QNotes, Jan. 27, 2017

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

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Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

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Redistricting creates stress for progressives!

qnotes news & features

news. views. arts.

5 entertainment.

Teacher sues over firing 5 Redistricting gets delayed 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 8 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs 10 HRC Gala protest revealed 10 HRC co-chairs

a&e / life&style 12 15 18 19

Health & Wellness Tell Trinity Q Events Calendar Our People: Jenni Gaisbauer

opinions & views 4 Commentary: White House 4 International Holocaust Day

SCOTUS grants stay on redistricing. page 5

more news & features

HRC co-chairs step up Taking care of the annual gala has kept three individuals busy over the last year. page 10

Health & Wellness Being healthy includes taking care of one’s body, mind and spirit. And, flexibility is one of the key elements in doing so. page 12

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

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qnotes connect Jan. 27-Feb. 9, 2017 Vol 31 No 20

arts. entertainment. news. views. goqnotes.com twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas

contributors this issue Maria Dominquez, Jack Kirven, Lainey Millen, Jeff Taylor, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: White House Archives Mission:

The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBT and straight ally communities of the Charlotte region, North Carolina and beyond, by featuring arts, entertainment, news and views content in print and online that directly enlightens, informs and engages the readers about LGBT life and social justice issues.

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views

Commentary

White House goes dark: Website barren of LGBTQ issues Obama’s old pages moved, new admin’s site consistent with Trump’s promises

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff

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nternet rumors ran amok when multiple White House pages disappeared on inauguration day. The previous administration’s information on LGBTQ rights, climate change, civil rights and other issues were seemingly taken down. In reality, the pages were moved to a different URL, ObamaWhiteHouse.gov, but their absence from the official White House site is no less alarming.

The absence of a current page on LGBTQ rights may signal serious concern to qnotes’ readers. After the historic strides forward in the past eight years — nationwide marriage equality, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, among others — just what is the risk with the incoming administration?

The Daily Beast’s Samantha Allen wrote at length about the risks to LGBTQ Americans under the new president and, especially, his blatantly anti-LGBTQ cabinet.

“Pro-LGBT protections enacted through executive orders — like antidiscrimination protections for federal contractors — could be quickly and easily eliminated,” Allen suggested. “Undoing marriage equality would be an ordeal…but it’s still possible if President Trump follows through on his Supreme Court picks and the right cases come along.”

The website controversy seems to bring all of these hypothetical scenarios into the realm of possibility. After all, the previous administration’s page on LGBTQ rights might have just been updated to reflect the new president’s views. Trump himself has spoken moderately on LGBTQ issues, despite his horrifically anti-LGBTQ vice president and cabinet.

But instead of an update, the page was entirely removed and placed at a different URL. Does this inspire hope, or fear?

The issues that do appear on the official WhiteHouse.gov site are con-

sistent with Trump’s campaign promises. The president is still steadfast in his conviction to build a border wall, and one page titled “Standing Up for Our Law Enforcement Community” asserts that “the dangerous anti-police atmosphere in America is wrong.” There is no mention on the page of taking measures to reduce police-involved fatalities or prevent police brutality.

Another priority is to remain “committed to eliminating harmful and unnecessary policies such as the Climate Action Plan and the Waters of the U.S. rule.” These policies were implemented under President Barack Obama, and aimed at reducing the nation’s carbon footprint, fighting climate change. Trump’s opposition to regulations like these may spell disaster for the environment, even if they temporarily benefit the economy.

With these issues standing front and center, progressive Americans are quaking in their seats. Not only is the new administration actively negating the strides of the past eight years, but it’s also ignoring key issues like racial and LGBTQ equality. Civil rights, to Mr. Trump, are a nonissue.

Not so to the majority of Americans. The Women’s Marches held all over the world on Jan. 21 proved that. The central march on Washington, D.C. alone had over 500,000 people of all genders, colors and creeds in attendance — three times the number that attended the new president’s inauguration the day before.

Whatever issues that the Trump administration wants to ignore, the American people are responsible for making them a priority. LGBTQ progress, for one, is at risk not only through the absence of a webpage, but through the documented policies and attitudes of Trump’s cabinet. Vice President Mike Pence is well known for supporting conversion therapy, and in 2015 signed a “religious liberty” bill that allowed business owners to discriminate based on their religious beliefs. The rest of the presidential cabinet is no better.

The White House website alone isn’t the problem. Social media activism isn’t the solution. : :

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Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

In Memoriam

International Holocaust Remembrance Day offers chance to never forget Charlotte has monuments visitors can mark the day

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

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Some noted pieces of literan Friday, Jan. 27, the world recognizes International ture worth checking out include Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating “The Men with the Pink Triangle: the millions of Jews, Romani, disabled and LGBTQ The True Life-and-Death Story of people lost in the genocide.

Homosexuals in the Nazi Death The day was designated by the United Nations Camps,” by Heinz Heger, “An General Assembly. On Jan. 27, 1945, the largest Nazi Underground Life: Memoirs of a concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, was liberated.

Gay Jew in Nazi Berlin,” by Gad While the Jewish community largely commemorates Beck and the play “Bent,” by Holocaust Memorial Day with Yom Ha’Shoah, taking place Martin Sherman. on the 27th day in the month of Nisan, which is a week Some films that share the after the end of the Passover holiday, the Jan. 27 rememstory of the Holocaust include brance is also widely honored throughout the world.

Holocaust memorial in Marshall Park, Charlotte “Paragraph 175,” directed by Those wishing to mark the day in some way in Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, as well as “Bent,” the movie based on Charlotte, N.C. can go to the Holocaust memorial at Marshall Park in the aforementioned play of the same name.

Uptown Charlotte, at 800 E. 3rd St. It is in the corner, next to the sidewalk.

The short film “Pink Triangle,” a production of the University of North The monument was previously located at Holocaust Square at the corner Carolina School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking, is an informative piece of Dilworth Rd. and Morehead St. where it had been dedicated in 1979, but worth watching. It was written and directed by Ryan Jeffrey Davis, and won was moved in 1988 in order for it to be seen by more people. the Gold Remi Award at the WorldFest International Film Festival in 2011. It The Butterfly Project memorial is located at Shalom Park at 5007 can be found on YouTube, at youtube.com/watch?v=NSOPwefW2Xw. Providence Rd. It memorializes the 1.5 million Jewish youth who were lost For more information on how LGBTQ individuals were persecuted during the Holocaust, as well as serving as a way to combat anti-Semiduring this time, read qnotes coverage from last year, an article entitled tism, indifference and Holocaust denial.

“International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jan. 27: In the wake of anThere are many great books and movies to look into for those who nihilation, they were also persecuted,” which can be found at goqnotes. wish to learn more information about the persecution of gay people in com/41109. : : Nazi Germany and during the Holocaust.

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news

Legal Beat

Charlotte teacher sues after being fired for same-sex marriage ACLU claims violation of Title VII of Civil Rights Act

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte teacher has initiated a lawsuit alleging discrimination on the basis of sexuality.

Lonnie Billard had a 14-year career at Charlotte Catholic High School and says he was out and proud about his sexuality throughout. Beginning as a substitute teacher, Billard was hired on full-time in 2001 and retired in 2013, staying on as a substitute again.

Billard says that during his career at Charlotte Catholic, colleagues and students knew about his sexuality. He even brought his partner, Richard Donham, to school functions.

