QNotes, April 2, 2021

April 2-15, 2021

qnotes

1

2

qnotes

April 2-15, 2021

inside this issue

connect goqnotes.com

twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas instagram.com/qnotescarolinas

10

contributors this issue

Rev. Emily Hartner, Kendra R. Johnson, L’Monique King, Jack Kirven, Natasha Morehouse, Julianna Peres, Gregg Shapiro, Trinity

6

front page

6

Graphic Design by Chris Rudisill Photography: Scott Griessel via Abobe 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.

Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, x201, editor@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Bailey Sides Production: Natasha Morehouse, x205, production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2021 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher.

Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

6 7 7

12 14

8 11 13 15

5 13

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

feature

Transgender Assistant Secretary for Health Appointed

Transgender Student Athletes Unfairly Benched

by House Bills

news

Dr. Levine is the first openly transgender person to become a federal official that has been confirmed by the Senate. She will be a strong advocate for LGBTQ health care.

Providing Safety for Transgender Women of Color Transgender Assistant Secretary for Health Appointed Briefs SAGE Central North Carolina to Utilize CARES Act Funds Time Out Youth Searching for New Executive Director

a&e

Tell Trinity Screen Savor: French Kiss

PAGE 6

Our People: Roger J. Howard

Get to know the Charlotte local and his involvement with Stonewall Sports Charlotte. Howard graduated from North Carolina State and is a new construction property manager.

PAGE 13

life

HIV & COVID The Largest LGBTQ Sports Organization in the Carolinas No Pain, No Gain? No Way! Our People: Roger J. Howard

views

Five Years Later... And We’re Still Fighting Feeling Alive With Exercise

events

For event listings, visit goqnotes.com/events-calendar.

SUBSCRIBE!

April 2-15, 2021 Vol 35 No 25

These rates only cover a portion of our true cost, however, our goal is to serve our community Mailed 1st class from Charlotte, NC, in sealed envelope.

Subscription Rates:

☐ 1 yr - 26 issues = $48 ☐ 1/2 yr - 13 issues = $34

Mail to: P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ name:

______________________________________________________ address:

state: zip: ______________________________________________________ city:

☐ mastercard ☐ visa ☐ discover ☐ american express ______________________________________________________ credit card – check one:

card #: exp. date: ______________________________________________________ signature:

April 2-15, 2021

qnotes

3

BUILD THROUGH

US

print and online advertising solutions with qnotes and goqnotes.com

call or email us today 704.531.9988 adsales@goqnotes.com

4

qnotes

April 2-15, 2021

views

Five Years Later… And We’re Still Fighting Political Voices

BY KENDRA R. JOHNSON, EQUALITY NORTH CAROLINA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

M

arch 23 marked a still painful anniversary that I’m sure many North Carolinians would like to forget: it had officially been five years since House Bill 2 (HB 2) was signed into law.

Although HB2 — later HB 142 — has since been partially repealed, here in North Carolina and all across to the south and midwest, advocates are still fighting horrible battles against legislated transphobia. HB2’s passing is a grim milestone not only because of what it meant for North Carolina, but for the larger political backlash against trans rights that we’ve seen all across America in the years since.

Five years ago, the N.C. General Assembly passed the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, commonly known as House Bill 2, an extreme attack on this state’s trans and gendernonconforming communities. The bill banned trans people from using the restroom that aligned The battle continues against transphobic legislation in the United States. (Photo Credit: ink drop via Adobe Stock) with their gender identity, invalidated local LGBTQSome states have introduced laws that provisions from HB2 but put a time limit inclusive nondiscrimination outlaw providing gender-affirming care for on them, such as the ban on passing new protects and prohibited the passage of minors, including puberty blockers, which local nondiscrimination protections until new local nondiscrimination ordinances. have no permanent effects and simply deDecember 2021.

Advocates marshaled their strength to lay the onset of puberty. Moreover, many Since the ban on LGBTQ-inclusive overcome the bill, organizing and taking to of these laws would give criminal penalties nondiscrimination ordinances expired last the streets to fight against the law. Many to doctors who provide trans-affirming December, we’ve been leading a campaign major corporations and states boycotted care for minors. All of these bills are dancalled #NCIsReady alongside Campaign for the state, causing devastating economic gerous, harmful and ultimately rooted in Southern Equality and a coalition of other losses for North Carolina’s economy. fear and misinformation. organizations. Since then, we’ve seen five Eventually, the pressure from advoState legislators in many states have cities and one county pass LGBTQ proteccates and major corporations forced the also introduced laws that would restrict tions, with more on the way.

General Assembly to change its tune. In trans athletes from competing in sports Unfortunately, outside of North Carolina 2017, the state legislature passed House programs that align with their gender a wave of transphobic legislation has swept Bill 142, a bill which repealed some of identity. These bills exclude trans kids the country, primarily targeting trans and HB2’s most notorious provisions, but from the benefits of sports, like a supgender-nonconforming youth. At the time of which kept in place many of the worst portive community, camaraderie and this article’s production, over 80 anti-trans parts of the bill, including exclusively greater physical fitness. Instead, it singles bills have been introduced in states across bestowing power to regulate restrooms them out, isolating already vulnerable America this legislative session. on the NCGA. HB142 also kept some other

kids by treating them with disrespect. Research has found that when trans students are included in sports, they have higher self-esteem, better grades and feel safer. These bills have passed in Mississippi and in South Dakota.

Five years after HB2, we’re still entrenched in the struggle for equity and justice for the transgender and gender-nonconforming community. But we believe that we can prevail over these powerful forces that have done so much harm to the most vulnerable members of our communities.

That is why, here at Equality NC, we’re deeply committed to protecting and uplifting trans rights and trans people at all levels. We chose to highlight four powerful trans politicians for Women’s History Month — Andrea Jenkins, Stephanie Byers, Sarah McBride and Kim Coco Iwamoto — who have made powerful contributions to American culture.

And we’re dedicated to helping advance local nondiscrimination ordinances, which are now possible again after the sunset of HB142, and fighting for a world where the trans community is protected at every level of government.

You can help too. You can go to NCIsReady.org and contact your local elected officials about the importance of nondiscrimination. You can raise your voice against transphobic bills, whether they’re here or in another state. And finally, you can contact your elected officials in the NC General Assembly, via our Advocacy Day on March 30.

We may still be fighting the same battles of five years ago on a greater scale, but we firmly believe that justice, liberation and compassion will win in the end. : :

April 2-15, 2021

qnotes

5

news Providing Safety for Transgender Women of Color

The Lionel Lee Jr. Center for Wellness (LLCWellness) was founded by Rev. Sonja Lee in 2006. Since it was created, LLCWellness has worked hard to educate Charlotteans on mental health, community outreach and methods for providing basic needs assistance.

