QNotes May 23-June 5, 2014

May 23-June 5 . 2014

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qnotes news & features arts. entertainment. news. views.

4 Clodfelter return to local government 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 10 Aiken wins primary, state loses representation

a&e / life&style 12 15 15 16 18 18 19 22

Untold stories of the Carolinas lesbian movement Jane’s World Tell Trinity Playing the Field Home/Garden: Six hot trends Home/Garden: Summer sipping Home/Garden: Call 811 Q Events Calendar

opinions & views 5 Editor’s Note 13 QPoll

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qnotes connect May 23-June 5, 2014 Vol 29 No 02

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

contributors this issue

Paige Braddock, Matt Comer, Peter Engels, Kevin Grooms/Della Dietrich, Jon Hoppel, Lainey Millen, Trinity

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New Mayor Clodfelter returns to local government Former Charlotte Council member supports marriage equality

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com CHARLOTTE — Dan Clodfelter, a more than decade-long veteran of the North Carolina Senate, was welcomed back to local government with open arms on April 9. His return to Charlotte government was prompted by former Mayor Patrick Cannon’s arrest and sameday resignation for federal public corruption charges just two weeks earlier.

The city, Clodfelter told qnotes in a recent interview on May 6, has “bounced back.”

“I think there’s still a lot of sadness that it happened to us,” Clodfelter said, sitting in the same mayor’s office where federal investigators allege Cannon received a briefcase filled with $20,000 in cash.

“The resilience of folks is just really amazing. It makes me smile,” Clodfelter added, noting Council’s, city staff’s and the community’s response. “It makes me a real believer and I was before, but it reconfirms my belief in this place. People have bounced back and said, ‘That’s not who we are. Let us show you who we are.’”

As mayor, Clodfelter brings his Raleigh connections to the city. Serving in the state legislature since 1999, his relationships in there are certainly a boon as the city continues to discuss contentious issues like ownership and operation of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

He’s already put some of those relationships to work.

“I have had conversations about a couple of issues of interest to the city,” Clodfelter said.

“I know who to call, I know what their thinking is and I know what the issues are.”

But, some of the biggest issues still facing Charlotte need solutions and good strategy.

The redevelopment of the old Eastland Mall site, overall economic growth, business incentives and other issues remain at the top of the city’s agenda.

Discovering natural strengths Clodfelter — who lives in Elizabeth, a stone’s throw from areas on Charlotte’s Eastside in need of revitalization — said he sees a way forward.

Community redevelopment, he said, must take a multi-pronged approach.

“I’m not sure that one single project is going to solve all the issues or all the problems,” he said. “I look at communities in Charlotte that 30 or 40 years ago when I came to town where down on their luck and have turned around and really are now great success stories. They didn’t turn around based on a single, big project. They turned around based on lots of little things happening over time.”

NoDa — or simply North Charlotte, as Clodfelter said it was known when he moved here — is a good example.

“If you look at that transformation, it did not happen with a big project being plucked down there,” he said. “We have to discover things on the Eastside that are its native strengths, it’s natural strengths and build on those and ask what is it that makes this a great place to live over here, why we like living in our part of town. We have to take

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those things and expand those, grow those and build those, rather than trying to buy somebody else’s solution.”

Closely related to redevelopment is lingering discomfort over increased private business incentives. Recent debates to give big tax or cash incentives to companies like Chiquita and the Carolina Panthers convinced some the city didn’t quite have its priorities together.

But, Clodfelter said incentives are needed.

“You can’t have unilateral disarmament,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are in a game not of our choosing or making. Until Congress takes action on the question of public incentives, people are still going to compete for jobs, for employment, for entertainment, for projects.

You can’t just stand aside from that. It’s not a winning strategy to simply exit the game.”

Yet, playing the “game” should be balanced, he said.

“I do worry sometimes about the distortion of resources,” he said. “If you’re going to have incentives programs for businesses, we have to match those programs with other investment programs in the community that yields benefits that are different than those for the businesses you’re trying to recruit to bring jobs to Charlotte. You have to have complete strategy.

You have to have a balanced strategy.”

Clodfelter says ‘I do’ On May 12, former Mayor Anthony Foxx, now the U.S. transportation secretary, spoke for the first time on his personal views on marriage equality.

“I support same-sex marriage,” Foxx said at a White House briefing, in response to a question from Washington Blade White House reporter Chris Johnson. “Who someone loves should never be an issue at work, or any place else.”

A week earlier, in his interview with qnotes, Clodfelter, too, spoke out on his personal support for marriage equality

Clodfelter responded affirmatively when asked if he would follow the example of City Councilmember Patsy Kinsey, who served briefly as mayor last year, and join Freedom to Marry’s national Mayors for Marriage coalition.

“I would support that, too,” he said.

Clodfelter also spoke briefly on the importance of inclusion, saying it was “absolutely essential” to the city.

“This is a very diverse community in all kinds of ways and I think it’s one of its great strengths,” Clodfelter said. “You can’t move forward if you’re constantly sort of treating any group of your community as if they don’t belong or if they are not really full citizens of the community. You’re shackling yourself. You can’t do that to anybody.”

In the Senate, Clodfelter was an ally — a co-sponsor of the 2009 School Violence Prevention Act and, in 2011, voted against putting the state’s 2012 anti-LGBT marriage amendment on the ballot.

“That amendment, we kept it bottled up in committee for many years and wouldn’t let it out — almost a decade,” Clodfelter said.

In that decade, he said he’d witnessed great change.

“I remember every election cycle we would poll the question on all our private polling as a caucus,” he recounted. “Then, when the vote was taken on the amendment … what I remember was — wow — was all the movement over the decade of the polling we had seen privately on the issue to the actual vote on the amendment was a sea change in itself. A decade ago, you would not have even broken 20 percent on the issue and here we were pushing 40 and above, and I thought, it’s just a question of time.” : : more: Read more about Anthony Foxx’s May 12 comments online at goqnotes. com/29416/and more from our interview with Mayor Dan Clodfelter online at goqnotes.com/ clodfelterchat/.

views

editor’s note

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Conservatives like Benham brothers are delusional hypocrites “There’s an agenda that’s out in America right now that demands silence, especially from men and women who profess Jesus Christ and hold to his standards.”

That was David Benham speaking on CNN about his and twin brother Jason’s treatment after HGTV decided to pull the plug on their new TV show, “Flip it Forward.”

The Benham brothers have repeated the same line over and over again on TV stations and radio shows more times than we could possibly count.

Which begs the question: If you’re hopping from one national TV studio to another — with network executives begging you for interviews — are you truly being silenced?

Hell no.

The Benham brothers — like those who spoke out against recent NFL draftee Michael Sam and, more distantly, in support of Chickfil-A — suffer from no less than, at best, delusion and, at worst, willful stupidity.

Folks here in Charlotte have long been familiar with the Benhams, especially their father, Flip. The elder Benham has made a name for himself protesting at local women’s clinics and LGBT events. He’s loud, obnoxious, intimidating and, lo and behold, a convicted stalker.

But, it’s safe to say few in mainstream America had ever heard of David or Jason before their flap with HGTV. Far from being silenced, the TV network’s decision to drop the Benhams have catapulted them to national — nay, international — media stardom. They’re a household name now.

That doesn’t seem like a “silencing” to me.

