QNotes, May 28, 2021

May 28-June 10, 2021

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May 28-June 10, 2021

inside this issue

May 28-June 10, 2021 Vol 36 No 03

connect twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas instagram.com/qnotescarolinas

contributors this issue

Joey Amaro, Rev. Chris Ayers, Andrew Dys, L’Monique King, Gary Montgomery, David Aaron Moore, Julianna Peres, Chris Rudisill, Gregg Shapiro, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Natasha Morehouse Photography: Charlotte’s Got A Lot Mission:

The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBTQ and straight ally communities of the Charlotte region, North Carolina and beyond, by featuring arts, entertainment, news and views content in print and online that directly enlightens, informs and engages the readers about LGBTQ life and social justice issues.

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Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2021 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher.

Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

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

P referred Names to be Displayed on Diplomas

Pride in the Carolinas

news

5 Supporting LGBTQ Journalism 6 $15K Reward Offered

by N.C. Police and FBI 6 Time Out Youth Launches “Bare Necessities” Donations 6 Asheville Drag Brunch Has Returned 6 Briefs 8 Parent of Trans Daughter Calls for Equality Act Support 8 RAIN Introduces New Logo 11 York Transgender Woman’s Murderer Now in Custody 18 Trans Deaths in N.C.

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feature

Multiple colleges in North Carolina are updating their policies to allow preferred names to be used on a person’s diploma. This change is particularly impactful to those in the gender expansive community.

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York Transgender Woman’s Murderer Now in Custody

Thomas Hardin was tragically killed in York, S.C. on May 2. Tyler Terry has been caught following a manhunt..

During his crime spree, he killed four people total and injured others.

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16 Tell Trinity 22 Screen Savor: When Stars Align

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life

A Journey Back in Time Our People: Eternity Philops

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9 Preferred Names to be Displayed on Diplomas 15 Urban Gay-Friendly Churches Need to Reach Out to LGBTQ People in Rural Areas

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May 28-June 10, 2021

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Supporting LGBTQ Journalism

QNotes Launches the Carolinas LGBTQ Journalism Fund to Support Local Writers

by Chris Rudisill qnotes Contributor

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n discussing a new collaborative journalism playbook released by Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) this week, Alicia Bell said, “The future of journalism includes journalists, and it includes so many other people who have never once considered themselves bearers of the news.”

Bell, who authored the guide, “Gathering Toward Solutions: A Community Event Playbook for Journalism Collaboratives,” is the Media 2070 director for free press and has served as the organizing manager of the organization’s work in North Carolina through a program called News Voices. “Community organizers will play a role in the future of news. Baristas will play a role in the future of news. There will be gardeners and retired people and students and actors,” she continued, “All of us will be there. And all of us will need information, stories and community.”

That “journalism as a community center” idea has been inspiration for qnotes and its parent company Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc. the past year as it created and launched work on the QnotesCarolinas.org project. The

notesCarolinas LGBTQ Local News, Voices and Community

publication celebrated its 35th anniversary last month and has worked with Free Press since 2019 as a member of the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative, a project of SJN. In December, qnotes announced $130,000 in funding from the Google GNI North American Innovation Challenge. “We realize that it is time for our publication to evolve,” said qnotes Publisher Jim Yarbrough.

In the three and a half decades of the publication’s existence, it has connected the LGBTQ community to news stories that did not often get covered in mainstream press. Despite difficult economic years for the news industry, it continued to operate, often with no full-time staff to represent the population it serves.

While the funding allows a large investment in infrastructure to build out a new online platform, funds are still necessary to operate and pay the journalists who are delivering those stories.

“In order to receive the full funding, we still need to raise nearly $60,000 in match support,” says Yarbrough.

Shortly after the announcement in December, the Carolinas LGBTQ Journalism Fund was launched with an initial goal of raising $30,000, half of what is required. A second campaign will follow in phase two of the project. The fund is administered by Local Media Foundation, a charitable trust affiliated with the Local Media Association. It supports more opportunities for LGBTQ writers in North and South Carolina and has raised just over $10,000 so far, including a $5,000 donation from Bob Page, founder and CEO of Replacements, Ltd., based in Greensboro.

Page’s company is the largest tableware business in the world. He has fought

hard for the LGBTQ community and as Passport Magazine said, “his driving force now is for social justice and charity.”

“We’re incredibly thankful for the support of Bob Page and others in the community that understand the importance of having local LGBTQ news sustained in North Carolina,” says Yarbrough.

The project will also launch community reporting workshops and town halls, a partnership with Free Press.

“It is centered on community support, but also community involvement,” says Yarbrough. “We are involving our readers in every aspect of the project.”

Donations to the fund are tax-deductible and can be made online at givebutter.com/ lmf-qnotescarolinas. For more information about the project, visit qnotescarolinas.org.

Solutions for the Community qnotes has been involved in the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative since its launch, adding an LGBTQ perspective to the affordable housing conversation.

A second grant of $15,000 from Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) will now help the organization increase opportunities for Black LGBTQ journalists.

The project is part of SJN’s Economic Mobility initiative. According to its Medium page, The Whole Story, “the goal is to catalyze reporting that looks at both the systemic causes of poverty and potential solutions that are worth sharing.”

While amplifying the voices of more communities in North Carolina, the qnotes project will also uncover responses that can impact the lives of Charlotte residents. A 2014 study by Harvard University researchers ranked Charlotte last for

economic mobility among the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. The study also found that low economic mobility disproportionately affects people of color. For instance, a Black child growing up in a low-income home can expect a household income of $21,599 a year at age 34. A white child can expect $34,256.

Multiple reports show that Black LGBTQ people face even starker disparities in economic security and upward mobility, and these have only been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a recent call for journalists by qnotes, “This urgent problem has created the prevalence of increased research and the launch of innovative responses by grassroot organizations, policy makers and communities to improve outcomes for a community that is at the intersection of two marginalized identities.” qnotes is seeking Black LGBTQ and allied writers to work on the project and multimedia journalists are encouraged to submit proposals. Stories should focus on rigorous investigation and reporting of regional and national responses, including their limitations, and how those solutions may impact decisionmaking in the Charlotte area. Stories should also include the experiences of Black LGBTQ people living in North Carolina, telling their real-life experiences while seeking to better understand the limitations that exist to overcoming structural racism and discrimination.

Writers, photographers and videographers who are interested in being a part of the project should email publisher@ goqnotes.com.

“Both of these projects are helping us better serve the local community, but we need the support of people who can do so to secure the future of LGBTQ press in the Carolinas,” says Yarbrough, “Whether it be $5 or more, every amount helps us tell these stories, keep people informed and further foster that sense of community that supports us all.” : : [Editor’s note: Chris Rudisill is the project manager for the QnotesCarolinas.org Project and is also the Director of the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative.]

May 28-June 10, 2021

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news $15k Reward Offered By N.C. Police and FBI

Several months after her murder on Feb. 24, Jenna Frank’s death is still being investigated. On May 17, the FBI and Jacksonville Police announced they are offering a total of $15,000 for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of Franks’ killer or killers.

Franks, 34, was a member of the Onslow County LGBTQ+ Community Center in North Carolina.

As is the case with many transgender or nonbinary deaths, Franks was misgendered repeatedly in the official police reports. According to the Humans Rights Campaign (HRC), more than 75 percent of gender expansive persons are misgendered or dead-named by law enforcement and media.

The FBI, which is offering $10,000 of the overall reward funds, emphasizes that Franks could very likely be the victim of a hate crime.

“Jenna was a beloved member of the LGBTQ+ community, and her absence has been felt by her friends and family members,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Wells says, “We do not believe this was a random act. There is a strong possibility the person who did this continues to work and/or live in the community. We believe someone has information to help us get justice for Jenna and her family.”

The threat of continued violence to transgender women by the same individual is one that the Jacksonville police are also taking very seriously. The 25th transgender person killed in 2021 made headlines on May 19. Serenity Hollis, a 24-year-old woman, was, just like Franks, misgendered by police and media outlets.

Hollis resided in Georgia and was the third transgender woman shot to death there in 2021. Similar to Franks, she also lived in a rural area that was prone to LGBTQ harassment by the general population.

Franks is survived by her sister, Amber Franks, who is creating a nonprofit in her sister’s name.

“Everyone I have spoken with, especially at her memorial service, said that she was a delight to be with,” says Onslow County LGBTQ+ Community Center Director of Communications, Samuel Johnson, “She was an amazing person inside and out. I still cannot fathom that this happened.”

“Being here my whole life I never thought anything like this could happen,” Johnson continues. “It’s taken us all aback for just a little bit, but we’re still here and we’re still pushing forward.”

To contact the FBI about Franks’ case, call 704-672-6100 and to contact the Jacksonville Police, call 910-938-3273. info: bit.ly/3bMIyeh — Julianna Peres

Time Out Youth Launches “Bare Necessities” Donations

The Time Out Youth (TOY) Life Essentials Closet is open, by appointment, for any LGBTQ youth in need. James Rice III, volunteer and special events coordinator, took over the Life Essentials Closet in 2017, working to expand it into something more than a simple pantry.