The State of Emergency (SOE) program was formed in collaboration with LLCWellness by owner of the Poor No More Store, Jermaine Nakia Lee, in 2019. SOE is co-led by the Transwomen of Color advisory team, which meets both online and inperson to assess the needs of transgender women of color in Charlotte. This program is funded in part by the United Way of Central Carolinas Unite Charlotte grant and donations from the community.

“The grant is geared towards creating a safer environment for transgender women of color through education, visibility and advocacy,” Lee explains. “Unite Charlotte reaches out to grassroots organizations typically overlooked for funding, and The United Way of Central Carolinas is extremely helpful providing support throughout the funding cycle.”

The State of Emergency program has issued an all-call Another goal of SOE is to create an emergency assistance fund that supports transfor donations. (Photo Credit: ink drop via Adobe Stock) women of color in critical situations. The funds will be used to secure basic needs such as food, clothing, medications, emergency lodging, security deposits for utilities or to offset the costs of securing permanent housing.

Research was conducted by HRC, which found that at least forty-four gender expansive individuals were violently killed in 2020 alone (bit.ly/3rlwqWr).

“Data about violence against transgender women can be difficult to find,” says Lee, “because it is often not recorded as being perpetuated against women but, rather, against ‘men.’”

Most of the transgender and non-binary persons murdered in 2020 were people of color and, even more predominantly, women of color.

Visibility is a cornerstone of the State of Emergency program. Says Lee: “People are not responsive if they don’t see you, if they don’t hear you.”

To further emphasize visibility, SOE is creating a website and a magazine that will feature transgender women of color. These resources will be vastly celebratory, introducing women who have made strides for the LGBTQ and POC communities. Tremendous support in editing and designing these developments has made the goals of SOE much more tangible, according to Rev. Lee. The website and magazine are in the planning and designing stage, but the projected release date is sometime in mid-2021.

To donate to SOE, go to the Lionel Lee Jr. Wellness Center website (llcwellness.org), pay via Paypal and indicate in the notes that the funds are meant for the SOE program. Donations may also be sent via CashApp @$llcwellness2 or sent directly to the Lionel Lee Jr. Wellness Center at P.O. Box 242592, Charlotte, NC 28224.

Rev. Lee acknowledges the allies who have stepped up to aid the effort, confirming how integral they are to the process. “Their participation is greatly appreciated and incredibly necessary. Support is needed from the entire community, [from] both allies and our LGBTQ community to step up and answer this call to action.” : : info: llcwellness.org — Julianna Peres

Transgender Assistant Secretary for Health Appointed

On March 26, Dr. Rachel Levine was appointed the Assistant Secretary for Health in the United States’ Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to this position, Dr. Levine held the title of Secretary within the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

This national station means that Dr. Levine is the first openly transgender person to become a federal official that has been confirmed by the Senate.

Levine’s confirmation was, as expected, almost exclusively along party lines, although two non-Democratic party members did vote to confirm. Moderate Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) voted in her favor.

Since the announcement of the Senate’s decision (52-48 votes in Levine’s favor), there has been celebration as well as condemnation from the opposing political parties. Levine’s official Twitter account has been bombarded with messages following her Jan. 19 announcement that she would be stepping down as Pennsylvania’s Physician General.

These messages have been extremely mixed in tone, but not so in subject matDr. Rachel Levine will advocate for LGBTQ health care. ter.

Most of the Tweets regarding Levine’s work during COVID-19 are positive, one (Photo Credit: Triblive.com) even claiming that Levine has been “a fierce warrior in the battle against COVID-19 for Pennsylvanians” (bit.ly/3u73p2B). The other Tweets have taken aim at Levine’s appearance or gender identity rather than her career. Many Tweets use Levine’s dead (prior to transitioning) name, Richard, or simply disrespect her pronouns and gender identity such as the Tweet “she is a man” (bit.ly/3w9wyfp). Levine has not engaged with these negative comments.

Upon nominating Levine for Assistant Secretary for Health in January of this year, President Biden said she “will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic — no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability – and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond” (wapo.st/3rteQ2D).

The fact that Levine is an openly transgender individual has created tension between members of the Senate. One such federal official is Sen. Rand Paul, who questioned Levine on her support of minors in their decisions to transition via hormone blockers or gender-confirming surgery. Levine stated that she would be willing to further discuss her views on transgender medicine as it is “a very complex and nuanced field” (bit.ly/3sAmUQO).

During her time as Pennsylvania’s Physician General, Levine was responsible for providing aid to opioid users as well as dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Levine utilized both of these issues as a launching pad into discussing equity within the American health care system.

She identifies as Jewish and has been a strong advocate for all people of color before, as well as during, the pandemic. “COVID-19 has shown us the tip of the iceberg of the lack of health equity,” Levine explained. “Socioeconomic status, food security, affordable housing, access to childcare and healthcare, systemic racism and discrimination all contribute to the disparities in COVID-19 and other diseases” (go.nature.com/3cxxrqm).

Levine has worked hard to prove herself as an academic while vying for her undergraduate degree at Harvard and her medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine. She feels she has also had to take extra steps to prove herself as an employee during her residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center and again during her teaching position at Pennsylvania State Hershey Medical Center.

She has made it clear that she will continue to pursue justice for all throughout the remainder of her career. Also serving as a board member of Equality Pennsylvania, Levine has no qualms with sharing her passionate support for the LGBTQ community. : : info: wapo.st/3uhPGGn — Julianna Peres

6

qnotes

April 2-15, 2021

Briefs Charlotte

AFTER WORK SOCIAL Wednesday, April 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the Queer Society Charlotte will be hosting a meet and greet at the Resident Culture Brewing Company. A live performance to take place by drag artist, Roxanne Debri. There will be a special for Society members to receive $1 off draughts during the event.

