Tres Butler has lived all over the world in her life and we are happy that she has settled into Little Rock where she works in Civil Service. Some of us have met her on MySpace.com and not in person yet, but we are looking forward to seeing her live and in person at Little Rock Capital Pride June 3.

When we asked Tres where she grew up she said: “Well, nowhere but everywhere! Actually, I'm a military brat and I've traveled all over the world, so I can't really say that I grew up in one particular place. My life began at Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Libya. When my Dad retired from the military in 1980, we left March AFB in California and moved to Arkansas to be close to my grandparents.”

We asked Tres to talk about some of the work she has done for the GLBT community.

“The last couple of years have been extremely hectic for me therefore I haven't had the opportunity to give much of my time to anything other than my life, but now that things are a little less demanding I'm planning to volunteer for Capital Pride 2007 this year.”

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

“I think it's a personal journey and it starts in the mirror. I believe if you're comfortable in your own skin and you have the ability to be honest with yourself you will know when the time is right for your particular situation. Build you a support system an get involved with like-minded people. The path is ever changing.”

What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality?
“The future of equality for gays/lesbians is reflected in the past. It took years for the Civil Rights Movement to make a difference in the lives of African Americans, and it is still taking time for women to be considered equal to men (women still only make 60 cents on every dollar a man makes). There is no set time there are just steps to be made by individuals every single day. Equality isn't a product, it's a process, just as everything in life. There will be strides made, and setbacks will occur, but differences will continue to evolve and change will occur — to what degree is absolutely unpredictable.”

Profiles in Pride Questions:

Date and place of birth?  Tripoli, Libya

What is your favorite food? Pizza

What food will you not eat? Sweet potatoes

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

What is your dream job? To be an Occupational Therapist

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time? I'd do some traveling, work on the house, play a ton of video games and take a lot of naps.

Who do you admire most (living or dead)? My Dad

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? Amy Ray

Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My Dad

What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time? I wouldn't have changed a thing….life is full of many roads and choices….you live and hopefully learn….if you don't learn you will keep repeating the same mistakes over and over until you ‘get' the lesson.

What is your favorite word? Convoluted

Least favorite word?  Diet

Favorite curse word? *uck

What turns you on? Intelligence, confidence, spontaneity, good food and a soft touch

What turns you off? Stupidity, arrogance and nasty armpits

What word would others use to describe you?  Charming

What word sums you up? Passionate