Dean Blevins

Dean Blevins grew up in northeast Ohio, just outside of Cleveland and moved to Arkansas in 2002 to take positions at the Central Arkansas VA Hospital and UAMS. He now lives in west Little Rock and is a psychologist. “Most of my work focuses upon the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions to improve mental healthcare in various settings such as HIV service organizations, nursing homes, and hospices,” Dean explained. “I also have a consulting company that focuses on similar issues in several other states, including Missouri, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, and several others.” We asked Dean to talk about some of the work you have done for the GLBT community. “Most of my work with the GLBT community has centered around improving HIV treatment and HIV prevention. I work with the American Psychological Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assist community-based AIDS service organizations develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of funded HIV programs. “I also work with the American Society on Aging on various topics related to older GLBT adult issues, such as housing and coping with issues of death and dying. “Although not solely a GLBT issue, I am President of the Board of Directors for the Arkansas AIDS Foundation.” What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.? “First and foremost, coming out is a personal choice. Although as a mental health professional I believe it is healthier to be open and honest with one's self and others, the reality of the world we live in prevents some people from being open with others. I am fortunate to be in a career where sexual orientation is a non-issue and my colleagues treat it that way.  “ When someone comes out is also something that should be on one's own terms; a person needs to be mature enough and self-confident enough to be able to accept the positive and negative reactions and consequences that are going to occur regardless of whether we want them to or not. “Lastly, I would suggest that anyone who comes out has a friend or ‘mentor' who has been out for a number of years and can ease the transition into the gay lifestyle. While ‘being gay' is not the only thing that defines who we are, it is a part of it and to be involved in the gay community requires an understanding of the similarities and differences that exist to the straight community.” What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality? “We have made many great strides in advancing equality for all people in the U.S., but the sociopolitical culture that has taken hold in recent years has slowed the progress significantly. I still think we are moving forward, but it will be many years before the entire nation can boast equality for all which is characteristic of more mature nations in the world.  “The important thing is for people to never give up and when possible, speak one's mind on the issue and get involved in the political and social causes helping with advancing equality. However, with that said, all GLBT adults need to use caution to not ally themselves with organizations that are so extremist that the cause is hurt in the long term.” Profiles in Pride questions: Date and place of birth? September 15. Youngstown, Ohio What is your favorite food? Angus steaks and fresh vegetables What food will you not eat? Tripe What is the best job you've ever had? The one I'm in now. What is your dream job? Eventually, to own my own business and be able to completely work on my own terms If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time? Volunteering with organizations to do the same type of work I currently do for pay. Traveling more Who do you admire most (living or dead)? People who have forced society to rethink tradition: Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? Winston Churchill Who has had the greatest influence on your life? I can't attribute it to a single person … many have had influences on different aspects of my life. What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time? Anything I have done that I have considered a mistake I have learned from and wouldn't change anything because they have made me who I am today. What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time? I have been lucky in that I have not hesitated to pursue good opportunities that have been presented to me.  I still have many goals and it is all a question of when and how I get to them. What is your favorite word? Ambition Least favorite word? Contentment Favorite curse word? No answer given What turns you on? Class, monitored by sensibility and humility What turns you off? Pretentiousness What word would others use to describe you? Dedicated What word sums you up? Driven