QNotes, March 22, 2019

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qnotes

March 22-April 4, 2019

inside this issue

March 22-April 4, 2019 Vol 33 No 24

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contributors this issue

Torie Dominguez, GayRealEstate, Vic Germani, Jack Kirven, Lainey Millen, Gene Riddle, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, StatePoint, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: kromkrathog via Adobe Stock Mission:

The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ life and social justice issues.

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

10 Leading Ladies: Female Board Members Help Shape Future of LGBTQ Organizations

Maria Conchita Alonso

As a Renaissance Woman, singer and advocate, she has done it all and is in the prime of her career.

news

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4 Orgs Sue N.C. Officials 4 Equality Act Introduced 4 News Briefs 5 Flag Making Campaign Launched 5 Advocates Descend on General Assembly

a&e 14 18

20 21

Maintaining a Tradition 10 Questions with Vic: Maria Conchita Alonso Tell Trinity Out in Print

A Man Talks ‘Tradition’

Gay poet Jericho Brown is set to release his new book in time for April’s National Poetry Month.

PAGE 14

life 7 E-Book for LGBTQ Homebuyers Released 8 Spring is Blooming 9 Home Improvement 23 Health & Wellness:

Square Foot Gardening

views 16

Legal Eagles: Sexual Assault

events 22 22

‘Tap Dogs’ Paula Poundstone

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March 22-April 4, 2019

qnotes

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news Orgs sue N.C. officials for healthcare coverage denial GREENSBORO, N.C. — Lambda Legal and Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) filed a federal lawsuit against North Carolina officials on March 11 for discrimination in state employee healthcare. The North Carolina State Health Plan (NCSHP), the state employee health plan, excludes coverage for gender-confirming healthcare. Lambda Legal and TLDEF represent several current and former state employees and their children who were denied coverage under the plan for medically-necessary healthcare because they are transgender.

“In 2018 I was finally in a position to move forward with surgical care, an important part of my transition,” said Julia McKeown, an assistant professor in the College of Education at North Carolina State University. “I did not expect I would have to raid my retirement and savings accounts for treatment prescribed by my doctors, when other state employees would be covered for the same procedures. It is demeaning and fundamentally unfair.”

Notwithstanding the massive fallout North Carolina suffered after enacting anti-transgender bills HB2 and HB142, anti-LGBT extremists in the state continue to take aim at transgender people. In 2017, state officials removed the exclusion from the state employee health plan, giving state employees a year of inclusive coverage. However, in 2018 Folwell delivered on his campaign promise to eradicate transition-related coverage, and a blanket exclusion was reinstated for NCSHP plan years 2018 and 2019.

The exclusion is sweeping, denying the state’s transgender employees and employees with transgender children-dependents coverage for any medically-necessary, transition-related care, Connor Thonen-Fleck, along with his parents, speaks at a press conference from surgery to hormone therapy. announcing the lawsuit in front of the Federal Courthouse in Durham, N.C. In 2016, an independent consulting company advised state (Photo Credit: Lambda Legal) officials that the ban should be lifted in order for the plan to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s non-discrimination mandate. The consultant also estimated that eliminating the exclusion would likely cost the state plan between $350,000 to $850,000, or roughly 0.011 percent to 0.027 percent of the total premiums that the plan pays annually for medical and pharmacy coverage.

The seven plaintiffs represented in this lawsuit are: Max Kadel, a 36-year-old transgender man employed by North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH); McKeown, a 43-year-old transgender woman; Jason Fleck, an employee of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and his 16-year-old transgender son, Connor; Michael D. Bunting, Jr., and his 13-year-old transgender son, C.B.; and Sam Silvaine, a 30-year-old former North Carolina State University employee.

In the lawsuit, Lambda Legal and TLDEF argue that North Carolina officials are violating the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the non-discrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act, by unlawfully discriminating based on sex and transgender status.

All mainstream medical associations, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychological Association, recognize that transition-related care can be medically necessary and lifesaving.

The AMA and other medical organizations have called for an end to discriminatory exclusions of transition-related medical care from public and private health insurance policies.

Read more about the case, Kadel v Folwell, online at lambdalegal.org/incourt/ cases/kadelvfolwell. More information about the plaintiffs is available at lambdalegal.org/kadelvfolwellncplaintiffs. info: lambdalegal.org. transgenderlegal.org. ncpolicywatch.com.

— Lainey Millen

Equality Act legislation introduced WASHINGTON, D.C. — On March 14 the Equality Act — a federal civil rights law that would ban discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment, housing, public accommodations and education — was introduced by Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, including out LGBTQ Sen. Tammy Baldwin and out LGBTQ Rep. David Cicilline.

All 10 openly LGBTQ members of Congress have led efforts to pass the Equality Act. The two openly LGBTQ members of the U.S. Senate are Baldwin and Kyrsten Sinema. The eight openly LGBTQ members of the U.S. Congress are Cicilline, Angie Craig, Sharice Davids, Katie Hill, Sean Patrick Maloney, Chris Pappas, Mark Pocan and Mark Takano.

The Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles’ School of Law, reported that this legislation, if enacted, would protect millions of LGBTQ individuals across the country, especially workers, students and others who live in states without laws against sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) stated that If passed, it would prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity at work, in the context of housing, credit, education and jury service. It would also prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex in programs that receive federal funding and places of public accommodations.

LGBTQ Victory Institute President and CEO Annise Parker stated, “For more than a decade, LGBTQ members of Congress have been the strongest proponents and best advocates of legislation to end legalized discrimination against LGBTQ people in the United States. When lawmakers were on-the-fence, LGBTQ members of Congress shared stories and humanized the issue to change hearts and change votes. Today, Senator Baldwin and Representative David Cicilline played key roles in introducing the Equality Act, an enormous moment for our community and a continuation of that legacy of LGBTQ leadership on this issue. All ten openly LGBTQ members of Congress are ready to go on the offensive — with our allies — to ensure their colleagues understand this vote is a moral choice between fairness or discrimination.”

Like the Victory Institute, other organizations have voiced their support of the proposed legislation. They include the Equality Federation, Pride@Work, Democratic National Committee, National Partnership for Women & Families, Lambda Legal, GLMA, Campaign for Southern Equality, Equality California, Freedom for All Americans, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, among others. info: williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu. wapo.st/2Cq8uKS. victoryinstitute.org. hrc.org. equalityfederation.org. prideatwork.org. dnc.org, nationalpartnership.org. lambdalegal.org. glma.org. southernequality.org. eceqca.org. freedomforallamericans.org. thetaskforce@thetaskforce.org.

— Lainey Milllen

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qnotes

March 22-April 4, 2019

BRIEFS Mercy AIDS walk hits streets

The House of Mercy will host its 26th Annual Walk for AIDS on April 6, 10 a.m., in Belmont, N.C. The three–mile walk through historic downtown Belmont will raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the community and raise funds to care for residents of House of Mercy. The fundraising goal is $45,000. Check-in is at 9:30 a.m. A picnic reception will follow the walk. Signup and more details are available online.

info: thehouseofmercy.org.

RMN hiring senior staff

The Reconciling Ministries Network is seeking an operations manager/ chief financial officer to work out of their Chicago, Ill. office. The candidate will assist in the organization’s pursuit of LGBTQ justice and inclusion in The United Methodist Church. A full job description is available online. Deadline for application is March 31.

info: rmnetwork.org. bit.ly/2ObtWI1.

Bar welcomes new leaders

The National LGBT Bar Association has announced that on April 25 Wesley D. Bizzell will take on the position of president of the organization’s board of directors. Additionally, Jesse Ryan Loffler will step into the position of president-elect.

info: lgbtbar.org.

Church body celebrates in golden style

Metropolitan Community Churches will host their 50th Anniversary Gala on June 30 in Orlando, Fla. prior to the start of the General Conference. The event will include a reception, show and dance and will be emceed by Las Vegas performer Tony Arias. Tickets are on sale and range from $50-$1,050.

info: celebrate.mccchurch.org.

Happening hits Queen City

The Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund will hold its 12th annual Happening luncheon on May 23, 12 p.m., at The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St. Networking will start at 11:15 a.m. prior to the event.

The luncheon brings together hundreds to raise awareness and showcase the 2018 grant recipients. Those interested in reserving tables or sponsorship are asked to send an email to gayfund@gmail.com.

Tickets are $45 and area available for purchase online at bit.ly/2XZkD2t.

info: fftc.org/clgf.

Garden honors trans priest

Wedgewood Church has announced that it is building a garden to honor the life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Nancy Ledins who was the first Roman Catholic transgender priest who came out in 1979. She served in the cabinet of Gov. Otis Bowen, spoke at the United Nations, among other accomplishments. Her story was featured in numerous newspapers and her car was bombed, she was shot at and she had dead animals sent to her in the mail, Rev. Dr. Chris Ayers shared. He added, “We were blessed to have her as a member at Wedgewood for five years before her death. She preached, baptized, served communion, etc.” Now Wedgewood is raising funds to build the Rev. Dr. Nancy Ledins Meditation Memorial Wedding Garden. The goals is $40,820 that will be used for landscaping, wind chime tower, trellises, flowers, plants, benches, a memorial structure where the names of those who are deceased can be placed, wind spinners, totem pole, bronze Verdin bell and tower, signage and additional labor.

info: wedgewoodchurch.com.

see Briefs on 6

Flag making campaign launched

Advocates descend on General Assembly

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Lynn Segerblom, who chose the material and hand dyed each stripe of white cotton muslin for the original rainbow flags, appeared at the Gay and Lesbian Center in Los Angeles on March 17 as part of a public panel discussing the iconic international LGBTQ symbol that the flags have become since their creation.

She also announced that a GoFundMe campaign has been started for her to continue making similar gay flags for presentation to various LGBTQ groups, as well as the headquarters of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and one for the transgender marshall for the Los Angeles Gay Pride parade in June.

Originally called Faerie Argyle Rainbow at that time, and a member of the Angels of Light Theatre Company, Segerblom along with Gilbert Baker headed up the decorations committee for the 1978 Gay Freedom Day committee, which produced the parade and celebration in San Francisco, Calif.

