QNotes, April 22-May 5, 2016

April 22-May 5 . 2016

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inside

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Cover Story Community poised for HB2 fight!

qnotes news & features

news. views. arts.

5 entertainment.

HB2 Town Hall Meeting 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 8 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs

a&e / life&style 10 11 12 14 17 18 19

‘Drag’ mural in progress 4th Ward Garden Tour Charlotte’s ‘Always Welcome’ RAIN AIDS Walk Charlotte Tell Trinity Q Events Calendar Health & Wellness

opinions & views 4 Guest Commentary

Proponents for equality had the opportunity to receive a warm welcome from Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and hear remarks from Human Rights Campaign Executive Director at a recent town hall meeting regarding HB2. page 5

more news & features

New mural in progress The first piece in the ‘Drag Queens of Queen City’ series features the late Brandy Alexander. page: 10

Health & Wellness options for a better you!

Making meals and snack from scratch items saves both money and provides more nutritional value. page: 19

April 22-May 5 . 2016

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guest commentary

by James Helms :: guest contributor

Between the lines of House Bill 2 As a bisexual man, and a committed Christian, I have significant concerns with House Bill 2. I am deeply concerned when people are discriminated against who have been granted ever-broadening legal and constitutional rights. I am also concerned when political parties make promises and enact legislation which mask a completely separate agenda. Both of those activities may be occurring with HB2.

As Americans, we are guaranteed many freedoms by our Constitution. However, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness will, inevitably, bring different groups into conflict.

Individual beliefs and preferences make people who they are, and can’t be avoided. What must not be avoided is the rule of law, and the democratic process, which allow us to compromise, and live together, even if we disagree.

When any group chooses to subvert those ideals, for whatever reason, then law and democracy have become prostituted. When our most fundamental institutions are so ignored, a moral trust has been violated, and the legitimacy of the perpetrators must be questioned.

As a member of the LGBT community, it is important for me to pursue the truth of who I am with boldness, but also with sensitivity to the truth of the world around me. When my right to be who I am clashes with someone else’s religious rights, which is the case with HB2, the only hope to work through those disparities is within the court system, and open debate and voting through the democratic process.

LGBT rights have made significant and gratifying progress over the last few decades.

The U.S. Military now permits LGBT individuals to join any branch of service. The current nominee for Secretary of the Army is gay, and is fully expected to be confirmed. Most notable of all, in this steady march of progress, is the Supreme Court passage of same-sex marriage.

There will always be people who think that homosexuality is wrong. I have no desire to force anyone to change a deeply held belief.

What I do expect, and demand, is that rights and privileges that have been given to me

by the most authoritative institutions in this country be respected. As a Christian myself, I have come to question what may be a hidden agenda in HB2. A personal experience, for me, of betrayal, may demonstrate how far those in power are willing to go.

I had been a member of one of the largest Evangelical churches in Charlotte for 10 years prior to the 2004 presidential election. The pastor at my church began to promote the Bush Administration’s policies toward the Iraq war, and to demonize liberal support for gay rights, and abortion, exhorting the congregation to save America by denying Democrats the presidency. This message from the pulpit was delivered every week for the whole year leading up to the election. My church had become defacto lobbyists for the Republican Party. I resigned my membership after about six months of listening to what I felt was totally inappropriate behavior by our clergy.

Sadly, after Bush was re-elected, he failed to follow through on promises he had made to the American Church, which is why the churches had advocated so hard for him. Bush’s ratings were down because of the unpopularity of the war, and he needed to energize his base.

The strategy worked, as the churches turned out the vote.

The pastor at my church published an article in TThe Charlotte Observer in early 2005, after realizing he had been duped, apologizing, and expressing dismay at the unscrupulous behavior of leaders he had trusted. Bush was given four more years, and a war that had begun under a fog of disinformation, raged on.

This being an election year, I am forced to question what all the motives are behind HB2.

Is Governor McCrory really so concerned with protecting religious rights, or like President Bush, is he using the bill to disguise a hidden purpose.

With resistance to the bill coming from all over the world, HB2 is now looking ill-conceived, and hastily created, to be rushed through a favorable State Legislature. As a result, the election year timing of HB2 cannot be ignored. : :

join the discussion We welcome your letters to the editor (200 or words or less) and guest commentaries (600 words or less).

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Spotlight on hb2

Town hall gatherings offer arena to discuss HB2 repeal Politicians, activists and the LGBT community mobilize to fight injustice

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

“Just know any time you see me, it’s going to be ‘Hate Bill 2.’ Reporters, Hate Bill 2. Cameras, Hate Bill 2,” she said, pointing to the news crews in back.

Speakers that followed her picked up on the term and used it as well.

Rawls stressed that all oppressed groups need to come together to fight against HB2. She chastised the LGBT community for accepting the help of people of color in their struggle for marriage equality only to then not show up when those individuals needed similar support.

Rawls also pointed out that there was a lack of diversity in the room, which was noticeably made up primarily of Caucasians.

“HB2 does egregiously attack members of the trans family, but it also attacks so many more,” Rawls said. “Are we concerned about the thousands of hourly workers who will only receive minimum wage because now HB2 has said you cannot force a contractor to pay more than minimum wage? And the minimum wage now is not a living wage.

Are we concerned about that?

“Do we also realize that many of those Mayor Jennifer Roberts shows off her ‘Always Welcome’ individuals that that impacts are LGBTQ T-shirt during her address at the TurnOut! NC town hall. people? So when we fight for things like that, we fight for our community as well.” which added non-discrimination protections A similar sentiment was spoken by Alele on the basis of sexual orientation and gender “AJ” Williams, a colleague of Rawls’s at the identity for some state employees, but left HB2 Freedom Center for Social Justice. Williams unchanged, as “a crack in the conservative made an impassioned plea for those in the fight universe of Raleigh.” for equality to stand up for all minorities.

He called on those fighting the bill to “keep Transgender activists Lara Americo hope alive,” saying that if they do they will “rip and Charlie Comero also spoke, sharing the that universe apart.” impact HB2 is having on their lives. Roberts Bishop Tonyia Rawls called out the fear pointed out during her remarks that it is exmongering around transgender bathrooms actly this kind of brave sharing of one’s story protections, which those against the ordinance from the LGBT community that will effect trotted out time and again, saying the bill does change over time. not make people safer, but puts trans people in “North Carolina is now the first state in the harm’s way, especially trans women of color.

United States to ever take away its state law Rawls referred to HB2 throughout as “Hate protection for workplace discrimination on the Bill 2,” which drew cheers from the room. basis of race, sex, religion, national origin or color,” law professor Brian Clarke pointed out, adding context to the severity of the bill. “No other state has ever done that. And now we are only the second state in the union…without state law protection.” We join Mississippi in that ignoble position, which has never had such state law protections.

