LGBTQ Local News, Voices and Community
JULY 22 - AUG 04, 2022|VOL 37 NO 07 Printed On Recycled Paper
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Cryptocurrency: how it works, successful companies and info for the LGBTQ investor – pg 8 & 9
Labor to achieve: a trans man’s accomplishments – pg 12
Unions and LGBTQ workers unite to improve working conditions – pg 10 July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
Qnotes
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July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
inside this issue
July 22 - Aug. 4, 2022 Vol 37 No 07
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Writers: Joey Amato, Blake Douglas, Sarah Kate Ellis, Rev. Vance E. Haywood Jr, Ashutosh Jadhav, Kendra R. Johnson, Joe Killian, L’Monique King, Delphine Luneau, Shalini M, David Aaron Moore, Greg Owen, Chris Rudisill, John Russell, Gregg Shapiro, Daniel Villarreal, Mary Scott Winstead
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The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBTQ and straight ally communities of the Charlotte region, North Carolina and beyond, by featuring arts, entertainment, news and views content in print and online that directly enlightens, informs and engages the readers about LGBTQ life and social justice issues. Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba Qnotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@qnotescarolinas.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, x201, editor@qnotescarolinas.com Digital & Audience Engagement Editor: Chris Rudisill chrisrudisill@qnotecarolinas.com Sr. Content Editor: David Aaron Moore, specialassignments@qnotescarolinas Copy Editor: Bailey Sides Production: Tommie Pressley, x205, production@qnotescarolinas.com
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8 What Is Cryptocurrency? 9 The Beginners Guide to Crypto Currency Exchange Queer Crypto 10 United for LGBTQ Hotel Workers 12 Laboring Comes in Many Forms
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Daisy Edgar-Jones appears in ‘Where The Crawdads Sing,’ in theaters now and coming soon to Apple TV.
news
NC Governor Signs Order to Protect Women’s Access to Reproductive Health Care 6 Iran Just Executed a Gay Man 6 Nigerian Gay Men Sentenced to Death 6 Anti-LGBTQ Discrimination on the Rise 7 Two new film and TV productions are set for the Charlotte area, more for state 7 SC Gov. McMaster signs discriminatory healthcare bill into law 7 LGBT Center of Raleigh Appoints Patricia R. Corbett Exec. Director
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Our People
Always an advocate for diversity and inclusion, philanthropist Ciara Lilly works to create a better place for Charlotte’s LGBTQ Community.
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a&e
15 Raven-Symoné’s Sitcom Debuts Disney Channel’s First Ever Transgender Character 18 Daisy Edgar-Jones
life
14 ‘Queerolina’ Exhibit Explores LGBTQ History at UNC-Chapel Hill 17 Pride Journey: Provincetown 19 Our People: Ciara Lilly
views
4 Political Voices: The Impacts of Roe V. Wade: Economic and Social Inequality Widen 16 Spiritual Reflections: Oh God, Where Art Thou
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Daisy Edgar-Jones Knows Why ‘the Crawdads Sing’
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July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
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The Impacts of Roe V. Wade: Economic and Social Inequality Widen Political Voices
by Kendra R. Johnson, Equality NC Executive Director Contributing Writer
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ride month ended with the devastating decision of the Supreme Court to overturn the protections of Roe v. Wade. A half-century of enshrined reproductive protections vanished in one decision, and now the majority of US states are seeing abortion bans that have been triggered or caused drastic reductions in abortion access immediately. This Dobbs v. Jackson ruling is so wide reaching we will still be uncovering the devastating impact in the weeks and months to come. But, it is important to note that nearly half of women of reproductive age live in the 26 states which, because of the ruling, are certain to or already have triggered abortion bans. Further, the decision drastically impacts 15 million women of color, 2.8 million women with disabilities, 12.6 million people who are economically insecure, 1.3 million transgender people and 1.2 million LGBTQ nonbinary Americans. This means
millions of Americans, both queer and cisgender, will be facing continued economic burdens from this ruling, which continues to widen the divide, increase economic inequality and distress and reduce access to healthcare. Prior to the Dobbs ruling, trans Americans already faced an undue economic hardship for securing affirming healthcare. A recent study by the Oregon Health and Science University uncovered 50% of all trans people in the United States are already having to travel out of state for affirming healthcare. Now with the Dobbs decision, even more trans people will be faced with further economic strain as healthcare rights and reproductive justice are denied to them at home. We know traveling out of state already leads to increased costs, such as transportation, lodging, food and medical costs, along with the ability to take time away from work without fear of losing employment. When coupled with the Dobbs decision impacting all women, trans, intersex and non-binary people, we will see marginalized people tasked with shoulder-
ing even more of a burden for care that is a human right. These continued legislative decisions are crippling marginalized people. Healthcare and bodily autonomy are human rights, whether the current makeup of the Supreme Court agrees or not, and we have a duty to extend rights and healthcare protections that alleviate financial strain on all Americans. With rising costs being seen across the board, we must continue to find unity to achieve equal justice for all. No one should have to leave their home ZIP code to find the reproductive healthcare they need. The opposition is clear, and they are organized. They are going to continue to focus on stripping rights from women, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Americans. These decisions are causing deep harm and wider divides. As millions of Americans look for hope, it is our responsibility to push forward equality-minded candidates and legislation. It is terrifying to see our rights and economic security targeted, and now more than ever we must work tenaciously to push back and secure rights and healthcare for all.
Right now in North Carolina abortion access and trans healthcare are secure. We are also thankful for the recent executive order signed by Gov. Cooper vowing to continue to protect reproductive justice in our state and for those that need to travel to our state. But that is not enough; we must work together to stop the opposition’s agenda. They are emboldened by the Dobbs ruling, and as the Supreme Court already noted, LGBTQ+ rights are next under the microscope. The opposition is clearly coming for our very lives. Equality NC is continuing to actively monitor these developments and continuing to support progressive equality-minded candidates as we move toward November. We would encourage you to stay engaged with our work, our voting hub, and make your voices heard in municipal elections this month, and to organize for November. This summer the gauntlet has been thrown down, but together we know we can stop these harmful bills and bigoted rhetoric to achieve a North Carolina, and a country, that extends equality and justice for all. : :
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THURSDAY, JULY 28 | 11:30AM Have housing prices peaked? Is this the top of the market? You’re invited to a delicious mimosa brunch with Charlotte’s top real estate experts to demystify the housing market and learn how to sell your home for top dollar. Plus, meet our talented Life Plan Team and discuss the financial benefits of community living.
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Qnotes
July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
news
NC Governor Signs Order to Protect Women’s Access to Reproductive Health Care President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund Joins Cooper In Emphasizing Importance of Protecting Women’s Health Care
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overnor Roy Cooper signed an executive order July 6 that takes several steps to defend access to reproductive health services in North Carolina. He was joined by Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund and state reproductive care advocates to highlight actions to protect women’s access to reproductive health care. “The Supreme Court ripped away the constitutional right to reproductive freedom that women have relied on for five decades,” said Governor Cooper. “For now, it’s up to the states to determine whether women get reproductive health care, and in North Carolina they still can, thanks to my veto and enough legislative votes to sustain it. I am determined to keep it that way and people need to know that their votes in state legislative races this November will determine the fate of women’s health and freedom in our state.” “Planned Parenthood Action Fund thanks Governor Cooper for responding to the urgency of this moment,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, North Carolina has become an increasingly critical access point for people traveling for abortion care, including from neighboring South Carolina and Tennessee, where lawmakers in both states have swiftly banned most abortions. Now we must continue to do everything in our power to ensure abortion remains accessible in North Carolina, both for North Carolinians and those forced to flee their own state amid mounting restrictions and cruel bans.” “For now, abortion is still legal in North Carolina. But our reproductive freedom is hanging by a thread. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has paved the way for state lawmakers to pass an all-out ban as soon as next year,” said Jenny Black, President & CEO, Planned
BY MARY SCOTT WINSTEAD | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Parenthood to make their own Votes/South decisions about Atlantic. their health, their “Our objecfamily and their tive is clear: to future,” said Dr. keep abortion Katherine Farris, legal in this Chief Medical state, North Officer, Planned Carolinians Parenthood must elect South Atlantic. candidates who “The highest Gov. Cooper signs an Executive Order to protect will protect acpriority of aborwomen’s access to reproductive health care. cess to sexual tion providers He was joined by Planned Parenthood Action and reproducacross the state President Alexis McGill Johnson (left). tive health care is to make sure (CREDIT: Office of Governor Cooper) at the state our patients can level and ensure get the care they Governor need. We are Cooper has the necessary votes to sustain already feeling the effects of the dangerhis veto of the all-out attacks on reproous Supreme Court decision as people ductive freedom that are sure to come. across the South are forced to travel The future of abortion access not only hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles for North Carolinians but potentially the for abortion care or potentially be forced entire Southeast region is on the line in to remain pregnant against their wishes. 2022, and we thank Governor Cooper for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic health his strong advocacy in support of reprocenter doors remain open, and we aren’t ductive freedom today.” As state bans in the region and across the country go into effect, victims of rape and incest are no longer able to access reproductive health care in certain states. North Carolina is already seeing an influx of patients coming to the state for safe care. According to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, one third of the patients on their schedule in clinics in North Carolina are from out of state this week. That means there are projected to be at least 10,000 people coming to North Carolina to access reproductive health care services, mostly from states with bans and tighter restrictions. These are just numbers from Planned Parenthood and do not include estimates from the state’s other trusted providers. “Abortion is a normal part of reproductive health care. Every person is the expert in their own life, and we must trust them
going anywhere.” Executive Order 263, signed by the Governor today, helps protect North Carolina doctors and nurses and their patients. It directs Cabinet agencies to coordinate to protect reproductive health care services in North Carolina. As a result of this order, Cabinet agencies cannot require a pregnant state employee to travel to a state where there are no protections for the health of the pregnant person. It directs the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to work with law enforcement to ensure enforcement of a state law that prohibits anyone from blocking access to a healthcare facility. The order also provides protections against extradition for those seeking or providing reproductive health care services in North Carolina and prohibits Cabinet agencies from cooperating in investigations initiated by other states into anyone obtaining or providing reproductive health care that is legal North Carolina. This order will help make sure patients get the care they need in North Carolina. : :
July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
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Iran Just Executed a Gay Man – May Be Third This Year Iran executed a gay man, Iman Safavi Rad, June 29, for homophobic charges of “sodomy.” His killing was at least the third anti-gay execution to occur in the country in 2022. Rad was identified as gay by Dr. Kazem Moussavi, an Iranian dissident who spoke to The Jerusalem Post. Rad’s execution took place in the Rajai Shahr Prison within Karaj, the capital of the northeastern Alborz province. The man’s execution was one of 10 that took place at the prison last week, according to the Human Rights Activist News Agency. The other executed people had been accused of rape and murder. Iranian judicial authorities keep silent about 88% of executions, leading human rights advocates to refer to them as “secret executions.” Article 234 of Iran’s penal code punishes anal intercourse between men with
whip flogging and the death penalty. But “the regime conceals executions of homosexuals to prevent international protests,” Moussavi wrote. National laws also punish male samesex kissing with whipping. Two other suspected gay men – 32-yearold Mehrdad Karimpour and 29-year-old Farid Mohammadi – were hanged in January for the crime of “forced sexual intercourse between two men” involving a 16-year-old boy. The two men spent six years on death row before their execution. Despite the seriousness of the charges facing the executed men, Shadi Amin, executive director of the Iranian LGBTQ advocacy group 6Rang, told Insider, “Rule of law and fair trials do not exist in the Iranian judicial system” and as such, “any ruling issued in this system cannot be considered credible and legitimate.”
