QNotes, Feb. 24, 2017

Feb. 24-March 9 . 2017

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Trey Pearson: Going Solo!

news & features

Former member of Christian music group Everyday Sunday has come out and now has embarked on a solo career and a new life. page 22

arts.

4 entertainment.

HB2 Updatenews. views.

5 Cold Case: Franklin Freeman 5 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs 12 News Notes: Regional Briefs 14 Homelessness & Shelters 16 TOY center being upfitted 18 NC Queer TroublMakers

a&e / life&style 22 23 24 25 26 27

Trey Pearson Health & Wellness ‘When We Rise’ to air Tell Trinity Q Events Calendar Our People: Darrin Johnson

opinions & views 4 Surviving the Age of Trump

more news & features

Cold Case: Franklin Freeman Years have passed and there is still no resolve to the murder of a Charlotte drag performer. page 5

Health & Wellness Finding focus can be beneficial for one’s ability to be more creative and to achieve happiness. page 23

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qnotes connect Feb. 24-March 9, 2017 Vol 31 No 22

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

contributors this issue

Maria Dominguez, Jack Kirven, Lainey Millen, Jesse Monteagudo, Jeff Taylor, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: highwaystarz via Adobe Stock 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.

Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, editor@goqnotes.com Assoc. Editor: Lainey Millen, specialassignments@goqnotes.com Social Media Editor: Jeff Taylor, jeff@goqnotes.com Staff Writer: Maria Dominguez, maria@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen, x205, production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2017 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

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HB2 Update

HB2 repeal still contested A breakdown of the events surrounding the controversial legislation

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff Amid an avalanche of headlines regarding HB2 and the movement to repeal it, qnotes is dedicated to simplifying the facts for its readers. For qnotes readers’ convenience, a brief list follows of the many developments in the controversy over HB2 in the previous weeks.

Feb. 1: Sen. Jeff Jackson filed SB25 to fully repeal HB2. The bill was assigned to the Republicancontrolled Rules Committee and has yet to come to a vote.

Feb. 6: N.C. Sports Association and Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance representative Scott Dupree sent a letter to state legislators alleging “Our contacts at the NCAA tell us that, due to their stance on HB2, all North Carolina bids will be pulled from the review process and removed from consideration.” The move would eliminate North Carolina from potentially hosting six years of NCAA events. Dupree said the letter was not intended to be political, but was rather stating facts.

Feb. 9: Democrats in the state Senate and House of Representatives introduced companion bills, HB82 and HB78, to fully repeal HB2 and replace

it with statewide non-discrimination protections that include sexual orientation and gender identity. Other populations included in the proposed protections are military or veteran status, marital status and age. HB78 would increase penalties for sexual crimes committed in public bathrooms and locker rooms.

Feb. 13: Four student athletes on the Atlantic Coast Conference’s student-athlete advisory committee wrote a letter urging lawmakers to repeal HB2, saying that this chance comes in “the fourth quarter, and the clock is winding down.”

North Carolina transgender athlete Connie Berchem wrote an op-ed for Citizen Times about her personal experience competing in sports under HB2. Of her recent victory at the Women’s Nationals in sailing, Berchem writes, “In our moment of victory, I wasn’t celebrating. I was afraid.” Berchem wrote to N.C. lawmakers about her experiences, and Rep. Mark Brody (R-District 55) replied, “[I] am saddened by the fact that North Carolina doesn’t provide the help you need to readjust from the mental disorder you suffer with. It appears that allowing you to use a bathroom, locker room or shower of your choice only reenforces the disorder not helps to correct it.”

Feb. 14 Gov. Roy Cooper announced a new HB2 repeal deal that includes 30 days’ notice to the legislature on local non-discrimination protections and harsher penalties for sexual assault.

Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhoff responded, “Today’s proposal is yet another chance to fix this mess, but it adds unnecessary language addressing problems that simply do not exist.

LGBTQ people are the ones at risk every day HB2 remains on the books, and transgender people especially continue to bear the brunt of this shameful politicking.”

Equality NC Executive Director and N.C. House Rep. Chris Sgro responded, “We all know that transgender people do not pose a public safety risk and should be protected from discrimination, not made the targets of it as HB2 does. Let us be very clear about what’s going on. Tim Moore and Phil Berger are acting against the best interest of our state and the LGBTQ community.”

N.C. Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger responded, “Gov. Cooper continues to dodge the question, but North Carolinians deserve to know his position on the key HB2 issue: does he believe men should be able to go into women’s bathrooms and shower facilities?” : :

Jesse’s Journal

Surviving the Age of Trump The prez really wants to be ‘king,’ continues to puff up his own ego

by Jesse Monteagudo :: guest contributor The election of Donald Trump as president of the United States was the most traumatic and unexpected event in modern American history.

Trump, a businessman and reality show star with no political or military experience, triumphed over Hillary Clinton, a deeply flawed but much more experienced candidate.

Trump’s election was the triumph of the Tea Party movement, perhaps our country’s most successful political movement. Created in reaction to Barack Obama’s pricey stimulus package and Affordable Care Act, the Tea Party articulated the Heartland’s fear and anger at big government, illegal immigrants, Muslim terrorists and uppity minorities.

Unlike the left-leaning Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter movements, the Tea Party knew its way around our twoparty system, and it was soon able to take control of the Republican Party. Thanks to the Tea Party, the GOP took control over the House of Representatives in 2010 and the Senate in 2014.

Trump realized the power of the Tea Party, positioned himself at its head and won the Republican nomination for president against a crowded field of candidates. The Trump election completed the Tea Party takeover of the federal government.

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Trump promised to be “more presidential” once he became president, but in fact President Trump is just like Candidate Trump, only with more power. An alpha male with an enormous ego to match his aspirations, Trump has always been convinced of his own greatness and of his capacity to win at anything he sets out to do. In Trump’s mind, he is always right and his enemies are always wrong — and Trump is merciless to those who dare to attack or criticize him. Just like he did in business, President Trump intends to do things his own way, extending the power of the president and rejecting constitutional checks and balances, whether in the functions of Congress or the courts and over the objections of what he calls the “dishonest media.”

Though he is the most powerful man on earth, Donald Trump is not a happy man.

Vain and insecure, Trump sees himself as the challenged hero of his own saga, constantly surrounded by enemies.

Unlike his predecessors, who laughed when they were spoofed by the comics on “Saturday Night Live,” Trump gets upset any time Alec Baldwin or anyone else does a Trump impersonation.

With First Lady Melania at the Trump Tower with their son, and daughter Ivanka at home with her own family, the lonely

Trump articulates his hatreds and frustrations in late-night Twitter posts, attacking everything and everyone who does not kiss his ass and letting his advisors clean up the mess. I almost feel sorry for presidential shills Sean Spicer, Reince Priebus and Kellyanne Conway; who constantly have to defend a boss who cannot be treated as a rational human being. This sympathy should not extend to White House strategist Steve Bannon, Trump’s grey eminence, whom I believe to be truly evil.

Though most of Trump’s self-described “deplorables” continue to support their hero, the Trump administration is a disaster for those of us who refuse to surrender to his whims.

How do we survive the Age of Trump?

Though Trump might want to model his rule after that of his idol, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Trump is not a dictator. Our country’s federal and constitutional system does not allow anyone to have his own way, not even authoritarian types like our Tabloid President. Ours is a great country, no matter how much Trump and his stooges might try to ruin it, and there is still a lot to love about the USA. Those of us who opposed Candidate Trump, and now oppose President Trump, must and will continue the fight, for ourselves and for those we love, and we will prevail. : :

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news

Police Files

Cold Case: the unsolved murder of Franklin Freeman aka Aretha Scott Police misconduct, tragedy and lack of closure

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff

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n light of today’s social climate surrounding allegations of police brutality, one cold case from 2002 may merit a second look. The unsolved murder of Franklin Freeman, who performed drag as Aretha Scott, was suspected to involve the police. Freeman died just five days before he was scheduled to testify against a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

The case’s unsolved nature remains a sore spot for the friends and family of the late diva.

“We need to get closure,” said Terry Burris, who performed as Tiffany Storm alongside Freeman at the now-defunct gay club Oleen’s. “Nobody ever really investigated.”

Burris befriended Freeman decades before his death and describes Freeman as “very fun, energetic, the life of the party.

Just a very happy-go-lucky person.”

Although Freeman was beloved by many, his history is not without blemish. Known to engage in sex work while dressed as a woman, Freeman was doing just this when the first sign of trouble occurred. On Jan. 8, 2002, he got in the car with the wrong person—a CMPD officer named Michael Marlow.

But the incident wasn’t as straightforward as a simple arrest.

Marlow, a detective with CMPD’s vice squad, had come from a drinking party in the police parking deck and still had beer in his car. Creative Loafing’s David Aaron Moore (a former qnotes editor) reported Freeman’s and Marlow’s differing accounts of the incident; but it was Freeman’s account that CMPD accepted as truth.

