QNotes, May 1, 2020

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

1

2

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019

inside this issue

May 1-14, 2020 Vol 35 No 01

connect twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas

contributors this issue

Rev. Chris Ayers, Mykah Buff, Vic Gerami, Tonya Jameson, Kendra R. Johnson, Stan Kimer, Lainey Millen, Stanley Popovich, Chris Rudisill, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Chris Rudisill Photography: Dzmitry Prybush (AIDS Walk); simplethrill (Pride march) via Flickr/Creative Commons, CC BY-NC-NC 2.0 license Mission:

The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ life and social justice issues.

Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, x201, editor@goqnotes.com Assoc. Editor: Lainey Millen, specialassignments@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Maria Dominguez Production: Lainey Millen, x205, production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2019 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher.

Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff.

The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

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

feature 10

A Virtual Walk

Dispelling Fear: HIV And COVID-19

news 5 6 6 6 7

Nearly 40 years after HIV/AIDS decimated the gay community, a new virus is raising fears once again. The fear may be unwarranted.

Primary Watch State Urged to Take Action Healthcare Under Attack News Briefs States Adjust to New Primary Methods

PAGE 11

a&e 16 18

Tell Trinity 10 Questions with Vic: Hollywood Holland

life 4 In Memoriam, Part 2 8 Army of Equality Voters 9 Acts of Kindness 11 Dispelling Fear 12 Implications of Pandemic Pose Significant Risk to LGBTQ Youth 19 Our People: Matt Stone

views 4 Equality North Carolina: The Pat h Forward 5 COVID 19:

Career Challenges 14 How to Help a Person Who is Struggling with PTSD 15 Our Gay God Is Not Good For Real Estate

events Our calendar will return once events begin again.

10 Questions with Vic: Hollywood Holland

Hollywood Holland is a midwestern girl earned her nickname after packing up everything she owned in her Mercury Cougar and road tripping to California to chase her dreams.

PAGE 18

SUBSCRIBE!

goqnotes.com

These rates only cover a portion of our true cost, however, our goal is to serve our community Mailed 1st class from Charlotte, NC, in sealed envelope.

Subscription Rates:

☐ 1 yr - 26 issues = $48 ☐ 1/2 yr - 13 issues = $34

Mail to: P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ name:

______________________________________________________ address:

state: zip: ______________________________________________________ city:

☐ mastercard ☐ visa ☐ discover ☐ american express ______________________________________________________ credit card – check one:

card #: exp. date: ______________________________________________________ signature:

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

3

views

Equality North Carolina: The Path Forward Political Voices

BY Kendra R. Johnson | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

n the time since our last qnotes article, the world around us changed beyond recognition. The ongoing COVID-19 crisis is disproportionately impacting our communities and the most vulnerable among us while revealing massive flaws and holes within our social and political systems.

All the while, so many of us are isolated in our homes without access to physical community spaces or support systems we’d long since become reliant upon.

Those being most heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis are, in many cases, the communities who were already under the most threat in our nation: resource-poor folks, people of color, immigrants, undocumented individuals, people experiencing homelessness, people engaging in underground economies like sex work and people without access to healthcare. In many ways, it makes the reality of intersectional oppression even pronounced and visible through a lens that we haven’t seen before.

It’s a scary time to be alive, but Equality North Carolina (ENC) is working around the clock to try and plug in where we can and support those who need it most during this ongoing crisis.

Join Us Online We’ve put together a community assessment survey (bit.ly/2VAegmZ) in an effort to reach you and find out what our communities need most during this time. You

can find it on our website and social media channels. If you need support, let us know — we’re here to help you navigate this uncertain time and connect you with the resources that you need.

We’ve also moved all of our events and programming online.

If you head to our Facebook page (facebook.com/equalitync) you can find information about weekly yoga classes, movie nights, monthly chapter meetings and transgender and gender non-conforming support groups in addition to special events like Town Halls and open forums.

ENC is also continuing to seek out and promote a wide variety of resources through our website (bit. ly/2Vzd2IT) channels. From unemployment to mental health to food scarcity, we all need support in different ways right now. You can find our ongoing list of avenues for support here (bit.ly/2VAyxJd). If you have something you’d like us to uplift, email nate@equalitync.org.

These are difficult and isolating times for us all, but LGBTQ people have a rich history of building community and finding one another during some of this country’s most difficult periods. Please, join us online as we continue this tradition and come together and support one another during this hour of need.

Join Us In Coalition ENC has joined NC United for Survival and Beyond (bit. ly/3ay2lKZ), a coalition of over 200 organizations that co-cre-

ated 10 demands of the North Carolina General Assembly and governor to respond to with regard to the most vulnerable communities during COVID-19 — and beyond.

These demands include calls for expanding medicaid, protecting immigrants and protecting incarcerated folks — asks for our legislators to take steps to protect the most vulnerable among us in the weeks and months ahead.

We’re asking all of you to be a part of this movement and add your name to the list of the demands on the NC United for Survival and Beyond website.

Soon, we’ll bring these demands directly to our legislators. We invite you to be a part of this movement and join our staff and membership as we all take tangible steps towards building a better North Carolina — even while we’re stuck in our homes.

Join Us As We Move Forward Together The world is never going to look the same once we’re past the collective trauma of COVID-19. The way we work will be different. The way we move through the world will be different. The way we live will be different.

We all have a role today in shaping what that future will look like. At the end of the day, Equality North Carolina wants you to know that we are here to help guide you through this ongoing process as we collectively fight for a better world than we had before.

If you’d like you to join us, please visit equalitync.org.

We’d love to have you be a part of this movement. : : Kendra R. Johnson is the executive director for Equality North Carolina based in Raleigh, N.C. Photo Credit: North Carolina Poor People’s Campaign via Twitter. Banner posted on North Carolina General Assembly grounds in Raleigh, N.C.

In Memoriam: Part 2 COVID-19 Community Losses Continue

BY QNotes Staff Robby Browne Philanthropist and LGBTQ advocate Robby Browne died on April 11 at his home in New York. He was 72 years old. A real estate broker for the Corcoran Group by profession, Brown generated millions of dollars in fundraising for LGBTQ and HIV organizations including the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, GLAAD, ACT UP, the Hetrick-Martin Institute, SAGE and God’s Love We Deliver. In a Facebook post, activist David Mixner called Browne “the epitome of joy in action.” He also served on the board of directors for GLAAD. On its website, GLAAD says “Browne is remembered as one of New York City’s most visible,

4

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019

vocal and beloved gay community leaders, in addition to his long career of high-profile real estate deals in the city.” The website stated that in 1994, Browne helped friend and Olympic diver Greg Louganis publicly come out during the opening ceremonies of the Gay Games IV in New York. : : Photo Credit: Facebook For others who have succumbed to COVID-19, visit goqnotes.com/65456.

COVID 19: Career Challenges

4 Reasons for Females, Minorities to Consider Entrepreneurialism After a Career Setback

F

rom time to time, I recognize other writers who pen pieces that are pertinent to my consulting areas of diversity and career development.

Within diversity, as a certified LGBT-Business Enterprise via the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, I am very interested in diversity within the small business realm, and want to promote larger companies doing business with diverse suppliers, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our work life.

Recently, I published by first guest blog on my website from Marissa Perez, co-founder and head marketing writer at Business Pop, “Competing in Business as an Underrepresented Entrepreneur.” Marissa has spent the last 10 years honing her marketing skills, and now shares her small business/entrepreneurial expertise through below.

BY Stan Kimer | Guest Contributor digging to find one that will benefit your new business.

3. Your Setback Can Provide Opportunities Career setbacks can feel like any other loss, so it’s important for you to take time to grieve any losses and process any negative feelings, especially if you lost your job. Feeling angry, unfocused and even a bit depressed is completely normal after being laid off, let go or quitting a job.

When that work environment was toxic, which can often be the case for women and minorities who are working in the corporate world, you may need some additional time and self-care to recover and move on.

One of the most important things you can do to expedite this recovery process is to avoid internalizing any toxic behaviors from others and to recognize that those behaviors had more to do with your former boss, co-worker or environment than you. As Thrive Global explains, learning from setbacks is also an important step for ensuring your success as an entrepreneur.

Career setbacks can feel Job loss or a career setback can be extraordinarily difficult, It can also be a time to reflect on what may come next devastating at first, but how you and that could include launching one’s own business. respond and attempt to move (Photo Credit: marvent via Adobe Stock) 4. Your Small Business Options on can make all the difference. are Endless For women and minorities, who within minutes and start looking for freelance help to If you’re not sure what type of can both experience more hardexpand and evolve your business, and to make the most business would be best for your interests and goals, howship in corporate environments, this could be the perfect of your valuable time. ever, know that there are endless opportunities for both chance to spread those entrepreneurial wings and soar.

