Cornelius Mabin, Jr. is a native Arkansan, who has basically resided in the Central Arkansas area for the last 20 plus years. He briefly lived in San Francisco in his early twenties. He has been a part of the hospitality industry for over 25 years, having worked for both Chenal and Diamante Country Club respectively, meanwhile using all his levels of experience to morph into an event producer.

Cornelius was asked about his work in the GLBT community:

“In 1983-84, I was part of Arkansas Gay Rights, (a local gay rights organization). I served as a contributor to Arkansas Gay Writes, (companion organizational newsletter), a former pride week coordinator, was editor, The Advisor (1985, local gay newspaper), and served as a local organizer for Gay Rights National Lobby.

“... I traveled the state to ‘meet and greet' other community leaders, lobbied the Arkansas legislature on a variety of issues concerning the GLBT community, notably the ‘stem the tide of homosexuality on state college campuses' debate questioning the validity of gay groups to receive funding."

"Participated in numerous local media appearances (in 2005, The Broadway Joe Show, KOKY/KPIR,) discussing the GLBT community and HIV/AIDS. Awarded Outstanding Performance, from AGR and cited by The International Association of Black and White Men Together during their Columbus, Ohio convention for Personal Achievement. In 2004, I participated in the National Lobby Day project in Washington, D.C. meeting with all our Capitol Hill representatives and staff discussing AIDS funding.”

What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.?
“Coming out is a personal journey that is unique to each individual and one that will have a lasting affect throughout your life. I actually didn't know that I was coming out, as I began to accept that I was a special human being that differed from others.

“It appeared that those in my surroundings seemed to accept my uniqueness, but I later learned that the acceptance was rooted in denial and lack of understanding. As a young adult, meanwhile ‘falling into' the gay political movement, there was much personal soul searching and connecting with others who had traveled the road before me.

“I advise those who are coming to terms with their sexuality and emerging into the ‘scene' be thoughtful about there sexual choices, find the values of your inner core, if mentors are available assess their advice, build solid relationships, boldly define yourself  and remember the adage, ‘all that glitters... isn' t gold!'”

What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality?

“The road for GLBT rights/equality is long, complex and winding in Arkansas."

“Even with the overturn of the Sodomy Statute and recent election of Kathy Webb to the Arkansas Legislature, our ‘internal infrastructure,' despite some growth still shows signs of vulnerability. I had hoped that by this time we would have a stable Community Center, formidable networks and a sound financial base capable of addressing impacting issues. I consider these as a part of future development in conjunction with some type of diverse strategic planning.”

Profiles in Pride Questions:

Date and place of birth? 8-20-61, Little Rock, Arkansas

What is your favorite food? Italian

What food will you not eat? Anything that I deem harmful or unappetizing

What is the best job you've ever had? Catering Sales Director for Chenal Country Club

What is your dream job? CEO of my own empire

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time? I would travel the earth to further my understanding of the plight of Humankind

Who do you admire most (living or dead)? James Baldwin

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? Frederick Douglas

What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time? I would have not spent so much wasted time in gay bars

What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time? Developed more quality and lasting friendships

What is your favorite word? Temerity (ala Lou Dobbs)

Least favorite word? No

Favorite curse word? Son of a Bitch

What turns you on? Mental agility

What turns you off? Ignorance

What word would others use to describe you? Insightful

What word sums you up? Renaissance man