QNotes, January 24, 2020

Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

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Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

inside this issue

Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020 Vol 34 No 20

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6 A Deeper Look into the World of Furries

contributors this issue

Joey Amato, Kode Brown, Mykah Buff, Jack Kirven, Lainey Millen, Jesse Monteagudo, Chris Rudisill, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Chris Rudisill Photography: “Furry Parade @ Eurofurence 19” by tm-md is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

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a&e 13 Getting to Know ‘MAJESTY’ Author Jake Biondi 14 Out in Print: ‘Becoming Eve’ 14 Out in Print: ‘A Song for You: My Life with Whitney Houston’ 17 Tell Trinity

Our People: Judith Jeffries

Even in retirement, this former healthcare administrator continues to show her strength and passion in her volunteer efforts while navigating life after career with her wife.

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life 10 Big Impact with a Small Footprint 15 Health & Wellness: Innercise: Dispelling the Dark, Part 2 19 Our People: Judith Jeffries

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The Imperial System

events charlotteobserver.com/1166/ a local news partner of The Charlotte Observer

The author and creator of “BOYSTOWN” has launched out into a new world of storytelling with his introduction of “MAJESTY,” a series based upon days in the Medieval era.

4 Lawsuits Aimed at Securing Rights for Broad Spectrum of LGBTQ Community 4 News Briefs

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Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

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news Lawsuits aimed at securing rights for broad spectrum of LGBTQ community Plaintiffs represent parents, military personnel and a transgender child Lawsuits are not something foreign to the LGBTQ community when it comes to pushing for equality and civil rights. Challenges have led to victories in cases such as Lawrence v. Texas and the three marriage equality ones that led to LGBTQ couples being able to marry.

These cases represent a broad spectrum of individuals who are pushing “the system” in hopes of securing the rights and privileges afforded to their straight counterparts. Each are championed by Lambda Legal and others.

CASE 1: Citizenship of children born abroad to married same-sex parents NEW YORK, N.Y. — Lambda Legal, Immigration Equality and pro bono counsel Morgan Lewis urged federal district courts in Georgia and Maryland to compel the U.S. State Department to recognize the U.S. citizenship of two children born abroad to married same-sex couples who are themselves U.S. citizens. Children born abroad to married different-sex parents who are U.S. citizens are routinely recognized as U.S. citizens, but the State Department is deliberately miss-applying federal statutes to deny similar treatment to the marital children of same-sex couples.

“As U.S. citizens we never conceived that our child would face discrimination from our own government and be denied her rightful citizenship,” plaintiff Derek Mize said. “The State Department’s treatment of our family has been a source of stress for us, but we are optimistic that soon a court will recognize us — a family with two married parents and a precious daughter.”

“Our focus is our little girl whose rights have been infringed upon by our government,” said plaintiff Roee Kiviti. “Every parent wants to protect their Roee and Adiel Kiviti with their children, including their daughter child and through this case, we are trying to do just that.”

Kessem Kiviti, who is being denied citizenship by the State Department.

Lawyers representing same-sex married couple and U.S. citizens Derek Mize and Jonathan Gregg filed a motion for summary judgment asking the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia to compel the State Department to recognize the U.S. citizenship of the couple’s daughter, Simone Mize-Gregg. Just days before, the same lawyers filed a similar motion in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland requesting the court to force the State Department to recognize the U.S. citizenship of Kessem Kiviti, daughter of U.S. citizens and samesex couple Roee and Adiel Kiviti.

“The U.S. Constitution mandates that same-sex couples and their children be afforded equal dignity and the full constellation of benefits tied to marriage. Here, though the Immigration & Nationality Act recognizes as U.S. citizens the children born abroad to U.S. married couples, the Department of State refuses to recognize as U.S. citizens such children if their parents are of the same sex,” said Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Senior Attorney for Lambda Legal. “The State Department’s refusal to recognize the citizenship of these children is not only cruel and dangerous, it is also contrary to the law and our constitutional guarantees of liberty and equality. The courts should declare these children to be U.S. citizens and set aside the State Department’s actions as unlawful.”

“The law is crystal clear that Simone and Kessem have been U.S. citizens from the moment they were born.

Derek Mize, Jonathan Gregg with The State Department’s refusal to recognize that simple fact is absurd. We will keep fighting for these little girls daughter Simone Mize-Gregg. and their families for as long as it takes.” said Aaron C. Morris, Executive Director at Immigration Equality.

The State Department’s treatment comes from its conclusion that, since one of the parents is not biologically related to the child, they consider the child to be “born out wedlock” and therefore, not eligible for U.S. citizenship under the section applicable to the children of married couples. The couples’ lawyers argue that the State Department’s policy in effect treats married same-sex couples as if their marriages did not exist, unconstitutionally stripping their children born abroad of their rightful U.S. citizenship.

“The Supreme Court has been clear that married same-sex couples cannot be denied the same protections that different-sex couples receive, and that includes the right to be recognized as their children’s parents regardless of who has a biological connection to a child. The State Department cannot continue to treat LGBT families like second-class citizens and consign their children to citizenship limbo,” said Karen Loewy, senior counsel for Lambda Legal.

Mize and Gregg had their daughter Simone via surrogacy in England, and both fathers are listed on her birth certificate. When they applied for recognition of her U.S. citizenship, the U.S. consulate in London rejected their application. Because only one of Simone’s fathers has a biological connection to her, the State Department is disregarding the couple’s marriage and is treating Simone as though she was “born out of wedlock,” a classification which requires more stringent requirements for recognition of her citizenship.

Roee and Kiviti had their daughter Kessem via surrogacy in Canada in February 2019. Only Adiel has a biological connection to Kessem.

The State Department’s stand in this situation is like that of the Mize/Gregg one. Even though both of Kessem’s fathers are U.S. citizens, Adiel falls one year short of the residency requirement, and the State Department completely disregards Roee as her father. info: lambdalegal.org. immigrationequality.org.

CASE 2: Injunction upheld by federal courts for prevention of HIV-positive airmen RICHMOND, Va. — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld a lower court ruling in Roe & Voe v. Esper that halted efforts by the Trump administration to discharge members of the Air Force because they are living with HIV. The decision will allow two active-duty Airmen living with HIV, identified pseudonymously as Richard Roe and Victor Voe, to continue serving in the U.S. Air Force as well as preventing the discharge of any other Airmen living with HIV. The court ruled that the government’s justifications “fail to account for current medical literature and expert opinion about current HIV treatment and transmission risks.” The opinion, written by Judge Wynn and joined by Judge Diaz and Judge Floyd, stated: “A ban on deployment may have been justified at a time when HIV treatment was less effective at managing the virus and reducing transmission risks. But any understanding of HIV that could justify this ban is outmoded and at odds with current science. Such obsolete understandings cannot justify a ban, even under a deferential standard of review and even according appropriate deference to the military’s professional judgments.”

“I am extremely relieved to learn that I can continue to serve this country like any other service member. Serving in the U.S. military has been the greatest honor of my life and I’m thrilled to see this court affirm the lower court ruling in our favor. No one should be discharged or discriminated against because of HIV when it does not interfere whatsoever with our capacity to serve.” said plaintiff Victor Voe. Previously, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia granted the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction halting implementation of the administration’s discriminatory discharge policies while the lawsuit proceeded, finding that the Airmen had a likelihood of success on their claims at trial. The Fourth Circuit affirmed that ruling. see Lawsuits on 5

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BRIEFS Trans candidates make bids

The Hill and the Raleigh News & Observer have reported that Democratic attorney Gray Ellis of Durham, N.C. and Angela Bridgman of Wendell, N.C. are bidding for election in the North Carolina General Assembly’s Senate. This news comes in the shadows of HB2 (bathroom bill) and other key areas that both candidates saw as important issues. The candidates are transgender and hope to become the first transgender lawmakers in the state.

info: bit.ly/37cbqIe.

Film depicts LGBTQ TV evolution

A five-part documentary, “Visible: Out on Television,” on the evolution of LGBTQ depictions on TV will premiere on Feb. 14 on Apple TV Plus, The Associated Press reported. It comes from filmmakers Ryan White and Jessica Hargrave, and executive produced by Wanda Sykes and Wilson Cruz. Interviewees for the series include Ellen DeGeneres, Adam Lambert and others. Narrators include Janet Mock, Margaret Cho, Asia Kate Dillon, Neil Patrick Harris and Lena Waithe.

info: bit.ly/2tAfCTB.

Inmates tie knot, make history

Two inmates in a Cyprus prison became the first to wed behind bars in a European Union member country correctional facility. Kevork Tontian and Wemson Gabral de Costa met during a prison bingo tournament, Queerty reported. Tontian completed his sentence, but broke the law again so he could be with Da Costa again and continue living with one another. Both men had been rejected by their families for being gay.

info: bit.ly/37dejJ8.

