering unique, handcrafted and affordable furniture that brings beauty, warmth, and a bit of authentic, ethnic culture into their homes. 2104 Crestmoor Road. furniturewithasoul.com

Tourist Attractions The Frist Center for the Visual Arts Located in Downtiown Nashville and features many concurrent exhibits. The adult entrance fee is normally $7 but the galleries are free on June 20 with a special coupon in the June edition of O&AN. 919 Broadway. fristcenter.org The Rymer Gallery Open Tuesday through Saturday (11 a.m. - 6 p.m.), the Rymer Gallery is the largest contemporary gallery in the heart of Nashville’s arts district. Continuing the legacy endowed by The Betty Rymer Gallery at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the gallery supports the best of what the contemporary art world has to offer.

233 Fifth Avenue North. therymergallery.com Nashville Zoo Nashville Zoo’s mission to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership.

3777 Nolensville Pike. nashvillezoo.org

Lodging Hutton Hotel Experience a sophisticated and comfortable Nashville, Tennessee lodging destination - where four-star luxury adopts a stylish and accommodating new spirit. Hutton Hotel, the host of this year’s Nashville Pride Festival, offers a striking contrast to the conventional cluster of West End and downtown Nashville hotels, pairing attentive service with elegant, contemporary design. Treat yourself to welcoming Nashville luxury hotel lodging, where warm hospitality finds a new perspective.

1808 West End Ave. huttonhotel.com Sheraton Downtown Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Sheraton Nashville is a beautiful atrium-style hotel that towers 28 stories over the city. 623 Union Street. sheratonnashvilledowntown.com

Entertainment Belcourt Theatre The Belcourt Theatre is a lasting symbol of the tradition of the neighborhood theatre.

This is no multiplex. The theatre showcases some of the best films of decades past, as well as new independent features and live music. Their concession stand consists of your typical movie fare (popcorn and soda) but also includes a fully stocked bar.

How could you have a better moviegoing experience than to sit in a historical theatre, sipping your favorite liquor or beer, while enjoying a classic film?

2102 Belcourt Avenue. belcourt.org Tennessee Performing Arts Center The Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to providing and supporting the presentation of the performing arts to the citizens of Tennessee. TPAC is also home to three resident performing arts organizations: Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and Tennessee Repertory Theatre.

501 5th Ave N. tpac.org

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JUNE 2011

FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL HIV TESTING • NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY 633 Thompson Lane • Nashville, Tennessee 37204 • 615-259-4866 • NashvilleCARES.org

JUNE 2011

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Artist spotlight: Kimberly Caldwell

by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com

With a brand new album called Without Regret out on Vanguard/Capitol, a sharp music video with nearly 400,000 hits on YouTube, and an appearance at the Nashville Pride Festival, Kimberly Caldwell seems about ready to take over the world.

Well, not before she does her hair.

“Okay, this is the best flat iron on the planet!” Caldwell declares in “How to get the ‘Desperate Girls and Stupid Boys’ music video look,” a Youtube video dedicated to helping others achieve her modern, effortless look. She did all her own hair, makeup, and styling for the album photo shoot and says “I am my hair dresser” on her Twitter account.

But while her look stands out in the crowd, it’s her phenomenal singing talent which originally got her noticed in the second season of American Idol that sets Without Regret apart. Her infectious personality and gritty, gutsy performances of songs like Melissa Etheridge’s “Come to My Window” often find themselves among online rankings of Idol’s most memorable performances.

But her stint on American Idol is only one piece of the puzzle: “I’ve been a performer my whole life and everything I’ve done has led up to this moment,” says Caldwell. “I’m looking forward to people finally getting to know the real me, because I’m laying it all out there for them on this album.”

Without Regret runs the pop-rock gamut, from the dynamic, guitar-driven first single “Mess of You” to the soulful and elegant “If You’re Gonna Fall,” but at the center of it all is Caldwell’s rich, powerful voice. Reminiscent of fellow female rocker Pink, Caldwell’s husky alto is the perfect fit for songs like “Going Going Gone” with its empowering message to women to stand up for themselves in relationships. “You took my love for granted, baby, you can sleep alone tonight,” growls Caldwell in the second verse.

Such a theme is not entirely unexpected for Caldwell, who calls herself a “massive fan” of Melissa Etheridge, as well as of Bonnie Raitt and Ann Wilson: “I just love these fearless female rockers who sing straight from the heart.”

Not only is Caldwell a great singer, but she also gets a chance to flex her

songwriting muscles, co-writing several songs on the album. She’s also completed a few modeling stints since Idol, served as a host for the TV Guide Channel, and even acted in her feature film debut. It is clear that Caldwell is a hard-working, straight-shooting artist who will work to keep herself on your radar.

Caldwell’s new album is poised to catapult her back into the national spotlight with many glowing reviews online.

Absolutepunk.net calls it “a near home run” and Roundtableonline.com says that its gut-wrenching anthems may make Melissa Etheridge “a touch envious.”

What’s next for Kimberly Caldwell? She’ll be promoting Without Regret with a slew of radio appearances, television appearances, and of course, a stop at the Nashville Pride Festival. In the meantime, check her out on YouTube if you need a quick tip on anything from hair straighteners to fake tans (“Which I do, because I’m from California,” she says.) to help you look your best for Nashville Pride Festival 2011!