Affectionately referred to as “Gay Walmart” by clients, Rice has updated the closet to include items most needed by members of TOY. Says Rice: “My lived experience [as] a Black gay man has allowed me to walk into the closet and see there was nothing there for Black and brown people.

“It took some uncomfortable conversations, but we were no longer going to use the method of being happy with what people give us,” Rice explains. TOY now asks youth to search through Amazon and highlight items that would be useful to them.

In order to ensure that all youth have the most inclusive experience within the closet, Rice has also implemented an organizational system that is gender-nonspecific. “We all have what we prefer,” Rice emphasizes, “With skincare and fragrance, people like what they like.

We don’t use any gendered items; anyone can get what they want. We place brands with the same brand, but we don’t section anything off as ‘men’s’ or ‘women’s.’”

Before the Life Essentials Closet was temporarily closed during the state-regulated two-week shutdown, TOY contacted all youth and advised them to stock up on necessities. Having nearly emptied their supplies during this time, the TOY staff would do home deliveries of food and any emergency goods.

After this period, Time Out Youth began operating on an appointment basis. Access to the closet was never denied, just modified during the pandemic. Youth in need of “bare essentials” can email Rice at Jrice@timeoutyouth.org for an appointment.

For those wanting to give, Rice urges potential donors to read the regulations on the Life Essentials Closet page. Gift cards may be donated to stores such as Walmart, Target, Amazon or Walgreens but should be no more than ten dollars on each. All items must be brand new and full-sized.

The Life Essentials Closet is in need of some custom-made shelves for their uniquely shaped room. Added shelving would allow for more items to be displayed and more youth to peruse the items.

To view the Life Essentials Closet needs, go to bit.ly/2QB7IVB. To make a donation to Time Out Youth, go to bit.ly/3u6G2Wq. If you would like the donation to go directly to the Life Essentials Closet, specify so in the comment section. info: timeoutyouth.org — Julianna Peres

Asheville Drag Brunch Has Returned

The Asheville Drag Brunch crew heads back into action for a new, now in-person, season of performances June 27 at noon and 2 p.m.

These shows will be donating proceeds to BeLoved Asheville, an organization that is working to help those whom have fallen on hard times during COVID-19. In their official press release, Asheville Drag Brunch stated that, “the family-friendly drag queen entertainment is singalong top-notch fun with plenty of laughter and audience interaction.”

This Sunday performance will feature several local drag queens and be hosted by recurring cast member Divine. The purpose of this event, as with all of the group’s past events, is to celebrate the LGBTQ community while raising money for nonprofit organizations.

Some past shows have supported the Make A Wish foundation and Youth OUTright WNC Blue Ridge Pride. All other 501(C)3 organizations are encouraged to apply for benefit brunches as well. The submission form for a sponsored event is informal and will be followed up with an email. To submit an organizational need, go to bit.ly/3fhZOIW. BeLoved Asheville was formed in February of 2019 and has worked to support local eateries, participate in fun-runs and facilitate clothing drives. Recently forming #BeLovedCampClean, this nonprofit has created a project to support the homeless population of Asheville in a very direct way. This campaign “provides access to cleanup supplies, trash and recycling cans, and pickup to residents in the city who must camp because they do not have a home.”

Asheville Drag Brunch has been hosting these hour-long shows for a multitude of occasions over the years. Performances can be, and have been, made for any celebration, including weddings, divorces, anniversaries and birthdays. Tips are always encouraged as a source of further donated funds from attending guests.

All shows take place in local restaurants and bars. The June 27 Asheville Drag Brunch will be at Bankes Avenue Bar and will allow for only a limited number of seats. Since tickets may not be bought at the door due to COVID-19 restrictions, pre-purchase a seat at bit.ly/2QbRHFq. info: bit.ly/3f7bhMB. — Julianna Peres

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May 28-June 10, 2021

Briefs Charlotte Poplar Tapas Mix-Mingle with the Charlotte Gaymer’s Network May 25 at 7 p.m., the Charlotte Gaymer’s Network (CGN) is hosting “CGN After Dark: Poplar Tapas Edition”. A vodka bar, discounted food and gaming consoles will be available to guests. There will also be three themed rooms featuring either board games, video games and Dungeons and Dragons. The event is sponsored by the Great Wagon Road Distillery, and interested participants must be 21 or older.

info: bit.ly/3fx4Txn

National Lesbian Couple’s Home Becomes San Francisco Landmark Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, founders of the lesbian rights organization the Daughters of Bilitis, will be forever commemorated as their home was deigned a landmark designation by San Francisco city supervisors. As of May 11, this lesbian hotspot of 1955 will be immortalized as a historical site in California.

info: bit.ly/2RAYt8t

Missouri To Provide Over-the-Counter HIV Medication The third state to allow individuals to purchase post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), Missouri will dispense this medication to those approved by pharmacists. This protocol will allow those exposed to HIV to significantly reduce their risk of contracting the disease. The CDC has published a study that 13 of Missouri’s rural counties have a high probability of contracting HIV due to their extreme use of drug by needle.

info: bit.ly/3yxGTCP

California Elects First Transgender Bishop in U.S. History Rev. Megan Rohrer already made headlines when they became the first transgender Lutheran pastor.

Now, Rohrer has taken on the title of bishop at the Sierra Pacific synod. Of this development, Rohrer comments, “During this time when some imagine trans people at their worst, Lutherans have once again declared that transgender people are beautiful children of God. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me and my family as I accept this call.”

info: bit.ly/3hJcR99

International Young Gay Man Murdered in Iran as Part of an “Honor Killing” 20-year-old Iranian citizen, Ali Fazeli Monfared, was beheaded by male relatives for being gay. In Iran, military service is required. However, Monfared was able to receive an exemption card due to his “mental illness” (i.e. homosexuality). It was because of this card that Monfared’s extended family learned of his LGBTQ identity. Iran is one of the world’s 11 countries that still allow for same-sex relationships to be castigated by death.

info: nbcnews.to/3bJKynh — Compiled by Julianna Peres

May 28-June 10, 2021

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news Parent of Trans Daughter Calls for Equality Act Support

Katie Jenifer is a board member of Genderbands, Board Director of Conversion Therapy Dropout Network, licensed N.C. attorney and mother of two queer children.

Just after Mother’s Day, Jenifer published an “open letter” on the Advocate website that spoke out in favor of the Equality Act. This plea mentioned the individual nondiscrimination protections that are being enacted across North Carolina; including Jenifer’s own hometown of Carrboro. Jenifer emphasized that, although the town was doing its part, nondiscrimination ordinances have not taken root everywhere.

“Just a quick drive a few miles down the road and that protection ends for my children in neighboring towns,” Jenifer wrote, “My kids and all LGBTQ+ folks are vulnerable to being denied service, evicted and mistreated at health care facilities solely because of who they are or who they love.”

In the letter Jenifer talked about her personal experiences with the Christian faith and how that impacted coming to terms with the gender identities and sexual orientations of her children. While there were supportive members of the church, she explained, there was also a lot of backlash.

“There were some equally disapproving responses from anonymous notes quoting scripture to us, to a couple spending hours trying to convince my husband and me9 to send Maddie to conversion therapy, to people leaving the church because they didn’t want us influencing their children anymore,” Jenifer recalled.

Now having dedicated her life to helping transgender individuals pay for transition-related costs through Genderbands and providing support to those whom were harmed by conversion therapy through Conversion Therapy Dropout Network, Jenifer has found herself in what was previously an unlikely position of LGBTQ advocate.

In her open letter, Jenifer outlines the need for the Equality Act in North Carolina.

“LGBTQ+ people aren’t asking for special rights. We’re just asking to be treated with human dignity like anyone else. For my children, for your children, for all of us, and as a lasting legacy of your many years of public service to the people of North Carolina, please support the Equality Act.” Sen. Richard Burr has not yet commented on any support for the Equality Act but does have a history of disagreeing with anti-LGBTQ legislation.

However, in an interview with the Huffington Post regarding HB2, Burr said, “The legislature botched what they were trying to do. It [HB2] was far too expansive.” info: bit.ly/3hxbSsK. — Julianna Peres

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RAIN Introduces New Logo

On May 7, the HIV service organization RAIN rolled out a new logo, coinciding with many changes taking place in the organization. One of the changes is Chelsea Gulden’s position of President and CEO of RAIN. Says Gulden: “We are going through transition as a company with new leadership. Now seemed like a good time to release a logo that represents who we are.”

Gulden explained the significance of the new look for the logo.

“The red ribbon starts over the I in RAIN to mean ‘individual’ and goes on to encompass everything else. We try to look at each individual client as a holistic picture, examining barriers that keep them from being successful.”

After spending 16 years with RAIN, Vice President of Philanthropy Nathan Smith is excited about the changes he has seen occur.

“More staff in their twenties and thirties,” he explains. “The younger generation is starting to lead the community toward RAIN’s ultimate vision of an HIV future. This new logo represents the youthful generation stepping up.”

