QNotes, April 17, 2020

April 17-30, 2020

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qnotes

April 17-30, 2020

inside this issue

April 17-30, 2020 Vol 34 No 26

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11 Zuni Johnson’s Plasma Could Help COVID-19 Victims

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

Bars are closed and drag performers are reinventing ways to reach their audiences through online venues. Two who are in the Carolinas, Delighted Tobehere and Buff Faye, are hosting shows that keep viewers entertained.

news

contributors this issue

Mykah Buff, Amanda Cubit, Tonya Jameson, Jack Kirven, Bill Malcolm, Lainey Millen, Mikey Rox, Chris Rudisill, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Lee Storrow, Trinity

Drag queens go live (from home)

4 Wisconsin’s Pandemic Primary 6 Fund Awards Non-Profits 6 Leaders Band Together

to Produce Guide 6 News Briefs 7 Trans Military Ban Anniversary Marked 7 App Helps Consumers

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Drag Queens Go Live Tell Trinity Out in Print: Calamity Jane Out in Print: Pronouns

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Zuni Johnson’s plasma could help COVID-19 vctims

Post coronivirus survivor’s antibodies could provide valuable answers to fighting future infections.

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Researchers in Search to Combat COVID-19 In Memoriam Guide to Social Distancing Ozone and Coronavirus Virtual Vacations Health & Wellness Our People: Dawn Pugh

views 4 Looking at Blood Donation Policies 15 Legal Eagles

events

Our People: Dawn Pugh Community member Dawn Pugh has dedicated her time and efforts to support organizations and others by volunteering for initiatives such as Lunch Is On Us. She also is a realtor and certified luxury home marketing specialist.

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Our calendar will return once events begin again.

April 17-30, 2020

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Wisconsin’s Pandemic Primary

Primary Watch: Marginalized Communities Impacted and Sanders Bows Out

BY Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in the 2020 Democratic primary elections. Due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation for social distancing to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, the reality of voting in America has changed. Several states across the country have postponed their primary elections or canceled inperson voting and extended deadlines for mail-in ballots — all to follow guidelines that include limiting gatherings to less than 10 people, keeping a physical distance of six feet from others and wearing personal protective equipment, fondly known as PPE, like face masks or gloves.

Twenty-one states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia still have primaries between now the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Milwaukee, Wisc. which has also been postponed to Aug. 17-20. The Republican National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 24-27 will take place here in Charlotte., N.C. Seen as a potentially pivotal state this year, Ohio’s primary was originally scheduled for March 17. They postponed until April 28, prompting the Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez to encourage other states to follow suit and provide voters with a way to vote that didn not pose a risk to their health.

“Eligible voters deserve certainty, safety, and accessibility,” Perez said in a statement. “That’s why states that have

not yet held primary elections should focus on implementing the aforementioned measures to make it easier and safer for voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote, instead of moving primaries to later in the cycle when timing around the virus remains unpredictable,” he added.

On Tuesday, April 7 the Wisconsin primaries commenced, despite the Democratic Party’s recommendation for states to embrace safer voting alternatives, as well as an executive order issued by the state’s governor, Tony Evers, to delay the primary. The Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected the governor’s attempt to delay the primary and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld that decision, overturning a lower court order which would have extended the option for absentee balloting.

Wisconsin voters who have not already cast absentee ballots “will have to brave the polls, endangering their own and others’ safety,” Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote in her dissent. “Or they will lose their right to vote, through no fault of their own.”

The New York Times said voters were forced to choose between their health and their civic duty. “In Milwaukee, citizens were forced to choose between following public health orders to stay at home and stand in line for hours at one of just five polling places the city kept amid the coronavirus pandemic,” the Times added.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Alphonso

David said that transgender and black voters were particularly affected by Wisconsin’s primary due to the limited access to voting polls in urban areas, as well many voters not having received their absentee ballots despite them being requested in a timely manner. “Results will prove that marginalized communities, such as black and transgender voters, bore the brunt of the limited access to the ballot,” said David.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission is still mandating that the results not be released until the day of the previously extended absentee-ballot deadline, Monday, April 13, so official results were not available as of press time.

The day after Tuesday’s Wisconsin primary, Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out of the 2020 presidential race, however, making Former Vice President Joe Biden the presumptive Democratic nominee in the race against Donald Trump. “I have concluded that this battle for the Democratic nomination will not be successful, and so today I am announcing the suspension of my campaign,” Sanders said in a live stream. : : As part of our coverage in TurnOUT: How LGBTQ Organizations Have Mobilized the Community, this project has been supported by the Solutions Journalism Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to rigorous and compelling reporting about responses to social problems, solutionsjournalism.org.

Looking at Blood Donation Policies Op-Ed

BY Lee Storrow | Guest Contributor

I

SUBSCRIBE!

used to be an extremely regular blood donor.

I donated a couple times in high school, and once I went to the University of North Carolina for college, became a frequent donor at blood drives in my dorm. One year, I even donated blood on the floor of the Dean Dome during a major annual drive. I also became a regular platelet donor, a longer and more complicated process, but one that’s a critical need in the healthcare system. Over the course of two years, I donated more than 60 units of platelets.

And yet: It’s been almost a decade since I was eligible to donate blood or platelets.

I became ineligible when I came out as gay and had sex with a man for the first time. Since the 1980s, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had prohibited men who have sex with men from donating blood. My undergrad self understood the rules, but also knew the policy didn’t make sense. I happened to be in Washington, D.C. on an internship in the summer of 2010, and went with my friend Marjorie to an FDA hearing on the policy.

I spoke during public comment, and even gave several media interviews (bit.ly/34tqbpR) about the policy. Shortly after, a friend asked if I thought the policy change was “discriminatory.” At the

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time, I said no. I understood some of the history of the HIV epidemic and believed the policy to be outdated, sure, but wanted to believe it was grounded in science. I convinced myself that there was a distinction because the policy change that prohibited donations based on a sexual act, and not simplify identifying as gay.

I’m no longer so forgiving.

I wrote an opinion piece for qnotes about this policy in 2016 (goqnotes.com/41105). At the time, the Food and Drug Administration had changed the policy from a lifetime deferral for men who have sex with men to a one-year deferral — which means you can donate after a year of celibacy. Blood screening and safety technology has radically improved, and the advent of PrEP means an HIV negative donor on the medication can donate with almost complete certainty they are HIV negative.

Six months after I wrote that piece, the Pulse shooting happened. That moment pained me. There were calls for changes to the policy given the urgent need for blood to treat the victims. That moment illuminated for me that the roots of the blood ban aren’t based in science, but based in stigma and shame. The same stigma and homophobia that causes individuals to kill based on sexual orientation or the color of

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qnotes

April 17-30, 2020

someone’s skin is also found in a policy that bars gay men from donating because of the stigma that gay sex is “dirty” or “filthy.” The science simply does not stand behind this policy.

And here we are four years later, another change.

We are in the middle of a public health crisis and a desperate need for blood donors. On April 2, the FDA again announced that it was revising the policy again, changing the deferral period from one year to three months. In many ways, it feels like a big win. Compared to a lifetime deferral that was in place a decade ago, this change feels like we’ve come a long way.

Yet it’s also a slow drip. Many countries across the globe, including Italy, Spain and Mexico, have risk-based deferral systems that have been in place for years. Especially with PrEP, there’s no grounding in science to have a blanket deferral period in place for all men who sleep with men.

It’s unfortunate it took a pandemic to change a policy rooted in discimination. I hope it takes less than four years for the FDA to finally end this prejudiced, blanket ban once and for all. : : Lee Storrow is the executive director of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network.

April 17-30, 2020

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BRIEFS

news Fund awards non-profits with COVID-19 grants CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More than $3 million has been awarded to 51 local non-profits in the second round of grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund. To date, more than $6 million has been granted to non-profits meeting basic needs for those affected by the pandemic, such as education, housing, food, employment, financial assistance, health and mental health.

The latest grants were awarded via a competitive grant cycle open to all Mecklenburg County 501(c)3 non-profits that met eligibility requirements. Since the CharlotteMecklenburg COVID-19 Response was launched on March 16, more than $16 million has been raised from corporations, foundations, individuals and local government.

“These grants will assist a wide variety of non-profit organizations across the county to meet escalating needs in the face of this unprecedented crisis,” said United Way of Central Carolinas President and CEO Laura Yates Clark. “These non-profits are on the frontlines, providing much-needed assistance. They’re doing amazing work despite dealing with many of the same limitations and concerns we all face.”

“To date, we’ve made 65 grants to non-profits from this fund, and it’s just the beginning,” said Foundation For The Carolinas President and CEO Michael Marsicano. “We do not know what our demands will be in a week or a month. This is why we continue to fundraise for the COVID-19 Response Fund — to help our friends and neighbors in need.”

The second round of grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund will assist individuals in the areas of education, employment, emergency financial assistance, food security, health and mental health, shelter and housing and other services.

Some of those receiving funds are Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont ($150,000), RAIN ($75,000), Dilworth Soup Kitchen ($12,000), Friendship Trays ($25,000), Loaves & Fishes ($300,000), Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina ($500,000), MedAssist of Mecklenburg ($100,000), Carolinas CARE Partnership ($83,000), Habitat for Humanity ($100,000) and Humane Society of Charlotte ($20,000).

The next cycle of funding will open April 20 at 10 a.m. and close May 1 at noon. Visit uwcentralcarolinas.org/grants/COVID for eligibility requirements and to apply.

