Tammy Johnson is an active member of the GLBT community in Central Arkansas and is furthering that with a board position with the Center for Artistic Revolution (CAR).

We asked Tammy where she grew up and if not in Arkansas how she ended up here?

“I grew up in central Arkansas and still live near my hometown. I live in Guy, Ark., in Faulkner County, in an old rock farmhouse that belonged to my great aunt. I am blessed with friends from all over the U.S. and abroad. Still water runs deep, I am told.”

We asked Tammy about what kind of career she is in.

“I am a Cardiac Intensive Care R.N., and have worked in this field for 21 years. I am a 1986 graduate of UCA, with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. I completed my critical care training through U.A.M.S.”

Talk about some of the work you have done for the GLBT community.
“Primarily, I have lived my life openly among lifelong friends and relatives. I have had the pleasure of finding love and acceptance among them, but it has not been easy to achieve. I trust that when they think of members of the GLBTQ community negatively or hear negative remarks, they will think of me and remember we are all just people like them. Lately, I have been involved in community outreach through New Beginnings Church of Central Arkansas, working at booths at the Rodeo in the Rock and Little Rock Capital Pride 2007.”

What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.?
“Coming out is a two part process. First, you must come out to yourself , accept and love yourself. Second you must come out to your family and community. If you accomplish the first step, the second step is easier."

What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality? 
“I have just become a member of the Board of Directors of C.A.R., the Center for Artistic Revolution. I am very excited about the potential that organization has to bring unity into the GLBTQI community. I look forward to offering my experience, work ethic, and vision to that important grassroots type of community service. We can achieve much as a unified community, building respect, understanding, and acceptance within the larger society. I like to use Susan B. Anthony's mantra, ‘Failure is impossible.'"

Profiles in Pride Questions:

Date and place of birth?
January 25, 1962, Conway, Ark.

What is your favorite food?
Home cooked meals.

What food will you not eat?
Eggplant.

What is the best job you've ever had?
The job I have now.

What is your dream job?
Flyfishing guide.

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time?
I would trout fish a lot! I would volunteer my time strengthening the voice of the GLBTQ community. I would travel extensively and spend much time with my family and friends.

Who do you admire most (living or dead)?
Eleanor Roosevelt and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? 
Dalai Lama.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life? 
My maternal grandfather. His wit, humility, and love of people has always been my guiding light.

What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time?  
I wouldn't change anything, because it's made me who I am.

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

What is your favorite word?
Love.

Least favorite word? 
Impossible.

Favorite curse word?
Sh*t.

What turns you on?
Cajun women who slip into French when excited. 

What turns you off?
Negative attitudes, dishonest people.

What word would others use to describe you?
Charismatic.

What word sums you up? 
Nurturing.