QNotes Aug. 4-17, 2012

Aug. 4-17 . 2012

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Aug. 4-17 . 2012

inside Aug. 4-17, 2012 Vol 27 No 07

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contributors this issue

Paige Braddock, Rosendo Brown, Kevin Grooms/Miss Della, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Leslie Robinson, Gregg Shapiro, David Stout, Trinity, Brett Webb-Mitchell

front page Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photo Credit: Christine Merson

fall a&e guide 12 13 14 16 20

Jay Brannan Sounds of Music On Stage Voice and Motion Anderson Cooper

opinions & views 4 4 4 5

On Being a Gay Parent General Gayety QPoll Editor’s Note

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a&e / life&style 18 21 22 23

Bar Events/Map 20 Questions Out in the Stars Tell Trinity

24 Drag Rag 26 Fabulance 26 Jane’s World 27 Q events calendar

news & features 6 News Notes 8 Fixin’ up the ‘hood

9 TransFaith Conference 11 New center leaders

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Aug. 4-17 . 2012

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by brett webb-mitchell qnotes contributor

The Lord is my shepherd

One Sunday morning, I received a text from my college-aged son: “I’m coming to your church this morning. What time does worship begin? Can I bring you a cup of coffee?” He and his girlfriend were apparently at Caribou coffee already and planned to join me for worship this morning. I texted my partner and he was stunned. I texted my daughter and she was astonished. We were all confounded simply because my son once neatly fit the category of “Chreaster” (those who attend worship on Christmas and Easter). His interest in the spiritual life had started in his first year of college, in which (like many of us), we could use all the help we could find or muster from within us. He first asked for a rosary from me.

Even though I’m a Presbyterian minister, I’ve been given several rosaries through the various pilgrimages I’ve walked over the years.

To make it more special, a Benedictine monk sent him a wooden rosary she bought for him from Guatemala. Since that initial text, he and his girlfriend have continued to come to worship with me from time to time when he isn’t working on Sunday morning. As a parent, who happens to be a Presbyterian minister, I can vouch it warms my heart and delights my soul to be in his good company when worshiping.

What throws cold water over the warmth of this memory is the continuing politics wrangling within religious institutions that are responsible for the maintenance of the Church’s theology and polity (politics) of the faithful.

While “most days of the week” I hold on to the theological tenet that the daily organization of a faith community and the faith are inextricably bound together, for sanity’s sake — and for the sake of my soul and body — I have taken comfort and solace in the stories of my faith tradition, whether located in holy text or in our long and still-unfolding story. For example, as a Presbyterian minister, I watched with eyes-wide open as my denomination’s (the Presbyterian Church, USA) leaders meet for our most recent national General Assembly and chose (not unexpectedly) to not allow lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender or queer

(LGBTQ) couples marry, let alone giving clergy permission to marry LGBTQ couples in states where marriage is valid and part of state law.

Nonetheless, on the heels of North Carolina’s amendment to our state constitution narrowly defining marriage as between one man and one woman, I was momentarily dismayed and privately hurt by the continued perpetuation of systematic sin (yes, that’s what it is called in theological circles) that feed such acts of discrimination. But, I am not thinking only of myself. I also think of how these decisions to not ordain LGBTQ people, not to allow LGBTQ couples to wed, not to let LGBTQ clergy wed people and not to protect LGBTQ clergy in terms of job discrimination, sends a message not only to me about my “second class” status, but also sends a message to my adultaged children. The message is clear: your gay dad is not good enough, healthy enough, normal enough, straight enough, to be equal among the elect of a state, a nation — or a faith community.

Where I draw succor in politically-, emotionally- and spiritually-charged moments, it happens to be in the Psalms, found in the Hebrew Scriptures. I psychically draw myself into a fetal position and repeat ancient words of comfort for those adrift in a world careening out of control: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down near clear waters. He restoreth my soul” (Ps. 23). In withdrawing into these words, I then can come back into the world, emboldened to change the world because I know who I am and whose I am: I am created by a Creator who created me, this incredible creation, following the Christ, the Pilgrim God, on this fabulous Spirit-led journey.

The struggle to change the world around us continues, one day at a time, one step at a time, one denomination and church at a time and one state at a time. With courage of my convictions, moving steadily forward, deferring to love, accepting who I am, lives change, the unexpected happens…and my son joins me in worshiping God. : :

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by leslie robinson qnotes contributor

I met Elizabeth about five years ago at a mostly gay party. She was a graduate nursing student who looked every inch the straight girl. It took hours along with alcohol for her to confess that she was involved with a woman for the first time in her life.

Over the next years, Elizabeth and I walked regularly around Green Lake in Seattle, parsing her lesbian adolescence. That adolescence is complete, but we still walk the lake. Last night she told me about her cousin who’s now coming out and filling Elizabeth in on every wobbly step. The rookie lesbian has become the coach.

Elizabeth couldn’t have imagined herself being able to advise anyone on dykedom during our early strolls. At that time, her new experiences were thrilling, confusing, terrifying, exasperating and liberating. All before lunch.

Having been only with men, Elizabeth found herself going through a second adolescence 15 years after her first. So, we had a lot of ground to cover, ranging from the evolving reactions of her family to her yearning for her girlfriend in California to the hot guest lecturer in class.

We peered backwards at the hints sprinkled throughout Elizabeth’s life that she might be gay; the hints now looked like neon billboards. We dealt with her coming out to roommates and nursing professors and strangers. Her naiveté flared when she had trouble believing that lesbians with partners and kids could behave as wolfishly as any guy — and she scared herself when she realized she enjoyed the attention from one big bad wolf.

Although she developed crushes as easily as she flossed her teeth, she never acted on them. Her heart lay with Ann in San Diego.

One sure way to get a rise out of Elizabeth was to mention that first lesbian relationships rarely last. “I know!” she’d bark. “I wish people would stop telling me that!”

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Maintaining a long-distance relationship is difficult at any time, let alone when you’re in your lesbian adolescence and anyone with a Sapphic sensibility looks lip-smackin’ good. It’s a testament to Elizabeth and Ann that they both avoided distractions and honed in on what was most important to them, namely each other.

I must note that Elizabeth found a vicarious way of getting her ya-yas out: setting me up.

When she would begin our walk by announcing, “I found your wife today!” I knew I was headed for another misadventure in lesbian dating. Back then she hadn’t grasped that pairing two lesbians on the basis that they’re both breathing does not a sizzling Sapphic romance make.

Now Elizabeth’s cousin Claire, at age 40, is being bombarded by emotions and discoveries, which she shares with Elizabeth via the phone. The other evening Elizabeth delayed a dinner meeting so Claire, who’s just gotten involved, could read a note from her new love aloud — six times.

Elizabeth pulled from her shelves books she’d bought in her early days and sent a sort of lesbian care package to Claire. The stories of first lesbian loves particularly resonate with this family member who’s gleefully gathering material for her own story.

Elizabeth is elated that her cousin is so happy. But now that Elizabeth is the coach and not the rookie, she says to me, “I can’t believe how much crap you listened to!”

She didn’t want me to include those words here, fearing they could hurt Claire. But, I bet that soon enough Claire will get it and say of her own lesbian adolescence, “I was a mess.

And, it was wonderful.”

When she reaches that point, Claire will be in coaching shape. Then she, too, might gay it forward. : :

VIEWS

editor’s note by matt comer matt@goqnotes.com

Don’t discount the count

In our July 21 print issue, qnotes teamed up with the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte to present our special “InFocus: Charlotte” edition. One of the special section’s featured stories, “The Queen City Count” (goqnotes. com/16052/), profiled Charlotte’s same-sex households with information culled from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. In the end, we were able to map out the neighborhoods and areas of the city most popular with same-sex households.

You’ll notice I used the words “same-sex households” are used, not “couples.”

The debate over word choice sprang up briefly in our comment sections when a reader commented on what he saw as an overwhelmingly tiny number of “same-sex households” in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

“Another way of looking at this data would be that a little more that [sic] one-half of one per cent of Mecklenburg’s 398,510 households are same-sex couples,” the reader noted.

I have not done the math on the reader’s comment. First, I hate math. Second, there’s no need; the ideological point he is trying to make is clear: The number of gay people in Charlotte is miniscule.

But another reader responded in kind, pointing out the difference between “couples” and “households.” Though in our coverage, we occasionally interchanged the word “households” for “couples.” The word choices might seem incidental, but the linguistic difference between the two is key to understanding the data in its full complexity.

As noted in my last Editor’s Note column (“The counting of LGBT Charlotte isn’t complete,” goqnotes.com/15993/), the census numbers tallying the number of LGBT people in Charlotte is only one small glimpse into the total population here. Because the census counts only couples who live together in one household and who also identify themselves as such, it is impossible to know the full and most accurate count of LGBT people living here or anywhere else in the nation.

The census does not count same-sex couples who might live together but chose not to divulge their unmarried relationship. It also does not count LGBT people who might be in a relationship but do not live together and does not ask demographic questions on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, thereby leaving singles and many couples uncounted.

We can only guess where single LGBT people and LGBT couples who don’t share the same home live. No doubt, the gap in this population measurement is frustrating. It also provides an easy target for our community’s opponents and naysayers. They can point at census data that is incomplete and craft political spin that makes it seem as though the LGBT community is much smaller than it might actually be if all self-identified LGBT people were counted equally and fairly.

As I wrote last issue: “…[T]he census numbers don’t necessarily tell the whole story. In neither the census nor their American Community Survey does the U.S. Census Bureau include demographic questions on sexual orientation or gender identity. Currently, there’s no way to track how many LGBT people actually live in the U.S. or track the places and neighborhoods they call home. It’s an unfortunate reality that leaves people like me and a whole slew of friends uncounted when demographers, media and community members start talking about gayborhoods and gay demographics.

“Take, for instance, my own neighborhood.

Windsor Park sits adjacent to Country Club Heights, a neighborhood with one of the highest concentrations of same-sex couples in the city. Windsor Park itself has a fairly large number of same-sex couples. But, the current counting scheme will never do neighborhoods like mine justice. They do not count me or at least a dozen other single LGBT people whom I personally know live there.”

Our coverage of same-sex households in Mecklenburg County is interesting and newsworthy in and of itself. It’s exciting to look at the map of the county and pinpoint your own neighborhood and its proximity to places more popular with gay people. One might even find themselves living in area we dubbed one of Charlotte’s “gayest ‘hoods.”

