Today as promised we have a special guest here at Nichevo, the original pioneer of Gay content video on the Internet, Ted Trent of OutoftheCloset.tv. He noticed Nichevo a while back and over course of time I requested an interview of him to which he graciously said yes. I remember when I first discovered his site many years ago and was so happy to see videos of real gay people along with series and specials featuring Gay characters portrayed in a positive way. It is my pleasure to introduce him to those of you who have not been to his site and insight on him and his partner, Drew, to those of you who have visited OutoftheCloset.tv. Be sure to visit the links listed in the interview and post your comments here and in the forum over at OutoftheCloset.tv. Now here is the interview, Enjoy!
Uncle Gerry:
I have been a fan and visitor to your site for many years, how did you come up with the concept of OutoftheCloset.tv and how hard was it to get it started?
Ted:
Thank you for that question. Back in the day, we didn't have a gay TV channel. Plus, I thought that if we ever got a gay channel, it wouldn't be available to other countries that didn't have access to our American channel. So, I have never wanted to work for or create a gay television channel for broadcast television purposes. I consider 'not having that desire' a blessing because I usually go after the things I want. God never placed and still doesn't place anything in my heart that causes me to have a desire to work for a gay broadcast television network. Out of the Closet is my destination. I figured if I created exactly the same thing as a television station ONLINE...then the entire world would have access to the type of content that I wanted to show them. My goal is to have Out of the Closet TV replace the closet with an online environment that shows people that fear doesn't have to be the issue in being alive as a gay person. We have a website monitoring featured here in the office that allows us to see REAL TIME where people are on OutoftheCloset.tv. I would say that 50% of our viewers are from outside of the USA. I really see OutoftheCloset.TV as more of a GLOBAL destination. One day, I'll have the funding to really represent that vision.
Uncle Gerry:
How hard was it to get it started?
Ted:
To be honest, it's been very hard for years to get Out of the Closet off the ground. Money, money, money. Video production is soooooooo expensive. I've lost a lot of money with the deal, but I look at it in a way that if it helps ANYONE feel better about being gay....then it's all worth it. My goal is to have the ultimate GLBT web destination in the world. Knowing that this is my goal, I wanted to immediately begin working towards that destination. The world has only begun to realize the future of OutoftheCloset.TV. I've got BIG hopes and dreams for the difference it will continue to make. I've had a couple offers from companies who wanted to buy my company at a large profit. I'm just not doing this to make money. I hope to be holding on to OutoftheCloset.tv until I become old and gray and can turn it over to a large staff of people who can continue the mission.
Uncle Gerry:
You and I have a similar background as we were both raised Southern Baptist. When did you first realize you were gay and how badly did your religion mess with your head about it. How long did it take you to accept yourself and come out?
Ted:
I realized what "GAY" was when I was around 24. I knew that I was attracted to boys when I was about 5 or 6. I was always more interested in boys than girls. Boys are just more interesting to me. Girls are interesting...YES! But for me, I just find men "more complicated, rough, challenging, and sexy." It's like a good movie. How good is a movie if you have it all figured out in the first 5 minutes. I like the challenge of being with a man.
Plus, growing up, I had no clue that people could live their entire lives as gay people. I would have certainly recognized that i was gay at an earlier age if I had seen some roll models. I was serving as a youth minister when I started to realize I was gay. It was actually the church who accused me of being gay. I was like "I'm not gay!" Finally, they kicked me out of their congregation. One night I was sitting in my apartment and I thought, "If they think I'm gay, I might as well go to check out a gay bar and see if I am." Sure enough. I did feel like I had a lot in common with the gay folk at that Knoxville bar.
Uncle Gerry:
When and how did you and your partner, Drew meet?
Ted:
Drew and I have been together now for almost 3 years. We met on Gay.com by accident. We were both trying out their free service. Drew and I were both ready to have a relationship that lasted. It was perfect timing I guess. I do love him with my whole heart. My intention is staying with Drew forever.
Uncle Gerry:
In the film The Great American Christmas on USA, you and Drew were one of the families featured. How did you become involved in the project and how did your family react when the film was telecast?
