May 9-22 . 2014
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May 9-22 . 2014
inside
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qnotes arts. entertainment. news. views.
news & features 2014 Swimwear & Underwear Issue p. 14
6 News Notes: Regional Briefs
About the cover:
12 Lawsuit cites First Amendment
Andrew Christian multi-stripe
12 S.C. college money restored
7 News Notes: U.S./World
malibu shorts, Santos bracelet. Model: Jeffrey Hawkins
a&e / life&style
Pictured right:
14 Candy Crush
Andrew Christian Home Run
15 Swimwear Sundries
Training Shorts, Gym Racer
16 Pump’d and Primed
Back Tank, Coin Necklace,
17 Smooth summer skin
Noir Dog Tag Model: Cirio
19 Jane’s World 21 Our People: Ryan Kingston 22 Winthrop University drag 23 Tell Trinity
Winthrop students get
24 Out in Print: ‘Frog Music’
crash course in drag.
26 Q Events Calendar
Student shares guest contribution chronicling the event. p. 22
opinions & views 4 TalkBack 4 Guest Commentary 5 Editor’s Note 5 QPoll
May 9-22 . 2014
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qnotes connect May 9-22, 2014 Vol 29 No 01
arts. entertainment. news. views. goqnotes.com twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas
contributors this issue
Paige Braddock, Raven Brown, Matt Comer, Stan Kimer, Lainey Millen, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Trinity
front page
Graphic Design by Matt Comer & Lainey Millen Photography: Andrew Christian Mission:
The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBT and straight ally communities of the Charlotte region, North Carolina and beyond, by featuring arts, entertainment, news and views in print and online that directly enlightens, informs and engages the readers about LGBT life and social justice issues. Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Editor: Matt Comer, x202 editor@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Maria Dominguez Production: Lainey Millen, x205 production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper. Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2014 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.
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upcoming issues: 05.23.14: Home & Garden Advertising Space Deadline: May 14 06.06.14: Pride Month/LGBT Seniors Advertising Space Deadline: May 28
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May 9-22 . 2014
guest commentary by Stan Kimer :: guest contributor
Anti-gay initiatives are disturbing waste of national resources Over the past months, we have seen a wave of new legislation introduced across various states (Kansas, Mississippi, Arizona) which would allow businesses to discriminate against LGBT people by allowing them to choose not to serve LGBT clients. At the same time, the long-standing same-gender marriage debate continues as it has for years. In some states, the state attorneys general have stated that they are not going to defend their states’ anti-gay marriage amendments. In other states, most recently Texas, federal judges are declaring state bans on marriage unconstitutional. Meanwhile, mean-spirited legislators in additional states like Indiana are still attempting to add new constitutional amendments to ban gay marriages or unions. Across the nation, much of the discussion has been around equal rights for all Americans under our Constitution and this is a very important foundational principle. But to that, I would like to add from a business and economic perspective, why these anti-gay initiatives are particularly disturbing. I offer three reasons: 1. They are a tremendous waste of money that should be invested elsewhere. Over the past decade, money contributed and spent by both sides of this issue has grown into hundreds of millions of dollars. In addition, the cost
of processing the voting on these referendums, whether at the citizen or legislative level, is extremely costly. Imagine the positive progress that could be made to feed the hungry, offer skills development programs for children in the inner-city, to fund cancer or Alzheimer’s research at major universities, or any of the many other high priority programs, if all this money was invested there. And, not to speak of the economic development that could be stimulated with better investment of these funds. 2. They drain valuable national intellectual capital away from more important issues. In addition to all the wasted money from the first point above, hundreds of very intelligent people on both sides are spending hours of intellectual capital debating the issue, preparing court documents, lobbying legislators, fundraising and more. Again, as a nation, we should not only be investing our money in more pressing issues, but also our best minds. Developing economic policies and programs to build a stronger economy and devising innovative education programs to help us develop more talent in the math and science fields are much more critical than spending smart minds on issues around denying a segment of our society their equal rights. We should have already moved beyond that.
3. These initiatives create a second-class citizenry that could eventually be a drain on our economy instead of contributors. To compete in the global economy, a country, state or locale needs to have every single person working at the optimal capacity. American corporations have already long understood the importance of diversity — that valuing every single person empowers them to work at their very best and achieve outstanding results. Now, we as a nation (and other nations, too) need to understand that important principal. And, on the reverse side, studies on bullying have shown that people who are deemed as unworthy of equal treatment more often will resort to unhealthy choices such as violence or drugs, and later become a drain on the economic system instead of a contributor. Let us all share the important message that we need to stop debating discriminatory laws, and instead let everyone have equal rights and shift our efforts to much more important issues. : : — After a diverse and successful 31-year career at IBM, Stan C. Kimer founded Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer, offering innovative services in diversity management and career development.
join the discussion We welcome your letters to the editor (200 or words or less) and guest commentaries (600 words or less). Submit them to letters@goqnotes.com. Also, voice your opinion and give us feedback, as well as share your general suggestions. Submit these to editor@goqnotes.com.
talkback Letters to the editor and comments from goqnotes.com. and facebook.com/qnotescarolinas. Web comments are not edited for grammar or punctuation. A debate offer Someone once said, “Enough is enough and too much is no good for anyone.” The time has come when opponents of gay rights and same-sex marriage realize they can no longer deflect tough questions by coercion, intimidation, and lying by omission. The time has come for me to step out from the shadows that offered semi-comfort to me and volunteer to be the sacrificial lamb for people — gay and straight — who know we are not perfect in the sight of God. Therefore, I here and now offer to debate any and every recognized religious authority on homosexuality in America. But, I respectfully caution those who consider accepting the challenge that my first question will be, “If God views homosexuality as being as much a threat to mankind as you do, ‘Why did He specifically cite fornication and adultery (but did not use the word homosexuality) in the Ten Commandments?’.” I await the response of those who deem themselves worthy to answer the harder questions which may have prompted some in Jesus’ day to walk away without casting a stone at their own glass house. — Frank, April 22, letter Church files lawsuit Readers respond to news of the United Church of Christ’s lawsuit challenging Amendment One (goqnotes.com/29099/). I have never felt so gratified when I heard of the filing of this suit. I have been posting for a year that when these amendments were passed people just stomped on my 1st Amendment rights. The 1st Amendments clearly states “prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion (or) impeding the free exercise of religion. See my church marries gays, lesbians, and their families. Did I miss the word of “majority’s religion”? I think not. — Jeff, April 28, goqnotes.com
I applaud The United Church of Christ for their actions and I personally thank you for recognizing us and me as full members of the body of Christ — J. Wesley Thompson, April 28, goqnotes.com While I am a supporter of gay marriage, and any other voluntary contract, I find this challenge to the law to be based entirely on the wrong argument. Amendment One is a religious law and challenging it on religious grounds will yield nothing but irrational squabbles over religious peculiarities and legitimate religious claims. The proper grounds for a legal challenge is that of universal individual rights; specifically, right to contract and equal protection under the law. The state, I would argue, may not interfere with an individual’s right to enter into voluntary romantic contracts between free adults, and when they choose to do so, the state may not impose special categories for unequal treatment. The solution is a complete separation of marriage and state. The only proper role of government is to protect individual rights and in its banning gay marriage it does the opposite: it violates the rights of individuals who use their judgment to determine what is in their self-interest. The government’s role in marriage, as with any other contract, should be limited to enforcing contracts and settling disputes. Furthermore, the protection of rights should not be subject to consensus or majority opinion. A majority or faction cannot vote to violate the rights of another. This subjective way of determining which rights are to be protected and which are to be violated is precisely what this nation was established to confound. — Tim Peck, April 28, goqnotes.com This is about Religious Liberty. A growing number of Religious institutions are in support of Marriage Equality. They & their Congregation have just as much right to fight for their Religious Liberties that Include Marriage Equality! — Jim Clark, April 28, goqnotes.com
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editor’s note by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