Nigerian Gay Men Sentenced to Death by Stoning Three Nigerian men convicted of engaging in same-sex sexual activity have been sentenced to death by stoning by an Islamic Sharia Court in the country’s northern state of Bauchi. The three men, including a 70-year-old, were arrested on June 14 and have allegedly confessed to the “crime,” according to the head of the religious police in Bauchi. They were sentenced the last week of June, but can appeal within 30 days. Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, which was signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014, makes same-sex relationships punishable by up to 14 years in prison. But in the predominantly Muslim areas of northern Nigeria, Sharia Courts are used to punish crimes like adultery
extremists and Twitter was on fire,” he wrote. “Now three men have been sentenced to death by stoning for homosexuality in Bauchi and y’all are quiet?????” And on Monday, Nigerian actor Uche and blasphemy, though death penalties Maduagwu came out as gay in response to must be approved by the state governor. the sentencing. Activists are Maduagwu speaking out posted an image in the wake of on Instagram the sentencwith the text: “I ing. YouTuber was born GAY I Victor Emmanuel am still Gay and tweeted about will forever rethe sentencing main GAY [sic]” over the weekend, The message expressing his went on to decry frustration that it “erroneous” wasn’t sparking and “undemomore outrage. cratic” Sharia “I remember laws in northern Nigerian actor Uche Maduagwu came out in supwhen that girl Nigeria. port of the convicted men. was burned to Maduagwu, (CREDIT: Facebook) death by religious
Anti-LGBTQ Discrimination on the Rise as Attacks on the Community Increase GLAAD’s annual Accelerating Acceptance study measures American society’s attitudes and level of comfort towards LGBTQ Americans. Their latest report has recorded a steady increase in many key areas of acceptance, but this year found some distinct changes of note: non-LGBTQ Americans feel increased confusion around the letters and terms used to describe the community, with a majority inaccurately associating the term LGBTQ with being mostly about sexual orientation. Most alarmingly, LGBTQ people are reporting an increased incidence of discrimination, falling in particular on LGBTQ people of color and transgender and nonbinary people. A significant majority of the LGBTQ community – a startling 70% – says that discrimination has increased over the past
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Peter tion centers, Tatchell, sentenced to the British flogging and LGBTQ-rights execution, and activist, told subjected to The Post, ‘street’ violence “[In Iranian and other courts] physical and defendants verbal attacks are routinely in public and denied access private setto lawyers tings.” Iranian government conceals execution of gay prisoners to and defense According prevent international protests. witnesses. to a 2008 (CREDIT: Adobe Stock) They can be British sentenced afWikiLeaks ter brief ‘trials’ diplomatic lasting as little as 20 minutes, with lawyers cable, Iran has executed between 4,000 to provided only shortly before the court 6,000 gays and lesbians since the nation’s hearing starts. People can be found guilty Islamic revolution in 1979. without corroborating evidence.” This article appears courtesy of our A 2014 report from 6Rang and Justice media partner LGBTQ Nation. for Iran found that LGBTQ Iranians are info: bit.ly/3OhIIuc “excluded from family homes, denied em— Daniel Villarreal ployment, prevented from going to school, forced to marry, sent to jails and deten-
two years. It is taking place not in distant, seldom-visited corners of their experience, but in their daily lives with family, in the workplace, on social media, in public accommodations and in interactions with people at their children’s schools. We found that more than half (54%) of transgender and non-binary people feel unsafe walking in their own neighborhoods, compared to 36% of all LGBTQ adults, as well as less safe in various environments from work to social media or in a typical store. More Gen Z Americans are out as LGBTQ than any other generation, yet a majority of individuals (56%) are more fearful for their personal safety in 2022 than in the prior two years. These findings are distressing, but not unforeseen. Legislation targeting LGBTQ people and youth, including censorship in classrooms, book bans, bans on evidence-
who had previously denied being gay, also called on President Joe Biden to sanction Nigeria for “ignoring the fundamental human rights” of its LGBTQ citizens. “Dear President Joe Biden, we need the US government to sanction President Buhari and his top advisers over ignoring the Fundamental Human rights of #LGBT in Nigeria,” he wrote in the post’s caption. “Just few days ago, a Sharia court sentenced #Gay men to be STONED. Is our country a #Democracy or #Banana Republic? Yet, our President and his corrupt ministers kept quiet [and] he keeps traveling to different developed countries ... yet he never borrows wisdom from these countries. RESPECT for Human Rights.” This article appears courtesy of our media partner LGBTQ Nation. info: bit.ly/3yM3Sex — John Russell
based healthcare and access to school inclusion in the media. sports, has ballooned since 2020 to nearly The 2022 Accelerating Acceptance 250 bills introduced in statehouses across study clearly shows the destructive the nation. Eight in 10 LGBTQ people repercussions of inaccurate rhetoric and strongly agree they wish there was more baseless legislation, and underscores the legislative action at the federal level to necessity of GLAAD’s crucial role in the protect them as an LGBTQ person. ongoing fight for full LGBTQ equality and The good news is that the LGBTQ comacceptance. The rise in discrimination in munity is aligned, public, politiactivated and cal and private united. Three out spheres makes of four LGBTQ it very clear adults strongly that passing agree that visibility the Equality in society is esAct, legislation sential to gaining that will secure increased equality federal protecand acceptance. A tions for the significant majorLGBTQ commuity are committed nity in areas of GLAAD’s annual Accelerating Acceptance Study to maintaining life, which have shows anti-LGBTQ sentiments are on the rise. their visibility long remained (CREDIT: GLAAD) and supporting vulnerable, has everyone in the never been community. Representation in the media more critical. is more important than ever, and 64% info: nbcnews.to/3odkuH8 strongly agree they feel proud and sup— Sarah Kate Ellis ported when there is accurate LGBTQ
news
Lights, camera, action: Two new film and TV productions are set for the Charlotte area, more for state Five new films and TV series will begin production in North Carolina this year, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday, including two in the Charlotte area. The projects are receiving grants from the state to encourage production in North Carolina. Among the productions are a Hallmark TV movie, “To Her With Love,” which was awarded $975,000 from the North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant to film in Mecklenburg and Rowan counties, according to the governor’s office. “To Her With Love” focuses on a teacher who is hired to direct her former high school’s arts program. The teacher hopes to win a grant for a teaching position in London, but her students “win her over” and her plans change after she learns the school board may cut the arts programs’ funding. Filming for “To Her With Love”
took place in downtown Salisbury last week, according to the city’s website. An air date is not yet known. “AGB and Her Monster,” a feature-length film approved for a $600,000 rebate, will film across the greater Charlotte area. “AGB and Her Monster” is a modern story inspired by Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” in which a Black teenager creates a monster to fight injustices in her neighborhood, according to the state. Additional projects receiving rebates to film in other parts of the state this year include the Amazon Prime Video series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and the Starz series “Hightown” filming in southeastern North Carolina, and independent film “Providence” filming in Brunswick and New Hannover counties. About 4,900 temporary jobs will be created statewide thanks
SC Governor McMaster signs discriminatory healthcare bill into law A new law approved and signed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster negatively impacts the medical care of all South Carolinians, including the LGBTQ+ community. It can limit access to critical services like gender-affirming care, contraceptives, HIV medications, fertility care, end of life care, and mental health services, as well as allow insurance companies and employers to refuse to reimburse, pay, or contract for medically necessary services. In addition, healthcare institutions will be able to refuse to refer, teach, and research any items they deem to be against their beliefs. Medical institutions will be able to refuse to publish research, healthcare providers will be able to override patients’ end of life decisions, and pharmacies will be able to refuse to fill contraception prescriptions. While religious freedom is a fundamen-
healthcare, prioritizing personal beliefs over necessary medical care. It dangerously legitimizes non-medical opinions of health care institutions, medical providers, and even insurance companies at the cost of critical patient care, compromising the tal American value, protecting religious health and safety of all South Carolinians. minorities from discrimination is not inIt is deeply troubling that politicians in compatible with protecting vulnerable and South Carolina are blatantly ignoring at risk populations. the repercussions A recent PRRI survey this law will have, found that 58 percent including for those in of South Carolinians the LGBTQ+ comare opposed to relimunity, to pander to giously based service their extreme base. refusals. The Human Rights Human Rights Campaign will do evCampaign Legal erything in our power LGBTQ leaders confirm negative Director Sarah to fight this dangerimpact of state’s actions (Photo Warbelow released ous provision that Credit: HRC) the following statethreatens the wellbement: ing of so many people “Governor across the state of South Carolina.” McMaster has failed to advocate for the Ivy Hill, a leader in the SC United for people of South Carolina and should be Justice & Equality coalition, Community ashamed to put his name on such a disHealth Program Director for the Campaign criminatory law. This is a dangerous step for Southern Equality, and Executive backwards in the fight for equal access to
LGBT Center of Raleigh Appoints Patricia R. Corbett Executive Director The LGBT Center of Raleigh proudly announced early on July 14 the appointment of Patricia R. Corbett as the new executive director, following an extensive national search. Corbett has over 20 years of professional non-profit leadership experience and most recently served as Deputy Director of District and School Partnerships with Citizen Schools. She has led teams, organizations, and projects in and around LGBTQ+ and BIPOC movements, including at Metro DC PFLAG and Richmond Organization of Sexual Minority Youth (now known as Side by Side). Uniquely qualified to lead the Center into its next decade, Corbett is a natural collaborator with experience strengthen-
to the productions, according to a news release from the governor’s office, and the projects will generate around $107 million in in-state spending. Guy Gaster, director of the North Carolina Film Office, said in the news release that the new projects will help the state follow up on its work from last year, which saw productions spend over $416 million in North Carolina. Among North Carolina may be the next those productions southeastern hub for film and was the Lionsgate film television production. “Are You There God? (CREDIT: Photo by Jose P. Ortiz It’s me, Margaret,” on Unsplash) starring Oscar winner Kathy Bates and Rachel McAdams, in the Charlotte info: bit.ly/3ocsS9L area. The film marked a return to North