Students sue seminary

Nathan Brittsan and Joanna Maxon have sued Fuller Theological Seminary claiming it explicitly discriminates against them for being married to a same-sex partner, LGBTQ Nation reported. Both had been asked to leave the institution upon learning of their marital status, saying it did not fit the school’s sexual conduct standards.

info: bit.ly/2TFURRb.

Student commits suicide

Wilson Gavin, a gay, conservative student, has committed suicide after a confrontation with drag queen story hour’s Diamond Good-Rim in Brisbane, Australia, Queerty reported.

info: bit.ly/2uh8mMu.

N.C. native premieres new show

Gastonia, N.C.’s Fortune Feimster debuted her first hour-long Netflix comedy special, “Sweet & Salty,” on Jan. 21. The southern-born comedian, writer and actress recalls her childhood misadventures as a former Girl Scout, debutante and (disqualified) swim meet champion; her family’s complicated relationship with Hooters; and how a movie helped her realize she was a lesbian.

info: netflix.com/ fortunefeimstersweet&salty.

Swift, Mock to receive awards

GLAAD has announced that superstar Taylor Swift and award-winning director, producer, writer and advocate Janet Mock will be the recipients of awards at the organization’s upcoming GLAAD Media Awards in April. Swift will be presented with the Vanguard Award for her promotion of LGBTQ individuals’ acceptance.

Mock is being recognized for her diverse and inclusive storyteling in Hollywood.

info: glaad.org.

Lawsuits

continued from page 4 “This is the second federal court to find that the Trump administration’s attempt to discharge these individuals is unlikely to pass legal muster,” said Scott Schoettes, counsel and HIV project director at Lambda Legal. “At the root of these discharge decisions and other restrictions on the service of people living with HIV are completely outdated and bigoted ideas about HIV. [The] ruling clears the way for us to definitively prove at trial that a person living with HIV can perform the job of soldier or airman as well and as safely as anyone else. We are confident Roe and Voe will succeed because the Government is unable to offer a reasonable justification for their discriminatory treatment of servicemembers living with HIV.” “I joined this lawsuit because I feared I would be discharged from the military, but also because of the lingering stigma and many misconceptions about what it is to live with HIV today,” said Roe. “I am very pleased the 4th Circuit decision will allow us to continue serving the country we love.”

“We’re thrilled with the court’s decision upholding the injunction that prevents the Trump-Pence administration from wrongfully discharging these Airmen living with HIV,” said Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) legal and policy director Peter Perkowski. “In light of major advancements in medical treatments, there is no legitimate reason these servicemembers cannot or should not be able to continue to serve their country. It’s past time for the Department of Defense’s outdated policies to catch up with modern science.”

The preliminary injunction was granted against the U.S. Department of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force to halt discharge proceedings against active duty HIVpositive Airmen. In granting the preliminary injunction, the district court not only ruled the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claims that they should be retained, but also that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claims that they should be permitted to deploy as well.

The decision on the preliminary injunction comes approximately four months after a three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments from both sides on Sept. 18. info: lambdalegal.org. modernmilitary.org.

CASE 3: State sued over policy

manner inconsistent with who they are,” said M.H.W’s father, Michael Sicinski. prohibiting birth certificate “This is really just wanting for our son the same recognition that any other kid corrections for transgender minor has, that most kids just take for granted, NEW YORK, N.Y. — Lambda Legal filed that most parents take for granted,” a federal lawsuit challenging New York Sicinski told The Associated Press in a State’s policy prohibiting transgender miphone interview. nors from correcting the sex designation The State’s policy is contrary to that of on their birth certificates — an important several other states and jurisdictions that aldocument for transgender people seeklow transgender minors to correct their birth ing to navigate through life with accurate certificates, including California, Colorado, (Photo Credit: jordi2r via Adobe Stock) government documents.

Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, The minor challenging the policy — Pennsylvania, Washington and New York City. identified anonymously by his initials M.H.W. — is a 14-year“By prohibiting transgender minors from correcting their old transgender boy born in Ithaca, N.Y., currently residing in birth certificates, the State of New York is depriving them Houston, Texas. of an essential government identity document,” said Omar “I am a boy. It’s frustrating to see New York State deny Gonzalez-Pagan, senior attorney at Lambda Legal. “Studies me the opportunity to correct my birth certificate, which show that having inaccurate identification documents I need for so many important facets of my life. My birth exposes transgender people to discrimination, harasscertificate incorrectly says I’m female, but that’s not who I ment, and violence. Moreover, transgender minors suffer am and I need the state to correct that error and respect from higher levels of anxiety, depression and suicide rates my identity,” said M.H.W., who identifies as a boy and uses when they don’t have a supportive environment. By barring he/him pronouns. “I’m a teenager in high school living in transgender youth from having accurate birth certificates, Texas. Having an inaccurate birth certificate can cause the New York is limiting their opportunity to thrive and grow up disclosure of my transgender status when I enroll in colknowing they are respected as who they are.” lege classes or when I get my driver’s license, and expose Lambda Legal filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court me to possible harm.” for the Northern District of New York on behalf of M.H.W., “As parents, we only want what is best for our son. Our by and through his parents Jennifer Wingard and Michael son is a boy, but New York State refuses to recognize him Sicinski. The court decision, if favorable, could bring forward as such.” said M.H.W’s mother, Jennifer Wingard. “We have a policy change statewide. been able to update our son’s other identity documents, According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, almost such as his passport and social security records. So we one-third of transgender people who showed an identity were shocked when the only remaining roadblock came document with a name or gender marker that conflicted from New York State.” with their perceived gender were harassed, denied benefits “We are afraid that as a result of New York’s policy our or services, discriminated against or assaulted. Transgender son will be exposed to extra scrutiny, humiliation or harasspeople also are disproportionately targeted for hate crimes. ment whenever he has to present his inaccurate and ininfo: lambdalegal.org. bit.ly/2RDZqsu. consistent birth certificate, such as when he applies for his — Compiled by Lainey Millen driver’s license. No person should be forced to identify in a

Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

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A deeper look into the world of furries Three Individuals Share Their Stories of Finding Freedom in This Misunderstood Fandom

BY Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer

E

xisting for more than 30 years, the fandom known as furries has become a worldwide phenomenon.

While used interchangeably and embracing different connotations, furries, in short, are animal characters with human-like characteristics (anthropomorphic). The term is used to define both the characters themselves as well as their fans.

Furries can be both real and imagined animals and are often derived from cartoon characters, such as Scooby-Doo and My Little Pony.

Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com) says people manifest their fanship in many ways. A few examples include creating and commissioning artwork, writing fanfiction, participating in games, costuming and attending conventions.

Furry conventions appear to be a major part of celebrating the fanship, as there are more than 40 annual furry conventions worldwide. The majority take place in North America and Europe, with the largest convention being held in Chicago, Ill. Often times, individuals create their own furry characters known as fursonas, which can also be used to identify an individual’s alter-ego aligned with a particular furry. A fursona is typically accompanied by a type of moniker and is used in a variety of ways.

Some even bring their fursonas to life by wearing custom-made costumes called fursuits, which range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Although, only about 20 percent of furries manifest their fanship through costuming, according to Psychology Today.

Much of society has the misconception that furries are people who dress up in giant animal costumes having elaborate sex parties. And while this may be true for a small percentage of individuals, it doesn’t seem to be the case for the vast majority of the fandom.

According to CNN (cnn.com), experts who have done case studies on the subculture, say that people in the furry community are bothered by how they’re portrayed in the media and that depictions that paint them as fetishists who parade around in costumes at wild parties are inaccurate and unfair.

The furry subculture is known for being inclusive and has a reputation as being welcoming and nonjudgmental, with a significant number of furries being transgender and non-heterosexual.

“Furries are seven times more likely than the general population to identify as transgender and about five times more likely to identify as non-heterosexual,” says Psychology Today. qnotes had the opportunity to interview three individuals who consider themselves to be furries. For the purpose of this story and to preserve the authenticity of the furry subculture, qnotes will only provide the names associated with these individuals’ fursonas. qnotes’ first interview was with a 29-year-old Caucasian, transgender male who is pansexual, whose fursona, Raz, was inspired by a domestic cat.

When were you first introduced to the furry fandom?

My first introduction to the furry community came when I was about 15 years old. I saw some artwork online and became very interested. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that there was a whole community dedicated to this type of artwork and subculture. From there I created my first fursona.

How long have been a furry?

I’ve been a furry since the age of 15. So, 13 years now.

What does it mean to be a furry to you?

To me, being a furry just means participating in the lifestyle. My personal experience is very important to me because it was really my first taste of being able to express myself. My fursona really resembled who I

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within the furry community. I’ve also been to general comic and anime conventions where other furries attended, who were always super sweet.

Has being a furry had any impact on your gender identity and/or sexual orientation? If so, how?

My first fursona was male. I felt very connected to him and at the time I didn’t know why. It took me a number of years to realize it was because I’m trans. I think being a part of the furry community played a big part in helping me realize that sooner rather than later.

