O&AN I May 2014

HUNTER PAGE JUSTIN LILES NOT JUST A BOY NEXT DOOR

NASHVILLE ROLLERGIRLS CELEBRATE SEASON EIGHT SPRING FLING NASHVILLE FESTIVAL GUIDE

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MAY 2014

VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 5

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11 YEARS

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AMERICAN BALLADS:

The Photographs of Marty Stuart Opens May 9

Country music icon Marty Stuart is a master storyteller not only through his songs, but also through his revealing photographs. See how Stuart captures memorable moments on film in more than 60 photographs featured in this exhibition.

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

Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission

DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE 919 BROADWAY FRISTCENTER.ORG

Marty Stuart.

The King of Broken Hearts, George Jones, 1997.

Archival pigment print. Š Marty Stuart

Health report finds heath concerns not addressed for LGB community KEEN NEWS SERVICES BY LISA KEEN

A report released by the Boston-based Fenway Institute has found important health-related risks within the LGB community that are not welldocumented or well-known and not addressed by prevention and treatment programs.

Many studies have shown that gay men have a higher risk of HIV infection and that LGBT youth are at higher risk of being bullied and considering suicide. But the new policy brief from Fenway found that the LGB community has a higher rate of tobacco use than the general public, that lesbians have an increased risk of being overweight, and that LGB elders have an increased risk of disability.

The Fenway report is based on data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through an annual Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Surveys (BRFSS) in all 50 states, reaching 506,000 people. CDC provides the core questionnaire for each state to administer, asking questions about such healthrelated matters as diet, physical activity, smoking, immunization, and sleep.

CDC does not include a question about a survey participant’s sexual orientation on the core questionnaire or on a list of additional optional questions states can add if they choose.

Only 27 states have, on their own initiative, begun asking questions about sexual orientation and/or same-sex sexual behavior, according to the Fenway report.

Because sexual orientation data is not collected in all 50 states, says the Fenway report, “it is impossible to compare their health behaviors to those of other groups.”

“Without this information, states may miss the opportunity to develop programs, policies, and services to address local health disparities.”

The Fenway report urges all states “to include, at a minimum, a sexual identity measure, and, whenever possible, to also include a sexual behavior measure.”

Due to the “nuances and complexity of measuring gender identity, and the unique and understudied health disparities transgender people face,” said the Fenway report, “a comprehensive assessment of these issues” requires another report.

Of the 27 states which have asked people about their sexual orientation, some have asked the question in only one year; some every year. The 27 states include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The report urges all 50 states to begin asking about sexual orientation.

“Collecting sexual orientation data at the state level,” says the report, “can propel the federal initiative forward and enhance states’ ability to document and work toward eliminating health disparities experienced by their own populations.”

Some of the specific findings of Fenway’s analysis of the data collected by the 27 states that do ask questions about sexual identity and/or same-sex sexual behavior include: ‫ ‫‬Lesbians and bisexual women are less likely than heterosexual women to obtain mammograms and Pap tests ‫ ‫‬Gay men have higher rates of alcohol and drug use ‫ ‫‬LGB people have higher rates of tobacco use and are more likely to lack health insurance ‫ ‫‬LGB older adults have increased risk of disability, excessive drinking, and smoking ‫ ‫‬18 %of doctors in California are “sometimes” or “often” uncomfortable treating gay patients ‫ ‫‬9.4 % of men who identified themselves as “straight” in New York City had sex with another man during the past year. ‫ ‫‬76 % of self-identified lesbian sexually active adolescents reported having had sex with a male

u o y e v a h to e ic n so It’s back where you belonge This isn’t the ‘Lou you thought you knew. We’ve got a lot of Pride here. Say “Hello” to awesome nightlife down in The Grove and incredible culture up in the newly remodeled Art Museum. Come see why The Advocate put us in the Top 15 “gayest” cities in America.

Check out our impressive packages at explorestlouis.com/LGBT

MAY 2014

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4/17/14 6:38 AM

JOSEPH BROWNELL

After announcing his intention to strike Ohio’s ban recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states in early April, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Black issued his ruling on April 14.

In his ruling, Black wrote that, “ …Ohio’s marriage recognition bans are facially unconstitutional and unenforceable under any circumstances.”

The order, like in Kentucky, did not require “require Ohio to authorize the performance of same-sex marriage in Ohio … ruling merely requires Ohio to recognize valid same-sex marriages lawfully performed in states which do authorize such marriages.”

Black also delayed deciding if he would issue a stay of his ruling, allowing attorneys from both sides to present their arguments.

However, Black did write that he was inclined to stay his ruling except for the four plaintiff couples. Much like what recently happened in Tennessee, Black wrote that the Plaintiffs “have demonstrated that a stay will harm them individually due to the imminent births of their children and other timesensitive concerns.”

Black issued his stay on Wednesday, April 15, agreeing with Federal Judge John Heyburn’s Kentucky assessment that “premature implementation or confusing changes” did not serve anyone well.

As inclined, Black said the stay did not apply to the four couples, including Pam and Nicole Yorksmith who filed the February lawsuit that led to the court case, and ordered Ohio to immediately list both spouses in each relationship as parents on their children’s birth certificates. Pam and Nicole are currently expecting their second child.

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In his stay, Black wrote: “While this Court believes that Defendant Himes is unlikely to prevail on the merits of his appeal, and will not be irreparably harmed by compliance with the requirements of the United States Constitution, the Court acknowledges that recognition of same-sex marriages is a hotly contested issue in the contemporary legal landscape, and, if Defendant Himes’s appeal is ultimately successful, the absence of a stay as to this Court’s ruling of facial unconstitutionality is likely to lead to confusion, potential inequity, and high costs. These considerations lead the Court to conclude that the public interest would best be served by the granting of a stay. Premature celebration and confusion do not serve anyone’s best interests. The federal appeals courts need to rule, as does the United States Supreme Court.”

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), the first GOP senator to support marriage equality, quickly spoke out against the court’s decision, stating that marriage equality would be more effective without an edict from the federal courts.

While Ohio voters voted to ban same-sex marriage in 2004, in an apparent coincidence, a proposed ballot initiative to repeal Ohio’s same-sex marriage ban was certified by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. The initiative now goes to the state ballot board for review.

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MAY 2014

‘‘

WHILE THIS COURT BELIEVES THAT DEFENDANT HIMES IS UNLIKELY TO PREVAIL ON THE MERITS OF HIS APPEAL, AND WILL NOT BE IRREPARABLY HARMED

BY COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION,

THE COURT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT RECOGNITION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGES IS A HOTLY CONTESTED ISSUE IN THE CONTEMPORARY LEGAL LANDSCAPE,

AND, IF DEFENDANT HIMES’S APPEAL IS ULTIMATELY SUCCESSFUL, THE ABSENCE OF A STAY AS TO THIS COURT’S RULING OF FACIAL UNCONSTITUTIONALITY IS LIKELY TO LEAD TO CONFUSION, POTENTIAL INEQUITY, AND HIGH COSTS. THESE CONSIDERATIONS LEAD THE COURT TO CONCLUDE THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST WOULD BEST BE SERVED

BY THE GRANTING OF A STAY. PREMATURE CELEBRATION AND CONFUSION DO NOT SERVE ANYONE’S BEST INTERESTS. THE FEDERAL APPEALS COURTS NEED TO RULE, AS DOES THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT.

‘‘

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Those seeking an internship in journalism or mass communications are strongly encouraged to apply.

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

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Lambda Legal sues doctor and clinic for denying medical care to transgender woman

‘‘

O&AN STAFF REPORTS

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THE PROVISIONS OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ARE CLEAR:

DOCTORS RECEIVING FEDERAL FUNDS CANNOT DISCRIMINATE IN PROVIDING PATIENT CARE JUST BECAUSE A PERSON IS TRANSGENDER.

‘‘

Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of Naya Taylor, a transgender woman denied medical care after she requested hormone replacement therapy, in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Urbana Division, on April 15.

The lawsuit alleges a violation of the ACA’s non-discrimination provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, (which includes gender identity), and requires that clinics receiving federal funds treat transgender patients in the same manner as they would any patient under their care.

“The provisions of the Affordable Care Act are clear: doctors receiving federal funds cannot discriminate in providing patient care just because a person is transgender,” said Kenneth Upton, Senior Counsel for Lambda Legal. “Patients such as Naya Taylor place their health and well-being in a doctor’s hands. Ms. Taylor asked for her doctor to provide services similar to those provided to other clinic patients who are not transgender and the doctor and clinic refused, posing a significant risk to Ms. Taylor’s health. The ACA’s non-discrimination provisions were intended to ensure appropriate medical care for transgender people, a community that already faces a disproportionate amount of discrimination, violence and suicide rates.”