Artist spotlight: Kat Graham

by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Kat Graham is no stranger to the spotlight. From the tender age of 6 she acted in commercials, appeared on television, and was a successful actress and dancer. Sound like a lifetime’s list of achievements? Graham is only 21 years old.

In 2005, renowned choreographer Fatima hand-picked Graham to perform at the BET awards as a background dancer for Lil’ Bow Wow. Since then she’s been a background dancer for the likes of Missy Elliot, Pharrell and Jamie Foxx. She’s also appeared in music videos by Akon, Justin Bieber, John Legend, B2K, Musiq Soulchild and Nelly.

Graham is also an accomplished actress. One of her first breaks in the entertainment industry came when she was chosen to replace Christina Milian as the host of Disney Channel’s Movie Surfers. She’s also appeared on television shows CSI, The OC, Malcolm in the Middle, Joan of Arcadia, Strong Medicine, Like Family, Grounded for Life and Lizzie McGuire. Recurring roles on Hannah Montana and The Vampire Diaries have also raised Graham’s profile. Her acting career has also extended into film with her appearance in 17 Again with Zac Efron, and she is slated to appear in several as-yet-unreleased films.

Even within this very busy schedule, Graham still found time to study studio equipment and engineering after she wrote a song that was featured in a Jean Claude Van Damme film. She purchased studio equipment, studied techniques, and developed a unique style, adding “producer” to her long list of talents.

“When I first got my equipment I had no one to guide me,” Graham says. “I

taught myself. I realized there was no other teenage, female producer in the world, so I was forced to look within myself for motivation.”

She continued to write and record music and eventually began to pursue a career as a musical artist.

In 2008, she completed a world tour with the Black Eyed Peas and is featured in two songs on will.i.am’s solo album, Songs About Girls. She also contributed to the soundtrack of The Vampire Diaries during her tenure on the show.

In case you didn’t yet believe that Graham is an incredibly talented human being, she’s completed a degree in recording engineering. She’s also a formally trained vocalist and pianist, a former spokesmodel for Coca-Cola, and speaks four languages.

Did we mention that she’s only 21 years old?

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Artist spotlight: The Worsties

by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com

What if there was a band that was made up of highly attractive people that were super hard-working and put on an ultra-entertaining show? That band would probably look a lot like The Worsties.

Hailing from our fair city and calling themselves “Nashville’s Foxiest Band,” The Worsties are poised to rock your face off at the Nashville Pride Festival. Singer Anna Worstell, nominated in 2008 for Best Front Person in the Nashville Nightlife Awards, has a magnetic stage presence from which you can’t quite tear yourself away.

Their show was exciting enough to attract the attention of the likes of Bon Jovi, who they recently opened for at Soldier Field in Chicago.

“Being able to accomplish a dream to play in a stadium, and Soldier Field of all places, only made us want to hop on a bus and keep going,” Worstell says.

“We learned so much and we handled everything as professionally as possible. It was noticed across the board from the sound crew to the management team and that was cool for us to hear. It was an amazing opportunity, hopefully the first of many. Not to mention that we ruled the stage, too!”

It’s that hustle which sets The Worsties apart. They just returned from a highly successful trip to the South

By Southwest Music Festival in Austin.

“It was our third year in a row in Austin, and this year was all about the fans,” Worstell says. “We felt like we made an impact and connection. People were appreciative of the high impact electric show that we

provide and there was a level of energy from the crowds this year that we had never felt before. That energy makes us perform harder so you feel as though you’re always trading this positive energy back and forth with the audience. It puts so much into perspective and that fan energy and affirmation keeps us going.”

With all this national attention, one might think that The Worsties would have chosen to take off to New York or L.A., but The Worsties keep it local and are really involved in Nashville. To an outsider, Nashville may not seem like the town to have a kickin’ indie rock band, but the Worsties are at the center of a dynamic and exciting undercurrent of independent music coming out of Music City.

“We finally had an opportunity to play at Lipstick Lounge for our CD release party and it was a blast,” Worstell says. “Our show was well-received and the crowd energy was highly addictive. What a cool place to hang out, too.”

While The Worsties might not be a queer-identified group, they are certainly queer-friendly.

“The Worsties have always been supporters of equality on all levels,” Worstell says. “Nashville Pride is going to be a perfect way for us to express that.”

With a new EP out and a bunch of tour dates ahead, what’s next for The Worsties?

“Fame,” Worstell says with a laugh. “Just kidding... kind of.”

For more on The Worsties, go to www.theworsties.com.

Artist spotlight: Jonny McGovern

by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Jonny McGovern has accomplished a lot: he hosts the Number One LGBT Podcast on iTunes, he’s recorded seven albums, and his gay-themed parody of “Like a G6” went viral with over 400,000 views. But don’t worry that McGovern is taking himself too seriously.

“I’m not afraid of being G-A-Y in your face!” McGovern exclaims. “I’m always a comedian first. At the core of every one of my songs is comedy. I want you to hear them and smile first, then blush or dance or get freaky.”

His energy is infectious. It’s no wonder that HBO’s True Blood and Showtime’s Queer as Folk picked up his song “Soccer Practice,” catapulting McGovern into heavy rotation in dance clubs and the national spotlight.