In your hands, 39 years of local LGBT press legacy I was probably just about 15 years old when I read my first-ever LGBT community newspaper. Looking back, I can’t readily remember whether it was qnotes or The Front Page, the Raleigh-based paper begun in 1979 and with which qnotes merged in 2006. Likely, it may very well have been both. I had traveled from Winston-Salem with an older teen friend from a neighboring high school to an LGBT youth support group in Greensboro. There the paper was, just sitting there on the coffee table in the living room of a former house turned support group and non-profit space. I had already come out and started a gay-straight alliance at my high school. I’d had plenty of time to learn about other LGBT people and the broader community — at the public library, online and elsewhere. But, it was that newspaper — and the dozens of others like it I would read through high school — that kept me connected to the larger LGBT community outside of my small circle of gay friends and adult mentors in my hometown. It doesn’t seem so long ago to me; it’s just a hair over a decade ago. Yet, believe it or not (especially to you young ones today), it was barely long enough ago that it represented a time when the internet had not even yet begun to take a firm hold on the public. Newspapers like qnotes and The Front Page had online presences, I’m sure, but I never visited them. Online news had yet to captivate the masses. Plus, there was something about that physical paper — a tangible reminder I could pick up and read cover to cover, as I did often, that kept me anchored to a larger vision and purpose. If not for those newspapers, I’m not entirely sure I’d be the person I am today or that I’d have the same passion and commitment I feel now for LGBT equality and other important social justice movements. The Front Page and qnotes were, quite simply, a lifeline during my life as an adolescent gay teen in North Carolina. This print edition marks the first issue of qnotes’ 29th volume. Whether by coincidence or some grander design, I now work as the editor of one of the newspapers which I so cherished as a teenager. Doubling down on coincidences, I share the same birth year. Just three months ago, I celebrated my 28th birthday and, now, I get to celebrate another — this time for qnotes and its 28th anniversary. A lot has changed in North Carolina since the time when I picked up my first queer newspaper. Indeed, a teenager today is probably more likely to view our news on her smart phone, linked from a social media site, than in a physical print edition she actually picked up. While the dramatic revolution in technology over these past two decades has certainly
given rise to challenges of its own, a much deeper perspective shows just how very far our world and our LGBT community has come since the days when North Carolina’s nascent LGBT press began. I’d like to think and hope — no, rather, I know from my own first-hand experience — that both newspapers helped play a role in the change we’ve experienced. The two newspapers have served generations of young people, once like me, who sought community, knowledge, news and entertainment which could empower and unite them with a greater purpose and meaning. They have enabled LGBT community members to rally around the causes and issues most essential to our community’s survival. They created a body of chronicled community history upon which we and future generations may look back and from which we can learn as we move forward with accomplishments barely imagined possible 30 or more years ago. qnotes today stands upon and continues the legacy of The Front Page and other publications like it, including the state’s first LGBT newspaper, the Charlotte Free Press, the shortlived but ever-important Carolina Lesbian News of the 1990s, the Blue Ridge’s Out in Asheville and Stereotypd. I am full of all sorts of emotions — proud, humbled, grateful, inspired — when I venture back into the archives of qnotes, The Front Page, Free Press and others, witnessing the history they have collected. Today, I gaze out upon a community — including myself — that they helped build. I’ll be forever indebted to the long, practically unidentifiable list of individuals who worked tirelessly to ensure the survival of North Carolina’s rich tradition of independent and local LGBT community journalism. People like qnotes’ current publisher Jim Yarbrough and The Front Page’s founder and long-time publisher Jim Baxter. People like qnotes’ first editor Don King and our longest-serving editor (and employee, later as an associate editor) David Stout. People like our current production director Lainey Millen, a more than decadelong veteran of this institution, and my predessor, former editor David Moore, as well as the countless numbers of independent columnists, community contributors, advertisers, supporters and others who have made it possible to continue serving the LGBT communities of this state and beyond. Each of us — as employees of the newspaper or as readers or advertisers — stand on the shoulders of giants. Happy 28th birthday qnotes and hail to the 35 years of tradition heralded by The Front Page and the 39 years of LGBT press excellence birthed by the Free Press. Let’s all work now to keep the legacy alive. : :
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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer
Mecklenburg Democrats choose Jeff Jackson for Senate
ments, and even elected representatives at the state level, ENC said. They hope to gain momentum as the young people share their stories to help change minds and hearts on equality issues. On June 10, the team will hold a #GetEngagedNC Youth Lobby Day of Action, a day devoted to getting youth, 20-years and younger, more involved in North Carolina’s proequality advocacy. A week later ENC is taking the same young people to the General Assembly to meet lawmakers so they hear the concerns of youth constituents and the laws that protect them. Registration is available online. info: equalitync.org. timeoutyouth.org. insideout180.org. — L.M.
Elder’s group taking shape
Jeff Jackson spoke to media after being selected to replace former state Sen. Dan Clodfelter.
CHARLOTTE — Forty-nine members of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party cast their votes on May 3 to replace former state Sen. Dan Clodfelter, who is now serving as Charlotte mayor. After two rounds of voting, 31-year-old Gaston County Assistant District Attorney and Army veteran Jeff Jackson won with 25 votes. Openly gay Plaza Midwood businessman and former Charlotte City Councilmember Billy Maddalon received 21 votes. Former CharlotteMecklenburg Board of Education member Amelia Stinson-Wesley received three votes. Eastside activist Darrell Bonapart had been eliminated in the first round of voting, when he received just one vote. “I’m going to Raleigh for each of you and I want to hear from you,” Jackson told members of the party after the results were announced at Little Rock AME Zion Church in downtown Charlotte. The replacement process had been initiated when Clodfelter was chosen by City Council to become Charlotte’s next mayor, following former Mayor Patrick Cannon’s resignation. Clodfelter was installed in April. Jackson told media after his election that he
hoped to continue Clodfelter’s legacy of service. “I’m honored to have been selected by my party to continue to serve my state,” Jackson said. “I’m very excited. This is going to be a wonderful opportunity to serve, hopefully, millions of people across our state who are really hurting right now. At the end of the day, this is about them. This is about the opportunity we have to continue as public servants to find ways to make people’s lives a little better.” At a candidate forum on April 29, Maddalon had said he was looking forward to being the first lawmaker to introduce legislation officially repealing the state’s anti-LGBT constitutional amendment when it is struck down by federal courts. On May 3, Jackson committed to doing the same. “Amendment One is a travesty,” Jackson said. “I’m hopeful the courts wills strike it down.” Jackson added, “In the meantime, we need to, as legislators, be mindful that gay people are our friends and neighbors. They are no different from the rest of us and they don’t deserve to be discriminated against. It’s unacceptable.” more: Visit goqnotes.com for May 6 primary election coverage. — M.C.
Charlotte
info: timeoutyouth.org. 704-344-8335. events@timeoutyouth.org.
Voices gala approaches
CHARLOTTE — Time Out Youth Center will hold its annual Platinum Voices Gala on June 6, 6:30 p.m., at Center Stage, 2315 N. Davidson St. Host for the event will be Ben Thompson, anchor and reporter for WCNC-TV. Attendees will be treated to food, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, music, art auction and more. Tickets entitle the bearer to two complimentary beverages. Cash bar purchases are available with a portion of the proceeds going to Time Out Youth. Sponsorships are still available. Packages can be downloaded online. Also, auction items are being secured now. Art submissions are due by May 30. Cost is $75 per person if bought by May 16. After that the price goes up to $100. VIP tables are available for 10 guests for $750.
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— L.M..
Youth group unites with state rights org
CHARLOTTE — Equality North Carolina (ENC) has teamed up with Time Out Youth Center and iNSIDEoUT to launch the #GetEngagedNCYouth project. A kick-off event was held at Time Out’s facility at 2320-A N. Davidson St. with ENC and Time Out in attendance. A two-hour workshop, “Strong & Strategic Stories,” was the center piece to the activities. #GetEngagedNCYouth is a unique advocacy opportunity developed to empower youth to harness the power of their own stories and lived experiences for change.This program will help further develop the tools students and youth already possess and help them channel their passion into effective conversations with leaders of their school boards, local govern-
CHARLOTTE — On April 28, over 25 people attended a fact-finding and interest meeting focusing on LGBT aging solutions. During the meeting, attendees were broken down into groups to discuss four questions: What do you think are the most significant LGBT elder issues?; What is the most important service you want today?; If you were going to get sick tomorrow, who would take care of you?; and Do you have your Advanced Directives, your Will, and your other legal documents complete?
A variety of answers were gathered to enable organizers to better understand what the community felt were important issues to consider for future discussion. Items included LGBT assisted living training, legal documents; retirement communities, medical issues, lists of those who would be able to care for an LGBT elder and more. The next meeting will be held on May 19, 7 p.m., at Flying Biscuit Cafe, 4241 Park Rd. Topics will be “Losing Zest for Life” and “Looking at Health Care Differently.” To attend, send RSVP via email clt.lgbt.elders@gmail.com. — L.M.