In the end, however, we are left with gaps of information that makes any reporting on gay demographics a mere guessing game. It is important to remember that our community is larger and stronger than these woefully inadequate numbers alone.

Anti-gay activists will fight tooth and nail to keep our government’s official headcounters from asking about sexual orientation and gender identity. They know, as we know, that a full count of LGBT citizens and residents would push our movement for equality and fairness further than we’ve ever gone before. Without these important demographic questions and data included in the census, it remains easy to ignore that which is left unmeasured.

Until LGBT people are fully included in our nation’s decennial census, we should not discount the only count currently at our dispposal. The numbers, however incomplete, are there. Same-sex couples are building families and homes together in nearly every census tract and county across this great nation.

Finally, gay families are getting the attention they so rightly deserve. And, one day, even us single gays will count, too. : : — For more information on efforts to advocate for a fully-inclusive census, visit the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s “Queer the Census” at queerthecensus.org.

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BRIEFS

news notes: carolinas. nation. world. compiled by Lainey Millen | David Stout | Matt Comer

Records broken for foundation WINSTON-SALEM — The Adam Foundation has received an all-time record-breaking contribution season leaving them with $42,000 to distribute to local projects and initiatives in 2012.

The non-profit awards funding to alternative causes that focus on diversity and support.

Those recipients are: Equality NC Foundation, $2,500, networking to impact statewide LGBT issues; AIDS Care Service, $15,000, support onsite with pantry and Holly Haven Home food needs (up to 77,000 meals) and interim LGBT resource center and teen HIV group; Positive Wellness Alliance, $12,000, direct HIV/AIDS client case management and special support group for women of color; Echo Network, $1,000, “Storyline” project to record “All Families” stories of patents and kids; Triad Softball League, $1,000, sponsorship to increase number of teams and events for “All Families;” Adam Foundation’s “Adolescent Futures” Initiative, $1,000, emergency homeless youth fund, teen suicide prevention, anti-bullying programs; Theatre Alliance of Winston-Salem, $3,000, two diversity or teen-related play productions, “Spring Awakening” and “Sordid Lives;” Triad Pride Men’s Chorus, $1,500, upgrade equipment to improve both live and recorded performances; and Adam Foundation’s “Aging Friends” Initiative, $5,000, create community leadership for project that impact the unique needs of the aging LGBT population.

The two Adam Foundation initiative grants were the first for Forsyth County. In 2011, funds were made available to target LGBT homeless youth. This year the foundation will be collaborating with The Trevor Project on teen suicide. Work will also specifically directed to the aging community and their specialized needs.

For more information or to learn how to support the foundation’s work, visit adamfoundation.org.

— L.M.

Triad

Charlotte

Amendment workshop scheduled

Theatre company mounts gay Abe play

CHARLOTTE — The Queen City Theatre Company brings its “Abraham Lincoln’s Big, Gay Dance Party” to the Queen City from Aug. 16-25 at Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. Each of the three acts gives audience members the opportunity to see the story from different characters’ viewpoint. And, to make things more interesting, the audience decides in what order the acts are performed. Of course, top hats and beards abound during this presentation as prejudice, both past and present, are depicted and explored.

The story surrounds a fourth-grade Christmas pageant in Lincoln’s rural Illinois hometown which sets off a firestorm of controversy when it calls into question Honest Abe’s sexuality. When the most beloved homegrown hero is “outed,” a thoughtprovoking, laugh-out-loud funny and uniquely American story unfolds, offering surprises at every turn as the trial of the century begins, big city reporters and congressional candidates descend, and family skeletons are forced out of the closet.

The off-Broadway hit was written by Aaron Loeb.

Tickets are $22-24 with discounts for students and seniors. A special discounted performance will be held on Aug. 21.

For more information, visit queencitytheatre.com.

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qnotes

Aug. 4-17 . 2012

WINSTON-SALEM — The Campaign for Southern Equality will hold a workshop, “What Amendment One Means for You and Your Family,” on dealing with legal issues in a postAmendment One world on Sept. 15, 1-2:30 p.m. at Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 S. Green St. Led by Attorneys Bradley J. Wiedeman and Diane Walton, the presenters will focus on the information specific to in-depth analysis of Amendment One. Attendees will be able to engage in a Q&A during the workshop.

Free childcare is provided.

Sponsors are Green Street, Equality Winston-Salem and Equality NC. Co-sponsors are: Center for Participatory Change; Western NC Citizens to End Institutional Bigotry; Cogburn & Brazil, P.A.; Walton Law Office; National Center for Lesbian Rights; Southern Poverty Law Center; Lambda Legal; and ACLU of North Carolina.

Plans for a live online workshop are in the works on a future undetermined date.

Similar workshops were held in July at Charlotte and Asheboro.

For more information, visit southernequality.org.

— L.M.

Triangle Conference registration open

RALEIGH — Gay Christian Network has announced that early-bird registration is now available for its 2013 “Oasis” conference slated for Jan. 10-13, 2013, in Phoenix, Az. Deadline is Aug. 7 for their “super early bird special.” Cost is $99. Early bird registration is $120 until Sept. 30; online, $135, Dec. 9; onsite, $160; and women’s retreat, $25.

Rejuvenate, refresh and revitalize during

this three-day event that allows participants to renew themselves, away from the day-today grind and worry. Examine the love of God through the promise of reaching the Oasis.

In addition to the conference, for the first time a Women’s Retreat will take place on Jan. 10, just prior to the opening of Oasis that evening. Enjoy worship, Bible study and fellowship.

The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, 7677 N. 16th St., will serve as host hotel and conference site. Room rates are $139 per room with TGC or The Gay Christian Network Conference code. Rates are also the same for three days prior to or afterward for those who want to explore the area. Cut-off date for booking at the conference rate is Dec. 9.

Speakers (pictured) so far are Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel, a senior minister at First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn in Illinois, also serves as an editor-at-large for Christian Century Magazine among others, as well as authoring books on spirituality. In addition to Daniel, GCN Founder and Executive Director Justin Lee will be on hand as well. He has been an avid bridge builder between opposing factions and has also been seen in print, on radio and television through “Dr. Phil,” “Anderson Cooper 360,” OUT magazine, and more.

Guests slated are Jennifeer Knapp, a Christian musician, and Namoli Brennet, a transgender singer/songwriter.

Scholarships are also available for the conference. Requests must meet the Sept. 30 deadline to be considered.

Food and lodging are not included in the registration costs.

For more information or to register, visit gaychristian.net.

In other news, GCN’s newly hired web developer has left the organization and they are in urgent need of someone to take over the reigns. Lee has stepped in temporarily until the position is filled. Those who are highly skilled in PHP development, either part-time, full-time or on a volunteer basis should send their intent to gaychristian.net/jobs/webdev.php.

— L.M.

Project shares stories

RALEIGH — The Know + Love project is a collaborative initiative between the ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation and Equality NC. Since its inception in the wake of passage of anti-gay Amendment One, it is encouraging North Carolina LGBT families to share their stories as a way to raise awareness and increase public support for equal rights for LGBT people.

The ACLU has acknowledged the support of Stiefel Freethought Foundation that helped with Know + Love website creation. Its founder and president, Todd Stiefel, is a freethought activist. The Freethought Movement challenges the status quo through knowledge and reason. It has associations with the Humanist and atheist ideologies.

Triangle Community Foundation, Durham, also supports the work through video stories that bring to light the effects of discrimination

against LGBT Triangle Tar Heel citizens.

For more information or to share family stories, visit knowandlove.org.

— L.M.

Western Church to publish cookbook

HENDERSONVILLE — MCC Sacred Journey is in the process of producing its first-ever cookbook as a way to raise funds for its annual operating budget. Project planning began last January.

They have been collecting recipes since June and continue to find advertising supporters who will help offset the book’s publishing costs. Ad size and pricing is: full page, $75; half page, $45; $15, patron ad; and business card, $35. Payments can be made online via PayPal through the church website. Due date for ads is Aug. 8.

Pre-orders for the cookbooks are being taken up until Labor Day weekend and make a great gift. Cost is $12 for one or $20 for two.

The expect to have about 250 recipes when the project is complete. Delivery is slated for early December.

The church began in 2008 and has continued to grow. It now has 61 members, plus friends and guests. Attendance from singles and families crosses the spectrum from those of the LGBTQ and straight communities. Participants come from Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

A two-year MCC affiliation anniversary will be celebrated on Aug. 12 with Rev. Brendan Y. Boone, St. John’s MCC, Raleigh, as guest speaker.

For advertising and ad placement technical information or to order a cookbook, email mccsjcookbook@yahoo.com or visit mccsacredjourney.org. Checks can be sent to the church at P.O. Box 2356, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

— L.M.

Pros host extravaganza

ASHEVILLE — The Association of Lesbian Professionals (ALPS) will hold its First Annual ALPS Extravaganza dance on Aug. 18, 7:30-11 p.m, at 11 on Grove, 11 Grove St. A host of door prizes will be up for grabs for those attending this soirée, as well as participation in a silent auction including a night’s stay at Mountain Laurel B&B, gift certificates from Lowe’s, chiropractic services and more.

ALPS is a Western North Carolina social group that focuses on community understanding and enjoyment. They are entertaining ways to fundraise to support its work.

Membership is $15 per year which nets attendance at monthly meetings, receipt of monthly newsletter, free announcements in the newsletter, free listing on the website, access to ALPS activities and entrance to two annual ALPS-sponsored dance parties.

For more information, visit alpsofasheville.net.

— L.M.

National/Global Black MSM ‘bearing the brunt’ of HIV

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Study results released at the recent 19th International AIDS Conference show disturbing rates of new HIV infections occurring among black gay and bisexual men in the U.S. (also known as men who have sex with men, or MSM), particularly young black MSM. The HPTN 061 study showed that the overall rate of new HIV infections among black MSM in the study was

2.8 percent per year, a rate that is nearly 50 percent higher than in white MSM in the U.S. Even more alarming, it was found that young black MSM — those 30 years of age and younger — were infected with HIV at a rate of 5.9 percent per year, three times the rate among U.S. white MSM. Overall, the infection rate among black MSM in the study is reported to be comparable to the rate seen in the general populations of countries in sub-Saharan Africa hardest hit by the HIV epidemic.

“These study results show that in proportion to their numbers, Black MSM are bearing the brunt of the HIV epidemic here in the United States, even in comparison to other groups of gay and bisexual men,” said study researcher Dr. Kenneth Mayer. “We found that the men had many unmet medical and social service needs. There is an urgent need to focus resources to address these high rates of HIV infection as part of the larger national strategy to combat the AIDS epidemic.”