According to Creative Loafing, soon after Freeman entered the car, Marlow spotted a police patrol car and ordered Freeman to leave. Freeman refused unless Marlow paid him $20, a demand that the late queen freely admitted to police.

“After a heated verbal exchange, Marlow pulled out a gun and shot at Freeman once,” Moore wrote in a 2014 article rehashing the incident. “He then put the car in reverse and backed into a fire hydrant. Freeman snatched a couple of beers as he jumped from the car and ran. Marlow fired at him again as Freeman fled.”

But Marlow called for back-up, and officers M.H. Mack and D.J. Aldridge arrived on the scene, found Freeman and arrested

him on the charge of assaulting an officer. The charges did not stick; eight days later Freeman was released from jail. Marlow resigned. Mack and Aldridge were terminated, and their supervisor, Sergeant Carl Boger, was suspended for 30 days.

After receiving a letter of apology from the police chief on April 22, Freeman was scheduled to testify against Boger at an appeal hearing. “[Freeman] was nervous about that,” Freeman’s former boss, Danny Watson told Creative Loafing. “In fact he was very nervous. He admitted to me that he was afraid for his life.”

Terry Burris, who refers fondly to Freeman by his drag nickname, “ReRe,” confirms Freeman’s fear leading up to the hearing.

“To them she was nobody, but she was about to blow the whole thing out of the water,” Burris told qnotes. “She told me, she said ‘if I come up dead, they did it.’”

Five days before the hearing, Freeman did indeed meet his end. At 10:30 p.m. on June 2, 2002, Freeman was found shot on the corner of Church and Liddel Sts. The single bullet had severed his left femoral artery and vein. He bled to death within minutes.

Although CMPD denied police involvement in Freeman’s death, they didn’t seem overly concerned with finding out who did fire the shot. “[CMPD] definitely mishandled it,” Burris said. “I don’t know if that police officer, who lost his job and his family, I don’t know if he’s ever been investigated.”

Creative Loafing’s Tara Servatius was equally suspicious. In her column “Citizen Servatius,” the author commented on the case with cutting criticism.

“Sure, the department fired a handful of officers over the events that led up to the January 8 clash between Marlow and

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

Florist gets de-bloomed by court Arlene’s Flowers had denied service to the couple because they were gay.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU of Washington represented Freed and Ingersoll in their lawsuit against the florist for violating their rights. The suit, Ingersoll v. Arlene’s Flowers, was heard jointly with the consumer protection lawsuit against Arlene’s Flowers brought by the state of Washington.

“We’re thrilled that the Washington Supreme Court has ruled in our favor. The court affirmed that we are on the right side of law and the right side of history,” said Freed and Ingersoll. “We felt it was so important that we stand up against discrimination because we don’t want what happened to us to happen to anyone else. We are so glad that we stood up for our rights.”

The couple had purchased goods from Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed won their anti-discrimithe florist previously on a number of occanation lawsuit against Arlene’s Flowers. sions. But when they began their wedding Photo Credit: ACLU of Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. — On Feb. 16, the Washington Supreme Court ruled in favor of a same-sex couple saying that a florist’s refusal to serve plaintiffs Curt Freed and Robert Ingersoll violated the state’s anti-discrimination law.

Freeman. Nice public relations move, but I’m not impressed,” Servatius wrote. “There should be an outside investigation and the city should pay for it.”

But no outside investigation ever occurred. Freeman’s murder remains unsolved, almost 15 years after it happened. Friends of the victim still have questions.

“The weekend he was killed was the weekend before he was set to testify,” Watson said. “How coincidental can that be?”

“They were in the home stretch of getting a settlement from the city,” Burris said, referring to Freeman’s legal case regarding his unjust imprisonment.

“They need to find out what happened.

They never really investigated…

Whatever happened to that policeman?”

Marlow’s past before the incident with Freeman raises further questions.

In 1996, as a patrol officer, Marlow shot and killed an unarmed motorist. He was never charged and continued to climb the CMPD career ladder. He was a detective on the vice squad when he met Freeman.

“The point is that Franklin Freeman bled to death from a shot to his leg and no one seems to consider it a priority to figure out who put the bullet there,” Servatius wrote in 2002. “Bury what you will, but this one I don’t think the department will get away with.”

Yet questions linger. The case is unsolved. Several emails to CMPD requesting comment on the case have gone unanswered.

How should the people who loved Freeman deal with the wound of loss never healed by closure?

“She was always willing to help people,” Burris reminisced.

“She was always just a lot of fun and a good person. I think that’s how she’d want to be remembered.” : :

plans in 2012, Ingersoll approached the florist to arrange for flowers for the event. He was met with the refusal to accommodate the request due to owner Barronelle Stutzman’s religious beliefs.

Fearing further discrimination, they stopped planning for a big wedding and ultimately decided to have a small wedding at their home, the ACLU said.

“Religious freedom is a fundamental part of America. But religious beliefs do not give any of us a right to ignore the law or to harm others because of who they are. When people experience acts of discrimination, they feel that they are not full and equal members of our society, and we’re delighted that the Washington

Supreme Court has recognized this,” said Elizabeth Gill, staff attorney with the ACLU’s LGBT Project.

The conservative, right-wing Family Research Council expressed their disappointment over the outcome of the suit. Its president, Tony Perkins, said that the court “ignored an opportunity to reaffirm the basic principle that the government may not trample on the constitutional rights of free speech and the free exercise of religion.”

LGBTQ and allied groups, however, saw this decision by the court as a victory for LGBTQ couples who sought services for their nuptials. info: aclu.org.

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— Jazz Jennings, transgender star of TLC’s docuseries “I Am Jazz,” will take form as the newest play doll created by Tonner Doll Company. The 18” portrait doll was designed and sculpted by doll artist Robert Tonner. The doll will be available at speciality stores in July. info: tonnerdoll.com.

Susan Sarandon is playing gay icon Bette Davis in Ryan Murphy’s “Feud: Bette and Joan” which will air on FX on March 5. The series also

stars Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford. info: fxnetworks.com.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has reported that the number of hate groups in the U.S. rose for a second year in a row in 2016 as the radical right was energized by the candidacy of Donald Trump. The data was gathered from the center’s annual census of hate groups and other extremist organizations. info: splcenter.org.

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

HOM seeks walkers, receives grant

training sessions and out-of-classroom homework completion. The class begins in April and meets twice a month through October.

The initiative targets small business owners or principals with an annual revenue of at least $400,000. The business must be at least three years old and have at least one employee other than the owner. Additionally, participants must live in the Charlotte, N.C. commuting area.

The SBA is partnering with local organizations including Central Piedmont Community College where participants will attend classes on the main campus.

Deadline is March 3 and registration is available online at interise.org/sbaemerging leaders. info: bit.ly/2kCVwm8.

Youth artists jury seeks submissions

House of Mercy staff receives a grant check. Pictured are (left to right): Stan Patterson, House of Mercy president; Elizabeth Patton, CFGC grants and scholarship officer; Shirley Stowe, director of nursing; Nidia Esparza, coordinator of resident recreation and volunteers; Casey Sutton, CNA; Geraldine White, CNA; and Janet Spencer, CFGC chief development officer.

BELMONT, N.C. — The House of Mercy has announced that its 24th Annual Walk for AIDS will be held on April 22, 9:30 a.m., at Sisters of Mercy Campus, 500 Mercy Dr., and traverses historic downtown Belmont.

The event is held to raise awareness, along with funds to support the House of Mercy and its compassionate care for low-income individuals living with AIDS. Participants engage in a three-mile walk. The first 300 who raise $50 or more receive a free Walk for AIDS T-shirt. The goal is $41,500.

A picnic reception with DJ and dancing follows the walk on the House of Mercy grounds.

Free STD/HIV testing will be offered.

Contributions are encouraged and welcomed.

In other news, the Community Foundation of Gaston County granted House of Mercy with $10,480 in funds for a new therapeutic-accessible tub, in addition to the necessary plumbing, electrical and tile work to complete the installation of the project. info: thehouseofmercy.org/walkforaids.asp.

Charlotte Theatre presents ‘Children’s Hour’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The iconic and groundbreaking “The Children’s Hour” is currently being presented at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Anne Belk Theater of the Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts, 9201 University City Blvd. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24-25, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 26. It is directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Robin Witt and student Jessica Woodworth.

Written by Lillian Hellman, the play is based on a true story and ignited a scandal when it was first produced in 1934, nevertheless, it won both critical accolades and financial success, running on Broadway for two years.

Hellman discovered the plot for “The Children’s Hour” in a true-crime anthology, which reported a case from 1810 in which a young girl at a boarding school in Scotland accused the schoolmistresses of having an affair.

Though the two women were acquitted in court, their reputations and the school were ruined.

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“The Children’s Hour” has since become a classic of American drama.

In 1961, a film adaptation staring Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine and James Garner was released. It received five Academy Award nominations. More recently, Keira Knightley and Elisabeth Moss starred in a 2011 stage production in London’s West End. Tickets are $18/general admission, $12/faculty, staff and alumni, $10/seniors and $8/students and are available online at bit.ly/2kP8oRf. info: coaa.uncc.edu.

