QNotes March 17-30, 2012 by QnotesCarolinas

March 17-30 . 2012

qnotes

March 17-30 . 2012

inside March 17-30, 2012 Vol 26 No 023

news & features

6 News Notes: Regional Briefs

a&e / life&style 5 9 10 11 12 12 16 17 18 18 19

20 Questions One world, one tribe Adorning the human canvas On the Map Playing the Field Drag Rag Tell Trinity Out in the Stars Fabulance Jane’s World Q events calendar

opinions & views 4 4 5 14

Editor’s Note General Gayety QPoll TalkBack

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On Being a Gay Parent

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contributors this issue

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O’Neale Atkinson, Paige Braddock, Rosendo Brown, Kevin Grooms/Miss Della, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Leslie Robinson, David Stout, Trinity, Brett Webb-Mitchell

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March 17-30 . 2012

qnotes

VIEWS

editor’s note by o’neale atkinson oneale@goqnotes.com

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the City Council representative for your district and send them an email, follow-up with a phone call and show up for a meeting. Give our supporters on the City Council the voice they need to effectively debate and win this issue. : :

taken a stance on anything that comes out of Raleigh. While this may be the standpoint of the City Council historically, there are a number of reasons why this logic is absolutely flawed. I truly cannot and do not want to imagine a world where we simply responded to all situations based on historical precedence. Historically in this country women weren’t given the right to vote, people were segregated by race and individuals practicing occult or non-Christian beliefs were tried unjustly. There comes a time when a society has to grow up and realize that doing things, or not doing things, based on “the way it always has been” is just plain stupid. Following her statement, Mayfield did encourage the audience to take action and contact their City Council representatives and let them know that this issue matters to the people of Charlotte. I have no doubt Mayfield is against the amendment and would support a resolution, but I also understand that she can’t be the only person on the council bringing up the issue. In my mind I imagine Mayfield must feel like most of us that have ever been the only gay person in their office or workplace. I have worked in several businesses where I chose to keep quiet about my sexual orientation, at least for a time, not because I feared discrimination, but because I did not want to be qualified as “the gay one.” I am so much more than just an openly gay man and Mayfield is much more than an openly lesbian woman serving on the City Council. If Mayfield is the only person on the council bringing up the issue I am sure it will be perceived as biased or self-serving to the eyes of the rest of the council, especially if no other councilperson is receiving feedback from their constituents about the issue on a regular basis. Outspoken representatives like Mayor Foxx and Councilwoman Mayfield deserve our support in fighting for equality, however we can’t leave it all up to them. We, as citizens, need to approach our respective City Council members directly and let them know the importance of this issue and that we want them to not only discuss, but adopt a resolution opposing Amendment One. This amendment is not just “something out of Raleigh,” this amendment will impact all of us and we need

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VIEWS

Silence = betrayal

The 2012 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) North Carolina Gala was a night filled with speeches from advocates working for the rights of LGBT people across the country and fighting against discriminatory legislation in North Carolina. For me, one of the most stirring speeches of the evening came from CNN anchor Don Lemon who was presented with the HRC’s Visibility Award. According to the HRC’s website, the award recognizes “LGBT individuals who are living open and honest lives at home, at work, in the media and in their greater community.” Considering the fact that Lemon is viewed by millions of people daily through his work at CNN and that he chose to formally come out following the release of his book “Transparent” in May of 2011, I cannot think of a better person to receive such an honor. What really sold his message for me was not the fact that he brought his partner up on stage for a quick kiss, although that was simply heart-warming, but rather his call to action in the form of a quote from Martin Luther King. “There comes a time when silence equals betrayal,” Lemon quoted to the audience of over 1,400 captivated listeners. Of course, Lemon wasn’t the only speaker to motivate the crowd to speak out and be active in the fight for equality, but his was the only speech that illustrated the consequences of remaining silent. When it comes to our equality I have to agree with Lemon and Dr. King — silence equals betrayal. Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx is the first Charlotte mayor to publicly support HRC. Not only did he participate in a welcome video for the Gala, he was also a speaker at the event. During his speech, Foxx stated publicly that on May 8, he would be voting against Amendment One. Despite having a mayor who is against Amendment One, Charlotte’s City Council currently has no intention of entertaining a resolution stating that Charlotte opposes the amendment. Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh have all passed resolutions opposing this amendment and I think it is beyond time that the Queen City follows suit. During a public panel discussion in February, Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield was asked about a city resolution opposing the amendment and responded that historically Charlotte City Council has not

to take a stand. One seat on the City Council speaking out will not a resolution make. I ask that you no longer remain silent. If you live in Charlotte and you don’t know your district, go online and figure it out. Then identify

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by leslie robinson qnotes contributor

The marriage whirlwind

In the first two months of this year, samesex marriage news has been as plentiful as wedding guests around an open bar. I need to pause. Catch my breath. Tot up the wins and losses of January and February. Analyze. Theorize. Chortle. Starting on the left side of the country, a three-judge panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that California’s Proposition 8 is, to use the legal term, icky. Supporters of the ban on gay marriage responded by asking that all the judges of the Ninth Circuit rehear the case. There’s no truth to the rumor that all the judges threw their robes over their faces and chanted, “Nyah, nyah, we can’t hear you!” In Washington state, Gov. Chris Gregoire opened 2012 with a strong endorsement of same-sex marriage, after wrestling her Catholic doubts to the mat. The Democrat’s backing seemed to be the oomph needed, as the legislature passed a marriage-equality bill, and she signed it with emotion. Mere hours later, opponents of gay marriage filed Referendum 73 to repeal the legislation. Other foes are backing Initiative 1192, which would reaffirm the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. I’m ready to file Proposal 123, inventive suggestions for what bigots can do with their fear-mongering. Leap with me across the country to Maine, where three years ago voters repealed a same-sex marriage law, such a devastating blow that I’m surprised gay-rights advocates can speak in complete sentences, let alone return to the fight. But, return they are. Marriage-equality supporters gathered signatures to put the matter on the ballot and in late February state officials certified their efforts. So, come November, Maine voters can undo their error of 2009. Lucky ducks. In February Maine’s neighbor, New Hampshire, displayed its intention to abandon Yankee sense. At a statehouse rally in support of a bill that would repeal same-sex marriage,

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the bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. David Bates, said, “I think it’s time to move back, back to the true meaning of marriage.” I think it’s time he moved forward. At least to the Pleistocene era. Leaving New England for the MidAtlantic states, we land in New Jersey, where in February the state Senate passed a same-sex marriage bill, the state Assembly did, too, but Gov. Chris Christie, as promised, vetoed the measure. “He won’t veto the bill because he’s anti-gay,” said Steven Goldstein of Garden State Equality before Republican Christie did the deed. “He’ll veto the bill because the 2016 South Carolina presidential primary electorate is anti-gay.” Who knew South Carolina was part of New Jersey? Maryland had a better result. The House of Delegates and the state Senate passed a same-sex marriage bill and Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley, who sponsored the bill, signed it into law before you can say “Nuts to New Jersey.” Opponents, of course, have plighted their troth to a referendum. In federal marriage developments, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White of San Francisco ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. DOMA is discriminatory, the judge decided, enacted by a 1996 Congress hot to show its disapproval of homosexuality. White’s ruling was quickly appealed to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the court with which I started this column. Between Prop 8 and DOMA, that court has a lot on its plate. Maybe the judges really did throw their robes over their faces. In January and February of 2012, two states legalized same-sex marriage and two courts ruled against same-sex marriage bans. During this whirlwind period, we came out ahead. I’m not ready to say the tide has turned — but, it surely has budged some. : :

LIFE

20 Questions by David Stout :: david@goqnotes.com

Carlos Capps aka Angela Lopez, Charlotte

Carlos Capps, and his drag alter-ego Angela Lopez in particular, are glam fixtures on the Queen City club scene. Whether it’s a bar show, a pageant or a circuit event, this dynamic entertainer always turns it out. Here at 20 Questions, we couldn’t help but wonder if the real person behind the larger than life persona matched our assumptions. Naturally, we fired over our world famous (is too!) one-of-a kind questionnaire to find out. Have a look at what we learned.