RSVPs are required.

info: bit.ly/3w3gZ8L National

CHILDREN’S SERIES RELEASED FEATURING TRANSGENDER PROTAGONISTS “Perfectly Me” by Swedish filmmaker Camilla Gisslow showcases several transgender youths as they celebrate who they are in all facets of life. The series includes Perfectly Linus, Perfectly Bella, and Perfectly Charlie. Gisslow herself has a transgender son and wrote these books for children to have the opportunity to be able to see themselves reflected in literature. These books are available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

info: bit.ly/3ffm4Vu

VICTORY INSTITUTE OFFERING FELLOWSHIP Offered to LGBTQ people of color, the purpose of this fellowship is to strength those who aim to become policymakers and movement leaders in the near future. This program requires that recipients are available for Canditate & Campaign Traning from Oct. 14 to Oct. 17. This training will train Fellows in campaign-related scenarios and situations. Future participants of the Victory Institute Fellowship have become involved in city council and the House of Representatives. Applications are due April 11.

info: bit.ly/3deG0oS

CAMPUS PRIDE MINI-GRANT A donation from HBO Max has allowed for $600 to be offered to students across the nation who are working towards social reform. Grassroots organizations and individual activists should apply with a specific goal in mind and a detailed plan for fund allocation. The focus of these should be the LGBTQ and POC communities.

Activists between the ages of 18 and 26 will receive priority consideration.

info: bit.ly/2QFzobJ Global

VATICAN PUBLISHES DECREE AGAINST GAY MARRIAGE One of the biggest questions concerning the Vatican’s decree is about Pope Francis’ 2013 statement that the Catholic church should not judge those who are LGBTQ. According to the National Catholic Reporter, this Decree is especially harmful to those in extremely Catholic households who have since been forced to remain in the closet due to fear of acceptance by family and peers. In Greensboro, LGBTQ Catholics have begun questioning their stance on the Catholic church and its presence in North Carolina (bit.ly/3d7LF05).

info: bit.ly/3d7LF05 — Compiled by Julianna Peres

SAGE Central North Carolina to Utilize CARES Act Funds

SAGE Central North Carolina (SAGE) is offering a grant for the betterment of LGBTQ seniors in Wake County. Doled out via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act the funds will be allocated to those in need of economic aid. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the CARES Act is being offered to LGBTQ caregivers and care recipients who have been both directly and indirectly affected by COVID-19.

To apply for these grants, either the healthcare worker or the individual receiving assistance must identify as LGBTQ. To qualify, the grantee must be over 18 years of age and providing aid to an adult who is over the age of 60. The only exceptions to these regulations are those with dementia or those with severe disabilities.

SAGE’s announcement also indicates that those who do not reside in Wake County may be eligible for some opportunities, which would include support groups and LGBTQ elder trainings. Through the CARES Act grant itself, recipients will be afforded maintenance of their homes, healthcare supplies and meal delivery.

This grant will be especially impactful for those living in the more rural areas of Wake County. COVID-19 has affected residents in the secluded areas of North Carolina extensively over the past several months.

Last month, Wake County launched a campaign for COVID-19 testing across several locations (abc11.tv/3c81HHX).

These grants will be absolutely vital in maintaining the health of elder Wake County locals through COVID-19 and beyond. The Organization is accepting grant applications to aid LGBTQ elders. deadline for grant (Photo Credit: scaliger via Adobe Stock) applications is the end of September.

For questions regarding the CARES grant, or to apply, contact Sharon Kilpatrick at sage@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. : : info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com

Time Out Youth Searching for New Executive Director

Time Out Youth (TOY) is currently accepting applications for a new Executive Director (ED). Applicants will be reviewed by the Kevin Chase Executive Search Group.

The new ED will be instrumental in the allocation of funds to TOY clientele and oversee a team of interns and a staff of nine employees.

Both volunteers and staffers will work in conjunction with the ED in all events, as well as donation and outreach programs. Together the team will work with Charlotte LGBTQ youth in need to help provide Time Out Youth is looking for a LGBTQ-sensitive applicant assistance with basic (Photo Credit: mvcaspel via Adobe Stock) requirements.

In accordance with the TOY Recruitment Profile, applicants must have five years of senior management experience, a background in fundraising and an in-depth understanding of budgeting.

In addition to those qualifications, potential candidates should be capable of connecting with LGBTQ individuals on a professional level and in a personable manner. Not only should a potential applicant be knowledgeable of all LGBTQ identities, but they should also have a clear understanding of health and wellness programs provided by TOY. The current Interim Executive Director, O’Neal Atkinson, has been a leader for improving social awareness of the LGBTQ community. His background in social work has been a pivotal point of his work with TOY. Atkinson recently spoke about LGBTQ youth who have found themselves homeless or in stressful home situations because of COVID-19 restrictions (https://bit.ly/3r1FjV0).

During the pandemic, TOY began offering mental health counseling online.

Expanding that aspect of the organiation’s services will be another part of the new ED’s responsibilities.

To apply, send an email to: search@kevinchasesearch.com. : : info: timeoutyouth.org

— Julianna Peres

— Julianna Peres

April 2-15, 2021

qnotes

7

life

HIV & COVID-19

Isolation Created by One Virus Causes the Spread of Another

BY L’MONIQUE KING |QNOTES STAFF WRITER

T

hose of us who were of age in the 1980s remember all too well how a devastating virus ravaged the gay community. On June 5, 1981, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) published an article describing cases of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP), a rare lung infection found in five unacquainted young white gay men in Los Angeles, all of them previously healthy.

The CDC’s Dr. Wayne Shandera, immunologist Dr. Michael Gottlieb and their colleagues reported that the five young men had other unusual infections as well. The infections, they explained, were indicators of weakened immune systems.

By the time the article was published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), two of the young men (believed to be symptomatic between October 1980 – May 1981) had already died. The infection they died from shortly became known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

After nearly two decades of initial research and development (which continues today), intervention and prevention methods and medication that has evolved from those combined efforts, AIDS is now an acronym rarely heard or utilized.

In 2021, after millions of AIDS-related deaths in the past and vast medical advances, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) continues to infect people, but far fewer cases grow to full-blown AIDS. AIDS occurs when an HIV positive individual has gone without proper treatment and care. Both HIV and AIDS damage an individual’s immune system, interfering with the body’s ability to fight off infection and disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the progression from untreated HIV to AIDS can take eight to 10 years. Along the way, however, the body’s ability to fight off infection and disease can be compromised as HIV destroys CD4 cells (also known as T cells and white blood cells) that greatly assist in fighting disease. It becomes more likely that an infected person

8

qnotes

April 2-15, 2021

As COVID-19 numbers rose, so did HIV. Some organizations have partnered with COVID testing teams to also provide HIV testing. (Photo Credit: The Gender Spectrum Collection via VICE.com) would develop opportunistic infections and cancers, along with other diseases that would generally not appear in a person with a healthy immune system.

The fewer CD4 cells you have, the weaker your immune system becomes.

It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can also be spread by contact with infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding.

These days, the newest and most recent viral culprit we hear so much about isn’t HIV, it’s COVID-19.