SBA accepting emerging leaders apps

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) North Carolina District Office is seeking 15-18 Charlotte-area business owners to apply for the city’s next SBA Emerging Leaders class. This federal training initiative is designed to give them a three-year, tailored strategic growth plan to help bring their business to the next level.

The program is free for those accepted and executives must commit to approximately 100 hours of classroom consisting of 13 evening

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Young Affiliates of the Mint have announced that their Second Annual Art Show, “Gendered: An Inclusive Art Show,” will be held from June 16-July 21 at the Mint Museum Uptown’s Level 5, 500 S. Tryon St., and will be open to the public.

A call has been issued for artists to submit of bodies of work that explore intersectionalities with gender, race, class, and identity. The group exhibition will include 101-15 artists.

Deadline for entry is March 15.

The regional show is accepting submissions from across the South. Artists must submit high resolution images of the works submitted, an artist statement and a CV. The entry fee is $40 for up to 15 works of art from a cohesive body of work.

For more details or questions regarding the exhibit, email youngaffiliatesartshow@gmail.com. info: youngaffiliates.org/gendered.

Parents to host fundraiser

CONCORD, N.C. — The Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Concord/Kannapolis will hold its Annual Spring Fundraiser and Spaghetti Dinner on March 18, 6 p.m., at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Rd. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte will provide a concert to be held during the event. Also, the Concord-Kannapolis PFLAG Advocacy Award will be presented to the selected recipient. The board is now reviewing applications and the awardee has not been chosen as of press time.

Email ckpflag@gmail.com to order tickets at $10 each.

Additionally, raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event, as well as bidding for silent auction items. info: pflag.org/chapter/pflag-concord kannapolis.

Trans artist ‘resists’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lara Americo, a transgender woman of color, has been pushing back against discrimination and as reported in The Charlotte Observer, has become one of the faces of the fight against HB2. She has even shared her perspectives on NPR and the BBC, and was in an American Civil Liberties Union campaign.

She told the Observer that “everything I do is a protest of that narrative” of being someone who would statistically be homeless or a sex worker. Americo uses her indie rock genre to share her activism message.

Americo shared with the Observer that she had been performing, but when she appeared on the front cover of qnotes, “audiences realized that she’s transgender.” There was a mix of “hurtful and supportive” responses which she took in stride.

Along with her music, she has also been the focus of a mural, “A City on Its Side” created by Sharon Dowell as a response to HB2.

“HB2 made it clear that there are many people who don’t like that we exist,” she told the Observer and added, “Optimistically I hope this new spotlight will lead to more understanding of what we go through.” All in all, Americo has described her experience as “largely positive.”

“Sometimes when people ask where I was born, I say Charlotte,” the Observer reported.

“That’s the first place I could be Lara.” info: charlotteobserver.com.

TOY, ENC join forces

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center (TOY) and Equality North Carolina (ENC) have announced that they have entered into a partnership have named Dr. Todd Rosendahl as its new joint director of youth policy.

Rosendahl has been on staff with TOY as its director of school outreach.

Under the new partnership, ENC and TOY will collaborate to host the fifth annual Carolina Conference on Queer Youth, held in the fall each year. ENC will also rent offices in the new center located at 3800 Monroe Rd. that is due to open in April. This will allow close collaboration and highlight the partnership between the two organizations. Dr. Rosendahl’s time will be split between supporting Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the center’s largest partner in the region, and providing resources to the entire state. The biggest focus of the joint venture is to protect LGBTQ youth through advocacy and direct services.

In other news, TOY and ENC started a series of workshops on Feb. 20 which will continue through June 19.

This program is designed for school staff, and for the first time to parents and community members featuring training modules for Welcoming Schools, an LGBTQ-inclusive national program for elementary schools that focuses on school safety.

The Feb. 20 workshop focused on an overview of the Welcoming Schools approach and law and policy review.

The next one will take place on March 14 at the center’s Dr. Todd Rosendahl current location at 2320-A N. Davidson St. and will revolved around bias-based bullying prevention.

The other two workshops will take place at the center’s new location at 3800 Monroe Rd. They are Embracing Family Diversity on April 17, and Creating Gender-Expansive Schools on May 22 and Creating LGBT-Inclusive Schools on June 19. Participants can choose the sessions that interest them the most and attendance at all of them is not required.

CEU credits are available for CharlotteMecklenburg Schools employees through MyTalent. Contact John Concelman via email at john.concelman@cms.k12.nc.us for details. info/registration: timeoutyouth.org.

Parent shares trans child story

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ashley Nurkin, mother of an eight-year-old transgender girl, became a voice in the HB2 battle as she

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shared what it was like to have a son who wanted to be a daughter.

The Charlotte Observer reported that Nurkin had no doubt that her child’s gender identity was not a choice and that she is definitely a girl.

“Nurkin, who has two children, said she began noticing something ‘different’ when her younger child was 4. He liked to dress up in girls clothes and asked to wear nightgowns to bed,” the Observer added.

Wrapping one’s head around the issue was not easy for her and her husband when they realized that their child was “more than likely transgender” and were “admittedly a little freaked out” and did not know what it meant.

They purchased girls clothes for the child who was allowed to wear them around the house. Eventually, this extended outside to shopping trips. The girl shared that she was a girl and not a boy with some close friends.

However, in first grade she went to school dressed in a boy’s uniform, but ditched them at home for girl’s clothes.

The back and forth usage of “she” at home and “he” at school and with those who did not know the situation became taxing and led to stomach issues, panic attacks and some depression.

A decision was made between first and second grades to transition the child to full-time existence as a girl, meeting with the school’s principal and arranged for Time Out Youth Center’s staff to train the school’s personnel.

For the first time in a couple of years, a birthday party was held with friends and family invited.

Research, counseling and conference attendance helped the Nurkins understand more. They also sought help from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gay in Charlotte, N.C. The organization was helpful, but more was needed. Ashley Nurkin and another mother organized Transparents of PFLAG Charlotte as a subgroup. Since its inception it has grown from two families to over 20, mostly consisting of elementary school age children.

Last year, Dr. Deanna Adkins, director of the Duke Center for Child and Adolescent Gender Care, was among 20 North Carolina pediatric endocrinologists who wrote to the then Gov. Pat McCrory to object to HB2, the Observer said. info: charlotteobserver.com. timeoutyouth.org. pflagcharlotte.org.

Triad ‘Loggerheads’ to be screened

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Out at the Movies Winston-Salem will screen “Loggerheads” on March 11, 7 p.m., at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St. “Loggerheads” takes place across North Carolina in Asheville, Kure Beach and New Bern. Three seemingly unrelated stories converge in this film. Elizabeth Austin (Tess Harper), wife of Rev. Robert Austin (Chris Sarandon), pines for the son who fled their religious household. Grace Bellamy (Bonnie Hunt), now in her 40s, wonders about the son she gave up for adoption. And, kindhearted Mark (Kip Pardue) falls in love with motel owner, George (Michael

news

Kelly), while trying to come to the rescue of some loggerhead turtles.

Tickets are $7/general and $6/seniors and are available in the lobby beginning at 6:15 p.m. Cash, checks and credit/debit cards are accepted for payment. info: outatthemovieswinston.org.

Triangle

Center offers service options

Council selects Kimer for faculty

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The North Star LGBTQ Community Center will hold an informational session for its Community at Large service outreach initiative on March 1, 7 p.m., at the center, 930 Burke St. The gathering brings together members of the LGBTQ community and allies to lend support to various social welfare and environmental service projects that benefit members of the greater Triad community at large.

On March 4, 12-2 p.m., North Star will offer a Trans Clothing Closet partnership with The Shalom Project of WinstonSalem at 639 S. Green St. info: northstarlgbtcc.com.

Foundation slates gala

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Guilford Green Foundation has announced that its “Prohibition Gala and Green Party 2017” will be held on March 25, 7 p.m., at Cadillac Service Garage, 304 W. Market St. Attendees will step away thinking that “a little party never killed nobody” in “Great Gatsby” style.

In addition to regular fare, a silent auction will take place with bidding online at bit. ly/2lxypZw. While there, ticket purchases can be accommodated. info: ggfnc.org.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Stan Kimer, owner of Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer, has been invited to join the faculty of the National Diversity Council’s DiversityFIRST Certification Program.

The five-day program prepares professionals to create and implement highly successful diversity and inclusion strategies.

Kimer will assist with sessions in San Antonio, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, Newark, N.J., Gardena, Calif. and Orlando, Fla., from May through December. info: diversitycertificationprogram.org.

Stan Kimer

Ride date set

CARRBORO, N.C. — Planned Parenthood South Atlantic has announced that its Fourth Annual Ride for Choice will be held on April 23, beginning at Looking Glass Cafe, 601 W. Main St.