A COVID-19 Response Fund Grants Committee has been established to review and distribute grants from the fund. The committee is made up of 17 local leaders representing a diversity of business sectors, backgrounds and Mecklenburg County geographic locations: The committee is co-chaired by Tanya Blackmon of Novant Health and Edwin Peacock of Pomfret Financial. It also includes: Charles Bowman, Bank of America; Jordan Boyd, Rockwell AME Zion Church; Heath Campbell, Truist Financial; Alexis Coleman, Davidson United Methodist Church; Betsy Conway, Lowe’s; Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County; Malcolm Graham, City of Charlotte; Mark Jerrell, Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners; Cliff Matthews, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church; Brian Middleton, Atrium; Dee O’Dell, U.S. Bank; Jill Olmstead, LendingTree; Susan Patterson, community volunteer; Federico Rios, City of Charlotte; and Lisa Saunders, Christ Church Charlotte.

The fund is administered through a partnership between Foundation For The Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas, in close coordination with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

To contribute to the COVID-19 Response Fund, visit HelpCharMeck.org. Corporations and foundations that wish to make a donation may contact either Catherine Warfield, Senior Vice President of Philanthropic Advancement at FFTC, at 704-973-4515 or cwarfield@fftc.org; or Clint Hill, Chief Development Officer at United Way of Central Carolinas, at 704-371-6359 or chill@uwcentralcarolinas.org. info: fftc.org.

— Compiled by Lainey Millen

Leaders band together to produce guide WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 10 national, community-centered HIV service and advocacy organizations partnered to create a resource guide focused on supporting people living with HIV (PLHIV). The “COVID-19 and People Living with HIV: Frequently Asked Questions” document provides clear and culturally responsive information to ensure PLHIV and communities disproportionately impacted by HIV have a reliable resource for the latest information to help them protect and take care of themselves.

The resource guide reflects the clinical practices and information currently available put forth by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Infectious Diseases Society (IDSA), the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA), health departments and other local, national and global public health entities. The document will be updated regularly as more information is learned about COVID-19, the impact of co-infection of COVID-19 and HIV on PLHIV and the development of available vaccines and treatments for this coronavirus.

“Our organizations agreed it was critical to develop a well-informed resource for people with HIV about COVID-19, and we therefore are pleased to release this document today,” remarked Murray Penner, executive director, North America, for Prevention Access Campaign/ U=U. “People living with HIV have specific healthcare needs and are understandably anxious about our own health and that of our loved ones. We hope that this factsheet will be helpful in providing accurate, up-to-date information about how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect our communities — and in sharing resources for support.,” added Naina Khanna, executive director of Positive Women’s Network – USA. “The organizations creating this much needed resource bring critical perspectives and expertise about the health and well-being of people living with HIV in this pandemic, and our partnership on it is a model for how our community can support each other in surviving the COVID-19 crisis,” said Jesse Milan, Jr., president and CEO of AIDS United.

The list of collaborating HIV service/advocacy organizations who created “COVID-19 and People Living with HIV: Frequently Asked Questions” are: AIDS United, HIV Medicine Association, Latino Commission on AIDS, NASTAD, NMAC, Positive Women’s Network – USA, Prevention Access Campaign, TransLatin@ Coalition, US PLHIV Caucus and The Well Project. info: bit.ly/2RuVCL5.

— Compiled by Lainey Millen

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April 17-30, 2020

Pioneer for LGBTQ rights dies at 95

The LGBTQ community is mourning the loss of trailblazing lesbian Phyllis Lyon who died on April 9 in San Francisco, Calif., The Advocate reported. She and her partner, Del Martin, were on the forefront of the movement and helped to found the Daughters of Bilitis along with others. That was followed up by the launch of The Ladder that featured articles on politics, poetry and fiction for a lesbian audience. Not only that, the couple helped to bring marriage equality to California. She is survived by a sister, daughter and son-in-law, two grandchildren and a great-grandson.

info: bit.ly/3b6M8xt.

Va. makes southern history

On April 10, Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia signed into law the Virginia Values Act that protests LGBTQ individuals from discrimination, LGBTQ Nation reported. With a stroke of a pen, he helped make history by shepherding in his state as the first one in the South to pass such legislation.

info: bit.ly/2K3Qw4c.

Grindr launches new app

Grindr announced the rollout of Grindr Lite, a streamlined version of the Grindr app for users in emerging markets who want the core Grindr experience but may be prevented due to an older or slower device, or a limited data plan.

info: grindr.com.

Guilford selected in fund class

Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center has announced that it has been selected as a member of the Future Fund 10 Class of 2020. The Future Fund offers coaching to non-profit leaders and prepares them to pitch their organization “Shark Tank-style” at the annual Future Fund 10 LIVE event, which will be held via Facebook Live on April 21, 6 p.m. Anyone watching on April 21 will receive a number at which to text to vote for the $20,000 grand prize. Future Fund Members will get to vote for the $12,000 and $8,000 prizes. The non-profit that receives the most votes will receive $1,000 out of the $45,000 prize money pool. Guilford is seeking participants in the voting process that ends on April 19 at 11:59 p.m.

info: futurefundgso.org/community-vote. guilfordgreenfoundation.org.

Raleigh center seeks contributions

The LGBT Center of Raleigh was forced to cancel its annual Out! Raleigh Pride event due to the coronavirus pandemic. This has left the center with a short-fall of $150,000 in its operational budget. The spring festival has been the largest event to sustain the center. Contributions are now being accepted to help the continuity of the 30 programs that are offered to the community. In an update, the center has announced that it has rescheduled Out! Raleigh for Aug. 9. Ahead of that they are working on building a Virtual Out! Raleigh Pride Vendor Fair, to be launched on May 30.

info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. bit. ly/2RyfbSw.

Telehealth webinar focuses on COVID-19, HIV

TeleHealthHIV has released its “Telehealth & COVID-19: Implications for HIV Care & Treatment” online. Discussed by presenters are the impact of recent

policy changes and strategies for health organizations to quickly implement virtual care in the era of COVID-19.

info: bit.ly/34CZ37F. healthhiv.org.

Chamber launches COVID-19 support initiative

The Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce, along with other minority chambers across the city, have established supportCLT which is dedicated to supporting small business owners and community members as a result of COVID19’s impact. Read qnotes full story online at goqnotes. com/65432.

info: clgbtcc.org.

Exotic zoo owner files suit

Polyamorous Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic, has filed a $94 million lawsuit against a number of government agencies and a former business partner. The subject of the Netflix documentary, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” is currently serving a 22-year sentence in prison for hiring a hitman to kill his arch-rival, animal sanctuary owner Carole Baskin, LGBTQ Nation reported.

Exotic was also convicted of adult tiger killing to make room for more cubs. The controversial personality had previously accused Baskin of killing her millionaire husband who disappeared a number of years ago.

info: bit.ly/2wC2FKJ.

AFFA hosts Facebook discussions

The Alliance for Full Acceptance is currently hosting AFFA Live discussions on their Facebook page. Upcoming on April 22, 12 p.m., is “Pandemic Parenting: Prioritizing Queer Youth Wellness in Partnership with We Are Family.” Others to be scheduled are “Personal Fitness in Quarantine” and “Navigating Relationships in Quarantine.

info: bit.ly/3acPspz.

Transgender military ban anniversary marks year of discrimination WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) released the following statements ahead of the one year anniversary of the Trump-Pence transgender military ban, which went into effect last year on April 12.

“For far more than a year, the Trump-Pence administration has shamefully told thousands of qualified transgender military members that we aren’t good enough and our service doesn’t matter. Yet time and time again, we continue to prove them wrong,” said Patricia King, the Army’s first out transgender infantryman and MMAA’s federal advocacy manager. “Whether it’s the implementation of the trans military ban, the gross mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic, or the firing of decorated military leaders who speak up, the Trump-Pence administration is exhibiting a toxic lack of leadership with a deeply harmful agenda. Our nation’s brave service members and their families deserve better.”

“Over the past year, we’ve continued to hear from qualified transgender patriots who want to serve their country but can’t because of the Trump-Pence transgender military ban,” said Peter Perkowski, MMAA’s legal and policy director. “As our nation faces unprecedented challenges, the last thing our military should be doing is rejecting qualified individuals who want to serve simply because of their gender identity. We’re proud to be fighting the Trump-Pence transgender military ban in court, and we are determined to ensure that justice ultimately prevails against this blatant, unconstitutional discrimination.”

The far majority of Americans believe that anyone who is qualified and willing should be able to serve in the military — including transgender people. The majority of active duty service members also oppose the Trump-Pence transgender military ban.

In 2016, under the Obama-Biden administration, the military finally updated its outdated regulations, allowing transgender service members to serve openly and authentically. But Donald Trump unconscionably singled out these brave American patriots for discrimination in July 2017 via Twitter with a transgender military ban. His discriminatory policy took effect on April 12, 2019.

In a federal lawsuit, Karnoski v. Trump, MMAA and Lambda Legal are challenging the constitutionality of the ban. The lawsuit represents six currently serving members of the armed services; three who seek to enlist; the American Military Partner Association, which merged with OutServe-SLDN to form MMAA; the Human Rights Campaign; and the Gender Justice League. info: modernmilitary.org.

— Compiled by Lainey Millen

— Compiled by Lainey Millen

Wisecrack inspires solution to store shortages amid pandemic Cleveland Web Developer Uses Tech Skills to Combat COVID-19

T

he world has been beset with a virus that has swept across the entire planet and has not been discriminating in who it has latched on to. It has attacked men, women and children, rich and poor, old and young and has still not hit its peak with its destructive and overwhelming damage to both patients and healthcare workers, as well as the economy. Last month amid the COVID-19 outbreak, consumers in panic-driven Web developer Chris Violette stockpiling, wiped out store shelves and finding basic needs such as toilet paper (a hot commodity), rubbing alcohol, disintectants, face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and other items have left shoppers having to either improvise with what they have or simply go without, all in an attempt to minimize the possibility of contracting COVID-19.

But one clever computer wiz has thought outside the current parameters and has come up with a viable solution for those seeking products to purchase.

