QNotes June 7-20, 2013

June 7-20 . 2013

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June 7-20 . 2013

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June 7-20, 2013 Vol 28 No 03

arts. entertainment. news. views.

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news & features 5 City manager attends forum 5 Scholarships awarded 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs

8 Pride: 2013 Season 10 Pride: Our Roots 11 Pride: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow 15 Tell Trinity

twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas

16 Out in the Stars

contributors this issue

18 Jane’s World

18 Fabulance

Paige Braddock, Rosendo Brown, Matt Comer, Maria Dominquez, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Trinity, Brett Webb-Mitchell

19 Q events calendar

front page

opinions & views

Designed by: Lainey Millen Illustration: VectorPortal.com, licensed under creative commons.

Photos: jacreative’s photostream, Winston-Salem Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau

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4 Editor’s Note 4 On Being a Gay Parent 5 QPoll

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Pride & Perseverance: Amendment One made us stronger — An in-depth look at the Amendment One campaign and how the community has been affected in the year since May 8, 2012.

Pride in our history: UNCC takes up LGBT archival project — Staffers at UNC-Charlotte are working to help preserve local LGBT community history.

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editor’s note

by Matt Comer matt@goqnotes.com

Pride: Still so much more than a party Each June, the LGBT community commemorates one of its most defining historical moments. National LGBT Pride Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate our history and what we’ve accomplished. It is an opportunity to thank those who have come before and support those who are working to move us forward.

On June 28, 1969, the modern-day LGBT civil rights movement was born. Or, at least, that’s what we’ve been told. There’s no doubt that the Stonewall Riots were the pivotal moment in our collective, national movement.

Before Stonewall, LGBT community groups were scattered across the country. After Stonewall, LGBT community organizing picked up steam like never before.

Yet, like all things, the events surrounding Stonewall were a product of their own time and their own history.

Starting in 1950, clean-cut gay men seeking acceptance and inclusion had founded the Mattachine Society. In 1955, a women’s group, the Daughters of Bilitis, had formed. The two groups laid the foundation for the movement, building the initial philosophical framework later activists and community members would

use to press for their liberties and freedoms.

The two groups, however, were assimilationist and non-confrontational in their style. That excluded a good portion of people within our own community. As such, they were underrepresented, if represented at all. Those folks — transgender community members, homeless gay youth, hustlers, drag queens and people of color — would make their own movement their own way. Their action came in the form of revolt — from under the heavy thumb of police oppression and from out of the shadows of assimilationist gay advocacy culture. Stonewall wasn’t the first. A decade before, gay men and transgender community members rebelled after police harassment at a Cooper’s Donut shop in Los Angeles. In 1966, transgender community members, hustlers and gay men sparked riots and picketing after similar police abuse at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco.

Similar communities had called the Stonewall Inn their home. Drag queens and trans people, people of color, homeless street youth and gay hustlers had found a place free from fear and where they could live honestly.

Until, that is, New York City’s finest came

on being a gay parent

by Brett Webb-Mitchell :: qnotes contributor

“Forward, Together, Not One Step Back!”

Moral Mondays and North Carolina’s LGBTQ Community “Freedom, freedom, freedom in the morning, freedom in the evening,” sang the impromptu chorus of women and men outside of the golden doors of the North Carolina House of Representatives in Raleigh’s Legislative Building for three Mondays in a row. “Forward, Together, Not One Step Back!” we shouted between those who would be arrested and the many who supported them.

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Seventeen people placed themselves in front of the golden doors, holding banners and posters like “Expand Medicaid!” “Freedom!”

“Justice!” on April 29. The next week 27 people obstructed entry into the N.C. House of Representatives room. On May 13, 49 people were booked for violating the law. To date, almost 100 people were arrested, with more Mondays of protest coming. All those

around for routine busts and harassment. On June 28, this oppressed community had had enough. Despite the good efforts of groups like the Mattachine and Daughters of Bilitis, no one else was speaking for them. They were forced to speak for themselves.

One year after the Riots, community members gathered in New York City to mark the first Christopher Street Liberation Day march. Simultaneous events were held in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. Thus was born our Pride tradition.

Over the next few decades, that tradition would morph and change. Some say for the better; others for the worse. The once raucous, in-your-face liberation-and-freedomthemed events were eventually replaced by less politicized, less outrageous ones.

Today’s events are barely shadows of the first Christopher Street Day marches, despite some critics, even within the LGBT community, who complain that today’s events remain too decadent.

But, here we are, nearing 50 years after Stonewall, and our Pride events are still going strong. Our LGBT community — emboldened and empowered by the growing support of our straight parents, friends and families — is gaining ground like never before. From the halls of Congress to local town councils, LGBT people are earning places of respect in elected office. A dozen states recognize marriage equality. Even more states prohibit discrimination in employment.

We still have a long way to go. Our full equality — in the law, in civic spaces, in reli-

gious institutions, in our neighborhoods and communities — is not yet a reality. And, until that day, our Prides — our annual reminders of the struggle that has brought us this far — will remain. It’s up to each of us and the people who have the privilege of organizing these events to put them in the right context, to cherish the history, to remember and memorialize those who came before us. We can never lose sight of our history; it’s what sustains us and empowers us. It’s what gives us hope — our enduring dream still unfulfilled, but coming closer and closer to fruition with each and every passing day.

Several years ago, I wrote of this history and of Stonewall’s essential place in our continued American experiment in equality and justice. I was tempted to quote those words again, but they have already become antiquated. There are much better words for us now — a shining testament to our history and where progress has finally brought us.

So, I’ll end with words from President Barack Obama and his second inaugural address from this January: “We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths — that all of us are created equal — is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on earth.” : :

who practiced civil disobedience, e.g., to get arrested, went to a 3:30 p.m. training event at Davie St. Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, to learn what to do in terms of being arrested.

Doctors, lawyers, professors, clergy, seminary leaders, Raging Grannies; able-bodied and those with disabilities; black, white and Hispanic; old and young; gay, lesbian and straight; rich and poor; grandparents and young parents; and college and high school educated. All held their heads high as they were cuffed and led off the premises by the authorities. Each group of people proudly stood their ground. I was part of the chorus of support. I came to witness this proud American tradition of civil disobedience that goes back to the writings of none other than Henry David Thoreau of “Walden Pond” fame.

I also witnessed the massive show of force of State Troopers and Capitol Police. The police took pictures of us as we witnessed our sisters and brothers soon being arrested, taken one by one by large State Troopers and Capitol Police to a waiting bus outside. Plastic handcuffs were placed upon all of those who would not move out of the doorway. “But this is the people’s house!” objected Rev. Vernon Tyson in his 80s.