Eastern Bar owner gets push back
GREENVILLE — Limelight co-owner Jerry Jordan is taking on the Greenville Board of Adjustment. It seems that in order to re-open his club at a new location, the former Greenville Produce Market, he has to receive approval from the governing board. Unfortunately, the board did not have a quorum to allow it to take an actionable vote at a recent meeting. It was the second time Jordan had attempted approval. Earlier, the board rejected the new business because it was within 500 feet of residential property. Now, the bar has gotten creative. Instead
Couple wins wedding SALISBURY — Tamara Sheffield and Maryja Mee took a train headed north on May 3 to wed on May 4 in New York, N.Y. Though this does not seem out of the ordinary in today’s world, the couple was one of five to win $5,000 from the American Civil Liberties Union in their Big Gay (Il)legal Wedding contest. In fact, they beat out 396 other entrants to net the win. Participants were gleaned from states that banned same-sex marriage. Before leaving for the train, the ACLU threw them a sendoff party. Sheffield and Mee have been together for 24 years, having met in college. Sheffield works for Frito-Lay division of PepsiCo and Mee works at Delhaize America headquarters. The couple got a late start on entering the contest. A friend of theirs told them about it and expressed that she could not think of a better couple to repTamara Sheffield and Maryja Mee resent marriage equality. After perusing the requirements, they jumped in and created their story, then submitted their entry on Jan. 18, so close to the Feb. 16 end date. “When we entered, so many couples had thousand of votes and we thought we didn’t have a chance,” Sheffield shared. “Before Valentine’s Day, we were one of the top vote getters (thanks to all of our friends, family, Salisburians and our personal ‘campaign managers’ of social media). We received a call we were one of the final couples and then the contest was extended to March 16. By the time it was all said and done we were the top vote with over 22,000 votes and out of 400+ couples, we were one of the winners.” An online video explains more about the couple’s experience with the contest and their lives. In April they were able to meet the other four couples who netted wins on a trip to New York prior to their “big” day. One thing on their wish list was to have Stevie Nicks officiate the wedding, but that dream never materialized. “All that matters is we are legally married after building a life together for 24 years. No words can explain how great it feels to be recognized as a couple regardless of [what North Carolina’s laws say],” she added. Both of the women are actively involved in the community. They are founding members of Salisbury Pride, as well as active at work with their companies’ business resources groups. They have also been involved in bully prevention rallies and local college gay-straight alliance groups. The ACLU is holding another contest where they will award five people an all-expense paid trip for two and a wedding reception in New York on May 19 at 54 Below, a Manhattan hotspot located at 254 W. 54th St. Those who fill out the online form help to send a message to lawmakers in the winners’ home states calling for marriage equality. Visit the website to apply. info: weddings.aclu.org. — L.M
news news notes: u.s./world. goqnotes.com/to/views
of trying to open a gay bar, his new proposal to the board takes on the face of a restaurant which would serve alcohol. Jordan told WNCT-TV that he was losing money and that it was the second time this situation has occurred. Neighboring businesses who were against the original proposal to re-open the club are warming up to the idea of a restaurant. The Limelight was shut down to make way for the 10th Street connector. qnotes will provide updates as they are made available. info: wnct.com. — L.M.
Triad Florida man sentenced in trans shooting
WINSTON-SALEM — A Florida man has been convicted of shooting a transgender woman he met on Craigslist six times within days of leaving his wife and arriving in North Carolina. Jason Roy Borkowski, 38, pleaded guilty in Forsyth Superior Court during the first week of May to assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill in connection with the incident on Oct. 12, 2013, reports the Winston-Salem Journal. Prosecutors said Borkowski had been in Kernersville, N.C., a couple of days and had gone on the website Craigslist looking for someone to hang out with when he met Alevaro Refugio online. After engaging in sexual activity. Borkowski shot Refugio six times with a .25-caliber pistol, hitting her multiple times in the shoulder, chest and arms. The injuries were life-threatening, but Refugio, 38, has since recovered. Borkowski was sentenced to four years and nine months to six years and nine months in prison. — LGBTQNation
Pageant crowns winner
GREENSBORO — The Miss Gay North Carolina USofA Pageant was held from April 25-27 at Warehouse 29, 1011 Arnold St. Ten contestants vied for the crown during the weekend-long event. Winner was Eden Parque Divine and first alternate went to Reina Parque Divine. Category winners were: Evening Gown, Eden Parque Divine; Interview, Raven Wood; and Talent (tied) Reina Parque Divine and Raven Wood. Macaria Rage, the outgoing Miss Gay NC USofA, crowned Divine.
Miss North Carolina USofA Eden Parque Divine
Shae Shae LaReese, current Miss Gay USofA, and LaWanda Jackson, Miss Gay USofA 2013, were on hand to entertain the audience. The Miss Gay NC USofA Pageant celebrated its 28th Anniversary and had 20 of the 28 former state winners in attendance who performed over the weekend. Some included were: Miss Gay NC USofA 1993 Brittany Shane, celebrating her 21st anniversary; Miss Gay NC USofA 1992 Tiffany Bonet, celebrating her 15th anniversary; and Miss Gay NC USofA 2004 Diamond, celebrating her 10th anniversary. Also on hand to entertain for final night were Miss Gay NC America, Lauren Scott, and Miss Gay NC USofA Newcomer MIchelle Michaels. Tribute Awards to honor and recognize the memory of fallen pageant contributors went to Taj Mahal, Arabia Knight Addams and Monica Marlo. The Arabia Knight Adams Entertainer of the Year Award went to Jackson and Kelly Raye. Contestant Jade la Rouz Sedique walked away with Miss Congeniality. And, another one netted Best Presentation. The Spirit Award was scooped up by Tanner Shriver for backstage support and pageant preparations. Shirli Stevenz served as pageant coordinator. DJ Kimo spun music for the event. info: facebook.com/ncusofa. — L.M.
Triangle Youth org slates fundraiser
DURHAM — On May 10, 9 p.m., iNSIDEoUT will hold an adult fundraiser to benefit LGBT youth at The Bar, 711 Rigsbee Ave. Enjoy dancing, a raffle, drinks, good times and camaraderie during the evening’s event. A DJ will provide music. Monies raised will go toward expansion of the organization’s efforts to provide a safe space for all youth to form life-long friendships, create and take on worthwhile projects and develop leadership skills. It also benefits gaystraight alliances at local schools. Contributions will enable programs like the Queer Prom and Backwords, iNSIDEoUT’s literary zine, as well as summer camping retreats and more to flourish. Attendees must be over 18 years of age and 21 to consume alcohol. Cover is $5 and no one will be turned away. Backwords consists of poetry, artwork, stories and essays by and for youth and their adult allies. Amy Glaser, co-founder and executive director, said, “In order to cover the costs of printing and distributing the zine and to expand our efforts to connect, organize and mobilize queer youth in the Triangle and beyond, we are seeking sponsors for this year’s issue. We invite you to show hundreds of people who pick up a free copy of Backwords each year, that your organization or business supports LGBTQ/queer/allied youth. The zine is also being archived by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill libraries, so your support will be recorded in history!” Sponsorships range from $25-$150 based on a sliding scale. PayPal payments are also acceptable through the organization’s website. Deadline is May 9. Each participant will be listed via image or logo. Images must be in black and white and sized to 3” x 2.5”. Email them to insideoutamy@ gmail.com. Online forms are available at docs.google. com/forms/d/1BfY55lnOHbnyE-Z_vEF6Xm-wKDAPlMRtAsc4dZN0cko/viewform.
see News Notes on 18
Pope to discuss gay marriage, contraception
Pope Francis.
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican will convene a meeting of senior clerics this fall to re-examine church teachings on its most controversial issues: same-sex relations, divorce and contraception. Billed as an “extraordinary” assembly of bishops, the meeting — or synod — will take place in October at the direction of Pope Francis’ orders, reports the Los Angeles Times. The gathering could herald a new approach by the church on the sensitive topics. Observers say even the run-up to the synod has been a departure from usual Vatican practice and say the pope has shown a radical new leadership style. Last year, soon after his election, Francis directed bishops across the globe to survey local attitudes on families and relationships. It’s a sign, the Los Angeles newspaper reports, that Francis values a “less centralized and more responsive decision-making.” “Nobody at the Vatican will be surprised to learn that vast numbers of Catholics disobey its ban on premarital sex and birth control, or that some are in gay partnerships,” the paper writes. The “extraordinary” synod in October is the first of a two-phase process. Bishops will discuss the findings of the survey and air proposals to deal with them. They will then settle on new guidelines at an “ordinary” synod next year. The two-step process should give prelates time to reflect and adjust to reforms proposed by Francis, according to author and Vatican expert John Thavis. — LGBTQ Nation
Asian nation moves forward with harsh new laws
BANDAR SERI BEGWAN, Brunei — The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, has announced that harsh Islamic punishments that call for the death penalty for numerous offenses, including same-sex sexual activity, will come into effect despite international condemnation. Authorities in the predominately Muslim state in Southeast Asia, announced the launch
Photo Credit: Tânia Rêgo/Agência Brasil.
