John Akins is not someone that we at Little Rock Pride have met, but he was recommended by one of our Who's Your Abby? contributors, Dimples. We are always happy to find new people to get to know and to introduce our readers to.

John grew up in Bryant and now lives in downtown Little Rock. He works as a compliance officer at a banking software company in Little Rock.

We asked John the usual Profiles in Pride Questions:

Talk about some of the work you have done for the GLBT community.
To be honest, I haven't done anything. I just came out less than a year ago myself.

What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.? 
I think it's different for everyone. Some families are more understanding than others. Only the person coming out knows how their family might react, and it's completely up to that person as to when/if they come out. For me, I was lucky. I knew before hand that my family would be OK with it because I just have one of those tight families. My family was not only completely understanding but they also took my partner in as one of their own. They look at us no differently than any other couple in my family.

Coming out completely changed my life for the better. All the secrets, all the lies, and all the guilt was eliminated by saying two little words … “I'm Gay”. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest and I could finally breathe. And, all the uncomfortable feelings of everyone knowing went away faster than I thought it would. This is a new day and age, and believe it or not, people are a lot more accepting. That or they just don't care. Regardless, it was a very easy transition for me. Once word started to spread, I had family members and friends that I hadn't heard from in years calling to tell me how proud they were of me. It was like I had graduated from college. I'm glad I did it and I wouldn't turn back for anything.

What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality?
I think that eventually, people are going to open their eyes and realize that we're human. We're just like everyone else. And eventually, we will blend in and be unnoticed just like the rest of the world's population. 

Profiles in Pride Questions:

Date and place of birth?
Aug 20, 1979 – Little Rock

What is your favorite food?
Mexican

What food will you not eat?
Indian

What is the best job you've ever had?
My current job.

What is your dream job?
Pilot

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time?
Real Estate Investment

Who do you admire most (living or dead)?
Any individuals out there that are true to themselves, and live their lives however they want.

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)?
My Grandparents

Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
My partner … the love of my life, David.

What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time?
I would NOT have waited until I was 26 to come out.

What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time?
I would have paid more attention in school / went to class (hehe).

What is your favorite word?
???

Least favorite word?
???

Favorite curse word?
SH*T!

What turns you on?
Sweet talk and unexpected surprises

What turns you off?
Bad breath

What word would others use to describe you?
Likeable

What word sums you up?
Original