McCrory called on the General Assembly to repeal that portion of the bill when they return for the short session on April 25, but they are under no obligation to do so.

Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said McCrory was “lying to the public every single day” when he says things like HB2 did not take away anyone’s rights.

Petitions against the bill were passed around toward the end of the event, which TurnOut! NC will bring to Raleigh with them for an action to coincide with the first day of the General Assembly’s short session on April 25.

The North Carolina NAACP has also announced that they will hold a sit-in starting on Human Rights Campaign Executive Director Chad Griffin speaks out against HB2 during the TurnOut! the 25th if HB2 is not repealed. : : NC town hall held on April 14 in Charlotte, N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Local politicians, activists and community members gathered together at the Le Méridien Hotel in uptown Charlotte on April 14 to rally against HB2.

It was a chance for those in attendance to share their concerns, attempt to understand how things developed to the current situation and to mobilize against the discriminatory bill passed by the Republican controlled General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Pat McCrory.

The event was the first in a series of town hall events TurnOut! NC is holding across the state.

TurnOut! NC is a collaborative effort between the Human Rights Campaign and Equality NC. It is an outgrowth of TurnOut! Charlotte, which helped elect and re-elect proLGBT candidates to city council. This helped ensure the passage of an expanded nondiscrimination ordinance, which included LGBT protections and triggered the state’s response.

Equality NC Executive Director Chris Sgro, recently appointed to the North Carolina House of Representatives where he will serve as the only openly gay member, made the opening remarks before bringing up Charlotte mayor Jennifer Roberts.

“I wanted to see and address this incredible crowd of people who treat other people with dignity and respect,” Roberts said, adding, “We will treat even those who disagree with us with dignity and respect.

“And Charlotte is committed to being a welcoming community for all people. We will continue to express those values of inclusion and equality. The values in HB2 are not Charlotte values. We are better than this.”

Roberts urged those considering canceling shows in Charlotte to instead take the tactic that those like Cyndi Lauper, Louis CK and Duran Duran have taken of not canceling shows in North Carolina, but instead using them as a platform to speak out against HB2 and to raise money for LGBT organizations.

Charlotte City Councilmember Al Austin pointed to McCrory’s recent executive order,

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qnotes connect April 22-May 5, 2016 Vol 30 No 26

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

contributors this issue

James Helms, Jack Kirven, Lainey Millen, Katherine Peralta, Jeff Taylor, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: ijdema, elzloy and promesaartstudio via Adobe Stock Mission:

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

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upcoming issues: 05.06.16: Swimwear & Water Fun Advertising Space Deadline: April 27 05.20.16: LGBT Sports in the South Advertising Space Deadline: May 11

April 22-May 5 . 2016

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

ENC exec gains House seat

Photo Credit: Facebook

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Equality North Carolina’s executive director, Chris Sgro, was selected by the Guilford County Democratic Party to fill the seat of the late Rep. Ralph Johnson on April 9 at a party meeting held that same day.

Johnson, who died on March 15, represented District 58 at the time of his death. He was in the process of a re-election campaign when he suffered a stroke. Amos Quick, a member of the Guilford County School Board, won the election and will assume the duties in January when Sgro passes him the baton.

Sgro will now serve as the only openly LGBT General Assembly member as it convenes its regular session on April 25. He and the Democratic Party are steadfast in the repeal of HB2.

According to the Raleigh News & Observer, Gov. Pat McCrory issued a proclamation appointing Sgro to the North Carolina House. A headline read: “McCrory appoints LGBT leader Chris Sgro to NC House.” From that many could ascertain that McCrory has softened his views on the LGBT community. However, the article went on to say that he did not have a choice in the matter because the Guilford County Democratic Party Executive Committee has made their choice and McCrory and his associates were left to deal with it.

The News & Observer reported that N.C. Democratic Party Chairwoman Patsy Keever was favorable with Sgro’s appointment. “Chris Sgro is an excellent choice for this seat, and I know he’ll do a great job working for all North Carolinians in the upcoming legislative session,” adding, “As a strong and vocal advocate for the LGBT community, Chris has the experience and the skills to continue our fight against HB2, Gov. McCrory’s discriminatory, job-killing law,” the news source said.

The Democratic National Committee and its Chair of the LGBT Caucus Earl Fowlkes issued the following statement upon news of the appointment: “When Republican leaders in North Carolina passed HB 2, they not only stripped LGBT citizens of protections from discrimination, but continued a chain reaction of ongoing, concerted efforts to stigmatize LGBT people around the country. More Democrats, and certainly LGBT Democrats, are needed in legislatures to help counter and block these efforts. I congratulate the people of North Carolina and the North Carolina Democratic Party on the appointment of LGBT leader Chris Sgro to fill an unexpired term in the General Assembly. Chris Sgro will be an outstanding member of the legislature. I’m proud to be part of a Party that not only stands with LGBT people, but has consistently helped move us toward further progress.” info: equalitync.org. ncdp.org. guilforddems.org.

Prizes were awarded to South Charlotte Associates of the Sisters of Mercy for top Charlotte fundraising team raising $6,464; Our Lady of AIDS walk nets thousands of dollars Guadalupe Catholic Church for second place BELMONT, N.C. — The House of team raising $6,280; Mercy’s 25th Anniversary Walk for and Team Maggie AIDS was held on April 9 with over (Maggie Baucom) 300 participants and fundraising totals for third place team. have been announced.

Scott Cloninger, top At press time, $40,430 was raised individual fundraiser, to support low-income residents of raised $1,195 and the House of Mercy who are living Margaret Mayes with AIDS. was second place Stan Patterson, president and CEO, individual fundraiser. welcomed participants and introduced Best Banner went to guest speakers Maggie Baucom, House the House of Mercy of Mercy’s board chair, and Sister of Staff Cares Team.

Mercy Jill Weber, also a member of the The Sisters of board. Both spoke about the impact Mercy founded this House of Mercy was made with AIDS ministry 25 the help of community support. years ago to address House of Mercy has been home to the growing AIDS 321 men and women living with AIDS. epidemic and need Members of Gaston Family Health for compassion and House of Mercy President and Services carried the Walk banner for care. Fortunately, CEO Stan Patterson welcomes the three-mile walk. the development of participants to the Walk for AIDS. After the walk, a picnic reception anti-viral medications was held with music and dancing on the House has significantly improved the ability of infected of Mercy grounds. persons to live with HIV/AIDS and this has

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increased the need for housing and care. Funds raised through the walk and other contributions received throughout the year help to defray the costs of care.

Walk sponsors were Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (South Central Community), In Memory of Doug Newton, Wells Fargo, Gilead Science, CaroMont Health, ATCOM Business Telecom Solutions, Rodgers Builders, WSGE 91.7 FM, St. Ann Catholic Church, St. Gabriel Catholic Church, The Tradesmen, RK TShirts, Bank of North Carolina, Beam Electric Company, Cherry Bekaert LLP, Toal Industries and Troy Outdoor.

