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Play sparks controversy!
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arts. 9 entertainment. HB2/HB142news. Update views. 10 News Notes: Regional Briefs 12 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs 13 qnotes goes digital 13 John Arrowood named judge 27 ASO groundbreaking event
Queen City Theatre Company’s ‘The Pride’ has had some Facebook users up in arms over the display of a promotionsl image used by the theatre for PR for the play. page 24
a&e / life&style 14 15 19 20 21 22 24 28 29 30 31
Extreme construction in the Q.C. Varnadore Building project Real estate agents Staging secrets How to increase property value Don’t be wowed ‘The Pride’ brings buzz ‘Dear Harvey’ Tell Trinity Q Events Calendar Dishing with Buff Faye
opinions & views 26 Power breakfast
more news & features
John Arrowood named as judge to Court of Appeals Gov. Roy Cooper fills spot vacated by Judge Douglas McCullough page 13
Dishing with Buff Faye Eureka O’Hara shares stories and tips from the drag world. page 31
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HB2/HB142 Update
The bill that does not keep on giving Discriminatory legislation continues to challenge the state and its LGBTQ residents by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff Although the notorious House Bill 2 (HB2) is repealed, legal discrimination against LGBTQ North Carolinians continues. Under the House Bill 142 (HB142) “compromise” legislation, signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper on March 30, much of HB2 remains. Though the statewide ban on transgender bathroom access was reversed, a four-year moratorium on local non-discrimination protections has LGBTQ advocates and allies up in arms. In addition, localities in the state are forbidden from enacting any regulations concerning access to multiple-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and other public facilities. In the interest of keeping our readers informed, qnotes breaks down the avalanche of headlines and provides a brief but comprehensive summary of HB2 and HB 142 news.
Trilliant Networks CEO Andrew White told The Associated Press that HB142 was an important but not decisive factor in his company’s planned move to Cary, N.C. Cost of living, university access and commuting distance were also influential, but HB2’s repeal “was a step in the right direction that convinced us that we felt comfortable enough,” White said. The move will create 130 jobs in the state.
April 18 The NCAA awarded North Carolina as the site of a number of coveted tournaments from 2018-2021. The events to take place in the state include men’s basketball tournament opening-weekend games in Greensboro, N.C. in 2020 and Raleigh, N.C. in 2021 and a women’s basketball tournament regional in Greensboro in 2019. In additon, the College Cup Division I championship rounds for men’s soccer and women’s soccer will alternate years in Cary, N.C. from 2018-21 and the Division I women’s field hockey championship will be held in Winston-Salem, N.C. in 2019. LGBTQ advocates condemned the NCAA’s decision. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof said in a statement: “The NCAA has fallen ‘hook, line, and sinker’ for this ‘bait and switch’ sham ‘deal’ doubling down on discrimination … the NCAA has undermined its credibility and is sending a dangerous message to lawmakers across the country who are targeting LGBTQ people with discriminatory state legislation. In addition to protecting the broader LGBTQ community, the NCAA needs to clearly state how they will be protecting their student athletes, personnel and fans.” The ACLU of North Carolina also condemned the NCAA’s decision, noting that the ACLU’s public records requests — seeking reassurance of an LGBTQ-inclusive environment — have gone unanswered by any of the institutions chosen to host championships. “We have yet to see any evidence showing how the NCAA can ensure basic nondiscrimination protections for these events,” said Sarah Gillooly, policy director for the ACLU of North Carolina. “And that’s because a nondiscriminatory environment can’t exist in a state where official policy singles out transgender people and perpetuates the notion that they should not participate fully in public life.”
April 19 ESPN spoke to a number of LGBTQ and ally student-athletes who expressed disappointment over the NCAA’s decision to award North Carolina with championship hosting locations. “Seeing [HB2] get passed — and the conversation that came from it — was really devastating, and that’s why it was meaningful to see the NCAA and the ACC take a stand against it,” said Liam Miranda, a transgender athlete from Duke University. “[The NCAA] aligned themselves with the LGBTQ community, especially student-athletes, and for them to reverse that decision after we get handed a law that is no better is really disappointing. It backpedals all the work they did.”
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April 21 The transgender plaintiffs of Carcaño v. McCrory have withdrawn their request for the Court of Appeals to review their case against the state government. The plaintiffs cited
HB142 as nullifying the restroom provision of HB2, claiming that it makes their appeal unnecessary. The ACLU and Lambda Legal will continue their legal battle against HB142, the HB2 replacement legislation. April 26 “As a publicity stunt, was the repeal successful? Sure,” CEO Matthew Patsky of Trillium Asset Management, operating in three states and managing more than $2 billion, told NC Policy Watch. “But you haven’t seen many of the companies that said they were pulling out or not expanding in North Carolina saying that they’re now coming back. You haven’t seen some of the musicians and entertainment acts say that they think this is enough … I can tell you that for our clients and for many business leaders, the repeal that was done wasn’t enough.” April 28 The 30th annual gathering of the Alliance of Baptists took place at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh. The famed Rev. Dr. William Barber spoke, as did Rev. Dr. Nancy Petty, Rev. Ben Boswell, Rev. Maria Swearingen, Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews, Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood and Rev. Dr. Mike Castle. The purpose of the protest press conference was “to denounce that while HB-2 may have been repealed to appease moneyed interests, it does nothing to address the discrimination and harm directed at LGBTQIA people,” according to the Alliance’s press release. The organization also spoke out against policies of the current presidential administration, the death penalty, Black Lives Matter, and discrimination against immigrants and Muslims. : :
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qnotes connect May 5-18, 2017 Vol 32 No 01
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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff
Charlotte Tribute band hits Queen City
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New York’s Amor Prohibido will perform on May 19, 11 p.m., at La Revolucion, 900 N. Carolina Music Factory Blvd., bringing their Selena’s Punk Tribute to southern music listeners. Doors open at 10 p.m. Amor Prohibido (which means forbidden love) is a Selena Quintanilla Punk music cover band based in Brooklyn, N.Y. Also appearing on stage are co-host Charlotte Latin band CHÓCALA and Spray Paint by Efrain, along with DJ Shomi Noise. Calibre Rock, a Latin music promotional group lead by Francisco Ibarra, is the other co-host. Davey Blackburn, a member of CHÓCALA said that this event was the first of its kind and was “very important to the music, cultural and LGBT community.”
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The Village Voice reported that Selena was a counterculture icon and “beloved figure” in the LGBTQ community, “inspiring drag shows and tribute concerts across the country.” The Voice also added that “the band was largely formed around Riot Chica, a monthly party founded by [Shomara “Shomi Noise”] Terceros [the band’s lead singer] in the hopes of creating a safe space for queer voices and women of color in the punk scene. And while Terceros has long performed in New York City as a DJ and tastemaker — also hosting Telenovela, a dance party featuring Latin oldies from the Forties and Fifties — the response to Amor Prohibido in particular has so far been overwhelming.” Tickers are $15 in advance and are available online at bit.ly/2qkygbN. Seating is firstcome, first-serve. info: facebook.com/pg/amorprohibidobk.
Artist named fellow
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On April 7, local artist John W. Love, Jr. was named a 2017 Guggenheim Fellow, The Charlotte Observer reported. He will use the fellowship to flow from his interdisciplinary work “FECUND.” The work is part performance and part visual art — an immersive installation. Love’s work crosses a plethora of categories. His works have been a fixture of the Queen
City’s art scene for years, the Observer added. info: charlotteobserver.com. gf.org/about/fellowship.
Scholarship app deadline approaches
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center has announced that its Tonda Taylor Scholarship application deadline has been set for May 19. Two LGBTQ students will be granted $1,500 to be used toward their college education. Center staff will select the students through an application process that includes essays, teacher or employer recommendations, personal interviews and financial aid information. Awards will be announced in June. Applicants must be residents of Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Lincoln and Gaston Counties in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina, as well as attend a college or university located in North or South Carolina. Applications are available online. info: timeoutyouth.org.
Internship awaits UNCC staffer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Joshua Burford, assistant director for sexual and gender diversity at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, has been selected for an internship at the Stonewall National LGBTQ Archives in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Set to start in mid-June, the one-week post will engage Burford in work on new pop-up queer history projects, which he hopes to bring back to Charlotte. Burford said, “I am very excited to be able to work with them!” He has been working with the archives on another project this year and
he reached out to them about the possibility of assisting them while gaining experience with the collections. “‘Pop-up’ projects are ones that do not require a lot of prescribed space and can be put up to educate the community at any time or at multiple events,” Burford added. info: stonewall-museum.org.
Youth org hosts volunteer event
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Campus Pride will hold a volunteer night on May 17, 6-8 p.m., at its offices at 1433 Emerywood Dr., Suite F. Participants will engage in general office work and plan upcoming events. Additionally, the organization is seeking volunteers to staff a table at AIDS Walk Charlotte on May 6. Email alison@campuspride.org to sign up for either or both of the events. info: campuspride.org.
Twins bring concert to Queen City
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Canadian singing duo Tegan and Sara will bring their show to The Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St., on June 8 at 8 p.m. Embraced by the mainstream, Tegan and Sara consciously operate to the left of popular culture — their lyrical and social wisdom comes from an outside vantage looking in. Paradoxically, the essential message that underpins their worldview and identity is inclusion. The contemporary artists can cross boundaries of genre and culture effortlessly, having performed alongside Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, at Coachella or at the Academy Awards to name a few.
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Tegan and Sara were born in Calgary, Alberta and now reside in Vancouver, British Columbia. Tickets are $27.50 for general admission/ standing room. Early purchase is recommended and prices will increase on show day. Premium seating can be purchased as well at the Fillmore. To learn more, email Dana Dudley at 919-424-1352 or email fillmorepremiumseats@livenation.com. A new parking deck on the property is available for attendees at $5. info: fillmorecharlottenc.com.
Bishop named to mag list
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bishop Tonyia Rawls, founder and co-director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice, was named one of 100 women in ESSENCE magazine’s inaugural #WOKE100 list. The distinction honors black women activists, artists, politicians, educators, organizers, journalists and creators who are working to achieve equality and inclusion for people of color. Rawls was recognized for the work of the center, particularly for its “Do No Harm” campaign. In other news, the center has released the results of its southern intergenerational survey. Data collected can be useful in resolving various challenges. One guided question emerged from the listenings stage — In what way do ideological differences contribute most to the barriers of sustainable intergenerational work, genuine collaboration and effective coalition building? The survey was crafted to deepen the collective understanding of attitudes, challenges and successes in intergenerational/ intersectional social movement organizing for those involved in the project. All of the reports are available online: question/approach/demographics, bit.ly/2oWz0lD; results, bit.ly/2qndLLo; and recommendations, bit.ly/2oZydB2. info: fcsj.org.
Triad Church welcomes gospel singer
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — On May 6, 11 a.m., Metropolitan Community Church of Winston-Salem, 4105 Patsy Dr., will welcome Christian singer Chastity Scott at morning worship where she will share music and hope with the congregation. Scott is a founding member of Micah’s Rule, the first LGBTQ southern gospel singing group, and comes from North Carolina. A love offering will be taken up for Scott. info: mccwschurch.com.