There are a multitude of financing options available to minorities and women in the small business world. If you Still not convinced? Here are some small business facts that new entrepreneurs. have a creative talent, such as woodworking or writing, may just change your mind, and your life for the better: then you can always turn your pastime into a lucrative new 2. Your Funding Options are Plentiful small business. You can also secure licenses that can help 1. Your Time Really is Valuable Time is certainly your most precious asset when it propel you into a new career, whether that’s as a massage If you have been stuck in a corporate environment for comes to your professional and personal life, but there’s therapist, electrician, web developer or veterinary technisome time now, you’ve likely gotten used to hustling and no denying that having the right funding can help any new cian. Offering freelance services through Upwork can also pushing the limits on your daily schedule. This sort of mentalbusiness succeed. Thankfully, there are quite a few options be a good option and you can maintain a freelance side ity is common within corporations, with a primary focus on that you can use to help get your business up and running, gig if you ever decide to return to a full-time position. profits. While profits are important in business, Inc. points from business loans to angel investors to crowdfunding. out time is really your most precious commodity. If you’re While any of these funding sources can be a lucrative Working for a corporation can leave many women and spread too thin, you can’t give your all to your top priorities. way for entrepreneurs to secure the financial resources minorities feeling unappreciated and left behind. Consider Now you may need to spend more of that time getting needed to start a new business, women and minorities turning what feels like a loss into an opportunity to start your new business started, but at some point it may be should also consider using special grants and loans to your very own small business. Then you will be in control helpful to take a step back and delegate some of your make their entrepreneurial dreams come true, and the of your time and your success. : : work. Upwork is an amazing resource when it comes to former may not need to be paid back. Many companies finding and hiring freelance talent, from graphic design and organizations provide funding to businesses owned Stan Kimer operates Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer help for your website to a virtual assistant to assist with by women or minorities, so you just need to do a little based in Raleigh, N.C. administrative duties. You can post your job description

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

5

BRIEFS

news Youth advocates in North Carolina urge state superintendent to take action

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Three hundred educators, administrators, parents and students in North Carolina submitted a letter to State Superintendent Mark Johnson urging him to direct the N.C. Department of Public Instruction to take action that would protect the privacy and safety of transgender students. In North Carolina, schools are required to use PowerSchool, a student information system, but the version that the state uses is set up in a way that leaves transgender young people vulnerable to having their gender identity revealed without their consent. The full letter can be read online at bit.ly/2VIx9EH. The letter specifically asks that the state update PowerSchool to add “Legal Name” fields that are separate from the “Name” fields and for a “Legal Gender” field separate from the “Gender” field, which should include a “non- binary” option in addition to “male” and “female.” Other states that use PowerSchool have had their systems set up to protect the privacy of transgender students since 2015 or earlier.

Advocates including the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) have organized for this change for years – but the problem became especially urgent last month, as North Carolina schools shifted to at-home learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the online learning platforms, chat rooms, discussion forums, and virtual testing sites that schools now rely on generate student usernames, visible to other students and faculty, based on their legal name in PowerSchool. If the legal name is different than the name the student uses on a daily basis, which is the case for many transgender students, the system may reveal their transgender identity without their consent. This is a violation of the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as well as state and district privacy policies.

That privacy violation also threatens the safety of students, as transgender students are significantly more likely to experience bullying and harassment both online and when they go back to school. According to a 2017 GLSEN survey of LGBTQ students in North Carolina, 90 percent regularly hear anti-LGBTQ language in schools. Nearly 3 out 4 have experienced verbal harassment, 1 out of 3 have experienced physical harassment, and 14 percent have experienced a physical assault at school.

CSE Supportive Schools Coordinator Craig White stated: “We recognize that the Department and Superintendent Johnson are confronted with many crises right now, and this one, at least, can be resolved with a five-minute phone call: North Carolina simply must request the modified fields in our next system update. We urge the state to remedy this privacy and safety violation as soon as possible, as it’s making this already difficult time a heart-breakingly stressful one for the many transgender students across North Carolina. We must do everything we can to ensure that every student feels safe and protected at school, whether they’re learning in person or in a virtual space.”

Francine Delany New School for Children in Asheville Administrator Buffy Fowler added: “The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed many of the cracks and flaws in our social and political systems — and in our data systems, too. For years, our school and others have navigated how best to provide accommodations for transgender students that ensure their full safety and privacy, and the limitations in our PowerSchool system have long made that unnecessarily challenging. But the shift to at-home learning with our current system has been devastating for so many trans young people and has increased the urgency of securing what should be an easy fix. That’s why I’m proud to sign onto this letter, alongside more than 300 other concerned North Carolinians committed to the dignity and safety of all students, pushing for our state to do the right thing.” info: southernequality.org. Photo Credit: Samuel via Adobe Stock.

— Compiled by Lainey Millen

Trump-Pence administration Moves to undermine LGBTQ non-discrimination protections in healthcare

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) responded to the Trump-Pence administration’s latest actions to undermine the rights and welfare of LGBTQ people, putting a vulnerable population at increased risk for discrimination.

According to Politico, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is one step closer to finalizing a major change to the federal regulation implementing the civil rights provision, Section 1557, of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to remove explicit protections for LGBTQ people in health care programs and activities by excluding protections from discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity.

“News flash Mr. President — we get sick, we need health care and we should be protected under law. Time after time, the Trump-Pence administration has methodically worked to undermine the rights and welfare of LGBTQ people by rolling back existing protections. Amid a global pandemic — which is already disproportionately affecting LGBTQ people — the Trump administration’s efforts to remove existing non-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community is unacceptable, blatantly offensive, and cruel,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “We cannot accept an administration that continues to treat us like second class citizens. We will fight this policy & fight to get a pro-equality President into office this November who represents all of us.”

HHS’s rushed transmission of this harmful rule for final review by other agencies signals that publication in the federal register is imminent., the organization shared. Section 1557 of the ACA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs or activities. This landmark provision is the first of its kind to include protections from discrimination on the basis of sex in the context of health care. The definition of “sex” has been consistently interpreted by numerous federal courts and agencies — including HHS — to include discrimination on the basis of sex stereotyping and gender identity. The Office of Civil Rights at HHS has been successfully accepting complaints and enforcing the ACA to protect LGBTQ people since 2012. HHS published a final rule implementing the ACA’s civil rights protections to include discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex stereotyping in 2016. More than 26,000 HRC members and supporters weighed in to express their concerns against this proposed rule in 2019.

HRC recently published a research brief outlining the particular health and economic risks faced by the LGBTQ community during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Many in the LGBTQ community are uniquely vulnerable, as they are more likely to work jobs in highly affected industries, often with more exposure and/or higher economic sensitivity to the COVID-19 crisis, are less likely to have health coverage and are more likely to smoke and have chronic illnesses like asthma. One in five LGBTQ adults already have not seen a doctor when needed because they could not afford it. Black LGBTQ adults (23 percent), Latinx LGBTQ adults (24 percent) and all transgender women (29 percent) are most likely to have avoided going to the doctor because of costs. Read the full brief online at bit.ly/3aGD7Ks. Fear of discrimination causes many LGBTQ people to avoid seeking healthcare, and when they do enter care, studies indicate that LGBTQ people are not consistently treated with the respect that all patients deserve. Studies show that 56 percent of LGB people and 70 percent of transgender and gender non-conforming people reported experiencing discrimination by health care providers — including refusal of care, harsh language and physical roughness because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. According to a report, 23 percent of transgender respondents did not see a doctor when they needed to because of fear of being mistreated as a transgender person and a startling 55 percent of transgender respondents who sought coverage for transition-related surgery were denied.

According to HRC Foundation’s analysis of the 2018 BRFSS, 17 percent of LGBTQ adults do not have any kind of health insurance coverage, compared to 12 percent of non-LGBTQ adults. Furthermore, 23 percent of LGBTQ adults of color, 22 percent of transgender adults and 32 percent of transgender adults of color have no form of health coverage. This can lead to avoidance of medical care even when medically necessary and to severe economic hardship when medical care is ultimately accessed. info: hrc.org. Photo Credit: Amazing Studio via Adobe Stock.

— Compiled by Lainey Millen

6

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019

Plea for LGBTQ census respondents sought

Instinct Magazine reported that a questionnaire. For the first time in collection history, the process is being done online with enumerators being dispatched into the field at a later date to capture responses from U.S. citizens who failed to comply. Even though the Trump administration purposely left out questions on sexual orientation and gender identity, the information garnered from the process goes to help LGBTQ individuals to have access to billions of federal funds for social programs and helps to build political power, the publication added.

info: bit.ly/2zEtorj.

Adults to receive payout under stimulus bill

More than 6.4 million single LGBTQ adults and 324,000 same-sex couples will receive the full direct payout under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the Williams Institute reported. Even more single LGBTQ adults and same-sex couples with higher incomes will receive some amount of direct assistance, and those with children will receive an additional $500 per child.

info: williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu.

Automakers back anti-discrimination initiative

The Detroit Three automakers officially lent their name to the list of large corporations formally backing the effort to outlaw LGBTQ discrimination in Michigan, Crain’s Detroit Business reported. Detroitbased General Motors Co., Dearbornbased Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, with its North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, jointly announced their support for the Fair and Equal Michigan ballot initiative.

info: bit.ly/3eYqUUM.

Stroupe scholarship awardees announced

PFLAG Greensboro has selected five recipients of the Carter Stroupe Memorial Scholarship Award for 2020. They include four graduating high school seniors and one college student. They are: Makayla Key, Dudley High School; Sonni Dudley, Grimsley High School; Colin Chandler, Grimsley High School; Allison Fox, Ragsdale High School; Lindsey Pegram, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill freshman, former graduate of Northern Guilford High School, and former recipient in 2019.

info: pflaggreensboro.org.