Naya Taylor is a transgender woman living in Mattoon, Illinois. Dr. Aja Lystila had been Ms. Taylor’s primary care physician, but when Ms. Taylor requested to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as part of her medically necessary, transition-related healthcare to treat her gender dysphoria, Dr. Lystila refused. Dr. Lystila first claimed she was not experienced in providing hormones to transgender people even though hormone therapy is regularly provided to non-transgender patients in a variety of settings every day. Later the clinic told Ms. Taylor that it “does not have to treat people like you.” HRT is one of the vital life-saving treatments used to treat gender dysphoria, a recognized, serious medical condition.

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MAY 2014

The Affordable Care Act is the first federal civil rights law to prohibit health care providers that receive federal funds, such as Dr. Lystila’s medical practice, from discriminating against any individual on the basis of sex for purpose of providing health services. That prohibition extends to discrimination based on gender identity or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity, regardless of the actual or perceived gender identity of the individuals involved.

The case is Taylor v. Lystila, and names Dr. Lystila and Carle, an integrated group of health care services, as defendants. A complaint was also filed with the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

“When they said, ‘we don’t have to treat people like you,’ I felt like the smallest, most insignificant person in the world,” said Naya Taylor. “The doctor and office provide hormone replacement therapy for others at the same clinic, they just refused to do that for me.”

Read more about efforts to provide transgender healthcare in Nashville on page 16.

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Harvey Milk Forever Stamp to be dedicated at White House May 22 O&AN STAFF REPORTS

The official first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Harvey Milk Forever Stamp will take place at the White House May 22. The stamp makes Milk the first openly LGBT official ever featured on U.S. postage.

Harvey Milk was a visionary leader who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Milk’s achievements gave hope and confidence to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in the United States and elsewhere at a time when the community was encountering widespread hostility and discrimination.

Milk believed that government should represent all citizens, ensuring equality and providing needed services. His remarkable career was tragically cut

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short nearly a year after he took office, when he and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated.

In 2009, Milk was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

The dedication will coincide with Harvey Milk Day in California.

The stamp image will be previewed at a later date and a public dedication ceremony will take place in San Francisco May 28. Additional details will be forthcoming.

“Harvey Milk’s legacy is alive and well,” said Chuck Wolfe, President and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute. “His historic run paved the way for a new generation of LGBT leaders who can be open and honest about who they are, and it’s encouraging to see the U.S. Postal Service honoring his legacy of perseverance and pride today.”

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MAY 2014

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Georgia becomes the latest state to file marriage equality lawsuit O&AN Staff Reports

Real-life experience Schoolteacher ● Basketball coach ● Community leader ●

said Beth Littrell, Senior Attorney also based in Lambda Legal’s Southern Regional Office.

Joining Inniss and Stroman as plaintiffs in the lawsuit are: Rayshawn Chandler, 29, and Avery Chandler, 30, Atlanta Police Department police officers who have been together for almost three years; Michael Bishop, 50, and Shane Thomas, 44, together for seven years and the parents of two children; and Jennifer Sisson, 34, whose wife, Pamela Drenner, died on March 1 at age 49. Jennifer and Pam were married in New York in 2013.

Despite being legally married, the State of Georgia has refused to list Jennifer as Pam’swife on Pam’s death certificate.

In the lawsuit, Lambda Legal, joined by pro bono co-counsel from Bryan Cave and White & Case, argues that Georgia’s marriage ban unfairly discriminates against same-sex couples and sends a purposeful message that lesbians, gay men, and their children are second-class citizens who are undeserving of the legal sanction, respect, protections, and support that different-sex couples and their families are able to enjoy through marriage.

“Today’s filing represents a critically important step in the ongoing work toward marriage equality in Georgia.

Georgia Equality stands with these inspiring couples in their fight to enable more than 21,000 same-sex coupes and their families living in Georgia the freedom to marry the person who they love,”said Jeff Graham, Georgia Equality Executive Director.

‘‘

EVERY DAY THAT SAME-SEX COUPLES IN GEORGIA ARE DENIED THE FREEDOM TO MARRY, THE GOVERNMENT SENDS A MESSAGE THAT THEIR FAMILIES ARE NOT WORTHY OF DIGNITY AND RESPECT

‘‘

Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on behalf of a widow and three same-sex couples challenging Georgia’s discriminatory marriage ban. The case was filed on behalf of Christopher Inniss and Shelton Stroman of Snellville, Rayshawn Chandler and Avery Chandler of Jonesboro, Michael Bishop and Shane Thomas of Atlanta, and Jennifer Sisson of Decatur.

“Georgia is our home. Our family is here, our business is here, and our community here is a great support for us,” said Christopher Inniss, veterinarian and pet resort owner.

“Shelton and I have been together for 13 years. We own a home together, we own a business together, and we are raising our son, Jonathan, together.

We have done everything we can to protect and take responsibility for our family but marriage is the only way to ensure that we are treated as the family that we are. We need the protection that marriage affords.”

Lead plaintiffs Chris, 39, and his partner Shelton Stroman, 41, have been together for 13 years. Their son, Jonathan, is 9.

“Every day that same-sex couples in Georgia are denied the freedom to marry, the government sends a message that their families are not worthy of dignity and respect,” said Tara Borelli, Senior Attorney in Lambda Legal’s Southern Regional Office based in Atlanta. “Georgians believe in the Southern values of love, honor and family, but as long as the State of Georgia continues to bar samesex couples from marriage, it devalues these families and reinforces unfairness and discrimination.”

“Georgia joins a growing chorus of Southern voices clamoring for marriage equality. The freedom to marry is indeed coming south. We do not want a country divided by unfairness and discrimination. Same-sex couples are in loving, committed relationships in every region of our nation and should be treated the same way, whether they live in the Empire State or the Peach State,”

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Two years ago the Tennessee Equality Project embarked on a mission to create a benefit unlike any other. a night to celebrate a year’s worth of fighting. a year’s worth of victories. the battles were hard. the results: victorious. this year, return to the house that victory built.

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MAY 2014

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Spring Fling: Your Nashville Festival Date Guide JOSEPH BROWNELL

Hopefully you’ve had a chance to pack away those winter sweaters because Spring is here. Break out of your winter hibernation with the O&AN Spring Fling Nashville-area Festival Date Guide.

MAY

07-11 WED-SUN

MUSIC CITY SPIRITS & COCKTAIL FESTIVAL Wednesday, May 7 – Sunday, May 11 musiccityspiritsandcocktail.com/home

Need anything more than the name of this festival to get you out there?

Spirits and cocktails? Yes, please!

Music City Spirits & Cocktail Festival is a multi-day, city wide celebration of the rising spirits and cocktail culture that has grasped Nashville, TN over the past 5 years.

MAY

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IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE

SATURDAY

Saturday, May 10 iroquoissteeplechase.org

SEVIER PARK FEST

The 73rd running of the Iroquois Steeplachase is nearly upon us. From horses and hats, jockeys and jackets and hurdle and huate dresses— Steeplechase is synonymous with style.

Get decked out in your best outfit, plan a perfect picnic menu and don’t forget the drink recipes. From “the refined to the rowdy,” the Iroquois Steeplechase has something for everybody and has become a new tradition for the LGBT spring social season.

Saturday, May 3 sevierparkfest.com

The Sevier Park Fest features over 50 local vendors, two stages with live entertainment and great food.

This year’s event headliner is critically acclaimed out singer songwriter Brandy Clark, who made her Ellen show debut earlier this year. Clark takes a break from being the support on Jennifer Nettles’ current solo tour and her debut album 12 Stories was one of our favorite 2013 albums.

MAY

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MAY 2014

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM Now cheekwood.org

100,000 tulips. Sound improbable?

It’s not. Cheekwood in Bloom is in full swing, and beds of 100,000 tulips are now at peak bloom all over the Garden. With activities and events every Saturday and Sunday, there’s not a more beautiful place in Nashville to celebrate Spring.

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MUSICIANS CORNER May 14- 18; various shows and venues

Saturdays through June 28 musicianscornernashville.com

Musicians Corner returns for its fifth year of free weekly lawn parties in Centennial Park beginning on Saturday, May 3 with a stellar line up presented

by Southwest Airlines®, including Jars of Clay, Holly Williams, and The David Mayfield Parade.

The Spring 2014 Season will run each Saturday through June 28 from 12p.m. to 5p.m. and will include O&AN fave Julie Roberts.

Visit their website for a full lineup.

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MAY

14-18

Ready for a laugh riot? Well look no further as headliners Aziz Ansari, music group The Lonely Island and Kathleen Madigan descend upon Nashville for this festival which is guaranteed to keep you LOL’ing all weekend long. And don’t forget a one-night performance from gay-fave Chelsea Handler, who is currently on tour in support of her latest book Uganda Be Kidding Me.