ing and growing community based nonprofit organizations and has a strong connection and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, she also brings the managerial and professional expertise the Center sought in its next chief executive. She currently lives in North Carolina, but will relocate specifically to Raleigh for the position and will assume her new role July 25. “As I think about this position, I am eager to amplify my work for the LGBTQ community,” says Corbett. “I believe that the sum of who we are as a community is not strictly defined by our sexuality or how we identify. We must consider the entire being of our constituents and strengthen the Center’s core by providing services
Carolina for Lionsgate, which also filmed “The Hunger Games” in the Charlotte area in 2011 to take advantage of state incentives available at the time. Incentives also helped keep productions in North Carolina even amid the COVID pandemic, with several TV and film projects approved to film instate near the end of 2020. “We are excited to see the momentum continue with these projects in 2022,” Gaster said. “Our industry continues to grow and we expect 2022 to be another successful year.” — Blake Douglas
Director of Gender Benders, also released a statement: “It is already too challenging for vulnerable patients in South Carolina, especially transgender people and other LGBTQ+ people who live in rural communities, to access affirming, quality medical care. This law will make that access even more challenging, granting any medical provider a license to discriminate. The law’s sponsors falsely claim to merely be allowing medical providers to opt out of offering specific types of care – but when that care is disproportionately necessary for a transgender person (such as gender-affirming hormone therapy), a same-sex couple (such as fertility treatments) or a man who has sex with men (such as PrEP), then the law is clearly discriminating against people based on who they are. We urge all medical providers to continue standing by their oath to Do No Harm – and that includes caring for all people and their unique needs.” info: bit.ly/3oeIw4o — Delphine Luneau
that reflect the needs of the most vulnerable of our community while celebrating the strength we have collectively. “I am honored to serve as the Executive Director and to support, affirm, empower, and provide positive experiences that are reinforced by internal and external communities.” Says Board Chair Kay Vassey: “The Center board unanimously New Executive Director at Raleigh appointed Patricia R. LGBT Center: Patricia R. Corbett. Corbett as our next (CREDIT: Courtesy Raleigh LGBT chief executive because Center) she has the experience and vision necessary to expand our programs and services in new and more inclusive directions.” “The LGBT Center of Raleigh has
been a critical partner in supporting our LGBTQ+ community, providing programs and services to our diverse residents,” says Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin. We welcome Patricia Corbett as the new executive director and look forward to working with her to ensure that Raleigh is a welcoming and thriving community for all.” For more info visit www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com or email info@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com info: bit.ly/3PdTZ02 — David Aaron Moore
July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
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What Is Cryptocurrency? Here’s What You Should Know BY SHALINI M | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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ryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that you can use in order to purchase goods and services. For secured transactions, cryptocurrencies depend on an extremely complex online ledger. Millions of people from across the globe have been investing in these unregulated currencies in order to make a profit. Of all the popular cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin is on top of the list. In this article, we are going to get a deeper look into cryptocurrency. Read on to find out more. 1. What is cryptocurrency? Basically, you can pay through cryptocurrency in order to purchase goods or services on the internet. Today, several companies have released their own cryptocurrency. Known as tokens, they can be traded for goods and services. You can think of them as casino chips or arcade tokens. You can use your real currency in order to purchase cryptocurrency to make these transactions. For transaction verification, cryptocurrencies use a state-of-the-art system known as the blockchain. This decentralized technology is powered by a lot of computers that are programmed to manage and record transactions. Security is the best thing about this technology. 2. What is the worth of cryptocurrency? Today, there are over 10,000 types of cryptocurrency out there. And they are traded worldwide, according to reports from CoinMarketCap. As of now, the value of all of the cryptocurrencies out there is over 1.3 trillion dollars. On top of the list is Bitcoin. The value of all of the bitcoins is $599.6 billion, give or take. 3. Why are they so popular? Cryptocurrencies have a great appeal due to a number of reasons. Listed below are some of the most common ones: Some people think that cryptocurrency is the currency of the future. Therefore, many of them are investing their hardearned money in the hope that the cryptocurrency will go up in value after a few years. Some people think that this currency will be free of central bank regulations as these institutions bring the value of money down through inflation. Some supporters prefer the technology that powers cryptocurrencies, which is blockchain. Basically, this is a decentralized recording and processing system, which can offer a higher level of security than conventional payment systems. Some speculators go for cryptocurrency just because it is increasing in value.
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July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
While crypto currency is unregulated, it can be a worthwhile investment. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock) 4. Is it a good investment? According to most experts, the value of cryptocurrencies will continue to go up as time goes by. However, some experts suggest that these are just speculations. Just like real currency, this type of currency has no cash flow. Therefore, if you want to make a profit, somebody has to pay a higher amount of money to purchase the currency. Unlike a well-managed business that goes up in value with the passage of time, cryptocurrency has no assets. But, if a cryptocurrency remains stable for a long period of time, it will certainly help you earn a lot of profit. In short, this was a basic introduction to cryptocurrency. Hopefully, this article will help you be familiar with this new type of currency. Are you looking for cryptocurrency news? If so, we suggest that you check out BTC365. This platform is an ideal one for checking out BTC365 sports, as well Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/ expert/Shalini_M/2609777. : :
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The Beginners Guide to Cryptocurrency Exchange Here’s a Look at Promising Adventures in Cryptocurrency
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BY ASHUTOSH JADHAV | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
ryptocurrency cryptocurrency exchange or exchanges. digital currency exchange is a busiBitfinex ness that involves the Bitfinex is the exchange of cryptolargest cryptocurrency with other currency exassets, such as money change platform. or any other digital Launched in 2012, currency. It is a web it has an easy-toservice that provides use interface and electronic transactions offers a number of for a fee. advanced features, Any digital currency such as margin exchange transactions trading, margin or operations can be funding, etc. It is made through debit available for both In less than a decade, some Cryptocurrency Companies have come to be valued in the millions. and credit cards, postal iOS and Android (CREDIT: Adobe Stock) money order or any platforms. It offers other kind of money Bitcoin, Bitcoin transfer. This article Cash, Ethereum, it is one the most reliable exchanges. It is discusses for beginners the various cryptoLitecoin, IOTA, Monero and Neo. available for both iOS and Android. currency exchanges which facilitate crypJust like the previous cryptocurrency tocurrency trading and what they offer in exchanges, it supports withdrawals using Gemini terms of availability, ease of use, security, U.S. dollars and euros via bank transfers. Gemini is a U.K.-based company, deposit/withdrawal methods and fees. We Bitfinex has suffered two security breachlaunched in 2015 by the Winklevoss twins. hope this guide to cryptocurrency trading es, the first of which was in May 2015, It is available in a few countries, including can help you get started with cryptocurresulting in a loss of $330,000. The second the U.S., Canada, Hong-Kong, Singapore rency exchanges. one occurred in August 2016 and resulted and South Korea. One of the downsides in a loss of $72 million. to this platform is that it is not particularly Coinbase user friendly, so beginners are not recomCoinbase is one of the biggest cryptoEtherDelta mended to use it. currency exchanges based in San Francisco, It offers two coins and one flat curEtherDelta is a decentralized exchange Calif. It is available in 32 countries and rency: Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum and U.S. that directly supports peer-to-peer concurrently serves over 10 million customdollars, respectively. Gemini follows strict nection. It is very different from the previers. Launched in 2012, it has an easy-toprotocols when it comes to security, and ously discussed cryptocurrency exchange use interface that makes digital currency as of 2018, it has not encountered a single platforms. Here, funds are held in a smart exchange an easy task for a nontechnical security breach, thus making it one of the contract on an Ethereum network, from person. It is also available for both iOS and most secure and reliable digital currency which solely you are responsible for Android. Unfortunately, Coinbase is only an platforms. However, it is important to exchange and doesn’t provide crypto curdepositing and withdrawing. Currently, have digital currency investment strategies rency mining for beginners. EtherDelta only supports Ehtereum-based before you start trading. As of now, it offers four coins: Bitcoin, tokens. Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum and Litecoin. It EtherDelta has a rather confusing interDigital Ticks exchanges digital currency with U.S. dolDigital ticks is a modern crypto exface that makes it difficult for users to perlars, euros and Great British pounds. With change that aims to be a game changer in form cryptocurrency exchange operations. minimum transfer fees, Coinbase has this sector. They have implemented many On one occasion, someone tried to buy 750 never experienced any security breach, of the latest techniques, which make it easy Kyber at 0.007 Ethereum each, but ended which makes it a perfect platform for for anyone to get started with trading. up buying 0.007 Kyber for 750 Ethereum. digital currency exchange. In addition to It has a unique feature called Single that, Coinbase also offers a fully-fledged Portfolio View that enables traders to Conclusion advanced exchange called GDAX. It offers see all holding positions on one single After looking at the various cryptocurmore advanced features and different, portfolio. It makes it easy for traders to rency exchange platforms, we can safely better trading fees than Coinbase. make informed decisions regarding the say that Coinbase and Bitstamp stand out cryptocurrency exchange. It also supports Bitstamp in terms of their features, like security, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Dashcoin. Bitstamp is another platform that user-friendly interfaces, multiple withprovides digital currency exchange. It is drawal and transfer methods and many Kraken relatively easy to use and offers more adKraken is one of the oldest cryptocurmore. I would not call them perfect, but I vanced features via TradeView. Bitstamp rency exchange platforms. Launched in would recommend them as the safest bets offers coins such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, 2011, Kraken is the biggest exchange in you could make. Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Ripple. It exterms of volume and liquidity for euro Every cryptocurrency exchange platchanges digital currency with U.S. dollars trading pairs. It serves worldwide, includform is unique in its own way and has and euros. You can put into practice all the ing the United States. both advantages and disadvantages. We latest crypto currency trading techniques Kraken offers a variety of coins, includjust have to select the one that suits our in this exchange. ing Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Monero, needs. We hope this guide on basic cryptoIt offers flat deposits via bank transAugur, Litecoin and many more. It also currency exchange and trading will give fers and supports debit and credit cards. supports deposits/withdrawals via bank you a head start on your cryptocurrency Perhaps the only drawback one can find in transfers and cryptocurrencies. Having a Bitstamp is slightly higher fees and the fact trading journey of Crypto currency trading not-so-friendly user interface, it also sufthat it suffered one security breach in the Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/ fers from stability and performance issues, seven years of its operation. Nonetheless, expert/Ashutosh_Jadhav/2571523. : : but nonetheless it is a good platform for