The group of three friends, Segerblom, fashion designer, tailor and photographer James McNamara, Baker, at times living with one another, gathered others to help them out with the effort. It was a group effort with 30 artists helping out on the two larger 40’ x 60’ flags, as both Baker and McNamara sewed the panels together with only three Singer sewing machines that Segerblom, Baker and McNamara owned.

The two larger flags were flown in the Civic Center’s U.N. Plaza on June 25, 1978, a day just months before Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated that fall. The decorations committee artists also contributed approximately 18 smaller individual flags that were raised around the reflecting pool in the civic center area. McNamara and others photographed the flags that day. They were then stored at 330 Grove for a few years, being flown on other occasions from time to time. Sadly, the original flags were not preserved, and are presumed lost over time and their location today, if any, is not known.

Afterwards, Segerblom relocated to Los Angeles, where she still resides today.

Baker continued to create other rainbow flags and art projects in New York. In 1994, he created the mile-long Rainbow Flag carried that year in the New York Gay Pride Parade. Baker was honored two years ago when he died at age 65. His memoir publishes later this year.

McNamara, who had studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, returned to the East Coast living in New Jersey, where he died in 1999.

He left a wealth of images, mostly negatives and Kodachrome slides that he had taken at the time of the making of the flags. They show Baker, Faerie and himself (occasionally since he was most often found behind the camera) along with other friends, raising the flags and enjoying the parade festivities. info: bit.ly/2Ha62vR. — Lainey Milllen

RALEIGH, N.C. — The NC HIV & AIDS Advocacy Day was held on March 12 in Raleigh, N.C. where patients, healthcare providers, community leaders, and advocates gathered for HIV Speaks on Jones Street 2019 to raise awareness and educate North Carolina legislators about policies that improve the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. The event was hosted by the North Carolina AIDS Action Network (NCAAN). North Carolina is among the 10 U.S. states with the highest rates of new HIV and AIDS diagnoses and HIV-related deaths.

“HIV Speaks on Jones Street is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Lee Storrow, executive director of NCAAN. “It’s vital that legislators hear directly from residents living with HIV in our state so that they understand the value of the public health programs that serve our community. We were thrilled to have advocates join as far west as Swain County and from Pitt and Cumberland County down east, and a number of parts of the state in between!”

Advocates gathered in the morning at the North Carolina History Museum at 5 E. Edenton St. for a briefing and training on various issues impacting people living with HIVand AIDS. The Alliance of AIDS Services- Carolinas provided free HIV and hepatitis C testing in the lobby of the museum during the legislative briefing and training.

Following the morning briefing and training, advocates spent the day at the General Assembly meeting with legislators.

During the legislative meetings, advocates urged their legislators to support HIV-related legislative priorities for the year, such as defending the HIV Medication Assistance Program, expanding funding for HIV prevention through PrEP and hepatitis C treatment programs and closing the coverage gap by expanding Medicaid in the state.

Nearly half of people living with HIV in the U.S. reside in the South, while the South also had the highest rates of both new HIV diagnoses and HIV-related deaths in the country.

Advocates are hopeful that the conversations started during HIV Speaks on Jones Street 2019 will provide an opportunity for the HIV and AIDS community to play a critical and active role in shaping policy impacting the people living with HIV and AIDS in ther state. info: ncaan.org.

— Lainey Milllen

March 22-April 4, 2019

qnotes

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news Briefs

continued from page 5

Charlotte’s MCC to welcome temp pastor

The Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte will welcome Rev. Paul Whiting as its provisional pastor on May 1. He will visit the church on March 31 and the church’s board is planning a meet and greet with him. Church members and the public are being asked to refrain from contacting Rev. Whiting prior to his start date to allow for a smooth transition.

info: mymcccharlotte.org.

PFLAG chapter hosts fundraiser

The Concord/Kannapolis PFLAG chapter will hold its spring fundraiser on April 27, 6 p.m., at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Rd., in Concord, N.C. The annual spaghetti dinner includes a silent auction/raffle and concert presented by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte. Tickets are $15.

Email Joan Gale to purchase tickets.

info: ckpflag@gmail.com.

SCE takes legal action

South Carolina Equality has taken legal action against Miracle Hill Ministries and others for discriminating against same-sex couples who wish to adopt or foster children in South Carolina. Also, the organization is challenging South Carolina’s “No Promo Homo” law which prohibits educators from talking at all about LGBTQ individuals, issues or history in the classroom. Those who have experienced discrimination are asked to contact South Carolina Equality on a confidential basis. And, public high school student who wish to participate in the “No Promo Homo” challenge should contact Jeff Ayers, the organization’s executive, for

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March 22-April 4, 2019

more information at bit.ly/2HDS1Gd.

info: scequality.org.

ALFA opens second office

ALFA in Hickory, N.C. has opened its second office located at 211 NC-127 SE. The new location is now home to the organization’s prevention department, PrEP services and case management, as well as their main testing site. An open house and ribbon cutting will take place on April 12.

ALFA is also holding its End AIDS Walk Unifour on April 6 at Taft Broome Park. Email gettested@ alfainfo.org to learn more or to sign up.

info: alfainfo.org.

Hate crimes bill introduced in N.C.

Rep. Nasif Majeed (D-99) introduced HB312 — the Hate Crimes Prevention Act — during the first week in March in the North Carolina General Assembly, WBTV reported. He did so because community members contacted him to do something about the “increasing number of cases of hate crimes. HB312 proposes to make it a felony to commit a hate crime that results in serious physical injury to the victim; expand the state’s current hate crime laws to include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity and disability; wants the state to create a hate crime database at the SBI; and mandate training for police and prosecutors.

info: bit.ly/2Tz9GGx.

Trans inmate nets governor’s help

Kanautica Zayre-Brown, a transgender prisoner at the all-male Harnett Correctional Institution who is seeking to be moved to a women’s facility, has gained the support of

Gov. Roy Cooper. Cooper said he would work to improve the safety of her confinement and “make sure it never happens again,” an aide to the governor said, as was reported in the Raleigh News & Observer.

info: bit.ly/2NSC54i.

PFLAG GBO mourns member’s loss

A Greensboro, N.C. PFLAG long-time member and supporter of the organization, David N. Parker, died on Feb. 25 following a long illness.

Parker and his wife found their way to PFLAG as a place to receive support while handling their transgender child’s transition. His service to PFLAG stretches back to 2002 and included representation at national and regional events. Parker served on the national board and received a Legacy Award from the Human Rights Campaign in North Carolina. His energies were seen locally in his contributions, serving as treasurer, newsletter editor, public speaker and book reviewer over the years.

info: pflaggreensboro.org.

Newseum opens LGLBQ ‘Rise Up’ exhibit

On March. 8, the Newseum in Washington, D.C. opened its “Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement” exhibit which runs through Dec. 31 and explores the modern gay rights movement and marks the 50th anniversary of a June 1969 raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village. The protests following the raid are considered to be the catalyst that inspired the modern gay liberation movement and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ civil rights. In other news, qnotes has been asked to contribute its front pages to a special presentation of a vast array of newspapers that cycle in and out

daily outside the museum.

info: newseum.org.

Workplace equity toolkit to launch

LGBTQ+ Workplace Equity Toolkit – hoping to launch in the Spring. Triangle-based consultant Katherine Turner and Stan Kimer are working with Pride in the Triangle, a consortium of LGBTQ-based employee resource group leaders, to develop a turnkey open-source LGBTQ+ Equity Toolkit to use for workforce training, Kimer reported. They are over half-way through securing the required funding, and pressing to secure the rest currently so they can develop the toolkit and hold the “Training of Trainers” session before LGBQ Pride Month this upcoming June.

info: bit.ly/2Cpbqax.

N.C. queer life explored

On March 11, Wilton Barnhardt and 20 gay, transgender, bisexual and straight contributors released their book entitled “Every True Pleasure: LGBTQ Tales of North Carolina, showcasing the multifaceted challenged and joys of being an LGBTQ individual, the Raleigh News & Observer reported. The anthology covers the terrain of “young love and gay panic, the minefield of religion, military service, having children with a surrogate, family rejection, finding one’s true gender, finding sex, and finding love,” the publisher shared. Barnhardt is a native of Winston-Salem, N.C. He will discuss the book at two Triangle bookstores — April 11, 7 p.m., at Regulator Bookshop, 720 9th St., Durham, and April 17, 7 p.m., at Flyleaf Books, 752 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill.

info: bit.ly/2UFi8QN.

life

E-book for LGBTQ home buyers released by real estate entrepreneur Jeffrey Hammerberg Shares Purchasing Tips

BY GayRealEstate | Guest Contributor The real estate service links clients with trustworthy gay, lesbian and gay-friendly agents who have been interviewed and investigated extensively and maintain equal respect and dedication for all clients.

To download the guide, visit bit.ly/2W9mT5N. : : With more than 25 years of experience, GayRealEstate.com supports the LGBTQ community and strives to ensure that every real estate transaction is conducted with integrity, void of discrimination and intolerance.

J

eff Hammerberg, founding CEO of GayRealEstate.com, a service connecting clients with compatible agents, has released his new e-book “Real Estate Tips for the LGBTQ Home Buyer: Your Guide to Purchasing the Home of Your Dreams” for free download.

The book was written to assist LGBTQ home buyers so that they can avoid intimidation and be prepared for the many factors to consider throughout the process of purchasing a property. Buying a home will be one of the biggest financial decisions many people will make, so it’s important to be prepared. This book helps LGBTQ home buyers successfully navigate the real estate maze by identifying, and educating on, the critical elements of the home buying process, with particular focus on the issues facing LGBTQ community members.

The guide covers important topics like understanding budgets, existing assets, credits and debts, choosing the ideal location, realizing ownership options for LGBTQ couples, choosing the right agents and lenders, mastering the preapproval process, choosing the right mortgage, making an effective offer, approaching the appraisal and home inspection process skillfully and more.