What is behind all this? The General Assembly has awakened the silent majority concerned about the legislative agenda of the Republicans who are now in power of all branches of government for the first time since the Civil War. There have been cuts in

see Gay Parent on 14

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City manager attends forum Transit issues, LGBT inclusion discussed

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — The Queen City’s newlyinstalled city manager, Ron Carlee, attended a public forum with leaders of the LGBT community on May 23.

The event was held at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte where Roberta Dunn, center board vice chair, said about 25 people attended the meeting. Dunn is also a member of the Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee (MeckPAC) Steering Committee.

Carlee’s history as an LGBT and progressive ally encourages Dunn.

“I think it is a tremendous strength to the community,” she said. “We are going to be in a void with an election coming up for the new mayor. We don’t know what kind of support we’ll get from the left or the right, the Democrats or the Republicans. I have major concerns on both sides of the aisle on how strong of support we’ll get from a new mayor.

Having a city manager that is a very strong ally, I think it is a good thing.”

Dunn said Carlee and those gathered discussed a range of issues, including the proposed streetcar project.

“He discussed what the metro system did for Washington, D.C., and its property tax values and commuter capabilities and what a fantastic thing it is for D.C. and the surrounding Maryland and Virginia areas,” Dunn said.

Carlee is a former Arlington County, Va., manager.

Dunn said Carlee also discussed LGBT inclusion.

“He said that when he was asked about this position here [in Charlotte], one of the first things he asked was where are you on LGBT equality,” Dunn said. “He was told what we had in the city and county and he said that he wouldn’t want to go to a city that didn’t have equality and rights for everyone.”

Also discussed, Dunn said, was the city’s Commercial Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

The law lays out how businesses wishing to contract services with the city offer their bids.

Currently, businesses must state they have a non-discrimination policy, but the ordinance does not include enumerated categories like sexual orientation and gender identity. Dunn reported Carlee said he would look into the

city’s authority to amend the ordinance.

Dunn also expressed some frustration with attendance at the event, despite good attendance from a good portion of long-established civic leaders. Though the city and county have made progress on some employment and benefits issues, Dunn said, more work remains to be done.

“We have so much more to accomplish,” she said.

“There’s still so much discrimination out there.” : :

Charlotte City Manager Ron Carlee, left, and LGBT Community Center of Charlotte Vice Chair Roberta Dunn.

Scholarships awarded Five students receive college funds

by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com

WINSTON-SALEM — Local students Sam Tarleton, Cameron McBee, Londyn Marshall, Melissa Black and Natalie Martinez have each been awarded funds to assist in their college education.

Equality WinstonSalem gave one $1,000 and four $250 scholarships to LGBT and ally students which will be applied to the cost of undergraduate tuition, fees, room and board and/or other college expenses.

This was the inaugural year for this program.

“This scholarship shows me that my work for the LGBT community really means something. I am proud to be the first of many LGBT youth to be recognized for their hard work,” Tarleton said.

Tarleton, who was the $1,000 recipient, hails from Parkland High School. He was a member of the Paisley/Parkland Debate team, co-president of Parkland’s Gay Straight Alliance, Organizing for America and Amendment One volunteer and founder of the Mustang Political Activist Club. He will attend

Mercer University in Macon, Ga. McBee, who also attended Parkland, has taken part in events sponsored by the Parkland GSA, has supported couples in the “We Do” campaign and has attended WinstonSalem Pride. He was also able to witness and participate in the union of his gay neighbors and friends in Washington, D.C. He’ll be attending Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. Marshall, from West Forsyth High School, was a supporting ally who has been a member of the West Forsyth Equality Club since 2010.

She was InterClub Council secretary, Key Club editor, past Junior Class secretary and played Women’s Lacrosse from 2009-2011. She will be attending the University of Kentucky.

Martinez, who came from Early College of Forsyth, was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, participated in PRIDE, Link Up to Stop Bullying and PRIDE Club events. She will attend Salem College. : :

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news notes: carolinas. nation. world. compiled by Lainey Millen | Matt Comer | Maria Dominguez

Charlotte Leader invited to White House

CHARLOTTE — Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride, participated in a White House conference on mental health on June 3.

Campus Pride, based in Charlotte, is a national organization that works with LGBT college students and campuses. The group was one of several organizations nationally invited to attend the conference, where President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were scheduled to speak. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Education Arne Duncan were scheduled to moderate two sessions during the conference.

The president’s conference was designed to increase understanding and awareness of mental health, including reducing stigma and increasing access to care.

— M.C.

Stonewall remembrance on deck

CHARLOTTE — The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 2508 N. Davidson St., will host its annual Stonewall Celebration on June 29, 12-8 p.m.

Performers are encouraged to showcase their talent in front of a diverse audience.

Additionally, the center is seeking artisans and food vendors for the event.

Interested parties should email programs@ gaycharlotte.com. Space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.

Admission if free. info: gaycharlotte.com.

— L.M.

PFLAG to stage ‘Laramie’

GASTONIA — The Gaston County chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will produce Moises Kaufman’s and the members of Tectonic Theater Project’s “The Laramie Project.” The drama includes three acts and tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student killed in Laramie, Wyo., in 1998.

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Auditions for the play will be held on June 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Events on Main. The cast includes four men and four women. High school-aged youth and adults are invited to audition. An application and a “cold read” of a portion of the script will be required.

The play will be staged on Aug. 3 and Aug. 4. More information forthcoming.

For more information, contact the show’s director, Jim Kellogg, at jamesrkellogg@ yahoo.com.

— M.C.

Triangle NCCU becomes trailblazer

DURHAM — North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has become the first HBCU (historically black college or university) in the state to establish services for LGBT students.

On April 9, they opened their doors to the LGBT Resource Center in the Alphonso Elder Student Union, Room G-64.

In doing so, they become only the second HBCU nationally to create programs targeted at supporting LGBT students. (Bowie State University in Bowie, Md., was the first to do so in 2012.)

According to NCCU’s Campus Echo, the resource center is “designed for students to connect with other members of the LGBT community and learn about their culture and identity. The research center contains an array of resources such as an LGBT support network, the LGBT lecture series, educational and social programming and a library of LGBT materials.”

The center has received support from Creating Open Lives For Real Success (C.O.L.O.R.S.) and Dominating Overly Motivated Studs (D.O.M.S.).

The center is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To learn more about the center, call Doxey at 919-530-6497 or email tdoxey@nccu.edu.

— L.M.