Ted:
I saw a posting for the audition on the Internet. I cooresponded by email for about 6 months. Each time there was about a month in-between correspondence. Then around October, things started to happen quickly. About getting my family to become involved, I have to say that was a miracle. When I pitched them the idea, the immediately said no. Drew then got involved. It was a team effort over the phone.
After the fact, my family has been very proud of the film. My brother and I get along better than ever now. The miracle is...he now likes Drew alot. They speak on the phone and everything. This past Christmas, Bobby invited Drew over to his house several times to enjoy Christmas activities. I never imagined that my life would turn out like this. At one point, I thought that I was going to be working for either Oprah or Pat Robertson.
Uncle Gerry:
How has your relationship with your family changed because of the film?
Ted:
Hard to say. I don't see LOTS of changes. They still love me bunches. I guess the main difference I see is that their fear of meeting Drew is now in the past. They have all let go of that fear now, even my father.
Uncle Gerry:
I receive the newsletter from OutoftheCloset.tv on a regular basis. In it you have hinted at some of the great things coming up for your website. What do you have in store for us that you can tell us here?
Ted:
We are starting to roll out many of the new features now. We have recently brought back the FORUMS section where people can post news, comments, YouTube & Google, etc., videos. Plus, we need people's help in doing this too. Once you register, you can help us add new videos, news stories, and comments by adding things to our FORUMS section. In the near future, we are going to be adding a section where you can upload your own videos. We already have this section designed, but we are working on the legal work behind the scenes.
Uncle Gerry:
What are your goals for OutoftheCloset.tv as you are making these changes?
Ted:
Our goals are shifting a little bit in the coming year. Instead of simply broadcasting video, we are wanting people to find all kinds of support. Plus, I hope that OutoftheCloset.tv attracts a certain type of individual. I think the site attracts a more serious person who is looking for a quality encounter. Since we don't have porn on the website, I think there is more of a hope that quality people visit OutoftheCloset. I've always been ABOUT THE PEOPLE VISITING THE SITE. I see a future where the site is totally run by the visitors who stop by. You become our programmers. In exchange, we are going to be working on EXCLUSIVE CONTENT (Video, Stories, Interviews) and membership features that make our members happy that belong to the OutoftheCloset.tv family.
My main intention is to recreate a coming out process. I foresee COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET cards and celebrations. Imagine how we celebrate birthdays. Now imagine a COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET DAY (yes I know about the Oct. 11)! I guess I would like to see it as more of an individual experience. A celebration of self-acceptance, intention, and vision for a better future.
Uncle Gerry:
I take it as a great compliment that you read my blog and took the time to write to me how you felt about it. How did you discover Nichevo?
Ted:
How did I discover it? Hmmm. I think you must have mentioned something about our site on your blog. I track all that kind of stuff through Google alerts, web stats, and my live tracking program. I think I clicked through on a link from someone who was on the site by referral to your site. When I got there, I was really impressed by your taste in blogging. Great photos and a superior ability to write your thoughts on net.
Uncle Gerry:
Do you and Drew plan on getting married if California passes the law to make it legal?
Ted:
That's a great question. If California makes it legal, I hope that he asks me to marry him. I don't think I will ask him. He knows I already want to get married to him. I sort of have a romantic notion of him asking me. It would mean more to me I think. Drew already thinks we are married in his head. But I want the EVENT in my life. I'm more the DRAMA queen. I love parties. I'm also believe that marriage itself sets up the intention for a future together. Intention is KEY in my life. Marriage represents my INTENTION to stay with Drew for the rest of my life. It exclaims it to all who might be confused or interested in our lives. It also gives others a guide post to what it possible for them. Everyone is different. But I believe marriage is an important piece to a puzzle called, RELATIONSHIP.
To see how I really feel about marriage, you should watch the coverage I did of the San Francison marriages....
http://www.OutoftheCloset.tv/videostorage/spousesforlifehigh.ram
Uncle Gerry:
What organizations or causes are you and Drew most active in supporting and why?
Ted:
To be honest, I really don't get involved with many organizations. I hope that doesn't make me a bad person. I focus my energy on OutoftheCloset.tv. It is very important to me that gay youth and gay adults have someone there waiting for them as they come out of the closet.
