Casting a wider net

Even as local and national economies have struggled in recent years, Nashville's Josh Robbins decided to jump into the fray of the entertainment business head first. In a short span, he's built a reputation as a respected entrepreneur with a clear vision for the industry's future.

Robbins' company BNA Talent Group, which promotes itself as the first LGBT casting division in the region, is one of the few agencies outside of New York and California that specializes in finding LGBT people for LGBT parts in advertisements, film and TV.

Robbins opened BNA Talent Group in September 2009, and the company has since developed into one of the leading agencies in the region. He feels a responsibility to improve the business climate from the front lines.

"I view our current struggles as a nation as tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs like myself," Robbins says. "As business owners, we have the opportunity to create and re-create business models to solve our client’s problems first."

The ability to consistently form new strategies might seem like an intimidating task, but Robbins enjoys the challenge that his position presents.

"In actor and talent management, innovation is key," he says. "I love opportunities to change and develop my business model at BNA Talent Group, attempting to more effectively and efficiently represent my clients and proactively create opportunities."

Last summer Robbins was involved in Amtrak's new multimedia campaign targeted toward GLBT customers. The campaign, which included print ads in GLBT publications, was the first for this demographic. Robbins believes that the spending power of the LGBT community and its deep commitment to trusted products is a huge boost.

"I forget I carry a label of being a gay business owner sometimes because like every categorized business, we all have similar opportunities and problems to solve," he says. "LGBT individuals statistically have higher brand loyalty, so I assume that could potentially lend itself to gay business owners’ loyalty to other LGBT businesses. I still just admire successful entrepreneurs who make decisions, take risks and remain engaged—LGBT-owned or otherwise. Nashville has some incredible LGBT entrepreneurs."
 

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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