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Get ready, Nashville,‘cause they’re just getting warmed up!

Over the past eight months, city chorus Nashville in Harmony (NiH) has presented three major concerts in its year-long celebration of its first ten years, using music to build community and create social change. It is now time to mark your calendars and make plans for the pinnacle event of this concert series.

Nashville in Harmony is proud to present “TENsational: Premiere Gala - Celebrating a decade of building community” on Sunday, June 1 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Tickets are on sale now and available online by visiting www.nashvilleinharmony.org Prices range from $20 to $40.

This concert event will be unlike any that have come before in the TENsational concert series. Though no strangers to the Schermerhorn, Nashville in Harmony, for first time, will be the headlining performance. The evening will feature the world premiere of “Suite Progress”, a three-movement musical work commissioned especially for this occasion, by award winning composer Jason Shelton. Within that performance, NiH will feature a special youth chorus, comprised of the children of NiH members. There will also be a video retrospective of Nashville in Harmony’s history as well as a peek into the dreams the chorus has for the next ten years. In attendance will be special dignitaries as well as surprise guests.

But, wait - it gets better! For those wishing to make an already spectacular evening into an affair to remember, tickets for “dinner and a show” are available for $125 with seating on the main floor of the concert hall starting at 6 p.m.. Diners will enjoy a delicious 4-course meal before the concert begins and will already be in some of the best seats in the house to enjoy the show.

What better way to experience live music in Nashville’s premier concert hall, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center?

Tickets for “dinner and a show” are available by contacting marketing@ nashvilleinharmony.org Nashville in Harmony is Middle Tennessee’s first and only musical arts ensemble purposefully comprised of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people and their straight friends and allies.

Under the direction of Don Schlosser, the chorus’ reputation for musical excellence is without compromise and was, thus, voted “Best Musical Ensemble” in the 2013 Nashville Scene readers poll ahead of the revered Nashville Symphony and the Nashville Ballet. NiH uses music to build community and create social change and has partnered with many organizations over the years that share a common vision of a better Nashville and a better world - for all.

Nashville in Harmony’s music, mission and outreach is made possible, in part, by generous support from The Frist Foundation, the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission (MNAC) and the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC).

John Waide, PhD, LCSW 615/400.5911 waide@psychotherapy-and-psychoanalysis.com Barbara Sanders, LCSW 615/414.2553 BarbaraSandersLCSW@gmail.com Music Row / Vanderbilt Area

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Nashville in Harmony’s TENsational season ends with a gala

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MAY 2014

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Local, award-winning documentary screening benefits Nashville LGBT-inclusive organizations JAMES A. GRADY

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Even in places in America associated with acceptance of gay culture, the story has been powerfully impactful. Desmond said that even “at the Palm Springs international Film Festival, where it won Best of Fest, there were a lot of the elder members of our LGBT community that were deeply moved. Curtis’ mom was there and so were the boys. Everyone got a lot out of it.”

For Curtis, one of the most meaningful encounters sparked by the movie was in Philadelphia. “A man in his 70s stood up during the question and answer and said, ‘My mother died when I was two, and I lost my father and all the rest of my family in Germany when I was ten. I feel like, in watching this film, I have a new family.”

Bringing the film back to Nashville to support the community here is important to Desmond and Curtis. Curtis relates that, at first, Desmond was hesitant to relocate to Nashville, but they determined that it was a better place to raise the boys.

“I feel like any other mom I’m at the school with,” Curtis said. “As a primary caregiver, they accept me as one of their own. I even get invited to moms’ nights out!” The acceptance their family has met in their chosen communities has been a credit to our city, and Desmond has immersed himself in the local community. He is a devoted cheerleader for Becca Stevens’ Magdalene House, joining the design committee for its Thistle Stop Cafe. He even bought the building next to the cafe to house his own offices. He has also involved himself in other civic causes, such as the Fountains of Musica Foundation, which is dedicated to raising the funds to complete the project.

Using their family’s story to benefit other LGBT families in Middle Tennessee is an outgrowth of this civic mindedness. “Our own experience is relatively easy,” Desmond said.

“The greater world hasn’t necessarily caught up.” This makes open and accepting places like Abintra and an

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

MAY 2014

‘‘

LOVE IS A GUIDE TO TRUTH AND LOVE MAKES A FAMILY.

‘‘

On May 13 at 7pm, Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre is hosting a special screening of the beautiful documentary, Two: The Story of Roman and Nyro.

The film, awarded Best Documentary at the 2013 Nashville Film Festival, gives remarkably personal insight into the formation of a modern American family.

What begins as Desmond Child and Curtis Shaw’s journey from longtime couple to parenthood becomes the story of the widespread “village” of individuals who have come together to help them create and support their family. Roman and Nyro represent the fulfillment of a dream, not just that of Desmond and Curtis but the dream of generations: that one day a happy, partnered gay couple could have their own children and be recognized as a real American family.

What makes the story perhaps most remarkable is that it is mostly set not in Miami or Los Angeles, but Nashville.

The event benefits three important organizations serving LGBT families in Nashville: Abintra Montessori School, Jewish Family Service of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, and PFLAG Nashville.

The film has been screened at well over a dozen festivals since its completion, in locations as different as socially conservative Nassau, Bahamas and Palm Springs. For many of us who have well-developed networks of liberal, or otherwise accepting, allies, the story of a gay family may not seem so extraordinary; we might even question why it needs to be told in this day and age. Traveling with the film, often with the boys along, has reminded Desmond and Curtis why they want it heard. Curtis recalls, “Desmond is half Cuban, but when we brought the film to Havana, we weren’t sure who would relate to our film. Several sweet, simple people approached us afterwards with heartfelt thanks. A girl who worked at the theatre came up to us with tears in her eyes - the story of love and family is universal and it’s a meaningful journey for all of us.”

WE’VE BEEN HAPPY TO BRING OUR FILM WHEREVER PEOPLE WANTED TO SHOW IT, BUT IT’S GREAT TO BRING IT HOME!

LGBT family organization like PFLAG obvious beneficiaries. Some people might, however, be surprised to find Jewish Family Services grouped with them. Curtis explained, “I just recently sat down with Pam Kelner from JFS and found out that JFS has been

supporting LGBT adoption for years, including second parent adoptions. One of the reasons we moved to California after the kids were born was to get the kind of service they provide here in Middle Tennessee!”

find your The central importance of JFS in providing adoption services to LGBT families in the region can’t be overstated: “until very recently we were the only adoption agency who would provide these services to the LGBT community,” Kelner explained.

“When the first openly gay man tried to find an agency that would serve him in 2002, we were the ones to say yes. In 2005, when a judge was trying to find an agency to conduct a home study for a second-parent adoption, again we were the only ones to say yes.” JFS also advocates for equality: one of their social workers testified before the Children and Family Affairs Committee of the State House of Representatives against a bill to ban gay adoption in TN in 2005.

Desmond and Curtis hope that their film will both raise awareness in the community that gay families are really just families, as well as provide needed funds to groups providing essential support in our community. Curtis reiterated that the message is that “love is a guide to truth and love makes a family.

We’ve been happy to bring our film wherever people wanted to show it, but it’s great to bring it home!” Very soon their message will be able to reach wider audiences. The film has been chosen by Morgan Spurlock for a limited release in 30 Landmark Theatres across the country on August 12. Additionally, the film now has a digital distribution deal with Virgil Films, so by the end of summer it should be accessible via iTunes, Amazon.com, and Netflix, among others.

MAY 2014

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Integrated Health Cooperative aims to provide ‘whole health’ options to marginalized communities JAMES A. GRADY

16

‘‘

TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS ENCOUNTER WHAT SOME PEOPLE CALL TRANSWHISPERERS,

PEOPLE AT SUPPOSEDLY TRANSAWARE PLACES WHERE PEOPLE ARE POINTING YOU OUT AND OUTING YOU, INTENTIONALLY OR NOT.

‘‘

Recently, I was asked, “Have you heard about the new ‘transgender clinic’ opening in Nashville?” The answer to that question was a resounding, “No!” But the news was intriguing, and a few weeks later, I walked into the Integrated Health Cooperative, LLC, (IHC) in Madison.

What I found there quite defied my expectations.

In reality, the IHC is not a “transgender clinic,” but “a grass roots organization comprised of a group of individuals that identified a need for underserved individuals that are diligently seeking a major life transformation.”

The idea for the clinic was born with Clinical Director Billy Manley and Project Director Steven Glowicki.

Initially Billy considered opening a small nursing clinic, but, in November 2012, Steven was ending his work with a program for housing adults with mental illness. Looking to return to Nashville full-time, Steven found that Billy’s ideas matched his own interest “in advocacy for vulnerable populations.”

