<—PREVIOUS NEXT —>
MELISSA CARTER
So much of LGBT equality is about having a presence, about people seeing what we’re really about, and out lesbian Melissa Carter provides that much-needed presence five days a week as co-host on Q100′s wildly successful The Bert Show.
Carter has such an impact because she doesn’t make her sexual orientation a big deal, but she also isn’t afraid to jump in and voice her opinion when it comes to LGBT issues. It’s all very matter of fact—a mention of her girlfriend here, a story about their quest to have children there—and simple. She’s just being herself.
And that’s all she needs to be to help us keep moving forward.
How would you define your role in Atlanta’s LGBT community?
It’s hard for me to define my role. I just speak honestly and hope it helps my community.
What do you forecast for Atlanta’s LGBT community in the next 5 to 10 years?
Continued growth. And more inclusion of minorities within the community and celebrations.
We learn from all our experiences, both good and bad. Tell us about a negative life experience you’ve had that you learned a valuable lesson from.
My fight with kidney disease. This life-threatening condition has allowed me the opportunity to live life more fully and not waste any moments. Even when I’m bored or frustrated with things. Almost dying is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
How has being LGBT shaped your outlook on life?
I’m more open to helping others and thinking outside myself, since that is what I ask of others in order to help the LGBT community.
Tell us a little more about yourself. What are your hobbies? What are your goals?
Creating stories, both in writing and in pictures. My goal is to always be in a position where I can express myself.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one book you would want with you?
I’d prefer a sketchbook and a good pen.