Unlike HIV, COVID-19 isn’t defined as a sexually transmitted infection, although it can be passed from one person to another through saliva during a kiss ,and it has been found in semen of men who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Predominantly, it is believed to be transmitted through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, creating a scenario

that makes the possibility of infection even more frightening.

Although most people who have COVID-19 have mild symptoms, it can also cause severe illness and even death.

Despite the massive rollout of multiple vaccines and the decline of deaths in recent months, it’s important to note 2.76 million people have died globally and nearly 550,000 of those individuals perished here in the United States.

In the wake of all this, many people have wondered how one virus impacts the other when it comes to transmission, infection rates and care.

With so much focus on COVID-19, health care professionals and at-risk community members are wondering if campaigns like “Getting to Zero” and “Ending the Epidemic of HIV” will lose traction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like most things, there’s more than one side to this nuanced issue; particularly since those with weakened immune

systems are at greater risk for contracting COVID-19. That being said, healthcare organizations have had to prioritize staffing and funding to keep up with rising numbers in HIV and COVID-19 while looking at and utilizing innovative methods in meeting the needs and demands HIV prevention calls for.

Some organizations, like The PowerHouse Project (the intervention and prevention division of Quality Comprehensive Health Services), have partnered with COVID-19 testing teams (who made themselves available to disadvantaged at risk communities) to continue to provide free HIV testing and referral resources.

This was especially necessary during a time of business shutdowns and state lockdowns, which often prevented people from leaving their homes to access services that may not have been considered essential.

Larger organizations like the Mecklenburg County Health Department rolled out programs that allowed residents to receive free HIV home testing kits.

Others took to social media platfor ms to bolster messages of safe-sex practices, HIV testing and ways of accessing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a course of HIV drugs (generally one daily pill) taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection.

On March 25, the NC AIDS Action Network (NCAAN) hosted a webinar: HIV and the COVID Vaccine. NCAAN’s Health Access Coordinator, J. Donte Prayer, discussed the connection of the two viruses and COVID-19’s impact on HIV. “Even [with] COVID-19, we still need to ensure there is adequate and continuous awareness around HIV and HIV-impacted communities. Health care agencies have been so tapped into COVID testing and vaccine administering that HIV prevention has somehow been lost in the fervor, which is odd because HIV is often see next page u

The long-term isolation due to COVID-19 has increased desires to go out and socialize.

(Photo Credit: Maridav via Adobe Stock) brought up in conversation by people comparing COVID-19 with HIV.” The comparisons Prayer spoke of are often discussions on disparities. To date, HIV impacts the Black gay and/or Black men who have sex with men communities more than any other. Like so many other health conditions, the Black community is often hit hardest, with HIV carrying a stigma deeply rooted within families and faith-based communities.

Adding insight to the issue of the relationship between COVID-19 and HIV is Patrice Marsh, a prevention case manager for RAIN (Regional AIDS Inter-faith Network). RAIN is an intervention and prevention organization that aims to empower persons living with HIV and those at risk to be healthy and stigma-free.

Marsh confirms COVID-19’s impact on HIV has directly resonated with communities and health organizations. As a result of COVID-19, her clients now have access to software like Docusign, enabling them to sign forms and other documents from their homes. Marsh continues to take all necessary precautions in accompanying clients to initial clinic visits, but subsequent visits, including mental health appointments are held virtually.

The same is true for many organizations in the wake of COVID-19. Marsh believes this has “helped a lot of people

with the uncertainty, stress and anxiety” the pandemic has produced.

While noting an uptick in PrEP enrollments (from about May to November 2020), of particular concern was how popular sex parties have become. “[With] people being confined to their homes, and limited social interaction, a lot of single people who would normally be dating [in person] and going out, COVID sex parties have become popular,” Marsh explains.

“Sex parties aren’t new, but what is new is the desire to get out of the house and have some social contact. As a result we’ve seen an uptick in [HIV] positives.

So we started doing live streams, talking about a little bit of everything – but primarily to address this.”

While it is regrettable, COVID-19 precautions are all too often being dismissed and safer sex practices sometimes go ignored by those using PrEP; there’s no question that health workers and members of the community are working diligently to quell the spread of COVID-19 and HIV alike.

Clearly, it’s important to remain vigilant. By closing the gaps in health care disparities through empathy, access and education, we can hope for a future where both viruses will remain controlled and eventually eradicated. : :

April 2-15, 2021

qnotes

9

news

Transgender Student Athletes Unfairly Benched by House Bills Multiple States Introduce Legislation Impacting Trans Participation in Sports

BY JULIANNA PERES | QNOTES STAFF WRITER

M

ore than 30 states have passed bills relating to the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” which would prohibit transgender women from participating in women’s sporting events. These bills are targeting middle and high school students across the United States, claiming the exclusions will even the playing field by keeping “men” from playing in women’s teams.

The criteria for students seeking to enroll in sports will be as follows, according to state representative Mark Brody (R-NC), “In order to decide who is or isn’t a female, we put a bright-line test, that says whatever you were born biologically. Were you an XX or an XY? That’s the test. It’s really as simple as that.” (bit.ly/3rqGiyb).

According to the Ohio House of Representatives, the introduction of the Save Women’s Sport Act (House Bill 527), would serve to protect female athletes by creating regulations that “biological males cannot play on female teams” (bit.ly/2PuVKvR).

During the press conference for HB 527, Ohio State Representative Reggie Stolzfus was asked if he believed in referring to transgender individuals with their preferred pronouns. He refused to provide an answer.

The bill goes on to claim that the “Save Women’s Sports Act” also [specify] biological men who identify as a female cannot be categorized as a woman [in order] to compete against women in sports.” (bit.ly/3tX5ON5).

South Carolina, Kansas and Mississippi are some of the other states that have recently passed similar bills regarding women’s sports. In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves has publicly endorsed law SB 2536, which will not allow for any transgender participants in sporting events. The law’s guidelines include using

students’ dead names (generally prior to transitioning names), inappropriate pronouns and enforcing they wear clothing that is not gender-confirming (bit. ly/2PadqNA).

House Bill 1217, as enacted by South Dakota, opens their legislative findings with the determination that there is no gray area or fluidity within the gender binary (bit.ly/3rmYmJn). This bill states that “one is either male or female,” allowing no room for gender expansive individuals, especially those who identify as intersex, genderfluid or gender noncomforming, in addition to those who identify as transgender.

