April 26-May 9 . 2013
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April 26-May 9 . 2013
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April 26-May 9, 2013 Vol 26 No 26
arts. entertainment. news. views.
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contributors this issue
Paige Braddock, Rosendo Brown, Matt Comer, Jon Hoppel, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Trinity
front page Graphic Design by Matt Comer & Lainey Millen
news & features
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5 Center names new operations director 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 10 LGBT worker protections unlikely
a&e / life&style
12 Focus on LGBT aging grows 12 LGBT senior housing hot topic 13 Aging resources 14 Jewelry maker inspired by life and nature 16 Foundation awards last grant 18 Out in the Stars 19 Tell Trinity 20 Virginia welcomes women’s music fest 21 Playing the field 22 Fabulance 22 Jane’s World 23 Q events calendar
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opinions & views 4 Editor’s Note 4 TalkBack 10 QPoll
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editor’s note by Matt Comer matt@goqnotes.com
‘Every American boy shall have the opportunity of becoming a good scout’ It is hard to adequately describe my reaction to the new Boy Scouts of America membership proposal, released on April 19 by the group’s national executive committee. The executive leadership’s resolution, which must be voted on by the approximately 1,400-member national council in May, institutes a policy of non-discrimination for gay youth. “No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone,” the proposed policy reads. On one hand, the policy is a step forward. Gay Scouts will no longer be faced with dismissal from the iconic, more-than-century-old youth program simply because they identify as gay or bisexual. On the other, however, the proposed policy does nothing to address other areas of discrimination, such as that against gay young adults over the age of 18 and other adult leaders, as well as discrimination on the basis of religion.
The proposed policy also generates more questions than it does answers. What will happen to young people who come out in troops sponsored by conservative, anti-gay religious groups? What guarantees, policies or trainings will be implemented to protect gay and bisexual youth from harassment and bullying? What recourse will gay or bisexual youth have if they do, even after the policy’s adoption, face discrimination? What exactly happens to an openly gay youth on the day they turn 18? Depending upon your perspective, the proposed new policy for gay youth members in the Boy Scouts of America is either one huge steaming pile of disappointment or a phenomenally-progressive step forward for gay youth. Perhaps, you, like me, fall somewhere in the middle. The Boy Scouts were an integral part of my childhood, ultimately shaping who I am
talkback Letters to the editor and comments from goqnotes.com. and facebook.com/ qnotescarolinas. Web comments are not edited for grammar or punctuation. Council leadership Readers respond to the editorial “Government for all of/or the few? Charlotte Council can decide now,” goqnotes.com/22295/. Making change means being involved. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and be dissatisfied. If someone is not happy, then run for office and make a change. — Janice Covington, April 15, goqnotes.com.
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Kudos for having the courage to call out the “white elephant” in print!!! Unfortunately, the two budget proposals under consideration fail to address the needs and concerns of 95% of the city’s residents. And, the sheer arrogance of proposing $25M in upgrades for the BoJangles arena on top of the $120M already approved for the Panthers’ stadium… while asking for prop-
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erty tax increase!!! Ugh!!! Charlotte desperately needs a change in leadership. A great start would be a grassroots push towards remapping council districts. Too many council members continue to be reelected each cycle without having to face real competition or accountability. — LkNmn, April 17, goqnotes.com. Caribou’s closing So sad, have many great memories. The inclusive diverse vibe that was there is hard to find in Charlotte. Lets hope another brand will move in and start a new chapter. The location is prime,should not be empty too long. Hopefully. RIP Queerbou. — Forrest, April 15, goqnotes.com, in response to “More than a gay hang out, Dilworth Caribou built social fabric,” goqnotes.com/22038/.
today. The lessons taught to me and countless millions of other American boys mold young men into leaders, servants and citizens. If this policy, however flawed, had been in place when I was a Scout, I would have been able to continue my advancement as a youth member and attain my Eagle Scout award. So, this very small step, if approved, is a win for youth in the near-term and much better than the alternative choice of doing nothing and leaving the current policy as is. Ultimately, however, the proposed policy is severely lacking. It leaves many problems unaddressed, continues to perpetrate discrimination and continues to teach young people, upon turning 18, that they are unwanted and unworthy. The proposed policy is, simply put, a delaying tactic. Scout leaders themselves know this issue is not going away. Further action will be needed in the future, as indicated by the Boy Scouts’ own survey of its youth members aged 16-18, of whom a majority are opposed to the organization’s discriminatory membership practices and say it “does not represent a core value of Scouting.” Younger parents, too, are opposed, with the Scouts noting that views have “changed significantly in the past three years.” Those views will likely continue to evolve, just as the Boy Scouts must.
The Scouts have come one very small step closer to evolving with the rest of the nation on issues of LGBT equality and inclusion. If approved by the national council in May, the proposed policy will be a win for young people. But, it isn’t enough. The Scouts must do more to ensure they are living up to the very standards and ideals they claim to teach. I do not like incremental social change. Never have. Never will. Incremental change doesn’t work, especially when the questions at hand have easy, commonsense answers. The only answer to the Scouts’ continued membership and leadership controversy is a national, comprehensive policy of non-discrimination. Equality, not discrimination, is a core value of Scouting. Their members know it and a growing number of parents know it. It’s time the Boy Scouts’ leaders choose to be brave and fulfill the promise they made in their first edition of the Boy Scouts Handbook, that “every American boy shall have the opportunity of becoming a good scout.” For more information on the proposed policy, an in-depth analysis and continuing coverage of the issue, visit The Inclusive Scouting Network, of which I am a co-founder, at inclusivescouting.net. : :
Candidate says thanks Thank you to QNotes news for highlighting Gordon’s commitment to LGBT equality in Asheville. #GoGordon — Gordon Smith Campaign, April 13, @GordonForAVL, Twitter, in response to “Asheville councilman cites LGBT support in bid for re-election,” goqnotes.com/22369/.
tribe of nomadic sheep herders. I happen to find what later religious texts quoting Jesus of Nazareth say about gays and gay marriage to be much more embraceable. As far as I know, Jesus is not quoted as saying anything about gays. Perhaps he didn’t see the need to single them out for discrimination the way so many of his “followers” have over the years. — Phil Kabza, April 8, goqnotes.com.
Abomination Readers respond to “Latina leader says gays are an abomination,” goqnotes. com/21959/. She didn’t say that gays are an abomination. She quoted scripture that admonishes the act of being gay. She has the right to state her opinion. — Beth Champion, April 8, goqnotes.com. I hope that members of Rev. Melendez’ family and community can help her outgrow her obsession with certain passages in a three thousand year old religious text of a
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Am sad to read about Rev. Melendez and her stand on our LGBT community. This point by her lets me to understand that for someone whom is fighting for and an immigration reform is only doing it for a few and not all. She does not seem to know and needs some training on cultural diversity from within her community that happens to be not just straight but, also LGBT. Thank you for sharing now am not sure if I should team up with her Jesus Ministries to work within our community at large or not. — Jose Alegria, April 4, goqnotes.com.