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Feb. 24-March 9 . 2017

qnotes

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Homelessness & Poverty

Charlotte shelters welcoming to LGBTQ people HUD policies have been updated to protect LGBTQ people, but will it last?

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

H

omelessness among the LGBTQ population, in particular youth, is an epidemic that has long been battled by advocacy groups. While finding permanent housing is the ultimate goal, temporary housing in shelters is another method by which individuals are taken off the streets.

Current federal policy, set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, prohibits any public or assisted housing programs that receive federal funding, including homeless shelters, from discriminating against the LGBTQ community.

Last year, HUD also put in place a new regulation requiring shelters to accommodate transgender individuals based on the gender with which they identify.

“A person seeking shelter is already in a very vulnerable situation, and they deserve to be treated with dignity when they request our assistance,” said Julián Castro, then HUD Secretary.

“This rule takes us one step closer to full acceptance of transgender men and women, and will ensure they receive the proper services that respect their identity.”

The situation in Charlotte qnotes reached out to a number of homeless shelters and providers of temporary housing in Charlotte, N.C., including the Charlotte Men’s Shelter, Urban Ministries, The Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter, Charlotte Family Housing, the Shelter for Battered Women and the YWCA. They all confirmed that they

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accept LGBTQ people and that they admit transgender people based on the gender with which they identify.

Harassment and violence, both on the streets and in shelters, remain real and serious concerns. A Charlotte resident with firsthand experience in men’s shelters in the city, Randy King told qnotes that members of the LGBTQ community often find themselves ostracized by others staying in the shelter.

“Sometimes when they’re sleeping, they’ll try to rob them or beat them up,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of it.”

King said he has also heard LGBTQ people say they decided to leave a shelter and sleep on the streets to avoid the discrimination or violence they may face inside.

The “2015 U.S. Transgender Survey Report,” recently released by the National Center for Transgender Equality, underscores the ongoing problem.

It reveals that nearly a quarter of respondents experienced some form of housing discrimination, such as being evicted or denied a home or apartment for being transgender. Further, nearly one third said they had experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, with one in eight saying they had experienced it in the past year.

More than a quarter of those who experienced homelessness in the past year said they avoided staying in a shelter for fear of being mistreated for being transgender.

Of those who did stay in shelters in the past year, 70 percent reported experiencing some form of mistreatment, such as being

Harassment and violence are prevalent on the streets for the homeless and LGBTQ individuals are often ostracized, mistreated or abused in shelters. And, transgender individuals face being kicked out of shelters due to their sexual orientation.

Photo Credit: Lisa F. Young via Adobe Stock

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harassed, subjected to physical or sexual violence or kicked out for being transgender.

The outlook going forward The new administration has shown itself to be less friendly to the LGBTQ community than was the Obama Administration.

The Trump Administration has decided not to contest a Texas federal judge’s injunction barring the federal government from implementing former President Barack Obama’s directive to public schools instructing them that the Title IX non-discrimination protections on the basis of “sex” should be extended to transgender individuals according to the gender with which they identify.

There are also concerns that President Donald Trump could sign an executive order allowing for “religious freedom” statutes to create faith-based loopholes in federal law, which would provide organizations, businesses and individuals a license to discriminate against the LGBTQ community and others.

Even if Trump doesn’t sign such an order, Congress is seeking to introduce the First Amendment Defense Act, which would also provide for religious exemptions. Trump has pledged to sign it if passed.

These laws would allow religious groups to deny shelter to members of the LGBTQ community if they could prove that they are doing so based on a firmly held religious belief.

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For instance, one could say that they view gender as an immutable trait that is set at birth, and that, therefore, they will not place transgender men with cisgender men or transgender women with cisgender women.

Ben Carson, as of press time Trump’s nominee to take over as HUD Secretary, is no ally to the LGBTQ community, adding to the concern for where the LGBTQ community could be headed.

“For thousands of years, mankind has known what a man is and what a woman is,” Carson said at a Florida delegation breakfast during the 2016 Republican National Convention. “And now all of a sudden we don’t know anymore. Now, is that the height of absurdity? Because today you feel like a woman, even though everything about you genetically says that you’re a man or vice versa?”

He then compared being transgender to deciding to change one’s race.

Carson also said he is “disturbed” that “secular progressives” are trying to make transgender issues “civil rights issues.”

During confirmation hearings, Carson said he doesn’t support “extra rights” for LGBTQ people. He has defined these “extra rights” as transgender people is being permitted to use the bathroom matching their gender identity and gay couples’ ability to marry.

Life as an LGBTQ person experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, always a difficult scenario, might get that much harder. : :

Those who are homeless have to forage for food, spend their days on the streets and either sleep there or sometimes in shelters.

Photo Credit: Photographee.eu via Adobe Stock

Feb. 24-March 9 . 2017

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Homelessness & Poverty

Time Out Youth’s new facilities may enable a youth shelter Org aspires to expand services with larger location

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff

L

ong one of the most proactive of Charlotte’s LGBTQ nonprofits, Time Out Youth Center (TOY) is currently remodeling their newly-purchased facilities at 3800 Monroe Rd. in east Charlotte, N.C. The organization’s hopes for the new property, according to Executive Director Rodney Tucker, are huge — but the staff and sponsors have the dedication to achieve their dreams.

TOY was victim to gentrification in the sense that the land around the N. Davidson St. building in NoDa is becoming yet another apartment complex, and the new owners of the building itself want higher-paying tenants. Upon being booted from their current location in NoDa, the organization saw the silver lining in the news.

“Staff sat down and did the dream list of what we were looking for,” Tucker told qnotes. “We’re very fortunate because the [new] building was set up the way we needed it, so we haven’t had to add much to it.”

In an exclusive tour of the location, currently undergoing renovations, qnotes staff discovered an enormous space — 7,500 square feet, according to Tucker — with a great number of private offices, five bathrooms, a large kitchen, a pantry and two huge rooms that the organization plans to dedicate to youth space.

“We knew we needed group space that would hold 50-70 kids comfortably in one room,” said Tucker, indicating that typical Friday night attendance reaches at least that level. “[The youth] can’t get over how big it is.

They’ve been helping in the design process, so they helped pick the colors for the furniture, what they want the fabrics to be like, even down to what kind of lighting they want and being able to

dim lights in the space so it stays more cozy.”

Beyond the rewards for TOY’s current participants, Tucker and the board of directors have big hopes for the organization’s future in the new space. The offices, being subleased to other

❝ We’re very fortunate because the [new] building was set up the way we needed it, so we haven’t had to add much to it. ❞ — Rodney Tucker LGBT organizations, provide not only extra income, but also an opportunity for community-building that wasn’t possible in the old location.

“Being able to partner with other folks in a different way, having those new partnerships, is going to make a big difference,” Tucker said. “As well as offering that community conference space so that the whole community can be involved in Time Out Youth. And the kids can see the adult LGBT community and see how they fit in when they age out of our programs.”

A number of LGBTQ non-profits and advocacy groups have committed to sharing space in the new TOY building. They’ll also be sharing ideas, passion and resources.

“We’re partnering with Equality NC, one of our tenants,” Tucker said, smiling. “We just announced a partnership with them to take our school outreach program to a state-wide level.

They’ve taken two offices. Transcend Charlotte has taken two offices as well.”

“Equality North Carolina and Time Out Youth Center are committed to protecting LGBTQ young people through advocacy and direct services,” said Chris Sgro, executive director of Equality NC. “We are now more than ever proud of our work to protect especially the most vulnerable among our community, and are thrilled to work with Time Out Youth Center and with the support of Bank of America.” Tucker says that a lot of TOY’s youth also participate in Transcend Charlotte, whose Trans Closet program will soon be housed in the Monroe Rd. location. Transcend’s executive director, Trey Greene, will occupy another office as TOY’s in-office therapist.

“We plan to expand therapeutic services to not only be for youth but also parents,” Tucker said, adding that the organization looks forward to eventually “expanding programs that will take us to a seven-day-a-week center, offering services that are a bit broader.”

Among these new services are hopes to develop a youth shelter within the next few years. TOY already has a Host Home program that places homeless youth with host families, but the demand is higher than current resources allow.

“We’re adding a shower facility and a laundry facility for youth that are currently homeless,” Tucker said, but the organization’s plans are even bigger. “A youth shelter has always been in the strategic plan for the board of directors. It was our number one goal to look at.”

However, a project that big will likely take a lot of planning — and TOY has already begun. In 2016, they compiled a study of LGBT youth homelessness and found a dire need for more shelter facilities.

“With purchasing the building… it becomes a real way that we can make it happen,” Tucker said. “We structured the plan, and year one of this is just getting the center moved in. 2018 we will take Time Out Youth Center Executive Director Rodney Tucker is excited about all of the dedicated space for each program at the new facility, such as improved executive office space and an expanded space for youth programming.

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goqnotes.com/to/life Time Out Youth Center Executive Director Rodney Tucker wants the newly-created homeless youth facility that is under construction (pictured in the background) to be warm and welcoming. It also has an American with Disabilities Act compliant ramp is being built so that those who are handicapped can access the area without issue. Residents will have access to a food pantry that will also have toiletry items and other necessities. They and youth will also have access to a fully-stocked kitchen.