Prior to adopting RAIN as its defacto organizational name, the title served as an acronym Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN).

“As HIV care moved from being rooted in communities of faith to being rooted in the professional world, we dropped the terms interfaith. There was also a big national push not to use the phrase AIDS [because some think of it as] more of a clinical term.”

RAIN works with clients that are living with HIV and AIDS. Friends and family of those with HIV are some of the organization’s largest donors.

One anonymous supporter is responsible for covering much of the costs for this new logo.

“We started making changes before the new logo rollout,” Smith explains, “There’s a graphic designer at RAIN who worked for months prior to create new banners and brochures. This change took about a year overall because it’s a big conversation to have. Fortunately, we also have a board member who works for Bank of America and has a background in branding that was able to use his talents in this situation.”

As for the future of RAIN social events and fundraisers, Smith is upbeat. info: carolinarain.org — Julianna Peres

views

Preferred Names to be Displayed on Diplomas A Look at the Policies of North Carolina Universities

by Julianna Peres qnotes Staff Writer

T

he University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) announced to graduating seniors this past month that preferred names may now be specified for their diplomas. This process was five years in the making; spearheaded largely by the school’s LGBTQ Center.

But the question arose: Why was this such an uphill battle? Had there not been a precedent for this action, the lengthy process would make perfect sense. However, both the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) have been offering preferred name changes on diplomas for quite some time. The answer largely comes down to the difference between legal and ceremonial documents.

For the transgender, non-binary and otherwise gender expansive community, name changes are extremely important.

Deadnames can be triggering for many members of the LGBTQ community and, having to display these names on their college diplomas can cause psychological and emotional distress.

Marshall Pritchard, a current student at UNCC, says, “Having my dead name shown would be incredibly disheartening to have to go through, not to mention it would out me to others. I don’t want people to know my dead name and use that against me, and I don’t want the reminder.”

Even without malicious intent, the showcasing of alumni’s incorrect names could have negative impacts as mentioned earlier in this article. This applies to student ID cards, online course pages and classroom settings, as well as diplomas.

But the protocol for name changes differs depending on the university policies.

At UNCC and UNCG, all of the previously mentioned identifications can be altered in lieu of one’s preferred name.

UNC, on the other hand, is unable, or unwilling, to offer changes to student IDs because the school recognizes these cards as legal forms of identification. In order for the diplomas to be altered, the UNC staff,

Should students be able to choose what name is on their diplomas? (Photo Credit: Venya Pak via Pexels) faculty and Board of Governors had to come to the consensus that the diplomas are merely a ceremonial document with no legal baring.

Says Dr. Terri Phoenix, Director of the LGBTQ Center at UNC: “They [the students] have worked hard to get those diplomas, for people with multiple marginalized identities in particular, it is not an easy journey.”

“I think having the ability to have your preferred name on documents and ID cards should always be allowed,” says Pritchard, “It’s a small thing that can mean the world to a transgender person.”

This process, however seemingly simple, involved long hours and lots of conversation behind the scenes.

“I worked with the Registrar’s Office, including the former and current Registrar, the former and current Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, IT technicians, the Provost’s Committee on LGBTQ Life, the Provost and many others in order to allow the process now used to put preferred names on diplomas,” Phoenix recalls.

The National Center for Transgender Equality does mention that there are different processes for altering one’s birth certificate and driver’s license as well as legally

changing one’s name before a court of law.

These legal processes take time and funds that many college students may not have.

Without a legally recognized transition, students may not have the opportunity to change names on their diplomas.

“In the worst case scenario, it [the diplomas] can also unintentionally out someone, which can be very physically dangerous [and] academically dangerous because of the prejudice and discrimination that exists,” Phoenix explains.

In contrast, not every gender expansive person wants name changes implemented.

One such student is Pritchard. Despite altering all of his other school documents, he does not want to alter his diploma. “I asked for it to be my birth name since it hasn’t been changed legally, and I don’t want that to cause confusion,” says Pritchard, “I also [want] to avoid any potential issues with long distance family who I haven’t come out to yet.”

As with all LGBTQ-inclusionary practices, the preferred name changes at universities are not a requirement, but an opportunity. It is about having the option to do so. At UNC, students may also retroactively change their names and receive a “replacement diploma.”

According to Phoenix, the UNC name change option will not only benefit LGBTQ students, but all students. “This change will allow for students to display their diplomas proudly. It does not just apply to transgender or nonbinary people, but to others who may not go by their legal names.”

Correcting people on one’s name is not exclusive to the LGBTQ community.

However, it is much more common.

“The only issues [relating to name and pronouns] I’ve ever had was with other students,” Pritchard explains.

Speaking to the importance of all university staff being well-versed in LGBTQ issues, Pritchard adds, “The faculty has been great about sharing and getting everyone’s preferred pronouns. They were always fantastic about handling that [transphobia from other students] when I brought it up to them.”

Sensitivity training is one area in which all colleges should be investing. According to recent developments, many North Carolina-based schools house an LGBTQ Resource Center or faculty-lead LGBTQ group. Outside of the previously mentioned institutions, NC State University, Wake Forest University and North Carolina State University are some other colleges that have made way for their transgender, nonbinary, gay, lesbian and bisexual students.

Offers Phoenix: “Chosen names on one’s diploma is a great step forward.

However, there are many other things to be done within the UNC system to make it a more affirming space for students, staff and faculty,” Pritchard also voiced his opinion on the LGBTQ-centered modifications that could be made to all colleges. “I’ve found that having gender neutral bathrooms or family bathrooms in buildings is incredibly useful for people who are still early in their transition, or for nonbinary people.

“I think housing can also be very difficult to navigate when transitioning, and I’d say it would be beneficial to have some way for trans people to either choose what gender they’re rooming with, or avoid roommates entirely,” Pritchard adds.

These accommodations, including preferred name changes to diplomas, could be pivotal to a gender expansive student’s college experience, level of achievement and psychological well-being. : :

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May 28-June 10, 2021

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York Transgender Woman’s Murderer Now in Police Custody Suspect Killed Four Total and Injured Others

by Andrew Dys | Charlotte Observer Reporter

P

olice in South Carolina have caught a manhunt suspect wanted in connection with a deadly crime spree in South Carolina and Missouri that left four people dead and others injured, officials said Monday.

Tyler Donnet Terry, 26, was taken into custody in a field of high weeds around 10 a.m. in Chester County, said Sheriff Max Dorsey.

Neither Terry nor law enforcement officers were injured, Dorsey said.

Terry was caught near the small town of Richburg near Interstate 77, officials said.

Officials said Monday more than 300 officers had been positioned around Terry in the Richburg area after a confirmed sighting. Several roads, including S.C. 9, remain closed.

The shooting spree that Terry is accused of began on May 2. He is charged with shooting two people in Chester County and killing a transgender woman in the city of York, according to investigators. Missouri police say Terry is a suspect in the killing of a doctor and one other person on May 15. Missouri police said Terry’s vehicle was seen in that state.

Police from Chester County, York County, state and federal agents from the FBI, ATF and Homeland Security had been searching for Terry since early Tuesday morning after he fled during a police chase.

The driver in the police chase, Adrienne Simpson, 34, was caught and remains in jail.

Wednesday night, Terry was seen on video at a Chester business where he allegedly stole a gun, clothes and other items, police said.

Dorsey told reporters in an impromptu news conference near the scene, broadcast live Monday on television, that ATF agents found Terry hiding in a field.

Terry did not resist, and was taken into custody without any officers or Terry sustaining injuries, Dorsey said.

“It was peaceful,” Dorsey said.

Dorsey said officers, including himself, made sure EMS gave Terry care. Terry received Gatorade and other nutrition, Dorsey said.

“He was tired, he was thirsty...” Dorsey said. “He had bug bites.”

Dorsey praised the work of the more than 300 officers from around South Carolina and the country involved in the search.

“I am so proud,” Dorsey said. “These men and women sacrificed, they put their own lives on the line.”

Dorsey praised the public and Chester County community for their assistance and patience during the search.

“For the community there was anxiety, frustration, and at times doubt,” Dorsey said in the news conference. “We thank the public for their help.”

Randy Newman, sixth circuit solicitor in South Carolina and top prosecutor for Chester County, said he was proud of the officers who worked for days to capture Terry.

Thomas Hardin, a transgender woman from York, S.C., was killed May 2. (Photo Credit: Facebook) “This was a team effort to take Mr. to represent co-defendant Adrienne Terry into custody,” Newman said. “We at Simpson in Chester County. Dunn dethe solicitor’s office now stand ready to do clined comment pending Simpson’s first our part.” court appearance.

Kevin Brackett, 16th circuit solicitor Simpson is charged with murder in and top prosecutor for York County, said Chester County and accessory to murder his office will coordinate with Chester in York and Chester counties, according to and Missouri officials on the charges police and court documents. against Terry.

It remains unclear who will represent “We are very thankful for the work of Terry in York County. B.J. Barrowclough, the officers who took Mr. Terry into cus16th Circuit Public Defender, said Monday tody,” Brackett said. “We will now review his office has not yet been appointed our case and work to ensure that justice for Terry because Terry is in custody in is done.”