The bill goes on to cite Emma Hilton, a developmental biologist, on her piece titled “Transgender Women in the Female Category of Sport: 24 Perspectives on Testosterone Suppression and Performance Advantage, Sports 25 Med” (2020). This study details the assertion that transgender women create situations for both female and male sports teams that are unfair to all participating parties and is entirely based on biological factors, rather than social factors and taking physical fitness and cardiovascular endurance into account without any in-field studies to be cited.

Hilton’s findings state that children display different athletic abilities as they develop into puberty, but does not interact with transgender or otherwise gender expansive youths throughout the study.

The scientific aspects of this research are not conducive with outliers such as cisgender women who are larger and faster than their male competitors; for example, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Blanka Vlasic or Maria Sharapova.

Filed on March 22, North Carolina’s House Bill 358 makes the false claim that

School can be a challenging time for transgender students and these bills will not help.

(Photo Credit: The Gender Spectrum Collection via VICE.com)

10

qnotes

April 2-15, 2021

The bills passed have transphobic guidelines used to determine whether or not a student is allowed to play on a certain team. (Photo Credit: Orlando Florin Rosue via Adobe Stock)

cisgender women in high school are no longer able to access scholarships or achieve in athletics because transgender women are allowed to participate in women’s sports.

Brody made his intentions with HB 358 clear, “I do not want to wait until biological females are pushed out of female sports.” These intentions were widely backed by several Republican representatives who voiced fears that cisgender women in sports would become obsolete if transgender women were included in their teams.

Several North Carolina based organizations have come out publicly against the bill, including Equality NC, Transcend Charlotte and Time Out Youth (bit.ly/31ppwoG).

LGBTQ youth have taken to social media, as well, to protest the “Save Women’s Sports Act.” Transgender youth have been speaking out about the obstacles they face attending middle and high school, regardless of sports or athletics. Several have shared that the

class they are most hesitant to attend is indeed Physical Education, because of the gendered assertions that P.E. teachers often utilize.

Public supporters of HB 358 are also showing up on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

In the comment section of the Facebook page for WCNC-TV Charlotte, response to their news report on HB 358 confirms there are several individuals who feel that transgender youth are not to be admitted into any existing sports teams.

One person wrote, “I have no issue with how a person identifies. I do, however, have a huge problem with guys competing in girls’ events. Give the people who identify with another sex their own sporting group,” (bit.ly/3sqSIre).

This rhetoric is almost identical to that of those who strongly supported HB 2, instead suggesting that transgender individuals have “their own bathroom” without offering any suggestions as to funding for such restrooms. : :

life

The Largest LGBTQ Sports Organization in the Carolinas Stonewall Sports Charlotte Offers Judgment-Free Team Sports and Events

BY NATASHA MOREHOUSE | QNOTES STAFF WRITER

F

or many people, when they were younger, gym class was a miserable time full of overcompetitive peers and an unwelcoming atmosphere. Stonewall Sports Charlotte is the antithesis of this experience. The LGBTQ (and allies) organization offers an array of low-impact sports and players of any skill level are able to join. They believe that everyone should have the ability to feel comfortable playing an organized sport and they have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. Team sports are a great way to stay active and meet new people in the community.

There are a range of sports to choose from and there is sure to be something for everyone.

Stonewall Sports Charlotte offers bowling, cornhole, dodgeball, kickball, softball, indoor volleyball and sand volleyball. Registration for these teams is currently on hold due to COVID-19. When it reopens, When it reopens, registration will range from $25 to $40, which will include a league shirt.

Stonewall Sports Charlotte has a variety of sports leagues to join.

For those interested in virtual games, (Photo Credit: Stonewall Sports Charlotte) Stonewall Sports Charlotte has a variety of esports teams, including Mario Kart, Rocket League and Fortnite. They also offer a casual Registration for these events is currently free and can be weekly Jackbox game night, in which participants only done at stonewallcharlotte.org/esports. Those interested need a web-enabled device to play. This allows people to are encouraged to join the Discord server to communicate social-distance while still being active in the community. with fellow members.

Stonewall Sports Charlotte also puts a heavy emphasis on community and hosts charity events throughout the year. Since forming in 2014, they have donated over $150,000 to charities in the Charlotte region. These range from youth services to pet charities to counseling centers and more. In addition to this, they have distributed over 8,000 blankets and 200 bagged lunches to the homeless community. Even if someone is not a member of any of the sports teams, they are still welcome to volunteer in the community with Stonewall Sports Charlotte.

Stonewall Sports organizations are located all across the United States. For those who do not live in Charlotte, go to stonewallsports.leagueapps.com to see all leagues or even start a new one. Jason Boone, the founder of Stonewall Sports Charlotte, was inspired to create this division after his friend introduced him to Stonewall Sports Raleigh. It began as a kickball league with 90 people and has grown to an average of 1,600 players per year. Boone states, “No matter your background. No matter, well, anything, Stonewall is a place where you can meet new friends and have fun.”

To learn more about Stonewall Sports Charlotte, go to stonewallcharlotte.org. : :

April 2-15, 2021

qnotes

11

a&e

Leaving On a Jet Plane, Don’t Know When…

Tell Trinity

BY TRINITY | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Hello Trinity, My woman and I broke up. It got so sour that we ended up in court. Now she’s dishing my name all over town. How do I stay where I am ‘til all the gossip stops?

Yours truly, Broken Hearted, Provincetown, MA Hello Broken Hearted, First, lets start by practicing forgiveness. Forgiveness is key to everything.

Second, lets start practicing good selfesteem. Loving yourself makes everything secondary. And lastly, lets start practicing vacationing. When my name goes bad all over town, I take a vacation until the gossip dies down. Disappearing is also very popular in Hollywood and D.C. Remember darling, time heals everything!

Good luck, Trinity To Trinity, Many years back you used to always mention Bill Goldberg of

Q-mmunity

connections

the WCW (World Championship Wrestling).

I finally had a look at him. He’s a great looking older man, but I don’t see a halo around him. Don’t you think you were obsessing? Don’t you think you should leave him alone? He’s already in a relationship.

Yours, Practical, Dallas, TX To Practical, I’m sorry you couldn’t see the halo.

Maybe you need glasses. I see the halo every time I look at his big, muscular...

And yes, I know he’s involved. I have had my lawyers working on it for years.

Please, let me, the world around you and yourself have unreachable dreams.

Maybe he’s not monogamous. Not everyone is. Now pumpkin, sing along with me, “Goin’ to the chapel and I’m gonna get maa-a-ried. Goin’ to the chapel of love.”

Impractically yours, Trinity

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

12

qnotes

April 2-15, 2021

Dear Trinity, I’m an adult, professional, masculine and gay. Wearing fine lingerie, silk, satin, nylon and lace are a great turn on for me.

