Shows
Our Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 2.03: Long-Term Survivor - A 40-Year JourneyButch Thompson shares his 40th anniversary of his diagnosis and living with HIV, reflecting on the challenges, losses, and ongoing fight against stigma. In this episode, we also explore the history, challenges, and hope surrounding HIV and AIDS, featuring insights from Michael Harney. We discuss the isolation risks of long-term survivors, medical advances, stigma, global efforts, and the importance of community support.
2026-10-2732 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 2.02: Tracy Elliot, Part 2In this episode, Tracy Elliott shares his journey of embracing his identity, overcoming societal and professional challenges, and his impactful work in HIV/AIDS, animal welfare, and community service. Discover how authenticity, resilience, and community engagement can transform lives and organizations.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Tracy's background00:28 Deciding to live authentically and coming out00:57 The experience of performing in Angels in America01:22 The liberation of embracing true identity01:51 Transition from banking to nonprofit leadership02:19 Moving to Atlanta and engaging in racial equality work
2026-10-1734 min
Our Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 2.01: Tracy Elliot, Part 1In this episode, Tracy Elliott shares his personal journey of growing up in a small town, grappling with his identity, and navigating the challenges of coming out as gay in a conservative environment. His story offers insights into the importance of authenticity, faith, and resilience.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background02:00 Growing Up in a Small Town and Family Life04:06 Religious Upbringing and Spiritual Experiences06:53 Early Awareness of Being Different and Feelings of Isolation10:01 Discovering LGBTQ Resources and Curiosity in Library Visits12:56 Dealing...
2026-10-0327 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.21: Season 1 RecapThis episode features in-depth conversations with diverse guests from the Asheville community, sharing their personal stories of resilience, identity, and community. We explore themes of authenticity, overcoming stereotypes, and the importance of sharing our experiences to foster understanding and growth.Topics:Guest stories of courage and vulnerabilityThe importance of community and support networksOvercoming stereotypes and societal expectationsThe role of spirituality and religion in identityPersonal journeys of coming out and acceptanceImpact of storytelling on personal growth and understandingResilience in the face of adversityThe significance of shared experiences in healingFuture plans for inclusive conversations and...
2026-09-131h 03Our Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.20: AVL Stonewall Fest 2026In this episode, we look back on the inaugural AVL Stonewall Fest and explore the significance of pride, community, and authenticity through heartfelt stories from Asheville's LGBTQ+ community, highlighting personal journeys of acceptance.
2026-09-0558 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.19: Mike Duffy, Part 2In this episode, Mike Duffy shares his personal journey of coming out, overcoming societal stereotypes, and building a business that embraces authenticity and community support. He discusses the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in small towns and his plans to foster acceptance through his tree service business.Key Topics: Personal journey of coming out at age 50Challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in small townsBuilding an inclusive business that supports the communityThe importance of authenticity and self-confidenceSocietal stereotypes and societal change in HendersonvillePlans for future growth and community engagementThe role of pride festivals in...
2026-08-0623 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.18: Mike Duffy, Part 1In this episode, Mike Duffy shares his life journey as a gay man in Massachusetts and North Carolina, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and resilience. He discusses his experiences in the tree business, coming out later in life, and navigating societal challenges in a predominantly conservative area.Life journey of Mike Duffy- Challenges of coming out as gay in a conservative area - Experiences in the tree service industry as an openly gay man - Impact of societal acceptance and discrimination - Personal growth and...
2026-07-3019 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.17: Lee Jones, Part 2In this heartfelt interview, Lee shares his journey of growing up in North Carolina, coming out, and navigating family dynamics as a gay man. He discusses love, loss, resilience, and the importance of authenticity in building a fulfilling life.Chapters00:00 Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance03:05 Navigating Family Dynamics and Relationships05:46 Finding Joy in Nature and Personal Hobbies08:51 Overcoming Stereotypes and Embracing Identity12:07 Understanding Generational Changes in Identity14:49 The Importance of Self-Love and Personal Growth...
2026-07-1618 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.16: Lee Jones, Part 1 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 his late husband’s memory through his adventures.Lee Jones is a passionate traveler who has transformed his life after the loss of hi...
2026-07-0222 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.15: Austin Maynor, Part 2In 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 interview with Austin Maynor.Redemption is a powerful concept that resonates deeply within the LGBTQ+ community. Austin shares how the traditional idea of redemption, particularly from a Christian perspective, can be reinterpreted. He reflects on...
2026-06-1831 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.14: Austin Mayor, Part 1Embracing 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 identity with the expectations of his upbringing. In this blog post, we'll delve into Austin's transformative journey of self-acceptance, exploring the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of himself as a gay man. From...
2026-06-0423 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.13: Justin Upright, Part 2Coming 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 process.The Initial Struggle of Coming OutComing out can often feel like an overwhelming task. Justin recounts his experiences from his college years...
2026-05-2120 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.12: Justin Upright, Part 1In 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 BeginningJustin'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 Asheville. He attended local schools, where he faced the typical challenges of growing up, but also the...
2026-05-0727 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.11: Michael Harney, Part 2In 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 empowering the youth and encourages them to engage with their community, highlighting the value of giving back and finding beauty in everyday life.
2026-04-3026 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.10: Michael Harney, Part 1In 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-care and finding purpose in his work, illustrating how his life experiences have shaped his commitment to philanthropy and community support.
2026-04-1627 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.09: John McAllister, Part 2In 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, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance, trust in the process, and the courage to embrace change.
2026-04-0225 minOur Voices, Our Stories: Preserving the history of the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.08: 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 the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.07: 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 the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.06 - 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 the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.05: 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 the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.04: 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 the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.03: 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 the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.02: 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 the LGBTQ2iA+ living in Western North Carolina.Episode 1.01: 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