“I have never hidden the fact that I’m gay and my relationship with my partner was no secret at school,” Billard said. “But whether or not the school previously knew that I am gay is not the point. People should be able to fall in love and get married without risking their jobs.”

The tacit acceptance of Billard’s sexuality changed after a Facebook post in October of 2014 announcing the couple’s impending marriage.

“I thank all the courageous people who had more guts than I who refused to back down and accept anything but ‘equal,’” the post read. “P.S. If you don’t agree with this… keep it to yourself.”

Unfortunately, the church’s reaction to Billard’s marriage was not kept to itself. Two months later, the semester ended and Billard was formally fired. The school’s assistant principal told him it was a response to his Facebook post about his marriage.

Representatives of the Diocese agreed.

Less than a month later, David Hains, director of communications for the Diocese, said the firing was a result of Billard “going

but I don’t think my commitment to my husband has any bearing on my work in the classroom,” Billard stated.

Billard’s lawyers, led by the ACLU of North Carolina, claim that since his teaching job was secular, he cannot be held to religious standards. They say that firing him for his same-sex marriage constitutes sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This segment of the act has been controversial. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination against individuals based on sex, race, color, national origin and religion.

Though the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission interprets sex discrimination as including gender identity and sexual orientation, some at the state and local levels disagree.

Billard’s lawsuit seeks back-pay and benefits, reinstatement as a substitute teacher and an order preventing the Diocese from future discrimination.

Billard was recognized for his excellence as a teacher.

Students nominated him for Teacher of the Year every year since the award’s genesis in 2005. He won the title in 2012, his final year teaching full-time.

“I loved being part of the Charlotte Catholic school community, and the classroom has always felt like home to me,” Lonnie Billard filed suit against the Charlotte Catholic High School who Billard said in a statement. fired him once his marriage plans were made public on a Facebook post.

“People should not be fired because of who they love,” said Chris Brook, Legal Director for the ACLU of North on Facebook, entering into a same-sex relationship, and saying it Carolina. “Even though Charlotte Catholic is a private religious in a very public way that he does not agree with the teachings of school, it cannot illegally discriminate against an employee the Catholic Church.” whose job was not religious.” : : “I know that the Catholic Church opposes same-sex marriage,

Politics

N.C. redistricting: what’s the latest?

SCOTUS granted stay, gave no hint about a final decision

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) recently heard arguments regarding the fairness of legislative districts that a three-judge district court panel had held to be unconstitutionally gerrymandered. The previous court’s decision ordered North Carolina legislators to redraw the district maps and hold special elections in 2017. On Jan. 10, the SCOTUS granted GOP legislators a stay on the lower court’s order.

SCOTUS justices have only granted a temporary stay while they decide whether to take up Republican legislators’ appeal of the panel’s earlier decision. The panel ruled that the districts were unconstitutional and had been drawn with the purpose of minimizing minority political influence. On Jan. 19, SCOTUS justices met in private to discuss the case, but left with no pronouncement on whether the court would take up the case.

If the Supreme Court accepts the gerrymandering case, it may set the precedent for racial gerrymandering cases nationwide. If they decline to take up the torch, the lower court panel’s decision will be the final word.

“North Carolinians deserve fair representation in the state legislature, and that is impossible to achieve with racially gerrymandered districts,” said Southern Coalition for Social Justice Executive Director Anita Earls, representing the plaintiffs in the case. “A special election in the affected districts in 2017 is the best way to protect the rights of all North Carolinians.”

The GOP, on the other hand, argues that the rules for drawing districts are unclear. The federal government holds that districts must have equal population, as well as protect the influence of racial or ethnic minorities, under the Voting Rights Act. Republicans argue that the extent to which race must be factored into district mapping is unclear.

“Racial gerrymandering doctrine is substantially complicated by the reality that the Voting Rights Act has been interpreted to sometimes require states to prioritize race when drawing its districts,” wrote lawyers representing the state legislature in a brief for the court.

“We continue to believe the maps drawn by the General Assembly, pre-cleared by the Obama Justice Department and

twice upheld by our state’s elected Supreme Court are constitutional, and we will move quickly to appeal,” read a joint statement by Rep. David Lewis (R-Harnett) and Sen. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg).

Democratic politicians argue that the minority-packed state districts minimize the influence of those voters, leading to the supermajority that Republicans enjoy in both houses of the state legislature. GOP legislators themselves have admitted that their gerrymandering targeted party victory, but deny that race was the primary factor.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Patsy Keever supports redrawing the districts.

“I am confident that when the U.S. Supreme Court considers this case later this month they will uphold the decision of the lower courts, which found a clear pattern of racial discrimination in the gerrymandered districts drawn by Republican legislators in Raleigh,” Keever said in a statement. “Representative Moore and Senator Berger’s continued opposition to legislative districts that fairly represent all North Carolinians speaks volumes to how far they will go to protect their political power.”

Keever’s confidence has not yet found fruition, but the Supreme Court continues to consider whether to take the case. On a local level, a poll by the North Carolina Democratic Party found that 59 percent of N.C. voters support nonpartisan redistricting, and only 15 percent are opposed to drawing districts in an objective fashion. Independents, Democrats, and Republicans all favor non partisan redistricting, according to the poll. : :

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

Activists’ meeting on horizon

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A meeting hosted by Genderlines that was slated for Jan. 3 to discuss HB2 and the transgender community and to chart a course toward securing equality was postponed due to inclement weather. It has now been rescheduled for Feb. 4, 11 a.m., at Levine Museum of the New South, Harris Hall, 200 E. 7th St. In all of the fanfare over HB2 and its repeal failure, there may have been missed opportunities to discuss how HB2 and Charlotte’s non-discrimination ordinance directly impacts the transgender community. The gathering will give voice to that and allow for those who wish to be able to “tell some our stories to humanize the issue, as well as discuss what the next steps are in repealing HB2 and reinstating the ordinance,” organizers shared on Facebook.

Political and advocacy organizations, including Mecklenburg Political Action Committee, will be present to discuss the next steps forward with participants.

WCCB-TV’s Morgan Fogarty will serve as moderator.

Parking will be validated by the museum for those who park at the 7th Street Station deck. info: bit.ly/2jeOLVf.

Charlotte Skaters kick off season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Roller Girls will begin its 2017 season with a kick off party on Feb. 4, 7 p.m., at NoDa Brewing Company, 2921 N. Tryon St. The free event will enable attendees to meet up with the team and to enjoy an evening of camaraderie, as well as to hear about plans for the upcoming season. Fan opportunities will also be made available for those who attend.

NoDa Brewing serves as host and LaLa’s Sweets will provide desserts. Photography will be handled by Fotobossi.

The All-Stars and the B-Dazzlers will engage in their first bouts in March. The season continues through Sept. 9. Visit the website for more information and to secure tickets. info: charlotterollergirls.com. nodabrewing.com.

Boards, commission vacancies open

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte City Council has announced that it has vacancies on a number of boards and commissions for the upcoming year.

One such vacancy is on the newly established Charlotte Business Inclusion Advisory Committee. It is comprised of those from various chambers of commerce, as well as other entities. Terms are for one or two years depending upon the slot which begins on March 1. qnotes contacted the council when it noticed the omission of the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce among the minority chambers listed, saying, “We find this to be such a great oversight by your board’s creation of this committee. Can this be rectified?

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Especially in light of the recent situation with regard to HB2 and the city’s decision to revoke its NDO, it would be the least the city could do to make amends to the LGBTQ community, many of which were highly upset at the decision to do so.”