I wear lace panties under my business suits and Levi’s. I don’t consider myself a drag queen or a member of the trans community.

Are there any groups or societies of gay men who think as I do?

Yours, Masculine Panties, Minneapolis, MN Dear Masculine Panties, The internet is full of groups that will fit your needs. This feeling or fetish crosses all straight, bisexual, trans and gay lines. So if you like the sensual feeling of lingerie, the soft, sliding essence of silk

or the lusty designs of lace then enjoy it for what it is. Because it’s your God-given gift to express your femininity. So, you go, honey, and be proud!

Hugs, Trinity Dearest Trinity, A while back you did a top ten tips on how to scan someone’s home to tell if they’re not gay. I thought it was great but what about how to tell if they ARE gay?

Sincerely, Clueless, Atlanta, GA Dearest Gay Clueless, Sorry, I didn’t mean to leave anyone out. This is something everyone should know. So baby, here are:

Trinity’s Undercover Tips For Telling If Someone Is Gay

By Searching For Clues In Their Home

1. Living room: no oversized pool table, flashing beer signs or wall-to-wall wood paneling. Gay! 2. Kitchen: no rusty Teflon pots, generic saltine crackers or dead floral arrangements. Gay! 3. Bedroom: no unmatched (period) furniture, stained bedspreads or Rockwell knockoffs. Gay! 4. Bathroom: no towels with an odor, toilet seats with a crack or tacky seashells everywhere. Gay! 5. Video Collection: no “Baseball’s Greatest Hits,” “Habits of an Orangutan” or “Biography presents Dr. Laura Schlesinger.” Gay! 6. Wall Decor: rainbow-anything, Herb Ritts or Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Gay. (Thank God!) 7. The bar: does not have Stouts or Pilsners, but does have the finest of Vodkas. Gay! 8. Answering machine: uses phrases like; “Whatever your pleasure. Life can’t be measured. But let’s first see your treasures!” Definitely gay!

9. Cutlery drawer: the finest of cutlery, from the most renowned designers, with a separate drawer for matching cloth napkins. Gay! 10. Lastly: no signs of anything with John Wayne mounted on a horse, singing a county version of the “Republican National Anthem.” Then, absolutely gay!

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.

life

No Pain, No Gain? No Way!

Health & Wellness: Gauging Discomfort During Exercise

BY JACK KIRVEN | QNOTES CONTRIBUTOR

S

o, we have nearly made it! The options for vaccines against COVID-19 are coming available, and more people are getting inoculated. That is awesome news, and I am really happy so many people are getting the shots. However, there is one glaring concern I have: people rushing back to the gym or group classes after protracted absences.

First, I strongly urge you not to go maskless. Reputable establishments should still be requiring face coverings, even if limitations on hours and capacity are being loosened. In my opinion, it is happening too quickly, but one must go with the flow, I guess. Aside from continuing the general protocols, I guess there isn’t much to add on this front.

However, if you have not been active for the last year, do be careful about how your enthusiasm drags you into Beast Mode prematurely. It’s quite likely you will need to build back up to what you were doing before, regardless of the activities you prefer. Something I have been hearing with alarming regularity is a terrible turn of phrase from the ’80s: No Pain, No Gain.

Just stop right there. No, no, no. Reject that outright. First, let’s examine the concept of discomfort, especially if you insist on attending ridiculously and notoriously destructive group classes in the Crossfit style. I would whole heartedly push you to do practically anything else, particularly if you are new to or recently returning to fitness training. Crossfit in general does

What you not teach or definitely do promote good not want to technique, and feel is sudden its competitive or extreme nature leads to pressure, heat, alarming numgrinding, popbers of injuries. ping, twinging, Just consider it. tearing, stabDiscomfort bing, cutting exists in deor snapping. grees. Before Your response we go further, to that should remember this: be surprise and You should Take caution not to overexert yourself during a workout. fear. That is feel effort in (Photo Credit: NDABCREATIVITY via Adobe Stock) different from your muscles, dreading the not your mounting burn. You expect the burn, but joints. Discomfort in your neck, shoulders, pain should always be a shock. There is a elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, difference between wondering if the burn toes and spine is not healthful and should is correct and knowing the pain is not. be addressed immediately. Something There is a difference between ending and is amiss with your alignment and/or the dithe burning instantly subsiding, and the rection of the action and/or the amount of pain lingering on past the finish. Do not resistance. Always protect your joints. ignore that, and do not work through it.

With that in mind, it isn’t pain you What I am about to describe is totally should be feeling. When you exercise subjective and in no way is meant to be a correctly, there is a burn associated with specific measure of discomfort. It’s a clue it. That degree of discomfort is continumeant to remind you to pay attention. Your ous and grows steadily as you approach face: What is it doing? If you are making crazy temporary exhaustion. When you stop, you contortions with your eyes, nostrils, mouth should feel yourself begin to recover from or neck, it can indicate that you are working it immediately. Again, it should be felt in the past a safe zone of effort. If you cannot keep muscles themselves. Is it a little alarming at your face relatively relaxed, consider where first? Sure. But stressing your frame in this your exertion is actually going. Are you trying way is what will improve your fitness. Your to grow your booty or your frown lines? tolerance for it will very quickly adapt.

Also, are you using controlled motion in all directions that focuses on stressing the muscles only? If you are heaving, throwing, rocking, jerking, sliding, mooshing, collapsing, dropping or in any way using momentum or gravity to assist your work, you are likely doing too much. This is nearly always accompanied by poor alignment and increases your risk of injury.

Work up to the moment that sits just short of failure, not beyond it.

You should feel gratified on some level when you finish, perhaps relieved.

Definitely accomplished. You should not feel destroyed. Definitely not defeated.

There may be some swelling and plumping after you are done, but it shouldn’t be throbbing or debilitating.

As you regain your footing, all of this will return and improve. What matters most is that you respond to what your body is telling you. Distinguish in your mind what you mean when you think or say, “This hurts!” Does it hurt? Or does it burn? Is it uncomfortable, or is it painful?

Discomfort is growth, but pain is destructive. If I were to offer an antidote to No Pain, No Gain, I would suggest this: No Burn, No Earn. : : Jack Kirven completed the MFA in Dance at UCLA, and earned certification as a personal trainer through NASM. His wellness philosophy is founded upon integrated lifestyles as opposed to isolated workouts. Visit him at jackkirven.com and INTEGRE8Twellness.com.

views

Feeling Alive With Exercise Spiritual Reflections

BY REV. EMILY HARTNER | GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

W

ell, I bit the bullet and bought a stationary bike. I used to take spin classes at the YMCA pre-COVID, but then, when COVID hit, our family dropped our gym membership. Last spring, I started walking or jogging outside when the weather was nice, but then the weather turned not-so-nice and any exercise I was getting came to a screeching halt.