of the first phase of the new penal code at a sharia “declaration ceremony” on April 30, reports AFP. “I place my faith in and am grateful to Allah the almighty to announce that tomorrow, Thursday May 1, 2014, will see the enforcement of sharia law phase one, to be followed by the other phases,” the monarch said in a royal decree. The sharia penalties, implemented in three phases over the next three years, will eventually include flogging, severing of limbs and death by stoning. The law was to come into effect in late April, but was postponed amid condemnation from the United Nations and rare criticism at home. The Brunei Times reports that the three phases include: •P hase 1: Fines and prison sentences for various crimes; •P hase 2: Severing of limbs for crimes of theft; •P hase 3: Death by stoning for sexual crimes, including adultery, rape and same-sex sexual activity The law also states that “the order shall apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims, except where expressly provided.” The United Nations Human Rights office has condemned the revised penal code, saying that “application of the death penalty for such a broad range of offenses contravenes international law.” Hassanal Bolkiah, the 67-year-old sultan — one of the world’s wealthiest men — said the move was “a must” under Islam, dismissing “never-ending theories” that sharia punishments were cruel. News of the Sultan’s assets, includes the Dorchester Collection, a group of luxury hotels that includes the famed Beverly Hills Hotel and the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. Earlier in April, a group of high-dollar LGBT donors cancelled plans to hold a conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and celebrities Ellen DeGeneres and Sharon Osborne have spoken out to call attention to the hotels’ owner. — LGBTQ Nation
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news New lawsuit says anti-gay marriage laws violate First Amendment religious freedom goqnotes.com/to/news
Federal lawsuit filed in North Carolina is first to cite religious freedom arguments in fighting anti-gay marriage ban by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The United Church of Christ (UCC), other local clergy and same-sex couples announced on April 28 that they have filed suit against the State of North Carolina and its anti-LGBT constitutional amendment, citing First Amendment guarantees of freedom of religion. At a press conference at Holy Covenant United Church of Christ (UCC), Pastor Nancy Ellett Allison said North Carolina’s laws discriminating against same-sex couples violate her church’s and congregants’ religious freedoms. “North Carolina’s laws prohibiting samegender marriage designate some citizens as unfit for the blessings of God,” Allison said. “We reject that notion. As all of God’s children are welcome to receive the sacraments of communion and of baptism, so all of God’s children should be able to receive the sacrament of holy union and marriage.” In May 2012, North Carolina voters passed a constitutional amendment banning recognition of same-sex marriages and civil unions. The measure passed with 61 percent of voters in favor. The constitutional ban, in addition to other state marriage laws, violate the religious freedoms of same-sex couples and the ministers that seek to officiate at their LGBT congregants’ weddings. UCC General Minister and President Geoffrey Black traveled to Charlotte for the lawsuit’s filing, which he said is a stand for the freedom of religion. “We believe very strongly that this freedom must be protected,” Black said. “As an inclusive church we are sensitive to any laws that create inequality in our society. When we determined the State of North Carolina was restricting the free exercise of religion, we felt compelled to take lawsuit.” The church’s lawsuit was filed in Charlotte. Of all marriage cases nationwide — now 66 separate lawsuits — the church and its legal team believe their lawsuit is the first to cite the First Amendment and a religious freedom argument in fighting an anti-LGBT amendment on marriage. The case is the third lawsuit in North Carolina challenging the state’s anti-LGBT amendment. Two other cases are pending in a Greensboro federal court. A case challenging
ceremony without a license and collect up to $200 if they prevail. Couples involved in the case say they want the right — as other couples have — to be married in the presence of their faith communities in ceremonies performed by their faith leaders. “We can’t imagine anyone else officiating our wedding and we can’t imagine getting married without the presence of our faith community,” said Cathy Fry, who attends Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with her wife Joanne Marinaro. The two have been a couple for 28 years and have a 23-year-old daughter and 19-year-old son. “Holy Trinity is our church family…its loving and caring congregation has always nurtured and cared for our children and our relationship,” said Marinaro. “We want to get married right here in North Carolina and right here in our home church.” : :
The plaintiffs Clergy and national officers with the United Church of Christ join with other local clergy and their legal counsel at a press conference announcing their lawsuit on April 28.
Virginia’s anti-LGBT constitutional amendment is expected to be heard by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in May. That ruling could affect North Carolina’s pending lawsuits. Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper has said he will defend the state’s laws despite personally acknowledging his support for marriage equality. The plaintiffs in the case include the UCC and Holy Covenant, as well as other faith leaders and same-sex couples from Charlotte, Asheville, Concord and Huntersville. They are represented by Tin Fulton Walker & Owen and Arnold & Porter LLP. Luke Largess, a partner at Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, said the case brings four separate claims — two equal protection and due process claims similar to other marriage lawsuits and two new First Amendment claims. Current state law technically makes it a misdemeanor, Largess said, for ministers to conduct marriage ceremonies without licenses.
It is also illegal for ministers — who are deputized by the state to perform weddings — to sign marriage licenses for same-sex couples. “There is no event in the life of a church that is more holy and happy than a wedding, but in North Carolina a minister who presides over the wedding of a same-sex couple commits a misdemeanor,” Largess said. “It’s that criminalization of that marriage rite that we challenge in this lawsuit.” Largess added, “These ministers and these couples have the right to express and hold their religious beliefs. [They have the right] to join together as a group to express their beliefs and act out their beliefs.” Largess also said many of the religious “holy union” services often held for same-sex couples are, in fact, illegal under state law. Violations of the law are punishable by up to 120 days in jail and/or probation and community service. In addition, the laws allow anyone to sue the minister who performs a marriage
S.C. Senate panel rejects budget cuts House had slashed funds to colleges that assigned gay-themed books by LGBTQ Nation :: lgbtqnation.com
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Senate’s budget-writing committee has rejected an effort to punish two South Carolina universities for assigning gay-themed books to freshmen. Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler on April 30 recommended adopting the House’s proposed $70,000 cuts. But the Senate Finance Committee rejected that proposal by a vote of 7-11. Senate President Pro Tem John Courson, had said earlier that the Legislature shouldn’t micromanage universities’ curriculum. “I think that should be up to the presidents of the institution and the board of trustees which the General Assembly elects,” said Courson (R-Columbia). The House’s budget plan cut $17,162 from the University of South Carolina Upstate and $52,000 from the College of
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Charleston for their book selections. College of Charleston was to be penalized for assigning students to read “Fun Home,” a book by Alison Bechdel that describes her childhood with a closeted gay father and her own coming out as a lesbian. The University of South Carolina - Upstate was to lose $17,000 for assigning “Out Loud:The Best of Rainbow Radio,” a book about South Carolina’s first gay and lesbian radio show. Rep. Garry Smith (R), whose House subcommittee made the cuts, called the assignment the promotion of a lifestyle. The issue will likely resurface again as the full Senate debates the budget. : : — LGBTQ Nation is a national qnotes media partner. Reprinted with permission.
• The General Synod of the United Church of Christ • Rev. Nancy Ellett Allison, Ph.D, Holy Covenant United Church of Christ; Lisa Cloninger and Kathleen Smith, a couple of 12 years, who attend Holy Covenant UCC • Rabbi Jonathan Freirich; Joel Blady & Jeff Addy, who seek to marry • Rev. Joe Hoffman, First Congregational United Church of Christ (Asheville) Diane Ansley and Cathy McGaughey, a couple of 14 years who attend FCUCC • Rev. Nathan King, Trinity United Church of Christ (Concord); Shauna Bragan and Stacy Malone, who attend Trinity UCC • Rev. Nancy Kraft, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Charlotte); Cathy Fry and Joanne Marinaro, a couple of 28 years, who attend Holy Trinity • Rev. Nancy Petty, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church • Rev. Robin Tanner, Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church (Charlotte) • Rev. Mark Ward, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville; Carol Taylor and Betty Mack, a couple of 41 years, who attend UUC of Asheville
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Pump’d and Primed PUMP! Underwear is sporty and active
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Silky smooth skin for summer Pros & cons for achieving the best results in hair removal
Laser treatments are one option for hair removal and are available at a dermatologist’s office, while relaxing at a spa, at a center that specializes in hair removal or at a salon that offers additional body care options for its clients.
It’s getting close to summer time. You know what that means! You’ll soon be hitting the beach, lakeside or poolside for sunny fun. Get your body and all that unruly body hair under control with some personal grooming pros and cons to consider below: Shaving Pros • Cheap, easy and do-it-yourself: Shaving cream and razors are a dime a dozen. Pick some up at the drug store and head home. Trim a little here, trim a little there and then you’re done. • It’s private and you’re in full control: You can trim as much as you want in the privacy of your own home. No professional needed. You and you alone get to decide how much to take off and what to leave. Cons • Cuts and razor burn: It’s true — you take a risk. One small, mistaken move and your sensitive parts might become just a bit more sensitive. If your skin is averse to shaving, be prepared for razor burn. • A “temporary” solution: All of the hair removal solutions discussed here are, indeed, temporary but shaving is, by far, the most. Plus, it’ll come with plenty of itchy scruff as hair grows back in, not to mention the occasional in-grown hair. It’s the cost of doing business. Waxing Pros • Do-it-yourself: Just like shaving, waxing can be just as easy and relatively cheap. • Privacy, if needed: At-home waxing kits are relatively affordable and if you value privacy in your man- and woman-scaping
needs, you can do so. But, if you want a professional, there are certainly plenty to choose from. • The “middle” way: Odds are, waxing will give your smooth skin a bit more shelf life than shaving Cons • Yes, there will be pain: Simply put, waxing hurts. You’re yanking hair, by force, out of your skin. Hey, beauty doesn’t come cheap or easy, friends. • Sensitive skin beware: Just like shaving, individuals with sensitive skin will need to decide what’s better for them on a case-bycase basis. Laser hair removal Pros • Hair today, gone tomorrow: Laser hair removal solutions are, for most, among the most longlasting solutions to controlling hair growth, ranking high above shaving and waxing combined • Less pain: The average patient may experience some pain, especially with electrolysis, but most laser hair removal should be less painful than, say, waxing Cons • Permanent, maybe: The FDA has only approved laser treatments for “hair reduction” not “removal,” and while many may experience long-lasting hair-be-gone, some regrowth will be expected • Multiple treatments and side effects: Most laser treatments will require multiple treatments and there could be side effects like itching and swelling. More serious issues sometimes include burning or skin discoloration. Take care in choosing an experienced professional.