Queer Crypto
A Tiny Market Fraught With Confusion by David Aaron Moore Qnotes Staff Writer
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s of this writing, there is very little on the market in terms of LGBTQ cryptocurrency or resources related to cryptocurrency for the queer community. What information is available is vague, so we advise you to proceed with caution. After some general internet digging, we managed to come up with two companies that call themselves cryptocurrencies and a third that is purportedly a cryptocurrency advisory network that identifies as a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). If that leaves you scratching your head, don’t feel alone. Queer in Crypto is the latter. According to investopedia.com, a decentralized autonomous organization is an entity structure in which token holders participate in the decision making of an entity. There is apparently no central authority or leadership control of a DAO; it is shared by various token holders. According to queerincrypto. com, their organization is “focused on building a network of queer people in blockchain and crypto to support each other, share opportunities and work together to ensure the visibility and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community in this new iteration of society.” LGBT Token is reportedly a cryptocurrency founded by a mysterious organization known as the LGBT Foundation. According to said LGBT Foundation, their goal is to “bring crypto to the global pink economy and leverage the market.” Additional goals are to secure the identity of their users in places where it may be unsafe in certain areas to be out. Visit their website at lgbt-token.org and see if you can figure out what the hell is going on. Be forewarned: There is another crypto currency that touts itself as LGBT, which actually stands for Let’s Go Brandon Token. Advice: Stay away from that one. Its net worth shows up as -00000092. Of the three, Maricoin – based in Spain – appears to be the most legitimate. Their website claims they are the first cryptocurrency created by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. “A means of payment that materializes the value and the struggle of the collective. A social, ethical, transparent and transversal currency.” Check out their website at maricoin.org. Our suspicions are that it would be worth the visit, at the very least. : :
July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
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United for LGBTQ Hotel Workers
Unions and LGBTQ People Fight Together To Improve Working Conditions For All by Chris Rudisill Qnotes Contributor
pockets. Plus, jobs in the field rarely include paid time off or health insurance. Rumors of overtime roll-over are heard among staff, an activity that is a clear violation of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The law requires that nonexempt employees must be paid “time and a half” (150%) for any hours over 40 worked in one standard workweek. “We sign paperwork that says no overtime is permitted,” he says. “No time off. No sick days.” We are avoiding using specific names or locations in this instance to protect the employee.
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ajor hotel brands are among the top-rated companies to work for according to the Human Rights Campaign’s annual Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits. Among those earning top scores include Carlson Inc. (the owner of Regent, Radison and other brands), Choice Hotels International, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Kimpton, Travel + Leisure Co. and Wyndham. The industry has tremendous challenges, however, and has often faced backlash from its most ardent travelers in the LGBTQ community. Add to these problems, hotel jobs have been especially hard hit by COVID-19 and a national shift in labor, often referred to as the great resignation. So, despite high rankings by HRC, hotels are up for a large amount of scrutiny when examining high levels of success and happiness among their LGBTQ workers. Many of these workers left hospitality – which includes food and beverage service, lodging and tourism – for jobs that offer more competitive wages, better benefits, and more flexibility, according to Joblist’s 2021 reports. Even though there are some signs of quitting regret as recession concerns build, only 31% of hospitality workers say they would consider going back to their old job. The North Carolina Department of Commerce reported more than 59,000 employees in the Charlotte area left the hospitality industry during the start of the pandemic. Statewide, it is one of the lowest paid industries at an average of $383 a week. While pay for non-managers in the leisure and hospitality sector rose 10 percent in June compared with a year earlier, the average wage nationwide is less than $18 an hour, according to the latest BLS wage data. Many in the field also work part time and jobs lack benefits found in other sectors. Hotels also saw a major revenuerelated reduction in staffing brought on by COVID that hasn’t returned to prepandemic levels. Following the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ February (2022) employment report, the U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes released a statement saying, “the overall jobs report today may be good economic news for certain sectors, but nearly three quarters (73%) of all jobs still lost due to the pandemic are in Leisure & Hospitality.” Barnes sites a lack of available workers and reduced international and business travel as some of the major root causes. These challenges take a toll on the industry, but also on the workers. IMPROVING WORKING CONDITIONS AND ACCESS TO THE INDUSTRY Some in the industry are working to improve conditions and entry for LGBTQ
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Cleve Jones has been organizing for LGBTQ hotel workers at UNITE HERE since 2005. (CREDIT: Screen capture, UNITE HERE.) people in hopes of boosting the field. In 2021, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) hosted a think tank to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion strategies and responsible tourism. One participant noted in the subsequent report that “Often, we consider initiatives to work on and then we reflect, were we inclusive? If we are diverse, are the diverse voices represented in what we do?” The group found that increased accountability must be at the executive leadership level and filtered into the DNA of the company. “Coaching and training for leaders should be ongoing so they are aware of the importance of civility and understanding their employees,” read the report. In considering all places of work, one in ten LGBTQ workers report experiencing discrimination and LGBTQ workers of color are more likely to report being denied jobs and verbal harassment (Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, 2021). 38% of LGBTQ employees reported experiencing at least one form of harassment (including verbal, physical or sexual harassment) at work because of their sexual orientation or gender identity at some point in their lives. A majority of those were motivated by religion. But a hostile work environment doesn’t necessarily exist only in non-LGBTQ environments. One hospitality worker in North Carolina whom Qnotes spoke with said that working for one gay hotel owner was “extremely stress-inducing,” noting moments of harassing behavior and major disparities in pay, especially among BIPOC staff. At this particular boutique
hotel, a mid-level staff person makes approximately 63% less than what the owner
SOLIDARITY WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE In 2006, the labor union UNITE HERE launched a new campaign and alliance to support LGBTQ hotel workers. “Sleep with the Right People” asked for support from the $60 billion a year LGBTQ travel market in
“I found home in the Union 15 years ago, and I think Harvey [Milk] would be proud,” says Cleve Jones. (Photo courtesy of Cleve Jones)
honoring picket lines and respecting boycotts. Its efforts were focused in particular on Hyatt, calling the company both antiworker and anti-gay. One of the hotels owners, Doug Manchester gave $125,000 to support Proposition 8, a California ballot measure that prohibited same-sex marriage in 2008. He has since walked that support back, saying he regretted the donation during a Senate hearing on his unsuccessful nomination for U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas in 2017. UNITE HERE contributed significant funds and organizing resources to defeat the measure. Prop 8 was eventually overturned in court. The GOP eventually cut ties with Manchester as well after a 2019 investigation that, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, a paper that Manchester previously ran, launched a criminal investigation into his nomination. According to its website, UNITE HERE represents 300,000 working people across Canada and the United States. Members work in the hotel, gaming, food service, manufacturing, textile, distribution, laundry, transportation, and airport industries. Its membership is diverse with a predominance of women and people of color, and it was the first union to ratify a comprehensive statement in support of civil and economic rights for LGBTQ people. For over fifteen years, Cleve Jones has been a community and political coordinator with UNITE HERE. The longtime human rights activist joined the gay liberation movement in the early 1970s while working in Harvey Milk’s City Hall office. His book, “When We Rise” inspired the ABC miniseries in 2017 of the same name and recounts those early days where Milk served as an important early mentor. “Jones found community – in hotel rooms and ramshackle apartments shared by other young adventurers, in the city’s bathhouses and gay bars like The Stud, and in the burgeoning gay district, the Castro, where a New York transplant named Harvey Milk set up a camera shop, began shouting through his bullhorn, and soon became the nation’s most outspoken gay elected official. With Milk’s encouragement, Jones dove into politics and found his calling in ‘the movement.’ When Milk was killed by an assassin’s bullet in 1978, Jones took up his mentor’s progressive mantle only to see the arrival of AIDS transform his life once again.” – excerpt from the description of When We Rise: My Life in the Movement by Cleve Jones. His work with UNITE HERE began when a number of LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS organizations were not honoring a workers’ request to boycott Hilton hotels years ago. Jones had always supported unions going back to his days working with Milk. In 1974, the Teamsters attempted to organize a strike against Coors Beer because they refused to sign a union contract. Milk formed an early coalition and helped organize a boycott, urging gay bars to stop selling the product. The boycott was successful, and he found a strong political ally. “I know the potential power of a coalition between the two movements,” says Jones. Jones pointed out to the unions that all the major hotel and resort chains had consistently marketed directly and aggressively to the LGBTQ community. “And also, there are just huge numbers of our people working within the industry, throughout the United States and Canada,” he says. “So, it seems to me a no-brainer that the union should be really paying some attention.”