Visit the organization’s website to make contributions or learn more about the facility. info: thehouseofmercy.org.

TOY celebrates silver anniversary

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center, 2320-A N. Davidson St., has announced that they are celebrating their 25th anniversary.

The center held a drop-in reception and open house to usher in the festivities on April 10 with punch, cake and tours.

The organization was started by Tonda Taylor, a native Charlottean.

In 1964, she left Charlotte, N.C., when she felt alienated and conflicted with the society in which she was living. New York, N.Y., was more open and tolerant and there she flourished.

Then in 1984, Tonda Taylor was called home to care for her brother Sam who was dying of leukemia. Unfortunately Sam contracted AIDS through a tainted blood transfusion. His father, Dr. Andrew Taylor, also became infected with HIV/AIDS either through a transfusion during heart surgery or through caring for his son. He died at the age of 80 by taking his own life in order to spare his family the burden of his illness.

Sam Taylor died six months later.

Tonda Taylor was pained by what the community saw as a “gay” disease, as well as that of growing up in a conservative environment.

Those conditions catapulted her to do something positive for LGBT youth, along with her experience with a teenager who was struggling with her sexual orientation. So in 1990, she and a small group of human services professionals, educators, physicians and clergy met and agreed that young people needed somewhere to turn for assistance. A few months later they formed Time Out Youth. On April 8, 1991, four gay and lesbian youth attended the first weekly discussion group.

Today, it has a plethora of programs and services, as well as a fully-staffed facility where youth can gather and gain support, confidence and make friends. The center offers drop-in times, a computer center, parties, educational opportunities, conferences, events, a prom and so much more. It also serves as an organizing informational hub for gay-straight alliances and advocacy initiatives for youth.

Adults can also become engaged in the life of the center thought volunteer opportunities and home hosting those who have nowhere to stay.

More information is available online for both youth and adults, including parents. info: timeoutyouth.org.

Triad Run supports Pride org

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The 3rd Annual Rainbow Run 5K - Running with Pride, will be held on May 14, 9 a.m., beginning at Washington Park, 228 W. Acadia Ave., and will meander through the Washington Park neighborhood.

Age group awards will be presented. Best Male and Best Female Pride Attire will also be awarded.

Entry fee is $25 until May 9 at 6 p.m. and $35 on the day of the race. All 2015 event entries will be honored at the 2016 race.

Registration and packet pick-up will take place between 7-8:30 a.m. at the event starting point.

The event’s presenting sponsor is The Adam Foundation. info: pridews.org/5k.

Pride giving program unveiled

SALISBURY, N.C. — Salisbury Pride has announced that is has rolled out its new Equality for All (EFA) Circle monthly giving program.

Participants can make tax-deductible contributions while making a difference throughout the year. Payment is available through PayPal or by credit card.

Giving levels come with an assortment of benefits depending on the amount given.

Monthly levels are: red, $5 with receipt of one free EFA Circle backpack; orange, $10 with red perks plus receipt of a free festival T-shirt each year; yellow, $20 with red and orange perks plus entry to the VIP tent at the festival, plus a free one-time Pride bundle; green, $50 with red, orange, yellow perks plus 50 percent off (or cost) to events all year long; blue, $75 with red, orange, yellow, green perks plus free entry to all events all year long; and purple, $100 or more with red, orange, yellow, green and blue perks plus free space at the festival.

Salisbury Pride is slated for June 25.

More details will be forthcoming as they are revealed. info: salisburypride.com.

Church welcomes new clergy

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Metropolitan Community Church of Winston-Salem,4105 Patsy Dr., welcomed Rev. Wendy Woodruff as its new pastor on April 10 at its morning service.

She was joined by her spouse, Mary Woodruff.

In a communique with the membership, Woodruff shared that during the move from Wisconsin that the majority of the trip was beset by storms until she crossed into North Carolina.

There she was welcomed with sunshine.

“Maybe God was telling us that we really had made the right decision. Maybe God was saying that it is our time to be in North Carolina.

That feeling was reinforced as we drove up to MCCWS for the first time. My name was painted on the sign and it wasn’t stick-on letters, it was real paint! I guess you are stuck with me for a while, at least until the paint begins to fade,” she shared.

However, she is concerned with the state of affairs that exists currently with the state legislature and Gov. Pat McCrory, saying that she felt that they were not “so welcoming.” She has encouraged her congregants to voice their opinions on inclusiveness and to share those concerns with state representatives and others who target those “most vulnerable.”

Woodruff was most recently at Milwaukee MCC in Wisconsin. She received her Master

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of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary.

The couple have one grown son. info: mccws.org.

Triangle Host party quickly approaches

RALEIGH, N.C. — The 2016 Crape Myrtle Host Party will be held on April 23, 7 p.m., at the home of Ray Stephens and Rex Michael, 530 Oakwood Ave. The board and court of the Crape Myrtle Festival celebrates the start of their 36th year with this event. Semi-formal attire is recommended. Minimum contribution requested is $150 and can be made at bit.ly/1S2iPyB. In other news, the organization has announced that it is partnering with Going Places! Custom Travel to take a trip to Spain from Nov. 3-13. Crape Myrtle court member and travel agency contact Patty Van Wyck will arrange the trip and will serve as its guide, translator and escort.

Going Places! includes a contribution to Crape Myrtle in the price of the trip and contributes all profits as well. Email Van Wyck at patty@ goingplacescustomtravel.com to learn more. info: crapemyrtlefest.org.

Community celebration goes ‘all out’

RALEIGH, N.C. — Out! Raleigh will be held on May 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. along Fayetteville St. in the downtown district. It is produced by The LGBT Center of Raleigh and Workplace Options.

The annual festival, this year themed #GoAllOUT, brings tens of thousands of attendees, vendors and LGBT and allies together

in an outdoor, family-friendly atmosphere. It offers entertainment to individuals and families of all ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and religions.

In its sixth year, it will feature music acts

by Kristen Ford, Big Mama Shakes, Sayer McShane, Laila Nur, Chit Nasty Duo, Shadina and 120 Minutes. It also includes food trucks and a Kid Zone.

“We believe in acceptance, because everyone, no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves equal rights in this state and in our country,” said event steering committee member Scott Hoar. He also stated, “Given the current situation in our state revolving around HB2, no one should feel that they cannot come out and enjoy the day.

Lets show the state’s government that we are united as friends, family and allies. We would like to show Gov. Pat McCrory, the state legislators and voting constituents of N.C. that the LGBT and ally community stand together in a family-friendly street festival atmosphere highlighting the diversity of the state of N.C.” Organizers suggest that the community visit its website to purchase an Out! Raleigh pullover hoodie to support the work of the center. Resources have been drained since the passage of HB2 as the center continues to protect LGBT individuals in the Triangle. They also have center T-shirts for sale.

