QNotes April 11-24, 2014

April 11-24 . 2014

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April 11-24 . 2014

inside

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qnotes news & features

5 News Notes: U.S./World arts. entertainment. news. views.

6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 12 Trans CPCC student garners support 15 DJ apologizes for anti-gay tweets 17 Ty Turner files for office

a&e / life&style 13 18 18 19 20 22 24 26 27

N.C. authors get Lammy Award nods Fear, silence and loneliness Chorus artistic director receives honor Jane’s World Twin violinist to appear at Augusta Pride GayCharlotte Film Festival set Tell Trinity Q Events Calendar Our People: Lainey Millen

opinions & views

4 Editor’s Note 4 QPoll 25 Spiritual Reflections

Rainbow Nation!

Coming out, showing pride takes no back seat!

Ty Turner announces his senatorial bid Cameron Joyce shares rural living challenges Harvey Milk honored ‘forever’

April 11-24 . 2014

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qnotes connect April 11-24, 2014 Vol 28 No 25

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

contributors this issue

Paige Braddock, Matt Comer, Lainey Millen, Rabbi Eric Solomon, Trinity, Adam Wadding

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Graphic Design by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer Photography: Matt Comer Mission:

The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBT and straight ally communities of the Charlotte region, North Carolina and beyond, by featuring arts, entertainment, news and views in print and online that directly enlightens, informs and engages the readers about LGBT life and social justice issues.

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editor’s note

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Silent no more, LGBT community is creating a new “Charlotte Way” Last June, I took to this column to praise the death of “The Charlotte Way.” At the time, a recent forum with former Charlotte mayors had exposed some leaders’ — in particular, former mayors Richard Vinroot’s and now-Gov. Pat McCrory’s — sadness at what they perceived as the end of this iconic, local “way of doing things.”

“So, while Vinroot and McCrory are mourning the decline of the Charlotte Way, I, for one, am rejoicing at what could finally be the death of Charlotte’s Good Ol’ Boy System,” I wrote in my June 21, 2013, column (goqnotes. com/23502/). “It has had a ridiculously long time in power, but now we can all finally say good riddance to this awful relic of the Old South. …

It’s time for a new way, Charlotte — one that includes and empowers all people. This time, let’s build it from the bottom up.”

For the LGBT community, especially, it seems we have taken to truly making our own new “Charlotte Way” — one in which we and our allies refuse to sit back silently in the face of anti-LGBT oppression and discrimination.

With a healthy mix of traditional diplomacy and more outspoken advocacy, LGBT Charlotteans and their allies have increased their activism and protests, organizational growth and courage, outspokenness and solidarity. The result has been a newly-reinvigorated, more influential and more civically-minded and -engaged community.

It’s as if, all of a sudden, the entire community has collectively struck out in unison chant: We’re here. We’re queer. We aren’t going anywhere. We aren’t shutting up. We won’t be silenced, forgotten or overlooked.

We will have not only a seat, but also a voice at the table.

The list of accomplishments and growing influence of the past year is long: MeckPAC’s bold stands With a traditionally-quiet and behindthe-scenes approach, the Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee, under the leadership of chair Scott Bishop, staked out new positions and spoke publicly on matters like Charlotte’s sister-city relationship with Voronezh, Russia. During the summer, Bishop went to City Council and asked the city to severe its relationship with Voronezh. It was a bold claim, and one unfulfilled given the city’s desire to maintain its global relationships, but then-Mayor Patsy Kinsey and other city officials were given no other option but to engage.

In the fall, when election time came around, MeckPAC drew hard lines for candidates.

“You either support our full equality or you don’t,” they practically said. The result? More candidates came out in favor of full marriage equality and both mayoral candidates were passed over for endorsement.

Most inclusive leadership ever When former Mayor Anthony Foxx stepped down to take his new role as U.S. transportation secretary, Charlotte was handed its most LGBT-friendly leader yet.

Patsy Kinsey made history as the first mayor to participate in an LGBT Pride parade in the city and the first to issue a proclamation proclaiming the event dates “Charlotte Pride Weekend.” At the same time, Council moved forward with not one, but two, openly gay or lesbian members, with Plaza Midwood businessman Billy Maddalon appointed to serve in Kinsey’s District 1 seat. When election time was over, Charlotte’s openly gay or lesbian representation didn’t falter. As Maddalon exited and Kinsey retook her District 1 seat, voters elected Al Austin, joining LaWana Mayfield as the second gay candidate popularly elected to local office.

Pride like never before Speaking of the parade, Charlotte Pride — on whose board I’ve been proud to serve — grew leaps and bounds as it hosted the city’s first Pride parade in nearly 20 years. Charlotte has always said it’s a “world class city,” and Charlotte Pride brought it. A city can’t truly be “world class” without an LGBT Pride festival and parade, now can it?

Full equality and no less In October, same-sex couples in Charlotte made their mark and put their corner of North Carolina on notice — full marriage equality and no less — by protesting at the local register of deeds office.

Organizational growth Also in the fall, Time Out Youth Center moved to a new, expanded space, rounding out a year of growth that saw the addition of several new staff members. The group’s forward momentum saw it gaining influence in Charlotte and across the region, as its staff worked to organize and support young people as far out as Lincoln County.

qpoll Has the local LGBT community in Charlotte reached a turning point in its quest for inclusion and equality? Do you believe we have arrived at the moment when LGBT equality is a foregone conclusion?

See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll

Youth empowerment Continuing on the youth front, students at East Mecklenburg High School — who supported a fellow transgender student’s candidacy for homecoming king — proved in February that the next generation of leaders and citizens will be among the most progressive and inclusive the city has ever seen.

United calls for inclusion Then, in March, the community rallied together in a rare joint statement on local St. Patrick’s Day organizers’ anti-gay policies and connections to a national anti-gay organization.

More than two dozen leaders — myself and this newspaper’s publisher included — signed the statement, staking our own collective claim to full and unequivocal social inclusion in this city’s civic events.

Transgender visibility And, most recently, the community again came together in a show of public solidarity, supporting transgender Central Piedmont Community College student Andraya Williams, who says she was harassed and discriminated against by college security officers and officials.

At the forefront of the controversy is the Freedom Center for Social Justice’s LGBTQ Law Center, which represents Williams, and the locally-based national non-profit Campus Pride, which for the last year and a half had been working with CPCC faculty, staff and students on a plan to push the college toward greater inclusion.

There are other accomplishments, of course — far too many to list here. But, a review of the community’s growth and change wouldn’t be complete without noting an important evolution in our local LGBT leadership.

Leaders from a variety of organizations, like Bishop and his fellow MeckPAC committee members, have taken new and bold stands.

Time Out Youth Center leadership and staff have opened their doors to more proactive advocacy by this city’s and region’s LGBT young people, something the organization once lacked.

Charlotte Pride, fresh off its first year as an independent non-profit, had a vision, fulfilled it and is pushing for broader LGBT pride and empowerment. Groups like the Charlotte Business Guild, Charlotte Black Gay Pride and the newly-formed LGBT Democrats of Mecklenburg County are seeing an influx of a new crop of leaders unafraid to rock the boat and “step out of line” — even if ever so slightly — to ensure positive-forward movement for the city.

I’m reminded of yet another editorial I once wrote. Four years ago, I bemoaned the “curiously silent” community leadership in the face of one of Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill James’ most outrageous anti-gay attacks. That silence, I described at the time, was an “unwillingness to act,” an inability to “step up to the plate,” a “dropping of the ball” and a “missed opportunity.”

But, that was then, and our community and its leadership have changed dramatically for the better. No longer silently beholding to the spirit-crushing “Charlotte Way,” we are standing up, speaking out and making change like never before. Our new and very queer “way of doing things” is here to stay, and I couldn’t be more proud. : :

Mississippi passes ‘religious freedom’ law

JACKSON, Miss. — A so-called religious freedom law critics say could be used to discriminate against LGBT people was passed

by Mississippi lawmakers on April 1 and signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant on April 3. The new law will take effect on July 1.

The law says state and local governments cannot put a substantial burden on religious practices, a measure that sparked debate about possible discrimination against gay people and other groups.

An early version of the law, considered weeks ago, was similar to one that Arizona’s Republican governor, Jan Brewer, vetoed after business groups said it could hurt that state’s economy.

Supporters say the final version of the Mississippi law bears little resemblance to the failed Arizona measure. But opponents were skeptical and said the law could still prompt people to cite religious beliefs in taking actions that discriminate against gay people, women or those of different racial backgrounds or faiths.

“We don’t have a lot of good will out there in the country to fall back on when it comes to a record against discrimination,” said Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, citing Mississippi’s troubled racial history.

The Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act’s main sponsor was Republican Sen. Phillip Gandy of Waynesboro, a Baptist pastor.

“It protects Christians in the state from discrimination,” Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, who is also a Baptist pastor, told his House colleagues.

The law passed the House 79-43 and the Senate 37-14, with opposition coming from many Democrats, but not all of them.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Human Rights Campaign issued statements criticizing the law.

“Even though the Mississippi Legislature removed some of the egregious language from Arizona’s infamous SB 1062, we are disappointed that it passed this unnecessary law and ignored the national, public outcry against laws of this nature,” Eunice Rho, advocacy and policy counsel with the ACLU, said in a news release.

Sarah Warbelow, state legislative director for Human Rights Campaign, said the law “has the effect of making LGBT people

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strangers to the law.”

Tony Perkins, president of the Washingtonbased conservative group Family Research Council, praised the law.

“The Legislature gave strong approval to a law that declares that individuals do not have to trade their religious freedom for entrance into public commerce,” Perkins said.

The law, said the Rev. Jasmine BeachFerrara, executive director of the Asheville, N.C.-based Campaign for Southern Equality, “would promote discrimination against LGBT individuals and families in Mississippi. As a minister, it’s clear that this extreme law is about legalizing discrimination, not protecting religious freedom.”

Beach-Ferrara added, “Furthermore, the broad implications of this law could result in discrimination aimed toward many communities,” said Beach-Ferrara.

— LGBTQ Nation

Harvey Milk stamp unveiled

Linns Stamp News has unveiled the design for the U.S. commemorative stamp featuring slain gay rights activist Harvey Milk.

Milk made history as the first openly gay man to hold political office in California when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. He was shot and killed, along with San Francisco mayor George Moscone, on Nov. 27, 1978.

Milk will be the first openly LGBT elected official to be featured on a U.S. stamp.

The stamp features a black and white photo of Milk, and will be issued on May 22, 2014 (Harvey Milk Day) in locations yet to be determined. Both Washington, D.C., and San Francisco are potential first-day cities, according to Linns.