Out of those early conversations has come a lot of good work. “We started with the Sleep with the Right People campaign, which is about to get revamped now that our folks are going back to work, and people are traveling again. The purpose of that was to direct people to our parent hotels’ site where they can patronize hotels that respect their workers, have union contracts – where travelers can know that the staff is being paid a decent wage and has safe working conditions, and access to health care for themselves and their families.” Jones points out that there were also some internal issues of homophobia and transphobia within the union early on. UNITE HERE made a strong commitment to address the issues, and Jones traveled around both countries to help initiate changes. “For several years, that was actually my main focus – was going in and organizing these big meetings with our staff and our members that was oftentimes very emotional, very powerful people coming out for the first time,” he says. The union was also increasing their participation in annual Pride events. Prior
project to recruit LGBTQ folks to work with the union in three battleground states leading up to the midterm elections. “One thing that many people don’t know about our union is that we operate a very powerful political campaign apparatus in those states where we are strongest,” says Jones. UNITE HERE is sending people to Nevada, Arizona and Philadelphia, and always one to challenge the next generation, Jones points out that the opportunity is a great one for young queer people to develop their activist skills. He says, “working with UNITE HERE is such a fantastic opportunity, especially for younger people, but for people of all ages who understand the reality that everything we care about could be lost if the Republicans take Congress.” “I found home in the Union 15 years ago, and I think Harvey would be proud,” says Jones, looking back. “I worked with him on the Coors Beer boycott with the Teamsters and also with him on California’s Proposition 6, the Briggs Initiative, which brought us real close to the teacher’s union and the public employees’ unions.”
unions have to address.” LGBTQ people remain vulnerable in nearly all jobs. The push for added protections, non-discrimination ordinances and a national Equality Act that would update Title XII by explicitly including sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics continues to be among the many goals of LGBTQ organizations and activists. Jones says unions can play a big part in that by leaning on their political organizing strategies, but even more importantly unions can negotiate protections that might be stripped away through legislative action. “What I really want people to pay attention to is that with this Supreme Court, it is very clear that all of those statelevel bills to legislate freedom to discriminate – they’re going to go forward and they’re going to upheld,” he says with a sense urgency. “Once again, we are going to find ourselves, I believe, in a situation where in many, many parts of this country, the only protection that LGBTQ people have, especially trans workers, is going to be in contracts negotiated through collective bargaining by unions.”
Marchers protest the Briggs Initiative, otherwise known as California Proposition 6, at the 1978 Gay Freedom Day parade in San Francisco. Photograph by Donald Eckert, Hormel LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library and is licensed under CC.
to COVID, they marched in about 36 cities across the U.S. and Canada. LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS organizations noticed too. “I’ve been very proud of the way the community has shown its support for the workers,” says Jones. Despite the fact that most of these organizations within our community survive the revenue from big galas and banquets, many have been willing to cancel or change venues when approached by UNITE HERE, sometimes while risking losing their deposit. The union is now rebuilding after COVID-induced layoffs or furloughs impacted a significant number of its members. Jones is currently working on a
The Briggs Initiative sought to ban gays and lesbians from working in California’s public schools. NEXT STEPS FOR UNIONS Historically, some unions have been very top heavy and bureaucratic says Jones Mo.-Mo. 00, 2021 qnotes 25 48” + pics – pointing out that it’s not the case with UNITE HERE. “We’ve done a really good job over the last 10 years of making sure that our leadership looks like our membership,” he says. “I think that’s something that many
“We’ve been doing this for decades, even in Texas, throughout the Deep South, places where there’s absolutely no local or statewide ordinance to protect our folks,” says Jones. “We gain that protection through the union contracts.” On July 27, Cleve Jones will host a Facebook live recruitment event for UNITE HERE, focused on political organizing leading up to the midterm elections at www. facebook.com/clevej. This story is part of Qnotes’ special project “OUTlook: Finding Solutions for LGBTQ Labor and Workplace Equality.” It is supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. : :
July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
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Laboring Comes in Many Forms
A Trans Man Shares Less Conventional Methods to Attain Gender-Affirming Goals BY L’MONIQUE KING QNOTES STAFF WRITER
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ithout labor nothing prospers. Seemingly, it was so when Ancient Greek writer and philosopher Sophocles said it back in the day, and many would say it still rings true today. What has been left out of that simple declaration, however, is what one earns from said labor, and how it influences the lives we live. Most certainly, Sophocles wasn’t thinking about how labor and identity can collide in their interdependent relationships to one another. Folks may not be in a position to earn as much as needed or desired, and there are times that many, no matter how hard they work, are still unable to live full lives or achieve certain goals because of lower earnings. How we see ourselves and how others perceive us also dictates much of our lives. So much so that, it’s no wonder, identity plays such a huge factor in everything that matters most to us as human beings. Our identities can impact where we live, how we live, and even how we receive justice. For the trans community, identity and the ability to affirm it, often hangs in the balance. There’s so much to be concerned about and so many psychological, social and financial hurdles – the idea of living as one’s self can be quite daunting. For Izaac Bacik [He/They], a plant shop manager in Charlotte, the journey has been one buoyed by friendship, perseverance and hope. Bacik’s journey of self-discovery began as a gradual realization that became more concrete around middle school. In reflecting upon a time that’s tough for most kids, he admits, “It was, but that’s when teachers started talking about puberty and gender and that’s when my wheels started turning. I realized that I was not, hearing about any experiences that aligned with how I felt.” It wasn’t until high school at around the age of 16 that he came out. At that time, Bacik was comfortable labeling himself a gender queer lesbian because, “I thought that must be what I was. I hadn’t heard any other language to describe who I am. I changed my name to Izaac in high school. The majority of my teachers were on board and I wasn’t the only transgender student in my high school.” Having the support of teachers and friends is a comfort and blessing many young trans kids aren’t afforded, a fact that Bacik not only appreciates and is aware of, but stands in awe of as well. Bacik works as a manager for Twigs and Figs, a plant shop in the Ballentine area of Charlotte. He earns an annual salary of $40,000, the higher end of earnings for retail workers. However, it’s not enough to maintain daily living needs while saving enough for top surgery. For Bacik, like many trans men, top surgery is an integral step in physically realizing his identity. Top surgery, clinically known as Masculinizing Chest
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Tending the plants: Izaac Bacik, manager at Twigs and Figs. CREDIT: Facebook Reconstruction is a gender affirming procedure that involves the removal of breasts and surgical reconstruction aimed at a more masculine appearance. In North Carolina, after adding in all costs, consultations, anesthesia, surgery and after care, top surgery can range in price from $5,000 to $10,000. Bacik is looking at a little over $12,000 – none of which is paid for by his health insurance. “[That’s] because it’s considered cosmetic,” Bacik explains. “Despite the fact I’ve been diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria by a psychiatrist [and] I started testosterone at 21.” For most trans individuals seeking gender affirming surgeries, a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria is required before any doctor will consider approaching the possible life saving procedure. DukeHealth describes the condition on their website as, “A diagnosis that the American Psychiatric Association defines as a conflict between your physical or assigned gender and the gender with which you identify.” While that definition might sound a bit cringy, its recognition is often a necessary step to being able to live authentically. Of all this dysphoric diagnosing Bacik has said, “I think it’s kinda silly because no matter who you are, cisgender or transgender, you do things to affirm your gender, [and] to live in your truth. Everyone experiences dysphoria to some degree. It’s not a sickness, it’s a human experience.” Since Bacik’s job doesn’t provide the needed monetary influx to cover the cost of the gender-affirming surgery he seeks, (with the help of friends), Bacik decided to approach financial earnings in a method
somewhat less conventional. “In 2021 my friend Brook held an Instagram auction to raise money for my surgery and that’s when I first felt like having the procedure was really a possibility,” Bacik recalls. “I’d already had a consultation and been given a quote. I thought, that’s years down the road, considering the cost. But Brook raised three thousand towards my surgery, a fourth of the cost. It was amazing.” The real kicker though was that Bacik and Brook only knew each other through Instagram, and Brook lives in Alaska. Ironically, the two were brought together by a love for planting seeds, promoting growth and nurturing life, exactly what Brook exhibited in her act of kindness by spearheading Bacik’s first fundraising efforts for the top surgery. As you might imagine, Bacik remains overwhelmed by the gesture he can only describe as humbling and inspiring. It was an experience that moved Bacik to the point of stammering in an attempt to articulate it. “It’s almost…I almost, don’t have words. It felt like a one in million chance, that we met (through our shared love of plants) and she’d do this for me.” Thankfully for Bacik, this cherished labor of love didn’t stop there and he’s “almost at the finish line,” because, he continued, “over 200 people, most of them complete strangers, have helped me.” After the cyber auction he took the three grand to his surgeon and thought he’d keep trying to save money from his job at the plant shop, a trying task that prompted him to feel like acquiring a date for surgery was going to take much longer
than he anticipated. That was until another angel, one closer to home stepped up. This time it was Bacik’s sister Meghan. She knew how much the surgery meant to her brother and felt as though the financially-based delay was unacceptable. She advised him to go ahead and schedule the operation. For some reason, Meghan was confident the financial goals were attainable, while Bacik was not so easily convinced. “I asked, ‘What do you mean? Are you paying for this, because I’m just a plant shop worker.’” Trusting in his sister, but still not knowing how it would all come together, he scheduled the procedure for September and before he knew it, Meghan’s plan was revealed. Meghan (like her angelic predecessor) had taken to social media – waging a campaign to help her brother. She started with Tic Tok, posted reels and handed out flyers in bars, breweries and at LGBTQ Pride events. All of her materials contained QR codes that linked people to a GoFundMe page she created for Bacik. And yes, it worked. Labeling the gofundme effort with the words “Help Izaac Raise His Top Surgery Funds,” Meghan was successful in utilizing crowd sourcing to assist in soliciting over $7,000 towards her beloved sibling’s surgery – only a few thousand dollars shy of the needed amount. If only all trans people needing help could be so fortunate. To those who don’t have a Meghan or a Brook, Bacik offered a bit of insight, “A reoccurring thought I’ve had almost every day since the beginning of my journey is what a beautiful world it would be if everyone had a sister like Meghan. So many transgender people don’t have an affirming community. There are thousands of transgender people who need help, help that can’t wait. Instead of addressing the people who don’t have Meghans, [I’d rather speak to] those who could be Meghans. I’d say [to them], if there’s a transgender person in your life, go to them and ask how you can be of help. If you don’t have money, you might know people who do. It may be safer for you to fundraise on behalf of a trans person because you have the privilege of being cisgender.” Anxiously awaiting the day in September when he leaves a medical facility feeling whole and complete, we asked the plant shop guy who he imagined himself to be 25 years in the future. Without hesitation, he described a future in a career he’s already started. “Izaac is still selling plants, and in his own store by then. The 50-year-old Izaac lives in a world where Roe v. Wade is codified and people no longer live with diagnoses of Gender Dysphoria. Fifty-year-old Izaac still has the community he knows, but other transgender folks do, too.” This story is part of Qnotes’ special project “OUTlook: Finding Solutions for LGBTQ Labor and Workplace Equality.” It is supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. : :
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July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