Meant only as a bit of humor between two co-workers, one man’s proposal of what he initially thought of as a hare-brained idea, may now have the potential to help cut down on the spread of COVID-19.

Cleveland-based web developer, Chris Violette, 35, and his co-worker were chatting about the toilet-paper shortage and how difficult it was to find a store that had it in stock. During their conversation, Violette’s co-

BY Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer

worker jokingly said, “Hey, wouldn’t it be cool if there was a crowdsourcing app to help you find toilet paper?”

That conversation and his co-worker’s idea (intended as a joke) sparked the inspiration behind Violette’s recently-launched crowdsourcing web app, Quarantin.io.

After thinking about his co-worker’s idea and piecing some things together, Violette said he realized that an app for finding toilet paper was not as far-fetched as his co-worker might have thought. “The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it might actually be a feasible and realistic goal,” he said.

The app is free to use and provides information on the availability of household staples at retail locations.

Information is based on reports submitted by users who answer survey-like questions during their shopping trips. As users make new submissions, new retail locations are added and existing information is updated.

The information can be accessed by selecting a retail location on a map using the app’s built-in geospatial technology (like GPS).

Violette says he hopes the app will provide people with a way to locate the items they need before leaving home. Avoiding a store-to-store goose chase, it hopefully lowers an individual’s risk of being exposed to the novel coronavirus or becoming infected with its disease, COVID-19.

“Quarantin.io aims to help with this problem by asking community members to share what they’ve found while on their own shopping trips,” the app’s homepage states. “By being able to preview what stores have in stock, hopefully, people reduce their risk of exposure by knowing where to find products ahead of time and not needing to visit multiple stores.”

Just a week and a half after the app’s launch, Violette said the number of report submissions were in the thousands and have continued growing every day.

“After CBS Sacramento published a story on Quarantin. io, the app’s use grew from only a few to several states throughout the U.S., as well as report submissions nearly doubling overnight,” he said.

The development costs of the app were self-funded out of pocket using GitHub (open-source software development platform). Violette says he’s not interested in commercializing the app or making a profit, and that his only concern is ensuring that it serves its purpose in helping people during these uncertain times.

“My only objective is to use the skills I have to give back and to help people as much as I possibly can,” he says.

To access the app, visit quarantin.io. : : This story was produced by the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative, a partnership of six media companies working together in an effort started by the Solutions Journalism Network and funded by The Knight Foundation.

April 17-30, 2020

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a&e

Drag queens go live (from home) As COVID-19 Closes Bars and Nightclubs, Drag is Finding a New Online Resilience

BY Chris Rudisill | QNotes Contributing Writer in the “all access membership.” Once one has paid for one show they have access to all the weekly shows. Tickets are available at allbuff.com or buffinbed.com. After paying for the ticket online, ticketholders will receive an invitation into ALLBUFF: Studio B, a private group on Facebook. “I hope the viewership continues to increase, but more than that — I hope we get back to seeing each other in person,” she says.

In the interim she is providing an oasis on Sundays for many of the community. “It is a way to create an escape in a time that is unsettling and with tragic loss for so many,” she says. “And, it’s B.Y.O.B., bring your own brunch!”

Delighted Tobehere is hosting her ‘Veni COVIDi Vici’ and ‘GOING VIRAL!’ to viewers while she is in South Carolina.

“N

ecessity is the mother of invention,” says drag queen Delighted Tobehere. Like many of us, she is waiting to see how the drag world continues to adapt to the challenges the community is facing with the coronavirus and shelter-in-place orders closing bars and nightclubs around the country. Tobehere, who originally hails from Greenville, S.C., is based in New York City and is best known from her 2015 debut on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

“So many entertainers are taking to Facebook and Instagram live to perform,” says Tobehere. She describes three reasons for these online performances: “an entertainer’s need to perform, the opportunity to raise funds through donations, and the desire to do our part to entertain during trying times, the Drag USO, if you will!”

She’s been doing two shows a week, a Saturday solo drag show called “Veni COVIDi Vici,” or “I came, I coughed, I conquered,” and a second show (out of drag) featuring Broadway duets with fellow “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” costar, Miranda Barnett, called “GOING VIRAL!” “In Veni COVIDi Vici,” she performs in a simple sheet toga. “All of my costumes are in NYC, and I’m stranded in South Carolina,” she says. “I’ve enjoyed creating parodies that include not-so-subtle PSA’s (public service announcements) about hand washing and staying at home.”

Locally, Charlotte’s drag brunch hostess, Buff Faye has moved her popular show online as well with a “Buff Faye in Bed Brunch.” “People need to have a sense of connection to one another,” says Buff Faye. “The virtual events that drag queens are doing are providing a space to escape and think about something else — anything else, but the reality of COVID-19 for even a moment.”

Brunch at Home Since 2009, Buff Faye has been doing a monthly Buff Faye’s Drag Brunch, an event that moved to twice a month, prior to COVID-19, at the Dilworth Neighborhood Grill.

The event has been billed as “Charlotte’s #1 drag brunch since 2009” and gives back to the local LGBTQ community.

“When COVID-19 shut down the restaurant to the public, I wanted to find a way to still build the community that we have at our drag brunch, entertain, and especially now — to give joy, hope and a way to relax,” says Buff Faye. “So why not invite people to experience and create connection virtually with me ‘in bed.’” (It should be noted that Dilworth Neighborhood Grille is still open for take-out and delivery during the local shelter-in-place ordinance.)

“Buff Faye in Bed” is set up as paid access viewing and tickets are $10. The show averages a couple dozen viewers

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April 17-30, 2020

Living on Tips The coronavirus is also having a major financial impact on drag performers, bartenders and anyone working in the local entertainment and service industries. A recent virtual “sister talk” that Buff Faye hosted with other entertainers from the bi-monthly Drag Brunch made this evident.

“Many who have full time jobs have applied for unemployment and are surviving now, but everyone is worried about next month,” said Buff Faye. “Some who are less fortunate are already struggling and relying on friends and family for support for basic needs like food and rent.” She points out that it will likely get worse.

Buff Faye is currently the 2019-2020 titleholder for National Entertainer of the Year, F.I. and out of drag is better known as Shane Windmeyer, the founder and executive director of Campus Pride. Like many other non-profit organizations, Campus Pride is facing additional financial hardships brought on by COVID-19. Windmeyer has not been paid since mid-February and has been selling wigs and costumes online to create some extra income. “I will likely lose a lot of things I have worked hard for over the last 20 years professionally, but I’m focusing on my personal relationships to give me solace,” he says.

The financial dangers could go on for months. “At this moment, all of my gigs (with the exception of Delighted’s Drag Brunch and Dinner that I’m in charge of — and holding on for dear life, but likely to be canceled) have been postponed or cancelled through June 27,” says Delighted Tobehere. “Imagine the impact a drag entertainer feels losing Pride month. It’s devastating. It’s scary.”

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) recently published a report on the additional risks the LGBTQ community faces with COVID-19 and found that “more than 5 million LGBTQ people work in jobs that are more likely to be impacted by COVID-19,” not to mention the disproportionate amount of people that cannot afford healthcare. Like

millions of others, Delighted Tobehere is now struggling through the process of filing for unemployment. “I’ve called 50 times a day for the past 10 days and can’t get through,” she says. Fans can be an important lifeline for drag queens, and most online performances include options to tip via Venmo, Cash App or PayPal. “My friends and fans have been incredibly supportive and I’m very grateful,” says Tobehere. “Everyone is struggling financially right now, so the thought of someone sharing their income with me is humbling.” Delighted Tobehere sees anywhere from 50-150 viewers on her online shows, and they have up to 5,000 views in the days following.

For both Buff Faye and Delighted Tobehere, the joy of entertainment is paramount to survival and drag has a long history of bringing the LGBTQ community together, especially when times are tough. “The messages I’ve been receiving just keep the fire lit to keep me going,” says Tobehere. “This period can define us, or we can define it.”

She reminds us that “we may be socially distancing, but we should not distance ourselves socially.” When asked if she had any additional thoughts, Delighted Tobehere said simply, “Wash your hands. Stay home. And remember, that you, too, can be Delighted Tobehere in this trying time.

Look to the positive. Look for the helpers and applaud those essential workers on the front lines. Celebrate each other’s resolve to combat this virus. Tip the folks when you pick up your meal at a restaurant. Practice self care. Love yourself and each other. We will get through this.” : : “Buff Faye in Bed” is every Sunday at 12 p.m. (EST). All access membership starts at $10 and can be purchased at allbuff. com or buffinbed.com.

Buff Faye will host “QUARAN-QWEENS” on April 19 at 6:30 p.m. EST. The online show will feature local drag queens and entertainers who perform regularly at Buff Faye’s Drag Brunch, including Valarie Rockwell, Kiana Layne, Malayia Chanel Iman, Talia, Lilli Frost, Amazing Grace, Kristin Collins, Charlton Alicea, Sierra Santana, Angela Lopez, Reann Ballsee and Devida. The event is free, but people can show their support by tipping online. To learn more and view live, visit Buff Faye Drag Brunch on Facebook at facebook.com/charlottedragbrunch.

Delighted Tobehere’s “GOING VIRAL” and “VENI COVIDI VICI” can be viewed every Monday and Saturday respectively at 8 p.m. EST at facebook.com/QueenDelighted, or by visiting imdelightedtobehere.com.

‘Buff Faye in Bed’ brings a new take on drag entertainment during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

life

HIV meds tested against COVID-19 PrEP Clinical Trials in Progress

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BY Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer

Although, Choi said the bioith more than huntechnology company does not dreds of thousands have high expectations that of confirmed cases, the drug will be effective due the coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) to its ineffectiveness against continues spreading across other diseases. the globe at an alarming rate.

