Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
qnotes
qnotes
Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
inside Feb. 19-March 4, 2011 Vol 25 No 22
news & features 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 8 Lavendar Lobby 8 Amazing Race Bar Crawl 9 Poetry and song unite 9 Business Expo slated 10 LGBT prom planned
a&e/life&style 5 On Being a Gay Parent 10 Drag Rag 12 HRC weekend travel 12 Vagina Monologues 13 HRC brings out the stars
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13 Raleigh festival seeks volunteers 14 Tell Trinity 15 Out in the Stars 19 Q events calendar
opinions & views 4 Editor’s Note
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contributors this issue
Leah Cagle, Matt Comer, Kevin Grooms/Miss Della, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Leslie Robinson, David Stout, Trinity, Brett Webb-Mitchell
front page
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Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
qnotes
VIEWS
editor’s note by matt comer matt@goqnotes.com
Bits-n-pieces
There’s a lot going on these days. For me, my personal and professional lives are jampacked, especially after returning to college again this semester. The community is moving full-steam ahead on many fronts nationally, statewide and locally. It’s hard to fit everything in, but I’m gonna try. Relationship equality rolls along In Hawaii, a bill that would legalize civil unions is moving through the legislative process. In Maryland, advocates are inching successfully toward full marriage equality. Freedom to Marry, a national marriage equality advocacy group, has announced a nationwide public education campaign. While some states are facing potential setbacks (Iowa’s legislature is considering a constitutional amendment to overturn marriage there), the progress in others is refreshing. As of press time, North Carolina legislators had yet to file bills to restrict marriage in the House or Senate. When writing my last column, I could have sworn my words would be dated by the time the papers hit the streets, assuming GOP lawmakers would see fit at anytime to launch down their path of anti-LGBT bigotry. I was wrong. Hopefully, last issue’s luck will pull
through this time. But, to be on the safe side, I encourage you to head to goqnotes.com for the latest news. Chik-fil-A boycotts LGBT advocates around the country are calling for a boycott of Chik-fil-A. The restaurant has long been known for its conservative bent, but recent efforts by New York City blogger Jeremy Hooper (GoodAsYou. org) have brought the issue into the national spotlight. Hooper’s phenomenal coverage — including details of the millions of dollars Chik-fil-A’s foundation spends on virulently anti-gay causes — can be partly credited for the scores of college and university students now organizing to see the restaurant chain booted from their campuses. The activism inspires me: LGBT and ally young people are clear in their desire to support only those businesses which treat all people equally and who undertake no actions to harm others. Trans inclusion A landmark survey from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality, released during the Task Force’s annual Creating Change conference in Minneapolis in early February, shows that transgender people continue to
face extreme hardships. The nearly 6,500 respondents were more likely to live in extreme poverty (less than $10,000 per year), more likely to be unemployed and more likely to experience discrimination or harassment in healthcare facilities, workplaces or in housing. There are many actions our communities, locally and nationally, can take in order to start addressing these problems. First and foremost, we must continue to be intentionally inclusive of all people in our movement including transgender people. When undertaking lobbying initiatives, especially, we must push harder for transgender-inclusion and give transgender people a presence in political conversations. These two examples, among others, will do much to create change, and we should all be more cognizant of those whose voices often go unheard even among our own community. Charlotte nets the DNC Organizers of the 2012 Democratic National Convention announced on Feb. 1 that they had chosen Charlotte as the host city for their September 2012 event. The news is great for the Queen City, especially when you consider the convention’s potential $150-$200
million economic impact. However, this city continues to be a place where LGBT people are politically irrelevant. Our local community should partner with national LGBT leaders and Democratic Party activists to force a major conversation on equality, the likes of which Charlotte politicians and voters might have never had before. This, and more, was the subject of my Feb. 3 commentary at The Advocate. I hope you’ll take a read: advocate.com/Politics/Commentary/Dems_ in_Charlotte_No_LGBTs_Please/. School spirit? Nah. I’m not entirely sure what I expected when I transferred my college credits from UNC-Greensboro to UNC-Charlotte. Would I feel like a college student again? Would I be anxious to get involved in campus activities? Would I feel a part of some sort of college community? As it turns out, I’m more interested in class, studying and where exactly my money is being spent. And, while the occasional chat with a good-looking college guy or a stolen glance between me and a hot frat boy is nice, I find myself feeling as though I’m a lifetime ahead of most of my classmates. It’s a weird feeling, but one I’ll just have to get used to as I work toward finishing my degree. : :
general gayety by leslie robinson :: qnotes contributor
Where no gays have gone before
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Brannon Braga, who produced many of the episodes and feature films in the “Star Trek” universe, told AfterElton.com that the franchise’s lack of gay characters was “a shame.” His new show, “Terra Nova,” so far also has no gay characters. It doesn’t strike me as all that hard to include LGBT characters in televised science fiction. I’ll take a shot at a scene right now: Int. Crossroads Bar, Planet of New Poughkeepsie, Evening Captain Isabel Rodriguez and First Engineer Sue Tremaine, wearing work jumpsuits, drink Saturn Slings. Tremaine: I’ll never get over her. Rodriguez: That’s what you said last time. Tremaine: I’m repetitive. Sue me.
Rodriguez: What you are is addicted to the chase. Tremaine: If I wanted psychoanalysis, I’d be drinking with the counselor from Pluto with three feet. Rodriguez: Maybe you should take a break from women. Tremaine: Not in this lifetime. And, if what the Oracle told me is true, not in the next one either. Goosie the barkeeper stops at their table. Goosie: Another round, ladies? Rodriguez: No, thanks, Goosie. We have to work tomorrow. Tremaine: Hey, Goose, I can’t tell if you’re a guy or a girl today. Goosie: Not too sure myself. Wait, it’s Tuesday. Guy. He moves to the next table. Tremaine: Hell of an interesting planet he comes from.
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qnotes
Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
Rodriguez: It’s bedtime for me. Tremaine: The night is young! Look, the Orion Express just unloaded. Visitors who’d love to be shown around by our fair captain. Rodriguez: Stuff it. Tremaine: Izzy, you haven’t been with a man or a woman since the Leberwurstians invaded. Rodriguez: The tingling in my artificial nose says they’ll be back. I have to lead. Not love. See? Adding LGBT characters opens a host of dramatic doors. Sci-fi creators need to beam us on board. : : info:
LesRobinson@aol.com . generalgayety.com
by brett webb-mitchell :: qnotes contributor
Where are we? A few times a year those of us in the Raleigh/ Durham/ Chapel Hill-Carrboro area are told that we are the first, second or third for a host of being the “best at” and “worst at” for many categories. For example, Money magazine designated Raleigh as number one for business in 2006, while a group called “Tax Foundation” designated Raleigh as one of the “worst” places for business in 2009 (high taxes!). People actually decide to move or not to move based upon these arbitrary, snapshot-of-theday moments. By and large, they are convenient selling points to businesses, colleges and real estate agents throughout the land. The headline surprising — well, shocking — me concerned the snapshot crowning the Triangle area as the third in the nation having same-sex couples heading households with children by the American Community Survey. Other areas from the state of North Carolina included Charlotte-Gastonia, Rock Hill (SC), which was 36th in the nation. With this new-found designation, I’ve been watching and listening for evidence of this statistical wonder…or error. I’ve walked down Carrboro’s Weaver St., Chapel Hill’s Franklin St., Durham’s 9th St. and Main St., and Raleigh’s Fayetteville St. and Glenwood south area, in hopes of seeing these samesex couples and families. I met a lot of single LGBTQ folks, a few couples in their early 20s, but no queer families, per se. I’ve taken a glimpse in the playgrounds around my home when I am on my daily run, but still do not see many LGBTQ headed households.