How many live plants are in your home? None! I can’t keep a bamboo plant alive. What is your favorite musical group with a female lead singer? En Vogue. Their harmonies were so smooth. Do you more often wash dishes by hand or in a dishwasher? I believe dishwashers are here for a reason, so my motto is “Rinse and load.” What one piece of jewelry do you wear most? I always wear my ring with a stone that reminds me of the ocean. How do these drag-themed films rank based on the number of times you’ve seen them: “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,”“The Birdcage,”“To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar,”“Victor Victoria”? Hmmm, I think it would have to be “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar,” followed by “The Birdcage,” then “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” and “Victor Victoria” last. Have you ever received a card or letter from a secret admirer? Yes, and it was kind of creepy. It was left on my windshield and it only said, “I have been

watching you and I love you!” Call me… Who is your all-time favorite talk show host? Chelsea Handler. I love a woman with balls, no pun intended. What was your final trick-or-treating costume? I was a Spartan from “300.” How do you prefer your eggs cooked? Sunny side up, with buttered toast. Can you jump rope double dutch? I used to rule the playground when it came to double dutch! Which of the animated Disney heroines landed the best guy? Princess Jasmine. Who wouldn’t want a prince with a flying carpet and a monkey?!? Would you rather play a round of golf, a round of miniature golf or a round of Wii golf? Wii golf, cause I don’t have to travel far and I can have a cocktail. What three foods do you always eat with butter? Pancakes, corn on the cob and biscuits, of course. Do you know for certain what color aubergine is? I do now! It is a dark purplish color (eggplant). Which one of the “Friends” would make the best friend? I didn’t really watch the show that much, but Phoebe seemed to be a good time. What exotic animal would you most like to have as a pet? Growing up I had a spider monkey and I loved it, so I would definitely have another one! Have you ever been stung by a bee, hornet or wasp? I’ve only been stung by a bee…and it hurt plenty. French fries, hushpuppies or onion rings? Hushpuppies with ketchup all the way. Which family would you rather be part of: The Flintstones, The Jetsons or The Simpsons? Duh, the Jetsons! Flying cars, instant food and a robot maid! How long does it take to completely transform from Carlos to Angela? In total from shaving to completion, one hour. We want you to be the subject of a future “20 Questions.” If you’re interested, send your name, city and a few sentences about yourself to editor2@goqnotes.com. You’ll be asked to supply a photo of yourself suitable for publication later in the process. If you’d like to see a particular person featured here or have questions for us to use, drop us an email.

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Would tattoos on a person be a ‘deal-breaker’ for you when considering a potential date? See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll March 17-30 . 2012

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BRIEFS

news notes: from the carolinas, nation and world compiled by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com | David Stout :: david@goqnotes.com | O’Neale Atkinson :: oneale@goqnotes.com

Wahls heads to Queen City

CHARLOTTE — The Third Annual “Believe in Youth Awareness Event,” a partnership between Campus Pride and Time Out Youth, will be held on April 7, 5 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Auditorium at Knight Theatre at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 S. Tryon St. National young adult leader and marriage equality advocate Zach Wahls will be the guest speaker. The YouTube “kid with two moms” has testified before the Iowa General Assembly about his opposition to an antiLGBT constitutional amendment there on Jan. 31, 2011, and continues to champion LGBT causes in favor of marriage equality. He’s Tar Heel State bound to share his views one month shy of the May 8 primary. The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted for Campus Pride and Time Out Youth. Wahls is also scheduled to keynote at Camp Pride, Campus Pride’s Summer Leadership Program slated for July 17-22 at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., where he will receive Campus Pride’s honorary National Voice & Action Leadership Award. Pick up the next issue of qnotes to learn more about Wahls and the upcoming Camp Pride event. For more information, visit campuspride. org or timeoutyouth.org. — L.M.

ects and are not awarded to cover general operating expenses. This year’s focus will be directed at raising the profile of the LGBT community during the Democratic National Convention to be held Sept. 3-6. Applicants must also partner with at least one non-LGBT organization to achieve the project’s aims. Interested parties who wish to receive a grant application should contact Bob Scheer at 704-335-5404, ext. 402, or by email to bscheer@wesleymancini.com. — L.M.

Outreach initiative marks successes

CHARLOTTE — Time Out Youth’s School Outreach Program has hit the ground running in 2012 with a plethora of activity to mark its continued success. In February, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Board Member Dr. Joyce Waddell attended a discussion group on anti-LGBT bullying in schools. Time Out Youth formed a new Education Advisory Board to help facilitate a stronger partnership with CMS. It is now working with 11 Gay/Straight Alliances (GSA) and Diversity Clubs in three school systems (CMS, Cabarrus County Schools and Union County Schools) and will be launching its first Skype group linking GSAs across the region. Lastly, it is partnering with GLSEN and Wells Fargo’s LGBT group to implement Safe Zone programs in two CMS high schools. In other news, Time Out Youth is seeking donations to support the center. They are currently needing bus passes for to use to get to and from group sessions; gift cards to grocery stores, CVS, Target or Walmart to assist youth in financial crisis; snacks, sodas or bottled water for their lounge; and cleaning supplies and trash bags. For more information, visit timeoutyouth.org. — L.M.

Charlotte

Triad

Observer wins awards

Runway designers sought

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Observer netted 36 N.C. Press Association awards in its recent competition. Among those who were honored was Peter St. Onge who had written a column about gay marriage, as well as others. This was in the Serious Column category with a third place position. St. Onge is an associate editor on the Observer’s editorial board. He pens a Sunday column, along with appearing online on “O-pinion.” The Observer and qnotes are in partnership through the Charlotte News Alliance. — L.M.

Last call for Foundation deadline

CHARLOTTE — The Wesley Mancini Foundation has announced a last call for submissions for the 2012 grant season, due no later than April 2. Only federally-tax exempt organizations or those with tax-qualified sponsors will be considered. Grants are awarded to fund specific proj-

qnotes

March 17-30 . 2012

WINSTON-SALEM — AIDS Care Service (ACS) has announce the return of its “Red Ribbon Runway” annual design competition and fashion show. In the style of “Project Runway,” contestants are challenged to create a high quality, wearable garment using 100 percent of the materials from three plain white T-shirts provided by sponsor, HanesBrands, Inc. Other materials used in the creation of the garment must be repurposed or recycled. A limited number of new items such as thread may also be used. Several exciting changes to the competition this year include the opening of the contest to group entries and the inclusion of men and children as models. The top 15 designs will be featured on the runway in a professionally produced fashion show on April 21 at 8 p.m. at the Sundance Plaza Hotel and Spa, 3050 University Pky. that focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness. Brent Campbell from Fox 8 WGHP will serve as the emcee for the evening. The winning design will be selected by a panel of local celebrity judges and will be judged on its design integrity, ingenuity and most importantly — inspira-

tion! The contest winner will receive a $250 cash prize and a gift basket. Red Ribbon Runway is currently open to the first 40 professional and amateur designers who are 15-years-old and above. Deadline to enter is March 30. A $15 fee is required. Garments must be received by April 16. For tickets and more information, call Rivkah Meder at 336-777-0116, email rmeder@aidscareservice.org or visit aidscareservice.org. — L.M.

