QNotes, June 5-18, 2015

June 5-18 . 2015

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June 5-18 . 2015

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qnotes arts. entertainment. news. views.

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news & features

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News Notes: Regional Briefs News Notes: U.S./World Briefs Senate bill vetoed by governor No moderation in the General Assembly

a&e / life&style 8 12 12 12 13 14 15 15 16 16 19 20 22 23

Pride Month Presidential Proclamation Alzheimer’s Association plans conference Buddy system brings support SAGE Raleigh nets new director Unique elder challenges Salisbury Pride History recap of Pride Month Pride Month book offerings Jane’s World Tell Trinity Dishing with Buff Faye Pride tunes Q Events Calendar Our People: Gwen Pearson

opinions & views 4 Spiritual Reflections 4 TalkBack 5 Editor’s Note

June 5-18 . 2015

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qnotes connect June 5-18, 2015 Vol 30 No 03

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

contributors this issue

Paige Braddock, Isai Efuru, Buff Faye, Chris Fitzsimon, Matt Comer, Lainey Millen, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Matt Comer and Lainey Millen Mission:

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

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Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2015 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

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June 5-18 . 2015

spiritual reflections

by Isai Efuru :: guest contributor

One in the crowd I attended an expo recently that featured a variety of vendors and diverse performers. As I greeted familiar faces and introduced myself to new ones, I checked out the various singers and poets doing their thing on stage. Most of them did a great job and received a great response from the crowd throughout the day. As the expo went on, one particular performer took the stage to silence. I initially thought the silence was because of a technical glitch, but it was because the crowd didn’t seem sure of his ability to hold their interest. He stood humbly before them with his head bowed, and signaled the D.J. to play his music. I looked around as people shook their heads and assumed that his performance would be a bust.

As the music began, the young man quickly began by engaging the crowd. He smiled confidently and affirmed them with compliments as they returned stony looks to him. Nevertheless, he kept on smiling and performing with enthusiasm. Some of the crowd shifted toward the vendor tables, as others remained to see how his performance would end. I stood in the middle of the room and took in the sincerity within his voice. He had an amazing range and incredible energy, but both were lost on the distracted crowd that refused to cheer him on. As the bridge of the song approached, I waved my hands excitedly and yelled, “You’d better sing that song!” and kept waving with every turn of the song’s choruses.

Eventually, he caught my eye and smiled and turned up his performance a bit with extra moves and higher notes. His confidence rose and he ended the song with a riveting note that put everyone on their feet. I cheered

from my place in center and screamed my kudos above all of the others.

I caught his eye once again as he whispered me a “Thank you” and bowed. I encouraged him to keep singing and let him know that he was on his way.

In your pursuit of favor, there will be many rooms you enter that have no familiar faces or kind words to guide you through the moments. When you are at the center stage of destiny, focus your attention and energy on God, who is always there to help you make it. God’s consistent presence through your life’s big moments may sometimes be all you have to believe that the steps are worth taking. Though you don’t see any hands waving or hear any applause, the strength and power that comes with knowing that God is on your side can carry you over a mountain and across deserts. As in the case of all who embrace their inner giant, the crowd will come to distract you and heckle you away from your promise. You must tap your foot to the beat of positivity, smile and press even further.

The more engaged and excited you become in your moments of truth and their connection to your future, the smaller the noise of doubt around you will become. The pressure that you face is designed to “press” the greatness out of you and leave the residue of fear behind. When you keep your mind, heart and soul focused on God, the one in the center of the room that loves you the most, the push and press seems worth it. The key to conquering the moments is to surrender your all to them. God will meet you in the middle. The matter in between is not relevant to your imminent success; God’s story for your life will always end with you as the hero. : :

talkback Comments from goqnotes.com. and facebook.com/qnotescarolinas.

Web comments are not edited for grammar or punctuation.

Marriage bill Readers respond to the passage of a bill allowing magistrates to refuse services to same-gender couples. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Pat McCrory on May 28, but the legislature might seek to override his decision. See the discussion below and be sure to follow along for the latest news updates at goqnotes.com.

This is state is so idiotic in their thinking. Did you know that in North Carolina it is legal to marry your first cousin!!! Are these Magistrates and Registers going to refuse to marry or issue licenses to people who have been divorced, who do not share their religious beliefs? It is discrimination pure and simple. I say do the job you are being paid to do or quit!

So, are these magistrates also discriminating against the LGBT community in their “criminal, pressing charges, capacity. Because if they can’t let their religious beliefs go for something as beautiful as love and commitment, what do you think they are doing in their other criminal and civil responsibilities?

— Leesa Nixon, May 27 If magistrates do not want to do their jobs according to their oath, and based on their religious beliefs, they have the right to resign.

This legislation sets a precedent for ALL positions to pick and choose who they serve. That, my friends, will backfire as this law will support every religion, not just Christians. It will support Muslims, Jews, atheists, and the countless other religious factions. Christianity is not the only religion. Stop acting like it is.

— Chris Lappa, May 27 Are any of those who use “religion” as the reason why they shouldn’t be required to issue licenses, perform marriages, etc. also going to refuse to issue licenses or perform marriages for those who are divorced? Or those who had sex prior to marriage? The person who argued

that same sex marriage is perverted blah blah blah needs to ask himself if he would say that if he had a family member that was LGBT. Uggghhhh……..

— Angie, May 27 This country and this state is made up of people of many different faiths, and not all them have same doctrine. How can the state force one religions beliefs on everyone’s for varying faiths. That is why from the beginning state and national law was separated from religion. They can not and should not dictate one another, it is an unfathomable conflict of interest. Lawmakers who use religion as a basis for creating laws are most discriminating people of all. They are bullies that are trying to force their personal beliefs on the public as a whole, the people who they are suppose to support. Now I call that discrimination at it’s worst.

— Shonn, May 28 Thank You Governor McCrory for agreeing to veto this discriminatory piece of legislation because had you signed this legislation into law then legal organizations from around the country would have taken this issue to court and it would have met the same fate as amendment one being found illegal and unconstitutional but only after wasted precious tax payer money — Nicholas, May 28 Boom Boom LaTour Readers respond to Buff Faye’s column on Boom Boom LaTour, currently recovering from a heart attack. You can read Buff’s column online at goqnotes.com/35167/.

Boom Boom and I have been friends for nearly 40 years now and I was in shock to hear of her medical situation because sometimes I think time stands still and we stay the same but

we don’t. I am praying for you Boom Boom ,my friend to have a full recovery and get back to the front desk to greet us all at Scorpio’s — Janice Covington, May 8 I remember being a timid little twink, many moons ago, & working at Velocity… Boom Boom took me under her wing and brought out the quick witted, sarcastic ray of sunshine that everyone has grown to know & love today…

Get well soon honey… Sending love & well wishes your way… <3 — Mat, May 8 I am so sad to hear about this I’ve known boom boom for many years even before I came out the closet I would visit Scorpios. I would always enjoy coming into Scorpios and seeing his smiling face sitting greeting everyone and he was always very nice to me flirting with me from time to time but always very nice. Im wishing you a speedy recovery and hopefully will see you again greeting me at the door at Scorpios. It’s not the same without you there please hurry back missing your lovely smile!

Love you very much!

— Blu Ice aka Scott Isaac, May 9 This man has raised me since I was born he is the best mother and father I could ever ask for ! This man has had a huge impact on my life he taught me how to be strong and keep my head up high with the cards life has dealt me! I truly thank everybody for the love and support thru this time.

— Audrey Etters, May 16 Boom boom although I can’t be there with you right now just know that I’m thinking of you and I hope that you’re back to yourself very soon. Although I can’t be there with you right now just know that I’m thinking of you and I hope that you’re back to yourself very soon.

— Ricky Burns, May 17

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editor’s note

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

A brilliant gem in the Queen City’s rainbow-hued crown: Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund

SUBSCRIBE!

The Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund has been an essential Charlotte’s LGBT community has grown by leaps and bounds catalyst in that growth, granting thousands of dollars each year since activists first began their nascent organizing in the 1960s to support the important, community-empowering and sometimes and 1970s. Stretching as far back as the 1940s, our local comlife-saving work of organizations in our burgeoning, local LGBT munity began to find spaces and places in which to socialize, be non-profit community. Since it began granting, the Fund has supit first at a hotel bar in downtown or later in early gay clubs. In ported local groups with more than $800,000, with over $130,000 those many decades, we’ve grown from hiding in the comfort of in grant funds alone this year. In total, 147 individual grants have safe but secret locations to marching down Tryon St., thousands been bestowed to 31 organizations. participating in each year’s Charlotte Pride parade while tens of The kind of work supported runs thousands — including straight the gamut — from youth support and allies — look on with applause elder care to the arts, social justice and cheer in support. advocacy and LGBT sports. More imEspecially in the last deportantly, the Fund has supported locade, the LGBT community, its cal organizations’ operations budgets, organizations and its leadership providing support for less sexy but have grown more professional, nonetheless essential expenses like more ready to tackle our unique rent, utilities and staff salaries — all challenges and more responsive the things that keep a local organizato community advocacy and tion running smoothly and effectively. well being.