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‘Queerolina’ Exhibit Explores LGBTQ History at UNC-Chapel Hill The Story of Us Through Oral Histories BY JOE KILLIAN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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s LGBTQ Pride month came to a close last month, queer people in North Carolina are more visible than they’ve been in generations – holding parades and celebrations in the state’s largest cities and its smaller towns, embraced by major corporations and celebrated in government proclamations. June was also a tumultuous month for LGBTQ North Carolinians, however. Even as transgender people in the state saw important legal victories, they were targeted by state legislation and local GOP officials. Meanwhile, masked right-wing protesters attempted to shut down drag queen story time events at libraries and private businesses. These latter events are indicative of an environment LGBTQ advocates say reflects the mainstreaming of extremist beliefs and political scapegoating of queer communities. This month a new online exhibit from the UNC-Chapel Hill University Libraries illuminates the true history of LGBTQ people at the flagship school of the state’s university system. “Queerolina: Experiences of Place and Space Through Oral Histories” is part of the larger “Story of Us” archive project begun by the Carolina Pride Alum Network. It includes an interactive map of the campus and surrounding area, with markers that activate the stories of LGBTQ alumni in their own voices. Filaling Historical Gaps & Shining a Light Hooper Schultz, the PhD student and oral historian who helped organize the exhibit, said the project helps fill in important gaps in Carolina’s history that are too common. “Historically in archival collections like at Wilson Libary or elsewhere, the fact that someone was gay was often hidden – it was something that was considered an embarrassment,” Hooper told Policy Watch. “Sometimes the family or the library themselves were restricting those records or not tagging them as queer. So there’s a whole history that is there, but isn’t apparent unless you know who to talk to about it.” The exhibit’s oral histories stretch back to before the second World War thanks to interviews with alumni conducted by Chris McGinnis in the 90s and early 2000s. The alumni stories document periods in which LGBTQ students, faculty and staff had to stay in the closet or risk expulsion, firing or even jail. But it was just as important to highlight stories of queer people finding themselves and their community at Carolina, Schultz said. “I think there’s this idea of the abject queer person before 1995 or whatever year you want to say, where queer people really just existed and were miserable and trying to escape to the city,” Schultz said. “And that really wasn’t the case. You have stories of queer people in Tarboro in 1945. As a historian I’m always aware of that, that we need to present the people we’re
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July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
Historic image of the Carolina Pride Alumni Network, (CREDIT: UNC Libraries. (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.) studying as well rounded, fully human, not one flattened image.” Too much of queer history is a document of persecution and adversity, Schultz said. While that’s part of the story, he said, it isn’t enough. “To only focus on what was and is bad is not doing my community justice, not doing the University of North Carolina justice,” Schultz said. It’s important to say ‘Yes, there were people who were outed at the university, who had horrible experiences of injustice.’ But there were also people who came from another place in North Carolina and were able to come to the university and be out. Many years ago it had that reputation and they had that experience. That’s very important for this project.” Finding Community Alum Michael Williams tells one such story of finding community at Carolina in one of the exhibit’s stories from 1991. While in the interviewing process for the Teaching Fellows program, Williams said he was going to choose N.C. State as his top, preferred school. Then a friend who was a year ahead of him, in her first year at Chapel Hill, came back to visit their old high school and told him about the campus. “And she said, in the course of telling me what Chapel Hill was like, ‘Well, there are so many faggots that they practically have orgies in The Pit,’” Williams recalled. “Well, I didn’t know what The Pit was, and I had never seen the campus at UNC Chapel Hill before in my life,” Williams said. “But the next weekend at the last interview, that last question was, ‘Do you want to change anything about your ranking of school choice?’ And I said ‘Yes,
I would like to put UNC Chapel Hill at the top of my list.’ My Number One preferred school. Just on that basis alone.” “I just thought, if there are so many queer people out and proud at UNC Chapel Hill, that this woman, who went on to become a raging homophobe rightwinger, and is no longer a friend – very quickly stopped being a friend once I got to college, in fact – if she’s able to see it happen, and it happens so much that she feels the need to comment on it, 250 miles away, I’ve got to get to that place.” Young queer people finding a more supportive environment in university and college towns is still common, Schultz said, and is a particularly important part of queer history in the South. “There were a number of colleges in the South – Athens with UGA, VCU in Richmond, the University of Texas at Austin – where early on, Gay Liberation Front organizing [was] happening and students [were] moving to these towns with the expectation that it’s a liberal college town,” Schultz said. “We certainly saw that with Jesse Helms saying you didn’t need a zoo, you could just put a fence around Chapel Hill.” Helms began railing against the increased visibility of queer people on campus in the 1960s through a syndicated newspaper column, Schultz said, before his rise to political power as a U.S. Senator. “In the 1960s you begin to see on UNC’s campus things like the Human Sexuality Information Counseling Organization,” Schultz said. “By then you’re seeing an openness about the existence of queer people in North Carolina.” Allies and Opponents
Some prominent modern political figures – including North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) and current UNC System President Peter Hans – fought to defund LGBTQ groups at Carolina during their time as students there. It’s important for modern queer young people to see the repeated scapegoating of the LGBTQ people as a political tactic, Schultz said, but also that the community has always pushed through it. “It’s important to realize that many of those same people were trying to defund the campus women’s groups, the Black Student Movement and the Carolina Gay Association all at the same time,” Schultz said. “It has less to do with their visibility and more to do with the fact that the state is giving them funds and people invested in a straight, white, patriarchal state are going to be opposed to those things.” But queer history at Carolina is also one of important allies, Schultz said. “One interesting piece of the longer history of UNC is how the dean of students, Dean [Donald] Bolton, was an extremely consistent ally to queer students in the second half of the 20th century,” he said. “Over and over again you see the dean writing letters to corporations and legislatures and concerned people about how these students had the right to have these organizations on campus. That wasn’t happening on every campus in 1975. That’s one of the reasons you have some of the oldest LGBT student groups anywhere in the country at UNC.” Schultz said he hopes LGBTQ alumni will finally see themselves as part of the documented history of the university though the project – and that it will be something for current and future students to look to, as well. “Obviously it’s important for queer people to be proud of who they are,” he said. “Narratives that paint people as deviant and potentially dangerous to children are extremely damaging to young people. So much of this project for me is what would I have liked to see as a young queer person growing up in North Carolina. Presenting a presence on UNC’s campus, showing these amazing, myriad queer people who have come through UNC’s campus.” Schultz points to George Chauncey, the professor of American history at Columbia who recently became the first scholar of LGBTQ history to win the prestigious Kluge Humanities Prize from the Library of Congress. “He talks about how you can see who counts and who doesn’t in America by looking at our historical narratives,” Schultz said. “To present something that says queer people aren’t this anathema, dangerous group but instead we’re queer people and we’re part of your communities, we’re here and we’ve always been here – that’s important.” This article appears courtesy of our media partner NC Policy Watch.::
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Raven-Symoné’s Sitcom Debuts Disney Channel’s First Ever Transgender Character Trans Actress Juliana Joel Appeared in a Recent Episode of Raven’s Home as an Influencer Named Nikki BY JOHN RUSSELL | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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aven-Symoné’s Disney Channel sitcom recently debuted what is believed to be the network’s first ever transgender character. The 15th episode of the fifth season of “Raven’s Home” premiered July 8, featuring trans actress Juliana Joel as an influencer named Nikki. Both Joel and Nori Reed, who wrote the episode, shared emotional Instagram posts about the milestone. “I think I may have created the first ever trans character for the Disney Channel!” Reed wrote alongside a screenshot of the episode’s script, photos from set and a video of herself and friends watching one of Joel’s scenes with Simoné. “Growing up as a young queer person, I never got to see [my] own experiences and identity reflected back to me on the TV screen. This unfortunately provided a very clear message: This world isn’t for you,” Reed continued. “I cannot fully articulate what it means to me personally that now a young queer person in rural America can pop on the Disney Channel and witness a funny, nuanced trans character that they can relate to. And I pray in my heart that they hear the very clear
world is trying to erase me and my community. And now I get to be that person I wish I had to watch on TV growing up.” Disney has found itself unexpectedly embroiled in LGBTQ politics recently. The entertainment giant remained largely silent as Florida’s infamous Parental Rights in Education bill, commonly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, made its way through the state’s legislature. Reed herself participated in a March employee walk-out, protesting the company’s silence on the bill. Disney only denounced the “Don’t Say Gay” bill after it was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in March. Then in April, campaign filings showed that the company had donated $190,000 to get Republicans elected in Florida as GOP lawmakers were working to pass the law, which bans teaching LGBTQ topics in grades kindergarten through third. Disney later said that it would stop making campaign contributions in Florida, leading the state legislature to revoke Disney’s decades-old special zoning agreement. This story appears courtesy of our media partner LGBTQ Nation. : :
Trans actress Juliana Joel (left) is appearing with Raven Symone on Disney’s “Raven’s Home.” (Photo Credit: Screen Capture) message: You belong in this world and are included.” Likewise, Joel wrote about growing up with and dreaming of being on the Disney Channel, specifically Raven-Symoné’s hit early 2000s show That’s So Raven. “Coming from a typical Puerto Rican family, I didn’t think being an actor was possible, especially for someone like me,” she wrote. “I thought you had to be born into that world. Fast forward to becoming
an actor, I then told myself I wasn’t young enough to be on Disney anymore, and even if that wasn’t the case, I’m TRANS! I’d never seen an out trans actor or character on the Disney Channel. EVER. Needless to say I cried in my dressing room after walking onto that set the first time.” “With all of the anti-trans hate and narratives in media and society, it was a win,” Joel continued. “I claimed a dream and space for myself while so much of the
Franklin Graham Gets a Smack Down from Piers Morgan for Anti-LGBTQ Rhetoric NC-Based Son of Televangelist spreading Hate and Intolerance
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t’s a sin.” That’s the message from antiLGBTQ evangelical leader Franklin Graham about same-sex relationships, same-sex marriage, and sex between two men or two women in a new interview with Piers Morgan. The good news? “God loves the homosexual.” Graham, the fire and brimstonebreathing son of deceased former evangelical media giant Billy Graham, is on tour in the UK and stopped by Morgan’s new talk show Piers Morgan Uncensored to share his message of intolerance. “Your tour is called ‘God Loves You,’” Morgan says. “Why do you think it’s Christian to stigmatize gay people?” “I don’t stigmatize them.” “You call them sinners.” “We’re all sinners,” Graham parries. “For us to be forgiven we have to come to God and turn from our sins.” Morgan pressed the point that Graham believes being gay is a sin. “It’s what God says,” Graham replies. “It’s what the Bible teaches.” Morgan suggests the Bible is full of “all sorts of things that we don’t do now,” but Graham asserts he believes in the Bible
BY GREG OWEN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER “from cover to cover.” “The Bible has stuff in it that would be absurd today,” Morgan continues. “No, I believe the Bible to be the word of God.” “So we should still be stoning people in the street?” Morgan asks. “Would you do that? Would you allow adulterers to be stoned in the street?” Graham says “Jesus straightened that up” and recalls the story of a woman brought before him to be stoned for adultery. Jesus told her to “go, and sin no more.” Morgan suggested that plummeting belief in God and organized religion in the U.S. may be related to the church’s views on LGBTQ people, and a reason religion “is going out of fashion with younger people.” “I don’t understand why I should be free and you should be free to have sex
with who we like, but gay people can’t,” Morgan stated flatly. “God made us male and female. And he designed sex to be between a man and a woman. That’s the way God made us and created us and that’s just the way it is.” Graham claims he doesn’t “hate gay people, I don’t preach against gay people. God loves homosexual people, he loves all of us,” says Graham. “I love them enough to want to warn them and tell them the truth.” Graham has long been known for speaking out against LGBTQ people. In October, he praised North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) for “having the guts to stand up and tell the truth.”