Bros need a dictionary.

But, what’s truly most shocking — and revealing — about the Benham brothers’ repeated claim that they have been censored and their livilihoods threatened is their past history of taking to their own agenda doing exactly what they accuse others of doing.

And, unlike their HGTV controversy, the Benhams attempted to influence not some privately-owned company, but rather government itself. The Benhams advocated for nothing short of the truest, most textbook-example definition of censorship.

In 2004, the Benhams approached Charlotte City Council and forcefully demanded that local

government leaders silence Charlotte Pride and the city’s LGBTQ community.

David referred to drag queens using a common anti-transgender slur, while Jason followed up with the tyrannical request, emphasis added: “They have a right to apply for this permit, but you have a right and responsibility to deny it. I employ [sic] you not to be governed by the fear in which you feel. If you deny them this permit you will open a can of worms but you in your leadership position have to take that responsibility and you have to not allow the fear of making this homosexual community mad. You have to accept that responsibility and deny them every permit that they ask for.”

Deny them every permit they ask for, huh?

Conservatives like the Benhams, Michael Sam bashers and Chick-fil-A supporters just love citing the First Amendment. Most of them, though, don’t understand a single word of it.

The First Amendment doesn’t shield you from the consequences of your statements.

Any person is free to say anything they well please. Others, in turn, are free to counter.

“Free speech” protections have no bearing on the NCAA, NBA, NFL or any other sports league which decides to fine or otherwise punish a player or team owner. “Free speech” has no bearing on HGTV or Bank of America or any other private company which decides to drop an employee or contractor. It has no bearing on anything at all — except for exactly that scenario for which Jason Benham asked Charlotte City Council.

If Council and local government had taken the Benhams’ request seriously, LGBT people in this city would have erupted like a volcano — of lawsuits, that is. And, we would have won.

The city knew this, and that’s why they correctly ignored the Benhams’ idiotic requests.

The sheer hypocrisy between 2004 Benhams and 2014 Benhams is clear as day.

They are cheap charlatans with not even the most basic understanding of law or the Constitution or even how “free speech” works.

“Free speech” is a two-way street, and sometimes standing smack-dab in the middle of the wrong side of the street will get you run over. The solution is simple — change lanes, or take the consequences of your stupidity. They are entirely free to make their own choice. : :

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer

Charlotte Scholarship fund apps open

CHARLOTTE — The Neil and Tim Griffin Scholarship Fund application season is now open.

The fund, established in 2007 and offered by Time Out Youth Center, will present two $1,250 awards this year. The funds provide financial assistance to LGBT-identified youth who are seniors and are seeking to earn a two- or fouryear college degree in a field of their choice.

It is open to any LGBT senior or graduate under 21 as of May 31. Applicants are required to be a legal resident of Mecklenburg County or a county that Time Out serves in North or South Carolina. And, they must be planning to enroll as a full-time, degree-seeking student at an accredited academic or vocational institution with headquarters in either North or South Carolina in the summer or fall of the application year.

Deadline is May 31. Awards will be announced on June 15.

Send completed applications to O’Neale Atkinson, director of youth programs, at oatkinson@timeoutyouth.org. info: 704-344-8335. timeoutyouth.org.

— L.M.

LGBT/allies summit scheduled

CHARLOTTE — The National Diversity Council Carolinas will hold its LGBT & Allies Diversity Summit on June 19, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Cone University Center.

Co-presenter is The Multicultural Resource Center at the school.

Two tracks of concurrent sessions will fill the day’s schedule.

What Works in the Workplace focuses on best practices for creating and sustaining workplace LGBT initiatives which create an impact on both bottom-lines and human beings.

Registration is $49 and includes lunch. Email brian.richards@nationaldiversitycouncil.org to register.

Community sessions will also be available.

Understanding Our Communities provides targeted discussions on alternative sexualities and gender expressions. Cost is $24. Students can attend free by RSVP through student email accounts to info@ndccarolinas.org. Lunch is not provided.

Speakers include Stan Kimer, CEO and consultant, Total Engagement Consulting; Deena Fidas, deputy director of The Workplace Project, Human Rights Campaign Foundation; and Liz Cooper, manager of The Workplace Project, Human Rights Campaign. info: ndccarolinas.org.

— L.M.

Skaters rise in ranks

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Roller Girls have recently leaped five spots on the national rankings, according to Liz McLaughlin, the team’s public relations representative.

They are now 90 in the world and are in Division II of the Women’s Flat Derby Association.

At their May 17 heat, as part of their ongoing community service, they offered a special discount on tickets to all emergency personnel in recognition of Emergency Service Appreciation Week.

Rural campaign launched GREENSBORO — On May 7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) launched their Rural Pride campaign to elevate and address the needs of LGBT people living in rural communities across the U.S. A kick-off summit will be held on June 6, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at North Carolina A&T State University, 2907 E. Lee St., in the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering Building. It will be hosted by NCLR, USDA and the Freedom Center for Social Justice’s LGBTQ Law Center.

A luncheon will be held with a keynote address sponsored by the True Colors fund.

The summit will focus on the unique needs of the rural LGBT community, highlight the efforts the Obama administration has undertaken to protect this community, and identify the next steps to ensure all rural communities have access to the resources they need to thrive.

The campaign’s goal is to challenge the stereotype that LGBT people live only in metropolitan areas by elevating the voices and stories of LGBT people living in rural America. The campaign will also raise awareness of the particular issues faced by LGBT rural communities, including increased rates of economic insecurity, lack of family protections, lack of non-discrimination protections and the heightened challenges facing rural LGBT youth and rural LGBT people of color.

“The Rural Pride campaign will allow us to focus on the particular needs of the LGBT people who make their homes and their lives in the communities that USDA is proud to serve. We could not be more proud to partner with NCLR on this campaign. It is an opportunity to showcase the diversity of rural America and highlight one of USDA’s fundamental values: We represent and are here to serve all people,” USDA Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights Dr. Joe Leonard said.

LGBTQ Law Center staff attorney Sarah Demarest told qnotes her organization’s experience working with rural Sarah clients clearly paints a strong case for addressing needs.

Demarest “Through serving LGBTQ people in rural communities we’ve learned that they are in desperate need of resources and support,” Demarest said. “We’re excited to partner with NCLR and the USDA on this important initiative, and we hope that through this partnership we can help LGBTQ people in rural areas access the resources necessary to continue strengthening their communities.”

Registration for the summit is available online and end on June 6 at 7:30 a.m. info/registration: ascr.usda.gov/lgbt_rural_summit_series.html. nclr.org.

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One Voice Chorus sang the national anthem and performed during halftime. And, DJ Tech Support kept things lively during the game. Additionally, a Disney representative was on hand handing out free advanced screening passes, as well as giving attendees the opportunity to try on Maleficent’s horns with a photo opportunity. info: charlotterollergirls.com.

— L.M.

Eastern Felton luncheon planned

GREENVILLE — The Gayle Felton Love Thy Neighbor Luncheon will be held on June 13, 12 p.m., at the City Hotel and Bistro, 203 Greenville Blvd. S.W. The event celebrates the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Gayle Felton who served as a board member and former chairperson of the Reconciling Ministries Network which she helped to build. She died on Jan. 25.