What sort of backlash or criticism have you encountered for being a furry?

So, I’ve never experienced anything like this in person, but I’ve gotten some not-so-nice things dropped into my inbox online. Slurs at my gender and sexual orientation and claims that I’m horrible and morally off-kilter, mostly. I personally haven’t experienced too much, thankfully, but I’ve seen it happen a lot to my friends.

In your opinion, how does the public perceive the furry fandom?

As I said before, the furry community has a bad rep for being exclusively heavy fetish community.

Lots of people look down on that. The Internet is a weird place. You can find everything there. I think most of our negative reputation comes from the dark corners of the Internet. We get a lot of people who think that we think that we’re the animal that we’re portraying. While that’s true for a small percentage of us, it isn’t for most. We’re just having fun. qnotes’ second interview was with a 28-yearold Caucasian, gender-queer person who is pansexual, whose fursona, Bobbie, was inspired by a tiger.

Bobbie (left) and a friend at a furry weekend in 2019. wanted to be as a person, both in physical appearance and personality aspects.

What motivated you to become a furry?

At first, I thought the characters looked cool. As I got more into the lifestyle, it became more about being myself and meeting other people who considered themselves to be a little different.

In what ways do you portray your fursona?

I like to think that a lot of my personality traits resemble that of cat. I like to take naps and lay in the sun. Really, though. I used to role play my character a lot online. Other than that, it’s more like a personal feeling.

Has being a furry influenced the dynamics of any relationships you’vehad? If so, in what way?

Being a furry hasn’t really impacted my relationships much. I’ve dated furries and non-furries before, and the only real difference was that I was able to talk about the lifestyle more with my furry ex-girlfriend and commission artwork of our fursonas together.

What furry events have you attended or participated in, and what were your experiences like?

I’ve never attended an exclusively furry event in person, but I’ve participated in a few art exchanges online

When were you first introduced to the furry fandom?

Embarrassingly enough, through discovering drawn-porn artwork of fictional furry characters online at age 13.

How long have been a furry?

I became a furry shortly after being introduced to the fandom and have been so ever since.

What does it mean to be a furry to you?

Having a penchant for animals and animal characters both fictional and in real life, and an appreciation for selfexploration through the use of a constructed fursona.

What motivated you to become a furry?

I found comfort knowing there were people online that also enjoyed things that I had been made fun of for liking before. Seeing the level of creativity inspired me to get back into artwork too.

In what ways do you portray your fursona?

I have a partial fursuit comprised of a head, paw gloves and tail, along with plenty of clothing and accessories with tigers on them. I also subconsciously tend to cuddle with my head (the way a feline would) and embody other similar cat-like traits.

Has being a furry influenced the dynamics of any relationships you’ve had? If so, in what way?

The two main relationships I’ve ever had in my life (including my current one) happened to be with other fursee next page u

ries. Being a furry isn’t a deal breaker in a relationship, but it’s nice having a partner who understands this side of me and is a part of it too.

What furry events have you attended or participated in and what were your experiences like?

Furry Weekend Atlanta in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2019. I’ve been to a smattering of local meetups and even a wedding where 90 percent of the guests were furries. My experiences were always positive and allowed me to connect with friends all over the country.

Has being a furry had any impact on your gender identity and/or sexual orientation? If so, how?

Realizing I was a therian/otherkin tiger (effectively a much more intense subset of furry), happened around the same time I began to feel comfortable identifying as gender-queer and pansexual.

What sort of backlash or criticism have you encountered for being a furry?

I consider myself pretty fortunate; I’ve occasionally been the target of Internet trolls claiming I’m some sort of sexual degenerate or that I abuse animals, but other than that, I can’t recall any ill experiences simply for being a furry. Like I said, so much of it is usually thinly veiled homophobia. You cannot, regardless of what anyone says, come out as a furry, but you can certainly come out as queer and suffer for it. That, sadly, is a universal problem and not one exclusive to being furry.

In your opinion, how does the public perceive the furry fandom and what are some common inaccuracies or misrepresentations?

For better or worse, we’ve moved away from the “all furries are sexual deviants” paradigm of the early 2000s and into a much more corporate one; we’re much more accepted, but only because we’ve become a new target demographic to market to. qnotes’ third interview was with a 23-year-old Caucasian, cisgender male who is gay, whose fursona, Fauxil, was inspired by a fox.

When were you first introduced to the furry fandom?

At some point in high school, rutting through the darker corners of the internet, I saw a meme hating on furries for seemingly no reason other than their existence.

I decided to look into what me and many others had been hating out of nothing but Internet culture. I figured if this was such a large community who clearly spent lots of time and effort within their fandom, there was clearly something to it.

How long have been a furry?

About two-and-a-half years.

What does it mean to be a furry to you?

To me, it’s a lot more than a hobby. It’s a giant community and a family. As a furry, I already have something in common with hundreds of thousands of others. And through this network, I can make new friends, explore creative avenues, and tons more, all without being shackled by my real-life limitations What motivated you to become a furry?

When I first discovered what the fandom truly was. The ability to try a whole new persona with zero judgment and only acceptance, I decided to give it a try.

Additionally, the fact that there was a huge community where I could find accepting and friendly people meant the world to a lonely and depressed high schooler.

In what ways do you portray your fursona?

I colored the first art of my fursona myself, and later began to commission artwork featuring him in different lights.

Has being a furry influenced the dynamics of any relationships you’vehad?

If so, in what ways?

Thus far, being a furry hasn’t impacted any of the relationships I’ve been in.

What furry events have you attended or participated in and what were your experiences like?

I’ve attended several furmeets as well as an ALS charity walk in Birmingham, Ala., the convention Anthro Southeast in see Furries on 16

Atwork commissions that are representative of each individual’s fursona are part of the culture in the furry community.

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views

The Imperial System: Royalty for Our Community’s Sake Jesse’s Journal

BY Jesse Monteagudo | Guest Contributor

T

he International Imperial Court System (IICS), also known as the International Court System, is the second largest LGBTQ organization in the world, only surpassed by the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). It was founded in 1965 by José Sarria, one of San Francisco, Calif.’s first queer activists and drag legend. “Mama José” took on the name “the Widow Norton” as homage to Joshua Norton (18181880), a 19th century San Francisco eccentric who declared himself “Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico” in 1859. (If you must go crazy, you might as well go big.) IICS soon became a grassroots network of community fundraisers whose members bore titles of nobility bestowed upon them by elected Emperors and Empresses.

In 2007, the elderly Widow Norton (who died in 2013) abdicated and was succeeded by the Empress Nicole the Great of San Diego, AKA Nicole Murray-Ramirez.

The Imperial Sun Court of All Florida, established in September 2016, is the 70th regional court that is part of the Imperial System. According to the Queen Mother for Life, Czarina 1, Barbie LaChoy (Steven Rule), president of the board of directors, “Our founders are Steven Rule (aka Barbie LaChoy), Marc Viens and Bill Rolls (aka Fabergé). For about two years, we had talked about founding a court here in Florida, as we are all three from

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San Francisco and are permanent title holders in the Founding Mother Court of SF. “While I was attending a Coronation in Boise, Idaho, I was approached by Queen Mother 1 of The Americas, Empress Nicole Murray-Ramirez, the Great. She had been pushing me to start a court in Florida, stating that there were many people calling her wishing to start one, but none had any experience with the Court System. Since I have been involved with the Court System for 30+ years, experienced as a former Emperor, Empress of Alaska and an Empress in San Francisco, she thought I would be the one to follow through. We were fully approved and sanc-

tioned as the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida. In March 2017, we hosted our Adornment, which was attended by Royalty from 10 out of state Courts, and I was crowned Czarina 1 of All Florida. I later invested Marc Viens as Czar 1 of All Florida.”

The Imperial Sun Court of All Florida is a nonprofit corporation that hosts and participates in events and activities to raise money for other community-based organizations. One such event is Coronation Two, “Hollywood Glitz and Glam,” to be held on Jan. 25 at the beautiful Sonesta in Fort Lauderdale Beach. According to the Czarina, the GALA begins with an Imperial Cocktail Hour, followed by dinner and coronation. “The goal of the GALA is to celebrate the current Emperor and Empress [John Walters and Candy Cox] and their reign. The money raised throughout the year will be distributed/awarded to the charities that they selected at the start of their reign,” including TranSocial, SAGE, Pet Project, Compass Center of WPB, Ignite Women Empowerment, Camp Aranu’tiq of Harbor Camps for Transgender Youth and the Bridge Outreach. “At last year’s coronation, attended by 22 visiting Courts, I was bestowed the title of Queen Mother for Life and Protector of Florida for Life and Marc Viens was bestowed King Father for Life by Queen Mother of the Americas, Nicole the Great.”

For more information, visit the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida at theimperialsuncourtfl.org. : :

Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

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life

Big Impact with a Small Footprint

Tiny Home Village Addresses Homelessness in Denver.

Does it Create a Transformational Path to Stable Housing for People in Other Cities Like Charlotte?