Lee to share story

RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh, 411 Hillsborough St., will hold a Meet the

Schools program partnership formed CHARLOTTE — Time Out Youth (TOY) and Micah the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) of North Johnson Carolina have entered into a partnership to bring Welcoming Schools to the region.

A project of HRC’s foundation, the program offers tools, lessons and resources on embracing family diversity, avoiding gender stereotyping and ending bullying and name-calling in elementary schools.

“We are excited to bring this program to the Charlotte region,” Rodney Tucker, executive director, said in a release. “Since starting our work in middle schools in 2012 we have seen increased numbers of younger youth who are identifying as questioning. This program gives us a product to help these students, teacher and families,” he added.

“Teachers and staff want concrete ways to support their students and Welcoming Schools provides these skills and resources,” Micah Johnson, TOY’s director of school Outreach said.

Johnson attended a three-day training with Welcoming Schools and the Broward County Public Schools in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in order to bring the Welcoming Schools curriculum to schools and communities in the Carolinas. info: timeoutyouth.org.

— L.M. Author night on June 23, 4-5:30 p.m. Theme for the afternoon will be based upon LGBT spiritual journey.

Co-sponsored by the Affirming Faith Forum and the center library, this event will have as one of its featured presenters author Justin Lee, executive director of The Gay Christian Network. He has penned “Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays Vs Christians Debate.”

On hand will be a panel of spiritual leaders who will read from their books, followed by discussion. A book signing will also take place.

Other panelists will be announced at a later time. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

— L.M.

Teen Dems host gay leaders

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats hosted their 50th annual convention the first weekend of June. There, the group hosted several openly gay and gay-friendly leaders, including N.C. House Rep. Marcus Brandon (D-Guilford), ally Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford) and openly gay, former Senate candidate Jim Neal (D).

The group is the teenage outreach auxiliary of the North Carolina Democratic

Party and works with middle and high school students.

— M.C.

Family survey participants sought

RALEIGH — Equality North Carolina’s summer intern, Jeremy Crisp, has developed a survey on LGBT families and is searching for participants.

His initiative goal is to help build strong LGBT family across the state. The four areas of concentration he is planning to develop are: legal protection or as protected as possible in N.C.; advocating for family; advocating for families in the community; and supporting the unique needs of LGBT families.

Crisp attends North Carolina State University and is pursuing a Master’s in Family Life and Youth Development.

Go to bit.ly/strongLGBTfamilies to participate.

— L.M.

Western Music, art fest slated

BOONE — Siren Mountain Jam will be held June 21-22 at the High Country Fairgrounds, 748 Roby Green Rd.

news

goqnotes.com/to/news The two-headliner on June 21 is 10-time Grammy nominee and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello. On June 22, multi-platinum selling recording artist and seven-time Grammy nominee Joan Osborne headlines. They are joined during the festival by Samantha O’Brien, Crys Matthews, Rising Appalachia, Toshi Reagon, Melissa Reaves, Michelle Malone, Lisa Baldwin & Dave Haney, Amythyst Kiah, The Mountain Laurels, The Swayback Sisters, teen Eliza Eason, Greta Schaefer and performance artist Nuit Moore. Other groups and solo acts were not available at press time.

An array of healing and performing arts will also be prominently featured and offered at the jam. From fire spinning, belly dancing, Zumba and hula hooping to massage, herbal teachings and yoga, attendees are invited to experience and enjoy a diverse mix of alternative teachings and activities.

Produced by women and featuring women musicians, artisans, healing artists, non-profit organizations and chefs, Siren Mountain Jam is a family-friendly celebration of women’s contributions to the arts.

All are welcome and invited to enjoy a weekend of arts, nature, relaxation and fun in an Appalachian mountain setting.

A limited number of tent and RV camping spaces are available. Advance

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as equal children of God,” the bishop said in a statement to qnotes.

Some LGBT advocates were disappointed Boy Scouts allow gay youth in the change, which will leave in place a ban DALLAS, Texas — The Boy Scouts of on adult leaders. Wayne Besen, executive America’s 1,400-member National Council director of Truth Wins voted to allow openly Out, said the comprogay youth members mise “reinforced the in their programs on most vile stereotypes May 23. The change and misconceptions was approved by [about gay men] 61 percent of voting deliberately peddled by delegates, sparking anti-gay activists.” controversy from antiOrganizations that LGBT opponents of worked on the change the new policy, some called it a “small step of whom have said in a much longer they will pull their journey for Scouting,” support of Scouting. according to Inclusive “Southern Scouting Network coBaptists are going to founder Mark Noel. be leaving the Boy Jennifer Tyrrell, Scouts en masse,” a lesbian Cub Scout Southern Baptist leader and mother, Convention Ethics will continue to be and Religious Liberty Lesbian Cub Scout leader Jennifer Tyrrell and excluded from the Commission Chair her son, Cruz, were in Dallas during the Boy program.

Richard Land said.

Scouts’ policy vote.

“I’m so proud of Other religious Photo Credit: Mark Noel/Inclusive Scouting Network. how far we’ve come, leaders have offered but until there’s a their support, including Bishop Michael Curry place for everyone in Scouting, my work will of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. continue,” she said in a release.

“This is a good first step toward genuine Read our full report on the policy change inclusion, and we pray and look forward to at goqnotes.com/23201/. the day when all people will be included and [Ed. Note — This publication’s editor is a welcomed in the Boy Scouts and everywhere

National

co-founder and board member of the Inclusive Scouting Network and has been active in advocacy work on the BSA policy initiatives.]

— M.D. & M.C.

Obama issues Pride proclamation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Barack Obama issued a proclamation on May 31 declaring June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.

“We celebrate LGBT Pride Month at a moment of great hope and progress, recognizing that more needs to be done,” Obama said.

This is the fifth consecutive year the president has issued the proclamation. Read the full proclamation at lgbtqnation.com/2013/05/ obama-issues-proclamation.

— LGBTQ Nation

Wave of NYC hate crimes

NEW YORK CITY — Police are continuing to investigate a string of anti-gay hate crimes in New York City. Five men, aged 16-21, have been arrested in the latest series of attacks. Thirty anti-gay bias attacks have been reported in the city so far this year, more than double for the same period last year. For more updates, read lgbtqnation.com.

— LGBTQ Nation Some national and international news content provided courtesy of and reprinted in partnership with LGBTQ Nation, a qnotes media partner. For the latest national and international news, visit lgbtqnation.com.

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Pride: 2013 Season Local and national events from now through the fall

by Maria Dominguez :: maria@goqnotes.com

LA Pride June 7-9 lapride.org.

Wilmington Pride Organizers will hold several events for Wilmington Pride this month, including a Pride Prom on June 8, youth laser tag on June 15 and other events. wilmingtonpride.com.