Center benefit planned
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A benefit show for the North Star LGBTQ Center will be held on May 6, 7:30 p.m., at ReNewal Fellowship, 1350 Jonestown Rd. Contemporary folk artist Eli Conley will provide entertainment for the evening. His music tells stories of highs and lows of love to political themes and has been described as “akin to the classic era of the singer-songwriter genre. As a contemporary folk artist, Conley combines the themes of both traditional and socio-political folk with the issues and trends of today.”
He is heavily influenced by his Appalachian roots where he explored his father’s vast musical collection. He says that the folk genre is in his musical DNA. “Sometimes when people hear one song of mine, they say, ‘You’re a country singer or a jazz singer,” he commented, “but you have to hear it as a whole. I’m working in so many styles.” A $10 suggestedcontribution is encouraged. info: eliconley.com. northstarlgbtcc.com.
Dinner event supports ASO
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Triad Health Project will holds its Dining for Friends event on May 6. Across the area, hosts bring together family and friends as a way to support the organization through contributions gathered at individual dinners. Afterward, participants and others can enjoy a celebration from 6-9 p.m. at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, 134 S. Elm St., for the community party. VIP all-access tickets are available online or at the door at $30/adult, $55/couple, $25/ student, $20/children 12 and under. Ticket holders will be treated to dinner by Maria’s Gourmet Catering, wine, beer, soft drinks, desserts and live entertainment by Low Key and the Triad Pride Men’s Chorus. and dancing. Guests who have attended other Dining for Friends parties can bring their dessert pass for complimentary desserts and entertainment only, with access to a cash bar. All proceeds go directly to benefit the Triad Health Project. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for choice Triad venues, restaurants and hotels. info: triadhealthproject.org.
Triangle Chorus presents spring concert
RALEIGH/DURHAM, N.C. — The Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus will hold their “How Can I Keep From Singing?” spring concert with two performances, one at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough St. in Raleigh, N.C. on May 20 at 3 p.m. and another one at Calvary United Methodist Church, 204 E. Trinity Ave. in Durham, N.C. on May 21 at 3 p.m. The upbeat celebration of the diversity of American music will feature everything from “the glitz and glamour of George Gershwin to patriotic songs and rousing spirituals.” “I am really excited for folks to see this concert,” Chorus President Ken Dayton said. “I think the songs are really going to speak to and unite people, bringing back the America we once knew and loved. Especially given the state of the country right now.” The feel-good celebration of American music is directed by Dr. Jay A. Pierson. Guest soloist is Jacob Kato. Light refreshments will be served during intermission. The Raleigh concert will feature an American-themed raffle. Tickets are $10/advance available online and $15/at the door. info: tgmchorus.org.
Panel discussion upcoming
DURHAM, N.C. — “Judaism and Trans Justice: A Panel Discussion,” hosted by the congregation’s adult education committee, will be held on May 10, 7:30 p.m., at Judea Reform, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd. Panelists will talk about recent federal and state challenges to transgender rights, Jewish
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Garden tour showcases ‘secret’ finds CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Friends of Fourth Ward will host their Secret Gardens tour on May 20-21 from 12-4 p.m. each day. A garden and lifestyle tour in the heart of Center City Charlotte showcases a mix of private gardens, courtyards, rooftop terraces and outdoor living spaces that are rarely, if ever, open to the public. Photo Credit: “Tour-goers will enjoy two days of discovering Austin Caine these hidden gems, while strolling the brick-paved sidewalks of this charming neighborhood in full bloom, and experiencing all that our vibrant Center City offers,” tour coordinator Beth Walker shared. “In addition to the featured gardens, the tour will highlight public art, historic homes and special points of interest along the tour route, effectively making all of Historic Fourth Ward — and the extraordinary quality of life it offers — part of the tour.” The self-guided, walkable urban tour includes admission to a variety of private gardens. Additionally, docent-led tours of Fourth Ward Park and the historic Elmwood and Pinewood cemeteries will take place at 3 p.m. each day. Heath Knott, who serves as the tour chair, and his partner Adam Schooler shared, “When moving to Charlotte 17 years ago, we were looking for a walkable neighborhood close into the city with mature landscapes to enjoy, and we found it and more in the Fourth Ward. We were also in search of a neighborhood where we would be welcomed as a gay couple, and we have been welcomed with open arms from day one. The Fourth Ward’s eclectic mix of housing, gardens, and people, is a true community that celebrates the diversity of Charlotte in every way.” Several homes along the tour are owned by gay couples. Additional tour attractions include: complimentary food and beverage tastings (while they last) in gardens and restaurants along the tour route, courtesy of Poplar Tapas, The Asbury, The Wooden Vine, Zia Pia, Doc Porter’s Distillery, Rock Bottom Brewery, Copper Barrel Distillery, Potts Chocolates; $1 oysters from Sea Level NC; and free B-Cycle and horse-drawn carriage rides. Proceeds from Secret Gardens will benefit projects of the non-profit Friends of Fourth Ward. Tickets are $20 and are good either day and are available online or at Alexander Michael’s Restaurant & Tavern, 401 W. 9th St., and Park Road Books, 4139 Park Rd. in the Park Road Shopping Center. During tour hours, ticket holders must redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks at the tour ticket booth at the corner of 9th & Poplar Sts. The ticket booth also will be the only location for same-day ticket purchases. info: fofw.org/garden-tour. activism against HB2 and the role of faith communities in resisting threats to transgender justice and supporting transgender youth. Those serving on the panel include: Shir Bach, youth activist; Milan Pham, attorney; Noah Rubin-Blose, transgender individual; and Rev. Mykal O’Neal Slack, speaker, trainer, worship leader, community minister, among other roles. info: bit.ly/2oYUoHO.
In its findings, the report gave gained and lost ground statistics. The information gathered was handled by Associate Professor of Sociology Amie Hess and a team of student researchers. info: meredith.edu.
Fund matching announced
ASHEVILLE, N.C.. — The Asheville Fine Art Show will be held from May 20-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St. This juried fine art and fine craft show features works from across the U.S. Focus is placed on visual arts, diversity, community enrichment and fostering art education among youth within Asheville and its surrounding areas. All art is original and personally handmade. As of press time, 89 artists will be exhibiting. One LGBTQ artist who will be in attendance is Dan Neil Barnes from Georgetown, Ky. His medium is stained glass. His designs combine light, color and texture and he uses his talent in fashioning sculpture, lighting, fountains, vessels, custom windows and doors. He also has had an outstanding reputation in upholstery and furniture design. The Budding Artist Competition for youth art award winners for K-8 or ages 5-13 will be announced at the event on Sunday afternoon and each winner will receive $250. Admission is $8/14 years old and older and $10/two-day pass. Children 13 and under are admitted free. info: hotworks.org.
DURHAM, N.C. — iNSIDEoUT has announced that a donor has agreed to match contributions up to $1,000 for the youth group’s Indiegogo campaign. Funds are used to help meet goal objectives, including a camping weekend, magazine publication and Queer Prom. The organization’s creative director has produced a video which serves to highlight the need for the funding. Visit bit.ly/2puBhpM. More information on the group and how to contribute is available online. info: insideout180.org.
Girls report released
RALEIGH, N.C. — Meredith College has issued its “The Status of Girls in North Carolina” 2017 edition report, updating the initial data which was released in 2013. The report includes data on demographics and poverty, education, media engagement, physical health, mental health, sexual health, leadership and civic engagement, juvenile offending and victimization and conditions facing LGBT youth, the college shared. It is available online at bit.ly/2oZHTeM.
Western Show showcases art work
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news notes: u.s./world compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff
SONG raises funds for national initiative
ATLANTA, Ga. — Southerners on New Ground (SONG) raised over $32,000 in less than 24 hours to help support the work of the National Black Mama’s Bail Out Action on Give Out Day last month. Over 750 donors contributing, SONG topped the leaderboard for its fundraising effort. That added an additional $10,000 to the coffers. The effort is far from over, the organization said. In fact, they are trying to get as many black mamas and caregivers out as they can for Mother’s Day week. Black Mama’s is an initiative whose goal is to bail out as many incarcerated mothers as possible from jails across the U.S. so that they can spend Mother’s Day with family instead of in a cell because they are unable to make bail. Community building is at the
core of the work which highlights the impact of inhumane and destructive bail practices in local communities. “We will bail out mama’s in all of our varieties — queer, trans, young, elder, and immigrant,” Black Mama’s organizers shared on their website. The slogan for the event is “Money kept them in, black love got them out.” Of those jailed, black and transgender women are overwhelming vulnerable. And, one in five transgender women have spent time in prison or jail and one in three of them reported being sexually assaulted while there, the organization added. “The National Black Mama’s Bail Out Day is rooted in the tradition of our enslaved ancestors who went to every length, including harnessing their collective resources, to
purchase each other’s freedom and keep their families together. This year, we are taking a stand against a money bail system that tears our families and friends apart and punishes our communities for being poor,” SONG said. For more information, visit the national action’s website at nomoremoneybail.org. Contributions are being accepted nationally at brooklynbailfund.org/donate/national-bail-out. SONG’s bail fund website is located at bit.ly/ freeblackmamasfund. In other news, SONG co-founder Joan Garner has died. “Joan was a brilliant Black femme lesbian … Her work is ever present here in the South and she never stopped working to advance our shared vision in all the roles she played from her tenure at the Southern Partners Fund to her role as a Fulton County Commissioner. … The SONG political family is honored to be among the many beneficiaries of her legacy and fruits of her loving labor.” info: southernersonnewground.org.
Methodists rule on bishop’s consecration
NEWARK, N.J. — The trial of out Bishop Karen Oliveto was held by the United Methodist Church and the Judicial Council found that her consecration violated church
law by a 6-3 decision, the United Methodist News Service reported. “However, the bishop ‘remains in good standing,’ the Judicial Council said in Decision 1341, until an administrative or judicial process is completed. ‘Under the long-standing principle of legality, no individual member or entity may violate, ignore or negate church law,’ said the decision, made public April 28,” the news service added. It added, “It is not lawful for the college of bishops of any jurisdictional or central conference to consecrate a selfavowed practicing homosexual bishop.” On July 16, 2016, the U.S. Western Jurisdiction consecrated Oliveto who serves the Denver, Colo. area. Currently, a solution to the situation has been taken up by the church. Oliveto is married to Robin Ridenour. info: umcom.org. rum-nc.org.
QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— GLSEN will hold its Respect Awards ceremony on May 15 in New York, N.Y. Honorees include Ryan Pedlow, founder of Two Creeks Capital (Visionary Award), Ann Clark, superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (Educator of the Year) and First Data (Corporate Ally Award). These awardees champion LGBTQ youth in K-12 schools. Special guest will be Dr. Jill Biden. info: glsen.org. U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and the National Parks Conservation Association spoke out against President Donald Trump’s latest Presidential Executive Order on the Review of Designations Under the Antiquities Act, which could include a review of the Stonewall National Monument located in New York City’s West Village — the first ever national monument recognizing the historic struggle for LGBTQ equality and civil rights. info: house.gov. The EqualityPAC is asking for people to sign its online petition to encourage Congress to bring up the Equality Act for a vote. info: bit.ly/2pJHoKa. U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Patty Murray (D-WA), along with Rep. Mark Pocan (DWI), reintroduced legislation aimed at reducing bullying and harassment that affects one in five students at colleges and universities across the country. The Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2017 would require institutions of higher education to establish policies to prohibit harassment based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. info: baldwin.senate.gov.