Seniors group launches phone support outreach

SAGE Central North Carolina recently unveiled a new Buddy-to-Buddy Phone Outreach Program designed to reach out to those who would like to be contacted by phone on a regular or semi-regular basis during the current health crisis. This intergenerational initiative will be staffed by volunteers from all age groups ranging from college age students to senior citizens. The objective is to make check-in calls to those who are feeling alone during stay-at-home living. Those who are living by themselves may be overwhelmed with feelings of isolation and fear and this initiative hopes to relieve the stresses that are being experience in the pandemic. Volunteers are being sought to fill the current needs.

Email sage@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com to learn more.

info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

see News Notes on 12

States Adjust to New Voting Methods Amid Pandemic Primary Watch: Biden takes Wyoming and Alaska and DNC Postponed

BY Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer The 2020 Democratic primary elections push forward amid the coronavirus outbreak, with the remaining states adjusting their contests by implementing safer voting practices per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. The two most recent primaries to take place were Wyoming and Alaska, who both held their contests entirely by mail.

The Wyoming caucuses were originally scheduled to take place on April 4 but were canceled and held using rankedchoice mail-in voting. The ballot drop-off and mail-in due date was originally April 4, but with the threat of COVID-19 and the U.S. being plagued with more and more devastating crises each day, the state removed the ballot drop-off option and changed the caucuses to mail-in-only voting. An extended deadline of April 17 was also provided to allow more voters the opportunity to participate in the primaries.

Former Vice President Joe Biden won the Wyoming Democratic caucuses, gaining 72.2 percent of the vote to Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 8 percent. Since suspending his presidential campaign the day after the Winsconsin primaries on April 8, Sanders has endorsed Biden and is planning to continue collecting delegates throughout the remaining primaries, as well as retaining a number of his 938 delegates to lobby for progressive platforms leading up to the Democratic National Convention.

The Alaska Democratic primary was also scheduled to take place on April 4 but moved to April 10, and like

mary by winning 55.3 percent of the vote to 44.7 percent

by Sen. Bernie Sanders.

The 2020 Presidential election is also the first time Alaska has held a primary, as the state previously held caucuses and only recently switched to a primary to increase voter participation. “Our goal in converting our system from the caucuses of past presidential elections to a party-run primary was to enfranchise as many Alaska Democrats as possible, particularly in rural communities with limited or no access to caucus locations,” Alaska state party chairwoman Casey Steinau said in a statement.

Also resulting from the coronavirus outbreak, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) originally scheduled for July 13-16 in Milwaukee, Wisc., has been postponed and rescheduled to take place the week of August 17. “In light of the unprecedented health crisis facing our country, the 2020 Democratic National Convention will now be held the week of August 17 in Milwaukee, Wisc. providing our team more time to determine the most appropriate structure for this historic event,” reads a statement on the DNC’s website (democrats.org).

Due to COVID-19, states are adjusting to new voting processes to make sure that safety precausions are in place for voters. (Photo Credit: Fox via Adobe Stock) Wyoming, canceled all in-person voting, switching to mailin-only voting. Joe Biden also took Alaska’s Democratic pri-

As part of our coverage in TurnOUT: How LGBTQ Organizations Have Mobilized the Community, this project has been supported by the Solutions Journalism Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to rigorous and compelling reporting about responses to social problems, solutionsjournalism.org.

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

7

life

An Army of Equality Voters How LGBTQ Organizations Have Mobilized the Community

By Chris Rudisill | QNOTES CONTRIBUTOR

I

n this issue of qnotes’ series on what LGBTQ organizations have done, and are doing, to mobilize people to vote, the publication takes a closer look at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The Human Rights Campaign Fund was founded by Steve Endean in 1980 as one of the first gay and lesbian political action committees in the United States. Vic Basile served as the fund’s first executive director.

After its first election cycle in 1982, the fund was the 17th largest independent political action committee in the country.

According to its website, the organization today “represents a force of more than 3 million members and supporters nationwide” and is the largest national LGBTQ civil rights organization.

HRC steadily expanded its footprint at state and local levels in 2014 with Project One America to expand LGBTQ equality in the South through permanent campaigns in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas. qnotes spoke with Lucas Acosta, national press secretary for campaigns at HRC, to learn more about the organization’s model of engagement. Lucas joined HRC in June 2019. At 27 years old, he has had an impressive political career. He has worked on campaigns at every level of government including those for the New York State Assembly, N.Y. District Attorney and mayoral campaigns, and the Hillary Clinton Presidential campaign.

“The one thing that HRC’s model and HRC’s work is unique for is that, obviously, all of those campaigns I’ve worked on had a voter file,” says Acosta. “They had a base Human Rights Campaign Press Secretary Lucas Acosta. (Photo Credit: Twitter) set of individuals knowing their voting habits, knowing their party affiliation and and build support from LGBTQ citizens and knowing their addresses. HRC allies. “We have those across the country,” isn’t the Democratic Party or a says Acosta. “In 2016, we realized that the Democratic Party affiliation, and landscape had changed. LGBTQ people so, that left a unique burden were turning out in rates that were unprecon HRC in that they needed to edented and those turnout rates have only identify who are our voters? Who increased.” are these LGBTQ people across According to HRC, 57 percent of North the nation since we don’t have Carolina voters in 2016 said the HB2 statute was their top census data to identify them?” The goal of the organizareason to vote for Gov. Roy Cooper. tion is two-fold. After identifying the base, they must find “We knew that shifting perceptions on LGBTQ issues ways to mobilize them to be more engaged. like same-sex marriage and non-discrimination protecIn 2016, HRC launched its largest get-out-the-vote eftions, as well as the massive turnout of LGBTQ people fort in its then 36-year history. The multi-state targeting gave us a new opportunity, and that opportunity was campaign reached well beyond the nation’s nearly 10 milto expand our organizing to people whose views were lion LGBTQ voters to mobilize the growing ranks of allies aligned with ours and to people whose voting habits could and others with a history of supporting equality according be influenced by our efforts,” says Acosta. “We worked to a press release in October 2016. “Our new model allows alongside Catalist using decades of polling, decades of us to reach out directly to hundreds of thousands of votmembership data, their own records on individuals voting ers not yet affiliated with HRC, but who have demonstrathabits and product choices, publication subscriptions, and ed an openness to creating a more equal and fair society,” all of these other components to build out a model that said then HRC President Chad Griffin. works to identify 57 million people across the country who The organization worked closely with Catalist, a voter either identify as LGBTQ or consider themselves allies and data company based in Washington, D.C. “What they were vote on our behalf.” This formed the basis for what HRC able to do with Catalist in 2016 is really gather all of the identifies as “equality voters.” polling,” explains Acosta. “HRC has been doing this for Acosta points out the importance of the distinction beyears — trying to identify our own people. What we’ve yond just LGBTQ people and of mobilizing our community’s done in those decades of work is build out a membership allies. “I definitely think the number of allies in the country — identify those who self-identify as LGBTQ and get them is larger than 57 million, that number is really people who to identify their friends and who they know.” are motivated by our issues — people who, when at the balIn North Carolina alone, HRC expected to reach more lot box, will make a decision based on our issues.” than 400,000 voters through phone calls and an online per“When it becomes a top mobilizing tool and issue for suasive advertising campaign. The effort helped successfulthose individual voters. When we were able to develop ly defeat Pat McCrory in the state’s gubernatorial race after that model, we created our own voter file,” continues he targeted LGBTQ people with the notorious HB2 statute.

Acosta. “We now had the voting habits, the addresses, the “Working within communities across the country has partisan affiliation of all of these equality voters that we led to a very strong volunteer network,” says Acosta. For were then able to build out more in-depth field programs example, volunteers in the North Carolina and Charlotte than we ever had in our history.” steering committees work across the region to identify

8

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019

In 2018, HRC launched “HRC Rising,” a massive expansion for the organization that helped more than 30,000 people register to vote, trained nearly 1,600 local advocates nationwide as volunteer leaders and logged more than 20,000 hours volunteering for HRC-endorsed candidates. Through the HRC Political Action Committee (HRC PAC), they funded a seven-figure mobilization effort to engage and turn out voters through digital advertising, direct mail, text and phone, and published ads in major newspapers urging voters to turn out for pro-equality candidates in the mid-term elections.

Acosta explains that HRC could track what tools and organizing resources were working and what was not with the data they had now compiled, that included looking retroactively to what the organization had done before the model was created. “In 2014, before the model was created — before HRC invested heavily in turning out these equality voters, turnout amongst equality voters, and again this is not just LGBTQ people because I would say this trend does not apply to LGBTQ people as much the ally part of the equality voter model, 26 percent of equality voters turned out,” says Acosta.

“In 2018, after we’ve identified these voters and invested heavily in their turnout rates, in our first test of really doing this, 56 percent of equality voters turned out.

“We were able to have a dramatic increase in these voters once we identified and reached them,” says Acosta. The trend was also true in the South. “For example, in the Alabama Senate race we invested heavily. It’s a Project One America state and while Project One America isn’t specifically an electoral program, it obviously is one of our strongest presences in the South and so we wanted to make sure we put our fingerprint on that Senate race and saw a significant increase in the effectiveness of voter mobilization around LGBTQ issues.”