U.S. Postal officials announced the creation of a Harvey Milk stamp in October 2013, but this is the first time the design has been revealed.

The non-denominated “forever” stamp will sell for the current first-class postage rate of 49 cents.

— LGBTQ Nation — LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com) is a national qnotes media partner.

Reprinted with permission.

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer

Charlotte Youth doll up for prom

CHARLOTTE — Time Out Youth Center will host its annual Alternative Prom for LGBT youth and allies, ages 13-20, on April 12, 7:30 p.m., at Grand Central, 1000 Central Ave. This year the focus is on merging the worlds of prom and comic-conto, with “Promic Con” serving as the theme. This affirming, inclusive, chaperoned event is alcohol- and drug-free.

Music and lighting will be provided by DJ Rob Yow. Patti O’Furniture will dish up the entertainment, while Jack Stutts takes prom photos. Catering will be provided by Your Custom Catering & Events.

Prom attire or costumes are welcome, however, no costume weapons or fake blood are allowed to ensure youth safety.

Tickets are $5/single and $10/couple in advance or $10/single and $15/couple at the door.

In other news, Time Out Youth Center is looking for contributions for its Platinum Gala on June 6. Email rtucker@timeoutyouth.org to learn more or to teach an art class for youth on Thursdays. info: facebook.com/events/671825489562423/.

704.344-8335. events@timeoutyouth.org. timeoutyouth.org.

— L.M.

‘Angels’ panel slated

CHARLOTTE — Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST) will join Charlotte Viewpoint Magazine for a community conversation and “Angels in America” retrospective on April 15, 6 p.m., at CAST 2424 N. Davidson St. Panelists in the discussion will include Arts and Science Council President Robert Bush as moderator, play co-directors Dr. Charles LaBorde and Thom Tonetti, President and CEO of Foundation for the Carolinas Michael Marsciano, civic leader and founder of the Wesley Mancini Foundation Wesley Mancini and representatives from the Levine Museum.

A short film about the original 1996 Charlotte production of “Angels in America” will also be shown.

CAST will present their production of the play this May, the first time “Angels” has returned to Charlotte since the 1996-1997 controversy which ultimately saw the Mecklenburg County Commission strip its public funding from the Arts & Science Council. info: nccast.com.

— M.C.

Catholic retreat slated

CHARLOTTE — The Diocesan Ministry for Gay & Lesbian Catholics is holding their spring retreat on April 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Bliss Hall, 507 S. Tryon St. Theme this year is “God is a Verb, not a Noun!” Fr. David Brzoska, who serves St. Elizabeth Parish in Boone, N.C., will be the guest speaker. A simple lunch will be provided Admission is free. info: dmfglc@gmail.com.

— L.M.

Catholic nun causes stir

CHARLOTTE — A Catholic nun invited to speak at Charlotte Catholic High School in late March sparked controversy and concern after she told students a variety of inaccurate and extremist views on LGBT people.

Students, alumni and parents at the school said Sister Jane Dominic Laurel’s comments were inappropriate and prejudiced, alleging that she said a variety of prejudiced comments about gay and lesbian people during her March 21 lecture on masculinity and femininity, including that masturbation or an absent father may make a boy more likely to be gay — two claims soundly rejected by all mainstream medical professionals and associations.

A gay Charlotte Catholic student, who did not want to be publicly named because he is not fully out at school or home, said he was upset by the assembly, which was mandatory for all students to attend.

“I would like them to issue a formal apology to the students and to the parents and alumni,” the student told qnotes. “I want them to know how upset everyone is and for them to acknowledge that.”

“She brought up an abusive Australian couple that was gay and they abused their child, portraying to us that gay people are unfit parents,” the student added. “She also said that gay people can become gay because of masturbation or pornography or because they don’t spend enough time with their father because their parents are divorced.”

The school and diocese held a parent meeting on April 2. More 1,000 attended the meeting, where most parents agreed the lecture was inappropriate. At times, according to the Catholic New Herald, emotions boiled over.

“You don’t know best for our children,” one parent said at the meeting. “What are you planning on doing for the healing? We want our children to remain Catholic, but we are being pushed away by the climate of what is going on here.”

Laurel is a lecturer at Aquinas College in Nashville, Tenn. School officials there announced April 4 that she is taking a leave from teaching and will withdraw from all of her upcoming speaking engagements.

— M.C.

Pride schedules picnic

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Pride will host a community potluck and picnic on April 27, 2-6 p.m., at Park Road Park, Shelter 1, 6220 Park Rd. Bring a favorite dish to share while enjoying an afternoon of camaraderie, games and fun.

It’s open to all ages and families are welcome.

Dishes, serving utensils and coolers should be labeled with the owner’s name.

Outdoor activities include volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole and more.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn

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Agent fights for policy inclusiveness

CHAPEL HILL — State Farm Insurance agent Pam Herndon has achieved a first for policy writing in North Carolina.

After much tenacity over a six-month period, she was able to secure multi-auto insurance for a married, same-sex couple living in the Tar Heel State. Herndon said that state law required that cars be titled, registered and insured in the same name, unless married. She scanned in the couple’s marriage license into the agency’s system.

Initially, State Farm said no because North Carolina does not recognize same-sex marriages. Patience was rewarded when State Farm relented and said it would acknowledge any marriage certificate, as well as give the policy holders all the discounts and privileges that all married couples receive.

A straight ally, Herndon felt that it was the right thing to do to secure recognition for same-sex couples and insurance policies. She has been happily married for over 40 years, she said. She also shared that she grew up with a gay brother and saw his struggles with inequality.

“I have always felt one’s sexuality shouldn’t be a factor in any benefits given in any situation,” Herndon said. “State Farm’s motto is ‘like a Good Neighbor.’ I know that is cliché, but I work with a company who lives that motto and expects its agents and associates to do the same. I am so proud of State Farm’s position on this and I really appreciate my clients who patiently waited so we could make this change in company policy.”

Chris Sgro, Equality North Carolina executive director, shared that “Herndon’s story illustrates once again that North Carolina’s business community can make significant strides for equality in our state and beyond.”

Herndon holds Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow credentials. info: pamherndon.net. statefarm.com.

— L.M. chairs and blankets. The event is alcohol-free.

Registration is free and allows organizers to have an accurate headcount and better plan for the event. info/registration: charlottepride.org. douglas@charlottepride.org.

— L.M.

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Benefit aids House of Mercy

CHERRYVILLE — A benefit held on March 22 at the Bar After Hours, 100 E. Church St., netted $431 in contributions for the House of Mercy, located in Belmont, N.C. Two hundred people attended the Night Owls’ reunion party. Not only was the evening “great,” said Zachary Alan, one of the people who helped organized the event, but it also was a coming out as an LGBT-friendly establishment milestone for the bar where the festivities were held. info: houseofmercy.org.

— L.M.

Center seeks input

CHARLOTTE — Glenn Griffin, operations director with the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 2508 N. Davidson St., is asking the community to submit suggestions that can help improve fundraising, programming, events, public outreach, working with volunteers and more.

An online form on Suggestion Ox will capture private, anonymous feedback. All information is confidential. info: suggestionox.com/response/UyXRc7. lgbtcharlotte.org.

— L.M.

Triangle Out! Raleigh approaches

RALEIGH — The OUT! Raleigh festival, “All Families Matter,” will be held on May 3, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., on City Plaza and Fayetteville St., between City Plaza and Martin St. The event celebrates the LGBT community and its allies. Organizers said bringing awareness to the importance of family diversity, while fostering a sense of inclusiveness in the community, is the main goal.

Vendors will be on hand showcasing their products and services, while others will sell food and beverages throughout the day.

A KidsZone will be on hand to provide entertainment for the younger attendees. Included will be the Marbles Kids Museum, Cirque de Vol, Tanglewood Puppets, inflatable playground, Studio Joyeux, and interactive fun with BASF SE. Parking is available near the festival site.

Locations are detailed online. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. outraleigh.org.

— L.M.

Western Eldercare facility still on wish list

ASHEVILLE — Lula Moon (pictured), who facilitates the Stella’s Place listserv, has been studying the feasibility and future of developing an eldercare and residential community for women in the mountain area.

In 2012, she had envisioned a 31-acre tract with easy access, near a river and south facing in the Moffitt Rd. area. She sent out a letter to potential investors to purchase the land with hopes that the income streams from nursing home fees and rentals would repay the investment. She hired an architect to draw a master plan, with easier-tomaintain dwellings. Residences consisted of apartments and an assisted living facility and nursing home.

She even went so far as to give each living space a name, mostly honoring pioneering women.

All of this came on the coattails of seeing the documentary

“Gen Silent” — and she was concerned about those who would be forced back into the closet to avert abuses and discrimination by healthcare service providers and caregivers. She felt strongly that isolation was counter to what these seniors needed. And, she said that the larger community would be wealthier from the wisdom and life experience that elders have to share.

Gina Razete and Cathy Groene of CGR Development Corporation expressed interest in serving as general contractors to develop the land. They had had good success with LGBT communities with The Resort on Carefree Boulevard in Ft. Myers, Fla., as well as Carefree Cove in Boone, N.C. Moon felt her strength serving as project team coordinator would be a good fit from her professional experience in the field, along with advanced certifications in quality process and organizational management.

Moon continues her quest for creation of Harvest Haven, a sustainable residential neighborhood. The name evokes reaping and gathering, along with sanctuary or harbor. Some amenities include van transportation, access to organic meals, greenway access, dog park, social activities and others, plus vistas for enjoyment. The dining parlor would use organic and locally grown products. There is also plans for short- and long-term care. She added private homes and RV and portable tiny house parks.

For those who are interested in this initiative, contact Moon at QualityPledge@aol.com.

— L.M.

Organization hosts performance event

ASHEVILLE — Just Us For All will hold a performance, visual art, drag and spoken word showcase on April 19, 8 p.m., at The Mothlight, 701 W. Haywood Rd. Organizers said that the evening will allow participants to share “how we identify” with friends and community members.

Doors open at 8 p.m. and a dance with a DJ will follow at 9 p.m. The evening’s event is intended for those 21-years-old and above. For those who are under the age limit, possible volunteer opportunities could allow access to the event. Message Just For Us All via Facebook.

Suggested contribution is $5. info: facebook.com/events/1422912274627314/. facebook.com/JUFA.AVL. justusforall.org.

— L.M.

Niche orgs address key issues

HENDERSONVILLE/ASHEVILLE — Two organizations are providing needed services for the LGBT community.