But what has struck me most has Much of that success can been the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay duly be credited to one orgaFund’s insistence on making local ornization — a truly brilliant gem ganizations as strong and as healthy in the beautiful rainbow-hued as possible. Their board members and crown that adorns the queer stakeholders go out of their way to atQueen City. That organization is tend local events throughout the year none other than the Charlotte and visibly, proactively support the Lesbian & Gay Fund. Founded organizations which receive its grant in 2003, it is now the largest Jeremiah Nelson, chair of the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay funds. They meet with community local philanthropic, collective Fund, at the group’s annual fundraising luncheon, leaders, constantly looking toward the giving fund devoted to the LGBT The Happening, on May 13. next need, hoping to fill the next gap. community in North Carolina.

And there are big gaps. On May 13 at the Fund’s eighth Other similar groups across the state include the Guilford Green annual The Happening, their annual fundraising luncheon each Foundation and Adam Foundation. But where other cities had spring, Fund leaders stressed the importance of continued an early start, the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund began much giving to ensure even more need can be met. In just the last later, starting small and growing into the treasured community five years, explained grants committee chair Darryl Logsdon, resource it is today. organizations have requested $950,000 in grant funding. The The growth of the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund in many Fund has only been able to support the groups’ requests ways mirrors the growth of Charlotte’s LGBT community. For with $590,000 in grant funding. That’s a $360,000 gap — a myriad reasons — blame it on corporate culture, church culture $72,000-per-year hole through which God only knows what or whatever you like — Charlotte just simply got a late start on community needs are falling. organizing for its LGBT community. For years, we had no LGBT I’m a big believer in this community. I firmly trust in our power center, even as smaller towns like Columbia opened community to make effective change and create better, safer, more inclusive, centers as early as 1993. For years, we had no major public LGBT more affirming, healthier and more positive spaces for us, for our event like a Pride festival. Though we had picnics and the such, elders, for our youth and for everyone who will come after us. If I we had nothing to match the largess of events like NC Pride, had the privilege and opportunity to become an annual stakeonce the largest Pride event in the state. We settled year after holder in the Fund, I would. Instead, all I can do is encourage you year with anti-gay politicians and only in the past few years to continue supporting the work of the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay finally began to pass LGBT-inclusive policies and protections Fund, and I’m taking the opportunity to do so now. already present in cities much smaller than our own.

If you’re like me, and don’t have the ability to give, make Yes, Charlotte, we’re a late bloomer. But we’ve grown up and sure you spread the word about the good work the Fund is we’re becoming the strong, vibrant community our early leaders doing. Support them when you can, even if it might be a small worked so tirelessly for in the 1970s, ‘80s and early ‘90s.

donation at any of their upcoming community socials — new community activities the Fund has recently begun to host. If you do have the ability to give, consider joining the Fund as an annual stakeholder. It takes just $1,000 a year (or $1,250 at their new Stakeholder Plus level; $250 going to the group’s growing endowment) to ensure that organizations like Time Out Youth, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte, PFLAG Charlotte, the Freedom Center for Social Justice and so many more continue to receive the resources and stability they need to continue serving the community.

The Fund’s model of collective giving is exactly the kind of community-wide action that can lead to waves of change and progress in the Queen City. When we all join together — with our voices, our presence, our time, talent, financial resources or whatever else you have to give — we can ensure that life for LGBT people today, tomorrow and many years from now will be better, fuller, richer and more complete.

Learn more about the Fund at fftc.org/clgf.

Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund Grants 2015-2016 Operating Grants Campus Pride, $11,900 Charlotte Pride Band, $4,200 Charlotte Pride, $5,000 Charlotte Royals Rugby Football, $6,200 Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte, $7,200 One Voice Chorus, $12,000 One World Dragon Boat, $4,500 PFLAG Charlotte, $5,000 The Freedom Center for Social Justice, $9,000 Time Out Youth, $25,000 Programs and Projects Alzheimer’s Association, $4,000, LGBT caregiver and community education forum Campus Pride, $3,200, Summer leadership academy Charlotte Black Gay Pride, $4,000, Tenth annual Pride event Charlotte Pride Band, $2,000, Band re-branding Charlotte Pride, $4,500, Transgender Pride and outreach Charlotte Royals Rugby Football, $2,700, Queen City tournament Community Building Initiative, $4,500, LGBT engagement in leadership development Equality NC Foundation, $2,100, Moral Freedom Summer outreach Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte, $3,000 Steve Grand school tour One World Dragon Boat, $1,500, Dragon Boat picnic and paddle PFLAG Charlotte, $4,000, LGBT and families in faith conference Time Out Youth, $4,500, LGBTQ youth marketing and outreach

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June 5-18 . 2015

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer

Chorus goes ‘Hollywood’

CHARLOTTE — One Voice Chorus will present its unique “Hollywood Squares: The Speakeasy Edition” concert on June 18-20, 8 p.m., at Charlotte Ballet, 701 N. Tryon St. Modeled after the popular television game show, it will showcase music from the Roaring 20s, reminiscent of the time of speakeasies, prohibition and secret passwords, back-room indulgences and NASCAR, as well as hidden flasks and flappers. The era was imbued with Jazz, early Big Band sounds, along with a plethora of musicals like “42nd Street,” “Cabaret,” “Showboat” and more.

The show is the fifth annual summer fundraising concert for the chorus, which is celebrating its 25th season this year.

Since its founding, One Voice Chorus says it has striven to provide a public face and voice of the LGBT and straight ally community. Recently, they held a concert in Wadesboro, N.C. It was the first LGBT event held in the town.

“Part of our mission is to use our artistic excellence to increase understanding and acceptance of LGBT people,” Dan Cadle, president, said in a press release. “This was the first-ever LGBT event held in Wadesboro and we sang to over 200 people. The Chorus took a chance and was brave in knowing our message may not have been well received. It paid off more than we could have hoped and there was a lot of healing on both sides of the stage that day. I would say souls were touched, which is especially fitting since this performance was in a church.”

Tickets are $30 and are available online. VIP tickets are $75 and entitle the holder to show admission and reception. Check the website for information on availability for VIP tables for two ($100) or six ($300) people. info: onevoicechorus.com.

— L.M.

Charlotte

ASO extends services

Pride accepting apps

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Pride is currently accepting applications for vendor and parade entries for its Aug. 15-16 celebration.

Additionally, orders are being taken for individuals and companies who wish to advertise in the Pride Guide. Close out on sales ends on June 15.

Upcoming fundraising and community events include Canine Couture on June 6, 2 p.m., at Triple C Brewing Company, 2900 Griffith St., and the Community Family Picnic on June 7 at Park Road Park, Shelter 1, 6220 Park Rd. The dog show benefits Charlotte Pride and the Humane Society of Charlotte. Fashions are provided by Silverfly. Tickets are $5/general admission and $20/VIP seating.

The picnic includes games, kickball, Twister, face painting, as well as Equality Cupcakes.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, the fixings, chips, dessert and more are supplied. It is being presented by Bank of America, Charlotte Black Gay Pride, Charlotte Pride, Human Rights Campaign and PFLAG Charlotte.

The organization is also accepting nominations for its annual Champions of Pride Awards. Award categories include the Harvey Milk Award (leadership), Outstanding Ally Award (straight allies), Young Catalyst Award (under 30) and the Legacy Award (lifetime achievement). Nominations can be made online by June 12 at charlottepride.org/champions/. info: charlottpride.org.

— L.M.

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June 5-18 . 2015

HUNTERSVILLE — Different Roads Home, 15905 Brookway Dr., Suite 4203, will begin offering in August care services for caregivers of individuals who are living with cancer.

A Cancer Caregiver Support Group will initiate the new venture. Once that is underway, Different Roads Home will open an on-site food bank for cancer caregivers, as well as those living with HIV and other chronic illnesses.

In order to provide a viable service, contributions are being accepted online in any amount.

In other news, the organization will host “A Sordid Affair” watch party on Aug. 14 with director and producer Del Shores. Enjoy dinner and drinks in a private setting. Ticket purchases also entitle the holder to entry and VIP privileges to “The Sordid Affair” event with Shores, Leslie Jordan and Caroline Rhea on Sept. 26. Cost is $232.09. info: differentroadshome.org.

— L.M.

Queen City welcomes drag star

CHARLOTTE — Bianco Del Rio will hit the stage on July 3, 8 p.m., at McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. The season six winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will share her “Rolodex of Hate” comedy special during her performance. Her show has sold out globally. She was a headliner at the Charlotte Pride 2014 festival.

Tickets are $35 and $50, as well as a limited number of VIP meet and greet tickets for $75. They are available online at carolinatix.org.

Charlotte Pride and qnotes, in association with Murray & Peter, serve as sponsors. info: blumenthalarts.org. thebiancadelrio.com. facebook.

com/murrayandpeterpresent. goqnotes.com. charlottepride.org.

— L.M.

Triad Bingo takes to the beach

GREENSBORO — The Guilford Green Foundation and Heritage Greens will stretch out on the sand when the bring their Beach Blanket Bingo to the Triad on July 31, 6:30 p.m., at Elm Street Center, 203 S. Elm St. Mary K Mart, along with other guest stars and entertainment, will call the letter/number combinations.

