O&AN readers share their Valentine notes

To Jason, you are the love of my life and my soul mate! I am so thankful for each and every day I have with you. I love you “always and forever” with all “my heart and soul.” Love, your sweetie. Mikey

Brett and Mike are from Maryville (originally Northern Indiana) and have been together for 17 years. We met at work and started dating. Now we have our own business (Caribbean Tan), a cat (Princess) and a dog (Rosie). We look forward to many more happy and loving years together.

To Daniel, neither of us have “the” love of our lives; our friendship is based on a love stronger than that of any couple. I love you; you love me – for the rest of our lives. Michael

Angie, I’m so thankful that we became close six years ago. I’m hoping and praying for 60 more! ILU! Tracey

To Boo, I love you with all of my heart. You’re the best thing that has happened to me. Love You! Your Punkin’ Head

We are Don Wolfe and Howard Watts. We live in Memphis and have been together for four years. We meet at a local bar here called “The Pumping Station.” Never thought you could meet your life mate at the bar but we did. Don is in Real Estate and Howard is an office manager. We have both been married and have two children each. We look forward to the day we can become legally married in Tennessee.

Steve, I remember when we met four days ago at the club. That first night I new I was I love. You have been staying with me for three days and now your moving in. I can’t wait for our union ceremony. True love forever, Mark

Dear Jeff, you have brought passion and love back into my life. I love you dearly and I will be forever yours. Love, Robert.

I am a TG female who was recently divorced, partly because of my wanting to transition from male to female. I was scared I would never find a girl who would want to be with someone like me. On July 22, 2005, I met Krista for the first time on Match.com. We had our first date at Play and we’ve been inseparable ever since. The attached photo was taken at Red the night I asked Krista to marry me. Pastor Cynthia Andrews-Looper at Holy Trinity Community Church married us. Our daughter Macy was born this past April. I love my wife very much and could not imagine a life without her.

To my boobear, Nashville will always be one of the greatest places in the world because that’s where I found you. With love from your pumpkin.

Dear JBS Mon Amour, Je t'aimerai à jamais. You are very dear to me and you are in my heart and my thoughts all the time. Robert

To my wonderful wife Krista, you are everything I could every wish for. I love you more than you could ever possibly know. Your loving wife Shayna.

We married our Valentine in Canada in 2004. We've been together 15 for years in Michigan and are moving to Tennessee.

We (Jack and Sam) met on a blind date and have been together for seven years. We compliment each other. I can't imagine a day without him in my life. We do have our moments, but we always work it out in the end. He is my best friend and the love of my life.

To Brian, thank you for being the best husband, lover, best friend, confidante, supporter, partner one could ever hope for. I Love you forever! Christopher

Jerry (left) and Travis (right) met on Gay.com in late April 2006 and went on their first date in early May 2006. They live together in Inglewood with their wonderful French Bulldog Vito. Travis works at Dizzy’s Dog Wash and Jerry works at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Duke, you make my heart smile! You're the love of my life, and I'm so lucky to call you my husband! I WIN! LOL Yours forever, Kenny.

Carita, my beautiful wife, I can't tell you enough in three words, so I need the rest of our lives to show you! I live for you. Your wife, Leilani.

Jim Robert and Gary Stewart met for the first time nine years ago when Gary attended his first Magnet meeting. Jim has been the facilitator for Magnet (Married and Gay Network) for over 11 years, and the group will celebrate its 20th anniversary in October 2008. Gary was married 28 years and thought he was the only married gay man in Nashville. How wrong he was! Jim was married for 30 years and found help through Magnet meetings as he went through the coming out process. When the group's facilitator moved away, Jim took on the job and has been helping men who are gay, bisexual, or just confused about their sexuality ever since. Jim has three grown children and three grandchildren, all of whom have fully accepted Gary into their lives. The only children Gary had were the 4-legged kind (dogs)! Gary retired in July after a long career with the Federal Reserve Bank and has been learning to be a "house husband" while Jim ropes him into volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee where Jim is an Event Coordinator.

Our names are Brian and Christopher, and we are professional ballet dancers with Nashville Ballet. We met in August of 2001 when Christopher was invited by the ballet to come and perform in Nashville from the Philippines. We are celebrating our seven-year anniversary in October of 2008. We live in Nashville with our two dogs, Daphnie and Mason.

Joan, happy twenty Valentines to my heart and passion. I love you better, Nancy.

Gary White and Eric Harris met on a dance floor over twelve years ago with the shy (and bit awkward) phrase, “cool shoes.” They now live in their home in west Nashville where their shoes are not quite as cool as they used to be but are certainly more comfortable.

To my Scooby, you make every day my best day, and I'm so glad you're in my life. Love you, Shaggy.

To Tye, you are truly the love of my life; I can’t imagine life without you; love you bunches, Terry.

To Hot Pants, I can’t possibly imagine a life without you. The past eight years have been the happiest of my life. Thank you for being patient, understanding, supportive, and for keeping me constantly laughing. I love you more than I ever knew was possible, Special.

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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