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Charlotte LGBT center chooses new operations director Glenn Griffin wants to focus on programming, fundraising and engagement by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
CHARLOTTE — The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte announced on April 18 it had hired Glenn Griffin as its new operations director. Griffin replaces former manager O’Neale Atkinson, who left the Center at the end of March to take a position with Time Out Youth. “The Board of Trustees is delighted that we can announce that Glenn Griffin is our new Operations Director,” center board Chair Scott Coleman said in a release. “Glenn has a proven track record in management, donor relations, fund-raising and volunteer building, and we welcome all of those strengths at the LGBT Community Center.” Griffin comes to the center from Queen City Theatre Company, a nonprofit theatre group that has focused on alternative and LGBT-themed plays and musicals. Griffin has served as the company’s artistic director since January 2007. While there, the theatre Glenn Griffin group attracted more than 25,000 patrons and Griffin managed 200 volunteers, according to the release. Griffin, a creative arts graduate of London’s Kingston University and the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, was one of more than 40 applicants for the fulltime position. “I saw the job notice and thought it would be a really good opportunity,” Griffin told qnotes. “I really felt this kind of job would be great, working for the community center and giving back what a lot of the community has given me. I really want to help the community and get our culture and history out there for both our community and our straight allies.” He’ll begin work at the center on May 6. There, Griffin will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization. Griffin will also direct the center’s outreach and fundraising initiatives. “I really would like to focus a lot on programming and getting people in [the center] and getting people to know what’s going on,” Griffin said. “A lot of people don’t know what’s going on or what the center is doing. With RAIN (the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network) or with Time Out Youth, they have a firm mission statement. People know exactly what they are doing, what they are backing. That’s all-important. I want the same thing for the center.” Griffin’s arrival at the center comes as the organization faces growing opportunities. The group recently moved from its location at the NC Music Factory in Uptown to a more than 4,500-square feet facility in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood. As a result, the Center has seen a significant uptick in events held at
the facility and in attendance for the services offered there, which include weekly HIV screenings, community meetings and support and education groups. “The space is really great and it’s huge,” Griffin said. “I would like to have other organizations to utilize the rooms and space and grow it a lot.” The center, however, still faces fundraising challenges. The center’s budget over several years has been relatively small, according to year-end financial data surveyed by qnotes. And, in January, the center lost a significant annual funding source when Charlotte Pride organizers parted ways with the organization. [Ed. Note — This writer is a volunteer on Charlotte Pride’s organizing committee.] Coleman told qnotes that cost considerations prevented the group from hiring a full-time executive director. Griffin’s past non-profit experience was considered during his hiring. He said he hopes to build on past successes. “I’d like to fundraise more to get some community help so that we can make programs larger and bigger and thrive,” Griffin said. “Getting people in [the center] and seeing what is going on will really help with that.” The group is also still struggling to overcome years-long community engagement and perception problems which began under the tenure of past board chairs. Many community members have reported frustration with the center since. “I really want to change those viewpoints,” Griffin said. “This is a new chapter and things are changing, with it being a new space and having new people on the board and new people who are very excited and wanting it to be all-inclusive. I’m really listening to everybody and would love to do a lot more panels to see what people did feel in the past and what they feel now, what the community needs and what they are looking for in the community center.” Some affiliated with the center say the group has considered several initiatives to open the organization to the community, including open board meetings and more regular engagement to solicit feedback from other community leaders and organizations, as well as other collaborative projects. Griffin said he’s excited to start his work in May. The role the center plays is vital, he said. “In my younger days, I wish I would have known more about things like Time Out Youth or the community center where I wouldn’t have felt so alone,” he said. “Sometimes, a community center is a source that can embrace you and tell you, ‘You’re not alone. Come here and don’t feel alone.’” : :
April 26-May 9 . 2013
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news notes: carolinas. nation. world. compiled by Lainey Millen | Matt Comer
Boaters seek paddlers CHARLOTTE — The Carolinas has a new sport from old roots to add to its repertoire of offerings. The first of its kind here in the Tar Heel State, the LGBT dragon boat team, One World Dragon Boat (OWDB), is in the process of organizing and building its crew. Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, this sport requires synchronization of its 22 individual paddlers to win heats. The team must learn to navigate the challenges of sharing space while depending upon technique and trust. OWDB’s mission is to remove barriers of discrimination, bigotry and injustice that fragment society and keep people separate from each other. One World Dragon Boat founder It hopes to raise positive awareness of the LGBT Denise Bauer after receiving a community through “exposure and inclusion” by medal as member of the U.S. team providing dragon boat education, training, clinics at the 2012 international dragon and festivals for the community at large. In the fuboat championships in Milan. ture, the team expects to be good will ambassadors of the sport while they participate in regional, national and international competitions. Members will engage in strength and flexibility yoga at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 2508 N Davidson St., on Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. On Saturdays from 9-10:15 a.m., practice will be held at Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Rd., in Cornelius. info: oneworlddragonboat.org. — L.M.
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Charlotte Scholarship apps available
CHARLOTTE — Time Out Youth (TOY) has announced that its Neil and Tim Griffin Scholarship Fund is searching for LGBTQidentified youth who are seeking to earn a two-year or four-year undergraduate degree. Two $1,250 scholarships are awarded annually and are non-renewable. Eligibility is based upon the candidate’s being under the age of 21 as of May 1 of the year of application, a resident of Mecklenburg County (or a county that TOY serves in the Carolinas) and planning to enroll as a full-time, degree-seeking student at an accredited academic or vocational North Carolina or South Carolina institution in the summer or fall of the application year. Applicants must submit their completed application by May 3 to be considered for this year. Also, official transcript(s) of coursework, as well as two recommendation forms from non-related adults. Additionally, an up-to-date, typed resume must accompany the paperwork, along with a one- to two-page personal statement expressing why the applicant desires the scholarship and intended educational and career goals. Selection will be based upon financial need and dedication to becoming a self-sufficient, productive member of the community. Submit materials to: The Neil & Tim Griffin
Scholarship Fund Committee, Time Out Youth, 1900 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205. info: timeoutyouth.org/forYouth/ scholarship.html. — L.M.
TOY moving to NoDa
CHARLOTTE — Jeremy Carter, president of the board of directors of Time Out Youth (TOY), has announced that the organization will be moving in June to 2300-B N. Davidson St. The new space is a block down from The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. Relocation was prompted by the need for additional space for its growing programming for LGBT youth. TOY is seeking contributions in anticipation of the move to help the organization continue its work for the community. They will use contributions to help increase services that include: space for groups, training and artistic projects; storage, laundry and kitchen for homeless youth; private counseling office, computer lab and quiet study area; and youth group with sofas, snacks, games and TV in a homey environment. The new facility is convenient to bus lines with safe, secure parking and building access. info: simpleregistry.com/timeoutyouth. — L.M.