Chester County. However, Barrowclough Prosecutors stressed Terry has been said, if his office is appointed will conduct charged with crimes but has not been convicted and is presumed innocent.

William Frick, who was named Sixth Circuit Public Defender on Friday, said his office will represent Terry.

Kay Boulware, an assistant public defender in Chester County, represented Terry on a pending June 2020 domestic violence case, Frick said.

“We at the public defender’s office in Chester County will be taking representation of Mr. Terry and making sure his Constitutional rights are protected,” said Frick, who had been deputy public defender until his appointment to the top slot when Mike Lifsey retired last week.

Murder suspect Tyler Terry.

Geoff Dunn, a Rock Hill (Photo Credit: Chester County Sherrif’s Office) lawyer, has been appointed

its own full and complete investigation into the allegations against Terry if the office represents either one.

“Although we have not been appointed yet, the 16th Circuit Public Defender’s Office stands ready to defend Mr. Terry if called upon,” Barrowclough said. “We will do as we always do and conduct a full investigation that ensures Mr. Terry’s rights under the Constitution are protected.”

It is unclear when Terry will be booked or make a first appearance in court. Law enforcement and court officials said it is likely Terry will need a medical evaluation before he can be taken to jail or prepared for a first court appearance.

Terry is charged with murder in the May 2 shooting death of Thomas Hardin in the city of York. Simpson is charged with accessory to murder in that case.

Thomas Hardin was a 35-year-old transgender woman. According to WBTV, a friend contacted police after not hearing from Hardin. A few months prior, Terry had been staying at Hardin’s home, but was put out when the living situation did not work out. Hardin’s friend, Chimere Hicks, says Hardin and Terry were romantically involved at one point, but their relationship had recently deteriorated. Hicks states that after this incident, Terry would repeatedly send Hardin threatening messages.

Terry and Simpson also are charged in two separate shootings in Chester on May 2. One incident happened on Ehrlich Street and the other at the Taco Bell on J.A. Cochran Bypass.

Terry and Simpson are both suspects in May 15 murders near St. Louis. A male doctor and a woman were fatally shot in separate incidents an hour apart in Brentwood and University City, Missouri, which are suburbs of St. Louis, police said. The shootings happened after robberies and police in Missouri called Terry and Simpson, “a modern day Bonnie and Clyde.”

After last Tuesday’s police chase, Terry was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at three Chester deputies who tried to pull the car over.

Deputies returned fire, but Terry and Simpson were not hurt. The deputies were not hit by the gunfire.

Terry and Simpson were both charged Friday with murder after South Carolina Law Enforcement Division agents found the body of Simpson’s husband, Eugene Simpson, Wednesday night in a rural Chester County ditch. He had been shot to death.

Several Chester and York County schools were under lockdown last week after sightings of Terry.

The FBI, York County Crimestoppers, and Midlands Crimestoppers had offered a combined $12,000 reward for information leading to the capture. : : This story originally appeared on The Charlotte Observer, charlotteobserver.com.

May 28-June 10, 2021

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life

Pride in the Carolinas

Mix of In-Person and Virtual Events Kick Off in June and Continue Through October

by L’Monique King qnotes Staff Writer

by Gary Montgomery Guest Contributor

P

ride events in the Carolinas kick off in Durham the last week of May and continue throughout the Carolinas during spring, summer and fall.

There’s a lot to do in the larger cities and in some of the small towns. However, the COVID-19 Pandemic has and continues to affect most Pride celebrations, just as it has daily living around the globe.

In our compilation you’ll find a mix of events that are in-person, and virtual.

A few celebrations are attempting to recapture the excitement of large crowds, outdoor events with stage shows, vendor markets and parades, though they are in the minority.

We’ve tried to be as thorough as possible with this list, but please keep in mind that events everywhere continue to be impacted by the global pandemic. Some Pride celebrations may be smaller than in years before and some may not happen at all. We have tried to list something about every event that we were able to find. If you are a Pride celebration in the Carolinas and you don’t see yours listed here, or you would like to update some details, feel free to contact us so we can add it to the online version of the story.

Confirmed Events Pride Durham May 30-June 6 Durham, N.C. According to press info from Pride Durham’s social media sites, many of their Pride activities will be virtual. On May 30, they will kick off their Pride celebration with the online event Rocky Horror Movie Night (7 p.m.-10 p.m.) for those 16 and older. The following day, Pride fans can start their week with two additional virtual happenings. A Pride Flag Raising event will be live streamed on Facebook on Monday, May 31 and later that evening participants can turn to their phones, tablets or laptops to wind down with some Pride + Peace Yoga at 7 p.m. For those missing in-person Pride events, there will be a Kick-Off Party at Club 717 (officially The Durham Alliance Association Social ClubDAASC) on Friday, June 4. With a variety of virtual events continuing throughout the weekend, Pride Durham will wrap June 6. For more information visit facebook.com/pridedurham.

OutFest Columbia June 5 Columbia, S.C. The one and only Utica Queen (of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame) headlines this South Carolina Pride celebration, to be held at The Vista (1200 block of Park Street, near the intersection of US 378-Gervais Rd.).

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Be prepared for the zaniness you’ve come to know from this drag diva. Co-hosts Paris LeFaris and Carla Cox headline a full day of Pride festivities along with music grooves by DJ*EZ, live performances by Fendi Moore, Oliver Clothesoff, Don Javi, Leslie Lain, Fendi Moore, Cierra Nichole and more. The Outfest Drag Pageant will continue throughout the day with competition categories in presentation, evening gown, talent and response to onstage questions. The theme is “Be the Rainbow.” For directions, hotel special rates, COVID precautions and more, visit scpride.org.

Chatham County Pride Virtual Film Screening June 10-17 Pittsboro, N.C.

The Chatham Community Library will host daily virtual screenings of the documentary “Deep Run.” Released in 2015, the film explores the life of a transgender man living in Lenoir County, N.C. The library wanted to focus on small, local areas; demonstrating that LGBTQ people can come from anywhere and should be afforded the same level of respect as any non-LGBTQ individual. The subject of “Deep Run,” Cole Ray Davis, struggles to come out as a lesbian and then later to come out as a transgender man over the course of the film. The Hollywood Reporter review of the documentary offers this summary: The threat of being outed at church, where the pastor believes Cole is a nice respectable young man, is especially trying, as the two take their faith very seriously

and have little trouble maintaining an inclusive vision of Christianity, despite what they’ve been taught.

The Chatham County Library is encouraging post-screening feedback from all participants. This survey will allow attendees to make suggestions for future Pride Month programs, as well as the implementation of more LGBTQ-inclusionary resources. The film screening will be open to anyone, regardless of county of residence, but does require a password. To request access or inquire about any specifics, email social.library@chathamlibraries.org.

Black Pride Week: Upstate SC June 21-27 Greenville, S.C. According to Upstate Black Pride’s website, the weeklong event is an opportunity for marginalized people to enjoy a celebration for the entire community. Events scheduled include a Meet & Greet, Wine Tasting, Pageant, Trans Fashion Show, and multiple After Parties galore. Get your grass skirt ready for a Pride Luau on June 27. The Main Event for the week is the Black Pride Festival, slated for Saturday, June 26 in Falls Park, Downtown Greenville. For more info on Black Pride Week: Upstate SC, visit upstatepridesc.org/black-pride.

Charlotte Black Pride June 11-18 Charlotte, N.C.

The vision of Charlotte Black Pride (CBP) is to empower the hearts, minds and spirits of all LGBTQIA people, while embrac-

ing diversity, uplifting the community and working to bring social change. They’ve been working toward these goals for 16 years and are back this year with inperson events and a week’s worth of Pride activities. CBP will kick off the week’s events with their Mr. & Ms. CBP Pageant at Chasers with all the glam and fanfare pride pageants are known for. Later in the week, their annual CBP Town Hall Meeting (Wednesday, June 14) community members will have a chance to discuss and address pertinent LGBT BIPOC issues at the Midwood International Center, where the CBP Expo will take place on Saturday, July 17. This year’s Expo will be a slightly scaled down version because organizers are continuing to work with COVID-19 precautions. Fear not, however, the Expo will still host vendors, community organizations and riveting entertainment. For those still feeling a little iffy about in-person attendance, all events will also be live-streamed. CBP has announced an exciting, culminating event is in the works: the CBP Skyline Brunch, which is planned to be held on the rooftop of a Charlotte Center City High-Rise. For more information visit their website at charlotteblackpride.org or their Facebook page at facebook.com/ CLTBlackPride.

Charlotte Pride Aug. 21-Nov. 23 Charlotte, N.C.

Those dates initially read like an announcement for the longest Pride celebration event in history, but that’s not exactly the case. In a press release from Charlotte Pride, Communications Director Matt Comer explains what’s going on, “Charlotte Pride Season event plans are flexible and elastic, and they can be scaled up or scaled back depending on health and safety benchmarks.