Regional Carolinians oppose Amendment One

RALEIGH — A poll conducted by Elon University and released on March 9 reports that a majority of North Carolinians oppose Amendment One, according to The Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families (CPNCF). Revealed was that 54.2 percent surveyed either oppose or strongly oppose Amendment One, while 37.8 percent were in any way supportive. CPNCF’s Jeremy Kennedy says that as “more people learn about this poorly written amendment and its unintended consequences the more the realize it will harm our children, their families, unmarried women and seniors.” Initiative organizers are raising money to go toward television advertising to counter the amendment’s proponents, such as the VoteFORMarriageNC.com (headed by Tami Fitzgerald and the North Carolina Values Coalition) and Tony Perkin’s Washington, D.C.-based Family Research Council (which as been certified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center) and others. They are seeking contributions of $25, $50, $100 or more. Additionally, the organization has opened up its online store so that supporters can obtain campaign materials. Orders can be placed for yard signs, button, stickers, T-shirts and bumper stickers. Visit co.store.com/pncf to learn more. A contribution of $18.99 or more gives recipients an “I’m voting against Amendment One. Ask Me Why” T-shirt. For more information, visit protectncfamilies.org. — L.M.

Coalition unveils video

RALEIGH — The Coalition to Protect All NC Families released a new video, “Momentum,” on March 1 detailing the momentum that the grassroots campaign has built up to this point. Along with the release of this video, the Coalition sent out a statement regarding the work they have accomplished since Amendment One was placed on the ballot in September: 117 partners have joined the coalition, including the NAACP, Southerners on New Ground, the Libertarian Party of North Carolina and numerous faith congregations; they have 30 staff and seven field offices across the state; have raised more than $600,000, more than $150,000 of that has come in online, with more than $80,000 of that number coming in the last few weeks; they have

more than 2,000 donors who have given $92 on average, the grassroots donors are with this campaign (Monies have raised in $10, 100, 250 and 1,000 chunks and they are ahead of schedule with what they have raised from that category.); they have more than 15,000 volunteers at this point and are making 20,000 voter calls per week; important validators such as Sen. Kay Hagan, Lt. Governor Walter Dalton, the conservative Carolina Review, libertarian thinker Michael Munger, Myers Park Baptist and others have come out in opposition to the amendment in recent weeks; and Race to the Ballot has held conversations in towns, large and small, across the state which has generated positive news coverage and momentum around the state. To view the video, visit protectallnc families.ngpvanhost.com/momentum. — O.A.

National/Global Polls find marriage support

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A new Field Poll shows that support for same-sex marriage in California has increased dramatically with 59 percent of residents favoring same-sex unions to 34 percent who do not. The poll showed that the largest increase in approval since 2010 came from middle-aged voters, nonpartisans and Republicans. Other significant gains in support were from Catholics, Latinos and older voters. Jacobs’ view is supported by a new Quinnipiac Poll that reveals 57 percent of New Jersey voters now support allowing same-sex couples to marry. — D.S.

Harvard must right a wrong

BOSTON, Mass. — Dozens of students, faculty, and staff from the Harvard community rallied on campus Feb. 29 to call on the university to award honorary degrees to seven students who were persecuted and expelled in 1920. The students were victimized by a university-sanctioned body known as the “Secret Court” that targeted students who were gay or perceived to be gay. At the rally, which took place outside an event hosted by Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey to launch the Born This Way Foundation, demonstrators presented more than 5,000 petition signatures to Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust, urging her to award these expelled students honorary degrees. The “Secret Court” was initially exposed in 2002 after a reporter from Harvard’s student newspaper, The Crimson, found archived materials about the Court’s actions. Though the university has apologized for the Court’s targeting of students who were gay or perceived to be gay, none of the students persecuted or expelled have been awarded honorary degrees, despite the fact that several were very close to graduating. — D.S.

Broadway stars, Bakker to be honored NEW YORK, N.Y. — PFLAG National will honor Broadway stars Audra McDonald (“The Gershwins,” “Porgy And Bess,” Naomi on the

TV drama “Private Practice”) and Will Swenson (“Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert,” “Hair”) with the 2012 Straight for Equality in Entertainment Award at the Fourth Annual Straight for Equality Awards Gala. In addition, pastor Jay Bakker will receive the inaugural Straight for Equality in Faith Award at the April 2 event. McDonald and Swenson, who became engaged on New Year’s Eve 2012, are longtime straight allies of the LGBT community and both sit on the advisory board of the pro-marriage equality organization Broadway Impact. Bakker has taken a public stand on the importance of creating welcoming communities of faith for LGBT people and supports marriage equality. In his book, “Fall to Grace: A Revolution of God, Self and Society,” he talks about his own family’s “fall from grace,” and how it colored his personal understanding of the need for God to be available to all people. — D.S.

HRC names strategist as new prez

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chad H. Griffin has been named the next president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization. He is a national communications and policy strategist who is widely credited for being the mastermind behind the federal lawsuit to overturn California’s Proposition 8, which has now been ruled unconstitutional by two federal courts. Griffin will assume his new duties on June 11. Current HRC President Joe Solmonese will continue to lead the organization until that time. The founding partner of strategic communications and campaign firm, Griffin|Schein, Griffin has taken on entrenched, well-financed interests like Big Tobacco, Big Oil and the far right, and shaped national policy debates around equal rights, clean energy, universal health care, stem cell research and early childhood education. He is a founding board member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the sole sponsor of the Prop. 8 lawsuit. He is personally responsible for recruiting the legal dream team of Theodore Olson and David Boies to successfully argue the case. Griffin will remain on the board of directors of AFER. — D.S.

Queer encyclopedia launched

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — WikiQueer, a non-profit, free-content online encyclopedia and resource project, has officially launched. WikiQueer is based on an openly editable model, specifically for and by the LGBT, questioning and ally communities. In a manner similar to Wikipedia, WikiQueer is written collaboratively by volunteers. Anyone with internet access can write and make changes to WikiQueer articles — except in certain cases where editing is restricted to prevent disruption or vandalism. However, unlike Wikipedia, contributors can also include dynamic content from existing online LGBT and wiki projects, content geared toward activism, and information on the LGBT communities that might not presently meet Wikipedia’s notability standards. While development of the website dates back to 2010, WikiQueer has been in a soft launch since July 25, 2011 preparing for the official launch. WikiQueer can be accessed online at www.wikiqueer.org. — D.S. info: Have news or other information? Send your press releases and updates for inclusion in our News Notes: editor@goqnotes.com.

March 17-30 . 2012

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March 17-30 . 2012

LIFE

One world, one tribe Local artist using the human body as canvas to tell the human story by O’Neale Atkinson :: oneale@goqnotes.com

Since the start, The Human Canvas Project has grown both in size, as well as in its vision. One major shift has been that Croy is drawing upon the individual stories of the models to help guide his hand in painting them and deciding on the locations for photo shoots. “I send all of my models a questionnaire to learn more about them and what they are inspired by before designing the shoot,” Croy explains. “For example, I have a guy that I am using in my next photo shoot and the concept is based on his experiences. He was in an abusive relationship 10 years ago and he took some severe physical damage and was hospitalized. It was because of this relationship that he had developed problems with his self-esteem and you have to see where he is now, it is just amazing. He has such a great personality, always smiling. After hearing his story, I designed this tribal phoenix design for his photo shoot. It is more about him coming back from something that was very traumatic and rebuilding himself to greatness. He is 50-years-old and you would think he is 30 because of the way he takes care of himself and his pride.” Croy says that he has learned a lot about the LGBT community and people in general through his work with this project.

see Local on 18

he use of tattooing and piercing has long been a means for cultures to represent both their individual and group identity outwardly to others. These markings and body modifications serve to tell the story of an individual in a way that is meaningful to them. Local artist Gil Croy has taken his own spin on this concept and is creating an art movement within the community which serves to tell the story of the LGBT community. What started out as a fundraising event for the 2011 AIDS Walk has blossomed into a three-year initiative called The Human Canvas Project which will include a host of artists, models and ideas as Croy turns the human form into the ultimate canvas. Croy, a native of Montgomery Ala., studied interior design and stage design in Mississippi and Georgia before moving to Charlotte. He began a career in visual design working for Ivey’s department store in Charlotte and later moving to New York to work with Macy’s and Dillard’s designing large scale windows.