SisterCare WNC, a 501(c)3 non-profit in Henderson County, serves the “ entire community regardless of sexual orientation, age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender, or physical handicap,” President Sandra Franklin said in a supporter’s memorandum.

Board member Cindy Moors added that their initiative has gained much ground. Even though is is evolving (they used to only serve women), they have expanded their services to a larger mass. They have an active board.

One challenge they are experiencing is trying to get men involved in their work.

Currently, they provide non-health-related services, such as companionship, yard word, pet care, errands, transportation, meals at home, laundry, light housekeeping and handy work. But it does not stop there. They produce three events during the year — Springfest (slated for April 26 on Lake Julian); a Poker Run; and a FallFest.

They are always looking for volunteers and monetary contributions.

Visit them online to learn more.

news

Network offers online support NEW YORK — The National LGBT Cancer Network has launched two new online support groups for LGBT breast cancer survivors.

One group targets lesbian and bisexual women. They other is for transgender individuals.

The network wanted to make sure that LGBT survivors had a welcoming option to gain support not always available in mainstream groups. They saw that there was little or no support beyond major metropolitan areas across the country. The network conducted a survey in 2013 which confirmed that tailored support groups were the top request made by LGBT survivors.

The groups are in a message board format, available to participants on a 24-hours-per-day, seven-days-per-week basis. Online groups offer some unique advantages over face-to-face groups. They allow people to log on from home, a great benefit to cancer survivors who are busy, tired, and/or have family responsibilities that make it difficult to attend an evening group. These groups may be especially valuable for LGBT survivors who live outside major cities and would have more trouble accessing community support. And, each group is moderated by a licensed clinical social worker, made available only to registered, confirmed group participants.

Online groups can also be more welcoming for breast cancer survivors with physical, visual, hearing, cognitive and communication disabilities, the network added.

The service is free. Funding was provided by the New York State Department of Health. The network also provides other services, like locations of LGBT-friendly cancer screening centers. info: cancer-network.org.

— L.M. LGBT Elder Advocates of WNC is an educational organization based in Buncombe County.

They sponsor education opportunities, promote equity of services, provide social services and caregiver support, promote intergenerational cooperation and create social opportunities for older LGBT individuals. They operate under the Land-of-Sky Regional Council.

They partner with other associations in the area to ensure that service resources are available for the LGBT community if they need it.

On April 16, 4 p.m., they will hold a “Rights and Support: Finding Answers” caregiver forum at Land of Sky Regional Council, 339 New Leicester Hwy., in Asheville. They are co-hosting this with the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is free. However, space may not be available.

Continuing education units are provided for social workers, adult care home administrators and certified nursing assistants. Email kdmoore@ alz.org to learn more and check availability. info: sistercarewnc.weebly.com. facebook. com/LGBTElderAdvocatesofWNC. landofsky.org.

— L.M.

Regional Museum nets high marks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National LGBT Museum has placed second in the list of most likely to be opened in the next decade, according to Washington Post article published during the last week in March.

The Velvet Foundation said that it was important “because it points to our forward progress and to the success of our fundraising endeavors.”

The Post article added that the timing was right for LGBT topics and the museum should attract visitation and financial support.

“It is an economically viable possibility, to open the National LGBT Museum in our nation’s capital within the next four years. Our window of opportunity has opened. The political climate and the timing are right,” the foundation said.

The Bible Museum topped the list. With financial support from Hobby Lobby billionaire Steve Green, who contributed around $50 million for the Washington Design Center building, it appears that it will showcase his early Christian artifacts. Hobby Lobby has been mired in controversy surrounding refusal to abide by the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate.

The foundation is seeking contributions toward its effort and has as a goal to open the museum before the Bible Museum opens.

The National LGBT Museum is being organized by Tim Gold and supported in part by his husband, North Carolina furniture-maker and philanthropist Mitchell Gold. It will be the only one in the nation’s capital dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the LGBT communities. info: nationallgbtmuseum.org.

— L.M.

Campus Scene Resource book available

CHARLOTTE — Campus Pride has announced that pre-ordering for its 2014 edition of “The Lil’ Backpack Resource Guide” for the collegiate set if off and running.

The full-color, 40-plus page pocket-size book is full of tips for student organizing and social justice initiatives. There is no loss in tricks, how-to’s and action guides for LGBT students, campus and community organizers, student organizations and staff and faculty.

Some of the information included are organizing fundraisers and events; team-building tools; campus safety and inclusion check-lists; Campus Pride Speaker’s Bureau; and other resources.

The guide is free in quantities of 25 and is published at the beginning of each academic year. For additional copies, call Campus Pride at 704-277-6710 or email info@campuspride.org.

The 2013 edition is online now and can be downloaded free-of-charge. info: campuspride.org.

— L.M.

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CPCC at center of transgender discrimination controversy Student-organized protest demands action, CPCC to meet with LGBT groups

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com “We are not wrapping this up until CPCC does what we’ve asked them to do,” Rosen said. “And, if they don’t do that, we’ve got your numbers. We’ll call you back [for more protests] and we’ll keep pushing this cause.”

CPCC Public Information Officer Jeff Lowrance had no comment on the protest April 4. He did say, however, that the school intended to begin reach out to and plan meetings with LGBT community groups and leaders the week following the protest.

College misleads on key facts CPCC had said repeatedly that Williams was escorted off campus for refusing to present officers with a student ID. An incident report filed by campus security, however, confirmed that Williams did present her ID to school security officers, contradicting several statements from CPCC, which had repeatedly told this newspaper and other media that Williams had refused to give her ID to officers.

In one interview with InsideHigherEd. com, CPCC Public Information Officer Jeff Lowrance said Williams “refused to provide [an ID], and another officer came, and this time the student waved ID but didn’t hand it over.”

The incident report is clear that Williams did, in fact, present an ID, but the details of the exchange and how quickly the ID was presented remain disputed.

According to the report, the incident began when an officer saw Williams exiting a restroom.

“It was believed that this person was a male and not a female,” the report reads. “When questioned the subject became defensive and stated they were calling an attorney.”

Student Andraya Williams speaks to a media outlet during a rally supporting her, after she says officials at Central Piedmont Community College harassed The report says an “assistant direcand discriminated against her. tor of campus security” was called to “We are raised to believe that this is the land of the free and CHARLOTTE — In a story that continues to develop day by the scene and “the subject still refused the home of the brave. Well, they got one thing right, for sure. day, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) has found to provide identification.” When another officer arrived, howThis is the home of the brave,” Williams added. “Minorities have itself embroiled in controversy over allegations that it harassed, ever, the report notes that Williams “then provide [sic] a student bravely overcome many obstacles as a team. In order for us to detained and discriminated against a transgender student. The identification. grow and in order for this country to be what it claims to be, we student, her attorney, local and national organizations and stuStill, even after confirming Williams was a student, the rehave no choice but to stop bullying minorities. … Now it is our dents at the school and others are demanding the school take port notes she was “escorted off campus at this time for failure turn as the new minority being picked on to fight and win. We are action to correct the missteps as CPCC reportedly plans to meet to provide Central Piedmont Community College identification discriminated against and segrewith LGBT organizations, leaders and students.. when asked.” gated more often than not. I can’t Transgender student Andraya Williams has claimed CPCC Demarest, who said she More Coverage and New Updates use my school’s public restroom security officers harassed and detained her as she exited a restheard most of the exchange See an archive of all recent and past updates and stay up to without being harassed and humiliroom, later escorting her off campus. Additionally, Williams and between Williams and date on this developing story at goqnotes.com/in/cpcc/. ated by ill-educated staff members. her attorney, Sarah Demarest, say that campus officials worked campus officers over the See video and photos from the protest at goqnotes.com/28628/.

This, to me, is sad. I feel unequal, to prevent her from filing a complaint regarding the incident. telephone, insists, as she has mistreated, inadequate, segregated One official, Williams alleges, told her she had “no legal rights.” since qnotes broke this story, and bullied.”

A protest with several dozen participants — representing that her client showed her student ID to the original officer which The dozens gathered for the protest in front of the school’s adstudents, community members and several organizations — was asked for it. ministrative building, later turning their rally into a march through held on the CPCC campus on April 4.

“A female security officer stopped [Williams] outside of the campus. As they marched, the group chanted “Solutions not ex“In being discriminated against by the very people who are restroom and asked her for her ID, and she called me right away cuses,” “We stand with Andraya” and “Who are you protecting?” staffed for my safety, intimidated by my own school staff, laughed as she was being asked for ID,” Demarest recounted. “She told Rally organizer Scout Rosen said students and community at and bullied by my own school staff — these things are prime members would continue to push for equality and change on examples of why I still need a public apology and why we still see CPCC on 21 the campus. need a policy change,” Williams said at the rally.

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life

Carolina Connection

Fiction writers net Lammy nominations Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Salem West and Ann McMan in running for awards

by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com

E

very year the Lambda Literary Foundation receives nominations from across the country for exceptional writers in a variety of categories. These hopefuls bring their own perspective and experience to their works and do so for the love of the art.

In its 26th season, the foundation recognizes excellence in LGBT literature. Finalists are selected for the short list, with winners announced at an awards ceremony, this year on June 2 at The Great Hall at Cooper Union in New York City.

The Tar Heel state has not gone unnoticed. In fact, three gifted writers made the list. Her publisher, Ig Publishing, nominated Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in the Gay General Fiction category for “Damn Love.” Ann McMan and Salem West got a nod for their Lesbian Romance piece, “Hoosier Daddy,” from their publisher Bedazzled Ink Publising.

The activist and the creative writer Beach-Ferrara is no stranger to the North Carolina and southern landscape. She was on the forefront in the marriage equality fight in 2012 with her Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) organization, which she launched in 2011.

She was actively involved from her childhood in politics and community organizing. Her mother took her to various arenas where she was able to volunteer. Her quest for LGBT civil rights began in 2004.

She grew up in Chapel Hill and after some traveling about settled in Asheville with her wife, Meghann Burke. BeachFerrara received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and her Master’s of Fine Arts from the Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. She did not stop there.

She went on to obtain her Master’s of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School.

Beach-Ferrara, together with a group of people who share her vision, are blazing new trails in the South.

“The WE DO Campaign takes us all across the South, including many smaller towns where a thick veil of silence surrounds LGBT life,” Beach-Ferrara says. “When a gay couple requests a marriage license in Salisbury, N.C., or Bakersville, N.C., they are absolutely trail blazers and they are taking significant risks. I’m honored and humbled to stand with them during these actions as they puncture that silence and talk honestly about their lives — their family, their love and commitment, how Amendment One harms them. Or, I think about a transgender student who is standing up for her rights and calling for transinclusive policies on her campus — that is trail blazing and it’s an honor to be part of a movement that is supporting her.”