“We are planning to assess In an effort to find a solution the in vitro antiviral activity of to the COVID-19 pandemic, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate researchers are considering (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC), a number of existing medicathe components of Truvada, tions in pursuit in finding both against coronaviruses,” Choi an effective treatment, as well said. “However, based on in as a prevention protocol. vitro testing against other RNA In their race to find a soluPrEP is being studied as a possible answer to fightviruses including Ebola virus, tion to this global pandemic, a ing COVID-19. (Photo Credit: H_Ko (microscope) and hepatitis C virus, respiratory number of clinical trials have magann (PrEP via Adobe Stock) syncytial virus, and bovine viral begun recruiting patients diarrhea virus, we do not exand conducting studies using pect to observe the antiviral activity of TDF or FTC against drugs that are already established as a treatment for other coronaviruses.” illnesses. The medications considered are drugs meant to In addition to the clinical trials testing PrEP’s effectivetreat HIV, Ebola and Malaria. ness to treat COVID-19, a new clinical trial being conducted One of the therapies researchers have begun clinical trials at Ramon y Cajal University in Spain that began on April 1, on is a drug combination used in the treatment and prevenwill be determining if the drug can be used to prevent the tion of HIV. PrEP (emtricitabine/tenofovir) is sold under the infection of the disease, particularly in healthcare workers brand names Truvada and Descovy and is manufactured by who are treating infected patients.

Gilead Sciences.

In an email to the Washington Blade, research director In late March, the vice president for public affairs at of HIV and infectious diseases at La Paz Hospital in Madrid, Gilead Sciences, Sonia Choi, said the company planned to Spain, Dr. Jose Arribas, said one reason why they decided test the use of PrEP against the novel coronavirus in an to pursue clinical trials testing PrEP’s effectiveness in preemail response to a Washington Blade inquiry on the use of venting COVID-19 infection is the fact that there have been the medication against COVID-19.

HIV patients who are on the medication that have tested positive for the disease.

“We are seeing few cases of HIV-positive people with severe COVID-19,” Arribas said. “This is surprising because the immune system of an HIV-positive person has similarities to that of older people who do have severe cases of COVID-19.

Furthermore, there is evidence from in vitro studies support that Truvada can have an immunomodulatory effect.”

The clinical trial will be facilitated over the course of 12 weeks and will consist of participants of the trial being administered daily doses of tenofovir, disopoxil, fumarate and emtricitabine (the components of PrEP) and hydroxychloroquine, as well as placebos.

The participants of the trial will be divided into three groups with each group receiving a different combination of placebo and PrEP components, first assessing the number of COVID-19 infections followed by assessing the severity of each infection based on different criteria.

In a report posted on their website (clinicaltrials.gov) on April 9, The National Institutes of Health in the United States, who provide updates on existing clinical trials as well as emerging ones around the globe, said they will be assessing both PrEP’s effectiveness to treat and prevent COVID-19 and anticipate the study’s initial results to be made available no earlier than July 31. : : This story was produced by the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative, a partnership of six media companies working together in an effort started by the Solutions Journalism Network and funded

by The Knight Foundation.

April 17-30, 2020

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In Memoriam

LGBTQ People We Have Lost to COVID-19

BY Chris Rudisill | QNotes Contributing Writer

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s coronavirus cases continue to rise throughout the United States, the death toll increases, and we grapple with the full impact the disease will have on our communities. Senior art critic for New York Magazine and author Jerry Saltz likely put it best in a Tweet on March 24, “We have been told that we may not die but we will all know someone who has.” qnotes will continue to try and honor LGBTQ people who have died from COVID-19 throughout this pandemic.

Richard E. Weber, Jr. New York City attorney, Richard E. Weber, Jr. died on March 19 in New York. He was 57. Weber served on the Metuchen Council from 2001 until 2010 and was a member of the Board of Directors of the LGBT Bar Association of New York. He was a partner at the law firm of Gallo Vitucci Klar LLP and volunteered at monthly legal clinics for LGBTQ people in New York City. In a Facebook post, the LGBT Bar Association of New York wrote, “It is in his honor that we continue to steadfastly dedicate ourselves to our mission of advancing equality in and through the legal profession.”

Nashom Wooden Known as renowned New York City drag queen Mona Foot, Nashom Wooden died on March 23 in New York. He was 50. In a Twitter post following Wooden’s death, fellow drag artist, activist and now-candidate for New York City Council District 7, Marti Gould Allen-Cummings (@MartiGCummings) said “To watch Mona Foot perform was like watching a master class in the art of drag… her energy was infectious.” Wooden found success as a drag performer in 1989, according to a 2017 interview with Paper Magazine. He was also part of The Ones, an early 2000s dance trio that produced the single “Flawless” which peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart.

Maurice Berger Art historian and curator, Maurice Berger died on March 23 in New York. He was 63. Berger was influential in his focus on “whiteness in the art world” and the political implications of photography, according to ARTnews, often calling out major institutions for not engaging diversity. He wrote a regular column for The New York Times photography blog Lens called “Race Stories” and published the book “White Lies: Race and the Myths of Whiteness in 1999.”

He grew up poor in New York City’s East Side and once wrote, “As a Jew, I have known anti-Semitism. As a gay man, I have known homophobia. But neither has seemed as relentless as the racism I witnessed growing up — a steady drumbeat of slights, thinly veiled hostility and condescension perpetrated by even the most liberal and wellmeaning people.”

TerrEnce McNally Acclaimed playwright Terrence McNally died on March 24 in Sarasota, Fla. He was 81. The Tony-award winner was best known for writing librettos for the musicals “Ragtime” in 1998 and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in 1993 and for his plays “Love! Valour!

Compassion!,” “Corpus Christi” and “Master Class.” In 2019,

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McNally received the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre. Author John Clum characterized McNally as the most prolific playwright about gay life in New York City and said his plays were a celebration of “various forms of love — of family, friends and lovers.”

Lorena Borjas Referred to as the “mother of a trans Latinx community,” Lorena Borjas died on March 30. She was 59. For more than 25 years, Borjas fought for transgender women, undocumented immigrants, sex workers and those living with HIV/AIDS. According to the Transgender Law Center, Borjas “spent years walking the streets and supporting others to escape abusive situations, providing condoms and food, connecting the trans women she met to services and support, and even setting up a weekly HIV clinic in her own home.”

Tarlach MacNiallais Longtime LGBTQ and social justice activist, Tarlach MacNiallais died on April 1 in New York. He was 57. Born in Belfast, Ireland, MacNiallais helped lead the Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization (ILGO) as it fought for inclusion in New York City’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The group advocated for progress from 1990 to 2016, when the Lavender and Green Alliance and other LGBTQ groups were finally permitted to march. Longtime friend and fellow activist Marie Mulholland described him as a “huge light with an even bigger heart,” following his death.

Henrietta Robinson Described as a South Florida LGBTQ icon, Henrietta Robinson died on April 3 in Miami. She was 79. Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora, the first openly gay person elected to the city commission told Miami New Times, “She kind of was the godmother of all of us, always somebody happy to lend a smile, a nice comment, or word of advice.” Robinson was widely regarded as among the first out transgender women in South Florida and was a beloved socialite and icon. She moved to South Beach from Massachusetts in 1959, 10 years before the Stonewall Uprising would shift the course of LGBTQ history. For six decades, she was a fixture in the city’s club circuit.

Garry Bowie California community leader, Garry Bowie died on April 7 in Downey, Calif. He was 59. Bowie was the executive director of Being Alive, a non-profit HIV service organization in West Hollywood, Calif. and was the former director and founding board member of the Long Beach AIDS Foundation. Reba Birmingham, the president of the Long Beach Bar Association, told the Press-Telegram, “The gay community learned how to take care of itself through Garry’s work.” : : Photo Credits: Weber (Gallo Vitucci Klar); Wooden (Instagram/ ms.lancing); Berger (Wikimedia Commons); McNally (Wikimedia Commons); Borjas (Facebook); Macniallais (Facebook); Robinson (Facebook); and Bowie (Facebook).

Zuni Johnson’s plasma could help COVID-19 victims…

But He Can’t Donate It — Yet

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BY Tonya Jameson | Guest Contributor

elvin “Zuni” Johnson spent 48 hours in a Charlotte hospital battling pneumonia related to COVID-19 last month. His husband Jason McCraw had a milder case that only sidelined him for a few days. Both have valuable antibodies in their plasma, but the couple cannot donate because of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules on blood and plasma collection.

“It infuriates me,” said Johnson, 45. “If we can give our antibodies, please let us do that.”

LGBTQ advocates have long criticized the FDA’s rules that target sexually active gay men.

These same restrictions apply to anyone using HIV prevention drugs. Johnson and McCraw are on PrEP. LGBTQ organizations increased pressure on elected officials to get the FDA guidelines changed amidst a call for more blood donations during the pandemic. During early April, the FDA caved slightly. The restrictions date back to the early 1980s when AIDS was still described as a “gay plague.” Back then, the FDA had a lifetime ban on any man who had ever had sex with another man. That changed a few years ago when the 12-month abstinence rule was put in place.

Zuni Johnson (left) and Jason McCraw. (Photo Credit: Zuni Johnson) Recently, the FDA said that sexually active gay men can donate after a three-month period of with COVID-19 started when they returned from a trip on abstinence. The FDA also changed rules for other March 13. They thought they were suffering from seasonal classifications of perceived risk, such as tattoo recipients. ailments, but their condition worsened. The next week Chelsea Gulden, vice president of operations at RAIN, they were tested for COVID-19. Johnson said the flu test calls the restrictions “draconian.” The rules, even with the is administered first and it is “excruciating.” “The swab is revision, still stigmatize gay men, she said. HIV impacts peoadministered through the nasal cavity and feels like they ple who identify as bisexual or straight, including women are trying to reach your brain,” he said. The coronavirus who have anal sex. We don’t ask women if they are on birth test is oral. Both tests were administered while they sat in control. The assumption is that if a man is taking PrEP, then the car. Back then, it took days to get results. he must be having unprotected sex, Gulden said.