While in New York, Croy began working with paint and entered several art shows. It was at this time that he discovered his passion for the medium and continued to paint when he moved back to Charlotte. Croy has dedicated much of his artistic energy working within the LGBT community and using his talents to support organizations and fundraising events. In March 2011, Croy was working on an art project for the AIDS Walk. He painted plus signs along his body and modified the images into colorful graphic photographs. Croy began to consider doing more with the body painting following this project and continued with the concept for a photo shoot surrounding the 2011 Pride Charlotte event. Croy created a “pride tribe,” a mix of people from all backgrounds in the LGBT community painted head to toe in bright vibrant colors with tribal designs. During Pride Charlotte, he also had several of his pride tribe walking around the event fully painted.

March 17-30 . 2012

qnotes

LIFE

Adoring the human canvas I ink, therefore I am

by David Stout :: david@goqnotes.com

umans have adorned their bodies since the earliest recorded times. In some ancient cultures these embellishments were primarily temporary decorations, like the use of make-up by the Egyptians (as early as 3500 B.C. according to archaeological evidence) or the art of mehndi, in which a henna-derived ink is used to draw intricate designs on the skin, in India. For other societies, however, gilding the body meant permanent modification of its form. Examples of these alterations span from the widespread practices of tattooing and piercing to more exotic customs such as neck stretching by the Kayan women of Burma, Chinese foot-binding for girls, cranial shaping within numerous Native American tribes and much more. Over the centuries the practice of body modification has endured — and in the case of tattooing and piercing has proliferated — to become an increasingly common component of present-day American culture. However, the thinking that drives us to change our bodies today is wholly distinct from the notions that drove our forebears. Ancient peoples transformed themselves to appeal to the socially imposed beauty standards of their time and place (e.g., having an elongated neck, small feet or a conically shaped head) or as an outward sign of spiritual observance (tongue piercings, for example, originated from an Aztec ritual in which the tongue was pierced to draw blood for the gods). In contrast, the modern popularity of body modification is anchored in its cultural redefinition into a display of individual expression. This viewpoint shift is clearly the engine that powers its contemporaneous propagation. In a post-everything society that seems increasingly homogeneous and leaves more and more people feeling nameless and faceless, it’s perfectly understandable that the idea of making one’s body unique from every other person’s holds tremendous appeal. Even so, not everyone approves of the trend, of course. Tattoo enthusiast Kevin Roussin, 34, was reminded of this recently while riding in an elevator with an elderly woman. After taking note that both of his arms are sleeves of ink, she remarked, “You won’t get into heaven with

qnotes

March 17-30 . 2012

all those tattoos.” Surprised, but not thrown off his game, he snarkily replied, “You’re not going to get there any faster being a bitch.” The Fort Mill resident laughs about the incident and explains that it’s not the first time he’s faced disapproval due to his body art. His first boyfriend “hated it when I got my first tattoos. He was really upset.” He adds that the ink didn’t split them, “but it definitely didn’t help.” Nonetheless, an old busybody and an uptight ex notwithstanding, Roussin’s tats

are really a non-issue, he says. “My partner now is pretty tattooed himself. When we met he already had several and that sort of drew me to him. He’s working on a sleeve now. They just have to color it in, all the outline and shading is done.” What’s more, Roussin says his parents don’t just tolerate his body art, they appreciate it. “As I’ve gotten more and more tattoos, they like to see them. The last time I went home to visit my parents they loved my pin-up girl tattoo. They just thought it was beautiful.”

Kevin Roussin, 34, loves the art displayed on his human canvas — and his boyfried does too.

The image of that 1950s sex kitten dominates the whole of Roussin’s right forearm while his upper arm sports a tribal design on the outside and a Scooby-Doo tattoo tucked on the inside. His left arm is draped with a twisting dragon up top and a tiger below that spans from his elbow to his wrist. On Roussin’s stomach, his first name is inked in large graffiti style lettering just above his navel. On one side of that is his name written with Japanese kanji, on the other side is a similar rendering of his 16year-old son’s name. Embedded in the tribal tattoo is the Portuguese word for courage, while “Own The Day” is written across the back of Roussin’s neck. He says these ensigns were extremely important to him during a past battle with leukemia. “I was diagnosed the same week I met my current partner,” he recalls. “Those tattoos got me through cancer and I’ve been cancerfree for three years now.” Because his body art has had such a definitive impact on his life, qnotes asks Roussin if he has any regrets about his ink. “Just one,” he replies. “The one thing I’ve always done is wait at least a year to make sure a potential tattoo is exactly what I want. After that long, if I still want it, I feel confident it’s something I’ll always be happy with. “Saying that, the regret I have is that I went one time to an artist who…well, let’s say, wasn’t the greatest and the tattoo didn’t come out like I wanted it to. Since then I’ve made it a point to find exceptional artists to do my work.” Roussin makes an excellent point that everyone should take into account when they’re thinking of getting inked or pierced. And, in addition to assessing the quality of the practitioner’s work, there are also health considerations that must be settled. Needles and equipment must be properly sterilized and cross-contamination guidelines must be strictly observed to avoid blood-borne pathogens. If you feel at all unsure about a particular tattoo artist or piercer, trust your instincts and look elsewhere. There are too many good ones around for you to feel less than 100 percent confident. In the end, always remember that it’s your body. Decorate it. Personalize it. Accessorize it. Just don’t ever forget to love it. : :

on the map nightlife Sunday

Barbeque & Bloody Marys, Bar at 316 free BBQ from 3-6 p.m. Super Sundays with Aiesha Paris, Nickel Bar starts at 8 p.m. House Cast Show, The Scorpio with DJ 4Real. 11:30 p.m. Woodshed Sundays, The Woodshed free dinner buffet served at 6:30 p.m. karaoke, 9 p.m.

Monday

Movie Night, Bar at 316 starts at 9 p.m. Monday Madness, Chasers pool tournament at 11:30 p.m. $25 cash prize and $25 bar tab. Boxing & Monday Night Football, Sidelines Free Pool, The Woodshed all day.

Tuesday

Karaoke with Metro Mike, Bar at 316 starts at 9 p.m. Pool Tournament, Central Station Twisted Trivia, Chasers with Tiffany Storm & Brooklyn Dior. Showtime at 12:30 a.m. Trivia Tuesdays, Marigny hosted by Roxxy C. Moorecox 7 p.m.

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

Wednesday

Game Night, Bar at 316 Team Trivia and Line Dancing, Hartigan’s starts at 8 p.m. ’90s music night, Nickel Bar Karaoke, Petra’s hosted by Rachel Houdek. 9 p.m. Wicked and Wild Wednesdays, The Scorpio featuring Tiffany Storm with DJ 4Real. 11 p.m. Pool Tournament, The Woodshed starts at 10:30 p.m.

Thursday

Thursday Night House Party, Bar at 316 Pool Tournament, Central Station Rockin’ Well Thursdays, Chasers with Valerie Rockwell. Show starts at 12:30 a.m. Free HIV Testing, Connections the 2nd Thursday of every month. 8-10 p.m. Karaoke Night, Hartigan’s hosted by Roxxy C. Moorecox. 9 p.m. Team Boystown, Marigny starts at 10 p.m. $10 cover after 11 p.m. Drink-n-drown. Karaoke Night, The Rainbow In free for members. $5 guests. $6 under 21. Underwear Night, The Woodshed

Friday

House DJ and Dancing, Bar at 316 Free HIV Testing, Connections the 4th Friday of every month. 8-10 p.m. A-List Fridays, Marigny hosted by SugaWalls Entertainment. 10 p.m. Live DJ, Nickel Bar Live Performances, Petra’s Roxy’s Rainbow Review, The Rainbow In starts at 11p.m. Life’s a Drag, The Scorpio with Tiffany Storm. 11:30 p.m.

