As you can see from the picture, Jan Ridenour loves animals. She's pictured with her buddy Jake who used to live in her house with her. And as is always the case with the profiles we do on this site, we've found another unique person in the Arkansas GLBT community.
We asked Jan where she grew up and how she ended up in Arkansas.

“I grew up in Boulder, Colo.,” she said. “Well, actually in the mountains right outside of Boulder. I left Boulder in 1987 with the intention of moving to Vermont. On a side trip to see my Grandfather in SE Kansas, I took an excursion across northern Arkansas and came upon Eureka Springs — the next day I called a Realtor and bought a house. I've been in Eureka Springs ever since. Eureka is much like Boulder used to be. I can't imagine living anywhere else. Sure the nuts chase the squirrels here and some refer to Eureka as the world's largest open-air asylum, but it fits me. Eureka is a great place to raise kids — we have two – a boy and a girl (isn't that just so Donna Reed meets June Cleaver?) Eureka accepts all and embraces even more.”

Jan also has an interesting career and described it quite uniquely when we asked what kind of career she has.

“Hmmmm...Is pimping a career? I bring two or more parties together for the mutual benefit and satisfaction of all involved. Ok, so in the real world they called it sales, marketing, and advertising. It's what I've always done, so I guess it's a career now. I am a partner in a sales and marketing firm and deal in domestic and global markets.
“Positive Idea Marketing Plans — aka PIMP for short came to life almost 20 years ago. (www.positiveidea.com ) My career as a pimp started early in grade school. My dad owned a heating and plumbing shop and on Saturdays I would go to his shop and gather all the little pieces of copper pipe that weren't used and take them off to Mr. Goldberg who bought them from me.

“As an expansion to my business, there was a boy in the 3 rd grade who also had a dad in the plumbing business; he seemed hell bent on trying to kiss me during recess. As a solution, I offered a few kisses and also made him a deal that for 5 bucks a week he would get me all the copper pipe scraps from his dads shop. I paid him 5, sold it for 30, gave a kiss or two and a career was born. I don't kiss boys anymore, but the buy, sell, deal making continues.”

What kind of work have you done for the GLBT community?

“Interesting question. I would have to say that my work with the GLBT community has been related to showing the straight and the GLBT community that things can have common grounds. I have always been involved in disaster relief and during those disasters worked with GLBT who may not find options given to their straight counterparts.

“I was heavily involved in 9/11 and Katrina. And I have been a part of the travel and tourism markets for the GLBT. I have written articles for gay travel publications, created marketing plans and Web sites for GLBT businesses. Since I am sooooo OUT and have been forever, I find myself speaking to straight groups like Rotary. Every time there is some political hoopla going on, I think those types of groups like to hear from ‘the other side' – guess I'm a good mark for ‘take a lesbian to lunch' – hell, feed me well and I'll go talk to whatever goofy group club you want.”

What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.?
“Just come out; the younger, the better. I myself came out at 14 – not an easy time with parents, school – I was fairly sure that I was the only queer on the planet at that point (well aside from my girlfriend) but in retrospect, I feel that whatever hell someone may endure in their youth gives greater perspective throughout. So be who you are, come out. Seek out those who support – with the internet as a tool, there are many options for support.”

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

“In some ways the near future almost feels like a return to the late 60's to me. There is rumbling of change, of shake-ups. Once that occurs, I think that the long range will change for a greater sense of equality. There are some humps ahead, but isn't everything better with a few humps?”

Profiles in Pride Questions

Date and place of birth?
January 7, 1954 – Boulder, Colorado

What is your favorite food?
Medium rare steak – thick, juicy

What food will you not eat?
Tofu, what the hell is that stuff anyway, and how did it get so popular?

What is the best job you've ever had?
I have the best job now – what's better than pimpin'?

What is your dream job?
I have my dream job. I have been doing some variation since I was 7 – My dream job came true a long time ago.

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time?
I would travel more. Mostly in Europe and the far East.

Who do you admire most (living or dead)?
Kim, my wife, my partner, my best friend. The word admire is so limiting when I think of her.

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)?
God, Budda, Allah, the Goddess or whatever that great being is called. I would like to have lunch and ask some questions. Wow, that dude or dudette has a great sense of humor. I do spend most of my days laughing at life so I would like to meet the creator of this video game we all star in.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
Again, my wife Kim. Over the last 16 years, it's nothing short of incredible. I've learned, I've grown, and I've expanded. Her influence is the greatest gift I've ever received.

What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time?
I wouldn't have squeezed the Super Glue tube so tight that it squirted in my eye and then of course I rubbed it and glued my hand to my face. Off to the ER I go. And no, I can't fill out your damn paperwork with my hand glued to my eye.

What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time?
I would not have listened to my mother and gone ahead and bought that 1957 T-Bird Coupe for a thousand bucks when I was 16

What is your favorite word?
Success

Least favorite word?
War

Favorite curse word?
Fu*k

What turns you on?
Knowing that our 2 kids have grown to be very cool big people.

What turns you off?
Right wing nutballs

What word would others use to describe you?
Trustworthy

What word sums you up?
PIMP