Organizers have taken the pieces of a normal festival, parade and Pride Week, and expanded them into a series of unique events and activities that balance a collective desire to return to normal with a clear need and responsibility to ensure the safety, health and well-being of the entire community.”

Here is a run-down on what’s in the works for a Charlotte’s Pride Fall: Charlotte Pride Weekend of Service Aug. 21-22 Kicking off Charlotte Pride Season with a community-wide opportunity to give back. Volunteer and service opportunities throughout Charlotte being on what would have been the 2021 festival and parade dates.

Charlotte Pride Interfaith Service Sept. 12 Charlotte Pride’s traditional Interfaith Service, this year hosted in a new location with expanded opportunities for fellowship.

Blue Ridge Pride Sept. 25 Asheville, N.C.

Pride Night: A Charlotte Pride Concert Event Sept. 17 Slated to be a day-long concert event featuring local, regional and national LGBTQ artists and entertainers.

Charlotte Pride’s Pop-Up Pride Festival Sept. 18 A truly unique, truly local celebration of Pride in the Queen City, the Pop-Up Pride Festival will feature special zones and activities throughout Uptown, providing a familiar festival feel while avoiding the full crowds that normally attend the festival.

Charlotte Pride Parade October Charlotte Pride plans to host a normal, inperson parade in October. A final date will be announced soon.

Reel Out Charlotte Nov. 5-7 The Queen City’s Annual LGBTQ Film Festival returns to Camp North End for a weekend of LGBTQ short and feature films.

Charlotte Pride Community Empowerment Conference and Community Job Fair Nov. 13 An expansion of the 2019 Charlotte Trans Pride Job Fair, this one-day event will bring together educational and communitybuilding workings with a job fair expo for all those seeking new work and exploring career potential. For additional information visit charlottepride.org/pride2021.

OBX PrideFest Sept. 10-12 Nags Head, N.C.

Outer Banks PrideFest is planned for this fall, currently slated for Sept. 10-12.

This year marks OBX PrideFest’s 10th Anniversary and the only reason the organization’s website mentions possible cancellation is a hurricane or a rise in widespread COVID-19 rates. The main portion of the festival will likely be on a Saturday afternoon (as always, from 1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) and host concerts, merchant vendors, restaurant vendors, microbrews and craft and nonprofit vendors at the Creef/ Davis town park on the historic waterfront in Manteo, N.C. It is truly one of the most scenic places one could be for a PrideFest.

This year, OBX PrideFest is not offering Pride Passes for their paid events, so they are encouraging participants to purchase tickets in advance through their website at obxpridefest.com.

If you enjoy Asheville, you’ll love Blue Ridge Pride. Blue Ridge Pride is back, outside and proud. After over a year of pandemic isolation, Blue Ridge Pride organizers are excitedly planning many 2021 pride events, including their Sept.

19, Pride Pageant (open to all forms of Drag Entertainment) and their Festival and Welcoming WNC Procession on Saturday, Sept. 25. They call it a procession because there are no floats or grand marshals. It’s a walking only event and it starts Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. The festival will begin shortly after at 11:00 a.m. Festival activities will conclude that evening at 7 p.m., giving pride goers plenty of time to browse, shop and connect with friends and various LGBTQ groups.

In case you are interested, there’s still plenty of time to get involved with Blue Ridge Pride activities. You can join the procession, volunteer, vend, participate as an entertainer or provide community education with information tables from local organizations, groups and businesses.

Registration is now open for just about any way you’d like to become involved. All the information you could ask for is accessible on their website at blueridgepride.org.

Myrtle Beach Pride Oct. 1 Conway, S.C. Thinking about heading to Myrtle Beach for Pride? Friday, Oct. 1, is the kick off for Myrtle Beach Pride at the Main Street Theater in Conway, S.C. We’ve heard they are in talks with a well-known national entertainer. Then on Saturday, Oct. from 12-7 p.m. head outdoors for the Pride in the Park festival at Grand Park. The shindig features live music, entertainment, food trucks and retail vendors.

Finally, close things out after dark with a Pride Celebration Party at Pulse Ultra Club. Find more info about other upcoming fundraising events on Pride Myrtle Beach’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ pridemyrtlebeach.

at Washington Square Park. Two weeks later get ready for the annual Pride Winston-Salem Pride weekend, Friday, Oct. 15 to Saturday, Oct. 16. The fun gets started with the annual Pride Parade at 11 a.m. on Fourth Street in the Downtown Arts District. And don’t worry about missing brunch that day! The Pride Festival and Food Truck Rodeo runs just about all day from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. so march your hungry self down to Trade St. for plenty of delicious delicacies from your fave food truck. More details at pridews.org.

Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Oct. 22-23 Columbia, S.C. Columbia is showing their Pride twice this year, it would seem, with The SC Pride Parade and Festival weekend, hot on the heels of Outfest on June 5. Presented by Famously Hot South Carolina Pride, the annual statewide-welcoming celebration includes the SC Pride Parade on Friday, Oct. 22, followed by the SC Pride Festival on Saturday, Oct. 23. Planning is still underway, but more info about the South Carolina Pride celebration (and OUTfest) is available at scpride.org.

Tentative Events Charleston Pride Sept. 4-11 Charleston, S.C. While there is limited information listed on the website, organizers tout there will be no shortage of Drag Artists, Performers, Food Trucks, Walking Tours, a Pride Parade and a closing party at this year’s Charleston Pride Festival. For more info visit charlestonpride.org.

Hendersonville Pride Sept. 21 Hendersonville, N.C. Hendersonville Pride is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 21 and will reportedly feature a formal proclamation from the Mayor of Hendersonville, the famed Pride Picnic and other events TBA. For updates, check hendersonvillepride.org.

Salisbury Pride Sept. 25 Salisbury, N.C.

Eastern North Carolina Pride (ENC Pride) Unspecified October Date Kinston, N.C.

According to ENC Pride’s website, the board of directors decided to postpone the ENC Pride festival, originally scheduled for June 20, because of COVID-19 and concern for the safety of attendees, so disregard the countdown clock on the organization’s webpage and read their updated information carefully.

In lieu of hosting a festival, the ENC Pride board hosted a smaller event, ENC Pride’s Miss Gay America Show on Sunday, May 16 at The Heritage Bar in Kinston.

Currently, they have unspecified plans to host the ENC Pride festival in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day. Going forward, ENC Pride’s festival will be in October instead of June.

Alamance Pride Unspecified October Date Burlington, N.C.

Original spring event canceled because of COVID-19 pandemic. Although no details are currently available, the organization is considering holding their Pride event during October in conjunction with National Coming Out Day. Check with their website at alamancepride.org for potential updates.

No Known Events Until Further Notice

Pride Winston-Salem Oct. 2 and Oct. 15-16 Winston-Salem, N.C. For 2021, the Salisbury Pride theme is “Together We Can.” While the date for Salisbury Pride has purportedly been confirmed, organizers have not officially released a statement about the event, nor have they confirmed if it will be in-person or virtual. Visit their website for updated information at salisburypride.org.

Events begin with a special Trans Pride event on Saturday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

this year. Who can forget the Pride Bar Crawl or the Fantail Dance Party of 2019?

It’s normally held on or about Labor Day Weekend. As of this time, specific events/ dates/times have not been confirmed.

Port City Pride Unspecified September Date Wilmington, N.C. We’re hoping Port City Pride’s festivities in Wilmington will return to Castle St.

Out Raleigh Pride Raleigh, N.C. Purported reboot in 2022.

Fayetteville Black Pride Fayetteville, N.C. No current updates.

Gaston Pride Gastonia, N.C. No current updates.

Catawba Valley Pride Hickory, N.C. Purported plans for this fall. : :

May 28-June 10, 2021

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May 28-June 10, 2021

views

Urban Gay-Friendly Churches Need to Reach Out to LGBTQ People in Rural Areas Spiritual Reflections

by Rev. Chris Ayers Contributing Writer

T

he memories of being rejected by parents, preachers, churches, family, coworkers, friends and society do not go away.

Rejection memories may not carry the same punch as the rejection memories first did or once did, when the wound was inflicted or still open, but they never cease to exist.

I had the privilege of being the pastor at Wedgewood Church in Charlotte, N.C. for 30 years. We were the congregation with the Philadelphia rainbow colors painted on our church’s front doors. Before the rainbow doors, we flew a rainbow flag and a trans flag at the busy intersection of Tyvola and Wedgewood Dr. When someone painted “Fags are piedofhiles” (yeah, surprise, they couldn’t spell) on our doors, we decided to paint our front doors rainbow colors as way of saying we were offering an extravagant welcome to all people.

Unfortunately, that was not the first or the last vandalism of our property. Early on, someone broke into our message sign and rearranged the letters to read “A LESBO CHURCH.” Several times, someone

took the trouble to bring a ladder onto our church property so they could take down our rainbow flag. They never stole it. They simply laid it on the ground (for us to put back up). Transcend Charlotte came to the rescue, raising money for a flagpole security system and even installed it for us.

There was a lot of news coverage of the vandalisms. In interviews, I always tried not to speak about the church first, but to speak to LGBTQ people witnessing another rejection by some in our society.