This has been taken under advisement and if and when this is rectified, qnotes will notify its readers.

Some other vacancies are also available on community relations, historic district, Keep Charlotte Beautiful, among others.

Applicants must be a registered voter in Mecklenburg County. There is no compensation for participation. To apply, visit bit. ly/2j3BGel. Deadline for submission is Feb. 6. info: bit.ly/2k6YYkX.

Condoms to strut runway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Planned Parenthood of the South Atlantic has announced that its third annual Condom Couture runway show will be held on March 4, 8 p.m., at the Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. Area designers, who picked up their materials earlier in January, are tasked with using condoms to create fashionable, wearable art which promotes safe sex.

The event benefits the organization.

Runway seating is available with individual and corporate sponsorships. Visit the website to learn more.

Tickets are $25/general admission and standing room only and reserved seats range from $50-$3,000 depending upon sponsorship level. info: condomcourture.org.

Chapter voices HB2 disdain

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A newly formed chapter of Carolina Jews for Justice (CJJ) has been

established in the Queen City. The third of its kind across the state, its first organizational meeting was held on Nov. 6 and it has been steadily gaining membership and support since then.

One of its first initiatives was to send a letter to the North Carolina General Assembly expressing the group’s stance against the discriminatory legislation known as HB2. The full text of the message can be seen on the state organization’s website.

Currently, the group is working to identify a name for itself, as well as finding ways in which to engage the community.

Across the state, CJJ was a participant in Sister March events in cooperation with the Women’s March on Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21.

Other chapters established to date are located in Raleigh, N.C. and Asheville, N.C. More information is available online about the new Charlotte chapter and other activities of the state organization and its affiliates. info: carolinajewsforjustice.org.

Youth org move underway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Campus Pride has announced that it will be moving into a new dedicated office space on Feb. 1 located at 1433 Emerywood Dr., Suite F. “The new office space provides a dedicated area for volunteers, after-hour operations, as well as more space for activities,” said Executive Director Shane Windmeyer.

In order to furnish the office, the organization is seeking second-hand office furniture in good order including chairs, desks, filing cabinets, bookshelves, a conference table and more. Contributions can also be made through the organization’s wish list at sharecharlotte. org/wish-list/3101.

Email ally@campuspride.org to learn more or to make arrangements to contribute to Campus Pride which serves LGBTQ youth. info: campuspride.org.

Triad ‘Laramie’ stirs memories

Org hosts legal clinic

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Campaign for Southern Equality will host a free LGBTQ legal clinic at North Star LGBTQ Community Center, 930 Burke St., on Jan. 28 at 10 a.m.

Led by attorneys and transgender advocates, this clinic will feature assistance completing name change paperwork and information on resources that are available for funding medical transition. In addition attendees can apply for small needs-based stipends to assist with the cost of legal processes.

This free clinic is part of a series of free LGBTQ Legal Clinics the campaign is hosting across North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi.

In other news, Rising Voices, a new rising poets and spoken word artist event, will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 (and every second and fourth Friday) at the center. Admission is free.

Confidential HIV/STI testing is available at the center on Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. The service is free. Other dates scheduled are March 7, April 4 and May 2.

Volunteer training will take place on these dates: Jan. 26, 6 p.m.; Feb. 3, 5:30 p.m.; Feb. 7, 7 p.m.; Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m.; Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m.; March 4, 3:30 p.m.; March 11, 1 p.m.; March 16, 6 p.m.; March 24, 5:30 p.m.; and March 29, 6 p.m. The center is always in need of volunteers to help bring its programming to a more successful conclusion. info: northstarlgbtcc.com.

Bingo time approaches

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Guilford Green Foundation’s Green Queen Bingo will be held on Feb. 3, 7 p.m., at the Elm Street Center, 203 S. Elm St. “Her Magesty” Big Shirli Stevenz and her Royal Court of Girlz and Boyz will entertain and help raise funds for the foundation.

Enjoy cocktails with the queens at 6 p.m., followed by the game show.

Tickets are $15/advance, $20/at the door and $12/student with government ID. Sponsors are ABBA Design and Living Waterscapes.

In other news, the organization has announced that its Gala & Green Party, “Prohibition,” will be held on March 25 at Cadillac Service Garage, 304 E. Market St. Tickets will go on sale shortly. info: ggfnc.org.

Triangle GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Community Theatre of Greensboro, 520 S. Elm St., began presentation of “The Laramie Project” on Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., and will continue in production through Feb. 5.

The gripping story tells of the 1998 kidnapping, beating and death of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming.

Five weeks after Shepard’s death, Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie, and over the course of the next year, conducted more than 200 interviews with people of the town. From these interviews they wrote the play “The Laramie Project,” a chronicle of the life of the town of Laramie in the year after the murder.

It is considered by some as one of the most performed plays in America today.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 27-28 and Feb. 1-4 and 2 p.m. on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5.

Tickets range from $10-$30 and are available online. info: ctgso.org.

Seniors ready for dance

RALEIGH, N.C. — SAGE Raleigh has announced that it will hold its annual Valentine’s Day Dance on Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., at the LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St. Music will be supplied by DJ Joseph Wells of Top Notch Entertainment.

Attendees will be able to enjoy finger food, soft drinks and wine and beer.

Contributing sponsors for the event are The Pit, Fresh Market and Tuscan Blu. Free parking is available in the lot behind the center which may fill up fast. Additional parking is available at a parking deck on Davie St. A contribution of $10 is suggested. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

Western ‘Cheerleader’ film screened

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — The Flat RockHendersonville Chapter of Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays will screen “But

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I’m a Cheerleader” on Feb. 6, 6 p.m. at the main branch of the Henderson County Public Library, 301 N. Washington St. “But I’m a Cheerleader” is a cult satirical romantic comedy which tells the story about Megan Bloomfield, an apparently happy heterosexual high school cheerleader. However, her friends and family are convinced that she is a lesbian and arrange an intervention, sending her to a residential inpatient reparative therapy camp to cure her.

There Megan soon realizes that she is indeed a lesbian and, despite the therapy, gradually comes to embrace her sexual orientation.

The event is free and the public is invited.

Youth under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. info: facebook.com/pflaghendersonville.

South Carolina Elder men’s group forms

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The first meeting of the newly-formed Prime Timers of Charleston will be held on Feb. 5, 2 p.m., at the Charleston County Library, 68 Calhoun St. The group is specifically for men who are over 40 years of age, be they single or coupled, who want to meet in an informal setting for social interaction and camaraderie.

Prime Timers of Columbia will be in atten-

dance and will provide guidance on how to best maximize the group’s resources and members for a more successful experience. info: bit.ly/2iRpmSW.

Grant shores up ASO efforts

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Lowcountry AIDS Services (LAS) announced that it has received a $35,400 grant from the Roper Saint Francis Physicians Endowment and will use the funds to expand HIV testing and prevention efforts into rural areas of Berkeley and Dorchester Counties, as well as into high-risk areas of Charleston.

In a partnership between the Medical Society of South Carolina and Coastal Community Foundation, the endowment provides annual grants to non-profit organizations for the express purpose of improving health, wellness and access for tri-county area residents.

The Charleston region has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an “emerging community” for its high rate of HIV infections and AIDS cases. LAS identified a significant increase in new HIV infections in 2015 with an almost 200 percent year-over-year infection rate. Additionally, IV drug use, especially with opioids, has been increasing nationwide, with rural areas hardest hit and adding risk for further HIV infections, LAS said.