Sponsors for the 2016 festival include the LGBT Center of Raleigh, Workplace Options, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina, RA Jeffrey’s Distributing Company, PNC Bank, Red Hat, Legends Nightclub Complex, Flex, Food

Lion, OrderUp, Greater Raleigh Convention Center, Biogen, Cameron Financial, Haas & Associates, The Norris Team-Century 21 Triangle Group, Total Engagement Consulting

by Kimer and more. info: outraleigh.org.

Former reps, senators honored

RALEIGH, N.C. — The NC Justice Center Executive Director Rick Glazier (pictured) was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NC Child Care Coalition during the first week in April for his leadership and advocacy for early childhood education.

The coalition recognized five outstanding legislators at its 4th Annual Early Education Forum on April 6, including Glazier, Sen. Tamara Barringer, Rep. Josh Dobson, Rep. Chris Malone, and Sen. Jeff Jackson.

Former Rep. Glazier served in the state’s General Assembly for 13 years as a state representative from Cumberland County. There he served on numerous committees and in several leadership roles, including Minority Whip and co-chair of the House Education Appropriations Committee.

During his time in the legislature, Rep. Glazier championed early education issues including Smart Start and NC PreK, and consistently prioritized the needs of children and families in his district and throughout North Carolina, for which he has received numerous awards.

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Glazier was one of the legislators who helped introduce a bill in 2015 to protect LGBT workers. And, he was among 31 elected officials who joined the NC Electeds for Equality in 2013.

In 2015, Glazier resigned from the legislature to serve as the new executive director of the NC Justice Center.

Sen. Jackson has long stood in support of the LGBT community and was one who took an active, public role in favor of same-sex marriage, often lending his voice to vigils and other assemblies during the fight for marriage equality. info: ncjusticecenter.org

South Carolina ASO set to ‘dazzle’

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Affinity Health Center will hold its 13th Annual Dazzle and Denim fundraiser on May 13, 7 p.m., at Laurel Creek’s Magnolia Room, 4017 Laurel Creek Dr. Proceeds will go to support the work of Affinity in providing high-quality, comprehensive care with compassion, dignity and respect. It serves 2,000 patients, 1,200 of which are uninsured, as well as 1,700 who have low incomes.

Tickets are $60/individual and $100/couple until May 6. Afterward they increase to $65 for single tickets. Tables can also be reserved for groups of 10 for $500. Online or snail mail purchases are available. Send checks to Affinity Health Center, 500 Lakeshore Pkwy., Rock Hill, SC 29730. info/tickets: affinityhealthcenter.org/dazzle.

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news notes: u.s./world

custody and visitation and the court held that he and the birth mother, Sheena, were the biological parents. He had had little contact with the compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff child up till the point of filing the suit. Afterward, the sperm donor’s lawsuit was dismissed and Lez rights org honors founders, others his paternity order vacated when NCLR, along Tiara Yates and her family are the recipients SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The National with the Yates and Lowenstein Sandler, LLP of the Liberty Award. Tiara and Sheena Yates Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) has anjoined forces to fight against the original ruling. met and fell in love in high school. Later they nounced that it will honor the co-founders of An eight-year-old transgender boy, Ryland Black Lives Matter, an activist Whittington, won the hearts of viewparent and a transgender ers through an inspirational YouTube youth. video that went viral that depicted his Alicia Garza, Patrisse journey. His parents, Jeff and Hillary, Kahn-Cullors and Opal Tometi, shared the story which showed how Black Lives Matter and its their unconditional love was what it national network co-founders took to create a happy, healthy and will receive the Justice Award well-adjusted boy. Ryland had been for their work in organizdiagnosed with profound hearing loss ing efforts to fight against at the age of one and had cochlear injustice, racism and prejudice implants. As he grew, he began to talk against African-Americans. and some of his first words were “I Black Lives Matter and its founders, The Yates family and Ryland Whittington The organization began as an am a boy.” Their story has also been and his family are the recipents of National outcry following the acquittal included in a book which the family Center for Lesbian Rights awards. of George Zimmerman who hoped would help other transgender murdered 17-year-old Trayvon children and their families. For all of had a civil union in 2011 and were married three Martin. Since then it has expanded its efforts, this, they will receive the Courage Award. years later. Their youngest child was conceived including bringing international attention info: nclrights.org. through at-home insemination using a known and conversation about anti-Black racism, sperm donor. Both were listed on the birth cerAmerican democracy and experiences of Black Policy efforts to help LGBT individuals tificate. At one, the child’s sperm donor sued for people across the globe. with criminal record WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a new federal policy on April 4 that aims to eliminate housing discrimination against people with a criminal history, including LGBT people with a criminal record. The new policy clarifies that using criminal history to justify a negative housing decision, such as the refusal to rent to or renew a lease for someone, or the refusal to sell to or to give someone a mortgage on a new home, may violate the Fair Housing Act (1968).

The new guidance from HUD explains how current housing decisions may violate federal housing and civil rights laws. First, if a housing provider intentionally discriminates by treating people who have criminal records differently

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based on race or ethnicity, they are violating the Fair Housing Act. Second, restrictions based on criminal history may burden members of one race or ethnicity more than another, leading to liability under a “discriminatory effects” theory. The new federal guidance is not binding but it does put providers on notice that continuing to screen applicants for criminal history may subject them to legal liability.

Black and Latino people stand to benefit from the new policy as both groups are policed and incarcerated at greater rates than white people.

The National LGBTQ Task Force had been pushing HUD to eliminate barriers to housing for LGBT individuals. info: thetaskforce.org.

International theme launched

MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada — Fondation Émergence announced the theme and visuals for the 2016 campaign against homophobia and transphobia, which highlights the realities of LGBT seniors.

The unveiling of the visuals marked the launch of the 2016 campaign and is linked with the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which will be observed on May 17. The campaign’s theme “Homophobia and Transphobia Affect All Ages,” is depicted in the visuals through the faces of LGBT seniors, conveying serenity despite the homophobia and transphobia that they encounter in their living environments.

“LGBT seniors have experienced the criminalization, medical pathologization and religious condemnation of homosexuality and transgender identity, which are the roots of prejudice and stigma that still exist today, particularly among seniors,” commented Claude Leblond, president of Fondation Émergence.

“However, thanks to their struggles, today’s young people enjoy greater freedom. It’s the perfect time to tell young people about the history of LGBT rights and to remind them that nothing should be taken for granted,” he added.” info: fondationemergence.org.

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— A new coalition, Transform California, was launched to support the transgender community in California. info: transformcalifornia.org.