Guest speaker for the luncheon is Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe who serves as General Secretary of the Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church.

A worship service will be held with communion and music will be provided by Billy Kluttz, a former minister of music at Calvary United Methodist Church in Durham.

It is co-sponsored by Reconciling United Methodists of NC and Methodist Federation for Social Action-NC. Cost is $16 per person. Reservations can be made by mailing a check to MFSA-NC, P.O. Box 18311, Raleigh, NC 27619-8311. Any dietary restrictions should be noted. RSVPs can be sent via email to Phillip Jefferson at phillip.h.jefferson@gmail.com or Sam Isley at sam_isley@hotmail.com.

Prior to the luncheon, the Reconciling United Methodist will host their annual conference from June 11-14 at the Greenville Center, 303 Greenville Blvd. S.W. info: rmnetwork.org.

— L.M.

Spouse denied in-state tuition

FAYETTEVILLE — Jasmine Pollard, a samesex military souse, was recently denied in-state tuition “in accordance with the North Carolina State Residence Classification Manual” because she is a lesbian although there is a federal military waiver for out-of-state tuition.

An advisor at Fayetteville State University informed Pollard that she lacked the qualification necessary to receive the benefit since North Carolina has defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman, the Fayetteville Observer reported.

This interpretation comes as another blow the LGBT community as a result of the passage of Amendment One in 2012. However, the law is currently being challenged through three separate court cases, because it opposes federal law.

Pollard’s wife is a soldier on active duty at Fort Bragg.

Now, Jeff Womble, a spokesman for the university, says that the school did not deny the request based upon sexual orientation.

This is a first for the University of North Carolina system.

The Observer indicated that Chris Rowzee, a spokesperson with the American Military Partner Association, saw that the situation is a “patchwork everywhere” with regard to how same-sex marriage is held in other states. She added that some colleges feared “retaliation from state governments that fund them if they don’t follow

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the federal mandate. She wants to see all states handling situations like this equitably.

Pollard wants to teach middle school English. She even had her residency forms completed when she found out about the waiver. And, she is also an Army reservist who re-deployed in February from service in Kuwait.

Now, Womble said that the university is waiting for a response from UNC on guidance procedures due to federal and state law conflicts.

At this time, Pollard is not seeking an appeal. Right now she can either return to her home state of Virginia to attend school or wait out the residency requirements. She told the Observer that none of them was appealing.

So far, there have only been two reported incidents of similar cases across the U.S. One was at the University of Texas at San Antonio who reversed their decision for an Air Force same-sex spouse. The situation was the complete opposite at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. It was even brought to the Tennessee Board of Regents to no avail.

— L.M.

Triangle Chorus slates show

DURHAM — On May 31, the Common Woman Chorus will present “Nothing Like a Dame” at 7:30 p.m., at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4907 Garrett Rd. This program is packed with a revue of Broadway hits, both old and new.

The chorus is offering attendees the opportunity to become a Broadway Producer by sponsoring one of the songs on the program. Selections will come from “Wicked,” “Chicago,” “Dreamgirls,” “Hairspray,” “Avenue Q,” “American Idiot,” “Rent” and “Porgy and Bess,” in addition to others. Sponsorships start at a $100 minimum and can be made either individually or as a supporter pool. Email commonwomanchorus@gmail.com to learn more and to get a list of available songs.

Sponsorships are due by May 26. Payments are now being accepted via PayPal through the chorus’ website. Be sure to provide contributor’s name, song title and dedication (if applicable, 100-character limit). info: commonwomanchorus.net.

— L.M.

Council announces summit

DURHAM — The National Diversity Council Carolinas will hold its Inaugural Generational Diversity Summit, “Leadership Across the Generations,” on June 24, 8 a.m., at North Carolina Central University, Alfonso Elder Student Union.

The Triangle event is a half-day training and panel discussion on generational differences in the workplace. Guest leaders will share their experiences with attendees. They are: Charelle Lewis, IT project manager, Global IT Innovation Committee and co-founder of the Early Career Network at GlaxoSmithKline; James Miller, executive director at the LGBT Center of Raleigh; Bob Crouch, assistant director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Duke University; Dr. Anthony Newkirk, senior manager of diversity and inclusion at the American Institute of Certified Public

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In Memoriam: Tajma Hall ROCKINGHAM — On April 19, the drag community lost a great entertainer and emcee — and a nationally decorated one at that. Tajma Hall of Chicago, who was born in Rockingham, N.C., and later lived in several other Carolina cities, passed away from cardiac arrest following a serious and lengthy back surgery.

Many folks in the pageantry community are still stunned by her early passing, (particularly, this writer would say) in areas where she worked the most: Chicago and other parts of Illinois, and certain cities in Iowa, North Carolina and Texas.

Hall started her career in Fayetteville, working at Lynn’s Lounge and Club Oz. Schooling took her to Myrtle Beach where she worked at Offshore Drilling Company. She then worked and did choreography in Charlotte while working at Scorpio. Afterward she moved to Raleigh where she stayed for many years, working at Legends and CCs and also creating the camp character Shenita Job when she appeared at Flex. Wanting more from a career and national recognition, she made her final move to Chicago where she flourished on the scene, working mainly at The Baton Showlounge and Boystown’s Hydrate where she headlined.

On her impressive resume, she held titles in a variety of pageant systems.

She was Miss Legends, Miss Fayetteville America (which she relinquished because she could not compete at the state level that year), Miss NC USofA at Large, Miss Indiana USofA at Large and Miss Dreamgirl Continental PLUS, along with four national titles — Miss World At Large, Miss International Plus, Miss USofA at Large and Miss Continental PLUS. She even crossed the border to the north and won Miss Canada Continental as well.

Known for her flawless lip-sync abilities, Hall could render a stirring ballad or monologue, but was also known for her production numbers and, yes, even back in the day, for dancing the house down and even clogged to win Miss NC USofA at Large. Her bubbly personality, loving heart and story-telling abilities will be missed greatly. This writer recently commented to a promoter that she could have talked her way out of capital murder charges and he laughingly agreed.

Hall was buried in her hometown in North Carolina with her PLUS sister Amaya of Raleigh helping with arrangements. There will be memorials held in Chicago and Raleigh on May 31, with others to possibly follow.

— Della Dietrich, special to qnotes

Accountants; and Scott McGrego, program manager two at Cisco Partner Sales Academy. info: ndccarolinas.org.

— L.M.

Regional

Baptist leaders discuss sexuality

NASHVILLE — A gathering of pastors met at the Southern Baptist Convention’s headquarters in April to discuss issues surrounding sexuality, NPR reported.

It seems that some clergy have soften their approach to gay sexuality.

During this conversation, pastors like Kevin Smith of Kentucky sent shock waves throughout the auditorium. He said, “If you spent 20

years and you’ve never said anything about divorce in the church culture, then shut up about gay marriage.”

Jimmy Scroggins of Florida added, “We’re all in agreement that the cultural war is over when it comes to homosexuality, especially when it comes to gay marriage.”

However, others have not given up and they still contend that marriage is based upon the model of one man and one woman. The church still contends that gay sexuality is sinful. In fact, lesbians and gays have continued to be barred from church membership unless they repent.

Still, Scroggins commented, “Let’s stop telling Adam and Steve jokes and let’s be compassionate,

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because these are people that are in our community. These are people that are in our churches.”