Robinson called LGBTQ people “filth.” Around the same time, Graham called for foreign nations to deny people with official gender-neutral markers on their passport, and the Billy Graham Evangelical Association (BGEA), which the son runs, was named in a report as a group materially supporting proposed law further criminalizing LGBTQ people around the world. Morgan added: “You’re entitled to your views, but I think one of the reasons religion is becoming less popular is because young people look at senior figures like you and think, ‘That doesn’t sound very Christian to me, that sounds to me like somebody who is homophobic.’” Viewers of the show may be surprised to see Morgan defending LGBTQ equality on his new show. Last week he had singer Macy Gray on his show and they denounced transgender identity. Gray complained about pronouns and said that “boobs” are required to be a woman (as if no trans woman has breasts) and Morgan complained about trans women in sports. Apparently, he doesn’t appear to have the same contempt for gay people. This article appears courtesy of our media partner LGBTQ Nation. : :
July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
Qnotes
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Oh God, Where Art Thou Spiritual Reflections
BY REV. VANCE E HAYWOOD JR., | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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t’s the middle of 2022, pandemics linger, wars are underway, economic equity is distant, human and individual rights teeter on a pinpoint, even the planet itself is reeling with extreme disasters heading towards collapse. Moreover, people are becoming overwhelmed. Even those who try to ignore the greater world’s problems and focus on themselves are losing it. Whether Islamic or Christian, Jewish or Hindi, Buddhist, Shinto, Norse/Pagan or of Indigenous belief, each in our own way and language are screaming, “Oh God, where art thou.” As a faith/spiritual leader, I am expected to have all the answers – “You studied the texts, you pray really good, God anointed you to guide/lead, tell us that it will be alright, and where God is in the midst of MY struggle and all of these world crises?” The quick answers I can give are true but seem trite in such trying times – the God of my understanding loves you, hears your cries and feels your pain. God is here with us/you in the middle of this all. God is making a way through the struggle; hold on, keep pushing forward and listen for God’s direction on the way to get out. While these words can calm a soul for the moment and shine a light of hope in dark times, they are far from a playbook to
success. If we want real solutions, lasting success, true peace and joy – a paradise here on earth, WE actually have to do the work. Where is God? God is in each of us. How is the transformation of our circumstances made manifest? We individually and collectively do the work as God’s hands and feet in the world. Where do we start? By transforming ourselves and showing up for each other. This is the teaching of the Talmud and Torah, Jesus and Prophet Muhammed, Gandhi, Sadhguru Vasudev, Gulen, the Dalai Lama and Rumi. It means we stop looking through our own eyes of struggle and despair and see the world, and ourselves, through God’s eyes where every person – even the ones doing bad things – are God’s beloved, deeply loved, richly gifted, highly favored and abundantly blessed. And then WE engage the world as God is living inside, as the Yin and Yang of God and humanity, as Jesus with skin on. In more practical terms, we turn catchphrases into action – no one is free until everyone is free; injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere; united we stand, divided we fall; I am my sibling’s keeper, I’m not scared to be seen I make no apologies, this is me. We show up, we
march, we protest, we discuss and we teach. Not just on issues that affect us personally, but for all civil and human rights. We don’t have to be trans, a woman or have a disability to stand up for bodily autonomy. We don’t have to be a person of color to insist on fair, humane and equitable treatment for everyone. We don’t have to be poor to demand a living wage or affordable food, clothing, housing, transportation and healthcare. We don’t have to be invaded or have our land/homes taken away to stand against aggression. We don’t have to be dying to demand clean air and water, or chemical/ pollutant-free land and food. We don’t have to be gay to fight for the ability of everyone to love who and how they love. But we do have to choose to make change over making dollars. We do have to choose rights over privilege. We do have to choose a better tomorrow over an easy and carefree today. And we vote, we run for office, we take responsibility and control of our workplaces, our communities and our neighborhoods. We do this at the ballot box. We do this with our money – how we make it and spend it. We do this with our time, talents and labor. Instead of looking up and shouting, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me/us?). Instead, look inside and say, “My God, my
God, what am I/are we going to do about it?” For there is hope in this dark and desolate world. There is light. There is a future. God is standing there at the door of our hearts knocking. Are we ready to put in the effort to unlock and open the door so goodness and Godliness can pour out of us into the world? About the Author: Rev. Vance E. Haywood, Jr. was installed as pastor at St. John’s MCC in February 2018. He and Him are Vance’s preferred pronouns, and Vance (no titles) is his preferred introduction. Vance was ordained reverend at age 21. He stepped away from Christian life in 2001, unable to reconcile whom he knew himself to be with the teaching about God being presented by others. Vance joined the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) movement in 2008. If you ask Vance if he is religious, his answer will be an adamant “God No! Religion has been, and is still, a source of great pain and suffering. Jesus came to overturn harmful religious practices and simply offer life and love to hurting people in a hurting world. I see it as my call to do the same, as best I can with God’s help.” : :
Connie J. Vetter, Esq. Attorney at Law, PLLC
Your LGBTQ+ Law Attorney serving Clients from across North Carolina Website/Email at CJVLaw.com Talk/Text 704-333-4000 16
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July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
life
Provincetown Pride Journey
BY JOEY AMATO QNOTES STAFF WRITER
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think it’s safe to say that I found my new happy place. I had visited Provincetown, Mass., once before during the winter season, and even then I enjoyed my time there. Of course, P-Town is much slower during the colder months than it was during my most recent visit, but I still enjoyed the small-town charm of this iconic coastal destination. Provincetown is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations in the country, if not the world. From the moment you arrive by ferry or by car, you are quickly transported into a rainbow oasis, which makes it seem as if you are on an island where you are free to express yourself in any way you please. As soon as I stepped foot off the Bay State Cruise Company ferry from Boston, I checked in to the Foxberry Inn, a beautiful property located less than a mile from the heart of P-Town. Most of the destination is walkable, but biking is also common if you prefer. The staff at Foxberry Inn was lovely and quite attractive, which is always an added bonus. My corner room came complete with a water view as well as a separate seating area and balcony to enjoy some morning coffee. Each morning the staff prepared a delicious hot breakfast, which is included in the price of the room. The breakfast burrito was definitely my favorite and possibly one of the best I’ve ever had in recent memory. Every afternoon, guests are welcome to enjoy freshly baked cookies and a hot beverage if they desire in the common area. One of Provincetown’s most famous attractions is not a physical attraction; it’s a dance. More specifically, a tea-dance. The
concept of a teadance began in New York in the 1960s. Gay men would meet at off-the-beatenpath locations around New York City on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy tea, as it was illegal to serve alcohol to people known to be gay. How times have changed! These tea-dances quickly spread around the country, and today the weekly tea-dances held at Boatslip Resort have become legendary. The waterfront property features a large outdoor deck plus an indoor section with multiple bars and plenty of room for dancing. Coming from the Midwest, the drinks are a bit more expensive than I am used to, but the pours were heavy, so it balanced out. My guest Michael and I sipped our cocktails while grooving to the sounds of Sylvester, Donna Summer and Chic. The peoplewatching alone was worth the visit. After the dance, walk over to Liz’s Café just a few blocks away. The quaint restaurant gives off an island resort vibe and the food didn’t disappoint either. We both began our meal with the ceviche, containing a variety of fresh fish served with homemade tortilla chips and followed that up with the pan seared cod prepared in a mouthwatering broth. If you are in the mood for some after dinner drinks and entertainment, head to Provincetown Brewery Co. or the Post
Office Café & Cabaret for the Anita Cocktail Variety Hour. Hosted of course by none other than Anita Cocktail, the hour-long show also features performances by cast members Jona Williams, Abby Cummings and Raquel Blake. My favorite part of the show was when Anita Cocktail sang live, something I rarely see drag performers do. Keep the party going at Atlantic House, or A-House as the locals call it. This is the only dance club which operates for the entire year as some establishments shut down during the winter months. The complex consists of different rooms including Little Bar, The Macho Bar (Provincetown’s original leather bar) as well as the Big Room where people go to dance. Wake up early the next morning and head to Boy Beach, which is located close to the Foxberry Inn, or jump on Art’s Dune Tours to explore the Cape Cod National Seashore. Access to this area is seasonal, and only authorized vehicles are allowed to operate in the park. The company, now in its 76th year in business, brings guests through the rolling dunes to various picturesque vantage points. Spend the afternoon strolling around the town and exploring the dozens of boutiques and art galleries along Commercial