Nashville Pride June 15 nashvillepride.org.

SC Black Pride (Columbia) June 20-23 southcarolinablackpride.com Salisbury Pride Salisbury Pride will be held on Saturday, June 22 at 11 a.m. at 110 Lee St in Salisbury. salisburypride.com.

Chicago Pride June 22-23, June 30 chicagopride.gopride.com.

Knoxville PrideFest June 22 knoxvillepridefest.com.

NYC Pride June 28-30 nycpride.org.

San Francisco Pride June 29-30 sfpride.org.

Charlotte Black Gay Pride Charlotte Black Gay Pride (CBGP) is a series of events held from July 15-21. Events include an HIV/AIDS workshop, a coming out workshop, an aerobics and pilates boot camp, a town hall meeting and a meet and greet. On Saturday the signature CBGP Expo will be held at the Arbor Glen Outreach Center (1520 Clanton Rd.). Also sponsored by CBGP is the Take Me Higher event on Friday, June 28, this year’s competition for Miss Charlotte Black Gay Pride 2013, which will be held at the Venue Charlotte (1801 N. Tryon St., Suite 609). cbgp.org.

Charleston Pride The Charleston Pride Festival will take place in downtown Charleston from July 29-Aug. 4, with a meet and greet on Friday, Aug. 2, a pride parade on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 9 a.m, and a rally on Saturday at noon at Brittlebank Park. charlestonpridefestival.org.

Charlotte Pride Charlotte Pride will take place from Saturday, Aug. 24 to Sunday, Aug. 25. It will be held in Uptown Charlotte and will feature a variety of entertainers, including Big Freedia, the Queen of Bounce. On Sunday, Charlotte’s first Pride Parade since 1994 will sweep the streets of uptown Charlotte. charlottepride.org.

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OBX Pridefest The OBX Pridefest will be held on the weekend of Sept. 13-15 at the First Colony Inn and resort beaches of Nags Head.

OBXPrideFest.com.

Triad Pride Triad Pride is planned for Saturday, Sept. 14 and will be set in Festival Park in downtown Greensboro from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. triadpride.org.

Update SC Pride Upstate SC Pride March & Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14 at Barnet Park in Spartanburg, S.C. upstatepridesc.org.

Pride in the Park (Roanoke) Sept. 21 roanokepride.org.

Virginia Pride (Richmond) Sept. 28 vapride.org.

SC Pride The South Carolina Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28 at noon on Main St. in Columbia, S.C. Awards will be given for the most spirited and most colorful floats. scpride.org.

North Carolina Pride North Carolina Pride will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Durham at the Duke University East Campus. The festival will go from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with the parade at 1 p.m. That night, the Raleigh Nightfest and Embrace Party occur on Hargett St. in Raleigh from 6 p.m.-4 a.m. ncpride.org.

Blue Ridge Pride Blue Ridge Pride happens in Asheville on Friday, Oct. 5. The organization also sponsors several other events benefitting Blue Ridge Pride, including the White Party Weekend (June 21-22) and the Gay 5K and Rainbow Romp, July 13 in Carrier Park. blueridgepride.com.

Atlanta Pride Oct. 12-13 atlantapride.org.

Mid-South Pride Festival and Parade (Memphis) Oct. 12 midsouthpride.wordpress.com.

Pride Winston-Salem Pride Winston-Salem is planned for Saturday, Oct. 19. The festival and parade will be in downtown Winston-Salem. The festival runs from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. with the parade taking place on 4th St. at 6 p.m. pridewinstonsalem.org. more: See more national and regional events online at goqnotes.com/in/pride/.

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Pride: Our Roots A brief timeline of Pride’s birth and its history The birth of our modern-day LGBT civil rights movement is largely credited to the spontaneous riots at the Stonewall Inn in June 1969 and the resulting media coverage and community galvanization it spurred. Yet, our movement had long been organizing before Stonewall. In the 1950s, gay organizers formed two organizations essential to the early community’s growth. After Stonewall, that growth exploded as LGBT organizations and annual commemorations of Stonewall spread across the country and the world. Such community organizing quickly spread to North Carolina, where members of the Gay Liberation Front and other groups began setting up shop. North Carolina’s first gay newspaper, The Charlotte Free Press, began publishing in 1975. But not until 1981 did local LGBT community members begin to organize annual celebrations of Stonewall and LGBT Pride. Since then, the movement has exploded, with nearly every city and town, regardless of size, boasting at least one LGBT community group. Many have organized their own local Pride festivals or parades, events that organizers today say celebrate and raise awareness for their local community of LGBT and straight ally residents. The brief timeline below was compiled by Matt Comer from material available in the qnotes archives, other local newspapers and other sources. Some of the information is incomplete; other information is from news reports but lacks any other historical sourcing. Do you have more information on some of these events (e.g. meeting minutes, original newspaper clippings from a first-ever event, etc.)? Feel free to send them or copies to editor@goqnotes.com.

January 2013 - Volunteer organizers of Pride Charlotte form a new non-profit organization and rebrand under the original Charlotte Pride. It is announced that a Pride parade will be held, 19 years after Charlotte held its first in 1994.

August 2012 - Pride Charlotte expands to a two-day festival held one weekend before the city hosts the Democratic National Convention.

August 2011 - Pride Charlotte expands to S. Tryon St. in Uptown Charlotte.

July 2011 - The first Triangle Black Pride is held.

June 2011 - The first Outer Banks (N.C.) Pride is held.

June 2011 - Salisbury Pride holds its first events.

May 2011 - The LGBT Center of Raleigh produces its first OutRaleigh! festival, a Pride-inspired event designed to be more family- and kid-friendly.

October 2010 - Winston-Salem holds its first locally-produced Pride festival and parade, presented annually each year since.

May 2010 - The first Charleston Pride is held.

October 2009 - The first Blue Ridge Pride is held in Asheville.

June 2009 - Organizers plan the first Upstate Pride in 2000 - N.C. Pride settles in Durham, where it has been held each year since.

1998 - S.C. Pride is held in Myrtle Beach as the State House continues undergoing renovations.

The event returns to Columbia the next year.

1997 - A Gay Pride march is held in Boone, N.C. 1997 - S.C. Pride is held in Greenville, S.C., while the South Carolina State House is undergoing renovations.

1994 - Charlotte hosts N.C. Pride. It is the first and last time, until 2013, that organizers plan a Pride parade in the Queen City.

1993 - Charlotte hosts a more traditional Prideinspired picnic at The VanLandingham Estate, in preparation for its hosting of N.C. Pride in 1994.