Locally, Justin Lee, activist and founder of Gay Christian Network in Raleigh, has begun to hear from Baptist leaders and is encouraged.

He thinks that it’s “a wonderful step forward. I don’t think that it is where we want to end up.”

Inclusion is still divisive. And, the idea of biblical interpretation, as well as acceptance of LGBT people, is a slow burn. Emilie Townes, a lesbian who serves as dean of Vanderbilt University Divinity School, sees the “underlying position on gay issues is a reason for the ongoing slide in [Southern Baptist] church membership,” NPR shared.

— L.M.

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Election 2014

Aiken wins primary, no LGBT representation for state Aiken primary opponent dies days before final tally

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — Primary elections across the state on May 6 yielded mixed results for LGBT North Carolinians.

Elections officials named former “American Idol” contestant Clay Aiken the winner of his Democratic 2nd Congressional District primary.

Aiken’s race had been tight, with him leading at 40.8 percent of the vote, barely enough to avoid a run off. In an unexpected turn of events, Crisco tragically passed away on May 12, though the incident had no bearing on official election results released afterward.

Meanwhile, three other openly gay candidates vying for office across the state lost in their respective primaries on May 6. Two of them had fought to gain entry to the North Carolina General Assembly. With their loss, North Carolina’s LGBT community will be without representation in the state legislature.

Gay state candidates skipped over Come next January — for the first time in a decade — no openly LGBT person will be counted among the legislature’s 170 members.

The state’s only openly gay member currently, House Rep. Marcus Brandon, isn’t running for reelection.

In Mecklenburg County, openly gay candidate Ty Turner lost his Democratic primary for state Senate District 40. Facing a crowded primary with four other candidates, Turner came in last and carried just six percent of the vote with 36 of 48 precincts reporting, according to unofficial results published online by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. The board had experienced computer and reporting glitches earlier in the evening.

The top vote-getter in Turner’s race, Joyce Waddell, received 43 percent of the vote and will be unopposed in November, guaranteeing her a seat when the North Carolina Senate’s next term convenes in January.

At an election watch party in Uptown Charlotte, Turner said he was disappointed in the results, calling it a “tough loss,” but nonetheless heartened by his experience during the campaign.

“I’ve taken five months of my life to really focus on the people,” Turner said. “This is just the beginning. Now it’s up to me to build on that and gain the people’s trust. I’m not going to stop. I’m not going to be one of those individuals who runs for office and disappears.”

In Wake County, openly gay candidate Derek Kiszely garnered only 23 percent of the vote in his Democratic primary for state House District 49, with nearly all precincts reporting.

Kiszely’s opponent, Kim Hanchette, carried 77 percent of the vote. She will face Republican Gary Pendleton, who had no Republican op-

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Clay Aiken in a campaign video still

ponent in the primary, in the general election this November.

Turner’s loss means the state’s estimated 244,000 LGBT citizens won’t have any openly LGBT representation in the North Carolina General Assembly. Even if Kiszley had won his Wake County primary, that district leans Republican with a potential Kiszely general election victory nearly impossible. But, with no November opponent, a Turner primary victory would have guaranteed his seat in the state Senate.

A third option to guarantee LGBT representation had recently come into the hands of local Democratic Party leaders in Mecklenburg County. On May 3, 49 members of the county party’s executive committee met to fill a vacant state Senate seat left open when former Sen. Dan Clodfelter stepped down to become Charlotte’s mayor. Twenty-five of those voters chose Gaston County Assistant District Attorney Jeff Jackson, with openly gay Plaza Midwood businessman Billy Maddalon receiving 21 votes.

Brandon stumbles Current state House Rep. Marcus Brandon was among several candidates in the 12th Congressional District primary. Additionally, he was vying in a special election to fulfill former Rep. Mel Watt’s unexpired term for the rest of this year.

Brandon carried just eight percent of the special election vote and seven percent of the main primary. Top-vote getter, Greensboro’s Alma Adams, was registering at about 43 percent in both. Adams will soon be seated in Congress to fulfill former Rep. Mel Watt’s unexpired term. She’ll face Republican challenger Vince Coakley in November, though the heavily Democratic-leaning district will likely favor Adams. : : Reaction to legislative races Visit the original May 6 online version of this story at goqnotes.com/29167/ for reaction from LGBT leaders on the impending lack of representation in the state legislature.

May 23-June 5 . 2014

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Then & Now:

Women’s Place in Charlotte’s LGBT Movement Part One of Two: Early leaders, organizers lay groundwork

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

S

itting in a City Council conference room on the 15th floor of Uptown’s government center, two of the city’s most influential lesbian women are discussing their pasts, how they met and the work they believe must still be done in the community.

Councilmember LaWana Mayfield’s journey to a seat in local government and attorney Connie Vetter’s years-long work representing her own LGBT clients and the larger community are heroic in and of themselves — especially in a world where politics, money, law and society are still largely dominated by heterosexual men. But, their journey is also representative of the collective decades of work by courageous women leaders — many lesbian or bisexual, some straight — who blazed a path for them.

A place of their own In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the world, quite simply, was a different place. The nation had been rocked by a tumultuous Civil Rights Movement, assassinations and the Vietnam War. Calls for radical change emanated from communities long oppressed and silenced.

Among people of color, youth and early lesbian and gay rights activists, women took their place at the helm of movements for change.

In the early 1970s, that movement took root in Charlotte, with the founding of the Charlotte Women’s Center. What began simply as meetings in members’ homes grew to a physical meeting space of their own off of East Blvd. in Dilworth.

In 1973, Concetta Caliendo became involved. The Vietnam War — still two years from its end — remained at the forefront of many minds. Women, she said, took particular umbrage at the war. Many themselves had been involved with the armed services and others spoke out in concern for husbands, boyfriends, brothers, children or friends.

“I think what happened at that time is that’s when women really started to gather amongst themselves,” Caliendo says.

That very act of gathering together was itself radical, as women involved in organizations like the Women’s Center sought to create empowering and safe women-only spaces.

“They had basically been at the bottom of the rung,” she says.

Many of the women who’d begun the Center had come from the Left — children of men and women of the World War II era.

They’d seen their mothers leave the home during that global conflict, taking places normally reserved for men, only to be returned to their prior “station” when the men came home.

“During that war, women went out and worked the same work that men did and women went out and did all this stuff and the minute the men came back, sorry, you’re back in the kitchen,” Caliendo says.

Decades later, women were still battling social pressures, restrictions and oppression. At the Center, women could let go and build toward a better future, she says.

“The number one thing that was the most important thing about the Charlotte Women’s Center — the Women’s Center was for women only. Men were not allowed there,” she says. “We wanted women to become empowered, because that’s what we needed to do at that time. That’s what the Women’s Center was about. It allowed women to say whatever they wanted to and know it was safe there. It was a safe place for women.”

At the Center, women were guaranteed privacy and confidentiality. More importantly, they were offered opportunities to learn, to shape their own futures, to stand united with other women in a sense of solidarity. The Center offered a library, writing and journaling classes, consciousness-raising groups, peer counsel-

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ing and more. Lesbian art and literary magazine Sinister Wisdom, still in publication today, even saw its start at the Women’s Center in 1976.

