Toni Baird

Toni Baird grew up in Sherwood, Ark., with the exception of grades 7-10 when she was in northern Virginia, just out of Washington D.C. with her family. She now lives in the Riverdale area of Little Rock. Toni said she has been in the quality control/quality assurance field in various manufacturing environments most of her working life so far. “However, I am currently entertaining thoughts of going in another direction,” Toni said. “Time to de-stress and simplify. I am getting too old for the b.s.” We asked Toni about her work in the GLBT community. “I haven't been real active other than participating as one of the Jiffy Lube Girls in the Cancer Sucks Benefit that was held earlier this year at UBU. You can pretty much count on my presence and support at any/all events though!” What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.? “My best advice to anyone coming out is to follow your heart while using your head. Each person's set of circumstances is different. How/if you come out to your parents, your employer, etc., has to be done based on those specific dynamics/relationships. The right time, place and presentation is important and you, as half of the relationship, are the “expert” on those factors.” What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality? “I gave up mind-reading when I left the circus ... but seriously, I think that the trend of wider acceptance and equal rights will continue. As the older generation gets off the merry-go-round of life to make room for others to get on, the overall attitude toward the GLBT community will become more accepting. Will we see gay marriage in our lifetime? I doubt it, but hopefully we will soon see some sort of legal domestic partnership. (By the way, I would love to be wrong about that!)" Profiles in Pride Questions: Date and place of birth? July 19, 1958 Fayetteville, Ark. What is your favorite food? Chocolate! What food will you not eat? Raw tomatoes What is the best job you've ever had? I'm pretty sure that's an oxymoron, isn't it? What is your dream job? Again, oxymoron! If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time? Hang out, anywhere, with my Baby Girl, Pam Hendrick. Who do you admire most (living or dead)? Two people — My parents: my dad, Julius Baird (deceased 10/7/2002) and my mom, Wanda Baird (still with me, thank you God!). They are two of the most wonderful people I have ever known who always put their family first and gave me the best childhood and lessons for living a good life that anyone could ever ask for. Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? I would love to have just a little more time with my dad to tell him how much I love and respect him and to thank him for all he gave to and did for me. (It would also be great if he could meet my life-partner, Pam.) Who has had the greatest influence on your life? At the risk of being corny and/or redundant … my parents. What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time? Start smoking cigarettes. What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time? Spent more time with my grandparents as an adult. What is your favorite word? love Least favorite word? hate Favorite curse word? Damn it, man! What turns you on? Pretty much everything about my Baby Girl, Pam Hendrick! What turns you off? People who are mean, liars, users, etc. What word would others use to describe you? Sweet What word sums you up? Fair