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Time Out Youth Center will have a conference room which the community can use (left) and youth will have access to a fully-stocked kitchen for snacks after school and while they are at the center.

TOY’s aspirations are huge, including expanding their school outreach programs to outlying counties. These programs involve sessions with parents, teachers and school counselors. Part of the organization’s mission is to facilitate school gay-straight alliances and encourage youth to take leadership roles.

“Our organization takes a very systemic approach to helping the kids,” Tucker said. “It’s not only the kids that come in, but all the systems that support them… we’re going to try to do a lot more work

with school boards, to do advocacy work to put policies in place that will protect our students.”

For an organization that has recently doubled its resources, there’s still more potential yet to be tapped. Time Out Youth’s future is looking bright, and it’s all due to the relentless efforts of Tucker, the board, and the staff.

“Everybody wants to be here,” Tucker said. “This is their passion, and it shows up in the work they do and the care that they give back to kids.” : :

a year and hire a consultant, to help us do some research about what does the housing program look like and how much does it really cost.”

The research year will be full of travel, options and decisions. Members of the board already have plans to visit similar shelters elsewhere in the country to provide a starting point for thinking about the project. The point of these trips is “to see what’s out there and figure out what matches best for Charlotte,” Tucker said.

“The year after that we’ll either start a building project or renovation to use our current building to make the shelter.”

Feb. 24-March 9 . 2017

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Trans Outreach

NC Queer TROUBLMakers’ project raises funds for trans people of color Transgender people of color suffer worse abuse, harassment and violence, but you can help

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

D

continued, adding that the sharing of resources is nothing new ue to the intersection of racism and transphobia, transin their community, but that there is a need for more people from gender people of color experience increased hardships, outside that demographic to step up and contribute as well. often struggling to remain safe, employed and in adequate “I can think of at least twice where the [Trans Kindred Fund] housing due to rampant discrimination. paid my rent,” said Ashley Williams, a transgender activist and The NC Queer TROUBLMakers (Queer and Trans organizer living in Charlotte. “I think that a lot of different queer Revolutionaries Organizing Under Black Lives Matter), a stateand trans folks of color have benefitted from the fund.” wide collective started in 2015, is taking action to get funds where One need look no further than the recently released report they are most needed in order to help transgender people of color by the National Center for survive and thrive.

Transgender Equality to see The group states as its the struggle faced every day mission “to actively fight by members of the transgenthe whitewashing of the der community, especially LGBTQ movement and the those of color. white silence and violence The “2015 U.S. Transgender Survey Report” (ustranssurvey. of the corporate gay rights ‘movement,’ to create autonomous org/report) is the largest survey examining the experiences of LGBTQ people of color community.” It operates an emergency transgender people in the U.S., drawing from interviews of over fund, called the Trans Kindred Fund, establilshed approximately a 27,700 individuals from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, year ago, and has just formerly started a new campaign to offer American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. military bases assistance to those in need on a monthly basis. overseas.

Donations go toward the wellbeing and sustainability of the Among its findings was that 10 percent of transgender reNorth Carolina transgender and queer community of color, in the spondents who were out to their immediate families reported that form of assistance with food, housing and healthcare payments. a family member had been violent toward them because they Those interested in becoming monthly sustainers are now were transgender, with 8 percent being called to do so reporting they were kicked out of through a program called for being trans. the Trans Reparations Meanwhile, 46 percent Project that is run under reported being verbally harassed the concept of reparations, and 9 percent reported being which likewise will allow physically attacked due to being transgender and queer peotrans in the previous year, and 10 ple of color to afford their percent said they had been sexubasic needs for survival. ally assaulted during that time.

“Within the last year, Nearly half reported having been in response to the hostilsexually assaulted at some point ity against trans people of in their lifetime. color as a result of HB2, At school, for those who and historic genocide and were already out or perceived as villainization of trans people transgender, 54 percent reported of color, we [have been] being the victims of verbal harassorganizing in resistance and Activists rally for the Save Her Name initiative which commemoment, 24 percent said they had coming together in centralrates the women who lost their lives due to police brutality and been physically attacked, and 13 ized communities across anti-Black violence. percent reported being sexually the state, of queer and trans assaulted because they were transgender. people with antiracist leadership support,” said April Parker, an Nearly one third of respondents were living in poverty. The organizer with the NC Queer TROUBLMakers. unemployment rate for transgender people of color is four times “The larger non-profits and our cities are completely unrehigher than the U.S. unemployment rate. sponsive to the needs of queer and trans black people,” Parker

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April Parker took to the streets to protest HB2.

Photo Credit: Phil Fonville

Last year was the deadliest on record for transgender people in the U.S., and, as in years past, most of those killed were black transgender women of color.

Parker notes that the Movement for Black Lives platform includes a call for reparations in order to help rectify the imbalance caused by historic and current systemic racism.

“The government, responsible corporations and other institutions that have profited off of the harm they have inflicted on Black people — from colonialism to slavery through food and housing redlining, mass incarceration and surveillance — must repair the harm done,” the Movement for Black Lives website states.

Additionally, a United Nations group, the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, said the U.S. owes African-Americans reparations for slavery. While the report is non-binding, it put its message in clear terms, saying the U.S. still has not confronted its legacy of “racial terrorism.”

Organizer Jamie Marsicano said that since the state has not stepped up to see that people of color receive reparations, community action is needed to make it happen.

The previous groups mentioned above added that reparations were needed in order to “redistribute some of the wealth and power that white people in general have been able to build on the backs of black and brown folks” throughout history.

The NC TROUBLMakers shared that at the time of the interview there were 150 white people secured as monthly sustainers.

Those interested in donating on a monthly basis to the reparations fund can send an email to either antiracistwhites@gmail. com or to ncqueertranspoc@gmail.com for more information.

Those interested in making a one-time donation to the Trans Kindred Fund can do so by visiting bit.ly/2kgBSv3. : :

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news

News Notes continued from page 13 The ride includes two options for participants, one that is approximately 24 miles (2 p.m. start time) and another that is 54 miles (1 p.m. start time), with rest stops and emergency support along the way.

Afterward, enjoy beers, bratwurst and other treats at the Cafe. Options will be available for vegetarians and beverages other than beer.

Space has been filled for both events, but “cheerleaders” along the route are welcome.

Email mitchell.price@ppsat.org to learn more.

In lieu of riding, contributions to the organization are appreciated. info: ppsat.org.

Duke trans student shares experience

DURHAM, N.C. — Elizabeth Hadfield, a senior at Duke University majoring in cultural anthropology and psychology is on a mission. She wants to help others around her understand what is means to be transgender. And, in order to do so, she said that what she had to do was help those around her understand her experience as a transgender person, the Washington Post reported in an interview conducted by Steven Petrow.

She publicly came out at the same time the National Geographic Channel aired Katie Couric’s “Gender Revolution” documentary.

Hadfield’s upbringing was beset with chiding when she dressed in girlish clothing and was scolded for her behavior and told that she was a boy.

Fast forward to 2015 when she was studying abroad and she saw a woman whom she found to have a “cool” hairstyle and came to the realization that she wanted to be a woman.

Then in 2016 Hadfield came out on Facebook with a photograph as part of a women’s rights campaign, she told the Post.

Since then she has seen a lack of mainstream media information on the meaning of being transgender. The most common misperception has to do with genitalia and shared that individuals present in many varying identities. The only one who knows one’s gender is one’s self. Hadfield also encourages others to promote transgender understanding and acceptance. info: washingtonpost.com. facebook.com/ stevenpetrow.

Western Youth gala upcoming

HICKORY, N.C. — OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley will hold its annual fundraising “gayla” on March 11, 6 p.m., at Café Rule, 242 11th Ave. NE. The organization had a banner year for growth and expansion in 2016. Funds raised at the event will go to toward supporting the work on the new center, an 1,800 square foot permanent location called the OUTright Center, and its programming. It will have a “Chill Lounge,” a place for youth to relax and

socialize, with youthchic furnishings, a large screen and projection system with surround sound, WiFi and games.

A large meeting room will be used for youth programs and education, and the facility will have a fully furnished kitchen.

A cyber center will be set up that features free internet access and computers for youth usage to make it easier for them to fill out job and college applications, provide a suitable environment for homework, as well as opportunities for social interaction.

Books and media focusing on LGBTQ interests and themes will be housed in the Ralph Doernberg Memorial Library.

The center is the culmination of six years of hard work and provides a safe place for LGBTQ youth where there is no need to conceal their true selves.

Sponsors are needed more than ever at this time to help bring the center’s initiatives to fruition. Email mdore@outrightyouthcv.org to learn more. info: outrightyoughcv.org.

Revival heads to the mountains

HIGHLANDS, N.C. — A Queer South Revival will be held from March 3-5 at 3873 Dillard Rd. as an “uprising, clarion call, strategy meeting and homecoming for Southerners on New Ground members in the time of Trump,” organizers shared.