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The challenges, struggles and triumphs of older LGBTQ adults will be commemorated on May 16 during National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day. The observance was inaugurated by The LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care in Baltimore, Md. in 2016 and pays tribute to the sacrifices and successes of LGBTQ older adults and thanks them for leading the fight to expand LGBTQ rights. info: elder.lgbt. Grindr for Equality has used its app to update its LGBTQ users in Chechnya, Russia’s about dangers in their area. The company has worked with the Russian LGBT Network to distribute the emergency hotline number and email addresses set up for aid and evacuation. info: grindr.com. In a related story on the Chechen front, MSMGR has provided resources to help those affected by violence and abuse. It has also asked the community to lend support monetarily toward the Russian LGBT Network, sign petitions, join OutRight Action and contact elected officials about concerns over the situation. info: msmgf.org. lgbtnet.org/en. ilga-europe.org. The non-profit Rainbow Railroad has announced an emergency response plan for LGBTQ individuals at risk in Chechnya, Russia, urgently requesting assistance from the Canadian Government. The organization actively assists LGBTQ individuals to escape danger through its global network of safe routes. info: rainbowrailroad.ca. OutRight Action International called on British Petroleum, Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch
Shell to take a stand against the kidnapping, detention, torture and murder of gay men in Chechnya, Russia. All three companies have considerable investment and partnerships with state-owned oil and gas companies in Russia, with ventures worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Executive Director Jessica Stern said, “This is one of the worst homophobic campaigns the world has ever seen. If Russia will not listen to other governments or even the United Nations, it is time to see if we can get money to talk in a language that they will listen to. The arrests and torture of perceived gay men has to end and those involved must be held to account.” info: outrightinternational.org. The American Civil Liberties Union released a report on the civil rights and civil liberties record of the first 100 days of the Trump administration. They included the unconstitutional Muslim ban, the failed Affordable Care Act repeal, and the repeated attacks on LGBTQ rights. The organization also published a dayby-day accounting of the administration’s “100 Days of Failure.” info: aclu.org. The new edition of the “AP Stylebook” will include the singular, gender-neutral pronoun they in their 2017 release. info: ap.org. presspassq.blogspot.com. “The Broken Heart Toolkit” by HIV/AIDS survivor and activist Paul Thorn helps to empower the newly single to transition from “heart-hurt” to “heart-health.” info: e-m-press.com. Teleflora will partner with GLSEN to honor teachers who make a difference in children’s
lives nationwide for Teacher Appreciation Week held from May 8-12. Twenty percent of all Be Happy Bouquet with Roses sales will be contributed to GLSEN. info: teleflora.com. glsen.org. Asia Kate Dillon, a series regular on Showtime’s “Billions,” will open the MTV 2017 Movie & TV Awards. Dillon is the first gender non-binary identifying actor ever to be cast in a major television series. “I grew up with MTV. It was the pop culture voice of my generation. MTV continues to be a voice for the culture it represents. I am honored to open the show as a presenter as MTV makes strides once more by doing away with binary acting categories, celebrating television and film in a truly inclusive way,” said Dillon who recently sent an impassioned letter to the TV Academy, questioning the gender-specific classifications of the acting categories in the Primetime Emmy Awards. They will also serve as a presenter. info: mtv.com. TIME has named RuPaul Charles to the 2017TIME 100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. info: time.com/time100. Gay police officer and LGBTQ activist Xavier Jugelé, 37, was killed in an ISIS attack in Paris, France on April 20. info: queerty.com. SAGE has launched a 30-day campaign, #WeRefuseToBeInvisible, to tell the Trump administration that LGBTQ elders must not be erased from the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants survey on aging. info: sageusa.org/werefusetobeinvisible.
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From the Pages
qnotes digital newspaper archives now online Issues from the first 10 years, 1986-1996, showcase LGBTQ history by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff
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n April 24 the first 10 years of qnotes, totaling 133 issues, were released online in an archival arrangement between the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and qnotes owner Jim Yarbrough. Over the last couple of years, qnotes has worked with Joshua Burford and others at the Charlotte campus in contributing historical items from the paper along with hard-copy issues so that the public could learn more about the Carolinas LGBTQ community. Those items are housed in the King-Henry-Brockington Community Archive of Charlotte along with other items shared by individual donors in an effort to capture the LGBTQ history in the Charlotte area. Vist mrc.uncc.edu/lgbtq-archive to learn more. The massive project of digitizing qnotes was undertaken by the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center, a digitization and digital publishing program housed in the North Carolina Collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The center works with organizations and institutions across the state to help preserve items of a historical nature so that researchers can utilize the materials for educational purposes. Issues from 1997-2016 are expected to be made available in the near future. qnotes will provide that information to its readers as it becomes live online. To view the archived newspapers, visit digitalnc.org/ newspapers/q-notes. : : qnotes first issue from June 1986 and others can be read online with an easy-to-operate interface.
qnotes archives are digitally housed online at the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center.
Legal
Gov. Cooper appoints gay judge to N.C.’s second-highest court Republican judge approached Cooper to offer his early retirement by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff RALEIGH, N.C. — When Republican Court of Appeals Judge Douglas McCullough approached Gov. Roy Cooper to propose the judge’s own early retirement, Cooper jumped at the chance to replace McCullough with a Democrat who would in some part earn back LGBTQ North Carolinians’ favor. Fifteen minutes after McCullough announced his retirement publicly, Gov. Cooper appointed openly-gay former appeals court judge John Arrowood for the seat. McCullough crossed party lines to offer the opportunity to Cooper, in spite of opposition from the Republican-controlled state legislature. Lawmakers recently passed legislation reducing the state Court of Appeals from 15 judges to 12, justifying the cut by arguing that the court did not have enough cases to merit so many judges. Cooper vetoed the measure on April 22, and it was then that McCullough approached the governor. “I didn’t want my legacy to be the elimination of the seat,”
McCullough told an Associated Press journalist. “The statistical information that the legislature’s used is not the statistics that we have at the Court of Appeals … We’re a very, very busy court.” Gov. Cooper’s motives may not have been a Democratic judicial advantage alone; the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Professor Eric Heberlig argues that it was a calculated move on the governor’s part, after the public outcry over the HB2 repeal “compromise” that left much of the anti-LGBTQ law in place. “I suspect it crossed the mind of Gov. Cooper and his advisers that appointing Judge Arrowood would help to appease some in the gay rights movement who were unhappy with the HB2 compromise,” Heberlig said. Arrowood served briefly on the Court of Appeal in 2007, appointed by Democratic Gov. Mike Easley. However, Arrowood lost elections for the seat in 2008 and 2014. Some critics say that Gov. Cooper has contradicted the will of the voters. : :
❝ I didn’t want my legacy to be the elimination of the seat. ❞ — Judge John Arrowood Judge John Arrowood
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Real Estate Trends
Extreme construction alters the faces of Charlotte’s oldest neighborhoods Plaza Midwood undergoes a major facelift; citywide development increases by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff
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esidents of the Charlotte area have seen their city change in countless ways over the past few years, and none more dramatically than the city’s real estate landscape. In particular, the Plaza Midwood area — revealed in the 2010 U.S. Census for the 28205 zip code as the area most friendly to and populated by the LGBTQ community in the Carolinas — has been the setting of what is arguably one of the most rapid and expansive real estate development trends in recent history. On Central Ave. in the heart of Plaza Midwood, countless small businesses have been ousted in the process of rezoning and redeveloping the area for residential construction. Sixty-year veteran of the street Tommy’s Pub closed in 2015 to make way for new apartments. Backstage Vintage, American Beauty Garden Center and Fern all moved locations. One landmark of the neighborhood remains, dwarfed by a massive 820-unit apartment complex being constructed all around it. The Thirsty Beaver Saloon on Central Ave. has made and kept its reputation as a unique local getaway, despite countless attempts by developers to purchase the site from its owner, George Salem. The Charlotte Business Journal reported that the bar’s owners, Brian and Mark Wilson, have a 10-year lease on the building, which was built in the 1940s. Brian Wilson said he was not interested in breaking his lease and that his longtime customers, whom he considers family, choose it as a regular hangout for country music. “He and his brother also have worked hard to cultivate an open, inclusive environment as well as a unique bar that stands out and would be hard to replicate elsewhere,” the Journal added. Both the Wilsons and Salem are unanimous about staying put. “It has always been one of those places where you come in and leave your pretensions at the door,” Beaver devotee Bob Campbell told The Charlotte Observer. “There’s not too many places like that in town now.” Campbell isn’t alone in this sentiment that Charlotte is changing, and losing some of itself in the process. One queer resident of 28205 expressed deep displeasure at what she called “hyper-development [and] deplorable avarice-inspired stylistic fickleness.” “Hilliard Drive is less than three-quarters of a mile long, and in the last two years a four-block stretch has seen by my count at least ten new houses built,” the resident told qnotes. “Most involved tearing down homes that had stood for decades, plus
a couple undergoing major and disruptive renovations.” The new homes built on this single street in east Charlotte include a bizarre variety of styles, and most absolutely dwarf the existing homes on the street, which have traditionally been single-story ranch houses. “Now we’ve got mid-century modern — that one lot down on Palm saw its single house picked up and scooted over to make room for four more — two barely distinguishable faux Craftsman bores squashed side by side like Hillard Dr. off of Eastway Dr. in East Charlotte blends new construction in with older homes. somebody miscalculated, and at least one Director Carter Siegel. “The overall design of the space will fosbastardized neo-Victorian colossus, scatter the artistry, culture and history of the surrounding community, tered around like dropped Legos,” she said. as well as provide high-end amenities and finishes.” Of course, not everyone is unhappy with the changes. The building will contribute 261 apartments to the 2,000 One mixed-use renovation project at the corner of Central and planned for the Blue Line extension. A Phoenix-based deClement Aves (the former site of Fern and Something Classic), velopment firm called Alliance Residential is also pursuing promises “new and more contemporary amenities,” as listmultiple sites close to Uptown. One of the company’s projects, ing agent Darrell Palasciano told the Journal. The $50 million Broadstone Bryant Park in West End, has been approved by property, now called One305 Central, will feature 281 apartments, the Charlotte City Council as of April 17. Broadstone Bryant 2,000 square feet of patio space with artistic installments, as well will boast up to 350 new apartments, and another proposed as street-level and second-level dining venues. Alliance project at Tryon and Morehead Sts. would add 275 Further east, the intersection of Monroe and Idlewild Rds. will new units. be the site of a new shopping center and grocery store develThe River District near Charlotte-Douglas International oped by Selwyn Property Group, a Charlotte-based company that Airport will see massive development in its 1,400 acres of woods. says the new center may break ground as early as late 2017. The Already approved by City Council, the new facilities will include Charlotte City Council voted unanimously to approve the project’s hotels, shops, restaurants, around 5,000 new residences and 8 rezoning petition in mid-April. million square feet of office space. The new Blue Line of the Charlotte light rail system, set to begin University City, South End, Camp North End and Brooklyn operations in March 2018, also drew the attention of developers Village all have major development projects upcoming, accordto the areas north of Uptown. One project of Wood Partners, an ing to the Observer. Atlanta-based development company, will turn an old truck yard One might wonder who exactly is going to fill all these at 25th and Brevard Sts. into an apartment building. Amenities for new homes. residents will include a game room, public kitchen, lounge and a “People are flocking to the Queen City. Charlotte’s post-resaltwater pool. cession growth rate is second only to Austin [Texas], and the city “Our new community fits perfectly with our strategic vision is the top destination for millennials, according to a recent report for Charlotte,” read a statement by Wood Partners East Regional from Apartment List. The metro area population swelled from 1.6 to 2.2 million between 2000 and 2014, and it’s projected to hit the 3 million mark by 2030. Charlotte has grown from a solid secondThe Thirsty Beaver on Central Ave. in Plaza Midwood tier metro to one of the rising cities of the Southeast,” Curbed is dwarfed among an apartment complex project’s reported in December 2016. It added, “People keep coming, construction. The bar is staying put for the foreseeable which is why developers of all stripes are coming to Charlotte,” future. Their lease does not expire for 10 more years. Levine Properties President Daniel Levine said. “We’re getting a broad cross-section of people choosing Charlotte because of location, weather, and lifestyle … A more dynamic lifestyle is being requested and required. …” : : The Marvel on Central Ave. in Plaza Midwood will have a new neighbor when contruction is completed on a residential project.
