Punks to be proud of

Clad in punk-rock leather jackets and colorful Mohawks, George Oeser and Ranger Tillman aren't guys most people would expect to have an agenda.

That's partly what helps them advance the GLBT cause every single day.

They personified the idea of 'grassroots' after organizing a large rally against Prop. 8 in Nashville in November 2008 and candlelight vigil for marriage equality the following month. Tillman and Oeser appeared to be a driving force behind motivating Nashville’s GLBT community and its allies through social networking and man-on-the-street work.

Their motto is “do good” and they adhere to it with confidence while living their lives openly and honestly. While they possess the persistence and know-how to organize a huddled few into an orderly crowd of hundreds, the men make some of their biggest strides for the GLBT community through their daily interactions in Nashville’s mainstream.

By volunteering their time at local nursing homes, working with Nashville Area Reconciling Ministries, attending Hobson United Methodist Church and hosting karaoke at Foobar, a small east Nashville straight bar, the men make it a point to show mainstream society that the face of gay Nashville isn't what they might expect.

“Time after time we hear of studies showing that straight individuals who have friends or family members who are gay or lesbian are much more likely to support equal rights for the LGBT community.” Oeser said. “We think it’s important to represent ourselves truthfully wherever we are and not be shy about sharing that aspect of our lives.”

Regardless of the setting, the men respectfully exchange affection when compelled to do so and speak of one another honestly and with a twinkle in their eye.

"You would be surprised at how many people do not bat an eye when you mention your 'partner' does this or that  rather than omitting that you are in a same-sex relationship," Oeser said. "And if they do, then all the better. You might have changed a mind that day."

Beyond self-acceptance, the men are proud to be unique and exalt in the ability to show the world that the beauty of life lies in the many ways we may live and love.

“There’s nothing I can think of that would be worse than having to pretend to be someone else,” Oeser said. “That chance to wake up every morning and be exactly who you are, to do what interests you and what you love, to be the best person that you’re capable of being makes it worth waking up every morning.”

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