The event will help to ignite participants’ dreams, imagination, vision while debating regional strategy proposals. It will also be an opportunity to learn more about the organization and contribute to its mission, while enjoying camaraderie.

Currently,the event is full, but a wait list is available for those who wish to be added in the event of a space opening. info: southernersonnewground.org.

South Carolina Orgs shares victory

GREENVILLE, S.C. — SC Equality and Lambda Legal have announced that a U.S. District Court ruled on Feb. 15 that the state violated the Constitution by denying accurate

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Reps. Todd Rutherford, James Smith and Gilda Cobb-Hunter co-sponsored the Uniform Antidiscrimination Act.

birth certificates for children of married samesex couples.

The ruling is a victory for Lambda Legal and SC Equality clients Casy and Jacqueline Carson, a married lesbian couple, and their twins, who were issued birth certificates listing only Jacquie, and treating Casy like a legal stranger to her own children, the organizations shared.

In other news, SC Equality applauded State House of Representatives members Todd Rutherford (Richland), Gilda Cobb-Hunter (Orangeburg) and James Smith (Richland) who co-sponsored and filed the Uniform Antidiscrimination Act in South Carolina on Feb. 15.

If passed, the bill would make it illegal to discriminate against individuals based on gender identity or sexual orientation for the following reasons: employment law; real estate and rental law; home health agencies law; and public accommodation law involving the enjoyment of goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and accommodations of any place of public accommodation.

One more piece of news for South Carolina is that its legislative body has its first openly gay lawmaker, Jason Elliot, a Republican representing the 22nd District who defeated four-term incumbent and Bob Jones University graduate Wendy Nanny, Pink News reported.

Elliot is 46 and a former attorney. He is a pro-life advocate and is in favor of protecting religious freedom. info: scequality.org. lambdalegal.org. pinknews.co.uk.

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

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Chocolate equality?

Choosing dark can benefit one’s health with antioxidants Are all chocolates created equal? Indeed, they are not.

We just celebrated our beloved lovers’ holiday, Valentine’s Day, and we want to provide you with some insight into this holiday’s favorite treat — chocolate.

What kind did your special person get you? Was it dark chocolate this year? Why you ask? Dark chocolate has many added benefits in comparison with milk chocolate.

Intrigued, are you? We thought so.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which carry many health benefits.

Antioxidants help keep free radicals low in our body.

Free radicals can cause damage to the molecules in our bodies, like our DNA, fat molecules, and proteins. If there is too much damage, it can progress into cancer. Antioxidants help repair the damage that does occur. Our bodies naturally produce some antioxidants, but we need to get the rest from our diet. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are good sources of antioxidants.

If you are looking for other ways to increase your antioxidant intake and prefer dietary supplements, antioxidants can be found in several over-the-counter supplements. Vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene are all good sources of antioxidants. However, just because supplements are available over the counter, does not mean that you have free reign to consume as much as you want. Over-the-counter supplements do not equal to “safe.” There are also drug interactions to consider. If you are on a medication regimen, always seek counseling from a pharmacist before you start an over-the-counter supplement, and be sure that the pharmacist is aware of all the medications, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking. For example, if you are taking an anticoagulant and you want to start vitamin E, you run the risk of increased bleeding if you take the two together.

Now, let’s get back to that dark chocolate! In September 2016, research showed that by using high concentrations of flavanol, an antioxidant found in dark chocolate, you could help reduce the progression of congestive heart failure. Markers used to measure heart failure were reduced in the trial, as well as patients’ diastolic blood pressure (the lower number).

In October 2016, research was published that showed a single intake of flavanol-rich dark chocolate controlled the stress response during stress tests in men ages 2050. The research also showed an antiinflammatory response during the times of stress.

In the two trials described here, you can see how beneficial the antioxidants in dark chocolate can be. And the knowledge can be used for Valentine’s Day next year, where dark chocolate is overflowing in gifts received by significant others and lovers. Add dark chocolate to health fats like almonds or other omega-3-containing nuts and you have another healthy and delicious treat for your valentine. Nuts contain protein, unsaturated fats, fiber, and plant sterols which have been shown to decrease your risk of heart disease. Try dark chocolate-covered strawberries, which have even more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall health. The next time you are trying to decide what treats to get that special someone, think about dark chocolate and the benefits of the antioxidants it contains, versus milk chocolate. It’s a great year-round option.

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a&e

Music Scene

Singer Trey Pearson talks coming out as a gay Christian musician The former frontman for Everyday Sunday steps into politics, goes solo and gets personal

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

T

rey Pearson found success at a young age, signing a contract with Christian label Flicker Records, based in Tennessee, after just one year of college.

His band, Everyday Sunday, would go on to record six albums and play thousands of concerts throughout the world.

He also got married and started a family, fathering a son and a daughter.

From the outside looking in, his life looked picture perfect.

Yet there was something Pearson was keeping inside, unable to express.

In 2015, his life changed. As he told the congregation of Missiongathering Church in Charlotte, N.C. while in town to perform at Charlotte Pride, “a lot in my life came crashing down.

“I ended up coming to this place where I realized I needed to get help,” he said. “And through a lot of heartache, I ended up coming out to myself and to my family.”

Later, in the summer of last year, he decided to come out publicly, a brave move for anyone in the public eye, and in particular for someone in the Christian music world. Some speculated that it might mean the end of his career, and even he acknowledged that it might make things more difficult in that respect.

In September of 2016, those concerns were realized when his band was removed from the lineup of Christian music festival Joshua Fest when a number of staff members threatened to quit if Everyday Sunday was allowed to perform.

Pearson still found his way to the stage, however, when the band Five Iron Frenzy invited him to sing with them.

He has launched a solo career, once again showing that he is not going let anyone stop him from continuing to do what he loves and recently announced he is releasing a solo album, due out later this year. His first single, “Silver Horizon,” was released Feb. 10, and can be heard here (see youtube.com/ watch?v=yAODcCPrj9w).

Pearson spoke to qnotes via email about music, life and his recent foray into the political world.

Since your coming out, how have the Christian and Christian music community responded overall? Was the Joshua Fest cancellation the first notable setback?

I think it’s hard to say. A lot of people have been overwhelmingly supportive. There have been some really nasty people. But a lot of people just don’t talk, or they gossip and talk in circles where their beliefs are affirmed.

My point is, in the evangelical world where churches won’t affirm the obvious fact that it’s insane to be against someone being gay, it’s easier not to talk about it than look foolish trying to defend it. I’ve been there.

These churches want to tell gay people they are welcome there, but they’re looked at like second class citizens, as if there’s something wrong with them. They can’t be leaders in the church, they can’t get married, and silently people think somehow being their healthiest, truest self, that God looks down on them…and so do they. It’s difficult, and I do have compassion, because I have been there. I know what causes people to think so backwards, it’s extremely sad, and it’s destroying so many lives. It needs to change.

Joshua Fest was fine. I didn’t think they would invite me in the first place, and I was so excited when they asked if I would come. I think it just shows the complication and the weird things those silent people will do to try and keep you from speaking up.

How have reactions been since you were able to play with Five Iron Frenzy at the Joshua Fest after your band was dropped, and what did that mean to you?

Really positive, from so many people. Again, I think the people that may be upset about it are silent for the most part. It meant a ton, and I really do think it’s changing fast with younger people.

Fifty years from now, young people will look at gay marriage like we look at black and white people drinking from different water fountains. They’re going to wonder what was wrong with us.

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How has coming out affected your overall mental well-being? One imagines you feel freer and happier now.

Oh my goodness, it may be the most significantly healthy thing I have done in my life, where I have seen the drastic effects in my own well being, and my own health. To not only feel so free from this burden I’ve been carrying since I was a boy, but to be able to unpack so many things from my life, it has been the most therapeutic thing that I didn’t realize I would ever be able to feel.

That’s why it’s so important to change the way evangelical Christians handle this. I see what damage that thinking has done to my life, and I see the magnitude of what it has done to countless people. I feel a huge sense of urgency to helping be a part of the change because of how it has affected me.

You have said that you do not see a conflict between being in a loving, committed gay relationship and being a Christian. Are you currently single, dating?

I’m single. I’ve been on dates. Nothing more serious.

How did you end up getting involved working with a Clinton PAC? Have you always been political? What can you tell us about the work you did there and how you are feeling postelection?

I was working with For Our Future, which is a Super PAC. They had seen my interview with CNN, and some of my thoughts on Donald Trump, and how that lines up with the politics of Jesus. Some of them knew my story, and they asked if I would be willing to help do what I could to campaign.

I’m sad that the majority of the country was turned down for who they voted for as president, in an electoral college that is out of date, and has obviously helped make it harder for minorities to have their votes count. But Gay Christian musician Trey Pearson goes solo and is set to release a new album. there’s still enough people that voted for Trump, Photo Credit: Megan Leigh Barnard, via The Charlotte Observer that I think it’s important to try to figure out what made people willing to vote for a man that most What made you want to release a solo album, and what is the of them don’t even like. Maybe those answers current state of Everyday Sunday? are good ones, and maybe they aren’t. Either way, I think it’s It is just time for a fresh start. I’ve been doing Everyday important.