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equality, according to the Dallas Voice. In his 2002 interview, Pagan said, “I think when people see me walking through they don’t see me as a Hispanic gay man, I think they see me as a police officer. And that’s all that should matter.” — LGBTQ Nation
Immigration bill excludes gay couples
Sports Illustrated features gay Boston officer
BOSTON, Mass. — Soon-to-be iconic images — taken moments after the second blast on April 15 in the bombing attack at the Boston Marathon — feature three Boston police officers coming to the aid of a fallen runner. One of these officers is Boston PD’s LGBT community liaison. The photo, captured by Boston Globe photographer John Tlumacki, shows early responder Javier Pagan (far right) and two other Boston police officers, ready to assist and protect citizens as smoke from the explosion billows in the background. Pagan, a native of Puerto Rico who came out at age 26 not long after joining the Boston police department, was profiled by Bay Windows in 2002 when he was first named LGBT liaison. One of the images of Pagan captured by Tlumacki was chosen as the cover photo for the April 22 edition of Sports Illustrated. Pagan’s husband, Pedro, is a retired sergeant from the New York Police Department who rescued many people when the Twin Towers collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001, according to a Boston CrossFit site. On May 17, 2004, Pagan escorted LGBT civil rights attorney Mary Bonauto to City Hall Plaza when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in favor of marriage
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gay rights advocates have expressed disappointment after a bipartisan Senate group’s 844-page immigration bill omitted married gay and lesbian binational couples, leaving out the Uniting American Families Act. While the legislation includes a path to citizenship for many undocumented people, and includes the DREAM Act — which would allow young, undocumented youth (many of whom are LGBT) a path to citizenship — the proposal does not not include a new category of visas for same-sex foreign national spouses of U.S. citizens, who are not able to apply for such visas under current laws. The exclusion leaves an estimated 40,000 foreign nationals caught in limbo because the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) does not provide spousal benefits to same-sex couples, reported The Washington Post. Advocates had lobbied the Senate group to include a new provision, modeled on the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow U.S. citizens to petition to bring their same-sex spouses to the country under the family visa program. Binational couples now hope the question of same-sex spousal visas becomes moot in June when the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on a challenge to DOMA, which could potentially declare the law unconstitutional. In the meantime, LGBT advocacy groups say they will apply pressure to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. President Barack Obama has previously called for including married, gay couples in immigration reform, and included them in his own plan in January; their exclusion in the Senate bill is thought to have been a compromise to get GOP buy-in for the bipartisan plan. — LGBTQ Nation National and international news content provided courtesy of and reprinted in partnership with LGBTQ Nation, a qnotes media partner. For the latest national and international news, visit lgbtqnation.com.
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Triangle Center unveils initiative
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RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh, 411 Hillsborough St., has announced a unique fundraising effort through its Out! Raleigh festival to be held on May 4. Pledge-a-Protester will focus on fighting against hatred and homophobia during the festival day. Individuals simply pledge to give a certain amount per protester while raising funds and awareness. James Miller, the center’s executive director said that when pledgers see protesters at the day-long event, they can walk up to them and say: “I want to thank you for being here today and for protesting against Out! Raleigh and/or against any of the important causes and issues we hold dear. People have pledged to support the center based upon the number of Out! Raleigh protestors and we’re counting you as a protestor right now. Because you are here, people will donate (dollar amount) to the LGBT Center of Raleigh. The more protestors that come to Out! Raleigh and the longer you stay, the more money we will raise. So, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Because of you, we can continue to support LGBT Equality and the many important support programs of the LGBT Center of Raleigh.” Participants are asked to fill out a form
and deliver it to the center either by email at info@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com or regular mail with their pledge. One may elect to pledge a flat or per/person amount and volunteers are need to count pledges during the day. To obtain a pledge form, email outraleigh@ lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. On May 6, pledge participants will be notified how much money was raised from the initiative. — L.M.
Lobbying group leader to step down
RALEIGH — The executive director of North Carolina’s statewide LGBT education and advocacy organization announced on April 19 that he will be leaving the organization during the summer. The announcement from Equality North Carolina Executive Director Stuart Campbell came as more than 100 people from across the state attended Equality North Carolina’s annual lobby day at the state legislature, where they were pushing for unlikely non-discrimination legislation protecting state workers and teachers. “I leave Equality NC with an incredible sense of pride in the movement we have built during what could be considered the most pivotal two years in North Carolina’s LGBT rights movement.” Campbell said in a
release. “As positive momentum in favor of LGBT issues continues to build across the nation, region, and state, I am confident in the future of this organization, and remain grateful for the tireless efforts of our board, staff, and supporters to never stop fighting for Equality.” Campbell was hired in October 2011, following the long tenure of former leader Ian Palmquist. Campbell saw Equality North Carolina through the spring 2012 campaign against an anti-LGBT state constitutional amendment banning recognition of same-sex marriages. Equality North Carolina was one of several organizations in a coalition opposing the amendment, which passed 61-39 percent. — M.C.
Western Dance slated in High Country
HENDERSONVILLE — Metropolitan Community Church Sacred Journey will hold its spring dance on May 11, 6-10 p.m., at Quality Inn & Suites, 201 Sugarloaf Rd. DJ Savannah Rose will spin and finger foods, sodas and water will be provided. Tickets are $10. Call 828-693-9110 or email mccsacredjourney@yahoo.com to learn more. — L.M. info: Have news or other information? Send your press releases and updates for inclusion in our News Notes: editor@goqnotes.com.
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LGBT worker protections unlikely this session Equality NC seeks legislation protecting LGBT state employees and teachers by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
RALEIGH — An effort to pass non-discrimination legislation designed to protect North Carolina public employees and teachers will face an uphill, if not impossible, battle in the legislature this year. With the General Assembly controlled by Republicans largely unfriendly to LGBT causes, bills to extend workplace protections will likely die in committee. Yet, that fact alone didn’t stop more than 100 people from across the state from attending an annual Equality North Carolina Lobby Day on April 16. Stuart Campbell is executive director of Equality North Carolina, a statewide LGBT advocacy and education group. Campbell said non-discrimination legislation likely wouldn’t pass this session. His group, though, is in for the long haul. “We recognize that this is going to be not only a multi-year strategy, but also a multi-pronged strategy,” Campbell said. “Obviously we’re focused on the legislative strategy — at the same time we’re making a very concerted effort to go out into cities and counties where we have support or at least the possibility of support and identifying councilmembers or county commissioners who want to support a non-discrimination policy for their localities.” Several cities and counties across the state already include protections for gay workers. Others also include transgender workers, including Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Durham, among others. Equality North Carolina’s bottom-up approach was detailed in November at their annual statewide conference in Greensboro. The change in strategy — from relying on a mostly-friendly, Democratic-controlled legislature to grassroots progress at the local levels — came as a response to 2010 elections that handed Republicans control of the legislature. The switch in legislative control resulted in the passage of an anti-LGBT marriage amendment in May 2012. Last November,
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Time Out Youth members Christopher Paxton and Adara Linares-Aponte joined staffer Micah Johnson at this year’s Equality North Carolina Lobby Day at the North Carolina General Assembly.
Republicans increased their majorities in the state Senate and House, as well as taking the governor’s office. Campbell said Equality North Carolina will have to rely on local leaders, business people, chambers of commerce and other allies to push forward. “It will be a multi-faceted, multi-pronged, multi-level approach, but it is going to take several years,” Campbell said. “We know that’s what we have to do if we want it to happen.” Equality North Carolina’s endorsed legislation, introduced on April 9, has no Senate companion, though a similar bill exists. Both have been referred to their respective chamber’s rules committees, where bills often go to die.