LAS added that program expansion provided by this grant will allow LAS to go beyond performing free testing for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections at its office in North Charleston four days a week.

LAS expects to reach an additional 20 percent by hosting testing events and programs in areas outside its office — that equates to about 240 or more additional individuals who will be tested and more than 1,000 people will receive educational materials and safersex materials to help decrease potential for HIV and STI infections. All newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals identified through expanded testing will be linked to medical care within 30 days.

“In 2015, our agency identified 33 percent of the new HIV infections from the entire statewide pool of those found by community based organizations, even though we only cover about 15 percent of the state population within our service area,” said Bradley Childs, LAS executive director. “We know the need is great in our community and we have to expand our outreach efforts. We are grateful to the Roper Saint Francis Physicians Endowment for this funding so we can continue to help even more individuals and connect them to medical care.” info: aids-services.com.

Regional State’s schools remain hostile toward LGBTQ students

STATEWIDE — GLSEN has released statelevel data from its “National School Climate Survey” which shows that U.S. secondary schools are slowly improving but remain hostile environments for many LGBTQ students.

The report for North Carolina LGBTQ students found: vast majority of students regularly heard anti-LGBTQ remarks (including ones by

news

school staff and about gender expression); had been victimized at school (non-reporting to staff); reported discriminatory policies or practices at school (pre-HB2 inability to use the restroom that aligned with their gender identity); and did not have access to in-school resources and supports (student support organizations, inclusive curriculum, etc.).

“This research makes clear that many LGBTQ students in North Carolina are still lacking safe and inclusive schools,” said GLSEN Chief Research and Strategy Officer Dr. Joseph Kosciw. “Leaders in North Carolina must work to change this by supporting GSAs, creating and implementing policies that specifically protect LGBTQ students, providing professional development that helps educators support LGBTQ students and increasing access to curriculum that positively depicts LGBTQ people, history and events.” info: glsen.org.

Campus Scene Scholarships apps due

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Point Foundation’s 2017-18 scholarship applications are now open and are due for submission by Jan. 30.

The annual awards will be bestowed on April 20-22 in California.

Applications are available online. info: pointfoundation.org.

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

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

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news notes: u.s./world compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

National chamber shares LGBTQ economy snapshot WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) released its first-ever snapshot, “American LGBT Economy,” which demonstrated the economic and social impact of America’s LGBTQ business owners and entrepreneurs.

The report “explores the revenues, types, sizes and geography of LGBTQ-owned businesses currently certified by NGLCC, as well as the number of jobs they create and the personal narratives of successful LGBTQ business owners who reflect the ‘very best’ about America’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit,” the chamber said.

“The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be able to evidence, through this report, what we’ve observed since our founding 15 years ago — that America’s LGBT business owners are driving our economy upward and deserve every opportunity to keep creating jobs and innovating our industries. The estimated 1.4 million LGBT business owners NGLCC advocates for have truly earned a place at the equality table,” said NGLCC co-founder and president Justin Nelson. He also encourages businesses to get certified. “If you are an LGBT business owner and not yet certified, you’re leaving opportunities on the table to help your business and our economy grow. For the LGBT community, this also means we are missing out on more accurate data, role models, job creator and future success stories that prove ‘If you can buy it, a Certified LGBTBE can supply it.’”

Chamber Co-founder and CEO Chance Mitchell added, “This groundbreaking report proves our NGLCC philosophy that economic visibility, just like social visibility, is essential in building a diverse and inclusive society.”

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An estimated $917 billion in spending power is exhibited by the LGBTQ community, the chamber shared. info: nglcc.org.

Carolina cities make Advocate list

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Two North Carolina cities were among those who were deemed “Queerest Cities in America” by The Advocate.

Coming in at 18th was Greensboro, N.C. and at 15th was Durham, N.C. In its eighth year, the magazine identified unexpected places outside the norm that showed diversity. While the criteria does include important elements such as offering LGBTQ centers and trans pride parades, it also includes more lighthearted factors like lesbian bars, gay bowling teams and theaters screening the film Moonlight.

The full list of criteria can be found online. info: advocate.com.

State bans state-funded travel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gay Star News has reported that California has banned “state-sanctioned” travel to U.S. states where anti-gay laws have been enacted since June 29, 2015.

States that currently have such laws are North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kansas.

A bill sponsored by Equality California and the National Center for Lesbian Rights reads: “California must take action to avoid supporting or financing discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.”

“California has said clearly, our taxpayer dollars will not help fund bigotry and hatred,” legislation author Assemblymember Evan Low stated. info: gaystarnews.com. assembly.ca.gov.

news

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— CMT and iHeartRadio personality and South Carolina native Cody Alan disclosed that he was gay on an Instagram post on Jan. 12. The show host told People magazine, “Though my TV or my radio persona was always that of a happy guy, there was this underlying ache inside of me for years, so I decided either I was gonna do something about it, or I was gonna live with this layer of misery underneath that happy face on the TV.” Rolling Stone reported that Alan “enjoyed a distinguished career in broadcast, working in terrestrial radio for many years with stops in South Carolina, Florida and Texas before moving to CMT and taking over the video-countdown show in 2013,” in a feature he wrote for the magazine. info: people.com. rollingstone.com.

Reconciling Methodist Network has hired Rev. Liam Hooper as its first transgender community coordinator. info: rmnetwork.org.

Transgender soldier Chelsea Manning was granted a pardon by former President Barack Obama during his last days in office. However, now the military seems to be cutting her health benefits under the terms of her commutation. info: military.com.

Equality California has pledged vigilance in monitoring activities under the Trump Administration. info: eqca.org.

The city of West Hollywood has reaffirmed its commitment to LGBTQ individuals, women and immigrants as the U.S. fell into the Trump Administration. info: hollywoodfl.org.

World OutGames Miami 2017 has invited artists worldwide from all disciplines to create an original poster image that promotes the spirit of the 2017 Games. Submissions are due on March 5. info: outgames.org.

Metropolitan Community Church leaders are challenging a recent documentary by the BBC entitled “Transgender Kids, Know Knows Best.” MCC leaders said, “The program denies the existence of non-binary gender variance, and features discredited experts whose treatment practices are considered harmful in the trans community. Additionally, the documentary asserts that adult trans activists should not be allowed to comment on the treatment of

children when gender variant adults — who experienced gender dysphoria as children — are among the best of resources to society.” info: mcchurch.net.

Gay hookup site Squirt.org is making a statement in support of LGBTQ rights with a billboard campaign that launched on Jan. 17 to coincide with the inauguration of Donald Trump. The signs, featuring two guys holding the American flag along with the words “Dear Mr. President, Let’s Make America Gay Again,” appear in Los Angeles and New York City. info: squirt.org.

TV personality Carson Kressley has chosen The True Colors Fund for his charity of choice during his “The New Celebrity Apprentice” tour. info: truecolorsfund.org.

The Village Voice has taken an in-depth look at “When We Rise,” the upcoming fournight ABC miniseries, on the decades-long struggle for LGBTQ rights in America with the screenwriter, director and producer, Dustin Lance Black. The series begins on Feb. 27. info: villagevoice.com.