The actions, she stresses, are “about coming out of the shadows and stepping into the middle of the public square and saying, this is my home and I am equal and our laws must recognize this.”

“Damn Love” is her first foray into major fiction writing. In fact, it took her over 10 years to complete the novel and coincided with her strategy development of CSE. Set in San Francisco and North Carolina, the linked stories in “Damn Love” introduce characters struggling with love in all its complicated forms, including a young doctor getting over a breakup with the help of a patient, a newly married gay man

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Three North Carolinians receive Lammy nominations continued from page 13 who reconnects with his estranged mother, a trio of physicists caught in a surprising love triangle, and a soldier who takes secrets with her to the Iraqi desert.

“The two projects informed each other tremendously because they originate from the same roots — my preoccupation with questions about how people navigate life, love and identity in contested territory, and also about distinctly southern stories. The stories created a canvas in which to imaginatively and narratively explore these questions through the lives of characters who became very dear to me over the years.”

Beach-Ferrara says her inspiration for “Damn Love” was drawn from her own experiences and observations “from my own life and people I cross paths with our places I lived (San Francisco, Calif., the Triangle area).”

Even though she writes both fiction and non-fiction, her first love was fiction. “It has a special place in my heart,” she commented. “It’s about telling stories and nothing fascinates me more.”

Since she writes fiction, as well as does speech writing in her activist-oriented work, she sees them different in most ways — “the intent, the voice, the use of narrative versus rhetoric, the audience, the space and tools you have to work with.”

“When I write about LGBT rights for a public forum — an op-ed or a speech — I’m keenly aware of two things,” she says. “First, the urgency of the issue. As a minister, I see people suffering because of discriminatory laws and anti-LGBT bias and stigma. There’s nothing abstract about that and yet that suffering is invisible to the general public. So when I write about the issue, I hope to put it in human terms, and also moral terms, to help shine a light on what’s at stake in the lives of real people every day that Amendment One, for example, stays on the books. Secondly, there are a lot of people across the South who are conflicted on this issue; they don’t need to be preached at or told they are wrong or bigoted; they need, instead, to be offered new lenses through which to view the issue.”

And, she contrasts fiction writing saying, “When I write fiction, it’s about taking a deep dive into the lives of imaginary people, exploring their motivations and choices as a way to try to better understand the human experience.”

Even though she spent a decade working on “Damn Love” and enjoyed every minute of it, she finds it challenging now because of her work with CSE. She said that it puts her in a different mindset in terms of how she thinks about the world.

“Writing fiction is a private, contemplative practice. My work with CSE is public and moves very fast because we’re in such an extraordinarily dynamic period when it comes to LGBT rights,” she says. “Most of my writing these days is about LGBT rights. I do keep a notebook to jot down ideas about fiction, but I’m pretty at peace with knowing that it will be a few years before I have the time to turn my attention back to fiction.”

She also adds, “I’m working on some non-fiction about the experiences we’re having with CSE — just being on the road across the South and working on LGBT rights. A lot of interesting things happen — moving, funny, upsetting, surprising. So, I’m taking a lot of notes and hope, down the road, to able to shape them into a larger piece.”

Beach-Ferrara’s favorite writers include James Baldwin, Alan Gurganus, Amy Bloom, Toni Morrison and Alice Munroe.

Poets and non-fiction writers equally inspire her as well. “I’m really inspired by Ta-Nehisi Coates’ writing about race in America these days — an incredible example of how writing can help you make sense of the world around you in real time.”

Even busy people require some down time and time to replenish the spirit. She said that she relishes spending time with her family and friends, reading, running, watching movies and sports, plus time either at the beach or in the woods.

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A couple unites and writes McMan and West, who were legally married in Vermont two years ago, teamed up for the first time on creating “Hoosier Daddy.” In fact, West commented that they “have a tendency to collaborate on just about everything, but short of grocery lists and our annual holiday letter, ‘Hoosier Daddy’ is our first foray into collaborative writing.” McMan adds, “…We share ideas, discuss concepts and debate approaches to most of the creative work we undertake separately. It’s a wonderful partnership that I like to think enriches everything we do, individually and together.”

The couple lives in Winston-Salem now, but McMan was originally from Pennsylvania and West hails from a “small, dusty hamlet in southeastern Illinois.

McMan has a Bachelor’s in history. An award-winning writer, she has penned four novels and two story collections. She was one of 25 emerging authors invited to write an introductory essay for the Lambda Literary Foundation’s “25 for 25: An Anthology of Works by

25 Outstanding LGBT Authors and Those They Inspired.”

West has a Bachelor’s in economics from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s of Public Policy from Vanderbilt University. For about 20 years, she managed projects and programs dealing with federal nuclear waste management, technology development, environmental remediation and facility security risk management in Washington, D.C. She is now a Certified Information Systems Security Specialist.

Over the years, she has written technical pieces professionally.

Their Lammy nomination came from their publisher, Bedazzled Ink Publishing. “Yes. The culprit was our editor at Bedazzled Ink Publishing. Be very afraid,” McMan quips.

The two humorous writers are new to the publishing scene.

Both began writing in the last few years.

McMan’s speed in getting her pieces to the public stemmed from “the absence of quality programming during prime time.”

She was inspired by a statement that author Doris Betts said about what she did while living in Pittsboro, N.C. — “‘I pay attention.’ I think that was the moment I learned most of what I needed to know about how to start writing.”

West launched “The Rainbow Reader,” a blog that allows her to read and review lesbian literature and offer original analysis in the form of homespun essays and other more or less esoteric didactic forms.

Their writing process was very disciplined. They outlined the entire novel before fully launching into actual writing phase.

McMan recounts, “We talked through every detail of the story — what the characters ate, what kinds of trucks they drove, what kinds of beer they drank and what kinds of challenges we intended to toss into their paths. We did agree that the story,

since it was all told from the perspective of one person, needed to have a single voice. So, although we shared every aspect of the story development and plot advancement, we were very intentional to make the narrative as seamless as possible. I think we succeeded — I hope there aren’t any glaring places a reader can point to and proclaim, ‘Ann wrote this’ or ‘Salem wrote this.’”

West adds, “From the time Ann and I met, people have told us that we needed to do something together. One day in the spring of 2013, we decided to give it a go. We decided to focus our efforts on a genre romance, but we both wanted to do something that was fresh and different — no doctors or lawyers or publishing empire heiresses, no drop-dead gorgeous women with trust funds, and no sulky, anti-social androgynous butches who wander from woman to woman.

“Ann’s dad was a labor organizer and I spent a lot of time on a non-union manufacturing line during my college years — that sounded like a formula that hadn’t been tried. Also, as a twitchy little dyke who grew up in southern Illinois, I recognized that no one I knew had ever written lesbian fiction about simple, solid, corn-fed women who drive pickups, who look forward to catfish dinners at the VFW and who are smarter and wiser than their accents portend.”

Each brought a piece of them into the complexion of “Hoosier Daddy,” drawing from their own experiences along life’s highway.

West even did a virtual tour with McMan via Google Maps’ street view, exploring southern Illinois and Indiana so the flavor of the piece would be authentic. “It was important that we give the women and lesbians in the southern Indiana and Illinois area a voice in contemporary literature,” West shares. “It was important that we give our readers a sense of this really special place that is more often seen as the punch line of a joke than as the heartbeat of America.”

On their sojourn to create “Hoosier Daddy,” they were adamant about taking a risk writing in first person. And, they each took certain aspects of the writing process development, and then melded them back into a single piece.

In their two-desk office, complete with well-stocked wine refrigerators, the couple fleshed out the book. Because writing involved telling the story, they soon saw that unfolding the story was exciting and challenging. Even more so, they were in sync through the entire experience.

“We both took notes all the time. We’d be out in public at a restaurant or standing in line at the post office … and we’d overhear some part of another conversation — then we’d exchange glances and one of us would start rummaging around for a slip of paper to jot down a scenario or a name that would end up being just perfect for a character. In writing, you steal all the time. Art doesn’t just imitate life — it completely rips it off,” McMan says jokingly.

Their advice for aspiring writers was simple: Read a lot and pay attention to what’s going on in the world. And, don’t give up your day job, either!

When they aren’t working or writing, they find reading to be an elixir. They even spend two weeks a year in Lake Champlain, Vt., recharging their batteries.

McMan is currently working on a new piece, “Backcast,” for Bywater Books. When that is finished, she will begin “Patriarch” for Bedazzled Ink. Her published works are “Three,” “Aftermath,” “Jericho,” “Sidecar,” “Dust;” “A Christmas Tree Grows in Baltimore” and “Bottle Rocket.”

And West continues to write essays through her blog, “Rainbow Reader.” The blog, West says, “is generally focused on lesbian literature. Most reviewers simply retell the plot and assign a ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ label to a book, but I like to take a little time looking under the hood to see what makes a book tick.

Sometimes I start a review with a homespun essay, and other times I begin by talking about some particular technical element of writing. Either way, my essays usually relate to a theme or metaphor within the story that I will focus on later in the review, or I use them to explain how the author did or did not meet the standards of the element. My goal is to help readers make better choices with the books they buy and to give authors information about the things that work and don’t work in their writing.” : : info: lambdaliterary.org. jbeachferrara.com. southernequality. org. annmcman.com. rainbowreader.blogspot.com. igpub.com. bink.bedazzledink.com.

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DJ apologizes for anti-gay tweets attacking student DJ says his remarks were hurtful, plans sit-down conversation with student

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com WINSTON-SALEM — A popular local DJ apologized on April 2 for several anti-gay messages he had sent via Twitter attacking an openly gay student running for a campus position at WinstonSalem State University.

Brian “B-Daht” McLaughlin’s apology was posted in a series of tweets and in a statement released by his publicist.

The apology on Twitter read: “Sooooo, Its [sic] time to own up & it’s only right I make things right in the same place that I messed them up. Y’all ready? I want to apologize to Aaron McCorkle, his fam, & friends for the offensive tweets I posted. I was wrong. What I said was hurtful to him & his loved ones, & I am apologetic. I also wanna apologize to the #WSSU students, staff, my fellow Ram alums, the LGBT community & anyone else that was offended by what I said. I own my mistake, man.

Definitely a lesson learned. I’m super blessed to represent personal, local, & national brands, & hope y’all know my tweets didn’t represent the views of ANY of the companies I work foresp #WSSU. All I can do is ask for forgiveness & hope what I said doesn’t affect Aaron’s candidacy for Mr. WSSU. I’ve personally reached out to Aaron to apologize and he has agreed for us to have a sit down, and talk, face to face.”