The GayRealEstate.com team is committed to ensuring that their clients are connected with agents who will represent their best interests and treat them with respect.

March 22-April 4, 2019

qnotes

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life

Spring Is Blooming

Gardens Showcase Some of the Best of Nature the Carolinas Has to Offer Compiled By Torie Dominguez | QNotes Staff Writer

A

cross the Carolinas, gardens are coming abloom with the coming of spring. Each of them share their unique showcasing of nature’s foliage against the landscape. Visitors can walk along paths, stopping to admire select species and enjoy the quiet and peace that each garden has to share. A list of some of them are included below that may serve to inspire or spark ideas for planting a garden or landscaping at one’s home.

Gardens (left to right) Daniel Stowe, Winghaven, Rosedale Plantation Biltmore Gardens 1 Lodge St., Asheville, NC 28803, 800-411-3812 biltmore.com.

Brookgreen Gardens 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 843-235-6000 brookgreen.org.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont, NC 28012, 704-825-4490 dsbg.org.

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March 22-April 4, 2019

Davidson College Arboretum (450-acre campus national arboretum) 405 N. Main St., Davidson, NC 28035, 704-894-2119 bit.ly/2W4iLE3.

Historic Rosedale Plantation 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206, 704-335-0325 historicrosedale.org.

Mary DBT Semans Gardens The Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Rd.

Charlotte, NC 28207, 704-714-4400 dukemansion.com.

North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., CB 3375 Totten Center, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 919-962-0522 ncbg.unc.edu.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens 426 Anderson St., Box 90341, Durham, NC 27708, 919-684-3698 gardens.duke.edu.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical Gardens (includes outdoor gardens as well as McMillan Greenhouse) 9090 Craver Rd. Charlotte, NC 28262, 704-687-0721 gardens.uncc.edu.

Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary 260 Ridgewood Ave. Charlotte, NC 28209, 704-331-0664 winghavengardens.org.

life

Get More Bang for Your Buck With These Spring Home Improvements Interior and Exterior Tips

BY StatePoint | Guest Contributor

Creating a cool deck can add both curb appeal to a home, as well as a homeowner’s return on investment. (Photo Credit: Tyler Olson via Adobe Stock)

T

he warmer weather means it’s time to start thinking about home improvement projects. Whether you’re getting your home in tip-top shape for your own enjoyment, or getting it ready to put on the market, not all home improvement projects are created equal when it comes to return on investment (ROI). Here are top areas on which to focus:

Interiors

The kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s one of the best areas to renovate in terms of ROI, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report,” which puts the price tag of the average minor kitchen remodel at $22,507, with 80.5 percent of the cost recouped upon resale.

To give the kitchen an updated appearance, replace the flooring, countertops, sink and faucet. A fresh coat of paint in a trendy shade, such as Living Coral, Pantone’s Color of the Year, can add a vibrant pop of color to energize any kitchen. Not looking to go that bold? Consider an accent wall, or stick to a classic palate of gray and white in terms of cabinets and countertops. White on white is also a popular new style for kitchens and bathrooms.

Other features home buyers are paying close attention to are laundry rooms and such energy-saving elements as Energy Star appliances and windows, according to the survey “What Home Buyers Want in 2019” by the National Association of Home Builders.

Curb Appeal

The popularity of outdoor projects remains strong and it’s for a good reason.

According to the “Cost vs. Value Report,” the biggest bang for your buck in 2019 will come from replacing a garage door. The report says the average price is $3,611, and 97.5 percent of it is recouped when the house is sold.

Other outdoor projects with high ROI include adding manufactured stone veneer to the exterior (94.9 percent), adding a wood deck (75.6 percent) and replacing siding (75.6 percent). Looking for a simpler way to make an impact? Sprucing up the landscape by planting flowers or bushes or even just clearing the yard of debris will make a big statement.

No matter what updates you end up making, it’s always a good idea to notify your insurance agent. “Certain upgrades may change the value of a house, so homeowners need to make sure they’re properly covered,” says Bob Buckel, vice president of product management, Erie Insurance. “There are a few things to look for. Ask your agent about guaranteed replacement cost policies that can cover the cost to rebuild a home in today’s dollars following a covered loss.”

Some upgrades may also make you eligible for discounts, Buckel adds, especially if they make the home more secure.

“For example, Erie Insurance offers certain safety discounts such as for installing smoke alarms or an automatic sprinkler system.”

Now you have a checklist of DIY projects to focus on this spring. But before you start, take a moment to assess which ones are worth your time and money. : :

March 22-April 4, 2019

qnotes

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life

Leading Ladies:

Female board members help shape future of LGBTQ organizations Women Share Thoughts on Past, Present and Future

BY Lainey Millen | QNotes Staff Writer

W

hen it comes to taking on the challenge of leading LGBTQ organizational boards, it’s often the women who take the onus in getting things done. The following Charlotte-area individuals share what it is like to accept that responsibility and reflect on their roles in helping to steer their entities in meeting their goals. Those who are featured are only a small sampling of the vast volume of volunteers who represent their respective organizations. Each brings their own perspective and skillset to the groups they serve.

Judith Jeffries: Vice Chair, RAIN Judith A Jeffries worked for 20+ years at Carolinas HealthCare System. In 2017 Jeffries was appointed to the RAIN board serves as vice chair. She also serves on the board for the Center for Prevention Services. Jeffries earned an undergraduate degree in speech pathology and a graduate degree in instructional design from Marshall University. She also completed her Master’s work in audiology at Kent State University.

What have you done to affect change in the LGBTQ community and/or what are some examples of that?

Initially (I say this because it was the beginning of my real life), I finally came out after having a closeted mind set that was making me ill. Once I chose to live publicly, only then did I understand that the LGBTQ+ part of my life is just that, a part of my life. That allowed me to interact inclusively, to question and understand that “tolerance” is a dirty and very limiting word. I could bring my whole self to work and to RAIN. I was able to make inroads by co-founding the first LGBTQ+ system resource group at Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS), EqualityOne. Once we pushed our way to the surface, CHS finally started the journey of making changes in the lives of patients and families of the LGBTQ+ community. I am always ready to volunteer, to supplement, to network, to mentor or anything else any of these communities might need.

As an LGBTQ or allied woman in the community, what do you see as some of the largest challenges that beset us and what are you doing to help bring about a solution to those challenges?

I am always willing to help people understand unconscious or implicit bias — sometimes whether they want to understand or not. I am not adverse to leave some strong words hand in the air to be caught by folks who might need to think differently.

That does not mean I am an authority. I am not. I am learning, too. An area that is very challenging to myself and others is the difference between a welcoming organization or agency and an affirming organization or agency. Welcoming is a start, but is incomplete. It is the first step in a process, but often does not include education about the LGBTQ+ community, what preferred pronouns are about nor does it include a requirement to have inclusive signage at the bathroom entries. An affirming organization or agency, on the other hand, requires that staff be trained on inclusivity and equity and provides a visible display of that culture of inclusivity — all members, leadership included, bring their LGBTQ+ inclusive selves to work.

What brought you to volunteer for the community and what kinds of successes have you experienced? Any failures that helped shape or redirect your trajectory?

This is important. I was approached by the newly formed Transparents group with a pediatric initiative. They needed to find a way to provide educational material to the families of pediatric patients who wanted to understand or questioned the needs of a transgender patient. I finally understood how

marginalized these parents, caregivers and patients were. Dr. Laura Levin, pediatrician extraordinaire, and Ashley Nurkin, past president of Transparents, had a grant to develop and distribute educational materials. Their hope was to place them in the CHS Pediatric offices. They were met with resistance as if this did not really affect some pediatric patients and their families. I was a dog with a juicy bone. I encouraged the Diversity leadership group to listen to what they had to say. Still, we were voted down to distribute the pamphlets.

Then I went to the Mecklenburg Medical Society. They recognized the necessity of getting these pamphlets into the waiting rooms. Score! At the same time, I recognized that I could bring this same energy to RAIN. I believe in their mission and vision, and I am always willing to share these stories.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the community? What will you be willing to do to help bring those goals into fruition?

My hopes and aspirations for RAIN are all about working ourselves out of a job. I would like to go into any meeting or group and ask the question, “who here believes HIV/AIDS is no longer an epidemic?” and no one raises their hand. I want to see other non-profit board members be hands on and know the staff like RAIN does. I want to see the majority of our community be affirming of LGBTQ+ people. I will continue to volunteer to help shape our community into a more affirming community. Mentoring is an important part of the future for me. I am a mentor for Innovate Charlotte. I hope to see more LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial participation. Innovation rocks!

Paula Toynton: Board of Directors Member, Carolina CARE Partnership Paula Toynton has worked in and with AIDS Service organizations since 1991. She holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University.

What have you done to affect change in the LGBTQ community and/or what are some examples of that?

Since 1992, my professional work has been in community-based efforts to respond to the HIV epidemic. My overarching contributions have been in the development of effective community-based public health programs and education initiatives to facilitate individuals and communities to move toward greater health.

Chief among my contributions is the introduction of adult learning theory into national HIV prevention treatment education for people living with HIV, peer advocates, and community-based health and social service providers.

My other contribution has been my approach to the conversation. To first help people understand the intersectional stigmas and bias that historically and currently impede right action — allowing them to act on their better angels.

As an LGBTQ or allied woman in the community, what do you see as some of the largest challenges that beset us and what are you doing to help bring about a

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solution to those challenges?

My focus on individual and community health is singular. Today, black LGBTQ folks are my concern. The challenges they face are intersectional, significantly driven by homophobia, racism and poverty.

Ironically, as a transplant resident to the South, I have come to see the persistent power disparities of race and economy in the South (most notably the lack of access to healthcare, lack of Medicaid expansion and lack of funding for social supports to engage in care) — more so than homophobia — as most damaging to the health of black LGBTQ people.

Note, that I am not just speaking of the larger social culture, but within our own health and social justice efforts. Too often I have sat at tables of only well-meaning white folks like myself talking about the health of black LGBTQ and other communities. This cannot be our status quo — no matter how good our intentions.