GetTested.com has released an infographic “HIV Under Trumpcare.” info: bit.ly/2ikVCth. New America’s Fellows Program 2018 Class is now taking applications through Feb. 1. It invests in thinkers — academics, journalists, independent scholars and public policy analysts — who offer “fresh and often unconventional perspectives” on the major challenges facing society. info: new-america.forms.fm.

AIDSWatch will take place in Washington, D.C. from March 27-28. NC AIDS Action Network has sent out a call for team members and is offering some mini-scholarships to offset costs of attending. Applications are due by Feb.. 10. info: ncaan.org.

Affordable Colleges Online has a student and campus safety guide. info: affordablecollegesonline.org.

The Victory Institute is accepting applications for its congressional internship program.

Deadline to apply is Feb. 17. info: victoryinstitute.org.

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

qnotes

9

Activism

Allison organizes gala protest Concerns abound over fundraising efforts amid HB2 repeal failure, need of transgender voices, people of color

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte has seen a lot of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) over the last few years.

The organization, the largest LGBTQ rights advocacy lobbying group in the country, was active in helping to elect Charlotte City Council members who would pass a fully inclusive LGBTQ non-discrimination ordinance, working alongside Equality North Carolina (ENC) and MeckPAC. They were visible at Charlotte City Council meetings and press conferences when House Bill 2 (HB2) nullified all ordinances passed by cities and municipalities in the state, as well as requiring transgender individuals to use the bathrooms and restrooms matching the gender on their birth certificates in government-owned buildings.

They called on Charlotte City Council not to rescind the now-nullified ordinance after pressure from the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) to do so, in hopes of getting a repeal of HB2 in exchange. HRC president Chad Griffin thanked them at a meeting in May of last year for standing their ground after they removed the topic of economic impacts due to HB2 from their agenda.

At that same meeting, Charlotte City Councilmember Kenny Smith noted that Griffin

did not reside in the state and questioned why Charlotte should listen to what those from Washington, D.C. think should be done in North Carolina.

City Council did succumb to the pressure eventually, rescinding the ordinance, but failing to get an HB2 repeal in response, leaving many in the LGBTQ community feeling let-down by their local and state governments, as well as by the organizations who saw large sums of money donated to their cause without any tangible victory.

Smith, who voted against the ordinance, has criticized HRC for holding a gala in North Carolina after calling for boycotts over HB2, labeling it “the height of hypocrisy.”

The gala has been held in Charlotte, N.C. for the past five years, previously being held in Raleigh, N.C.

While it may not be surprising to hear a Republican councilmember who voted against LGBTQ rights criticize HRC, he is far from the only dissenting voice.

Transgender activist and politician Janice Covington Allison is organizing a protest outside of this year’s fundraising gala in Charlotte, which takes place on Feb. 4 at Le Meridien hotel.

Allison, who is running for chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, says she believes the organization has done a better job lately of raising funds than of producing real results, particularly for the transgender community.

She believes the money they raised in the state would have been better spent for more local and grassroots organizations, such as MeckPAC.

Spotlight

HRC co-chairs host gala in Charlotte Organization’s leadership celebrates historic year

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff

T

he Human Rights Campaign of North Carolina (HRCNC) has had a landmark year fighting for the rights of LGBTQ North Carolinians. Leading the battle against the transphobic House Bill 2, HRCNC isn’t missing the chance to rally support through their annual gala, to be held at Le Meridien Hotel on Feb. 4 in Charlotte. The event, sponsored by Bank of America, features a silent auction, cocktail reception and dinner with complimentary wine. Special guests include HRC President Chad Griffin, alaong with singer/performer Crystal Waters and lesbian comedian Dana Goldberg. Also attending, the co-chairs of the gala are the masterminds behind the event. These dedicated leaders will enjoy the fruits of their labor, the HRC’s biggest event of the year. Below, find brief biographies of each of the event’s co-chairs.

J Alan Goddard After over a decade of climbing the ladder of the U.S. Air Force, Goddard turned to the corporate ladder while still performing duties for the Air Force Reserve. He worked for DOLE in various capacities for several years, and now serves as director of operations transformation services for Leap Point. Still doubletiming for the Reserve, Goddard describes himself as “a natural leader who has repeatedly been called upon to tackle an organization’s most complex operational challenges.”

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Davey Greene Currently an operations analyst for American City Business Journals, Greene has been with the company for over five years. Previously, he worked for Apple and Wells Fargo. Outside of his corporate career, Greene has driving passions for coffee and knitting. He writes a blog, “Queer Knitter in the Queen City,” about his “fiber art” and offers classes for aspiring knitters. The samples on his website boast tasteful colors and creative texture designs. Bringing this creativity to everything he does, his influence on the HRC gala will likely be quite enjoyable.

Dawn Pugh Currently working as a realtor for Nestlewood Realty, Pugh sees real estate as more than just a job. She helps people “realize their dreams” through her work, and she has an eye for design and style. The classy element of the gala will likely be owed to her. Not limited to HRC, Pugh has always been involved with community service. Her special interests include equal rights, tax reform, and community reinvestment.

Pugh wants to make the world a better place and uses both her business and outside projects to do this.

goqnotes.com/to/news

who have campaigned, and won, on defending MeckPAC has been vocal about their disapHB2 as necessary for the protection of women pointment with the city for rescinding the ordiand children would have to go back to their nance and have called on the council to reinstate heavily Republican districts it, if only symbolically. and explain why they Both HRC and ENC would not only repeal it, released press statements but allow similar ordinancshortly after the Charlotte es to go unchecked.

City Council voted to “The reason I’m holding rescind the ordinance, a protest, a demonstration, urging the NCGA to repeal is because…[individuals, HB2, but stopping short of musicians and others] have criticizing the city’s choice given money to Equality to take the ordinance off North Carolina, have the books. given money to HRC, lots This has led to quesof money, big money, and tions concerning if and they keep that money for when both groups knew themselves,” Allison said. about the votes held on Meanwhile, she said, Dec. 19 and Dec. 21 to they hold press conferencrescind the ordinance, first Janice Covington Allison es and ask members of the with a clause putting it transgender community to travel on their own back in place if the NCGA failed to repeal HB2 dollar to appear with them, which they often do by the end of 2016, and then to repeal it without because of their belief in the fight for rights. that provision.

“They protest because of their beliefs. It’s Neither HRC nor ENC responded to quesnot about money. And Equality North Carolina tions concerning if they knew about the votes and HRC they have never once said to the local in advance. ENC also declined to comment to organizations, let’s share some of this money to qnotes in time for the press deadline. help you guys out,” Allison added.

While a full repeal of HB2 would have She noted that HRC president Chad Griffin meant cities could once again have passed makes over $400,000 a year. their own non-discrimination ordinances, a Charity Navigator, an independent charity fully-inclusive ordinance like the one Charlotte watchdog group, gives HRC an overall rating passed not invoking the upset of the NCGA, of 89.36, with criteria covering use of funds, which could always pass another piece of accountability and transparency. legislation similar to HB2, seemed unlikely.

According to the organization’s 990 form The GOP still has a supermajority in both posted to their website, in 2015 HRC brought in the state House and Senate. The Republicans

news

a total revenue of over $36,400,000.

HRC defended itself against claims it is not doing enough in the fight for LGBTQ rights, both locally and nationally.