“The Charlotte Women’s Center is a life space, provided by Women for Women,” an undated newsletter from sometime in the 1970s reads. “Here we share our hopes, dreams and anger; our experiences and skills.

Sharing these in a place that is our own, we gain strength to change our lives and strength to change our world.”

The solidarity of strength and change proved itself powerful when women needed assistance. Caliendo remembers one woman’s husband who came searching for her at the Center. He pounded on the door, ranted and raved. Another was scooped off the sidewalk after she jumped from a car driving on East Blvd. Caliendo says the Center was a refuge. The women stood by their sisters and would come to stand by countless other women in need — later advocating local government to extend its support to a battered women’s shelter.

“We talked about solidarity a lot,” Caliendo says, noting the strong relationships between other minorities, such as anti-racist movements of the period. “We were giving women and lesbian women the opportunity to allow themselves to feel solidarity with women and what we could build on that.”

While the world was still hostile, changes were, indeed, occurring. In 1972, Liz Hair became the first woman elected to the previously all-male Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. By 1974, she chaired the body.

And, it was Hair who witnessed, Caliendo says, one of the earliest moments of lesbian or gay public activism in Charlotte.

The Women’s Center had staked its ground on radical inclusion — heterosexual and lesbian women came together to advocate for change and broader inclusion.

“Radical things happened there that had not happened anywhere else,” Caliendo says.

By the mid-1970s, a larger gay community — at least for men — had already begun to take shape in Charlotte.

Some support and social groups existed, though many gay community interactions still revolved around clubs like The Scorpio, founded in 1968. Lesbians from the Women’s Center, supported by their sisters, wanted more.

As Hair served on the County Commission, a group of lesbian women went to a meeting. Their demand was simple, but wildly controversial.

“They went to the County Commission meeting and they made a request that they have a lesbian seated there,” Caliendo recounts. “They came back to the Center and a bunch of us were there waiting and they said, ‘Well, you would have thought we went in there with our hair on fire.’ They were not treated well.”

Caliendo says the lesbian women knew not to expect a positive outcome.

“But they went down there anyway,” she says. “These are the outrageous, brave things that happened there.”

‘Lesbians became angels’ As the 1970s waned, women in the LGBT community found themselves taking on new and more outspoken roles.

Billie (Stickle) Rose was among them. Rose, who passed in 2001, had run for Charlotte City Council before

Above: Concetta Caliendo holds the sign which once graced the Charlotte Women’s Women’s Center gather during a summer afternoon, circa 1977. Below, right: The Ch Top Photo: Matt Comer. Bottom photos courtesy Concetta Caliendo.

❝ They went to the County Commission meeting

lesbian seated there. They came back to the Cen they said, ‘Well, you would have thought we wen treated well. But they went down there anyway. happened there. ❞

— Concetta C

’s Center in Dilworth. Below, left: Women, including Caliendo, involved with the harlotte Women’s Center erects a protest sign on Memorial Day, July 1983.

g and they made a request that they have a nter and a bunch of us were there waiting and nt in there with our hair on fire.’ They were not These are the outrageous, brave things that

Caliendo on a mid-1970s action by lesbians at the Mecklenburg County Commission.

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coming out. Her friend, early LGBT community organizer Don King, says she’d just wanted the experience. Her vision, he says, was to create space where she and others could simply feel part of the community.

“She was a little firebrand,” King says. “One of the sweetest, most determined people I can remember. If she was going to do something or felt a certain way about something, if intended to change her mind about it, you better have all your reasoning done. In her gentle way, she would not be pushed off course.”

King met Rose in 1977 or 1978. She was one of few women who attended the local Dignity chapter, a national organization originally founded to support LGBT Catholics. It became a sort of early support and empowerment mechanism for LGBT people of all backgrounds in Charlotte.

Rose and King would go on to begin Charlotte’s first LGBT political organization, the Lambda Political Caucus.

Later, the two would co-found Queen City Quordinators and the Metrolina Community Service Project, fundraising and supporting a variety of LGBT projects like the Gay & Lesbian Switchboard.

Just as women’s profiles began to grow, the gay male community was hit with the life- and movement-altering AIDS Crisis.

Lesbian women like Rose, says King, were God-sends — and the crisis, he says, helped bridge the male and female communities within broader LGBT culture.

“Before AIDS, I think we had the men’s silo and the women’s silo, and there was not a whole lot of interaction between them. There was interaction, but not much,” King says. “When the AIDS Crisis happened, I think lesbians became angels, because I know in a good number of cases here in Charlotte lesbians were strong caregivers. They came out in droves and ministered to sick men.

During the AIDS Crisis and after I think men and women became closer. I think there began to be a bigger, more inclusive silo.”

As men and women in the LGBT community grew closer, so did networking opportunities. But, women also continued to host their own female-affirming spaces — Queen City Friends, among them. At the Women’s Center, more public events like Take Back the Night raised awareness and spoke out against sexual violence.

As more women spoke out, it inspired others to take broader steps into community leadership positions, politically, socially and more.

Longtime activist Mandy Carter was among those providing leadership and inspiration. By the mid-1980s, Carter had solidified her role as a go-to organizer for North Carolina’s LGBT and other social justice causes — directing anti-war groups, chairing the state committee for the 1987 March on Washington and serving with a variety of other lesbian, feminist and LGBT groups.

In Charlotte, newcomers like Sue Henry also stepped up. Henry moved to the Queen City in 1988. She’d been politically active and inclined in Boston, but didn’t see nearly the same kind of community activity with which she had become accustomed. As the decade ended, she sought to change it.

Support and growth In 1991, Henry founded Rising Moon Books, the city’s second lesbian and gay bookstore after King’s first Friends of Dorothy. At an East Blvd. shop, Henry worked to create space for the community to learn, network and organize for change. Henry says she considered the store a de facto community space, offering room for community organizations’ announcements and more.

While Henry was offering space in the comfort of a bookstore, Tonda Taylor was working to create an affirming space, too. That same year, Taylor founded Time Out Youth.

Taylor had recently moved back to Charlotte from New York City. She’d lived in Greenwich Village there, but had no social network here, knowing just a handful of openly lesbian or gay people.

Working at Charter Pines Psychiatric Hospital, Taylor says she encountered young people sent there “to be fixed” by their parents. The hospital didn’t engage in “exgay” conversion or therapy, but when the youth left there

life

was no support. Local youths’ needs were going unaddressed.

“One of the women who worked there, who was a bisexual woman, her daughter was in a car pool with girls at East Meck High,” Taylor recounts. “Two of the girls had confided in her daughter that they were a lesbian couple and they were having a frightening, miserable time.”

Around the same time, Taylor met Nila and Stokley Bailey, straight parents who had founded Charlotte’s PFLAG chapter in 1986.

“The Baileys told me that Charlotte desperately needed a group that would support youth,” Taylor says.

Left a small inheritance from her brother, who had, with their father, died from AIDS after contracting HIV during a blood transfusion, Taylor quit her job at the hospital and founded Time Out Youth.

As the ‘90s wore on and services expanded, others contracted. The Charlotte Women’s Center, one of the longest-standing Women’s Collectives in the South, closed in 1993, though some of its lesbian leaders continued working on social and political causes through groups like the Lesbian Avengers. Others, including Caliendo, organized later in the 1990s to publish the short-lived, but essential Carolina Lesbian News from 1997 through 1999.