According to Steven, Billy was just the man to lead such an initiative: “I’ve known Billy for 7 years, and he’s one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever met. Even while he was in his nursing program, he was couponing to buy food for people in need and teaching knitting and organizing a group to make blankets for the homeless. He’s always gone out of his way to meet the needs of those in need.”

Billy admits his initial ignorance about the transgender community, but developing friendships, combined with his profession as a family practice nurse practitioner working in addiction and mental health, made him curious about transgender healthcare needs.

The transgender community is a vulnerable population with regard to access to healthcare. Two booked solid physicians provide most of the Nashville transgender community’s basic needs, forcing many to seek help in Atlanta. But because of the Atlanta organization’s charter wording, many who travel to Atlanta were turned away empty-handed.

---- PSYCHOLOGICALLY THIS CREATES A RESISTANCE IN TRANSGENDER PEOPLE FROM SEEKING SERVICES THAT ENHANCE THEIR FEELING OF WELL-BEING, WHILE ALSO STOKING PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES WHICH ARE ALREADY DIFFICULT FOR THE INDIVIDUALS.

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

MAY 2014

The first real meeting with members of the transgender community was at Steven’s home in February of 2013.

Since that time, both Billy and Steven commented on the commitment of the transgender community in seeing the clinic open, committing themselves to its mission far beyond what will benefit them directly.

Indeed, at this point the clinic cannot possibly be sustained completely by offering transgender services. The IHC’s model will instead be to reach out to other groups facing healthcare disparities. In addition to alcohol and drug treatment services, particularly for those with associated mental health disorders, the clinic’s other major focus is the kink community.

A general lack of understanding of the kink community and their culture creates a lack of access in subtle ways.

Billy described a common situation that illustrates this: “people in the kink culture tell us that people don’t take them or their nontraditional relationships seriously. For instance, I’ve had people tell me about being treated coldly, or even laughed at, by their doctors when they asked for a reference to counseling when they get uncollared by their partner.”

IHC’s focus on varied, and sometimes non-overlapping, marginalized communities requires maintaining the comfort and sense of security of, and a safe and welcoming environment for, each group. Billy explains, “We’ll be dividing up days so that our days of providing drug and alcohol treatment services won’t overlap with our services to transgender or kink services. It is essential that we create a place for individuals who experience healthcare disparities to come and feel accepted, not just tolerated.”

Given the centrality of the transgender community to their mission though, IHC will provide a broader range of services to the transgender community than one might normally consider basic healthcare. For instance, as soon as salon chairs can be secured, volunteers are ready to provide salon services to transgender individuals. Billy explains that this sort of care is, however, part of

whole health: “transgender individuals encounter what some people call transwhisperers, people at supposedly transaware places where people are pointing you out and outing you, intentionally or not.” Psychologically this creates a resistance in transgender people from seeking services that enhance their feeling of well-being, while also stoking psychological issues which are already difficult for the individuals.

The goal of IHC is to expand such services and create a place that supports whole health, physical and mental while building the IHC into an LGBTQI health center focused on whole health and wellness.

The next major step in the work of IHC is establishing a non-profit to undertake the healthcare policy aspect of the transgender community by increasing awareness, organizing advocacy, and legislative initiatives.

As the clinic builds and the non-profit develops, they will also support the development of education outreach initiatives, such as offering sensitivity training for clinics and doctors, as well as other providers, to help them become more aware of and receptive to the needs of diverse communities.

While the clinic does have a nurse employed, its work is primarily supported by a committed group of volunteers. According to Steven, “We had an opening launch/lunch day and had about 30 potential volunteers show up for a walk-through. Since then those volunteers have helped us move from having about 25% of the building remodeled to having only a couple of rooms that still need major attention.”

The clinic will hold volunteer meetings, followed by an open house, the first Thursday of each month. These sessions will run from 6 to 8 p.m..

Community members interested in the IHC mission can attend open house sessions on the third Saturday of each month. The next upcoming session is May 17 at 1 p.m..

For more information about volunteering, contact volunteer@ ihccoop.com. For basic inquiries about IHC or for information about services, contact info@ihccoop.com.

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17

NOT JUST A BOY NEXT DOOR

BY MARSEL GRAY

18

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

MAY 2014

‘‘

IT WAS A WAY TO STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE

- HE SAID WHEN ASKED WHY HE GOT INTO THE BUSINESS.

THIS TYPE OF INDUSTRY TEACHES YOU A LOT ABOUT LIFE. IT GROUNDS YOU, AND THEN YOU BUILD YOURSELF UP.

‘‘

HUNTER PAGE JUSTIN LILES

Justin Liles is your typical boy next door. He’s cute, smart, outgoing and never meets a stranger. His personality and good looks have come in handy when he’s staffing one of the bars at Tribe.

In the two years that Justin has bartended at Tribe, he’s built up a list of many regular customers (you can find him at Tribe on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) who are fans of his ability to sling drinks.

But those aren’t his only fans; he’s also got an international following of adoring fans who marvel at his skills in the adult film industry as newcomer ‘Hunter Page’.

With more than 70 scenes under his belt as ‘Hunter Page’, Justin burst onto the gay adult film industry about a year and half ago. He had just turned 18 (he’s now 20) and was a fresh new face.

Since then he’s also appeared in four full-length movies and had the leading role in one of those.

And while being in the public eye has its ups and downs, Justin says he enjoys the life, despite the loneliness that can sometimes follow a highly visible career.

“It was a way to step out of my comfort zone,” he said when asked why he got into the business. “This type of industry teaches you a lot about life.

It grounds you, and then you build yourself up. I will say it has thickened my skin enough to depend on myself over anyone else.”

He loves the joy that he can give people through his acting. He said being a part of someone’s fantasy was an honor.

“It sounds weird, but through what I do, I have the power to make their troubles go away,” he said. “I can help them forget about what issues they have and temporarily leave reality. It is not a joy that anyone outside the industry can understand, but it is a joy.”

His journey began with the simple click of a mouse. He applied online at one of the adult websites. He was contacted and began his journey.

“I told myself I could do it as a stepping stone,” he said. “I knew how hard it could make my personal life when I first thought about doing it. It was never for money or any materialistic reason like that. No one should do something as permanent as porn for a paycheck. I challenged myself to do something that people wouldn’t expect. I wanted to prove that the stigma of “porn stars” all sleeping around is untrue.”

I WILL SAY IT HAS THICKENED MY SKIN ENOUGH TO DEPEND ON MYSELF OVER ANYONE ELSE.

Overwhelming and fresh, Justin claims his first time engaging on camera was exciting. “I wasn’t nervous which worried me,” he said.

Since that first appearance on camera, he’s won a few blog awards (Prettiest and Most Perfect Porn star of 2013). Additionally he was recently nominated for Best Newcomer, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, Best Group, Best Duo, and Best Art Direction at the annual Grabby Awards.

“All of my nominations come from the full movie I starred in titled ‘Frat House Cream’, he said. “This was a horror style movie, and closely related to a ‘Scream’ movie.”

Justin is single. It’s by choice, because dating can be challenging and difficult for those in the adult film industry.

“What relationships?” said Justin.

“People look at you in one of two ways—disgust or as an object.”

Justin added that he once had someone leave in the middle of a date because they learned of his job. And it’s the judgment leveled at him by others that leave him feeling frustrated with the gay community.

“I don’t judge or give my opinion on situations I know nothing of,” he explained. “For example, I can’t bear children myself. So I have no right to tell a woman what she should or shouldn’t do with her child. It isn’t my place. I will not marry a woman, I will marry a man. So I feel heterosexuals input on that subject are irrelevant. So unless you have done porn, don’t pass judgment.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINDA PIERCE

Sex is Americas dirty secret.

Porn is one of the largest money makers in this country. We all watch it, participate, or fantasize about sex at points and times. It is just a level of comfort that I have with my body to put it out in the world for all to see. I don’t feel anyone should be penalized for that. As long as you pay your bills, invest in yourself, and don’t hurt anyone else while accomplishing what you want, who has the right to speak about you. People always like to tell me what I should do with my life. This is my skin though.”

“And unlike many, I know that I don’t ‘need’ someone,” he added.

“When I find someone I am interested in, that will be great. Until then, I am content with being my own star player.”

And who will be the person that captures Justin’s heart?

“I am big on personality. I want to have someone who can make me laugh. A person who makes me nervous around him is something I like. It keeps you from getting too comfortable,” he explained. “They need to be charming, sarcastic, and compassionate. If I had an ideal age range, it would be someone in their mid to late twenties. I don’t list any physical attributes, because I feel that would set me up to fail. Happiness isn’t in what you look like all the time; it is in the level of respect and maturity someone gives you. I know who I am attracted to. I also know that just a pretty face won’t get you everywhere with me.”

