'Don't Say Gay' progresses

NASHVILLE - The controversial bill HB-0229 passed with a narrow majority in the House Education Subcommittee Tuesday, April 17. Better know as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, the legislation limits the teaching of sex education to only that of “natural human reproductive science” in grades K-8.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald, has received criticism from Democratic and Republican representatives alike, who have questioned the need for the bill when current law explicitly forbids sex education in elementary and middle schools.
Among those voting against the bill was House Education Chairman Richard Montgomery (R-Sevierville); however, the bill passed with an 8-7 voice vote.

Also on April 17, the Knoxville City Council voted in favor of an employment nondiscrimination ordinance on its first reading.
“While we had good news in Knoxville, a majority (narrow to be sure) of the House Education Committee failed Tennessee,” said Chris Sanders, Nashville Committee Chair for Tennessee Equality Project,

The Tuesday, April 24, House floor session brought with it an equal amount of heat as Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) argued that it was a failure by parents to instill proper values and not bullying that has lead to children committing suicide throughout Tennessee and the rest of the country.

“We can’t continue to legislate everything,” Faison said, during the debate over a cyberbullying bill. “We’ve had some horrible things happen in America and in our state, and there’s children that have actually committed suicide, but I will submit to you today that they did not commit suicide because of somebody bullying them. They committed suicide because they were not instilled the proper principles of where their self-esteem came from at home.”

Faison’s words appalled many observers present during the floor session, as his words seemed to place the blame on the parents of Tennessee youths who killed themselves after being bullied because of their sexual orientation.

Faison later issued a statement apologizing for his insensitivity yet seemed to stand by his belief that bullying is a part of growing up.

"After reviewing my comments on the House Floor today, I regret what was a poor choice of words,” the statement read. “My true intent was to protect children from becoming criminals. Suicide has touched my family, and I would never want a parent or family member to feel they were responsible for such an unimaginable tragedy."

No further progress was made on the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in April 24’s session.

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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