It is clear that the Human Rights Campaign is built on a strong membership of LGBTQ people and allied voices.

Nearly all of the community have seen the popular blue square and yellow equal sign logo that has become synonymous with LGBTQ equality at Pride festivals across the country with tables full of volunteers encouraging people to get a T-shirt or bumper sticker. According to its website, “the Human Rights Campaign logo is one of the most recognizable symbols of the LGBTQ community.”

“If you are at the table, you’re probably buying a T-shirt or picking up a sticker,” says Acosta. “Depending on what you buy, at the table you become a member. We are still, in as many cases as possible, gathering your information — your email or your phone number, and then we follow up with you in one of those channels to see what your interests are. What brought you to us? So that we can then move you up in that level of engagement that you’re interested in.

“In those moments, it’s really about identifying those people and then filtering them to the right appropriate resource,” says Acosta. “Whether that’s on the political side or on the foundation side. It all comes back to the need to grow our political power and exert that force in order to be able to make change.”

In the next issue of qnotes, the staff will continue to look at HRC and what is happening as the nation heads to the 2020 presidential election, including what is not working in political messaging campaigns now. : : This project has been supported by the Solutions Journalism Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to rigorous and compelling reporting about responses to social problems, solutionsjournalism.org

Acts of Kindness

People Respond to COVID-19 in Amazing Ways in Charlotte

By Chris Rudisill | QNOTES CONTRIBUTOR

E

ach morning, I get a text message from my friend Stan Schneider. It is a simple message of “Good morning” or wishing me a good day, but the premise is so much more. During this time of shelter-in-place, many in our community are facing unprecedented feelings of isolation and depression. These simple acts of kindness can brighten what seems like a mundane existence.

From saying hello, to tipping an unseen bartender or surprise deliveries, friends across the region are helping to cheer up their neighbors through simple acts of kindness that are helping us all get through this unprecedented pandemic.

DOUGHNUT DELIVERIES

A sweet treat to brighten the day is being delivered to friends during social distancing.

A couple in East Charlotte, who preferred to remain anonymous, started delivering boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to their friends in March. “My husband and I really enjoy hanging out with friends so we wanted to let them know we were thinking of them,” says half of this delivering duo. “Everyone loves Krispy Kreme, so we decided to buy six dozen and deliver them to our friends that also live over in East Charlotte.” The couple grabbed the doughnuts and headed out, leaving some on doorsteps and having short, socially-distanced get-togethers with others.

Two weeks later, they hit up five more houses. Many were friends they had met through involvement in the Charlotte Royals Rugby Football Club. Jeff Enochs, a member of the team, wrote on Facebook after his surprise delivery, “This was exactly what I needed today as I was feeling really low.” The couple have enjoyed seeing others pay it forward with their own “doughnut drops.” They say that they will probably keep doing it until it is safe to start having friends over again. They have also started delivering to friends in other cities through the company’s online delivery program.

A VIRTUAL TIP

sit down to eat a meal, consider tipping a virtual bartender or server in our community to help them get through this difficult economic time. “This will not completely solve our neighbors’ financial challenges, but we have been told again and again by our server and bartender friends that it is a great morale booster to see a sign that someone cares,” states the group on its website. The list of workers includes everyone from front of house staff like bartenders and servers to exotic dancers, event production staff, and hotel cleaning crews.

DINNER FOR HEALTHCARE HEROES

Local attorney Candelario Saldana wanted to do more than just applaud for our local healthcare workers, so he launched Dinner for Healthcare Heroes, an effort to raise money and coordinate food to Atrium’s Medical Center staff in Charlotte. As of April 23, the campaign had sent 150 dinners and 50 desserts from POPLAR Tapas Restaurant & Bar and 75 lunches from Bagel Bin & Deli. On April 25 and 26, they planned to send 150 more dinners from POPLAR and 100 breakfast meals from Your Custom Catering & Events.

“When I say that together we make a difference I mean it,” wrote Saldana in a recent Facebook post with photos of the dozens of local citizens who have helped the initiative. Community group Queen City Prism and the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce are helping Saldana make the program a success and according to him, it is also helping local LGBTQ-owned restaurants stay open and people employed. They have currently raised over $6,500 through its gofundme.com page (search #DinnerForHealthcareHeroes).

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s March report, those working in the service industry, specifically in restaurants and bars, accounted for 60 percent, or 419,000, of the jobs cut during the month. These workers rely less on a paycheck every week and more on the tips that come from our dining out and entertainment that has come to a stop during shelter-in-place.

A group in Chattanooga, Tenn. launched a website to help. At ServiceIndustry.tips you can select a region, and Nate Turner, owner of Your you are presented with a “randomly selected neighbor Custom Catering & Events, is who works in the service industry and where they work.” one of many volunteers helping You can refresh the page to select a different individual to feed those in need during or location, or just tip the first person that pops up. this pandemic. In a recent post North Carolina has nine on Facebook, regions to pick from, Turner said, “I’ve including Charlotte, volunteered at Gastonia, Greensboro, soup kitchens, Greenville (Pitt County), food banks and Lake Norman, Moore resource centers County, Raleigh-Durham, before and never Wilmington/New Hanover/ in my life have I Pender/Brunswick and seen something Winston Salem. South like this.”

Carolina areas include People in Rock Hill, York County, the community Greenville, Spartanburg, have overwhelmColumbia and four other ingly donated A thoughtful neighbor in NoDa has volunteered his regions along the coast. food, toiletries time to helping others while sheltering-in-place as So, next time you fix a and other esa result of COVID-19. drink yourself at home, or sential items

to Wedgewood Church, one of the city’s best-known LGBTQ-friendly congregations, near South Blvd. and Park Rd. Donations can be made daily between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. through a contactless drive-thru drop-off system, and the food pantry is open from 7-8 p.m. every Wednesday.

Turner is also part of the Lunch Is On Us initiative that has been providing meals Monday through Saturday from 1:30–2:30 p.m. at three distribution sites throughout Charlotte: St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, Sacred Souls Community Church and the South Tryon Community United Methodist Church since March, and has delivered meals to The Relatives Crisis Center and Time Out Youth Center since the pandemic began. The initiative is also heavily supported by the local Hearts Beat as One Foundation. It serves more than 400 children daily.

NODA’s MESSAGES OF HOPE

Finally, signs and chalk art have been popping up across the neighborhood of North Davidson, fondly known as NODA, since the beginning of the epidemic. The historic community is known for its art and hipster-rich bars and restaurants and encouraging diversity and promoting love for its neighbors. Resident Stacy Cole took notice of the kindness his neighbors were displaying. He said he had seen “a lot of random things from neighbors” including friends offering to pick up groceries, or making masks, and these encouraging signs on his regular walks.

One sign from a guy named Ian says “during these times if you need something like an errand run or are in a pinch, feel free to text me.” The handwritten sign includes a phone number and continues, “we’re in this together” also offering “socially distant beer” meetings. Another handmade sign saying “Everything will be ok” adorns the front fence of a home in the neighborhood and chalk art decorates the road outside NODA Company Store saying “can’t wait 2 CU.” Whether it is a message of hope for all the world to see or a simple offering to someone in need, these acts of kindness all have one message in common. As Ian says, “we’re in this together” and our support of one another is the one true constant that will help us get through the pandemic.

SHARE THE GOOD

Do you have a story about an exceptional member of our community or random act of kindness? Let us hear from you.

Email them to editor@goqnotes.com along with your name and phone number. We will review them and if we have any questions, will get back to you for clarification. : :

FOOD PANTRY

Pantry items are being collected by Nate Turner/Your Custom Catering & Events to give to those who are in need.

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

9

life

A Virtual Walk

The 2020 AIDS WALK CLT Goes Online During COVID-19

By Chris Rudisill | QNOTES CONTRIBUTOR

I

webinars to gather ideas. We were really trying to do as much research as quickly as possible to make sure that we were offering everything we could virtually. It was never necessarily a matter of can’t, but rather what does it mean for us to go virtual.

DW: Some of our board members were looking at what people in the United Kingdom had done, because they preceded us with response to COVID-19 and we could see some of their AIDS fundraisers were going virtual. That really served as some encouragement to us that we too could move ahead.

We knew the results were probably going to be different this year. We could carry on and pull it off.

n its 24th year, AIDS WALK Charlotte is one of the largest HIV awareness and fundraising events in the Carolinas. Due to shelter-in-place orders, this year’s event has gone virtual, so qnotes reached out to organizers to learn more about how one can be involved and how the event has changed. The walk supports the Charlotte-based HIV service organization, RAIN, and its programs for people living with HIV and AIDS in our community. Debbie Warren serves as the organization’s president and CEO and Nathan Smith is RAIN’s vice president of philanthropy.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

CR: First off, how are things going during the pandemic?

Debbie Warren: We’ve had a lot of people who’ve lost jobs. It may not be the entire household, but a lot have lost 75 percent of the income for the household. And then, there’s a lot of anxiety all the way around for people living with HIV. We’ve gone virtual, and we have HIPPA-compliant platforms for mental health counseling and other supportive services. People are concerned about health insurance and getting their medications — access to their medications.