By Chris Rudisill | QNOTES CONTRIBUTOR brought together advocates, service providers, people on the street, academics, the faith community and business leaders. The Urban Land Conservancy offered a piece of land and the Colorado Village Collaborative (CVC) was formed. In July 2017, Beloved Community Village, the city’s first tiny home community, opened with its first 11 homes built through grassroots organizing and over 400 volunteers.

The city’s zoning and permitting laws created barriers for the project. Most of the city is restricted to single-unit or twounit zoning, and the tiny homes at Beloved Community Village don’t have running water or sewer, preventing them from existing under standard building codes. “It’s not what the city would consider a dwelling unit,” says Chandler. The 8 by 12-foot dormitory style units were built in a hub-and-spoke community design with a central shower facility. The village currently uses portable toilets and is building a new community building that will provide lockers, private bathrooms with showers, a kitchen and eating area.

A widely-accepted industry definition identifies a tiny house as a dwelling that is 500 square feet or less and they’ve been made popular by HGTV, while providing options for affordable housing throughout the country.

Beloved Community Village is adding another nine units, bringing the project to a total of 20 homes. The village and infrastructure costs approximately $600,000 in the city of Denver, much more affordable than a traditional Freddie Martin, someone who is classified as ‘housing insecure,’ calls Beloved Community Village home as he works toward finishing his degree at shelter. According to Aldo’s Restoration and Metro State University. (Photo Credit: Chris Rudisill) Construction in Charlotte, a local tiny home builder, the average price of a tiny home is $25,000, approximately 10 times cheaper experiencing homelessness to sleep on public property. reddie Martin, a student of history and anthropology, than the average price of building a typical home.

When the group organized the voices of those living on talks to me outside his home in Denver on a cloudy In 2018, Charlotte City Council weighed the options for the streets, one of the ideas that quickly popped up was day in December. He’s a formidable character who tiny houses prompted by the proposed Keyo Park West the idea of creating a tiny home village. “It was somegrew up in Beaumont, Texas with strong viewpoints on development in the Coulwood neighborhood. According thing people on the street specifically wanted,” says the state of politics in our country. He shares some of to the Charlotte Business Journal, the project, which later Cole Chandler. “We didn’t dream this up in a lab somehis writing with me just outside House 6, his home at the fell through and resulted in several lawsuits, prompted where.” Chandler, who cites his faith as a leading factor Beloved Community Village. “I’ve been through quite a bit a discussion by city planning staff about how tiny homes in his work, is a community organizer and serves as the in my time,” says Martin. “I’ve been housing insecure for would fit within current local co-director of the Colorado Village over a decade.” and state building and zoning Collaborative. (Note: In December, the Martin has been a Villager since March 2018, after codes, including whether a U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a meeting Cilla Wolf, a former Beloved Community Village new overlay district for neighcase in which the U.S. Court of Appeals resident, on the campus of Metro State University. Being borhood conservation would for the Ninth Circuit struck down a here has given him the chance to finish his degrees. be pursued — a motion that camping ban in Boise, Idaho, and citing The Colorado Village Collaborative exists to create and ultimately was tabled. that case, a Denver County judge ruled operate transformational housing communities for people In a Transportation & that the city’s urban camping ban is exiting homelessness and entering housing. The fight for Planning Committee meeting unconstitutional, amounting to cruel decriminalization of homelessness and finding housing on Feb. 19, 2018, Charlotte and unusual punishment.) solutions has been a long one in Denver. Like Charlotte, the City Council Member Tariq In 2015, Denver Homeless city has seen rapid growth over the past two decades. The Bakhari (District 6) stated Out Loud staged a direct action in median home value has risen from $222,550 to $409,900 in “So the crux of the deciSustainability Park, a historic lowthe past 10 years. Average rent for a one bedroom apartsion of this Committee and income housing space that sat vacant ment is $1,423 a month. To afford an apartment within ultimately the full Council for over 20 years after housing was 10 miles of metro Denver, an individual making minimum needs to come to is do we torn down by the city. They quickly wage salary, which is $11.10/hour, four dollars more want to change anything that set up 10 tiny homes. than that of North would prohibit or put some Within 12 hours, police Carolina, must requirements around this, raided the area, arwork 130 hours a and I assume that would lead resting 10 people and week, four weeks a to what are the reasons why? destroying the site. In month. People are Obviously affordable house 2016, the Alternative regularly pushed (sic) is a big deal, and this Solutions Advocacy Project, a broader out of areas as gentrification sweeps in leaving limited afseems like a very innovative coalition, was created under the fordable housing options close to jobs, food and services. leadership of the Interfaith Alliance Denver Homeless Out Loud started building tiny Co-Director Cole Chandler. of Colorado. “We started to get some homes in 2013 following the passage of an Unauthorized (Photo Credit: Colorado Village Collaborative) traction,” says Chandler. The coalition Camping Ban ordinance which made it illegal for those see next page u

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solution for it. In what scenarios of affordable housing may we want to make this easier to do?”

The Beloved Community Village was made possible by an ordinance passed by Denver City Council, carving out a space in the city’s existing zoning and building codes.

The update allowed for tiny home village permits that last up to 180 days, with a chance for renewal. Leadership in Community Planning & Development “believed in the vision and was really willing to work to figure out a solution to make this viable,” says Polly Kyle, senior aide for Denver City Councilwoman Robin Kniech.

In Denver, Chandler, Kniech and others sought ways to activate vacant city land or land that was already scheduled for development. Both land acquisition and land availability were cited challenges in a 2016 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Strategies for Affordable Housing Development report.

Land acquisition costs were cited as one of the largest barriers for building affordable housing — especially in higher income communities and along transit corridors. It can also be complicated to find opportunity for multifamily properties in neighborhoods traditionally zoned for single-family.

84 percent of residential land in Charlotte is zoned for single-family homes, but there’s growing momentum that could bring changes allowing for more options in the city’s traditional neighborhoods.

The tiny homes at Beloved Community Village are built on jack stands, previously cement foundation blocks, so they are easy to move. Vacant land that has been cleared for future development provides an opportunity to utilize the land while necessary planning and permitting is completed. The former site of CVC’s first project was developed into a 16-story market-rate apartment building causing them to move to its current location in Globeville, which is leased by the city to CVC for $10 a year. There is no clear plan in the city to address the lack of affordable housing in Denver, but the city continues to look at group-living ordinances to allow for more options. A vocal supporter of the project, Councilwoman Kniech pushed forward for a legal path for villages to expand and get services, pulling temporary tiny homes out of the group-living process and passing a new ordinance in October 2019 that would expedite the process. In the last budget cycle, they secured an additional $125,000 in the city budget to connect villagers to permanent housing.

Intentional Community

The first year of Beloved Community Village was a success for residents and neighbors alike, despite initial

Some of the housing units at Beloved Community Village in Denver, Colo. (Photo Credit: Colorado Village Collaborative) ing a home, and more than one in 10 have been evicted community pushback. According to the Barton Institute from their homes because of their gender identity. for Philanthropy and Social Enterprise, “The Village had no Homelessness is a critical issue with one in five transgennegative impacts on the neighborhood and people who der people experiencing homelessness at some point in live in the village are more stable.” their lives, in large part because of familial or employment Daniel Brisson, from Denver University Graduate discrimination. One of the community partners of CVC School of Social Work, describes it as “intentional comis the Delores Project, which houses adult women and munity.” The Village is built around the concept of shared transgender people that are facing homelessness. The governance where residents decide who moves in and shelter is part of a larger project in partnership with the afcreate rules for the community. In doing so, residents fordable housing developer Rocky Mountain Communities, build relationships and skills around a consensus model. which together own and operate an entire city block built Dorothy Leyba is a Village Organizer for CVC and provides with Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits in Arroyo individual support to villagers while building community Village. The block includes the shelter as well as 35 units of outside the village. She sees how the setup helps build low-income permanent supportive housing and 95 units advocacy, personal pride and “leadership skills within the of affordable housing for individuals and families in the village.” Residents must follow six basic community agreeworkforce. The space is specifically designed for people ments: with trauma history in mind, with large southern facing 1. No violence. windows, plants, wood features, and soothing colors and 2. No weapons. textiles. Delores Project offers case management, life 3. No illegal drugs. skills training, housing stability programming and emer4. No discriminatory behavior. gency beds for people being released from incarceration.

5. No continuously disruptive behavior.

The goal is to move people from homelessness to stable 6. Participation in community. housing. “Within their first two visits, they’re writing up a During the first year, five villagers moved out — three housing plan,” says Emily Wheeland, program director at into permanent housing and two being expelled for violatDelores Project. ing the agreements.