I then scour Raleigh’s News & Observer, tune into my local television channel WRAL-TV and glance at the indie favorite, Independently Weekly, searching for stories about our families. I am looking for images of our gatherings in advertisements or even stories of our kind of loving during Valentine’s Day specials and am amazed at the dearth of coverage about our families. What in the Sam Hill is going on here? In light of this survey, where the heck are we? Who is self-reporting that we are here in the first place, when our presence is more or less missing-in-action where I live? My hunch is that those of us who are in the abstract category of “same-sex couple households” follow (with some adaptations) the following script: we are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people who, in our younger years (20s) did what we thought we could and should do as good middle-class Americans: we got married to someone who is a heterosexual. We stuffed feelings, desires, urges, hopes, dreams, relationships, intellectual ways of thinking and our very spirit and body into the only option that Southern culture gave us for a sustaining, long-term relationship: heterosexual marriages. We continued to follow obediently this American Disney-esque narrative faithfully: after our wedding, bought the house, cars and pets, we were blessed with a child or children. Then, beginning around our late 30s or early 40s, every bit of who we really are demanded to be recognized; it threw open our closet doors; old habits and desires came back to life. With hope and trepidation, we quietly worked toward an amicable separation and divorce from our heterosexual partner as we began to breathe anew, being and becoming who we were made to be. Others simply agreed to separate sex lives,
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on being a gay parent
designating themselves in on-line services as simply “MWM” and MWF.” The amicability issue came with a big caveat: we promised the other person we would divorce based upon the true phrase, “irreconcilable differences,” that we would support the children through their college years and we would be quiet about it all. We would not be out, proud and loud about it. We would be subtle and below the radar. We would continue our life in the “burbs.” And we would be honest about who we are, but only with those who needed to know we are LGBTQ. We did not want to threaten the lives of our teenage children, lose a job or embarrass our former wife or husband as we sought a relationship with a significant other, partner, or boy- or girlfriend or lover. And, we would quietly mark survey questionnaires about who we are, smiling for the first time, proud in the small way that we are finally being honest. Where are most of these same-sex couples and children? Quietly, discreetly, yet honestly, they — we — are in the very tasteful fiber of the American middle-class tapestry and tableau. Calmly, the families take their place in communities of faith, go to their children’s sporting events, attend PTA meetings and drive to and fro to work. They know, and now we know, they are queer and they are here…serenely so. : : more: Be sure to read qnotes’ Feb. 5 feature, “Southern culture plays role in gay-led families,” at goqnotes.com/9935/.
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Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
qnotes
BRIEFS
news notes: from the carolinas, nation and world compiled by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com | David Stout :: david@goqnotes.com | Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Parents start PFLAG chapter HICKORY — A small group of people got together on Jan. 18 to begin the process of creating a Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays chapter. Each of them simply wanted to help create a safe place for those who have gay and lesbian children or friends. They wanted to provide a confidential environment for conversations and discussions to ease the pain and/or confusion of the coming out process. Kathy and Richard Greathouse, together with Debbie Cox and Ed Farthing, spearheaded this effort. They wanted to revive a chapter in the Catawba area that had laid dormant since 2005 when it disbanded. Greathouse remembered when in the 1990s, her son came out and found PFLAG helpful. She saw parents at every stage of the journey and felt comforted by their stories. She stayed with it until the early 2000s. With the recent suicide deaths of youth across the nation, they all felt that it was time to get together to discuss bullying. None of them felt that they could simply stand by without doing something. “Fear is big enough. The group is essential for parents who are trying to figure things out,” Greathouse said. Currently, the chapter is in the formative stage. It will be meeting on the fourth Monday of every month at the Women’s Resource Center, 125 3rd St. N.E. At the next meeting, regional and state PFLAG officials will be joining them to get information and organizational tips. They will also share how a chapter works and it can benefit from established resources. Greathouse added that PFLAG was about wanting love, not hate, thus becoming a bit of a moniker of the organization. For more information, call the Greenhouses at 828-994-2131; Cox at 828-4662284; or Farthing at 828-322-2805. — L.M.
Charlotte TOY welcomes new board members
CHARLOTTE — Ivey Graham, Michael Holmes, Steve Wilson and Jeremy Carter have taken positions on the Time Out Youth board. Leaving are John Johnson and Brandon G. Major. — L.M.
Triad Parade slated
WINSTON-SALEM — Equality WinstonSalem (EWS) has announced its plans for a Pride parade on Oct. 15, the first one in well over a decade. Steve McGinnis, one of the co-founders of the community rights organization, told The Winston-Salem Journal that the city was not visible enough. The retired school system principal wants people to recognize the presence of the LGBT community and the differences that it makes to the Triad. The leaders of EWS felt that the climate
qnotes
Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
was just right to be holding a celebration. On the coat tails of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” recent statements by Rep. Larry Brown, as well as other issues, there could not be a better time to champion LGBT equality. The parade will be coordinated with other local groups in order to represent all factions. — L.M.
Triangle March hits streets
RALEIGH — On Feb 12, Equality North Carolina (ENC) and the NC Aids Action Network (NCAAN) participated in the fifth annual “Historic Thousands on Jones Street” (HKonJ) march in downtown Raleigh. The rally was organized by 107 civil rights, religious and other non-profit groups, lead by the North Carolina NAACP, to bring attention to a progressive 14-point agenda that included equal rights, education, jobs, criminal justice, and voting rights. Almost 1,000 participants (according to WRAL.com; News Channel 14 says “hundreds;” NBC 17 says “thousands”) marched from Shaw University to rally outside the state Legislative Building on Jones St. During the event, ENC worked to raise awareness of LGBT issues and gathered signatures to oppose a proposed marriage discrimination amendment to the North Carolina Constitution. NCAAN focused on educating participants on HIV/AIDS related issues and getting people to sign up to protect the Aids Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) which provides essential medication to low-income citizens in the state. North Carolina officials say ADAP will run out of funds for new enrollments in late March. Over 330 signatures were collected. North Carolina NAACP President Rev. William Barber noted that it was the 102nd anniversary of the NAACP’s founding. “We stand in that tradition that still refuses to believe that inequality and injustice has the last word,” he said. “We want economic justice, good jobs and labor rights for all our people, and we want to see equal protection under the law for everyone.” Though LGBT equality is not currently part of the HKonJ agenda, one of the speakers did allude to LGBT civil rights, referencing the need to end discrimination against people based on whom they love. — L.M. (Shawn Long, ENC, contributed to this report.)
Asexuals to hold meeting
RALEIGH — The first meeting of Aces United, a group for asexuals, will be held on March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Cheesecake Factory, 4325 Glenwood Ave. The focus of the get-together is to allow members the opportunity to talk about their experiences and share what they hope to get out of participating in the group. Asexuality is the states in which a person does not experience sexual attraction. Stephanie Silberstein, the organizer, said she felt out of place in LGBT social events and wanted to create a space where she and others could find common ground. Attendance is free and is open to anyone who identifies as asexual.
For more information, visit meetup.com/ Aces-United. — L.M.