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Real Estate Trends
Can a building once meant to launch East Charlotte into the future be revitalized? It was known as ‘Queer Tower’ due to all the LGBTQ-owned businesses it once held by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff
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he property has sat on Independence Blvd., abandoned for years. To look at it now, boarded up and graffitied, you wouldn’t think it was once considered a feat of engineering, ahead of its time, and a point of pride for the denizens of East Charlotte in North Carolina. Now, a project is underway to have the area rezoned and brought back to life in a way fitting of its legacy. Community matters Consultant Chris Mau, with Our Local, a Charlotte-based organization looking to revitalize the property to the tune of $8.6 million, all in private funding, says that creating stronger communities was at the heart of what the building’s developer, Charles Ervin, was trying to accomplish. Ervin, who was in his day one of the largest commercial real estate developers in the southeastern U.S., was a strong believer in the concept of the society of the future. When the building was erected in 1962, to the tune of $1.2 million — or roughly $10 million in today’s dollars — it was known as the Ervin Building. His vision for the structure that would be his offices included such breakthroughs as the ability to unbolt the walls and doors to reconfigure the entire inside of the building. “This was an inspiration from Disney, as I understand it,” Mau said. “He was flying back and forth to Disneyland.” “And he was having regular conversation with Walt Disney, and touring the parks, and trying to understand Walt’s idea of how you bring people together, and demonstrate [human achievement]. And he wanted to bring that to Charlotte.” The plans have included neighborhood input from the beginning, with Mau and his business partner beginning the process by knocking on doors and asking those living in the area to provide input. He said there was a strong desire to see the property resurrected, with shopping, dining and entertainment options that are currently lacking in the area.
The plan The plan Our Local landed on is ambitious. Included in the two-building complex consisting of the tower and the single-story building next door are: a restaurant, bakery, coffee shop, retail space, an aquaponics research and development center, shared workspace, a business incubator, a boutique hotel, a tearoom and draft house and a rooftop patio. The plans also call for an LED installation at the top, which would earn money, but would also be used, Mau said, to showcase local and national artists, as well as promote cultural events and those doing work to make positive change in the city. “This project is viable and tangible,” reads a petition to Charlotte City Council created by Our Local for residents of East Charlotte to sign, requesting they get behind the plan. “It demonstrates outside-of-the-box thinking, especially for Charlotte, but it is reflective of what we need and want as a community. It is the type of ‘place making’ that will allow our area to transform from a victim of circumstance to a leader in community-centric innovation.” The road ahead To move ahead with the project, the city must approve the property to be rezoned for mixed-use development. Our Local is also aware that the LED display will bring some amount of light pollution and has to hope the overall benefits the project would bring to the city outweigh those concerns. In order to cut down on impact, Mau said darker colors would be used during evening hours. He said that even if the project isn’t approved, he believes the ability to take the plan as far as Our Local has been able to do so far is a positive sign that East Charlotte is moving forward. He pointed to recent renovation of the Bojangles’ Coliseum, as well as one planned for the nearby shopping center, and one in the works at Aldersgate Retirement Center as proof that East Charlotte has already begun to bounce back.
The Varnadore Building has a chance of becoming a crown jewel for East Charlotte if the City of Charlotte green lights the project for the developers, Our Local. Seen here on the left is the building face as it stands now and what it could look like in the future. The same applies to the single-story building next door which would make up the complex.
To hear the passion with which he speaks about what this forgotten piece of Charlotte history can become, it is clear to see how driven he is to see his efforts become a successful part of that effort. At the start of qnotes’ interview, Mau shared an anecdote about how he got into this line of work in the first place. He said he was trying to explain to his young daughter what a business consultant does, to little avail. “Are you happy?” she asked, cutting to the chase. “I don’t think she meant it as an intense question, as I took it,” Mau reflected. But, he said, it got him thinking. It made him realize that he wasn’t as happy as he could be, and that what would make him happier was to reinvest himself in, and here’s that word again, the community. Watching Mau present his vision for the property made another thing very clear; he loves this work, and while it won’t be easy if it doesn’t come to pass, it won’t be for lack of conviction or effort. For more information on the project visit ourlocal.com. : :
Our place in its history The Varnadore Building, as it was last known, was also once colloquially referred to as “Queer Tower” for the number of LGBTQ-owned and friendly businesses that once occupied the space, including Time Out Youth Center, Out Charlotte, Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte, attorney Connie Vetter, Access (an AIDS services organization), and the qnotes offices. In fact, qnotes was the final tenant before the building was shuttered in 2009, due to the prohibitive cost of needed repairs and upkeep. Jim Yarbrough, qnotes owner and publisher, recalled the value of having so many LGBTQ businesses in the building. “The environment was comfortable in that you knew a lot of people coming in and out, and you could just be comfortable interacting with people and sharing information,” Yarbrough said. Photo Credit: Project renderings courtesy of Our Local
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Real Estate Trends
LGBTQ real estate professionals serve their community in pursuit of fair housing National orgs, N.C. local agents speak on challenges and resources for real estate by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff
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inding fair housing free from discrimination is a significant challenge to those in the LGBTQ community, and local real estate professionals are determined to do their part to help. Lonnie Hand and Matt Stone, both gay males and real estate brokers serving the Charlotte, N.C. area, have their own takes on the challenges, resources and rewards of being LGBTQ and looking for a home. “I believe the LGBTQ community is actually at an advantage in this industry,” Stone told qnotes. “Our community is used to rejection and challenges and the real estate industry certainly provides a bit of both!” This optimistic take provides a peek into an issue that affects countless people nationwide. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) notes that “The Fair Housing Act does not specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited bases.” However, the HUD passed a rule in 2012 ensuring that HUD-funded housing programs are prohibited from discrimination on these terms, and in 2016, another rule that affirms transgender people’s right to access public shelters. None of this, however, helps the LGBTQ homeowner or aspiring homeowner, left unprotected by federal law. State laws vary. In North Carolina, no state laws exist protecting against housing discrimination based on either sexual orientation or gender identity.
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North Carolina is known by real estate professionals as a challenging place for LGBTQ people to find fair housing, especially in the aftermath of House Bill 2. A 2015 survey conducted by Better Homes and Gardens real estate giant in partnership with the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP) noted that 70 percent of 1,700 respondents rated living in a progressive community as “very important.” Charlotte professionals note that such progressive cities provide a beacon of hope. “LGBTQ clients that had initial concerns with relocation to N.C. due to the current political climate have found Charlotte in particular to be a very welcoming city,” Hand told qnotes. “In general I think that LGBTQ people should support each other and other LGBTQ businesses … my LGBTQ clients are appreciative of how I can relate to them specifically and guide them through what can be one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.” This monumental choice to buy a home is one that many in the LGBTQ community intend to pursue. The 2015 survey revealed that 75-89 percent of the 1,700 LGBTQ people surveyed believe home ownership to be a sound investment. “Individuals who identify themselves as LGBT represent an estimated buying power of $840 billion and reportedly live in 99.3 percent of all counties nationwide,” NAGLREP founder Jeff Berger
told PR Newswire. “The LGBT community is a key part of the nation’s landscape and a powerful market segment that is increasingly achieving social milestones that are historical triggers to home purchases, such as partnerships, marriage and having children.” Stone and Hand are determined to aid their peers in reaching the milestone of owning a home. “Real estate has been a lifelong passion of mine [and] I love helping my community prosper and make wise real estate choices,” said Stone. “Despite state-level setbacks to progress, Charlotte is still a great city to live and own a business.” Other resources exist for those in the LGBTQ community in pursuit of a fair, safe place to live. NAGLREP’s website offers a search engine to find queer-friendly agents nearby. The Gay Lesbian Directory features a similar searching option. GayRealEstate.com has a search tool and more, including relocation kits for home buyers and seller’s market analysis. An LGBTQ-friendly helping hand can make all the difference for those in search of a home. “The biggest reward,” said Hand, “is seeing the impact I can have on my sellers, navigating them through a transaction to ensure that it goes as smooth as possible, and the joy on my buyers’ faces on settlement day when their dreams of home ownership are realized.” : :
❝ LGBTQ clients that had initial concerns with relocation to N.C. due to the current political climate have found Charlotte in particular to be a very welcoming city. ❞
Matt Stone
— Lonnie Hand
❝ I believe the LGBTQ community is actually at an advantage in this industry. Our community is used to rejection and challenges and the real estate industry certainly provides a bit of both! ❞ — Matt Stone
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Real Estate Trends
Staging secrets Make your home irresistable during showings by Jeffrey Hammerberg :: guest contributor
Photo Credit: Iriana Shiyan via Adobe Stock
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elling your home is a process, and one vital part of that is making the home look warm, cozy and inviting. If you’re going to continue living in the home while it’s up for sale, one important part of the selling process is what’s known as staging. Many sellers think of staging as simply cleaning up their home and making sure it always looks nice for potential buyers, but it’s much more than that. Listings that are properly staged will be much more appealing to buyers and are more likely to receive serious bids. They also tend to sell faster. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) did a study on staged and unstaged homes and found, on average, that homes staged before being listed sold 79 percent faster than those staged after being on the market. On average, staged homes were on the market for four months, while unstaged homes may go unsold for six months or more. While your real estate agent will help you with staging, there are some things you can do right away to prepare your home for showing. The first thing to do is to fix any little issues that stand out. This may include repainting a wall or two if the paint has been scratched or if the wall doesn’t look as good as it once did. You’ll also want to have the carpets professionally cleaned and make sure all tile and hardwood floors look good. Basically give your house a major cleaning and make any small aesthetic changes that you can. Dust the blinds, wash the curtains, change out dead light bulbs…anything and everything that could make your home look even slightly less appealing needs to be addressed. According to the NAR survey, investing as little as one percent of your asking price in staging in these quick and simple repairs and renovations can increase the amount of your bids by as much as 10 percent. Every buyer has a number of things they look for in a potential home. Some are unique to the buyer, but other things are common to most everyone who is scouring the market for their dream home. One of these common items is storage. People want a lot of closet space, whether it’s for clothing, hobby supplies or to store Christmas decorations. If you’re still living in your home while it’s for sale, first realize that potential buyers are going to look in all your cabinets and closets. You’re basically giving up a lot of your privacy. But you can use this to your advantage by staging your closets just right. The trick is to take out about half of everything in every closet, then organize what’s left and spread it out a bit. This will make the closet seem larger than it really is.
