Chris is a gay man, US Veteran, retired psych nurse, and 2024 NC House of Representatives candidate. 

Learn more about Chris in Season 1 Episode 8 of Smut Did You Say?

This statement is from the “Citizens for Chris Gilbert” Facebook page, “As a service-connected veteran, a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a compassionate nurse, husband, and a dedicated community volunteer-I'm uniquely qualified for the position. My journey has been one of service and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those around me. 

I was raised in rural Western Rowan County, I am a proud product of our public school system, breaking barriers as the first in my immediate family to graduate High School. In wake of the life-altering events of 9/11, driven by a desire for financial stability and a fervent sense of duty, I answered the call to serve our nation in the United States Air Force. My military journey unfolded during the challenging "Don't ask, Don't tell" era, exposing me to the harsh reality of discrimination. 

Having proudly worn the uniform of our armed forces, I understand the sacrifice and dedication required to serve. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have personally navigated the path towards acceptance and equality, and I bring that understanding to the forefront of our diverse communities.

It was during my service that I grappled with the personal battles of C-PTSD, a struggle that fueled my unwavering commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Motivated by the profound belief that no one should endure the pain I faced alone, I transitioned into healthcare, dedicating myself to healing, empathy and service becoming a behavioral health nurse.

Now, as a community volunteer, I've seen the power of collective action. I'm not just here to represent you; I'm here to be your advocate, to amplify your voices in the halls of power to make meaningful change for working class people while inspiring a new generation of voters.

Our community deserves a representative who understands the diverse needs of its citizens, and I am ready to be that voice. Together, let us build a future that celebrates our differences, protects our shared values, and works towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Now, as I step into the arena of politics, my journey has prepared me for the challenges ahead. I carry with me the lessons of resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the power of community. I've witnessed firsthand the struggles of those who feel marginalized, I too have felt like a second class citizen and I am determined to be the voice of change and truly make the 84th district the Crossroads of the Future.

Together, we can set the standard by building a district that champions equality, supports our educators, and invests in the well-being of every citizen from every walk of life . Let us embark on this journey together, fueled by the shared vision of a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we can believe in a better tomorrow.”

AJ is a bisexual woman with a passion for helping people. She recently finished her Master’s in Mental Health. She is from a rural area and was the only openly queer person in her program. She continues to advocate for access and cultural competence in her field. I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes!

Learn More about AJ in Season 1 Episode 6 of Smut Did You Say?

From the ENA Board of Directors page:

Dustin is the 2025 Emergency Nurses Association president-elect. He is in his fifth year on the board. Bass currently serves as the vice president of System Emergency Services at ECU Health in Greenville, North Carolina.

He is a diverse and multi-faceted nurse leader who is passionate about improving the lives of nurses at the stretcher side. He has an extensive educational background, with degrees from Mountain State University, Mercy School of Nursing, UNC-Charlotte and Ohio University.

He completed his Health Care Leadership, Systems, and Policy Doctor of Nursing Practice from Yale University in 2023, where he was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau. Bass is a Board Certified Emergency Nurse and a Board Certified Nurse Executive. Bass has held various leadership roles in health care operations across the nation and has been recognized with numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the AONL Young Professional Voices class of 2023.

He shares his knowledge through presentations at ENA conferences and as a guest on regional and national podcasts, TV and radio shows. Dustin released "The Leadership Dashboard" and "Leadership Affirmations: A Coloring Book and Journal" in 2022. Bass has been an active member of ENA since beginning his career in 2010. He was elected to the ENA Board of Directors in 2020, previously served as the Nevada ENA State Council president and was co-chair of the 2020 Conference Education Planning Committee. In his free time, he likes to travel and spend time with his family and friends across the United States.

Learn more about Dustin in Season 1 Episode 5 of Smut Did You Say?

Kyle is a gay man, a poet, and a nurse. He struggled with both his physical and mental health in his 20+ year long journey to self-discovery. He was raised Christian, which provided him with a built-in community but also internalized guilt. He credits some of the church members with providing a supportive sounding board when struggling to label his sexuality. He spent years maintaining celibacy in an effort to combat his “homosexual urges”. During this time, he also earned his nursing degree from a Christian university. After emerging from “the closet”, he struggled with dating men as a virgin, both sexually and culturally. He used writing as a coping mechanism as he found his place in the queer community. 

Learn more about Kyle in Season 1, Episode 4 of Smut Did You Say?

Cindy works at Halcyon Mental Health, which is owned and operated by Aimee Whaley (Cindy’s wife) and Chris Nealy. They provide clients with a safe and relaxed therapy experience to address the things that are causing stress or not working in their lives. Instead of focusing on what is "wrong" with you, we start with the assumption that nothing is wrong - you are 100% who you are supposed to be.

Regardless of background, culture or lifestyle, clients can expect an inviting space to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Cindy’s specialties include folks impacted by trauma, minority stress, neurodivergence and are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. She incorporates various tools into my practice, but most of her work is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and supporting a person's ability to live their life according to their personal values and beliefs.

Finding a therapist that is a "good fit" can be a stressful and difficult process. Because of this, she invites all potential clients to treat our initial sessions as an "interview" to determine if she is the right therapist to meet your needs.

Learn more about Cindy in Season 1 Episode 3 of Smut Did You Say?

Dr. Koeppen is board certified in family medicine with an added certificate of qualifications in primary care sports medicine. She specializes in primary care, transgender hormone therapy, sports medicine and musculoskeletal conditions. She was drawn to the idea of family medicine and building lifelong relationships with patients and their families. Dr. Koeppen is passionate about providing life-affirming care for her LGBT+ patients. She received her medical degree at Florida International University. 

“I love and believe in science and the goodness of people. Medicine is how I pursue both in a meaningful, captivating way.” - Dr. Koeppen 

Learn more about Dr. Koeppen in Season 1 Ep 2 of “Smut Did You Say?”