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News Notes continued from page 7 In other news, iNSIDEoUT will hold its prom on May 16 and its banquet and gaiety on June 1, 12-3 p.m. The location will be announced at a later time. At press time, no other information was available about the prom. The eighth annual iNSIDEoUT/Upsidedown Banquet and Gaiety allows the organization to present awards to local youth, adults and organizations who have benefitted LGBT youth in the area. The event is open to the public. In 2013, iNSIDEoUT gave out 80 awards. The banquet is sponsored by contributions. Currently, they are searching for an organization or business banquet sponsor who is willing to match contributions from individual donors. iNSIDEoUT’s awards program is now accepting nominations for worthy youth. Visit the website to learn more and to make a nomination. info: insideout180.org. — L.M.
Elders slate dance
RALEIGH — SAGE Raleigh will host a spring dance, “Spring Blossom Blowout,” at the LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St., on May 17. The event is targeted for those over 50. Dance the night away while enjoying music from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Light refreshments will be service and wine and beer will be available for a small donation. Suggested contribution is $5 at the door. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. — L.M.
Group supports gay dads
DURHAM — Henry Amador and Joel Batten, co-founders of DADSquared, hosted a potluck on May 4 commemorating International Family Equality Day to create a space for LGBT families to enjoy camaraderie and familial support. In fact, some of them met each other for the first time at the event. Twenty families attended. This may not seem too remarkable, but the organization they started prior to moving here in recent years, has gone a long way to provide resources for gay families. “I am very passionate about my LGBTQ brothers and sisters, but especially to the families raising children and just hoping to give their babies the best this world has to offer,” Amador said. “DADsquared’s motto is that ‘We are Changing The World One Family at a Time,’ and I truly believe that.” They moved to North Carolina a little less than a year ago to be closer to Batten’s family. They find the climate supportive and Amador said that there are very few to dad families in Durham, “so we certainly stand out.” Prior to their relocation, they explored the Triangle area and saw that it was more suitable to what they were looking for. It was close to beaches and mountains, as well as being the right fit. “Durham called to us, it’s our kind of town,” Amador added. By profession, Amador is a certified life coach specializing in holistic parenting and teaches advance life skills. His husband, Batten, is a hairdresser with Rock paper scissors. The couple have been together since 2007 and they privately adopted their son Ben in 2011. DadSquared began after his birth. “So my family is here, DADsquared is here and we could not be any happier!” he exclaimed. DadSquared is a global community designed by and for gay fathers. Its mission is to provide resources, guidance and direction to
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Henry Amador, son Ben and Joel Batten
gay fathers raising children and to those still searching for the possibility. The organization is expecting to release its “Squared Dad in a Round World” in the fall of 2014. And, Amador said that even with the challenges with regard to the state’s LGBT rights that he feels that change “comes from the inside, whether it be inside a home, inside a heart or inside a state.” Amador is a member of the Triangle Families Yahoo group and has become quite close to many of its members. He and Batten hope that their work will benefit all families in the area. “I am also happy to be working with The Family Equality Council where I will hopefully soon be a part of it’s Southern Advisory Committee. My function with FEC revolves around community building, adding more faces, numbers and visibility for LGBTQ families,” Amador shared. He is also a blogger for Ergobaby, It’s Conceivable Now, Gay Parenting Magazine, Natural Child World and others. info: dadsquared.org. — L.M.
Western Video causes stir
BREVARD — In late April, emails and a video were sent out by a counselor to the student body and their parents of Brevard High School (BHS) which promoted “acceptance of alternative lifestyles,” WLOS-TV reported. The three-minute video was an Acceptance Club project that promoted No Name Calling week during its Acceptance Week. Upon receipt, some parents were outraged saying that the “school crossed the line when the video got emailed to every student.” Content of the video explained the differences between being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. It shared the purpose of the Acceptance Club. WLOS-TV added that parent Kelly Hensley said, “they’re there for their education and you know seeing things like the email and the video shouldn’t be allowed.” The station showed the video to BHS student Aaron Jackson who said, “people look at it different ways. And a lot of parents and grandparents that are old fashioned might be getting frustrated with this.” Complaints bombarded the school board. Superintendent Jeff McDaris shared that he had no problem with the content, but felt that the distribution of it through email was wrong and against policy where electronic resources are deemed for instructional use only. McDaris also said that it was a teachable moment about “how tax payer supported resources should be used.” info: wlos.com. bhs.tcsnc.org. — L.M.
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Regional Local orgs participate in Give Out Day
CHARLOTTE — The Second Annual National Give Out Day! will be held on May 15, 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m. The day-long initiative seeks to engage hundreds of organizations and mobilize thousands of people across the country to give in support of the LGBTQ youth community. Several local and regional organizations are participating in the event for a chance to raise critical funds, including Campus Pride, Charlotte Pride, Equality North Carolina, Freedom Center for Social Justice, Harriet Hancock LGBT Community Center, South Carolina Equality, South Carolina GSA Network, South Carolina TransAction, Youth Outright and others. National organizers shared that it was a chance for LGBTQ groups large and small, to work across the wide range of issues and activities that matter to the LGBTQ community from sports to policy change, families to the arts. Contributions will be sought on the day of the event and can be facilitated online.
info: giveoutday.org.
Marriage cookout in gear
news — L.M.
RALEIGH — Equality North Carolina is holding a statewide initiative called CookOUT for Marriage Equality, encouraging participants to invite friends and family to their homes to fire up the grill and celebrate loving, married gay and lesbian couples living throughout the state. The event began on May 8 and continues through May 18. The organization also includes committed, same-sex couples that North Carolina refuses to recognize. Events will bring about greater visibility and lend voices to the cause, while uniting with others across the South as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals begins to hear this district’s case for marriage freedom. Equality North Carolina is hoping to net 50 CookOUTs. Complete participation packets are available online as well as registration. info: equalitync.org/cookout. — L.M.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Retire at 65…or not? Your assets matter more than your age by Judson Gee | JHG Financial Advisors Isn’t 65 the traditional retirement age? Perhaps, but baby boomers are modifying the definition of a traditional retirement (if not redefining it altogether). The Social Security Administration (SSA) has subtly revised its definition of the traditional retirement age as well. If you glance at the SSA website, the “full” retirement age for Americans born from 19431954 is 66, and it is 67 for those born in 1960 and later. 1 When Social Security started, the national retirement age was set at 65. In 1940, a 21-yearold American man had a 54% chance of living another 44 years (according to the federal government’s actuarial estimates). By 1990, that chance had improved to 72%. For 21-yearold women, the probability of reaching age 65 increased from 61% to 84% in that same time frame. Americans also began living longer after 65. Increased longevity led to financial dilemmas for Social Security and the necessary redefinition of “traditional” retirement age. 2 What do you lose by retiring at 65? The financial opportunity cost is considerable, and maybe greater than some baby boomers realize. If your full retirement age is 67, you’ll reduce your monthly Social Security income by around 13.3% if you start taking benefits at age 65. Moreover, for every year that you refrain from claiming Social Security until age 70, your Social Security benefits will rise by 8%. 1,3 In addition to trimming your long-term retirement benefits, you may also forfeit some salary. If you are still working at age 65, you might be at or near your peak earnings level, and if that is the case, Social Security income may pale in comparison. Do you think of 65 as late middle age? It may be. As the SSA website notes, about 25% of today’s 65-year-olds should live to age 90. About 10% of them should reach age 95. Even if that doesn’t happen for you, you should know that the average 65-year-old today can expect to live into his or her mid-eighties. 4 For many Americans, “retirement” will represent 10, 20 or even 30 years of activity and opportunities. To stay active and pursue those opportunities, retirees will need 10, 20 or 30 years of financial stability. Most Americans haven’t amassed the equivalent 10, 20 or 30 years of retirement savings. Many want to “stay in the game” a little longer: a 2013 Gallup poll found that 37% of Americans expect to retire after age 65, compared with 14% in 1995. 5 How many Americans can work full-time until age 65? The bad news is that according to the same Gallup poll, the average retirement
age in America is 61. The good news is that it was 57 in 1991. Assuming we keep living longer and healthier, it seems plausible that the average age of retirement might hit 65 — if not for the boomers, then for Gen Xers. 5 Regardless of when baby boomers retire, growth investing will continue to have merit. Even moderate inflation erodes purchasing power over time, and its effects can be felt in less than a decade. The portfolios held by 65and 70-year-olds in 2035 might look more like the ones they hold now instead of those held by their parents generations before. When should you retire? If that question is on your mind to any degree, consider a financial review of what you have, an estimation of what you need and a clear look at the possibilities before you. It should be time well spent.
This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary. Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note — investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - ssa.gov/retire2/retirechart.htm [2/20/14] 2 - ssa.gov/history/lifeexpect.html tml [2/20/14] 3 - money.usnews.com/money/blogs/onretirement/2013/10/18/why-65-is-too-young-toretire [10/18/13] 4 - ssa.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.htm [2/20/14] 5 - money.usnews.com/money/retirement/ articles/2013/06/10/the-ideal-retirement-age [6/10/13]
Judson Gee may be reached at: JHG Financial Advisors, 704-536-3423 judson.gee@jhgfinancial.com Web: www.jhgfinancial.com Twitter: @JhgFinancial Securities and financial planning offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC
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Meet the Staff of Rosedale ID Making a Difference in Healthcare!