In between, Henry made history, becoming the city’s first openly lesbian or gay candidate for mayor. Organized in just six weeks, the write-in campaign was the direct result of rampant homophobia. Both Democrat Hoyle Martin and the eventuallysuccessful Republican Pat McCrory had espoused a variety of anti-gay views. Community members wanted to challenge the prevailing thought, and Henry — or, more, specifically, the simplicity of her name, she says — was chosen to represent them.

The campaign was short, but it had its desired effect. Henry gained just two or so percent of the vote, but the media reach and one-on-one voter education was worth it, she says.

The late-1990s would also force Charlotte to deal with homophobia head-on. The 1996-1997 controversy over a staging of the AIDS-themed play “Angels in America” spawned a new rebirth in local LGBT political action — a torch carried through the next decade and today by leaders like Mayfield and Vetter. : : more: Be sure to pick up qnotes’ next print edition or log online on June 6 for part two of “Then & Now: Women in Charlotte’s LGBT Movement.” Part two of this special feature will chronicle further progress from the late-1990s through the present, and explore leaders’ reflections on the many changes in community successes, priorities and more.

qpoll Do you believe the role of women in the broader history of the LGBT movement has been overlooked?

See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll May 23-June 5 . 2014

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a&e

tell trinity

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

If I meet another drunk I’ll kill myself Dear Trinity, Every time I go out looking to meet someone special, I keep meeting undesirables, drunks and the unemployed. It kills me! What am I doing wrong?

The Wrong Ones, Detroit, MI Dear The Wrong Ones, In life odds have it that you could easily go out to a bar, meet an uninspired, depressing, yet good looking, bum with an endless dialogue of sad stories just as easily as you could meet someone at the same bar who was well inspired, happy and with many success stories.

Pumpkin, its simple, you just have to ask the right questions right up front, i.e., “What do you do for a living?” and/or “What’s good in your life?” and if the answer is “Nothing.” for both questions then say, “Goodbye.” and move right along to the next drunk, I mean happy person.

If you stick close to your desires of meeting a well-rounded person, odds have it you’ll eventually meet someone great. P.S. Remember, looks have nothing to do with success!

Dearest Trinity, I work three jobs and am saving money for a condo. However, my life is so stressful that sometimes I find myself doing things out of character, which I think is a reaction to my stress. What do you do for stress?

Stressing Out, Columbia, SC Dearest Stressing Out, Being early (not just on time), eating slowly (or just chewing your food) and delegating work (not just doing it all yourself because no one can do it as well as you) are guaranteed medicines for stress. Other anti-stress activities include making love, listening to the ocean and playing with children. You could also hit the health food store and pick some Bach Flower Remedies such as Vervain or Rescue Remedy. Everyone has stress, honey, but some of us practice time

and stress management better than others.

Start practicing! (Don’t let things get so bad that your life turns into a bad horror movie. Check out my cartoon to see what I’m talking about.)

Hey Trinity, I messed up and fell asleep on my last date with someone I just started dating. He’s really mad. How do I make it up and I get him back?

Messed Up, Spokane, WA Hey Messed Up, When you make a definite plan with someone and don’t show up at all they have every right to be mad, but, sweetie, you have every right to try to make up for it with: Trinity’s Fast Action Tips For How To Make Good After Standing Someone Up 1. Immediately, if she lives near you, go and attach an “I’m sorry” note on to her door with a short explanation and give the time you wrote the note.

2. Don’t make someone wait 24 hours to know why you messed up. Call that next morning apologizing!

3. Leave a message on his answering machine and try as much as three times that whole (next) day to reach him live.

4. Don’t avoid what you did! Say, “I’m sorry for standing you up and it will never happen again!” And sound sincere!

5. Promise, “If something comes up again next time, I’ll call and give you plenty of warning.”

6. Ask “When are you free again?” And, if you have to change your plans to accommodate the situation, do so. Don’t let a week go by.

7. Invite him to dinner at your expense, at his earliest convenience, even if you have to change your plans!

8. Call before your next date an hour early just to say, “I’ll see you in an hour.” You must regain their trust!

9. B ring a gift when you see her, something small and sweet that expresses, “I really want to make it up to you,” i.e., a flower, a trinket or some chocolates.

10. A nd, lastly, don’t do it again, ever again! As you can see it’s too much work for you and too much heartache for the person you stood up! 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.

we want your opinions and feedback

Whether it’s letters to the editor, web comments, general suggestions, comments or ideas, qnotes staff welcomes your input. Be sure to send in your thoughts, praises, criticisms and more to editor@goqnotes.com for general feedback or letters@goqnotes.com for letters to the editor. Thank you!

May 23-June 5 . 2014

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life

SPORTS

Playing the Field Match-ups from across the Carolinas: Tourneys abound as teams go head to head for wins

by Jon Hoppel :: qnotes contributor

The Charlotte Rollergirls All Stars went head-to-head with the Brandywine Roller Girls in tourney play.

Photo Credit: Andrew Keyes

Welcome back to another edition of Playing the Field. In this month’s column, we will tackle Charlotte’s Roller derby, Rugby and bowling

teams, as well as some of the South’s biggest softball tournaments. So, without further adieu, let’s get to the teams!

Roller Derby The Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars (CLTRG for short) competed in the Southern Discomfort Tournament in Columbia, S.C., from April 26-27.

This event brought in teams from Washington D.C., New Jersey, Brandywine/Chester County, Rochester, N.Y., Nashville, Cape Fear, Charlottesville, and Kalamazoo, Mich. The impressive field of teams provided a formidable challenge for the ladies from Charlotte. On day one, Charlotte faced off against the Garden State Rollergirls, who in their only bout this season, routed Long Island 301-66. Sadly, Charlotte endured the same fate, although not by nearly the lopsided score, losing to the Garden State team 188-72.

On day two, CLTRG took on the Brandywine team who also lost the day before to a solid Nashville team. These two evenly-matched teams battled hard, with Charlotte taking a slim halftime lead. However, in the second half, Brandywine stormed back and won the bout 171-145.

CLTRG looks to bounce back this month when they resume their regular schedule with matches against the Blue Ridge Roller Girls and the Hard Knox Roller Girls.

For times and locations, as well as more information, visit their updated website at charlotterollergirls.com.

Softball On Easter weekend, New South Softball hosted their annual Southern Shootout in Birmingham, Ala. It is the longest-running LGBT softball tournament in North America and brings in teams from all over the country.

In the two divisions, C and D, 45 teams came to compete for the championship.

In the C division, two teams were undefeated after round-robin play. The Orlando Bombers and

see Playing on 20

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Six hot home design trends for Spring 2014 Does spring and the impending seasonal switchover to summer have you itching to refresh a tired, lackluster room? Or, maybe you’re looking for some small ways to make a big impact on your home’s style? Whatever the case, here are some of this season’s most buzzed-about trends and how you can incorporate them into your next project.

• Wood is the new neutral. This season’s strong trend toward wood textures pairs the warmth, richness and texture of real wood with limitless design flexibility. Think wood-textured textiles, tree-printed wallpapers and embossed soaps that look like wood. Installing engineered wood ceilings and wainscoting can bring the unique look of reclaimed wood into any environment - an easy do-it-yourself project with striking results.