My body felt it as I started putting on the weight that others have called the “COVID 19.” My mind morphed into the “pandemic brain.” I had troubled making decisions and getting small tasks completed in a timely manner. My body needed a nap every day, sometimes two naps a day. Like lots of other people, I was struggling to make it through this pandemic. I felt half dead, and I knew that something had to change. So I bought the bike. It was one change I could make without risking exposure to COVID and while remaining quarantined in home.

Since then, I’ve gotten up between 5:30 and 6:30 A.M. six days a week to ride 3045 minutes at a time.

I have fallen into a new morning routine. I get up before anyone else in my house is awake. It’s still dark outside, though I can occasionally see a light on at our neighbor’s house across the street, a sign that the world is gradually waking up with me to a new day. I quickly change into the workout gear that I’ve laid out the night before. I don’t bother turning on my own lights; I just ride in the dark. I don’t need to see where I’m going. I don’t bother brushing my teeth or my hair; no one can see (or, thank God, smell) me. I push my ear buds in, crank up both the volume and the beat, clip into the pedals and go.

The warmth in my body builds quickly, as do the beads of sweat on my skin. My heartrate rises and rises and rises, sometimes until the point when I think I might die clipped into that bike. But I don’t die.

Instead, something miraculous happens.

Instead, my heart pumps rich, oxygenated blood throughout my body, to both my toes and my brain. I can feel my muscles working, pushing with every pedal stroke, becoming stronger. And the miracle I experience

is that of simply feeling, once again, alive. I. Am. Alive. I can make decisions again. I can complete tasks. I have more energy.

Yes, I am alive. And so are you. We are living beings, interconnected to one another and to this world of which we are a part.

My faith tradition — Christianity — has a lot to say about life and death, or rather (let’s get the order straight) about death and life. This is the time of the year when we place the greatest emphasis on that pattern. This is the time of the year when we are surrounded by signs of life—flowers blooming, trees budding, longer days and the return of birds, bunnies and butterflies.

In a remarkable move, Christianity took this season of life and layered on top of it the story of resurrection, of death losing its sting, of life prevailing once and for all.

My exercise regime is not about becoming the most fit person, or about fitting my body into societal norms that harm so many people. It’s not even about losing weight. I exercise in order to feel my heart beating and to get the blood pumping throughout my body. I exercise

in order to remind myself of the gift of life. And the bike sits in my guest room, an invitation on the days when I feel less than alive, to clip in and remember that life always follows death.

Life follows death. Yes, at that moment when these finicky bodies of ours finally give out and we breathe our last breaths.

But life follows death in so many other ways until we get to this point. I pray that, in this season, each of you can move your bodies so that your heart rate rises just enough to remind you that you are alive, and then, that you live into that life and all its many gifts. : : The Rev. Emily K. Hartner is a North Carolina native and has lived in Charlotte for over 10 years. She is the Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with a mission of “Loving Not Judging.” In her spare time, she enjoys riding her exercise bike, laughing with her five-year-old son and experimenting with watercolors.

April 2-15, 2021

qnotes

13

a&e

Screen Savor: French Kiss A Review of Azazel Jacobs’ “French Exit”

BY GREGG SHAPIRO | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Can you believe that Michelle Pfeiffer has never won an Academy Award? She’s been nominated three times but has never taken home an Oscar. Her “Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy” Golden Globe Award nomination for French Exit (Sony Pictures Classics/Stage 6) is her eighth (she won for The Fabulous Baker Boys), but with fierce competition from Frances McDormand in “Nomadland” and Viola Davis in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” she’s been shut out again.

In Azazel Jacobs’ “French Exit,” Pfeiffer draws on all her comedic gifts (and some of her dramatic ones, too) to make Frances, a deeply unsympathetic woman, worthy of our time and attention. Think Cate Blanchett’s character in Blue Jasmine (which earned Blanchett an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA).

Recently widowed, Frances is an itinerant mother and New York socialite who shows up at her son’s prep school on the day he’s about to be kicked out and sweeps him out the door with her. It’s the first time they’ve seen each other in a long time, and this kind of event sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

Over breakfast in their Manhattan townhouse a few years later, Frances reveals to her son, Malcolm (Lucas Hedges), that she

14

qnotes

April 2-15, 2021

that they are has a meeting going to France. with her financial Malcolm, in turn, guy and it doesn’t breaks the news look promisto Susan, who ing. She’s right. doesn’t take “Every penny” in it well.

Frances’ account, Frances as well as her and Malcolm investments and travel in style, of property, now course, aboard belong to the a transatlantic bank. She was Protagonist Frances, her cat, Small Frank and her cruise. Along with warned years son, Malcolm. (Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Classics) the family cat, before but didn’t Small Frank. On listen. Now she’s the luxury liner, Malcolm meets and hooks being advised to sell everything — jewelry, up with Madeleine (Danielle Macdonald), art and books — privately. You see, Frances’ a fortune teller in a tent who is too good plan was to die before the money ran out, at her job. Not only does she predict the but she “kept not dying.” death of one of the passengers, but she also Malcolm has his own drama to deal with. recognizes something special about Small He’s engaged to Susan (Imogen Poots), but Frank (more about that later). he still hasn’t told Frances. On the night he Frances and Malcolm settle into their decides to do so, Frances shares her news Paris life. A confrontation with a rude waiter with him first — “we’re insolvent.” in a café has a fiery conclusion. A dinner There are signs of hope. Frances sucinvitation from expat Mme. Reynard (scenecessfully sells everything and ends up stealer Valerie Mahaffey) gets off on the with a good sum of cash. Her best friend, wrong foot but soon corrects itself in the Joan (Susan Coyne), offers to let her and best way possible. But the good feeling is Malcolm move into her unoccupied Paris short-lived when Small Frank runs out of the apartment. Having converted her dollars flat and into the unfamiliar streets. Mme. into euros, she announces to Malcolm

Reynard comes to the apartment to comfort Frances, but she’s inconsolable. That is until she remembers Madeleine also disembarked in Paris, and they need to find her because of her connection to the cat.

Frances hires Julius (Isaach De Bankolé), a private investigator, to track down Madeleine who in turn will track down Small Frank. Why the obsession with the cat?

Because the soul of Frances’ late husband Franklin is in Small Frank. Once Madeleine is located, there’s a séance where they talk to Small Frank (voiced by Tracy Letts) and attempt to establish a kind of closure.

