Our Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of gay men living in Western North Carolina.

Discover how Lee Jones navigates solo travel as a gay man, finding community and adventure while honoring his late husband's memory. Traveling can be daunting for anyone, but for a single gay man, it comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. In this episode, we delve into Lee Jones' inspiring journey of travel after loss, exploring how he embraces life fully while honoring h...

In the ongoing journey of understanding spirituality, many gay men face unique challenges and revelations that shape their identity and faith. In this post, we dive into the conversation between Austin and his guest, exploring the intersections of gay spirituality, redemption, and self-acceptance. Here’s what you can learn about navigating these profound themes with our second part of the intervie...

Embracing Authenticity: Austin's Journey of Self-Discovery   Explore Austin's heartfelt journey of self-discovery as henavigates his identity as a gay man in Western North Carolina. Gain insights into the struggles, triumphs, and the importance of embracing one's true self.   Opening    Growing up in a traditional middle-class family inAsheville, Austin faced the challenge of reconciling his ident...

Coming out is a significant milestone in many LGBTQ+ people's lives, filled with a mix of emotions ranging from fear to relief. In our continuing episode, we'll dive deep into the personal experiences of Justin, who shares his journey of coming out to his family and navigating the complexities of acceptance. You'll learn the importance of support, understanding, and community in this p...

In this episode, we share the journey of Justin, who moved to Asheville as a child and navigated his identity through formative years filled with challenges and discoveries. Growing Up in Asheville: A New Beginning Justin's journey begins when he moved from Pennsylvania to Asheville at the age of nine. He reflects on his childhood, emphasizing the significance of his formative years in South A...

In our continued conversation, Michael Harney shares his experiences as a community outreach worker, known as the 'Rubber Man,' focusing on harm reduction and public health in the LGBTQ+ community. He reflects on the evolution of the gay community in Asheville, discussing the changes in social dynamics, nightlife, and the impact of outreach programs. Michael emphasizes the importance of em...

In this conversation, Michael Harding shares his journey from Virginia to Asheville, North Carolina, detailing his experiences growing up, coming out, and navigating adulthood as an openly gay man. He reflects on the impact of the AIDS crisis in the community, the importance of peer support systems, and the emotional toll of working in HIV/AIDS advocacy. Michael emphasizes the significance of self...

In our continued conversation, John shares his journey of self-discovery and acceptance within the bear community. He discusses the importance of finding a sense of belonging, the evolution of his relationship with his husband, and the significance of communication in fostering healthy connections. John offers valuable insights for younger individuals navigating their identities and relationships,...

In this heartfelt conversation, John shares his journey from Delaware to Asheville, North Carolina, exploring themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth. He discusses his long-term relationship with his husband, the challenges of age differences, and the impact of bullying during his formative years. John reflects on his coming out experience, family reactions, and struggles with alcohol, ult...

In this continuation of his story, Keith Robinette shares his transformative journey of relocation to Asheville, North Carolina. What began as a career move turned into a profound exploration of identity, community, and the acceptance of one’s true self. The Relocation Decision Keith never imagined he would end up in Asheville. His journey began after his children graduated, allowing him the freed...

In this heartfelt episode of "Our Voices, Our Stories," Keith Robinette shares his profound journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a gay man raised in a conservative Southern Baptist environment. His story speaks to the struggles many LGBTQ+ individuals face, highlighting the importance of embracing one’s true self despite societal pressures. Growing Up Different: The Early Years Ke...

Our final segment of our time with Bear, talking about his extraordinary life. In a heartfelt and candid podcast discussion, Bear shares his inspiring journey of resilience and transformation within the LGBTQ+ community of Asheville, North Carolina. From personal struggles with homelessness to finding purpose in ministry, Bear's story is a testament to the power of community, love, and acceptance....

In our continuing captivating conversation, Andrew Gentry, affectionately known as Bear, shares his profound journey of spirituality and self-discovery. From his early attraction to Catholicism to his evolving understanding of faith, Bear's story is a testament to the power of personal exploration and the nuances between religion and spirituality. Early Influences and the Call to Faith Bear's spir...

In the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ history, personal stories often serve as powerful reminders of the struggles and triumphs faced by individuals within the community. In this three part series of "Our Voices, Our Stories," we delve into the remarkable journey of Andrew Gentry, affectionately known as Bear, as he shares his experiences from his time in Atlanta to his life in Western North Carolina....

In the heart of Western North Carolina lies Asheville, a city known for its vibrant culture and progressive values, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The second part in our conversation with our host, Butch, explores his experiences in Asheville, highlighting the challenges he faced and the supportive networks that have emerged. Through his personal stories and initiatives, we will see how...

Welcome to this insightful exploration of personal stories and journeys of self-acceptance. In this episode, we delve into the experiences of Butch (our host), a gay man who grew up in the conservative and often traditional surroundings of Southwest Virginia. His story not only highlights the complexities of growing up gay in a small town but also sheds light on the challenges and triumphs that co...