April 26-May 9 . 2013
Campbell said getting a Republican cosponsor of the non-discrimination bill would help in moving it forward, even if that movement doesn’t come until future sessions or resulted only in a committee hearing this year. His group is working on meeting with Speaker
of the House Thom Tillis, whom Campbell says is receptive to meeting. Schedules, Campbell said, have not yet worked out. Tillis and other Republican leaders have not commented on the legislation. The state’s Republicans, said Campbell, will need to evolve. “We’re seeing nationally a movement and a dialogue within the Republican Party about where they are on LGBT issues,” Campbell said. “The smart ones — the ones who want to have a party that lasts beyond the next 10 or 15 years as a national party — are being much more inclusive. That conversation needs to happen in North Carolina. What you’re seeing now are a lot of new legislators who are somewhat giddy with power. They are passing some outrageous stuff, but they will have to recognize that if they want to govern in the long run, they will have to settle back down and start working with other folks.” While Equality North Carolina is working to raise the profile of its non-discrimination bills, it will also be fighting off several challenges. One bill seeks to gut the advances made in comprehensive sexual health education in the state. Another seeks to stop LGBT-inclusive gender-neutral housing at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The group says it is keeping its eye on any potential threats to the landmark School Violence Prevention Act passed in 2009. “It’s something we are watching very closely,” Campbell said. : :
qpoll With Republicans in control in Raleigh, Equality North Carolina is shifting its focus to more local policies and initiatives. Do you think this will be effective? See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll
April 26-May 9 . 2013
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Focus on LGBT aging grows Prime Timers celebrates 20th anniversary as LGBT center offers new program by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
For Sam Powell, 71, coming out at age 67 presented its own unique challenges. To face them, he turned to Prime Timers Charlotte, a local chapter of an international organization providing support for “slightly older gay and bisexual men.” “It was one of the things I joined initially when coming out as an older man,” says Powell. “It was just an organization that worked for me. It was a way to meet a lot of people.” The local chapter celebrated its 20th anniversary on April 20, with a dinner, entertainment and special guest speaker, Prime Timers World Wide President Rob Howard. Prime Timers Charlotte is one of several organizations and initiatives across the state working to bridge social connections and support networks for an aging LGBT community. Powell says the group has offered him support and networking when he needed it the most. Ten months ago, Powell underwent open heart surgery. “These guys were there pretty much around the clock for days and days and days supporting me,” he says. Other members of the group have benefited from similar support, even though a majority don’t face the same issues of exclusion or rejection from family they once did. “Things have changed mostly in a good way,” he says. “Most of the guys feel very comfortable with the way their family reacts to them, but it is true that we often don’t live
where our birth families live and we’re looking for other ways of support.” Even in the face of positive societal changes, though, groups like Prime Timers provide an aging LGBT population the opportunity to stand together in times of need. “I think everybody my age or probably even 50 or up is always concerned about having somebody around if something medical happens,” he says. “Even if you have family that are accepting and nearby, it’s not always true that they can be there when you need them. That’s why Prime Timers has been so wonderful for me and others who have been through some tragic events in the last few years.” Some national groups have taken up the cause for LGBT elders — particularly Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), as well as the AARP. Most conversation on local levels in places like Charlotte and Raleigh remain limited. The LGBT Center of Raleigh has for several years run a successful Gay & Gray Initiative, organized to meet the social, health and other needs of more mature LGBT community members there. The Raleigh initiative
holds several social events, panel discussions and other seminars to assist LGBT elders. Their most recent seminar in February focused on Medicare. In Charlotte, the LGBT Community Center is just now re-launching efforts to address the growing needs. Several years ago, the center held some Gay & Gray activities. Now, they are back and under the leadership of Ashley Young, the director of operations at Rosedale Infectious Diseases. The center’s new Gay & Gray: Lunch & Learn series met for the first time in April and will continue meeting on the first Thursdays of each month. Young says she’s seen an uptick in the number of older LGBT community members needing services at her work. Collaborating with the Charlotte center, she hopes to bring the conversation to a wider audience. Outreach, she says, is the first step. “The goal of the center is just to get a more diverse population in there,” Young says. “We have a really young crowd that comes in and we want to make sure it is a comfortable environment for everybody.” Young says a variety of topics are important to older members of the LGBT community.
Bringing them together once a month will help with resources, information and referrals. “We have an aging population that has different needs,” Young says. “We do have an aging population that needs housing and has extra healthcare needs. We also have an aging population that is getting older and just needs a comfortable place to be. We need to attack both sides of it.” Powell, too, feels more conversation and attention need to be turned toward the issue. Housing and retirement care is of particular concern to many. “I’m not afraid of it, but I do hear those concerns,” Powell says. “I would say there is not enough of that kind of discussion going on both locally and the country as a whole. I know our world wide group encourages that, but sometimes it is very difficult to figure out who it is you should be talking to.” Young and others at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte plan on changing that, step by step. Young says the first Lunch & Learn attracted five people. She hopes to grow the group with activities like documentary screenings or diverse speakers. While they are growing, resources will still be offered. Even a small start, Young says, is step in the right direction. “Even if we just start the conversation in a small group, they can begin getting resources,” she says. “Sometimes, it’s just being able to get out there and find a social group.” : :
LGBT senior housing hot topic among advocates Safe and affordable housing for LGBT seniors is a growing hot topic among advocates working for aging LGBT populations. New projects across the country are seeking to bring solutions to the table, particularly in the form of LGBT-friendly housing developments. The growing conversation around safe housing for LGBT seniors is being sparked by increased needs among an aging LGBT population. Advocates with the national Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE) report that LGBT elders face higher risk of financial insecurity and a lack of safe and affirming affordable housing. Many LGBT elders also face harassment and intimidation in long-term care facilities. In response, community groups across the country have begun educating local housing providers. In larger cities, whole developments are being built specifically for LGBT seniors. In Philadelphia, construction continues on the John C. Anderson Apartments, an LGBTfriendly senior housing project in the heart of Philadelphia’s gayborhood. When completed, the six-story building will house 56 units and have room for social events, meetings and gatherings. The $19.5 million project in Philadelphia isn’t the only LGBT-friendly senior housing project. In Los Angeles, Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing was the first to provide a space for elders in their Triangle Square, a $21.5 mil-
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lion, 104-unit building housing mixed-income individuals with some units designated for seniors with HIV/AIDS and those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. And, in Chicago, organizers are moving forward on plans to build a 79-unit, affordable housing development for seniors. Backed by a city land transfer and city funding, the building would give LGBT seniors a home at the heart of Chicago’s gayborhood. In San Francisco, advocates with Openhouse and Mercy Housing California have been working since last summer to implement approved plans for a 110-unit development for LGBT seniors. No doubt, the trend toward LGBT senior housing is mostly centered in larger metropolitan areas with significantly larger LGBT populations than those in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. Yet, even in North Carolina, advocates are keeping an eye on the housing and other retirement needs of seniors. Last fall, the LGBT Center of Raleigh’s Gay & Gray Initiative hosted a seminar on housing featuring Durham architect and developer Pat Harris, who has been brainstorming ways to meet housing needs for several years. In 2011, qnotes reported on her initial thoughts for senior housing in Durham (goqnotes.com/11451/). In Chapel Hill, retirement facilities like Carol Woods Retirement Community is turning their eye toward diversity and inclusion.
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The John C. Anderson Apartments in Philadelphia will be situated in the heart of the city’s gayborhood. Photo Credit: Marisa Fischetti/GPTMC.