— D.S.

Mitt Gets Worse campaign launch

WASHINGTON, D.C. — American Bridge 21st Century and Courage Campaign Super PAC have partnered to launch Mitt Gets Worse, a new national effort to educate voters about Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s anti-LGBT positions. The campaign’s name is a twist on the grassroots anti-bullying campaign It Get’s Better.

Romney has earned a reputation as a flipflopper — changing his positions in whatever direction advances his career. But, when it comes to LGBT issues, there’s one thing you can always count on, his detractors declare: Mitt Gets Worse.

The Mitt Gets Worse campaign is an oral

history of Romney’s efforts to diminish the rights and freedoms of LGBT Americans, as told by LGBT advocates and allies who have personally been impacted by his anti-equality agenda. The first video released by the campaign is from Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council, which represents more than a million LGBT parents and their children. The video is available for viewing now at Youtube. Over the next few weeks, the campaign will be releasing many more of these first-person accounts.

— D.S.

Rule would extend health benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July 20, the Office of Personnel Management published a proposed rule that extends health benefits to many children being raised by LGBT federal employees.

The regulation clarifies that children of a federal worker’s same-sex domestic partner qualify for health, dental, and vision insurance provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.

The Human Rights Campaign urged OPM to take this important step as part of its Blueprint for Positive Change, a series of recommendations to the Obama administration for regulatory and policy changes that would improve the lives of LGBT Americans, without the need for Congress to act. President Obama and OPM, under the leadership of Director John Berry, have taken significant steps to extend employee benefits to LGBT federal workers and their families. Among these are sick and bereavement leave, long-term care insurance, relocation assistance, child care subsidies and access to certain retirement annuities.

The proposed rule is currently open for 60 days of public comment, beginning with the date of publication. HRC reps said the group will submit comments and continue to follow the regulatory process to ensure that the strongest possible final regulation emerges.

— D.S.

Lt. Gov. stereotypes black lesbians

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Florida Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll (pictured), the highest-ranking black woman ever to serve in Florida government, provoked outrage last month when she disparaged and stereotyped black lesbians in an effort refute the claims of a former staffer.

The controversy erupted when the ex-staffer said she was fired after walking in on the Lt. Governor in a sexually “compromising position” with a female aide. In responding to the allegations, Carroll told reporters, “Black women who look like me don’t engage in relationships like that.”

Her comments drew national criticism from all corners including a widely distributed editorial by Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “As a black lesbian from Florida, I personally felt the sting of Florida Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll’s words,” said Smith.

“Instead of simply denying the claims, she stereotyped black lesbians in order to deflect her own charges. With that one quick statement, Lt. Governor Carroll appealed to racial and homophobic stereotypes that do real harm.”

Other black commentators from around the country also criticized Carroll for her comments including Kimberley McLeod, from The National Black Justice Coalition, and Aisha and Danielle Moodie Mills, two D.C.-based lesbians who were the first to be featured in Essence magazine’s wedding section. Doria Roberts (via The Huffington Post) launched the #ThisisWhatALesbianLooksLike hashtag that many women used to show the diversity of the lesbian community.

— D.S.

Gay candidate seeks office

KIAMBU, Kenya — David Kuria, general manager of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, is making history as the first-ever openly gay candidate for Senate. If elected, Kuria would represent Kenya’s Kiambu County, which has a population of more than 1.6 million people.

Kuria says many Kenyans will be angered by the simple fact that an out LGBT person is running for office.

However, he refuses to exit the race because of the critical work that needs to be done. “If elected as Senator, we must ensure that the principles of equality and non-discrimination are respected for all people, not just in my own county but also across Africa,” he said. “We will only be able to crush the oppressive stereotypes that people have of the LGBTI community if we are publicly seen doing and working for the public interest.”

— D.S. info: Have news or other information? Send your press releases and updates for inclusion in our News Notes: editor@goqnotes.com.

Aug. 4-17 . 2012

qnotes

7

NEWS

Fixin’ up the ‘hood Plaza Midwood construction project stirs concern and positive potential

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Construction crews prepare for new parking spaces on Commonwealth Ave. in the heat of the afternoon on July 25.

CHARLOTTE — The city’s hippest neighborhood is getting a makeover. Come fall, parts of Plaza Midwood will have new public parking, redesigned sidewalks and new landscaping, thanks to a $4.1 million construction project funded by voter-approved city bonds.

As of press time, workers were still digging up parts of Commonwealth Ave. between Thomas Ave. and Pecan Ave. When done there, construction will move to The Plaza.

Reaction to the project has been mixed, though many business owners and customers are looking forward to the changes. Expanded parking options will provide the biggest boon for local business.

“I think it is going to be really good,” says Curtis Tutt, a co-owner of Petra’s, a Commonwealth Ave. bar popular with gay patrons. “It will take away all the claimed parking spaces that people are towing from right now; [they] won’t be able to tow anymore, so all the spaces will be available for all the businesses.”

Tutt says parking has been issue for their business in the past.

“We only have a few spaces in front of our building, but the hours we are open most of the other businesses are closed but … they were still towing,” Tutt says.

Co-owner Jerry Brown says parking concerns have lessened over recent years as new business owners have been more willing to share their spaces. He’s more ex-

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cited about the project’s potential to increase pedestrian activity.

“I would hope that it would make this whole immediate neighborhood more walkable and that people wouldn’t feel like they need to pull right up in front of [a business] to go in,” Brown says. “I hope that foot traffic will increase. Right now the foot traffic is basically people going to The Diamond or coming from The Penguin. I hope it will make more of a ‘crawl’ atmosphere.”

Fortunately, the construction frenzy hasn’t had an effect on neighborhood walkers right now. Josh Villapando, manager at Plaza Midwood’s Common Market, says the pedestrian traffic continues to flow in to his convenience store. Drivers, though, are steering clear. “[The construction] has definitely slowed down daytime business,” Villapando says.

“Because we’re not on a main drag, people have been avoiding Commonwealth Ave.” Above and beyond business matters, Villapando says he’s personally concerned about the effect the new construction will have on Plaza Midwood’s grungy charm and character.

“I haven’t noticed any construction in Charlotte that has helped preserve the history of Charlotte,” he says.

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NEWS

Conference a learning opportunity on trans, faith issues Organizers welcome all with ‘open hearts, minds and spirits’

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — Organizers of the TransFaith In Color Conference say they are expecting growth and new opportunities for learning at their second event hosted in the Queen City, slated this year for Aug. 17-19.

The conference was first held in Charlotte last year. It originally grew out of a summit of transgender people of faith and people of color held in 2010. The event features live performances, receptions and parties, workshops and seminars, activism and advocacy training and interfaith worship.

Conference founder Bishop Tonyia Rawls, of Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, says the event is special for Charlotte and surrounding areas.

“I think there are other events that happen that draw broad appeal but one of the things that is unique is that we are a southern-based gathering and one that is also primarily people of color and people of faith,” Rawls says. “When you talk about transgender people of faith and color and allies, that’s a pretty unique kind of gathering.”

Throughout the weekend event, conference attendees and leaders will be working to bridge differences and brainstorm ways to create more safe and equal places for all people and especially for those who are transgender or gender-variant.

Rawls hopes people will come with honest questions and be ready for honest conversations.

“One of the things we definitely need to own within the progressive community and especially within the [lesbian, gay and bisexual] community is that we say ‘LGBT’ and it rolls very easily off our tongues,” she says. “But, in terms of the lived experience, [transgender people] in most instances are invisible and are often times actually harmed in terms of the way we interact.”

Those people of faith working with the conference, Rawls says, have been willing to step up to the plate and examine where gay and transgender people fit into the lives of their communities.

“I had to own my own need to learn and to grow around my transgender sisters and brothers,” Rawls recounts, once asking herself how much she really understood about the people around here. These days, Rawls says, transgender people are integral members of her own congregation.

The conference, which is free to attend, is expected to draw upwards of 300 or more attendees. On Saturday, attendees will be able to attend “Sweet-T,” billed as a “southern-style” party hosted by The Freedom Center for Social Justice, Red Frog Entertainment and Sophisticated Lyfe.

The event will feature a “mini-ball” with area drag and performance houses and trans rapper Rocco Katastrophe whose music has been featured on Showtime’s “The L Word.”

“It’s really going to be an incredible night,” Rawls says. “We’re bringing together the ball community, the house community, rap community, young people — it really promises to be one of the more diverse gatherings we’ve had in our community in a long time.”

The events are open to the public.

“As long as they come with open, respectful hearts, minds and spirits, they are welcome,” Rawls says.

If you go

Trans rapper Rocco Katastrophe will join Charlotte’s

Freedom Center for Justice for a Saturday, Aug. 18 What: TransFaith In Color party during the TransFaith In Color Conference.

When: Aug. 17-19 Photo courtesy Rocco Katastrophe, via TransFaith In Color.

Where: University Place Hilton, 8629 JM Keynes Dr. Cost: Free registration (does not include Saturday night “Sweet-T” party or hotel lodging) More Info: transfaithincolor.org Sweet-T Party: Held Aug. 18 at the Hilton Hotel featuring a “mini-ball” with area houses and hosted by Red Frog Productions, Sophisticated Lyfe and The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Featuring trans rapper Rocco Katastrophe. For more information, visit transfaithincolor.org.

Conference Speakers: Panelists and special guests at the conference will include Allyson Robinson (Human Rights Campaign), Charlotte City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield, Southerners on New Ground Executive Director Caitlin Breedlove, local psychologist Dr. Lisa Griffin and lawyer and Trans People of Color Coalition founder Kylar Broadus, among others.

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NEWS

New center leaders see growth, future potential Board leaders dish on new location, Democratic Convention

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte got new board leadership in July. Newly-appointed chair Scott Coleman and vice chair Roberta Dun say they’re encouraged by the organization’s recent growth and future endeavors.

Coleman, who replaced departing chair John Stotler, has lived in Charlotte since 1990.

A native of Greenville, S.C., Coleman saw his first stint in community involvement during the Human Rights Campaign Gala in 2009.

Later that year, he began volunteering for the center, joined the board in 2010 and was appointed vice chair last year.

In the time he’s been involved, Coleman says he’s seen a change in how the community interacts with the center.

