QNotes, May 4, 2018

May 4-17 . 2018

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inside

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news & features

Winston-Salem LGBTQ center arts. entertainment. news. views. profiled by local news Organization receives support from Winston-Salem Foundation goqnotes.com/59699/

arts. entertainment. news. views.

4 News Notes: Regional Briefs 6 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs

a&e / life&style 7 Changes in the ‘gayborhoods’

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online

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Spiritual Reflections

What kind of divine real estate are you planning on pursuing? page 14

•••••• A South Carolina teen traded his tux for a prom dress His school backed him up, and now he’s planning a dress for graduation, too! goqnotes.com/59665/

more news & features …

9 Three keys for home sales 15 Tell Trinity 16 Out in Print 18 Q Events Calendar

••••••

19 Dishing with Buff Faye

opinions & views 14 Spiritual Reflections

Out in Print

Dishing with Buff Faye

A late bloomer’s memoir page 16

Test your drag knowledge with this trivia quiz! page 19

U.K.’s May apologizes for anti-gay colonial legacy Remarks came at annual Commonwealth leaders meeting goqnotes.com/59497/

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qnotes connect May 4-19, 2018 Vol 33 No 01

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

contributors this issue

Buff Faye, Matt Comer, Torie Dominguez, Jeff Hammerberg, Rev. Vance Haywood, Lainey Millen, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Matt Comer Photography: Mural (October 2017) by Matt Moore and Matt Hooker at Coaltrane’s Char Grill, Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matt Comer.

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 Social Media Manager: Matt Comer, matt@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Torie Dominguez, torie@goqnotes.com Staff Writer: Matt Comer, matt@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen, x205, production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2018 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.

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upcoming issues: 05.18.18: Summer Fashion Advertising Space Deadline: May 9 06.01.18: National LGBTQ Pride Month Advertising Space Deadline: May 23

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

Charlotte Fund ‘happening’ recipients honored

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund will host their 11th Annual Happening luncheon on May 16, 12 p.m., at The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St. The event showcases the fund’s 2018 grand recipients, as well as raises awareness for the LGBTQ community.

Networking begins at 11:15 a.m.

“As the primary fundraising vehicle for the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund, the success of the Happening has a direct impact on the vitality of many Mecklenburg County-based LGBTQ non-profit organizations and programs.

Whether to develop an outreach campaign about domestic violence and sexual assault, to train healthcare providers about transgender expansive issues, or to simply pay the bills to keep the lights on, all of the funds raised make a tremendous difference in the lives of individuals and in the fabric of Charlotte’s LGBTQ community,” the organization said.

Tickets are available online at $45/individual and $425/table captain. For other table captain options, contact Jeremiah Nelson at nelsonjs@ wfu.edu. Contributions are also being accepted to support the work of the fund. info: ftc.org/clgf.

TOY gala set

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center will host its annual Platinum Gala, “As I Am,” on June 1 at Le Méridien, 555 S. McDowell St. Sally Belk Gambrell, CEO of the Gambrell Foundation, will serve as keynote speaker. The foundation recently gifted the center with a 1.5 million contribution to secure its new community and services center for Charlotte’s LGBTQ youth.

“Time Out has provided quality services to the LGBTQ community, focusing on youth and building leaders for tomorrow,” stated center Executive Director Rodney Tucker. “This evening is just one way the community can show their continued support of LGBTQ youth and celebrate Time Out’s contribution to the community.”

The evening will feature entertainment, speakers, silent auction, dancing, cocktails and food.

Tickets are $100 per person and are available online. Cocktails will be available along with alcohol-free options. One complimentary beverages will be provided to each guest. Additional spirits will be available for cash purchase. info: timeoutyouth.org.

Pride scholarship apps open

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Pride has announced that its annual Charlotte Pride Scholarship application season is now open for LGBTQ and ally high school seniors and college students from the Charlotte metro area.

Multiple recipients will be chosen for awards up to $2,500 in this year’s round of scholarships.

Applications can be completed online. The deadline is June 10, and recipients will be notified no later than June 30. Inaugural scholarship recipients from 2017 have also been given the opportunity to renew their scholarships.

The scholarship program marks a continued focus by the organization on intersectional and collaborative programs benefiting a wide range of Charlotte’s LGBTQ community, the organization shared in a release. It was created as the local community faced the aftermath of

Film fest hits milestone

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Reel Out Charlotte will be held from May 16-20 at Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave. In its 10th year, the festival kicks off with a celebratory reception on May 16 at 6 p.m. with special guest, transgender “Queen Sugar” actor Brian Michael. This event is free and open to the public. Those with weekend passes will receive a special invitation to a private VIP prereception at 5:30 p.m.

Then at 8 p.m., “Family Commitments” will lead off the film festival. This screening is presented in partnership with the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival.

On May 17, 6:30 p.m., join the community for a free short films showcase. Attendees will be able to vote on their favorite from those presented, with the winner being given the Best ShortAudience Pick designation. Registration is encouraged.

Later in the evening at 9 p.m., enjoy “The Feels,” presented in partnership with the Charlotte Film Society.

On May 18, 6 p.m., head out to the Camp North End Friday Night Series featuring food trucks, live bands and more. Stop by the festival’s outdoor lounge for drinks and peek into the Screening Room at selected times throughout the night as organizers show a variety of LGBTQ shorts, with some encores from Thursday’s Short Films Showcase. Screenings are free, with a suggested contribution of $5.

“Saturday Church” will be screened at 9 p.m. in Charlotte Black Gay Pride.

May 19 films are: “Trans Youth,” 11 a.m. (in partnership with PFLAG Charlotte); “Hello Again,” 2 p.m.; “God’s Own Country,” 5 p.m. (in partnership with Takeover Charlotte); and “Tom of Finland,” 9 p.m. (in partnership with The Charlotte Tradesmen, Uproarr and The Woodshed Bar).

Two side events on Saturday are a Takeover Charlotte reception, 7-9 p.m., at Camp North End and a “Tom of Finland” after party, 11 p.m., at The Woodshed, 4000 Queen City Dr. The Takeover Charlotte reception is being held along with Charlotte Pride. Enjoy drinks and music by DJ SPK. This event is free and open to the community.

The after party celebrates Tom of Finland and his iconic work. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best Tom of Finland-inspired leatherwear. Members of The Tradesmen will be there to chat more about their work in the community, including their annual philanthropic efforts for House of Mercy and other local organizations.

The festival ends on May 20 with “Beats Per Minute,” 1 p.m.; “Signature Move,” 4 p.m.; and “Southwest of Salem,” 6 p.m.

Visit the festival website for more film details and descriptions.

Tickets are $10/individual, $5/students, seniors and Charlotte Film Society members, $75/ weekend pass and $175/VIP combo and are available online. Individual tickets are also available at the door.

Weekend pass holders receive a pack of 10 tickets, free popcorn, invite to the VIP prereception and free entry to other film screenings throughout the year. VIP combo purchasers receive VIP perks, as well as early bird pricing for the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade VIP Experience. info: reelout.org.

anti-LGBTQ legislation and increased focus on the economic immobility plaguing the city’s most at-risk communities. It is one way it can aid in the future economic success of local youth and ease barriers to higher education, the organization added. Recent studies on economic mobility have shown that Charlotte ranks at the bottom of 50 metro areas. Access to higher education and career readiness has been identified as a key pathway to increasing

economic mobility and other opportunities for young individuals.

The Charlotte Pride Scholarship is open to LGBTQ and straight ally youth from the Charlotte metro area. Funds may be applied toward tuition, fees, on-campus housing or books at an accredited two- or four-year college. In order to be eligible, applicants should be a high school senior or current college student, have a significant, unmet financial need and should

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have a GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. More details on eligibility can be found online. info: charlottepride.org/scholarship.

Walk raises funds

BELMONT, N.C. — The Walk for AIDS was held on April 14 to benefit the House of Mercy and organizers reported that they were able to raise over $45,000.

Walkers traversed a three-mile route through downtown Belmont. A picnic reception followed featuring music by DJ Love. info: thehouseofmercy.org.

Eastern Trans inmate files suit

Jennifer Ann Jasmaine Photo Credit: North Carolina Department of Public Safety via The Charlotte Observer

POLKTON, N.C. — Jennifer Ann Jasmaine, a 40-year-old transgender witch inmate at the all-male Lanesboro Correctional Institution, has filed a handwritten, federal lawsuit against the prison over religious liberty.

Jasmaine asserted that Lanesboro is blocking the practice of her spiritual beliefs, rooted in witchcraft, The Charlotte Observer reported.

In 2015, she filed a suit on the same grounds against Maury Correctional Institute in Hookerton. At that time she was going by the name of Duane Fox. The Observer added that Jasmaine said the chaplains in charge of religious services at Lanesboro had violated her constitutional rights by restricting when, where and how she can practice Wicca, the modern-day religion based on ancient pagan beliefs. Christian and traditional Native American worshippers are given space to conduct their practices, she stated. However, she claims that she has been denied the food, clothing and religious items needed to hold outdoor services twice a week, as well as permission to light candles and a fire. Additionally, in order to be able to practice

a religion unrecognized by the prison system, inmates are required to fill out a religious assistance request form. The complaint states that she had done so, but had not received accommodations.

The prison also has refused to provide the foods Wiccans are supposed to eat, her lawsuit said.