My many years of work has taught me that individual and community health is best served by individual and community self-agency. Today, I think the best thing I can do is to advance black LGBTQ leadership in our community, and then, step back and take direction from that leadership on how I can lend my support.

What brought you to volunteer for the community and what kinds of successes have you experienced? Any failures that helped shape or redirect your trajectory?

I lived in San Francisco from 1983 to 1988. There I witnessed

the emergence of the HIV epidemic and the evolution of the community response to public fear, condemnation and the vacuum of political leadership. From there I landed in New Jersey that had an epidemic that was quite different and quite invisible.

In New Jersey, 75 percent of the epidemic was related to injection drug use. It was also an epidemic of poor people of color.

In both cases, I saw historical parallelisms to my family legacy of Nazi Germany. (My mother grew up Nazi youth… that is another story.) To me, American’s sleeping through the night while this epidemic ravaged gay communities and communities of color was akin to German’s who slept as the trains carrying Jews rolled through town on their way to the KZ [concentration camps].

Before you object that this is not an apples-to-apples comparison, I recognize the Holocaust was a sin of commission and the AIDS epidemic is not. But it made no difference to me. I was raised to believe that I was responsible for what I did with what I saw. And that is how I chose this path.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the community? What will you be willing to do to help bring those goals into fruition?

The community has come far and I believe will continue to do so. I will continue to try to help people when and where I can. And I will always give my all to the work.

I am an optimist. I believe in the goodness of people once their fears have been allayed. I believe that every person we touch in our lives is a chance for a better tomorrow.

Erin Goldstein, MSW: Chair, Time Out Youth Center Erin Goldstein has her Master’s degree in Social Work and works in community mental health with children and families. She is co-owner of Yas Queen Industries, LLC, a locally owned LGBTQA T-shirt company.

What have you done to affect change in the LGBTQ community and/or what are some examples of that?

When I stepped onto the board of Time Out Youth (TOY) in 2012, the female representation on the board was very small. One of the biggest goals that we started that year was to have more female and minority presentation on our board to represent the community that we serve. We have been very successful over the last six years in doing this. Not to mention, Time Out Youth has not had a female board chair in many years, and I am happy that I was able to step into this role. Over the years, I have been involved in other communities and programs in Charlotte (Jewish, mental health and community building initiatives), and have made a commitment to bring light to the issues that our LGBTQA community face living in N.C. My role as a leader in the Charlotte community is to educate and advocate for those that do not have a voice. I have also worked extensively with different teen communities in Charlotte on leadership development involving inclusion and equity. I

am currently working on a project with O’Neale Adkinson on leadership development for the youth involved with TOY. We are creating a leadership development program for young people to teach them essential skills to being adult trailblazers in the next few years.

As an LGBTQ or allied woman in the community, what do you see as some of the largest challenges that beset us and what are you doing to help bring about a solution to those challenges?

I think one of the hardest things that I have experienced as a female leader in the LGBTQ community is the lack of female participation in these organizations. I believe that things have gotten better over the last five years, however, we still have ways to go. One of the solutions to that challenges is to continue to work to educate the female members of our LGBTQ community to get involved.

There are so many levels for a person to be involved in our organizations that it is not an all or nothing issue. Also, I have found that if a person does not feel that they can support an organization financially, then they feel they are automatically not going to be able to get involved. In my book, volunteering time is just as great as giving money.

Our organizations need people that can do both of these things and clearing up those misconceptions is something very important to me.

What brought you to volunteer for the community and what kinds of successes have you experienced? Any failures that helped shape or redirect your trajectory?

Honestly, I was sick of just being a social member of the LGBTQ community. I was out at a bar one night and my now dear friend, Steven Wilson, found me and said “we would like for you to apply to be on the TOY Board of Directors.” I said “OK!” It was just time for me to stop complaining and do something to help our community.

I couldn’t be happier with that decision as it has shaped who I am as a parent, community member and person. I remember thinking back a long time ago, in another life of mine, prior to my marriage and child, that I was not doing anything to help. I am a helper, and when I was finally in the right space to be able to make change, I took it as a personal charge to do so.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the community? What will you be willing to do to help bring those goals into fruition?

I am so hopeful about our LGBTQA community. We have so much potential in our community right now. We have budding and mature organizations that need new blood and new ideas. It is my personal goal at Time Out Youth, and future organizations that I will be involved in, to breathe new life/ideas, challenge old ways of thinking and be an agent of change. I am also committed to fundraising to ensure that the visions of the staff of these organizations can come to fruition. As a board member, I have made a commitment to Time Out Youth that the board will be able to ensure financial and organizational stability so that our organization is around for our future leaders, my child and long after I am gone.

Ciara Lilly: Vice President, Internal Affairs, Director, LGBTBE Certification and Supplier Diversity, Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce Ciara Lilly is the president of the business consulting firm Higher Ground Consulting Group What have you done to affect change in the LGBTQ community and/or what are some examples of that?

I would say that the best thing I’ve done to affect change in the LGBTQ community is setting an example of what’s possible when you live authentically and boldly.

If we’re honest, I think most people in the LGBTQ community, especially in less progressive areas, are afraid of the consequences associated with living authentically.

There’s a fear that, in doing so, our success, and, perhaps, even our wellbeing, may be compromised. That fear is real and should not be minimized.

I chose to live authentically and with a level of transparency to equip young girls with the courage to follow suit. I wanted them to look at my life and think, “It is possible for me to be happy, successful and fulfilled without compromising my true identity.”

What brought you to volunteer for the community and what kinds of successes have you experienced? Any failures that helped shape or redirect your trajectory?

I chose to join the board of the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce, because I saw the very important work they were doing, and I wanted to contribute my time, talent and resources in whatever way would add value.

And I can honestly say that was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Serving in my current capacity as vice president, Internal Affairs and director, LGBTBE Certification and Supplier Diversity, I’m able to work directly with our small business members and corporate partners. One of our greatest successes has been helping to certify several local LGBT-owned businesses as LGBT Business Enterprises.

This certification positions them for access to contracting opportunities with the National LGBT Chamber of

Commerce’s (NGLCC) network of corporate partners. In other words, we’re taking one collective step to help them grow their businesses.

This is the kind of work that makes you excited to serve; and you know what the best part is? It’s only going to get better with time!

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the community? What will you be willing to do to help bring those goals into fruition?

I would like to see more unity amongst and mutual support within the LGBTQ community. When it comes to the critical work that each of us is doing, eliminating zerosum thinking is key to our success. To that end, accessibility is really what makes or breaks support systems, whether that’s emotional support between friends or support in developing small businesses. If people can’t find your resources or feel like those resources aren’t available to them, they can’t benefit from them. This is what I aim to do and will continue to do in all aspects of my work. It’s also important to note that this doesn’t mean you have to be everything for everybody, but if I know of a resource that would help someone else out or a leadership position that would be a great fit for another member of the community, I’m always happy to share it with others. I’d encourage others to do the same because we all benefit from a diverse and well-supported leadership community. see Leading Ladies on 12

(Photo Credit: rawpixel.com via Adobe Stock)

As an LGBTQ or allied woman in the community, what do you see as some of the largest challenges that beset us and what are you doing to help bring about a solution to those challenges?

I believe one of the largest challenges we face as LGBTQ women is ensuring that our voices are represented and heard around political and corporate tables. It’s one thing to have a seat at the table, it’s another thing to have a voice at the table. Without using our voice, we cannot influence change. If we cannot influence change, we cannot break the glass ceiling that hinders other LGBTQ women and diverse populations from accessing opportunities.

Aside from using my voice to influence change, I’ve also made it a priority to mentor other LGBTQ young women as they navigate through life’s journey.

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life Leading Ladies continued from page 11

Amanda Vestal: Board of Directors, Head Coach, Charlotte Royals Rugby Football Club Amanda Vestal graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with her Bachelors degree in Computer Science. She is currently a project manager for a technology company.

What have you done to affect change in the LGBTQ community and/or what are some

examples of that?

I have been the head coach of the Charlotte Royals Rugby Football Club for the last 12 years. I have served on the board for the Royals for the past 10 years. During my time as an active member of the Royals we have not only increased our participation in the LGBTQ community, but as a team we take pride in being an active members in the Charlotte community as a whole. As a board member we have sent players to high schools to talk to GSA groups, and as a coach, I have guided players to be leaders, not only on our team, but in the LGBTQ community. As an organization we have volunteered for numerous causes and organizations like Time Out Youth, Charlotte Youth Rugby and Toys for Tots.

As an LGBTQ or allied woman in the community, what do you see as some of the largest challenges that beset us and what are you doing to help bring about a solution to those challenges?

As an LGBTQ woman in the community, I think LGBTQ women separate ourselves into small groups and very rarely break away from our friend groups. I participate in a variety of groups/organizations and invite friends from all of my social groups to attend together, get to know each other and increase awareness. I believe my participation with The Charlotte Royals has given me the confidence to put myself out there and be an active member of the LGBTQ community.

What brought you to volunteer for the community and what kinds of successes have you experienced? Any failures that helped shape or redirect your trajectory?

I have always been a person that likes to be involved in something greater than myself. I grew up in a family that is involved in politics in Iowa and learned to give back at a very young age. When I couldn’t play rugby or sports anymore because of injury, there was a place for me to coach this new team, right when I moved to Charlotte. Since being with the team for the last 12 years, I have been through almost 10 years of leadership

changes. That has been a challenge, but because we have committed team members and auxiliary members, we continue to be relevant. Being a female in a male organization is not always, easy but the leadership team is open and receptive to new ideas.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the community? What will you be willing to do to help bring those goals into fruition?

I think watching this team grow into an organization over the last 12 years has shown me exactly what our community can do. We have young leaders that want to step up to the plate. We have community members that have been around for a long time and are committed to seeing our LGBTQA organizations sustain and be around for future generations. It takes all kinds of people, with different backgrounds and skill sets to ensure that our organizations are sustainable and functioning. I am always willing to help and do my part. Even when/if my time with the Royals comes to an end, I will be willing to help any organization that lights my fire and wants my help. My wife and I have made a commitment to be change agents of our Charlotte LGBTQA community and continue to show our son that volunteerism is one of our most important values.

