Reasons to Have Pride in 2012, Part 3

We came out, we saw ourselves in media, and we conquered hearts and minds in the last year. From major wins to small victories, here is the third of four parts of 181 reasons to feel proud of not being straight and narrow.

BY Advocate Contributors

May 17 2012 5:15 AM ET

Because a sweet tooth beats homophobia

From praline bars to veggie muffulettas, Donna Bell’s Bake Shop gives a new spin on Southern-style treats in NYC. In just one year, the shop, co-owned by two gay men—Darren Greenblatt and Matthew Sandusky—and BFF Pauley Perrette, star of NCIS, has become a success. “Darren and Matthew’s quest to provide delicious Southern treats is inspired by my beloved mother, Donna Bell, and our love for each other as best friends,” Perrette says. Greenblatt says he knows he’s in the right business. “You wouldn’t believe the happy faces of people buying a $3 scone versus the miserable faces of people buying a $3,000 handbag.”