Two former Qnotes editors making career changes

Matt Comer & O’Neale Atkinson moving in to new fields

by David Aaron Moore Qnotes Staff Writer

Two of Charlotte’s well known LGBTQ community members who previously served as editors of QNotes, Matt Comer and O’Neale Atkinson have remained prominently involved with the local LGBTQ community since their departure from the publication.

Between 2007 and 2015, Matt Comer served as editor with QNotes twice, for a period of approximately eight years, before moving on to Charlotte Pride in 2017, where he would fill the role of Director of Operations and Communications.

Now, after five years with Pride, he’s moving on once again, this time out of the direct impact LGBTQ arena and into the role of director of communications and digital engagements at St. Stephens United Methodist Church.

As an out gay man and an individual of faith, Comer is pleased about the opportunity to work in an environment that supports his religious beliefs and is welcoming and affirming to the LGBTQ community.

“Most of my responsibilities are about engaging with the church members,” Comer explains. “I’m very happy I found a place in an LGBTQ affirming, welcoming congregation.”

Comer has often acted as advocate and activist in the Charlotte and North Carolina LGBTQ community. Saint Stephens’ community involvement and outreach programs are additional aspects of his new job he finds appealing, which include assistance finding housing for Charlotte residents in need, working with Habitat for Humanity and the local Loaves and Fishes program.

Comer’s presence as an LGBTQ spokesperson has remained high profile for several years in Charlotte, but don’t expect him to fall off the radar completely just because he’s working in a less vociferous position.

“Although I am no longer employed by the LGBTQ community,” he says, “I hope to stay involved [locally] and with the national pride organization.”

Atkinson, after six months with QNotes, later moved on to the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Center and then to Time Out Youth, where he spent ten years, eventually becoming the organization’s Deputy Director.

Now Atkinson is heading into private practice as a licensed clinical social worker with Wisteria Counseling and Consultation.

“Last year I decided I wanted to do something new and try something different that would allow me to explore clinical work,” Atkinson offers.

Like Comer, Atkinson’s roots with the LGBTQ community run deep, and he has no desire to ever step away completely.

“Working with the LGBTQ community was why I got into social work and will continue to be a part of my clinical career,” Atkinson says. “I’m always going to be open to pursuing and offering help to the LGBTQ community, both locally and nationally.”

He also hopes to continue work with Time Out Youth in some capacity. The organization routinely refers clients for counseling and therapy to organizations and providers in the Charlotte Metro area.

“I am open to that, yes. I foresee with the counseling I provide I will focus on young and LGBTQ people going through challenges, so I look forward to that possibility.” ::