I said, “My heart goes out to my LGBTQ friends for whom this act of vandalism is a reminder of previous hurts they have experienced because of their sexual orientation and/or their gender identity. This is just one more stab in their heart.”

The vandalism stories were carried far and wide, to the point that George Takei, Sulu on Star Trek, tweeted about one of the stories. Every Charlotte television station covered the attacks on Wedgewood.

As you can imagine, I got a lot of emails in response to the stories, but the emails that concerned me most were from gay people who lived in rural areas.

Invariably, they would write, “I love your church. Can you help me find a church like Wedgewood near me?” I always tried to

find them one, but 95 percent of the time there was no church to recommend.

My wife grew up in western North Carolina in Bakersville, which is in between Boone and Asheville. Her parents died in the last two years, and we have renovated their home and built Willis Observatory, one of the best observatories in the southeast United States. The universe is amazing. Saturn and its rings — stunning.

Jupiter and its four largest moons — stunning. The Earth’s moon with all its craters — stunning. And open star clusters and globular star clusters are amazing too.

Recently, Southern Baptist pastors in the area wrote a letter to the school board requesting teachers and students be restricted from going to the observatory due to the observatory’s “gay agenda.” I list on the observatory’s website that, as a retired liberal clergyperson, I continue “to work for the equality of all people, especially LGBTQ people.” On a Facebook post referring to a song in the movie “The Prom,” I wrote that we would encourage students to celebrate their DNA and help them realize they are perfectly made, which is just another way of saying we want all students to “reach for the stars.” All that was too much for the Southern Baptist preachers to swallow. The

pastor who ignited the uproar lives right down the street from the observatory and is the father-in-law of my wife’s cousin.

A long time ago my article published in The Charlotte Observer, “Homosexuality Is Not A Sin: The Christian Education of a Baptist Minister” was copied and distributed at the uproar-starter pastor’s church.

Nobody should have been surprised by the observatory’s core values which include diversity and inclusivity.

All the uproar reminded me of the LGBTQ people living in rural areas who contacted me over the years seeking information on gay-friendly churches near them, churches which typically didn’t exist.

Urban gay-friendly churches need to figure out how to reach out to LGBTQ people in rural areas. Urban gay-friendly churches have used Zoom and other streaming platforms for worship during the Covid pandemic. Soon churches will return to their sanctuaries and buildings.

What if those churches, using their newfound media skills, developed outreach programs to gay people in rural areas?

The need is great. I can imagine Zoom Bible studies, Zoom worship services and Zoom support groups for LGBTQ people in rural America. : :

May 28-June 10, 2021

qnotes

15

a&e

Does a Thirty-Year-Old Virgin Need Counseling?

Tell Trinity

by Trinity | Contributing Writer Dear Apple, As with Adam and Eve, you have to decide whether to taste the apple and then how to deal with the outcome of your decisions. Either way you always have to do something so that something happens. Yet for all your decisions, use intuition. And for all the wrong decisions trust that great decisions will come from them. Also remember darling, don’t waste time wasting time in the garden, just LIVE!

Hey Trinity, At fourteen I suffered from a colonic disease and had something attached to my side that I was shy about. It’s gone now, but at 30 I’m still a virgin. I recently decided to explore dating ads and websites, but I’m still nervous.

So I’ve decided to go to counseling, and was wondering if you think it’s a good idea?

Yours, Thirty And Ready, Oklahoma City, OK

Hey Ready, Everyone should try counseling at least once in his or her life. With counseling you get support, education, compassion, insight into your fears and you get some great second opinions. Most importantly, counseling teaches socialization skills and techniques you need to bring you up to speed emotionally, physically and sexually. So sweetie, DON’T waste any more time doing it alone, I mean being a virgin alone, I mean, well, you know what I mean.

Kisses, Trin.

Dear Trinity, Sometimes life has too many apples to choose from. How do I know if I’m choosing the right or wrong apple? Is there any special secret about good decision-making?

The Good/Bad Apple, Atlanta, GA

Q-mmunity

connections

Hello Trinity, I’m in love with my best friend. He also has feelings for me. What should we do about it without potentially ruining our friendship?

Yours, Friends and Feelings, Panama City, FL

Hello FF, This dilemma is as common as wanting to touch a stove to see if it’s hot. Some people are willing to get burned, and some are boring, I mean, too afraid or too practical to take risks. I say never be afraid and when all else fails, ditch your fears and follow your intuition. Now, honey pie, if someone doesn’t try some-

thing soon no one will even get hot, never mind burned!

Love, Trinity Dearest Trinity, My girlfriend always gets on my case about saying the wrong thing. She says I should’ve just said nothing! How does one know when to say nothing?

Thanks, Tongue Tied, Memphis, TN

Dearest Tied, In life, there are definitely times to shut up, stay silent and/or simply say, “nothing.”

But pumpkin, if you haven’t learned about these special times, how could you know?

So here’s:

Trinity’s Unforgettable Tips for When to “Say Nothing” (SN)

1. When you catch your roommate masturbating in a dark closet, SN. 2. When your very drunk lover slips you a few hundred bucks cause, “I (burp) luv ya,” SN. 3. W hen you and your partner have a big fight and she says, “I need a few minutes,” besides saying, “no problem” also SN. 4. When the cop says, “If you say another word, you’re under arrest,” SN. 5. W hen your best friend’s mother dies and he’s uncontrollably crying in your arms, let him cry, rub his head and SN. 6. W hen you’re given free food, admission and/or drinks by the flirtatious host, besides, “thank you,” SN. 7. When the medical marijuana clinic gives you two edibles for the price of one, SN. 8. W hen your very old and very wealthy dying grandmother at the restaurant table begins stuffing her purse with sugar packets, bread, butter and maybe a fork, SN. 9. W hen your boyfriend spills his guts about what’s not working in the relationship, let him talk and SN till he’s done.

10. W hen the man of your dreams suddenly plasters a wet kiss on your lips then says, “Sorry, I thought you were someone else!” SN. : : With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org, Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! Learn more at telltrinity.com.

Send emails to: trinity@telltrinity.com.

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

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qnotes

May 28-June 10, 2021

May 28-June 10, 2021

qnotes

17

news

Trans Deaths in N.C.

by Julianna Peres qnotes Staff Writer

by David Aaron Moore qnotes Staff Writer

T

his year has proven especially dangerous for transgender people in North Carolina. The two most recent deaths of Remy Fennell and Jaida Peterson stand out in everyone’s minds.

But there have been a record number of transgender deaths in 2021 across the United States. 25 confirmed fatalities have taken place in the U.S. this year, with three in North Carolina. The numbers reported here for this year do not include the suicides or deaths of deceased individuals who were not identified as transgender.

The most recent victim this year is Serenity Hollis, a 24-year-old Black transgender woman, who was shot on May 8 in Georgia.

Last year also proved to be a record breaker, in the worst possible sense. 44 transgender individuals were killed in 2020 with the majority of them being Black or Latinx transgender women.

While the number of transgender deaths has increased over several decades, history confirms that discrimination, prejudice, violence and harassment have long been a part of the lives of gender expansive people.

In April 1998, a gay man named Christopher Todd Cloninger, who performed as a professional female impersonator at nightclubs of the time like Oleens and Scorpio, was shot to death in his apartment in East Charlotte.

As a performer, Cloninger was known as Victoria Sinclair. Her death sent shockwaves throughout the local LGBTQ community, according to a report written by former qnotes writer and editor David Stout.

Only 28, Sinclair was popular and well known regionally as an accomplished entertainer and a multiple titleholder. She was described by many acquaintances as friendly and outgoing, and never without a smile.

At the time, police told qnotes her death was somehow related to a possible drug theft. Multiple witnesses gave different accounts as to exactly what happened when Sinclair was gunned down, and friends of Sinclair’s insisted there had been no wrong doing on her part.

Sinclair’s aunt, Beth Cloninger, talked with qnotes about her nephew’s death in a phone interview May 21.

“That’s what the police told us,” she recalled. “It was really a case of him being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

“We were all so heartbroken,” she continued. “He was one of the funniest, kindest people you could ever encounter.”

According to Beth Cloninger, the police later informed the family the chief suspect in the murder of Sinclair was under surveillance and about to be arrested at a motel when he abruptly put a gun to his head, taking his own life.

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May 28-June 10, 2021

Victoria Sinclair, murdered April 1998.

“So we think that some kind of justice was served,” Beth Cloninger recalled. “But was it? Do we really know if that was the person that killed him? I guess we’ll never really know.”

A representative for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department did not have any additional details. “It’s sad,” the CMPD representative said. “Especially back then. There wasn’t always a person to step up to the plate to be an advocate in cases

Victoria Sinclair’s gravesite.

like this. [With no further investigation] that murder just slipped through the cracks.”

Unfortunately, that’s a trend continued with the violent death of another performer and gender expansive individual in 2002, known as Franklin Freeman. A devoted fan of Aretha Franklin, Freeman would occasionally lip-sync songs by the R&B diva at the long-since shuttered Oleen’s, a former Dilworth neighborhood gay bar.