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Lighting is also very important. Most people want a home that appears bright and cheery. It’s not uncommon to hear someone say something like “that hallway is so dark!” but then comment about how much natural light the kitchen gets. That’s why you want to make sure all of your light fixtures have working bulbs in them. Take the time to clean your windows, make sure your curtains are open, and even consider buying higher watt bulbs for your lights and lamps. This is especially important if you do have dark rooms or areas in your home. Everyone loves their pets, but you might not always love other people’s animals. You have no idea what buyers like or if they have any pet allergies, so do your best to make your pets vanish during showings. That means removing litter boxes, food bowls, and taking your pets to a friend’s or even boarding them for a few weeks while you have showings. While this can be difficult if your home is on the market for months and you have buyers in and out often, it is important that you do your best to remove signs of your pet. People tend to associate animals with dirt, and some may dislike the idea of buying a home that had a pet living in it. Another similar tip is to “de-personalize” your home. People often unconsciously pick up on things in someone’s home that they don’t like, so be sure to remove these things. This can include things like R-rated movies, items that indicate your religious preference and any books that are controversial. You may even go as far as to put away some of your personal effects such as photos or collectibles to make it easier for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in your home. These are just a few ways you can stage your home to appeal to potential buyers. Your real estate agent will be able to help you with ideas specific to your home. Your agent is your biggest asset in the quest to sell your home, which is why it’s so important that you find someone you have a good working relationship with. For members of the LGBT community, this may mean working with a gay or lesbian agent. You can easily find one of these agents in your area through GayRealEstate.com, a website specializing in LGBT real estate. Remember that staging is just one of the factors that makes your home attractive to potential buyers, but it can influence those who are on the fence about making an offer. When combined with great curb appeal, a reasonable price, and sought-after amenities, you’ll have a winning combination that will result in offers in no time. : :
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Real Estate Trends
How to increase your home’s value before you list it Ways to maximize your sale going in by Jeffrey Hammerberg :: guest contributor
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veryone wants to sell their home for more money than they bought it for, but that’s not always easy. In some cases, your property value may actually decrease after you buy your home due to the value of the properties around you decreasing. Since you have no control over that, you have to look at what you do have control over: the state of your own house. If you make your house a wonderful, inviting home that potential buyers can imagine themselves settling down in, you’re likely to get your asking price and perhaps a bit more. But how do you accomplish that? Part of it is in the staging of your home, but there are many things you can do before you even list your home to raise your starting price. Keep your home clean A clean house is so much more welcoming and inviting than a house that’s cluttered and looks like it needs sweeping. If you keep up with the cleaning while you’re living in the house, there’s much less to do when you go to sell it. This also helps you avoid unexpected surprises such as finding mold in your home.
Remodeling How many times have you seen a listing for a house that highlights the fact that at least one room has been recently remodeled? Remodeling is a great buzzword for real estate marketing, but it also gives you something to wow your potential buyers with. Remodeling is an investment, of course, but as they say, you have to spend money to make money. Sometimes, a remodel may be something you want to do to make the house fit your idea of the perfect home. Other times, it might be something you do to improve the property before selling it. Where do you start? Either way, remember you don’t have to do all of your remodeling projects at once. If you’re planning to improve the property before selling it, start with either the update that will give you the biggest increase in property value or the improvement that’s the cheapest. It really depends on your budget. If you want to bump up the value, start with the kitchen or bathroom. It’s very easy for potential buyers to
see the upgrades here, especially if you have before and after photos. Remodeling your living room or bedroom isn’t as easy to see since those spaces have less to change. Since you’re going to be living in the home while you’re remodeling it, remember that you’re going to have to do without the room while the project is underway. That can also factor into your decision on where to start. For example, you may not want to be without your kitchen around a big holiday if you’re hosting the big meal. Be sure you have time to finish the project before you need to use that space. The little things add up You don’t have to completely remodel a room to make it look new and different. Sometimes, doing just a little bit of touch-up here and there is all you need. A new coat of paint, new lighting fixtures and new handles and knobs on your cabinets may not seem like much, but they can make a room look better. Even non-permanent changes such as adding a few lamps to a room that’s dark can make your staging that much better. Also, don’t forget
the exterior of your home. Doing a little landscaping can greatly improve your curb appeal! If you’re planning on selling your house within a couple of years, plan out one of these small upgrades every month. Some, such as repainting, may need to come towards the end of the plan, but you can work on others now. By investing a little bit of money into your home and working on improvements over time, you’ll slowly build up your property’s value. If you’re not sure where to start, you can ask a real estate agent. These experts know what people are looking for in a home and can tell you what parts of your property are going to make buyers gasp in horror. If you’re part of the LGBT community, you can even work with a gay or lesbian real estate agent. These experts can be found on GayRealEstate.com. Finally, remember not to go overboard with your remodeling if your neighborhood’s property values are declining or if the market is down. You don’t want to spend more than you’re going to get for your home, and that can easily happen if you don’t watch your budget. : :
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Home & Garden
Don’t be wowed Little details to look for in a potential home by Jeffrey Hammerberg :: guest contributor
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hen you walk into what turns out to be your dream home, you’re blown away. It might be the color scheme or the vaulted ceilings or the massive fireplace that does it, but you’re going to notice something right away that really wows you. Every room after that will make you more and more excited. You might be ready to make an offer after only seeing a few rooms! But wait! You might be so overwhelmed by the big, amazing features of the home that you forget to check out the little details. These details may seem insignificant next to the things you love about the house, but if you find several of them, they can add up to some major issues. These details may not all be about the actual house, either. Your home inspection should catch many of the little issues with the home itself, but the earlier you know about them, the better, especially since they may impact your decision to make an offer. Here are a few of these details you’ll want to check. Take a look at all of the windows to make certain that the thermal seal isn’t broken, the glass isn’t cracked, and that all of the windows shut securely. However, don’t stop there. You also want to make certain that there’s at least one window in every room that will open in case of an emergency. Some older homes may
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have windows that were painted shut to help lower the utility bill. It’s also possible some windows haven’t been opened in years. Many buyers simply take a quick glance around the basement, especially if it’s dark, but you need to go down there with a flashlight and really look around. Check for any signs of dampness, mold and water damage. The last thing you want is to discover that you have dangerous mold growing in your basement after you’ve bought the house. Likewise, make sure you stick your head up into the attic and get a good look around. If you see daylight coming through in places that it shouldn’t be, the home may have some roofing issues. That’s something the inspection will note. What that report may not mention is the amount of insulation in the attic. If it appears that there’s not a good amount of insulation, the home is going to be difficult to heat and cool, especially if it has high ceilings. Take note that you may have to have additional insulation added later. Beyond noticing the color of the carpet or the fact that the home has wood flooring throughout, many people don’t really look down. You want to carefully check the flooring in every room to make certain it’s in good condition. For carpeting, look for stains or areas where the carpet seems worn. For tiles, check for cracked tiles and for
tiles that don’t seem to be secured to the floor. Any wood flooring should also be secure and shouldn’t appear to be warped. Linoleum and other stick-down flooring shouldn’t show any signs of coming up around the edges. It may be a pain to carefully examine every room’s floor like this, but it can save you money later. You don’t want to buy a house and then discover you need to replace half the flooring. Not a part of the house exactly, but some potential buyers forget to do a little research into the neighborhood, including the schools. You may not have children at the moment, and you may not even be planning to start a family within the next five years, but life is full of surprises. You should take a look at the school just to see if you would ever want to send a child there. Also look at what’s close to the neighborhood — what’s the closest hospital, mechanic, grocery store, etc. A quick check of the area’s crime statistics is also a good idea. Then there’s your commute. Don’t just look at the map and decide your commute to work every morning will be fine. You need to actually drive the route during the same time you’ll be going to work and getting home every day. You might find that what looks like a quick 10-minute drive is more about 30 minutes when you take into account rush hour traffic. You may want to try out a few different routes to see if you can make the commute in the amount of time you want. A lot of buyers visit the home during the day or in the early evening, but what’s it like later at night or on the weekends? Is there a neighbor who tends to have large parties? That could ruin many of your quiet weekends at home. Drive through the area at random times of the day to see if the street looks significantly busier. Also, stop the car and roll down your windows. Do you hear any dogs barking or other strange noises? These are just a few of the little details and other things you might overlook if you’re really wowed by the home. Don’t be discouraged if you find that your dream home isn’t perfect. It may still be a great place to live. You can talk with your real estate agent about any small issues you find to determine how big of an impact they will really be. For those who are in the LGBT community, you may even want to work with a gay or lesbian agent from gayrealestate.com. : :
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The healthcare providers of Ballantyne Family Medicine and Rx Clinic Pharmacy are very dedicated and genuinely interested in helping each one of our patients to achieve their individual health goals. Not only are we interested in treating your immediate needs, but we also want to avoid something that is preventable when treated early. Did you know that Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver failure? Often, it goes unnoticed until the disease becomes far too advanced. Did you know that there is a cure for Hepatitis C? That’s right. One pill a day for 12 weeks can provide a cure for Hepatitis C. Here are some important facts about the Hepatitis C (HCV) crisis in America. It is the most common chronic blood-borne viral infection in the U.S. • At least 130-150 million people worldwide have chronic HCV and 6-8 million Americans are living with Hepatitis C. • HCV leads to 350,000-500,000 deaths each year and HCVrelated liver diseases. • At least half of people living with HCV are unaware of their status. • Up to 5% of people with HCV develop liver cancer, the 2nd leading cause of cancer death worldwide and one of the fastest-rising cancer killers in U.S. • There is no vaccine for HCV • There is a simple blood test for HCV — early detection that helps halt the spread of the disease and saves lives. • New therapies for HCV are equivalent to a cure and
extremely safe and tolerable for most patients. You don’t need to have formal scientific education to improve your understanding of this disease or how it’s treated. You simply need to be willing to learn and allow our healthcare providers to guide you in the right direction. KNOW YOUR HEPATITIC C STATUS! The CDC recommends everyone at risk and those born from 1945-1965 get a one-time test for Hepatitis C. Are you at risk? If the risk fits, get tested and get treated and avoid the risk for liver complications and liver cancer. Who should get tested for Hepatitis C? • Born from 1945-1965 • Blood transfusion, blood products (plasma, immune globulin, platelets, etc.) or organ transplant from HCV-positive donor, especially prior to 1992 • Exposure to HCV in blood through occupation, manicures, pedicures, piercings, tattoos, sports, sharing personal care items (razors, toothbrushes, etc.) • Unsterile medical injections or poorly sterilized medical equipment • Birth through a mother with HCV • Risk of transmission from a mother to her baby is approximately 5-10%. The risk is higher if the mother is also living with HIV. The risk of transmission from mother to baby is not affected by the delivery method. • Sex with a partner with HCV
• This is an uncommon route of transmission, especially among long-term monogamous couples. The risk of sexual transmission is increased among people with multiple sexual partners and when sexual practices result in blood-to-blood exposure. • Combat exposure • Incarceration • Intravenous drug use or sharing other drug paraphernalia • Exposure to others’ blood through shared needles or drug paraphernalia (even many years ago and even if it was only once) may be the source of HCV The bottom line is NO ONE IS IMMUNE TO HEPATITIS C. Being diagnosed with a challenging health condition can be scary and it’s OK. Fear is absolutely a valid emotion given the situation, and it’s a feeling that you should not ignore. However, you cannot deny a new reality. You can take ownership of your own healthcare decisions, and to do so, you must be informed and you must be a proactive ambassador for your own health. Please know your status and ask your healthcare provider to have you tested. Ballantyne Family Medicine and Rx Clinic Pharmacy has a quality health initiative in the community to increase access to the cure for Hepatitis C. Call our staff today to book your appointment or even if you just have questions — our clinical team is ready to help!