McGovern’s comedy and dance music have been featured on MTV, VH-1, tru-TV, Comedy Central, PerezHilton.com, Bravo’s Watch What Happens LIVE! and LOGO’s The Big Gay Sketch Show.

The success of “Soccer Practice” has led McGovern to contribute commentary to a wide variety of shows on VH1 and earned him a slot on Comedy Central’s Out on the Edge.

All the while, McGovern continued to record his hilarious brand of music as “The Gay Pimp,” whom he calls a “pop star/superhero.” His hard work paid off when his parody

of “Like a G6” went viral, introducing The Gay Pimp to a whole new audience.

McGovern’s YouTube channel is a flurry of activity, with over 2,500 subscribers and new videos of music, sketch comedy, and live performances uploaded regularly. His website is the same, bursting at the seams with information about upcoming events he’s promoting and new videos or music he’s working on.

“I just released an EP called Songs About The Golden Girls, which is exactly what it sounds like,” McGovern says.

“And I’m releasing a full LP of homotastic dance jams called The Gayest Of All Time in June and there will be videos for almost every song on the album!”

His bold and exciting style makes McGovern a perfect fit for Nashville Pride.

“Pride is important because it’s the time of year we can get together as a community and celebrate who we are,” McGovern says. “I wouldn’t trade being gay for anything in the world!”

Check out what’s on the horizon for McGovern at www.gaypimp.com, and if you like having a good time (and who doesn’t?) be sure to catch him on the main stage at this year’s Nashville Pride Festival.

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Artist spotlight: DJ Kimberly S

by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com

DJ Kimberly S tours the world spinning records at some of the hottest parties from Brazil to Beijing and everywhere in between. A woman of diverse interests, she’s also a black belt.

“I recently opened my very own martial arts studio in Hollywood called Kick! Martial Arts,” she says. “We specialize in a blended style of Taekwondo that encompasses Hapkido and Kuksoolwon as well. We also have an extremely popular Kickboxing program. It’s been my dream and I’m loving every minute of it!”

So how does this fit in with being an in-demand, world famous DJ? “I’m still DJing full steam ahead, and just recently played in Bangkok, Thailand for Song Kran, which is the Thai New Year,” says Kimberly. “It was an absolutely amazing party! As soon as I returned home, I had to fly up to Vancouver for a gig at Celebrities.”

Obviously, Kimberly is a very busy lady. She’s worked on numerous records, including three compilations for Centaur Music, the disc Rapture on Frank Abraham’s AM label, and her own compilation CD called Music to Wear for Andrew Christian’s men’s clothing line. She’s appeared on television on the WB hit show Charmed, as well as in national photo spreads for the John Paul Mitchell Systems hair care line. The secret to her success? She says it’s all about setting goals: “It’s the best way to get what you want out of life - and it really works!”

Kimberly started her now vast music career out humbly

as a buyer for retail music chains. It was in this capacity that she met a local DJ and cut him a deal on new singles in exchange for mixing lessons. She practiced and hustled and word eventually spread of her prowess. While headlining at Girlbar in L.A., Kimberly met Jeffrey Sanker, who recruited her for “Factory Saturdays,” the most popular night at L.A.’s largest gay disco.

Her career has continued to grow since, but not without some resistance. “I often felt that there were some people that didn’t take me seriously because I was a woman,” Kimberly says. “I definitely felt that I had to prove myself as a woman who could hold her own against the male DJs.” Arguably, she has more than proved herself, playing at some of the largest parties in the United States. She’s played at Miami’s Winter Party, Chicago’s Fireball, Orlando’s One Mighty Party, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Additionally, from 2004 to 2010 she’s headlined international tours in the Philippines, Taipei, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil, and Mexico.

At the heart of this crazy schedule is a deep appreciate for music.“I am a lover of house music in its purest form,” Kimberly explains. “House and Dance integrates all different genres into its flow, and as a result, it enables people to feel an array of different emotions: joy, love, nostalgia, inhibition, passion... I want my sets to serve it all to my fans on the dance floor.”

Artist spotlight: Knowing Me Knowing You

by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com

For a good-time dance party where everyone sings along and isn’t afraid to get down, nothing quite brings the gay community together like the music of Swedish pop band ABBA. Selling over 375 million records worldwide, ABBA is one of the most popular music groups of all time. From 1972 to 1982, ABBA recorded hits like “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen” which are played in dance halls to this day.

Unfortunately, since ABBA hasn’t officially played a show together since 1982 and reportedly turned down a billion-dollar offer to be reunited in 2000, it was a little impractical for them to consider reuniting at Nashville Pride. Luckily, we’ve got the next best thing: Knowing Me Knowing You (the Music of ABBA) is Nashville’s premiere ABBA cover band. I recently had an opportunity to chat with Steve Ebe, one of the founders and the drummer in KMKY, about how this seriously awesome cover band came to be: What made you want to start an ABBA cover band?

I met Helena Johannson (lead vocals) through some mutual songwriter friends in Nashville. Helena is a native of Sweden and when she asked me about starting an ABBA tribute band, I realized that ABBA was like the Beatles to her and it’s just in her DNA. She knows this music inside and out. Plus, people everywhere love this music!