So, a lot of our work is around that right now.

CR: When did you decide to move the 2020 AIDS WALK to a virtual event?

DW: The board meeting was on March 17 and we had a discussion that night of what would it take to go virtual since we had such a robust website. We knew that we were going to need to go virtual.

Nathan Smith: Obviously, as things have progressed and things have changed day to day with COVID-19, we kept thinking about it in February, but it was really in the middle of March when we realized that the stay-at-home and work-from-home orders were coming down the pipeline.

We knew it was the best decision.

CR: What can people expect?

NS: What’s good for us is that the majority of our fundraising that has been done for the walk is done prior to the day of and so, for us, it was really just changing our language and telling people that though we’re not going to meet in person it still doesn’t mean that you can’t fundraise or need to stop fundraising. We just ramped up our communication. The little things that we were thinking about doing like little fundraising tips and videos have come up as top priority.

DW: Normally, there are a lot of lead-up events that contribute to what teams are doing. We do a lot of “lunch and learns” at various corporations around the region and around the county.

10

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019

CR: The walk is about continued visibility as well. What can people do to raise visibility about HIV without the physical walk?

NS: We’re encouraging people to use hashtags, Throngs of participants will take to the virtual streets to help raise awareness and #aidswalkclt and #positiveimpactclt. Virtual or not, funds for RAIN in lieu of its regular annual AIDS Walk Charlotte. our tagline and vision this year is “how are you making (Photo Credit: RAIN) a positive impact?” I think it’s even more fitting now.

We’re encouraging people to take photos and share NS: We would typically do these “lunch and learns” and how they are making a positive impact by making a donaseveral teams had a huge fundraising initiatives that were tion or registering and more — it’s really about how you all based on being in-person. So, we figured out what that are making a positive impact, not just for RAIN, but for our looks like now. We’ve done virtual “lunch and learns,” and community as a whole. we also know that everyone is on Zoom calls now so we DW: Some of our staff have been doing brief recordings about decided to keep the events to 30 minutes at a time. how they are working and the type of work they are doing with clients during COVID-19 as well. We’ve posted a few of CR: Do you plan to have any kick-off events? those already from our case managers and our youth patient NS: We’re really looking at this as a month-long event. We are navigators. The videos are on Facebook and Instagram. Liking kicking it off, however, we have several sponsors who have those, reposting those and making comments about the already committed to the event, and after we went virtual, important work of RAIN, even more so with our vulnerable are still committed to supporting us. Part of their benefits population, are all tremendous things that folks can do. are that they would get a booth space and logo recognition at the event, which is important to companies. Since we can’t do that, we’ve switched gears and we’re doing match days.

We’re giving each sponsor a match day and we’re kicking that off on May 2 (the original day of our walk) with Wells Fargo.

The first 100 $50 gifts that people receive on that day, Wells Fargo will match. We’re doing things like that. We’re encouraging teams to pick a specific day as well, so as a team they can come together to walk around the house or around the neighborhood. One thing I’m trying to work out is how we can do a virtual team photo, so basically asking the individual people as they’re walking to take a photo of themselves and create a virtual page for each team where each of their photos will show up. That’s still in the works.

CR: Did you think about cancelling or postponing this year?

NS: The WALK is the largest fundraiser that we do every year, so we knew we couldn’t cancel. We really depend on the money to continue our mission and our vision. The first two weeks of working from home, the team was taking different

AIDS WALK Charlotte, Virtual is an online fundraising initiative that allows people to register and hold their own symbolic walk while still fundraising for RAIN. The goal of this year’s walk was reduced to $125,000 from an original $175,000. In 2019, the event raised $160,000. As of press time, the walk has raised over $49,000 with 423 people registered.

The organization has not yet had to lay off any staff or furlough employees. They did not make it through the first round of the federal Payroll Protection Plan and realize that other events like Broadway Cares which regularly support the organization through grants will not be there this year. For every dollar that the walk raises, 88 cents goes back into programs with the remainder supporting administrative costs.

To register or donate, visit AIDSWalkCLT.org. As the website says, “We won’t have the opportunity to meet up in person on May 2, but we’ve giving you an extra month to fundraise.” The organization still plans to give out awards to top fundraising teams and individuals, along with commemorative T-shirts to all participants. : :

Dispelling Fear HIV And COVID-19

BY Tonya Jameson | QNotes Contributor

T

“Unfortunately the news is not discussing hey’re scared. Nearly 40 years after what’s your CD4, what’s your comorbidity,” HIV/AIDS decimated the gay commusaid Wes Thompson, medical director at nity, a new virus is raising fears once Amity Medical Group, “It’s triggering a lot of again. The fear may be unwarranted. more angst then it has to. Being HIV-positive When details emerged about the dangers alone does not increase your risk for a more of COVID-19, many HIV-positive people worsevere response to COVID-19.” ried that the coronavirus would wreak havoc Thompson has specialized in caring for on their already compromised immune people with HIV for 35 years. Several patients systems. In March, more than 90 HIV and requested doctor’s notes to excuse them LGBTQ organizations penned an open letter from work, but he said he does not write to Congress detailing why COVID-19 poses them for everyone. He gives them on a case increased risk to people living with HIV. The by case basis. letter requested a special relief package “The vast majority of my patients that ask to help this population. According to one me about their risk for COVID19 are out of local HIV specialist, COVID-19 does not pose genuine concern,” he said. an automatic risk to people are HIV posiThompson, like the CDC website, said tive. The Centers For Disease Control and it’s all about a person’s CD4, or T-cell, count.

Prevention’s (CDC) website says it does not Those are the immune cells that the HIV virus have any specific information regarding the kills. A normal person has CD4 counts of 350risk to HIV patients.

It is natural after the AIDS crisis for individuals to fear the coronavirus. However, it may be 1,500. A CD4 count below 500 indicates an Still, Ediana Sharpe is a case manager at unwarranted for those who are HIV positive.

HIV positive person is at higher risk, he said.

RAIN, and she says some of her clients are (Photo Credit: Srdjan via Adobe Stock) “HIV-positive individuals with a CD4 count concerned. In a phone interview, Sharpe above 500 are at no increased risk, comtranslated for a 58-year-old client who does not pared to HIV-negative individuals,” he said. speak English. He is HIV positive and cares for At the same time, Steven said until his restaurant However, a low count combined with other medical conhis 85-year-old mother who has diabetes. He was laid off beclosed, he worried about working. He is HIV-positive and ditions such as diabetes or emphysema poses an increased cause of the quarantine, but he’s been trying to find work, any has diabetes. risk to a more severe response to COVID-19, he explained. work. He and his mother moved to Charlotte from Venezuela “I’m scared every day,” he said.

Thompson said regardless of a person’s CD4 count, everythree years ago because the U.S. offered better care to help It’s easy to understand why. one has the same risk of contracting the disease, but how people with HIV, Sharpe translated. Her client needs work to According to the World Health Organization, older a person’s body responds to the virus is based on the CD4 pay their bills, but he’s also fearful that he is at more risk of adults and persons with pre-existing medical conditions or count and other risk factors. contracting the virus and passing it on to his mother. compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for seThompson said people do not realize how much mediFinancial relief would help Steven, 35, who was laid off vere illness from the virus. This includes people who have cine has advanced in treating HIV. To put that into perspecfrom his job as a server. heart disease, lung disease, cancer, high blood pressure or tive he says, “its easier to live to a ripe old age with HIV than “I never thought a restaurant would shut down,” he diabetes. The CDC repeated that message and the media it is with diabetes. That’s how far we’ve come with HIV.” : : said in a phone interview. publicized it ad nauseum.

Implications of Pandemic Pose Significant Risk to LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Concerns are on the Rise Since Closing of Schools

T

he coronavirus outbreak is presenting LGBTQ youth with a new set of unique challenges. The widespread school closures throughout the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are preventing LGBTQ youth from accessing vital resources provided by schools.

The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org) has reported a dramatic increase of LGBTQ youth requesting crisis-related services through their organization since the outbreak of COVID-19.

“We know the COVID-19 pandemic poses unique challenges for LGBTQ young people,” reports The Trevor Project. “At The Trevor Project, the volume of LGBTQ young people reaching out to our crisis services programs has more than doubled and we are hearing from many LGBTQ young people who feel isolated because they do not have access to their usual support systems.”

Sadly, a number of LGBTQ youth, both in the U.S. as well as around the world, live in unsupportive homes where they are unable

BY Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer

LGBTQ youth are at a higher risk for harassment, isolation and suicidal ideation while confined at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo Credit: tokyosoo via Adobe Stock)

to freely express themselves. A 2018 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) (hrc.org) study found that nearly half (48 percent) of LGBTQ youth are made to feel bad by their families for being LGBTQ and over half (67 percent) of LGBTQ youth are subjected to hearing their families make negative comments about LGBTQ people.

Due to schools being closed for the remainder of the year resulting from the threat of COVID-19, these youth are now more at risk than ever of facing severe ramifications, as many of them are already subjected to abuse and intolerance within their homes.

“For some, social isolation means being forced to hide who they are in unsupportive, even abusive home environments,” says The Trevor Project.