Meanwhile, Johnson got worse. His doctor ordered more “We target and isolate gay men and say you are not X-rays. By the end of the week, Johnson was admitted to the good enough,” she said. hospital with pneumonia. Driving up to the entrance he felt For Johnson, this issue has become personal in a way that he was entering a military zone, Johnson recalled by phone. it wasn’t previously. He and McCraw, 45, have friends out of McCraw pulled up to the entrance, a guard told Johnson to state fighting for their lives because of the virus. People who get out and told McCraw to leave. He was not even allowed recover from the coronavirus develop antibodies that remain to park. No kiss good-bye, no nothing. in their plasma. An FDA-approved experimental treatment Johnson stayed in isolation in the emergency room for involves transfusing the plasma that contains the antibodies seven hours before he was given a room — also in isolation. into a person fighting the virus to boost the patient’s immune Another set of X-rays showed that his lungs looked worse. Still system and potentially help them recover. no test results. All doctors could do was treat the infection in Johnson knows he and McCraw are lucky. his lungs that caused the fevers. The hospital released him The couple is known for Twirl To The World parties into self-quarantine 48 hours later with still no test results. that raise money for various local charities. Their tangle

Walking through the hospital, it was like a ghost town, he recalled. He said he only passed two or three workers there as he exited.

“It was just an eerie feeling,” he said.

Johnson said, the coronavirus test results came the next day while he was home recovering. He was positive, but McCraw’s results did not arrive for another day. Johnson worried that he might have infected his husband.

“It was 24 hours of freaking out,” he said.

McCraw’s results finally arrived and he tested positive as well. Their positive test results and their recovery makes their plasma valuable.

Even if the FDA eliminated the waiting period for gay men, the couple would still need to wait at least 14 days after symptoms disappear and test negative for COVID-19.

The FDA left it up to local blood centers to make regulations for collecting donations from people using HIV prevention. Representatives from American Red Cross and OneBlood say they are working to implement the new guidelines. The Red Cross is national and One Blood operates in several states. Officials need to update paperwork and other information to roll out the changes across their centers, but it’s something both organizations sound eager to do.

“The Red Cross is working aggressively to implement the FDA’s changes as soon as possible,” said Red Cross Communications Manager Maya Franklin in an email.

“OneBlood supports the changes the FDA made to donor eligibility. It will allow more people to be entered into the donor pool, and that is always welcomed news,” said Susan Forbes, senior vice president, corporate communications and public relations, in an email OneBlood is actively working to implement the FDA-announced changes. FDA will be providing an updated Donor History Questionnaire (DHQ) to reflect the recent eligibility changes. Once the new DHQ is provided, OneBlood will update and adapt our computer system and policies to reflect the new donor eligibility.”

The changes are a step in the right direction, but Johnson could not handle not doing anything to help. They recently announced the Twirl Assistance Program (TAP), and specifically the Immediate/Emergency Need Program (COVID-19).

For now, the men behind Twirl The World can’t give their blood, but they are trying to give gays and lesbians impacted by the virus a little slice of hope. : :

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Your Complete Guide to Social Distancing and Self-Isolating The Super Gay Way

BY Mikey Rox | Guest Contributor

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s protocol for social distancing and self-isolation tightens around the country per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and White House recommendations amid mounting coronavirus cases, follow this guide to staying occupied in a very gay way.

Watch queer hottie Nico Tortorella read you his book Gender-fluid sex symbol and actor Nico Tortorella began reading a chapter a day from his book “Space Between,” a personal memoir of love, identity, and acceptance, on March 21. You can access the archived videos on his Instagram stories @nicotortorella.

Write positive reviews for your favorite LGBTQowned businesses With LGBTQ bars dwindling — and perhaps more going away for good as a result of the coronavirus crisis that has shut down most gathering places — now’s the time to show them love. Head to Yelp and write positive reviews to boost business when business resumes. Don’t limit yourself to bars though. Leave reviews for more LGBTQ-owned establishments like restaurants, campgrounds, resorts, hotels, tour companies and other services.

Play a Drag Race drinking game Every time a queen cries or rolls her eyes, take a sip of your quarantini.

Calm yourself by watching plants grow Sure, watching plants grow sounds about as fun as re-watching “AJ and the Queen,” but during this time of high-anxiety, relaxation techniques are necessary. The Facebook page Funny Lover hosts a five-minute video titled “The Amazing Dance of Nature: Watch Plants Grow” that will have you in a moment of Zen by the end.

Sing along to your favorite Broadway musicals With your seven-day free trial from BroadwayHD. com, you can stream a wide catalog of classic and new musicals, including “Kinky Boots,” “The King and I,” “Sound of Music” and a stage version of “Cats” that won’t have Taylor Swift terrorizing your nightmares. Pour your fancy ass a glass of bubbly and belt out your favorite show tunes for the whole gayborhood to hear.

services are canceled for the time being, but pastor Meagan is continuing to deliver faith and testimony to anyone who wants to tune in live via Zoom through the church’s Facebook page on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. CDT and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. CDT.

Cook with Antoni Porowski “Queer Eye”’s professional hotdog chef is expanding his culinary skills in a series of Instagram cooking videos he’s calling “Quar Eye: Cooking Lessons in Quarantine,” where he’ll show you how to make ordinary dishes, like omelettes, zoodles with meat, leftovers, salmon and squash and chicken. You won’t actually learn much, but whatever, he’s hot.

Tour museum exhibits and enjoy symphonies virtually Tour the Lourvre’s Egyptian antiquities department and the recently restored Galerie d’Apollon, Madrid’s Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza “Rembrandt and Portraiture in Amsterdam, 1590-1670” exhibit, and the Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms through the respective institutions’ online portals. You also can take a self-guided virtual tour of the National Museum of Natural History in New York, made possible by the Smithsonian.

The Philharmonie Berlin offers its digital library of more than 600 shows while the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is live-streaming its performances on YouTube free of charge until live in-house performances resume.

Binge queer TV, movies, news and podcasts Try to limit your couch potato time while sheltering in place — spring and summer aren’t canceled quite yet — but when you do need to veg out and distract, stream new queer content including the drama film “I Am Jonas” and Fortune Feimster’s hilarious stand-up special “Sweet & Salty” on Netflix, “Q News Tonight” available live nightly at 7 p.m. EDT on its same-name website or download the “LGBT Stories” podcast from creator and host Kevin Gerdes via iTunes and Spotify.

Attend a virtual church service at Christ Lutheran Church Webster Groves This Missouri-based Reconciling in Christ congregation became an all-are-welcome church two years ago and recently named a lesbian as its new pastor. Its in-person

Stay fit with live workouts online Planet Fitness is offering ‘Home Work-Ins” to members and non-members alike on its Facebook page, streamed live Mondays through Fridays at 7 p.m. EDT for the duration of the gym’s physical-location shutdowns. No equipment is needed and all classes will be 20 minutes or less.

Of course, you can always rely on your thirst-trap gym rats on Instagram to give you a workout — however you see fit.

Get to know Chaturbate again Be a good human, turn off the sex apps to mitigate the spread of all viruses, and practice self-love. You know what to do, pro. : : Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBTQ lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He currently lives in his big gay van, traveling the big gay country. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels.

Ozone and coronavirus Possible Therapies are Dangerous and Toxic

O

zone (O3), also called trioxygen, is a highly reactive molecule made of three oxygen atoms.

Oxygen (O) cannot exist for long as a single atom, and it immediately searches for other atoms or molecules to bond with. It is especially attracted to other single oxygen atoms to create O2, the form we can breathe. In energetic situations like lightning strikes, three oxygens come together to create a loosely combined molecule of O3. It is because of these weak bonds that O3 is so highly reactive. Thus, it is a powerful oxidant. You may have heard of antioxidants in food?

They grab onto free radicals to stop them pummeling your DNA. What do antioxidants do then? They buffer your organic molecules against substances like ozone.

This instability is precisely what makes ozone a highly effective disinfectant. It bombards the outer lining of microbes, literally battering them to death. This is true of bacteria, mold, spores, fungi, protozoa and viruses. It is known to be nearly 100 percent effective, and in 1991 The Safe Drinking Water Act confirmed that ozone is effective against hazardous pathogens and chlorine resistant pathogens like Giardia and Cryptosporidium in water. Not only does ozone perforate the outer surfaces of microbes, it also bombards enzymes, proteins, DNA and

BY Jack Kirven | qnotes contributor

RNA. It is effective, and ozone is also fast. Against viruses, it literally reshapes the proteins of their envelope. Ozone erodes them, making it impossible for the virus to attach to cells, which means the virus cannot enter the cell and hijack its replication process.

Although this is long established and widely known, it does not mean that O3 products on the market are safe or effective for personal therapeutic purposes. This is especially true of products that are not tested and approved for disinfecting standards.

Also, although ozone’s corrosive properties are highly effective against pathogens, it is also highly effective against you.

Before you rush to buy O3 generators that purport to clean the air, water, food or surfaces in your home or office, consider that the concentration required to do that is also powerful enough to damage your lungs.

Given that COVID-19 is a respiratory ailment, that is very precisely what you do not want to do. Do not take it upon yourself to use ozone products of any kind without advice from a physician.

You are not likely to get this advice, because in April 2016, the Federal Food and Drug Administration prohibited all medical uses of O3, stating in Title 21 section 801.415 that “Ozone is a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive or preventive therapy. In order for ozone to be effective see Ozone on 18

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Virtual Vacations and Travel Tips for the Ages Queer Travelogue: Arm Chair Jaunts Across the Globe During COVID-19

BY Bill Malcolm | Guest Contributor

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here has never been a better time to plan your future travels. Even if you don’t go there, it is still fun to read about what is going on in other cities.