There are, of course, many attitudes and stereotypes towards those that perform in the adult industry. With heterosexual porn, feminists have often criticized it as degrading to women and sparking violence toward women. Some have argued the same can be said for the submissive partner in same sex porn films.

There’s a stigma, but not just in porn, explained Justin, that exists between bottoms and tops. “If you’re the bottom then you must act like this and if you’re a top then you must act like this and it couldn’t be further from the truth, sometimes,” said Justin. “I have always been made to bottom for the camera.

For the right person though, I don’t want a relationship labeled as he is the top and I the bottom. I am perfectly content sharing any role equally with whoever my partner may be. I don’t do roles in my relationships. I am masculine at times and feminine at times. I want someone who is the same. To share every aspect of a relationship, rather than defining who I am by “top or bottom”.

MAY 2014

Aside from the genders of the actors, many people think all porn, whether it is straight or gay porn, is the same. According to Justin, straight porn is more rigid and scripted, while gay porn has more fluidity and ease to it. “It’s more about the chemistry between the models,” said Justin. Justin explained that whenever he has to act in a scene he prefers to meet and talk to his coworker before they shoot.

Given the nature of their work, porn stars risk exposure to STDs and HIV. Recently the adult film industry came under scandal when several stars tested positive for HIV. Many models assume that because they are tested regularly they can engage in off camera unsafe intercourse. “I can say I’ve never done that. I hold myself to [a] higher standard,” said Justin. “My status is negative and I get tested every two months, because I am responsible with my body.”

While some people jokingly discuss entering the adult film industry, Justin warns they should do their research if they are serious. “Reach out to someone who’s done it,” he advises. Justin claims entering the industry was one of the most difficult things he’s ever done.

“Reach out to someone whom you know has been there and can give you the positives and negatives of the industry,” he said. “Like all jobs, there are aspects you will have to find out for yourself, but having someone in your corner to help coach you is a hell of a lot better than doing it blind like I did.”

Justin isn’t just a porn star. He has been involved in many projects that seek to change the way people look at that particular topic. Recently Justin was featured on the several billboards in and around the Nashville area. “I want to stand up for people who live somewhere where they can’t,” Justin said. “Anything I do that helps people is not a waste of time.”

So what does this 20-year-old see in his future? It’s a life that he will script, not one scripted by others.

“I make what is going to happen,” he said. “I am in college and will continue after my undergraduate on to medical school. People may think they have me figured out, but I am always the wildcard. My favorite quote of all time is something I apply to all situations of who I am.

If there is one thing the history of evolution has taught us, it’s that life will not be contained. Life breaks free, it expands to new territories and crashes through barriers, painfully, maybe even dangerously, but, uh... well, there it is.”

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

19

Equality billboards shake up Nashville The Love is Equality billboards featuring same-sex couples sharing affection, rotating around Nashville were far from an April Fool’s joke. In fact, when we posted these billboards online last month, they quickly became a hot topic of conversation on Facebook, eliciting a range of responses, including a spirited debate about how far heterosexual advertising on billboards goes. For the full discussion, ‘like’ the Out & About Nashville Facebook Page.

“I’m sure at some point in the future someone else would have done it but, it’s pretty surreal being responsible for creating change. But that’s what Love Is Equality is about, being the one to help create change and break barriers that haven’t been broken,” Timothy Lee, Founder of Love is Equality Love is Equality, a locally founded clothing company, has partnered with organizations across the United States.

Lee’s commitment to equality and change goes well beyond the billboards.

Love is Equality is also donating 60% of

proceeds to local equality organizations.

In the case of sales in Tennessee, funds are being donated to Tennessee Equality Project (TEP).

“It will mean we will be able to do more educational programs across the state, and it will also just increase the message for equality … that’s just going to give all our issues a boost,” Chris Sanders, Executive Director of TEP. Catch Love is Equality Founder Timothy Lee on Out & About Today on select weekends in May. For the full billboards story, visit outandaboutnashville.com Love is Equality billboards have been placed strategically across the United States in equality battleground areas. Love is Equality has rotated its billboards in places such as Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Memphis and now Nashville.

The rotating billboards include male and female couples as well as a shot of an LGBT family, all by Nashville photographer Jay Farrell.

‘‘

I’M SURE

AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE SOMEONE ELSE WOULD HAVE DONE IT

BUT, IT’S PRETTY SURREAL BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING CHANGE. BUT THAT’S WHAT LOVE IS EQUALITY IS ABOUT, BEING THE ONE TO HELP

CREATE CHANGE AND BREAK BARRIERS THAT HAVEN’T BEEN BROKEN.

‘‘

JOSEPH BROWNELL

READERS CONNECT Matt King: I’m all for equal rights but I don’t wanna see two dudes banging on a billboard. You don’t see straight couples doing it.

Seems like they are going about it the wrong way.

Jay Phelps: Love it! And if anyone is actually horrified by a simple kiss, I hope they’ve sold their TV’s and shut off their Internet.

Straight people do an awful lot of it...not that there’s anything wrong with it.

Douglas Gradecki: Wow, that is amazing! Hang in there, it’s going in the right direction.

Jason Warren: Why are these billboards being labeled “gay” billboards? Why not equality billboards? When a billboard is about racism they are not called “black” billboards.

Labeling as such just sends the wrong message.

Randy-Michael Custer: Very cool. Need to raise awareness. Love is love.

Alan Whitley: Yes Nashville!

Beautiful. Proud to be born and raised here. Thank you for sharing Out and About!

Douglas Gradecki: Wow, that is amazing! Hang in there, it’s going in the right direction.

Jason Liles: One of those brave young men is my nephew. I’m Joseph L. Thompson: #POW proud of him and hope these we are here, we are queer, and billboards help raise awareness. we won’t #Disappear ;-p

Loveisequal.org is expected to launch this spring.

20

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MAY 2014

Evan Woodson: Wow! I never thought I’d see the day a billboard like this would reside in Nashville, Tennessee!

How cool!

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Nashville LGBT Chamber announces its 2014 Excellence in Business Awards sex couples gaining equal marriage rights in Tennessee. The attorney and owner of Rubenfeld Law Office also donates her time to Howe vs. Haslam, a suit that challenges the constitutionality of HB 600, the Tennessee state law that refuses to allow cities to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the nondiscrimination policies of their contractors. For her 50th birthday, Abby performed in drag to raise money for the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition, the Tennessee Equality Project, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Brad Pinson followed up the most successful year in his banking career by winning the Samuel Felker Business Leader of the Year. After a promotion from branch manager toBusiness Banking Relationship Manager, Bradley finished the year as the number one business banker at Fifth Third Bank.

Brad is on the Boards of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Nashville

O&AN STAFF REPORTS

The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce celebrated the winners of the 2014 Excellence in Business Awards presented by CURB Records. Over 250 guests filled the Capitol Ballroom at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown.

Jim Robert won the Rhubarb Theater Leadership in the Arts Award.

Jim is the Executive Director of ALIAS Chamber Ensemble. Jim led ALIAS to unprecedented success last year including 3 Best of Nashville... awards which included collaborations with the Nashville Opera and Nashville Ballet. ALIAS donates all of the proceeds from its concerts to local non-profit organizations.

The winner of the Mark Lee Taylor Community Service Award was Abby Rubenfeld.

This was the most competitive category, but Abby Rubenfeldʼs pro bono work just resulted in three same-

CARES, and Sports for All. He is an excellent resource for LGBT Employee Resource Groups.

Another extremely close category was the Ally Award. The winner was Chris Robinette, Financial Planner at Mass Mutual/Capital Financial Group. Chris has been a great ally to the LGBT Chamber. He is a Chairman level member, Gold sponsor of 2013 Tastefully Unpredictable, and actively seeks LGBTBEʼs for suppliers.

Chris attended Mass Mutualʼs LGBT Cultural Competency training in order to provide appropriate financial services to the LGBT community with or without DOMA. The Maria Salas Entrepreneur Award was presented to the publisher of UNITE Magazine Joey Amato. Before UNITE was a year old, Joey launched the first national LGBT entrepreneur magazine - UNITE Business. Even with the 3rd UNITE in the works for Indianapolis, Joey still finds time to

give back to his local community. He serves on the Board of OutCentral and donates to and generates resources for the LGBT community.

The 2014 Corporate Diversity Award went to Nissan. In the last year, Nissan raised their score from 60 to 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index.

Nissan also launched their GayStraight Alliance - GSAN. This business synergy team has been successful getting a variety of teams to work cross-functionally to establish Nissanʼs presence in the LGBT community, provide volunteers and services for events and organizations, and educate and raise awareness inside and outside of Nissan headquarters. Nissan is one of the more innovative corporate partners of the LGBT Chamber, as they are tracking purchases made as a result of their efforts in the LGBT community, and they are already seeing a measurable return on investment.