Getting better at NCSU
RALEIGH — North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) GLBT Center has hit the small screen, so to say, with the release of a video for the “It Gets Better” project which was launched by syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage last fall. It was produced by Center director for GLBT Programs and Services Justine Hollingshead. The Technician reported that Hollingshead “selected the three main people so that there would be differing perspectives. She said she wanted to select a transgender student, a gay student and a lesbian student.” Maddy Goss, a part-time computer science major represented the transgender portion of the campus. Justin Kadel, who left the campus in 1995 due to harassment, is the voice of the gay population. Communications Senior Stephanie Raney rounds out the trio as the lesbian representative. Will Lamb recorded and edited the piece. He is a senior in communications. Hollingshead was pleased with his treatment and said that the two wanted to be sure to have the filming be “Wolfpack warm.” They included the Belltower, the Free Expression Tunnel and classroom settings as a backdrop to the storyline. To view the video, visit youtube.com/ watch?v=xuSNuPM5BsI. For more information, visit news.college medianetwork.com/news/glbt-center- creates-own-it-gets-better-video. — L.M.
Western WNCAP’s leader retires
ASHEVILLE — Ron Curran, Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) executive director, has announced that he will retire from the board effective June 30. The board has initiated a formal search committee and is accepting applications and hopes to fill Curran’s shoes prior to his departure. According to the Citizen-Times, “Curran’s legacy includes a stable financial future thanks to a diverse source of funding, which includes a mixture of state and local money and foundation grants.” The newspaper also reported that Curran was someone who did not leave his work at the office. “I know Ron, and I know him personally, and I know that he is always thinking about WNCAP. And I think that’s unique. I think his leadership style is very unique in that it was not just in his mind, but in his heart,” Pam Siekman, friend and board member said. WNCAP’s successful signature fundraisers, Dining Out for Life and Raise Your Hand, have been part of his leadership legacy. This, peppered with unwavering passion and fiscal responsibility, helped to solidify the future of the organization through capturing both state and local money along with foundation grants. With offices in Asheville and Hendersonville, it also operates two satel-
lites in Sylva and Shelby and serves a 19county area. For more information on WNCAP’s programs, visit wncap.org. — L.M.
Regional SONG looking for part-time staff
STATEWIDE — Southerners on New Ground (SONG) is searching for an organizational development contact person for a six-month assignment. Applicants do not have to work onsite, but must be able to communicate via phone and email. SONG believes all identities, issues and lives are connected across race, class, culture, gender and sexuality. It is a membership-based, Southern regional organization made up of working class, people of color, immigrants and rural LGBTQ people. They envision a world where the third-shift factory worker and the drag queen at the bar down the block see their lives as connected and are working together for liberation. The Carolinas sports two chapter affiliates, one in Durham and one in Greensboro. For more information, contact Paulina Hernandez, co-director, at 404-549-8628 or by email at paulina@southernersonnew ground.org. — L.M.
National
Marriage repeal far from done
DES MOINES, Iowa — In a first-strike attempt to overturn marriage equality in the state, the Iowa House of Representatives voted 62-37 in favor of a bill banning marriage and any other form of relationship recognition for same-sex couples. However, recent polling suggests Iowans are either favorable or neutral to the idea of relationship recognition for gay couples. A KCCI/Research 2000 poll in June 2010 showed that a majority of Iowans (53 percent) supported marriage for same-sex couples. Perhaps even more telling, according to the Des Moines Register, 92 percent of Iowans feel their lives have not been affected by the legalization of same-sex marriage. Despite the House vote, a repeal amendment is far from reaching the ballot since it would need to be passed by both the state House and the state Senate in two separate legislative sessions. Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and others in the Senate have vowed to fight attempts to pass the amendment in the Senate. — D.S.
and marry elsewhere to get critical protections for their children. We urge the Maryland legislature to pass the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act to make Maryland families that much more secure.” — D.S.
DOD asked to help DADT victims
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Servicemembers Legal Defense Network sent a letter Feb. 7 calling upon Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Dr. Clifford Stanley to establish Special Boards that would address issues faced by former service members discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the prior regulatory ban. Since President Obama signed legislation on Dec. 22, 2010 allowing for the repeal of DADT, SLDN has received hundreds of calls from those fired under the law who wish to see their discharge paperwork changed or who wish to apply for re-accession to the armed services. “Creating these Special Boards will be one of the first important steps the Defense Department can take to help former service members who were harmed by the DADT law,” said Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and executive director for SLDN. The overwhelming majority of former service members who have contacted SLDN in the last few weeks are seeking to change their discharge paperwork to remove the remnants of the “Don’t Ask” law, which can subject them to discrimination in civilian life. Many of these same former service members also want to return to the military, either in the positions they were forced to leave or in
Meeting Date: Program: Time: Cost: Information:
Friday, March 11, 2011 Third Annual Business Expo (in conjunction with TakeOver Friday) The Westin, 601 S. College St. 6-9 p.m. Free Admission Call 704.565.5075 or email businessguild@yahoo.com for more details about this event
www.charlottebusinessguild.org
see News Notes on 17
Birth registration rules updated
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued a letter Feb. 10 to state birth registrars announcing a procedure change in the wake of its decision allowing a woman to be named as a parent on the Maryland birth certificate of the child born to her same-sex married spouse, without the necessity of a court order. The change follows the 2010 opinion of Attorney General Douglas Gansler confirming that, under longstanding Maryland law, out-ofstate marriages of same-sex couples should be treated like any other marriage. “The reality is that thousands of children are being reared in Maryland by same-sex couples,” said Susan Sommer, Director of Constitutional Litigation at Lambda Legal. “Marriage in turn brings thousands of protections to families with children. Same-sex couples should not have to leave their state
Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
qnotes
’Lavender lobby’ on the defense Equality NC continues conversations, expands as threat grows by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
RALEIGH — It was anti-gay, Gaston County Sen. Jim Forrester (R) who first called Equality North Carolina and its team “lavender lobbyists.” Forrester meant it as a jab; little did he know that LGBT journalists, bloggers and activists would later claim the phrase as their own. For nearly a decade, conservative legislators like Forrester have led a relentless push to further institutionalize discrimination against LGBT North Carolinians by passing a constitutional amendment banning recognition of all same-sex relationships. It’s often called a “marriage amendment,” but the legislation very possibly could extend much further. Ian Palmquist, Equality North Carolina’s executive director, says he’s proud of his organization’s ability to block the amendment, though such a victories with their own perils. “I don’t want anyone to underestimate the threat,” Palmquist tells qnotes. “I think the fact that we’ve been able to stop this constitutional amendment for the last seven years may have some people feeling complacent, but the fact is that there is a very, very real threat of this going on the ballot in 2012.” He adds, “We have to do everything we can this year as a community to make sure that doesn’t happen.” At press time, the North Carolina General Assembly had been in session for a three weeks. At the end of their third week, legislators had yet to file any anti-LGBT measure. (Check goqnotes.com for the latest news.) Palmquist cautions that such legislation could come at any moment. “We absolutely expect that there will be an attempt to move the constitutional amendment to the ballot sometime in this legislative session,” he says, “and we’re doing everything we can to be ready for it whether it is tomorrow or in June or even in 2012.” As previously reported by qnotes, Equality North Carolina has ramped up its efforts to reach out to legislators across party lines. Palmquist says his group has made inroads with some Republican legislators as they continue years-long conversations with Democrats. “We’re doing everything we can to reach Republican legislators and opinion leaders to get them on our side and to make sure our messages are getting through,”
Palmquist says, though declining to name specific legislators with whom his group had been in touch. Palmquist’s group is also expanding. In mid-February they hired a new communications director — the first time the group has employed a staff member specifically tasked with communications responsibilities. Jenn Jones, a former communications and marketing project manager at UNC TV, will fill the role, giving Palmquist and Equality North Carolina’s lobbyist, Dean Plukett, more time to focus on legislative efforts. Some of Jones’ new responsibilities will include social media outreach. Palmquist hopes it will increase awareness of his organization’s mission in Raleigh. “So much attention in the media goes to what’s happening in Washington, D.C., and its easy for people to miss that a lot of the decisions that effect their lives the most are made at the state level,” he says. As Palmquist continues his advocacy at the General Assembly, he says he’ll keep reminding GOP legislators of the priorities voters had in mind when they shifted legislative power from the Democrats. “We are encouraging legislators to focus on the issues that the voters were interested in in November and that was about jobs and the economy and the role of state government,” he says. “It was not about social issues.” : : Photo Credit: Jeff Kubina, via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.