The area around the Delores Project is quickly gentrifyWhile touring the Beloved Community Village, villaging and it is the only overnight shelter in the city that is ers go about their daily chores. One villager meets with open and celebratory of transgender individua case manager while sounds of als, serving anyone that identifies along the construction on the new comtransgender spectrum and including features munity house and additional tiny like single-use restrooms, private shower stalls homes roars ahead. Villagers and changing facilities. “About 10 percent of regularly go in and out of each the people we see self-identify as trans,” says other’s homes, connecting with Wheeland. “We see a lot of folks that come from each other and truly living as a other states that we’re the nearest big city to family unit. “This is one of the the west, that are coming from smaller towns most diverse communities that or states that might not be as trans friendly as you’ll see,” says Chandler. “People Denver is.” don’t generally opt into diversity.

Of the 22 residents we’ve had, three have been transgender and a significant portion of the population have been people of color. It’s “I understand what it’s like for people to people of all ages, people from all have something they can call their own — to over the country and all education have a key, and to have that security and that levels, too. That’s not what a typisense of empowerment, really means a lot to Program Director cal neighborhood looks like.” people,” says Freddie Martin. “It really makes Emily Wheeland, One in five transgender people a big difference. I never really felt like a real Delores Project. in the United States has been (Photo Credit: Chris Rudisill) discriminated against when seeksee Tiny Houses on 12

A Place To Call Home

A sign at Beloved Community Village.

(Photo Credit: Chris Rudisill)

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continued from page 11 part of a community before. People here are amazingly open and caring and honest. The people here have been through things. They understand what suffering is. I’ve always had people in my life that don’t necessarily understand suffering, so it’s hard for them to contend with people who are suffering, but that’s one of the wonderful things about this place. People have been through things, and they’re grateful for what they have.”

In theory, Beloved Community Village can be a unique stepping stone for people utilizing shelter services at places like the Delores Project before moving on to more permanent housing, be it shared apartments or affordable housing. “We have a lot to learn about how to make this the most successful place it can be,” says Chandler. “This is a different emergent kind of thing. This is not a silver bullet. This is what happens when a community comes together to address a big problem.”

“One of the things that came out of that first study was we took a vacant lot that was right across the street from a light-rail station — a place with a lot of activity and no eyes on the street” says Chandler discussing a study by the Denver University’s Burns

Construction at Beloved Community Village.

(Photo Credit: Chris Rudisill)

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Wheeland from the Delores Project talks about changing the entire philosophy of serving those who face homelessness. By providing housing first and then continuing services like community support, mental health and life skills training after they have some type of housing stability will allow for greater impact in the community. “The ultimate goal is housing, right? So, the pathway sometimes does look like they’re going into a tiny home for two years. They’re going into some transitional housing, before they’re moving into permanent housing.”

“It just starts by building relationships and seeing people that are struggling as our neighbors and as our family, and finding that compassion in our hearts,” says Chandler. “This is a seed of what the world could be.” : :

Outside the Beloved Community Village in Denver, Colo. This community provides its residents with a chance to become more housing stable as they work toward longer-range goals. (Photo Credit: Chris Rudisill) Center on Poverty and Homelessness. “We put the village there, and crime actually decreased in the direct blocks surrounding it. That’s not something that people expect, but activating a vacant lot is a valuable thing.”

“I see the potential of this village. I want to see it expand. I want to see more villages. It’s not permanent housing, but it is a stepping stone for our villagers to get permanent housing.”

Colorado Village Collaborative is working on creating a transgender-inclusive women’s village and will start a community engagement plan to find the right site this year. They would like to build 15 additional homes with a shared community space like the new one being constructed at Beloved Community. Chandler brings up the idea of tiny home villages in every city council district across Denver. On a consistent basis, the city has around 600 people living in unsheltered homelessness on any given night. “Could we essentially achieve a functional zero in terms of that population by offering a humane solution that is scattered around the city.”

This story was produced by the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative, a partnership of six media companies working together in an effort started by the Solutions Journalism Network and funded by The Knight Foundation.

Delores Project in Denver, Colo. (Photo Credit: Chris Rudisill)

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Getting To Know ‘MAJESTY’ Author Jake Biondi ‘BOYSTOWN’ Creator Shares Storylines

S

BY Joey Amato | Guest Contributor characters. Therefore, I love all my characters; they are very much alive and real inside my mind and I visualize them in the situations as I write.

“MAJESTY” allowed me the chance to create two families of brand new characters. I must admit that I particularly enjoy writing the characters of Bryce, Declin and Gretl. Bryce is the family’s moral center, a romantic person in his own way. Declin is “MAJESTY’”s “bad boy,” the sexy bandit whose only downfall may be the person he’s falling in love with. And Gretl is the mysterious old woman who “haunts” the castle and has the unique ability to see what the future holds for characters before they themselves realize it.

ince 2013, Jake Biondi has brought his “BOYSTOWN” series to audiences and readers alike.

Then in 2018, he added a new series, “MAJESTY,” which is set in the Medieval era. I had the opportunity to learn more about this work when I interviewed him. Here is what he shared.

What inspired you to write the “MAJESTY” series?

I have always been a huge fan of period pieces, particularly books and films set in Medieval times. After the success of my “BOYSTOWN” series, I thought it was time to create a period piece with all the dramatic twists and turns that “BOYSTOWN” fans cherish. I started creating characters and situations that I thought would work in the time period and still keep readers engaged. Eventually, “MAJESTY” was born.

How do you develop “MAJESTY’”s characters?

Every great saga has at least one great family at its core. “MAJESTY” has two. The royal Chamberlain family currently reigns over the kingdom after having taken the throne from the Henderson family in a huge war that occurred before the first “MAJESTY” book begins. These rival families contain several unique family members, each with his or her own passions, desires, secrets, and motivations.

The first book opens with the mysterious murder of King Zachary Chamberlain. That event propels the action of the first book forward as suspicions arise within the Chamberlain family and they soon learn that their great enemies may not be the Hendersons, but themselves.

What’s the best thing about being the author of “MAJESTY?” Two words: the fans. Whether they are readers of “BOYSTOWN” or “MAJESTY” or both, I am so blessed to have the best, most dedicated fans in the world. People reach out to me from across the United States and beyond to let me know what they think about my characters and the situations they are in.

Will we ever see “MAJESTY” on television?

You never know. I’ve already received inquiries from people who believe it should be a TV series, and I’m totally open to working on that once the TV version of “BOYSTOWN” launches. I think “MAJESTY” would be a visually stunning television series because of its time period and beautiful locations. Stay tuned…

Nothing is more exciting for me than interacting with my readers, which is why I made a commitment long ago to personally respond to each and every inquiry or comment that I receive. I want “BOYSTOWN” and “MAJESTY” readers to know that they really do matter, and their opinions may even influence future story lines. I take their suggestions and feedback seriously and am so grateful for their love, enthusiasm, and support.

Do you have a favorite “MAJESTY” character?

That’s a difficult question because I believe that all authors put a part of themselves into each of their

Where can people purchase “MAJESTY,” and how can fans contact you?

“MAJESTY” is available in paperback and all e-book formats on MAJESTYTheSeries.com as well as amazon. com, bn.com, itunes and Google Play. The audio book version will be available in the near future. Autographed copies of “MAJESTY” are available exclusively on MAJESTYTheSeries.com.

I encourage readers and fans to contact me by emailing me at MAJESTYTheSeries@gmail.com, through the website JakeBiondi.com or on IG @MAJESTYTheSeries. : : Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, a website dedicated to LGBTQ travel. Joey has spent over a decade in LGBTQ media and public relations and currently resides in Indianapolis, Ind. He can be reached at joey@pridejourneys.com

Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

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‘Becoming Eve: My Journey from Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman’ Out in Print

BY terri schlichenmeyer | CONTRIBUTING WRITER “Becoming Eve: My Journey from Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman”

by Abby Chava Stein ©2019, Seal Press $28.00 272 pages

W

ho are you?

There are many possibilities. You can answer with ethnicity, gender, social strata, or surname, mention your species, family origins, religion or hobbies. So many things and yet, as in the new book “Becoming Eve”

by Abby Chava Stein, only one answer really matters.

Yisroel Avrom Ben Menachem Mendel was born on the 24th of Tishrei in the year 5752 — or, for those who are not Ultra-Orthodox Jews, the first of October, 1991.

The sixth child and firstborn son, Yisroel’s birth was the cause of great jubilation; one main forebear was Baal Shem Tov, a holy leader and the founder of Hasidism. In

their Brooklyn community, that made Yisroel a member of royalty.

Almost from the moment of birth, the future was set: Yisroel would follow the same path laid out for the males of the family, starting with ritual circumcision and religious observances, then yeshiva to study the Torah and Jewish law, marriage at age 18 and hope for sons to continue the line. There was no alternative. The entire family lived like this, like “eighteenthcentury Eastern Europeans,” and had done so for centuries.

The exception came when then-four-year-old Yisroel insisted on having always been a girl.