Enjoy drinks with the Queens and Kings at 6 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15/online and $20/at the door. info/tickets: ggfnc.org/event/ggf-drag-bingo-3/.

— L.M.

Center gets new digs

WINSTON-SALEM — The North Star LGBT Community Center is moving to new space at 930 Burke St. over the weekend of June 12-14.

The move will give the center more visibility and will enable it to better serve the community.

Volunteers are being sought to help facilitate the move and to set up the new space.

Email info@northstarlgbtcc.com to learn more.

The center is open on Tuesday, 5-7 p.m., Thursday, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, 1-5 p.m., and every first and third Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Freedom 2 Be AA/NA groups meet on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

A benefit concert for the center is being held on June 7, 1 p.m., at Twin City Hive, 301 Brookstown Ave. It is sponsored by Piedmont Triad New Thought Gathering. Mary Melaga, Robert Rominger, Alex Komen, Michelle Sevacko, Brad Bennett and others will perform. info: northstarlgbtcc.com.

— L.M.

Triangle Chorus holds concert

DURHAM — The Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a concert, “Viva to the Divas,” on June 6, 7 p.m., at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 3011 Academy Rd., and on June 7, 3 p.m., at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough St. The chorus will salute the divas of Broadway, Billboard and the movies with music that is “loud and proud.” The concert will feature music by Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Bette Midler, Cher, Linda Ronstadt, Tammy Wynette, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.

Dr. Jay A. Pierson serves as interim artistic director.

Suggested contributions are $10/advance, $15/at the door and $10/students and children. info: tgmchorus.org.

— L.M.

Christian group creates guide

RALEIGH — Gay Christian Network is developing communication methods to engage people in churches, families and schools as part of its #LiveLoveOut. The series shares ways to speak to various Christian denominations, to encourage church participation and support and to reach parents

on either the Side A, Side B or wherever they stand, plus more.

First in the series is a guide to understanding different Christian perspectives. It shares how to create and carry on a more productive, meaningful and effective conversation with both ministers and congregants, organizers shared.

GCN is also beta testing their new online community resource and hope to roll it out as soon as it passes benchmarks. Of course, once the site is up and running, improvements and updates will be dovetailed into the ongoing process. info: gaychristian.net.

— L.M.

Trans Carolinian featured in series

DURHAM — Blaine Paxton Hall was featured in May in The New York Times in its Transgender Today series.

He serves as a physician assistant hospitalist and adjunct associate professor for Duke University Health System, as well as authoring “Hestia’s House” and speaking about transition and other topical issues as it related to healthcare for transsexual patients.

A member of MENSA, Hall is a member of Duke Medicine Inclusion Council for Sexual & Gender Diversity.

Hall, who transitioned over three decades ago, shared his life experiences, saying that he does not regard himself as a victim, but rather a survivor and thriver, the article shared.

To read the whole narrative, visit nytimes. com/interactive/projects/storywall/transgender-today/stories/blaine-paxton-hall.

For more information on the American trans movement, read more at nytimes.com/interactive/2015/05/15/opinion/editorial-transgendertimeline.html.

— L.M.

Western Lez dance upcoming

ASHEVILLE — A women’s dance hosted by LIM will be held on June 13, 7:30 p.m., at Eleven on Grove, 11 Grove St. Enjoy snacks, filtered water and a cash bar.

DJ Esella will spin tunes for participants’ dancing pleasure.

Admission is $10 which include with a stamp by the bartender free entry to Scandals downstairs later in the evening. info: mntbear001@aol.com.

— L.M.

Women’s chorus sets concert

ASHEVILLE — Womansong will present a concert on June 13, 7:30 p.m., and June 14, 3 p.m., at Rainbow Community School, Performance Hall, 60 State St. Theme for the event is “Happy!” Ticket proceeds benefit Womansong and its New Start Program. The repertoire features uplifting classic and contemporary songs, along with familiar, tender one which depict support and caring.

Dance along to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” and Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

see Carolinas News Notes on 9

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news

news notes: u.s./world.

Ireland votes for marriage equality against the change, including the Roman Catholic Church, expressed disappointment.

Soon after the results, the Vatican’s secretary of state called the ballot victory a “defeat for humanity.”

In an op-ed published in The Advocate and Washington Blade, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden praised the decision of Irish voters.

“Last weekend, more than 1.2 million Irish voters took a courageous stand for love and family when they overwhelmingly chose marriage equality,” Biden wrote the last week of May. “They recognized the fundamental truth that every person is entitled to dignity and respect, and that there can be no justification Marchers in the 2009 Dublin Pride Parade advocate for marriage equality — a long-fought goal won win national voters approved a constitutional change on May 22.

Photo Credit: Charles Hutchins/celesteh, via Flickr.

Licensed CC.

DUBLIN, Ireland — Voters in Ireland overwhelmingly approved a constitutional change allowing same-gender couples to legally wed in the island nation. The vote, with 62.1 percent approving the change, makes Ireland the first nation in the world to extend LGBT marriage rights by popular vote.

LGBT advocates in the nation were quick to praise the results, as were advocates in countries across the globe. Groups pressing

for the denigration or persecution of anyone because of who they love or who they are.”

Biden also recognizes Ireland’s dramatic political and legal transformation on LGBT issues. Same-gender sexual activity was decriminalized in 1993.

“In 22 years, Ireland has gone from a nation where simply being LGBT was against the law to a nation where the people resoundingly stand for equal rights,” Biden wrote.

Full marriage equality could come to the U.S. sometime in June, when the Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling in two landmark cases argued in April.

— M.C.

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she and her party will continue to oppose full marriage rights for same-gender couples in Germany. more: bit.ly/1AyI7y1 Gay hotelier Ian Reisner, who with his business partner Mati Weiderpass have come under scrutiny for meeting with anti-LGBT Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, admitted in late May that he had donated $2,700 to the candidate’s campaign. He later asked for a refund. more: bit.ly/1SGS424

The Illinois Senate passed a measure that would ban so-called “conversion” or “reparative” therapy on LGBT youth under the age of 18. California, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington, D.C., have already enacted similar legislation. more: bit.ly/1GOqRps Tel Aviv will host 40 Years of Pride, a celebration and global conference for LGBT leaders from June 9-11. It is organized by The Aguda, Israel’s National LGBT Task Force, and A Wider Bridge, a pro-Israel North American organization. more: bit.ly/1HX7aua

June 5-18 . 2015

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life

President proclaims June LGBT Pride Month For another year in a row, President Barak Obama has proclaimed June Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. His proclamation follows below.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2015. By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation: From the moment our Nation first came together to declare the fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and broaden democracy’s reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. Through struggle and setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society.

But we are also reminded that we are not truly equal until every person is afforded the same rights and opportunities — that when one of us experiences discrimination, it affects all of us — and that our journey is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law.

Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories.

Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors

went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work.

In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities — especially transgender and gender non-conforming individuals — and are taking steps to address them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and mental health experts have created resources to support family communication and involvement.

For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock the opportunities all LGBT individuals deserve and the resources and care they need.

Too many LGBTQ youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender women.

We continue to extend family and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples.

And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing protections and support for LGBT persons around the world.

All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected

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Carolinas News Notes continued from page 7 Three local composers will have their works presented during the concert: Sue Ford’s premiere of “Change is the Constant;” “Zen Cowgirl” written by Robin Cape and recorded

by The Buckerettes; and “Strong Enough” by singer-songwriter Mary Davis.

Instrumental accompaniment includes piano, marimbas and more. Shiner Antiorio will provide musical sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired.

Tickets are $16/adult, $8/children and are available online. info: womansong.org.

— L.M.

Grammy artists hit hills

BOONE — On June 27, 7:30 p.m., Grammy Award winning duo, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer along with Strictly Strings will perform at Harvest House Performing Arts Venue, 247 Boone Heights Dr. The duo are singer/songwriters, as well as instrumentalists, educators and record producers. Their music is infused with swing music, old-time country and traditional and contemporary folk, with melodic harmonies. They are backed by percussion and string interments.

Tickets are $18/adult advance, $20/adult at the door, $10/student advance and $10/student at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free with accompanying adult. info: mountainhomemusic.com.

— L.M.

South Carolina Battle won against anti-gay org

COLUMBIA — SC Equality announced that after pressure from organizations and individuals supportive of the LGBT community, Clemson University’s head football coach Dabo Swinney withdrew on May 27 from speaking at a fundraiser for the Palmetto Family Council on June 2, known for its stance against same-sex marriage.

Taking his place was S.C. Atty. Gen. Alan Wilson.

The coalition shared that State House Minority Leader Rep. Todd Rutherford (pictured) released a statement on the same day in support of the decision. “This is a sign of the significant progress the state of South Carolina has made with respect to tolerance and equal rights. I hope others follow Coach Swinney’s lead in standing up to groups like the Palmetto Family Council who seek to make discrimination legal and acceptable,” said Rutherford.

SC Equality rallied its base, worked with the university’s LGBT Task Force, reached out to allies at the State House and partnered with South Carolina native and vice president of GLAAD Zeke Stokes. info: scequality.org.

— L.M.