Another challenge LGBTQ youth are facing brought on by the closing of schools, particularly transgender and non-binary youth, is having access to gender-affirming see Youth on 12

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

11

life Youth

continued from page 11 care, to which many are already burdened with not having sufficient access. Schools often provide these youth with an outlet to services that aid in their gender transition process. And with access to these resources halted from the closing of schools, many are afraid of not being able to continue their journey of transitioning.

“Transgender and non-binary youth may no longer have access to the affirming community they found at school and those who are in the process of transitioning might be afraid that this crisis will interrupt that process,” The Trevor Project says.

While social distancing practices brought on by COVID-19 are necessary precautions during these uncertain times, The Trevor Project says it is also creating a potential health crisis for LGBTQ youth, as connecting and spending time with LGBTQ peers provides a support network that has proven to be life-saving. Without that support, mental health concerns such as suicidal ideation are expected to become more prevalent among these at-risk youth.

“Physical distancing (commonly referred

to as social distancing) the practice of avoiding close physical contact with others, is a crucial part of the public health approach to minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on the health of the U.S. population,” says The Trevor Project, “However, physical distancing can impact LGBTQ youth by decreasing their access to positive social interactions and increasing negative social interactions,” the organization added.

Amit Paley, CEO and executive director of The Trevor Project, says LGBTQ youth heavily rely on social connectedness and that COVID-19 has the potential to make the issues they’re already facing much worse.

“LGBTQ youth already face increased risk of anxiety and suicide and disproportionate rates of unemployment and unstable housing,“ Paley adds. “The COVID-19 global pandemic has the potential to exacerbate these ongoing concerns and to create new, unique problems for LGBT+ youth. At The Trevor Project, we know that positive social connections are vital for suicide prevention.” : :

News Notes

continued from page 6

NCAAN hosts virtual Broadway show

North Carolina AIDS Action Network, in partnership with Playmakers Repertory Company and Winston-Salem Little Theatre, will present its “Broadway Twisted” on May 6, 8 p.m. The show will feature alums who have performed in the show before (with some who have recently starred on Broadway) along with talented North Carolinaians. The network will livestream the show over their Facebook page (@NorthCarolinaAIDSActionNetwork). Avita Pharmacy is serving as the Presenting Sponsor of the showcase. Contributions are being accepted to help support the work of the network — Medicaid expansion, potential budget cuts preparation to the HIV Medication Assistance Program and advocacy for new policies to increase access to PrEP during the pandemic.

info: ncaan.org. bit.ly/3cU0RvW.

WAF store reopens

Closet Case has opened its doors again to shoppers after South Carolina’s COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions were lifted. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. Only four shoppers will be allowed in the store at a time and there has been special attention to

12

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019

recommended sanitation guidelines. Those who are unwell as asked to remain home. The store still maintains an online store.

info: waf.org.

North Star welcomes new staff

North Star LGBTQ Community Center has hired two new staff members: Kailas Coleman, program manager, and Torie Zeiner, center administrator.

info: northstarlgbtcc.com.

Task Force appoints interim director

The National LGBTQ Task Force announced the appointment of Cathy Renna, longtime LGBTQ activist and communications consultant, to the position of interim communications director.

info: thetaskforce.org.

Teen show not shot in OBX

Netflix teen thriller, “Outer Banks,” did not select the coastal location for the series filming due to North Carolina’s anti-discriminatory “bathroom bill” history. Producers originally selected Wilmington, but moved the production to Charleston, S.C.

info: r29.co/3aFEfxL.

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

13

views

How to Help a Person Who is Struggling with PTSD Mental Health: In the Wake of COVID-19, These Tips May Prove Beneficial

BY Stanley Popovich | guest WRITER

D

o you know someone who struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and don’t know how to help them? Have you thought about what our mental health picture will look like once we have gotten through the COVID-19 pandemic? What about the warworn healthcare professionals who are on the frontlines of the battle against the coronavirus?

And, what about families whose lives have been taxed with caring for loved ones who may have contracted the coronavirus, some of whom died as a result of the pandemic?

If so, here are seven useful tips to help individuals cope in these kinds of situations.

1. Learn as much as you can.

There are many books and resources that will educate you on how to deal with PTSD and other mental health issues. Share this information with the person who is struggling.

reasons. If this happens, find out the reasons why that person is resistant to talking to a counselor.

Addressing a person’s issues and fears of getting assistance will go a long way in helping that person.

5. Getting help is not a sign of weakness.

Some people may think that getting assistance is a sign of weakness. In this case, remind your loved ones that they are not asking for help, but instead, they are learning how to overcome their PTSD. Everybody learns new things on a daily basis. Remind the person who is struggling that there is nothing wrong with learning something new.

6. Find a local PTSD group.

It is important that the person who is struggling join a local support group so they can get advice from others. Many people who are struggling with PTSD will be better able to relate to those who may have similar experiences and insights.

Dealing with the issues and emotional pain of post traumatic stress disorder can be made 7. Dealing with the bad dreams.

2. Be understanding and patient toward the more manageable through therapeutical support. (Photo Credit: Photographee.eu via Many people dealing with PTSD may have person who is struggling.

Adobe Stock) nightmares regarding their past traumatic exDealing with PTSD, depression and anxiety can periences. It is not easy to stop the nightmares, be difficult for the person, so do not add more but you can start to reduce the frequency of problems than what is already there. Do not make without being rude. Most people will listen if you approach these dreams by talking to a mental health counselor on a things more challenging by getting into arguments with somethem in a proper manner. It is also important to listen to regular basis. : : one who is suffering. Yelling will only make things worse. what the other person has to say so you get an idea of where that person is coming from.

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing 3.Talk to the person instead of talking at them.

Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant It is important not to lecture the person who is strug4. Find out the reasons why the person won’t get help.

Methods.” For information, visit managingfear.com. gling with PTSD. Talk to the person about their issues Some PTSD sufferers may not want to get help for various

Q-mmunity

connections

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

14

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019

Our Gay God Is Not Good For Real Estate Spiritual Reflections

BY Rev. Chris Ayers | Guest Contributor

Using biblical instructions for home and land ownership places a different focus on what belongs to someone and what belongs to God. (Photo Credit: Photocreo Bednarek via Adobe Stock)

W

hen my wife and I moved to the Queen City in 1989, we were excited about buying our first house. Rather than purchasing immediately, we decided to sign a one-year apartment contract to give us some time to explore and evaluate the Charlotte real estate market. We did not want to make a bad real estate decision we would live to regret.

We had three major concerns. My wife and I did not want a bad location, bad schools and bad neighbors. I also did not want a yard to mow that had steep inclines.

With respect to location, we had to be mindful of access to Uptown, although we called it downtown, unaware Charlotte called its central city Uptown. My wife was one of 17 attorneys for little North Carolina National Bank, which remarkably would become the giant Bank of America. We didn’t want Vicky to have to commute more than 15 minutes, so we ruled out anything past Highway 51 (Pineville-Matthews Rd.), preferring to stay well within that boundary. We chuckle now at the thought that Highway 51 is considered close to Uptown Charlotte.

The school factor, as it is with many people, was prominent in our thinking. We did not have a gene pool carrier at the time, but we planned to have one in the near future.

Fortunately for us, by the time our young one was ready for kindergarten, Charlotte had magnet schools, and we were able to get our boy in the gifted and talented magnet. You never know about the magnet lottery, however, so evaluation of neighborhood public schools was a significant part of our real estate process. We knew we could opt for a private school, but our preference was for a public school.

A house is not just a house. It has to become a home, which is part of a neighborhood, so you want good neighbors. How do you determine if you are going to have good neighbors? It’s not like it’s appropriate to interview all the people on the street. There’s not much a couple can do in this regard. One easy thing to do is to look at how the houses and yards are maintained.

With this strategy in mind, my wife and I began our search for a home three months after we arrived in Charlotte. We figured it would take us a good bit of time to find the right house. We figured wrong. Within two weeks we discovered a great fixer-upper house. True, it had the ugliest brick in Charlotte (we eventually painted the brick).

True, it had avocado green throughout the house. Yuk! The first of three renovations took all the green out. And true, the floors had to be refinished, layers of wallpaper had to be stripped (Don’t get me going on that!), and the backyard looked like an unnatural natural area. Yes, there was plenty of work to do. I did say it was a fixer-upper. We had parents, though, who would help us paint and clean up the yard.

The major stumbling block to signing on the mortgage line was the house above what turned out to be our house.

The neighbor was elderly and in poor health. His adult children had not been able to persuade their father to repair the house and the backyard literally was an Amazon jungle.

It was going to take a backhoe and a lot of chainsaw work to do the major landscaping needed. One ray of hope for us was that a sign was in the front yard announcing a company was about to do repairs on the house’s exterior. We also assumed the elderly man would sell the house in the near future, and the next occupants would immediately clean up the jungle. That’s exactly what happened.

We couldn’t really tell if we would like our neighbors.