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TPAC announces anticipated 2014-2015 season After delivering fan fave Jersey Boys, new musicals We Will Rock You, Sister Act and Ghost as well as the three-week return of Wicked, we didn’t think things could get any hotter.

While you can catch the smoldering embers of this year’s season with Million Dollar Quartet playing May 6 – 11 and the exciting War Horse as it gallops into Nashville next month, Tennessee Performing Arts Center is lighting a bonfire with an exciting mix of classics and contemporary Broadway hits with its 2014-15 season announcement.

Boots Chicago with Kinky February 3 - 8 in the HCA/TriStar Health John O’Hurley Next Broadway at TPAC Series is probably October 21-26

We had it coming, we had it coming; following Once is Chicago with John O’Hurley. The six-time Tony Award winning musical will provide all that jazz October 21 to October 26.

So if you’ve only seen the big-screen Hollywood version, you’re missing out on some incredible dance sequences.

Make sure to add Chicago with John O’Hurley to your TPAC checklist.

Once

September 16-21 The 2014-15 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC Series kicks off with Once, September 16-21. You’ll recognize the story of Once from the 2007 independent film of the same name starring (at the time) reallife musical duo Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. The production’s swan song “Falling Slowly” won an Academy Award and is the centerpiece in this Dublin-based musical that impressively has its entire ensemble not only acting and singing, but playing the instruments too.

Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

24

our most anticipated show: Kinky Boots, which will drag itself to Nashville February 3 to 8, 2015.

Winner of six Tony Awards, including Cyndi Lauper’s awardwinning score (the first Tony Award for a female written score), Kinky Boots’ inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible—proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

Pippin

March 10- 15

Evita

November 4 - 9

Don’t cry for us Nashville, the truth is we’ve always loved you. Although we took some artistic license there, we’re excited that Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical Evita returns November 4 - 9. Sure, Madonna starred as Eva Perón in the 1996 film Evita, but you should really jump at the chance to hear “some of theater’s most beautiful songs” in person.

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

MAY 2014

Rounding out the season announcement are Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which will include American Idol finalists (and couple) Diane DeGarmo and Ace Young (February 17-22, 2015), Pippin who won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival (March 10- 15, 2015) and the straight from Broadway, highenergy, hit-musical Newsies, which will deliver headlines May 26-31, 2015.

But that’s not all. TPAC has plenty more surprises up its sleeve with its special presentation shows that include a new holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical and The Blue Man Group.

And we cannot forget, the hotly-anticipated national tour of The Book of Mormon.

Called “the best musical of this century,” by The New York Times and “the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals” by The Washington Post, we’re thankful The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award winning Best Musical from the creators of South Park, makes a Nashville stop on it national tour from November 18-23, 2014.

For more information, including season tickets and packages, visit tpac.org

JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Jonny Gowow shows us his ‘sweet’ side (first)

Murfreesboro musician will release first album in June JOSEPH BROWNELL

‘‘

THE ONLY WAY TO FIND OUT IS TO WRITE THEM.

MUSIC HAS THE POWER TO TRANSCEND A LOT OF PARTICULAR PREJUDICES,

AND I HOPE THAT LISTENERS WILL APPRECIATE THE MUSIC ENOUGH TO OVERCOME SOME OF THOSE PERSONAL BIASES.

‘‘

“I think it’s something gay culture could use, but then again that’s why I wrote it,” Murfreesboro musician Jonny Gowow wrote in an early April email. That singular line proved reason enough to listen to the attached single “Sweet Boy.” And sweet it was. The track’s opening notes instantly transported me to a time known for its television theme songs before Gowow’s grinning, yet earnest delivery about his search for the one thing he “couldn’t lose in the darkest of nights” wrapped itself inside my head and began its extended stay.

“They’re all songs about men, who love or are dealing with other men.

Write what you know,” Gowow jokes.

What he knows will soon be available for public consumption when Gowow releases his first full-length solo album Wide Stance next month.

Over its 14 tracks, the album finds Gowow genre-hopping and delivering his tales within the context and production that are most impactful.

Love song, “Johnny Day,” unfolds within old-school country crooning with roots that are reminiscent of 70s pop.

“The old country feel was deliberate,” Gowow says. “I wanted to write a love song, and classic country is the most honest genre for that. But I also wanted to send a message to the country music community by writing a song that was solid, traditional, and expressed a man’s love for another man.”

When pressed, Gowow admitted that he didn’t know if country music audiences were ready for a song like “Johnny Day.” “The only way to find out is to write them. Music has the power to transcend a lot of particular prejudices, and I hope that listeners will appreciate the music enough to overcome some of those personal biases.”

While Gowow already had this collection of tunes ready to go, he turned to Kickstarter in order to complete the mastering and pressing process. “Technology has done a lot to the musical world,” Gowow says.

“It’s provided a voice to a lot of people who wouldn’t have had one otherwise, people who have had really interesting and important things to say.”

PHOTO CREDIT: RACHEL TENPENNY OF BRASSPENNY PHOTOGRAPHY

After successfully reaching his funding goal (plus a little bit more), Gowow now turns the project over to the audience. And although the album tells the stories of same-sex attractions, love and relationships, Gowow isn’t afraid of his reception. “I know that the subject material has the potential to limit my audience, but I don’t think it will do so to a great extent. The music is good, and the messages can be related to by anyone.

Besides, I wrote these songs for myself - if other people like them too, that’s more than I could ever ask for.”

So what’s next for Jonny? Aside from his educational goals (Gowow is working on his Master’s in French), he’s currently planning his CD release show Saturday, May 24 at Wall Street in Murfreesboro.

And while Gowow is still searching for his sweet boy, fans may see a saltier side later this year.

Gowow already has eight songs written for his next album. “You can expect a little more raunch on it,” the singer smiles. Both sound good to us.

MAY 2014

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27

Nashville Rollergirls skate into season eight JAMES A. GRADY

The Nashville Rollergirls are a Nashville-based women’s roller derby league, which holds monthly matchups at Municipal Auditorium. With tickets to double-headers at $15, the Rollergirls offer great value for your entertainment buck. The Rollergirls are a skater owned and operated organization, entirely run by volunteers. Skaters, coaches, officials, etc. all hold league jobs and serve on committees.

Founded in 2006 the Rollergirls began competing in 2007 and became a member league of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association in 2008. According to Rollergirl HippyKi-Yay, “The Music City All Stars is our premier travel team, playing games that impact our rankings and potentially earn us a spot at divisional playoffs.” The Rollergirls other travel team, the The Music City Brawl Stars, are also highly competitive, but their bouts don’t count toward the league’s rankings.

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The Rollergirls’ league profile is high. Hippy-Ki-Yay highlighted that “We are hosting the 2014 WFTDA Championship Tournament at Municipal Auditorium.The top 12 teams in the world will compete for the Hydra trophy.” The team remains committed to its mission to “become a top level team, keep our organization running strong, serve our community, and promote the sport of roller derby.” Two major goals that contribute to that organizational mission are “to increase bout attendance numbers, and see the All Stars earn a spot in a Championship tournament again (we were there in 2010 and 2011).”

The Rollergirls maintain a busy schedule, not only with their monthly bouts in town but also travel, including 2 multi-game tournaments and potentially a divisional playoff tournament this year. Perhaps even more impressive than their athleticism is the Rollergirls’ commitment to their community. HippyKi-Yay reports, “We just participated in

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

MAY 2014

the March of Dimes March for Babies event, and the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 5k event. Last month, we volunteered at the Read to Kids event at Gower Elementary. We were at SportsFest 2014 in February, and will be at the Full Moon Tattoo and Horror Convention this weekend.” As a registered non-profit, the Rollergirls actively fundraise and are considering options including hosting a 5k, a dodgeball tournament, fitness bootcamps, and other events, as well as their annual silent auction. “We are always looking for new sponsors and charitable contributions so that we can continue to be a positive force in our community.”

Beyond its entertainment value and the Rollergirls’ contributions to the community, the league and sport has a life-altering effect on those who participate, offering access to camaraderie with strong, confident women and the general benefits of a high-impact sport.

Dani Doom (#77) sums it up best:

“Everyone’s story is different, we come from all walks of life, and we vary from college athletes to never having played a sport or done anything active at all.... When I’m on the roller derby track, roller derby is the only thing that exists in my world. Anything else in my head vanishes and that for me is meditative in nature. I work out outside of skating and eat healthier than I ever have just to be a better skater, but it affects my life in so many positive ways!”

A lot of people, understandably, might still be hesitant about seeing their first matchup, thinking, “Roller derby?

Seriously?” One needs only navigate to user review sites like YELP, however, to banish that doubt. As one Yelp Elite ‘14 user, Josh M., put it, “This is such an amazingly awesome experience. You MUST go! These girls are beasts! Some of them are just unbelievably good! So go on out. Grab yourself a beer. Grab some gross-mediocre junk concession food and cheer on the girls in blue.”