What they do As confusing as statewide and local politics can often be, you can know one thing for certain: There is an LGBT advocacy organization working for our community’s benefit in Raleigh. Equality North Carolina works to to keep our issues on the forefront of the social agenda and works to protect our issues when such agendas turn negative. “Equality North Carolina’s role is to be an advocate at the state level so that we have a consistent, professional lobbying presence at the General Assembly advocating for fairness,” says Equality North Carolina Eexecutive Director Ian Palmquist. Get involved: Learn more about Equality North Carolina, make a donation, join their email list or learn how to become a volunteer at equalitync.org.
‘Amazing Race Bar Crawl’ gears up for 7th year success RAIN event starts at Uptown’s Brixx, to raise money for HIV/AIDS prevention by Leah Cagle :: leah@goqnotes.com
On March 5, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza will again welcome the crazily-dressed and super-enthused crowds of RAIN (Regional Aids Interfaith Network) supporters at the starting line of the annual “Amazing Race Bar Crawl” event. The ritual began as a “one time thing” in 2005 when Dana Maki, owner of Bighouse Marketing, created the event to raise money in honor of several friends who had passed away from cancer the year before. But after supporters continued to question her as to when the next Amazing Race would be, Maki committed to a second year. RAIN entered the scene as the new local recipient of the profits the following year and by the fourth year was managing
qnotes
the event. RAIN increased team participation numbers, changed the locations and, as the years have progressed, added some unique flare of its own. We asked Nathan B. Smith, director of development and marketing with RAIN, to give us the scoop on this year’s event. “Teams don’t know the bar locations — the only way they get a clue is to do fun and silly challenges such as grapefruit pass — where they have to pass the grapefruit under their chin to their teammate all the way down the line and then back and then down again — to Sudoku puzzles to tricycle relay race. We try and change up the challenges every year to keep it fresh,” Smith says. “Then you have the teams and the costumes — this is something we started about two years ago.
Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
The first year we decided to push and give an award for the best costume, one team, called the Mystery Machine, came dressed up as the cast of Scooby-Doo and had made the Mystery Machine out of cardboard — it was so amazing, it had tap lights as headlights and all 5 members were in the van walking down 6th Street to Brixx — it was truly the hit of the whole day [and] many people got their pictures made.” This year RAIN is anticipating their best turnout yet, pumped up to welcome 80 teams — that’s 400 total bar crawlers. Interested in joining? Round up your team of five, brainstorm a wacky costume and register at www.barsagainstaids.org. Or register as a volunteer by contacting RAIN’s development and marketing assistant, Maggie Thomas, by
email at m.thomas@carolinarain.orgor phone at 704-372-RAIN (7246), ext. 162. If you’re not interested in participating directly, you can still support RAIN by coming out to Brixx and celebrating with the community gathered for the event. Smith reassures there is fun to be had by all: “We get to close down the Uptown Brixx so it’s like we are having our own private party and all are invited,” he says. “Even if you aren’t on a team we have people that come to support their friends and cheer them on as well as we have people that have just passed by and just want to watch the crazy fun.” Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with friends and help support our local RAIN and AIDS Walk Charlotte organizations! : :
ARTS
Poetry and song unite in ‘AIDS requiem’ One Voice Chorus to perform at Myers Park
One Voice Chorus and other local musicians including Jenny Chen will perform the AIDS requiem, “When We No Longer Touch,” on March 25 and 26 at Myers Park Baptist Church’s Heaton Hall. The piece, composed by Kristopher Anthony, uses poetry and the traditional Latin requiem mass texts to chronicle a journey through the stages of
Biz expo planned CHARLOTTE — LGBT business leaders are planning to highlight Charlotte’s diverse business climate at their third annual Charlotte Business Guild Business Expo on March 11 from 6-9 p.m. at the Westin Hotel, 601 S. College St. Organizers say the Charlotte metro area is considered among the fastest-growing urban centers in the country. They cite the city’s thriving arts community, eclectic neighborhoods and world-class amenities as contributing factors, along with its significant LGBT community. “Charlotte is home to a large number of LGBT-owned businesses that provide services in a range of industries — construction, creative arts, retail, health care, law, real estate, catering/food preparation, finance and insurance,” said Jack Whittemore, co-chair of the Business Expo. “In addition, gay, lesbian and transgendered professionals work throughout the region — from locally owned enterprises to Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations.” The Charlotte Business Guild (CBG) was founded in 1992 to provide support for LGBT business owners and professionals. The CBG Expo provides diversity-owned businesses the opportunity to showcase their goods and services to the larger Charlotte region; at the same time, diversity-friendly enterprises potentially can reach new customers while demonstrating support for greater LGBT inclusion within the Charlotte business community. This year’s CBG Business Expo is being held in association with Takeover Friday, a local social organization for the LGBT community and its allies. Takeover Friday organizer Dan Mauney expects more than 300 members of the group to attend the CGB Business Expo. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit charlottebusinessguild.org. : : — Compiled by Matt Comer
grief recovery (Denial, Isolation, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance and Hope). One Voice describes the piece as an “incredibly moving work that is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human heart and soul.” It is based on Peter McWilliams’ poems from the book “How to Survive the Loss of Love.” “I find the acceptance text (and the accompanying music) to be the most powerful,” one listener once commented. “The poet is right, there is a time when in grief and heartache that you, paradoxically, don’t want to give up your pain, because it is the depth of your pain that reminds you of the height of your previous joy.” The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets can be purchased at onevoicechorus.com. During the concert, the audience will be encouraged to text donations to the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN). Free HIV testing will be available after the concert. : : — Compiled by Matt Comer. One Voice Chorus’ Gerald Gurss contributed.
