Shows
Our Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of gay men living in Western North Carolina.Episode 8: John McAllister, Part 1In 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, ultimately finding sobriety and self-acceptance. The conversation highlights the importance of love, relationships, and the journey of self-discovery within the LGBTQ community.
2026-03-1930 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of gay men living in Western North Carolina.Episode 7: Keith Robinette, Part 2In 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 DecisionKeith never imagined he would end up in Asheville. His journey began after his children graduated, allowing him the freedom to explore new opportunities. He recalls, "I told Logan, I didn't want to leave far away while they're growing up... So when they graduated... it was very interesting." This pi...
2026-03-0529 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of gay men living in Western North Carolina.Episode 6 - Keith Robinette, Part 1In 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 YearsKeith grew up in Rogersville, Tennessee, a small town where he experienced the warmth of community and the closeness of church life. Yet, beneath this wholesome exterior lay a growing awareness of his differences. Fr...
2026-02-1926 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of gay men living in Western North Carolina.Episode 5: Andrew "Bear" Gentry, Part 3Our 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.The Struggles of Transition Bear opens up about a pivotal moment in his life when a breakup with his partner, Larry, led him into a dark period...
2026-02-0524 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of gay men living in Western North Carolina.Episode 4: Andrew "Bear" Gentry, Part 2In 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 spiritual journey began at the tender age of 13 when he developed a fascination with Catholicism, largely inspired by the character Friar Tuck from the Robin Hood series. This initial intrigue led him to take courses...
2026-01-1826 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of gay men living in Western North Carolina.Episode 3: Andrew "Bear" Gentry, Part 1In 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.The Origin of a NameBear's name is more than just a moniker; it reflects a pivotal moment in his life. While working off-duty security at Bulldogs...
2026-01-0834 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of gay men living in Western North Carolina.Episode 2: Butch Thompson, Part 2In 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 community-building can transform lives and foster acceptance.Creating a Safe Space in AshevilleWhen considering a move to Asheville, many LGBTQ+ individuals find solace in the city’s reputation as a bl...
2026-01-0723 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of gay men living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1: Butch Thompson, Part 1Welcome 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 come with self-discovery and acceptance.Growing Up in Southwest Virginia Butch’s formative years were spent in the picturesque mountains of Southwest Virginia. He describes his upbringing as...
2025-12-1722 min