Inmates are to be afforded “reasonable religious menu accommodations” with regard to religious dietary laws, according to state policy.

In this case, Jasmaine said that she was a vegan and had been denied that by prison officials. info: bit.ly/2r9NsKY.

Triad Chorus concert upcoming

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Triad Pride Performing Arts will hold its Spring concert, “Misbehavin’,” on May 12, 8 p.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, 410 N. Holden Rd. Additional dates are May 13, 4 p.m., at Western Alamance High School, 1731 N. North Carolina Hwy. 87, in Burlington, N.C. and May 19, 8 p.m., at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Watson Hall, 405 W. 4th St. Artistic Director William Southerland said, “Rules were made to be broken. Social expectations were meant to be defied. This spring, join the women’s and men’s choruses as we celebrate the ways in which LGBTQ people and our allies push the boundaries to create a world that accepts all people. From personal problems to political protest, experience through music the humor, joy, sadness, and beauty of people striving to live their best lives. We are going to be who we are, even if we’re Misbehavin’!”

Tickets are $20/general admission and $10/ seniors and students and are available online. info: triadprideperformingarts.org.

‘Ideal Home’ movie screened

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Out at the Movies Winston-Salem will screen “Ideal Home” on May 12, 7 p.m., at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St. The film, written and directed by Andrew Fleming, is a comedic look at family life.

It tells the story of two gay men, Erasmus and Paul (played by Steve Coogan and Paul Rudd), thrown unexpectedly into caring for Bill, Erasmus’ grandson. Erasmus has been estranged from his son, Beau, Bill’s unstable father for years. A custody battle ensues.

Tickets are $8/advance online and $9/in the lobby beginning at 6:15 p.m. Cash, checks and credit/debit cards are accepted for payment.

For more information or tickets by phone, call Rex Welton at 336-918-0902. info: outatthemovieswinstonston.org.

Trans seminar slated, grant apps open

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Guilford Green Foundation will present a seminar on transgender health services on May 22, 6 p.m., at the LGBTQIA Center of Greensboro, 1205 W. Bessemer Ave. Leading the event will be Tom Murray, Ph.D., L.M.F.T, L.P.C.S., A.S.S.E.C.T., who will bring topics ranging from hormone replacement therapy to the current standards of care in everyday medical treatment.

The event is free and open to the public.

Due to space limitations, an RSVP is requested by calling 336-790-8419 or via email to center@ ggfnc.org to secure a spot.

Additionally, the foundation is hosting a community scanning day on May 19 from 1-5 p.m. at the center for the “PRIDE! Of the Community: Documenting LGBTQ History in the Triad” project. This initiative is a large-scale documentation process to help ensure that the history of the community is kept for future generations.

All items that showcase or tell the story of life in the Triad are welcome. Contact the foundation for more details.

In other news, the foundation has opened up its 2018 grant application season. Funds are used by recipients to advance equality and inclusion for the LGBTQ community.

Application deadline is May 21. The board will approve the applications by June 11 and will award grants on June 29.

There is an estimated $30,000 available with an estimated range of awards from $5,000-$10,000.

Grantees are to use the funds for a one-year project period with the option to renew annually.

Eligible applicants must have 501(c)3 nonprofit status as described by the IRS and operate in Alamance, Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph and/or Rockingham counties. To be eligible for consideration, all prospective grant funded projects must have an LGBTQ component or serve the LGBTQ community.

Applicants must not have defaulted on a previously granted foundation project grant.

All applications must be complete and signed. The terms and conditions page and IRS Tax Exempt Letter 501(c)3 also must be attached. Email grant applications to jennifer. ruppe@ggfnc.org.

In related news, the foundation’s Green Party and Silent Auction held on March 24 brought in $86,000 that will be used to support the LGBTQIA Community Center of Greensboro and fund programs that advance equality and inclusion for the LGBTQ community.

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Additionally, Guilford bestowed its annual awards on community champions. Awards went to Kathie and Yosuke Yamamori, Visionary Award; Melissa Greer, Dawn S. Chaney Award; Leigh Anne Kincaid, Distinguished Service Award; and Shana Gordon-Cole, Distinguished Leadership Award. info: guilfordgreenfoundation.org.

Triangle Service org seeks volunteers

RALEIGH, N.C. — ReachOUT NC has just celebrated another anniversary serving the Triangle area and is searching for volunteers.

Registration is available online and once accepted, participants will receive a confirmation email, followed by notification from event leaders on details on the project. Special needs and requests related to specific events should be addressed via email to info@reachoutnc.org.

Upcoming projects are: May 19, 9 a.m., pack goods at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, Durham Branch; July 7, 8:30 a.m., work on a Habitat for Humanity home; and Aug. 4, sort clothes for families in need at Note in the Pocket. info: reachoutnc.org.

Western Prom solicits funds

HICKORY, N.C. — OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley is seeking contributions for its upcoming Pride Prom to be held on May 12 at A Place to Talk Church, 1546 Brookford Church Rd. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and lock-in instituted between 8:30-10:30 p.m. The prom ends at 11:30 p.m.

The event, a first for OUTright Youth, will use funds for decorations and food. Any remaining contributions will be given to The Trevor Project, along with proceeds from ticket sales.

The traditional, inter-school prom dance welcomes high school students of all ages, races and sexual orientations in an inclusive, judgment-free environment, the organization said. Only students in grades 9-12 may attend.

Sarah Deforest and Sophie Sauer, along with other students, have been serving as prom planners.

The event will have approximately 10-15 volunteer adult chaperones who have been pre-vetted.

Tickets are $15 at the door. info: outrightyouthcv.org.

Have news or other information? Send your press releases and updates for inclusion in our News Notes: editor@goqnotes.com.

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news notes: u.s./world Quick Hits from Across the Globe compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff Openly gay Log Republican Richard Grenell was confirmed as ambassador to Germany by the U.S. Senate. He is said to be the highestranking gay official ever in any Republican administration, the Inquisitr reported. info: bit.ly/2r81lsl.

Gay Tribal Elder Don Kilhefner has shared Clara Seebach’s “Being A Gay American: A Documentary” Vimeo link with his readers. The piece was created as a response to Donald Trump’s impact on LGBTQ individuals in the U.S. since he took office. info: bit.ly/2HA2xLR. Lambda Literary will hold their Lammys award event on June 4 honoring Edmund White and Roxane Gay. Kate Clinton will serve as host. info: lambdaliterary.org.

Some LGBTQ couples and individuals from around the world are traveling to Portland, Ore. to start their families. Fertility clinic Oregon Reproductive Medicine is one of the key facilities that is assisting those who wish to have children with logistical help in the form of donor eggs, sperm and or a gestational surrogate.

Oregon is helpful in establishing legal parenthood for LGBTQ parents, signifying the recognition of the new family unit by the courts. info: oregonreproductivemedicine.com/lgbtq.

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The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with its partners in the National Business Inclusion Consortium, has named the third annual Best-of-the-Best list of corporations in America committed to diversity and inclusion across all communities. Among those named are Carolinas-based Bank of America, Food Lion and GlaxoSmithKline. Bank of America returned for the third consecutive year as the evening’s presenting sponsor. info: nglcc.org.

Soulforce has opened its store offering limited edition Pride Boxes, posters, toolkits, support literature and more. Pre-orders will be shipped on May 10. info: soulforce-store.myshopify.com.

TLC’s new documentary series, “Lost in Transition,” will premiere on May 20 and chronicles the lives of four couples who are dealing with gender identity issues and adjusting to a new normal in their lives. info: tlc.com. discovery.com.

The redesigned and rebranded lesbian magazine Curve will now be published on a quarterly basis instead of monthly. info: presspassq.blogspot.com.

African-American and lesbian Dot Reid’s Refuge for Men barbershop offers a sanctu-

ary from a bad haircut chain near the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, GayRVA reported. The Richmond native has a degree in nursing, specializing in neurosurgery, and an associate’s in business management and marketing. Getting into the hair business was natural for her, as her mother was a fashion designer and seamstress and her grandmother was a florist. She learned how to shape eyebrows with a straight razor when she was eight from her mother and how to use shears from her grandmother. info: bit.ly/2HFSXr6.

NMAC has announced that HIV activist and writer Larry Kramer will speak at the United States Conference on AIDS on Sept. 7 in Orlando, Fla. info: nmac.org.

The Gentlemen’s Foundation has released its 2017 Annual Report. info: thegentlemensfoundation.org.

The LGBT Bar has announced its the 40 recipients of this year’s Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40 Awards. They will be recognized at the 30th Annual Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair being held from Aug. 8-10 in New York, N.Y. info: lgbtbar.org.

On April 24, HealthHIV and the National Coalition for LGBT Health awarded gun violence prevention activist and Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg with the inaugural “Syncing Health Advocate of Year” Award at the 5th Annual SYNChronicity National

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Conference on HIV, HCV, and LGBT Health in Arlington, Va. info: healthhiv.org/synchronicity.

A new report, “Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Business/Higher Education Perspectives,” by The Conference Board of Canada examines the status of gender equity, diversity and inclusion in Canadian higher education and business. info: conferenceboard.ca.

Reconciling United Methodist’s Southeastern Jurisdiction Organizer Helen Ryde spent the last half of April touring the South meeting the denomination’s members. info: rmnetwork.org.

