Joy Evans is the owner of the bar UBU which used to be known as The Aquarium or The Tank as so many of us called it. She most recently offered the bar to a cancer fundraiser donating all door proceeds to the cause, and has done this type of thing on numerous occasions.

She grew up in Lonoke, Ark., and now makes Little Rock her home. Besides owning UBU, Joy spends her working time in medical office management.
We asked her to discuss some of the work she has done for the GLBT community.

“My work schedules have not allowed me to do as much as I would like, but I have been involved in as many functions/activities as I have been able to be,” Joy explained. “I have hosted several fundraising events for AIDS and cancer victims at the club (UBU).”

What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.?

“I battled for years with coming out – I was afraid of what family and friends would think of me. I also battled with the religious part of it and after many years of praying – I was finally at ease with owning who I really was … realizing that those who loved me, loved me for who I was – not for my sexuality. It was so nice to have that burden lifted off my shoulders and feel free to be ME !!”

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

“Unfortunately, I do not see any changes happening in the near future, but I honestly feel that we will win the ‘War on Equality' with time and perseverance,” Joy predicted.

Profiles in Pride questions:

Date and place of birth? March 3, 1969, Little Rock, Ark.

What is your favorite food? Chinese

What food will you not eat?
Sushi

What is the best job you've ever had? I would have to say that having the club, although it has been very demanding of my time and family life, has been very rewarding. It is such a JOY to see happy customers and achieving a long time dream!

What is your dream job? One that is situated on a beach, or better yet, one that is successful enough to allow me to be situated on a beach as much as I would like.

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time? I would spend as much time as I could with my friends, family and Jan — living as if there were no tomorrow.

Who do you admire most (living or dead)? My Mother – she was the perfect example of LOVE, HONESTY and FAITH.

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? Ellen Degeneres – what a fun lunch that would be, until I choked on my food from laughing so much.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My Mother – I lost my Mother 4 years ago to cancer. Not only was she my Mother, but she was my best friend. There is not a day that goes by that I don't feel the hole that is left in my soul. I could have not asked for a better role model. Even though I only had her for 33 short years, she will be with me for an eternity. I find myself always trying to do/be what she would have wanted and even though I have my own life to live, I strive to be just as good a person as she was.
What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time? I don't think I would do anything differently, I am the person that I am today because of the path that I chose to get to this point in my life and I am happy with that.

What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time? Spent more time with my family.

What is your favorite word? Love

Least favorite word? I hate the “GD” word

Favorite curse word? Not to say it is my favorite, but the “F” word is probably the one that slips out the most.

What turns you on? Integrity       

What turns you off? Dishonesty

What word would others use to describe you? Compassionate

What word sums you up? Loyal