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drag rag by miss della :: qnotes contributor
She’s not a Facebook diva! Oh, y’all, this is so bad. Miss Della is falling behind on her work of rounding up the tea. I guess it’s high time the ol’ bitch comes into the new decade and opens up a Facebook account or something. It seems it’s the only way to communicate anymore, but I just don’t know. I sit here owing my editor a story on two NC girls, one current and one from the past, who are making waves and are in the headlines, but have not gotten in touch with either one because I’m not partaking of the social networking tools of today. As many of you know, my dear friend Michelle Dupree (former Miss Continental) recently gave up her title of Miss’d America in Atlantic City and crowned a queen by the name of Kitty Hiccups. Kitty used to live here in the Tarheel State. When I asked Michelle for a connection, she says “Jesus Christmas, Maria — you of all people not on Facebook! This I cannot believe. Get off the phone and get thee to it immediately.” I still resist to this day. And, it’s getting me in trouble. Stacey Layne Matthews is another. She’s the big, sweet girl from Back Swamp, NC on this third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Back Swamp is down past Maxton and Lumpton (Lumberton for y’all big city folks). I understand she works at Alias in Fayetteville, but know nothing else about her. Of course, that could only mean she hasn’t done much on the pageantry scene either on the state level, but still! Although she’s Two Tons of Fun, as well as myself, I think she’s good for the show and has been cute so far. I watched the first episode with Starla DaVinci and Brandi Andrews after not watching a single episode last season. I’ll admit I only tuned in because I’d met and judged Alexis Mateo before in Orlando and wanted to see her; she does not disapoint, either — face always stamped as usual and hair whooped. There are some other good queens on there as well — one whom I hope to see do very well is Delta Work! Big girl gives you figure! One NC girl who was also in L.A. for the premier party was our own Victoria Parker of Raleigh. She was able to meet Taylor Dayne (how fitting since she used to do her version of “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” on a regular!), the gorgeous Vanessa Williams and current contestant Raja’s good friend Adam Lambert. I think the acting bug has bitten the Pig — she filmed an audition for another show while out there and now has her own IMDb page.
The pageant tea is at a minimum this time — it’s quite an indulgent column, actually. I’ve been wined and dined by everyone (still late birthday and holiday stuff!) and since it was drag-related somewhat, I have to give a shout-out to my kids, of course! One thing I did forget that I always mentioned in the past was Jason’s and Macy Alexander’s Christmas party! There is always a gaggle of fags there, but it’s a way for these two to treat their friends at the end of the year. Sorry for the overlook, y’all! And now I’m headed to the beach with Macy as she works at Time Out and I go to the Rainbow House for the benefit they’re doing for my sponsored kid in Honduras. That should be a blast, hanging out with that crazy Jessica Raye! Other treats I mentioned earlier include dinner with London Dior and her partner Charlie; brunch and mani/pedis with Carmendy and lunch with Tiffany Storm, Tara Storm and Betty Boop the day after Miss Scorpio. Oh, yeah — the Miss Scorpio pageant! Now, that was a good’un! It’s been a hott minute, in my opinion, since you just didn’t know what the judges were feeling regarding a winner. There were a lot of good girls this go ‘round. So many formers, too. Dana and Kirby came down and Amber, Dorae and Beverly were there. And, let’s not forget Kerri or Big Mama B or our Miss NC America Emery Starr who was giving it up. I love that child! She crowned Raleigh’s “Ivy, Ivy Whiiiiiiite.” Her runners-up included Shae Shae LaReese, Jessica Raynes Starr and Angela Lopez. Big Shirli Stevenz, who was painted for filth, received the Victoria Sinclair Pride in Community award. Oh, those eyes, Shirli! Miss World National Brooke Divine LaReese was in the crowd to watch Mama Shae Shae compete — she’d just gotten back from Kansas City where she worked at Missy B’s and Sidekicks and loved it! She told me they treated her like royalty. I expected no less from the fine folks of the Show-Me-State! Also, recently held at Scorpio was the Newest Entertainer of the Year contest and I was privileged to be on-hand to judge on my 15th anniversary of winning the contest myself. D’zzire and her gang of dancers stormed the building and won. My Reggie took 1st RU singing (although that’s not his stage name — please forgive me, Boo!) Thanks to Tiffany Storm for the flawless introduction to the crowd! : : info: Drop me a line, OK? TheTeaMissD@yahoo.com
Prom slated for Charlotte by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com
CHARLOTTE — LGBT Prom Charlotte 2011 will be held on April 16 at the American Legion #380, 4235 W. Tyvola Rd., from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The “A Dream Come True” prom is being dedicated to all LGBT suicide victims and survivors. Founder Shane Henderson says that she hopes that LGBT people who did not get to attend a prom while in school, can finally have a venue to experience this among their peers. She is not limiting the attendees to just the Queen City and encourages others from near and far to venture down to the celebration. Free entertainment, complimentary
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hors d’oeuvres, a candy/dessert buffet and cash, prizes and giveaways will highlight the evening’s fare. Tickets are $25/person, $40/couple. VIP tables, with premium location placement, are available for $60 which can seat two to six people. Included are 1 to 2 bottles of champagne, champagne glasses (yes, you can even take them home), gift bags, no line/ no wait buffet and more. Tables are limited. To make a reservation or for more information, call 980-475-5402 or 704-491-2014 or email lgbtpromnc@hotmail.com or visit lgbtpromnc. webs.com. : :
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HRC weekend travel made easy Three ready-made weekend get-aways in Raleigh as the Human Rights Campaign Carolina Gala comes to town by Leah Cagle :: leah@goqnotes.com
Are you heading to Raleigh for this year’s Human Rights Campaign Carolina Gala on Feb. 26? Interested in experiencing all the city has to offer? Try out one of our pre-planned bundles to round out your experience! See there, we love you so much we made your travel plans for you. No stress, just fun: Take them as a whole or mix-and-match. It’s up to you! Bronze ($199) Friday Check into the Clarion Hotel State Capital less than a half mile from the convention center (twonight stay: $138). Eat dinner at The Borough, 317 W. Morgan St., for $25 (and grab the early bird half-price appetizers), then attend the LGBT Center of Raleigh’s open house from 5-9 p.m., 316 W. Cabarrus St. (free). Afterward, head back to your hotel, freshen up and head out to party at Legends, 330 W. Hargett St., just one block away from the hotel ($20). Saturday Sleep in and relax, but don’t stay indoors all day! Grab some lunch at Café Helios, 413 Glenwood Ave. ($8), then take a stroll through Raleigh’s African American Cultural Center, 119 Sunnybrook Rd. (free). Grab some dinner at one of the many downtown eateries then head out to the HRC Gala starting at 5 p.m. Sunday Before heading out of town and back to the normal grind, grab some lunch at Dos Taquitos, 5629 Creedmoor Rd. ($8). Then hop on the highway and safe travels! Silver ($277) Friday Check-in at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel adjacent to the convention center (two-night stay: $218). Grab a bite to eat at The Remedy Diner, 137 E. Hargett St. ($10) and attend a production of “The Vagina
Monologues” at Meredith College ($10, see our story below). Afterward, head out for good times, good friends and good drinks at Flex, 2 S. West St. ($20). Saturday For lunch, grab a slice at Lilly’s Pizza, 1813 Glenwood Ave. ($12), then spend your day ooh-ing and aaw-ing at the Artspace art gallery, 201 E. Davie St. (free). In the evening, head to the Gala at 5 p.m. Sunday After a full night’s worth of wining and dining, you’ll want to head home, even if it does mean going back to work on Monday. Before you go, catch a meal at Durham’s Madhatter Bakeship and Cafe, 1802 West Main St. ($7). Gold ($415) Friday Check-in at the HRC Gala host hotel, the Marriot Raleigh Center City conveniently located next to and connected to the convention center (two-night stay: $298). Grab a delicious dinner at BuKu Global Street Food, 110 East Davie St. ($45), then get your evening wine on at RBC Bank’s welcome reception (6:30-11 p.m.) Afterward, head back to the hotel for a quick change of attire, throw on some cologne and head out for an after party at Steel Blue, 711 Rigsbee Ave. ($20). Saturday Before heading out for a relaxing ride through downtown Raleigh with J&L Carriages, jlcarriage. com ($20), head out for lunch at Natty Greene’s Pub and Brewing Co., 505 W. Jones St. ($12). Take some time to relax, grab some drinks at the hotel bar and head out to the HRC Gala at 5 p.m. Sunday Rise and shine! It’s time to head home. Before you do, grab brunch at Chapel Hill’s Crook’s Corner, 610 West Franklin St. ($20). : :
A statue of Sir Walter Raleigh at the Raleigh Convention Center downtown.