“Franklin’s shows were unlike any other,” recalls Lupie Duran, a friend of Freeman’s and owner of Lupie’s Cafe. “He didn’t pull off being a woman as much as some of the other drag queens did. But he didn’t care. He was just Franklin. And he was very funny.”

Duran initially met Freeman in her restaurant.

“There was something about the way he carried himself,” she says. “The way he just busted up in a place. I knew he was the kind of person I wanted to meet.

He didn’t care if somebody looked at him funny. He was definitely one of a kind for Charlotte. He’d be all done up with lipstick and false eyelashes and then he’d have this five o’clock shadow.

“He didn’t care that he didn’t pull off being a woman. I think he just enjoyed the outrageousness of it all. He was a good person. I totally miss him.”

Freeman was found shot to death in early June 2002 in Center City Charlotte. A passing motorist had called 911 to report seeing a person lying by the road. When officers arrived Freeman was unconscious and bleeding profusely. He died within minutes and was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy report later revealed that Freeman’s death was the result of a gunshot wound to his leg that lacerated his left femoral artery and vein.

The element in the mix that caught the attention of the media and the LGBTQ community: Freeman was shot to death just days before a courtroom appearance, scheduled for him to testify against Officer Michael Marlow of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

Freeman had been involved in an altercation with Marlow prior to his death.

Almost immediately, Officer Marlow fell completely off the radar.

Like Cloninger, no one has ever been charged with Freeman’s death, and both cases remain definitively unsolved.

Despite efforts by HRC (Human Rights Campaign) to keep track of transgender deaths since 2013, there can be no way to account for every suicide, as well. One such case was the suicide death of Blake Brockington in 2015.

Brockington’s passing stirred the community of LGBTQ and allied people to post on social media and create fundraisers.

The first transgender homecoming king of East Meck High School, Brockington was constantly fighting against the stigmatization of his gender identity.

In a letter to qnotes, Tracy Setzer, mother to one of Brockington’s friends, says, “I am heartbroken that he chose to surrender to the fight of being overwhelmed with grief from narrowminded individuals that make it hard for people such as Blake to just be who they are… human.”

Gender expansive individuals’ suicides are, without question, the result of acts of transphobic harassment, violence and intolerance, causing mental, physical and emotional harm, which lead to the individuals making the decision to take their own lives. According to a study by the Trevor Project, 52 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth reported having suicidal thoughts in 2020 (bit.ly/3wnIrxk).

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Charlotte Pride Season: A Return to In-Person Events (Lean este artículo en español: charlottepride.org/14229/#esp) We’re still here! We’re still queer! And we’re excited to bring Charlotte Pride’s annual events back in person for 2021!

Our Charlotte Pride team has spent the beginning of 2021 working carefully to take our standard week of events and transform it into Pride Season 2021! We’re stoked to expand our usual week-long celebrations into a full Pride Season running from August through November. Charlotte Pride is the Queen City’s way to celebrate, commemorate, empower, and uplift our community — and this year we are bringing you even more unique opportunities, activities, and programs than ever before!

Pride Season brings you events that are familiar and new, all with that distinctive Queen City spirit. Our four-month Charlotte Pride Season will bring you familiar events with new or unique spins. Events will include a Weekend of Service, the annual Interfaith Service, Pride Night! Charlotte Pride Concert Event, Pop-Up Pride Festival, the annual Charlotte Pride Parade, annual film festival, a community conference and job fair, plus so much more! You can see a full line-up of our events and the full version of this letter to the community online at charlottepride.org/14229.

Why can’t we go “back to normal”? In a “normal” year’s events, some 200,000 or more people would gather along Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte for the annual festival and parade, with hundreds or even thousands more packed into small bars, restaurants, theatres, and other spaces for events spread out through Pride Week. To put it simply: There is no safe way to bring together hundreds of thousands of people at a single event in a single space and time this year. We know it may come as a disappointment, but we’re confident our event plans this year will enable our community to come together in safe, meaningful ways until we can return to a full-scale event in 2022.

Franklin Freeman, murdered June 2002.

“We don’t actually know about the nuances those individuals experience throughout their day,” says Hopkins.

“Nor do we know if the chances of losing one’s life or being violently attacked is going to happen.

“We just set out to live another day. We are just trying to survive. We struggle in a corrupt system that’s been in place for decades, where we are left with very limited options. It continues to deny many of its citizens their equal rights or opportunity to earn and make a decent living.”

The fact that both Fennell and Peterson were sex workers has been highlighted by various media outlets. The importance of this common denominator is that many gender expansive individuals, especially transgender women of color, are left with no other viable career options.

There’s Still Hope was created as a way to address an area that Hopkins says the city of Charlotte has ignored: transgender adults of color.

“This system continues to judge, criticize and draw up conclusions about us,” Hopkins continues, “It’s a system that constantly makes things extremely hard for some to get a decent education, access to quality health care, good paying jobs and affordable housing.”

“They [are] critical and disrespectful almost every chance they get. This means the path we’re forced to travel down often turns many within our community to substance abuse; and to street work to simply put or keep a roof over our heads, find food to eat and put clothing on our backs.”

As social consciousness grows in light of these deaths, LGBTQ and allied communities are coming forward in an effort to help. Hopkins points to the importance of helping where help is needed.

“Fundraisers should [help] nonprofits that are already doing the groundwork.

The purpose is to channel that kind of energy towards struggling individuals whom have become fallen victims with guidance, help and support.”

In addition to donating funds to organizations like There’s Still Hope and Equality NC, Hopkins confirms the need to establish a local community center in a neighborhood, like the NoDa area. “It’s a central safe haven location that would exist for trans individuals to go rest, find information and develop connections with kindred spirits.”

The model There’s Still Hope uses for operation is one that Hopkins believes all organizations should adopt.

Dubbed the “pizza pie” method, Hopkins has created the “Steps for Stability Program” that allows other nonprofits around the city to interact with There’s Still Hope in order to provide as many services as possible.

The idea behind this process is that no one organization can offer housing, counseling, health care and transportation.

Instead, Hopkins believes that all existing groups should work together to ensure that all gender expansive people have access to the help they need.

Says Hopkins: “Society needs to learn how to be more sensitive to its fellow citizens, no matter how they identify.” : :

Pride Season 2021 was created with your health and safety in mind. It is flexible and elastic, and events can be scaled up or scaled back depending on health and safety benchmarks. The plans we have outlined for this year’s Pride Season provide opportunities for all of us to join together in fun and fellowship. The events will be familiar, new, and reinvented. We’ve taken the various contingent parts of a “normal” festival, parade, and Pride Week, and we have broken them out into separate events that can be custom tailored to whatever health and safety guidelines may exist at the time.

You can get involved now! We’ve already opened up applications for vendors and parade participants, as well as nominations for the Champions of Pride Awards. Learn more at charlottepride.org/pride2021 and be sure to stay tuned for more details as they are announced!

You can read the full version of this letter to the community at charlottepride.org/14229.

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A Journey Back in Time Pride Journey : Savannah

by Joey Amato Guest Contributor

T

aking a trip to Savannah is like taking a journey back in time. Even the airport is designed with architectural elements in mind that make it clear to guests that they are in for a unique experience.

Savannah is a city of squares. Designed in the 1700s, the city contains 22 squares, most of which are named in honor of a person or historical event, and many contain monuments, memorials or statues in the center. One can spend an entire day strolling around the city squares, admiring the stunning landscape and foliage.

I would highly recommend spending your first day in Savannah on foot rather than jumping on a packed trolley filled with tourists. You’ll get a better lay of the land if you discover the city on your own at first. There are many walking tours which operate during the day as well as at night which can provide you with a boat load of historical data and in some cases, you can learn about Savannah’s haunted past.

Savannah has been called the most haunted city in the country for good reason. The city has been the site of war, disease, fire, murder and slavery. According to one source, a French ship called Grietely arrived in Savannah in 1854 to pick up 71 escaped slaves. The ship sank while exiting the Savannah Harbor and many sailors say they feel a force pulling them off course and hear voices speaking in French and Bantu even today.

There are dozens of stories like this, so if you are looking to go on a ghost hunt during your stay, join a Haunted Savannah Walking Tour from 6th Sense World — a woman-owned business that prides itself as being

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Savannah’s original ghost tour company. The nighttime tour visits multiple haunted areas of the city including the famed Mercer House.

Wake up bright and early the next morning and catch a glimpse of the sunrise along the riverfront in the Plant Riverside district, home to numerous restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. One block south on East Bay St. lies B. Matthew’s Eatery, a two-story restaurant which serves up some of the best brunches in the city. Since I was planning on walking a lot during my stay, I ordered the Fried Green Tomato & Crab Cake Benny, a delicious fried green tomato coupled with a blue crab cake, poached egg, mixed greens and goat cheese served over a homemade buttermilk biscuit and topped with mornay sauce.

Calories don’t count when you’re on vacation!

