Targets LGBTQ Youth CBP Names Ali Steele Fund Recipient

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LGBT Chamber Offers ‘This is Your Shot!’ COVID Vaccine Clinic

The Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce (CLGBTCC) will host a drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic on April 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., onsite at the Chamber’s office located in the Hearts Beat as One Foundation at 3520 DeWitt Lane. Working in conjunction with the chamber, the Mecklenburg County Health Department will provide the vaccinations. On hand at the clinic will be Novant Health employees, who will ensure individuals seeking a vaccine are hydrated, healthy and react well to the dosage. Participants must be over the age of 18. The CLGBTCC confirms the drive-through is open to all, with a primary focus on the LGBTQ community. “In partnership with our strong network of strategic partners, we have established a track record of supporting our community in meaningful ways,” says Chamber chair, Ciara Lilly. “This is just one more example of how we work diligently to connect our community to valuable resources that will help during this challenging time.” “The vaccination clinic is an extension of our efforts to assist those within our community who are vulnerable during this pandemic,” explains Chamber CEO Chad Turner. “We are ex-

Drive-thru vaccines will be available April 22. (Photo Credit: Ivan Diaz via Unsplash) cited to partner with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and thank Novant Health and Hearts Beat as One Foundation for their efforts to make this a great success.” Per their announcement, the CLGBTCC’s current goal is 300 vaccinations throughout the operation. Should the need exceed that number, the chamber will work closely with Mecklenburg County Health authorities to provide more vaccinations so that everyone who wants the treatment can have one.

Says CLGBTCC member and Mecklenburg County Commissioner-At-Large Pat Cotham: “The county has a critical goal of vaccination equity. The result is we are not waiting for residents to come to us, we are going to them. The data shows we are making progress, so we are on the right track.”

Registrations for the vaccination clinic are required; go to bit.ly/3uxD65O to sign up. info: clgbtcc.org

— Julianna Peres

North Carolina’s ‘Youth Health Protection Act’ Targets LGBTQ Youth

Filed on Monday, April 5, the Youth Health Protection Act (Senate Bill 514) could out numerous LGBTQ individuals and deny many more access to gender-affirming care. This bill would require every physician, mental health professional and North Carolina state agent involved in the treatment of any trans individual under the age of 21 to report such action to parents, guardians or custodians.

The bill requires all persons under 21 to be treated as minors. Healthcare professionals will be heavily fined if they provide “unauthorized” treatment to anyone included in the 18-21 age range, even though the state recognizes individuals over 18 as an adult.

Written by Sen. Ralph Hise and supported primarily by fellow Republican representatives, the bill states the following:

A medical professional who engages in any of the practices… shall be considered to have engaged in unprofessional conduct and shall be subject to revocation of licensure and other appropriate discipline by the medical professional’s licensing or certifying board. The medical professional shall also be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per occurrence.

“A person’s gender identity shouldn’t limit their ability to access health care or be treated with dignity and respect,” Rev. Jasmine BeachFerrara, who is running for North Carolina’s 11th District Seat, said in a story carried by NBC news.

Not only would law enforcement and other legislative professionals be required to alert LGBTQ youth’s parents about their transgender or non-binary identities, but state schools would have to do the same as well. This would include school counselors, coaches and teachers.

Under the purview of SB 514, coming out in any manner under the umbrella term gender-expansive would be public knowledge. As such, it could be a negatively impacting experience for all under 21, but especially young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 who could potentially be denied gender-confirming medical care based solely on the response of a parent, custodian or guardian. info: bit.ly/3d3jtwJ

— Julianna Peres

CBP Names Ali Steele Fund Recipient

Charlotte Black Pride (CBP) has announced the recipient of their annual $250 reinvestment fund: Ali Steele. This endowment is designed to provide aid to business owners who are members of the Black LGBTQ community. Applications posted a short video describing their vision for the future of their organizations, tagging CBP on either Facebook or Instagram. The group/individual with the most likes was selected for the reinvestment fund .