The apology comes after McLaughlin took to Twitter to attack the Mister WSSU candidacy of student Aaron McCorkle, a junior Thurgood Marshall College Fund scholar.

In his previous messages — which were deleted, but saved in screenshots by qnotes — McLaughlin had used a variety of racial, anti-gay and transphobic tweets to demean McCorkle.

“If y’all let a drag Queen be Mr #WSSU, I quit.

Straight up,” McLaughlin said in one message.

“As I stated, I will relieve myself of my PA duties if a drag queen is appointed the position of Mr #WSSU. I won’t be affiliated. No way,” read another.

The tweets and controversy had attracted the attention of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization.

McCorkle has accepted McLaughlin’s apology. In a statement on April 4, McCorkle said he looks forward to continued dialogue.

“I hope [McLaughlin] is willing to learn why his actions were so destructive,” McCorkle’s statement reads. “I hope he will challenge his limited understanding of our vast and varied differences as human beings by joining me in advocating for the full inclusion of LGBT people at Winston-Salem State University. It is not enough to apologize if you are not willing to be the change you wish to see in the world.”

McCorkle also said the incident has opened new opportunities for WSSU to continue its own inclusion efforts. The school has an LGBT student group and includes sexual orientation in its non-discrimination policy. McCorkle hopes the school will also add gender identity protections and mandate LGBT sensitivity and Safe Zone training for students, faculty and staff.

“I believe this is just a starting point to creating a campus

A screenshot of one of the more tame anti-gay tweets from Greensboro DJ Brian ‘B-Daht’ McLaughlin.

climate and culture of inclusion that we can all be proud of,” McCorkle said.

McLaughlin is a DJ and host for WJMH-FM 102 JAMZ, a local hip-hop radio station where he’s worked since 2005. He’s apparently taken a break from both roles while filming early this year for MTV2’s and Nick Cannon’s TV series.

The program director for WJMH never returned a request for comment. A spokesperson for MTV told this newspaper it had no comment.

McLaughlin was also, until recently, a public-address announcer for WSSU sporting events. A spokesperson for the university wouldn’t say whether McLaughlin would be welcomed back, but did say it did not condone McLaughlin’s remarks. : : more: Read more and see screenshots of McLaughlin’s apology and other tweets at goqnotes.com/28563/.

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May primary will decide fate of gay Senate candidate Ty Turner stresses jobs, healthcare, inclusion

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Ty Turner, left, files to run for office on Feb. 25 at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections with his mother, Sonia Graddick, and brother, Stephen Graddick.

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina’s May 6 Democratic primaries will decide the fate of an openly gay candidate vying to represent a portion of the Queen City and Mecklenburg County in Raleigh.

Ty Turner is among a field of five Democrats vying for the North Carolina Senate District 40 seat. The race has no Republican candidate, so the primary will ultimately decide the victor.

Turner, 33, was born in Kentucky, but has lived in Charlotte and elsewhere in the state since the age of four. And, he says its time for new leadership to step up.

“When it comes to Mecklenburg County, there’s not been a new crop of leadership since the 1990s,” he told qnotes. “We haven’t seen a new crop of leaders who can think outside of the box.”

Election after election, he said, candidates “recycle themselves over and over again.”

“They come to people and ask for their vote. Then they go to Raleigh and disappear and two years later come back and ask for your vote again,” he said.

Turner wants to change that and he believes he’s the best candidate for the job.

“I think outside of the box and I have a positive mentality,” Turner said. “I’m not a part of any special interest groups. I’m fresh, new leadership and not afraid to say what I’ve got to say.”

Turner may very well be new, but he’s not inexperienced.

After graduating from Charlotte’s Olympic High School, he attended Greensboro’s North Carolina A&T University, where he worked as a campus police officer through college and became the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. He left law enforcement two years after graduation and moved on to

teach history at Jamestown Middle School, right outside of Greensboro.

From 2008 onward, Turner became involved working with a variety of health organizations, including serving as the health center manager at Charlotte’s Planned Parenthood office on Albemarle Rd. Most recently, he’s worked as an outside business consultant with mental and behavioral health offices. It’s that background which informs Turner’s calls for better priorities in the state budget.

“I’ve seen how mental and behavioral health services were being depleted,” he said. “Anytime you have a financial crisis, social services programs are cut. Anytime they are cut, you see higher crime. These are mental health issues and they usually affect low-income areas.”

Jobs, economic security and health are all connected, Turner said. Women, for example, carry a huge burden. He’s seen women with no jobs struggle to access affordable services like annual check-ups or low-cost birth control.

Republican lawmakers, Turner said, have made matters worse, pushing through legislation that further restricts health agencies and clinics which offer reproductive health and abortionrelated services.

“I’m a pro-choice candidate,” Turner made clear. “As a male, I shouldn’t make decisions on what a female does.”

The GOP’s overreach extends from women’s health into other communities, too, Turner said. Amendment One, the state’s antiLGBT state constitutional amendment, was just another example.

“I’m starting to see Republicans take the role of ‘the haves’ and they don’t want ‘the have nots’ to have anything,” he said.

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Fear, Silence & Loneliness Resources for LGBT youth few and far between in rural N.C.

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

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hen Cameron Joyce was a senior in high school, a school administrator came to his classroom to read a newly adopted policy. Any student at the private, Christian school near the Triad who was lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender would no longer be allowed at the school. Each student was asked to sign a statement that they weren’t LGBT. If they were, they were expected to come out so they could be counseled or expelled. Joyce, who is bisexual, signed the statement and kept quiet, just like he had for years.

Joyce grew up in White’s Memorial Baptist Church outside of Franklinville. He knew no other LGBT people and heard only rumors of others. As a teen, he didn’t dare associate with any person who was even suspected to be gay.

“If they were out, you can’t associate with them or you’re outing yourself,” Joyce says.

The son of a Baptist pastor, he heard regular reminders of the “abomination” of homosexuality. Iconic gay celebrities, like Rosie O’Donnell or Ellen, were ridiculed by the adults in his life.

His father often preached against homosexuality. Joyce was a teenager when news broke of a megachurch’s pastor whose son had been caught in a gay relationship. His parents and other community members said the young man had threatened his father’s career.

“I remember how scary it was listening to this conversation,” Joyce says. “That was a very big factor in wanting to stay closeted, hearing these conversations about kids who were gay and putting their families’ life in turmoil. I saw that my actions and my identity could put my entire family in jeopardy.”

Joyce, 23, is a recent graduate of UNC Charlotte and is pursuing a Master’s there. Moving to Charlotte to attend college was an intentional decision to leave the oppressive, rural community where he had literally no resources — no support groups, no LGBT-themed books in the public library, no knowledge or language to fully define who he was. No space to simply “feel safe and talk about what I was going through,” he says.

“My home place was hyper-evangelical — everything was built and based around religion and it was a very small, anti-progressive community,” Joyce says. “I assumed Charlotte would be the complete opposite of that.” The Queen City did offer Joyce more room for growth. His first interaction with the community was at Scorpio, the city’s long-running LGBT nightclub. He met an openly gay student at school. He began coming out to friends.

He got involved advocating against Amendment One, encouraging students to register to vote.

Joyce’s experience is not unusual for LGBT young people growing up in local rural communities. Micah Johnson, director of school outreach for Charlotte’s Time Out Youth, an LGBT youth services agency, says young people in the more rural areas of their seven-county service area face greater challenges than those in cities like Charlotte. When Johnson travels to the few ru-

ral LGBT school clubs outside of Charlotte (Mecklenburg alone has as many as the rest of the service area combined), he sees students who may be out at school, but are not out to family.

“There is a real fear of coming out to families,” says Johnson, because those who do come out face losing their homes.

Time Out Youth staffers say they receive calls from across the state — from places like Fayetteville and Buncombe County — for placement in their host-home program, serving youth ages 18-20. LGBT youth are placed in homes offered up by volunteers. The last three placements came from Stanly and Gaston counties. But the program has limited resources and only serves young people in the area. Last year, the program was able to serve nine young people, though staffers say inquiries far outnumber placements. Those under 18 are referred to The Relatives, a local shelter for homeless and runaway youth.

About 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBT, UCLA’s Williams Institute found. About 46 percent run away because of family rejection. About the same percentage are forced out by parents.

The anti-LGBT prejudice at Joyce’s home was reinforced at his Christian school. It came up in Bible lessons. Administrators and teachers encouraged students to go to the ultra-conservative Bob Jones University. As he was nearing graduation, the same administrator who had threatened gay students with expulsion told his senior class that “the biggest cultural issue we would face as Christians would be the fight against homosexuality.” The administrator’s generation had battled abortion and lost. “Our generation was fighting the queers,” Joyce recalls him saying, “and he hoped that we defeated that cultural battle where his generation had failed at abortion.”

Fearful of family rejection, Joyce came out to them only recently: to his mother last summer and to his father just three months ago. As a teen, he had feared being kicked out of his home — a reality confirmed when he finally told his parents.

“When I came out to both my mother and father, I wanted to know if that fear was real,” he says. “They both said, Yes, I would not have been welcome in their home if I were not willing to choose a different lifestyle.”

Outside of the housing program, Time Out Youth says it served 193 young people during drop-in hours and weekly discussion and support groups last year. Youth call in from rural areas, unable to drive to Charlotte. “If they’re not able to get with us, we have been able to send them resources or meet with them in some form, even it is just phone counseling,” says staffer Sarah Alwran.

Some fall through the cracks. Joyce says he’d never heard of Time Out Youth until after moving to Charlotte. He wishes he’d had support like that as a teen. For all the progress and equality the LGBT community seems to be making, rural spaces, even

Cameron Joyce grew up in a rural town near the Triad and only recently came out to his parents.

close to Charlotte, have a long way to go to catch up.

“It’s a very isolating experience to grow up in a small, rural town,” Joyce says. : : — This article is provided in partnership with Creative Loafing and was originally published in Creative Loafing’s March 27, 2014, print edition. Learn and read more at clclt.com. Creative Loafing is a qnotes news partner.

Chorus hosts ‘Forté!’, awards Gurss Nearly 200 gathered for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte’s annual black-tie fundraiser gala, “Forté!”, on March 29, feting another year of harmony and growth.