“I think we’ve changed the perception of the center,” he says. “People are starting to get what the center’s for. They see where we’re at.

I think we’re doing a better job of listening to the community and being a part of the community, which is what the center is all about.”

Dunn, too, believes the community has rallied around the organization. Over the past 18 months, she says, the center has seen a “doubling and trippling” of activities and volunteers.

“It used to be an empty shell and now it is full and robust,” Dunn says. “I find it much more welcoming to people than it was in the past.”

The center, Coleman notes, has expanded into full-time hours and recently hired O’Neale Atkinson as a full-time center administrator.

Atkinson, who worked briefly as qnotes’ editor this spring, had worked part-time for the center previously.

Dunn and Coleman credit Stotler for their ability to increase programming and center hours.

“John Stotler did a phenomenal job at the center and got the center back into a good fiscal responsibility,” Dunn says. “People are donating money, though we still need more, but that has grown because more people are coming into the center. We’ve seen great growth in our financial outlook and bottom line. Look at it two years ago or a year-and-ahalf ago and there’s no comparison.”

As the center continues to build its finances, leaders there say they are turning their attention to future growth.

“We’re looking for a new location,” Coleman says. “We’ve enjoyed our space

here at the NC Music Factory, but we’ve done a good job of growing our programs and we’ve outgrown the space.”

Parking has also been an issue. Dunn says it is a mix of both “good news and bad news.”

“When we moved here, it was empty,” she says of the Music Factory complex.

“Now it is at 100 percent and that has taken away one of the convenient things — we had drive-up parking.”

Dunn says the parking situation has impacted programs like HIV/AIDS testing and several other events have had to be cancelled when Music Factory events simply overwhelmed available parking.

“When you cancel too many events, people don’t come back as quickly any more,” Dunn says, noting that a stress on parking makes it more difficult for those who have received free testing at the center .

“When they get here and there is no parking, they leave and they don’t get their results.

That is a problem.”

But, parking isn’t the only consideration.

“We’re looking primarily for something with more space,” Coleman says, noting the organization’s need for increased capacity.

“We’re also looking for something with more visibility. We’ve heard comments made that it is a little bit hard to find us. We’ve had a lot of people in the community express interest in us moving back into the Plaza Midwood area, so that is where we are focusing our efforts right now.”

Dunn and Coleman also see great potential in the upcoming Democratic National Convention. The center plans to open for extended hours and provide resources and services to visiting LGBT delegates and other visitors.

“We’re inviting delegates to come over and use the center as a rest area,” Dunn says.

A group of community members are also planning an LGBT delegate welcome party.

“The center wants to be very supportive and we’re looking at taking a leadership role on that,” Dunn says.

Coleman thinks the recent passage of North Carolina’s anti-LGBT constitutional amendment has sparked people to action. The DNC, he says, provides an outlet for action.

“People are more fired up about the convention, especially since Amendment One passed in May,” he says. “I think people are becoming more politically active, which is a good thing and I think people want to see more political events at the center where they can get involved.”

Coleman says he’s hoping LGBT or LGBT-friendly politicians will feel welcome to stop by the center for events and to meet and greet local community members and convention-goers.

Ultimately, Coleman wants community members to know that the center can be like home.

“I think the center should be the hub of the community,” he says. “It’s nice for people to just come and let their hair down and relax and just talk with their friends and enjoy it.”

For more information about the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, its location, hours, programming or more, visit gaycharlotte.com. : :

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concerts / theatre and stage / opera and dance

The ‘Blind’ ambition of Jay Brannan With release of his first album in four years, Jay Brannan makes a tour stop in Charlotte on Aug. 17

by Gregg Shapiro :: qnotes contributor

Gregg Shapiro: One of the first things that listeners will notice about your new album “Rob Me Blind” is the difference in its sound. “Rob Me Blind” is a more produced album. Why did you go in that direction with this disc?

Jay Brannan: That was 100 percent the goal this time. I take a little bit longer, I think, to make albums than most people because I always want to do it in a very specific way or in the way that feels really right to me. For this album I wanted to do something very me, very much my style, my taste. But I also wanted to take it to a different place and not just make the same album over and over again. I wanted to experiment a little bit with some additional instrumentation and try to do some things that I’ve really been terrified of in the past, like maybe use some drums or percussion and stuff. But I wanted to do it with the right person, so I had to set out, or hold out, I suppose, for the right producer to help me to do that in a way that I could feel comfortable.

How is it that you came to work with producer David Kahne?

Really good luck, I think [laughs]. I made a list of producers that I would kill to work with, my dream list of producers. He was the top person on there, mostly because of the album he made with Regina Spektor called “Begin To Hope.” That is one of my favorite albums. I think it’s one of the best to come out in the last 10 years. So I did what I do, which is basically Google people and try to figure out how to track them down on the internet. I managed to figure out who his management was and I sent an email to an address that an intern probably checks every three weeks.

Someone there had heard of my music before and forwarded it to his manager and she forwarded to David and then he contacted me that night directly. We met a couple days later and really got along, so we thought, “Let’s try doing one song together.”

It was really fun so we did another and another and soon we had a whole album. I can’t believe I made an album with someone so incredible. He’s a legend. I’m thrilled.

On “Rob Me Blind” you recorded a new rendition of your song “Beautifully,” which previously appeared, in a different version, on “In Living Cover.” Why did you choose to rerecord that particular song?

I’m really proud of the song “Beautifully” and I really like both versions. I feel like it’s one of my strongest compositions, just in terms of songwriting. When we first started, it was David’s favorite song and he wanted to get his hands on it and do some arranging for it. I thought, why not give it another life and see what other form it can take. It’s a little bit of a dangerous decision, because the other version has been out there for three years and a lot of people have responded to it. There are a lot of people who don’t want to hear it differently. But I really do like both versions. I don’t see why they both can’t have a life of their own.

Speaking of “In Living Cover,” you performed covers of songs by Joni Mitchell, Ani DiFranco and Dolores O’Riordan, among others, on that disc. In your song “The State of Music” on “Rob Me Blind,” you pay tribute to those three women, and a few others.

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Those are musicians that are definitely up there, that I like listening to, and that I respect as singers or songwriters. The Cranberries were my favorite band when I was in eighth grade or something when “No Need To Argue” came out and I listened to that CD on repeat in my room by myself for the next two years.

That holds a lot of weight for me. I didn’t discover Joni Mitchell until recent years, after I released “Goddamned” and people made comparisons to her from my music for whatever reason. I think she’s a much better singer and songwriter than I am, but I’m flattered for the comparison [laughs]. It prompted me to explore her a little bit and I discovered some of her music and developed a really great respect for her. Ani, I think, is one of the best guitar players and songwriters of our time. I also have an immense amount of respect and admiration for Sinead O’Connor.

“Rob Me Blind” is your first album of all original material since 2008’s “Goddamned.” Were these new songs written in one creative burst or were they written over the course of the last few years?

They were written over time. Obviously “Beautifully” was written around 2009. I’m kind of a slow songwriter. And I’m also something of a one-man show. I haven’t had a manager in three years.

I have an agent but I still do a lot of my own booking. Anything outside of North America is all me. My marketing is me. I have to take things in stages. I’ll take a period where I’m creative and I’m writing, and then I have to set time aside to run my business. I don’t have someone else doing that for me.

So it takes me a little bit of time; the creativity only comes in certain periods and certain bursts. Some of those songs have been on YouTube for a while and were never recorded. These are songs that I gathered together and came up with. I even wrote a couple while we were recording the album.

They’re from a large span of time.

Photo Credit: Crackerfarm

“Rob Me Blind” (Nettwerk), out singer/songwriter Jay Brannan’s first album of all original material in four years, takes him in a new direction. Lushly produced by David Kahne, the disc features the type of orchestration that one might not expect to find on a disc by the usually stripped-down singer.

But in presenting his songs this way, Brannan succeeds in not losing himself in the keyboards and drums. That’s to the credit of both performer and producer. I spoke with Jay in early 2012, shortly before the release of “Rob Me Blind.”

As you mentioned, you have been playing shows across the globe, growing an international audience. Was “Denmark” written while you were in Denmark?

[Laughs] No, that’s kind of an inside joke.

“Denmark” was actually written about an experience I had in Brazil [laughs]. I had a little whirlwind love affair when I was visiting Brazil and it was a really special experience where I felt something that I hadn’t felt for someone in that sort of youthful, magic way that you can feel when you connect with someone for the first time in several years. That was written after I got back from Brazil. I have never even been to Denmark [laughs].

“Denmark” is one song that illustrates your gift for word-play, with the line “fallen down a dark carpal tunnel” as an example. Has an unusual turn of phrase ever turned out to be the inspiration or impetus for any of your songs?

Yes, that happens all the time. My writing process is weird; it’s different. I start with something on guitar. I don’t have any real formal guitar training, so I can’t really write a song and then make up a guitar part for it, which I actually did do for one song on this album. But that’s very difficult

for me. Normally I’ll start with guitar and then…half the time I don’t know what the song is going to be about until it’s written, because it starts from the lyric idea or something that pops into my head based on what’s going on in my life. Like you said, I like to take clichés and spin them around or turn them on their heads and then figure out how to work them into a verse somewhere. It happens different ways, but sometimes an idea like that will spark an entire composition.

You can be heard singing in Spanish on “The Spanglish Song.”

Do you speak Spanish or did you need assistance with the lyrics?

[Laughs] I don’t speak Spanish and I did write that by myself.

I did run it by some native speakers to make sure that I had it grammatically correct. I’m a little bit OCD about that kind of thing. If I’m going to do it I’m going to try to do it properly and not sound like an idiot to people who actually speak Spanish.

I don’t speak Spanish and I would love to speak another language, but I don’t. I have to start with just a partial foreignlanguage song [laughs].

There is a subtle air of violence lingering over the album — including the bullet in “Myth of Happiness,” the gut punch in

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concerts / theatre and stage / opera and dance

sounds of music LGBT arts groups and other concerts across region LGBT arts groups across the Carolinas are working themselves up for a fabulous fall and winter season of concerts and performances in Greensboro and Winston-Salem, the Triangle and Charlotte.

For some groups, like the Triad Pride Men’s Chorus, the fall will be spent auditioning for new members and rehearsing for their annual holiday concert. Auditions will be held every Tuesday during August and early September. Those interested in joining the chorus can call the group at 336-589-6267 or email joinus@triadpridemenschorus.org. Triad Pride Men’s Chorus’s holiday performance, “Celebrate!,” will be presented on Dec. 8 at Greensboro Day School and Dec. 15 at Wait Chapel on Winston-Salem’s Wake Forest University campus.