If you feel like you need a bit more exercise than walking, the fitness center at the Perry Lane Hotel is probably one of the largest and nicest hotel gyms I’ve ever seen.

After your workout, head up to the rooftop for a stunning view of the city. The hotel consists of two buildings, the north building houses the rooftop bar and pool, while the south tower has a rooftop event space. Grab some complimentary champagne from the hotel lobby and head to the top floor for the most amazing views of Savannah.

There really is a surprise around every corner in Savannah, and one such surprise is a wonderful boutique called Frieze. Bailey, the store dog, greets customers when they walk in and is quite possibly the most well-behaved dog ever. The store contains a variety of exotic treasures from around the world hand-selected by the owner, which are perfect for your home or a gift for that special person.

History buffs will enjoy the American Prohibition Museum which sits just outside of Ellis Square. The 6,000 square foot building contains 13 different galler-

ies, four vintage cars and a functioning speakeasy. The 18th amendment to our Constitution was passed in 1919, prohibiting the sale, transportation and consumption of alcohol, so of course people tried to find a way around this law, leading to the rise of organized crime, as gangsters began to form well-organized and profitable bootlegging operations. The museum shines a spotlight on this era paying tribute to the good, the bad and the ugly.

Art enthusiasts should swing by the SCAD Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring the works of internationally renowned and emerging artists. The museum serves as a source of inspiration for the students of the Savannah College of Art & Design, which has grown to encompass multiple locations throughout the city and an enrollment of almost 15,000 students, many of which travel here from other countries to attend the institution.

With a student population that large, the city boasts a decent LGBTQ community despite the number of nightlife options. Club One, the city’s only official gay club, offers daily entertainment ranging from Drag Bingo on Monday evening to karaoke and full drag performances in their showroom every Friday and Saturday night. The club was home to world-renowned transgender performer The Lady Chablis, who was known as the ‘Grand Empress’ of the club. Chablis was a superstar in her own right, playing herself in the Clint Eastwood-directed movie adaptation of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, starring Kevin Spacey and John Cusack. Although Chablis passed away in 2016, Club One honors the icon every week with performances that bear her name.

Whether you are looking for great food, culture, history, paranormal activity or a little bit of everything, Savannah is a great destination to explore.

For more information, go to visitsavannah.com. : :

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When the Stars Align Screen Savor

by Gregg Shapiro Contributing Writer

T

here are some people (this writer included) for whom Colin Firth’s Academy Award-worthy performance was in 2010’s “A Single Man” (Firth’s initial gay role), his first such nomination, even though he won the trophy the following year for “The King’s Speech.” That said, 10 years later, straight Firth is playing gay again, in Harry Macqueen’s “Supernova” (Bleecker Street), and this time could potentially snag his second Oscar.

Pianist Sam (Firth) and author Tusker (Stanley Tucci) are a married gay couple who have been together for many years. Their communication consists of playful banter, sweet bickering and loving admiration. The pair, who live in Sam’s native England, are on a road trip in their caravan with their dog, Ruby. Among the plans they have for this journey area revisit to a campsite from years earlier, as well as a stopover at the home of Sam’s sister Lilly (Pippa Haywood), her husband Clive (Peter MacQueen) and daughter Charlotte (Nina Marlin). A recital, marking Sam’s return to concert performance, is also on the schedule.

This voyage, however, has more significance than others. Tusker, who has been diagnosed with early onset dementia, is in rapid decline. For all intents and purposes, this odyssey is a chance for Tusker to say goodbye to people who have meant something to him.

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Of course, the hardest farewell will be the one with Sam. Sam, who put his entire performance career on hold to care for Tusker, is in denial. But there’s no refuting Tusker’s condition. Early in the movie, after a pitstop where Sam leaves Tusker asleep in the caravan and returns to find him and Ruby gone. In a panic, Sam drives down the road for a stretch, only to find Tusker off to the side, standing stock still in a state of confusion.

In terms of acceptance of his condition, Tusker’s approach differs from Sam’s. For example, he didn’t bring his

medication with him. Not because he forgot it, but because he doesn’t think it helps him and it only serve as a reminder of his illness.

Sam and Tusker keep an audio journal on microcassettes as another way to monitor his waning ability to recall, as well as create an audio scrapbook of memories. It’s one of the things that continues to link them, in the same way that looking at constellations through Tusker’s high-power telescope does.

The scenes with Sam’s family bring a lightness to the story. There is a surprise party and the occasion, which provides some much-needed humor, feels genuine and celebratory. But the bliss is short-lived when Sam makes a series of discoveries pertaining to Tusker’s latest writing project, as well as his plans for the near future.

Road trip movies, including Oscar-winner “Nomadland” and the gay-themed “Uncle Frank,” made before COVID-19 forced us to shelter in place, underwent something of a revival during the pandemic. If we couldn’t travel, at least we had the pleasure of watching others do it. In that way, Supernova fit right into the zeitgeist of the moment.

In addition to that element of escapism, Supernova also brings dramatic realism to same-gender love and relationships, along with all the heartache that it potentially generates. DVD bonus features include a featurette and the theatrical trailer. : : Rating: A-

life

Our People: Eternity Philops

Forever Teaching Radical Peace, Power and Freedom When you’re not practicing or teaching yoga what are some of your joys or hobbies?

Anime! Anime is my happy place. Even when I’m going through some of my mental health episodes, I often turn to anime because it keeps me balanced. And, doing fun shit with my partner. We like to watch movies and series and talk shit about them. And we like to go out and find fun places to eat. We’re getting back to that now that things are opening up again.

by L’Monique King qnotes Staff Writer

E

ternity Philops is a yoga instructor and creator of the Kamili Yoga Health & Wellness System.

A native of Garnern, N.C. (a small town just outside of Raleigh), she moved to Charlotte in 2005, after graduating from University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

These days, she proudly calls the QC home.

Philops is ready to talk with qnotes.

She’s at home: a two-story, sunbathed townhouse on the city’s east side. With her feline pal, a purring calico cat at her feet, she settles in to discuss sharing yoga with the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), queer and trans communities; her joys and overcoming some hurdles.

How long have you been practicing yoga?

Since 2016.

What made you to become an instructor?

Spirit led me to instructing. I had no intention of actually doing any kind of instruction when I first started, but opportunity opened for me to be in yoga teaching training. As time went on, this is where I ended up. Originally, I would have been happy being a yoga teacher’s assistant.

There’s a unique and resonating logo that’s been popping up on your social media, posters, merchandise and quite a few things. It seems to speak heavily to Black women. Are men also welcomed to your classes?

Most certainly. The logo was chosen to be a woman, but it’s not actually about gender. So, it’s not meant to speak exclusively to women, but it acknowledges the power of women, how they are often the background and catalyst to empower social change. The first human was a Black woman, so it acknowledges how we all come from a Black woman.

What is Kamili Yoga and what makes it any different than other forms of yoga?

Kamili Yoga is my modern Afrocentric system for Black holistic wellness. It is a system that centers African culture, history and identity through the practice of

yoga. What makes Kamili Yoga different is the fact that it’s a modern system I personally created and launched in 2020.

The system utilizes Swahili [language, also called Kiswahili; it’s predominantly a mix of local Bantu languages and Arabic] for its terms, it’s very spiritually based. There’s movement, but yoga poses are not required. Your movement can be dancing or drumming. There’s an emphasis on pursuing Black knowledge, encouraging yogis to continue to study and acquire diverse knowledge. It’s the only modern [yoga] system created by a Black queer person.

Speaking of partners, one of your social media posts seemed to affirm those who are polyamorous. Are you poly, and what does that mean in your life?

Being polyamorous for me means that I embrace the freedom to have multiple intimate relationships. Whereas with monogamy it’s just one — ­ though intimacy isn’t necessarily about sex. There are asexual people and aromantic people who practice polyamory.

For those who don’t understand that concept, how do you deal with the stigma, if there is any, of being openly poly?

The funny thing is, if anyone is judging me, they haven’t had the guts to say it to my face. I feel like a lot of people I know are pretty conscious, aware and growing. I’m in a space where I’m going to live and walk in my truth. I’m not really concerned about what people think.

The only person I need to be concerned about is my partner.

Thanks for your candor. We’ve covered a lot of serious subjects. On a lighter note, what makes you smile?

Playing and dancing to Sylvester’s “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” anime, my sweety and connecting with my yoga students. Knowing the work that I do, truly benefits others.

That’s a lot of smiles. Anything else you want qnotes readers to know about Eternity?

I’m a dope ass motherfucker. I’m serious.

You can put that down. Spell it like I spell it: “Dope ass muthaphukkah,” who loves connecting with new people and invites you to approach me, to ask whatever you wanna’ know. I’m very transparent and approachable. : :

You mentioned Kamili Yoga in connection with holistic wellness. Does that include mental health?

Most definitely. Within this system we look at the self as five dimensions; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and universal.

I teach that each individual dimension needs to be addressed and cared for.

We have to have greater awareness for each individual dimension because all of them together make us who we are and connects us to all of life. Mental health is definitely a key part of that. I deal with mental health issues myself.

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