Members of the chorus, including four high school youth soloists, serenaded dinner guests with a special performance of “Testimony.” The lengthy choral piece was inspired by the It Gets Better Project, with words and music by Stephen Schwartz. The youth soloists included Britany Bowens, Christian Durand Miller, Mekhai Lee and Christopher Gould, each of whom attend Northwest School of the Arts.

Other performances during the dinner include “Let It Go,” with soloist Jacinto De Leon and two performances by the chorus’ small ensemble 7th Son. Honored at the dinner was Gerald Gurss, artistic director of One Voice Chorus. He was given Gay Men’s Chorus’ 2014 Unsung Hero Award.

The event was catered by Armin’s Catering and hosted at the catering company’s new event space, The Pearl Wedding and Event Center in Cornelius. : : info: gmccharlotte.org — Matt Comer The Gay Men’s Chorus contrinues their season on May 3, 8:04 p.m., at the McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 N College St., when they bring “Big Gay Sing 2 on Broadway” to the stage. Tickets are available online at the chorus’ website.

One Voice Chorus Artistic Director Gerald Gurss was presented the 2014 Unsung Hero Award by Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte.

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April 11-24 . 2014

SPONSORED CONTENT

Why you should keep contributing to your SIMPLE IRA

by Judson Gee | JHG Financial Advisors Stocks may rise or fall dramatically over the course of a year or a decade. Sometimes, breaking news may tempt you to withdraw your SIMPLE IRA funds or greatly reduce or cease your contributions for the short term. If you’re considering such moves, think twice.

If you stop contributing to your SIMPLE IRA for a while, you could end up shortchanging your retirement savings potential. Stopping and starting contributions isn’t always so easy: if you stop, the plan rules may prohibit you from contributing again until the start of the following year.1 SIMPLE IRAs can be important retirement savings vehicles. If you withdraw money from your SIMPLE IRA before age 59½, you’re almost certainly looking at a 10% tax penalty on the amount withdrawn (25% if you’ve had the SIMPLE IRA for less than two years), in addition to the regular income taxes you will pay on that amount.1 When you have a SIMPLE IRA, your employer is your partner in your retirement savings effort.

Your employer has to either a) match your SIMPLE IRA contributions dollar-for-dollar each year up to 3% of your annual compensation, or b) put the equivalent of 2% of your annual compensation into the account per year. If your employer chooses option a), your employer has no requirement to contribute to your SIMPLE IRA if you don’t. (In the other option, you at least get 2% of your yearly compensation put into the account regardless of what you do.)2 If your employer is going to match, that match could really add up over time. Don’t lose out on the power of tax deferral and compounding. Together, these factors have the potential to dramatically grow your retirement savings.

You make pre-tax contributions to a SIMPLE IRA, and there is never any vesting period: you always own 100% of that money. Your employer doesn’t include your contribution amount as part of your wages, tips or “other compensation” on your W-2, so the contribution amount is not counted as taxable income. If you are selfemployed or a partner in a business sponsoring a SIMPLE IRA plan, the IRS allows you to deduct both employer and employee contributions. (1,3,4) An employee younger than 50 can contribute up to $12,000 to a SIMPLE IRA in 2014; an employee 50 or older can contribute as much as $14,500.1 Do keep contributing steadily. Sure, there are other ways to build retirement savings, but dollarcost-averaged contributions to a SIMPLE IRA represent a consistent, recurring way to get that job done. If contributions are made via a dollar cost averaging approach, the investment dollar buys shares at a lower price in a bear market — and it also buys more shares for the money. So when a bull market cycle resumes, you may end

up in a really good position.

It’s a good idea to keep contributing even if you are falling behind financially. You can’t take loans from these IRAs and early withdrawals are subject to penalty. SIMPLE plans fall under Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code. Assets in SIMPLE IRAs commonly qualify for state and/or federal exemptions in personal bankruptcies.(5,6) Judson Gee may be reached at: JHG Financial Advisors, 704-536-3423 judson.gee@jhgfinancial.com Web: www.jhgfinancial.com Twitter: @JhgFinancial.

Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investments in securities regardless of fluctuation in price levels if such securities. You should consider your ability to continue purchasing through fluctuating price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.

Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please note: investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Citations.

1 - irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Operating-a-SIMPLEIRA-Plan [10/31/13] 2 - irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Choosing-a-RetirementPlan:-SIMPLE-IRA-Plan [10/17/13] 3 - rbcwm-usa.com/resources/file-687818.pdf [5/13] 4 - finance.zacks.com/can-claim-simple-iracontributions-taxes-2931.html [11/8/13] 5 - irs.gov/uac/IRS-Announces-2014-Pension-PlanLimitations;-Taxpayers-May-Contribute-up-to$17,500-to-their-401(k)-plans-in-2014 [11/4/13] 6 - nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/pensionbankruptcy.html [11/8/13]

Securities and financial planning offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor.

Member FINRA/SIPC

April 11-24 . 2014

qnotes

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goqnotes.com/in/augusta

Twin violin duo to electrify Augusta Pride

by Adam Wadding :: qnotes correspondent

Identical twin brothers — duo violinists — Stephen and Jeff Neil will be joining the Augusta Pride performance line-up this June.

From Greenville, S.C., the brothers grew up being professionally trained on the classical violin and both hold degrees in a musical background. Since then, they have learned to twist their talent and incorporate a new sound—infusing the traditional sound of classical music with that of Techno, Rock and Latin music—with the five-stringed electric violin.

Although they may be one of the lesser-known acts to take the stage this summer, the two have been gaining local and even national fame within the past year.

The brothers started off performing on street corners around Greenville. It didn’t take long for them to start booking larger gigs across the country, including a spot on NBC’s “Today Show” last June. Other notable performance appearances include the Charlotte Bobcats and The Cooper River Bridge Run. Currently the brothers work and perform as traveling headliners for major cruise lines.

Augusta will not be the first Pride festival where the Neil brothers have performed. Last October, they headlined an act during Blue Ridge Pride in Asheville, N.C. The duo will be taking the main stage Friday night, June 27, and Saturday June 28, in the Augusta Commons, located in downtown Augusta, GA. Those who plan to attend this year’s festival should expect to hear an electrifying performance ranging from classical pieces to a mixture of new and old sound. : :

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April 11-24 . 2014

augusta

goqnotes.com/to/news

news

CPCC at center of controversy continued from page 12 me, ‘Sarah, I was just stopped outside of the restroom and the officer is asking for my ID.’ I heard the officer ask for the ID, and I said, ‘Show her your ID,’ and she grabbed it and showed the officer.”

Demarest added, “[Williams] said [over the phone], ‘I’m pulling it out of my purse now,’ and Andraya said, ‘Here it is.’ The officer said, ‘Okay, now turn it over,’ and then she asked [Williams], ‘Are you a male or a female,’ and chuckled.” qnotes asked Lowrance why Williams was escorted off campus once she did produce an ID and officers were able to confirm that she was, in fact, a student.

“The student was asked to leave campus after being asked to provide ID multiple times and the student did not,” he said over the phone. “It took multiple requests. The student was being uncooperative.”

Additionally, the incident report, which details the March 18 encounter, was not finalized and approved until Saturday, March 29 at 7:35 p.m., more than 24 hours after qnotes initially asked the head of campus security, Paul Kitchen, for a copy of the report.

Lowrance was not aware of how long it usually takes campus security to file, finalize and approve incident reports.

Williams and Demarest said the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on March 18. Demarest said she received a phone call from Williams during the encounter at 5:30 p.m. According to the CPCC report, the incident was reported at 5:32 p.m., though a second time section notes the incident occurred from 5 p.m. through 5:51 p.m.

“This was about prejudice and harassment,” Demarest said. “Now it’s about prejudice, harassment and excuses.”

“I think the incident is outrageous,” she later added. “No other students are being asked for proof of their gender by campus security.”

CPCC says its policies comply with the law On April 3, the school also released its first formal, written statement on the incident, saying it would examine their policies. Only mere hours later, the college had apparently finished their review.

“The College has examined its policies and procedures, and we are certain that they are in compliance with current laws. The College will work to ensure those policies are followed and clearly communicated,” CPCC Public Information Officer Jeff Lowrance said in the updated statement.

CPCC’s non-discrimination policies do not currently include sexual orientation or gender identity.

On Twitter, CPCC had been consistently repeating portions of its official statement.

“CPCC does not tolerate harassment of any kind,” the college’s Twitter account has responded to several users.

The college has also fired back against reports that Williams was suspended. The school has denied she was suspended and said she is in good standing as a current student.

“This aspect has been consistently misrepresented. To make better ‘news’ perhaps?” the college said to one Twitter user.

“True suspension from the college can come only through the student discipline process,” Lowrance said Friday afternoon.

“There is no suspension on the student’s CPCC record. She is in good standing with the college.”

Lowrance said that “some have reported consistently that the student is currently suspended and banned from campus — neither of which is true.”

Late in the evening on April 4, CPCC’s official Twitter account devolved into a series of back-and-forth arguments with users, including this newspaper, other members of the media and community membes. The confrontational Twitter interactions ended after a report on the unusual online engagement.

Williams wants the school to take immediate action. Chiefly, she wants the school to offer a formal, written apology and allow her to use the restroom which is consistent with her gender identity. CPCC should also provide training to all “faculty, staff, and contracted personnel regarding the rights of students under Title IX and Title VII,” the law center says.

Additionally, CPCC’s policies and practices should be updated to include protections for LGBT students. : :

Turner seeks Senate seat continued from page 17 If elected, Turner said he’ll give voice to those some lawmakers seem to have forgotten.

“My platform is calling for inclusion itself,” he said. “I know what it feels like to be on the ground floor. Look at all the disadvantages I was able to work myself out of.”

Turner added, “If you’re an honest man and you have hard work and dedication, at the end of the day you can come up against struggle, meet it face to face and no one else can stop you.”

Turner’s familiarity with facing and overcoming struggle will come in handy next month.

When voters head into the primary election booth, they’ll be faced with choosing between Turner and four other candidates for the District 40 seat.

Politicians with whom voters may have some familiarity — former Charlotte City Councilmember Nasif Majeed and Charlotte-

Mecklenburg Board of Education member Joyce Waddell — are running for the seat. So are two former campaigners who are vying for elected office for the second time in recent years. Morris McAdoo, a former Forsyth County prosecutor, ran against a Republican opponent for state House District 64 in Alamance County in 2012. Lawyer Matt Newton ran in the 2012 Democratic primary against former Congressman Mel Watt.

Senate District 40 represents portions of both East Charlotte and North Charlotte. The district wraps around neighborhoods like Windsor Park, Country Club Heights and NoDa and extends from Independence Blvd. northward toward University City and back southward through Tryon Hills and into the Belmont neighborhood. : : more: Follow more Election 2014 coverage online at goqnotes.com/in/election-2014/.