Sunday since I was 16 years old. It is a season in my life of new beginnings, so this seemed like a good time to have a fresh slate Do you plan on doing more work along these lines in the future? for my music, with no pre-conceived notions on what it should What did it teach you? be…Everyday Sunday is finished. I am just focused on my solo Yeah, I definitely would be open to it. I really enjoyed it, and stuff now. enjoyed talking to other Americans, all around the country, about our policies, and what matters to us as a whole community. I What can fans expect? Will it be very different from your work think one of the biggest things I learned was how little so many with Everyday Sunday, or similar? people, who vote, know about policies, and how they work.

I think this is a more well-rounded fusion of things that have influenced me throughout my life. It is definitely me knowing Since you released your single from your upcoming album, can exactly what I want to do, and who I want to be right now, which we expect to be able to sample some other cuts from the album? is what matters the most to me.

The album is tentatively due in May. There will be another single or two before that though.

Based on your Facebook post about the new album, it sounds as if you will be exploring themes related to your experience comWhen did you start and end work on it, and who else is ining out and all that followed; is that accurate? volved?

Yeah. Lyrically, I’ve had a lot to write about. It’s been a year I have written almost all of it over the past year. The album is of unpacking and processing a lot of things in my life. I feel like still being worked on. It is being mostly produced by “Oh, Hush!”, there has been a lot to explore, emotionally. : : although we have other producers working with us as well.

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life

health and wellness

by Jack Kirven :: personal trainer, qnotes contributor

8 Patterns of Wellness Part 7 of 8: Focus In this series, I’m going to share some thoughts about the 8 patterns that comprise the program that is Integre8t Wellness. With these fundamentals in place, you can expect to see enhanced results from your fitness plan.

The seventh pattern is focus. In many wellness programs there’s a strong spiritual component included at some point. I know that’s very important to some people, and I myself believe that there’s more than what we can perceive, measure, quantify or understand. However, I personally do not want to be a guru. I don’t have “the answers” (unless your question is “Do I really have to stop using margarine?”), and I certainly don’t want to position myself as a religious advisor or mystic.

With that being said, I know that we’re whole beings comprised of many modalities of health. I’m not a psychiatrist or a therapist, but I know firsthand how crucial it is to treat these parts of our wellbeing with care. This portion of Integre8t Wellness acknowledges the importance of our intangibilities, and the inexorable way our Selves affect ourselves.

Our thoughts affect our perspectives, assumptions, attitudes, perceptions and actions.

Those in turn influence our emotions, and, through them, our environments and situations.

It is for this reason that the ability to focus intentionally is so important. This is the reason making optimism a priority can change the entire course of your day. I’m not implying you can or should be happy all the time. I’m saying that understanding what you want to accomplish and remaining open to the various ways in which that might be accomplished are strong indicators of how successful you’re likely to be.

Many times the “who,” “when,” “where” and “how” are completely out of our control, but we can define the “what” and the “why.”

For some people a general sense of purpose or direction is enough, while others (like myself) prefer specifically-defined goals. Whatever combination of those you prefer, it’s important that you identify what you want and why you want it. That’s the motivation that keeps you balanced when preconceived notions go awry.

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Thank you, John Lennon.

Stressors abound, and other people’s emotions and problems are contagious. All these

distractions pull your attention away from your intention. Hello, Stress! What’s up, Fear? How you been, Doubt?

Meditation is an option; however, reconnecting with your intent doesn’t have to be so formal or esoteric. It doesn’t have to be a ritual, but merely a practice. Set aside a few minutes each day to experience something sensuous, or to allow your mind to wander. It isn’t good for your focus to always be so focused. You really do need to take your lunch break.

Look at the sky. Smell coffee brewing at any of the 13 Starbucks on every block. Listen to a water fountain. Savor the $10 chocolate truffle (but only one). Feel the breeze on your skin.

These are opportunities to remember yourself. These simple pleasures are the moments our bodies gift to our minds, hearts and spirits. Reflect on them, if only briefly.

What lessons or ideas do they inspire? You can find connections between anything in the universe. The connections may not always be obvious, but they are there. Not every solution is born out of office meetings with everyone frantically throwing their version of spaghetti at every wall in the room (though that has its place, too).

In terms of meditation, I’m not asking you to go find Buddha (though if you do, tell him I said it’s his turn to buy the $10 truffle). I want you to simply take five minutes to let your mind wander away from your responsibilities. Ignore them for a moment. Don’t worry. They’ll still be there when you come back. When the volume on your problems gets muted, you’ll finally hear yourself, instead of the noise from all the “important stuff” you have to do.

Focus doesn’t have to be an action. It doesn’t have to be a laser cauterizing an item on your to-do list for taking over the world.

It can be a result or a realization, or even a reminder. Allowing the outside world to dim for a moment often illuminates the answers, ideas, or solutions you already had. For the purposes of this program, focus isn’t so much the sun at noon as it is the sun at dawn. : : info: Jack Kirven completed the MFA in Dance at UCLA, and earned certification as a personal trainer through NASM. His wellness philosophy is founded upon integrated lifestyles as opposed to isolated workouts.

Finding focus during ones day belps to potentially bring happiness into one’s life as well as allowing time to enjoy simple pleasures.

Photo Credit: olly via Adobe Stock

Feb. 24-March 9 . 2017

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Looking Back

Miniseries chronicles LGBTQ life ABC brings story of struggle to major network viewers

by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — “When We Rise,” written and created by Dustin Lance Black, will premiere on Feb. 27 on ABC. The miniseries “chronicles the real-life personal and political struggles, setbacks and triumphs of a diverse family of LGBT men and women who helped pioneer one of the last legs of the U.S. Civil Rights movement, from its turbulent infancy in the 20th century to the onceunfathomable successes of today,” the network shared.

Those staring in the work are Guy Pearce, Mary-Louise Parker, Rachel Griffiths, Michael K. Williams and Ivory Aquino, in addition to Austin McKenzie, Emily Skeggs, Jonathan Majors and Fiona Dourif.

Air dates are: Feb. 27, premiere; March 1, parts two and three; March 2, parts four and five; and March 3, parts six and seven. The show runs from 9-11 p.m.

The series will also guest star Henry Czerny, Whoopi Goldberg, Arliss Howard, Sam Jaeger, T.R. Knight, Mary McCormack, Kevin McHale, Rosie O’Donnell, Denis O’Hare, Pauley Perrette, David Hyde Pierce, Richard Schiff, Phylicia Rashad, Rob Reiner and William Sadler.

Executive producers are Black, Gus Van Sant, Laurence Mark and Bruce Cohen.

Additionally, a digital soundtrack from Hollywood Records will be available on Feb. 24. The track list includes: “I’d Love To Change The World” (Jordan Fisher); “California” (Fancy); “Tie Your Mother Down” (Brandi Carlile); “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” (Justin Sams/Eve Nelson): “Good Times” (featuring Christine Aprile/Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein); “Thinking of You” (Austin McKenzie); “Wonderwall” (Zella Day); “Oh Happy Day” (Ruby Amanfu featuring Prado); “I’d Love To Change The World” (Shea Diamond); and “When We Rise Suite” (Danny Elfman and Chris Bacon). info: abc.go.com.

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tell trinity

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

Dating a few different people at once: Smart or dishonest?

Hey Trinity, I’ve been dating a couple of people off and on for the last few months. I’m waiting for one to work out. Dating like this has always worked for me, but some of my friends think I’m dishonest. What do you think?

Multidating Doubts, Portland, OR Hey Multidating Doubts, With “powerdating” (dating many people at once) you’ll never feel like a loser or that you’re losing in the game of dating. You’ll also have better odds of winning! Even though it can put people into precarious situations, the alternative of spending a month with one person only to find out that you’re not compatible can make you even crazier. Finding the right mate means dating long and hard (violins please), climbing many mountains and sailing many seas. So, honey, stick to your “powerdating” guns. As Kahlil Gibran once wrote, “Before love finds you, you must be sifted, kneaded, grinded, and threshed.” So, go get ’em!

Hello Trinity, I truly believe that one has to wait for love, not just jump into anyone’s bed. However, it’s now been a year since I’ve dated, and I’m beginning to think something’s wrong with me. Is being

old fashioned too old-fashioned?

Willing To Wait, Raleigh, NC Hello Willing To Wait, It’s smart to wait for that special someone, and even smarter not to settle for less than you truly deserve. But while the months and years fade away, don’t just sit there listening to old love songs, waiting for a soulmate to walk onto your front porch. Pumpkin, the smartest way to wait is to keep dating, socializing and staying active about your love life! In other words, live! (I keep my eye on the prize when I date, even when I am lying in repose on the porch listening to some tunes as my cartoon shows.)