Adam & Eve in Hillsborough, N.C. has released the results from its annual sex survey in which it asked over 1,000 adults how they felt about schools allowing gay and lesbian teachers. While 6 percent of the respondents (5 percent of the women and 8 percent of the men) admitted they were not sure how they felt, and 6 percent (4 percent of the women and 9 percent of the men) said they did not think gays and lesbians should be allowed to teach, an overwhelming 87 percent (91 percent of the women and 83 percent of the men) believe that gay and lesbian teachers should be allowed to teach in schools. “The purpose of Adam & Eve’s annual sex survey is to gauge changing sexual attitudes and values with American adults,” said Director of Marketing Chad Davis. info: adameve.com.

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life

REAL ESTATE

Charlotte ‘Gayborhoods’: Growth. Challenge. Change?

Charlotte’s explosive growth means continued transformation in Plaza Midwood, NoDA

by Matt Comer :: qnotes staff writer

S

it at Common Market in Plaza Midwood long enough on a weekend evening and it will inevitably happen. A red, open-aired bus will eventually drive by — a comedic tour guide blasting jokes through the onboard microphone as it drives toward the iconic neighborhood bar, deli and convenience store rolled into one.

Regular patrons at Common Market seem to have little, if any, patience for the Funny Bus. Middle fingers go up. Profanities and slurs are launched.

“F— you,” some will exclaim. “This isn’t your neighborhood,” others scream out.

For some, it’s merely a running joke — a playful back-and-forth between the Funny Bus comedian, his audience and a neighborhood crowd not entirely unaccustomed to a little offcolor humor and some obscenities.

But, for others, the bus drives down Commonwealth Ave. as a blatant and physical reminder of all the dramatic change that’s come to the neighborhood. You get the feeling, one Common Market patron once told me, that the “yuppie” comedy bus crowd is taking a tour through the zoo, condescendingly pointing and laughing at the very people and places that made the neighborhood the cool, hip place where everyone now wants to be.

Change can sting, but, of course, is inevitable. It happens every day, in every city, in every community around the globe. For Charlotte, much of this change has been the city’s rapid growth since the 1990s. Our most recent and newest building and business boom post-Great Recession is making waves and transforming the city in unique and interesting ways.

Citywide, nearly 20,000 apartment units have been constructed over the past couple years. Estimates vary, but at least another 10,000 or so more are planned for completion through next year.

The numbers aren’t surprising given the eye-popping rate of Charlotte’s recent growth.

Planning officials had once proudly touted that 44 people moved to Charlotte each day. But city planning officials recently made a splash when they adjusted that number. Now, they say, upwards of 60 new people are calling Charlotte home each day.

The new stats reflect other figures — more than 25,000 jobs and nearly 20,000 new residents were added in the city last year alone.

Factor in an increasing interest, particularly among millennials, to relocate to the Queen City — studies in both 2016 and 2017 rank Charlotte as a top destination for the generation — and you can begin to wrap your head around the explosion in growth.

Perhaps nowhere has this recent spate of growth been felt as powerfully than in Plaza Midwood, NoDa and other nearby neighborhoods on the eastern and northern rims of Charlotte’s Center City. The kind of growth South End experienced with the opening of the light rail a decade ago is now venturing eastward and northward, as the Blue Line’s extension attracts new development. Just last August, some 1,500 apartment units were under

construction in these neighborhoods, with another nearly 2,000 planned. Thousands more are planned along the northern Blue Line, stretching through nearby Optimist Park, NoDa and into University City.

It’s as if, nearly overnight, the population in popular, funky ‘hoods like Plaza Midwood seemed to double.

The quick changes have come as both a shock and delight to longtime Plaza Midwood and NoDa residents, depending on whom you ask.

Ann Hooper, who has called Midwood home for 20 years, remembers a much different neighborhood when she moved there in the late 1990s.

“It was a quieter neighborhood,” she says. “There were not many places to eat or go out. We found ourselves going to Lupie’s or Portofino’s down on Eastway, although we had the Dairy Queen — we’ve always had that.”

Hooper says she loves the growth in places like Plaza Midwood’s central business district.

“I think it’s fantastic that on a weekend night you can walk around and go from place to place to eat and see your neighbors,” she says.

“It’s a wonderful thing that we didn’t quite have so much of before.”

A history of change The recent wave of changes in Plaza Midwood isn’t the first time the neighborhood and other close-by ‘hoods have undergone significant transformation.

Born during the era of the streetcar suburb in the early 20th century, Midwood first attracted the “country club” crowd — literally. Charlotte Country Club opened in 1910.

Mansions and grand houses for some of the city’s elite followed. More modest, middle-class bungalows would dot different portions of the large neighborhood in the decades to come.

Midwood faced a decline by the 1950s and 1960s, as mostly white middle-class families fled the city to further-out suburbs. As longtime residents moved out, so did many businesses.

The popular Plaza neighborhood movie house became a porn theater. A strip club opened, the city’s first. By the 1980s, several adult establishments, including the gay-owned Joy Adult Bookstore, later renamed Independence News, found a home in the neighborhood.

As the upper- and middle-class whites moved out, space was made for lower income young people, LGBTQ people, people of color, artists, families and others. By the 1990s, Plaza Midwood had earned its reputation as a diverse and artistic gay-friendly oasis in this conservative and bland southern banking city.

Plaza Midwood’s BOOM Festival attracts funky, indie and queer artists to the neighborhood each year.

At their festival this April, organizers displayed a memorial by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Architecture students to the 49 people killed in the 2016 Pulse Orlando attack.

Photo Credit: Matt Comer

Similar changes made NoDa an attractive neighborhood for artists and the LGBTQ community as well.

That reputation is partly what first attracted Hooper when she moved to Midwood.

“I had a lot of friends who lived in Midwood, and actually it was sort of known as the gay and lesbian neighborhood at that time,” she says.

Central Station, a long-running gay dive operated by The Woodshed’s Greg Brafford, opened up in the late 1990s, joining NoDa’s Chasers which had opened in 1991.

More LGBTQ-owned or friendly businesses and hotspots would follow after the turn of the millennium.

Charlotte’s Lesbian and Gay Community Center opened on Central Ave. in 2003. The city’s LGBTQ bookstore, White Rabbit, relocated right next door.

Dish also opened its doors in 2002, the same year Common Market was born. Later, Petra’s would open as an LGBTQ club and piano bar.

The funky neighborhood vibe could also be felt in the creation of special events and regular parties like DJ Scott Weaver’s Shiprocked! The LGBTQ-themed party took over Snug Harbor every week for a decade beginning in 2007.

Census numbers slowly began to reflect the growing gay-popularity of not just Plaza

Midwood, but other close-by neighborhoods as well. The 28205 ZIP code still ranks at the top with the highest number of same-sex couples than any other ZIP code across the state.

Moving into the future The same history of change that slowly made Plaza Midwood, NoDa and other locales the cool, hip and queer-friendly neighborhoods we’ve come to enjoy has flexed its transformative muscle again.

And it has come fast, resulting in the loss of several gayborhood staples.

Just five years after opening, the Lesbian and Gay Community Center, along with White Rabbit, were practically forced out of their space.

The culprit? Rising rents. Gentrification was beginning to take hold. The same space where one-time community town halls and support group meetings were held and where you could walk next door and pick up an LGBTQ magazine, book or movie now holds an interior decorating store and popular barbecue restaurant.

White Rabbit eventually landed on its feet again, a stone’s throw down Central Ave. But after two different moves, first to Uptown, then to NoDa, the community center is now closed.

Central Station is closed now, too. The bar had long retained its gay-centric focus,

see Change on 8 May 4-17 . 2018

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Change continued from page 7 but slowly increased its straight clientele.

Changing ownership several times, the bar ultimately made a complete switch just a few months ago. The new Skylark Social Club’s focus will be on music, providing a much-needed refuge in a city that’s also lost many of its indie concert venues. The owners, like nearly every other business in the neighborhood, say their LGBTQ neighbors will still find a safe space for fun and relaxation inside the new bar.

L4 Lounge, an experiment to offer a women-focused LGBTQ nightlife joint near Plaza Midwood, had a good, short run, but, it, like Central Station, has closed.

While change has meant the closure of some businesses and institutions, others have faced new transformations head-on, turning challenge into opportunity.

Petra’s, rather than fighting the increasingly popular, diverse and eccentric trend in Plaza

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Midwood, has leaned into it. It survives now as an LGBTQ-friendly and diverse show bar and small concert venue, though one would be hard-pressed to call it a “gay bar” these days.

Transformation has also come to Chasers, though in a different way. It first battled against new city zoning ordinances tightening up on the requirements for adult establishments.

The bar ultimately lost their case, after taking it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court which declined to hear its appeal. But the bar has survived, shifting its focus from adult entertainment to drag — an increasingly popular entertainment choice even among straight crowds.

All around Chasers, new retail spots are going up and a massive apartment complex opened a few years ago at the corner of 36th and N. Davidson St. With the opening of the Blue Line extension, thousands more apartments are planned for NoDa and its nearby

neighborhoods. Immediately, the effects are as clear in NoDa as they were in South End a decade ago. Lower-income housing is being sold, leaving young working singles, artists and low-income families high and dry. Just last year, a small, affordable apartment complex right next to Chasers was bought up to make room for new condos.

Shared space The desire for a true “gayborhood” is a strong one for many. I know I’ve often felt the pull myself.