Never in our wildest imagination did we dream we would have the incredible neighbors we turned out to have. We have the best neighbors in Charlotte. Not just the ones beside us, but all up and down the street. And the elderly couple who lived below us became like an extra set of grandparents for our son. After her husband died, we ate together twice a week and did many other fun things together, like going to get yogurt at TCBY late at night, when the dessert urge raged. Ok, I’ll tell you her name, Ann Westlake, who, unfortunately for us, now lives in Memphis, Tenn. Gosh, we miss her.

Luckily for us, none of our real estate nightmares happened. We had a great location, highly rated schools and neighborly neighbors, some of whom who were like family.

One real estate nightmare that didn’t even cross our mind was what God might do with our home. I bet most people never consider that God might mess up their real estate deal. Of course, many Christians don’t read the Bible carefully and don’t read it from the perspective of the marginalized. The God who appears in the pages of the Bible displays preferential treatment for the down and out, contrary to much of our capitalist society and contrary to those who believe poor people are lazy and undeserving of any kind of special treatment or assistance.

In the 25th chapter of Leviticus there are some radical real estate instructions from God. In this year of jubilee you shall return, every one of you, to your property.14When you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not cheat one another. 15When you buy from your neighbor, you shall pay only for the number of years since the jubilee; the seller shall charge you only for the remaining crop-years.

13

23 The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; with me you are but aliens and tenants. 24Throughout the land that you hold, you shall provide for the redemption of the land.

25 If anyone of your kin falls into difficulty and sells a piece of property, then the next-of-kin shall come and redeem what the relative has sold. 26If the person has no one to redeem it, but

then prospers and finds sufficient means to do so, 27the years since its sale shall be computed and the difference shall be refunded to the person to whom it was sold, and the property shall be returned. 28But if there are not sufficient means to recover it, what was sold shall remain with the purchaser until the year of jubilee; in the jubilee it shall be released, and the property shall be returned. 29If anyone sells a dwelling-house in a walled city, it may be redeemed until a year has elapsed since its sale; the right of redemption shall be for one year. 30If it is not redeemed before a full year has elapsed, a house that is in a walled city shall pass in perpetuity to the purchaser, throughout the generations; it shall not be released in the jubilee. 31But houses in villages that have no walls around them shall be classed as open country; they may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the jubilee.

32 As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites shall for ever have the right of redemption of the houses in the cities belonging to them.

33 Such property as may be redeemed from the Levites — houses sold in a city belonging to them — shall be released in the jubilee; because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the people of Israel. 34But the open land around their cities may not be sold; for that is their possession for all time.

Imagine being a real estate agent trying to incorporate those instructions in a real estate contract!

The Jubilee described in Lev 25:8-55 is one of the most remarkable pieces of biblical directions. It describes a theology of the land of Israel, in which land belongs to God, with the Israelites merely tenants on it. It outlines a system to protect the poor and the down and out. It is a real estate agent’s nightmare. It is a nightmare for a middle class or rich person homeowner.

God is, and always has been gay. God is the first gay.

This is good news for the marginalized, and very bad news for those who believe in their goodness while they turn their back on people due to their socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, race and/or nationality.

Conservative Christian Republicans, who claim to believe all the Bible (which is not possible because there are parts of the Bible which cannot be reconciled), like to point out this Levitical legislation was never practiced. Actually, we don’t know that. However, even if it’s true the year of Jubilee was nothing more than unacted upon bleeding heart liberal theology, that still does not eliminate what God desires for God’s creation.

I hope if you are looking for a house you find the home of your dreams. Consider yourself warned/informed, however, about the Gay God. : : Rev. Chris Ayers is senior pastor at Wedgewood Church is Charlotte, N.C.

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

15

a&e

Can I Know More Than My Doctor?

Tell Trinity

BY Trinity | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Dear Trinity, I’ve been ill for months now. And I’ve been telling my primary doctor that I know what’s wrong with me. But he keeps saying, “the tests don’t prove it.” But I’m sure I know myself.

What do I do?

No Relief, Chattanooga, TN Dear No Relief, People of authority i.e., ministers, doctors, judges and queens, don’t ALWAYS have the right answers and/or know what they’re talking about. Just look at the COVID-19 press briefings.

At first doctors said, “No masks necessary for the public” now they’re say “masks save lives.”

Remember the joke, “What’s the difference between God and a doctor? God knows he’s not a doctor.” At some point in life we realize we may know more about ourselves than our doctor.

So, honey, get a second opinion until you can get the results you need. Give ‘em hell!

Love, Trinity Hey Trinity, I’ve been with the same person for years. We have a nice life, but our sexual experiences have diminished with time. How can I make our life more sensual, before it ends up senseless?

Yours, Too Practical, Santa Barbara, CA

16

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019

Hey Too Practical, Everything, everyone and every relationship eventually needs new chains and chokers… I mean changes and challenges. Like a home needs to be reconstructed every so often, so does a relationship. When I want to make a good relationship even better, I add some adventure into our lives. And sometimes, sweetie, that means giving your nice life a naughty twist! Think sexy. Think naughty. Think outside the box. And think

tight uniforms. (Naughty or nice? See my cartoon for a naughty tip!)

Hello Trinity, After a year of dating the same guy, I’m getting more and more uncomfortable with the fact that he still lives and owns a home with his ex-lover. Am I crazy for being concerned that their friendship could cause future problems in our relationship?

Thanks, Crazy/Concerned, Provincetown, MA Hello Crazy/Concerned, Never avoid your feelings. Feeling concerned about anything is healthy and normal. Yet, it’s not uncommon in gay life that ex-couples stay friends, roommates and even property owners. So, don’t become a rifle-swinging madman over their relationship. For now, accept their strong friendship. However, if they’re also sharing a bed, vacations and leather accessories, then I’d call a mortician… I mean a meeting between you and your date.

Pumpkin, there’ll always be problems to deal with and, hopefully, this won’t be one of them!

Kisses, Trinity Dearest Trinity, For the first time in my life someone I once dated is stalking me. It’s now affecting everything I do. I’m even having nightmares! Help!

Stalking Dilemma, Montréal, QC Dearest Stalking Dilemma, Being stalked is awful. It has ruined people’s lives. So, darling, it’s time to start practicing:

Trinity’s Strategic Tips For Being Stalked

1. F irst, be very clear and direct. Be tough, stern and aggressive. Insist that he/she stop stalking you!

2. C ontinually use the word STALKING whenever you deal with this person!

3. Tell the authorities. Making a report today may save you the burden of proof tomorrow.

4. If you get letters or texts, threaten to publicly print those texts and/or send them to everyone connected to this stalker.

5. Get support from a counselor, a big tough thug, a watchdog and/or a security system!

6. B e strategic and creative! Say things that turn this person OFF to you emotionally and sexually, i.e. my genital herpes are out of control again.

7. Unfortunately, you may have to change your phone number(s) and possibly your address.

8. Call all of his/her friends and family to let them know what is happening. Tell them to do something, or you’ll see them all in court!

9. M aybe go to his/her workplace and publicly make a big scene!

10. L astly, don’t let yourself get as obsessed as your stalker. Try to conduct your life in as normal a fashion as possible, until it’s over! : : With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org, Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! Learn more at telltrinity.com.

Send emails to: trinity@telltrinity.com.

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

17

a&e

10 Questions with Vic: Featuring Hollywood Holland Singer/Songwriter, Actor

BY Vic Gerami | Guest Contributor

E

What is your favorite charity or cause?

My favorite cause is anything supporting mental health. I’ve had my own battles with feelings of anxiety/depression that I’ve overcome and know how important it is to learn the tools to take care of your inner world and live a happy life through self-love and self-care. I also used to work as a yoga therapist at an outpatient rehab center and really feel for those that are struggling with inner demons.

ven with two back-to-back hit singles, “Ladies Night” and “Countdown,” Hollywood Holland is still a midwestern girl in a big city. Holland earned the nickname “Hollywood Holland” after packing up everything she owned in her Mercury Cougar and road tripping to California to chase her dreams.

Her lyrics are positive, self-empowering and fun-focused with a touch of sarcasm and humor, like Holland herself. She mixes energetic Pop with hints of Country, a nod to the music that influenced her while growing up in Minnesota. Holland’s latest single, “Journey Alone,” drops in time for Pride Month, in June 2020 as a tribute to her LGBTQIA+ fans.

I chatted with Hollywood Holland on the phone during this global pandemic to see how she is doing, how she is coping with the COVID-19 crisis, about her work and what she is looking forward to after the coronavirus.

Modesty aside, how would you describe yourself?

I’m down to earth. Someone that could be considered everyone’s best friend as I’m very friendly, easy to talk to, and welcoming. I’m kind, empathetic, and generous. I’m sweet but can also be sassy. I’m sarcastic, quick witted, and like to joke around a lot. When you get to know me, you’ll find I’m very silly, and crazy, but the good kind of crazy always reliable for a good laugh. People joke that I’m a mixture of Carrie Underwood and Cardi B (Holly B).

Before we get in too deep, I want to know how COVID-19 has impacted you personally and professionally.

COVID-19 has taken an economic hit on me like most people. I feel like it has put me in a feeling of a standstill with my music as I’ve felt an internal loss of motivation to be promoting my music when there is such tragedy going on. However, on the other hand it inspires me to try to be a source of hope and positivity for others to stay strong through my writing and songs. It has forced me to slow down as I’m constantly on the go and traveling. It is giving me time and space to look within and take care of myself even more so internally and externally creating an optimum state of health as much as possible. I’m trying to reach out more often to my friends and family which is really nice because a lot of them are so far away from me and it can be hard to reach each other on the phone when we are all normally so busy. It really reiterates what is truly important in life which to me are the connections and bonds you have with your loved ones.