Jane G. Clark: Board of Directors Member, Carolinas CARE Partnership Jane G. Clark is a principal consultant of ClarKinetics Consulting & Associates in North Carolina. She received her Master’s degree in Public Administration and her Bachelor’s degree in Letters from the University of Oklahoma.

What have you done to affect change in the LGBTQ community and/or what are some examples of that?

I am a state and nationally recognized speaker on minority health issues, particularly behavioral health. I serve on the board of Carolinas CARE Partnership, a local non-profit with a mission to “foster and ensure a regional approach to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS and to meet with compassion and dignity the needs of those affected by the disease.” And, I research and write grants for prevention programs (substance use prevention; HIV/AIDS prevention; violence prevention; etc.)

As an LGBTQ or allied woman in the community, what do you see as some of the largest challenges that beset us and what are you doing to help bring about a solution to those challenges?

As an LGBTQ ally the largest challenge I see is the ongoing existence of stigma. Not just stigma surrounding the HIV/AIDS but also stigma around sexuality, and not just in the broader community but sometimes also within the LGBTQ community itself.

As a public and behavioral health professional, I also see the challenge of adequate federal or state funding to preventive programs, especially around stigmatized areas such as sexuality and behavioral health. Our country puts a lot of money towards research and cure but if we had even half of those amounts towards prevention we’d see significant increases in public health.

I try to be part of the solution to those challenges by being unafraid to identify them when needed, and call others out gently on false assumptions when needed.

What brought you to volunteer for the community and

what kinds of successes have you experienced? Any failures that helped shape or redirect your trajectory?

I don’t believe something is a failure if there was a lesson gained from the experience. For me, I’ve been motivated to maintain the courage of my convictions because I see that even one person can make a difference toward creating more kindness and acceptance in the world. I believe we can all “lead by example.” It’s not enough to just say I want to contribute to a better world, I also believe I must take action to create that better world. We are each on this planet with our own unique skills and talents, and the world needs all of those from all of us!

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the community? What will you be willing to do to help bring those goals into fruition?

I will continue serving my LGBTQ friends and community through volunteerism and advocacy, grant writing, and speaking freely and openly about so-called “uncomfortable” topics. Stigma can’t survive the power of openness and love for the people around you.

Nan Bangs: Vice President, Charlotte Pride Nan Bangs is a senior director for environment, health and safety for Collins Aerospace headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Maine and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is a retired commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, a role in which she supported 9/11, Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts and the BP oil spill cleanup activities.

What have you done to affect change in the LGBTQ community and/or what are some examples of that?

I think there are two things that standout in my mind that I feel have had an impact on the LGBTQ community.

First, I retired from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve in 2014.

A typical retirement ceremony includes your spouse and family. During that retirement ceremony the captain of my sector asked if there was anyone that I wanted to include in my ceremony, so I had my wife and son be part of that, and they were recognized in the same manner as any other spouse and family.

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The second event was when I participated in an LGBTQ executive panel with my employers, there were three of us, and this panel was broadcasted globally and live. We all shared our experiences and struggles as we navigated through our careers from the mid 1980s through the present. At the end of the panel, the most impactful comment to me was when a father (an ally) stood up and stated that he “now realizes that his daughter will not be limited in her career because she is a lesbian” and thanked us for forging the path to make it possible for the next generation to be their true self.

As an LGBTQ or allied woman in the community, what do you see as some of the largest challenges that beset us and what are you doing to help bring about a solution to those challenges?

I was raised in the North, but live in the South. There is still much work to be done. We have come a long way. In the 30 plus years that I have been part of the community, the acceptance of LGBTQ people has progressed significantly. I still believe, however, that there is strength in numbers, and we have to come together as a community to make more changes. I know that at Charlotte Pride we have a focus this year to bring in more women’s programming to help create that sense of community. As a board member, it is my hope to help influence and facilitate this process.

What brought you to volunteer for the community and what kinds of successes have you experienced? Any failures that helped shape or redirect your trajectory?

I have had a very positive experience with volunteering with Charlotte Pride. We have grown in our programming and are really trying to make a difference. We have a scholarship program, we coordinate the film festival and our biggest event is the Pride festival and parade.

There are always opportunities to improve. It was only last year that we were able to hire two full-time individuals, who work very hard every day. I am not sure though that people realize that the vast majority of the people on the board and on Charlotte Pride committees are volunteers.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the community? What will you be willing to do to help bring those goals into fruition?

I would really like more women’s events and programs for our community. That is my focus for the upcoming year and the future — to create opportunities for women to gather, network and socialize. To kick it off, we are hoping to create a women’s pool party the Friday night before the festival weekend. Anyone who is interested with volunteering to make this happen please reach out to me at Charlotte Pride.

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a&e

Maintaining a Tradition An Interview with gay poet Jericho Brown

BY Gregg Shapiro | QNotes CONTRIBUTING WRITER

J

ericho Brown is a gay poet. Poets are known for their economy of language. That said, as a storyteller (and one telling his own story with a blend of humor and honesty), Brown has a lot to say. The author of two highly regarded poetry collections, “Please” and “The New Testament,” Brown’s latest is the highly anticipated forthcoming “The Tradition” (Copper Canyon Press, 2019), out in April in time for National Poetry Month. What follows is some of what we talked about in advance of the publication of “The Tradition.”

Gregg Shapiro: Jericho, which came first for you, writing poetry or reading books of poetry?

Jericho Brown: This is a great question! Reading poems came first because poems are available to us before we can actually be very good (writers of poems). There are great poems available to you when you are five years old or even before you have speech, maybe! At least to me they were available.

GS: Do you remember what you read or what was read to you?

JB: I grew up in a black church. There were always occasions for which young people had to get up and recite a Bible verse or something or to sing or to be in this play or that pageant. You can be on the debate or the drill team or the swim team, and you can do this among a series of churches. Everything you can do in the world [laughs], you don’t really have to go to the world to do if you’re in the right church affiliation.

I was in that kind of church. If you went on an Easter Sunday to hear young people recite their Easter speeches, you would also hear somebody reciting “Ego Tripping” by Nikki Giovanni or “I, Too” by Langston Hughes or “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou.

GS: Something by Gwendolyn Brooks, too?

JB: “We Real Cool” is something that would be recited, though they had no idea what it actually meant or said [laughs]. Those are the kinds of things I was hearing or seeing or reading when I was growing up. Then, when I was in elementary, middle and high school, I spent a lot of time in libraries. I think the idea that rhyme is attractive comes to us very early. When you’re very young you notice and get caught up in the music of rhyme. I know I did. My mother distinctly remembers me walking around the house saying words that rhyme before I was in the first grade. When I could finally write, I was writing lines and poems that I thought were good, that really aren’t that good, and my mom would put them on the refrigerator. The idea of revision wouldn’t come to me until high school.

Gay poet Jericho Brown will release a new book of poetry in April in time for National Poetry Month.

(Photo Credit: Facebook personal page)

GS: How did you arrive at the name Jericho Brown?

JB: I was living in New Orleans and I had a great full-time job. When you have a full-time job, you go to bed at a certain time. I had a dream that I was in a hot and sweaty waiting room filled with men. You know how whoever is beyond the waiting room door is taking too long and things get anxious? People were coming in on time, and in spite of that, they would not be seen anywhere near on time. There was a woman with a little box haircut, a little frame around her face, calling names. When a name was called, they would go through a door that was just beyond her little desk. She got to the name Jericho, and repeated it. I realized that I was in a dream and that the law of the dream was that if no one got up to go beyond the door, I would never get up. I would just be in this dream with this woman saying Jericho forever. I said, “I’m going to be Jericho” and she looked at me strangely as if to say, “Why are you announcing that to me? Don’t you want to go through the door?” And then I woke up. It was some weird time. I decided to go for a drive toward the (French) Quarter. I got to a bar. I met someone and he asked me my name, I said “My name is Jericho.” He said, “Oh, so you’re straightly shut up.” I see next page u

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said, “What?” He said it literally translates to “literally shut up”. Loosely, it means “the fence.” That’s why the city was called Jericho, because of the wall, the fence. I had been thinking about changing my name for a while before that. My friends were all making fun of me about it. I was actually thinking of changing my name to Rooster, that’s how bad it got. My birth name is Nelson Demery III. That third always did drive me crazy. I didn’t feel free to write about my family with my family name, at least not at that time. I was finally getting poems published. I would see them in print and get all excited, then I would see what seemed to me like my grandad or dad’s name and the gift of seeing the poem in print would be taken away at that moment.

I wanted the gift back.

GS: In essence you were reclaiming your work.

JB: Yes! I changed my name to Jericho starting that night. Later, I saw a friend of mine from high school, whose last name was Brown, in a gay bar. He had been very closeted up until that point. When I was in high school, I hung out with Leonardo Brown, Shanetta Brown and Jason Brown. I was Nelson Demery III; the only one whose name was not Brown. When I saw him, I instantly offered him a drink having figured out what my last name would be. I knew I wanted it to be four syllables, like Michael Jackson and Diana Ross [laughs]. I decided my name would be Jericho Brown that summer, I think I changed my name in 2002.

GS: Does your driver’s license say Jericho Brown?

JB: Uh-uh. My mother would kill me [laughs]! I have a business, in Atlanta, Jericho Brown, Poet. So, if you make a check out to Jericho Brown, I can indeed cash it [laughs].

GS: In what ways would you say that being gay inspires and influences your work?

JB: I think in every way, and therefore in no way at all. Thinking about queer poetic, there’s no other way for me to be able to proceed since it is who I am. It turns out to be all of my perception. That doesn’t mean that being black isn’t all of my perception, too. That doesn’t mean that being

Southern is all of my perception. That doesn’t mean that coming from a kind of impoverished background isn’t part of my perception. I think it allows for me to be able to see things. If I wasn’t queer, I wouldn’t be a poet, that’s certain. I think being queer allows me to see opportunities in language that can create for me an existence in a world that keeps trying to erase the fact of my being.