This is not the first time Allison has protested the state gala, joining members of the transgender group TransCarolina in 2009, voicing their upset over HRC supporting an employment non-discrimination that left out the transgender community.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand how HRC continues to work closely with local advocates, pouring their hearts, souls and enormous resources into this fight to repeal HB2. As a transgender North Carolinian, I couldn’t be more proud of the work HRC is doing here,” said Tina White, an HRC board member from Asheville, N.C., and executive director of Blue Ridge Pride Center in a statement to qnotes.

“They’ve partnered closely with Equality North Carolina and invested an enormous amount of time, resources, and money into the fight. The HRC and ENC TurnOUT campaign defeated the face of HB2, Pat McCrory, sending a powerful warning to lawmakers across the country who may be considering similar discriminatory legislation. There is no doubt in my mind that HRC is unyielding in its commitment to the fight not only until HB2 is gone, but until LGBTQ people across North Carolina have the same comprehensive and commonsense non-discrimination protections that exist in 19 states and more than 100 cities across the country.”

MeckPAC Chair Jamie Hildreth said he supports Allison and anyone else’s right to protest.

see Protest on 16

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

qnotes

11

goqnotes.com/to/life

life

health and wellness

by Jack Kirven :: personal trainer, qnotes contributor

8 Patterns of Wellness Part 6 of 8: Flexibility Avoid static stretching before or during In this series, I’m going to share some strength training: It lengthens your muscles imthoughts about the eight patterns that comprise mediately prior to exerting them, reducing their the program that is Integre8t Wellness. With ability to create tension and thus temporarily these fundamentals in place, you can expect to reducing strength. Thus, going into a stretch see enhanced results from your fitness plan. and holding it before strength training can The sixth pattern, flexibility, is glibly tossed cause you to reduce the volume of your effort. aside by most people, as if being able to move Save static stretches for the end. freely is somehow unimportant. Doing a minute Ballistic, bouncing, or swinging stretches of bouncing around and grunting at the beginare better at this point for keeping muscle ning, and then skipping it outright at the end is tissue from getting too short between sets definitely not helping you. Healthy joints that without triggering your muscles to pull back perform efficient movements require a balance reflexively to protect themselves from overof strength and flexibility. stretching. On chest day, an example would be Too little flexibility compared to strength, and swinging your arms front and back, alternating you will lose range of motion and create movebetween hugging yourself and then opening ment inhibition imbalances that then destabilize your chest with pulses of stretch. the joint and increase the chance of impingeAfter your session, perform a few slow ment and tearing injuries. Conversely, too much repetitions of your dynamic stretching (e.g., the flexibility compared to strength, and the joint is standing doorway pushup). At the end of the destabilized yet again. This time because the aplast repetition, stay for 10-20 seconds in the lonpropriate amount of tension is no longer limiting gest part of the stretch (e.g., with your elbows your range of motion. Going too far beyond the deeply bent and your chest pulled furthest appropriate range of motion is equally dangeropen). Exhale into the static stretch and relax. ous, leading to sprains, strains and ruptures.

Come out of the stretch slowly, and perform the Just to clarify: Flexibility training should not same type of cool down for any other directions be agonizing. you used (e.g., chest flies).

It will be important for you to learn the differA more advanced type of stretching at the ence between discomfort and pain. Discomfort is end, Contract Release Technique, often ina warning to approach a motion or position carevolves a partner and makes use of that person’s fully, to allow yourself to ease into the stretch. weight or resistance. For a post benchpress Avoid forcing yourself to cross the line into pain. movement, your friend would stand above you Pain is never okay: If you experience sharp, jabbing, cutting, searing or tearing pain, stop what you are doing. Conversely, if you have Flexibility and proper stretching promotes a been in a stretch for a while and it hurts to healthier body. come out of it, this is a sign you were in the position too long.

Also, walking on the treadmill for whatever amount of time is not an appropriate warmup, unless you are then going to walk, dance, jog, run or do some other type of locomotor activity. Doing cardio to warm up does not necessarily prepare Photo Credit: your body for other activities. Movement Nicholas Piccillo via Adobe Stock before training is definitely important; however, the dynamic stretches should while you are laying on the bench, as if s/he be related to what you are about to do. For were spotting you. This person would put their example, doing 10 minutes on a stair climber to fists into your palms and give you some of their then do bench presses is an unrelated warm up. weight to push against as you maintain your Dynamic stretching is slow, controlled arm position half way down. After five to 10 movement through the joints, connective tisseconds, your partner will back off the resissues, nerves and muscles that will be respontance a little, but still press down as you slowly sible for the day’s session. We’ll focus on chest resist, but allow your elbows to be pressed activities for consistency’s sake. downward. Your partner is pressing you into If you are planning to do bench presses, you an even deeper stretch. Hold there for 10-20 should perform dynamic actions that mimic that seconds, then come out of the position slowly. type of movement. For Dynamic Tension, you Myofascial release uses pressure and maswould press your arms slowly in front of you, saging to flatten and elongate both the muscles pretending to push a heavy weight away from and the fleshy bags (fascia) that surround them. your body. Imagine you are trying to push slowly Foam rollers, tennis balls, rolling sticks and through a vat of molasses. If you prefer calisother objects or surfaces that put concentrated thenics, you could do a variation of pushups. For pressure on the muscle cause it to release. fullest range of motion, stand in the doorway, Use a slow rocking or gliding motion for several place a hand on each side of the door frame, passes back and forth. This can be done with and perform 10-12 standing pushups slowly as or without a partner. : : you lean forward through the doorway and then info: Jack Kirven completed the MFA in push yourself back to standing. If you want to Dance at UCLA, and earned certification as stick with free weights, lay on the bench and do a personal trainer through NASM. a set of 20 reps with light dumbbells or a naked His wellness philosophy is founded upon barbell. Focus on the full range of motion, not integrated lifestyles as opposed to isolated the exertion under tension. This is the warm up, workouts. Visit him at jackkirven.com and and we don’t want to sap your strength before INTEGRE8Twellness.com. you begin the actual work out.

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Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

qnotes

13

++++++++ Sponsored Content ++++++++

from the Rx pad……

by Rx Clinic Pharmacy, a comprehensive onsite service of Ballantyne Family Medicine

“Out with the old, in with the new” Getting Rid of Your Old Medications the Right Way

by Desiree Gaines, PharmD

In the new year, individuals take the time to refocus their goals and declutter their homes and lives. We often clean out our closets, get rid of old or unused toys, and reorganize our homes, but there seems to be one cabinet or drawer that gets looked over.

What about cleaning out our medicine cabinets? You may be surprised to find several expired medications from 2010 or earlier, medications you may not remember ever taking, or creams that haven’t been used in years. While it may seem harmless to keep these medications around, the medications can be easily accessed by other family members and can cause serious harm if ingested or used for other reasons than initially intended.

You may think that disposing of your medications would be as easy as throwing them away, but this can make them easily accessible to small children or pets. Others may choose to flush medications down the toilet; however, this may only be appropriate for some medications.

First, it’s important to follow medication disposal instructions on the prescription drug label. Take advantage of medication disposal programs or drop boxes in your area. Local drop boxes and community medication take-back programs approved by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can be identified by contacting your local law enforcement agency. If you prefer to dispose of your medications at home, here are some tips: • Mix medicines (do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unpalatable substance such as dirt, kitty litter or used coffee grounds.

• Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag.

• Throw the container in your household trash.

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Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

• Be sure to scratch out all personal information on the prescription label of your empty pill bottle or empty medicine packaging to make it unreadable, then dispose of the container.

• If you need to dispose of needles, place them in a hard container such as an empty detergent bottle and seal tightly with a lid and tape for trash disposal.