April 11-24 . 2014

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a&e GayCharlotte Film Fest returns this month goqnotes.com/to/arts

Festival collaborates with two local film groups

French film “Stranger by the Lake” is “flirting with Hitchcock” and contains powerful sex scenes Credit: Film still. and ‘exquisitely developed’ characters.

The GayCharlotte Film Festival will return to the Queen City this month, with 10 films scheduled for screening April 24-27. This year, the festival will partner with the Charlotte Film Society and Charlotte Jewish Film Festival to present three of the films.

All screenings will be held at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 online for each film. Charlotte Film Society members, students and seniors pay just $5.

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April 11-24 . 2014

Among the most anticipated screenings is “Out in the Dark,” presented in collaboration with the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival.

The festival describes the film as a “modern day gay ‘Casablanca.’” The film tells the story of Palestinian psychology student Nimer and Israeli lawyer Roy. The two begin a relationship, crossing the dangerous political, cultural and geographic divides which separate their two communities.

Charlotte Film Society will collaborate to present “Stranger by the Lake,” a French film. It was a favorite on the 2013-2014 gay film festival circuit. According to the festival: “[C]ritics call it ‘the sexiest and most elegant thriller in years.’

Considered to be ‘flirting with Hitchcock,’ this dreamy movie has ‘a mixture of allure and menace that’s quite intoxicating.’ The sex scenes are explicit but powerful, and the exquisitely developed characters never leave the sunny gay cruising aura at ‘the Lake, a beach, a nearby boudoir of bushes…’”

Several other films are also slated for screenings. On April 25, the festival will showcase: “Pit Stop,” “Hot Guys with Guns.” Films continue on April 26: “Valentine Road,” Birthday Cake,” “I Am Divine,” “Stud Life.” On April 27, the festival will wrap up with screenings of “G.B.F.” and “Test.”

For more information on the festival and for tickets, visit charlottelgbtfilm.com. : : — Matt Comer

Meet the Staff of Rosedale ID Making a Difference in Healthcare!

Financial Services at Rosedale ID A word from Roseanne…

We are excited to bring you the most up to date information and share our experiences with you through our new “Meet the Staff” columns in QNotes in addition to our already popular “Ask Dr.C” column.

Featured Team Member: Roseanne Sanders, CPC Roseanne Sanders lives in Cornelius with her husband, Terry, and two papillons named Frankie and Pixi. She is originally from Connecticut and loves being out on the lake in her spare time when she is not traveling. She is an avid runner and has completed five half marathons.

“I am the Director of Finance at Rosedale ID. When you read my title, it sounds like I do all sorts of money management here at Rosedale, when, in fact, I can’t balance my own checking account. Ask my husband. It’s true.

I have been in the medical billing field for 30 years. It pains me to tell you that because I don’t feel that old. My first job out of school was in a medical office and I found it interesting and useful to learn medical terms. I am what is called a Certified Professional Coder. This means I took a semester-long course to dissect what the physician writes in his notes and I turn it into codes that allow the insurance companies to determine what we are paid.

If you don’t have insurance coverage, you will likely talk to me about how to finance your visit. We have several options available to you, such as a sliding-scalefee schedule which is designed to take into consideration your salary and payment abilities. I will also work out a payment plan that allows me to deduct from your debit or credit card on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on what is more convenient for you. The other option is Ryan White assistance for those who are HIV+.

If you do have insurance, always remember that we are under contract with many insurance plans and that

we are bound by these contracts to collect co-payments and/or deductible amounts as required by your insurance company. We can never “waive” these charges, but we are always willing to help you with a payment plan if needed.

If you receive a billing statement from Rosedale and have questions, I am the one you will speak with and I will try to answer any questions you may have. With healthcare being such a convoluted process now, you may need to be more proactive than in the past. As a contracted provider, we only have so much leverage with the insurance companies, but as a consumer, you can almost always get better results. I can help guide you in the right direction if needed.

Bottom line is that we want you to receive the best possible care at the least out of pocket expense allowable and will work with you to reach that goal.”

Call us today to become a new patient and have the opportunity to become part of the Rosedale family!

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.rosedaleid.com, friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for community and clinical updates! You can also email us at info@ rosedaleid.com.

— Sponsored Content —

April 11-24 . 2014

qnotes

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goqnotes.com/to/arts

tell trinity

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

Are one-night stands wrong?

Dear Trinity, My sister gets on my case about my one-night stands. When I tell her it’s normal for men, she guilt-trips me. Should I feel guilty?

Guiltless, Wilmington, DE Dear Guiltless, One-night stands are commonly thought of as naughty and unholy acts that take place late at night when two people are drunk and dancing

with the devil. You and I both know that this isn’t true because we watched “Sex and the City� all those years. However, while it is adventurous and normal, it can also leave you empty and confused, which we also learned from “Sex and the City.� Honey, if your body is your temple and life is your spiritual path, then have guiltless one-night stands when it feels right, not when you need to prove you can score the hottest babe or stud!

Well, maybe that’s not such a bad reason?

Hey Trinity, After five years together, I was dumped for someone else and I’m very angry. I want my ex to pay. How should I get revenge on someone for promising everything, then leaving me a bachelor?

Lost In Bachelorhood, Cheyenne, WY Hey Lost In Bachelorhood, I can respect your anger, but I would also, as quick as possible, let him suffer in his loss‌of you. The best revenge, baby, is living your life even greater than it was before and leaving him to stew in envy of your new, gorgeous freedom. That should be your revenge! (Follow my lead after you take a long, reflective look at my cartoon, baby!)

Hello Trinity, I am so stressed out about dating. All that work getting ready, hoping they show up, saying the right thing, then that awkward moment when we have to kiss goodbye. I wish two people could just meet and marry!

Stressed, New Hope, PA Hello Stressed, Boy, you’re stressing me out, too! Dating, like life, is stressful, challenging and very complicated, but that’s life and that’s also the growth, the experience and the journey of dating. So, pumpkin, breathe, have a glass of wine and say yes to life, yes to dating‌and yes to therapy!

Hey Trinity, My best friend says, “I don’t read his signals� when we are out at a bar. What the hell signals should I read?

Signal Stumped, Montgomery, AL Hey Signal Stumped, It’s almost impossible to know what to do in a dark, noisy and (in some states) smoky bar, unless, darling, you’ve studied: Trinity’s Secret Codes For Friends At A Bar Scenario: While hitting on someone, your friend appears and you want to say‌)   1. ( “Is ‘this one’ gorgeous or what?â€?)

You: “Is this place Oz or what?�

Friend: “Totally!� or “Not as good as Kansas!�’   2. ( “Get ‘this one’ away from me!�)

You: “Did you get my VD results?�

16/5:65 3(> 6--0*, 3HYY` > 1VOUZVU (;;695,@

7OVUL! -H_!

7 6 )V_ /PJRVY` 5*

31VOUZVU'31VOUZVU3H^6MĂ„ JL JVT

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Friend: “Yes, and I need to talk to you right now!�   3. (“Get lost I’m cruising someone!�)

You: “How’s your mother?�

Friend: “Oh, I need to go call her right now!�   4. (Is “this one� trouble?)

You: “Is Dorothy caught in the storm?�

Friend: “No, she’s fine.� Or, “Yes, and Toto, too.�   5. (“Can you leave us alone?�)

You: “Did you find your keys?�

Friend: “I’m still looking (as he/she walks away)!�   6. (“Am I acting drunk?�)

You: “How’s Glinda’s bubble?�

Friend: “Fine.� Or, “It’s about to explode!�   7. (“I need some money.�)

You: “Did the Dow drop 20 points today?�

Friend: “Oh, here’s the 20 I owe you!�   8. (“Did you put your mark on ‘this one?’�)

You: “Is the water undrinkable?�

Friend: “No, it’s fine!� Or, “Yes, and you’ll be melting any minute!�   9. (“Should I take ‘this one’ home?�)

You: “Is it safe for Dorothy to leave Oz?�

Friend: “No, not tonight!� Or,“Yes if she’s smart!�

10. (“Are you ready to go?�)

You: “Is Dorothy ready to click her heels?�

Friend: “Yes!� Or, “No, she’s still looking for Toto!�

info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,� a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

goqnotes.com/to/life

spiritual reflections

by Rabbi Eric Solomon :: guest contributor

Why is this night different?

“Why is this night different than all other nights?”

This question is central to the Passover seder, the annual feast that Jews throughout the world will celebrate with friends and family on Monday night, April 14.

The haggadah (guidebook to the seder) does not provide a straight-forward answer to that famous question. Why? Because Judaism values questions much more than answers.

And questions, especially the most profound ones, never have an easy answer.

Nevertheless, let me offer some possibilities.

Passover night is different because it recalls the exact time (according to the Torah, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan) when God delivered the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage and sent them forth in freedom.

Passover night is different because, in commemoration of that moment, the Jewish community invites both Jews and non-Jews alike to partake in a delicious meal including richly symbolic foods like matzah — a flat, poor person’s bread that did not have sufficient time to rise as the Hebrews fled Egypt — and maror — bitter herbs that bring tears to one’s eyes. It is a night when guests recline like royalty and yet, at the same time, strive to remember and even taste a bit of the bitterness of our ancestors’ degradation.

But, perhaps most importantly, Passover night is different because it is an all-too-rare opportunity for one generation to sit down and talk directly with “Generation Next.” In today’s harried world where many people are more connected to their cell phones than to people,

the seder nudges participants to put all else aside, look at one another in the eyes, and share their stories. The emphasis, of course, is on the Torah’s version of the Exodus with the older generation bearing the responsibility of passing on its details to the generation to come. But, if done well, there is also an opportunity for guests to bare a piece of their hearts. Each person, in his/her own way, has lived an “Exodus” story — a time when an oppressor, whether real or metaphorical, arose to restrict one’s life. That holy, personal story may be shared as well and, in doing so, Passover moves from being an legendary tale to a contemporary example of how real people can rise up to challenge injustice.

As an advocate and ally of the GLBTQ community, I have sat in my office with congregants, young and old, who have shared with me their journeys of “coming out.” Often, their public admissions are shared despite resounding fears of how their inner truths might be received by others. With strength and bravery,

life

these courageous souls have taught me the true meaning of redemption. They made the daunting choice to walk out of their own kind of Egypt, conquer the Pharaoh of homophobia and charge forth towards a life of freedom and integrity knowing that they, too, are made in the image of God. For those who have come out, the Passover seder can be a time for celebration, remembering and sharing of their stories. They can do so, both for the people sitting around the table and for future generations who will find the path to freedom easier in the years to come because of their bold example.