In Boone, CGR Development’s successful Carefree Cove is drawing more residents. Though the development doesn’t offer assisted living or other health-oriented services, the community has become popular with the retired, mature LGBT community. The 165-acre
development has sold 70 of their total 87 lots. Twenty-five homes have already been built. For more information on housing needs for LGBT seniors, visit sageusa.org/issues/ housing.com. : : — Matt Comer
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Gay & Gray: Resources National LGBT Resources AARP Pride News, resources, information aarp.org/relationships/friends-family/ aarp-pride/ SAGE - Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders sageusa.org Local LGBT Resources Gay & Gray: Lunch and Learn LGBT Community Center of Charlotte Information sessions and lunch every month. Socializing, education, resources and referrals. First Thursday monthly, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 704-333-0144 . gaycharlotte.com Gay & Gray Initiative LGBT Center of Raleigh Established to advocate for and reach out to members of the LGBT community age 50 and up. The initiative assists seniors with a variety of issues, including health care, legal problems, housing and inter-generational relationships. The program also provides social activities. 919-832-4484 . lgbtcenterofraleigh.com Prime Timers Social, educational and recreational activities for mature men ages 21 and up. The organization, a chapter of Prime Timers World Wide, acts on issues concerning the “slightly older gay and bisexual population.” Regular monthly meetings and other activities. Charlotte 704-236-3775 primetimersww.com/charlotte/ Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill 919-229-4482 . 919-834-3843 meetup.com/rdu-pt/ Asheville 828-255-0249 ashevilleprimetimers.homestead.com
Affirming housing Carol Woods Retirement Community Chapel Hill 1-800-518-9333 . carolwoods.org The Carolinian Florence 843-665-9314 . rhf.org Barringer Gardens Charlotte (under construction) rhf.org Carefree Cove near Boone/Blowing Rock 336-385-1136 . carefreecove.com Have more LGBT-affirming senior resources or housing options to share? Email us details to editor@goqnotes.com and we’ll add you to our online resource listings.
Charlotte-area resources Centralina Area Agency on Aging centralina.org/centralina-area-agency-onaging-home/ Anson County Council on Aging 704-694-6616 Cabarrus County Department of Aging 704-920-2255 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Council on Aging 704-391-5216 Cleveland County Department of Social Services 704-487-0661 Gaston County Department of Social Services 704-862-7540 Iredell County Council on Aging 704-873-5171 Lancaster County Prime Time for Seniors 803-285-6956 Lincoln County Senior Services Department 704-732-9053 Mecklenburg County Just 1 Call 704-432-1111 Rowan County Rufty-Holmes Senior Center 704-216-7704 Stanly County Senior Services Department 704-986-3769 Union County Council on Aging 704-292-1797 York County Council on Aging 803-327-6694
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Jewelry maker inspired by life and nature Charlotte Fine Art Show comes to Charlotte, May 10-12 by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Not many people in the world get to see their childhood hobbies turned into careers. For those who do, it’s even rarer for passion and career to come into complete alignment. Dennis Ray of Nature’s Creations (leafpin.com), a jewelry artist whose love for nature has inspired every piece in his collection, is one of the lucky few. “I was a high school kid who was an Eagle Scout with the biggest chemistry set on my block,” says Ray, whose tinkering for a high school science project turned into a lifelong development of electroforming, a metal forming process that allows Ray to preserve the natural samplings he collects. “There’s every part of the cycle of life within nature,” says Ray. “There’s the budding tree or the fragile leaf when it’s young and then it grows to maturity and then into a decay period. Each one of them are fantastic bookmarks in art-meets-nature-meets science. I’m actually able to freeze frame
If you go HotWorks.org Presents 5th Annual Charlotte Fine Art & Craft Show May 10-12 Charlotte Convention Center 501 S. College St. Admission is $10 for all three days. Ticket purchases can be made online at hotworks.org/charlottefineartshow. one of those moments, almost like catching and covering a snowflake with metal. It’s just a fleeting moment.” Ray initially set out to be a geologist and studied at the University of Utah. But, a D-minus average forced him back home. “My father’s always said I came back to Maryland to fall back into the leaves,” says Ray. “That forced me to take a hobby and turn it into a viable art form and a living. It’s been 30-plus years. It’s been amazing.”
Ray, who now lives in Washington, D.C., with his husband of 20 years, spends much of his time traveling the nation and world for samplings he can turn into unique art. “We’re lucky to have very free spirits,” says Ray. “We travel to all different places of the world. We’re basically outside of the country for three months out of every year collecting botanical samples and just seeing the world.” Ray’s travels will bring him to Charlotte, May 10-12, for the 5th Annual Charlotte Fine Art Show. The show, juried
see Nature on 16 Dennis Ray’s electroforming technique allows him to take any botanical sample from around the world and turn it into a beautiful jewelry piece. Photo Credit: Dennis Ray/Nature’s Creations, via Facebook.
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Plaza Midwood
SPONSORED CONTENT
LGBT-Friendly Companies or Not? by Judson Gee JHG Financial Advisors
Some investors simply want to make money and certainly that’s understandable, but some of my clients want to look beyond their wallet and consider how their investments can impact the world around them. To that extent they may want to invest in socially responsible or LGBT-friendly companies or diversified portfolios. Investing in LGBT-friendly companies will lead to a little research, but is not impossible. A story that recently was in the press is the controversial decision being decided upon by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). This decision would change their by-laws to institute inclusive by-laws on whether to allow LGBT members and employees under their umbrella. One of the companies that came to light was that of a large technology concern that actually stopped supporting the BSA because of their stance on not allowing openly gay members or employees. Obviously, economics play a role in decision-making processes of charities, entities and the like, so if a large contributor decides they will no longer support an entity such as BSA, it draws the attention of those benefactors, thus, perhaps, could impact their decision-making process to be more inclusive. I for one hope it does. According to updated numbers last year by Witect Communications, the LGBT community is a potent force in the American Economy and growing, with projected buying power of $790 Billion in 2012. So, how does an investor find out about LGBT-friendly companies to put their money into? One of the potential ways to screen whether a company meets criteria of inclusiveness within the LGBT community is to use the HRC’s Workplace Corporate Equality Index 2013 (www.hrc.org/corporate-equality-
index/). They score businesses in the Fortune 1000 list firms, of which many are publicly traded. Not only does it have the scores, but gives readers the criteria for scoring metrics. For instance, some companies get scores as high as 100 (great!) versus others that had a score of 15 (bad!). Certainly, this index won’t encompass all publicly traded companies, but does offer a good starting point. So, if you use professionally managed diversified portfolios, there are ways to use the above research, or simply let someone else screen for you. One of the firms that offer a multitude of wealth management solutions, Curian Capital, allows my clients to exclude any publicly-traded companies from their portfolios. So, perhaps an investor didn’t want a lower-scored company, or didn’t want firearms- or alcohol-related firms etc in their lineup, with their platform one can easily exclude those securities. This is very unique to that wealth management platform, and allows the investor to really customize a portfolio based on any number of criteria. There are also professionally managed investment management platforms that are socially responsible and that screen for various companies with discriminatory practices. Per regulations, I can’t recommend or mention by name those investments in public material, but if you would like to contact me I can help with the myriad of options out there. Follow me on Twitter: @JhgFinancial. Visit me on the Web: www.jhgfinancial.com. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Adviser. Member FINRA/SIPC
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goqnotes.com/to/arts McColl Center. Via Facebook.
