Conyer's killer's released, community expresses outrage

KNOXVILLE - A Knoxville Appeals Court ruling that reversed Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner's revocation of Chad Conyers probation clouds this year's remembrance of slain local gay activist, Joe Camber.

In a ruling handed down by Appeals Court Judge David H. Welles, the four-year sentence previously rendered in Baumgartner's court was overturned, allowing Conyers to revert to the original 15-year probation and reinstating his judicial diversion that will allow him to return to his home in Virginia Beach, Virg., without further supervision.

While Virginia fails to recognize out-of-state court orders regarding judicial diversion, Conyers has been ordered to return to Tennessee every six months to fulfill the original terms of his release. However, the end result of these orders appears to allow him to remain free so long as he does not return to Tennessee and commit another crime.

GLBT community members have expressed dismay and outrage following the recent ruling that negates the four-year sentence imposed after Conyers was arrested in Virginia Beach on "peeping tom" charges arising from a sting operation in a local store.

"I saw this on the Channel 10 news the other night. It just infuriates me!" states one gay person who wishes to remain anonymous. "I went to Joseph Cambers funeral. I just cannot believe that someone could 'murder' (sic) someone else, and not do any jail time. I firmly believe that his being gay influenced the decision."

Other voices joined the chorus of dismay that spread throughout the community when news of the ruling hit.

"Why the appeals judge ruled that Chad did not violate his probation when his probation order clearly states that the 'defendant's probation is conditioned upon his not hereafter violating any of the laws of the city, state, or of the United States or being guilty of any misconduct inconsistent with good citizenship,' " adds Robbie Arrington, immediate past President of Knoxville Cares, Inc.

Following his death, friends and supporters of Joe Camber planted a dogwood tree in his honor on the grounds of his church in the Sequoyah Hills/Bearden area of Knoxville . It remains there to this day as a silent testament to the love felt by his community for him at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

The memorial dogwood was purchased by David Frazier on behalf of Knoxville Cares, Inc. Frazier was previously award "Volunteer of the Year" during the World AIDS Day observance in 2003. He has subsequently passed away. Other donations were received from Keith, Clay Jumper, Jack Moore, Keith Dover, George Duggan, Robbie Arrington, Michael Wilhoit, and other sources.
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.

Keep readingShow less
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.

Keep readingShow less

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.

Keep readingShow less