My name is Tammy Queen and I have been doing my clinical externship rotations at Rosedale Infectious Diseases. I am currently attending college at Kaplan University through their online classes for medical assisting. I was born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, where I still live with my husband of 26 years, my two children, my sister-in-law, granddaughter, nephew, and aunt. Things I have learned as an Intern… When I think of the things that I have learned at Rosedale, I have realized the importance of being a Medical Assistant. Not only does a Medical Assistant do the intake of patients, but they
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also get the health information about each patient so the provider knows the best way to proceed for an effective treatment plan. A Medical Assistant also takes vitals and gives needed injections. Being a Medical Assistant is a versatile position, as you are also trained to do the clerical and administrative work of a medical office. I spent time in Medical Records with Leigh Bedard, Rosedale’s Medical Record Manager. I learned how important it is to handle patient information with caution and privacy. It is vital to make sure that each patient’s care is recorded and filed properly to avoid any miscommunication. In this department it is important to be detail oriented. I also had the opportunity to learn about the Ryan White program with Laurie Youron, the Director of Client Services. This program is federally funded and allows HIV positive patients who qualify to receive medical care. Laurie’s job is to teach the patients about the program and enroll them. I learned in this position that it is important to have great listening skills and listen to the patients in order to see how you can best help them. Roseanne Sanders is the Director of Financial Services at Rosedale. She answers all of the patient questions about their insurance plans and how billing works. She taught me about how she processes claims. In the billing and coding department, there are many codes that are associated with each diagnosis that is entered by the providers during the medical exam. This is another position that takes a detail-oriented person to process each patient’s medical information. I spent a majority of my time learning alongside the clinical staff. I was trained and able to help do clinical intakes with the patients and even give shots. I learned a lot about HIV and
AIDS. I learned that HIV affects the patient’s immune system. I learned that a “CD4 Count” measures how well the patient’s immune system is working to fight the virus and the “viral load” measures how much of the virus is in the body. I found it interesting that patients can live long, healthy lives as long as they take their medications and stick to their treatment plans. I also got to go out into the community with Ashley Young, the Practice Manager, and Angelica Costea, the Ryan White Administrative Assistant. We went to Johnson C Smith to their annual health fair. At the fair we distributed information about HIV and safe sex practices. We also were able to test twenty-five students for HIV! I learned how important it is for everyone to receive regular HIV testing so that we can prevent the spread of disease and treat effectively. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Cruickshank and his staff for giving me the opportunity to come and learn so much about the medical field and HIV/AIDS. I am excited to impact patients as a Medical Assistant in such a field. If you are interested in being an intern or volunteering with Rosedale ID, call Ashley at 704-948-8582 or email us at info@ rosedaleid.com!
Don’t forget to visit our website at www.rosedaleid.com, friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for community and clinical updates! — Sponsored Content —
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OUR PEOPLE:
Q&A with Ryan Kingston Community volunteer, faith worker by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com Favorite color? Baby blue. Favorite food from your home state Michigan? Greek food. It’s the best. And, your favorite southern food they didn’t have in Michigan? Fried pickles. That’s definitely a southern thing. On weekends you like to… Hang out with friends, go to movies and dinner. Favorite season? Fall
Not winter? You’re from Michigan, after all. They could be brutal at times, but it’s something I grew up with. Sometimes I miss the snow a little but, but not much. Definitely not with all our snow this year, huh? I felt like I was in Michigan this year. Of all the issues our community faces, on which are you most passionate? Definitely trying to educate churches and faith communities about LGBT issues and trying to heal that relationship. : :
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Ryan Kingston, 46, is a Charlotte transplant, originally from Michigan. Since 2005, he’s been in the Queen City and worked to become involved in the community in a variety of roles, including various personal work and relationship-building with faith and LGBT communities. He currently serves as Charlotte Pride’s community development vice chair. Where did you grow up? I’m originally from Michigan and I lived in California for 18 years. I came to Charlotte in 2005. How’d you like California? It was good — a good experience but it was very expensive. So, I decided I wanted to become a southern boy for a while. So, Charlotte’s cost of living is cheaper. What about our quality of life? I’d say it’s different, and yeah better. Where’d you go to school? I have a B.A. from Ashford University in sociology. I’m currently getting certified to become personal finance coach. Where do you work now? I’m currently self-employed. I’m starting my own non-profit, Stand Up Stand Out, which will do community service and activism with the LGBT community and faith communities together. What kind of work have you done previously? For the last few years — about four years — I worked as a debt and credit counselor for a non-profit agency. You’ve done a lot of volunteer work locally, with your church and Charlotte Pride. What kind of other volunteer work have you done? When I lived in California, I did a lot of volunteer work for an organization called Covenant House, which works with homeless youth.
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Winthrop gets crash course in drag Influence on culture more than you might realize by Raven Brown :: guest contributor
Drag — show-stopping performances, beat faces, powerful music and confident entertainers. Those familiar with drag culture know it well. Many LGBT people do, too. But, even as drag continues its inroads into the mainstream, many are still unaware of drag’s history and the culture it has helped create. At Winthrop University in Rock Hill, students are getting the opportunity to learn more about drag. There, the campus LGBT student group recently hosted its annual Drag WU show. Drag’s influence Drag and cross-dressing as a cultural phenomenon and community has been part of and influencing society for nearly as long as human civilization itself has existed, including tales of cross-dressing in classical Chinese legends and Greek, Norse and Hindu mythologies. As performance art, drag took hold in Shakespearean theatre productions. Now, drag and the culture it has created has become common in modern society. Many people do not even realize it. Drag’s influence can be felt even in the language we use. Common slang words that are used by Americans, particularly American youth, originated from drag culture. For instance, saying someone has a “beat face” or “is painted” implies that the makeup a person applied is so powerful that it makes them look stunning. “Read,” “tea,” “were,” “serve” and
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“shade” are a handful of other words that have recently become commonplace in the vocabulary of American youth due to the mainstream attention drag culture has been receiving. Drag’s cultural influence dovetails with other communities, too, itself drawing on historic trends and fashions from the African-American community and, particularly, early 20th century Harlem. According to Janet Upadhye, a reporter for DNAinfo New York, voguing is an artful dance form that uses exaggerated hand gestures, elaborate poses and was first danced by black drag queens in Harlem. With her song of the same name, Madonna brought vogue into the mainstream in 1990 in honor of the dance that was taking over the underground club scene in the LGBT community. In more recent years, drag has been represented on the big screen in films like “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” “Norbit” and “Hairspray.” Perhaps the most recognized drag persona — the person most responsible for drag’s mainstream awareness — is RuPaul Charles. The American actor and drag queen currently hosts and produces the reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” While the show focuses on drag queens competing to be “America’s next drag superstar” it also highlights what drag can represent for not only those within the LGBT community, but for anyone who is lacking in confidence which is empowerment.
Charlotte native and drag queen Amber Rochelle said, “I enjoy entertaining. Whatever is going on in my life at the moment I can put on a song and my problems can just be lifted. [Drag] has helped me develop into who I wanted to be.” Students experience drag culture Drag WU, the drag show hosted by Winthrop University’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Ally League (GLOBAL) and Resident Student’s Association allows students to not only enjoy drag culture, but to embrace and be confident in who they are as well. “Drag empowers a lot of people by looking at others,” said Tayla Johnson, president of GLOBAL. “College is a time for figuring out who you are, no matter if you are gay, straight, or whatever. Just seeing others embrace who they are can be encouraging and empowering.” For the past three years, GLOBAL has organized prominent drag queen and king performers from the Charlotte area to take the stage at the university and allow students to gain a better understanding of their culture. Before the performances began, drag performers Mac Ximus, a local drag king, and Ava, an alum of Winthrop University, explained to the large crowd some context behind drag culture. They began by clarifying that there is a difference between drag and cross-dressing. Drag is done as a career and out of entertain-
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ment for the performers and their audiences, whereas cross-dressing is more for people who feel more comfortable dressing as the opposite sex and it is a part of their daily life. Ava also briefly explained the process that drag performers go through, specifically drag queens, by using elaborate costumes, wigs and makeup to transform themselves for performances. “Our main goal is to present gender fluidity through performance,” said Ava. “Getting a lot of drag performers together takes a lot of time, effort, and duct tape.” With the intention of displaying a larger variety of performers than previous years, this year’s Drag WU showcased an eclectic array of talents, dancing technique and personas. Performances included “Bootylicious” by Destiny’s Child, Nicki Minaj’s “Starships” and power house ballads like Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” The main commonality between all of the entertainer’s performances was the underlying tone of confidence and empowerment. As the entertainers successfully executed their dance moves and splits they exuded self-assurance to their audience. “Drag makes people feel comfortable with themselves,” said Ava. “If I can do it what’s stopping you from doing what you want in life.” : : — Raven Brown is a junior at Winthrop University, majoring in digital information design with a concentration in digital mass media and a minor in political science. Brown volunteers as the publications representative for the Council of Student Leaders, web editor for The Roddey McMillan Record and secretary of the Winthrop Taekwondo Club.