Tour stops at Palmetto State

CHARLESTON — The GLAAD Southern Stories Summer Tour will visit the coastal town on June 15, 5:30 p.m., at The William Aiken House, 456 King St. The program will center around the state of change as it applies to South Carolina and will feature a mini-documentary, panel discussion

and reception. Stories reflect those of LGBT southerners, their allies and advocates.

Today, advances are spreading out across the nation, but the South has been left behind.

GLAAD said that southerners live with a culture gap where shifts need to be made to obtain more acceptance and understanding.

The following day, the tour heads to Columbia to share their program with those in the state’s capital at 5:30 p.m. at The Nickelodeon, 1607 Main St. Each event is free and GLAAD requests an RSVP from those who wish to attend. It can be handled online.

The tour will also visit Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Georgia. info: glaad.org/summertour.

— L.M.

Regional & Beyond Fest over the mountain slated

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Blue Plum Festival will be held on June 5-7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., in downtown along Main St. and in Founder’s Park.

Volunteers from Pride Community Center of the Tri-Cities will be on hand distributing information on its activities and progress, as well as selling merchandise. They will hold a drawing for gift certificates to local businesses.

Musical acts will take to the stage starting on Friday evening and will continue on Saturday and Sunday during the day. Also, an array of arts and crafts will be showcased by exhibitors. No festival is complete without a wide assortment of food and beverage selections, including homemade lemonade, green tomatoes and more.

Special events on June 6 include Blue Hope Brew-Haha from 1-4:30 p.m. (featuring sampling of craft bears from regional breweries, food from Carrabba’s and Bonefish Grill, live music) for $40; Founder’s Park Concert from 1-11 p.m. (Ian Thomas & Band of Drifters, Grammy Awardwinning Rebirth Brass Band, Shovels and Rope, plus food and craft beer purchase) for $30; and Blue Light Special from 5-11 p.m. (unlimited craft beer sampling, sampling from Carrabba’s and Bonefish Grill, concert in Founder’s Park) for $54.

A host of other events will take place during the festival. Check the website to learn more.

The festival is named for the 1800’s rural post office which served the East Tennessee area. It eventually evolved into what is now Johnson City, Tenn. info: blueplum.org.

— L.M.

UMC Table makes big change

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Church’s Connectional Table voted 20-10 on May 18 to submit “compromised legislative proposal to the 2016 General Conference that removes prohibitive language from The United Methodist Book of Discipline concerning homosexuality, while making only minor changes to the existing Social Principles,” the United Methodist Reporter shared.

The proposal allows the church’s clergy to celebrate same-sex unions in their respective churches. It removes being an LGBT person or performing same-sex weddings from a list of chargeable offenses for its clergy, the Reporter added. It further “removes the language that says the church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers it incompatible with Christian teachings, while recognizing this has historically been the position of the church.”

The Table hopes that the action would pro-

vide a conduit to resolving its impasse on the issue, as well as putting an end to church trials, and other items related to the subject.

The proposal is among a number of petitions that will be presented at the 2016 General Conference with regard to human sexuality. info: rum-nc.org.

— L.M.

Council hosts practices meeting

RALEIGH/CHARLOTTE — The National Diversity Council Carolinas have announced that they will hold a best practices meeting during the month of August at two locations.

On Aug 20, 8:30 p.m., in Raleigh and on Aug. 21, 8:30 p.m., in Charlotte, the organization will highlight the importance of diversity best practices in the workplace. Company representatives will share their insights about diversity and inclusion practices and discuss the programs they have implemented in their own organizations, NDCC shared.

The event is a pre-approved through the HR Certification Institute.

More information about location and registration are available via email at kiara.fortson@ nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

In other news, the council will present its DiversityFIRST Certification Program from Nov. 16-20 at the Westin Houston Memorial City, 945 Gessner Rd., in Houston, Texas.

This event prepares qualified professionals to create and implement highly successful diversity and inclusion strategies for organizational excellence and a competitive edge in today’s global marketplace, organizers said.

Upon completion, graduates will be recognized as an National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional.

The five-day program includes a focus on diversity and inclusion business cases, cultural competence, measurement and evaluation, diversity leadership, efforts and initiatives that support diversity and inclusion and a graduate network component.

For more information, including cost, or to register, email Senior Director Jim Penny at jim. penny@nationaldiversitycouncil.org. info: nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

— L.M.

Parks seek grantees

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 2015 grant cycle for communities underrepresented in the National Park Service National Register and National Historic Landmarks indices is now open.

Grant award minimum is $25,000 and does not require matching funds. Funding is available to State Historic Preservation Offices to help increase representation of targeted communities which includes the LGBT sector, Megan Springate, executive co-director of the Rainbow Heritage Network. The network is the national association for those concerned about the recognition and preservation of LGBT history and heritage.

Applications are due by June 15. Visit nps. gov/preservation-grants/community-grants. html to learn more.

The previous cycle awarded $500,000 to various projects. It offers a great opportunity for applicants to get to know their state historical preservation office staff and for them to understand the history of the LGBT community, along with the site available for nomination, Springate added. info: rainbowheritagenetowrk.org.

— L.M.

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McCrory vetoes anti-LGBT magistrate bill Advocates praise governor for rejection of harmful legislation

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com “We applaud Governor McCrory for pledging to veto this discriminatory measure, and we urge the General Assembly to keep government services open for all North Carolinians by sustaining the governor’s veto,” she said.

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights group, also responded.

“We’re pleased to see that the governor will veto this needless and unfortunate legislation,” HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse said in a statement. “Officials who swear an oath to serve the public should serve the whole public without reservation. We believe the governor’s veto should be the last word on this bill, which does nothing to serve the interests of the people of North Carolina.”

HRC also urged its supporters to contact McCrory and thank him for his decision.

——————————————— Stay up to date: At press time, state Senate leaders were expected to take up an override vote. It was not clear when the House would move forward. Be sure to follow us at goqnotes. com for the latest news on this developing story.

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RALEIGH — Gov. Pat McCrory vetoed on May 28 a bill widely condemned as an anti-LGBT discriminatory measure, hours after the state House passed it the same day. The bill would allow magistrates and registers of deeds to opt-out Anti-gay ire of serving LGBT couples seeking civil marriage Meanwhile, McCrory is facing backlash from leaders at the legislaservices and ceremonies. ture and anti-gay lobbyists in the state.

The bill was 67-43 in the House, after an pasSenate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, who sponsored the bill, sage in February in the state Senate. and House Speaker Tim Moore, who took the unusual step as speaker of McCrory said the same day he would veto the voting for the bill, issued a joint statement disagreeing with McCrory. legislation.

“We respect but disagree with the governor’s decision to veto “I recognize that, for many North Carolinians, including myself, opinions on same-sex marIn a scene that advocate say could play out again if Senate Bill 2 becomes law, Senate Bill 2, since the First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees ‘the free exercise of religion,’” the leaders’ statement read. riage come from sincerely held religious beliefs couple Scott Lindlsey, right, and Joey Hewell have their marriage license ap“Unfortunately, Senate Bill 2 is necessary because a bureaucracy failed that marriage is between a man and a woman,” plication rejected by Register of Deeds J. David Granberry in October 2013. to make reasonable accommodations and instead forced some magisMcCrory said in a statement. “However, we are trates to make an impossible choice between their core religious beliefs and their jobs.” a nation and a state of laws. Whether it is the president, governor, mayor, a law enforcement officer McCrory faced a stinging rebuke from the NC Values Coalition, an anti-LGBT hate group responor magistrate, no public official who voluntarily swears to support and defend the Constitution and to sible for North Carolina’s now-overturned anti-LGBT marriage amendment. discharge all duties of their office should be exempt from upholding that oath.”

“A veto of religious freedom legislation like Senate Bill 2 is not acceptable from a Governor who Equality North Carolina’s executive director, Chris Sgro, praised McCrory’s decision, saying the calls himself ‘conservative,’” the group told its members in an action alert. decision send “strong message that no public official is exempt from the constitution they themLegislative leaders are likely expected to attempt a veto override. The state Senate likely has selves have sworn to uphold and that all North Carolinians deserve equal access to state services the votes to override McCrory’s veto. It’s less clear how the override vote will proceed in the under the law.”

House. There, four Republicans voted against the legislation in its final vote. : : Similarly, the ACLU of North Carolina’s acting executive director, Sarah Preston, also thanked the governor.

So much for the charade of moderation in the General Assembly Commentary: N.C. legislature advances to radical proposals

by Chris Fitzsimon :: NC Policy Watch

When the state House passed its budget in late May, Rep. Chuck McGrady noted its bipartisan support in a tweet that captured what the House leadership wanted people to think was happening in the General Assembly.

“Sounds like the Speaker is leading from the middle,” McGrady wrote, extolling the allegedly moderate leadership of House Speaker Tim Moore. Folks can disagree about the virtues and flaws in the House budget — which falls well short of making the investments the state needs — but it is indeed less radical than budgets passed by either chamber of the legislature in recent years.

All signs of moderation vanished the last week of May. The House passed legislation allowing magistrates and other public officials to refuse to marry same-same sex couples if they have a “sincerely held religious belief” against marriage equality.

North Carolina would be the first state in the country to approve the likely unconstitutional law that would allow public employees to refuse services to taxpayers who are legally eligible to receive them based on some undefined religious objection.