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Photo Credit: bobistraveling, via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.
If vaginas could talk! ‘Vagina Monologues’ a great addition to HRC Gala weekend
Screaming orgasms. Angry rants. Stories of sensuality and shame, physicality and emotion, self-discovery and relationship. For over 15 years now, Eve Ensler’s landmark work “The Vagina Monologues” has left the hearts of audiences sexed, shaken and stirred by widely varied and creatively performed soliloquies of women’s sexual experience. Ensler ventured into previously uncharted territory with this project, inviting women to discuss their real physical sexual experiences with absolute honesty and rawness. From hysterical stories about hair to tragic, heartwrenching stories of rape and violence, “The Vagina Monologues” attempts to encompass a fair complexity of female sexuality in its performance. Though the script has been criticized by some — and rightfully so — as communicating questionable messages about lesbian sexuality for including a highly controversial lesbian story of an older adult woman seducing a very young woman, the overall emphasis of the program is both embracive
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and empowering for women and men alike. Since its creation in 1996, “The Vagina Monologues” has been translated into 45 different languages and performed by women around the world, even being courageously shown in countries known for enforcing a stifled female sexuality. The empowering message of this work does not stop at stage edge; in 1998, a movement to stop violence against women and girls across the globe known as V-Day began as an inspiration and extension of “The Vagina Monologues” purpose. The racy re-vulva-lution hits Raleigh just in time for all those traveling to the capital for this year’s Human Rights Campaign Carolina Gala. The show will run Thursday, Feb. 24 through Saturday, Feb. 26, in Studio Theatre at Meredith College. This year’s performance is the college’s third annual presentation. All proceeds from this production go to the InterAct Agency of Wake County, a support and awareness group for victims of sexual assault and violence. If you are in Raleigh celebrating the HRC
Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
Photo Credit: ginnerobot, via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Gala then head on out with that spirit of advancement and liberation to enjoy a viewing of “The Vagina Monologues.” UNC-Charlotte will be putting on a production of “The Vagina Monologues” this spring,
April 14-15. If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information on buying tickets, visit dso.uncc.edu/women/vday.htm or call 704-687-2541. : : — by Leah Cagle
HRC Carolina brings out the stars Singer Niki Harris, HGTV’s David Bromstad, local pol Mark Kleinschmidt to appear by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
When the Human Rights Campaign Carolinas Gala comes to Raleigh on Feb. 26, they’ll bring with them a home design hottie, an actress and singer known for her work with the best divas of the past half-century and the mayor of the largest city ever to elect an openly gay executive. HRC will also award a longtime Trianglearea leader, a Raleigh high schooler and the Crape Myrtle Festival, which will receive the Equality Award for Organizational Contribution. Leader Joni Madison will receive this year’s Legacy Award. Wakefield High School student Kirstin Oshinsky will receive the Equality Award
for Individual Contribution. (See our story from last issue goqnotes.com/9955/.) Gracing the stage while attendees dine and wine will be HRC President Joe Solmonese and special guests David Bromstad, Niki Harris and Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt. Bromstad won the first season of HGTV’s “Design Star” and currently hosts the channel’s “Color Splash.” He began his career as a student at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla., and is best known for his works across multiple platforms including custom art, furniture and interior design.
Festival seeks vendors OutRaleigh gearing up for May event by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com
goqnotes.com
RALEIGH — OutRaleigh, a day-long, family-friendly festival will be held downtown on May 14 in an area that includes City Plaza through Martin St. Organizers have announced that vendor space applications are now being accepted and can be downloaded online. The event is being held as a project of The LGBT Center of Raleigh. There will be a main stage performance area for regional and local musical groups, as well as local dignitaries and speakers. For young children, a KidsZone will provide free activities and educational entertainment. OutRaleigh is partnering with visitRaleigh! of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, to promote the event across the Tar Heel state. All LGBT Pride festivals are being invited to participate as well. Special discounted rates are being made available to Center and OutRaleigh fans by North Carolina Theatre for its 2011 season. In other news, the Center’s wish list includes a digital camera, flip video camera and a lockable file cabinet. Other upcoming activities include: “Dine & Donate at Remedy Diner,” offering a vegan and vegetarian menu, on Feb. 22 at Remedy Diner, 137 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. Fifteen percent of sales go to support the Center.
“Sing-a-Long Movie Night,” a fundraiser for OutRaleigh, on Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. at the Rialto Theatre, 1620 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. Tickets are $10 at the door. “Second Annual Women’s Night,” a Center benefit, on Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. at Steel Blue, 711 Riggsbee Ave., Durham. For more information, visit outraleigh.squarespace.com or lgbtcenter ofraleigh.org. : :
Harris has worked with a plethora of the last half-century’s best-known pop divas, including Kylie Minogue, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston and Madonna. A brilliant actress, dancer and singer in her own right, Harris worked with Madonna for a full 18 years. Since, she’s turned her attention to raising funds and awareness on issues as varied as AIDS education and prevention to cancer research. She also supports Camp Harmony, a camp and program for inner-city children. Last but certainly not least is North Carolina’s own Mark Kleinschmidt. When elected in 2001 as a member of the Chapel Hill Town Council, Kleinschmidt became only the fifth openly gay or lesbian person ever elected to public office in the state. Through the following decade, he rose through the ranks earning the trust and support of his fellow citizens. In 2009, he was elected mayor. The HRC Carolina Gala will be held on Feb. 26 at the Raleigh Convention Center. For more information, log on to hrccarolina.org. : :
HGTV’s David Bromstad will be among this year’s special guests at the HRC Carolina Gala in Raleigh. Photo Credit: Myriam Santos Kayda
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Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
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tell trinity by trinity :: qnotes contributor
Looking at the bright side Dear Trinity, I’ve heard people say, “Look at the bright side!” What could possibly be bright about bullying or being gay bashed or AIDS? Brightless, Seattle, WA Dear Brightless, It’s been said that AIDS was not just a disease, but the cure for gay repression, putting gay people on the frontal lobe of human consciousness. The October 2010 “It Gets Better” campaign was the bright light from the dark outbreak of gay teen suicides, which even Obama got involved with and may save thousands of lives. Everything dark eventually sees some light. That is the cycle of life. Remember, sweetie, that which does not make you stronger will make you more creative! Hey Trinity, What do you think about the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?” Do Tell, Las Vegas, NV Hey Do Tell, There once was a time in history where gays fought (in tight uniforms) and won wars for dictators. The “Sacred Band of Thebes” were in 378 BCE a military band of 300 gay lovers brought together as a military unit. For many years, they lived,
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fought and were celebrated throughout Greece for their courage and military success. Hell, all the Spartans were homos too. So, pumpkin, thank God DADT is over. Now bring back all the “fabulous” Americans to fight for our country! (Hup, two, three, four! See my cartoon for advice and more.)