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29

A summer reading list head start

Lambda Literary Award winners announced next month JOSEPH BROWNELL

You’re probably familiar with the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys and CMA Awards, but you’ve probably never heard of the “Lammys.” Short for the Lambda Literary Awards, the annual awards—now in their 26th year— celebrate the best in LGBT literature in 24 categories including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, academic, and erotica, as well as the just debuted Graphic Novel category.

“This is our fifth straight year of record-breaking Lambda Literary Award submissions,” said LLF Board President, S. Chris Shirley, in a press

release. “We’re especially excited to add an LGBT Graphic Novel category to accommodate their explosive growth over the past few years and to recognize the extraordinary talent behind them.”

This year’s winners will be announced Monday, June 2 in New York City but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start in adding several of these finalist titles to your summer reading list. So no matter your identity and reading preferences— lesbian non-fiction, transgender fiction, or even gay erotica—these Lammy award finalists will provide some of your best summer LGBT poolside and vacation reads.

Visit lambdaliterary.org next month for a full list of finalists and for this year’s winners

GAY GENERAL FICTION

The Desperates by Greg Kearney cormorantbooks.com Edmund was dying, but now he isn’t. Granted a reprieve from the HIV that took everyone he loved away from him, Edmund decides — after a period of holing up in his Rosedale home – to jumpstart his new lease on life by diving hard into the sex and drugs of the party scene.

Teresa is dying, and she’s livid. Determined not to let her illness slow her down, she uses the year she has remaining to avenge past grievances and correct certain “mistakes” she feels she made – both in connection to her estranged son.

Joel isn’t dying, and probably won’t be for a while.

Coddled to a state of perpetual naivety by his mother, he moves to the big city of Toronto with dreams of becoming an artist and finding true love. What he finds is somewhat less than he bargained for — though he won’t admit it.

In telling the intersecting stories of Edmund, Teresa, and Joel — all of whom leave trails of hopeful chaos in their wake — ReLit Award-winning author Greg Kearney has painted a blackly comic, yet surprisingly earnest, portrait of modern loneliness.

The Desperates is one of the rare novels that leaves you laughing even as it breaks your heart.

Necessary Errors by Caleb Crain us.penguingroup.com It’s October 1990. Jacob Putnam is young and full of ideas.

He’s arrived a year too late to witness Czechoslovakia’s revolution, but he still hopes to find its spirit, somehow. He discovers a country at a crossroads between communism and capitalism, and a picturesque city overflowing with a vibrant, searching sense of possibility. As the men and women Jacob meets begin to fall in love with one another, no one turns out to be quite the same as the idea Jacob has of them—including Jacob himself.

30

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

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ADOPTION FEE! Look for Teddy’s Wagon in Nashville and find your furry friend!

Saturday, May 3rd Sevier Park Festival Belmont/Hillsboro 10am – 3pm Saturday, May 10th Spots Pet Supply East Nashville 10am – 3pm Saturday, May 17th Capitol District Street Fair Germantown 10am – 3pm

Monday 10am – 5pm | Tuesday 10am – 5pm | Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday 10am – 5pm Friday 10am – 5pm | Saturday 10am – 5pm | Sunday 12pm – 5pm

VISIT US AT 213 OCEOLA AVENUE IN NASHVILLE – NASHVILLEHUMANE.ORG – 615.352.1010 MAY 2014

LESBIAN GENERAL FICTION

Fat Angie by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo candlewick.com Angie is broken - by her can’t-be-bothered mother, by her high-school tormenters, and by being the only one who thinks her varsity-athlete-turned-war-hero sister is still alive. Hiding under a mountain of junk food hasn’t kept the pain (or the shouts of “crazy mad cow!”) away.

Having failed to kill herself - in front of a gym full of kids - she’s back at high school just trying to make it through each day.

That is, until the arrival of KC Romance, the kind of girl who doesn’t exist in Dryfalls, Ohio. A girl who is one hundred and ninety-nine percent wow! A girl who never sees her as Fat Angie, and who knows too well that the package doesn’t always match what’s inside. With an offbeat sensibility, mean girls to rival a horror classic, and characters both outrageous and touching, this darkly comic anti-romantic romance will appeal to anyone who likes entertaining and meaningful fiction.

BISEXUAL FICTION

In His Secret Life by Mel Bossa boldstrokebooks.com When Allan’s boyfriend leaves him for a younger man, Allan lets him go without a grudge. When his sister, Elsie, gets pregnant and ditched, he becomes her support system and father figure to his niece.Then Elsie becomes engaged to Dayton, and Allan meets Dayton’s older brother, Davinder—a fierce and exceptionally gifted artist with a thousand secrets breathing in his eyes. But Davinder is a married man and father of two young boys. From the moment they meet, and for over four decades, Allan and Davinder will walk along the edge of their secret lives, never allowed to push open the gates. And though their love is a head-on collision, a meeting of the minds, a fusing of two lost souls, both men know that it is also, and above all...impossible.

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Nevada is the darkly comedic story of Maria Griffiths, a young trans woman living in New York City and trying to stay true to her punk values while working retail. When she finds out her girlfriend has lied to her, the world she thought she’d carefully built for herself begins to unravel, and Maria sets out on a journey that will most certainly change her forever.

MAY 2014

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E• 2014 •

LL I

Dear Sister Eunice, My boyfriend and I are both seniors in high school. We’ve been dating since the eighth grade. I know it sounds like we’re really young, but he’s the one I want to be with, and he feels the same way about me. I’ve never even kissed another boy. But the school year is almost over which means it’s time for college.

The problem is he doesn’t want to go to college and can’t come live with me or even to the same town where I’ll be going in the fall. And I don’t know what to do. We haven’t had sex yet because we were afraid our parents would make us break up if they found out. Should I go to the college I wanted and try a long distance relationship? Won’t he cheat on me if we haven’t had sex yet? Should I try and get into a school here? Should I skip college all together and just get a job so we can start our lives together?

What if he doesn’t want to go to college so he has an excuse to break up with me? We’ve waited so long to really be together, I can’t lose him now.

A Teenager in Love

• NASHV

32

SAVE IT

S

CHEAT-HER

Dear Heartache for Everyone, Well honey, I got the information, but you’re the only one who can answer your questions. People make mistakes.

People make lots of mistakes. You’ve made mistakes, I’ve made mistakes, and your girlfriend has made mistakes. We’re human. I’d forget about the incident from the beginning of your relationship.

I don’t think it has anything to do with the rest of your problem other than a perceived one-up on your part. The main question is do you love her? Love can be a powerful motivator for forgiveness.

As for whether you can ever trust her again, that’s another one for you and you alone. Don’t let your hurt feelings confuse you. There will always be hurt associated. That’s part of it. If you can cope with that hurt, you’ll find that it doesn’t control your other emotions if you don’t let it. But again, you are the only one that can answer these questions, as you’re the only one who knows your heart. I would at least try to move past it.

Love is a terrible thing to waste. I hope this helps, darlin’!

EMUSIC TY SI S TER

BY SISTER EUNICE B. KIDDEN

Dear Sister Eunice, My girlfriend and I have been together for two years. I have dated women for many years but this is my girlfriend’s first lesbian relationship.

Early on when we were dating I confessed that I was attracted to a friend of hers in what I thought was a really non-aggressive way. I had no intention of cheating. But she flipped out. It took forever to move on. Then a few weeks ago she tells me that she’s cheated several times. Should I forgive her? Should we break up?

Heartache For Everyone

TH

CI

Honey Let’s Talk…

Sage Advice from Sister Eunice B. Kidden

Dear Teenager in Love, Lawdy, I just wanna gather you up in my bosoms, tell you it will all be alright, and then film your life story as a compelling after-school drama starring David Archuleta and …. David Archuleta. But seriously, darlin’, the best advice I can give is to follow your heart, do what is best for you, and just relax. Don’t give up school for a boy, and don’t despair if he can’t wait for you. You’ve already started your life together; it’s happening right now and has been happening since the beginning.

Being young doesn’t take away from the time you’ve been together or from the feelings you have for each other. Life is going to happen and it doesn’t always happen the way we think it should.

Sometimes it does. The best thing to do is live each day for your dreams. Don’t deny yourself a single opportunity for anyone. People always say that at the end of life the biggest regret is the things we didn’t do and I always think the next biggest would be the time we spent worrying about anything and everything.

In the meantime, if you think you’re ready for sex, and he thinks he’s ready for sex, and you’ve done all those other thoughtful and responsible things like really thinking about it and blah blah blah – then yes!! I say get to cracking and spend the time before college being the little lusty bunnies you are meant to be. And to get you started out right I’m sending you a 500 Condom variety pack and the 5 gallon Jumbo Lube from Blamo. That should get you through the first few hours, at least. I hope this helps, darlin’!!