Around the capital, members of the Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus will also be accepting new members in anticipation of two holiday shows in December (details have yet to be announced).

The group will hold auditions on Sept. 4, 11 and 18 at the Durham Arts More Concerts Council, 6:40 p.m. Email membership@tgmchorus.org.

In Charlotte, groups like the Gay Men’s 8/17 // CHARLOTTE Chorus, One Voice Chorus and Charlotte Pride Jay Brannan Band have yet to announce new concerts.

Openly gay, contemporary indie folk Charlotte Pride Band’s Erin Ellenburg says her singer-songwriter Jay Brannan, who group is still waiting on a confirmation for a appeared along with his music in the hit performance venue in November.

2006 cult classic film “Shortbus,” takes Regardless, community members can the stage at the Visulite Theatre. catch each of the three groups performing visulite.com. separately and as a team at this year’s Pride 8/21 // DURHAM Charlotte, slated for Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 in Duran Duran Uptown Charlotte. For more information visit 1980s breakout stars Duran Duran repridecharlotte.com. turn with a new album, “All You need to You can learn more about One Voice, Gay Know.” Durham Performing Arts Center.

Men’s Chorus and Pride Band concerts and dpacnc.com. other events at onevoicechorus.com, 9/14 // CHARLOTTE gmccharlotte.org and charlotteprideband.org.

Brad Paisley Verizon Wireless Amphitheater welCharlotte Symphony comes Brad Paisley with The Band Perry and North Carolina’s own Scotty Join the Charlotte Symphony, directed McCreery. livenation.com.

by Christopher Warren-Green, for a variety of performances this fall. For more 9/30 // CHARLOTTE information on each, visit Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons charlottesymphony.org.

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, of “Sherry” fame, appears in Charlotte to 9/14-15 // The Music of Billy Joel perform longtime hit singles like “Walk 9/21-22 // Season Opener: All Beethoven Like a Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and 9/28 // KnightSounds: The Power of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Belk Theater. blumenthalarts.org. the Song 10/1 // CHARLOTTE 10/5-6 // Firebird!

Celtic Thunder: Voyage 10/26-27 // America Paying homage to the musical culture of 11/2-3 // Christoff Returns!

Ireland, Voyage travels to Charlotte with ensemble members Keith Harkin, Ryan 11/9-10 // Tribute to Benny Goodman Kelly, Neil Byrne, George Donaldson and 11/16-17 // Mozart Mass in C Minor Emmet Cahill, welcoming new member 11/30-12/2 // Magic of Christmas 13-year-old Daniel Furlong. Belk Theater.

12/2 // Handel’s Messiah blumenthalarts.org.

Madonna Madness

Some people hate her. Some people tolerate her. Some people absolutely adore her. For the latter, there’s no debate: Madonna was, is and will forever remain the Queen of Pop. The hit star will come to the Queen City on Nov. 15 for a live performance at the Time Warner Cable Arena.

Tickets are on sale now at livenation. com. As of press time, some tickets were still available but you should expect they’ll go fast. It’ll be a scalpers dream come true.

Photo Credit: UMG

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on stage Plays, Musicals, Comedy 8/9 // WINSTON-SALEM 8/10 // CHARLOTTE Del Shores The famed writer of “Sordid Lives” makes two stops in North Carolina for a reading of his “Naked. Sordid. Reality.”

Aug. 9: Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance, wstheatrealliance.org.

Aug. 10: Petra’s, Charlotte, petraspianobar.com.

concerts / theatre and stage / opera and dance Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis stars in the November production of ‘Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical,’ presented by the Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Photo courtesy BPAC.

8/10 // DURHAM Kathy Griffin Comedian Kathy Griffin headlines a special live event for the N.C. Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Durham Performing Arts Center. dpacnc.com.

8/15-19 // RALEIGH ‘Avenue Q’ The Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy Series presents Tony Award-winning musical “Avenue Q,” from Robert Lopez, writer of the hit “The Book of Mormon.” Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Fletcher Opera Theater. progressenergycenter.com.

8/16-24 // CHARLOTTE ‘Abraham Lincoln’s Big, Gay Dance Party’ Queen City Theatre Company presents Aaron Loeb’s comedy following Illinois schoolteacher Harmony Green after she tells her fourth-grade class that Menard County’s most famous native, Abraham Lincoln, was gay. Queen City Theatre Company. queencitytheatre.com.

8/17-25 // CHARLOTTE Fetch-A-Sketch Mark Pizzato says of comedy troupe The Dysfunctional Figurines “…a new sketch comedy tam has emerged in Charlotte, the best in at least a decade.” Carolina Actors Studio Theatre. nccast.com.

9/14-23 // WINSTON-SALEM ‘Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public’ A hilarious sequel to the hit musical, “The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public” takes up where the last left off with hilarious twists and turns as the IRS zeroes in on a Nevada brothel and Miss Mona is brought in to assist. Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance. wstheatrealliance.org.

9/19-10/17// CHAPEL HILL 11/14-12/1 // CHARLOTTE ‘RED’ A raw and provocative portrait of one artist’s years-long ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work of art. Sept. 19-Oct. 17: PlayMakers Repertory Company, Chapel Hill, playmakersrep.com. Nov. 14-Dec. 1: Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

9/26-10/13 // CHARLOTTE ‘God of Carnage’ After a playground fight between their sons, two high-strung couples meet for a civil discussion. This conversation quickly turns into a laugh-out-loud, train wreck meeting. “God of Carnage” is a 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Play. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte. actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

9/28 // DURHAM Joan Rivers The one and only Joan Rivers brings her special brand of uncensored, uninhibited standup comedy to North Carolina at the Durham Performing Arts Center. dpacnc.com.

10/2-7 // DURHAM ‘War Horse’ This powerfully moving drama tells the story of Joey, the beloved horse of World War I-era teen Albert. Currently playing to packed houses in London and New York, the stage production comes complete with astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. Durham Performing Arts Center. dpacnc.com.

10/9-14 // RALEIGH ‘Legally Blonde’ Produced by North Carolina Theatre, the Broadway hit “Legally Blonde: The Musical” comes to Progress Energy Center’s Memorial Auditorium. progressenergycenter.com.

10/26 // DURHAM David Sedaris Raleigh native David Sedaris, best-selling author and humorist, takes the stage for a one-night appearance celebrating the release of his new title, “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary.” Durham Performing Arts Center. dpacnc.com.

11/6-11 // CHARLOTTE ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ The Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series presents this stirring, hit Broadway musical starring Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis and Grammy Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox. Belk Theatre. blumenthalarts.org.

11/23-12/8 // CHARLOTTE ‘Twilight: Los Angeles 1992’ Local producers On Q Productions presents this documentary theatrical piece by Anna Deavere Smith recounting the aftermath of the 1992 Rodney King trial and verdict and the riots that followed in Los Angeles. Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. youarenowonq.com.

12/19-1/5 // CHARLOTTE ‘Winter Wonderettes’ Ring in the holidays with the Wonderettes and tunes like “O Tannenbaum,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Mele Kalikimaka,” and many more! Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte. actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

Brannan to visit Queen City continued from page 12

“Greatest Hits,” the clawed mortar in “Rob Me Blind” and the shrapnel in “The State of Music.” Does that say something about your current or recent mindset?

It must. Because I’ve never noticed that or thought about it, but now that you mention those lyrics, it makes sense. I suppose if I ever get health insurance, maybe I should see a therapist [laughs]. I feel like I’m known for being the angsty, sad guy, who has the soul of a seventh grade goth girl [laughs]. That’s what inspires me to write: fear, frustration, anxiety, anger, all those things that I have a difficult time coping with. Those are the reasons that I write songs, so that I’m able to say it out loud.

When you put antisocial sentiments to music or in the context of art, people are able to tolerate or stomach them more. I

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guess that’s who I am. The stuff that’s coming out in ways that people will listen and maybe be a little less critical, I think.

You also look love dead in the eye on songs such as “La La La” and “A Love Story.” So is love in the cards for you?

[Laughs] I sure hope so! But I don’t know if there’s any way of knowing that for sure. I would like it to be, but it hasn’t been in the past decade or so. I’ve not been in a relationship in a very long time. I’m hoping that I’m capable of it but my track record is not good.

It’s been a few years since moviegoers were introduced to you in “Shortbus.” Do you have any plans to return to film?

I would love to do more acting. It’s something that is always in the back of my mind. If I have the chance to go after opportunities I do. Actually after we get off the phone I’m heading to an audition for a TV show. Every now and then I do get the chance to go out and audition for stuff. But it’s hard because I’d like to do both music and acting, but they work very differently. Music has to be planned at least six months in advance and acting, you have to be available at all times for a last-minute thing. It’s hard to coordinate the two. I hope that at some point it works out because I’d love to do more acting for sure. Obviously “Shortbus” was a really important vehicle for my music. But for me the two really build on each other. : :

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Fall A&E Guide concerts / theatre and stage / opera and dance

voice and motion Opera and Dance 8/10 // CARY Evening of Arias North Carolina Opera, Cary Visual and and Cary Cross Currents Chamber Music Arts Festival present a special concert featuring Anthony Ross Constanzo, Rachel Copeland and the Brussels Chamber Orchestra.

Cary Arts Center. carycrosscurrentsfestival.com.

duction of the ballet, “The Nutcracker.” Belk Theater. ncdance.org.

9/14-15 // CHARLOTTE UNCC Faculty Dance Concert Featuring original choreography from the professional repertory of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte Department of Dance faculty. Anne R. Belk Theater, Robinson Hall, UNCC campus. coaa.uncc.edu/faculty-dance-concert/.

12/18-23 // CHARLOTTE ‘Cirque Dreams: Holidaze’ Director Neil Goldberg returns with an international cast in this costumed circus-like holiday performance.

Knight Theater. blumenthalarts.org.

12/10 // WINSTON-SALEM ‘Nutcracker’ The University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ acclaimed annual performance of the ballet, “The Nutcracker.” Stevens Center. uncsa.edu/stevenscenter/.

10/13-21 // CHARLOTTE ‘Tosca’ Performed in Italian with English titles, “Tosca” is set in Rome in 1800 and tells the story of an escaped political prisoner and his love of celebrated singer Floria Tosca.

Presented by Opera Carolina at Belk Theater. operacarolina.org.