A study has shown that youth in same-sex female households have no difference in health outcomes, Science Daily reported. info: sciencedaily.com.

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A gay couple from rural West Tennessee who married last June were brought up on charges by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Tennessee for un-Masonic conduct. info: n.pr/1XKTfya.

Toronto school rolls out an LGBT poster campaign to shed light on #WhatMatters. info: torontopflag.org.

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City Scene

New Charlotte mural honors late drag queen Brandy Alexander Speaks out against HB2

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

T

here is a new mural in one of the gayest neighborhoods in all of the Carolinas, according to the U.S. Census, featuring a new vision of the “queen” in the Queen City.

Not just a queen but a drag queen, the recently deceased Brandy Alexander to be exact, one of the South’s most prominent performers in her day and now a prominent symbol of strength and the ongoing struggle for LGBT equality.

Now that drag has gone mainstream, with its own successful, long-running TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and drag queen personalities becoming household names, it is easy to forget that not long ago it was still underground and taboo. Especially in the South.

Alexander, known as Danny Leonard when out of drag, recounted in a 1988 article in “Southern Exposure” that while doing drag in Florida in the 1960s, she was beaten by police and arrested for wearing women’s clothing. Female impersonators were required to wear at least three items of men’s clothing, so would wear three pairs of men’s briefs under their dresses.

In that same interview she estimated that she had been arrested a total of around 50 times for cross dressing.

Leonard was also well known for owning a gay bar in Jacksonville, N.C., called Friends Lounge, known in part as the only bar in the country that could get a Marine dishonorably discharged just by going in. The bar was frequently targeted by police.

Leonard’s work as a gay activist included helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. While we may be tempted to take drag’s mainstream acceptance and other signs of progress, like the legalization of gay marriage, to mean that the LGBT community is finally accepted as equals, one needs to look no further than North Carolina and the passing of HB2 to know the LGBT community still has a long way to go.

That is the idea behind the mural, which highlights a key figure in the LGBT community’s history while simultaneously spotlighting the

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Artists Matt Hooker and Matt Moore at work on the Brandy Alexander mural, part of ‘The Drag Queens of Queen City’ in Plaza-Midwood in Charlotte, N.C. current struggle for equality with a hopeful nod to a more progressive future yet to come.

Musician and documentarian John Kennedy organized the project and worked with Manoj Kesavan of the BOOM Festival, community leader Shane Windmeyer, who also performs as a drag queen under the name Buff Faye, and artist Nick Napoletano to see it through.

Napoletano, who moved to Charlotte from New York City a year ago, enlisted the help of fellow artists Matt Hooker and Matt Moore.

Hooker and Moore have worked together over the past few years on other murals in the city, such as on the uptown restaurant

April 22-May 5 . 2016

and bar The Local, as well as at the NC Music Factory.

Napoletano’s work can also be seen on a billboard in Plaza-Midwood as part of the ArtPop project. In fact, one can just barely make it out through the trees if looking left while standing in front of the mural, which is on the back of CLTCH, behind the parking lot across from Dish off Thomas Ave. He says he was not planning on staying in Charlotte, which was just supposed to be a stop along the way to Charleston before he claims he got too attached to leave.

Snug Harbor, one of the bars around town that features drag performances, and which is

just around the corner from the mural, played a part in his decision to stay. He says it made him realize that there were “interesting things going on” in Charlotte.

“I stumbled in there on break dance night and I was like, okay, so maybe Charlotte’s got some cultural game that’s under the radar.

Which is kind of interwoven with her role,” Napoletano says, gesturing to the mural, “parts of Charlotte that are off the beaten path, or people who are affecting positive change in a way that’s not at the forefront.”

Napoletano points out some of the hidden imagery within the painting, demonstrating how much planning, as well as playfulness, went into its creation.

He explains that her hand is blue and yellow to symbolize the Human Rights Campaign’s equal sign, which is also evident under her left eye.

“Pulled from the ‘Hand of Justice,’ up on the top of her scepter,” he continues, “there’s a handcuff down at the bottom, breaking off, as her bracelet and there’s Pat McCrory in the earrings. So it’s kind of a mash-up or reinterpretation of Queen Charlotte, but with this campaign of ‘The Drag Queens of Queen City.’”

Napoletano also shared that the mural, which was still in progress at the time, would also feature a couple more touches, such as a Lisa Frank unicorn on Alexander’s fingernail and a unisex bathroom sign on her necklace.

The initial plan was to have several legendary drag queens in the mural, such as Boom Boom LaTour, Toni Lenoir and Kasey King.

“We were originally going to focus on several queens, but then I said, ‘What if we did something more commemorating for this first mural? It would be great if we could make this into a series,’” Windmeyer recounts.

Mural sponsors are Chaser’s, The Bar at 316 and The Woodshed.

The IndieGoGo campaign set up to help fund the mural will continue to stay open and accept donations in order to make the other murals a reality. Those wishing to donate can do so at indiegogo.com/projects/the-dragqueens-of-queen-city-mural. : :

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life

Home & Garden 2016

‘Secret Gardens’ offer a glimpse of life in the 4th Ward Friends’ house tour showcases private gardens and more

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

T

he Fourth Ward is a favorite section of Charlotte for many, but no matter how often you may have strolled through this part of town, there is a portion of it you have likely never seen.

Opening up that hidden part of the neighborhood is the idea

behind the Friends of Fourth Ward’s, “The Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward” tour, which will take place this year from May 14-15.

“About three years ago, or a little better, I had been living in the neighborhood for 12, 15 years, and started passing around the idea that we need to do a garden tour to, kind of, share the neighborhood like we do at the holidays, but do so from the perspective of spring,” said Heath Knott, a Fourth Ward homeowner who will be showing he and his husband’s private garden again this year as they have done in the past.

Knott reached out to Beth Walker, who organizes the Holiday Home Tour, and the two got to work making the idea a reality.

The self-guided tour gives the public a chance not only to see homeowners’ private gardens, but also to check out the local public art and the many historic homes. There will also be B-Cycle and horse-drawn carriage rides, free beer and cocktail tastings, as well as appetizers provided by nearby restaurants.

Knott and his husband’s garden have been on the tour since its inception.

“This is not a self-promotion tour, but if I’m going to ask seven people to put their gardens on, I need to be able to put mine on,” Knott said.

Fourth Ward was a prosperous area in the 1800s, but by the early 20th Century it had fallen into a decline that continued into the mid-1970s when the Junior League began a restoration program to

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life

Spotlight on hb2

Charlotte launches ‘Always Welcome’ inclusion campaign

by Katherine Peralta :: The Charlotte Observer

Three weeks after Gov. Pat McCrory signed into law a controversial LGBT measure that many are calling bad for business, Charlotte’s civic and business leaders are launching a campaign that touts the city as a welcoming place.