Foundation awards last grant by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com
The Wesley Mancini Foundation will cease operation as of June 30, citing that it has accomplished its goals as established when it was created over 20 years ago. The foundation had been providing funds for projects that foster the inclusion of LGBT individuals as full participants in the Charlotte community. The foundation also funded work seeking to eliminate censorship and support freedom of expression. In April, the foundation awarded its last grant of $30,000 to endow residencies for LGBT artists-in-residence at McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St. Recipients will use the funds in their work to address issues of the LGBT community and freedom of speech and expression at the center. The foundation was created as a response to the controversy surrounding a 1996 Charlotte staging of “Angels in America,” a play with gay and HIV/AIDS-related themes. In response, the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners voted in 1997 to strip public funding from arts groups that offered “exposure to perverted forms of sexuality.” The foundation’s initial funding was provided by Mancini and a contribution of $100,000. When it was founded, the group was the sole local resource for funding LGBT non-profits. Since then, the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund has also been established. “The Charlotte LGBT community, though still under attack, has matured and prospered since 1999 as our city at large has grown in acceptance and fairness,” Mancini said in a release. “This is a good time to end the foundation’s annual grants program and endow an artist residency at McColl Center, which I have long supported. There is still much work that needs to be accomplished in Charlotte’s ability to embrace diversity. The work done by an artist-in-residence at McColl will reach audiences far greater than what we have achieved in the past, which is one of the reasons why I am excited about this merger.” “McColl Center for Visual Art is the residency field leader for advancing artists as creative change agents for important issues such as social justice and human rights,” Suzanne Fetscher, McColl president and CEO, said in a release. “Mancini’s visionary support advances McColl Center for Visual Art’s firmly held beliefs that art and artists are catalysts for positive social change. Through his generous support, the center is able to give the wonderful work of the Wesley Mancini Foundation the opportunity to live on in perpetuity.” McColl’s social justice focus gives artists with a community artmaking practice an avenue to draw together disparate networks through embodied discourse about issues that are uncomfortable, even forbidden or taboo. This dialogue is the first and often most difficult step towards understanding and lasting social change. “None of this would be possible without the support of community luminaries like Mancini,” Fetscher added. “The wonderful work of the foundation will live on in perpetuity through his visionary decision to make it the catalyst for something bigger. McColl is grateful to Mancini, and to all of its partners who will join Wesley in the fight for equal rights through the arts.” info: wesleymancini.com. mccollcenter.org.
Nature inspires art continued from page 14
by art professionals, features high-quality art from craftspeople from the Carolinas and around the nation and world. It will be hosted at the Charlotte Convention Center. qnotes is a sponsor. While here, Ray will showcase his many works. Among his favorite creations are his ginkgo leaf jewelry pieces. “They are the oldest trees on the earth,” he says. “They have fantastic stories. The ginkgo has such a rich history. It’s a fossil tree and it has so many stories that cut across all demographics of every age, every geographic locations.”
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Whether he’s at an art show in Seattle or Atlanta, Ray says, people flock to the ginkgo. “It always brings a smile to people’s faces,” says Ray. “People remember their fist leaf collection in high school. It’s just really cool. It’s a neat event to think something you learned in high school or maybe you learned of ginkgo leaves as a kid, it always comes to a story with a smile on people’s faces.” Ray is looking forward to his trip to Charlotte, where he’s expecting plenty of smiles “I’m super happy to be back on this level in Charlotte,” Ray says. — Sponsored Content —
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out in the stars by Charlene Lichtenstein :: qnotes contributor
April 26 - May 9 Hello, Spring! There is a personal planetary pile up in Taurus as Sun, Venus, Mercury and Mars all wander through. This means that we may see things in more practical terms and take our sweet time getting there. But, like in true Taurean fashion, we will eventually arrive and eventually rule. TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Do you have a great idea that you want to share with the world? This is the time to do it. Queer Bulls have ample reserves of charisma that are waiting to be tapped. And, you find yourself in the epicenter of activity where the bold and beautiful can take notice. But, don’t just crash on the scene without a cogent plan. Make your moves and move some scenery around. GEMINI (05.22-06.21) There is so much happening behind the scenes that it may be difficult for you to concentrate. Pink Twins are fairly flexible though, so anything that gets by you now will not be that important. Listen to the scuttlebutt and scuttle any butt that gets in your way. Secret admirers may make themselves known to you. Ah, but do you really want to know? CANCER (06.22-07.23) Get out of your comfort zone and expand your social circle with forays into new clubs and groups. Rub some elbows, gay Crab. It is time for new experiences with a fresh group of faces. But, don’t ignore your current crop of compadres. Bring them into the
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fold, mix up your groups and one thing can lead to another. Let the excitement begin. Rubadub. LEO (07.24-08.23) Put your efforts into your career as your steady climb to the top needs a push. Proud Lions who have been putting out the effort begin to see a payoff. Those who have been less than diligent can make up for lost time. The most important thing is to ply your talents with the powerful movers and shakers in your organization. When plying doesn’t work, try bribes. VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Adventure awaits you, if you decide to get off your couch and explore. That means that whether you travel far or stay close to home, the best results occur when you make the effort to experience something or someone brand new. Consider taking a class, or take a long-awaited trip, or even try a new restaurant. Your world view is ready for vision check. LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Proud Libras have the sizzle and are ready to jump into the sexy flames. But, the word is caution. Be choosy in your paramours and find one who can connect with you on more than just a physical level. Try for a meeting of the hearts and minds too. There is more to life than an occasional oomph. Although it is hard to believe that right now. SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Spend more time cultivating meaningful relationships. The yearning for true connection can lead to reduced stress and more long-term happiness. For those proud
Scorps who are currently involved, see what you can do to spoil your partner. For those seeking their dreamboat, put your dinghy in the water and set sail. You never know who will hoist your sail. SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Gay Archers may be in need of a complete health regimen reappraisal. Have you been exercising enough? Do you eat properly? The summer is upon us. Prepare for swimsuit (or even naked beach) season with an energized outlook on firming, toning and buffing. Yes, it is possible to improve on perfection…if what I see before me is your definition of “perfection.” CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Are you tempted to break from tradition and go crazy on the party circuit? If so, take the bait and see how many rocking parties you can attend before you poop out. Pink Caps can also test the limits of their creativity now. Try your hand at something artistic from painting to cuisine to drama. But, be careful of too much drama. Ahem! AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) Concentrate on your domestic agenda by tackling more DIY projects, redecorating your surroundings or even consider moving to a new swanky pad. Anything you do, no matter how trivial, will seem like an improvement and will enable you to expand your home entertaining capabilities. Sultry summer soireés are in the cards, if you know what game you are playing. PISCES (02.20-03.20) If you have an opinion about something important, say it now. Not only can you move public opinion, you will also get recognition for your great ideas. Before you know it, you could be in a position to make policy and sway the crowds. Well, maybe one day. For now, get your thoughts together and prepare to take them on the road. If not you, then who? ARIES (03.21-04.20) This time period brings a renewed interest in your money situation. Are you considering some major purchases, a wild splurge or planning for a future cushy retirement? Whatever your ultimate goal may be, don’t fritter your nest egg on any cracked plan just yet. Sit on it for a while and let it grow. Proud Rams can enjoy fluffy omelettes in the future, which is not as far off as you think. © 2013 Madam Lichtenstein, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Entertainment. info: Visit TheStarryEye.com for e-greetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. My book “HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.