Dearest Trinity, I just met this very sweet and a loving person who is already talking about getting married. I’ve only known him a few weeks and really don’t know how to deal with this? Married Too Soon, Lincoln, NE Dearest Too Soon, It seems like sweet and loving people always bring up marriage somewhere between the second date and the second martini. These lovely, ethereal beings often forget that spraying their fantasies over a newly planted crop can often destroy what has not yet had time to blossom! Be kind, loving and honest while telling him “Wake up.” I mean, “Wait a while, honey!” Hello Trinity, I’ve been going out with the same person for three years, but lately everything’s turned weird! We fight, don’t sleep together and I think we’re becoming alcoholics. How do you know when your relationship becomes dysfunctional? Confused, Minneapolis, MN Hello Confused, There comes a time or many times in a relationship where two (or more) people sit down and kill each other, I mean talk to each other about the “weird stuff!” So, baby, try reading:
Trinity’s Liberating Relationship Tips For Knowing When “It’s Turned Dysfunctional” (ITD) 1. When your live-in girlfriend hasn’t been home in weeks for more than a change of clothes and/or to leave the monthly car payment, ITD! 2. When he refuses to talk to any of your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors or your cat, then ITD! 3. When she starts bragging about having sex with your best friend, ITD! 4. When he beats you, only now and then, only when he’s drunk and only when he doesn’t have the rent money, then ITD! 5. When looking at your girlfriend makes you sick to your stomach and being touched by her leaves you crying to your therapist, ITD! 6. When you both sleep in separate bedrooms, have separate entrances and haven’t spent a Saturday night together in six months, guess what? 7. When she stops telling people she’s married to you, guess what again? 8. When he steals your TV, car, credit cards and he’s “wanted” in two states, but you “still love him,” wake up, darling, because ITD! 9. When she closes all joint bank accounts, finds a new lover, moves out and files for divorce, then not only has ITD, but it’s very over! 10. And, lastly, when your wife has another child that looks nothing like you, again, I hate to break the news to you, but ITD, at least in this book! : : — With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity was host of “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama, and now performs globally. info: www.telltrinity.com . Trinity@telltrinity.com Tell Trinity, P.O. Box 23861 . Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33307 Sponsored by: Provincetown Business Guild 800-637-8696 . www.ptown.org
out in the stars by charlene lichtenstein :: qnotes contributor
February 19 - March 4 The Sun enters Pisces, stirring our intuition, spirituality and even offering a chance at romance. Keep your eyes open for any saucy and mushy opportunity. But, hold the apple sauce. AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) A fool and their money are soon parted. Money takes on a different hazy hue. You think it buys happiness and may go on an emotional spending binge. My advice is to hold on to your dough and wait to see if you really, really need to buy anything “special” at all. Does the object of your desire retain its specialness at the end of the week? If so then jump in. PISCES (02.20-03.20) You are in your prime. Not only do you have oodles of charisma, you can also situate yourself in the center of the most important circles. The spotlight is on you and adoring crowds gravitate to your personal heat. So, now what do you do? Harness your power of persuasion and start to implement your grand plans. The sky is the limit, Guppie. Strap in and zoom. ARIES (03.21-04.20) A light is turned on in the far reaches of your personal closet. You see things that you might have missed before and also have a gut feeling as to the best way to maneuver through obstacles. Gay Rams with something to hide find that there is, in fact, nothing to hide. Free yourself of anything that holds you back and keeps you down. Unless that is your “thing.” Ahem. TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Open yourself up to new possibilities and friendships. Queer Bulls find that as they navigate their world, they are drawn into brand new social spheres. Expect to be in contact with some strange and unique folks who can be very valuable to you in a variety of interesting ways. How interesting, of course, is up to you. How creative can you be? GEMINI (05.22-06.21) You move and shake with the best of them. So, why not shake and bake all the way up to the top of the corporate food chain? Ambitious pink Twins are unstoppable. Yet, as unstoppable as you are, you won’t make your mark by steamrolling the competition. You have the ability to glide inperceptably by and ahead of the crowd. Be a fist in a velvet glove and start petting. CANCER (06.22-07.23) As much as you enjoy hunkering down at home, this could be an opportune time to get out and see the world. Your curiosity is piqued, gay Crab. Expand your horizons. See who and what is waiting for you on the other side of the world…or even across town. Mischief is on your personal agenda as is luxurious relaxation. Can you wind up combining the two? Let’s just see. LEO (07.24-08.23) Proud Lions are in for a roaring good time and this is partially due to your insatiable lusty appetite. What a nice change of pace! Roam the plains. See who you can impress and then press. For those who travel in a pair, find ways to sparkle up your love life. A bedroom decorated in a jungle motif is one way. But a bathtub full of whipped cream might be better. VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Who loves you baby? You can afford to be very choosy because you have that certain something that drives others wilde. Let’s count them and file them according to your preferences. Queer Virgins seem overly romantic and mushy right now. And, this is not a bad thing. Showing a little vulnerability will draw lovers to you like flies. Become a Venus flytrap. LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Any detailed task seems to go much easier now. And, that is because you have a gut feeling as to what will and will not succeed and can balance your time accordingly. You easily can choose those
projects that have the greatest chance of easy completion. So, do what you have to do and then rest on your laurels. Or, is it to tell Laurel to get you a beer? I forget. SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Gay Scorps feel inspired and particularly creative. Let loose and have fun. And, remember that fun can take on many forms. Maybe it will involve tossing a festive party. Or, maybe you will discover a fun way to start your taxes. Whatever turns you on, jump into it with gusto. Too, too soon you will need to get back to the nitty gritty job. Fleck it with sparkles today. SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Turn your efforts to improving your home life. If your surroundings have become drab and boring, it is possible to spice it up or even make it into a relaxing refuge of mellowness. It is up to you. Of course, it is always easier to make changes when you have a helping hand. Hiring a bevy of pool nymphs to help scrub your tub is not a bad way to start. CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Whatever you say, say it with a wisp of drama. Pink Caps can be dry orators, but now you are able to turn up the mysterious charm and woo the masses. Whoo hoo! Don’t waste this opportunity complaining about the usual stuff. Use it to pave the way for your future success and create stepping stone advantages. Just be careful where you step. Oops. : : © 2011 Madam Lichtenstein, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Entertainment. info: Visit www.TheStarryEye.com for e-greetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. My book “HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.
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another capacity of service to their country. — D.S.
Latino radio tackles gay issues
SALINAS, Calif. — Proyecto Poderoso, the Family Acceptance Project, and Radio Bilingüe have unveiled a groundbreaking Spanish-language radio soap opera developed specifically to reach California’s Latino families with stories about LGBT acceptance and equality. The series weaves together pivotal social issues into storylines that have historically been difficult for traditional Latino families to discuss and address. This innovative evidence-based series is intended to help begin the dialogue in households by addressing crucial social and political issues, including bullying, coming out and family acceptance. The three-part series, called “Bienvenidos a Casa” or “Welcome Home,” premiered Feb.