So who plays in the group, and what are you all up to besides rocking out with KMKY? Helena has a new solo project of pop/electro/dance music. Britt Savage (lead vocals) has a band of her own, sings with several other groups, and is an in-demand studio singer. Kye Kennedy (guitar, vocals) and Steve Arnold (bass) both played with me in band called Human Radio. James Digirolamo (keyboards, background vocals) stays busy with a number of projects. Kristy West (background vocals, acoustic guitar,

percussion) sings with the popular 80’s band Guilty Pleasures and also has a solo project.

Wendy Newcomer (background vocals, percussion) plays around Nashville with her band. I play drums (and sing a little) with Knowing Me Knowing You, The Long Players, Guilty Pleasures, Twelve Against Nature, and others.

It’s obvious that you’re all very talented and accomplished, but I’m sure covering this great music presents some challenges.

What’s the hardest part of being an ABBA cover band?

The vocals! They did SO many layers of background vocals, it’s tough to cover all the parts, even with the seven singers we have. James says the classical piano stuff is pretty demanding, as well.

What’s it like being an ABBA cover band in Nashville?

It’s pretty great, because our crowd spans several generations, and includes all types of people. The one thing they all have in common is that they all have big smiles on their faces when they’re dancing to the music of ABBA! One last question: why is Pride important to you?

Pride is an opportunity for people to celebrate who they are. Our band has always felt a strong connection to the gay community because of our many gay friends. In my opinion, Nashville has one of the most welcoming and progressive gay communities in the South. I’m proud to live in a city that can say that. This is one dance party you do not want to miss.

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Artist spotlight: God-Des AND She

by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com

If you’re looking for a run-of-the-mill, average hip-hop group that conforms to popular stereotypes, you should definitely not see God-Des & She at the Nashville Pride Festival.

For starters, they’re not from a part of the country known for its hip-hop output: they both hail from the Midwest.

“There have not been a ton of really famous rappers coming out of the Mid-west, not because they are not there, but because they move to the bigger cities and coasts,” says God-Des. “But the Midwest has been a mecca for great music. Both my parents use to work at Motown in Detroit and played in the orchestra pit with many greats like The Jackson 5 and Carole King.”

Being from the Midwest, however, doesn’t make God-Des & She any less hip-hop.

“Hip-hop spoke to me at a very young age,” GodDes says. “I could appreciate honesty and struggle. I have always been discriminated against and although I could not relate to living in Compton or Flatbush, I really related to the pain, ostracization, and feeling of being invisible.”

With their high-energy show, a Number One single on MTV Logo, and a new music video called “Love Machine” (Check it out at www.god-desandshe.com.), God-Des & She prove they are just as much hip-hop as anyone else, and audiences agree.

God-Des & She have played to packed houses everywhere from Wisconsin to Sweden. Since appearing on Showtime’s The L Word three years ago with their single, “Lick It,” they have toured relentlessly and sold over 30,000 albums.

“We had already started to get well known in the underground scene from MTV Logo and touring a lot, but the moment that episode aired our lives changed forever. Ever since our appearance on The L Word we have been able to be full time touring musicians,” says God-Des. Pretty remarkable, especially given they are a queer-identified, female hip-hop duo from the Midwest.

“As gay folks, we are made to feel shame, insecure, and doubt who we are as people. It takes a lot of strength to have Pride and feel proud of who you are. Gay Pride is a great way for the community to get together for a day and not have to fear anything. Unless we are in our houses, the world judges us. So having Pride gives us a day where we have a bunch of other gays that we can feel comfortable around and have an un-said understanding. Gay Prides rule!”

All signs point to God-Des & She continuing on their quick rise to the top. They just finished working on an album with Brian Hardgroove, a hiphop heavyweight known for his work with Public Enemy, Wu-Tang, Burning Spear and Aerosmith.

“Working with Brian was incredible,” says GodDes. “To have another ear that is so well-versed that truly understood our sound and vision was awesome.

And we got to mix our record at Chuck D’s house.

Meeting Chuck and DMC was like a dream come true.”

What’s next for God-Des & She? “Winning a Grammy!!!!” exclaims God-Des.

Artist spotlight: Leslie Dysinger Band

by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Imagine if Janis Joplin were alive today and able to metamorph into a Nashville singer-songwriter writing honestly about love, loss, lust and the challenges of everyday life. Add a half cup of Patty Griffin and a tablespoon of Melissa Etheridge and you have Leslie Dysinger.

In 1998, Leslie Dysinger moved to Nashville to pursue her career as a songwriter.

She’s written and performed in Nashville, Huntsville, Memphis and other cities throughout the South since 2005.

The Leslie Dysinger Band won last month’s Nashville Pride “Battle of the Bands” to earn a performance slot at this year’s festival. Dysinger expresses her gratitude for this great opportunity: First & foremost, the band & I are so unbelievably grateful for this opportunity to play Nashville Pride 2011. It has been something I’ve wanted to do ever since I saw Jen Foster play when Pride was held at Centennial Park. I remember thinking “How do I get up there?” Winning the Battle of the Bands gave us validation that we, as a band, are moving in the right direction so of course playing on the Bridgestone Main Stage with all the awesome talent that is scheduled to play is definitely a great boost for us.