Especially while you are sitting at home during COVID-19 self-isolation orders.

In this column, I explore armchair travel, give some good websites of my fellow LGBTQ travel writers, and suggest some ideas of where to go when travel

resumes. Plus, I share my value travel secrets.

Your first website should, of course, be The International Lesbian Gay Travel Association (iglta.org) where under Blogs you will find travel blogs including my columns on Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Chicago, Paris, Detroit and other cities.

Check out all the columns I’ve written at muckrack.com/bill-malcolm/articles.

Another column is written by another writer on Meridia, Mexico.

More recently there is a piece from a writer for Edge Media Networks on seven museums to explore from home.

I interviewed IGLTA President John Tanzella recently. To ensure a reliable trip (and tour operator), Tanzella recommends buying travel insurance, paying with a credit card, using a vendor friendly to our community and more.

He notes that not everything is canceled including Prides. Palm Springs and Atlanta have theirs in the fall and are still on for now.

Where to go once travel resumes? He notes that Hungary, Slovenia, Brazil, South Africa, Columbia and Mexico City were emerging new travel destinations for the LGBTQ community.

I asked him about where your dollar goes the furthest. In addition to Canada (where your dollar is now worth $1.40) and Mexico, South Africa is a great value (at least once you are there). This is especially true if you stay at an African hotel, he said.

He also noted Brazil is a very good bargain.

I also interviewed travel writer Joey Amato who maintains the LGBTQ travel website, PrideJourneys. His favorite city right now is Oklahoma City which has great food, a gayborhood (39th St.), a canal, white water rafting, wall climbing and more.

“There is so much to do,” Amato said.

His next trip will be to Monterey, Calif.

Check PrideJourneys.com for his reviews of cities near and far, as well as the Aspen Gay Ski Week.

Amato likes the smaller hotel chains like 21C (which typically develops a museum-themed hotel) and Kimpton. You can find his travel posts at PrideJourneys. com and photos of cities he has reviewed at JoeyAmato_33 on Instagram.

Finally, I asked my friends for tour operator recommendations. Richard in San Francisco says Rick Steve’s tours are great.

He went on one in northern Italy.

Before I close out what may be a final column for a while, here are my value travel tips: Best airline: Southwest. No bag fee. No ticket change fee.

Best legacy airline: Tie — Delta (love their new long haul economy premium service) and American (consistently good). (Sorry, United, but you charge for carry-on in your Basic Economy fares.)

Best hotel chain: CHOICE Hotels.

Tell Us Your Stories…

Especially the Comfort Inn brand. All you need at an affordable price.

Hotels to avoid: Any that charge “resort” or “amenity” fees. These sneaky fees for things like use of the hotel gym are disclosed at the end of booking or lumped in with taxes to make it appear the government requires the fee. Avoid all hotels that charge them and the following cities where all hotels charge them — New York City, Portland, Ore. (downtown hotels only), Las Vegas and Honolulu.

Hotels to avoid #2: Any that have a new 48-hour cancellation policy. My plans change all the time. What happened to cancel by 6 p.m. day of arrival? Marriott and Hilton are the worst offenders here.

Best idea: Buy a City Pass to see all the attractions at a fraction of the cost. In Chicago, you get your own line to enter the Field Museum and Shed Aquarium.

They are a deal.

Best travel tip when you get there: Try local transit. It’s cheap, frequent and you mingle with the locals. Most cities have great service to the airport.

When to visit: October is great for Paris.

Skip the crowds. Plus, the Louvre is free on Sunday during the winter. Ditto for San Francisco — the weather is actually better in the winter. April and May in Seattle are great as there are no cruise ships yet which cause the hotels to fill up and the rates to soar. In a word, off-season or shoulder-season are great.

Best time to travel: The period after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. It’s dead as the kids are in school and everyone is out shopping or going to holiday parties.

For other travel tips, reviews, and more, check out these LGBTQ websites: •T ravelingIQ.com: Ivan Quintalla of NYC does a great travel blog.

•T ravelRight.today is Toronto-based Doug Wallace’s website.

•N omadicBoys.com: A couple writes this blog which is recommended by Ivan.

So happy arm-chair-traveling until we meet again — which may be a while. : : Bill Malcolm is America’s only LGBTQ syndicated value travel writer. He focuses on affordable trips using value hotels, public transit and going where the locals go. He is based in Indianapolis, Ind. He does this as a hobby. Find him on Facebook. His 2020 travels included Detroit, Puerto Vallarta, Washington, Denver, Phoenix and Columbus. Due to the pandemic, he is taking a break from travel writing.

Our community has experienced its own narrative in the battle with COVID-19. Let us hear from you, and share your tales of dealing with the issues created by the pandemic, as well as your experiences of survival, be it from the virus or from your everyday trials and tribulations. Email them to editor@goqnotes.com along with your name and phone number. We’ll review them and if we have any questions, will get back to you for clarification.

Thank you!

The Staff of QNotes

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Protecting Yourself from Domestic Violence During a Pandemic Legal Eagles: Tips to Follow for One’s Safety

BY Amanda Cubit, attorney | guest WRITER

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wealth of knowledge and access to other resources will remain beneficial.

s we face an international pandemic, the fear of the unknown is growing. With schools closed and more businesses closing every day, as well as the increasing practice of social distancing, people are spending most of their time at home. For some, this may be a welcome change of pace. For others, most notably victims of domestic violence, COVID-19 presents a unique fear as people are disconnected from the world and left at the hands of their abusers. If you or someone you know finds yourself in this situation, there is some important information to know.

You Can — and Should! — Still Call 911 If you are in immediate danger, call 911 and do not think twice about doing so. Even in times like these, first responders continue to work to protect our community. These men and women jeopardize their own health and safety for that of their community. Victims of domestic violence often hesitate to seek emergency assistance for a number of reasons. Whatever the reason, do not minimize your need for help and do not hesitate to call 911 if you fear for your safety.

File a Complaint for Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) With so many closings, you may be wondering how the courts are responding to COVID-19. Currently, in North Carolina domestic violence cases are still being heard by the courts. It is important to file your Complaint as soon as pos-

Q-mmunity

connections

sible because any delay, particularly an unnecessary delay, could cause the Court to question the legitimacy of your filing. Call your local courthouse or consult with a family law attorney. This protection is still available to you and for you.

Seek Safe Shelter If you are not safe in your home, contact your local domestic violence organization. These organizations are vital to our community and, much like first responders, continue to provide safe housing and support to victims even in times of widespread crisis. As organizations work to address their own concerns regarding COVID-19, their ability to accept new clients may be impacted, but their

Make a Safety Plan A safety plan addresses issues victims face while in an abusive relationship, planning to leave that relationship, and as they rebuild after leaving. Each victim’s safety plan will be unique and should address that individual’s needs. In general, ask yourself the following questions: who can I call?; where can I go?; and what should I pack in my emergency bag (i.e., money, clothes, and important documents)? Now, your safety plan should also consider COVID-19. This pandemic may impact how and where you can travel. It may impact whether you have access to certain people and places. Pay attention to any restrictions in place so you can plan accordingly and avoid jeopardizing your safety further.

While a pandemic certainly creates additional obstacles, it does not have to be the reason you remain in an abusive situation. Take advantage of resources, such as these, that are available to you. Talk with an experienced family law attorney — by phone or video — about how you can use these resources, and what others may be available, to protect yourself.

Please note: modified filing and court procedures may be in place during this time. Call a family law attorney or your local courthouse to stay up to date. : : Amanda Cubit is a family law attorney with Sodoma Law.

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

April 17-30, 2020

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Rejection 101 Tell Trinity

BY Trinity | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Dear Trinity, I’m a 30-year old model. However, after hundreds of gigs, over the last 10 years, I recently experienced my first real rejection.

It’s awful! I’m trained in many things but not for such rejection. Help?

Sincerely, Millennial Woes, Boston, MA Dear Millennial Woes, If one act of rejection is kicking your butt, then it’s time you begin embracing the real truth about rejection, about acceptance and about self-esteem. Fact: these three feelings are completely related to each other. Fact: humans simply have “types” which truly has nothing to do with you, ever. Rejection and acceptance are all about the person buying the art and nothing to do with the art itself. Beauty, or ugliness, is in the eye of the beholder.

So, pumpkin, start accepting rejection and rejecting acceptance for its illusion while embracing both concepts as part of your higher self-understanding!

Hugs, Trinity Dearest Trinity, I go on many dates and often meet great guys, but I can’t seem to keep a boyfriend.

Should I stop trying and become a monk?

Yours, Manhunter or Monk, Kansas City, MO

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Dearest M or M, Remember, most men are boys in grownup bodies who would rather play with their remote control than deal with real life relationships. Life, my darling, is a daring adventure, or it is nothing. So keep hunting, keep searching and beware of catching anything that requires medication. (And, you can create a Wall of Flames just like my cartoon shows to illustrate that you’ve had a good time in this life, despite what you may be thinking at times.

Remember the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!”)

Hello Trinity, I took your advice about power-dating; dating many guys at once. But when is it time to date just one guy?

The More The Merrier, St. Louis, MO Hello Merrier, I’ve always said, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. It may leave you nothing and no one to cook breakfast for. Yes, dating more than one guy or power-dating is work, but eventually you must take that leap into one man’s arms with full extension, I mean attention! The time to say, “I do” or “It’s just you” will arrive when it just simply arrives, not sooner or later, and not at any specific time. So, honey, be patient, and don’t forget to enjoy the dating train until then!

Good luck, Trinity

Hey Trinity, I’ve always thought of you as an upbeat, New Age gal. I could use some help on staying happy and on top of life, especially during this stay home, isolation time.