But the reality is that Charlotte probably missed its opportunity to amass a gayborhood akin to San Francisco’s Castro, Atlanta’s Midtown or D.C.’s Dupont Circle decades ago.

The likeliest choice then would have been what we now call South End — with its several nearby gay establishments, including O’Leen’s,

what is now the Bar at 316, and the long-shuttered gay bathhouse.

The dramatic changes in Plaza Midwood, NoDa and similar neighborhoods might feel all doom and gloom to some. Change can be scary, for sure, but the result is likely to be less a disappearance of a queer place, and more like a new sense of shared space.

With the new in-fill housing and thousands of new residents, amongst the yuppies and young families with baby strollers, you’re still just as likely to find same-sex couples hand-in-hand walking through the neighborhood. It’s possible the LGBTQ population — or at least those visiting on weekend nights — has increased.

Artsy and funky activities, nightlife spots and parties still occur. The BOOM Festival brings queer-inclusive, funky art to the ‘hood each year. DJ Scott Weaver has announced a new bimonthly event at Snug Harbor featuring queer hip hop, vogue, trap and bounce artists.

Petra’s continues its ever-popular drag trivia, a tradition begun back when the club was in its definitive “gay bar” days. Hottie’s, an LGBTQowned bar and music venue, has opened up between Plaza Midwood and NoDa. Among some of Plaza Midwood’s newest large-scale murals stands the iconic drag legend Brandy Alexander, a joint project of John Kennedy, Nick Napoletano, and BOOM Festival organizer Manoj Kesavan.

Ryan Pitkin, news editor at Creative Loafing, has covered the arts, entertainment and housing trends in Charlotte’s funkiest neighborhoods for several years. He says the new development in Plaza Midwood and NoDa can be a mixed bag of good and bad news.

“It certainly allows for more people to come here,” Pitkin, a NoDa resident since 2010, says. The more housing you have, the more people who can call the neighborhoods home, he explains. But it comes at a cost.

“With the rising rents, it changes in terms of the types of crowd who can live here. It’s not so much the struggling artists anymore. It’s people with their banking or other jobs living in the new condos.”

Pitkin holds out hope, especially, for Plaza Midwood. He says it has seemed to hold true to its old artsy flare and culture for longer, with hotspots like Petra’s, Snug Harbor and Common Market keeping things fresh and real. While it’s certainly become more straight, Plaza Midwood hasn’t necessarily become less inclusive, he says.

For NoDa, quickly becoming more affluent, more heteronormative Pitkin fears it might be too late. There are exceptions — NoDa Company Store and the Evening Muse, among others — but NoDa seems to be “turning more vanilla and more like South End all the time,” he says, laying the blame on the light rail extension and its turn over the past decade from less of an arts district to more of a bar district.

Pitkin’s biggest fear — similar to any diehard neighborhood advocate you talk to — is the effect new development has on those most affected by gentrification and rising living costs.

“As [the neighborhoods] expand, I just hope people pay attention to how well affordable housing worked down the street here in the northern end of NoDa,” he says. “We need to give people more of those opportunities so as not to turn us into an entirely rich or aboveaverage income neighborhood.” : :

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life

Real Estate Trends

Dorothy’s got it right — there really is ‘no place’ like a perfect home Three key areas for heel-clicking consideration when buying and selling a home

by Jeffrey Hammerberg :: guest contributor

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t’s springtime, finally! And, what better time to find a new home to enjoy the warmer weather. It can also be a cozy spot to cuddle up in the cooler months as well.

But before beginning your search, there are three points of consideration to deal with first: finding the right real estate agent; if your the seller, making sure that your place is well-maintained and desirable; and if you are the buyer, doing your due diligence when it comes to selecting the best place for your lifestyle.

Real estate agent selection matters Buying or selling a home can be a long and difficult process.

Sometimes there’s a snag in your financing or the entire sale falls through due to some minor detail. Dealing with lenders, inspections and all the paperwork involved in the purchase of a home can also be confusing, especially for those who have never bought a house before.

During the entire process, though, you should always have an ally by your side. Your real estate agent is someone who will guide you through the process, answering every question you have and assisting you with every task that must be done before you’re a new homeowner. Working with your agent should help to alleviate stress, but if you’re working with someone you’re not comfortable with, it can actually increase the amount of stress you’re dealing with.

Working with a real estate agent who seems to intuitively understand what you need makes the entire buying process much, much easier. Sometimes the process is made easier just by them displaying common sense. For example, if you have several children, seeing homes that only have one bathroom or only two bedrooms may be a waste of your time. Good agents will highlight homes that have good-sized backyards for kids to play in or that offer plenty of space for families to grow. Any agent can take

your list of needs and match it with some houses, but not all of those properties are going to be right for you. A great agent is able to tell from your personality which ones will work.

You also need to find an agent that knows the type of house you’re looking for. For example, there are some real estate agents who specialize in older homes. If you want to purchase a house in a historic neighborhood, you may want to seek out one of these experts. They have often spent time researching the history of the area. They can give you information about what particular regulations apply to owning a home in a neighborhood that has been declared historic.

Many of these agents even live in older homes themselves.

If you’re looking to live in a specific neighborhood, you also want to have an agent who understands that neighborhood’s particulars. One way to determine if your agent does, is to drive the neighborhood looking for real estate agent signs. If you see several with the same name on it, chances are that the agent does a lot of business in the area. They’re likely to know more about it than an agent who doesn’t have a single house for sale in the neighborhood. For example, these knowledgeable agents will often be able to tell you where the local schools are, what traffic is like and answer any other questions you might have.

If you’re selling your home, having a great agent is just as important. You want an agent you know is going to go the extra mile to sell your home. Your agent should be willing to be honest with you about the state of your house. You want someone who will look at all of the small issues with your home and tell you exactly how they will impact its selling price. You need someone who is going to tell you honestly when he or she thinks your listing price is wrong.

You also want to work with an agent who has a great eye for detail and creativity. He or she can point out places where your home could be improved or staged differently in order to bring in more interested buyers. He or she should point out spaces that

Photo Credit: WavebreakMediaMicro via Adobe Stock

are too dark or look too crowded and work with you to determine how to best present those areas.

If you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, working with a real estate agent who identifies as gay or lesbian can help put you at ease. These real estate agents understand the specific needs of the LGBTQ community and can help you find a home that meets those needs. Finding one of these real estate agents to work with is very easy due to GayRealEstate.com. It features a list of LGBTQ real estate agents across the country, so you can find a professional no matter where you live or want to move.

Working with a great real estate agent makes buying or selling your home a much easier process and, in some cases, can even make it a fun process. On the other hand, working with someone who seems disinterested in your needs or who simply doesn’t understand what you want can make everything much worse.

Selling a home requires making it desirable

Photo Credit: olgasun via Adobe Stock

Do maintenance first Before considering expanding or remodeling, make sure your home is solidly built. Take care of any leaks or other issues before you do anything else. Buyers aren’t going to be impressed by your in-ground pool if the roof has a leak or your floorboards are loose. Paint and replace anything broken before you start putting money into other things. Redo the floors if you have stains on the carpet, cracked tiles or old linoleum that’s looking pretty dingy.

on the go simply don’t have time to relax in the tub, so they’re looking for a good-sized shower they can hop into and out of fairly quickly.

However, before you do a bathroom remodel, consider adding another bathroom if your home only has one. While single buyers won’t mind, married couples and families will often state a lack of second bathroom as a deal-breaker. Older houses, in particular, tend to have only one bathroom, so adding a second definitely needs to take priority there.

Bathroom and kitchen remodels Two of the areas where remodels can really impress potential buyers are the bathroom and the kitchen. People spend more time in these two areas than they might think, and you can often recoup upwards of twice what you put into remodels. Upgrading your kitchen with stone or granite countertops can add a touch of class to the space. The same goes with putting in cabinets that are entirely made of wood or using wood or stone floors instead of laminate. Anything that appears traditional is often quite popular.

In the bathroom, walk-in showers are currently more popular than large bathtubs. Those

More space Increasing the square footage of your home is another way of increasing your selling price.

Sunrooms, finished basements and even a new garden shed can help attract buyers. The basic rule of thumb is that for every 1,000 extra square feet of space you add, you can increase your selling price by around 30 percent. Adding a bathroom, as mentioned, needs to be the first addition you consider. Other great options include sunrooms, family rooms and safe rooms.

If you live in an area with frequent tornadoes, a safe room can greatly boost your asking price. On the other hand, if you live in a warmer climate that has fairly mild weather, a sunroom may be the better option.

Popcorn ceilings Many older homes have popcorn ceilings, but very few people actually like them. This type of ugly ceiling can also hide asbestos if it was installed prior to the late 1970s, and that can be a problem. You’ll want to have the ceiling tested by a professional before you list the home to make sure that’s not an issue. If it is, hope that the ceiling is in fairly good shape. If it is, that means the solution is to simply seal in the asbestos using spray paint. If it’s not, the entire popcorn ceiling treatment will have to come down, and that can be quite costly. Even if there’s no asbestos, removing popcorn ceilings isn’t easy or cheap.

Complete carpeting throughout the home Today, people want hardwood floors, even if they’re fake hardwood. Some families, especially those with young children, are likely to look at a home with wall-to-wall carpet and start thinking about the mess the kids will make. If you have carpet throughout, consider replacing it in a few rooms such as the kitchen, the dining room, and the entryway. If that’s not an option, be sure to have all of the carpet professionally cleaned.