11 on Radio Bilingüe’s “Rock-in da House” and was followed by a discussion about the key issues addressed in the broadcast. In all, the program will air a total of 10 times from Feb. 11 through Mar. 31 across California’s eight Radio Bilingüe stations, reaching Spanish-speaking radio listeners across the state. The innovative radionovela — similar to radio soap operas popular during the Golden Age of Radio — is based on groundbreaking research from San Francisco State University’s Family Acceptance Project (FAP), which conducted the first comprehensive study of Latino LGBT adolescents, young adults, and families, including family dynamics and the impact of family acceptance and rejection. — D.S.
Join website to support gay youth
NEW YORK, N.Y. — To help underwrite recent efforts to prevent suicides among LGBT youth, gay social network Fab.com is donating $1 to LGBT support organizations GLSEN and The Trevor Project for each new
member who joins Fab.com in February. The donations will be made in partnership with the It Gets Better Project, the widely publicized anti-bullying video initiative addressed at sexual minority youth. Less than a year old, Fab already has more than 120,000 members with over 20,000 new users joining the free network for gay men on a monthly basis. The goal of the “Fab February” membership drive is to leverage Fab’s rapid growth to assist organizations that help combat homophobia and its effects on those with alternative sexual orientations. “Fab is not only a social connector to gay-friendly people, places and activities anywhere in the world, but a safe place for members to share their personal struggles and concerns over gay issues,” said Fab founder and CEO Jason Goldberg. “The outpouring of grief on the site when so many gay suicides were reported last year spurred us to want to contribute to strengthening the gay self-image, and that’s how ‘Fab February’ was born.” — D.S.
Global Bill would wipe gay sex convictions
LONDON, England — A measure has been introduced in Parliament with provisions enabling gay men previously prosecuted for consensual sex acts to apply to have such convictions removed from police records. The pending legislation is known as the Freedom Bill. Ben Summerskill, chief executive of U.K. LGBT rights group Stonewall, said, “For some gay men, these convictions have continued to overshadow their lives long after the offenses were removed from the statute book. Britain has moved on. It’s only right that these men should be free to apply for jobs and voluntary roles without fearing that these historic and unjust convictions will be revealed through criminal record checks. Stonewall will be encouraging politicians of all parties to back the measure in the months ahead.” — D.S.
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Capital City welcomes HRC Gala attendees Award winners to be recognized
Feb. 26 • Raleigh HRC Gala The Human Rights Campaign hosts their North Carolina Gala at the Raleigh Convention Center. For more information, including ticket prices, accommodations, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, volunteer sign-up or awards nominations, visithrccarolina.org.
Thru March 6 • Chapel Hill ‘Angels in America’ Two-part masterpiece exploring America during the first wave of the AIDS epidemic set against the backdrop of the Reagan era. A thearical feast by one of America’s most visionary playwrights performed by the PlayMakers Repertory Company at the University of North Carolina. Center for Dramatic Art, 150 Country Club Rd. Various times. Various prices. 919-962-7529. playmakersrep.org. Feb. 19 • Charlotte A Night in Rio The Latin American Coalition presents “A Night in Rio,” a Brazilian carnival experience. Event features traditional dancing, live Samba, Bossa Nova and Brazilian music, food, arts and crafts. The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. 8 p.m. $15 ($10/advance). latinamericancoalition.org. Feb. 20 • Charlotte Believe in Youth: Judy Shepard Campus Pride and Time Out Youth present Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Shepard will speak and take questions from guests about her experience, the meaning of compassion and human rights and how our world is being transformed. The event is free to students, youth and educators and there is a suggested donation of $15 from others. All money raised will go to support the work of Time Out Youth and Campus Pride. Seating is limited. Heaton Hall, Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Rd. 3-5 p.m. 704-344-8335. timeoutyouth.org. campuspride.org.
Feb. 20 • Charlotte Bowling for Equality Join the Charlotte membership of the Human Rights Campaign for an afternoon of food, friends and fun at the bowling alley. Your ticket includes up to three hours of bowling, shoe rental, prizes and your annual HRC membership. Be warned: This isn’t your grandfather’s bowling event! The local HRC leadership has worked with the bowling alley to bring the fun of “extreme/midnight/cosmic” bowling to a Sunday afternoon. Those unflattering fluorescent lights will be turned off and the dance/disco/party lights will be turned on, along with some great music. Afterward, follow your friends across the street for an after party hosted by Sidelines Sports Bar, with free entry and drink specials. AMF Centennial Lanes 4501 South Blvd. 2-5 p.m. hrc.org/charlottebowling. Feb. 23 • Chapel Hill Trans Discussion Group Come to Internationalist Books on alternating Wednesday evenings for a Trans Discussion Group. Internationalist Books and Community Center, in combination with The Harm Reduction Coalition, are creating a safe meeting space for trans, genderqueer, or genderquestioning folks to share, process, support, and organize. Dates of upcoming meetings: Feb. 23, March 9 and 23, April 6 and 20. Free. 405 W. Franklin St. 919-942-1740. internationalistbooks.org. March 3 • Charlotte Runway for Rescues South Park Mall’s Neiman Marcus hosts a benefit for the Humane Society of Charlotte with a sneak peek at the latest spring fash-
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ions, a “fido fashion show,” door prizes and local celebrities. $25 suggested donation. Neiman Marcus, South Park Mall, 6-9 p.m. 704-33-4130. humanesocietyofcharlotte.org.
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March 5 • Charlotte Amazing Race Bar Crawl The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) hosts their annual Amazing Race Bar Crawl. Teams compete through a series of bars to complete the race and raise money for RAIN and its services. Event begins at Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, 225 E. 6th St. carolinarain.org. March 5 • Charlotte Charlotte Pride Band The band presents it’s spring concert, “Exit, Stage Left,” with classic Broadway Tunes. Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte, 234 Sharon Amity Rd. 8 p.m. $10. charlotteprideband.org. March 12-13 • Winston-Salem OUT at the Movies Winston-Salem’s LGBT film series presents two films, one on March 12 on the campus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a second, “Gen Silent,” at a/ perture cinema. First movie screening to be determined. Visit OUTattheMoviesWinston. org for more information. March 12: UNC School of the Arts, 1533 S. Main St. 7 p.m. March 13: a/perture cinema, 311 W. 4th St. 8 p.m. March 22 • Charlotte Creative Showcase Student artists and designers at the Art Institute of Charlotte will exhibit their works
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entertainment. views. for fellowarts. students, faculty, staffnews. and the public. Knight Theatre, Levine Center for the Arts. 7 p.m. artinstitutes.edu/charlotte/. March 25-26 • Charlotte ‘When We No Longer Touch’ One Voice Chorus and other local musicians including soprano Jenny Chen perform “When We No Longer Touch” by Kristopher Anthony. Heaton Hall, Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Rd. 7:30 p.m. $15/adult. $10/student. onevoicechorus.com. (See our story on page 9.) March 25-27 • Charlotte GayCharlotte Film Festival The Lesbian & Gay Community Center of Charlotte hosts its annual GayCharlotte Film Festival. Various venues. gaycharlotte.com.
On the Horizon May 7 • Charlotte AIDS Walk RAIN hosts its annual AIDS Walk. aidswalkcharlotte.org. May 14 • Raleigh OutRaleigh The LGBT Center of Raleigh presents its first OutRaleigh festival at City Plaza and Fayetteville St. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
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Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011
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Feb. 19-March 4 . 2011