Dearest Trinity, Love knows no rationality, and neither do I for deciding to date a guy whose profession is “escorting.” We deeply love each other and are great together, but once in a while it hurts.

Am I a fool?

Escort Love, NYC, NY Dearest Escort Love, Yes, dating an escort is foolish. And, yes, dating a doctor, lawyer or rabbi would be much more practical. Plus, knowing that you’re dating someone who’s not for hire makes life a hell of

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lot nicer. But, darling, for some great, grand, glorious reason you obviously need to have this experience. So, if you want this to work, and it can work, then stay mentally healthy about his carrier choices and take it one dollar — I mean, one day at a time! Good luck!

Dear Trinity, One of my housemates is very aggressive about their attraction to me. I’m completely uninterested, yet I cannot convince anyone of that. Help?

Uninterested, Charlotte, NC Dear Uninterested, When someone can’t stop picking you up, then, sweetie, try picking up: Trinity’s Pushy Tips For Getting Someone Uninterested In You 1. Tell her about your almost daily bouts of deep depression, severe A.D.D. and unmedicated bipolar disorder.

2. Tell him that you’re soon to be moving across country to be with your “true love.”

3. Tell her that you simply refuse to use deodorants or bathe yourself regularly.

4. J ust be your twisted, delusional, frantic, frustrated, dysfunctional, neurotic self.

5. T ell him about your work with the Log Cabin Society and how much you love Trump.

6. R emind her that you’re running from the law, or from your very psychotic, ex-convict, Hells Angels boyfriend.

7. Tell him that you are a writer/singer/minis-

ter/female impersonator. No, forget it. That never worked for me.

8. Just talk about your deep, uncontrollable religious devotion to anything and everything demonic.

9. Be the most self-centered, self-absorbed and selfish person she has ever met.

10. Lastly, let him know how much you are in love with him, can’t live without him and need to move in…right away! (I hear a car speeding away!) 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.

Feb. 24-March 9 . 2017

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EVENTS

February-March 2017 SEP FEB MO

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‘Blumenthal Celebrates Dance’ Belk Theater 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 6 p.m.

Blumenthal hosts an evening celebrating the joy of dance and movement. Dance, fitness and healthy living exhibits will be followed by a lecture demonstration and a talk on nutrition, ending with a performance by Twyla Tharp Dance. More information and tickets are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

–––––––––––––––––––– ‘Carnaval’ Midwood International Cultural Center 1817 Central Ave., Charlotte 8–11 p.m.

Don’t let being far from Brazil keep you from celebrating Carnival. This event will feature authentic Brazilian food, dancers performing Afro-Brazilian and Rio-style samba, a costume contest, an open bar and a dance floor. Tickets and more information are available online. cottonbranch.org/carnaval2017.

‘The Vagina Monologues’ SEP FEB MO 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.

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).

Continues through March 19 ‘BootyCandy’ Mint Museum Randolph 2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte Times vary ‘BootyCandy’ tells one man’s story of growing up gay and black. It is Robert O’Hara’s semi-autobiographical, satirical and subversive comedy that travels through a childhood home, dive bars, churches and motel rooms. Ticket prices vary. More information and tickets are available online. atcharlotte.org.

SEP MAR MO

00 25 00 02

Charlotte Pride Band SEP MAR MO Presents ‘I Am Woman’ First United Methodist Church Charlotte 501 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 5–6:30 p.m.

The Charlotte Pride band honors women for Women’s History Month with a concert called “I Am Woman.”

The concert will honor women, past and present, who have had an impact throughout the world and on our community.

Tickets cost $15.

More information and tickets are available online. charlotteprideband.org.

00 04

4th Annual Gay & Lesbian SEP FEB MO Wedding Expo Raleigh Marriott City Center 500 Fayetteville St., Raleigh 12:30 p.m.

The 4th Annual Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo will feature over 30 LGBTQfriendly wedding and travel professionals, along with raffles, music and more. Free tickets are available online at samelovesamerights. com. More information is available online. rainbowweddingnetwork.com.

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Feb. 24-March 9 . 2017

‘Condom Couture’ SEP MAR MO Neighborhood Theatre 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte 8:30 p.m.

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic presents the annual Condom Couture fashion show, where area designers create wearable art out of condoms to promote safer sex. Funds raised through ticket sales go to promote the work of the organization. Tickets start at $25 for general admission. More information and tickets are available online. condomcouture.com.

‘Apple Pie: An American Art Show’ Goodyear Arts 516 N. College St., Charlotte 6–9 p.m.

Apple Pie is a curated art show addressing the intersectional identities of American artists. Artworks of various media will express the scope of how individuals relate to, synthesize, or explore what America is and/or represents. More information is available online. goodyeararts.com.

SEP MAR MO

00 10 04 00

Continues through March 12 ‘The Bodyguard’ Belk Theater 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte Times Vary Based on the hit film, the award-winning musical “The Bodyguard” will feature Grammy nominee Deborah Cox. Songs include “Queen of the Night,” “So Emotional,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “I Will Always Love You.” Note that Cox will not be performing at the Saturday matinee and Sunday evening performances. Ticket prices vary. More information and tickets are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

SEP MAR MO

00 07

2nd Annual Gay & Lesbian SEP MAR MO Wedding Expo Sheraton Charlotte Hotel 555 S. McDowell St., Charlotte 12:30 p.m.

The 2nd Annual Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo will feature over 30 LGBTQ-friendly wedding and travel professionals, along with raffles, music and more. Free tickets are available online at samelovesamerights.com. More information is available online. rainbowweddingnetwork.com.

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Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

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life

Our People:

Q&A with Darrin Johnson PowerHouse Project coordinator lives to help HIV+ people

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff In the decades since the advent of HIV/ AIDS, there have been a number of activists who went above and beyond to address and abate the epidemic. Darrin Johnson of PowerHouse Project (PHP) is one of these leaders. His current posts include serving as PHP’s empowerment coordinator, project director of a CDC-funded study called the Online Safe Space Initiative and working full-time on his doctorate in Health Services Research. The term “overachiever” doesn’t quite cover it. In the past, Johnson has had a decade of experience working on HIV prevention and community outreach. He has worked with the Metrolina AIDS Project and the Carolinas CARE partnership and participates in many more programs and initiatives to benefit HIV+ people and prevent the disease’s spread. It’s safe to say that with champions like Johnson, the movement to end HIV/AIDS has a very big advantage.

What’s the most challenging part of your work?

The most challenging part of working in HIV prevention and research is addressing stigma in the community, but also in healthcare.

Stigma…creates barriers to healthcare access and community engagement…This is why I see HIV prevention and care through the lens of social justice. When people think of social justice they think of race relations and racial

equality for minority populations, and race, class and privilege are often embedded in how health services are delivered. Acknowledging and dismantling these in addition to addressing stigma are major challenges.

ite TV shows and movies. I found my idols on the TV and movie screens and, in some ways, they taught me a lot. I wanted to have the same effect on people.

What’s the source of your passion for working to fight HIV? The source of my passion for working to decrease new HIV infections and engaging people into care is because there are so many people who look like me and love like me who are disproportionately impacted by HIV. These are also people who have the most barriers to prevention and care services…The work isn’t about fighting HIV. It’s about caring for people holistically and making sure that HIV is the minimal part of people’s lives as we get persons living with HIV virally suppressed and reduce fear for those who are not living with HIV.

What is the importance of early engagement with youth in the goal to prevent HIV/AIDS? It’s simple! Proper education at earlier ages will help keep youth safe…abstinence-only education in schools and other places where youth engage is inadequate. We need to teach youth risk reduction techniques and ways to protect themselves against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections…We can’t prevent HIV in young populations if we aren’t realistic about the behaviors in which they engage.

When you were a kid, what did you see yourself doing when you grew up?

When I was a kid, I thought I would be an actor. I thought that I would be on television or on the movie screens. The interesting part about that is that I am shy…so not really sure how that would work, but I loved the passion and talent displayed from actors and actresses in my favor-

You must stay very busy with all your work.

What do you do to relax?

Right now, I get very few moments to just relax. Honestly, I just work a lot, and I am finishing up a Ph.D. program in Health Services Research at UNC Charlotte. However, I’ve taken a few Sunday afternoons to watch movies at home on the couch.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Malawi! I’ve been twice; once for work, and another time for a spring break Social Work study abroad course. I love the people and the relationships that my colleagues and I have nurtured with the people there. It’s known as the “warm heart of Africa.” I have so many great memories of the people and places I’ve visited while there. We were intentional in removing the idea that it was a mission trip. It was about engaging communities and working with leaders in villages and cities who were already doing empowering work and supporting their efforts.

It was a wonderful experience.

How would you describe your “happy place”?

A “happy place” for me is just being at peace. That could be on one of my random Sundays watching movies alone on my couch, enjoying the sunset on a beach or just a quiet and silent break with no movement. Just a time when I can stop and be present in the moment. : :

Feb. 24-March 9 . 2017

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