Alright, lovelies, it looks like that’s all the time we have for this edition.

Remember my advice is novelty at best and all serious medical and emotional issues should be treated by a licensed professional.

Do you have a question for Sister Eunice?

Email them to eunicebkidden@gmail.com and look for your question in next month’s edition of Honey Let’s Talk. Until then, take care of yourself and each other. And remember to smile – your smile could make someone’s day and it makes you feel good, so it’s a win-win.

Sister Eunice B. Kidden is a fully-professed member of the Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a charitable 501c3.

For more information about the Sisters go to musiccitysisters.org.

OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM

MAY 2014

OPEN REALTIONSHIPS Dear Sister Eunice: I have the best boyfriend in the world. I love him so much. We’ve been together for several years and I couldn’t be happier. The problem is that now he wants to have an open relationship. And I don’t know if I can do it. Logic tells me I know he loves me and that we’re together, but as soon as he leaves for a hook-up my heart breaks. I’m not one of these cool people that can just be in an open relationship, and I guess that makes me emotionally immature or something, but I can’t help how I feel. I’m also afraid that if I draw the line and say no more to the open part, I’ll lose him completely.

What should I do?

One (Is the Loneliest Number) Dear One (Is the Loneliest Number), Darling, if that’s not what you want in a relationship you have every right to voice it. And it doesn’t make you uncool or emotionally immature – it means you know yourself and know what you want. Open relationships are not easy and despite the climate that seems to be permeating gay male culture at the moment they’re not for everyone.

The first thing I would recommend is really exploring how you feel – forget other gay men, forget long held societal norms about relationships, forget past relationships – just concentrate on you and how you feel. The next thing to do is TALK! Talk to your partner about how you feel. Be honest and direct. And take the word ‘but’ out of everything you are saying. ‘I want you to be happy BUT this hurts my feelings’ – just say ‘This hurts my feelings.’ We try so often to soften our words and intentions when talking about such serious things, and it doesn’t help.

It confuses your partner and it confuses you. At the end of the conversation it should be crystal clear how you both feel. Another recommendation is trying a relationship counselor, someone to help guide both of you through the process, no matter what that process is. The most important thing is your happiness. A relationship is wonderful and fulfilling, but if you are unhappy it’s pointless. I hope this helps, darlin’!

Miranda’s

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May 9 – 11 Blush & Bashfull: A Weekend Tribute to Steel Magnolias This new event in 2014 will pay tribute to a cinema classic, including Ouiser’s Knock Her Lights Out pool party, themed décor (our colors are blush and bashful), Shelby’s Drink Your Juice mixer, and maybe even a big ole slice of armadillo cake. So get your hair did, pour yourself a mint julep, and head on over to our “woodland” version of Chinquapin Parish!

May 23 – 26 Memorial Day Weekend Book early for your favorite room or RV site. This one sells out fast!

Men, music, cookouts and did we mention MEN! Great long weekend in the mountains with your Timberfell friends. Make this weekend your tradition!

June 4 – 8 Camp Bear 2014: TWO BEARS ENTER Timberfell’s own 6th Annual Bear Event! Check our website for details!

Come visit us in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

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MAY 2014

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33

YAM MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MUSIC CITY SISTERS’ NIGHT Canvas Lounge

Join MCS for their monthly fundraising night.

May 1 / 7 p.m.

FASHION: NORTHERN GRADE NASHVILLE

INGRAM NEW WORKS FESTIVAL Tennessee Rep Rehearsal Hall 161 Rains Ave.

Ingram New Works Festival will feature staged reading of new plays from four emerging playwrights as well as Tony WED Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright.

For tickets, visit tennesseerep.org

07

May 7 -17 / various times

ALIAS SPRING CONCERT

Track One Building 1211 4th Ave. South)

Northern Grade is a traveling men’s pop-up event that features a highly curated group of brands that manufacture their items in the U.S. It is a mixture of fashion, apparel, accessories, footwear, gear, etc.

May 3 / 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.

May 4 / 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

DRAG BINGO Mad Donna’s

Join rotating hostesses Paige Turner and Veronika Elektronika for their weekly Drag Bingo at Mad Donna’s.

Every Tuesday / Balls drop at 8:30 p.m.

Million Dollar Quartet TPAC

Tickets still available for the final show in their 2013-2014 Braodway Season. Purchase them at tpac.org May 6 -11 / Various showtimes

Turner Hall - Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music

ALIAS’ upcoming Spring Concert continues the roll-out of its recording project, premiering two works by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec. Tickets $15 and more info can be found at aliasmusic.org May 7 / 8:00 p.m.

TRANSGENDER DROP-IN OutCentral

Join Vickie Davis for an informal discussion all things transgender.

May 8 / 6 p.m.

NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS DAY Cheekwood

In celebration of the fifth annual National Public Gardens Day, Cheekwood will offer its visitors a full day of free admission, live music and special tours of its spectacular gardens.

May 9 / All Day

OutCentral

Join Tennessee Equality Project and Cherise Felix, MD (Providence Obstetrics and Gynecology) and Julia J. Tate, Esq. as they help the Nashville LGBT community navigate the options available for family formation.

May 7 / 6:00 p.m.

HEALTH: TRANSMISSION IMPOSSIBLE

OutCentral

Presented jointly by the Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program and OutCentral, Transmission Impossible brings together a panel of professionals from across the Nashville health community to discuss the science and issues surrounding a series of science-based official positions and publications asserting with increased certainty that HIV transmission with an undetectable viral load is very unlikely.

COMEDY: CHELSEA HANDLER TPAC Andrew Jackson Hall

Join Chelsea Handler as she visits the Wild West Comedy Fest and Nashville in support of her latest book Uganda Be Kidding Me. May 17 / 7:30 p.m.

TENNESSEE CONTINENTAL AND CONTINENTAL PLUS PAGEANT PLAY Dance Bar

Join Venus Knight, the reigning Miss Tennessee Continental, as she hands off her crown.

May 18 / Doors: 7 p.m.

COMEDY: PUGS HUGS Mad Donna’s

Join comics Paulina Combow and Mary Jay Berger and their variety show, Comedy Pug Hugs.

Ticket information can be found at comedypughugs.net May 29 / 7:30 p.m.

May 7 / 8 p.m.

OUTCENTRAL IDOL & SILENT AUCTION OutCentral

Join OutCentral for karaoke and fellowship for the 2nd Annual OutCentral Idol Event! Emceed

by Veronika Elektronika, Idol attendees will enjoy 2 for 1 drinks from Canvas until 10 p.m.

May 10 / 7:30 p.m.

MUSIC: TIPPER WHORE CD RELEASE SHOW Stone Fox

After rocking the Nashville Pride stages last year, Tipper Whore celebrates the release of their first full-length record, Just the Tip. May 30 / 9 p.m.

Nashville – 636 Old Hickory Boulevard Chattanooga – 7734 Lee Highway Knoxville – 230 Papermill Place Way

McKay

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Used Books, CDs, Movies, & More

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EDITOR’S CHOICE HAVING A BABY: LEGAL AND REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

Find Something You Want Now posting great McKay finds on Facebook & Twitter!

MAY 2014

WITH THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY FRIDAY, MAY 23

BUY TICKETS: 615.687.6400 NashvilleSymphony.org

WITH SUPPORT FROM

Lisa Lampanelli

SEE ALL 7 SEASON SHOWS FOR

LESS THAN $150!

Photo by Frank Ockenfels | Original Broadway Cast

One-Woman Theatrical Show

Fat Girl I nterrupted

Starring

john o'hurley

from " Dancing with the Stars" & "Seinfeld"

Presented by

September 16-21, 2014

October 21-26, 2014

WINNER! 2 0 1 3 T O N Y AWA R D

®

November 4-9, 2014

February 3-8, 2015

February 17-22, 2015 TRO.9287 Joseph Poster

14 x 22

© Disne

March 10-15, 2015

y

May 26-31, 2015

TPAC.ORG/Broadway • 615-782-6560 TPAC Box Office • Groups of 10 or more call 615-782-4060

Event, date, time, guest artist, and repertoire are subject to change. Some shows contain mature content.

TPAC.org is the official online source for buying tickets to TPAC events.

PLUS 3 BROADWAY SPECIALS ON SALE NOW TO SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

Four ShowS in TPAC’s intimate Johnson Theater

July 25-26 7:00 & 9:30 p.m.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

November 18-23, 2014

TpAC.ORg/Shows • 615-782-4040 TPAC Box office TPAC.org is the official online source for buying tickets to TPAC events.

Photo by Dan Dion.

Presented by

December 16-21, 2014

January 6-11, 2015