At what he called middle-age, John House made a huge career change so that one day he'll be known as Dr. House.

We asked John where he was born and what brought him to the central Arkansas area.

“I was born in Kansas City, Mo. and lived there for 3 days — it seems I've been on the move ever since,” John said.. “My father is a preacher, formerly Southern Baptist, and we moved, on average, every two years.

“I wound up going to and graduating from high school in northeast Arkansas (Weiner and Harrisburg), but I grew up all across the mid-south and great plains from Lincoln, Neb., to Fort Worth, Texas, to Elaine, Ark., and Memphis, Tenn.

“After I graduated high school, I continued with my family's nomadic tradition living all over the U.S., from the west coast to the east coast. Finally, I settled in south Florida in 1989.

“I lived there until 2001 at which time I came back to Arkansas. (Yes, I voted on the infamous “hanging chad” ballots in the 2000 election.) Call it a mid-life crisis if you like, but I quit my job, sold my house, ended my seven and a half year relationship, and decided to finish my college degree. I finished up at ASU in Jonesboro and graduated from there in 2003. I started medical school that fall.”

John is now a medical student in his third year at UAMS in Little Rock. He have one more year and then he will start a three year residency program in Family Medicine at an as-yet-undetermined location.

“Once that's done,” he said, “I'll set up my practice, most likely around the Jonesboro area. Prior to medical school I was involved in the internet industry. I owned my own business most of the years that I lived in Florida but my most recent position was Director of Internet Services for Rexall Sundown Inc. in Boca Raton, Fla.”.

We then asked about his involvement in gay rights activities.

“I've been involved in gay community activities almost since coming out back in 1978,” he said.” In the early 1980s I was living in Jonesboro and I made my first foray into putting together a gay celebration and organization. It was called “Fun in the Forest” and I think about 5 people showed up. Pretty much a flop. But it was excellent experience for me.

“Shortly after that, I was instrumental in getting the first Gayfest celebration started in Memphis. When I came back to Arkansas from Florida, I fostered the resurrection of the Gay Straight Alliance at ASU. I've also started a gay camping group ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/argaycampers/ ) and a medical professionals group working to improve healthcare for the gay and lesbian community ( http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ArkHCPA/ ). I've also been involved in numerous community organizations in other parts of the country.

“Most recently, I brought together a group of people to put together a pride celebration for Little Rock last year. I was very pleased with the results, as I think most people were.

“This year, I am now serving as the chair of that group (the now formally-organized Little Rock Gay Lesbian Pride organization – LRGLP – (wwwlittlerockgaypride.com ) and I'm looking forward to an exciting pride celebration this year.”

What do you think will happen in the next few years as far as gay rights, gay marriage etc., are concerned?

“Obviously, I think the struggle is going to continue. Unfortunately, there's no magic wand to wave over these issues to make them suddenly go the way we want. While there's certainly a time and place for political activism, I've always believed that the old adage “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” is the best way for gay people to earn their rights.

“Little by little, as we insert ourselves openly and peacefully into the comings and goings of the world, we become less of a threat and more of a friend. Then, we gain supporters among the heterosexual world. That's how we'll win this fight.

And when asked for advice for people wanting to come out, John said:
“Absolutely! Do it! Be yourself and don't be afraid. It's not always easy to come out – in fact, sometimes it's down right painful. I recommend having a support system of gay and/or lesbian friends in place when you take the plunge.

“But when you've made that first big step and told your family or your best friend or whoever is closest to you, then each successive step becomes easier. One of the reasons that we are having the political and legal fights asked about in the previous question can be traced back directly to gay people being out.

“If no one had ever come out, then no one would be willing to step up and fight for us, and certainly no heterosexuals would be on our side. By the same token, if all the closeted homosexuals in this country would fling open that closet door and proclaim their sexuality, the fight would be much further along.

“I'm not saying you have to walk into every room and say “Hi, I'm John, and I'm gay,” but it's vitally important to yourself and to our community to be clear about your sexuality when the subject comes up.

“One of the things that frustrates me to no end about working in the gay community, particularly in more “oppressed” parts of the country such as Arkansas, is the ubiquitous in-fighting. No group is immune to it. But it's so time- and energy-consuming and such a waste.

“I wish that each gay person in this part of the country could go spend at least a year or two in one of the gay meccas that exist in this country (Los Angeles, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, New York, etc.). Then, people here in Arkansas would know how wonderful it is to have a supportive, thriving, open gay community.

“Perhaps then, they would be more motivated to create that experience here. It's certainly had that effect on me.

“One of the issues that I've tried to impress on the people involved in planning the pride celebration is that this is a community-wide event. Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether or not I happen to agree with someone's politics or actions.

“We have to be tolerant of the diversity that creates our community. I wish I could say that LRGLP has been 100 percent successful in communicating that message, but unfortunately, I can't.

“However, I will continue to work toward that goal. The most effective way for all of us to achieve our dreams as a community, is to set aside our differences and work together. I'm not saying that all of our actions and thoughts and words have to be identical; rather, I'm saying that when our goals intersect, we should set aside our differences and work together, not against one another.

“If we do that, then, truly, we can have a supportive, thriving, open gay community right here in Arkansas.”

Profiles in Pride questions:

Date and place of birth? July 30, 1960, Kansas City, Mo.

What is your favorite food? Macaroni and Cheese

What food will you not eat? This list is too long to include here

What is the best job you've ever had?  President of OuterNetwork  Inc. (I owned the company.)

What is your dream job? I'm creating it now

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time? Pretty much the same as now

Who do you admire most (living or dead)? Almost everyone who has pursued their passion, regardless of the cost

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? My 100-year-old future self

Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My parents – they're incredible people!

What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time? I wouldn't have taken on an unscrupulous business partner.

What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time? Spent more time with my grandparents before they died

What is your favorite word? Hope

Least favorite word? Failure

Favorite curse word? Don't really have one

What turns you on? A well executed plan coming to fruition

What turns you off? People who do nothing but moan and complain but aren't willing to work toward the solutions.

What word would others use to describe you? It depends whether you ask my friends or my enemies

What word sums you up?
Driven