A similar proposal in Texas failed to pass after corporations opposed it.

That didn’t deter the plans of supporters on the House floor.

Their arguments bounced back and forth between the bizarre claim that the religious freedom of magistrates was at stake and hate-filled fundamentalist religious rants that included homophobic references to gay marriage as perversion and equating it to incest.

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One lawmaker suggested that gay couples could find a friend who could go online and obtain a certificate allowing him to perform marriages.

Rep. Bert Jones, who made the offensive incest reference by saying that allowing gay marriage could open the door to people marrying their mother, also told his fellow House members that same-sex marriage was against God’s will and that the state should “expect his blessings to disappear.”

Rep. Dean Arp admitted during the House debate that there was no definition of sincerely held religious belief, raising the specter that magistrates could refuse to marry interracial couples too, taking the state back to the Jim Crow era, a fact pointed out powerfully by Rep. Kelly Alexander and other House members against codifying discrimination.

But none of that mattered to the Republican majority in the House or to Speaker Tim Moore who voted for the discrimination bill too.

It’s relatively rare for the Speaker to vote but Moore apparently wanted to make sure people knew he supported allowing public employees to refuse services to people eligible to receive them.

And it wasn’t just the House where the right-wing flags were flying. The Senate took up legislation requiring women to wait 72 hours after consulting with a doctor to have an abortion. Only four other states impose such a waiting period on women accessing what is legal medical procedure.

The bill also requires doctors to send the patients’ ultrasounds to the Department of Health and Human Services, along with information about how the doctor determined the age of the fetus. Supporters of that provision couldn’t explain why it was necessary, though the harassment and intimidation of physicians are obvious, not to mention having private medicals records sent to a state agency.

And if all that wasn’t offensive enough, Senate leaders attached unrelated provisions strengthening the state’s statutory rape law and other protections for children to the extreme anti-abortion legislation.

Sen. Jeff Jackson, a former prosecutor and the sponsor of the unrelated provisions, rightly called the maneuver ugly and a crass attempt to gain fodder for political commercials.

Add it all up and it was quite a week at the General Assembly, passing legislation to allow discrimination against gay couples and interracial couples too, putting new restrictions on access to a legal medical procedure and using laws to protect children for political gain.

There’s no moderation—or decency here. Just cynical, far-right fundamentalist politics well out of the mainstream in North Carolina.

So far Rep. McGrady hasn’t tweeted anything at all about that.

— Originally published May 28, 2015, at NC Policy Watch.

Reprinted with permission. Read more at ncpolicywatch.com.

June 5-18 . 2015

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Local Alzheimer’s Association plans LGBT conference Educational event supported by Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund grant

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

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new initiative from Charlotte’s Western Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association hopes to break through new barriers and increase education and awareness on the needs of LGBT seniors, caretakers, professionals and others working with Alzheimer’s patients.

In May, the local Alzheimer’s Association was granted $4,000 from the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund to develop a community education conference addressing the needs of LGBT elders and caregivers.

Melanie Miller, the chapter’s director of education and support, says the event will be a half-day conference, uniquely focused on a variety of needs often unaddressed or lacking readily available resources.

“We hope to bring together LGBT older adults and caregivers, as well as individuals in the seniors industry — professional folks working in retirement communities, senior centers, assisted living communities,” Miller says.

The half-day conference is currently planned for January. Miller and her colleagues want to first bring together a a planning committee comprised of Photo Credit: © Sandor Kacso / Dollar Photo Club LGBT seniors and others, in order to ensure the event addresses current needs in the community. Of the they could be open about their sexual orientation and gender several issues the association believes will be addressed are identity with staff at a nursing home or other facility,” Miller legal and financial needs, including health directives. says. “Only 22 percent of respondents answered yes. We re“It’s a conversation we all should have, but especially LGBT ally saw that as something that should be addressed. Could we individuals because we know that not all laws are what they be the folks to help bridge that gap and bring people together need to be to protect folks. When dealing with Alzheimer’s or deto start a conversation?” mentia, there’s an added component of knowing caring for won’t The half-day conference will provide her chapter with be able to participate in those decisions at some point. more ability to serve LGBT seniors in need. Additionally, the The Alzheimer’s Association has partnered with SAGE, a conference will also address the needs of LGBT caregivers. national organization working on LGBT eldercare issues. Miller Many have often personally noticed that LGBT children often and some of her colleagues attended a SAGE workshop at a find themselves becoming the primary caregivers for their recent conference. aging parents.

“What stuck out to me and my co-workers was a SAGE “We know we have it, but we can’t prove we have,” Miller survey, where they had asked LGBT older adults if they felt says. “It’s not a question on the form.”

Miller says it isn’t surprising to see LGBT children taking care of their parents or other older loved ones.

“In general, a lot of times, caregiving falls to the person who is ‘most available,’” Miller says, adding that dynamics in families are often very different. “That can mean different things for different families — someone who lives close by, someone who does not have children or someone who does not hav a typical family structure and therefore are seen as not having the same responsibilities are are looked at as ‘less busy’ and ‘more available.’”

Miller’s educational forum will be among some of the first efforts to address LGBT aging in Charlotte. Several other initiatives have also started, including a monthly discussion group and attempts at past SAGE chapter organizing efforts, but nothing has really ever taken hold in the Queen City. In the absence of concrete services for LGBT seniors or caregivers, groups like the Alzheimer’s Association are turning toward creating their own.

It’s part of a process, Miller says, of expanding services and outreach. The association already produces a great many community education programs, as well as providing a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week helpline, in addition to fundraising efforts that support Alzheimer’s research.

Planning is currently underway for the half-day LGBT conference. Those interested in becoming part of the planning committee or offering ideas or feedback can contact Miller at 704-532-5275 or by email at mmiller@alz.org. Learn more about local Alzheimer’s Associations programs and services at alz.org/ northcarolina. : :

Local buddy system SAGE Raleigh welcomes brings care and friendship new leadership Volunteers step up to assist LGBT elders

Continues search for video subjects

by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com

by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com

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SAGE Raleigh has announced that has appointed Dave Barciz as its new program director. He replaces Les Geller who will be spending more time focused on outreach and education and will still be a support to SAGE Raleigh.

The group will now host a drop-in evening on the second Tuesday of each month beginning this month from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St. Its first soiree is on June 9 where desserts, coffee and soft drinks will be served. The Thursday morning group will continue as always.

SAGE is also continuing its efforts in securing video stories from the LGBT community to be included on its SAGE Raleigh YouTube channel. The initiative has been ongoing for over two years. Some topics for consideration are: coming out stories; acceptance by one’s faith community; heroes and nemeses; opinions on how the area has become more accepting of the LGBT community; friendliness of the area toward LGBT individuals; and what it was like in one’s early life as an LGBT person.

he LGBT Aging Solutions Network, a group of volunteer organizers working to raise awareness and create solutions on LGBT aging and elder care issues, recently celebrated its first anniversary. Their first full year has been full of discussion and brainstorming, and it’s in their recently announced “buddy system” where the group is really picking up steam.

Lynne Helms, who serves as a volunteer for the organization’s communications group, hopes that bringing its members together to support one another will help during times of need. It is targeted toward those who are physically challenged, may be alone or a host of other situations.

Tasks include picking up groceries, stopping off at the pharmacy, as well as others that do not require heaving lifting.

Abating isolation for seniors is an important component of the buddy system program.

Volunteers can lessen loneliness by making calls or sending text messages. “Feeling a sense of belonging and the security that someone is aware we are there,” Helms added,

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provides solace to those who would otherwise experience angst, among other emotions.

The group is working on setting up a calling tree by geographical location. Members are being asked to complete a volunteer form in order to make the program more successful. Simply provide first and last name, email address, phone number, address and whether one would be willing to serve as a lead in one’s area.

The new program first began to be implemented in April. In May, the network agreed to firm up their plans and begin reaching out for volunteers. Once volunteers are signed up, group members will follow up by phone. The call will be used to familiarize new members with the group’s “Virtual Village” and buddy system concepts. Additionally, the group’s emphasis will remain on the “living in place” concept for older adults.

To learn more, email lchelms@bellsouth. net. To learn more about the Aging Solutions Network, email clt.lgbt.elders@gmail.com. : : — Matt Comer contributed

Other upcoming events are a welcome back reception for Thom Koch with free lunch on June 11, lesbian lunch at K&W Cafeteria on June 25, Fourth of July picnic at Umstead State Park at 3 p.m. and viewing “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the NC Museum of Art on July 17.

To learn more, email sage@lgbtcenterof raleigh.com or visit lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

At press time, qnotes learned that there was a new group forming for seniors on Tuesdays at the Durham Center For Senior Life, 406 Rigsbee Ave. # 202, in Durham, N.C., in the old TV lounge. The first meeting was on May 19, followed up by one on June 2. The next one is slated for June 16 at 5:30 p.m.

The Gay & Lesbian Seniors and Friends group helps its members find support, make new friends and share conversation.

Sandwiches, salads and beverages will be provided. The center is opening it doors after hours for the new group only.