It’s important to remember that medications that are unintentionally ingested can cause serious harm to others, which is why it’s even more important to continually monitor and dispose of expired or unused medications in your home.

For more information about medication disposal, visit: www.FDA.org.

Dr. Gaines is a Clinical Pharmacist at Rx Clinic Pharmacy. For correspondence please contact Desiree Gaines at desiree@rxclinicpharmacy.com.

goqnotes.com/to/arts

tell trinity

by Trinity :: qnotes contributor :: trinity@telltrinity.com

How to play ‘the game’ of picking up someone Dearest Trinity, I’m an honest, hard working, well-rounded guy with lots to offer. But I have a terrible fear of going over and talking to someone I’m interested in. Isn’t there an easier way to play “the game?”

Stalemate, Wichita, KS Dearest Stalemate, For most, the “pick up game” is truly all about “fear of rejection,” which can destroy the simple act of simply trying to talk to someone.

However, you must remember, a) rejection is only a psychological concept, and b) approaching someone must be treated like playing “The Rejection Game.” In other words make believe you’re practicing “getting rejected” rather than neurotically needing to “get accepted.” This way, all the pressure is taken out. Rejection (or acceptance) has nothing ever to do with you, but rather someone else’s simple fantasy of how they see you fitting into their fantasy of you. In “The Pickup Game” you must be willing to have fun and deal with all replies with your head high. Sometimes you’ll be ignored, sometimes adored. Eventually, pumpkin, you will become the master of your own game, not a slave to some else’s foolish desire or lack of desire for you!

Hello Trinity, I mean really, do I have to be ashamed of my excessive promiscuity? Isn’t there enough shame in the world? Can’t I just be a shameless slut?

Slut Pride, Provincetown, MA Hello Slut Pride, Just for the record, shame is lack of self-love and excessive promiscuity is often related to an excessive lack of not being touched. Now with that said, I must ask, when you’re a “shameless slut” are you loveless and touchless or full of love, passion and compassion? Being a slut, sweetie, is nothing to be too ashamed of, unless, of course, you do it shamelessly! (I’ve taken good advice in my life and it’s a good thing! Check out my cartoon to see how I’ve managed it all!)

Dearest Trinity, I’m seeing a guy who “only wants sex, not a date!” Is it OK to just have a “sex-date” or “sex-mate” and also date on the side?

Sex Date, Baton Rouge, LA Dearest Sex Date, It’s great to get “it” — and even greater if it’s on a regular basis. Yet, if he has no interest in offering you a future, then absolutely get out and date…with fury. If you like, keep him for fun, yet

a&e

don’t get lazy because of him. Keep dating!

You see, honey, until you find Mr. Dream Date, it’s healthy and acceptable to have someone to fall back on…or under!

Dear Trinity, Gay marriage is much harder than I imagined.

I want to keep my commitment vows, but it seems to be a constant uphill climb.

Keeping Your Vows, Stanford, CT Dear Keeping Your Vows, Commitment to anyone or anything means work, work and more work, but, darling, to keep it more fulfilling, try: Trinity’s Smooth Tips For Keeping Your Marriage/ Commitment Vows 1. Being selfish means trouble! Stop it, grow up and realize you’re not single anymore!

2. Being righteous or stubborn means taking the joy out of a relationship! Why not say “Yes” as often as possible?

3. Getting outside help with cooking, cleaning or organizing means you’ll both be free from fighting about these things.

4. S econd guessing doesn’t mean psychologically beating your spouse up for not being psychic.

5. L istening to someone’s problems means making time to listen even when you don’t want to, and sometimes even getting professional help.

6. Yet, sharing does not mean constantly talking about every little problem, worry or

secret you have.

7. H aving integrity means being a person of your word and taking responsibility for your actions.

8. However, love often means having to say “I’m sorry!” even when you’re not.

9. Letting go of “the little things” means you’ll have a much happier life enjoying bigger things.

10. Lastly, fighting does not mean “It’s over;” it means, “Go away for now, and when I’m ready we’ll make up.” : : info: 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. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

qnotes

15

goqnotes.com/to/news

news

Protest continued from page 11 “If they can do it, they should do it,” Hildreth said. “Especially since they feel they have a legitimate concern against HRC and some of its past and current work within the transgender community. I don’t want to speak for the trans community, as someone who isn’t trans, but I definitely feel like MeckPAC has always been an open, inclusive organization that has invited everyone in.”

He points to their history of having transgender people on their board and making sure that any candidate they are endorsing is supportive of rights for that community as well.

HRC will be awarding the transgender community collectively as its Person of the Year at this year’s gala, naming 10 activists in particular as having stood out for their work.

One such activist, Lara Americo, has decided to decline her award.

“In my experience, the HRC does not center the voices of those who are most marginalized, trans people of color. Specifically black trans people,” Americo said. “The model that the HRC uses trans bodies and labor for free while the white CIS gay men profit. The trans community does not need a savior, they need the CIS community to move out of the way and make space for our voices.”

She added that she, like Allison, would like to see some of the funds they raise going more directly to the community.

“The profits from one HRC gala could bring an LGBT community center or homeless shelter to Charlotte,” she said.

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Community member Paul Kelly, a friend of Allison’s, said he has cancelled his Federal Club (large donors) membership, which starts at $100 a month, over the concerns she is raising.

Community activist and local business owner Dianna Ward has also cancelled her Federal Club membership and will be skipping this year’s gala.

“While I attended the gala and participated on the ‘local’ steering committee in the past, the actions of the both the national and ‘local’ level HRC organizations in 2015 and 2016 continue to disappoint,” Ward said in a statement sent to qnotes.

She said her concern over what she sees as the organization’s problematic lack of diversity has been growing over the years.

She said that when she attended the HRC annual meeting in Washington, D.C., “it was clear that the HRC quest for diversity was just a façade. While in D.C., it was apparent that Chad Griffin’s immediate staff did not represent the LGBTQ community in all of its diversity.”

She added that her attempts to point out the underrepresentation of people of color and transgender individuals on the main and local boards have been ignored, while she sees more cisgender white men quickly ascend to positions of power within the organization.

One of the Person of the Year awardees who will be in attendance, Erica Lachowitz, said she believes HRC is doing their best for the community.

“I’m looking at it differently,” she said.

“We didn’t win the war, but we won a battle that is so important. The fact that we’re even talking about trans issues, I mean really talking about them, not just lip service, where we had a non-discrimination ordinance passed, HB2, backlash against the state, recognition from Loretta Lynch.”

“Now, that didn’t just happen because of a collaborative effort done by organizations done on the ground here, that happened with HRC intervention, with a relationship with Equality North Carolina, we got who need on council to bring this to a vote,” Lachowitz added.

She added that the board “has changed over time,” becoming more inclusive, and that most of the upset seems to stem from old wounds.

“I am going to the gala because for the first time in my forty years I have felt legitimacy, and I know that they played a large factor in that legitimacy.” : :

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

qnotes

17

EVENTS

January-February 2017 ‘Charlotte Symphony Altsounds: Brahms vs.

Radiohead’ Knight Theater 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte

7:30 p.m.

A symphonic mashup of Brahms First Symphony (1876) and Radiohead’s OK Computer (1997).

The Charlotte Symphony, conducted by Steve Hackman, attempts to make something new and beautiful from two works produced more than a century apart. Tickets cost $29. Tickets and more information are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

SEP JAN MO

00 27

‘Charlotte Does Aretha SEP JAN MO Franklin’ Stage Door Theater 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 8 p.m.