10/25-27 // CHARLOTTE Limitless North Carolina Dance Theatre presents choreographers Sasha Janes and Dwight Rhoden’s “Limitless.”

Knight Theater. ncdance.org.

11/2-3 // GREENSBORO Dance Festival The University of North Carolina-Greensboro hosts the North Carolina Dance Festival.

Aycock Auditorium, UNCG campus. performingarts.uncg.edu.

12/8-23 // CHARLOTTE ‘Nutcracker’ North Carolina Dance Theatre’s annual pro-

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North Carolina Dance Theatre presents “Limitless” in October.

Photo Credit: Jeff Cravotta

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on the map nightlife Sunday

Barbeque & Bloody Marys, Bar at 316 free BBQ from 3-6 p.m.

The Sunday Social Spades/Card Games & House Muzik, Nickel Bar from 5 p.m.-Midnight House Cast Show, The Scorpio with DJ 4Real. 11:30 p.m.

Woodshed Sundays, The Woodshed free dinner buffet served at 6:30 p.m. karaoke, 9 p.m.

Monday

Movie Night, Bar at 316 starts at 9 p.m.

Monday Madness, Chasers pool tournament at 11:30 p.m. $25 cash prize and $25 bar tab.

Boxing & Monday Night Football, Sidelines Free Pool, The Woodshed all day.

Tuesday

Karaoke with Metro Mike, Bar at 316 starts at 9 p.m.

Pool Tournament, Central Station Twisted Trivia, Chasers with Tiffany Storm & Brooklyn Dior.

Showtime at 12:30 a.m.

Trivia Tuesdays, Marigny hosted by Roxxy C. Moorecox 7 p.m.

Midwood Madness, Petra’s half-price bottles of wine Karaoke, The Woodshed starts at 9 p.m.

Underwear Night, The Woodshed

Friday

Game Night, Bar at 316 Team Trivia and Line Dancing, Hartigan’s starts at 8 p.m.

Karaoke, Petra’s hosted by Rachel Houdek. 9 p.m.

Wicked and Wild Wednesdays, The Scorpio featuring Tiffany Storm with DJ 4Real. 11 p.m.

Pool Tournament, The Woodshed starts at 10:30 p.m.

House DJ and Dancing, Bar at 316 Free HIV Testing, Connections the 4th Friday of every month. 8-10 p.m.

A-List Fridays, Marigny hosted by SugaWalls Entertainment. 10 p.m.

Feel Good Fridays Dance Night, Nickel Bar from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

Live Performances, Petra’s Roxy’s Rainbow Review, The Rainbow In starts at 11p.m.

Life’s a Drag, The Scorpio with Tiffany Storm. 11:30 p.m.

Thursday

Saturday

Wednesday

Thursday Night House Party, Bar at 316 Pool Tournament, Central Station Rockin’ Well Thursdays, Chasers with Valerie Rockwell. Show starts at 12:30 a.m.

Free HIV Testing, Connections the 2nd Thursday of every month. 8-10 p.m.

Karaoke Night, Hartigan’s hosted by Roxxy C. Moorecox. 9 p.m.

Team Boystown, Marigny starts at 10 p.m. $10 cover after 11 p.m.

Drink-n-drown.

SpeakEasy Thursday Open Mic Night, Nickel Bar from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

Karaoke Night, The Rainbow In free for members. $5 guests. $6 under 21.

House DJ and Dancing, Bar at 316 The Angela Lopez Show, Chasers show starts at 12:30 a.m.

Live DJ, Hartigan’s Krewe Saturdays, Marigny Sexy Saturdays Special Events, Nickel Bar from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

Live Performances, Petra’s Urban Variety Show, The Scorpio with Elaine Davis. Midnight showtime.

Congregations MCC Charlotte Worship service every Sunday, 10:45 a.m.

Bible study every Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 p.m.

New Life MCC Worship service every Sunday, 7 p.m.

Monthly covered dish dinner and coffeehouse-style worship service on the first Sunday of every month, 6 p.m.

Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte Worship service every Sunday, 10:45 a.m.

Bible 101: second and fourth Sunday of every month, 9 a.m.

Wednesday night Bible study and discussion, 7 p.m.

Community The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte Promoting the diversity, acceptance and visibility of the LGBT community through programming and events. gaycharlotte.com White Rabbit North Carolina’s LGBT everything store.

Complete line of Pride merchandise, plus books, magazines, DVDs, T-shirts, underwear and more. info: Don’t see your bar listed here?

Submit your regularly scheduled events to editor@goqnotes.com

Aug. 4-17 . 2012

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Fall A&E Guide

concerts / theatre and stage / opera and dance

anderson cooper

N

ational news icon Anderson Cooper will travel to North Carolina this September. The CNN anchor and Emmy winner, who recently came out as gay, brings his “Anderson Cooper’s 360° World View” to the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) on Friday, Sept. 21.

“World View” is based on CNN’s program, “Anderson Cooper’s 360°.” The stage show takes the format of a 45-minute lecture followed by a 45-minute Q&A session.

“Fans love special events like this at DPAC as past speakers like David Sedaris, Garrison Keillor, Bill O’Reilly, Ira Glass and Anthony Bourdain have been some of our most talked about

presentations since opening,” Bob Klaus, DPAC general manager, said in a release. “To have an international news figure on our stage brings a whole new dimension to the theater. And as always, our state-of-the-art sound, video and sightlines will ensure guests an intimate experience unmatched by any other theater in the region.”

Tickets went on sale on Saturday, July 28 online at dpacnc. com, at Ticketmaster.com, at Ticketmaster outlets including Walmart and at the DPAC Ticket Center, 919-680-2787, 123 Vivian St., in Durham. : :

Support your local LGBT media during the Democratic National Convention Businesses, non-profits and individuals can sponsor QNotes’ DNC coverage for as little as $50.

Learn more at goqnotes.com/dncsponsor/

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LIFE

20 Questions James Alexander Langteaux, Louisville, Ky.

by David Stout :: david@goqnotes.com

James Alexander Langteaux is an international reporter/ producer/host who recently came out publicly with his new book, “Gay Conversations with God: Straight Talk on Fanatics, Fags and the God Who Loves Us All.” He wrote most of the book while living in Charlotte, although he moved recently to Louisville. James says he is missing Charlotte and his incredible friends and plans to return often.

I had the pleasure of meeting James a few times while he lived in the Queen City and always found him funny and interesting — in other words, a perfect subject for 20 Questions. Read on to learn more about this man who carries Charlotte around in his heart wherever he might be. (And, if you didn’t seen his recent “Anderson Cooper is Gray” article in The Washington Post, you should check it out, too.)

Did you collect anything while you were growing up?

Silver coins. When I was about nine years old silver prices went sky high and I tried tricking an old lady next door into selling me her “old quarters and old dimes.” She said she had an attic full and I could have all I could carry. I was so excited I could barely breathe. Turns out, she was more cunning than I was and her attic was full of old Time’s” — as in Time Magazine. What could I do but clean out her damn attic! (Did I mention it was August?)

btw). I haven’t seen “To Sir, With Love” but, oddly, I can hum the theme song.

What food do you most associate with family gettogethers?

My great-grandparents came to this country from Austria and Germany, so German potato dumplings, sauerbraten, spaetzle and kraut. And who doesn’t enjoy a little wiener schnitzel, from time to time?

Do you secure your gym locker with a keyed lock or a combination lock?

Definitely a combination lock. I know a keyed lock is safer but there are so few places to keep the key while you are showering.

How old were you the first time you visited a gay club?

I was 22 and on a job interview in San Francisco. The club was called “The Stud” and I think was mentioned in the movie “Milk.” I still remember how fast my heart

see 20 Questions on 25

Can you walk on your hands?

I probably could if my arms were just a little bit longer.

Would you rather ride a jet ski, a roller coaster or a Chippendale?

Well, I’ve ridden them all and I’d have to say a jet ski. I’ve always been a big fan of water sports. Plus, I hate long lines, which rules out both of the other two.

Have you ever touched a dolphin?

I can’t believe you asked that question.

Actually, a dolphin has touched me (inappropriately) and I have a scar on my arm to prove it. I was scuba diving in the Turks and Caicos Islands when Jo Jo the “friendly bisexual dolphin” (no joke) took a bite out of my elbow!

So odd, considering I’ve always insisted on dolphin-safe tuna!

How do these films rank based on the number of times you’ve seen them: “Dead Poets Society,” “Lean On Me,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” “To Sir, With Love”? #1 “Dead Poets” (about 25 times); #2 “Lean On Me” (maybe 4 times). I have only watched Oprah a couple of times (when did she get married, and you spelled her name wrong,

Aug. 4-17 . 2012

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A&E

out in the stars by charlene lichtenstein qnotes contributor

August 4 -17

Let’s take a look at August as life heats up to a rapid boil. Retrograde Pluto squares retrograde Uranus through the month. Change comes at the most surprising times and from the most surprising places. Hang 10 and surf through the tumult. Or, is it hang 11?

LEO (07.24-08.23) While you might think that August is a grand time to get away from it all, it may not actually work out as you planned. Proud Lions are in for an

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unusual series of surprises while away from home.

Maybe the answer to your need for escape is to find relaxation closer to home. How about cooling your heels poolside or with a crowd of pals at the local watering hole?

VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Romantic, queer Virgins certainly have the oomph, but may miss the intended target of their ardor this month. And the reactions from would-be

lovers is priceless…at least to them! You have so much love to give. Be sure that your feelings are recognized, reciprocated and treasured. Wearing your heart on your sleeve just increases your drycleaning costs.

LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Partnerships are undergoing a transformation and these changes can upend your home life. Whether that means you will be moving in, moving out or moving around is up to you. But, as circumstances change, you will be required to make a decision. Proud Libras prefer the diplomatic route. Go with the flow if possible, but be prepared to paddle and steer.

SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Work and nitpicky job-related tasks are piling up and can eventually bury you if you don’t get it under control early in the month. Proud Scorps are often good at barking orders, but no one hears you now. Handle it all as best as you can and feel confident that no one can do it as well as you. Yes, keep telling yourself that as you work yet another weekend.

SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Fun has a way of getting totally out of hand. Maybe that is a good thing, but for those who want to know ahead of time how much to stock the bar, I suggest some realistic planning and budgeting for any festive event this month. Gay Archers can also feed their inner artist with creative projects and inspirational company. Nude body painting anyone?

CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Pink Caps know how to get ahead. And, this month you have a surprising helping hand. You have a relative who is prepared to introduce you to some very important people. Be open to the possibilities and keep the familial lines of communication active. How about a couple of backyard get-togethers to pave the way? You could even have it on the lawn.

AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) You might blurt out a closely guarded secret by mistake this August. So watch what you say, how you say it and when you say it, Aqueerius. Your words can pack a punch anyway you slice it. If you are interested in making a strong impression, you definitely will. Channel this energy into something charitable and worthy of your efforts to appease the fates.

PISCES (02.20-03.20) Anything that you plan to do with friends, no matter how simple, can wind up

costing you much more than you anticipate. While it is hard for Guppies to stick within a strict budget, at least keep a close eye on your bottom line now.

This is also not a great time to invest. Hold your cash close and wait until the fall before you move it around. Let others treat you.

ARIES (03.21-04.20) Your career goes into overdrive as the people you meet unexpectedly push you into the center stage. Are you ready for your close-up or trying to bide your time in the background to plan your big move? There is no chance of hiding, gay Ram. You are not only front and center, but showcased. So, do what you will and see how the chips fall. Hopefully, into place.

TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Don’t even think of trying to hide any great secrets from the world, queer Bull. There is no chance of quiet introspection now. Everything you fear and try to hide could be splashed into the center of the zeitgeist and digested with today’s news cycle.

So, show confidence, swim with the sharks, play with the biggies and pretend to be fearless and open. It is your only chance.

GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Friends create complications for you, especially as they seem to maneuver into the middle of one of your great love affairs. Chalk it up to the planets this month and try to keep platonic and passionate relationships completely separate, if possible. If that is impossible, at least try to maintain a good sense of humor and let things roll off your back. Keep trying.

CANCER (06.22-07.23) Your best corporate maneuvering could swerve off course if you don’t pay close attention to the details. Even then, there are some surprising developments that can change relationship dynamics. Partnerships could be in for a transformation or an upheaval. When in doubt, slowly back away and see if you can hide in your shell until things calm down. : : © 2012 Madam Lichtenstein, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Entertainment. info: Visit www.TheStarryEye.com for e-greetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. My book “HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.

A&E

tell trinity by trinity qnotes contributor

Rejection 101

Dear Trinity, I’m a 30-year-old escort having the time of my life. However, after hundreds of clients, I recently experienced my first rejection. It’s awful! I could have just died. I’m trained in many things, but not that. What’s an escort to do?

Baby Boomer for Hire, Boston, MA Dear Baby, Some enlightened souls become escorts for money, adventure or survival, but many escorts quickly find out that escorting is really an experiment in rejection and self-acceptance. If one act of rejection is throwing you into a frantic search for your pacifier, then take this as a big sign that you need to learn the truth about rejection, acceptance and your own self-esteem.

Beauty (or ugly) is in the eye of the beholder. People simply have “types” and that has nothing to do with you even when it does. It’s all about the guy buying the art and nothing to do with the art itself. So, pumpkin, start seeing rejection as your enlightened lesson toward higher self-acceptance!

Dearest Trinity, I go on many dates and often meet great guys, but I can’t seem to keep a boyfriend. Should I stop trying and become a monk?

Manhunter or Monk, Kansas City, MO Dearest M. or M., Remember, men are boys in grownup bodies. Most would rather play with their remote controls then deal with relationships.

Keep hunting and beware of what you’re catching and how you are going about it. Life, my darling, is a daring adventure or it is nothing, so never stop trying. (Check out how I resolve this dilemma while gazing at my cartoon.)

Hello Trinity, I took your advice about powerdating (dating many guys at once). But, when is it time to date just one guy?

The More The Merrier, St. Louis, MO Hello Merry, Dating more than one guy while powerdating is smart. I always say, don’t put all your “Leggs” in one basket.” It may leave you nothing or no one to fall back on! But, eventually you must take that leap into one man’s arms with full extension, I mean attention! The time to say, “I do” or “It’s just you” will arrive when you know it, not sooner or later and not at any specific time. And, honey, don’t forget to enjoy the ride! Good luck.

Hey Trinity, I’ve always thought of you as an upbeat, New Age gal. I could use some help on staying happy and on top of life.

Not So Upbeat, Dallas, TX Hey Not So Upbeat, In the summer of 1987, the Harmonic Convergence came to light and so did I. Dr. Bernie Seagle, Louise Hays and Leo

Buscaglia all agree that to stay happy and on top of life, we must keep reaffirming our positive thoughts. That’s why, sweetie, I do morning affirmations like these:

Trinity’s First Ten Morning Affirmations 1. I may be overworked and a bit out of shape, but damn it girl, you’ve got purchasing power!

2. Honey, you’re not in jail, in the hospital or in the gutter, so be proud!

3. So, I’m pushing 50 and single, but I’ve never been wife beaten or made to do laundry!

4. I put you through two masters degrees, a singing and writing carrier, vacations all over the world. Now…tell me you love me!

5. I may not be as famous as Rupal, but she doesn’t have a syndicated cartoon character of herself!

6. You may not be as rich as Dame Edna, but you’ve got class and charm down to a science!

7. I know every man you meet is on anti-depressants, but at least they’re attractive!

8. The rent’s paid, the car works and you still turn heads on Saturday night, so stop complaining!

9. Forget about the wrinkles and love handles! God made plastic surgeons and insurance claims for a reason!

10. Y ou are gorgeous, talented, healthy and one hell of a lover.

So, chin up and off to work you go!

— With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking” a weekly radio drama performed globally and is now minister of WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings. info: www.telltrinity.com . Trinity@telltrinity.com Sponsored by: WIG Ministries Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! www.wigministries.org

Aug. 4-17 . 2012

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A&E

drag rag by miss della qnotes contributor

Pageants wind down and wind up — oh, how fun!

Oh, guys and gals, it’s that time of the month again when we talk pageantry. Time just flies, even when you’re not having fun, but staying busy regardless. Miss Della has had no famous road trip this summer except to the glorious NC mountains. But, the time’s coming soon, trust me. Let’s chit-chat about some contests that have taken place already and also a couple that are coming up.

I forgot to mention in the last column, after I brought up the results from All-American Goddess, the lovely tribute they did to the late, great Arabia Knight-Addams who had qualified to compete, of course. An announcement was also made that an achievement award will be given out in her name for her work in the drag community and in the larger gay community, as well, regarding HIV & AIDS care and prevention. I sure miss that queen. Before I move on, did I mention that Brooke Divine-Storm LaReese is the new A-AG promoter for NC? The NC contest will take place in the fall of this year, then the At-Large in the following pageant season. Â

I had the chance to judge Miss Pride Charlotte recently and what a good contest! It was good to see all the formers come out, especially Cinnamen and Dorae Saunders since I’d not seen them in so long.

But, yes, Angela Lopez and Felicia Monet were in the house as well and Elaine Davis was on-hand to relinquish her title. Cierra Nicole did a lovely job with a Katy Perry song (“Wide Awake�) that I now live for, so thanks for that introduction, sis. Anyway, London Dior won and her runners-up were Brooke Divine-Storm LaReese, Malaysia Black and Skylar Monet. Thanks, as always, to Tiffany Diahann Carroll Lovejoy Storm for the lovely introduction/bio. I don’t even write one anymore.

In other systems, we have Cynthia Lee Fontaine winning the most recent Miss TX Continental and Jazelle Barbie Royalle won Miss AllStar in Orlando at Revolution. On the EOY scene, Margeaux Powell won Miss KY with RU Evonka Tration and Ashley Kruiz won FL Regional with RU Joanna James. The new Miss Arizona U.S.ofA. at Large is Kayla Krawford with runners-up Sophia Sinclair and Winnie Goezinya.

By the time Kirby Kolby arrives for Miss NC America in early August, she will have already travelled to so many Miss Gay America prelims with more on the horizon! Some recent qualifiers include VA, Jazmen Diamond and Patti Lovelace; FL, Victoria DuPuis and Essence T. Van Cartier; PA, Cloti Rodriguez and Versace Couture; OH, Selena Terrac and Honey Below; and Atlantic States, Araya Sparxx and Eclipse B. Childs.  And, speaking of Miss NC America, I have some catching up to do! Competing on the weekend of Aug. 9-12 at Scorpio, we’ll see

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Buff Faye, left, hostess of “The Wizard of Oz Sing-A-Long� at Spirit Square that I mentioned in the last Rag along with the retired Sierra Santana, playing the Wicked Witch of the West.

Photo Credit: Š SJ Photography

Miss Greensboro Ivory Jade, Miss Greenville Nellie Bottoms with RU Felicia Monet, Miss Capital City Ariel Knight-Addams and RU Amiyah DuPree-Iman and Miss Hickory Victoria Victors and RU Phoenix D. I had the chance to attend the Miss Central Carolina America that Brooke Divine-Storm LaReese put on at Chasers and was able to see Miss Tara Storm relinquish her title. Paris Nicole Brooks won and her RU was our new Alabama transplant, Miss Phoxie Roxx. That evening, I was able to visit with out-of-town judges Ebbony Addams (a former Miss NC U.S.ofA.) and Jessica Blair Lords, as well as our locals on the panel — Miss NC U.S.ofA. Jamie Monroe, Chip Matthews, the Divas America promoter Macy Alexander and SC U.S.ofA. promoter Carl Caulder.

Let’s plan on going out to a night (or all 4!) of Miss NC America and see the formers who show up, as well as to see what the contestants have prepared for us. It’s always a blast to see the drag fans who come out of the woodwork for this function. I know I have been going since the early ’90s. Maybe I’ll spot Tasha Michaels or Kelly Raye in the audience, and if I get real lucky, maybe Melissa Montgomery will grace us with her presence. Stage presence, that is — something she could teach classes in! See y’all there! : : info: Drop me a line, OK? TheTeaMissD@yahoo.com

20 Questions continued from page 21 was beating — men dancing with men, what a novel concept.

Have you ever sung a solo in public?

This is a mildly embarrassing fact that almost none of my friends even know: I was actually trained in opera as a kid. I made quite a healthy little income singing at weddings until my voice changed.

Do you know how to play pinochle?

Is that another term for “teabagging?”

What’s the last rainbow-colored or gay-themed item you bought?

Would a Fleshlight be considered “gay themed?”

Which one of the following would you ask to the senior prom: Richie Cunningham, Eric Foreman, Alex P. Keaton or Dawson Leery?