So, in the end, why is Passover night different than all other nights? Because it is a night for an honest sharing of journeys, both past and present. I believe that is not only a gift to those physically present but also a source of joy to the Holy One, who is at the center of the greatest story ever told. : : — Rabbi Eric Solomon is the spiritual leader of Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh, N.C.

April 11-24 . 2014

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Q

Paula Poundstone Wingate University Batte Center 7:30 p.m.

Popular lesbian comedian Paula Poundstone, currently of NPR’s “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me,” visits Wingate University. Tickets $25.

Information, tickets available online. battecenter.org –––––––––––––––––––– Continues through April 13 Shakespeare’s R&J Upstage NoDa 3306 N. Davidson St., Charlotte 7 p.m.

SEP APR

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Start-up theatre company Three Bone Theatre presents what The New York Times called “a vibrant, hot-blooded new adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.”

The play tells the story of four boys who live under the strict watch of a Catholic school when they discover a forbidden copy of Romeo and Juliet and proceed to lose themselves in the story. What begins as a lark, gradually shows them universal truths and leads them to personal discovery. Tickets are $18. Doors open at 6 p.m. threebonetheatre.com

C A L E N DA R APRIL-MAY 2014

To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/ Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ Inter-Queer College Mixer SEP APR Cathode Azure 1820 South Blvd., Charlotte 9-11 p.m.

Students from across the region will come together for a night of networking, fun and socializing for the new “City Of Queens, Inter-Queer Collegiate Network,” a group of LGBTQ students from UNC-Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College, Davidson College, Queens University, Johnson & Wales University and others.

‘Ring Off & Renewal’ SEP APR Pullen Memorial Baptist Church 1801 Hillsborough St., Raleigh 4:30 p.m.

North Carolina’s married, same-sex couples desire to be recognized as married for all purposes and all days of the year, including Tax Day. Same-sex couples and allies are encouraged to attend #Married364 “Ring Off & Renewal,” hear from speakers, One Voice: ‘Home’ SEP APR and join in a Myers Park Baptist Church coordinated 1900 Queens Rd., Charlotte and collective 7:30 p.m. “ring off” to This spring, One Voice stand in silent protest over laws that that Chorus (OVC) sheds light on a critilimit marriage equality to 364 days per cal issue within the LGBT community: year. The ceremonial “taking off of rings” Homeless LGBT Youth. With Time Out will be followed by a mass renewing of Youth and Urban Ministry Center, One vows to show support for the freedom to Voice Chorus reaches out to hear the marry for all, 365 days a year. Free. stories of LGBT youth who have been (or are) homeless. The chorus premiers equalitync.org/married364/ –––––––––––––––––––– a documentary and commissioned comAngels in America Retrospective positions. The concert also celebrates CAST the families that LGBT people of all ages create for themselves. A Charlotte 2424 N. Davidson St., Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund grant and promo- 6 p.m. tional partnership from WFAE 90.7 helps Carolina Actors Studio Theatre joins Charlotte Viewpoint Magazine for a OVC present this concert. Tickets and community conversation and “Angels more information available online. in America” retrospective. A short film onevoicechorus.com about the original 1996 Charlotte production of “Angels in America” will also be shown. CAST will present their production of the play this May. nccast.com

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Submit your event to our calendar!

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April 11-24 . 2014

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Miss Don’t H8 DIVA SEP APR The Scorpio 2301 Freedom Dr., Charlotte 10 p.m.

Contestants will compete for the title of Miss Don’t H8 DIVA. The Don’t H8 pageantry system calls itself a “symbol of excellence among the female impersonation divisions.” The pageantry system also works to raise awareness of LGBT equality. thescorpio.com

Charlotte Pride Picnic Park Road Park, Shelter 1 6220 Park Rd., Charlotte 2-6 p.m.

Charlotte Pride hosts a community picnic and potluck. Join other local LGBT organizations and community members for a day of fun and games The event is free, but online registration is requested. charlottepride.org/picnic/

SEP APR

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Amazing Race Bar Crawl SEP APR Brixx Woodfire Pizza 225 E. 6th St., Charlotte Noon-7 p.m.

Amazing Race Bar Crawl is a yearly fundraising event for the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN). Teams of five race to a series of bars in Uptown Charlotte to complete the race. At each destination teams purchase five drinks and complete a challenge which determines whether the team is given an easy or difficult clue to the next destination. carolinarain.org

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CONNECT with the Guild SEP APR Celebs Restaurant & Lounge 445 W. Trade St., Charlotte 6-8:30 p.m.

The Charlotte Business Guild holds its quarterly CONNECT networking mixer/social, an informal after-work atmosphere with food, drinks, door prizes and entertainment and an opportunity to meet the guild board and network with local professionals. charlottebusinessguild.org

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Continues on May 3 Queen City Stomp Marigny 1440 S. Tryon St. #110, Charlotte Be a part of the Southeast’s biggest and best LGBT Country dance weekend.

Two-night event Friday and Saturday, with day-time dance lessons and evening events held at Marigny Dance Club.

Friday cover is $10. Saturday cover is $15. The event is a fundraiser, with 2014 beneficiaries including Time Out Youth and One Voice Chorus of Charlotte.

Details/registration available online. queencitystomp.com

SEP MAY

02

AIDS Walk Charlotte SEP MAY Gateway Village 800 W. Trade St., Charlotte 8-11:30 a.m.

The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) hosts its 18th annual AIDS Walk Charlotte. Information and

registration availble online. aidswalkcharlotte.org.

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You can submit your event to our comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte and Visit Gay Charlotte. Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ and get a three-for-one entry. All Charlotte-area events will appear on each of the three calendars at qnotes (goqnotes. com), the LGBT Center (lgbtcharlotte.org) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).

goqnotes.com/to/life

life

Our People

Q&A with Lainey Millen Production director, qnotes

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com For 13 years, Lainey Millen has worked with qnotes, directing its production and graphic design. In the time since, she’s seen the newspaper, the general news industry, Charlotte and the local LGBT community change and grow.

She’s also a writer, and this issue we’re publishing an in-depth feature from Lainey on three women nominated for LGBT literary awards. In the past, we’ve sat down with other employees at qnotes and we just thought it was high time we sat down to chat with Lainey, who’s been involved in the local LGBT community since 1979 and even designed the first logo for qnotes when it was just a small non-profit newsletter printed on yellow copy paper in 1983 (the publication would later evolve into a fullfledged print newspaper in 1986). Here’s your opportunity now to meet the phenomenallytalented woman who is essential to completing each and every print edition we publish.

Where did you go to college?

I went to Tiger High — known as Memphis State University. Now it is called the University of Memphis. Real commuter school. Majored in news-editorial journalism. Minored in speech and drama.

How long have you worked in the newspaper biz? How long for qnotes?

I’ve worked on and off for newspapers since I graduated college. However, my biggest stint has been here at the Big Q. I’ve been here 13 years. Seen so much change since I joined the staff. A number of editors. Changing climate of civil rights. Technology advances. Where did the time go?

What have you enjoyed most about working in media?

I love the rush! I really enjoy being able to be in the thick of things (although not as much as our editor, Matt Comer!). We get to know things before they are released to the public. And, I love to write. Most of my career in media has been spent writing either news and features or promotional copy and press releases. On the other creative side, I’ve done graphics for decades. I started out doing the old cut and paste method. When the industry transitioned to digital, all I could do was giggle at how easy it was to change a font or a type size. Now it’s second nature and has become part of my DNA. What’s your favorite kind of music?

Well, you don’t have to “turn out the lights” because my love for music is not over (re: Jim Morrison, my all-time favorite). I really am a big blues fan. I would say that rock gives me energy, especially the kind that came from the 1960s and early 1970s. Grace Slick was my favorite female performer and probably still is.

The music scene has evolved, however, I can still hear some of what I grew to love mixed in

there someplace. Of course, I can easily cross over to jazz, country, blue grass, R&B, show tunes and more. I played the violin in my youth, so I was able to learn to appreciate classic, too. Whatever it is, I can always find a way to dance to it no matter what.

And your favorite food?

Did someone mention food?

Potatoes and bread are my weakness, hands down. It’s like “Forrest Gump,” give me scalloped, baked, sweet, red, black-blue, fried, you name it! Same with bread. Ahhh!

I eat to live, not live to eat. Yet, that does not mean that I can’t enjoy a wide-range of enjoyable tidbits. In fact, my palette is quite broad. I love Mediterranean probably the most because it makes me feel so healthy.

Jump over to Italy and yummy, yummy for pasta, eggplant parm. Go next door to Greece and give me some spanakopita. Head east to Asia and let me bring a bowl and some chopsticks. I can dig into a whole bunch of good stuff there. Not a big French food fan. Back in the states, sign me up for mashed potatoes, green peas and country fried steak. I’ve learned to substitute ground turkey in a host of dishes and chicken fills out the proteins. Well almost. I’ve become a real fan of beans. They are so filling and so good for you. Round out the wheel with fruit (mostly red grapes) and cheese, and there you have it! I don’t eat pork or shellfish due to religious reasons.

On a weekend, you’re more likely to do which of the following: Eat out with friends, stay home and watch a movie or something else?

What else do you do in your free time?

Give me a movie and I’m as happy as a cat with catnip! I can watch them for hours at a time and days at a time. I am also a pop-culture maniac, so I also keep up with things via TV. “The Real World” anyone? How about “The Voice?” It has become a favorite. Switch over to ABC Family and give me some “Pretty Little Liars.” Of course, “Homeland,” “Game of Thrones,” “Shameless,” and more are premium favorites. I also dearly adore sweet stories, as well as sci-fi, whodunits, etc. I guess I’m a TV addict! Already worn out two of them in the last 15 years.

You’ve seen Charlotte’s LGBT community grow and change. In what ways? What makes you proud to be an LGBT Charlottean?

Where to I begin? When I first came to town, it was really odd. Not used to having to “join” a bar to go in. We did not have that in Tennessee.

I could only hope, but never imagined the changes we all have encountered over the last number of years, especially the last half dozen.

And, there are groups for just about anything you’d want to explore. In some ways, I’m a bit envious of the younger crowd. They don’t realize how easy they have it. Guess it came on the back of those of us who came up through the ranks. I was on the steering committee for the first gay and lesbian switchboard here. Did the same thing in Memphis. Those were amazing times when having a voice to chat with made life more bearable.

April 11-24 . 2014

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April 11-24 . 2014