The “Always Welcome” campaign emphasizes how Charlotte’s “open for business, embraces and promotes diversity, inclusion and equality and know(s) our differences make us stronger,” according to its website alwayswelcomeclt.org.

It includes promotional materials like printable posters, storefront decals and a colorful logo intended to represent diversity. The campaign’s messaging was installed on the Westin’s exterior on April 14 and will also be found on Center City news racks, area billboards, the BB&T Ballpark and at the EpiCentre.

“Our goal is to get the message out that all are welcome in Charlotte, and we hope that helps decision-makers continue to choose Charlotte for their events,” Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Tom Murray said on Apri. 13.

The campaign doesn’t explicitly mention

House Bill 2, which limits the legal protections of LGBT people by creating a statewide class of protected citizens. But it was Charlotte’s ordinance in the first place that turned a national spotlight on the state, since N.C. lawmakers say they were responding to the city’s new nondiscrimination ordinance that would have allowed transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice.

“Always Welcome” is an “adaptable message [that] removes the current political atmosphere in North Carolina from the conversation and has straightforward objectives,” the campaign website reads.

“It can help organizations communicate Charlotte’s can-do business climate to current and prospective clients and customers.”

Since the signing of HB2, which struck down Charlotte’s ordinance, hundreds of businesses have voiced their opposition and some have even said they no longer wish to do business in North Carolina. Last week PayPal said it won’t open a Charlotte operations center, which would

have employed 400. At least 13 conventions and events have canceled their plans in Charlotte.

“Whether somebody is for or against Charlotte’s ordinance, whether someone is for or against HB2, there is real economic damage,” Charlotte Chamber CEO Bob Morgan said. “We’d like to draw attention to that fact, to scream for a solution.”

Morgan said his organization and the business community plan to work with the CRVA on the inclusion campaign.

Indianapolis similarly launched a welcoming campaign called “Indy Welcomes All” weeks after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law last year.

“Our research shows the best practices for cities that were in these kinds of environments is to get this campaign out,” CRVA’s Murray said.

On April 12, McCrory aimed to walk back on parts of HB2. He expanded non-discrimination protection for LGBT state employees and said he’s seeking legislation on the right to sue in state court for discrimination, but the bathroom provision remains unchanged.

Murray said it’s too soon to tell whether McCrory’s actions will help ameliorate backlash from groups looking to host events in Charlotte. : :

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HIV/AIDS

Queen City takes ‘steps’ in the fight against AIDS for two decades RAIN AIDSWalk set for May 7 to raise funds for ASO, client support

by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

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he 20th Annual AIDS Walk Charlotte will take place on May 7, with participants hitting the streets from the Gateway Village Promenade, 800 W. Trade St. at 10 a.m.

A signature fundraising event for the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN), it brings “brave” individuals together to walk the two-mile trek through the heart of Uptown Charlotte. This morning jaunt brings men, women and children together (and maybe a pooch or two) to champion the AIDS cause while bringing attention to those who have been touched by HIV and AIDS. Monies raised stay in the Charlotte, N.C. area.

Always a family- and pet-friendly affair, participants gather pledges beforehand and attempt to meet their goals. Along the way, individuals and teams rally together to bring spirit and energy to the day.

At 8 a.m., registration and check-in opens and continues until the morning program and awards kick off at 9:30 a.m., followed by the walk which takes about 30 minutes to complete on average. A closing ceremony is held at 11 a.m. where organizers share totals with attendees. Awards and recognition will be given out for Top Community Fundraising Team, Top Corporate Fundraising Team, Top Congregational Fundraising Team, Jordan Mitzel Award (Top Individual Fundraiser) and Glam Squad Award (Best Team Spirit).

AIDS Walk Charlotte 2016 Chair Robert Dogens (seen here from a previous year’s event) will be on hand to welcome participants on May 7. Dogens is senior vice president and strategic planning manager at Wells Fargo.

“The first AIDS walk was conceived and organized by four RAIN board members in 1997.

We raised $30,000 in the pouring rain. Through the years our walk has become a real touchstone for people desiring a way to express their care.

It has a real extended family feeling to it. It’s very moving to see so many people come out to remember loved ones and stand in solidarity with people living with HIV. It’s also a lot of fun — DJ Lil Betty keeps us moving and dancing,” said RAIN’s Executive Director Debbie Warren.

Being part of the day’s activities is simple.

The event’s website has signup pages where one can walk solo or form or join a team.

Pledge totals to date are also available. The campaign goal is $160,000. A number of companies are providing matching funds for those who wish to participate. At press time, ADP, Bank of America, Duke Energy, Gap, Inc., General Electric, IBM Corporation and Starbucks Corporation are on board.

RAIN has served the Charlotte metropolitan area since 1992 and provides services to HIV+ youth, adults and seniors. The organization ensures access to quality, personalized care in a nurturing environment for individuals National figures come to the Queen City for the annual AIDS Walk Charlotte. Seen here is Chelsea Clinton who spoke to attendees and participants in a previous year’s event.

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life

The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network Executive Director Debbie Warren, left, and Director of Development and Marketing Nathan B. Smith continue to be on task every year that the AIDS Walk Charlotte.

and their families who are living with HIV and associated chronic conditions so they may live healthier fulfilled lives. Through education and advocacy, RAIN promotes disease prevention, understanding and dignity for those affected by HIV and for those who are at risk. Services include bilingual community education and support, specialized progsrams for youth, customized HIV education curriculum for faith communities and case management linking clients with healthcare, medications, mental health services, housing and other resources.

Currently, there are some 50,000 new HIV infections reported every year in the U.S. with the South having the greatest number of people living with HIV and the highest rate of new infections. On average, seven new cases of HIV are reported each week in Mecklenburg County, which nets the highest number of HIV cases in the state.

Warren shared, “A few weeks ago, the CDC released lifetime risk estimates. If current HIV diagnosis rates persist, about 1 in 2 black men who have sex with men (MSM), 1 in 4 Latino MSM and 1 in 11 Caucasian MSM in the United States will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime. With all the incredible biomedical interventions we have now, these are startling statistics and a real call to action. It’s especially important to me, and to all of us at RAIN, to help everyone at risk, access PrEP. We don’t have to see these statistics realized.”

There is no fee to register to participate in the walk. For those who raise a minimum of $20, an official event T-shirt will be available to pick up on the day of the walk. Same-day registration is also available. The community is invited to form teams, be they through companies, organizations, congregations or schools. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, water and a raincoat or extra layer of clothing in case of inclement weather.

Comfortable shoes are also recommended.

Wheelchairs, strollers and dogs on leashes are permitted. The event website has a host of

support materials for participants, including posters, statistics, forms, kits and social media images to name a few.