It’s especially an honor to play for all of our friends and family who have supported us throughout the last few years, and to Christa Suppan and Lipstick Lounge who have been such good friends to us as they gave us our first gig as a full band which proved that making the transition from an acoustic act to the full band a very positive choice. For me personally, living most my life in Nashville & seeing the talent that Pride presents on stage year after year means that this is a little dream come true & we feel blessed to have been picked for this great event!

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JUNE 2011

Nashville Pride Festival: Non-profit organizations Brothers United An African American Social & Support 501c3 non-profit organization committed to the education and empowerment of its local and statewide LGBT community.

Phone #: 615-974-2832 Email: brosunited@aol.com www.brothersunited.com

Clarksville PFLAG

-

www.PFLAG.clarksville.org

Comprehensive Care Center (CCC) Your Complete Medical Center for HIV/AIDS 719 Thompson Lane, Suite 37189 Phone #: 615-321-9556

Conductors Group holds benefits for PWAs (People with AIDS) at community bars & clubs.

PO Box 40261; Nashville, TN 37204 www.Conductors.net

Diversity Builder, Inc. Diversity Builder offers a comprehensive national LGBT business and physician directory. If you are looking for a gay friendly physician or business in Nashville, Middle Tennessee, or anywhere in the United States, please visit the website. Email Email: info@diversitybuilder.com www.diversitybuilder.com

Domestic Violence Hotline Gay & Lesbian National Hotline Phone #: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-888-THE-GLNH

Greater Nashville Prime Timers

Teddy’s Wagon will be onsite at the Nashville Pride Festival.

Dogs will be available for adoptions so be sure to stop by and pick out your new furry friend!

The purpose of the organization is to provide mature gay and bisexual men, and their admirers, with opportunities to come together in a supportive atmosphere to enjoy social, educational, and recreational activities. Prime Timers are older gay or bisexual men (and younger men who admire mature men).

Phone #: 615-269-3263 Email: wresch@comcast.net www.tnprimetimers.org

Helpline Crisis Intervention 24/7 Phone #: 1-800-850-8078

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Phone #: 615-356-8132 Email: info.nashville@hrc.org

Memphis Gay AND Lesbian Community Center It is the mission of the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center to create a better future for our Community in the Mid-South. 892 South Cooper; Memphis, TN 38104 Phone #: 901-278-4297 Email: info@mglcc.org www.mglcc.org

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Metro Nashville Softball Association

PFLAG

www.metronashvillesoftball.org

Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays 1008 19th Avenue South; Nashville, TN Phone #: 615-366-0888 www.pflagnashville.org

Music City Bears A social, fraternal organization comprised of gay, hirsute men and their admirers and friends; providing an alternative to the stereotypical gay lifestyle and raising community awareness through fundraising activities for local charities, education and social events.

PO Box 330154; Nashville, TN 37203 Phone #: 615-664-2393 Email: InfoLine@MusicCityBears.com www.MusicCityBears.com

Music City Cars /Cumberland Region LCCI The Nashville-based Tennessee and Kentucky chapter of Lambda Car Club International. LCCI is the largest car club for Gays and Lesbians. They are a social group who have a love for cars and all things automotive.

P.O. Box 330397 Nashville, TN 37203 Email: musiccitycars@yahoogroups.com

Music City Couples Nashville’s gay and lesbian committed couples. Visit our website for current social gatherings and special events. www.MusicCityCouples.com

Music City Sisters Email: info@MusicCitySisters.org www.MusicCitySisters.org

NASHVILLE Black Pride Annual celebration of African American LGBT life in Nashville that takes place the last weekend in October. This event is owned and sponsored by Brothers United Network, Inc., and is a proud member of the International Federation of Black Prides Organization.

Email: NashBlackPride@aol.com www.brothersunited.com/blackpride.htm

Nashville CARES 633 Thompson Ln; Nashville, TN 37207 Phone #: 615 259-4866, 1-800-845-4266 www.nashvillecares.org

Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce Phone #: 615-481-9233 PO Box 330971; Nashville, TN 37203 www.NashvilleGLBTChamber.org

Nashville Grizzlies Gay Rugby Football Club A rugby football club in Nashville predominantly for gay men. Don’t worry if you’ve never played before or be concerned that you won’t know anyone on the team....they’re a friendly bunch of guys. www.GrizzliesRugby.org

Nashville Pride Phone #: 615-650-6736 PO Box 330931; Nashville, TN 37203 Email: Info@Nashvillepride.org www.NashvillePride.org

One-in-Teen Social & support group for youth ages 14-22.

1700 Hayes Street; Suite 100 B.; Nashville, TN www.One-In-Teen.org

Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association PO Box 40224; Nashville, TN 37204-0224 Email: smrainfo@smra.net www.SMRA.net

Street Works Outreach Program Street Works provides free confidential HIV/AIDS testing, and (bilingual) counseling on safer sex practices to the Nashville area. Also offers a 24-hour emergency helpline and 24-hour on-call counseling.

83 University Court and 520 Sylvan Street; Nashville, TN 37210 Phone #: 615-248-1905 www.street-works.org

Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) The Tennessee Equality Project promotes the equality of GLBT persons in TN. PO Box 330895 Nashville, TN 37203 Phone #: 615-664-6886 Email: info@tnep.org www.tnep.org

Tennessee Stonewall Democrats A statewide grassroots Democratic lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organization working with the community and Tennessee Democratic Party to get the GLBT community involved and educated on political issues of importance to our community.