For more information, visit dcslnc.org or call 919-688-8247. : :

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LGBT elders: Three unique challenges

Photo Credit: © Three Rockimages / Dollar Photo Club

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n 2010, the LGBT Movement Advancement Project partnered with SAFE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), the American Society on Aging, the Center for American Progress and the National Senior Citizen’s Law Center to author a groundbreaking report on the needs of LGBT older adults. Their final report, “Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults,” was one of the first in-depth looks at the needs and challenges of LGBT elders in the U.S. The report delved into challenges, disparities and solutions.

Here’s an excerpt from the report, explaining three unique challenges that face LGBT elders and make successful aging more difficult for them than for their straight peers: • The effects of social stigma and prejudice, past and present. Historical prejudice against today’s LGBT elders has disrupted their lives, their connections to their families of origin, their chance to have and raise their own children, and their opportunities to earn a living and save for retirement. The stigma associated with being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender continues to stand in the way of full participation in community and society for many LGBT elders. It impedes full and equal access to important health and community services, programs and opportunities.

• Reliance on informal “families of choice” for social connections, care and support. Today, about 80 percent of long-term care in the U.S. is provided by family members, and more than two-thirds of adults who receive long-term

care at home depend on family members as their only source of help. By contrast, LGBT elders are more likely to be single, childless, and estranged from biological family — relying on friends and community members as their chosen family. Official policies, laws and institutional regulations generally prioritize only legal and biological family, and in many instances deny same-sex partners, families of choice and other caregivers who do not fall into traditional categories many of the resources afforded to spouses and biological family members.

• Unequal treatment under laws, programs and services. Many laws, program and services fail to address — or create extra barriers to — social acceptance, financial security, and better health and well-being for LGBT elders. Safety net programs and laws intended to support and protect older Americans fail to provide equal protections for LGBT elders. In large part, this is because they either do not acknowledge or provide protections for LGBT elders’ partners and families of choice, or because they fail to recognize and address ongoing stigma and discrimination that result in substandard treatment of LGBT elders. The challenges identified above diminish LGBT elders’ prospects for successful aging by making it harder for LGBT elders to achieve financial security; good health and health care; and social and community support.

Read more: Read the full report online at lgbtmap.org/policy-and-issue-analysis/ improving-the-lives-of-lgbt-older-adults.

Regional LGBT elder resources Prime Timers of Charlotte Group for men with monthly meetings, dinners and other social activities 704-236-3775, PrimeTimersCLT@gmail.com, primetimersww.com/charlotte/ LGBT Aging Solutions Network Monthly dinner discussion group clt.lgbt.elders@gmail.com.

SAGE Raleigh Provides services, activities and advocacy for LGBT people 50 and older LGBT Center of Raleigh 919-832-4484, lgbtcenterofraleigh.com/programs/adult-programs/sage-raleigh.html

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PRIDE 2015

Salisbury Pride to feature Del Shores Events culminate with festival on June 20

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

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conic film director, producer and playwright Del Shores is scheduled to headline Salisbury’s annual Pride festival with a special event appearance at the end of June. Several events will culminate with the annual Salisbury Pride Festival on June 20.

Drag Brunch, June 14: The Sweet Meadow Cafe, 111 N. Main St., will host a special Salisbury Pride Drag Brunch beginning at 2 p.m.

Admission is $10. For reservations call 704-637-8715.

Del Shores, June 19: Del Shores, famous for his creation of “Sordid Lives,” will perform at the Norvell on Friday, June 19, 8 p.m.

Tickets begin at $25 and are available online at salisburypride.com.

Festival, June 20: Held on the 100 block of E. Fisher St. in Downtown Salisbury. Activities begin at 11 a.m., featuring local community groups and entertainers.

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History exhibit: In the days leading up to Salisbury Pride, be sure to visit the Charlotte LGBT history timeline, compiled by local LGBT historian Josh Burford, on display on Lee St. In partnership with Salisbury Pride, the display hopes to inspire collection of local LGBT history in Salisbury. info: For more information on Salisbury Pride events and activities, visit salisburypride.com.

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life

PRIDE 2015

Pride Month: Commemorate your history Stonewall kicked our movement into high gear, but it wasn’t the first iconic LGBT rights endeavor

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

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ith June comes national LGBT Pride Month — commemorating the June 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. The riots that night lasted for several days, kick-starting a movement that blossomed in big and small cities across the U.S. There’s no doubt that Stonewall and the community’s reaction to it was a huge catalyst for community organizing. In the few years following the riots, more community organizing took place than in probably the previous two decades combined.

And Stonewall brought us a communitywide tradition — our annual Pride parades and festivals — which began with the very first Christopher Street Liberation Day March in June 1970, marking the first anniversary of Stonewall.

But Stonewall certainly wasn’t the first iconic or historic LGBT rights demonstration or event. Several important events of note preceded Stonewall, themselves laying a groundwork for future mobilization and organizing. Here’s a look at two of them…

equality of all mankind was declared: Independence Hall.

Their 1965 protest became the first public demonstration for gay and lesbian equality in the U.S. and, with 40 protesters, the largest demonstration for gay rights in world history, hailed today as the “beginning” of the LGBT civil rights movement by those organizing the 50th anniversary celebrations of the protests in Philadelphia, Penn., this year.

(Learn more about the celebrations at lgbt50.org.)

The one-time protest in 1965 became an annual event, adopting the name the “Annual Reminder.” The last event was held on July 4, 1965, just days after the Stonewall Riots. The next year, organizers picked up their protest signs and moved to New York City to join in on the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March.

The Annual Reminder Compton’s Organized on July 4, 1965, the Barbara Gittings at the first Annual Reminder in 1965.

Cafeteria Riot Annual Reminder began first as a Photo Credit: Kay Tobin Lahusen, New York Public Library Overshadowed in LGBT simple protest. Early homophile orgaManuscripts and Archives Division. history by the larger Stonewall nizations led by early activists Frank events, the riot at Compton’s Cafeteria in August 1966 is Kameny and Barbara Gittings wanted to publicly demonregarded as one of the first recorded demonstrations for strate for their equality — right on the most meaningful day transgender rights in the U.S. The cafeteria, located in San in America’s civic calendar and at the very spot where the

Francisco’s Tenderloin District, was a popular late-night hang out for drag queens, transgender community members and others, including street hustlers, the homeless and other members of the LGBT community.

On one late night, police came in and began to harass trans customers, as was common. But one trans customer had simply had enough. She threw hot coffee at the police officer and fighting broke out. The next night, others joined in a picket at the cafeteria, which by then was vowing never to allow transgender customers back into the establishment.

The riots at Compton’s Cafeteria didn’t spawn the kind of nationwide organizing that Stonewall did, but it had a tremendous effect and legacy in San Francisco, including the creation of a network of social groups, mental health groups and support services. In 1968, the organizing culminated in the creation of the National Transsexual Counseling Unit. Police behavior also changed in the wake of the riot, with law enforcement harassment of transgender people in the city reducing.

A common thread: Police harassment In recent years, our contemporary politics have been rocked by repeated reports of police harassment and killings of unarmed black men. The renewed attention and focus on the disproporinately poor treatment by police of people of color have rocked friendships and created divides. Many LGBT people of color and their allies have insisted the issue should be heralded

by LGBT organizations. And a look at LGBT history shows a common thread in our own early activism — when police harassment was an everyday fact of life for LGBT people.

Of 23 documented pre-Stonewall actions and protests, the earliest were solely focused on police harassment and the most iconic almost always focused on police raids at gay bars. Of course, the most famous of all riots — Stonewall — was itself a reaction to police abuse, raids, wrongful arrests, violence and harassment. : :

Prideful reads for GLBT Book Month Take a look at these must-read LGBT-themed books

by Matt Comer : matt@goqnotes.com

J

une is national LGBT Pride Month, when our community celebrates and commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969. June is also GLBT Book Month, a program of the American Library Association. The association says the month is designed as a “nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.” This year is the first time that the month is celebrated by the ALA, having previously been established in the early 1990s under The Publishing Triangle.

In celebration of Pride Month and GLBT Book Month, take a look at some of these classic and important LGBT-themed books and other writings.

They’re must-reads for anyone in the community or allies seeking to better understand LGBT people, culture, politics or history.

Angels in America

by Tony Kushner This epic play by playwright Tony Kushner brings to life the 1980s AIDS Crisis like none other. It’s been widely praised as one of the 20th century’s most important pieces of theatre and was later made into an HBO mini-series.

Rubyfruit Jungle

by Rita Mae Brown Widely considered the first lesbian coming-of-age novel, published in 1973, Rita Mae Brown’s autobiography takes readers on a journey through her youth and her work becoming an author.

Giovanni’s Room

by James Baldwin Published in 1956, this fictional novel by James

Baldwin focuses on the life of an American, David, living in Paris. The story follows his adventures in the city, his relationships with other gay men there and his intimate relationship with Giovanni, whom David meets in a local gay bar.

The Normal Heart

by Larry Kramer This largely autobiographical work by AIDS activist Larry Kramer tells the early story of the AIDS Crisis in New York City, 1981-1984, and the beginnings of Gay Men’s Health Crisis.

A Single Man

by Christopher Isherwood This iconic 1964 novel was made famous in mainstream consciousness when it debuted as a Tom Ford produced film starring Colin Firth in 2009. The novel, like the movie, follows the life of George, a middle-aged professor, after the death of his partner.