• Ode to the elements. Mother Nature is inspiring design in a big way this year and homeowners are finding unique ways to incorporate rocks, minerals and other natural elements into their home’s design. Try replacing a common-place item like an alarm clock with one encased within a multi-colored agate.

Bring this look to the kitchen with a stainless steel backsplash, or swap out run-of-the-mill hardware with mineral-inspired drawer pulls and knobs.

• Shore thing. Homeowners, inspired by the calm, care-free attitude of coastal living are all about bringing the beach inside this season. Beach-inspired design elements are popping up throughout the home. Weathered and white-washed wood ceilings are a subtle but stunning on-trend addition — especially when finished with interior accents like decorative shells, drift wood furniture and marine-themed prints.

• Contrast in texture. Step aside Pantone, texture is spring’s hottest new color. Homeowners are putting down their paintbrushes and adding interest with texture through high-gloss finishes, metallics, sequins and mirrors. A textured tile wall brings visual and tactile interest, especially when paired with contrasting high-gloss lacquer or low-gloss matte accessories.

• Visual punch. Reawaken the senses this spring by incorporating a striking visual element to the home. Multi-dimensional surface treatments in pearl, metallic and gold/silver combinations add panache as a coating used for hardwood, or can be applied to wallpaper, furniture or decorative accessories. And don’t forget to look up — coffered ceilings bring a striking je ne sais quoi to any room.

• Manipulated metals. The versatility of manipulated metal makes it a great addition to any style home — from hand-crafted artisan to contemporary high gloss. Copper, pewter and nickel are getting in on the action and can be styled in a variety of ways, including Wood textures hammered metal sink basins, tin-look ceilbring warmth, ing tiles, antiqued copper light fixtures and richness and brushed stainless steel cabinet hardware. texture to a room If you’d benefit from a little windfall to of any style. help finance your fabulous spring home improvement projects (and who wouldn’t?), consider checking with your favorite vendors, many of which are running seasonal promotions. Armstrong Residential Ceilings, for example, is running a Style Is Looking Up Giveaway in February and March and will offer the chance to win free product and gift cards to spend on home improvements at armstrong.com/ residential-ceilings. : : more: Want more information on your potential flooring or ceiling revamps or just need a place to start? Armstrong has a flooring showroom in Charlotte, as well as dozens of independently-owned local retailers in Charlotte and other local areas.

Learn more at armstrong.com.

— BrandPoint Content

Summer Sipping

Summer is all about fun and relaxation with the people you hold dear and no gathering is complete without the right drinks. This season, mix it up for the wine lovers in the group and reach for one of these under-the-radar wine varietals:

Relax with a great glass of wine

u German Riesling. Don’t let all the German classifications scare you: German Riesling is considered the best for a reason. Flavors range from dry to sweet and it goes excellently with lighter summer foods. When trying to find the right one, remember ASK: From sweetest to driest, Auslese, Spätlese and Kabinett.

by Peter Engels qnotes contributor

v Vinho Verde. Vinho verde literally translates to “young wine.” These are fresh, aromatic wines with a light, natural effervescence. Not as bubbly as a Champagne, vinho verde is light and crisp, and the perfect match for the pool or picnic table. Most varieties in the U.S. are white wines that feature peach and citrus flavors. w Alsatian Brut. Speaking of Champagne, a great pocket-friendly alternative are the sparkling wines from Alsace, France. These sparklers are crisp and refreshing and come in nearly every variation: salmon-colored blanc-de-noirs,

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Coffered ceilings are an easy way to add a visual element to the home.

peach-scented blanc-de-blancs and interested blends. x Malbec Rosé. No, we are not talking about the super-sweet pink wines.

Malbec rosés, made from the same grapes as red Malbecs, are dry and refreshing. Look for darker colored pinks for stronger berry and cherry flavors. y Beaujoulais Villages. A red wine during the summer? If you don’t like whites, don’t force it — you should enjoy what you drink! Much better quality than the Nouveau’s of Thanksgiving, wines from the Beaujoulais region of Villages are velvety and smooth. Serve these slightly chilled for better flavor (and a better match for the heat!). z Cabernet Franc. The steak, burgers or chicken you just grilled to perfection need a wine that is just as big in flavor. Cabernet Franc, once a blending grape in France, is now easier to find bottled alone. The bright fruit flavors and smokey, peppery oak are perfect as a summer-time big red.

Get creative this summer when putting together wine lists for your guests or yourself, and you may just find a new favorite. : :

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life

Call 811 before every digging project, large or small Spring is in the air. Summer is on its way.

Many eager homeowners and landscape professionals have already begun or will soon begin projects that require digging.

During this transition into “digging season,” Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the association dedicated to protecting underground utilities and the people who dig near them, reminds homeowners and professional diggers that calling 811 is the first step toward protecting you and your community from the risk of unintentionally damaging an underground line.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a free call to 811. Installing a mailbox or fence, building a deck or landscaping are all examples of digging projects that should only begin a few days after making a call to 811. Calling this number connects you to your local one-call utility notification center.

According to data collected by CGA, more than half of American homeowners will not make a free call to 811 before digging. Out of those surveyed, 67 percent know that the paint and flags on the ground are used to mark buried utilities, indicating that awareness of underground infrastructure is high among homeowners, but the importance of calling 811 is low.

Here’s how it works: • One free, simple phone call to 811 makes it

easy for your local one-call center to notify all appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Call a few days prior to digging to ensure enough time for the approximate location of utility lines to be marked with flags or paint.

• When you call 811, a representative from your local one-call center will ask for the location and description of your digging project.

• Your local one-call center will notify affected utility companies, which will then send professional locators to the proposed dig site to mark the approximate location of your lines.

• Only once all lines have been accurately marked, roll up those sleeves and carefully dig around the marked areas.

There are nearly 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States that your family depends on for everyday needs including electric, gas, water and sewer, cable TV, high-speed Internet and landline telephone.

Unintentionally striking one of these lines can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, harm to yourself or your neighbors and repair costs. Every six minutes, homeowners and professionals unintentionally damage an underground utility line because they did not call 811 before digging.

According to the most recent data from CGA, damage occurs less than 1 percent of the time when the digger has called 811 before a project. To find out more information, visit nc811.org or sc811.org or for national information, visit call811.com. : : — BrandPoint Content

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life

Playing the Field continued from page 16 The DC Allstars were both 2-0 and they were also the teams that met in the final. The Allstars relied on the slick fielding and defense, while the Orlando Bombers came into the game with the most runs scored out of any teams, even though they played two less games than the Allstars, who had to go through the losers bracket to make it to the final. Most sports writers, analysts and commentators will tell you, “defense wins Championships.” On that day, it was true. DC was able to quell the red-hot bats of the Bombers and were able to take the title, 18-10.

In the D division, the tournament favorites, Carolina Showtime, were ousted in a late inning rally by A/S/L from Atlanta and had to settle for third place. In the final, A/S/L took on the Tampa Panthers. This championship was especially well-contested. Both teams were solid defensively and struggled hitting after two long days of playing softball. However, A/S/L was able to get two very big back-to-back triples in the fifth inning to blow the game open and were able to hold onto the lead until the end, winning 12-7.