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tell trinity by Trinity :: qnotes contributor :: trinity@telltrinity.com
Hustling is illegal: but just in case Hello Trinity, I am thinking of becoming a sex worker on Rentboy.com. I’m dying to try it! What do I do? Adventuresome, Boston, MA Hello Adventuresome, Being in the sex industry has its ups and downs. Now, because it’s illegal I can only tell you these three things. Find something, anything you think is attractive about your mate and stay focused on that. Be respectful of each situation. Don’t do anything that will endanger your health. I guess these rules also
work for anything. Honey, there’s also a great book on the subject called “Hustling” by John Preston. Good luck! Hello Trinity, I’ve been dating someone for about three months. I never told him I was a virgin. At 25, it’s unheard of. He wants to “do it,” but I’m afraid and I don’t think I know exactly what to do? Help! S.O.S.Virgin, Portland, ME Hello S.O.S. Virgin, “The Joy of Gay Sex” will definitely help! Lots of contraceptives and candles also make for a safe, intimate experience. Oh, yes, a glass or two of wine before bed wouldn’t hurt either! Most importantly, sweetie, you’re 25 and it’s time to face your fears. Remember “F. E. A. R.” actually means, False Evidence Appearing Real. (Take some helpful tips from my cartoon.) Dearest Trinity, Not long ago I had a dream that I made love to another woman. It’s really been bothering me. Does this mean I’m a lesbian? Lesbian Dreams, Harrisburg, PA Dearest Lesbian Dreams, When you dream about having a lesbian
encounter, it might mean that you’re beginning to appreciate: the beauty of other women, your own womanhood or perhaps a woman that you have had issues with. On the other hand, maybe you are a lesbian and are now discovering this fact. No matter what, remember it’s safe to be you whoever you are. Now, pumpkin, if you start dreaming about Birkenstocks, granola or fighting for equal rights, then you’re definitely beginning to reach a higher consciousness, a stronger awareness of yourself and maybe even a more athletic sensibility. Go Girl! Dearest Trinity, Every time I want to stop dating this one guy, he keeps coming back. I don’t like him. I tried letting him down easily, but he doesn’t listen. Help? Dumping Troubles, Cleveland, OH Dear Dumping Troubles, If you’ve been polite too many times and now need to excommunicate him with a burning flame then try: Trinity’s Quick Lines For Dumping Someone 1. “My lover, whom I never mentioned before, just returned from” a) “war,” b) “the witness protection program” or c) “prison.” 2. “I just discovered that” a) “I’m not gay,” b) “I’m gay” or c) “I’m not recovering well from the “surgery!” 3. “I have to stop seeing you because” a) “my friends hate you,” b) “my family hates you” and/or c) “I hate you!”
4. “ I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but you’re awful”, a) “in bed,” b) “during the day” or c) “whenever you speak!” 5. “ Call me again sometime when you find out that it’s not all about” a) “you,” b) “where you’ve been” or c) “where you’re going!” 6. “ If I had to choose between dating you or a life in a Palestinian prison camp with no human contact, then where do I buy my plane ticket!” 7. “ After five dinners, four walks, three movies and two ice cream cones, just once it would’ve been nice if you asked me something about me!” 8. “ Before I’m seen in public with you again, you’ll have to stop habitually” a) “spitting,” b) “swearing”, or c) “cruising everyone who walks by.” 9. “ The three aspects of you that bother me the most are mental, physical and emotional!” 10. L astly, “Sex is like snow. You never know how long it’s gonna last or how many inches you’re gonna get and, darling, there’s nothing worse than a two-minute, two-inch snow flurry!” 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.
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Virginia welcomes women’s music fest Memorial Day weekend filled with legends and current groups alike by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com
KENT’S STORE, Va. — The Virginia Women’s Music Festival will be held May 2426 at CampOut, 300 Grace Johnson Rd. This event features music from the following artists: Tret Fure, ViRAGO, Christine Havrilla, Wicked Jezabel, Crys Matthews, Red Letter Day Christie Lenee, Indigie Femme, Veronika Jackson, Christy Snow, SONiA & disappear fear Mama’s Black Sheep, Nancy Beaudette, Gina DeSimone & Pat Quinn and Zen Monkeys. Snow hails from Charlotte and is a pastor and serves on the board of Mecklenburg Ministries. Music, dancing, bonfires and a Memorial Day celebration rounds out the weekend’s
festivities. A 5k trail run/walk will take place on May 25 at 8 a.m. It is open to the first 50 to register for the event. Prizes will be awarded. Accommodations include valet, group and tent camp sites, as well as RV sites and cabins. A cafeteria is open for meals and a snack bar complete with hamburgers and hotdogs plus smores elements for campfires. Saturday is filled with “Run, Fly, Soar!‚� guitar and drumming circle workshops, yoga, softball game and AA meetings and ends with a dance at the pavilion with Wicked Jezabel. Sunday’s schedule includes a holiday celebration and a dance at the pavilion with DJ MIchelle.
Quiet hours at the site is from midnight to 8 a.m. and is strictly enforced. Safety and other considerations must also be adhered to. Male children under the age of 5 are welcome. No pets permitted. Membership is required. Cost is $25 for occasional use camping or $60 for frequent use camping. Tickets are $105 for the weekend, $40 for May 24, $65 for May 25 and $45 for May 26. Cabins are $20 per night/ person. RV electrical hookup is $30 for the weekend. Tent rentals vary. See website for more details. For more information, visit campoutva. com/musicfest.html. : :
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(top to bottom, l-r) Legends Cris Williamson, Tret Fure and Charlotte’s Christy Snow. Photo Credit: (Snow) Robyn Loonan Gibson
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SPORTS
Playing the field Match-ups from across the Carolinas: Teams ‘spring’ into play by Jon Hoppel :: qnotes contributor
Welcome back to another edition of Playing the Field. We hope you have been enjoying the spring weather lately and getting out and seeing one or more of our local sports teams! Here is this month’s rundown of what’s going on in your neck of the woods.
year, they are undefeated and are averaging 175 points per bout. In their last bout, the CLTRG took on the Cape Fear Roller Girls in front of a sold-out crowd in their home opener. In this close and hotly tested match, in which the lead changed hands several times, the CLTRG were able to outlast the Cape Fear team with a bout-changing jam skater Histeria, the final score being 185–157. MVP Jammers: All-Stars, Hitsteria Cape Fear, Hawaiian Puncher MVP Blockers: All-Stars, Rosie Cheeks Cape Fear, Grave Riot That’s not all! The Charlotte Roller Girls also appeared on the Food Network Show “Rebel Eats,” in an episode that aired hours before their Cape Fear bout. On the show, the Charlotte Roller Girls jammin’ it up against Cape Fear ladies got to bowl and dine with host Roller Girls. Photo Credit: A Boy Named Tsunami Justin Warner, while promoting their Roller Derby sport and talking about its unique culture. You The Charlotte Roller Girls have started the can catch re-airings of this episode on The season out strong! Through two matches this Food Network. Check your local listings.