Street. A bit further away is the Provincetown Art Association & Museum, a space housing a collection of works by artists from the Cape. The organization was originally established in 1914, so it’s a great place to learn about the cultural history of this destination. If you are in the mood for some exercise, journey to the top of The Pilgrim Monument, a 252-foot structure built to commemorate the Pilgrims’ first landing. Since many of the properties in the town don’t offer fitness centers on property, visitors can purchase a day pass and workout with the locals at Mussel Beach Health Club or Provincetown Gym. P-Town is home to under 4,000 fulltime residents, however, this number swells to over 60,000 during the peak summer months. If you aren’t a fan of huge crowds, I would recommend visiting during the shoulder season. This may also be a more budget-friendly time to travel, as daily room prices tend to decrease. For your final dinner in Provincetown, go to Café Heaven and begin your meal with their delicious Lobstertini made with lobster salad served atop an avocado and tomato salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette. This was one of my favorite culinary treats of this vacation, as the vinaigrette complimented the sweetness of the lobster perfectly. Michael and I decided to share the Provincetown Bouillabaisse for our main entrée. It tasted similar to a classic bouillabaisse, with the exception of linguica, which is a nod to P-Town’s Portuguese heritage. Provincetown is an all-in-one destination, meaning there is something for everyone. Whether you choose to party or just relax on the beach, you will find your tribe in P-Town. Enjoy the Journey! : :
July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
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Daisy Edgar-Jones Knows Why “the Crawdads Sing”
by Gregg Shapiro Contributing Writer
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aisy Edgar-Jones is an actor whose career is blossoming like her namesake. In recent years, she sees to be everywhere. LGBTQ+ viewers may recognize Edgar-Jones from her role as Delia Rawson in the recently canceled queer HBO series “Gentleman Jack.” She also played memorable parts in a pair of popular Hulu series, “Normal People” and “Under the Banner of Heaven.” Earlier this year, Edgar-Jones was seen as Noa in the black comedy/horror flick “Fresh” alongside Sebastian Stan. With her new movie, “Where the Crawdads Sing” (Sony/ Columbia), she officially becomes a lead actress. Based on Delia Owens’ popular book club title of the same name, the movie spans a considerable period of time, part murder mystery, part courtroom drama. Daisy was kind enough to answer a few questions in advance of the movie’s opening date. Gregg Shapiro: Daisy, had you read Delia Owens’ novel “Where the Crawdads Sing” before signing on to play Kya? Daisy Edgar-Jones: I read it during my audition process, as I was auditioning for
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Daisy Edgar-Jones appears in ‘Where The Crawdads Sing,’ in theaters now and coming soon to Apple TV. (CREDIT: Columbia Pictures) the part. So, the two went hand in hand. GS: What was it about the character of Kya that appealed to you as an actress? DE-J: There was so much about her that appealed to me. I think the fact that
she is a very complicated woman. She’s a mixture of things. She’s gentle and she’s curious. She’s strong and she’s resilient. She felt like a real person. I love real character studies and it felt like a character I haven’t had a chance to delve into. It felt different from anyone I’ve played before. Her resilience was one that I really admired. So, I really wanted to spend some time with her. GS: While Kya is in jail, accused of killing the character Chase, she is visited by a cat in her cell. Are you a cat person or do you prefer dogs? DE-J: I like both! I think I like the fact that dogs unconditionally love you. While a cat’s love can feel a bit conditional. I do think both are very cute. Probably, if I had to choose, it would be dogs. GS: I’m a dog person, so I’m glad you said that. DE-J: [Laughs] GS: Kya lives on the marsh and spends a lot of time on and in the water. Are you a swimmer or do you prefer to be on dry land? DE-J: I like swimming, I do. I grew up swimming a lot. If I’m ever on holidays, I
like it to be by the sea or by a nice pool. GS: Kya is also a gifted artist, and it is the thing that brings her great joy. Do you draw or paint? DE-J: I always doodle. I’m an avid doodler. I do love to draw and paint. I loved it at school. I wouldn’t say I was anywhere near as skilled as Kya. But I do love drawing if I get the chance to do it. GS: Kya was born and raised in North Carolina. What can you tell me about your process when it comes to doing a Southern accent or an American accent in general? DE-J: It’s obviously quite different from mine. I’ve been lucky that I’ve spent a lot of time working on various accents for different parts for a few years now, so I feel like I’m developed an ear for, I guess, the difference in tone and vowel sounds [laughs]. When it came to this, it was really important to get it right, of course. Kya has a very lyrical, gentle voice, which I think that North Carolina kind of sound really helped me to access. I worked with a brilliant accent coach who helped me out and I just listened and listened. GS: While I was watching “Where the Crawdads Sing” I thought about how Kya could easily be a character from the LGBTQ+ community because she is considered an outsider, is shunned and ridiculed, and experiences physical and emotional harm. Do you also see the parallels? DE-J: I certainly do. I think that aspect of being an outsider is there, and this film does a really good job of showing how important it is to be kind to everyone. I think this film celebrates the goodness you can give to each other if you choose to be kind. Yes, I definitely see the parallels. GS: Do you have an awareness of an LGBTQ+ following for your acting career? DE-J: I tend to stay off social media and am honestly not really aware of who follows me, but I do really hope the projects I’ve worked on resonate with everyone. GS: Are there any upcoming acting projects that you’d like to mention? DE-J: None that I can talk of quite yet. But there are a few things that are coming up next year, so I’m really excited. : :
life
Our People: Ciara Lilly
Fostering Diversity, Inclusion and Mental Health Awareness BY L’MONIQUE KING QNOTES STAFF WRITER
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n the Steele Creek area of Charlotte, there’s an individual committed to making sure companies and individuals who are truly seeking inclusion at work have the tools to make it happen: Ciara Lilly. Lilly has lived in Charlotte since 2007, when she graduated from UNC Charlotte with a degree in English. At that time, she thought the Queen City wouldn’t be more than a stopping point en route to New York for work with a large publication. Yet, the lure of a fancy new job in the Big Apple couldn’t break the inclination to stay in the CLT. Lilly is a multi-talented impassioned community member who does a number of things within the workforce. As Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at Diversified Maintenance (a national facility services company based in Tampa, Fla.) she’s responsible for everything imaginable when it comes to the upkeep of a facility. That could include anything from cleaning and landscaping to COVID sanitizing. How did it all begin? Let’s ask Lilly. “Prior to joining the company, I worked with their sister company, Environmental Service Systems. They’re the second largest Black-owned business in Charlotte (based on the Charlotte Business Journals ranking as of 2021). I served as director of business development for eight years, charged with growing the company. At the time, my role was figuring out how to connect our company with large corporations that had a need for facilities service providers. My niche was working with organizations that had supplier diversity and diversity and inclusion programs. “I was getting an opportunity to understand diversity and supplier diversity at a corporate level, and realized this was something that I really enjoyed. I enjoyed learning how to implement diversity across large businesses. I enjoyed being the bridge between companies and suppliers. Seeing how diversity functions on a large scale, it was something that I wanted to do professionally. It was a natural fit
for me to transition ency in her life to be over and lead that more open, honest for both companies and real – most spenow.” cifically about mental In her personal health matters. life, Lilly will soon Says Lilly: “I’ve celebrate nine years become a big therapy of marriage to her advocate, and I think partner. The women we have to use these have been together types of platforms to for nearly 16 years, a speak on that. I think few of which Lilly has most people think of spent in attemptme as very driven, but ing to establish a I have to give credit to work/life balance my wife who was one that will provide her of the main people with more time to that told me I should enjoy Jazzy, their see a therapist.” four-pound Chorkie Though presented pooch, HGTV viewing to her in the least and reading. shady way possible Philanthropist Ciara Lilly is committed Reading isn’t Lilly’s and with a sincere to LGBTQ Inclusion for business owners only literary joy. desire to see her sucand patrons. (CREDIT: Courtesy of the “Journaling is cessfully navigate a Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber something I’ve busy and often stressof Commerce) picked back up ful life, Lilly initially recently. And resisted the idea. “I philanthropy, finding ways to give back fought it for many years,” she admits. “I that are impactful. I have a scholarship at was one of those people who thought, UNC-Charlotte right now in the name of that’s my business, I don’t need to share it my grandmother [Priscilla Kersey] because with anyone else. But I found a therapist she was someone who emphasized the who has been incredible in helping me unimportance of education, when I was derstand, process and get to the essence growing up. She’d say, ‘Get your education, it’s the one thing that no one can take from you.’” “I absorbed that. Unfortunately, she passed a year before I graduated, but knew I’d set up a scholarship in her name, for either first generation college students or others who might need some assistance in their academic journey. So, since 2016 I’ve been able to contribute to the tuition expenses for freshmen students, many of whom are first generation students. It’s been very rewarding. It’s my way of paying it forward.” Paying it forward she is. From Diversity and Inclusion to the provision of college funding, Lilly is making her mark with meaningful contributions to the community. And, just recently, the generally somewhat reserved individual decided to embrace a new level of transpar-
of who I am. As someone who was so antitherapy in the past, I’ve practically gone on a campaign [chuckling]. Therapy gave me a safe space to process and also helped me to identify the types of behaviors that you pick up that are actually survival or defensive mechanisms. As a result of doing that personal work these last few years, it helped me to meet someone, someone new to me, a healed version of myself. I can now go out and speak to people and be an example that’s a blessing to others.” Biggest on Lilly’s list of the benefits of therapy is, “To show up authentically and to challenge this grind culture. I started working at 14 and have had this drive, this work ethic all my life, but realized that under all of that, it was really a security blanket, a way of protecting myself.” Clearly, self-care is important to her while she continues to strive toward making a broad and meaningful impact on our community. “It’s bigger than what I have accomplished and what I can do for other people. It is about how I’m showing up for Ciara and making sure that she’s doing everything that she needs to do to be healed and whole. If I can shift the narrative from ‘here’s what I’ve accomplished’ to ‘here’s how I show up,’ then I think that’ll have a greater impact [than anything else].” : :
July 22- Aug. 4 , 2022
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