Later, though other childish things were forgotten, those thoughts never were. They were constant, remembered, boxed up, ignored or excused. Even when theological questions roared, when religious texts seemed to confirm Yisroel’s suspicions of girlhood, when sex — a subject no Ultra-Orthodox Jew was supposed to know about until days before marriage — made an all-boy yeshiva more bearable, questions of gender were suppressed. At 18, “matched” with and married to a woman who was nearly a stranger, Yisroel burned with envy that wearing a bridal gown

would forever be denied. Naming their firstborn son was devastating.

“Oh, and gender?” says author Abby Chava Stein today.

“It started punching me in the face.”

Without a doubt, “Becoming Eve” may be one of the most fascinating books you’ll read this winter. Certainly, it’ll be one of the most unusual.

Set in a community that is meant only for adherents, author Stein’s story is told in rich detail that lets readers imagine everyday life with restrictions that most of us would chafe under, and without the Internet, blue jeans, fast food or English. These day-to-day details are relayed in a matter-of-fact tone that makes the severity of the “laws” seem even more astounding because of the seeming scarcity of emotion associated in their telling.

Stein’s lifelong question of gender almost seems secondary to those astonishments, but as the tale progresses, her demand for answers grows quietly in a way you almost won’t notice until it pounces on you. Whoosh, it’s a relief you never knew you were waiting for.

And yet, relief is fleeting: Stein leaves readers hanging by not including an up-to-date which could be frustrating in any other story, but this unusual book’s end still feels just right. For that, “Becoming Eve” is a most satisfyingly unsatisfying book, and you’ll love it no matter who you are. : :

‘A Song for You: My Life with Whitney Houston’ Out in Print

BY terri schlichenmeyer | CONTRIBUTING WRITER “A Song for You: My Life with Whitney Houston”

by Robyn Crawford ©2019, Dutton $28.00 319 pages

Y

ou saw that coming.

It was easy to anticipate because the signs were there. It was plain as day, couldn’t have been easier to see if it was flashing neon. You knew what was going to happen next — or, you would’ve, if you were paying attention. Take, for instance, author Robyn Crawford. In her new book “A Song for You,” she tells of spotting a star.

When Coach Clark called, you responded.

That’s why Robyn Crawford rose early that morning in 1980: her basketball coach needed help registering counselors for summer programs. Crawford was 19 and thinking about college, but 17-year-old Whitney Houston was one of the people waiting to register and Crawford was smitten.

In the following days, as the two got to know one another, they became “inseparable.” Crawford liked “having fun with a new friend” but, she says, “something more was growing between us.”

Before the summer was over, they were lovers.

It was “a typical teenage relationship, with… the exception of cocaine,” although they never named their love.

Houston introduced Crawford to her world of music; Crawford attended church with Houston and Houston caught Crawford’s basketball games. Sometimes, they had to sneak around to be together and they talked on

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the phone every night when Crawford was at college. Soon after, Houston’s modeling career rose, and she was on her way to being a star in the music industry.

On the day she signed her first recording contract, Houston told Crawford that she thought they “shouldn’t be physical anymore.”

The end of the love affair, however, didn’t signal the end of their bond, and Crawford gave her life over to Houston. She served as Houston’s assistant, chauffeur, manager, recordkeeper and sounding board.

She propped Houston up when Houston needed it, sometimes literally, watching and helpless, unable to save Houston from her addictions. And then came the day, says Crawford, when “I realized that I needed to save myself.”

Be honest: you are only the smallest bit surprised at all this. Whitney Houston’s cocaine problem was pretty common knowledge, and it’s not a stretch to imagine the rest of what’s inside this book. Even so, author Robyn Crawford has a few secrets to tell you.

That, however, doesn’t seem to be the reason behind “A Song for You.” All Whitney, All the Time, is perhaps a good way to describe this memoir; indeed, while it’s about Crawford’s decades-long relationship with Houston, it often appears that Crawford is secondary in her own story here. That comes across as selflessly joyful but it also seems, at least initially, to be fraught with fear, as if Crawford recognizes

something that’s incredibly fragile. As this book progresses, that fear runs alongside a shrieking siren that announces the inevitable, the approach of which, even now, is impossible to stop watching.

For fans still looking for scandal, know that it’s there and you’ll be happy with “A Song for You.” If you’re not necessarily looking for gossip, though, try it anyhow. You can still anticipate a good read. : :

life

Innercise: Dispelling the Dark, Part 2 Health & Wellness: Caffeine Is Not Your Friend

BY Jack Kirven | qnotes contributor winter blues. Nearly a year ago to the dot, I wrote an article about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but there I focused on the importance of getting access to a full range spectrum of light (goqnotes. com/56953). Here I’d like to focus on sleep’s effect on SAD in particular and depression in general. I’ll also offer suggestions for what to do to help you get through this dreary time of year.

First, caffeine affects sleep. There’s no way around it. If you’re drinking it in the afternoon and/or evening (even if you go to bed easily enough at night), the various phases of your sleep will be altered. Poor quality sleep is one of the most important risk factors Coffee can effect restful and restorative sleep and does not help Seasonal Affective Disorder for depression, so drinking (SAD), a form of depression. (Photo Credit: pavlofox via Adobe Stock) more than one or two cups of coffee in the morning just got back from a week in Portland, Ore. Yes, I puris not actually making you posefully chose to go there in January. I love that city, feel better. If you don’t drink coffee but ingest similar regardless of the season. And although the ubiquity of amounts of caffeine from other sources (e.g. black tea, coffee has become commonplace here in the Carolinas soda, pre-workout supplements, etc.), the same problem (especially compared to how few speciality coffee shops I applies to you. Green tea is full of antioxidants, and has remember seeing as a boy), the coffee culture seemed far enough caffeine to give you just a touch of boost. more pronounced in Portland (as it did in Seattle when I visited there back in 2000).

Try these suggestions: I don’t really drink coffee for pleasure. I drink it only if •G et outside! Even on cloudy mornings, daylight is 100,000 it’s already available, and I happen to need a jolt of energy. lux, and the brightest bulbs are only 10,000 lux. This starts Otherwise, I just really don’t ever think about it. I greatly your day with a reset to your Circadian Rhythm (i.e., sleep prefer tea, especially green and white. I can taste far more cycle). The fresh air also does you good. varieties of nuance in tea (black coffee all tastes essen• I f that isn’t possible, get bulbs that offer full spectrum tially the same to me, no matter its source), and tea isn’t white light. The jolt of daylight causes you to create seroas likely to trigger my anxiety. Tea also doesn’t make me tonin, which helps to elevate your mood and reset your have to plan for a mad dash to the bathroom, since it isn’t Circadian Rhythm for timing your sleep. anywhere near as strong a diuretic or laxative as coffee.

• Avoid blue light for a few hours before bed. Turn off all Anyway, I began this story by asking Google the quesyour gadgets and devices. They are telling your brain tion, “Does caffeine help Seasonal Affective Disorder?” that it’s morning, and they make it really difficult to get I mean, given how much people seem to rely on it in good sleep. places that get dark and stay dark, I thought it would be • Once you have reset your Circadian Rhythm, go to bed interesting to see what benefits people are getting. And it and get up at the same time each day. This helps to turns out, this use for coffee isn’t helpful at all. stabilize your sleep, whether you are getting too much or Yes, some caffeine is good for boosting alertness, too little. energy, stamina and metabolic burn; however, the amount •N apping can help, if it doesn’t upset your full sleep people seem to be ingesting (and the reason they say later. Naps can be very beneficial, but keep them to they’re consuming it) isn’t helpful in terms of staving off the around 20 minutes.

I

•E at your (healthy!) meals at the same time each day to ensure you don’t crave sugar. Sugar and processed foods also undermine sleep. Eat dinner relatively early, so that it isn’t there messing with you when you’re trying to wind down. Also, eating late at night can then throw off your appetite the next day, which sets up a domino effect leading to poor sleep.

•B e sure to get Vitamin D. Low levels of Vitamin D contribute to symptoms of depression. You can get this vitamin from your food, but your body makes it from scratch by being exposed to the sun. Yet another reason to get out for a walk, even when it’s cold.

• I n addition to caffeine, be mindful of alcohol, which is a depressant in and of itself, and which also undermines sleep and the body’s ability to metabolize food.

• Avoid walling yourself in and shutting out the world.

Set up activities for exercise and socializing. There are lots of winter sports you might do, watch or learn.

• In the spirit of the season, consider volunteering for a good cause. It is very gratifying to be kind and generous, and it’s a good reminder to show gratitude for what’s going well in your life. It gives you something to put into your accomplishment journal.

• I ’ve found that keeping a daily accomplishment journal (which is far less judgmental than an incomplete to-do list) is very helpful, especially on days when I can’t remember having done anything. That sense of torpor makes me feel guilty, but when I can look back and see how much I’ve done or how much I have to be thankful for, it instantly cheers me up. Share or discuss these with others, especially friends or family who will be delighted by your delight.

• Try to look at winter the way our ancestors did: It’s a season for rest and gestation. It’s a vital part of the life cycle, and it has some very nice qualities. Rather than focusing on what you don’t like about the dark, wet and cold, meditate on how contemplative, quiet and cozy it can be. Warm, candle-lit baths with aromatherapy and good music are particularly nice on cold days.