For their upcoming bouts, the CLTRG hit the road with a match against the Big Easy Rollergirls down in New Orleans on April 20 (which the Big Easy Rollergirls won 212-122), and one in New Jersey against the Garden State Roller Girls on May 11. Jeremy Holt for Charleston and Danny Wadsworth for Rugby Charlotte battle it out. Photo Credit: Will B. King The Charlotte Royals continued their season this month with an away game versus the newly formed Charleston Royals. In the end, the official called the game Blockade down in South Carolina. This time of at the half, with Charlotte winning 45-0. year, Charleston is usually a brisk 70 degrees Man of the Match: and sunny, with people just starting to venture Mark Carr, Charleston Blockade out onto the many beaches of the S.C. coast. Garrett Jordan, Charlotte Royals However, this year has not been nearly as kind The Royals went to Nashville for the weather-wise. Temperatures dipped to the 30s inaugural Music City Cup tournament on April and rain fell all day long, which made for less20, where they competed with 7 other rugby than-ideal conditions for the game. teams on a lone Saturday for the championThe game was sloppy, to be sure, but the ship. The Royals came in third place beating Royals came out aggressive and scored easily the Nashville Grizzlies, with the Chicago and often in the first half. The Blockade fought Dragons coming in second and the Seattle valiantly in their first official game ever, but their Quake winning the championship match. overall lack of experience prevented them from capitalizing on some careless mistakes from the see Sports on 22
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D teams: l to r: Atlanta Migrating Ducks, Knoxville Cyclones, Tampa Panthers, Atlanta Agression, Ft. Lauderdale Sluggers.
continued from page 21 Softball The 30th Annual Southern Shootout was held Easter weekend in Birmingham, AL. This is the longest running LGBT softball tournament in the nation and consisted of 20 C teams and 32 D teams. Over two long and rainy days, which left the fields looking more like a war zone than a playing surface, the champions were crowned in two very exciting games. In the D division, The Tampa Panthers took on the Ft. Lauderdale Sluggers in the final. The Sluggers were undefeated through the tournament portion of play and the Panthers needed to beat them twice in the final to secure the championship. And, that’s just what they did. The first game was a blowout, with the Panthers taking the win by 12 runs. The final game saw a lot more life from the Sluggers, resulting in a very competitive match-up with the lead changing hands almost every inning. In the end, the Panthers’ bats were just too hot and they walked away with the trophy.
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Photo Credit: Bryan Thompson
In the C division, the Knoxville Cyclones played the DC Allstars. This was their second meeting of the tournament, having just played each other in the winner’s bracket final just an hour earlier. The Allstars took that one easily, winning in 4 innings on run differential. The Cyclones were able to get back to the final against the Allstars, but they would need a lot of help to beat DC twice. The game was close, with Knoxville staying within 5 runs the entire time. However, they just could not break through that buffer the Allstars got to in the first inning, losing 19-14. C Division Results: 1st: DC Allstars 2nd: Knoxville Cyclones 3rd: St. Louis Squirrels D Division Results: 1st: Tampa Panthers 2nd: Ft. Lauderdale Sluggers 3rd: Knoxville Cyclones D
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These shoes are made for walkin’ May 4 • Charlotte AIDS Walk Charlotte The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network hosts its 2013 AIDS Walk Charlotte. More information on marching, fundraising and more at aidswalkcharlotte.org. Gateway Village Atrium, Uptown Charlotte. 8-11 a.m.
goqnotes.com/qguide/events
From April 25 Through April 28 • Charlotte GayCharlotte Film Festival The 5th Annual GayCharlotte Film Festival features 10 incredible LGBTQ-themed movies including hilarious features and thoughtprovoking documentaries. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. Various dates. Various times. $8/online. $10/door. $65/10-ticket “flex pass.” GayCharlotteFilmSeries.com. April 27 • Charlotte Film Festival: Guest Speaker Director Robert L. Camina will be a special guest speaker following a screening of his “Raid of the Rainbow Lounge” during the GayCharlotte Film Festival. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 3 p.m. $8/online. $10/door. gaycharlottefilmseries.com. April 27 • Charlotte Royals car wash The Charlotte Royals host a car wash fundraiser. Sidelines, 4544 South Blvd. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. charlotteroyals.org. April 27 • Charlotte Janice’s 16th Annual Cookout Janice Covington invites the community to join her for an annual cookout. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, slaw and potato salad. Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Ave. April 27 • Charlotte TOY Prom Time Out Youth hosts its prom for its youth members, “A Night Beyond the Stars!” Open to ages 13-20. Alcohol and drug free event. Grand Central, 1000 Central Ave. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets at the door, $10/single, $15/ couples. For more information, 704-344-8335 or events@timeoutyouth.org. April 28 • Gastonia LGBT Democrats chapter formation A new county chapter of the LGBT Democrats of North Carolina will be formed. Southern Crescent Private Lounge, 324 W. Main Ave. 3-5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Robert Kellogg, 704-953-8529 or rkellogg001@ carolina.rr.com. May 4 • Raleigh Out! Raleigh The LGBT Center of Raleigh hosts its annual Out! Raleigh festival celebrating North Carolina’s LGBT community, families, friends and supporters in a family-friendly atmosphere. Day-long festival features entertainment, vendors, food and more. City Plaza, Fayetteville St. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. outraleigh.org. May • Charlotte UNCSA Chamber Players The University of North Carolina School of the Arts Chamber Players will present “Brave
New Worlds” at Music and Museum, an innovative concert/lecture series that fuses image, music and conversation. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. Noon, Members free, non-members $5. 5:30 p.m., members $15, non-members $20. 704-353-9200. bechtler.org. May 9 • Charlotte Rep. David Cicilline The Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute hosts a fundraiser with special guest, openly gay U.S. Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island. Home of John Arrowood (address provided upon RSVP). 6:30-8:30 p.m. $250-$1,500. RSVP at victoryinstitute.org/charlotte. May 10-12 • Charlotte Charlotte Fine Art Show The 5th Annual Charlotte Fine Art Show returns to the Charlotte Convention Center in Uptown. qnotes is a sponsor. 501 S. College St. May 10, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. May 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 admission good for all three days. 12 and under, free. Tickets in advance at ticketleap.com. hotworks.org. May 11 • Charlotte ENDA protest A demonstration for the Employment NonDiscrimination Act will be held. Federal court house, 401 W. Trade St. 10 a.m.-Noon. May 11 • Charlotte Annual Prom Dress Rugby Match The Charlotte Royals hosts its annual prom dress match and party. Team hosts the Charleston Blockade at Tuckaseegee Park. For more information, visitcharlotteroyals.org. May 22 • Charlotte The Happening The Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund hosts its 6th Annual The Happening Luncheon. The event raises awareness and support for the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund. This year’s grant recipients will be announced. qnotes is a sponsor. Omni Charlotte, 132 E. Trade St. fftc.org/page.aspx?pid=953. June 1 • Charlotte Homecoming Time Out Youth hosts its annual gala supporting their work with LGBTQ youth. Extravaganza Depot, 1610 N. Tryon St. 6:30-10:30 p.m. $100. 704-344-8335. timeoutyouth.org/homecoming. Submit your event to our calendar! A special comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte and Visit Gay Charlotte. Submit to goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ and get a three-for-one entry. All Charlotte-area events will appear on each of the three calendars at qnotes (goqnotes.com), the LGBT Center (gaycharlotte.com) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).
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