Email: TNStonewallDemocrats@comcast.net

Tennessee Trangender Political Action Committee (TTPAC) PO Box 92335; Nashville, TN 37209 Email: TTGPAC@aol.com www.ttgpac.com

Tennessee Valley Pride A non-profit organization designed to celebrate diversity in the Chattanooga area.

Their goal is to combine the wonderful resources of GLBT people in their area and reach out to the community with dignity and respect. The Board is committed to raising awareness, strengthening and growing the community, creating a safe environment and providing aid to those less fortunate.

Email: president@tennesseevalleypride.com www.tennesseevalleypride.com

The Brooks Fund The Brooks Fund is working to grow its endowment to create a legacy of giving for the GLBTQ community. The Mission of The Brooks Fund is to encourage the inclusion, acceptance and recognition of Middle Tennessee’s lesbian and gay citizens and to protect their dignity, their safety and their health.

3833 Cleghorn Avenue, #400; Nashville, TN 37215 Phone #: 615-321-4939, ext. 101 www.thebrooksfund.org

Vanderbilt AIDS Clinical Trials Phone #: 615-467-0154 ext. 106 or 1-888-95-TRIAL ext. 106 Email: Vandyactccab@aol.com

Vanderbilt Lambda

www.Vanderbilt.edu/lambda

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Finding faith A listing of Nashville’s GLBT-friendly churches

by ALLEN MCALISTER, SPIRITUAL WRITER amcalister@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Nashville is blessed with an abundance of affirming churches and synagogues.

Within these communities of faith, you will find Baptist (yes, I said Baptist!)

Methodist, Presbyterian, Jewish, Unitarian, United Church of Christ, and many others.

Some are considered mainly GLBT communities, and others are considered mainline churches who accept and affirm the GLBT community. Some will have

The Church of the Living Water 731 S. Dickerson Pike Goodlettsville, TN 37072 615-948-2679 www.clwnashville.org Services: Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Congregation Micah

contemporary praise and worship, and others will have more traditional worship.

Regardless of what church or synagogue is a good fit for you, you’ve got plenty to choose from! So get out there and see what you can find! The following is a list of Middle Tennessee churches and synagogues in which you can visit and feel accepted along with their websites and service times.

First Unitarian Universalist Nashville 1808 Woodmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37215 615-383-5760 www.firstuunashville.org Services: Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

2001 Old Hickory Boulevard Brentwood, TN 37027 615-377-9799 www.congregationmicah.org Shabbat Services: Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Mincah Services: Wednesday at 5:20 p.m.

Glendale Baptist

Covenant of the Cross

Hobson United Methodist

752 Madison Square Madison, TN 37115 615-612-5040 www.covenantofthecross.com Services: Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

1107 Chapel Avenue Nashville, TN 37206 615-228-7334 www.hobsonumc.org Services: Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Edgehill United Methodist

Holy Trinity Community Church

1502 Edgehill Avenue Nashville, TN 37212 615-254-7628 www.edgehill.org Services: Sunday at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

6727 Charlotte Pike Nashville, TN 37209 615-352-3838 www.holytrinitycommunitychurch.com Services: Sunday at 8:55 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 11:35 a.m.

Second Presbyterian Church 3511 Belmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37215 615-292-3343 www.secondpresbyterian.net Services: Sunday at 8:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Trinity Presbyterian 3201 Hillsboro Pike Nashville, TN 37215 615-297-6513 www.trinitypresnashville.org Services: Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

1021 Glendale Lane Nashville, TN 37204 615-269-0926 www.glandalebaptist.org Services: Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Unity Church for Positive Living 3419 Saundersville Road Old Hickory, TN 37138 615-847-7480 www.unitynashville.org Services: Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

West End United Methodist 2200 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37203 615-321-8500 www.westendumc.org Services: Sunday at 8:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Psychotherapy Individuals & Couples

John Waide, PhD, LCSW 615/400.5911

waide@psychotherapy-and-psychoanalysis.com

Barbara Sanders, LCSW 615/414.2553

BarbaraSandersLCSW@gmail.com

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No one my age is attractive…

How to train yourself to find the beauty within

by MICHAEL KIMMEL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER mkimmel@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Real intimacy is scary. While we all think we should want it, it’s a lot of work: it forces us to look at ourselves and see the dark side (the Darth Vader in us all) as well as the well-adjusted face we show to the world.

One way to avoid real intimacy and all the work it requires is by choosing unsuitable partners. Many people say they want a long-term relationship, but have never had one. How could this be?

From my work as a psychotherapist, I’ve seen a lot of clients who are split down the middle in the relationship department: one part of them likes to keep it light and sexbased, and the other part of them wants more. There’s a tug-of-war going on in their brain and they tell me they feel “stuck.” Sound familiar? Another good way to never find a partner is to find people your own age unattractive. Let’s call it, “Ageism.”

For us LGBT folks, ageism is so easy to buy into that most of us don’t give it a second thought. Both gay and straight media make big bucks by pushing youth in the form of predominantly white, hairless, slim but defined, perfect-looking young men and women with no fat, no wrinkles and no maturity. These idealized beings (often photoshopped to death) are used to sell us products that we think we need to stay desirable and attractive.