• Randomly break out into a smile and hold it until you literally feel your mood improve. It can take a little while, but be patient. You’ll feel a crack in the bad mood when your laughter comes out from the authentic place that you’d accidentally buried.

•S AD is a form of depression that can be very dangerous.

If you can, speak to a therapist. They’ll have even more ideas for ways in which to be kind to yourself. : : Jack Kirven completed the MFA in Dance at UCLA, and earned certification as a personal trainer through NASM. His wellness philosophy is founded upon integrated lifestyles as opposed to isolated workouts. Visit him at jackkirven.com and INTEGRE8Twellness.com.

Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

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Furries

continued from page 7

Members of the Carolina Furs Facebook group, from left to right: Quentin, Headshot, Jayden, Axosaur, Cactimutt, Battle Amor, Taylor, unidenfied individual and Pooch at Megaplex 2019 in Orlanda, Fla. (Photo Credit: Facebook) Chattanooga, Tenn., and the Palmetto State Furs Happy Howlidays Christmas meet in Columbia, S.C. The meets and walk have been lots of fun. Since we all share a common weirdness, we can be ourselves and have fun, an opportunity not normally presented in life.

Has being a furry had any impact on your gender identity and/or sexual orientation? If so, how?

Through the barrier and freedom my character provided, I could experiment with new things without having to commit with

my real-life identity. With Fauxil, I was willing to experiment more and consider things I otherwise would not have. Things that eventually gave way to my true sexuality.

What sort of backlash or criticism have you encountered for being a furry?

I’ve run into a fair amount of intolerance and criticism online, particularly from Internet trolls, but nothing deeper than “lol furry” from people with no real knowledge of the fandom.

In your opinion, how does the public perceive the furry fandom and what are some common inaccuracies or misrepresentations?

The general opinion of the furry fandom is, as incorrect as it may be, “those freaks who pretend to be animals to have sex.”

Which understandably brings a host of poor connotations and assumptions. The first misrepresentation of furries to the public was through the “CSI” episode, “Fur and Loathing” in 2003. This depicted a furry convention to be a massive orgy, something which is simply not representative. : :

Jayden, a member of the Carolina Furs Facebook group, at Megaplex 2019 in Orlanda, Fla. (Photo Credit: Facebook)

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Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

a&e

P-town, Wilton Manors, Palm Springs, Oh My! Tell Trinity

BY Trinity | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Dear Trinity, The love of my life and I are starting to make plans for our gay honeymoon. What would you suggest?

Thanks, Honeymooners, Nashville, TN Dear Honeymooners, Try getting out of bed, opening up your Internet browser, calling some gay ole friends or simply talking to any flamboyant travel agent. As a gay couple on a honeymoon, it’s best to go to places like Provincetown, Mass., Palm Springs, Calif. or any quaint gay village. This is what my hus-bear and I would do. If I had a husband! Oh God, where’s my medication? Anyway, honey, I’d stay away from those super-single gay adventures like Atlantis Cruises. They’ll only make you wonder, “Why the hell did I get married in the first place?”

Good Luck, Trinity

you do it? Don’t you get confused or get into precarious situations?

Sincerely, PowerDoubts, Providence, RI Hello PowerDoubts, Of course, I get into precarious situations. But the alternative of not dating, or dating one being at a time, can also be torturous! With Powerdating you’ll never feel like a loser and, sweetie, you’ll also have better odds of finding your Them, Miss or Mr. Right! (Variety is the spice of life, the old saying goes, and is the focus of my cartoon.

Dating several different people at one time can be fun, but be sure to keep their names accurate so as not to embarrass yourself, sweetie!

Dearest Trinity, My girlfriend of 15 months wants me to move in with her. Do you think giving up my own apartment to move in with her is a good idea?

Thanks, In Or Out, Daytona Beach, FL

Hello Trinity, I know you write about “Powerdating,” dating many people at one time, but how do

qomunity

qonexions

Dearest In Or Out, I once started to write tips called “Reasons for giving up your freedom and moving in with someone.” But I could never come up with more than one reason other than “money!” It’s great to live with the one you love. However, darling, it doesn’t always make things easier emotionally. It does financially, unless your partner isn’t good at budgeting. Now in all seriousness, take all the risks you can in life, don’t be too practical and remember if it doesn’t work out, you can always start over again! I have, many times!

Best of luck, Trinity Hey Trinity, All through high school and college, I dated the same person. Now we‘ve broken up. As someone new to dating, what should and shouldn’t I be doing?

Yours, New and Single, Peoria, IL Hey New and Single, Congratulations on being with the same person all through your youth. While most people spend those years learning about single life and then meet someone special, you’ve learned it the other way around. So, pumpkin, here are:

Trinity’s Lifesaving Tips For Being An Excellent New Date 1. I f you can’t decorate, HIRE someone!

Plants, fake or real, and framed pictures do wonders!

2. J ust because you live alone doesn’t mean you should be a slob. Get a

HOUSEKEEPER if you can’t clean up after yourself!

3. If you never COOK for yourself, how will you ever learn to cook for someone else?

4. I know you should be loved for exactly who you are, but, please, spend TIME making yourself attractive whenever you go on a date, i.e., clean teeth and breath, shave, clothes and smell nice.

5. Living alone can make you SELFISH over time. Keep checking to see if you’ve become obnoxious yet!

6. Keeping appointments, written neatly in a calendar, always using your (unpublished) cell phone number and keeping an OVERNIGHT BAG in your car can make dating much easier.

7. If you’re too lax on paying your bills, STAY single! No one dreams of taking on that much responsibility!

8. Having pets will help you LEARN to be affectionate, compassionate and responsible for others.

9. I know living by yourself is easier than living with someone else, but eventually you’re going to have to GROW UP! 10. L astly, singles and couples both have their troubles, but remember, couples LIVE longer, bring in more money and have a more affectionate future.

With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org, Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! Learn more at telltrinity.com.

Send emails to: trinity@telltrinity.com.

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

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events January 25-26 ‘Hello, I’m Johnny Cash’ presented by David Burney

The ArtsCenter 300-G E. Main St., Carrboro 8 p.m.

David Burney, lead singer for the Johnny Cash tribute band Johnny Folsom 4, will be bring his oneman show to Carrboro for a threenight event. artscenterlive.org.

January 25- 26 Tyler Perry’s ‘Madea Farewell Play Tour’

Spectrum Center 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte.

Various Times After years of laughter on stage and on screen, Madea is saying goodbye. Join Madea, Aunt Bam, Cora and Mr. Brown on their last live play tour together. ticketmaster.com.

February 8: Metro Comics Expo

Vendor booths, artists, a cosplay contest, a drag contest and more.

Features star Sonya Thompson who played on “The Walking Dead” and other horror films. St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church, 622 Maywood Ave., Raleigh. 10 a.m. metrocomicexpo.com.

January 24-26 ‘My Fair Lady’ Musical

Ovens Auditorium 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte Various Times From stage to the screen “My Fair Lady” is a story about a cockney flower seller and a professor determined to transform her into a proper lady. Tickets start at $25 and are available online. bit.ly/35rUUSO.

January 25 Queen City Prism

Guerrilla Bar Arcade 412 W. Palmer St., Charlotte 8 p.m.

A fun event for the LGBTQ community to hang out and socialize.

Arcade games for all. bit.ly/38fxAtr.

January 27 PFLAG Charlotte: ‘Navigating your Child’s and Family’s Journey’

Time Out Youth 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte 7 p.m.

A peer-led workshop facilitated by PFLAG parents with guest speaker Dr. Brian Lurie. Free to public and registration is required. pflagcharlotte.org.

January 27 Finding Rhoda: A Genealogy Workshop Time Out Youth Center

January-February 2020

Submit your events: editor@goqnotes.com

3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte 7 p.m.

Hosted by the Charlotte LGBTQ Elders, this workshop will provide tips that will help one identify and link to family history. Free admission. Early registration suggested. bit.ly/2MTnGp7.

January 28 NC Policy Watch

Junior League of Raleigh 711 Hillsborough St., Raleigh 12 p.m.

Join the discussion with Tara Romano and Kendra R. Johnson on abortion and LGBTQ equality and the actions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Space is limited, preregistration requested. $10 online and $15 at the door. bit.ly/3ahcCMu.

January 31 Winter Craft Crawl

Armored Cow Brewing Co. 8821 JW Clay Blvd., Suite 1, Charlotte 5 p.m.

Starving Artist Market and Armored Cow Brewing are teaming up to bring local art, beer, vendors, live music and food trucks. Free to the public and pet friendly. bit.ly/2ttNfGw.

February 1 Furnace Neon Love

Bar Argon 4544 South Blvd., Charlotte 8 p.m.