Tales of the City

by Armistead Maupin From Raleigh, N.C.-native Armistead Maupin, “Tales of the City” began as a serial in a San Francisco newspaper in the 1970s. The first novel was published in 1976, followed by several other titles in the series dating from 1980 through 2014.

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tell trinity

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

When it’s time to meet your lovers parents Hey Trinity, I’m going with my boyfriend to meet his parents for the first time. I’m nervous and in need of some good advice.

Parent Fright, Savannah, GA Hey Parent Fright, It’s normal to be anxious when meeting “the parents” which is why you should prepare yourself with positive affirmations and smart strategies. Besides looking and acting your best, be careful of the “Parent Trap.” It’s that one-too-many-friendly cocktails or glasses of wine that loosen you up to the point of no return. So, baby, don’t be fooled or foolish by having more than one or two drinks the entire

night, otherwise you might start revealing some of those tattoo or drug and sex stories you vowed never to mention!

Hello Trinity, I’m getting divorced and have decided to sue.

I know you say, “Revenge is wrong and meaningless,” but I’m torn between wiping my hands or taking this to court? What’s your take?

Divorce Court, Palm Springs, CA Hello Divorce Court, If someone does you wrong, then, of course, protect yourself and make him or her pay for what belongs to you. But, sweetie, meaningless acts of revenge only brings conflict into

everyone’s life. Think forgiveness and moving on rather than bad karma and lawyer fees! (You’ll see how I balance the “scales of justice” when you take a look at my cartoon.)

Dear Trinity, I started dating someone who went on line and found out more about me than I knew about myself. Now I’m afraid I have nothing to say that has intrigue or surprise. Am I wrong to keep secrets from dates?

Secret Surprises, Ogunquit, ME Dear Secret Surprises, Secrets are typical and healthy unless they’re endangering someone’s life or health. If so, then you must practice integrity and start talking. As for career, age, income and all those meaningless stereotypes (except zodiac sign), I say you can wait until your date becomes a more regular mate, then fill in all the blanks. Darling, when practicing honesty, honestly be clever not righteous!

Dearest Trinity, I’m a gay high school student and still in the closet at home. I’d like to tell my parents, but I’m waiting until I go off to college. Is this how you would do it?

Gay Youth, Sioux Falls, SD Dearest Gay Youth, While it’s important to be free with your sexuality, it’s also important to be safe and intelligent about coming out. Pumpkin, you’ll be gay forever, so take your time reading: Trinity’s Survival Tips For Gay Youth 1. Not everyone loves or understands gay people, so don’t waste your time worrying about them. Surround yourself with people who love you.

2. If coming out means physical or financial harm, then wait, plan your strategy right, not foolishly. Being smart is being a smart gay youth!

3. Community is strength! Solitude is for small pox victims! Join a gay youth organization… yesterday!

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4. While gay life is not always easy, it can be very exciting. Celebrate what’s good in your life rather than harping on what’s bad!

5. S ince you’re constantly learning, then constantly learn that you cannot know it all. Give everyone including yourself time to understand your gay life!

6. H aving lots of friends, going out a lot and getting high lots doesn’t make you a better person, just a popular one. Be an individual!

7. Relationships and people constantly evolve and do not always end up as they originally promised. Find strength in your disappointments!

8. D on’t be a theater snob, a fashion snob, a drunken slob or a pretensions queen.

Accept everyone for what they are including yourself!

9. You’ll change many times throughout life and fit into many different subcultures of gay life. Be open to change and growth!

10. L astly, being gay is a gift, a blessing and a miracle. Not everyone is worthy of such a unique journey. Keep reminding yourself that you are a gift! info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

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life

Pride Month Books :: continued from page 15 Stonewall

by Martin Duberman Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution

by David Carter If you want an understanding of the early LGBT rights movement after the Stonewall Riots, take a look at these two non-fiction histories.

Rebels, Rubyfruit, and Rhinestones: Queering Space in the Stonewall South

by James T. Sears For a better understanding of LGBT history in the South — often overlooked in national LGBT history discussions and research — read this book from author James T. Sears. It even includes a good bit of information on North Carolina LGBT history.

Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More

by Janet Mock To better understand contemporary transgender people and issues, check out this new, widely praised memoir from trans activist Janet Mock.

It’s Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance, Defeating Homophobia and Winning True Equality

by Michelangelo Signorile Forcing the Spring: Inside the Fight for Marriage Equality

by Jo Becker And to better understand contemporary LGBT politics, take a look through these two recent books. One, by Jo Becker, caused a stir for its perspective on the push for marriage equality. The other, by Michelangelo Signorile, has largely been considered a response to Becker’s book and recent fights for marriage equality.

Proclamation :: continued from page 8 against discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the

Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.

I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA

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dishing with buff faye

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

Bar Wars: Drag queens awaken Let us pull back the curtain for this column. I got something to say. Cue the orchestra and Darth Vader breathing. Let’s talk about the BAR WARS. I guess you can blame it on Generation X for not being faithful to just the gay bar. After all, we fought our whole lives for equality and fairness. Why not go drink at any bar we want? Or, maybe it’s the Millennial Generation who is really at fault. These gender benders and anarchist of identity labels and compartmental boxes rebel against tradition — even when it comes to partying.

Times have changed. In the past, the gay bar was a community center, a safe space to be who you are, a place to find friends, hook-up and even possibly fall in love. Now we got Grindr, Growlr, Tinder, Adam4Adam, Scruff or we got trendy, chic, shiny new clubs every month asking us to celebrate, drink, dance and party. LGBT people are no longer a guarantee to gay clubs and bars. If we remember Hartigan’s, Marigny Dance Club, Rainbow In are among a few gay bars lost in Charlotte area recently. Even in major cities, historic gay dance clubs and bars are closing.

The truth is that LGBT people are going anywhere and everywhere to spend money — and party these days. Some call it mainstreaming of gay culture. Others call it assimilation. And then there are many who call it acceptance. I don’t know who the Dark Side is anymore, frankly.

What’s even worse is that the LGBT clubs are seemingly battling each other. And, drag queens, like us, have become the Stormtroopers. According to the 2014 Census, there are now one million people in the City of Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) and Charlotte Pride broke 100,000 in attendance last year. But most gay clubs and bars are still fighting over the same 100-200 LGBT

patrons with their drag shows and drink specials weekly. That is not the answer.

But I do know the Power of the Force seems to be in drag.

You can find drag videos on YouTube, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on TV or you can see a drag show almost anywhere these days. Yes, drag is popular — it’s trending!

Drag is the bridge builder between queer culture and straight culture. Gay clubs and bars can compete for straight people just as much as straight clubs can get LGBT people. But the gay dance club or bar has to sell more than drinks and a drag show to be truly successful. Nightlife is about selling an experience — a unique experience. And that is where the war is being lost among LGBT bars and why more will likely close.

What’s my point? Bar Wars have little to do with the actual drag queens. It has everything to do with business and competition to keep the doors open of LGBT bars and clubs — who are desperately trying to survive. And it has sadly been at the detriment of drag queens who are often underpaid and undervalued for what they do for the community.

A very old drag queen once told me — “Drag is about acceptance of who we are; it is laughter to endure the pain of a health crisis epidemic and it is about a riot to take back our rights and it must always be about loving our community.” I think it is important to remember this. Nothing (including Bar Wars) should keep us from helping legends like Boom Boom LaTour with a benefit show or one another in a time of need. I will haunt you bitches if you don’t show up at my funeral.

Drag queens awaken! The Bar Wars must not destroy our sisterhood (aka The Force). Sure, we may fight now and then, or make fun of a queen’s cracked foundation. But at the end of the day, there is not anything I would not do for any drag queen in Charlotte (Love you, Fishsticks xo).

Who will win the Bar Wars? Ultimately, it is not a drag queen who will keep a bar open.

It is how the business meets the changing market and the needs of the consumers.

Cue music. Darth Vader exits stage left followed by Stormtrooper. End scene.

— Buff Faye calls the Queen City her home and performs to raise money so she can finish her Death Star (and raise money for charities).

Find her at your favorite bars and hot spots.

Plus don’t forget her weekly Saturday night show with Patti O’Furniture and regular Friday night party bus.

Learn more at AllBuff.com.

Follow on Twitter @BuffFaye

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PRIDE 2015

Bump up the volume on these Pride tunes Spotify’s top streamed songs on Pride playlists

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GBT Pride Month is going into full swing.

Here in the Carolinas, Pride season will stretch all the way into fall. To make your

celebrations even more fun and exciting, take a look at what Spotify says are its most-streamed songs on its Pride-themed playlists. The music streaming service analyzed tens of thousands of playlists and found the top tracks, spanning several decades and even including classics like Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow,” which came in at number one.

Other songs in the list include the iconic “Believe” from the ever-popular diva herself, Cher. It came in at number two. More contemporary songs made it on the list, too, including two from Lady Gaga. The only surprise?

Where’s Sister Sledge’s “We are Family”?