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Perfect Home continued from page 9 Acrylic faucet knobs Many older faucets have acrylic knobs that appear to be large, see-through pieces of glass or crystal. They’re definitely a sign of an outdated bathroom or kitchen for several reasons. First, they tend to look cheap. Second, they’re difficult for the elderly and young children to use. They’re also difficult for some with disabilities, which means a home with this type of faucet doesn’t mean the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. You can replace these faucets with easy-to-use levers for a fairly small amount of money.

Vanity strip lighting If your bathroom has a strip of bare light bulbs over the vanity, it’s a good sign that the home was built or at least remodeled during the 1970s. This style of lighting was very popular in those days, but today, it’s definitely not. Replace this old light fixture with a nice fixture that includes bulb shades. You could even put in wall sconces on each side of the mirror as long as the style matches the rest of the bathroom.

Bright or unusual shades of color You might love hot pink so much that you painted your master bedroom that color, but chances are, most potential buyers won’t share your tastes. If you’ve painted your home bright colors that reflect your personality, you might want to consider repainting before you sell. Many real estate agents recommend going with a warm but neutral color. Fortunately, painting your home is a fairly easy and inexpensive change you can make to help potential buyers see themselves living there.

The exterior While making the interior of your home look amazing is one thing, it’s a waste of money if no one ever sees it. You want to make certain that the exterior of your home looks great, which is why many real estate agents recommend investing in some repairs

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and updates. Replacing the siding on your home is one of the best investments you can make, as is doing some simple landscaping.

Putting in a new fence can also be a great way of adding some value to your home, especially if your current fence is sagging.

Fix horrible landscaping Does your home look like it’s decorated for Halloween all year round? If so, it likely has zero curb appeal. If your exterior doesn’t look inviting, potential buyers may never see its amazing interior.

Make sure the lawn is nicely mowed, the flower beds look good, and there aren’t any dead branches or other dead plants around.

You can even add a few pots of annuals here and there for a little extra color if none of your current flowers are blooming. This is probably one of the easiest fixes you can do since simple landscaping doesn’t cost too much and you can do much of it yourself.

Let a stager work their magic A professional stager is an expert in bringing out the best a room has to offer. Their mission is to make every room in your home look inviting, light, airy and beautiful. They do many things that an interior decorator would do. In fact, some staging professionals also offer interior decorating services to clients who aren’t moving. However, there are a few differences between staging a home and decorating one.

Is using a stager that important?

Professional staging is a relatively new industry. Real estate agents used to do all of the staging themselves if their clients were still living in the house while it was on the market. However, agents aren’t professional decorators, and many simply didn’t have the time it often takes to professionally stage an entire house. Some people didn’t see the point of staging, either.

However, in the last 15 to 20 years, staging has become recognized as a crucial factor in selling your home. The Real Estate

Staging Association was even created to certify professional stagers and create a set of industry standards. According to a number of surveys done by the association and by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes sell on average 43 percent faster than homes that aren’t staged. That alone is a great reason to use a stager.

It’s not the only reason, though. Those who have their home staged often get their full asking price, and some even make over that price. In most cases, all you have to do is to invest about 1 percent of your asking price in staging to see results. Because of this, more than a third of all real estate agents now stage every home they list, according to a 2015 NAR survey.

Staging in the world of online listings The internet is partially responsible for the creation of the staging industry. Today, nearly every home that’s listed with a real estate agent appears online in the Multiple Listings Service (MLS) system, on the agent’s website and on other sites. Many potential buyers browse these listings before they even approach an agent so they know exactly what properties they want to see. Between work, hobbies, their children and other demands on their time, buyers simply can’t look at dozens of properties like they used to. Instead, most do their research ahead of time, before, they find a real estate agent This means your home’s online listing has to really shine. It’s now doing the bulk of the advertising for your home. If the photos posted online are of messy rooms with poor lighting taken from awkward angles, you’re not going to see many interested buyers. For many, these photos provide the first impression of your property. They have to be outstanding.

That’s where the stager comes in. They will transform each room in your home into an organized, perfectly arranged space

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Perfect Home continued from page 10 that potential buyers can see themselves in.

Often, your stager will remove a lot of your personal effects to help make the room more of a blank slate. This is one way in which staging differs from interior decorating. With the latter, you’re trying to add more of your personality to the room. With the former, you want to remove some of your personal touches.

Finding a professional stager Many real estate agents have formed professional relationships with a local professional stager. Usually, these stagers are familiar with the type of homes that the agent sells. For example, those who specialize in historic homes will work with a stager who knows how to make older homes look gorgeous. For those who iden-

tify as LGBTQ, a gay or lesbian agent will likely work with a stager who is also part of the LGBTQ community. If you’re interested in working with an LGBTQ real estate agent in your area, you can find a professional through GayRealEstate.com, a website specializing in LGBTQ real estate.

Take advantage of staging While staging may add another small upfront cost, it’s something that more and more professionals are seeing as a necessity. The numbers clearly show that staging does have an impact on how quickly your home sells and the final price. If you plan on selling your home, consider bringing in a stager. You may be surprised at how they transform your property and at how quickly you get offers.

Selecting the home of your dreams

Photo Credit: inga via Adobe Stock

Finding the right property to buy can take a lot of effort. In fact, it can be a little overwhelming when you’ve got an entire city of homes to choose from. That’s why it can be very helpful to narrow down your search area. The reason this helps so much is that it can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. It also helps your real estate agent because he or she can more easily focus on finding homes that perfectly meet all of your needs without going through a huge list of potential properties.

Price range The first thing you can use to narrow down your home search is price range. Most cities have neighborhoods that are more expensive than others. You may find that your budget rules out parts of the city without anything else factoring into the decision. This is especially true for many downtown areas or new neighborhoods with large homes.

Are school zones important?

For parents, another major factor concerns school zones. Many parents have researched schools in the area they’re moving to and have picked a few that stand out from the others.

They will want to find a home within these school zones so they don’t have to question the quality of their child’s education. There may also be several school zones parents want to avoid for whatever reason.

Type or style The types of homes you’re looking for may also help you narrow down the part of the city you live in. Some neighborhoods may not have any condos, for example, while downtown areas may have only condos and no singlefamily homes. Some houses may have goodsized yards, which is certainly going to be an attraction for those with families or pets. Other

neighborhoods may feature houses with very small yards, which might be more attractive to those who don’t enjoy yard work.

Style can also help you decide on where to live, although it’s often not the deciding factor.

Some neighborhoods feature homes that look very similar. If you like that style, you may want to see a number of houses in that area. If you don’t, you may be able to cross off the entire neighborhood just by looking at one property.

Commute time Driving distance may also play a factor in where you want to live. You may want to have a fairly short commute or at least be able to avoid majorly congested routes on your drive to work. If you drive your children to school every day, that commute will also factor into your housing decision. You may even want to think about the drive to the grocery store or to any other places you frequently visit.

In fact, some people decide which neighborhood they want to live in based on the amenities nearby.

Understand the costs Buying a home isn’t as simple as paying the asking price. In fact, there are many other costs, and you need to be prepared for that.

These costs may include mortgage insurance, homeowner’s insurance, title insurance and a number of other things you might have to pay for. Sometimes, the seller pays some of these costs. Other times, they’re all on you. It depends on the deal you and the seller agree to. You can talk to your real estate agent about what costs you might have on top of the price for the property itself.

Check builder credentials Buying a brand new house can be exciting — you often get to be involved in the construction, selecting flooring, colors and more.

However, you do want to research the builder and make certain that they’re known for building high-quality homes. Some cut corners in order to meet deadlines or come in under budget.

The last thing you want is to purchase a brand new home and then have to make major repairs within a year or two.

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May is Lupus Awareness Month

By Gina Burchett, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate Are you Lupus aware?

It is estimated that only 27% of Americans aged 1834 know about or have heard of Lupus. The incidence of Lupus is most common in this age group and awareness is important for recognizing the signs and symptoms, understanding the condition, and obtaining medical attention if you suspect Lupus.

So what is Lupus?

Lupus is a disease that can happen when the immune system starts making mistakes.

Your immune system is your body’s natural defense against bacteria, viruses, and other germs. In Lupus, your immune systems interprets your normal tissues, such as your skin or your organs like your heart or kidneys, as bad, like a virus. Your body then begins to attack itself and can cause inflammation, pain, and damage.

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What are signs of Lupus?

People with Lupus can experience many different symptoms, depending on what parts of the body are being targeted. The skin can develop a butterfly-shaped rash on nose and cheeks, and sunlight sensitivity.

Some people can have headaches, fevers, feel very tired, develop mouth or nose ulcers, and have painful or swollen joints. Other symptoms include swollen feet, legs, and hands, abnormal blood clotting, and have chest pain when breathing deeply. Lupus has many different signs and is often confused with other health issues, making this disease difficult to diagnose.

Who does Lupus affect?

The most commonly affected people tend to be between 15-44 years old and more likely women than men. Among women, Lupus is 2-3 times more common in women of color.

However, Lupus can happen to any person no matter what age, race, or sex. Genetics also plays a role; therefore, people with family members affected have a higher chance of developing Lupus too. Lupus is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Can you die from Lupus?