GS: The rumpus.net, Buzzfeed and bigother.com, to name a few, included your new book, “The Tradition,” which is being published by Copper Canyon Press in April 2019, in pieces about 2019 books for readers to look forward to reading. What does inclusion in such lists mean to you?

JB: It just makes me cry. I spend a lot of time crying, Gregg. People don’t know this about me. I’m just so grateful. I really cannot believe. I wanted to be a poet when I was eight years old. Everybody wants to be like Beyoncé when they’re eight years, but they’re not going to get to (be her) because she’s busy doing it.

There’s not going to be any room. The fact of becoming what I wanted to be my entire life and being able to live this life doing what I love most and seeing appreciation for it in the world, it just makes me emotional.

I’m so thankful that I get to live and work in this way. I’m really glad to be included on those lists because I’m really excited about this book. I write poems because they give me pleasure. I write books because I want to see that pleasure made manifest in the world. Part of that means is having a conversation with all of poetry.

When you publish a poem, and definitely when you make a book, you alter things.

The way that poetry has to turn to you and say, “We include you. Going forward we will be whatever we are given what you have added unto us.” When I see those lists, I think about myself in terms of poetic tradition and in terms of literary history and in terms of the contemporary moment, in particular. I’m so blessed! : : Jericho Brown’s new book, “The Tradition,” is being published in April in time for National Poetry Month 2019.

March 22-April 4, 2019

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views

Sexual Assault

Legal Eagles: How LGBTQ Victims Can Seek Justice Through Civil Litigation

BY Gene Riddle, Attorney | guest WRITER Here’s the sad reality: People who identify as LGBTQ are statistically more likely to experience sexual assault. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40 percent of gay men have experienced sexual violence, as opposed to 21 percent of heterosexual men. Forty-four percent of lesbians and 61 percent of bisexual women experience rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. For heterosexual women, that number is 35 percent.

LGBTQ youth, too — already more likely to be bullied — are especially vulnerable. In a landmark study on sexual assault on college campuses, the Association of American Universities found that “rates of sexual assault and misconduct are highest among undergraduate females and those identifying as transgender, genderqueer, non-conforming, questioning, and as something not listed on the survey.”

In the era of #MeToo, it is possible that the LGBTQ community faces a crisis.

The damage inflicted by sexual assault can last a lifetime regardless of sexual orientation. In addition to physical injuries, victims of sexual assault may suffer mental and emotional trauma such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

Moreover, fear of reprisal, social stigma and related stress often make it difficult for

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and include civil litigation.

Civil cases are separate from criminal cases and carry a lower burden of proof, so victims may be able to win a civil claim even in cases where the perpetrator was found not guilty or not charged at all.

However, in most situations, criminal charges help support the foundation to the civil case because it gives the case more substantial proof.

Damages won in a civil case can help pay medical bills associated with the asLGBTGQ victims of sexual assault can find options to deal with sault, including costs related their perpetrator. (Photo Credit: ryanking999 via Adobe Stock) to psychiatric treatment and counseling. Compensation may also be awarded for victims to come forward seeking the treatpain, suffering and emotional distress, as ment and justice they deserve. well as lost wages. The perpetrator may also The American justice system is complex. face punitive damages which are designed But it is important for LGBTQ victims of to punish the perpetrator and deter others sexual assault to know that they have options. in the future.

Regardless of sexual orientation, no human beWhile some perpetrators do not have the ing should be assaulted, sexually or otherwise. resources to pay compensation awarded in a civil case, victims of sexual assault may file a Civil Litigation for LGBTQ Victims complaint against another responsible party.

One thing to keep in mind is that legal opExamples include a business that provided tions extend beyond criminal charges (which inadequate security, a company that failed to may or may not be pursued by a prosecutor) screen employees’ criminal backgrounds or a

March 22-April 4, 2019

professional such as a psychiatrist or teacher who failed to report a threat. These cases can be very complicated.

Finally, many sexual assault victims are discouraged from pursuing civil litigation for financial reasons. Legal services can be expensive, but it’s important to know that some law firms like ours do not charge attorney fees unless financial compensation is offered or awarded.

Equal Protection Under the Law Members of the LGBTQ community may face disproportionate threats of sexual violence. And the reality is, sexual assault cases are rarely prosecuted — a fact especially true of crimes involving LGBTQ victims, according to Lambda Legal, a legal organization advocating for LGBTQ equality.

The system may not be perfect, but victims may still pursue justice and compensation through civil litigation — even if they think they can’t afford an attorney.

Everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law, and everyone deserves justice. No one should ever be a victim. : : Gene Riddle is managing partner at Riddle & Brantley LLP and an experienced sexual assault lawyer in North Carolina. Riddle & Brantley welcomes clients of any sexual orientation and gender identity.

March 22-April 4, 2019

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10 Questions by Vic: Featuring Maria Conchita Alonso Renaissance Actresses, Singer, Advocate

BY Vic Germani | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

M

aria Conchita Alonso is a Renaissance Woman as she has done it all and is on the prime of her career. She has starred in films with Robin Williams, Michael Keaton, Ted Danson, Arnold Schwartezeneger and Sean Penn, just to name a few. Her television credits are countless, both in the USA and Latin America. She has starred on Broadway in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and her singing career has earned her a Grammy Award nomination and made her an international star. She stars in the new film, “¡He Matado a mi Marido! (I Killed my Husband!)” which premiered this month. Maria and I had a long chat about a variety of topics, from her illustrious career to politics, activism and her favorite charities.

Congratulations on the upcoming release for your film, “¡He Matado a mi Marido! (I Killed my Husband!).”

How was it to work on this comedy with the writer and director Francisco Lupini Basagoiti?

Yeah, we don’t pronounce the “H”; don’t look at the “H”.

It’s going to be a controversial I believe, but it’s good, politically incorrect is good. I see Francisco, our director, who’s in his late 20s, I see a young Pedro Almodóvar, but maybe a little more class, I don’t know, I mean Pedro is amazing, as long as people know about the movie and go see it; it’s a going to be a huge success.

Tell me a bit about your character.

This movie is so fun, my character, she is a completely crazy woman, I never played a role like this one before, I loved it so much, if they said to me that they messed it up and have to shoot it again, I would have said, when? When do we start? That is how much I love it, I loved working on this film and that’s how much I want people to see it.

Aside from leading the cast, your song “Enough,” is featured in the soundtrack. The song is an anthem

of women’s empowerment and liberation. Tell me about that.

It’s about enough. Time’s up, it’s like a song from the ‘60s. The music is very from that era, the movie has that vibe too. It brings you back to that wonderful era. I would say that this is my new single. I put my career on hold because I became a political activist, to save Venezuela, so I put my career aside. So this is now the first single that’s coming up now. I paid for the song and I did the video, it’s called, “Shake it out”.

You can see the video on YouTube.

It’s a very fun song. But if you don’t have a team, it doesn’t matter how good the song is.

You have had an extraordinary career in film, the theater stage and as a musician. How much improvements have you seen in entertainment in terms of opportunities for Latin talent?

It’s a big difference. When I came here, it was very hard. I was very lucky. Because there are also a lot of actors and actresses that are good and talented, but I was at the right place at the right time. I think nowadays, Latinos have more opportunities than when I got here; “Roma” has an amazing team behind it. If we have all the press that “Roma” had, we can also win forever, because it’s a very good movie.

You have been a staunch advocate for LGBT rights throughout your career. Tell me about your LGBT fans.

I’ve had one of my songs which is called, which is called “La Loca,” the crazy one, in some countries the gays play it as their anthem. It’s important to say that in Mexico and some Latin American countries, gay are called Loca, so it’s a way to reclaim the word. So they laugh at it and the important thing is to laugh at you and with you.

You have been very vocal on political issues, about your birth country of Cuba as well as Venezuela, where you grew up. A rollercoaster of change has happened in Cuba and Venezuela in the last 10 years, with the latter in turmoil. What are your thoughts on the current situation?

But nothing changed (in Cuba). Cuba has been under the regime for 60 years. Nothing has changed. The people there are still tortured. The people still don’t have food.

The ones that live well are the ones that are under the regime. The tourists have everything but the Cubans don’t.

So that hasn’t changed. And in Venezuela, it’s been now 20 years, because Cuba owns Venezuela, controls Venezuela.

It started with Chavez. Chavez is the one that brought all this misery, Maduro who was put there by Fidel, Fidel told Chavez to put Maduro in power because they could control Maduro very easily, even so more than Chavez, because Chavez was very strong, egotistical and very intelligent, Maduro is nothing of that, he just does what he is told to do, and so Chavez did it. But also, the election in Venezuela, the regime has controlled the elections, it’s who counts the vote, you know, so the ones that count the vote is the regime.

Maria Conchita Alonso. (Photo Credit: Billy Kass)

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March 22-April 4, 2019

Do you identify more as a Cuban or a Venezuelan?

Venezuelan. I feel Venezuelan. There is nothing that I can relate to Cuba. I was four years old when I left. I was born in Cuba, but thank God that I was not raised there under this Communist regime.

What is your favorite charity or cause?

I created an organization called Vee Fauna, it’s not a non-profit yet, that one I created to help animals, but I work together with another foundation, Luchemos por la Vida, a non-profit one for 11 years, Let’s fight for life, an organization that has an orphanage where 300 of the kids have HIV, and it also has another for elderly who have been abandoned because they have mental illness, I united with them, we each work separately but we also work together, like last March I did an event here, we were able to help 17 foundations, a little girl had her surgery, she was born with elephantiasis, we helped this girl who is so beautiful, has normal feet now, I do help and speak up for breast cancer, for children and the ones that have no voice, the animals, the children, the elderly. When somebody calls me says can you do this commercial for us, and ask me to help, I’m there. Because I believe that everybody can unite to help.

It’s the only way that we can make things happen when a lot of people together doing something good for others.

Aside from the film, do have any other project to mention?