Steele is a singer, songwriter and entrepreneur, juggling a music career along with spearheading two organizations: EthnicByAli and Issa Vibe Adventures. “I created EthnicByAli in 2015 when I got laid off my job, but it’s a total reflection of my culture through signs, symbols, ethnic attire and wholistic remedies,” Steele said.

Steele went on to say that Issa Vibe Adventures was founded after seeing a need for the community to reconnect to nature.

When asked what the CBP grant would provide for these enterprises, Steele replied, “the grant will be used to continue to provide a platform for my community to network, learn, create and reconnect to nature through events like the Healers Market and Issa Vibe hikes. I will also use it to continue to make music that encourages love and hope.” Issa Vibe Adventures has had its fair share of obstacles since its inception, primarily that of properly training potential tour guides. Steele mentioned that the American Canoe The local musician and entrepreneur received a re-investment fund grant. Association (ACA) kayaking certification is extremely important to the group. Accordingly, the certification will allow Issa Vibe instructors to teach paddling and rowing techniques.

For those who want to get involved, events are constantly being posted on EthnicByAli’s account at bit.ly/3sRR8yz. To learn about upcoming hiking opportunities, yoga and a chance to feed the homeless, follow the Issa Vibe Adventures Instagram at bit.ly/3dvK6Jz. Steele’s music album, “I Can Only Be Me,” is available on all music platforms at amzn.to/3ulmbmL. info: bit.ly/3rN1oXO

NORTH CAROLINA PRIDE IN THE TRIANGLE’S WORKPLACE EQUITY TRAINING

On April 29, the organization will offer group discussions and consultant-led conversation from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Taking place online, this event will focus on Pride in the Triangle’s LGBTQ+ Workplace Equity Toolkit. Training will be moderated by Kathrine Turner from Global Citizen, LLC, and Stan Kimer from Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer and RTI International, Inc. Tickets and the downloadable toolkit are completely free. info: bit.ly/3fWcpUq

UPCOMING NATIONAL DIVERSITY COUNCIL ERG ACADEMY

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 4, this interactive workshop is targeted toward those in leadership or HR roles within employee resource groups (ERGs). The purpose of this training session is growth and knowledge exchange between ERG executive sponsors, Human Resource Representatives in ERGs and any other professional who is interested in action planning in relation to intersectionality. Ticket prices differ depending on partner/non-partner position as well as for-profit/non-profit status info: bit.ly/2PEvGz1

30TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR TIME OUT YOUTH CENTER

Time Out Youth (TOY) is hosting a celebration for the 30 years of hard work that have been poured into the organization since its 1991 inception. The party will take place at the TOY center on April 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. LGBTQ individuals between the ages of 11 and 20 are encouraged to sign up and partake in the socially-distant festivities. info: bit.ly/3d3XtSl

NATIONAL TRANSGENDER HEALTH MADE A PRIORITY IN MISSOURI

Planned Parenthood launched a program on March 24 that will expand upon transgender healthcare as well as LGBTQ inclusive sex education. Dubbed “TRANSforming Community TRANSforming Care,” this project will focus on those from lower-income communities who are unable to afford adequate and gender affirming medical attention. The conception of this program was by transgender and nonbinary persons for those who are similarly gender-expansive, including intersex and genderfluid individuals. info: bit.ly/31Z7Kcc

CATHOLIC PETITION CIRCULATED IN FAVOR OF LGBTQ COUPLES

New Ways Ministry created a petition titled “We Will Bless Same-Gender Couples” as a direct response to the Vatican’s March 15 announcement. Over 3,000 people have put their names on this pledge, including dozens of Catholic theologians and church-goers. Signatures have been made by those around the world, and more continue to pour in every day. The ultimate goal of this petition is to garner the Vatican’s attention as well as to provide proof to LGBTQ persons that they have allies within the Catholic church. info: bit.ly/2QbEpZ3 — Compiled by Julianna Peres