New Life MCC Worship service every Sunday, 7 p.m. Monthly covered dish dinner and coffeehouse-style worship service on the first Sunday of every month, 6 p.m. Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte Worship service every Sunday, 10:45 a.m. Bible 101: second and fourth Sunday of every month, 9 a.m. Wednesday night Bible study and discussion, 7 p.m.

Saturday

House DJ and Dancing, Bar at 316 The Angela Lopez Show, Chasers show starts at 12:30 a.m. Live DJ, Hartigan’s Krewe Saturdays, Marigny Soul Music, Nickel Bar Live Performances, Petra’s Urban Variety Show, The Scorpio with Elaine Davis. Midnight showtime.

Congregations MCC Charlotte Worship service every Sunday, 10:45 a.m. Bible study every Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Community The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte Promoting the diversity, acceptance and visibility of the LGBT community through programming and events. gaycharlotte.com White Rabbit North Carolina’s LGBT everything store. Complete line of Pride merchandise, plus books, magazines, DVDs, T-shirts, underwear and more. info: Don’t see your bar listed here? Submit your regularly scheduled events to editor@goqnotes.com

March 17-30 . 2012

qnotes

LIFE

Sports: Playing the field Balls out

by Jon Hoppel :: qnotes contributor

[Ed. Note: qnotes is proud to bring you our new sports feature and would like to introduce its contributor, Jon Hoppel. Hoppel is an active member of the sports community. He serves on the Carolina Softball Alliance board and the Charlotte Royals rugby team. Hoppel also plays on a traveling softball team based out of Knoxville. We are excited to have Hoppel’s contribution to qnotes and look forward to bringing you continuing LGBT sports coverage.]

A&E

As spring quickly approaches, the sports leagues and teams of the Carolinas start to prepare for their respective seasons. In this section, we hope to bring you the recap of games, tournaments and league results, as well as previews of upcoming events that are happening in or around the Southeast.

Rugby The Charlotte Royals Rugby Football team started their season off with a tough loss at home on Feb. 25 to Table Rock, 124-14. It was a hardfought game and the Royals played tough despite being down a man most of the match. Royals President Thomas Southerland had this to say after the match: “Our first match of the season is always the roughest for new and returning players. It usually serves as a crash course/refresher on the sport of rugby. Although we did some good things on the pitch, the match highlighted some areas of improvement.” Earning Man of the Match honors were David June for the backs, who scored one of the two tries for the Royals, and J.T. Wentz for the forwards. The Royals look to bounce back with two road games versus the Columbus Coyotes on March 17 and against Davidson

College on March 24 before their rematch with Table Rock on April 14. For more information about the team, practice and game locations check out their website by visiting charlotteroyals.org.

see Playing on 15

drag rag by miss della qnotes contributor

Sweeties, I took to the road and beheld royalty and stars galore!

Hey everybody — here I am working on another late submission Drive” as they called that strip there near the bars in Wilton Manors. of the Rag. Just as I promised before, we get a promo of Luscious, the Besides Amanda in the show, there was former Miss N.C. America only Carolinian to win Miss Gay U.S.ofA. Too bad it’s 10 months into Sharde Ross (who is steady preparing for a return to Miss Gay U.S.ofA. her reign. Yes, I know I’m ruint. At least I can admit it. LOL! Luscious is Classic), LaShawn Beyond of this season’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and attending her last prelims before her big give-up in Dallas on Memorial Ruby Alexandria. Amanda is enjoying working with such local celebriDay weekend. Hot times in the Big D. Literally! ties as Noel Leon and Misty Eyez. Two recent prelims took place here in the Queen City. First was That evening, many of us attended Miss and Mr. State of Florida Miss East Coast which Atlanta’s Mya Ross Monroe won with RU Continental in Davie, FL. I got a chance to visit with Mr. Flint who was Monica Lovett. Then Miss N.C. U.S.ofA. there doing signings of his new book “The Boy from Peoria” was recently held in Hickory at Club (chock full of Chicago history (drag and otherwise), especially Cabaret and I, of all people, missed all former titleholders and stars of the Baton Show Lounge, his nights of competition. That’s a first in illusion club that has been open since 1969). The pictures alone a long time, but duties called. I did go are worth your time, and oh, the tales. I also got a chance to up with two friends to see the formers/ catch up with Ginger Grant, Miss State of FL Continental Elite stars show on Saturday and damned if I Diva, Samantha Perez, Franchesque Richards, hair-spinner “Q,” didn’t see a few stars. Of course, there Scott Holland, Derbis Aguilera and, yes, the ever-popular Miss was the Lady of the Evening, Dy’Mond Tiffany Andretta Arieagus. OMG! Talk about old school stars, Cartier, as well as Miss S.C. U.S.ofA. baby! Anyway, too much excitement — an exquisite Fontasia Kristina DeeVine, Versage, Cierra L’Amour from Cali won with RU Coco Chandelier. For the guys, Nicole, Brooklyn Dior and one of my Kyle Ean won with RU Khalil Valentino Litter. all-time favorites, Kelly Raye. When I tell The next evening we had the Carolina Continental prelims you revival was brought to the house, for all divisions. I got to visit with Miss Continental Gabby and it is no lie. Kids were standing on the Miss PLUS, Chelsea Pearl, who had flown in earlier. What a joy sides of the stage cheering her on when — those girls have tortured each other as they’ve travelled and she would start her “cutting up.” It’s so just made all kinds of good memories. Chelsea was so painted good to see a queen really work their that night you’d have thought she started beating at 7 and that eyes and facial expressions. This queen Gabby has the clothes of death. Such good queens and good is top notch, for sure. Kelly, we need a representatives. The winners that night for Miss were Stasha contestant for Miss NC America this Sanchez with RU Missey Miyake LePaige, for the Mr., Lewis year, or maybe for Continental Elite next Nicholson, for PLUS, Jasmine Skiies and Elite, another old Luscious of Charlotte, Miss Gay U.S.ofA. year. You’d have hundreds behind you, school goddess who wrote the book, in my opinion — Dana Photo Credit: The Studio, Orlando LLC including moi! Douglas. I stand in awe of her every time I see her, to think of February was a wonderful month, full of Continental-ness. what I behold before me. A pure legend, plain and simple. LOL! Miss Alyson Thomas brought me down to judge her Carolina That evening, I saw Florida pageantry celebs like Edward Nunez, Continental pageants, along with that crazy Leslie Lain, the Mouth of Sasha Sommers, Miss Nikki Adams, Electra, former Miss Universe S.C. Our first night there, we had the pleasure of doing dinner with Kristina Grant, Gina DeAngelo, Erika Norell, Shanice Jackson, another Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington, the current Miss Continental, and Daesha “Drag Race” contestant from this season Latrice Royale and two Richards, the reigning Miss Continental Elite (for about another month). newer girls in the pageant who were stunning, Jennifer Grant and The next afternoon, I attended an afternoon drag show at the Wilton Justice Divine. What a trip! Talk about sensory overload. My thanks to Bier Garden on the patio. Hosting was former Charlottean Amanda Alyson for keeping me on as head judge after all these years! : : Austin of the Mythos days. Amanda has become quite the tea of “the info: Drop me a line, OK? TheTeaMissD@yahoo.com

qnotes

March 17-30 . 2012

Ask Dr. C…HIV and healthcare advice

Helping to keep you in the know with up-to-date information by Frederick Cruickshank ~ Medical Director