Throw on neon gear, pull out glow sticks and join the neon love party. $5 entry fee for members of Bar Argon or Sidelines. Non-member admission is $10. bit.ly/2MZsLwe.

February 14 ‘The Paul Simon Songbook’ Greensboro Symphony

Westover Church 505 Muirs Chapel Rd., Greensboro 8 p.m.

The Greensboro Symphony will perform ballads from “The Paul Simon’s Songbook” and will accompany singer Paul Loren and his band. Including songs like “The Sound of Silence,” “Homeward Bound” and more. greensborosymphony.org.

January 25: Women United March

Charlotte’s march has been a platform for many female speakers for the past three years; this is not just a march but a movement for women.

First Ward Park, 301 E. 7th St., Charlotte. 11 a.m. womenunitedmarch.org.

622 Maywood Ave., Raleigh 7:30 p.m.

Dance the night away with SAGE’s Valentine Day dance party. Invite friends and loved ones — the more the merrier. Donations are appreciated. sageusa.org. lgbtcenterofraleigh.org.

February 15 Red Ribbon Ball

Stockroom at 230 230 Fayetteville St., Raleigh 8 p.m.

An evening to support the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina with wine, champagne and world-class desserts. DJ Fred will spin tunes.

Special performance by Sidecar Social Club. bit.ly/2NAgcYx.

February 16 Ross Matthews: ‘Name Drop Tour’

McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square 345 N. College St., Charlotte 7 p.m.

From “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” to judging on ”Rupaul’s Drag Race,” he has seen and heard a lot and is ready to dish out the goods. blumenthalarts.org.

February 21 So You Think You Can Bark

Knight Theater 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

Dogs and their owners will perform cool, outrageous, and unique tricks and will be judged by a panel of celebrity experts. blumenthalarts.org.

February 22 25th Annual HRC Carolina Dinner and Silent Auction

Le Meridien 555 S. McDowell St., Charlotte 5 p.m.

Come out and meet HRC’s new president, Alphonso David. Evening includes cocktails, dinner, entertainment, awards and more.

Tickets are available online. bit.ly/3797DeJ.

February 29 Diana Ross

Belk Theatre 130 N Tryon St., Charlotte 8 p.m.

From music, movies, musicals, and television the iconic Ms. Diana Ross will be in Charlotte for the Diamond Diana: 75th Birthday Celebration.

Tickets are available online. bit.ly/2ZcMayH.

February 14-15 ‘Expect the Unexpected at Rouge’

February 9: Joan Osborne

Multi-platinum-selling recording artist and seven-time Grammy nominee Joan Osborne is most known for her hit “One of Us.” She will be at the the ArtsCenter for a night concert. Tickets start at $36. The ArtsCenter, 300-G E. Main St., Carrboro. 8 p.m. artscenterlive.org.

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Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

Booth Playhouse 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte Various Times.

From comedy to thrills, lust to love, join these aerial artists and dazzling dancers in a cabaret-style burlesque show. This show is for mature audiences only, tickets are available online. carolinecalouche.org.

February 14 SAGE Valentine Day Dance Party St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church

February 11: ‘Kinky Boots’

With music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein. Join Charlie and Lola on their great idea to save the shoe factory. Tickets are available online. Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. 7:30 p.m. bit.ly/2Rv5PXc.

life

REGULAR EVENTS

Our People: Judith Jeffries

Charlotte Latin Pride

Spanish-language support nights, second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., Charlotte Pride offices at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1900 The Plaza, Charlotte. info: charlottepride.org/latin/

Volunteer, Charlotte LGBTQ Elder, Wife

U

BY Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer

pon retiring from her 20+ year career from Carolinas HealthCare System, Judith A Jeffries began devoting much of her time to volunteering in the LGBTQ community.

Jeffries began her volunteer work by advocating for families who were seeking information on the needs of transgender patients.

She fought for these families to have educational literature provided, and was successful in doing so.

Jeffries continued her work and began volunteering for RAIN, where she is now board chair. She is a member of the Charlotte LGBTQ Elders group and also serves on the board for the Center for Prevention Services.

CHS was superior. However, I understand that if I had come out years before, I would most likely have lost my job.

What has been your biggest motivation to continue your volunteer work?

Oh, I am selfish. I get so much from volunteering, connecting and encouraging people. RAIN, LGBTQ Elders and Innovate Charlotte are all near and dear to me. Another volunteer passion I have is with the substance-dependent and recovering community. The Center for Prevention Services is a strong non-profit that addresses the opioid crisis by building support systems for people who use drugs, syringe access program; Youth Drug Survey with Charlotte Mecklenburg schools, peer support, etc. Being able to connect people with people, resources, and agencies is great and fulfilling.

Youth of Color Group

As a more seasoned member of the LGBTQ community, you’ve had the opportunity to see our community grow and evolve.

What comes to mind when you think of significant milestones as well as setbacks in the LGBTQ community?

I remember being young and appreciating what my elder LGBTQ mentors went through. I lived and thrived on their shoulders. I remember going to gay bars and switching partners when the blue light came on because the police were coming. I remember going out to the parking lot and finding all our windshields smashed.

Mostly, I remember how much we loved and adored each other.

Milestones: I remember when “Angels in America” was presented and celebrated in Charlotte even though there were obnoxious protests. Rough times. There was no agency to protect us. We just kept living and loving. Marriage equality! Woo Hoo! Brenda and I got married on May 23, 2015 and have been together for 30 years.

Becoming a founder of the Carolinas HealthCare System’s first LGBTQ System Resource Group, EQualityOne. We garnered super support. Our executive sponsors were the cream of the crop, Derek Raghavan, M.D., and Craig Richardville. Of course, coming out at work was a big-ole milestone. Scary but big!

Setbacks: Bill James, county commissioner. Now there’s a guy who can’t let go of fairy tales. Terrified of being outed at CHS. Knowing full well I could be fired for being suspected as a gay person. I consider super conservative, “evangelical Christians” as setbacks because they have difficulty listening to their hearts and absolutely no difficulty listening to their spewing preachers. I only wish I could understand better and help them feel safe.

UPDATES/ADDITIONS?

How have these milestones and/or setbacks affected you personally?

Staying in the closet for so long made me physically ill because I could not bring my whole self to work. By nature I am gregarious, and I want to help make situations better. I want to bring dignity and humanity to the forefront.

PFLAG Charlotte

Support meetings, second Monday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m., Time Out Youth Center, 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: pflagcharlotte.org

Prime Timers

Monthly meeting including dinner, speaker, games and more for gay men ages 21 and up, 5-7 p.m., Park Road Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 3900 Park Rd., Charlotte. info: primetimersww.com/charlotte/

Transcend Charlotte

Support groups for partners, friends and family of transgender and gender non-conforming adults ages 18 and older, second and fourth Sundays of each month, 6-7 p.m., Time Out Youth Center, 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte.

Prior to each meeting an anxiety support group is offered 5-6 p.m. info: transcendcharlotte.org

Youth Drop-In Space

Drop-in space Monday-Friday, 3-6:30 p.m., Time Out Youth Center, 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org

Youth Discussion Group

Weekly discussion groups for LGBTQ youth ages 13-20 each Wednesday, 6:308:30 p.m., Time Out Youth Center, 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org Weekly discussion groups for LGBTQ and ally people of color each Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m., Time Out Youth Center, 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org Do you have a regular and reoccurring community event you’d like listed? A listing to update? Email us at editor@ goqnotes.com.

What was your experience like as an openly-lesbian professional during your time at Carolinas HealthCare System?

Once I came out (I felt safe enough to do so), I felt like I could do anything! Acceptance was gleeful. The Diversity Department at

How has your volunteer work in the LGBTQ community impacted your life?

My life is full and beautiful now. I have always been a happy person, but now I believe there is a large dose of joy factored in.

What advice can you offer the younger LGBTQ generation?

What sort of challenges or obstacles have you and Brenda faced as an interracial couple in the South?

It’s tough to distinguish if the setbacks and disrespect came from being an interracial couple or homophobia. We still have trouble getting seated and served in restaurants in the order in which we arrived.

Brenda doesn’t put up with it. The wait staff often look to me first for my order, and I always redirect them to Brenda. At retails, Brenda often has to deal with the salespeople following her around the store. I am usually oblivious because I am looking for something. Brenda grew up in inner-city Louisville, and she is wary. I am doing better about paying attention and being an upstander. I speak up more.

What knowledge or insights have you gained from Brenda in relation to her being a woman of color?

She has taught me to pay attention when people get too close to our personal space. Always be aware of your surroundings.

Know where the exit is, keep your back to the wall and your front to the door and never, ever look at the person in the car in the lane beside you. Don’t go Uptown during the Republican convention.

She insists this will help keep us alive. She is probably correct. I hate it, but she is probably correct. I also am examining my unconscious bias with regard to race and different origins. I want to understand and embrace it. Being a privileged white person is not something that brings me happiness.

Read our extended profile online at goqnotes.com/64792.

Jan. 24-Feb. 6, 2020

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