Before you know it, Joan’s apartment is suddenly crowded. Joan shows up because she thinks Frances will self-harm. Susan and her fiancée Tom (Daniel di Tomasso) arrive because Susan is likely still in love with Malcolm. The only thing taking up less space is Frances’ stash of cash which dwindles daily.

If that seems like a lot to keep track of, it is. But here’s what keeps the offbeat “French Exit” afloat: Jacobs and screenwriter Patrick DeWitt (who also wrote the screenplay to Jacobs’ Terri from 2011) have made a movie that draws on only the best elements in Wes Anderson movies. Absurdity balanced with reality. Pathos offset by humor. : : Rating: B+

life

Our People: Roger J. Howard Manager of Properties and Sports

BY L’MONIQUE KING | QNOTES STAFF WRITER

I

used to be the director of the dodgeball program prior to taking on the role of commissioner. There’s something about adults being able to throw balls at each other on Sundays. You get a lot of aggression out. It’s also entertaining to watch. But, others might say volleyball.

t’s a blustery morning and the first official Sunday of spring; Roger Howard has just finished his breakfast. He strolls into his bedroom, which is flooded with natural sunlight that makes his Rattle Snake plant and temperamental Fiddleleaf Fig plant thrive. The atmosphere is serene, with warm, white walls ready for artwork he’s anxious to hang.

He’s a busy young man, but happy to take the time to speak with qnotes.

The 32-year-old is a graduate of North Carolina State, a new construction property manager and the Charlotte City Commissioner for Stonewall Sports, a community-based sporting organization for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

He’s eager to share his enthusiasm, and we’re excited to explore his story.

In light of what we’ve been living through over the past year or so, has anything changed?

Yes, our current efforts in the age of Covid have required us to pivot.

Pivot’s been one of my favorite words in the last year. When we were forced to cancel our spring and summer sports offerings, and so many people looked forward to having us as that go-to outlet for sports activities, things looked bleak. We just launched eSports, which stands for electronic sports. Two community members came up with the idea and created a platform that we adopted.

We’re working on getting it ratified on a national level and just finished a tournament; Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

The cool thing about eSports is that these people [gamers/participants] are already in our community; now we’re reaching new people, people who have never played traditional sports that we’re now able to connect with. Super important during Covid.

Tell us where you were born.

Mt. Holly, N.J. Oh, so you’re a transplant?

No. My father was in the military and stationed at Fort Dix in New Jersey at the time I was born. I’ve lived in North Carolina for over 20 years, but I’ve been in Charlotte for nine years now.

Do you have any siblings?

Yes, I have an older sister, Archella. She was named after my grandfather, Archie.

We’re six years apart and she’s amazing.

Her sense of humor. I think she’s the realest, funniest person on the planet and she inspires me to make the impossible possible. She’s just the best big sister.

[She] keeps me grounded and rooted in what really matters in the world.

Family seems important to you.

When you think of family, living or passed, does anyone in particular come to mind that you’d want to spend more time with?

My paternal grandmother, [Eva]. She passed away last May and it wasn’t until her funeral that I learned how truly powerful and impactful she was in lifting her family out of poverty. My dad and her were on a first name basis, and it makes me wonder what she sacrificed as a working parent that attributed to that. My dad grew up poor in Mississippi and not a lot has changed there as far as economic opportunity, growth and racism. But again, I would say my grandmother because of how amazing it was to hear stories [during her funeral] about all the things she did, but it also answered so many questions that I was afraid to ask when I was young.

You don’t wanna pry, [but] if I could talk to her now, I’d love to know what inspired and motivated her. Obviously, being a mother was part of that, but it wasn’t just that; it was her sisters, her family, a lot of things.

Let’s talk about your involvement with Stonewall Sports.

I’m the City Commissioner at Stonewall Sports. I’m in charge of sports and programs, and I work with the Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation Department securing spaces for events. The [organization] name pays homage to the Stonewall Riots that launched the LGBT rights movement.

Considering that the Stonewall Rebellion took place in New York, do you think the name, Stonewall Sports, resonates as much in the south as it might in the north?

I don’t think as much in the south. However, I think it opens the door for folks to learn a little bit of history about

When you’re not involved in playing or organizing athletic sporting events, what’s your favorite sedentary activity?

Ooooooh, I mean there’s nothing wrong with catching a good Netflix documentary or a crime drama on Hulu. In the last year, a lot of us have had a lot of TV time, so that would probably be it; my go to on the couch — decompressing from world activity.

the name and the impact it’s had nationwide. Being an LGBT organization and all inclusive, you want to make sure that anyone who wants to be part of something can get out there and not just be active, but mentally stimulated.

The impact Stonewall Sports had on me made me want to see that continue.

What do you mean?

From a community perspective, it made me feel at home. I moved to Charlotte when I was young. When I was a 20-something [chuckling], like the average young 20-something, I spent my weekends at bars. But Stonewall [Sports] exposed me to so many people with inspiring stories that helped inspire me and [learn] your potential is only limited by the limits you set for yourself.

So, being a part of that and seeing the positive impact it had on friendships was impactful. You see, so many people new to the city don’t really have any [established local friendships], and Stonewall Sports makes really solid relationships accessible.

What’s the most popular sport at your organization?

It’s a toss-up between dodgeball and kickball, our first sport here in Charlotte. But I’m a little biased because I

Maybe you’ll get to do more of that once you retire. What do you imagine for yourself once you reach the age of retirement?

It’s funny, because these conversations come up quite a bit as you get older. Honestly, I see myself somewhere tropical. If I could buy a resort somewhere tropical, like Costa Rica, living there and running it. I thrive being constantly stimulated so much that when I think of myself retired, I know I couldn’t just sit somewhere and do that. Maybe for a period of time I could not work, but I’d be daydreaming about what’s the next big thing.

Is there a next big thing on your more recent horizon?

I’m already a Certified Apartment Manager, and I’m currently in Real Estate School studying for licensure. So, I’m looking to get more into real estate.

In closing, why don’t you tell QNotes readers something very few folks know about you?

I have tattoos, and I only have them on the left side of my body. I like the yin and yang of that. I’m right handed, so I kinda’ go through the world presenting the right side of myself — that’s a choice. I work in very corporate settings and whether people want to admit it or not, perception still impacts opportunity. So if I’m in a full suit and tie, you wouldn’t even know I have a single tattoo on my body. But catch me at the beach, and there’s a full story there. : :

April 2-15, 2021

qnotes

15

16

qnotes

April 2-15, 2021