The Charlotte Music Heroes presents its fourth installment of “Charlotte Does” musical concerts, this time setting the focus on the legend Aretha Franklin. Previous artists in the series have included Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green.

Tickets cost $14 in advance and $16 the night of the show. More information and tickets are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

00 28

North Carolina Democratic SEP JAN MO Party 2017 Legislative Reception Little City Brewing and Provisions Co. 400 W. North St., Suite 120, Raleigh 6-8 p.m.

The North Carolina Democratic Party is hosting a fundraising drop-in where it will thank the 2016 candidates and elected officials and look forward to the work ahead. Guests include Gov. Roy Cooper, Attorney General Josh Stein, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, State Auditor Beth Wood, Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan, Sen. Dan Blue and Rep. Darren Jackson. Complimentary beer, wine and finger food will be available.

Ticket prices vary. Tickets and more information are available online. secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/ leg2017.

00 31

Submit your event to our calendar!

You can submit your event to our comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Visit Gay Charlotte. Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ and get a three-forone entry. All Charlotte-area events will appear on each of the three calendars at qnotes (goqnotes.com), Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce (clgbtcc.org) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).

HRC Gala SEP FEB MO ‘Going Beyond: Equality Forward Together’ Le Meridien Charlotte 555 S. McDowell St., Charlotte 5 p.m.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Gala will take place this year under the banner of “Going Beyond: Equality Forward Together.” A silent auction will take place during the reception, with dinner and awards following. Ticket prices vary. More information and tickets are available online. hrccarolina.org.

00 04

qnotes

‘The Vagina Monologues’ The Orange Peel 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 8 p.m.

“The Vagina Monologues” is in its 18th year, and the play, written

by Eve Ensler and based on interviews with over 200 women, comes to The Orange Peel to raise money for Helpmate of Asheville. The nonprofit provides services and support to women and children victimized by domestic abuse.

Tickets cost $25 for general admission in advance, and $35 at the door, and $15 in advance and $20 at the door for students. More information and tickets are available online. theorangepeel.net.

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EContinues through Jan. 19 ‘The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-Time’ Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte HB2 Next Steps Discussion Times Vary Levine Museum of the New South The play that has won five Tony Awards, based on the book of the 200 E 7th St., Charlotte same name, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” comes to ‘Charlotte Symphony: SEP FEB 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

MO Charlotte. A 15-yearSecond City Guide to the A community discussion of what went old boy with an Symphony’ wrong with the HB2 repeal efforts, exceptional brain, Belk Theater which included Charlotte City Council and a difficulty to 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte rescinding the already nullified LGBTQ understand everyday 8 p.m. non-discrimination ordinance. The life in spite of his The improv comedy troupe that helped meeting will be hosted by the transgenintelligence, embarks launch the careers of such stars as der support group Genderlines. Morgan on solving the mysJohn Belushi, Mike Meyers, Tina Fey Fogarty from WCCB will moderate. More tery of who killed his and Stephen Colbert offer up their information is available online. neighbor’s dog. It has unique take on the symphony, with facebook.com/events/ been called “one of original orchestral pieces as well as 1297135440309351. the most fully immerworks by masters. Tickets start at sive works ever to wallop Broadway” by The New York Times. More information $29.50. More information and tickets are and tickets are available online. available online. blumenthalarts.org. charlottesymphony.org.

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To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/

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Second Annual Galentine’s SEP FEB MO Day ICE Martini Bar 9525 Birkdale Crossing Dr #102, Huntersville 5:30-9:30 p.m.

The second annual Galentine’s Day event will take place at ICE Martini Bar, where you can socialize, enjoy light bites, and donate items for homeless women in Mecklenburg County and Lake Norman.

Items to bring include deodorant, new women’s underwear in all sizes, feminine products, hairbrushes and razors.

More information is available online. facebook.com/ events/1178685808895370.

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

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life

Our People:

Q & A with Jenni Gaisbauer Charlotte Library Foundation Exec talks coming out, love and professional fulfillment

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff more than 100 female leaders supported and joined the host committee. I would be remiss not to mention the museum’s core exhibit, “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers.” To really understand our city and our shared history, you need to visit this exhibit.

Not many people can say they’re 100 percent happy with where they are in life.

Jenni Gaisbauer, 42, seems to be the exception to the rule. Her career has spanned from the Levine Museum of the New South to her current post as executive director of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, and she loves what she does. More than her professional contentment, Gaisbauer recently became engaged to her longtime partner, Ashley Hudler.

Things are looking pretty good for the happy couple, but they’ve fought hard to get where they are. Gaisbauer describes coming out to her boss and her journey to find her place in a challenging world.

What are the best aspects of your current job?

I am one of the lucky ones. I really enjoy my job and profession because it’s all about people and relationships. I work with a dedicated and kind team and always surrounded by individuals that care about our community and give their time and financial resources to ensure our libraries, the great equalizers, have the necessary resources to serve our community. I am reminded on a daily basis how good humanity can be.

During your career in fundraising, what were the biggest challenges?

The financial crisis of 2008-2010 was pretty tough. I was at Levine Museum at the time, and like most companies and non-profits, we had to let go of talented and dedicated staff to survive.

When you worked at the Levine Museum of the New South, what was your favorite exhibit?

The first one that comes to mind was the first one I was responsible raising money for, “Purses, Platforms and Power: How Women changed Charlotte in the ‘70s.” Not only was it a fun and inspirational exhibit, but it was one of my favorite projects to raise money for because

During your extensive education, which were the hardest lessons to learn for you?

When I first started out in my career, I hid my sexuality from my co-workers. I remember feeling like half a person. After being at my job for a year, I finally found the courage to go into my boss’s office and tell her I was gay…I was shaking…my boss looked at me, smiled and said she knew the moment I walked in for my job interview.

She made me feel my difference added value to the team. It’s amazing how much we flourish as human beings when we are around people who value our contributions and individuality. Lessons learned for me were never underestimate people and that to be successful in life, you have to be true to yourself.

Why are libraries important to the community at large and to the LGBTQ community?

Libraries are the great equalizer. They are welcoming to everyone, no matter where you are in your life. They serve the young, old, gay, straight, homeless, rich, poor, Democrats, Republicans and everything in between. During a time of “fake news,” librarians are trained and trusted to help our community decipher fact from fiction, navigate through instant and constant information overload. Our library system serves more people today than ever before through early childhood literacy programming, computer use, job help center, books/digital materials and so much more.

One of my favorite quotes is by the late broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, “Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”

How would you describe your “happy place”?

My happy place is with Ashley, our two dogs (Bella, 16-year-old collie mix; and Amos, 5-year-old pit bull), in bed, binge watching British series on Netflix or Amazon.

Where do you dream of traveling?

Ireland! I’ve always wanted to go and we are going next summer for our honeymoon.

How did you get engaged?

I asked Ashley. I was waiting for her to ask me, but she was taking too long so I took matters into my own hands. Right before Christmas I came home, she had the fireplace on, was sitting in our living room and I decided, this is the time. I bought the ring a week before and I could hardly wait (I am terrible with surprises) so I popped the question.

Thank God she said yes. On a scale of 1-10 for romance, it was a 5. I could’ve done better but she loves me all the same. : :

Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017

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Jan. 27-Feb. 9 . 2017