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Social Media
Picture advertising new play inspires hateful Facebook comments ‘The Pride’ shows from May 4-13 at the Duke Energy Theatre in Charlotte by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff
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ueen City Theatre Company has been promoting their newest production, “The Pride” by Alexi Kaye Campbell, to be performed May 4-13 at Duke Energy Theatre in Spirit Square. The play, which tells two parallel stories set in 1958 and 2008, is an exploration of homosexuality, pride and the social conditions that influence LGBTQ people. The company’s promotion of this play has inspired great ire on Facebook, particularly in the comment section of a picture showing the two male protagonists kissing. “The Pride” premiered in London in 2008 and has since been performed off-Broadway in New York in 2010. The New York Times review of the 2010 production was not altogether favorable, but writer Ben Brantley discussed the compelling nature of the play’s alternating timelines and major themes. “These accounts offer an intriguing counterpoint between optimism in hard times and self-defeating pessimism in relatively easy ones,” wrote Brantley. “Such descriptions speak evocatively of what it means to be gay in different epochs.” Meanwhile, Facebook commenters felt very differently. One picture in particular, of
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the two main characters kissing, triggered an avalanche of condemnation from conservative users of the site. “that is so sick. the devil deceives so many folks. wake up people,” wrote one commenter. “if u think it’s normal for 2 same sex to be together then u are wrong. God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve.” “How are you sure God didn’t create Steve?” responded another. “Poor Steve.” Some replies in defense of the image were calm and respectful — “Keep your hate to yourself” — others used Biblical logic right back, or expressed outrage. Some responses to the hate were bitingly funny. In response to one comment expressing dislike and alleging that the image shouldn’t be allowed on Facebook, another person responded: “I don’t like your face, I don’t agree with your hairline, you shouldn’t be allowed on here.” “Pushing the homo agenda,” wrote another makeshift theatre critic. “I guess you people at the QUEEN CITY THEATRE hope the degenerates will support you. You will never ever get a dollar of mine. Offend the many, and
hope the few will pick up the slack is not the best business model.” The replies? “Yes I can see that Broadway has been offending the many and hoping the few will pick up the slack in tremendous failure for 150 years … oh wait.” Another woman didn’t seem to quite understand the way that social media works in terms of unfollowing, or merely scrolling past undesirable content. “Gross!” she wrote on the picture featured on Queen City Theatre’s page. “This crap was posted on my Facebook. I did not ask for it and Just cause people say being guy An image promoting a local theatre production inspired is ok don’t make it ok just like enormous backlash on social media. all sin.” Photo Credit: Queen City Theatre Company via Facebook. One reply: “Girl, it’s called computer and he doesn’t like your cookies. ad sponsorship or your Learn how tech works.” husband/boyfriend has gay cookies on your
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“I don’t know what you are talking about,” the woman replied, missing the point completely. “All I see is two gays kisses get off my page.” Still more commenters brought the recent political climate into the discussion, some threateningly, and others in tirades. “Bitch’s how about you bring your backward ass here and try to walk in the bathroom with my granddaughter in it,” wrote one. “Promise you won’t be walking out the same person..you ignorant piece’s of shit!” “To hell with this Satanic Sodomite Bullshit! Yuck!” wrote one man. “Another one of the leftist uniformed Sodimites that have educated by CNN propaganda machine whos hypocrisy is only matched by their immorality
and gender confusion walking around in sate of mental confusion in an alternative reality created by the Authoritarian Global elite that want to enslave them and have destroyed their individuality!… the President kicked the muslim false god alla out! Lol Good bye pagan!” These comments have the potential to make anyone cry, laugh or grow very angry. However, there is no doubt that the scandal involved makes potential viewers even more curious to see the play. Yet, as one statement by the Queen City Theatre Company reveals, with risk-taking comes danger. “Attention: Queen City Theatre Company will not tolerate any threats within our posts,” the company’s Facebook account posted on the
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thread. “Any threats of signs of violence will be deleted, reported and banned from our page. We have been very supportive of freedom of speech, but keep in mind that this is a social network and we are only promoting a beautiful show and a story that needs to be told. We will continue working hard toward equality and awareness of issues that affect us all. Thanks to all of our supporters and see you at the theatre!” Many supporters of the play and the company commented that the hate inspired them to purchase tickets. “Can’t wait to see The Pride,” one declared. “Thank you homophobes for showing us how important it is we not let your kind shut down the creative world.” : :
‘The Pride’ lead actors (top to bottom) Steven Buchanan and Cory Collins. Photo Credit: Ramsey Lyric
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Biz Beat
‘Power Breakfast’ with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper A look at the state’s diversity amidst discrimination by Stan Kimer : : quest contributor
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he Triangle Business Journal, the very widely-read and respected weekly business newspaper for the Raleigh/ Durham/Chapel Hill area of North Carolina, holds a quarterly “Power Breakfast” featuring an area senior leader with a few hundred local business leaders. The Spring 2017 breakfast held April 6 featured the newly elected N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper. Gov. Cooper is quite unique, as he was the first challenger to defeat a sitting governor in our state since 1850. One of the major issues in our state which helped lead to Gov. Cooper’s election was the unpopular HB2 law passed last spring (see goqnotes.com/49921) which dictated the bathroom transgender people needed to use in public venues, curtailed the ability of cities and counties to pass their own non-discrimination ordinances, and more. Accordingly, this ongoing issue was a major part of the April 6 breakfast discussion. Since I am a diversity and career development consultant with a deep expertise in the LGBTQ workplace and marketplace, I will overview all of Gov. Cooper’s remarks, and
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delve deeper into the overall diversity and LGBT components of the breakfast. It is important to note that this meeting was not for the LGBTQ community, but for general business leaders. Therefore, it was quite remarkable that within 30 seconds of taking the stage, Gov. Cooper stated that he loves his state of North Carolina, with its diverse mix of people of different genders, races and sexual orientations, that diversity is all over our state, and “that we need to encourage diversity at every step.” Key points from our governor: • His goal is to see North Carolina better educated, healthier, with more money in people’s pockets and with them living more abundant and purposeful lives. • In terms of economic development, the state needs to attract better-paying jobs to North Carolina, pay attention to the businesses that are already here, and remember that small businesses are a major economic engine. • Education has to be a key initiative in North Carolina — his goal is for North Carolina to be one of the “Top 10 Best Educated States.”
Building its education system is certainly a common-ground issue that all legislators can agree on. Education goals: 1. Participation in pre-kindergarten education increased from 22 percent to 55 percent 2. High school graduation rate increased from percentages in the low 80s to 90 percent 3. More people with advanced degrees, from 38 percent to 55 percent •N orth Carolina can make people healthier by taking advantage of the federal funding provided for healthcare. • T he state has cut taxes enough; it is now time to invest in the state, as well as run things more effectively and efficiently. (I am sure our new state Secretary of Administration Machelle Sanders will see to that!) •N orth Carolina has to keep in mind that it is competing in a global economy (not just with bordering South Carolina). •A rt and music are important elements of the quality of life in North Carolina, including attracting leading businesses to the state. This is certainly an enlightened agenda to positively impact the lives of all North Carolinians. Much of the focus was on the unpopular HB2 law passed last spring which dictated the bathroom transgender people need to use in public venues, curtailed the ability of cities and counties to pass their own non-discrimination ordinances, and more. A few days before the breakfast, a compromise repeal of HB2 was passed and signed by the governor, which removes the transgender bathroom usage provision, but disallows cities and municipalities from adding anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people before 2020 (see the link above referencing HB2 and my letter to the Raleigh News and Observer (bit. ly/2owQV70) about the inadequacy of the compromise bill.) Here are the points that Gov. Cooper made about diversity in general, and, more specifically, about HB2 and the LGBTQ community in
both his remarks and during the question-andanswer portion at the end of the event. • Within 30 seconds of taking the stage, Gov. Cooper stated that he loved his state of North Carolina, with its diverse mix of people of different genders, races and sexual orientations, that diversity is all over our state, and “that we need to encourage diversity at every step.” • The most recent compromise bill repealing parts of HB2 is only a first step. HB2 was very bad for North Carolina’s LGBTQ citizens, the state and its economy. • Gov. Cooper voiced his strong commitment to fight for statewide protections for LGBTQ citizens of North Carolina. • He remarked that there is a need to send a signal to North Carolina’s LGBTQ citizens and to other states that North Carolina is headed in the right direction in terms of LGBTQ inclusion. • The business community needs to continue to take the lead in working on equality for the LGBTQ community. • North Carolina needs to be a more diverse state and include protections especially for the more vulnerable of its citizens. It needs more comprehensive state non-discrimination policies; meanwhile, eyes should be kept on the federal courts which could help shape this issue. • When asked if he would consider issuing an executive order similar to Virginia Gov. McAuliffe’s adding the LGBTQ non-discrimination protections requirement to do business with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Gov. Cooper responded positively that he plans to use the executive order broadly and is working on proposals within the LGBTQ area and for other unaddressed groups. I am heartened by Gov. Cooper’s strong statement of support for LGBTQ equality, and though I feel the recent HB2 removal compromise was a very weak first step, I would like to support Gov. Cooper and provide him any encouragement and assistance to make North Carolina fully inclusive and welcoming of all people in 2017. : :
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life
Healthcare Milestones
Groundbreaking ceremony marks a big moment for ASO turned family health center Affinity Health Center, originally HIV care org, expands facilities and services by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff This sense of valuing patients is often missed in today’s fast-paced world of for-profit healthcare. Affinity’s non-profit status is part and parcel of its mission to serve communities that have traditionally been overlooked by the dominant medical establishment — a mission that the organization has held dear since its inception more than 20 years ago. “Affinity has always been committed to serving the LGBTQ community,” Case said. “We seek to hire staff who are culturally competent and have a desire to serve those who might be underserved in other healthcare settings, such as the LGBTQ community.” With the startling progress of the last few years, Case says that the growth is owed to all the people on staff and volunteering their time with Affinity. “We have a committed and visionary volunteer Affinity Health Center welcomed staff, board members, project representatives and others to break ground at its new facility’s ceremony. Board of Directors, a compassionate and committed More people, indeed. According to Case, the clinic’s number ROCK HILL, S.C. — When Affinity Health Center first opened its leadership team and a persevering and compassionate staff who of clients since the shift to community health has gone from 550 doors as the Catawba Care Coalition in 1994, not even its founders care about our community and people in need.” in 2015 to more than 3,400 in 2017. Two years have seen not only could have predicted the organization’s extensive growth over the For more information on Affinity Health Center, visit affinitya name change, but the near-exponential growth of services following decades. Now, on April 25 Affinity broke ground on a new healthcenter.org. : : provided by Affinity. 30,000 square foot complex in Rock Hill, S.C. which executives hope Affinity’s HIV/AIDS programs aim for education, prevention will support its expanded mission to address the diverse medical and healthcare access. The clinic offers screening for hepatitis needs of all underserved people, including the LGBTQ community. and other STDs, as well as treatments to prevent the spread of The Catawba Care Coalition gained non-profit status in HIV, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure 2000, and its next years were spent serving HIV+ communities prophylaxis (PEP). in South Carolina. In 2015, the organization was rebranded as The new facility in Rock Hill will enable the organization Affinity Health Center and rededicated its mission to address the to expand many more services, including dental care, case full healthcare needs of individuals and families in the area. The management, behavioral health and pharmacy services. Case board and staff have never forgotten the facility’s original misand the Board of Directors hope that the building project “will sion, and neither has Executive Director Anita Case. increase our capacity to provide a health home for more patients, “Since our transition into community health, we have provide enhanced services (significant increase in availability continued to grow our HIV/AIDS program while also growing of oral health care, an onsite pharmacy and significant increase our primary care services and the people we serve,” Case told in availability of primary care), and ensure that our patients feel qnotes. “We wanted to take our successful model of holistic care valued and worthy of the best in healthcare.” and serve more people in need in our community.”