goqnotes.com/to/arts
tell trinity by Trinity :: qnotes contributor :: trinity@telltrinity.com
It’s a wonderful gay life! Dear Trinity, It’s been over a year since I came out. I now have many gay friends, but it really bothers me that so many of them live alone, are looking for love and confess their fears about never being able to find a companion. Is this my gay future too? My Gay Future, Charlotte, NC
Dear My Gay Future, Yes, many gays (and straights) are single, lonely and looking for love in all the wrong hook up apps. And, yes, many gays have low selfesteem, are hard to please and/or just don’t want to take the time to get to know someone who doesn’t fit their porn fantasy. However, there are the other gays who are turning off their cellphones, raising their self-esteem and going to coffee shops, private parties and joining social, intellectual, athletic or religious groups. These gays are pushing themselves to meet new people and try new ways of celebrating their gay life. Honey, you may have to find some “new” positive-minded friends who know that being gay is the greatest gift someone could have. As Helen Keller said (or signed) “Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing.” Hey Trin, I went on a first date and thought everything went great. I told him a lot about myself, even the bad things. I think being honest is best and he did seem interested. But, I never heard from him again. What did I do wrong? First Ditched Date, Ottawa, ON
Hey Ditched, Maybe he moved to Alaska. Maybe he was thrown in prison. Or, maybe you told him so much about yourself that he was scared off or left with nothing to keep his interest for a second date. Pumpkin, a first date is not a time to dump your troubles, read your police record or make someone feel like they’re watching an A&E biography special. It’s a time to let someone get to know a bit about you. Keep trying! (There’s really such thing as “TMI” and my cartoon shows you how this plays out. You aren’t being interrogated. Be selective on how much and when you do “share.”) Hello Trinity, When it comes to pick up tactics, I’m always failing. Help! Pick Me, Plymouth, MA Hello Pick Me, If you want to pick someone up, look and smell good, be at ease and open minded and, sweetie, please read: Trinity’s “Wake Up And Smell The Coffee” Tips For Bad Pickup Maneuvers 1. T he Funnyless Fall: Trying to be funny by falling into, pushing or slapping the behind of someone you want to pick up is not funny! 2. T he Drunken Approach: Getting drunk so you can become “fearless” only makes you feared by others. Have a drink or two — that’s enough. 3. T he Political Approach: Yes, everyone likes to talk about politics and we all hate the Tea
a&e
Party, but try talking about something less upsetting. 4. The Push Myself On You Approach: Being pushy and aggressive only works in porn or Quentin Tarentino films, otherwise learn to accept “No!” 5. The Never Stop Talking Approach: Being interesting and provocative is great, but if you’re not hearing much from your counterpart, shut up and take a walk. 6. T he Never Stop Telling (Bad) Jokes Approach: Being funny and fun is a great gift, but telling more than four jokes per hour is in itself a bad joke! 7. The Desperate For Love Approach: If you must use pity or misfortune to get a date, then get out of the singles scene and join a monastery! 8. T he Listen To How Fabulous I Am Approach: Yes, everyone is glad you’re rich, successful or famous, but you’re out to get dates, not start a fan club. 9. The Silent Approach: Being a good listener is a wonderful trait, but having nothing to say does not make you good bait! 10. Lastly, The Negative Approach: Yes, sometimes pointing out people’s misfortunes will make you look more fortunate, but after 14-years-of-age it stops working! info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.
May 9-22 . 2014
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goqnotes.com/to/arts
a&e
out in print by Terri Schlichenmeyer :: qnotes contributor
Tale of tragedy keeps you asking, ‘Why?’ “Frog Music” by Emma Donoghue © 2014, Little, Brown $27.00 / $29.99 Canada 416 pages Once, it was the most natural question in the world: why? With a child’s usual curiosity, you asked it incessantly. Why are dogs black? Why’s the sun hot? Why do birds fly away? Why? You drove your mother nuts. But as you aged, answers came easier and “Why?” grew faint. You didn’t need to ask “why” so much — except, as in the new novel “Frog Music” by Emma Donoghue, you needed the reason for a tragedy. Long after Jenny Bonnet was dead, Blanche Beunon wondered if it was truly an accident that Jenny ran her over with a penny farthing. Jenny said she hadn’t meant it, but she’d known fully well who Blanche
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was; Jenny had seen her dance at the House of Mirrors, which made Blanche oddly embarrassed. So, was it really an accident that a wandering woman in men’s clothing became acquainted with a burlesque dancer? That was just one of the things Blanche pondered as she ran. Though she’d only known Jenny for a few days, they’d become fast friends. Even Arthur, Blanche’s amour since she was just 15, seemed amused by Jenny’s devil-may-care attitude and by the gun she casually carried in the pocket of her trousers. Arthur’s friend, Ernest wasn’t quite as taken with Jenny — but Blanche wondered if that was because Jenny’s presence seemed to affect their ménage a trios. Then again, Ernest was an odd duck, ever since their circus days. He’d been Arthur’s protégé, his best friend. Once Blanche became part of the Le Cirque d’Hiver, it was just the three of them and Ernest never seemed to mind. Until P’tit was born. Until Jenny entered the picture. Those were the things Blanche considered as she wandered the streets of Chinatown , nearly melting from the heat, avoiding buildings quarantined for smallpox. Were things falling apart before she brought P’tit home? Or was it, as Ernest claimed, all because of Jenny and her strange life? How much did Blanche really know about Jenny Bonnet? Or Arthur, for that matter? She wondered, as she tried to find ways to get money to live, and as she remembered the sight of Jenny’s bloody body lying on a bed… With its bounce-around, “Pulp Fiction”-like format, “Frog Music” is confusing at first. It begins with a spectacularly bloody murder and proceeds with our heroine looking for the man she’s sure killed her friend. But did he? Author Emma Donoghue keeps her readers guessing, but we’re not merely caught up in a murder mystery. No, Blanche herself is just as much an enigma as the crime she’s trying to solve. I briefly even wondered if the character was imagining her surroundings, so dream-surreal is Donoghue’s writing, at times. And that brings me to the best part: it’s not entirely imagined. This tale is wound around the real unsolved murder of Jenny Bonnet, killed near San Francisco in 1876. That authenticity, a Donoghue signature, lends definite richness to “Frog Music,” making it a book I don’t think you should miss. Why would you? : :
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May 9-22 . 2014
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C A L E N DA R MAY-JUNE 2014
To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/ Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/
Continues through May 31 ‘Angels in America’ Carolina Actors Student Theatre 2424 N. Davidson St., Charlotte Various dates/times CAST presents Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize- and two-time Tony Award winning play “Angels In America.” This is the first production of the play by a Charlotte-based theater company in nearly two decades. The play explores “the state of the nation” — the sexual, racial, religious, political and social issues confronting the country during the Reagan years, as the AIDS epidemic spreads. Various ticket prices and various performance dates and times. nccast.com
SEP MAY
07
Charlotte Pride Band Myers Park Baptist Church 1900 Queens Rd., Charlotte 5 p.m.
SEP MAY
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The Charlotte Pride Band (CPB) invites you to attend their concert: “HEROES.” Sure to be a great event, CPB will have attendees soaring with Superman and swinging big-band style with America’s greatest generation. Join the band as it pays homage to the people, past and present, who shape our community and world. Tickets are $13 and are available online or $10 from band members. charlotteprideband.org –––––––––––––––––––– iNSIDEoUT fundraiser The Bar 711 Rigsbee Ave., Durham 9 p.m. An adult fundraiser to support the work of iNSIDEoUT, a Triange-area LGBT youth group which networks and supports local youth and gay-straight alliances. Event includes dancing, raffle and more. Admission is $5. For more details, see our news notes starting on page 6. insideout180.org
Purple Pride Reign SEP MAY The Nickel Bar 2817 Rozelles Ferry Rd., Charlotte 9 p.m. South Carolina Black Pride hosts a special fundraiser in Charlotte. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple. Admission is $5 until midnight and $10 afterward. southcarolinablackpride.com
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2014 Carolina Cup Park Road Park 6220 Park Rd., Charlotte 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The 2014 Carolina Cup between the Queen City Tennis Club in Charlotte and the Triangle Tennis Club in Raleigh will be hosted in Charlotte this year. The Queen City Tennis Club (QCTC) is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of tennis among gays, lesbians, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals in the Charlotte region. Weather permitting, the club plays every Sunday from 10 a.m.-Noon. More information available online or call 704-782-7182. qctc.org –––––––––––––––––––– Prom Dress Rugby Tuckaseegee Park 4820 Tuckaseegee Rd., Charlotte 1 p.m. The Charlotte Royals Rugby Football Team hosts its annual light-hearted Prom Dress rugby match, followed by the “famous 3rd half” at Sidelines Sports Bar. $10. –––––––––––––––––––– Queen City Drag Race The Bar at 316 316 Rensselaer Ave., Charlotte 2 p.m. The fifth annual Queen City Drag Race pulls together teams of volunteers willing to slap on high heels to “burn rubber for charity.” qcdragrace.com
Give Out Day Statewide Join with LGBT nonprofits across the region for National Give Out Day. Groups will be raising funds and awareness. For more, see our news notes beginning on page 6 or visit giveoutday.org.