Thanks, Isolation Blues, Dallas, TX Hey Isolation Blues, In the summer of 1987 the Harmonic Convergence came to light, and so did I. Dr. Bernie Siegel, Louise Hay and Leo Buscaglia all agreed that to stay happy and on top of life, we must keep reaffirming our positive thoughts. That’s why, sweetie, I created my own morning affirmations and you must too. Here’s:

Trinity’s First 10 Morning Affirmations

1. I may be bored and a bit out of shape, but damnit, girl, you’ve got a huge credit limit!

2. H oney, you’re not in jail, in the hospital or in the gutter, so celebrate life, daily!

3. S o, I’m middle age and single, but I can cook, clean, do laundry and I’m really good with my hands!

4. I , put you (myself) through years of college, a singing and writing career, a ministry and you traveled the world. Now... love yourself!

5. I may not be famous, but not every girl has a syndicated cartoon character of herself!

6. I may not be rich, but I’ve got class and charm down to a science!

7. Y es, every man I ever met was on anti-depressants, but at least they were all attractive!

8. T he rent’s paid, the car works and you still turn heads on Zoom video meetups, so no complaining!

9. F orget about the wrinkles and love handles! God made plastic surgeons and insurance claims for a reason!

10. Y ou’re gorgeous, talented, healthy and one hell of lover. So, chin up and go walk the dog! : : With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org, Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! Learn more at telltrinity.com. Send emails to: trinity@telltrinity.com.

life

DIY Hand Sanitizer

Health & Wellness: Do Not Try This at Home

BY Jack Kirven | qnotes contributor

W

hen I first conceptualized this entry, it was my intent to offer a list of alternative ingredients for making your own hand sanitizer during the shortages caused by the 2019-2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. However, I am totally scrapping this solutions story, because upon closer consideration, it proves to be a very bad idea.

First and foremost, the myriad recipes you are likely to find online take far too much for granted. The results will be disappointing and impractical at best and toxically ineffective at worst. Second, the process for making sanitizer is not as simple as mixing rubbing alcohol with aloe vera gel (if you can even find either). The resulting mixture will be a goopy mess that separates constantly. Third, without proper protocols in place, the ingredients might be contaminated to begin with and will not provide the necessary sterilizing effect. All of this together means the false sense of security these home remedies provide could lead to risky or lackadaisical behavior. I know you’re sick of hearing it, but you have to focus on washing your hands. Sorry.

If you want proof of how difficult it is to make a proper hand sanitizer, here is the process defined in minute detail as approved by the National Institute of Health: ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/books/NBK144054/. Without a lab you cannot possibly hope to meet these stringent guidelines.

Here are some of the false friends you will encounter in these DIY recipes: • Benzalkonium chloride does not kill coronaviruses.

• Hydrogen peroxide cannot be mixed at home properly to be effective.

• Essential oils, including tea tree oil, help with some microbes, but they do not kill coronaviruses.

• Vodka is only 40 percent alcohol, and this would be

diluted even weaker once added to aloe vera gel. The mixture needs to result in 60-70 percent alcohol.

• Bleach is a skin irritant.

• Vinegar does not kill coronaviruses.

• Silver and various compounds containing it are no longer as effective against microbes, because they have developed resistance to the metal. Also, it has unknown side effects for the environment.

• Witch hazel is an astringent that causes tissues to shrink or constrict. It is not a reliable antiseptic.

• 99 percent isopropyl alcohol evaporates too quickly to remain in contact with microbes long enough to kill them.

• Baking soda removes dirt; it does not kill germs.

• Swimming pool water is not strong enough to kill viruses on your skin. Chlorine on its own is very dangerous.

In case you think using other household cleaners might work, here is an article from the Environmental Protection Agency. It lists products known to kill coronaviruses, but very emphatically states that they are for use on surfaces, not skin: bit.ly/2JWRQpK. Since DIY hand sanitizer is a bad idea, let’s focus instead on hand washing. Soap does not kill bacteria or microbes, and soaps that add ingredients to do so are not any more effective than their traditional counterparts. This is why: Soaps lift dirt and microbes off the surface they clean, all of which is then rinsed away. Thus, soap is a disinfectant, but not an antiseptic. Soaps that add this are ineffective, because the germs are rinsed away before they can be killed, but then the antiseptic runs off into the environment.

In our desire to be more effective we can become ineffective. This is the very definition of doing too much. There is no need to complicate matters. I know that something as

simple as hand washing can be emotionally inadequate, that it feels too good to be true. However, in this instance, less is definitely more. Also, using soap is more effective than using even properly produced hand sanitizers. Soaps mechanically remove the virus, sanitizers may kill many of them, but not all, and then they’re still there sitting on your skin.

Please avoid the temptation to make your own hand sanitizer. If you feel you must be proactive and do something, make your own soap. Don’t bother adding anything antiseptic to it. Focus on water, lye, a rich fat (perhaps olive oil), and maybe a little essential oil for its emotionally soothing properties (orange, lavender, and frankincense are nice together). If it gratifies you to have artisanal soap, but you cannot make your own, there are many lovely options at retailers such as Whole Foods for you to peruse while maintaining social distancing.

Stay home as much as possible. Stay away from people in public. Wash your hands frequently. Wear masks and safety glasses together with face shields. Try to avoid touching your face. That really is the best you can do. : : Jack Kirven completed the MFA in Dance at UCLA, and earned certification as a personal trainer through NASM. His wellness philosophy is founded upon integrated lifestyles as opposed to isolated workouts. Visit him at jackkirven.com and INTEGRE8Twellness.com.

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‘Calamity: The Many Lives of Calamity Jane’ Out in Print

BY terri schlichenmeyer | CONTRIBUTING WRITER “Calamity: The Many Lives of Calamity Jane”

by Karen R. Jones ©2020, Yale University Press $28.00 303 pages

Y

ou can call yourself whatever you want.

Nobody says you can’t have a different name every day, if that’s your wish. Reinvent your life, create a new past, change your birth year and tell new stories, nobody cares if you do.

Become whoever you want to be but just know that, as in the book “Calamity: The Many Lives of Calamity Jane” by Karen R. Jones, the truth might catch up with you.

When one thinks of women of the Wild West, the list is short. It’s likely that Calamity Jane is toward the top.

Born the first of May in 1852, or possibly 1856, Martha Jane Canary was the oldest child of a “gambler and a ‘woman of the lowest grade,’” says Jones. Her parents left Missouri when Martha was a child and moved to Montana to take advantage of the gold rush there, but they didn’t even get a taste of its wealth before they both died.

Martha was a teenager then and, to her credit, she did whatever was needed to survive, never staying in one place for very long, living hand-to-mouth in what became a “pathologically itinerant lifestyle” that she maintained on and off for her whole life. It’s how she likely got her nickname: calamity followed her from campsite to saloon to jail cell.

By the time she was out of her teens, Calamity Jane’s reputation was as wide as the prairie. She boasted about having been a “female scout,” but some claims don’t follow facts. Canary said that she drove stagecoaches and rode for the Pony Express, but dates don’t always match up. In early adulthood, she got into a habit of wearing men’s clothing, which caused scandal and titillation for much of her life and which leads to questions of gender fluidity today. There are so many instances where

truth differs from legend, in fact, that we may never know the whole story about her...

It’s this aspect of “Calamity” that will keep you on your toes: as author Karen R. Jones sifts through the myths and mysteries of Martha Canary’s life, we, too, begin to see not just a complex woman but also fascinating (for a westernnovel fan) slices of fiction-crushing facts about the Old West.

Perhaps not surprisingly, much of the former centers on Canary’s cross-dressing, which Jones admits was common in Canary’s day, and not just for her; the difference, perhaps, is that she was unabashed about it. Because she was an anomaly by way of reputation and fame, Old West denizens gossiped about Canary; newspaper accounts mention her mode of dress quite often, and Jones hints at unknowns in her gender identity. Since Canary loved to embellish and because she seemed comfortable with a foot in many worlds, concrete evidence either way is elusively slippery.

Hollywoodization aside — and there’s plenty of that, when it comes to Calamity Jane — it seems that the question may remain open. As for something that pulls this tale all together, though, and offers tantalizing reading, find “Calamity” and call it good. : :

‘What’s Your Pronoun? Beyond He & She’ Out in Print

BY terri schlichenmeyer | CONTRIBUTING WRITER “What’s Your Pronoun?

Beyond He & She”

by Dennis Baron (he/him/his) ©2020, Liveright $25.95 304 pages

W

ords can never hurt you.

Even as a child, that last half of the retort to playground taunts never made sense to you.

Of course, sticks and stones broke bones but even then, you knew that there’s no sharper weapon than a word said in anger or misunderstanding. In the new book “What’s Your Pronoun?” by Dennis Baron, you’ll see that some of those weapons go way back.

Language is a funny thing. Words hurt, they sooth, and in today’s world, a “pronoun without sex is... sexy.” We ask ourselves, and others, which ones to use as “an invitation to declare, to honor, or to reject, not just a pronoun, but a gender identity.”

Generally, though, and until relatively recently, “he” was the default pronoun used by many to indicate both masculine and undeclared gender. As far back as 1792, neutral “he” was thought to be confusing, however; one writer even suggested that “one” might work better than “he” to indicate gender neutral.

“They” was brought up for consideration in 1794.

A century later, and with mostly men controlling law and business, “he” was firmly the pronoun of choice, and it had become politicized; when women protested that “he” clearly didn’t include them, lawmakers stated that “he” also implied “she.” Women countered that if “he” could hold office, then it was implied that “she” could, too, and, well, you can imagine the arguments — not to mention the injustice of three masculine pronouns (he, his, him) but just two for the feminine (she, her)! Oh, the scandal of it all!