I worked on a series on Netflix called “THE I-Land,” it’s a lot of fun and that’s coming out this year. I play Natalie Martinez’s mother.

Tell me a secret — a good one!

I have a fetish with plastic. It’s horrible, it’s horrible, because plastic is bad for nature. But I am addicted to plastic, not just plastic that you get at the supermarket, but the ones that have a zipper like cute bags, I would love to jump in a pool full of, no water, but plastic, I don’t know why. I mean, imagine jumping in a pool with just plastic. It’s so much fun.

To watch the trailer, visit hematadoamimarido.com/en/.

For the film’s website, visit hematadoamimarido.com/en/. : : Vic Gerami is journalist, media contributor and the editor and publisher of The Blunt Post. He spent six years at Frontiers Magazine, followed by LA Weekly and Voice Media Group.

His syndicated celebrity “Q&A column, 10 Questions with Vic,” is a LA Press Club’s National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Award finalist. Gerami is a contributor for QNotes, Montrose Star, DC Life Magazine, Out & About Nashville, Q Virginia, GNI MAG, Windy City Times, WeHo Times, GoWeHo, Los Angeles Blade, Asbarez, California Courier, Desert Daily Guide, Armenian Weekly, GED, The Pride LA, IN Magazine and The Advocate Magazine.

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space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

March 22-April 4, 2019

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Just Because Everyone Says You’re An Addict, Are You? Tell Trinity

BY Trinity | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Dear Trinity, My partner says I’m an addict and need help. If I drink a lot, but have a good handle on my life, am I still an addict?

Sincerely, Addict With A Handle, Palm Springs, CA Dear Addict With A Handle, Most everyone is addicted to something. But as time passes, most people can’t recognize their addictions until someone confronts them. Now, if you drink “a lot” but have a “handle” on it, then you still may be an addict “with a handle” who may or may not need help. So, put the bottle down and entertain the thoughts of your partner. Looking at your life, even if it hurts, is really having “a handle” on it. And, honey, if your partner still persists, yet you find you’re not an addict, then drink quietly… like I do!

Cheers, Trinity

Hey Wanting More, There are many benefits to being a bachelor that your date is obviously not willing to give up just yet. I’m sure you know what he’s talking about. I sure do. Now, sweetie, see if you can let him be him for a while, and if four months pass and you still can’t seduce him home for longer than one night, then I give you the green light to start… looking for a less liberated bachelor.

Good Luck, Trinity

Hey Trinity, I’ve been dating this guy who keeps saying he loves being a bachelor and will never settle down. But I’m the complete opposite.

Should I keep dating him?

Sincerely, Wanting More, Albuquerque, NM

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Hello Trinity, I’ve been part of an organized religious group for many years. It is a strong, loving community that has helped me many times.

Don’t you think people who avoid religion and call themselves “spiritual” are really spirit-less?

Yours, The Right Sid, Asheville, NC Hello Right Side, I whole-heartedly… disagree! Organized religion is for organize-able people. Not everyone is willing to organize his or her beliefs. If you’ve found your community, then amen. I raise my wafer and wine to you. However, darling, everyone inside and outside the pearly gates truly has their own spiritual quests and religious experiences. So, you be you and let everyone else go on his or her spiritual merry way… without you! (Frankly, sweetie, I have four ways of handling spiritual practices. Check out my cartoon to see how.)

Dearest Trinity, You write an awful lot about “Powerdating,” but when are you going to write some powerdating tips?

Thanks, Power-Waiting, Columbus, OH Dearest Power-Waiting, I’ve been so busy dating that, pumpkin, I ran out of the house and forgot to leave you:

Trinity’s Easy Tips For *Powerdating (*dating many people at once) 1. T hink of Powerdating as if you’re doing a research project for the book,

“One Thousand Dates!” NOT “Three Devastating Dates And I Quit!”

2. With any successful project there must FIRST come complications, failures and frustrations.

3. Stay educated, adventurous and keep a fun-loving MOOD about Powerdating.

4. Also remember that the reason you are Powerdating is so that you can LEARN about dating, not to practice being a neurotic slut!

5. Powerdating is like going to K through 12 school. We often want to give up or get our diploma early, but you have to STICK it out.

6. No one owns you after the first few dates, and don’t let anyone think they do. After a few months is another story 7. You yourself KNOW how many different people you can date at one time. So, don’t burn out! Take “private time” breaks.

8. Don’t tell friends or family that you’ve found “The ONE” until a few months go by. The humiliation and explanation of it not working out is worth the wait.

9. And don’t go to the SAME place with different dates. It’s too dangerous. Go to new places each time. It’s safer.

10. L astly, remember meeting the “right one” means DEALING with many “wrong ones” first!

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

Send emails to: trinity@telltrinity.com.

‘Hiding Out: A Memoir of Drugs, Deception, and Double Lives’ Out in Print

BY terri schlichenmeyer | CONTRIBUTING WRITER “Hiding Out: A Memoir of Drugs, Deception, and Double Lives”

by Tina Alexis Allen © 2018, Dey St. Books $16.99/$21.00 Canada 288 pages “Ready or not, here I come!”

Hear that, and if you hadn’t hidden by then, hadn’t found a secret spot, you had a real chance of losing at Hide & Seek. Get out of sight, though, and you might’ve managed to sneak back home, ready to play another game. As in the memoir “Hiding Out” by Tina Alexis Allen, that game could last for decades.

Growing up, Christina Worthington knew her father hated her.

Her 12 siblings knew it, too, and they reminded her of it often: she was the youngest, her mother’s “lucky 13” and the victim of much of her father’s wrath.

Starting at about the age of nine, Tina was also the victim of sexual abuse from two of her then-adult brothers.

But she never told anyone about it.

Instead, she acted out at school until the nuns were at their wits’ end and her “saint” of a mother was exasperated. Then, when Tina was 11, a younger teacher finally took the girl under her wing — and into her bed.

Two years later, by the time her teacher-lover sent her away, Tina knew she was more attracted to girls than to boys. By her mid-teens, she had a college-age girlfriend who lived near her parents’ Washington D.C.-area house, from which she managed to mostly stay away; there was more comfort in the girlfriend’s apartment than there was at her childhood home, where hiding her real self was necessary.

But no one can hide forever.

When her father invited her and her girlfriend to lunch one day, Tina was guarded — and rightfully so, because he figured out her secret, and she couldn’t deny. Then he revealed a shocker of his own: he was gay, too.

Within weeks, Tina went from hated daughter to favorite; from ignored to invitee to her father’s dinners and clubs.

They agreed to keep one another’s secrets from the rest of the family, partying, drinking and doing drugs until the stress of it all bubbled over, Tina couldn’t take the lies anymore, and her lips spilled the truth.

Years later, there was one last secret…

Memoirs, by their very nature, are generally focused inwardly, to a greater or lesser degree. Count “Hiding Out” on the latter side.

Starting with a raucous anecdote of sibling rivalry before Christmas Mass, you’re in for more than a look-at-me memoir. This is, in

fact, a whole-family tale in which author Tina Alexis Allen puts the focus mainly on her parents, with sibs ringing the action as needed.

Using that as a base, tales eke out tantalizingly slowly over the course of this book, and some are shocking, told so casually that you’ll get a “Wait. What?” backlash. Don’t be surprised if you read the occasional sentence twice, in disbelief.

Add a tight window of time and a deep unsubstantiated-rumor-type mystery that feels like a character unto itself, and you’ve got a compulsively readable book that’s, at its close, very unique. If a memoir like “Hiding Out” is what you want for a long winter’s night, then get ready. : :

March 22-April 4, 2019

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events played pivotal roles in establishing and growing Charlotte’s LGBTQ community. Gatherings are geared toward participants ages 55 and up, but people of all ages are welcome to attend, as are allies and advocates. Admission is free and advance registration is available online. bit.ly/EldersHerstory.

March 22-April 7 ‘The Ghost of Splinter Cove’

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte at ImaginOn 300 E. 7th St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Sensory-friendly performance 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 31 Companion piece to Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s “The Great Beyond.”

The two stories take place in a single house, with “The Great Beyond” focusing on the adults on the home’s main floor while “The Ghost of Splinter Cove” follows the children of the family and what they discover in the basement on the same fateful night. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets $20-$27. Please note there will be no afternoon performance on Saturday, April 6. ctcharlotte.org.

March 22-April 7 ‘Terms of Endearment’

Theatre Charlotte 501 Queens Rd., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m.

Sunday A mother and daughter share a complex relationship filled with humor and heart in the stage adaptation of the bestselling novel and Oscar-winning film of the same name. Tickets $28. Rated PG-13. Please note the show will not be performed on March 27. theatrecharlotte.org.

March 25 Charlotte LGBTQ Elders Herstory Month Celebration

Time Out Youth 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte 7-9 p.m.

Charlotte LGBTQ Elders’ latest program celebrates Women’s Herstory Month by honoring women who

March 26 An Evening with James Comey

Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 7 p.m.

The Learning Society of Queens University hosts former FBI Director James Comey as he discusses his professional experience as well as perspectives on ethics and leadership. Tickets $25-$65. blumenthalarts.org.

March 26 ‘Gen Silent’

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 115 W. 7th St., Charlotte 6-8:30 p.m.

A free public screening of the 2011 documentary exploring the struggles of LGBTQ elders in accessing health and long-term care, followed by a panel discussion. Light refreshments will be served before the film. Registration is available online. bit.ly/GenSilent.

March 28-31 ‘Mad at Miles: A Black Woman’s Guide to Truth’

Triad Stage/Upstage Cabaret 232 S. Elm St., Greensboro Thursday-Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m.

Three women journey through abuse to self-discovery against the backdrop of Miles Davis’ fraught marriage. General admission $24, students $10. Groups of 10 or more $18 per person. ttnc.org.

March 30 Catawba Valley Transgender Pride OUTright Youth of Catawba County 748 Fourth St. SW, Hickory A family-friendly event featuring food, music, games and a variety of resources for transgender,

Submit your events: editor@goqnotes.com

queer and allied individuals of the greater Hickory area. bit.ly/CatawbaTrans.