1993 - Charlotte hosts a more traditional Prideinspired picnic at The VanLandingham Estate, in preparation for its hosting of N.C. Pride in 1994.

1990 - The first S.C. Pride march is held in Columbia.

1990-1999 - N.C. Pride is held annually in cities across the state: Carrboro (1990), Durham (1991), Asheville (1992), Raleigh (1993), Charlotte (1994), Durham (1995), Winston-Salem (1996), Carrboro

Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C. July 2008 - Myrtle Beach hosts its first locallyproduced Pride activities.

August 2007 - Organizers with Alternative Resources of the Triad organize the first local Triad Pride in Greensboro.

August 2006 - Original organizers of Charlotte Pride disband. Community members team up with the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte to present the newly rebranded Pride Charlotte.

June 2006 - The first South Carolina Black Pride is held.

2006 - The first Wilmington Pride is held.

July 2005 - The first Boone Pride dance is held, later growing into the annual High Country Pride.

July 2005 - Charlotte Black Gay Pride holds its first events.

May 2001 - Charlotte Pride is founded and its first festival held in May, following several years of smaller, more loosely-organized events held at various locations, including UNC-Charlotte, Bryant Park, Marshall Park, The Scorpio and The VanLandingham Estate.

(1997), Asheville (1998) and Greensboro (1999).

1988 - Durham’s annual festivities grow into N.C. Pride and is held in Raleigh in 1988 and 1989.

1987 - Queen City Quordinators and QNotes host their first annual picnic in Bryant Park, a precursor to Pride activities in Charlotte.

1986 - Durham once again hosts an annual Pride parade, followed in 1987. The events mark an annual tradition held in various months but eventually morphing into an annual tradition held the last weekend of each September.

1981 - North Carolina’s first Pride parade, “Our Day Out,” is held in Durham.

1980s - Organizers of annual Liberation Day events begin to drop the words “Liberation” or “Freedom” from their names. The modern “Gay Pride” parade is born.

June 1972 - Liberation Day events are also held in Atlanta, Buffalo, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Miami and Philadelphia.

June 1971 - Christopher Street Liberation Day Parades spread to Boston, Dallas, Milwaukee, London, Paris, West Berlin and Stockholm.

June 28, 1970 - LGBT community members organize the first Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade in New York City to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Other Christopher Street Liberation Day events are held simultaneously in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with Chicago organizers holding their event on June 27.

June 28, 1969 - Patrons of Stonewall Inn, primarily transgender community members, drag queens, street youth and hustlers, rebel when police raid the establishment.

August 1966 - Transgender community members rebel after police attempt to arrest them at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco. A riot is sparked; the night afterward, trans community members, hustlers and gay community members picket the cafeteria.

Illustration Credit: DragonArtz. Licensed under Creative Commons.

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July 4, 1965 - First-ever public demonstration for LGBT equality held at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. These “Annual Reminders” were held each July 4 until 1969.

May 1959 - Gay men and transgender community members rebel after police harassment at Cooper’s Donuts in Los Angeles.

1955 - Daughters of Bilitis founded. 1950 - Mattachine Society founded.

life

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Pride: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Organizers dish on the meaning, purpose of Pride

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

The world was an unfriendly place for LGBT people in June 1969. Late that month, some folks were fed up with how they were being treated. Drag queens, street hustlers, gay youth, people of color and drag queens revolted against police oppression and harassment. They stormed out of the Stonewall Inn and into the streets. Each year since, LGBT communities across the world have commemorated the birth of the modern LGBT civil rights movement. The largest events, in places like New York City, still occur in June.

But, in many places, especially across the South, annual Pride festivals and parades have shifted toward cooler ends of the summer, spring or fall months.

Still, organizers of Pride events across the Carolinas say the meaning and history of Pride is still strong today, even if it has changed over nearly five decades.

Acts of remembrance Pride organizers say their annual events give community members an opportunity to remember and celebrate the past.

“It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come and it’s a celebration of our freedoms and the things that are upcoming,” says Jeff March, president of SC Pride. “We are on the map to gain our equality all over. Pride and the recognition of the gay population have opened the minds of the general population to advance us to this level.”

March’s thoughts are echoed by James Miller, executive director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Each May, the center produces its Out Raleigh festival, a Pride-inspired event designed to be more family-focused. Miller says Pride is a time to remember.

“I have to remember that Pride is supposed to be about remembering the past and working toward the future,” Miller says. “The past is something we can’t forget. We have to be aware and make other people aware of the people who built the foundation for who we are.”

That includes all the folks who came before Stonewall, says Miller — organizations like the Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilitus.

Since at least 2000, Pride festivals and parades have grown tremendously across the Carolinas. Once confined to liberal meccas or state capitals, cities and towns across the region now boast their own locally-produced events.

In Winston-Salem, Pride organizers Debra Taylor and Keith Hicks say their event enables the LGBT people and their allies to be seen as part of the larger community.

“Pride today is something for everyone, not just gay or straight,” Taylor says. “We celebrate all colors, all fights. That’s what Pride means today as opposed to the past when we were invisible and it required some sunshine to be recognized as a human being.”

Hicks says seeing a Pride parade in Winston-Salem was an act of affirmation.

“I’m 47 years old and I’ve always been out to my friends and family…but I’d never felt that much love and excitement,” Hicks recalls from his participation in a past Pride WinstonSalem event.

Decadence or Determination?

Critics, both inside and outside the LGBT community, have often painted Pride events as decadent and outrageous. Some say they are an antiquated means of awareness from a bygone era. Yet, Pride organizers see it a bit differently.

“I actually think visibility is the most important thing for the community,” says Miller.

“Harvey Milk said come out. You have to be out so that people understand.”

Pride events and similar activities accomplish that goal, Miller says.

“The media will always cover the outlandish and colorful people,” he adds. “Personally, I’ve been to enough Pride festivals to know it’s never like [what the media portrays]. You may have one guy on stilts and leather, but that’s the one guy who gets on TV. It’s a narrow view of what they’re seeing and they’re not experiencing what Pride is.”

March says the outrageousness of Pride events has subsided.

“I don’t think we need as much as we did before,” he says. “I think we’ve gotten everybody’s attention. That was the path we had to take before; we had to get people’s attention. We’ve overcome that now. Now, it’s a matter of we are truly becoming an equal part of society.”

“The hill was a lot harder to climb [in the past],” says Taylor. “Every time we do something to make it more normal and don’t go to that bleeding edge, it impacts everyone around us.”

Hicks says more toned-down festivals offer more people the opportunity to participate.

“You’re encouraging two or three more straight allies to have conversations they wouldn’t normally have because of the vanilla event you put on,” he says.