While these amazing looking young people may be beautiful fantasy objects, with rare exceptions, they’re not good potential partners. Psychologically, someone 21-27 (the age of most fashion models) is in a very different place than someone in their 30s, 40s or older. In general, this developmental stage (early to late 20s) is about experimentation, having fun, getting laid, discovering who you are, what you like and beginning to spec out a future path for yourself.

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As we LGBT men and women approach the end of our 30s, most of us are looking for something more meaningful than mere experimentation: we’ve done the bars, the clubs, the parties and we want more. We’ve had fun sex and been out all night more than we can count, but now we want something with depth and meaning.

We want to connect with another person and see if we can create a good life together.

From my work as a psychotherapist, this is what most people in their 30s and 40s are after: a good healthy relationship where each person helps the other to become the man or women he/she wants to be.

This is wonderful, productive but hard work. It takes real commitment and maturity, and most young people just aren’t there developmentally, emotionally or spiritually. For some folks, being with a much younger lover is about control. It is a reaction to an earlier time in their life when they felt out of control (and probably were). These men and women enjoy playing the “older, wiser” lover who may want to help or even mentor a younger person.

But are there strings attached? You betcha! Usually the strings are about being in control of the relationship and not threatened or challenged by the younger partner.

Someone your own age may scare the shit out of you, because they’re playing the game at your level (or above).

Picking much younger partners is one way to avoid acting your age. It lets you avoid having a partner who challenges you to be the mature man or woman you can be, will call you on your shit and kick your ass when it needs kicked.

Some of my clients say that they like the youthful bodies of young people: smooth, sleek, and slim with perfect skin. Well, honestly, who wouldn’t like to look like that? But few of us have ever possessed the look of youthful perfection. And if we did, we couldn’t hold onto it, no matter how much plastic surgery or personal training we bought.

Many young people are beautiful, you can get lots of agreement for that. But what about the beauty of 30-, 40-, 50-, 60- and 70-year-old men and women? And let’s be real about the ageism in our community. It’s used to sell sexy underwear, skin supplies, magazines, porn...and it can destroy our self-esteem.

If you find that it’s impossible to be attracted to someone around your age, it may help to talk with a therapist about this. It may take some work to find out where your “twink” obsession comes from and how to free yourself from it.

There’s nothing wrong with finding young people attractive, but this kind of “obsession” can prevent you from hooking up with someone hot, beautiful and more mature - someone who could potentially be a good lover/long term partner for you.

Michael Kimmel is a psychotherapist in San Diego, Calif. His website Life Beyond Therapy assists individuals and couples in their continued growth and development.

your neighborhood restaurant brunch - lunch - dinner

Weekend Brunch 10a - 3p 2 for 1 mimosas

F I N D O U T H O W YO U C A N M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E AT

www.bethegeneration.nih.gov This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. HHSN266200600023T.

mad macs

bitchinʼ burgers

friendly staff

casual brunch

1313 Woodland St maddonnas.com 615-226-1617

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Steven Davidson

JUNE 2011

LCSW, CST

PSYCHOTHERAPIST / SEX THERAPIST

Counseling Individuals & Couples Most Insurance or EAP Accepted

www.nashvillepsychotherapy.com 615/516-9806

PURE HEART !”

“

A BROADWAY HIT !

USA Today

SOARING & JOYFUL !”

“

Julia A. McAninch Psy.D.

TIME

• psychotherapy with adults, adolescents, couples, and families • open and affirming practice including sexual orientation, sexual expression, gender, race/ethnicity, and religious and spiritual diversity

Illustration by Peter Sylvada

510 East Iris Drive, Unit B | Nashville, TN 37206 | (615) 463-9804 ext. 5

June 21-26 TPAC’s Jackson Hall

tpac.org/colorpurple • 615-782-4040

TPAC Box Office (Downtown or inside The Mall at Green Hills) Groups of 10 or more call 615-782-4060

JuliaMcAninch.com

FUZZ Magazine

Real Men, Real Fur

Available in Print, PDF & iPad download

www.fuzzthemagazine.com

cover your pet care bases

homerunpetcare.com

Contains strong language, sexual situations, and mature subject matter.

Marge Wild 615.668.6917

marge@homerunpetcare.com Licensed • insured • Bonded

JUNE 2011

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COMPREHENSIVE CARE CENTER A New Life Starts Here!

Providing state-of-the-art HIV medical care and support services in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

719 Thompson Lane • Suite 37189 • Nashville, Tennessee www.compclinic.org | 615.875.5111 (appts.)

Supporting Gay Pride in Middle Tennessee Since 1994

Celebrate Pride with Dizzy’s Dog Wash and Corner Store Self Service Dog Wash – Drop Offs by Appointment All Natural Dog Foods, Supplements and Treats 512 Heather Place (Berry Hill/100 Oaks) Nashville, Tennessee 37204 615-463-7338 www.dizzysdogwash.com

PAIGE HOLLIMAN M.E.D., M.T.S. Licensed Professional Counselor

510 East Iris, Unit B | Nashville, TN 37204 | 615.463.9804

paigeholliman.com

psychotherapy welcoming & affirming individuals and couples from all religious and spiritual backgrounds as well as the diversity of sexual and gender identities

Just what the doctor ordered...