After many installments of “Ask Dr.C,” this is yet another opportunity to offer our readers information about HIV from basic questions to in-depth explanations. We are still receiving many of your questions and are working hard to provide responses to as many questions as possible to provide information for you and the community. The questions have provided us a forum to debunk myths and remove stigma from those living with HIV and AIDS. It is important to educate yourself, get tested, and protect yourself. We appreciate every question we receive! Dr. C looks forward to responding to as many emails as possible. I recently got tested for HIV and it came back negative. I am in a serious relationship with my partner of 5 years. Since my test came back nega-

tive, can I assume that my partner is HIV negative as well? — Stephen from Hickory Stephen, I am glad to hear that your test came back negative. However, you cannot assume that your partner’s test would also yield a negative result even if you are sexually exclusive with each other. When someone engages in sexual activity with an HIV-positive partner, the virus is not always transmitted. Because you have been in a relationship for an extended period of time, you have had more chances to spread the virus if one of you were positive. So, more than likely your partner is also negative. But, the only way to know is to get tested! It is very important to keep an open dialogue with your partner about your HIV status and STD status if you are sexually active. I would encourage you to talk to your partner about getting tested and even make it an activity to do together. Is it possible to get HIV or other STDs from a public toilet seat? — Ann Marie from Charlotte Ann Marie, this is a good question. It is always important to debunk the myth that

HIV/AIDS can be spread by everyday contact and/or living with someone who is HIV positive. You cannot get HIV/AIDS from sharing a toilet because the virus does not survive very long outside of the body. Similarly, you cannot become infected with most STDs because they also do no live outside the body long enough to be passed to another person via the toilet seat. I say “most STDs” because pubic lice also referred to as “crabs” can live on a surface for two days. If a person with pubic lice used the public toilet right before you, you could pick up the organisms. If you are greatly concerned, most public restrooms do provide paper seat covers to protect yourself. Are all STDs curable? And, if so, why are they such a big deal if they can be treated easily? — Nancy from Kannapolis Many STDS can be effectively treated if found early enough. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. While most of these can be cleared up by a simple dosage of medication, it is important for people to take these diseases seriously. Without treatment, STDs like syphilis can lead to severe effects on the body including blindness,

paralysis, and death. In addition, there are some STDs that are not “curable.” Herpes and genital warts can lead to reoccurring flare-ups throughout a person’s lifetime. Medication can be given to treat the symptoms, but the disease remains present within the body. Also, to date there is no cure for HIV/AIDS which is also sexually transmitted. It is important to get tested for both STDs and HIV regularly in order to effectively manage your sexual health. It is also important to keep an open dialogue about your HIV and STD status. Always remember that this is an advice column based upon your questions and the best possible knowledge out there. We need your questions to help educate the community, so email them to info@rosedaleid.com and be sure to include a first name and location. All respondents will remain anonymous. We will try to do our best to answer, educate and inform from your responses to this column. Don’t forget to visit our website at rosedaleid.com and friend us on Facebook for community and clinical updates. — Sponsored Content —

March 17-30 . 2012

qnotes

VIEWS

talkback:

Amendment One

Continuing with our theme of speaking out against Amendment One, this issue we have a letter from Ashlei Blue, Regional Field Director for The Coalition to Protect All NC Families.

On September 13, 2011, our North Carolina General Assembly pushed Amendment One through the ranks and onto the 2012 Primary ballots for you to vote against. It goes without saying how many times different versions of this bill have been drafted up and shot down over the past 100 years. What is more of an issue for Charlotteans, however, is what are we going to do to prevent it from passing on May 8? The truth of the matter is, that for the first time in over a century, North Carolina has decided to propose an amendment that takes away your rights instead of guaranteeing and protecting them. The Charlotte City Council has remained silent on the issue while our Mayor Anthony Foxx has already come out staunchly

qnotes

March 17-30 . 2012

against it. It’s time to set fire to Amendment One in Charlotte and we have to start now. Everyday, my team of field organizers and interns wake up and we commit ourselves to 12-hour days with the hopes of knocking the wind out of this amendment. Encouraging friends and family to vote against the amendment is the first step in defeating Amendment One, but by no means is that all we’re asking of you. To stop hate, it’s going require more from each of us. We’re asking you to climb outside of your comfort zone and stand alongside of us as we take even bigger steps. That means reaching out to your neighbors and telling them about the benefits your family will lose if they stay home instead of getting up and voting against this amendment. That means reaching out to your church home and encouraging them to put their faith into action and stand behind righteousness. That

means talking to students on one of the many campuses across the Queen City and making sure they’re aware that the rights of their friends are being infringed upon. We are a coalition of supporters that have aligned with the purpose of stopping discrimination in Mecklenburg County dead in its tracks. It’s going take more than a yard sign in front of your house, more than a bumper sticker on your car, more than a T-shirt on your back. While all of those things are important in spreading awareness, we have yet to see a yard sign or bumper sticker have a valuable conversation. The Coalition to Protect All NC Families has a goal to complete one million conversations across the state of North Carolina. By the time you read this article, Mecklenburg County will have clocked in at over 1,500 conversations…how many of those conversations were you a part of? You can find our office on the corner of 28th St. and North

Davidson at 617 East 28th St. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here, Monday through Friday, getting the job done. All weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re missing is you. Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you join us?! â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ashlei K. Blue Regional Field Director Protect NC Families When I go into the ballot box in May, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to be voting against Amendment One. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mayor Anthony Foxx Charlotte Amendment One is a direct challenge to our ability to compete nationally for jobs and economic growth. Large corporations hate this kind of controversy. They deal with diverse work populations for whom issues like this arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just important in terms of where it is that they live, but are important indicators of the diversity and meritocracy of the companies where they want to work. Many of the industries, most that

Playing the Field

are important to our future success, are also the industries most highly sensitive to the passage of amendments like Amendment One that significantly signal that we are a backward looking economy. Amendment One has the potential to have a disastrous effect on our abillity to attract talent and keep talent in the state of North Carolina. We know that for economic growth and prosperity, the ability to keep talent here and to attract additional talent, not only from other parts of the United States, but globally, is critically important to fueling that growth. What Amendment One does is make it look like we are a state that ignores both the needs and the preferences of the next generation of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce. We have got to attract that generation. We have got to vote no on Amendment One. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Cathy Bessant Bank of America

continued from page 12 Softball The Carolina Softball Alliance is gearing up for their Spring 2012 season, which will begin Sunday, April 15. This will be the 16th season of the only LGBT slow-pitch softball league in the Queen City with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;goal of providing a welcoming, but competitive atmosphere for the community,â&#x20AC;? says President Ron Tessner. To get things started this season, two clinics will be held on successive weekends, March 25 and April 1 at Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park, for those players wanting to join the league. It is recommended that interested ball players attend one of these two sessions in order to get a feel for the league, be rated and placed with an appropriate team if you do not have one already. Also, the league will be sending a D-level team to the Southern Shootout in Birmingham, Ala., on Easter weekend, April 6-8, and the Big Peach Softball tournament in Atlanta, Ga., Memorial Day weekend. Tryouts for this team

will be held at Ferguson Park in Gastonia, N.C., on March 18 from 2-5 p.m. If you cannot attend this tryout or either of the two clinics, but are still interested in joining CSA, the league asks that you contact them directly through email at info@ carolinasoftball.org or by visiting their website at carolinasoftball.org. Tennis Queen City Tennis Club is an organization here in Charlotte that promotes the game of tennis in the LGBT community. They meet every Sunday starting April 1, at Park Road Park (unless otherwise noted on their website) from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. They welcome all ages and skill levels, so check out their website if you are interested in learning more at qctc.org. If you have an LGBT-friendly sport or tournament you would like to have covered email sports@goqnotes.com. : :