Sorry, guys, but if we get a do-over for senior prom I’m taking Jordan Catalano from “My So-Called Life.” Sigh Have you ever purchased a product from an infomercial?

There is some hazy memory of a “Bedazzler” — which would explain all the sequins on my jean jackets.

Can you recite from memory the license plate number of your current vehicle?

I can barely remember what state it’s licensed in!

What’s your favorite book genre for pleasure reading?

I’m a huge fan of quirky, semi-non-fiction along the lines of David Sedaris and Ann Lamott.

Do you have a lucky number?

A few, and most of them start with 704, but I don’t think I should share them.

Apple pie, banana pudding or coconut cake?

COCONUT CAKE! No contest.

How many albums do you own by Blondie, Bette Midler and Bob Marley, added together?

None, I’m afraid. I’m a pretty bad gay in the music department. I loved The Prodigy, Nine Inch Nails and Thompson Twins.

Have you ever given a sex toy as a gift?

Yes, the above mentioned Fleshlight.

Purchased at White Rabbit.

Do you think gay marriage will become the law of the land during your lifetime?

If it doesn’t, then I will regret not having done enough to make it so. : :

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Construction continued from page 8

Brown is less concerned about the parking project’s negative effect on the neighborhood.

“I’m not as worried about this project stripping away the character of the neighborhood as much as I am the apartment complex going up on the corner,” Brown says of The Edison, a planned 300-unit apartment complex at the corner of Pecan and Commonwealth Aves.

“To me, [the complex] is stripping away character because the character is in the type of businesses that are here and that whole culture.”

Barry Pettinato, a nearby resident, says he hopes new infill housing like The Edison doesn’t affect convenience, especially as new restaurants and other establishments like the new Jackalope Jack’s location at Pecan Ave. and Gordon St. open up.

“Right now, if [my partner] and I just want a quick bite to eat, we go down there to park and it’s so easy,” Pettinato says. “I’m a little concerned with what’s going to happen with parking when the density increases a bit.

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Aug. 4-17 . 2012

Maybe people will still be able to find places to park and it won’t affect the neighborhood that much. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Tom Russell, a city engineering project manager, says the new pedscape and parking project will increase total available parking in the area.

“When we started the project there were 64 existing private spaces affected by the project,” Russell says. “When we finish the project, there will be 87 public parking spaces and 20 private spaces … with a net gain for the whole project being 43 spaces.”

Is it enough to satisfy demand? Brown isn’t sure.

“There are clearly not enough parking spaces for [The Edison],” Brown says. “If people have a two-car household or roommates, then one person will take a parking space in the building and the other will take public parking. That defeats the purpose of this whole thing. On the tail end of this very expensive project, they approved a huge complex with inadequate parking.”

Despite their concerns, Tutt and Brown say the city has been responsive.

“They’ve been really involved with Plaza-

Central business partners and the foreman has made himself available; he’s given us his cell phone number,” Brown says. “I think they’re trying to maintain a really good working relationship with people who have a stake in what they’re doing.”

Tutt anticipates a positive return-oninvestment for business owners in the area.

If new parking proves more convenient and walkability increases, Petra’s will benefit.

“It will bring the sidewalk closer to the front door,” Tutt says. “Instead of being 15 or 20 feet away, it will be closer to the front door and when you get a little closer to see what’s going on in here hopefully it’ll be more likely you’ll come inside.” : :

As construction progresses, city planners have taken care to note business entrances for passing customers.

Leslie Jordan visits Petra’s

Aug. 26-31 • Charlotte ‘Stories I Can’t Tell Mama’ Comedian Leslie Jordan, beloved by audiences across the globe for his quirky and humorous appearances on stage, screen and TV, comes to Charlotte’s Petra’s for a whole week featuring his live performance, “Stories I Can’t Tell Mama.” Performances Aug. 26-28/30-31, 8:30 p.m. Performance Aug. 29, 7 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. Tickets are $25 online at tickets.reactionshows.com.

For more information, visit reactionshows.com and petraspianobar.com.

Photo courtesy/copyright Ariztical Entertainment

Ongoing • Charlotte Flying Biscuit Pride Nights Pride Charlotte and the Flying Biscuit team up to present a special night just for you every Monday in August! Enjoy a dinner for two for just $30 including appetizer, two entrees (soup or salad included) and dessert. A portion of the proceeds benefit Pride Charlotte. Flying Biscuit, Park Road Shopping Center, 4241 Park Rd. pridecharlotte.com. flyingbiscuit.com.

Aug. 11 • Winston-Salem Film Screening OUT at the Movies Winston-Salem presents the German film “Echte Kerle” (“Regular Guys”). German with English subtitles. Admission is $5. Proceeds benefit the UNC School of Arts’ School of Filmmaking.

ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St. 336-918-0902. outatthemovieswinston.org.

Aug. 9-12 • Charlotte nuVoices play festival Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents its inaugural New Play Festival, nuVoices for a nuGeneration, showcasing four new plays with each receiving two staged readings.

Productions include “Summer on Fire” by Mike Bencivenga, “Cygnus” by Susan Soon He Stanton, “Narrow Daylight” by Sevan Kaloustian Greene and “Scenes of Dreams Bar and Grill, NoLa” by James Marlow.

Tickets currently on sale via 704-342-2251, ext.

21, or online at actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. Various times. $10 per performance.

Aug. 17 • Winston-Salem Can’t Get Enough Bingo Love has led her back and Bebe Tea has gone bio at the laboratory. With every beat of her heart she will always love you and

be your shelter. Come out and play bingo as Equality Winston-Salem pays tribute to Winston-Salem Pride 2012 headliner Taylor Dayne. Wake Forest University BioTech Place, 575 Patterson Ave. 6:30 p.m. $20/adults. $10/ students. Tickets at the door, Whole Foods Market in Winston-Salem or online at equalitywinstonsalem.org.

Aug. 17-19 • Charlotte TransFaith in Color The Freedom Center for Social Justice presents this free, three-day conference. Includes Saturday, Aug. 18 party featuring a “mini-ball” with local houses and transgender rapper Rocco Katastrophe (cover charge for evening party). University Place Hilton Hotel, 8629 JM Keynes Dr. For more details, see our story on page 9 or visit transfaithincolor.org.

Aug. 17-27 • Charlotte Pride Week Pride Charlotte begins the countdown to its Aug. 25-26 Uptown festival with a slew of events across the Queen City. See events below and check out pridecharlotte.com/events/ for more information.

Aug. 20 • Charlotte Media and Marketing 101 Presented by qnotes, this short media training will cover how to write and distribute press releases and media advisories, how to communicate and follow-up with journalists and local media and how to take advantage of the exposure a well-crafted media strategy can create for your non-profit or small business.

Light refreshments provided. Presented as a part of Pride Charlotte Week. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St., Suite B11. 6:30-8 p.m. For more information, contact editor@goqnotes.com.

SPECIAL COVERAGE

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Businesses, non-profits and individuals can help present our special news and features coverage starting as low as $50. Sponsorship includes free web advertising, print ad discounts and recognition at community events and more.

LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP: goqnotes.com/dncsponsor

Aug. 21 • Charlotte Pride Charlotte Family Night Pride Charlotte, Flying Biscuit and Monkey Joe’s team up for this special Pride Week Family Night. Parents enjoy a special dinner for two for just $30, while kids eat and play at Monkey Joe’s for only $4 per child! Bring the entire family out to Flying Biscuit starting at 5 p.m. Monkey Joe will pick kids up each half hour and escort to the Monkey Joe’s facility for food and fun! Flying Biscuit, Park Road Shopping Center, 4241 Park Rd. pridecharlotte.com. flyingbiscuit.com.

Aug. 22 • Charlotte Pride Charlotte Poker Tournament Pride Charlotte is bringin’ a little bit of Texas to the Queen City! Come out for the 2012 Pride Charlotte Charity Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament for your chance to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes! Comedy Zone at the NC Music Factory, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. Registration, 5 p.m.

Deals, 6:30 p.m. $150 to play, also includes dinner buffet and raffle ticket. $25 to watch, including dinner buffet and raffle ticket.

Buy poker-play tickets online at pridecharlotte.com/poker/. Spectator tickets can be purchased at the door. (Must be 21+ to play.) For more information, visit pridecharlotte.com/poker/.

Aug. 23 • Charlotte Sounds of Pride Charlotte Pride Band, Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte and One Voice Chorus team up for a second annual concert celebrating the community during Pride Week! Mint Museum Uptown, James B. Duke Auditorium, 500 S. Tryon St. $12/advance. $15/door. pridecharlotte.com/concert/.

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events goqnotes.com/qguide/events

Aug. 23 • Charlotte Shiprocked The Shiprocked crew presents a special Pride Week party with a variety of Rock-n-Roll with hot go-go priates, rockin’ camp drag and burlesque glamour. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. 10 p.m. facebook.com/shiprockedclt.

Aug. 24 • Charlotte Basketball Tournament Red Frog presents a special Pride Charlotte basketball tournament for all ages. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St. 6-10 p.m. For more information or to sign up as a team member, visit facebook.com/redfrog1.

Aug. 24 • Charlotte Westin Takeover The guys and gals of Takeover Charlotte return to one of their favorite and most fabulous haunts as Pride Charlotte descends on Uptown. The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St. pridecharlotte.com. takeoverfriday.com.

Aug. 25-26 • Charlotte Pride Charlotte The 2012 Pride Charlotte Festival takes over S. Tryon St. in Uptown Charlotte. Pride Charlotte kicks events off with an exciting and diverse bang just one weekend before the city welcomes tens of thousands of visitors for the Democratic National Convention. Charttopping Hip Hop artist Trina will headline. For more details, visit pridecharlotte.com and stay tuned for Aug. 18 special Pride Charlotte edition of qnotes.

Register to win a pair of tickets to Dralion by Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil will present Dralion in Raleigh from Aug. 15-19, 2012.

QNotes has partnered with the PNC Arena to give away a PAIR of FREE tickets to our readers. Fill out the ticket giveaway submission form below and mail it back to us to enter for your chance to win two, free tickets to the show. All entries must be postmarked by Aug. 3, 2012. Winners will be notified by email and/or phone.

Just complete the form below and mail to: QNotes. PO Box 221841. Charlotte, NC 28222.

______________________________________________________ name: ______________________________________________________ address: ______________________________________________________ city: state: zip: ______________________________________________________ phone ______________________________________________________ email address ______________________________________________________

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