'Miracles' out of Murfreesboro

Following the congressional critique it has received after its first screening, Middle Tennessee State University professor Robert Pondillo’s short film, The Miracles on Honey Bee Hill, will make its premiere at Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre on Tuesday, May 8.

The Miracles on Honey Bee Hill tells the story of Millie (played by Lucy Turner), a selfless, young female longing for true love as she lives a simple life in her house atop Honey Bee Hill. Through a magical turn of events, Millie finds true love, and expectantly wants to share the joyous news with her friends at the Little Stone Church nearby. When the church’s reaction at discovering Millie’s true love in another girl is less than celebratory, it will take an act of God to remind them all to love one another.

Shortly after its First Look screening at MTLambda’s SpringOut festivities in March, The Miracles on Honey Bee Hill received much attention for its message endorsing marriage equality through the use of child actors. Tennessee State Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) requested an investigation into the film’s production and funding after an anonymous student complained about the film’s content and what the student labeled the "exploitation of children".

The film is the creation of Dr. Pondillo and was made by the campus student organization MTSU Film Guild. The MTSU Student Government Association granted the Film Guild $6800 to help make the film, and students, such as producer Diana Rice, took great care to follow all rules and regulations in bringing the script to life. MTSU even submitted a report to the Tennessee Board of Regents that outlined the funding and making of the film with no irregularities reported.

Regarding the allegations of child exploitation, Dr. Pondillo explained that both parents and the child actors were auditioned for the film.

“All parents or guardians read the script,” he said, “all signed releases permitting their kids to fully participate in the movie, and all were on set monitoring the proceedings as the movie was filmed.”

Dr. Pondillo also explains he wrote the film to challenge how we think about relationships between people of the same gender.

“This is a love story told in a very unique way that may, if test audiences are any indication, give some viewers unexpected revelations,” he said.

“I believe that people are scared of what they don’t understand,” said Rice on the initial reception the film, “and many people do not understand the gay community as a whole. This short film is a love story. Whether or not you are an advocate of gay rights, come see the film, open your heart and mind, and view life through a different filter. I hope this film can be that filter.”

Tickets for The Miracles on Honey Bee Hill are general admission, and go on sale Friday, April 27 at 10 a.m. at www.belcourt.org

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