Drew and I take food to the homeless here in Downtown Los Angeles about once every 4 months. We pack food in the back of my truck and deliver the food to those sleeping on the streets. I also started a website to help the homeless in Downtown Los Angeles. It's address is http://www.LifeAngeles.com.
I also own a yahoo group that organizes Downtown Los Angeles gay and lesbian residents. I started it several years ago. It's called, OutinDowntownLosAngeles.com.
We also donate money each year to the Human Rights Campaign fund. We also attend church periodically.
Uncle Gerry:
What would you most want my readers to know about you and Drew?
Ted:
That we love each. We fight. We make up. We dream. We work together selling lofts in Downtown Los Angeles. We believe in each other. We talk alot. Did I mention we argue? We watch Oprah. He likes Seinfeld. I like Simpsons and I Love Lucy. Oh..we are huge fans of American Idol too.
We are also scheduled to appear in an episode of Dr. 90210 this summer. The have already filmed one day. They film another day next Tuesday. Then they do the consultation in the doctors office Feb. 1. The surgery is Feb. 6. Say a little prayer that I wake up from the surgery.
I agreed to do this reality show for several reasons. First, I wanted to get rid of my double chin. Second, I wanted to get rid of my gut. Third, I really wanted to challenge myself to be OUT ABOUT EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE. I am so nervous about this, but I know I can do it. It's not jumping out of an airplane, but it is something just as challenging for me. I've always been nervous about taking my clothes off in front of other people. I dont' think I've very sexy naked. I'm 6'2" and weigh about 220. Some guys like that. I just want to be 6'2" 200 without a gut and double chin. I love myself too much to walk around with that extra fat the rest of my life. ANYWAY...we are also hoping to get some more PR for OutoftheCloset.tv through out this project. They filmed me doing some interviews for OutoftheCloset.tv, we will see if they leave it in.
Uncle Gerry:
What do you think I could do to make Nichevo a better experience for my readers?
Ted:
Photos are always great. I'd love for you to start posting your blogs on OutoftheCloset.tv. Possibly you'll get some more viewers. I'd love for you to do that. You can do that daily. I think the goal of the blog isn't always to get people to come to your site. I think the goal of the blog is to get people to read what you've written. After you post your blog each day on your site. Copy/paste it to OutoftheCloset.tv. You can say something like...to see photos that appear on my blog...follow this link.
(note: Uncle Gerry posted last night's Nichevo to the forum there and this will also be posted as soon as I finish it)
Uncle Gerry:
Is there anything else that you would like to say to me and my readers?
Ted:
Uncle Gerry...I think the last thought I would leave with anyone is this. Whether God placed you on this planet or not, you are here. Whether you think you have a purpose on the planet or not, you are here. Do something with your life that makes a difference for yourself and other people. The clock is ticking. One day the opportunity for you to live a fully expressed life will be over. RUN while you can still RUN. Talk while you can still TALK. Pay your bills. Work on self transformation. Do work like LandmarkEducation.com and other life improvement seminars. Read Uncle Gerry's blog.
Lastly, I just wanted to invite your readers to visit OutoftheCloset.tv. It's not the right site for everyone, but it serves more than 75,000 unique visitors each month. I really want everyone to contribute their thoughts and information about their life experience. In the near future, we are going to be activating a feature that allows you to earn points for being logged into the site. You'll be able to buy DVDs, music downloads, boardgames, shoes, tee-shirts, etc., with your CLOSET POINTS.
Give us a try. I truly believe that you'll be glad you joined our Out of the Closet family. Thank you too Uncle Gerry for doing what you do. I look forward to seeing and learning more about you.
P.S. Plus, if you are in the market for real estate in Los Angeles, call us. We specialize in Lofts in downtown Los Angeles (visit http://www.LoftLivingLA.com).
Ted is really Out to Make a Difference for Gay people everywhere, so stop by his site on a regular basis and tell him tha Uncle Gerry at Nichevo sent you! Now you know a posting at Nichevo would not be complete without a photo or two so I will close with some shots that were forwarded to me from one of my readers in Los Angeles a short time ago as well as a couple of handsome fellows I think you will like. So until next time as always, Enjoy!
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