We bring the pharmacy to you!

• Free delivery or shipping ANYWHERE in Tennessee • All insurance plans accepted

• Interactive, user-friendly website makes online ordering simple

• Services tailored to your specific needs

NASHVILLE PHARMACY SERVICES 719 Thompson Lane, Suite 57100 Nashville, TN 37204

LYTRICE WITHERSPOON LMT/OWNER LYTRICE05@HOTMAIL.COM WWW.REPOSEMT.COM

725 cool springs blvd, suite 600 franklin, tn 37067 * swedish * deep tissue * hot stone & more

repose massage therapy

615-995-4822 mon-sun 10am - 10pm

615.371.1210 TOLL FREE 866.406.9266

thenashvillepharmacy.com

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JUNE 2011

pride festival 2010

JUNE 2011

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MARTINIS AND JAZZ

PHOTOS BY SID NIAZI

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JUNE 2011

GLBT Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Pride Visitors Dear Pride Visitors, On behalf of the board of directors of the Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce, thank you for making plans to come to downtown Nashville for the June 18 Nashville Pride Festival. Nashville welcomes you! This is an exciting day for our community and we hope it is enjoyed safely by all.

The GLBT Chamber is proud to sponsor the Pride Marketplace. Based on the hard work the Nashville Pride committee has done all year, we know this year’s festival will be a great success. We invite you to be successful as well in your professional networking. The Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce holds monthly mixers, hosted at member businesses, which are a fun and casual way to meet other professionals and business owners in the community. There’s never a program or agenda; just a relaxed venue and opportunity to increase your network.

It’s catching on, with large crowds and new faces every month. Mixers are the fourth Friday each month from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Monthly mixers are always posted on the Chamber website.

Whether you seek to grow your own profession or business or to grow your network of other professionals, the Chamber is a great place to start. Membership is open to individuals who want to join strictly on a social basis as well as various business level memberships with additional benefits to increase your visibility. Give us a try. We believe you will find membership well worth your investment!

Please drop by our booth at the Pride Festival to say “hello” and learn more about the Chamber.

Yours, Michael Fluck Chair and President Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 330971 * Nashville, TN 37203 * 615.481.9233

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PRIDE TURNABOUT

PHOTOS BY SID NIAZI

PAIN T

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cust om in te

rior

show us yours.... nashvillepride.org/core–100

WORK S

pain ting at AA RP

pric

es

DIVERSE CITY PAGE

Frannie & Paula 615.391.5941 anton-lavoy@att.net

medical care for your entire family

1187 Old Hickory Blvd Brentwood, TN 37027

JIM BOLEN BROKER, GRI

615/376-8195

direct 615.352.7046 office 615.373.3513 jimbolen@comcast.net www.jimbolen.com http://jimbolen.crye-leike.com

1607 Westgate Circle Suite 200 Brentwood

Bradley Bullock, MD Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

do you love

cars?

Lambda Car Club

Music City Cars / Cumberland Region

P.O. Box 330397 Nashville, Tn 37203-7503 Visit us on the web at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/musiccitycars/

Proudly Serving Davidson and Surrounding Counties

THAT AHHHHHHHH EFFECT! • over 13 years massage therapy experience • full body deep tissue, swedish, sports & energy healing all in one session • athletes to eldery welcomed • Certified Fitness Trainer

MON – FRI 9:00am – 11:30pm / SUN 3:00pm – 11:30pm $75 for 60 mins. / $125 for 90 mins.

Private Office at 725 Cool Springs Blvd in Franklin JAMES K. DERUSHA LMT #7466

EA

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FOR MORE INFORMATION NashvilleGLBTChamber.org

615-596-6210

MAX EXPOSURE AT AN AFFORDABLE RATE.

Social Club for Mature Gay Men www.tnprimetimers.org

at our Fourth-Friday Mixers.

Call for more details today!

E

R

Movers & Shakers

thehigherlife4me.com | 615/403-0537

Place your ad here on the new Diverse City Page as low as $150 for a business card ad.

G

Network with Nashville's GLBT

615-269-3263

Online Appointment Scheduling 24 / 7

Christopher May DC 2933 Berry Hill Dr Nashville, TN 37204 (615) 220-0777

DoctorMay.net

Sheila D. Barnard REALTOR®

‘I know Sheila cares...’

Sheila was voted 2005 & 2006 GLBT Realtor® of the Year

1305 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37217 m (615) 424-6924 o (615) 385-9010 barnard@realtracs.com SheilaBarnard.RealtyAssociation.com

JUNE

B

SPECIAL GUEST:

OODLE’S - MARKET SQUARE Join us as we support the restaurants that support us and thank them for their sponsorship!

KNOXVILLE PRIDEFEST

MARKET SQUARE – SATURDAY THE 25TH – 4-10PM

KNOXVILLE PRIDE PARADE

DOWNTOWN – SATURDAY THE 25TH – 2 PM

BECOME A SPONSOR or be a Vendor and set up a booth at our festival.

SIGN UP NOW BEFORE THEY ALL SELL OUT! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS AND INFORMATION.

VISIT KNOXVILLEPRIDEFEST.COM FOR MORE INFO.

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