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March 17-30 . 2012

qnotes

A&E

tell trinity by trinity qnotes contributor

Your secret’s not safe with me

Hey Trinity, My best friend won’t talk to me anymore because I told someone something about her that I swore I would never tell. Don’t you think it’s wrong to give up a longtime friendship just because someone slipped? No Big Deal, Nashville, TN Hey No Big Deal, When Monica Lewinski slipped to Linda Tripp look what happened! When Virginia Hill slipped to the mob about her boyfriend, Bugsy Seigel, the next day he was shot in the head. Sweetie, when someone tells you something in secrecy, you suddenly become as important as a CIA agent. Nobody, and I mean nobody, wants to be friends with someone who can’t take a secret to their grave. If you can’t keep a secret, let your friends know. There’s no shame in not being able to keep a secret, but there is in not keeping one. Just say no! Dear Trinity, After dating someone for two months, I told him that I wasn’t

qnotes

March 17-30 . 2012

interested anymore. Still, he constantly calls, comes by and is now bothering my friends. I can’t shake him. Help? Stalker Troubles, Brooklyn, NY Dear Stalker Troubles, Plan A, first, clearly tell him that you don’t want to see him. Second, insist that he stop calling, coming by or bothering your friends. “There is no two ways about it!” Third, be tough, stern and aggressive, even if it’s not your nature. Lastly, if all this fails, then go to plan B. Plan B, first go to his work and publicly embarrass him. Make a big scene. Second, call his friends and family and let them know what he’s doing, that they must stop him or you’ll see them all in court. Finally, if he’s really freaking you out, it’s time for a little vacation. Waiting down south for a Key West martini, darling, is much healthier than waiting to be stalked. Give ‘em hell. Hello Trinity, I’m looking for a real man. Not someone who’s pretentious or constantly worried about his looks. Not a party animal, but a passionate beast. A man who lets himself enjoy a relationship. Where can I find him? Looking, San Antonio, TX Hello Looking, First, you have to look long and hard. Groups, ads, services and word-of-mouth wouldn’t hurt. As Kahlil Gibran says, “Before love finds you, you must be sifted, kneaded, grinded and threshed.” Sounds exciting to me! So, honey, allow yourself to go on a journey rather than a drag race. But, if that’s too much work, then turn on an old WCW match, find the wrestler Bill Goldberg and take a good long look at one man who is everything one could ever dream of. Don’t touch, he’s mine! Even if it takes me a lifetime! Back to work. (I know how to figure out if a guy is manly enough. Check out my cartoon for my thought process.)

To Trinity, I want to be like you: a singer, a writer an artist, but I don’t know how to start. My life, job, friends, etc., are all set. How do I get more creative? Artist In Waiting, Boston, MA To Artist In Waiting, Nearly everyone who wants to be an artist already is, but, pumpkin, before you sign up for that “artist within” retreat try reading: Trinity’s Helpful Tips For Finding Your Creative Self 1. Do something dangerous. Facing one fear destroys many other fears. 2. Deny yourself something you can’t. Stronger wills make stronger artists. 3. Take different routes to work and other places. Challenge what is constant. 4. Forgive someone you can’t. Resentment promises stagnation. 5. Visit new places. New environments bring new creative ideas. 6. Deny yourself one of your senses for a day, expanding your other senses. 7. Invite unfamiliar or ridiculous conversations. Everyone is a teacher. 8. Redecorate, even with the same furniture. Change your surroundings. 9. Ask lots of questions. There are no stupid questions. 10. Start acting like an artist. Fake it ‘til you make it! But, do it. Just get wet! : : — With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity was host of “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama, and now performs globally. info: www.telltrinity.com . Trinity@telltrinity.com Sponsored by: Provincetown Business Guild 800-637-8696 . www.ptown.org

A&E

out in the stars by charlene lichtenstein qnotes contributor

March 17 - 30

If you believe that actions speak louder (and prouder) than words, imagine what happens when retrograde Mars opposes dizzy Neptune. Actions not only speak, they rant, rave and go off on wild tangents. They also set off minor nuclear chain reactions. Avoid after-shocks and fallout by keeping petty tantrums to yourself…for now. PISCES (02.20-03.20) There may be some nasty contratemps with partners now. If you’re ready to scuttle the Love Boat, you find an impetus and any excuse. But, if there is still a bit of spark between the two of you, why not wait a short while before you try anything or anyone new. Guppies feel the need to meet and greet, but will do so with two left feet. Show ‘em how to dance later. ARIES (03.21-04.20) Proud Rams may overdo it in the exercise department. Why not relax and be a bit lazy? You never know when your tail will get caught in the treadmill or an arm gets hooked in the weight rack. Exertion is not in the stars — and that goes for the job too. Don’t expend any extra energy wondering what you can do to get ahead at work. Ah, so what else is new? TAURUS (04.21-05.21) This time period provides perky queer Bulls with far too much of a good thing…or, so it will seem. Fun, creative endeavors and even a possible romance can shift into overdrive if you fail to pace and brace. However, with all this delusional energy abounding, you may fancy yourself to be quite the bon vivant in certain select circles. Or, is that among certain squares? GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Pink Twins are inspired to do a little sprucing up at home. But, take it one scrub at a time and don’t paint the house or tear down a wall now. Commotion around the house will conflict with career obligations and will not progress smoothly. Why not just invite a few compadres over for a nice evening? Keep the guest list small and very intimate. CANCER (06.22-07.23) Gay Crabs practically bellow their opinions. If you enjoy creating a ruckus that can run amok, the possibilities are endless. Your rants are broadcast internationally. Prepare for an incident; the mouthy anvil that you toss today can crush your toes (or worse) tomorrow. Sometimes it’s better to keep your petty demands chez nous. So, nuh? LEO (07.24-08.23) Prepare to dive into a deep pool of pennies from heaven. But, it’s not for keeps, so keep prying hands off and expectations in check. Financial investment strategies should be shelved if possible. Anything you covet probably belongs to someone else and will cost far more than expected with less value in the long run. I know that proud Lions don’t like it that way. VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Your unprincipled energy results in a lurid public display if you’re not careful. Queer Virgins should not rush into center stage at this time. Your cargo pants will drop and your underwear may be…ahem…drafty. No matter; as long as you stay behind the scenes, no one need see your shortcomings. Check for spinach in your teeth before you meet anyone new. LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Intuition is not generally your strong suit, but so what? Just avoid acting on any vague mental rumblings if at all possible. In your attempt to dislodge hidden enemies, you may miscalculate and open up your Achilles heel to a swift kick. Ouch! Poor gay Libras should sit this battle out and console themselves with a pleasant, stress-reducing pastime. Oh, do tell! SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Don’t take on more tangos than you can easily fit on your dance card. Queer Scorps who take too much on socially will more than likely need extra time to recuperate. Friends may become especially needy now. You’ll do them a better service if you remain on the sidelines. Let them make their own mistakes

while you provide the tea and sympathy. SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Even politically astute gay Archers may inadvertently mouth off to the head honcho. Professional aspirations may be jolted and set off course, so play any corporate cards close to the vest and don’t take any extreme action if you can avoid it. Of course, there is something nice about sleeping late before you pick up your unemployment check. CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Pink Caps hanker for far horizons, but it is tight for a bit right now. Travel may become too difficult or too unwieldy or you may find that exotic locales are too much trouble to navigate. Also, avoid pushing the envelope on lawsuits or any legal issues. Your words run amok and can make mincemeat out of any carefully planned attack. Take a short recess. AQUARIUS(01.21-02.19) Aqueerians are too hot to handle and too darn heady to care. Your embers are poked into a raging fire that can soon burn out of control. Before you singe your best assets on a faulty match, take a good look at the object of your desire and measure their true worth. There is a good chance that you will spend on a dreamboat and be left with only a leaky dingy. Live and learn. : : © 2012 Madam Lichtenstein, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Entertainment. info: Visit www.TheStarryEye.com for e-greetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. My book “HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.

