We had the good fortune of connecting with Kk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kk, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from South Carolina. Grew up very southern baptist, so much so that I had chosen to study theology when not much else interested me. My large extended family and one could almost say the extended extended family of a church, supplied me with plenty of people who cared about me. When I started understanding that I was gay and that it wouldn’t change no matter how many times I prayed the love I had felt began to feel more conditional.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Working in a restaurant at first seemed like it was job that wouldn’t be respected. Soon enough I felt like I lived the middle of the stream of culture here. Most respected jobs in cultures that value productivity and wealth don’t allow for deep connections. A brain surgeon doesn’t get tons of repeat customers. If they do it’s not normally a good thing. I find so much satisfaction in making friends/ kids knowing your name/ people asking to get coffee with you…. And when you work at a respected restaurant in Nashville the people that seem to be vying for your attention are the ones writing the songs you love. My coming to peace with being a server overlapped with my interest in equality. My contentment and care for the places and people with whom I work became a value in itself. A need for ego/ ig likes/ a respected profession/ a fucking James beard award/ Grammy… non of that means much. Having trusted relationships with people you see regularly kicks way more ass than some contrived affection that you think someone could have for you that you’ll never know or meet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My philosophy revolves around simplicity… we’d definitely visit a nice restaurant or two but familiarity and comfort beat perfect food any day. Of course I’d invite them to my restaurant (Lockeland table). Food is great but you’ll feel comfy enough to eat however you please… no need to fret over how you hold your silverware (Emily post and her classist ass can get over herself). I definitely have you sit with me in the garden and just relax…. Look at the flowers. Probably go kayaking down the piney river where you’d need to leave your phone in the car and have to forget about your lists of things to do. But most importantly hopefully you’d be here for either funky good time or our queer dance party. Both of which I help lead the dance floor.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The friends developed in Nashville. Once i understood that I was respected and cared for here I knew that the people in my city would care less about who I was attracted to. Because of that love, connection and time spent in this place a tremendous responsibility and corresponding purpose has made for a very rich life

Image Credits
Connor Pledger

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