Pam Hendrick is an active member of the GLBT community in central Arkansas as well as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She is a realtor in Little Rock, as well as an artist.

Pam grew up in Birmingham, Ala., graduated from Auburn University and moved here in 1982 to become marketing director for the Arkansas Rep Theatre. She lives in the Riverdale neighborhood in Little Rock, close to the River Trail.

“It's a great place for me because I bike, golf and kayak,” Pam said.
We asked her to talk about some of the work she has done for the GLBT community.

“I have donated some of my artwork to both the Cancer Sucks benefit and Lip Synch cancer benefit. I am a breast cancer survivor and I'm so happy that I've been able to help. I also started an event three years ago called Paddle For The Cure a fun paddle in which canoes and kayaks paddle down the Arkansas River during Race For The Cure to raise money for Susan G. Komen. As a realtor I've found a lot of support in the gay community as well.
What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.?

“I came out less than a year ago after being married for 20 years. Shortly after I came out I met and fell in love with my soul mate and the love of my life, Toni. We met online and all my friends thought I was crazy to “out” myself so quickly by having my info and photo online. Thank God I was naïve enough to ignore their concerns or we might not have met!

“I have spoken freely about myself and my partner Toni to clients and friends and I have received nothing but positive feedback. The hardest part was telling my 17 year old daughter. She is the most accepting liberal person I know, but like she said ‘you are my Mom, so eewwww!' But, she is getting used to the idea. She is away at college, but I feel that over time she will come to know and love my partner like I do.”

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

“I think it starts with us. I feel strongly about my partner and me holding hands, opening doors for each other and using our usual terms of endearment wherever we may be. It lets others know that we have a strong love and respect for each other. We are not all about sex, we are not immoral and it's important that we not act ashamed of our relationship when in public.
“If we behave in public as if we are proud of our partners we will usually get positive feedback. I have the advantage of coming out in 2006 and in my 40's. Other gay people my age have had negative experiences in the past and so have altered their behavior accordingly. Try coming out again. You might be surprised at the equal treatment you will receive. I can't expect my employer to let me put my partner on my insurance when I don't even acknowledge her as my partner in public.”

Profiles in Pride Questions:

Date and place of birth?
I was born November 21, 1959 in Pennsylvania. But we moved back South when I was 3.

What is your favorite food?
Salmon grilled over a wood fire.

What food will you not eat?
I will try anything twice! I love food and red wine!

What is the best job you've ever had?
I love being an artist cause I don't even have to get dressed for that job!

What is your dream job?
Well, I will always paint. If I could make money at it, I would be a kayak guide too!

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time?
Kayak, golf, paint, bike, skydive and travel with Toni and my daughter. I would love to go with a group of friends to Jackson Hole in the summer and just play!

Who do you admire most (living or dead)?
Gloria Steinem.

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)?
My daughter. I miss the heck out of her since she's been away at college.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
My 8th grade English teacher, Beth Cloyd. I was very shy, but she believed in me and gave me the confidence to enter a speech contest in which I won a 2 nd place trophy. Unfortunately for everyone else, I haven't shut up since!

What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time?
I would not change a thing. I have learned from all my mistakes and I have had a lot to learn from!

What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time?
I would have spent more time with my brother Tim before he died.

What is your favorite word?
Plethora

Least favorite word?
No

Favorite curse word?
Never met one I didn't like!

What turns you on?
Everything about Toni. She treats me like a lady and I love it!

What turns you off?
Women who talk about other women like sex objects like a big bubba trucker would.

What word would others use to describe you?
Passionate

What word sums you up?
Optimistic