Outside building rendering for Affinity Health Center.
Indoor rendering for Affinity Health Center.
Affinity Health Center Executive Director Anita Case was poised for the facility’s groundbreaking ceremony on April 25.
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life
Theatre Spotlight
‘Dear Harvey’ celebrates Harvey Milk Readings of the play bring the story to a new generation
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arvey Milk was assassinated in 1978. He was the first openly gay elected official in California. He was only 11 months into his first term as a San Francisco supervisor when he and the mayor, George Moscone, were shot and killed by fellow supervisor Dan White. His vision, his passion, his joy and his death were all to become legend through various films, plays, musicals, an opera and several books. Now his story comes to Charlotte on May 22, which would have been Harvey’s 87th birthday. The play “Dear Harvey — Stories of Harvey Milk” tells intimate, surprising stories based on interviews with Harvey’s nephew Stuart Milk, campaign manager Anne Kronenberg, AIDS Quilt founder Cleve Jones and other activists. This spirited tribute was written by Patricia Loughrey, with music by Thomas Hodges, and reaffirms his impact and the continued relevance of his campaign towards equality. The readings are being produced by Dan Kirsch of Green Hair Creative, who led several Charlotte LGBTQ organizations from 19892004, and recently moved back to the city. “Like many others, the election was my call to action,” said Kirsch, who had commissioned and directed the play at Diversionary Theatre, San Diego, Calif.’s LGBTQ theatre. “Many of the local and national protests were similar to
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Harvey’s vision, which was to dream for a better tomorrow filled with the hope for equality and a world without hate. These readings were something I could do within the community to continue Harvey’s vision.” Kirsch has launched Green Hair Creative to imagine, advocate and produce work that highlight the stories of LGBTQ pioneers. Readings will be held May 22 at Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St.; Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd., and Chickspeare will do the first-ever all-female reading at NoDa Brewing Company, 2921 N. Tryon St. A reading will also be held on May 24 at the Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Rd. Dennis Delamar will act in “Dear Harvey” and is known for acting and directing several LGBTQ-themed productions in Charlotte, including “The Normal Heart,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “I Am My Own Wife,” “Next Fall” and others. The play is “significant and relevant, especially with the current climate of intolerance that is sadly running rampant in our country today,” said Delamar. “As a retired teacher and lifetime educator, I feel it is important to bring Harvey’s story to new generations, and to anyone still in the dark about his contributions and legacy. This play is also for any of us who need encouragement, inspiration and momentum
for today’s challenges in achieving and maintaining equality for all. The struggle is ongoing.” Anne Lambert, a member of Chickspeare, jumped at the opportunity to do the first all-female reading of the play. “Harvey’s work made it possible for each of us to have the courage to be our true selves,” stated Lambert. “Breaking down barriers, challenging norms, pushing boundaries — these ideas are at the core of Chickspeare’s mission, so this project is a great opportunity to remind our audience of activists to celebrate his values of inclusion and participation.” Laughingly, she added, “And, there will be beer!” The Chickspeare reading will be held at NoDa Brewing Company. Kirsch is using the event to bring attention to LGBTQ seniors. “Part of the any proceeds will go towards calling an LGBT Town Meeting this summer to talk about forming a SAGE Charlotte Chapter (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders),” said Kirsch. SAGE works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBTQ older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities and promotes positive images of LGBTQ life in later years. The readings feature many notable Charlotte actors: Polly Adkins, Charlton Alicea, Frances Bendert, Veda Covington, Dennis Delamar, Christopher Jones, Zach Radhuber and Hank West. Chickspeare’s actors are Nicia Carla, Joanna Gerdy, Andrea King, Anne Lambert, Lane Morris, Sheila Proctor, Sarah Provencal, Karina Roberts and Gina Stewart. Several readings are directed by Kirsch; Vito Abate is the production manager; and the score will be played live at the Theatre Charlotte reading by Zachary Tarlton. Facilitated conversations about LGBTQ history will be held after each reading. Facilitators include Joshua Burford, assistant director for Sexual & Gender Diversity at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and archivist with the Donaldson King, Sue Henry, Black Brockington Community LGBTQ Archive; and Jason Edward Black, Ph.D., chair and professor, Department of Communication Studies at
Credits: ‘Dear Harvey’ graphic by HenzelDesign
the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and co-editor of the “An Archive of Hope: Harvey Milk’s Speeches and Writings.” “Dear Harvey” readings are being promoted by the host sites and Voices for Justice, arts and social justice organizations: Greenspon Center for Peace & Social Justice, Keshet Committee at Temple Beth El, Paperhouse Theatre and Three Bone Theatre. Pass-thehat donations will be split between the host organization, the formation of a SAGE Charlotte Chapter and Green Hair Creative. Donations are tax-deductible through a fiscal sponsorship with Fractured Atlas. Reservations for tickets can be made after May 8. For details about each of the four readings, visit the event website at greenhaircreative.org. • • • • • Harvey Milk, circa 1977 “My name is Harvey Milk and I want to recruit you. Recruit you into the fight for democracy. The Anita Bryants and the John Briggs are trying to constitutionalize bigotry. We will not allow that to happen. You must make your commitment. Without it you are just occupying space.” Harvey Milk, 1978 “Somewhere in Des Moines or San Antonio there is a young gay person who all of a sudden realizes that he or she is gay; knows that if their parents find out they will be tossed out of the house, their classmates will taunt the child, and the Anita Bryant’s and John Briggs’ are doing their part on TV. And that child has several options: staying in the closet, and suicide. And then one day that child might open the paper that says “Homosexual elected in San Francisco” and there are two new options: the option is to go to California, or stay in San Antonio and fight. Two days after I was elected I got a phone call and the voice was quite young. It was from Altoona, Pennsylvania. And the person said “Thanks”. And you’ve got to elect gay people; so that thousands upon thousands like that child know that there is hope for a better world; there is hope for a better tomorrow. Without hope, not only gays, but those who are blacks, the Asians, the disabled, the seniors, the us’s; without hope the us’s give up. I know that you can’t live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And you, and you, and you, and you have got to give them hope.”
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tell trinity by Trinity :: qnotes contributor :: trinity@telltrinity.com
What’s deadlier — alcohol or marijuana — and how marijuana became illegal Hey Trinity, Don’t you think marijuana is bad and people should stick to legal substances such as alcohol, coffee and prescription drugs? Isn’t it better for them and society? Isn’t it less dangerous and clean? Drug Or Drugless, Austin, TX Hey Drugless, On the contrary, alcohol statistically is 88,000 times more deadly than marijuana. That’s how many folks die each year from alcohol, as opposed to the zero deaths reported from the backyard plant. Marijuana became illegal in the 1940s because the paper industry owned by Hearst and the plastics industry owned by Dupont were being destroyed by the hemp industry owned by the many local farmers producing hemp for the war. Marijuana’s illegal status today is nothing more than politics, not statistics. Alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes and pharmaceuticals have stayed legal simply because of powerful, well-financed lobby groups who have kept these extremely deadly substances legal. And don’t get me started on gun (un)control. Each year approximately 10,000 folks die from caffeine-related deaths, 500,000 from cigarettes and almost 800,000 folks die yearly from overused or wrongly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs. So, pumpkin, I guess you know my opinion now!
Dearest Trinity, Do you think sleeping with a one-night stand ruins the possibility of a second date? One Night Date, Memphis, TN Dearest One Night Date, Having a one-night stand is like eating a chocolate bar. It’s fantastic when you’re eating it, however, when you’re done, you may have a stomach ache and probably won’t even be able to look at another chocolate bar for a few…hours. Honey, there are no absolute rules when it comes to sex, love, relationships and chocolate. But I will say that the more you wait or deny yourself that chocolate bar, the more and more you’ll become interested in getting into its wrapper and keeping it longer! Need I say more? Dear Trinity, My 14-year-old nephew is thinking about doing drag. I’m scared that he will want to become transgender if he does. Help! Don’t you think I should stop him? Drag Drama, Charlotte, NC Dear Drag Drama, There’s a huge difference between wanting to do drag and wanting to change your biological sex. Huge! One may lead to the other, of
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course, but rarely does it happen. Rarely! And repressing one’s artistic expression can only make things worse. Much worse! When a family supports honesty, openness and risk-taking, then anything positive is possible. However, sweetie, if one is outcast, made to take risks alone or made to feel ashamed of oneself, then anything negative is probable! If you’re lucky, when he’s done, maybe he’ll want to become a doctor. (Drag queens need the support of family and friends and maybe even a community. Check out my cartoon to see how.) To Trinity, I want to be like you, a singer, a writer and an artist. But I don’t know how to start. My life is so set: same job, same friends and same unartistic existence. How do I get in touch with my creative side? Ready To Be An Artist, Seattle WA To Ready To Be, Nearly everyone who wants to be an artist already is, but, darling, before you sign up for that “artist within” retreat, here are: Trinity’s Helpful Tips For Finding Your Creative Self 1. Do something dangerous. Facing your fears opens many new roads. 2. Deny yourself something you can’t resist. Stronger wills make stronger artists. 3. Take different routes to work and other places. Challenge what is constant. 4. F orgive someone you can’t. Resentment promises stagnation.