Through the decades, other words have been suggested (zie, hir, thon) to indicate gender neutral or unknown, but none have seemed to stick. Many felt that there simply was no good way to signify neither male or female, or a separation of gender-neutral and non-binary, and some bemoaned the lack of a “missing word” that was easily

understandable. Says Baron, though, in sifting through the possibilities, we’ve had the word all along...

Sometimes, as author Dennis Baron points out in his introduction, people today offer their preferred pronoun without being asked, so ubiquitous is the question. Still, we sometimes struggle with the right word, but in “What’s Your Pronoun?” he offers a solution of which readers may be skeptical.

First, though, it’s true that this etymological history is a good read, especially for word nerds. It’s not collegelecture level; Baron writes with a lighter hand and doesn’t preach, and the occasional threads that spring from the stories here are explored appropriately and in an inviting way that displays no drudgery. It’s like sitting down at a workshop you’ve eagerly anticipated, and being more delighted than you hoped you’d be.

And yet, there is such a thing as information overload, and the obvious solution isn’t so obvious. Proof is at the end of the book, in which we see more than two centuries of verbal wrangling.

So: em, thon, zier, they? We haven’t heard the end of it, but maybe we’re close; certainly, reading “What’s Your Pronoun?” couldn’t hurt. : :

So, then how is this highly effective disinfectant used?

It is commonly used at water processing and treatment facilites. Water that is exposed to high levels of O3 is cleansed of a huge variety of pathogens, and it can be done with relative economy. It is not as inexpensive as chlorine, but is more effective. Chlorine has to penetrate the insides of microorganisms by way of diffusion, which is slower and can be prevented by pathogens that have chlorine resistant membranes. Also, chlorine remains in water far longer. Ozone is highly reactive, so it leaves water very quickly, leaving no residue behind.

Ozone has been shown in multiple studies to be highly effective against the SARS coronavirus, which is closely related to the COVID-19 coronavirus. However, it should not be assumed that it is necessarily effective against the novel virus. So, if O3 is so effective at eliminating so many pathogens, why is it not more readily available to consumers?

In short, because ozone is dangerous. Businesses that sell devices that generate O3 make claims about it that are in and of themselves true: Yes, ozone destroys SARS, MRSA, E. coli, anthrax and hundreds of other dangerous microbes. However, these applications require professional training and industrialized equipment to be safe and effective. Products sold for personal use in homes or spas do not generate sufficient ozone to be disinfecting, and if they did, people and pets would sickened or killed by them.

In summary, the application of O3 is a process requiring trained professionals using industrialized equipment.

Although highly effective as a disinfectant, it is not safe for unsupervised personal use. Where ozone has been used medically to successfully kill infections, it has also caused dangerous side effects that negate the effective current medical applications. : :

Ozone

continued from page 13 as a germicide, it must be present in a concentration far greater than that which can be safely tolerated by man and animals.” See the full text here: bit.ly/2wwmBP0.

As further warning to you against buying ozone air purifiers, here is a statement from the Environmental Protection Agency’s website dedicated specifically to products that claim to neutralize indoor air pollution: “Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces. Because of these claims, and because ozone can cause health problems at high concentrations, several federal government agencies have worked in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to produce this public information document.” (Note their use of capitalization and bolding on the word “no.”) You can see the full text here: bit.ly/3a3t3uB.

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life

Our People: Dawn Pugh Realtor, Mommy, Wife

BY Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer

D

arlington, S.C. native Dawn Pugh is a local realtor and certified luxury home marketing specialist. After finding her niche in newly-renovated and constructed residential properties, Pugh established the Dawn Pugh Team realestate brand by joining Victoria Green and Joe O’Meara.

“I’ve worked with Dawn for over four years now and I can honestly say there is never a dull moment,” said Green.

Prior to her real estate career, Pugh worked in the service industry while being a full-time student at Winthrop University where she earned a B.A. in political science with a minor in African-American studies.

When she is not being a real-estate mogul, Pugh is spending time with her wife, Julia Pugh, and being a mother to her twins, Finnegan and Aurora. She’s also very active in the community, supporting various organizations throughout the city of Charlotte, such as the Charlotte LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, Time Out Youth Center and Autism Speaks, just to name a few.

A project she has been involved with recently is the Lunch Is On Us Initiative, a collaborative community effort aimed at providing sustenance to individuals who are at risk of not having access to proper nourishment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The participating organizations consist of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, Hearts Beat as One Foundation and Your Custom Catering and Events. qnotes was able to speak with a few of the volunteers of these organizations to hear their thoughts on the initiative and what sort of impact it’s made in the community.

Joe Davis, executive director of Hearts Beat as One Foundation, said the number of individuals the initiative is providing for has grown substantially and that he and the other organizations involved appreciate the generosity of the community.

“The response to our lunch programs at our distribution locations has been tremendous,” said Davis. “Our volunteers continue to see an increase in the number of families that need assistance, and we could not be more grateful for the financial and volunteer support that the community has shown,” he added.

“We are matching efforts by paying our employees out of our own pockets to make sure they can keep a job while we also help within our community,” Nate Turner, owner and executive chef at Your Customer Catering and Events, said. “We also try to match individuals’ contributions to the cause,” he added.

St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church is one of the distribution sites where those in need are being provided for and said “they’re currently serving around 90 meals a day.”

“We knew that we needed to be a source of comfort, love, relief and strength to our community,” said a St. Luke representative.

“We feel like initiative is a huge start to that source,” the representative added.

In addition to speaking with members of the participating organizations of the initiative, qnotes also spoke with Kelly Jackson, a local member of the community who expressed her gratitude for what the initiative is providing for her and her family.

“If it wasn’t for the Lunch Is On Us initiative, my family and I wouldn’t be able to eat a meal for lunch,” said Jackson.

“Because of the generosity of the different organizations and the volunteers me and my family have been able to have a hot meal everyday,” she added.

To support the Lunch Is On Us initiative, one can make a financial contribution or donate items such as Styrofoam containers, gloves and basic items that will allow them to continue to prepare to-go style meals. For more information about Lunch Is On Us and how to get involved, visit bit.ly/2xpwNsW. So, what more can qnotes readers learn about Pugh? To find out the Q&A follows here.

many days that my siblings and I would not have had food in our tummies. Writing this, I remembered that there was one Christmas that we actually didn’t have dinner. No child should experience that. The children in our community are the future leaders of our community. They need nourishment in order to learn and grow. It is that simple.

What personal insight can you offer individuals wanting to get involved in volunteer work?

You will always, in some way, benefit more from your service than the person or organization that you are helping. Even if the work you are doing is emotionally draining, uncomfortable financially or physically challenging. Every. Single. Time.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or book?

“Gone with the Wind” is both my favorite book and movie.

How did you first get involved with volunteer work?

I think that I have always been a “helper” in some capacity, but my first official volunteer effort was raising funds and awareness for the LGBT Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Since then, I have volunteered for numerous organizations ranging from Humane Societies to political campaigns.

The majority of my volunteer work has focused on LGBTQ initiatives.

Aside from the Lunch Is On Us initiative, what volunteer programs or organizations are you involved with?

Currently, I am on the board of Queen City Prism and serve as their community relations manager. Also, I do quite a bit of unofficial work with the Human Rights Campaign, specifically around their annual dinner. Since becoming a mother of special needs twins, a lot of my volunteer work is through sponsorships, fundraising and “butts in seats” efforts.

How do you juggle your professional and volunteer work with being a wife and mom?

Not very well some days. Each of these is very important to me, so I try to make sure that I have dedicated time to each and that I don’t try to tackle everything at once.

Multi-tasking is not one of my strengths.

It took me a long time to be okay with allowing my children to play on their iPads while I answered an email. They may or may not have them right now.

What sort of things do you and your family enjoy doing for fun?

There isn’t a lot of free time in the Pugh household! Both my wife and I work full-time, she works for Bank of America.

Also, both of our twins have Autism and receive about 30 hours of therapy a week.

They basically have full-time jobs! When we do have downtime, we like to ride in the car with the windows down and listen to music very loudly. It doesn’t sound that exciting, but the kids love it!

What’s your favorite color or combination of colors?

Blush, Black, White, Grey.

In what ways has your volunteer work impacted your life?

Volunteer work has impacted and shaped my life in ways that I can’t describe. I wouldn’t be Dawn Pugh without the people and experiences that volunteer work has presented to me. Aside from my family, every person that I value, I have met through some type of non-profit work. I am so fortunate to know so many people that want to have a positive impact on this world!

Can you describe some of your thoughts and feelings about the positive impact the Lunch Is On Us initiative has had on the community?

I think that most of the members of our community know this about me, but I grew up well below the poverty line in South Carolina. Had it not been for meals provided by my school, and the kindness and generosity of others, there would have been

What are some of your favorite pastimes or hobbies?

I am embarrassed to admit it, but organizing may be my number one hobby.

Specifically, organizing my refrigerator. It’s a sad truth. I love outdoor concerts in the summer and wine with friends. I love to garden, but I am not very good at it!

What are some of your passions or special interests?

My number one passion is being an advocate for those that are vulnerable in the community. Including the disabled, poor and people of color.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

I would want the ability to read minds. My son is non-verbal and my daughter doesn’t have much functional language. Their lives would be much easier if I knew what they were thinking. To be clear, I would only want to use this superpower on them.

What other people think about is none of my concern until they share it with me. : :

Tell Us Your Stories…

Our community has experienced its own narrative in the battle with COVID-19. Let us hear from you, and share your tales of dealing with the issues created by the pandemic, as well as your experiences of survival, be it from the virus or from your everyday trials and tribulations. Email them to editor@goqnotes.com along with your name and phone number. We’ll review them and if we have any questions, will get back to you for clarification.

Thank you!

The Staff of QNotes April 17-30, 2020

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