March 17-30 . 2012

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Local artist using human body as canvas continued from page 9

“It has been fascinating to discover that we all have the same issues” says Croy. “No matter who we are, what we look like, where we came from, our socio-economic status, we all face the same human issues. A lot of LGBT people have the same issues, especially in my generation and older, especially when looking at the fact that we had to wait so much longer before we could come out. Today’s youth are breaking down the barrier and coming out and being who they are at a younger age and I believe they are carrying this movement forward.” Being a part of the project has had an impact on the models and artists involved, as well. “I can take a group of people that have never met one another, paint them and witness the comradery that happens between them. Black, White, Asian, Latino, we are taking any nationality and there is a reason for that” explains Croy. “Once you put that paint on and you make the human form into a sculpture of these bright colors, they really

qnotes

March 17-30 . 2012

come alive. There is this thing that clicks into people’s mind and it is so much fun to see, it is like watching them become a kid again. But, at the same time, it is eliminating any barriers because you have eliminated anything physically that normally we would relate to.” “People look at themselves in the mirror after I paint them and say ‘this is so cool’ and I tell them ‘it’s you.’ It is coming from within and now even more since I am interviewing and learning more about the models and interpreting their story” says Croy. Croy believes that the vision of the project will evolve even more as it moves closer to the halfway point of its three-year timespan. He explains that “the last year and a half of the project will be the point where I can say ‘this is why I am doing this for the community.’” When asked about his goal for the culmination of the project, Croy states that he would love to see all of the participants in the individual shoots come back together

for one large photo shoot to possibly serve as a fundraiser for the community; the entire human canvas tribe together as one. Croy is also currently designing a mural that will wrap around the White Rabbit building once approved by the city. Given the location of the LGBT store, the mural would be seen by all as they enter into Plaza Midwood, an area of Charlotte known for its LGBT friendly businesses and nightlife. “I believe the moment we start working on this mural it will help to pull the commu-

nity together” states Croy. “We, as a community, have nothing here that really pulls us together. I am hoping that this mural will help to break down the barriers within our own community and help build unity amongst LGBT people here in Charlotte. We need something that is uniquely ours and I think this mural will bring attention to our community in a positive light.” For more information about Gil Croy and The Human Canvas Project, visit gilcroy.com. : :

events qnotes goqnotes.com/qguide/events

arts. entertainment. news. views.

4th Annual GayCharlotte Film Festival schedule March 21-25 • Charlotte

The GayCharlotte Film Festival brings over 1,000 moviegoers to

various venues in Charlotte to watch LGBT films from all over the world. The GayCharlotte Film Festival is a project of The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. gaycharlottefilmfestival.com. Wednesday, March 21 Mint Museum Uptown • ‘Circumstance’ (107 minutes) 7-8:50 p.m. (Drama) This explosive drama depicts a wealthy Iranian family struggling to contain their lesbian daughter living life in the fast lane and their dangerous, religiously fanatical son. Thursday, March 22 Wells Fargo Auditorium at the Knight Theater • ‘Spin the Bible’ (22 minutes) World Premiere! 7-7:22 p.m. (Comedy) A hot, hilarious lesbian romance depicting

the dangers of politicians persuading preachers to promote anti-gay political agendas. • ‘Leading Ladies’ (100 minutes) 7:25-9 p.m. (Musical Comedy) A zany, warmhearted musical comedy about two sisters, their gay best friend, and their over-zealous stage mom mixes Broadway musical “Gypsy” with TV hit “GLEE.” Friday, March 23 Mint Museum Uptown • ‘Hollywood To Dollywood’ (81 minutes) 7-8:25 p.m. (post-movie: “Meet the Lane Twins”) (Documentary) Charlotte’s favorite gay twins from Goldsboro return to tell their story of moving to Hollywood, writing a screenplay for Dolly Parton, renting a van called “Jolene,” and taking a road trip from Hollywood to Dollywood.

restaurant, 219 Fayetteville St. 919-821-0011 for reservations. themintrestaurant.com.

March 17 • Charlotte Men of Petra’s — Season 3 Finale It’s time for the Finale! The Final Four are Buster Chairee, Tasha Salade, Madason Marx and Shofonda Cox. One of these contestants will win the $500 cash prize decided by your votes! Hosted by Rachael Houdek. Brought to you by Stephen Seay Productions. 10 p.m. Petra’s Piano Bar. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. petraspianobar.com.

March 20 • Durham Speaker Series IV Panel discussion on personal perspectives by those affected by Amendment One. 6:30 p.m. Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2011 Academy Rd. Child care will be provided. 919-489-1381.

March 18 • Raleigh Crape Myrtle Drag Brunch This Drag Brunch is set to be one of our best yet with a tribute to iconic performers featuring the theatrical talents of Amaya, Eunyce Raye, Dorae Saunders, Stephanie Scott and Nation Tyre. Hosted by Ebony Summers. Doors open at noon. Show starts at 12:30 p.m. $10 admission (does not include buffet/drinks). The Mint

March 20 • Charlotte Charlotte Business Guild Dinner Join the Charlotte Business Guild for dinner and a meeting with local economic expert Frank Warren. Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. Wet Willie’s, 900 N.C. Music Factory Blvd. (formerly Seaboard St.). 704-716-5650. Charlottebusinessguild.org.

we want your who/what/where

• ‘Longhorns’ (75 minutes) 8:30-9:45 p.m. (Comedy) For Mature Audiences: Nudity! Beers, steers…and a whole lot of queers! Saturday, March 24 Mint Museum Uptown • ‘Spin The Bible’ (23 minutes) 1:30-1:55 p.m. See description from March 22. •ub2 (5 minutes) 1:55-2 p.m. (Short) Compelling short movie about the impact of pejorative language on HIV+ men. • ‘The Grove’ (62 minutes) 2-3:05 p.m. (Documentary) Poignant documentary, which premiered in November 2011, about National AIDS Memorial Grove Act, a natural refuge for many grief-stricken survivors of HIV/AIDS and the picketers who oppress them. • ‘Wish Me Away’ (120 minutes) 3:30-5:30 p.m. (Documentary) Country mu-

March 25 • Winston-Salem Tea Dance/Winston-Salem A portion of the drink proceeds benefits Equality Winston-Salem. No cover. Free food. Music by DJ Cash. Encore, 411 W. 4th St. 5-8 p.m. 336-918-0902. outatthemovieswinston.org. March 27 • Durham Speaker Series V What People of Faith Can Do to Oppose Amendment One. Ryan Rowe, Director of Faith Outreach for the Coalition to Protect AllNorth Carolina Families and Rev. Rollin Russell, retired minister. 6:30 p.m. Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2011 Academy Rd. Child care will be provided. 919-489-1381. April 7 • Charlotte ‘Believe in Youth’ Annual Speaker Series Campus Pride and Time Out Youth have

sic star Chely Wright tells her compelling story of hiding in the closet before ultimately becoming the first commercial country music singer to out herself. • ‘Children Of God’ (104 minutes) 6-7:45 p.m. (Drama) Gorgeous Bahama beaches serve as the backdrop for this tender, romantic drama about a pair of start-crossed lovers. • ‘Mississippi Damned’ (120 minutes) 8-10 p.m. (Drama) A gut-wrenching and all-familiar story of AfricanAmerican lesbians and their families facing multiple sets of bigotry in the racist, homophobic South. Sunday, March 25 UNC Charlotte Uptown Campus • ‘Gun Hill Road’ (120 minutes) 6-8 p.m. (Drama) Coming-of-age scorcher.

partnered to present their third annual “Believe in Youth Awareness Event” with national young adult leader and marriage equality advocate Zach Wahls. Wahls, 20, is known as “that kid from YouTube with two moms.” His passionate testimony before the Iowa General Assembly against a proposed anti-LGBT constitutional amendment was the number one YouTube “Political Video” of 2011. Free. Open to the public. 5 p.m. Wells Fargo Auditorium at Knight Theatre at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 S. Tryon St. campuspride.org. timeoutyouth.org. April 8 • Winston-Salem Tea Dance/Winston-Salem A portion of the drink proceeds benefits AIDS Care Service. No cover. Free food. Music by DJ Cash. Encore, 411 W. 4th St. 5-8 p.m. 336-918-0902. outatthemovieswinston.org.

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March 17-30 . 2012

qnotes

March 17-30 . 2012