With proper treatment, 80-90% of people with Lupus can live normal lifespans, depending on the severity or complications of the disease. There is no cure for Lupus currently, but there are medications available to help prevent damage from your immune system.

What are common treatment options?

There are several medications available to help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, but finding the right treatment may take some trial and error. Common medications include steroids such as prednisone and hydrocortisone, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and naproxen, blood thinners, and immunosuppressive medications such as chemotherapy drugs.

Medication options will depend on the severity and symptoms of Lupus a person is experiencing and how or where the disease is affecting the body. The most common treatment goals are to suppress the overactive immune system and decrease inflammation and pain.

Want more information?

Lupus.org has many sources to learn more information, obtain support, or become involved in Lupus Awareness. Charlotte, North Carolina has a local Lupus Foundation of America chapter and Walk To End Lupus Now will be held on May 5, 2018!

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life

Perfect Home continued from page 11 Explore the neighborhood Many homebuyers forget that they’re buying more than just the property; they’re also buying the location. Spend a little time getting to know the neighborhood. You can find crime reports, school assessments, and even neighborhood demographics online. This information can help you determine where you want to live and what areas you’d like to steer clear of.

Drive around and see what’s in a 10 or 15 minute drive. You may not think that it’s important to have a gas station or grocery store nearby, but later on you might regret that decision. Also, be sure to visit the area during the day and the night. Drive around with your window down at night and listen. Do you hear dogs barking, loud music or anything else? See what the neighborhood is like on a weekday and on the weekend. You don’t want to move into a great home only to find that you’re on a very busy or loud street.

Don’t buy the first house you see As with any major purchase, always shop around a bit. While the first home may seem perfect, remember that very few homebuyers find a house that truly checks every box on their wish list. Make sure each home you’re seriously considering meets your needs. It’s easy to get wowed by an impressive view or a remodeled kitchen, but you need to make sure you look past these things.

On the other hand, aesthetics do matter.

You don’t want to buy a house that you don’t find particularly attractive. Yes, it’s easy to paint a few rooms or swap out a light fixture here and there, but major remodels can quickly add up. If you hate several rooms in the house, it may be best to continue your search instead of deciding to remodel later. At best, you’ll end up spending a lot more money to get the home you want. At worst, you’ll never remodel, and you’ll end up spending years in a home you hate.

Take your time Unless you’re facing a strict deadline to leave your current residence, take your time with your housing search. There’s no need to rush or to settle for a home that doesn’t meet your needs. Take your time, work with your agent, and trust your intuition. The only time you should not take your time is if you live in a part of the country facing a shortage of homes for sale. In this case, once you find the perfect home, be aggressive in making your offer and in what terms you put in your offer.

That way, you don’t lose your dream home to someone else.

Where do you get your mortgage from?

The first step in securing your first mortgage is to know what your options are. Many people head straight to their bank for financing, but that might not be your best option.

There are a number of different programs for first-time homebuyers, including special loans through the Federal Housing Administration and for military members and veterans. If you qualify for any of these programs, you may be able to get a reduced interest rate, make a very low down-payment or otherwise save money.

If you don’t qualify for one of these programs, do your research before you select a lender. Ask your friends and relatives who have purchased homes where they received

their mortgage. Some may have used a bank or credit union, while others might have gone through a mortgage broker. Typically, the best route to finding a great lender is asking the real estate agent who is helping you purchase the house. They have a wide network of contacts that they can suggest who can help you get the right type of loan for your situation. Gather as much information about these and other options before you make a selection.

Consider the market Is it a buyer’s market or seller’s market? If interest rates have been steadily declining or holding steady at a low rate, it may be a great time to buy. If they’re not, you want to be sure the rate you’re quoted can be locked in. You may also be able to pay points to reduce your interest rate. This means you pay the lender a certain amount at closing in order to get a lower interest rate. Generally, a point is equal to one percent of the total mortgage amount, so paying these points can be expensive if you’re borrowing a good amount of money. If rates are fairly low already, you may not need to worry about this.

Do the math Before you go in to meet with a lender to find out how much you can borrow, you’ll want to take a look at your finances and decide what you can reasonably afford. Some lenders may say you’re qualified for a larger mortgage than you can actually afford, although that’s much rarer today than it once was. Still, you want to know your budget. If your mortgage payment is going to put you in financial stress every month, you may want to reconsider. Also take into account that your mortgage may include your property taxes, homeowners insurance and some other costs. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to set aside money to pay these yourself.

What about a down-payment?

It may be possible to secure a mortgage without a down-payment, but that’s not always the case. Making a down-payment does reduce the amount you have to borrow, but it also means having a good amount of money upfront.

Usually, down-payments are 20 percent of the property’s cost, but you may be able to find lenders willing to accept less.

Be prepared It won’t do much good if you go to your lender without all of the information the lender needs to determine if you qualify for a mortgage. You might want to call ahead and ask what you need to bring so you’re prepared.

Generally, you’ll need pay stubs, your most recent tax return and other financial information.

Are you ready to buy or sell?

If you’ve put some money into your property and are ready to sell it, or you are at the starting line in finding a new home, then it’s time to seek out a great real estate agent. If you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, you may find that you’re more comfortable working with a gay or lesbian agent. These experts often have more insight into your particular needs and can help you find a great home. And for those who are on the seller side, a real estate agent who is gay or lesbian can make selling your home more comfotable. You can find one of these agents on GayRealEstate.com. : :

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spiritual reflections

by Rev. Vance Haywood :: guest contributor

Mansions for a Song & Prayer: Newly built gated community, completely furnished, fully staffed — LGBTQQAA etc. welcome

A

s a duly authorized agent for the New Jerusalem Kingdom of Heaven development currently under construction, I would like to dispel a couple of the myths that many of my predecessors and some of my contemporaries have told, often for the purpose of earning higher commissions for themselves.

But first allow me to offer my sincerest apologies to you and ask your forgiveness for the misaligned behavior and words of those other agents. As my Broker-In-Charge, Jesus, said to the community’s Developer, God, “… forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34.

One of the senior agents, Paul, did try to make the public aware of this misleading representation in his notice dated 62 A.D. I suspect it was part of making amends for his own bad behavior as documented in Acts chapters 9, 22 and 26. After Paul admitted his own misguided approach in his public letter, he writes: “14Then we will no longer be like children, tossed around here and there upon ocean waves, picked up by every gust of religious teaching spoken by liars or swindlers or deceivers. 15 Instead, by truth spoken in love, we are to grow in every way into Him — the Anointed One, the head.

Ephesians 4:14-15 (The Voice) Myth 1 – The Red-Light District of the SouthSide Slums (aka Hell) Is the Only Option for Those Who Are Sexually Expressive After careful review of the list of registered New Jerusalem residents in the Book of Life (Rev. 21:27), I have identified several individuals with documented examples of sexual expression well outside “religiously approved” parameters for proper behavior. Since the Developer personally reviews and verifies every applicant, it is safe to assume that the religious teachers of the day communicated restrictive covenants that are not a requirement for entry. To name just a few of the more famous sexually active residents: • Abraham married his half-sister Sarah (Gen. 20:12) and, while still actively trying to conceive with his wife, fathered a child with Sarah’s maidservant Hagar (Gen. 16:4).

• Jacob enjoyed one of the early “free love” eras, fathering the Twelve Tribes of Israel with four different women: his two wives, Leah and Rachel, as well as their handmaidens, Bilhah and Zilpah (Gen. 35:23-26).

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• King David had a battlefield romance with Jonathan over several years (1 Sam. Chapters 18 - 23) and an adulterous affair with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11).

In fact, Paul wrote about the enjoying all facets of human sexuality in a public notice, dated 53 A.D. It is clear that he recognizes the importance of an active sex life in maintaining healthy committed relationships: “4 Neither the husband nor the wife have exclusive rights to their own bodies, but those rights are to be surrendered to the other. 5 So don’t continue to refuse your spouse those rights, except perhaps by mutual agreement for a specified time so that you can both be devoted to prayer.

And then you should resume your physical pleasure so that the Adversary cannot take advantage of you because of the desires of your body. 6 I’m not giving you a divine command, but my godly advice.”

1 Corinthians 7:4-6 (The Passion Translation) And then there is the Song of Songs. A romance novel for sure. Possibly even early pornography. I will let you decide. Clearly, though, it is a celebration of the passions experienced between two lovers.

Myth 2 — The Gay Card Is Not Accepted Here I have already referenced the four-year love affair between Jonathan and David, ending only due to the untimely passing of Jonathan. Then there is the relationship between Ruth and Naomi in the Book of Ruth.

Although there is no explicit reference to physical intimacy, there is clearly an emotional bond that goes far beyond cultural norms of the day.

More importantly, let’s look at what BIC Jesus had to say. By all accounts Jesus, in his day, was literate, well-educated and a great orator. He was fluent in Hebrew and Aramaic.

Based on the accounts of his encounters with Romans, he was more than likely well-versed in Latin and possibly even Greek. All of these were well-developed languages that did not lack the ability to name or describe complex ideas and subtle differences. Yet, Jesus never directly spoke about same-gender acts or any other sexual behaviors. He did, however, reinforce the Ten Commandments about adultery and coveting (being lustful) during His marathon “TED Talk” called the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:27-32).