LGBTQ Spring Olympics SEP MAY Veterans Park 2136 Central Ave., Charlotte 2:30-6:30 p.m. The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte invites you to participate in a Spring Olympics, with fun games and competitions like a sack race, balloon toss, hula hoops and tug-of-war, to raise funds for the center. Entry is $5 per person or $50 for teams of 10. For more information or to register teams, visit lgbtcharlotte.org.
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Canine Couture SEP MAY Triple C Brewing Company 2900 Griffith St., Charlotte 2-5 p.m. Charlotte Pride brings back its Canine Couture, the most fabulous doggie fashion show you’ve ever seen. For more information, dog show entry application and more, visit charlottepride.org/canine/.
Submit your event to our calendar! May 9-22 . 2014
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Time Out Youth Gala Center Stage 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte 6:30 p.m.
Time Out Youth Center hosts its Platinum Youth Gala, raising funds for the organization and its support of area LGBT youth. The evening’s host is Ben Thompson, an NBC Charlotte anchor and reporter. For more, see our regional news notes on page 6. timeoutyouth.org
SEP JUN
03
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
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Lobby Day North Carolina General Assembly 16 W. Jones St., Raleigh 9 a.m. Equality North Carolina hosts its 2014 Lobby Day of Action, raising awareness of LGBT equality May 11 issues with state The staff of lawmakers and equipping fairqnotes wishes minded citizens our mothers a with the skills to happy and move the state forward. For more loving day! This interactive panel from the Charlotte information and to Business Guild will contain tips on logo register, visit equalitync.org. design and creating brand guidelines; utilizing inbound marketing techniques through compelling campaigns, SEO, Recurring Charlotte Events: landing pages, blogging, email marketing; developing user-friendly, interactive PRISM Young Adults: Weekly discussion held each Monday, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. For young adults ages 18-25. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. lgbtcharlotte.org. websites and engaging social media Men’s Yoga: Weekly yoga sessions for men hosted by certified instructor. Each Monday, marketing campaigns. Refreshments 7:30-8:30 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. will be provided. Plus, win an iPad from Time Out Youth Center: Weekly support and discussion groups, Tuesday-Thursday, 6:30-8:30 Best Buy. Free for members. $5 for non- p.m. Monthly group for youth ages 11-14. timeoutyouth.org. members. MeckPAC: Monthly meeting of local LGBT political action committee. First Tuesdays of each month, 6:30-8 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. charlottebusinessguild.org
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Guild EXCHANGE Series McColl Center for Visual Art 721 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 6:30 p.m.
Bonfire Stories SEP MAY Wedgewood Church 4800 Wedgewood Dr., Charlotte 7-9 p.m. Charlotte Black Gay Pride hosts a bonfire night, sharing coming out stories and other tales from our lives, including remarks from community leaders and spoken word artists. Evening will include hotdops, chips, beverages and s’mores for purchase. A portion of proceeds will benefit UNC-Charlotte Pride Spectrum. charlotteblackgaypride.com
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StillOut Photography: Local LGBT photography club. Meets monthly on fourth Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. facebook.com/StillOutPhotography. Friends Indeed: Men’s depression support group. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. Weekly HIV & Syphilis Testing: Hosted at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte each Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. HIV Support Group: Open support group for men and women who are HIV-positive. Hosted second Wednesdays of each month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Different Roads Home. differentroadshome.org. LGBTQ Adult Education and Discussion Group: Weekly on Thursdays, a safe place for LGBTQ adults to meet and discuss important issues and topics. Hosted at LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. Each Thursday, 6-8 p.m. Men of all Cultures Together: Local chapter of National Association of Black and White Men Together. Every other Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. PFLAG Charlotte: Monthly support group meeting. Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., Time Out Youth Center. pflagcharlotte.org. Tradesmen: Monthly social meeting first Saturday of each month. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. The Woodshed Lounge. charlottetradesmen.org. Have a recurring weekly or monthly event, social, support or discussion group? Let us know. Submit your event at our online calendar at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/.
You can submit your event to our comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte 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), the LGBT Center (lgbtcharlotte.org) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).
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LIST
Best of LGBT Charlotte - 2014
Vote in our QList, Best of LGBT Charlotte and our first-ever
Voting ends June 11
in the ballots below or online at goqnotes.com/qlist
Vote today in our fifth annual QList, Best of LGBT Charlotte for the best of the city’s LGBT nightlife, dining, retail, community and more!
Charlotte’s Favorite LGBT Bartender Contest
The ballot explained: Below you will find a ballot. Fill in your name, email address and city, state and ZIP code (all required) and complete the rest of the form by filling in the name of the club/bar, non-profit, person, restaurant, coffee shop or other business or organization. When you are done, you can mail your ballot to: QNotes, PO Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222. Or, if you’re in one of Charlotte’s local LGBT nightlife establishments, look for our ballot box and drop in your folded ballot.
Important notes: • E ach ballot must include at least one vote in each of our three QList subject areas (Community, Nightlife and Business). Ballots that do not meet this criteria will be discarded. •M ultiple votes and ballots from a single individual are allowed, but each ballot must meet the criteria noted above.
QList Ballot *Required field (small)
First Name* ______________________________________ Last Name* ________________________________________ City* _______________________________________________________ State* __________ ZIP Code* _______________ Email Address* _______________________________________________________________________________________ Opt-out of Newsletter? Your email address will be added to QNotes’ email list for our weekly newsletter and other occasional news and event updates. ❏ Check this box if you do not wish to be subscribed. Business Stores, restaurants and more. Who’s the best in Charlotte business? Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned restaurant _______________________________________________ Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned retail store _______________________________________________ Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned coffee shop _______________________________________________ Community Non-profits, community leaders and more. Your vote can go to any organization, person, business or other entity in Charlotte and the surrounding metro area. Best non-profit organization _______________________________________________ Best AIDS Service Organization _______________________________________________ Best support/social group _______________________________________________ Best LGBT youth leader (under 30) _______________________________________________ Best LGBT leader (Male) _______________________________________________ Best LGBT leader (Female) _______________________________________________ Best transgender community leader _______________________________________________ Best openly LGBT or LGBT-friendly politician/elected official _______________________________________________ Best LGBT arts group _______________________________________________ Best annual LGBT event in Charlotte _______________________________________________
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Best LGBT-affirming faith institution _______________________________________________ Best Man About Town Who is your favorite, coolest, hippest guy “in the know”? Who’s the man who is constantly networking and making friends, being seen out and about? _______________________________________________ Best Woman About Town Who is your favorite, coolest, hippest gal “in the know”? Who’s the lady who is constantly networking and making friends, being seen out and about? _______________________________________________ Nightlife & Entertainment Bars, clubs, drag performers and DJs! Who is the best in Charlotte’s nightlife? Let us know! Best LGBT bar/club _______________________________________________ Best LGBT-friendly bar/club _______________________________________________ Bar/club with best drink value Which bar gives you the biggest bang for your drinking buck? _______________________________________________ Club/bar with hottest bar staff _______________________________________________ Bar/club with best drag show _______________________________________________ Best drag performer _______________________________________________ Best local DJ _______________________________________________
Our Bartender Contestants
See more in-depth profiles of our bartender contestants at goqnotes.com/qlist Jannet Corless L4 Lounge “What I love most about bartending is the scene. I started gogo dancing and bartending in California. I love the attention, beautiful women and watching people have a good time. I’ve been every where from hot spots to starting a new bar from the bottom. In any crowd or situation, I’m a hit. I am a veteran at bartending and lead bartender at Charlotte’s hottest new sexy ladies lesbian bar. I turned bartending not only into my job, but my atmosphere from dream to reality.” Jake Hillyer Cathode Azure “I get to see my friends all week, and meet new ones in the process. I’ve always been a bit of a night owl, so the schedule works well for me.” Liam Johns Petra’s Piano Bar ‘The interaction with people in my neighborhood enriches my life as I grow to meet the LGBT and straight community. Being out as a transgender man and working as a bartender, I feel I give further encouragement to others to feel safe and be accepted in themselves.”
Leah Larson L4 Lounge “I enjoy meeting new people and bringing smiles to people’s faces! I think I should be named Charlotte’s Favorite LGBT Bartender because I work for one of the best lesbian couples I know. I love serving the LGBT community.” Ryan Lynch Cathode Azure “One of the biggest pleasures that working as a bartender at Cathode Azure is my ability to meet all walks of life as members (and some allies) of the LGBT community. The diversity of people within our community is astounding! And I get paid to have fun and help all these people relax after long work weeks.” Jimmy Smith Petra’s Piano Bar “I love to invite people of any sector of our various population to our bar. EVERYONE has a seat where-ever I work. I especially love our senior population. They have so much life experience to share and unfortunately they do not feel comfortable in most places, simply because most younger people shun them away.”