AIDS Walk Charlotte is presented by Bar at 316, Kiss 95.1 FM, Power 98 WPEG FM, WCCB-TV and Wells Fargo. Platinum sponsors are MedExpress Pharmacy, Yelp, Bighouse Marketing, Bank of America, Ballantyne Family Medicine and RxClinic Pharmacy. Gold Sponsors are Sea of Love, LLC, Scott Design, Synchrony Financial, CVS Speciality, All the Right Grooves, Live Events Media Group and Novant Health.

For more information or to register for the walk and to learn more about and the services provided by RAIN, visit aidswalkcharlotte.org and carolinarain.org. : :

AIDS Walk Charlotte’s painted van, seen here with a previous year’s committee volunteer, is a is detailed and wrapped in each year’s theme.

Photo Credit: 729 Photography

The Reverend L. Murdock Smith (St. Peter’s Episcopal Church), left, and Bishop Tonyia Rawls (Sacred Souls Community Church and the Freedom Center for Social Justice) were among many clergy who have participated in years past. Many churches have HIV/AIDS care teams that are affiliated with the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network.

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‘Secret Gardens’ continued from page 11

All photos courtesy of Austin Caine

bring the neighborhood back to prominence.

This involved reaching out to those who were willing to live on what, by then, was considered the fringes of the city. It is rumored that the gay community was one of the groups actively recruited, along with the creative class in general.

Knott points out that it helped that the gay community did not have to worry if the local public schools were not the best, since they did not have children to send to them. He also mentions that they were already living a lifestyle perceived by many, especially at the time, as taboo, so they had nothing to lose by living in a neighborhood that “didn’t look like everybody else’s.� “It was probably one of the first gay neighborhoods in Charlotte back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, when such a thing existed. It has always been a neighborhood that not only values diversity, but demanded it,� he continued.

He says one of his motivations for starting the gardens tour was to bring attention to Fourth Ward as an eclectic and inclusive community.

Knott has moved four times without leaving the neighborhood. “We always came back to the Fourth Ward time and again,� he said, even though it might be easier to find homes elsewhere since there is not a lot of property there still available. Nowhere else felt quite as much like home, it seems.

The tour helps bring neighbors together to work toward a common goal, Knott said, as well as to raise money for “things the city cannot and will not pay for.� He said this includes fixing sidewalks, adding new streetlights and landscape improvements to the park.

Those interested in finding out more about the tour or the neighborhood can do so by visiting the Friends of Fourth Ward website at fofw.org. : :

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life

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tell trinity

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

The right time to finally sleepover Dear Trinity, After three weeks of dating, my girlfriend wants me to finally “sleepover.” But I’m afraid it will ruin everything. When is it a good time to finally sleepover?

Sleepover Quandary, Grand Rapids, MI Dear Sleepover Quandary, I, myself, think it’s important to wait a while.

There are many benefits such as anticipation, respect and the joy of knowing you took your time. Plus making someone yearn for you is very healthy! Then once you do start sleeping over, there’ll be plenty of evenings to make up for all those lost snores, farts and sleepless nights! Just kidding, sort of. So, pumpkin, please wait until it feels right! You have nothing to lose. And remember, stay away from beans or onions when that night finally arrives!

Hey Trinity, My new boyfriend is giving me troubles for wanting to “catch a buzz.” Isn’t it natural to want to loosen up after work? And what are “good or bad drugs” anyway?

Loosening Up, Rehoboth Beach, DE Hey Loosening Up, It’s natural and common to want to escape once in a while, as long as you have a handle

on it. But if you don’t, or too many people tell you that you don’t, then beware! Now, darling, when it comes to good/bad, healthy/unhealthy drugs, I have always been taught that “if it grows out of the ground then you will “catch” a much healthier “buzz” for your body and soul as opposed to something manufactured in some “chemi-kill” factory.” (My cartoon shows you how I feel about all things natural!)

Dearest Trinity, How do you know when someone you are dating is scamming you?

Scam Jam, Des Moines, IA Dearest Scam Jam, You know you’re probably being scammed when; a) you really know nothing concrete about someone and what you do know doesn’t all pan out, b) you are “in love” with someone whom your trusted friends call “a thief and a liar,” c) you are suddenly paying someone’s rent, wardrobe, drug habit and/or credit card bills and, lastly, d) when checks bounce, he or she is always in trouble with inflated excuses or when things start disappearing! Oh, and, honey, the remedy for this is: a) call the police, b) change your locks, c) break up with him immediately and d) go on a wonderful vacation!

Good luck.

a&e

Hello Trinity, I was recently “eighty-sixed” (kicked out) of a bar for drinking too much. Should I sue them?

Kicking Out, Topeka, KS Hello Kicking Out, Before you go crazy finding out your legal rights as a drinker, maybe you should get serious about finding out your limitations as a drunk. That’s why, sweetie, I’ve compiled: Trinity’s Cocktail Tips For Knowing: “You’re A Drunk When…”

1. You look straight ahead and you see…the sky.

2. You get kicked out of a bar and you don’t know why!

3. You can’t walk, talk or stand straight and you’re sure you’re not high!

4. Y ou think you’re in the bathroom peeing, but you notice cars going by and people yelling at you!

5. Y ou keep laughing at the cop who’s repeating, “Walk a straight line, touch your nose, breath into the paper bag, lady!”

6. Y ou spit, drool, nod-out and stutter yet you complain, “I M fu, fu, fu fine!”

7. You’ve been “shut off” by the bartender as well as your friends, but you still insist that they are trying to ruin your night!

8. You’re lying on your front lawn watching your partner throw suitcases at you crying,

“I can’t take the drinking anymore!”

9. You’re in the back of a taxi listening to the driver yell, “For the last time mister, tell me where you live or I’m dumping you at the police station!”

10. Lastly, you know you’re a drunk when you turn your head side-to-side and all you see is ground, ground and more of the ground! info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

April 22-May 5 . 2016

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EVENTS April-May 2016 Continues through April 24 GayCharlotte Film Festival Theatre Charlotte 501 Queens Rd., Charlotte The Eighth Annual GayCharlotte Film Festival will screen movies with LGBT themes over a fourday period. The film festival kicks off on April 21 with a showing of short films, with free admission, although online registration is required. Tickets for individual shows can be purchased for $5 for seniors and students, $6 for Charlotte Film Society members and $8 in advance for all others; $10 day of showing. VIP 10-ticket passes are also available for $50. Announced films include “Carol,” “4th Man Out,” “The Same Difference” and “Those People.” More information and tickets are available online. charlottelgbtfilm.com.

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Pride in Business and SEP APR MO Career Fair Le Meridien Charlotte 555 South McDowell St., North Tower, Charlotte 2-5:30 p.m.