Tell me a bit about your background growing up in Minnesota.

I grew up in the middleclass suburbs, the youngest of three children. I was very athleticly involved in many sports such as gymnastics, soccer, basketball, cross country running and competition cheerleading (I was the one they threw up in the air).

My mom suffered from many medical problems including horrible arthritis which caused her to be unable to work.

I had my first job with my siblings having our own paper route as well as working at a local car wash. I really learned the essence of hard work and appreciation at a young age.

My dad was in a band as a singer and guitarist when he was younger and my Grandma was a professional organist, and I inherited their musical genes. I was in choir, musicals and voice lessons. At six years old I told my dad I’m going to be a famous singer and move to LA when I turn 18 and kept that belief. I was voted in my graduating high school class of 2,000 students [most likely] to never return to Minnesota. They all knew that I had bigger dreams than

18

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019

Multi-talented Hollywood Holland. (Photo Credit: Hollywood Holland) staying in town, getting a 9-5 and starting a family which was the typical Minnesota lifestyle.

My dad told me just like his parents told him “I don’t want you to be a starving artist,” so I had to pursue a college degree first. So, I went to college at San Diego State for two years where I would drive every week to take voice lessons in LA, then I transferred to Chicago and completed my four-year degree in three years. They had a program called Semester in LA where I was selected along 12 others to study on Raleigh Studios lot in Movie Marketing whereupon completion I graduated and stayed in LA to pursue my entertainment endeavors.

I was quickly distracted with acting and on-camera hosting as many people told me “you would be so good at it, you’re so personable.” However, after pursuing that route for a while I realized that this isn’t my passion and got burned out. I then went on sort of an eat, pray, love route, went to Bali and received my yoga certification and with some soul searching fell back into music, my true love and passion. Now after losing my way and getting back to what makes me come alive, I’m ready to share my music with the world and inspire them as well to stay true to themselves.

Your last two singles, “Ladies Night” and “Countdown” were both big hits. How would you describe your music?

My music is upbeat, fun, positive, and the lyrics are centered on motivating and inspiring others.

What’s new on your play list?

Some of my favorite new recent downloads include: “Never Seen The Rain” — Tones And I “I Love Me” —Demi Lovato “Alive” —Klingande “Brave” — Don Diablo and Jessie J “So Small” — Carrie Underwood You are very popular with the queer community. Tell me about that.

I have a lot of gay friends, and I’ve always just connected with them. I tend to refer [to] myself as just a fun-crazy gay guy trapped in a straight girl’s body. I tend to find most gay guys I meet to share similar qualities to myself such as sarcasm, sassiness, a love for song and dance and not afraid to break out into it at any time, and also to stay true to yourself regardless of the opinions of others. Not afraid to be so extra!

You are about to drop a single inspired by this global pandemic. Can you share any details?

My single is called “Journey Alone.” The song was created at the end of 2019, but it also relates so perfectly in my opinion during this hard time where we are all sitting in quarantine and practicing social distancing.

The song is about self-care. It’s about removing toxic people from your life and spending some time alone to look within and discover how to create a healthy internal environment for yourself which then carries itself out with you into the external world. Sometimes we love and care about people in our lives, but due to their own self-destruction, trying to help them causes chaos in our own lives.

It’s about creating boundaries. Happiness is an internal job and we are the only person who can heal ourselves and make ourselves feel whole and complete.

And sometimes it really takes a lot of time alone to be able to get quiet aside from outside noise, hold a mirror up to ourselves, heal and grow. During this quarantine where we are literally forced to spend a lot of alone time, it’s a great time to learn how to be alone, self-reflect and think about healthy ways we want to spend our lives and who we want to be in this world when this is all over.

What would you like to share with your fans and others as we go through this crisis?

Through going through hard times in the past I’ve learned that tough times don’t last forever, but tough people do! Never give up hope that there will be a brighter future. Although this time is difficult, try to find the positives in this situation such as more time to make connections with those you love, even if most of that time is spent talking on the phone.

If you aren’t working, use this time to find or work on a hobby, maybe even creating your own business, or on self-improvement including getting in great shape. There’s so many home workouts, and you won’t be tempted to go out eating and drinking excess calories with your friends.

Every time you feel like complaining or feeling sorry for yourself, think of what you do have to be grateful for.

There is always something to be grateful for— it can be even the smallest simplest thing. And when you’re also having negative thoughts think about what you can do to help someone else. This too shall pass.

Tell me a secret — a good one!

If I told you then it would no longer be a secret ;) I’m the type of friend that you can always count on to keep a secret. What everyone doesn’t know about me is I sleep topless with a baby blanket and one foot out of the covers.

Follow Hollywood Holland on Instagram: instagram.com/ hollandonholiday/.

Vic Gerami is a journalist, media contributor and the editor and publisher of The Blunt Post. He spent six years at Frontiers Magazine, followed by LA Weekly and Voice Media Group. His syndicated celebrity “Q&A column, 10 Questions with Vic,” is a LA Press Club’s National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Award finalist. Gerami is a contributor for qnotes, Montrose Star, DC Life Magazine, Out & About Nashville, Q Virginia, GNI MAG, Windy City Times, WeHo Times, GoWeHo, Los Angeles Blade, Asbarez, California Courier, Desert Daily Guide, Armenian Weekly, GED, The Pride LA, IN Magazine and The Advocate Magazine.

life

Our People: Matt Stone Problem-Solver, Analyzer, Dreamer

BY Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer weekends. I am not sure what sparked this exactly, but it’s remained with me as an adult.

What sets the Matt Stone Team apart from other realestate agencies in Charlotte, N.C.?

We try to always be ahead of the curve. We were offering Matterport fly-through tours of our listings long before other agents. We were the first company locally to have our phones answered 24/7 — so we never miss a call.

A

longside his team, real-estate broker Matt Stone is providing the community in Charlotte, N.C. with an outlet to LGBTQ-friendly home buying, which has often been challenging to find for those in our community.

Stone said that the real-estate industry can be quite a troublesome area for the LGBTQ community.

“Our community is used to rejection and challenges, and the real estate industry certainly provides a bit of both,” said Stone.

Real-estate has always been a passion of Stone’s and he says he enjoys being able to help people in the community with their home-buying endeavors.

“Real estate has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I love helping my community prosper and make wise real estate choices,” said Stone. “Despite state-level setbacks to progress, Charlotte is still a great city to live and own a business.” qnotes was able to catch up with Stone to get some insight on his experience in real-estate as well as a few other details about what he does outside the business.

Can you describe the early days of the Matt Stone Team? What kind of challenges did you face as an LGBTQ professional working in the real-estate business in Charlotte, N.C.?

I started in real estate when I was 18, so that was a challenge by itself. That, plus the fact that I am gay was absolutely a headwind. But I always remained true to who I was and was unwilling to hide that.

What inspired you to go into real-estate?

I have had a passion for architecture and homes since I was a teenager. I would make my parents take me to the builders’ model homes and open houses on

Based on your professional experience as a realtor, what are some prominent LGBTQ-friendly/ affirming neighborhoods in the Charlotte and surrounding areas?

The 28205 zip code is a great choice.

This includes Midwood and NoDa. The Dilworth community is also a fantastic neighborhood.

formed decisions, and see their dreams come true.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Titusville, Fla. — but was raised in Orlando.

What’s your favorite color or combination of colors?

Steed has a design background and has helped my style “evolve” — as he likes to say. Love muted colors, dark blues, black and white.

Can you describe your current family dynamic?

I’m married to my husband, Steed. We just celebrated our first wedding anniversary, but we have been together for seven years. Three years ago I convinced him to quit his job and work with me full time.

That has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

What are some of your favorite pastimes or hobbies?

We have a mountain house, and we’re there a few times a month. We love trying new restaurants, hiking and kayaking, anything outdoors. : :

What’s it like working with a staff compiled mainly of LGBTQ individuals as opposed to other professional settings you’ve worked in?

My teammates are all LGBTQaffirming. Real estate offices are often pretty drab and stuffy places full [with] oversized egos and unhealthy competition. We are the polar opposite of that... we’re professional, but keep it lighthearted and fun. We all truly care about each other and our clients and that really makes a difference.

What are some recent real-estate trends that have emerged in the last year or so? Have you seen any major changes?

We are finally seeing a bit of a cooling off in price appreciation, and I think this is needed. For many years now prices have increased at a rate that isn’t sustainable.

We’re long overdue for a bit of a cool down and it’s finally happening.

From your own professional experience, how has COVID-19 impacted the realestate market?

We were very ready for the shift that happened due to COVID-19. We already had a paperless process in place with designing. We already had virtual tours on listings and high-quality marketing. So for us, the shift was not dramatic but a natural evolution.

What do you find to be most rewarding about your position?

I love seeing my agents thrive. I love helping my clients succeed, make in-

May 1-14, 2019

qnotes

19

20

qnotes

May 1-14, 2019