Here’s the full top 20 list: Top 20 Streamed Songs Across Pride-Themed Playlists US: 1. Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland 2. Believe – Cher 3. Let’s Have A Kiki – Scissor Sisters 4. Born This Way – Lady Gaga 5. Sissy That Walk – RuPaul 6. I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross 7. Work B**ch – Britney Spears 8. Vogue – Madonna 9. Stay With Me – Sam Smith 10. Supermodel (You Better Work) – RuPaul 11. I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston 12. Dancing Queen – ABBA 13. Hung Up – Madonna 14. Dancing On My Own – Robyn 15. It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls 16. I’m Not The Only One – Sam Smith 17. Closer – Tegan And Sara 18. Only Girl (In The World) – Rihanna 19. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) – Beyoncé 20. The Edge Of Glory – Lady Gaga Spotify is also promoting two featured Pride-themed playlists from actor Alan Cumming and another from YouTube personality Tyler Oakley.

Learn more and listen in for your next Pride party at spotify.com. : : — Matt Comer, from press release

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EVENTS June-July 2015

Malt Shop Memories SEP JUN MO Greensboro Day School 5401 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro 8 p.m.

It was an era filled with music that made you feel good, and made you smile. Come with Triad Pride Men’s Chorus on a nostalgic visit to a time when dances, clothes, cars Does your dog have the paws to walk and hanging out the runway? If so, dress your adorable at the local malt pooch up for success and join Charlotte shop after school Pride on June 6 for the most fabulous made you forget doggie fashion show you’ve ever seen! the turbulent Presented by Charlotte Pride, benefiting social changes the Human Society of Charlotte. Fashion that were ocprovided by SilverFly. $5/general admiscurring. Other sion, $20/VIP seating, $15/dog contest performances entry. More information, ticket purchase slated for June 9, and dog registration is available online.

8 p.m., Centennial charlottepride.org/canine/.

Station Arts –––––––––––––––––––– Center, 121 S. Centennial St., High Point, PFLAG Gaston Prom and June 13, 8 p.m., UNC School of All Saints’ Episcopal Church the Arts, Performance Place, Gerald 1201 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia Freedman Theatre, 1533 S. Main St., An all-generations prom. Open to all 18 and over. Under 18 must be accompanied Winston-Salem. $15/advance, $20/door, $10/students and seniors. by parent who is a member of PFLAG triadpridemenschorus.org.

Gaston. Refreshments, door prizes, DJ. $10 at the door.

–––––––––––––––––––– Community Family Picnic SEP JUN MO All Star Kickball Park Road Park Veterans Park 6220 Park Rd., Charlotte 2136 Central Ave., Charlotte 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Noon All the food and fixings Stonewall Kickball leagues from across are provided, along with games, a DJ, North Carolina come to Charlotte for their Twister, face painting and more. A statewide All Star Game. Matches pitting picnic celebration all LGTBQ and ally Raleigh, Charlotte and Greensboro teams families, presented by Bank of America, against each other begin at noon, with Charlotte Black Gay Pride, Charlotte the championship game slated for 3:20 Pride, Food Lion, Human Rights p.m. A cookout follows at 4:30 p.m. at The Campaign and PFLAG Charlotte. More Bar at 316, 316 Rensselaer Ave. details available online. facebook.com/events/761938347237983/. charlottepride.org.

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Canine Couture Triple C Brewing Company 2900 Griffith St., Charlotte 2-5 p.m.

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Submit your event to our calendar!

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).

Bingo Recruitment Party SEP JUN MO The Bar at 316 316 Rensselaer Ave., Charlotte 8 p.m.

RAIN hosts a Bingo Verifying Diva (BVD) recruitment party. As Gay Bingo prepares to return this November, RAIN needs new minds, new ideas and new energy to throw on some heels, a wig and volunteer their time and talents.

Don’t want be a BVD, but still want to help out? No worries! They will be recruiting for a variety of volunteer positions throughout the evening’s festivities.

–––––––––––––––––––– Fund’s Funky Good Time Mint Museum Uptown 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 8-10 p.m.

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The Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund, the Mint Museum and Wells Fargo host a Studio 54 themed party and Halston/ Warhol Art Exhibit showing. Open for two hours, free with optional donation (half to Fund, half to Mint). Dress is festive and funky.

To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/

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June 5-18 . 2015

Carolinas Care Partnership 5K Reedy Creek Park 2900 Rocky River Rd., Charlotte

8 a.m.

This is a great trail race in a scenic park in Charlotte. Run through woodlands, around ponds and back to the dramatic finish.

Great for the coach-to-5K crew and those hardcore over-achievers. Awards given for top spots by age and gender. Proceeds benefit Carolinas Care Partnership. carolinascare5k.racesonline.com.

–––––––––––––––––––– Voices Out Loud!

Caldwell Presbyterian Church 1609 E. 5th St., Charlotte 5 p.m.

Charlotte Black Gay Pride hosts a celebration of gospel classics. More information to be announced. charlotteblackgaypride.com.

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Forté! 2015 Mint Museum Uptown 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 4-7 p.m.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte presents its sixth annual festive gala with food, drinks, auctions, all with fabulous friends. It’s a new day and new feel, but the same fun and frolic.

Doors open at 3:30 p.m. $65. gmccharlotte.org.

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Bianca Del Rio SEP JUL MO McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square 345 N. College St., Charlotte 8 p.m. qnotes in association Continues through June 20 SEP JUN MO with Murray & Peter ‘Hollywood Squares: The proudly present a night Speakeasy Edition” of outrageous comedy Charlotte Ballet (and a little hate on the 701 N. Tryon St., Charlotte side lol). Here comes 8 p.m.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” One Voice Chorus returns with Hollywood Season 6 winner Bianca Squares, this time taking the audience Del Rio with the “Rolodex of Hate” comback to the age of the Speakeasy — an edy special. Warning: Adult content. This era which brought secret passwords, ain’t no lady. Sold out around the world back-room indulgences and NASCAR! and now it’s your turn to #lovethehate. All Celebrate some of the greatest musicals reserved seating, $50 & $35. Limited VIP like “Showboat,” “42nd Street,” “Cabaret” meet and greet tickets, $75. Tickets on and more. Tickets on sale online. sale online at carolinatix.org or call 704onevoicechorus.com.

372-1000 or visit blumenthalarts.org.

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Power of One Awards SEP JUN MO Fairfield inn & Suites Charlotte Uptown 201 S. McDowell St., Charlotte 5 p.m.

Honoring African-American, same-gender-loving men making an impact in the greater Charlotte community. Presented

by PowerHouse Charlotte. 2015 honorees include: Charlotte City Councilmember Al Austin, Nickel Bar owner Milton Howard and the Rev. Clifford Matthews, Jr., pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church.

Cocktail attire. Complimentary buffet. Free. powerhousecharlotte.org.

Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

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life

OUR PEOPLE:

Q&A with Gwen Pearson Office manager, Time Out Youth; publisher, Visit Gay Charlotte

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com Mayor Dan Clodfelter even signed a proclamation naming June “Visit Gay Charlotte Month.” Get to know Gwen a little bit better in this issue’s Our People Q&A. Interview edited for brevity and clarity.

Are you originally from Charlotte?

No, I’m from Virginia Beach, Va. I came to Charlotte in February 2011.

My job brought me here. I worked for Target for 17 years opening new stores across the country. I’d travel a lot with them, every year and a half or two years. We opened up the store in Weddington, and then I had some health issues and had to stop working. My doctors were here and I fell in love with the city, so I decided to stay!

You’re big on volunteering. Why is that important to you?

When I worked for Target, we volunteered once a month. It was something we were expected to do.

I loved it. So when I wasn’t working, I still wanted to be involved and one of the things I discovered looking back was that I did not immerse myself in my own community. I did everything else, but when it came to LGBT things, it wasn’t in my scope.

I wanted to dedicate myself to my own community.

Over the past couple years as I’ve gotten to know Gwen Pearson, I’ve become increasingly charmed by her ever-present smile, her big warm hugs and her downright adorable, positive attitude to life, friendships, community and work. In short, Gwen, 41 (though you’d be hard pressed to guess any age over 30!), is the kind of person who can absolutely light up your day. During her days, she works as office manager for Time Out Youth, a position she landed in March. In her volunteer time, she’s secretary for Charlotte Pride and the publisher of Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com), taking over late last year for founder Mark Wisniewski, whom I helped get the site up and running. Gwen’s got lots of exciting things in store for the local LGBT tourism and events website, and she and her crew of writers recently celebrated the sites relaunch at an official relaunch party in Uptown. Charlotte

Where’d you go to school?

Virginia Commonwealth University.

I majored in biochemistry. I also studied for a master’s degree at Old Dominion University. I always loved the sciences. Anatomy and physiology were my favorite classes. Genetics fascinate me.

My parents are both teachers. My mom was a math major. My dad is an engineer.

What’s your favorite color?

Everyone always thinks my favorite color is pink, because I have so much of it, but my favorite color is actually burnt sienna.

Your favorite food?

I’m a doughnut fan! Anything with doughnuts or cakes!

Favorite music?

It varies. I want to say I’m more a neo-soul, classic R&B type. My favorite artist is Jill Scott.

I really resonate with her. She’s inspirational and runs the range of emotions.

Any favorite hang out spots?

I love Amelie’s. It’s good for meetings and it seems to be a central place. I also hang out at Red@28th. My girlfriend B performs there. : :

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