Coretta Livingston, marketing director for Charlotte Black Gay Pride, says today’s Pride activities offer people the chance to continue breaking down barriers and creating change.

She got involved when she thought the LGBT community wasn’t being well-represented.

“It’s very important to me to be on the forefront bring forth something that represents something great,” she says.

And, like Pride’s birth in 1969, today’s events can be a time to challenge the status quo.

“Being an Afro-American woman, there’s still prejudice,” she says. “It goes back to me knowing and understanding who I am and what I stand for and how I want to be represented.”

see Pride on 18 June 7-20 . 2013

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Long-term care planning

by Judson Gee JHG Financial Advisors

Is Long Term Care (LTC) planning any more essential for the LGBT community than the straight world? In my opinion — based on my 18-year career in financial planning — it is vital for both communities, but there are some specific challenges that LGBT people face. With no federal recognition of gay marriage, spouses in gay marriages, domestic partnerships or civil unions are typically not eligible for Medicaid’s spousal impoverishment provision, don’t have access to a deceased spouse’s Social Security and are cut out of many other retirement benefits that come with straight marriage. LTC planning for the LGBT community is tough enough, but you often have to deal with lack of family support, isolation and discrimination issues.

These obstacles make LTC an especially important part of financial planning for LGBT consumers.

Traditional LTC planning may have to account for elder parents living with their children, because they can’t afford to stay in a skilled care facility such as assisted living or advanced care. LGBT couples with no children don’t have that option to use in retirement planning. For this reason, LTC insurance may be as important, if not more important, for the LGBT community.

Another topic that has come to my attention is how LGBT residents are treated in care facilities. Although Americans have come a long way in terms of LGBT acceptance, there is still work to be done.

Most facilities have sexual orientation and gender identity in their discrimination policies and require staff training on diversity and tolerance. According to the research, facilities need to do a better job of accepting transgender residents. But, there are laws that protect all of us, such as the Nursing Home Reform Act. Researching the facility’s bylaws and sensitivity staff training requirements would be important first steps for LGBT consumers.

According to a 2012 New York Life Insurance Company Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of a nursing home private room is $91,980 per year and the average cost for in-home care services is $20 per hour.

Assisted living isn’t inexpensive either; both of my grandmothers paid between $4,000 and $6,000 per month in assisted living — and neither was in the much more expensive

skilled care section.

Medicare only covers the first 100 days of care in a skilled nursing home following a hospital stay of at least three days. Medicaid will only cover some nursing home and in-home care, but is only available to certain low income individuals, so many people have to “spend–down” the vast majority of their assets to qualify.

Americans spend an average of $275,000 in the last three to five years of their lives on health care. Many of my clients ask, “What happens if I don’t use my traditional LTC Policy, will I lose it?” Some traditional LTC polices offer a return of premium rider so that if the premiums you paid aren’t used, you or your beneficiaries will get back some or all of the premiums; but such riders can make the cost go up astronomically. A new product, Asset Based Long Term Care Insurance, offers a onetime premium payment used to leverage your money, includes a death benefit to named beneficiaries (who don’t have to be family), and have built-in premium return riders. Another feature is limited or express underwriting. While the benefit can differ substantially from carrier to carrier, most of these contracts will prepay the policy’s death benefit if and when the insured needs long-term care. Asset-based, long-term care is a great way to reposition existing assets so that not only is a death benefit passed on to heirs, but the dollar amounts available for long term care, should it be needed, may be much larger as well. This approach is ideal for clients who dislike the “use it or lose it” aspect of conventional long-term care policies.

In summary, the decisions are tough when planning for LTC, but can be harder to navigate in the LGBT community. The rising costs of health care are eating into your nest egg. Recent product innovation provides multiple ways to tackle these questions. As with any financial planning issue, the sooner one starts the better the outcome will be.

Meetings: Program: Time: Membership: Information:

Third Tuesday of every month, except when there is specialized programming, plus monthly socials to promote networking and friendship A wide variety of topics of interest to appeal to the diverse LGBT community After work with a cash bar social and heavy hor d’oeuvres with dinner and program following Visit the website for application options and benefits.

Call 704.565.5075 or email businessguild@yahoo.com for more details or write to The Charlotte Business Guild P.O. Box 33371 | Charlotte, NC 28233

www.charlottebusinessguild.org

Follow me on Twitter: @JhgFinancial.

Visit me on the Web: www.jhgfinancial.com.

Fee-based asset management and securities offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Adviser. Member SIPC/FINRA.

June 7-20 . 2013

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views

news

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News Notes continued from page 7 general admission two-day passes are currently available for $85 through June 20. Gate price is $100. Advance single-day tickets are also available for $40 for Friday and $50 for Saturday. Gate prices are $50 and $60 respectively. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult. Limit two per adult. On-site weekend tent camping is available for $25 per person. info/tickets: sirenmountainjam.com. — L.M.

Golf tourney set

CONOVER — AIDS Leadership Foothillsarea Alliance (ALFA) celebrates its 26th year of advancing lives and fighting AIDS with its Red Ribbon Classic Golf Tournament on

June 28 at Rock Barn Golf and Spa, 3791 Club House Dr. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and shot gun start starts at 9 a.m.

Organizers say that the tournament is a spirited and fun golf tournament, featuring 18 holes of golf, longest putt and longest drive competitions, networking, breakfast and an awards luncheon.

Proceeds go to support the work that ALFA does for the community.

Call Kevin Gwinn at 828-322-1447 or email alfadirect@alfainfo.org to learn more about forming teams or becoming a sponsor. Forms are also available online. info: alfainfo.org. — L.M. info: Have news or other information? Send your press releases and updates for inclusion in our News Notes: editor@goqnotes.com.

Gay Parent continued from page 4 Medicaid, affecting 500,000 people and their families; cuts in unemployment compensation; cuts in educational programs from pre-K to universities; and laws loosening gun control and smoking policies on college campuses. One legislator wanted to make N.C. a “Christian state.� These changes in policy affect all of us regardless of race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic background; sex, gender, sexual orientation; individuals, couples or families. Why Mondays? This is the first day and hours of the opening of the General Assembly for the week. The Rev. William Barber and the N.C. NAACP calls these planned acts of civil disobedience “Moral Mondays,� in which those of us who object, on moral grounds, the actions of this General Assembly, are making it clear that we are not consenting to their

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draconian laws silently. We are voicing and practicing our constitutional right to say “No. We disagree and demand to be heard and have our opinion taken seriously.� What Rev. Barber did was take a moribund and dispirited, alienated group of Democrats, progressive voices and independents, and give a sense of urgency that was previously missing. As an out gay parent, standing alongside, witnessing and chanting support for justice with the broad spectrum of Carolinians, I am buoyed at the new sense of esprit de corps. The day before, as I was driving to Raleigh, a moment of hope in the future was sparked hearing that Minnesota is now a state where marriage equality rules. As I chanted later that evening, I believe that we North Carolinians will one day soon be a state just like Minnesota, with the support of this diverse, marvelous community gathered together in one voice: “Forward, Together, Not One Step Back!� : :

a&e

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tell trinity

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

Relationships, relationships, relationships!