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce presents the Pride in Business and Career Fair, where LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly exhibitors showcase their products and services. The expo will also feature workshops, with names such as “Tap Into Diversity: How To Get Into The Corporate Supply Chain” and “Using Personal Branding To Find A Job Or Further Your Career.” There will also be a roundtable discussion called “Workplace Nondiscrimination, HB 2 And Your North Carolina Small Business.” The event is free and open to the public. More information can be found online. clgbtcc.org.

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Submit your event to our calendar!

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

Dining Out for Life SEP APR MO Two Guys Pizza & Ribs 121 Barnwell St. #8, Hendersonville 5:30-10 p.m.

Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) will hold their annual Dining Out for Life event. Over 115 restaurants will donate 20 percent of their gross sales for the day to WNCAP so they can meet and expand their services.

SisterCare WNC will act as ambassador for the event at Two Guys Pizza & Ribs.

A candlelight vigil will take place in recognition of those lost to HIV/AIDS and there will be entertainment provided

by WestSound and emceed by local impersonator Cher. More information is available online. diningoutforlife.com/asheville.

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Drag Ball Tournament Veterans Park 2136 Central Ave., Charlotte Trans Student Union Poetry SEP APR MO 1 p.m.

Showcase Stonewall Kickball will host Democracy NC’s Hyannis House SEP APR MO its inaugural Drag Ball Tournament, Mecklenburg County 24 Hyannis Dr., Asheville featuring four Coalition Meeting 6 p.m. teams of amateur The Asian Library The University of North Carolina at drag kings and Asheville is celebrating its GLBT PRIDE 1339 Baxter St., Charlotte queens compet6:30-8 p.m.

(Practice Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, ing against each Non-profit voter rights organizaEducation) Month with a variety of other. Spectators are welcome to come activities, including a poetry, music and tion Democracy NC will hold its Mecklenburg County Coalition meeting, watch from the sidelines for free. Those art showcase at the Hyannis House. interested in donating can do so online GLBT PRIDE Month is co-sponsored by free and open to the public, where at crowdrise.com/stonewalldragball. attendees can reflect on the March the university’s Multicultural Student Programs and the student organizations primary and learn how to get involved in Proceeds will go to Time Out Youth Center to support the work they do with LGBT Alliance, Black Student Union, Hyannis future elections and voter mobilization young people in Charlotte. In addition efforts. Food will be provided. RSVPs House and the Trans Student Union. are encouraged and can be emailed to to the kickball there will be food trucks, More information is available online. give-a-ways and a professional DJ. mel@democracy-nc.org. msp.unca.edu.

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International Family SEP MAY MO Equality Day Picnic Lake Crabtree County Park, Dogwood Shelter 1400 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville 11 a.m.

Family Equality Council, DADSquared and Triangle Families are sponsoring a picnic for International Family Equality Day. The lunch is potluck style, with organizers providing beverages.

Swimming in the lake and playing volleyball and horseshoes are some of the activities that can be enjoyed.

Registration is required. bit.ly/1nYMJrh.

Walk a Mile Asheville Pack Square Park 121 College St., Asheville 10 a.m.

Our Voice will once again hold their Walk a Mile Asheville event against rape, sexual assault and gender violence. Participants will walk a mile through downtown Asheville. Men and women of all ages are encouraged to participate. Registration is available online and costs between $15-$30. ourvoicenc.org.

SEP MAY MO

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All Sounds Fair Benefit with SEP MAY MO Lara Americo and Hectorina Hattie’s Tap & Tavern 2918 The Plaza, Charlotte AIDS Walk Charlotte 2016 7 p.m.

SEP MAY MO Gateway Village Promenade Brooklyn-based All Sounds Fair, who describe themselves as a “musical 800 W. Trade St., Charlotte catalyst for LGBT causes,” comes to 8-11:30 a.m.

Charlotte to raise funds for Transcend The 20th Annual AIDS Charlotte, a non-profit that does work Walk Charlotte, one of the largest HIV supporting trans people. Lara Americo awareness and fundraising event in and Hectorina will perform. Tickets will the Carolinas, will see participants be available at the door. More informawalking two miles through the heart of uptown Charlotte. The walk raises funds tion is available online. allsoundsfair.org/events. for Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN), who provide services to HIV positive individuals and are involved in numerous education and advocacy programs and services. More information is available online. aidswalkcharlotte.org.

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health and wellness

by Jack Kirven :: personal trainer, qnotes contributor

Stacking, part 1 of 4: The importance of knowing what’s in your products

Photo Credit: Thomas Perkins via Adobe Stock

By now you’ve probably heard about how much more affordable it is to eat at home, rather than going to restaurants. It’s one of the fundamental ways to get your cost of living down. Another advantage is that you have more control over what you eat, because you are choosing it yourself. However, this part of the advantage can easily be undermined, if you select items that are heavily processed.

With food in mind as the most obvious example, let’s look at what stacking is within the context of fitness and wellness. When you go to the market, if you want to know exactly what’s going into your meal, you go get individual ingredients. Ideally they will be as natural as possible. A soup that you make from scratch with broth, fresh veggies and individual herbs and spices is practically always going to be better for you than a canned product. You know what you used: Water, bouillon, seasoning, fresh raw veggies and the rice you steamed yourself.

That’s pretty much it. Compare that simple list to the ingredients on commercially canned soups.

Good luck with understanding all that!

If you are concerned about what is going onto or into your body, you need to know what has been put into your meals and other products. Go for the choices that have fewer ingredients, and go with the brands that use mostly or only ingredients you can pronounce and identify readily. Use this same standard for everything, not just food.

Your skin is your largest organ. It’s permeable, and nearly everything that gets on your skin will get into your body to some degree or another.

With that in mind, do you know what is in your shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, lotion, and deodorant? We take for granted that the items we throw casually into our shopping carts are safe and healthful. But that should not be presumed.

Obviously it isn’t always convenient to make everything you need. What next? Am I going to ask you to milk a cow and churn your own butter? I understand anything can be taken too far, so I’m not suggesting you make everything from tree bark and sweat like a 19th century Oklahoma settler. But when is it easy to make your own concoctions?

I’m glad you asked! Can you imagine it? I have an answer for you!

But back to the title of this entry: Over the course of the next three parts of this series, I will offer suggestions for blending your own stacks for building muscle, burning fat and caring for skin.

I would like to point out something before the next entries are published. Collecting the ingredients for a stack can be expensive up front; however, once you have the ingredients, you not only know what you’re working with, you’ll have a fair quantity of each component of the stack, and you will thus be able to make multiple batches. This means you will save a great deal of money over the longer course of use.

Not only will you be more confident about what you are using, but you will also protect yourself from unspecified proprietary blends that contain who knows what. You’ll also get much more use from the ingredients you have handy, which will greatly reduce the price per portion. If you can stomach the initial costs, stacking will definitely bolster your efforts to improve or maintain wellness. : : info: 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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April 22-May 5 . 2016