5. V isit new places. New environments bring new creative ideas. 6. Deny yourself one of your senses for a day. Expand your other senses. 7. I nvite unfamiliar or ridiculous conversations. Everyone is a teacher. 8. Redecorate, even with the same furniture. Change your surroundings. 9. Ask lots of questions. There are no stupid questions. 10. And, lastly, start acting like an artist. Fake it ‘til you make it! : : info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.
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EVENTS May-June 2017 Continues through May 13 ‘The Pride’ Duke Energy Theatre @ Spirit Square 345 N. College St., Charlotte Various times Queen City Theatre Company presents “The Pride” by Alexi Kay Campbell, which tells the story of three individuals in parallel times, both past and present. May 10 performance is available at a discount at $17 using promotional code QCTTP2. All others are $23-$25 general admission. Student and senior discounts available. queencitytheatre.com.
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AIDS Walk Charlotte SEP MAY MO Gateway Village Atrium 800 W. Trade St., Charlotte 8 a.m.-12 p.m. The annual AIDS Walk Charlotte will once again raise funds to benefit the services and programs RAIN provides to HIV+ youth, adults and senior adults in Charlotte. The walk is approximately two miles long. “Over two decades, AIDS WALK Charlotte has raised over $2 million for HIV/AIDS prevention activities and care for those infected. AIDS WALK Charlotte is a visual representation of the Charlotte region’s commitment to caring for our neighbors in need and slowing the spread of this devastating disease,” said organizers. More information is available online. aidswalkcharlotte.org.
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Triad Community SEP MAY MO Be-In Rally Asheboro, N.C. Time and location TBA A community be-in, focused on what organizers are calling “ideas of personal empowerment, cultural and political decentralization, ecological awareness, and social issue awareness,” will be held as a counteraction against the Ku Klux Klan’s plans to hold a rally. “Ignoring the KKK is the best way to counteract the KKK, because attention seeking is what ‘they’ are looking for. We hope to make sure the attention is on something else. Something bigger and better, more inclusive and loving,” organizers added. The time and place of the be-in are to be announced and the Facebook event will be updated when those details have been finalized. More information is available online. facebook.com/events/1875070149372462. –––––––––––––––––––– Out! Raleigh City Plaza, Fayetteville St. Downtown Raleigh 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The LGBT Center of Raleigh brings out the festivities in this annual Out! Raleigh celebration. Enjoy performers, KidsZone, raggle, vendors and more. outraleigh.org.
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You can submit your event to our comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Visit Gay Charlotte. Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ and get a three-for-one entry. All Charlotte-area events will appear on each of the three calendars at qnotes (goqnotes.com), Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce (clgbtcc.org) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com). Naked Magicians McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square 345 N. College St., Charlotte 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. There’s no question that the Naked Magicians have nothing up their sleeves, since they don’t even have sleeves. In the naughtiest magic show you’ve ever seen, the sexy pair of magicians Christopher Wayne and Mike Tyler will make you say “ooh” and “ahh” as they say “abracadabra” and show off their talent. Ticket prices vary and begin at $19.50. blumenthalarts.org.
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Community Discussion: SEP MAY MO Transgender Healthcare in Charlotte McColl Center for Art + Innovation 721 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Genderlines and the Charlotte Transgender Healthcare Group partner to present a community discussion on healthcare, mental healthcare and surgical options available for the transgender community in the Charlotte area. Panelists and more details will be added to the Facebook event when they are finalized. More information is available online. facebook.com/events/281741178916653/.
To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/
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Charlotte Pride Band SEP MAY MO Presents ‘80s to the Max’ Myers Park Baptist Church, Heaton Hall 1900 Queens Rd., Charlotte 5 p.m. The Charlotte Pride Band will take one back to the 1980s with this performance featuring favorite pop hits from the decade from radio, film and stage. Hear performances of songs from the likes of Queen, Toto, John Williams, Stephen Sondheim, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Bon Jovi, and more. Tickets cost $15. More information and tickets are available online. charlotteprideband.org.
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Continues through June 3 SEP JUN MO Charlotte Ballet: Inspired Works Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux presents his final performance of his Charlotte Ballet tenure. He presents a collection of his inspiring works throughout the years, including George Balanchine’s “Rubies,” Mark Godden’s “Angels in the Architecture,” Sasha Janes’ “Lascia la Spina, Cogli la Rosa,” JeanPierre Bonnefoux and Quentin Talley’s “Transformation,” and Jiri Kylian’s “Sechs Tänze.” Ticket prices range from $25-$85. Tickets and more information are available online. blumenthalarts.org.
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Continues through June 25 SEP JUN MO Charlotte Squawks 13: Charlotte, We Have a Problem Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte Times vary The news, both local and national, sports, pop culture and life in the Queen City get a sendup in what creators call a cross between “Saturday Night Live” and a Broadway show. The creative team of Mike Collins and Brian Kahn, and a team of the area’s most talented performers, will have no shortage of material to draw from this year. Ticket prices vary and start at $24.50. Tickets and more information are available online. blumenthalarts.org.
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Carolinas CARE 5K Run SEP JUN MO McAlpine Parkway 8711 Monroe Rd., Charlotte 8-10 a.m. Run for a good cause to raise funds for the work Carolinas CARE Partnership does for those living with HIV/AIDS. Everyone who registers will get a free t-shirt and everyone who finishes will get a medal. Early registration before May 15 is $30 and afterward goes up to $35. Registration is available online at bit.ly/2okGgaw. facebook.com/events/624596291059029.
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life
dishing with buff faye by Buff Faye :: qnotes contributor :: info@bufffaye.com
Eureka O’Hara: “Body Positivity” and the return of the Elephant Queen Most of you all should know by now, but my homegirl Eureka O’Hara had to leave Season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” due to a torn ACL in her knee. The good news is that Ru gave her an open invite to come back for Season 10 after recuperating. The Elephant Queen, as her fans call her, was one of the most memorable on the show and did not leave without making a difference to many viewers — and now she has released a new song and music video entitled “Body Positivity” and another song called “Stomp.” I had the opportunity to chat with Eureka and get the scoop on what she’s up to now and why she chose to do her new single “Body Positivity.” So, get a cup of tea, and let’s sip away.
Buff: Indeed we are lady. [interrupts] Eureka: And you know, some people will say you’re not healthy if you’re fat, but I’m somebody who dances and has extremely high energy… I’m healthier than most skinny people and more active. So I disagree with that wholeheartedly. Buff: So who has been there to help you throughout those hard times in life? Eureka: My mom has always been supportive. I had a very encouraging family that loved me. They have been there through it all. Buff: So at the end of the day, what do you hope the new single “Body Positivity” will do for people? Eureka: I hope it just gives them something to dance to. Something to be happy, smile, laugh and giggle. I hope they watch my music video especially, and see this big, giant drag queen, Eureka: Hey love. loving every inch, and ask why can’t I love me. Buff: Hey sweetness thanks for making the Hopefully, it pushes people to love themselves. time for me. And that’s what matters to me, to make a difEureka: Of course lady. I’m always here for ya. ference in someone else’s life. That’s why I do Buff: So everybody is talking about this song drag. Hell yeah. “Body Positivity” that you did with Adam Barta Buff: Hell yes, indeed. and Kandy Muse. Tell me more about it. Eureka: And don’t forget, you can buy it on Eureka: Well, being a plus size person most iTunes now. [laughs] of my life, I have felt Buff: Can we expect to see more ridiculed for it…so with of this in the future? the platform of “Rupaul’s Eureka: My platform is going to Drag Race,” I wanted to be built around equality for all, talk about it, say somein all ways. It’s definitely going thing about it. No matter to be about body positivity…and your shape, size, color or my confidence I have as a bigger anything in-between you person, as a gay man. One of have to love yourself and the lyrics from the song is “be be body positive. proud, love every inch” and that’s Buff: Yeah, and all the exactly what I mean and want love in your last episode, everyone to do. specifically the talk Photo Credit: Music art for Eureka O’Hara Buff: Big is beautiful for sure. around body positivity, and Adam Barta featuring Kandy Muse, Every column I try to share a bit was very heart-warming ‘Body Positivity’ by permission of drag advice or a drag tip, what and necessary, right? you got for me? Eureka: Yes, especially being on a show where Eureka: Never react to anything with anger or you are loved or hated, picked apart. We all have violence. Because that only ensues more anger to remind ourselves what we love about ourand violence. Try to laugh it off. Remind yourself selves. And that’s all that truly matters. Reminding that they don’t understand me because I’m difmyself, no matter what others think or say, I love ferent and I would rather be different than like myself, I can be myself and I am free to be myself. everyone else. Buff: So important. Buff: Everybody wants to know. Season 10, are Eureka: I wanted it to be a celebration of life you ready? How is your health? Your ACL? and who you are as a person. Eureka: I am definitely going to go back for the Buff: As a fellow plus size gal, those are words first season they allow me to do. My health is to live by. Thank you. Did you write the lyrics doing well. I’ve worked very hard on my physito the song yourself? cal therapy. It was hard to pull myself out of Eureka: I did write the lyrics to the song, that low point — emotionally and physically. I actually. I wrote most of them and there are a learned a lot about myself and I am stronger for couple verses that Adam Barta helped me edit. it. Next month I hope to be released medically I’ve been writing a lot of my own music, includand have the official okay from my doctor. ing the song “Stomp” too, which is a Vogue Buff: Well I am personally looking forward to scene, play on for big girls. it and can’t wait. Anything to close out this Buff: I can’t wait to hear that too. So was there interview for my readers - and your fans. a time when you were young that somebody Eureka: Hopefully on Season 10 a big girl will fimade fun of you because of your body size? nally win and be America’s Next Drag Superstar! Eureka: I feel like my whole life that people Buff: Yasss! You know it! I wig you lady. made fun of me because of my body, being big. — Buff Faye calls the Queen City home That is what I have been made fun of the most, and loves eating pizza and chocolate chip besides being a flamboyant gay male. But it was cookies with Eureka (plus she loves to raise always traced back to being big and fat…it kind money for charities). Find her at your favorof put you in a state of mind growing up that ite bars and hot spots. Plus don’t forget her there’s something wrong with you, that they may monthly Saturday night shows, Sunday drag be right, because you hear it negatively all the brunch and regular Friday night party bus. time. I just now in my adulthood, the last several Learn more at AllBuff.com. years, thinking that is all wrong. I shouldn’t put Follow on Twitter @BuffFaye that in my mind. I’m beautiful the way I am.
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