Now, there is an interesting statement made by Jesus when Pharisees were questioning him in front of the disciples about divorce: “11 Jesus answered, ‘This teaching does not apply to everyone, but only to those to whom God has given it. 12 For there are different reasons why men cannot marry: some, because they were born that way; others, because men made them that way; and others do not marry for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Let him who can accept this teaching do so.’”

Matthew 19:11-12 (Good News Translation) I for one was “born” not to marry. At least not for reproduction, the purpose of marriage in that day. Look at the kingdom job I have. Clearly the BIC was referring to me as “one of those to who can accept this teaching.”

More Myths & The Big Questions There are several other myths including: •M yth 3 — Religion and Ritual Are the Required Application for Admission •M yth 4 — Failure to Make Required Payments On-Time Will Revoke All Privileges •M yth 5 — Partying, Loud Music and Dancing Are Not Permitted •M yth 6 — Overt Self-Expression Is Strictly Prohibited •M yth 7 — Criminals (aka sinners) Need Not Apply To address these myths and answer questions about New Jerusalem, I have established a regular schedule of seminars for potential investors and future residents, at 622 Maywood Ave., Raleigh. Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. we offer Q&A sessions on covenant-related issues, where we do a deep dive into the written documents. Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m., we offer network gatherings that include music, light snacks (communion) and the presentation of topics concerning the gathered community.

This is a great chance to meet and get to know some of your New Jerusalem neighbors.

These seminars are free of charge and open to all, with no obligation to make a commitment.

No high-pressure sales tactics here. However, if while attending one of these gatherings you are interested in reserving a mansion or helping support our marketing efforts, representatives are available to assist you in getting plugged in.

This includes opportunities to help spread the

message to those who may not have heard the “Good News.” Tax-deductible donations can be placed in the basket at the door or made through our website, stjohnsmcc.org.

Throughout the year, we also offer special events and celebrations including Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, days of remembrance and civil protests, as well as community parties such as Pride celebrations, social gathering, weddings, baptisms and resident internments (funerals). Keep up with all the events at stjohnsmcc.org/connect/calendar.

Android and iPhone apps are coming soon.

Although the development site is not available for in-person tours, you can arrange for a oneon-one virtual tour with one of our agents. We use the latest technologies of prayer and spiritual contemplation. To book an appointment, email vanceh@stjohnsmcc.org or call 919-834-2611.

If you would like to buy a mansion today, the application process only takes a few moments.

Just respond (silently or orally) to two questions.

Total purchase price*: foregoing condemnation and death. Applications can be completed by contacting my office or talking with a representative at any of our seminars or events. *No downpayment is required. Financing and payment options are extremely flexible, based on the individual’s abilities at the time, and can be renegotiated throughout the life of the contract.

About the Author: Rev. Vance E. Haywood, Jr. was installed as pastor at St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church in February 2018. He and him are Vance’s preferred pronouns and Vance (no titles) is his preferred introduction. Vance was affiliated with the Church of God in his childhood through the age of 20. He stepped away from “the Church”, unable to reconcile whom he knew himself to be with the teaching about God being presented by others. Vance joined the Metropolitan Community Church movement in 2008 after experiencing God anew a few years earlier during a drag performance of a traditional gospel song

by Taj Mahal (RIP) at Legends Night Club. If you ask Vance if he is religious, his answer will be an adamant “God No! Religion has been, and is still, a source of great pain and suffering. Jesus came to overturn harmful religious practices and simply offer life and love to hurting people in a hurting world. I see it as my call to do the same, as best I can with God’s help.” : :

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tell trinity

lationship if there’s nothing really wrong?

Why Open, Portland, OR

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

Dearest Why Open, Yes, “if it’s not broken don’t fix it,” but, sweetie, if it’s boring, stale or in trouble, why not fix a martini and read:

Is fear of rejection stopping you?

Hello Trinity, Being single is OK, but sometimes it seems so much easier to stay home than to go out just to be ignored. And when I do date, it only lasts a short while anyway. Rejection sucks, so why bother?

Rejecting Rejection, Boulder, CO

and knowing when to go to bed at night, I always follow four simple rules: 1) listen with an open ear, 2) be adventurous, 3) spend time with interesting people and 4) darling, keep saying “yes!” (My cartoon shows you how I approach life and how I apply some simple rules to it.)

Hello Rejection, Sure, rejection sucks compared to acceptance.

You remember acceptance? That promise of love and the moon, until one day you get a rejection letter, text or email leaving you devastated yet again. Well, newsflash! Rejection has nothing to do with you, but rather with what someone fantasizes about you. Someone’s acceptance, rejection or reality of you is not, never was and never will be about you, but rather about their own rules and regulations. If you’re someone’s “type” you’re in, period, if not, you’re out, end of game. So, honey, get out and live a rejectionless life. It’s about playing with rejection not fearing it!

Dear Trinity, I was dating someone whom I caught stealing money from me. I’m trying to move on, but I just can’t get rid of the anger. Any ideas?

Releasing The Fool, Toledo, OH

Hey Trinity, How did you learn everything you know?

Tell Me More, Salt Lake City, UT Hey Tell Me More, Besides living in eight U.S. states plus Germany and Canada, studying for two Masters degrees

Dear Releasing, It’s not easy, but you must try a little every day to move on. Here’s a trick. In your head, imagine a flat-color picture of him or her, then change it to black and white, then let it get blurry and, lastly, let it fade into the distance until it disappears. It could be a headshot or their entire body lying in a coffin…(I didn’t say that). What typically happens with NLP, Neuro Linguistic Programming is that their image becomes distant and unclear in your head and eventually in your heart. Oh, and next time, pumpkin, hide your money in a stash can!

Good luck.

Dearest Trinity, Why on earth would a couple have an open re-

Trinity’s Thought Provoking Tips For Why And Why Not To Have An Open Relationship Why have an open relationship?

1. Because it may only take a few encounters to put the sexual spark back into your relationship.

2. Because you’ve been with the same nonsexual slob for years now, and it’s time to spice up the soup or…toss it out.

3. Because you’re incredible together except sexually, and this may introduce you to new positions, I mean possibilities for being even more together.

4. B ecause you’ve tried everything else to please each other, like food and fetish toys, and this may be wonderful.

5. B ecause your spouse keeps pushing you to do it, and instead of spending time at a lawyer’s office filing for divorce, why not spend time in bed trying something new?

Why not have an open relationship?

6. B ecause it’s just one more thing getting in the way of the lack of sex drive in your relationship.

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7. B ecause you just want to be single anyway, so you’d be wasting everyone’s time making believe you really want this relationship.

8. Because it may destroy your relationship altogether.

9. Because someone may just get emotionally hurt or destroyed.

10. Because you might as well just break up, count your losses and start a relationship with someone who wants to have sex with just you. info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

May 4-17 . 2018

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out in print

by Terri Schlichenmeyer :: qnotes contributor

Late bloomer “Would You Rather? A Memoir of Growing Up and Coming Out”

by Katie Heaney © 2018, Ballantine Books $16/$22 Canada, 256 pages You’re late!

Oops, you overslept, got caught in traffic, the elevator was slow. Phone lines were down, email was down. You forgot, and you’re late, sorry. Or, as in the new book “Would You Rather?” by Katie Heaney, your understanding was just a bit delayed.

Where do you go when you’re looking for love?

For Katie Heaney, it was, well, pretty much anywhere. She’d always wanted a boyfriend, and she’d had lots of crushes in her life, but she was never meaningfully kissed. At age 21, she went to Madrid for a semester with the hopes of meeting someone, but there were only seven men in the group of a hundred students.

In Spain, though, after binge-streaming “The L Word” and falling for Shane, she began to think that maybe she might be a lesbian.

Musing, she messaged her best friend, who let Heaney talk it out and decide that there was a big “maybe” involved.

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Even so, she never saw herself with a girlfriend.

She grew up in the cold of Minnesota, had planned on spending the rest of her life close

to home, and moved into an apartment near Minneapolis with her straight best friend, but that was too cozy-comfy. Heaney on-and-off flirted with the possibly of being gay, and she met a woman who was, no question, lesbian, which made her decide to shake herself out of her complacency. She visited New York, and then moved there.

Being in The Big Apple was a big deal, but Heaney remained frustratingly dateless. By age 24, everyone she knew had dated, and she began blogging about it, she wrote a book, and she noticed that that affected the way men acted toward her. Four years later, her “attraction to men was just…gone” and picturing herself with a woman came “pretty easily,” which was all it seemed to take: shortly thereafter, Heaney met Lydia online, and her almost-30-year dating desert became an oasis. She not only imagined herself with a woman, she was with a woman and nothing felt more right.

And now, says Heaney, “I am living with the best roommate I have ever had.”

Sometimes funny, sometimes self-depreciatingly cringe-worthy, “Would You Rather?” is a refreshing change over the I’ve-known-since-Iwas-a-child LGBTQ memoirs. Readers may also notice that it’s a bit overboard.

Author Katie Heaney writes of her journey with a charming awkwardness that endears her to any reader who’s ever felt as though the different drummer they’re marching to is actually playing the bongos: same beat, different crowd. This book will resonate with all who feel left behind in a world where peers are hooked up solid, and frustration mixes with indecisiveness mixes with self-questioning. Once readers have gotten to the happy not-quite-ending, though, Heaney continues to examine her situation which, while it doesn’t completely ruin the books’ earlier allure, bruises the story somewhat.