The next major softball tournament will be the Big Peach Tournament held in Atlanta, Ga., during Memorial Day weekend. For more information on the event, go to their website at hslbigpeach.org Bowling The Charlotte Rainbowlers league finished up their fourth quarter this past April 7th.

Winning this final leg of the season was the

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Dragon Balls team, followed by The Pickup Squad, The Rammers and Modern Family in that order.

Congratulations goes out to those teams on their stellar season.

The league starts back up on Aug. 25 with an informational session at Centennial Lanes on South Blvd. If you would like to join or support their league, check them out on Facebook under the Charlotte Rainbowlers.

Rugby The Charlotte Royals pushed hard against the Charleston The Charlotte Royals finished Blockade.Photo Credit: Alex Aguilar their regular season this month with four matches on back-to-back beat Nashville and Charleston a combined weekends. First, the Royals hosted a mini150-0, marking their 3rd and 4th shutouts of the tournament at Tuskaseegee Park between season, respectively. themselves, the Charleston Blockade and the The following weekend, the Royals traveled Nashville Grizzlies. The Royals were coming off to Nashville to compete in the last mini-tournatwo losses to Table Rock and UNCC and were ment of the season against the Grizzlies and the looking to build some much-needed momentum Atlanta Bucks. The back-to-back weekends of towards the Bingham Cup in August. play were grueling in the hot summer weather, The day started with a touching tribute to but Charlotte was able to stay focused and one the team’s founders, Allen McCarthy, on continue their winning ways, beating both the pitch, just like he would have wanted. All teams a combined 96-0. Two more shutouts three teams, each who had members that had for the team, that in the early days when Allen played against or with Allen, paid tribute to him McCarthy first founded the team, were on and applauded as his partner Grayson Tucker the other side of those scoreless games. The spread some of his ashes at midfield. whole team beamed with pride afterward, Allen’s friends, family and all others knowing how proud he would have been to see who attended the games were treated to an how far they have come. exceptional showing by the Royals, who were Keep up with the Royals by visiting their clearly inspired by the ceremony. Charlotte website at charlotteroyals.org. : :

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May 23-June 5 . 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/

What is at stake?

North Star LGBT Center 704 Brookstown Ave., Winston-Salem 6-8 p.m.

This forum and workshop will explore the importance LGBTQ criminalization — and the forms of which LGBTQ people become “criminalized” such as being kicked out of the house or moving because one’s home is not safe or welcoming, students dropping out of school to avoid bullying and harassment and taking on odd jobs due to employment discrimination.

336-893-9053 northstarlgbtcc.com –––––––––––––––––––– Guild EXCHANGE Series McColl Center for Visual Art 721 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 6:30 p.m.

SEP MAY

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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 hotdogs, chips, beverages and s’mores for purchase. A portion of proceeds will benefit UNC-Charlotte Pride Spectrum. charlotteblackgaypride.com

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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 issues with state lawmakers and equipping fair-minded citizens with the skills to move the state forward.

Information and registration online. equalitync.org

SEP JUN

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Triad Pride Men’s Chorus SEP JUN Greensboro Day School 5401 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro 8 p.m.

Triad Pride Men’s Chorus presents their spring concert, “Déjà Vu: Music of the ‘80s.” Repeat performances on June 10, Centennial Station Arts Center, 121 S. Centennial St., High Point, 8 p.m., and June 14, HanesBrand Theater, 209 N. Spruce St., Winston-Salem. Ticket prices range from $15/$20 advance and $20/$25 at the door.

336-589-6267 triadpridemenschorus.org

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Youth Lobby Day North Carolina General Assembly 16 W. Jones St., Raleigh 9 a.m.

Equality North Carolina wants to raise youth voices in the North Carolina General Assembly and equip fair-minded young people with the skills needed to fight for equality in our local communities. Registration is required to participate and is available online. equalitync.org/youth

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Submit your event to our calendar!

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May 23-June 5 . 2014

LGBT & Allies Diversity SEP JUN Summit Cone University Center UNC-Charlotte 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The National Diversity Council partners with UNC-Charlotte’s Multicultural Resource Center to host a two-track conference focusing on the workplace and the community. Cost for workplace track is $49 ($24 students). Community track is $25 (free for students).

Information and ticket purchase available online. nationaldiversitycouncilregistration.org/ cl/lgb

Generational Diversity Summit North Carolina Central University, Durham Alfonso Elder Student Union 8 a.m.

The Triangle event, “Leadership Across the Generations,” is a half-day training and panel discussion on generational differences in the workplace. Guest leaders will share their experiences with attendees. ndccarolinas.org

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SEP JUN

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The Happening!

Time Out Youth Gala SEP JUN SEP JUN The Westin Charlotte Center Stage This interactive panel from the Charlotte 2315 N. Davidson St., 601 S. College St., Charlotte Business Guild will contain tips on logo Charlotte Noon-1:30 p.m. design and creating brand guidelines; The Charlotte Lesbian 6:30 p.m. utilizing inbound marketing techniques Time Out Youth Center hosts its Platinum and Gay Fund hosts its annual The through compelling campaigns, SEO, Happening! Luncheon, featuring gifts of Youth Gala, raising funds for the landing pages, blogging, email markettheir annual grants to local LGBT orgaorganization and its support of area ing; developing user-friendly, interactive LGBT youth. The evening’s host is Ben nizations. Tickets are $40. Table captainwebsites and engaging social media cies (10 seats) are $400. Sponsorships Thompson, an NBC Charlotte anchor marketing campaigns. Refreshments and reporter. For more, see our regional begin at $500. Information and ticket will be provided. Plus, win an iPad from news notes at goqnotes.com/29339/. purchase available online.

Best Buy. Free for members. $5 for non- timeoutyouth.org fftc.org/thehappening members. charlottebusinessguild.org SEP JUN Leslie Jordan Wells Fargo Auditorium Canine Couture 550 S. Tryon St., Charlotte SEP MAY Triple C Brewing Company 8 p.m.

2900 Griffith St., Charlotte The Hearts Beat as One Foundation 2-5 p.m. hosts comedian Leslie Jordan for his one-man show, Charlotte Pride brings “Show Pony.” Hearts Beat as One Foundation is a back its Canine Couture, new charitable non-profit and community-driven the most fabulous dogorganization striving to raise funds and awareness in gie fashion show you’ve the Queen City. Multiple ticket options, including VIP tickets ever seen. Information, and a private dining opportunity with Jordan are available, dog show entry applicaranging from $40 general admission to $500. Information and tion and more available online. ticket purchase available online. charlottepride.org/canine/ bit.ly/1k1zLUo

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Welcome back, Hornets!

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Photo Credit: EricaJoy

Salisbury Pride Downtown Salisbury 110 Lee St., Salisbury 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Salisbury Pride returns for its 2014 festival and celebration. Event details available online. salisburypride.com

SEP JUN

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Happy LGBT Pride

Month

Recurring Charlotte Events: 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.

Men’s Yoga: Weekly yoga sessions for men hosted by certified instructor. Each Monday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

Time Out Youth Center: Weekly support and discussion groups, Tuesday-Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monthly group for youth ages 11-14. timeoutyouth.org.

MeckPAC: Monthly meeting of local LGBT political action committee. First Tuesdays of each month, 6:30-8 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

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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May 23-June 5 . 2014

qnotes

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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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May 23-June 5 . 2014

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.”