Hey Trinity, How do you know if a relationship is going to last or die?

Lasting Or Last One, Flint, MI Hey Lasting Or Last One, Relationships truly have no guarantees, not even in court. A relationship may last a day or a lifetime. Also, a relationship that does work only really works one-day-at-a-time anyway. People cheat, runaway, get sick, go crazy, they even die. So, darling, make the best of each day and each relationship.

Oh, and always keep some vodka on hand because sometimes all you need is a good stiff martini.

Hello Trinity, I recently was called a “stalker.” What’s the difference between stalking someone and just being aggressive in a healthy way? I thought I knew the difference.

Stalk Talk, Dallas, TX Hello Stalk Talk, People love attention, but only at their own pace. Courting someone means giving him or her a choice… and some candy. Stalking someone means taking their choice away and making their life sour. It also means making yourself a criminal. So, pumpkin, when you hear “no” a third time and you’re still obsessing, it’s time for therapy not another stalking tactic. (See how I came to this rationale when you check out my cartoon.)

Dear Trinity, After a year of serious dating and recently fighting a lot, my boyfriend now, “just wants to be friends until we stop fighting.” Can we be friends? Can I get him back? And how do I not go crazy?

Fighting Or Friends, Wichita, KS

Hey Fighting Or Friends, When two people are constantly fighting, one eventually must make a dramatic move in order to save everyone. Thus, being “friends” for a while may be healthier than you think. Now, instead of focusing on the word “friends” think “lovers working things out.” Before going crazy, let yourself go and celebrate that he’s trying “friendly” ways to work things out. Oh, and, honey, invite him on some “friendly” dates so he and you can remember why you started dating in the first place. Hint, hint!

Dearest Trinity, I met someone about 10 days ago. We slept together and went out a few times. I know that he is definitely not my type for many reasons.

How do I kindly tell him I want out?

Getting Out Kindly, Montreal, Canada Dearest Getting Out Kindly, This task has never been easy for anyone. So, sweetie, sit down and start rehearsing: Trinity’s Kind Tips For Breaking Up With Someone (including the unkind truth) 1. I can’t go out with you anymore because…

I’m still in love with my ex (who’s been dead for three years)!

2. I have to end our relationship because…

I’m having some personal problems that need attention (including having to deal with you)!

3. I’ve decided to stop dating right now because…I just found out that I’m changing jobs and moving soon (like in the next five years)!

4. I must take a break from “us” because… you’re too good for me (at being unattractive, negative and distasteful)!

5. I need to stop dating for a while because…I have some health needs that I want to focus on (like the way I feel when I’m near you)!

6. I don’t want to date you right now because…I feel like you’re very different than me (and most other humans)!

7. I want to wait before dating more because…I’m not ready to get involved with anyone right now (especially you)!

8. I must stop seeing you because… I don’t feel like it’s working right now (or ever)!

9. I would like to take a breather from dating because…I’m really not getting what I need (like anything at all)!

10. Lastly, I want to stop seeing you for a bit because…this is not what I had hoped for (i.e. boredom, bad sex and lousy conversations)! : : 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.

June 7-20 . 2013

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out in the stars

a&e

goqnotes.com/to/arts

by Charlene Lichtenstein :: qnotes contributor

June 6 - 20 Venus advances into Cancer, conjuncts retrograde Mercury and opposes Pluto. Oh, my! Our hearts and minds charge ahead and lead us into grand temptation…or deep potholes…into which we inevitably fall. Storm the barricades, comrades, but beware of the moat.

GEMINI (05.22-06.21) You are hot-to-trot and seek new pastures in which to graze. Start wandering. Pink Twins are sexy, bold and spoiled rotten with attention. Who would argue with such success? The fates energize your bottom line and your financial picture suddenly comes into focus and brightens. It’s amazing how stylish you become when you wear green and lavender.

CANCER (06.22-07.23) You are catapulted into center stage. Gay Crabs command the social force and can make it work to their advantage.

Do it now. There is a relationship rock-and-roll coming that may cloud your better judgment.

You may be surprised at the extent of the fall out. It’s easier to have everyone dance your way when you control the music, but it is never guaranteed.

LEO (07.24-08.23) Proud Lions charge into their closets with brooms poised for action. Empty it and don’t allow it to increase your stress.

Then take a look at your work situation. Clean up your act there too. Treat co-workers royally, even if they become obnoxious about it. You will need their help over the next few months and you will get payback with change to spare.

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VIRGO (08.24-09.23) You won’t have to rely on the kindness of strangers. Things right now heat up your desire to platonically connect with others. So, dive into the social swim and get very wet. Try to make powerful (and wealthy) friends now. Good times become extravagances and very expensive and queer Virgins might find their reach exceeds their grasp. It’s nice to have a pal to bank on.

LIBRA (09.24-10.23) You’re a shooting corporate star in the making if you put in the effort now.

Take your aspirations to the heights and try not to be swayed by the siren lure of cocooning at home in your bathrobe. It is too easy to be lulled into complacency. Proud Libras dream of hitting the big time and then resting on their laurels. Think big now and find laurels to rest on later.

SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Proud Scorps are itching to see the world and why not? Your door opens to exotic adventure and foreign enticements. There is a chance that your better judgment will be clouded and you may, unintentionally, reveal things. So, beware of pouring your heart and soul into the tall drink at the end of the bar. Champagne does not mix well with Thunderbird.

SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Do I smell someone burning? Gay Archers are too hot to handle.

Allow the satyr in you to run wild and have a feisty time. Chances are you’ll be the hit of any orgy (so, dress appropriately!). Will

there be any lasting bonds with your assorted conquests at this time? Don’t be surprised if they are expensive golden bonds… if only in upkeep.

CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) You may divert wellplanned projects into never never land, so hold off on making any long-term plans for now. This can cause confusion for pink Caps, but you are fairly resilient. Thankfully, you can direct your considerable energy into more worthy pursuits — partnerships. Why toil in the salt mines when you can enjoy a peppery relationship?

AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) Aqueerians can get off their butts and do a good day’s work. Roll up your cuffs and wade into the mess. You never know what or who you will find at the bottom of the pile. If you scratch the itch to indulge, you will realize that there are no limits on your consumption now. One drink works like 10. OK, you’re a cheap date for quite a while.

PISCES (02.20-03.20) Party on, Guppie! That’s the planetary rallying cry for you. But, why not direct this impressive energy into more creative pursuits? Tap into your gay muse and see what happens. Friends and social activities take off in an unanticipated direction.

It may be time to upend your dance card and try and tango with a few new partners. Watch those toes!

ARIES (03.21-04.20) Your home is your castle, so why are you twisting to fit others’ rules?

You can and should be royalty in no uncertain terms. Wear your Pride where relatives can see it and don’t go into long explanations or into compromises. Also, show off that strut in your career. Boldly go where no proud Ram has gone before. Venture into some capital and build a fortune.

TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Queer Bulls hanker to take on the world, whether that means international travel or a cyber cruise. But, it is also a good sounding board for your opinions.

Put your money where your mouth is. Don’t be afraid to take action on hypocrites, crooks and thieves. Blast the status quo and their stupid rules. You now have a cannon for a mouth and a global soapbox. Now what? : : © 2013 Madam Lichtenstein, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Entertainment. info: Visit TheStarryEye.com for e-greetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. My book “HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.

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goqnotes.com/to/life

Pride

continued from page 11 Future focus Local Pride organizers say they are committed to presenting growing, successful events.

In South Carolina, March says his festival will return to Main St., with the South Carolina State House again as a backdrop to their main stage.

Livingston says she’s been encouraged by the growth in corporate and community support for Charlotte Black Gay Pride. Corporate support has also been on the upswing for SC Pride, Pride Winston-Salem and elsewhere.

In Winston-Salem, organizers say they are excited to forge a new path as an inde-

pendent organization. Formed in 2010 under the auspices of Equality Winston-Salem, Taylor and Hicks say they followed Charlotte’s lead in creating a new Pride group. Doing so will allow both groups to focus more on their core services.

And, when all the events are wrapped, the streets are cleaned and the revelers have gone home, organizers say it will have all been worth it as they continue to build community.

“I’m really excited about showing change and showing the cohesiveness of what we are trying to do,” says Livingston. “If we can stand strong as a board, we can help others do the same.” : :

Visit goqnotes.com/in/pride for the latest updates on Pride happening across the region.

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events goqnotes.com/qguide/events

June 8 • Greensboro June 15 • Winston-Salem TMPC Big Gay Sing Featuring all pop songs, including: “Single Ladies,” “Like a Prayer,” “Born This Way,” “Dancing Queen,” “Firework” and many more. You don’t have to be gay to enjoy “The Big Gay Sing!” Join in this musical extravaganza of fun music, dancing and more audience participation than ever! Two performances: June 8, Greensboro Day School, 5401 Lawndale Ave. 8 p.m. June 15: UNC School of the Arts, Watson Hall. $15/advance. $20/door. 336-589-6267. triadpridemenschorus.org.

June 9 • Raleigh High Tea The LGBT Center of Raleigh invites you to a high tea and Vente d’Arte by artist Nancy Baker who will showcase items from her private collection of works. Proceeds benefit the LGBT Center of Raleigh. The Renaissance Hotel, 4100 Main at North Hills St. 2-5 p.m. $40. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

June 13 • Charlotte PFLAG Charlotte Join the Charlotte chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) each month for support and education. Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Rd. 7-9 p.m. pflagcharlotte.org.

June 15 • Charlotte Mandance Cathode Azure hosts its weekly Saturday night dance party. Cathode Azure, 1820 South Blvd., Suite 106. 9 p.m. $7.cathodeazure.com.

June 15 • Charlotte SCC visits Saddle Up Southern Country Charlotte visits Charlotte’s newest country club, Saddle Up Saloon at the NC Music Factory. 820 Hamilton St., Suite B11.

8 p.m. southerncountrycharlotte.com.

June 20-21 • Charlotte Hollywood Squares One Voice Chorus presents its third annual take on the timeless game show, “The Hollywood Squares,” with Roxy C. Moorecox as host. North Carolina Dance Theatre, 701 N. Tryon St. Two performances, June 20-21. 8 p.m. For more information and ticket purchases, visit onevoicechorus.com.

June 20-23 • Columbia SC Black Pride South Carolina’s LGBT African-American community celebrates Pride with several events including a reception, community forum, community expo and evening parties. For more information on the events, visit southcarolinablackpride.com.

June 21 • Charlotte Pride Beach Party The Scorpio hosts a beach-themed fundraiser for Charlotte Pride. Swimwear contest and performances by Miss Charlotte Pride titleholders. The Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Dr. 10 p.m. charlottepride.org.

June 22 • Salisbury Salisbury Pride Downtown Salisbury, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fisher & Lee Sts. After party at Cooper’s-The Gathering Place. For more information, visit salisburypride.com.

June 27 • Charlotte Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The Harvey B. Gantt Center welcomes Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., as its inaugural speaker for the 2013 Gantt Symposium. Dr. Gates will speak on “Finding Your Roots,” a lively discussion about individual lineage and American history. Following the symposium, guests are invited to attend a special opening preview of “The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey” during a reception. Knight Theatre, 430 S. Tryon St. 6:30-8 p.m. $10-$50. ganttcenter.org.

704-547-3700.

June 23 • Raleigh ‘Torn’ author speaks Justin Lee, executive director of the Raleighbased Gay Christian Network, will speak about his new book, “Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs. Christians Debate.”

LGBT Center of Raleigh, 411 Hillsborough St. 4-5:30 p.m.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

June 29 • Charlotte Stonewall Celebration The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte hosts its annual celebration of the Stonewall Riots. Music, food and entertainment. Vendor spaces available. For more information or to book, email programs@gaycharlotte.com.

LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 2508 N. Davidson St. Noon-8 p.m. gaycharlotte.com.

June 29-30 • Charlotte NoDa Summer Musicfest The 2nd Annual NoDa Summer Musicfest is being hosted once again in NoDa, with Charlotte’s best collection of galleries and performance venues and some of the funkiest full service restaurants. The 2012 Summer Musicfest attracted more than 900 unique visitors to the NoDa district and featured performances by more than 40 artists and bands crossing all genres of music! Featured performers include Jonas Sees in Color and more. Hosted at The Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St and Roux at Bordeaux, 3306-A N. Davidson St. nodasummermusicfest.com.

Submit your event to our calendar!

You can now submit your event to a special 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 (gaycharlotte.com) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).

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