Still, this book is worthy, if nothing but for its unique coming-out POV. For that, “Would You Rather?” fits perfectly for memoir-lovers, Heaney fans, and those who bloom late. : :

May 4-17 . 2018

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EVENTS May 2018 Continues through May 6 Trademark XXXII – Leather Roundup Various locations, Charlotte The Charlotte Tradesmen’s annual weekend leather event includes the North Carolina Leather Contest and kicks off with the Rope and Ride party at the Woodshed Lounge on Friday night. Registration details and contest information can be found online. charlottetradesmen.org. northcarolinaleathercontest.com.

Submit your event to our calendar!

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

UNC Chapel Hill Lavender Graduation Sonja Haynes Stone Center 150 South Rd., Chapel Hill 4-6 p.m.

An all-levels commencement ceremony open to the public, honoring graduating Sexuality Studies minors, LGBTIQA+ identified students and allies. December 2017 and May 2018 graduates are eligible to participate and can register online. Admission is free. go.unc.edu/lavgrad.

North Star LGBTQ Center SEP MAY MO Alt Prom Old Salem Visitor Center 900 Old Salem Rd., Winston-Salem 7-11 p.m.

Open to students in grades 9-12, featuring performances by local drag queens and kings as well as music by DJ Clash. Suggested donation is $5, but payment is not required for admission. facebook.com/northstarlgbtqcenter.

–––––––––––––––––––– AIDS WALK Charlotte Two Wells Fargo Center Continues through May 13 Out! Raleigh 325 S. Tryon St., Charlotte SEP MAY SEP MAY MO MO When Adonis Calls Fayetteville St., Raleigh 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Asheville Masonic T 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

AIDS WALK Charlotte will emple Theatre The eighth annual street festake place in Uptown, 80 Broadway St., Asheville tival includes family-friendly after a morning program 8 p.m. (May 11-12); 3 p.m. (May 13) events and activities and awards, presented The Asheville Lyric Opera takes on the including live music, by advocacy group RAIN. The familylocal artists and vendors, world premiere of a new opera by Clint friendly walk is 1.8 miles long and takes food, a beer garden, and the designated Borzoni, based on the poetry of Asheville’s the average person about 30 minutes own Gavin Geoffrey Dillard. The all-male KidsZone. Proceeds go to support the and is open. More information is availcast features two singers and two dancLGBT Center of Raleigh. There is no able online. ers portraying the complex relationship admission fee. carolinarain.org. between a poet and his muse. Tickets outraleigh.org. facebook.com/events/138214016825867. start at $30 and are available online. ashevillelyric.org.

Queer Night Out’s Big Queer –––––––––––––––––––– T!O!F!U! SEP MAY MO SEP MAY MO Picnic Potluck Stonewall Bowling Kick Off Party Comic Girl Coffee & Books French Broad River Park The Bar at 316 1224 Commercial Ave., 508 Riverview Dr., Asheville 316 Rensselaer Ave., Charlotte Charlotte 1-4:30 p.m.

8-10 p.m.

6:30-8 p.m.

Queer Night Out presents Join the players and volunCharlotte-based its first annual barbeque teers of Stonewall Sports latinx queer punk picnic and potluck. Bring Charlotte for drinks, fun and duo T!O!F!U! deliver a side dish and a main dish to grill; season participant shirt pick up. Those a free performance charcoal and tongs will be provided. interested in learning more about the at NODA’s Comic Girl Donations of cups and plates are releague are also encouraged to attend.

Coffee. Doors open at quested. Dogs on leashes welcome.

More information can be found online.

6 p.m. bit.ly/2vUqGLW. stonewallcharlotte.leagueapps.com. comicgirlcoffee.com.

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St. Vincent, “Fear the Future Tour” The Fillmore Charlotte 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte 8 p.m.

Queer musician and singer-songwriter St. Vincent will come to Charlotte on her Fear the Future Tour, in support of her album The Queen City’s yearly LGBTQ film festival, “Masseduction,” which came out late last year. St. Vincent has partnered with formerly known as the GayCharlotte Film Festival, celebrates its 10th anniversary in PLUS1 to ensure $1 from every ticket 2018. Individual tickets for each screening goes to support leading organizations are $10, half price for students and seniors, providing prevention, treatment and resources for opioid addiction. Tickets and with deluxe weekend passes for $75.

Check out the festival website for advance more information are available online. fillmorenc.com. tickets and screening information. reelout.org.

–––––––––––––––––––– Charlotte LGBT Chamber of SEP MAY MO The Charlotte Lesbian and Commerce SPLASH! Gay Fund Happening U.S. National Whitewater The Westin Charlotte Center 601 S. College St., Charlotte 5000 Whitewater Center 12 p.m.

Pkwy., Charlotte The Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund 6:30-8:30 p.m. will host its 11th Annual Happening lun- The CLGBTCC Summer Jam includes cheon. The event music, activities, networking and dancoffers a chance to ing. Complementary hors d’oeuvres and meet and mingle a cash bar will be provided. Admission with community is free for members or $10 for non-memmembers, and also bers. Tickets are available online. serves to showclgbtcc.org/events. case the fund’s 2018 grant recipients.

Individual tickets are available for purchase for $45 online at bit.ly/2InMTmR. Table captains are also being sought to commit to filling a table of 10. The cost is $425 and those interested can sign up and purchase the table reservation online at bit.ly/2J917cm. More information is available online. fftc.org.

Continues through May 20 Reel Out Charlotte Camp North End 1824 Statesville Ave., Charlotte Various times

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Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

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dishing with buff faye

by Buff Faye :: qnotes contributor :: info@bufffaye.com

You’ve got mail! Take the RuPaul’s ‘Drag Race’ Season 10 DQ Quiz

“R

uPaul’s Drag Race” Season 10 is well underway. Do you have your favorites picked out to go all the way?

Thank goodness it’s on Thursday this year on VH1. I can actually watch it in real time as opposed to catching it on iTunes later. And “Yes Queen!”

Whether it is the Vixen, Cracker, Asia or Eureka, the Season 10 girls are bringing it.

For those Drag Race crazy fans, I decided to do another one of my Drag Queen (DQ) Quizzes, just for you. Let’s see how high your DQ is on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” trivia! Start your engines…take out your pen and don’t cheat by going to the bottom this time. Ready.

Set. And may the smartest lady win!

1. What did Vanessa Mateo say when eliminated in the first episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 10 that has since gone viral?

A. “Bitch please.”

B. “Peanut butter makes my mouth sweat.”

C. “Vanjie, Vanjie, Vanjie.”

D. “I need to go pee now.”

E. “RuPaul why? Why? (crying)” 2. What “RuPaul’s Drag Race” queen from Season 10 is a good friend of Buff Faye and borrowed drag for Season 10 before filming the show?

A. Asia O’Hara B. Kameron Michaels C. Kalorie Karbdashian Williams D. Eureka O’Hara E. Both C & D 3. Who was the designer who created the feather eagle-like dress that Kameron Michales wore in the “Feathers” runway?

A. Troy Ford B. Versace C. Patrick Howell D. Eddie Couture E. Cleophatra

9. What two drag queens from Season 10 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” share the same boy name?

A. Eureka O’Hara & Asia O’Hara B. Blair St. Clair & Dusty Ray Bottoms C. Monet X Change & Monique Heart D. Miz Cracker & Aquaria E. Monet X Change & The Vixen 10. W ho is going to win “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 10?

A. Asia O’Hara D. Eureka O’Hara B. Miz Cracker E. Mayhem Miller C. Aquaria F. None of the above

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of VH1 and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’

5. Who said, “Can you feel the shade?” when they walked into the Season 10 workroom in Episode One? A. Yuhua Hamasaki B. Asia O’Hara C. The Vixen D. Dusty Ray Bottoms E. Monet X Change 6. Who was a featured artist in Shea Coulees song “Cocky” from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 10?

A. Aquaria B. The Vixen C. Monique Heart D. Eureka O’Hara E. Vanessa Mateo

DRAG TIP: Never cheat…or tell lies to get ahead. How many did you get right?

Answers: 1.C / 2. D / 3. A / 4. E / 5. A / 6. B / 7. C / 8. D / 9. C / 10. ?

— Buff Faye calls the Queen City her home and likes bird watching (plus she loves to raise money for charities). Find her at your favorite bars and hot spots. Plus don’t forget her monthly Saturday night shows, Sunday drag brunch and regular Friday night party bus.

Learn more at AllBuff.com.

Follow on Twitter @BuffFaye

7. Who is the drag mother to Season 10 Miz Cracker?

A. Bianca Del Rio B. Kim Chi C. Bob the Drag Queen D. Shangela 8. Whose birth mother actually helped decide her drag name when she first started doing drag?

A. Eureka O’Hara B. Monique Heart C. Kalorie Karbdashian Williams D. Blair St. Clair E. Mayhem Miller

4. What Season 10 “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Queen has won the titles of Miss Gay USofA, Miss All American Goddess and Miss Gay America?

A. Aquaria B. Mayhem Miller C. Monique Heart D. Eureka O’Hara E. Asia O’Hara

SHOUT OUTS: Eureka O’Hara the Elephant Queen is coming back to the Queen City and will appear at both Boulevard 1820 and Bar at 316 on Thursday, May 24. Learn more online at Boulevard1820.net and Bar316.com.

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