March 30 Charlotte Roller Derby All-Stars v.

Blue Ridge Rollergirls Grady Cole Center 310 N. Kings Dr., Charlotte 5 p.m.

The headlining Charlotte Roller Derby All-Stars battle it out with their Asheville-based rivals in the last home bout of the spring.

Tickets $9-$15. charlotterollergirls.com

March 31 Trans Day of Visibility Community Mixer and Resource Fair

Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte 3-6 p.m.

Socialize and discover community resources, support services, volunteer initiatives and more, with entertainment beginning at 5 p.m.

Admission is free. Under 18 admitted with parent or guardian. bit.ly/Trans2019.

March 31 6th Annual LGBTQ Wedding Expo

Raleigh Marriott City Center 500 Fayetteville St., Raleigh 12:30-3:30 p.m.

LGBTQ-inclusive wedding and travel vendors come together for an event that describes itself as the region’s only one of its kind.

Raffles and one-day specials round out this year’s “Same Love, Same Rights” themed expo. All budgets are welcome. Admission is free with online advance registration. bit.ly/LGBTQWeddingExpo.

April 1 Read the Rainbow Book Club: ‘Boy Erased’

Independence Regional Library 6000 Conference Dr., Charlotte 6-7:30 p.m.

The LGBTQ-focused literature group discusses Garrard Conley’s acclaimed memoir of surviving church-sponsored conversion therapy. Free and open to the public. cmlibrary.org.

April 4-13 Neil Simon’s ‘Chapter Two’

Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square 345 N. College St., Charlotte Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m.

The Actor’s Gym presents the semi-autobiographical saga of a depressed man’s attempts to find new love after the death of his spouse. Tickets $22. blumenthalarts.org.

April 13: Paula Poundstone

The comedian and author, best known for her role as a panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!,” brings her national tour to the Queen City.

Tickets start at $19. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. 8 p.m. paulapoundstone.com.

(Photo Credit: Joan Marcus)

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March-April 2019

April 5-7 ‘Tosca’

Memorial Hall at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts 2 E. South St., Raleigh 7:30 p.m. Friday’ 2 p.m. Sunday North Carolina Opera invites

April 2-7: ‘Tap Dogs’

This innovative, high-energy production combines tap dance, theater and live music, with elaborate stunts involving scaffolding and water.

Tickets start at $25. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. Various Times. blumenthalarts.org.

(Photo Credit: Chris Richardson) patrons to experience Puccini’s acclaimed melodrama in a new production. Performed in the original Italian with projected English supertitles. Tickets $23-$99. ncopera.org.

April 5 Exhibition Opening — ‘Nomadic Murals: Tapestries of the Modern Era’

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art 420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte The Bechtler’s latest exhibition showcases textiles, tapestries and rugs created by artists best known for their work in other media, including painting, sculpture, and even architecture. Among those represented are Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Le Corbusier. Admission $9 for adults; $7 for seniors, educators and students with valid school ID; $5 for youth ages 11-18.

Museum members and children 10 and under admitted free. bechtler.org.

April 5-6 ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ in Concert Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

See the 1977 sci-fi classic on the big screen with John Williams’ iconic score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony. Tickets start at $29. charlottesymphony.org.

April 9 Wine Tasting Benefit for Time Out Youth Center

Aria Tuscan Grill Founders Hall 100 N. Tryon St. 6:30 p.m.

Time Out Youth Center is hosting a wine tasting benefit sponsored by the Wine Vault at the Shoppes at University Place and Aria Tuscan Grill. Guests will enjoy 21 unique wines while supporting LGBTQ youth. Wines will be available for purchase with a mixed case price available with free delivery. After the tasting, stay and enjoy a three course dinner experience for $30 dinner per person. $20 per person

suggested contribution. RSVP to Holly Drummond at 704-344-8335 or via email to hdrummond@ timeoutyouth.org. timeoutyouth.org.

April 12-13 ‘Love: Nothing Stronger’

First United Methodist Church 501 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

A new collaboration between the vocalists of One Voice Chorus and the musicians of Charlotte Pride Band. Tickets $15. onevoicechorus.com.

April 14 Asheville Drag Brunch

Claddagh Irish Pub 4 College St., Asheville 1 p.m.

Divine the Bearded Lady leads a lineup of queens in this familyfriendly event with proceeds benefitting Tranzmission, an advocacy group for transgender and nonbinary people in Western North Carolina. Tickets $20, available online. ashevilledragbrunch.com.

April 16-24 ‘A Bronx Tale’

Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte Various Times A boy is torn between loyalty to his father and a charismatic mob boss in this musical adaptation of Chazz Palminteri’s one-man show turned film of the same name. With music by “Beauty and the Beast” songwriter Alan Menken. Tickets start at $25. blumenthalarts.org.

April 20 Tosco Music Party

Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

More than a dozen acts, including the likes of Chapel Hill-based Violet Bell and New York City’s The Bailsmen, showcase their talents in Tosco Music’s spring production. Tickets $15-$35. toscomusic.org/events.

REGULAR EVENTS Charlotte Latin Pride

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

PFLAG Charlotte

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

Prime Timers

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

Trans Youth Group

Weekly discussion groups for transgender youth ages 13-20 each Thursday, 4:30-6 p.m., 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org

Transcend Charlotte

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

Youth Drop-In Space

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

Youth Discussion Group

Weekly discussion groups for LGBTQ youth ages 13-20 each Wednesday, 6:308:30 p.m., 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org

Youth of Color Group

Weekly discussion groups for LGBTQ and ally people of color each Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m., 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org

UPDATES/ADDITIONS?

Do you have a regular and reoccurring community event you’d like listed? A listing to update? Email us at editor@ goqnotes.com.

life

Square Foot Gardening

Health & Wellness: Easy, Efficient and Varied Home Grown Nutrition

BY Jack Kirven | qnotes contributor and well draining. Use a mix of I love my apartment, but I 1/3 peat moss (available at any absolutely cannot grow or keep nursery or gardening store), 1/3 plants, either inside nor on the Vermiculite (also widely availpatio. Between the direction of able, use the course grade, and the building, the over hanging get it in 4-cubic-feet bags) and porches, and the thick Magnolia 1/3 blended compost (buy bags tree canopy, nothing will survive. of different types and mix them).

There simply isn’t enough light.

Given there is so little But despite this, I have a surface area, it is imperative very romantic fantasy about to space your seeds properly. gardening. In fact, I have done But because this method is all sorts of reading about it, and so efficient, you need plant one day when I have my own only single seeds in grids, not space, I know how I am going to dozens or hundreds of seeds make it work. Yes, I am aware in rows. Different plants need that fantasizing about gardening more or less space. Square Foot and spending time alone in my Square Foot Gardening can be fun and easier to maintain. It’s well Gardening makes it easy to yield home with my kitten makes me suited for small spaces with a sufficient yield. more consistent crops with less a crazy cat lady. I am totally at (Photo Credit: Ivonne Wierink via Adobe Stock) waste of seeds, time and effort. ease with this.

For something large like Of all the formats and styles an eggplant, place only one plant in the center of one of the of gardening I have encountered in my research, the one that squares. For medium plants like lettuce, divide the square foot makes me the most eager to one day give my hopefully green into four smaller squares, and put one plant into the center of thumb free rein is Square Foot Gardening. The ease, simplicity, each (you’ll have four perfectly spaced plants). You can fit nine versatility, economy and variety of this process absolutely fascismall plants (e.g. spinach). Use your first two fingers to draw a nates me. Mel Bartholomew invented this technique in 1975 for tic-tac-toe board inside a square foot. This will create nine perthose who need to garden with absolute efficiency. His technique fect little squares inside the square. Put one seed in the center minimizes the money, equipment, soil, water, physical work and of each, and you can grow nine perfectly spaced plants in one time required to successfully grow food. compact area. And finally, for extra small plants like radishes, use He has gone to impoverished nations where local people need three fingers to draw an expanded tic-tac-toe board within the help making the most possible with the little that is available. His square. You will have 16 perfect squares inside, and you will thus techniques have allowed people to achieve consistent self-sufficiency, have 16 perfectly spaced plants. while also helping them to preserve the quality and integrity of their Think about it: Your plants are precisely placed. You know land and creating enough surplus to also have crops for sale. If he where each one is, because you placed it very specifically. It’s easy can accomplish this with people who have scarce resources, imagine to spot weeds, because anything that pops up in a place where what we could do here with our abundant opportunity! you didn’t put a seed doesn’t belong. Because you aren’t walking Square foot gardening is exactly what it sounds like. The layout on the soil and packing it, it’s also easy to pull weeds out of the of the garden creates configurations of perfectly square spaces loose soil. This saves you so much time and sweat. that provide one square foot for each crop. This is an efficient use With this in mind you can create all sorts of food for yourself. of space for those with limited open areas. Bartholomew suggests Each of your 16 squares can be a totally different crop. They will creating gardens no larger than 4 x 4 square feet, so that any of the mature at different rates, and you can rotate plants out and turn 16 squares can be reached easily from outside the grid. If you want the newly open squares into new options. All this in a tiny space more than one 16-square-foot garden, space them three feet apart, with minimum cost and effort. You can provide yourself with a so that you can walk comfortably between them. What’s more, I can wealth of variety, and the produce will be organic, since you won’t imagine it would be quite easy to do this either on the ground or in need to use fertilizer or pesticide. Happy gardening! : : containers, wheelbarrows or on wheeled platforms. If you plant on the ground, put down layers of newspaper first, to make sure nothJack Kirven completed the MFA in Dance at UCLA, and earned certificaing can grow up through your garden. tion as a personal trainer through NASM. His wellness philosophy is If you want this to be a container garden, be sure the container founded upon integrated lifestyles as opposed to isolated workouts. is deep enough to hold six inches of growth medium. You will mix Visit him at jackkirven.com and INTEGRE8Twellness.com. the soil yourself, but it is also inexpensive, simple, nutrient rich

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March 22-April 4, 2019