QNotes, June 30, 2017

June 30-July 13 . 2017

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June 30-July 13 . 2017

inside

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Museum Museum of of the the American American Revolution!

Revolution!

qnotes news & features

news. views. arts.

6 entertainment.

News Notes: Regional Briefs 7 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs 8 LGBTQ History & the Revolution

a&e / life&style 10 13 14 16 18 19

Portrait of John Love, Jr. Paula Poundstone Dishing with Buff Faye Tell Trinity Q Events Calendar Our People: Deonté Wilbourn

opinions & views 4 Jesse’s Journal 5 Guest Commentary 15 Spiritual Reflections

Exhibits at the Philadelphia, Pa. facility sheds some light on the contributions of LGBTQ individuals during the Revolutionary War and America’s beginnings. page 8

more news & features

Guest Commentary Struggling with being in the closet within the Latin community. page 5

Dishing with Buff Faye Testing drag queen and pop culture knowledge. page 14

June 30-July 13 . 2017

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Jesse’s Journal

Pride amid diversity Unity is essential in the fight for equality

by Jesse Monteagudo :: guest contributor I have a confession to make: I missed my hometown Equality Rally for Unity and Pride in Fort Lauderdale. I was on my way south from gay summer camp when I got caught in a massive tie-up that stopped my car for hours — no surprise to all who have to drive on I-95 from Jacksonville and Miami. Looking back, I could have gone to the rally in Nashville, which was close to the camp, or even to the National March in Washington, D.C. Or, I could have gone to the rally in West Palm Beach, had I known about it.

But I tried to make it home on time, and I failed.

Though I did not attend an Equality Rally, I heard about the rallies from participants and from media reports. Several hundred people gathered at Huizenga Plaza in the name of unity and pride. In some respects, they were united. Participants protested against the political backlash brought about by the Trump Administration; and they mourned the 49 lives lost the year before at the Pulse Nightclub massacre. In other matters, however, there was division. Activists from the Food Not Bombs group protested the presence of U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and attacked Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler for his campaign against the homeless. Bobby Henry, owner of the African-American newspaper The Westside Gazette, was correct when he urged

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participants, who gathered together in the name of unity, to practice what they preached.

Fort Lauderdale was not the only city where dissent and division put a damper on the Pride celebrations. In Washington, D.C. the Capital Pride Parade, held a day before the National March, was interrupted by members of the group No Justice No Pride, who protested Capital Pride’s lack of board diversity, its reliance on corporate sponsors, and the presence of the Metropolitan Police Department, notorious for its brutal treatment of racial minorities. In Philadelphia, some palefaces were startled by the appearance of a new rainbow flag that contained black and brown stripes. The flag was created as a means to combat racism and to make LGBTQ people of color more visible. In Los Angeles, some who enjoyed that city’s annual Pride parades were upset when it was replaced by a more politically-focused #ResistMarch that included resistance groups like Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and Black Lives Matter. The National March itself was criticized and boycotted by the Log Cabin Republicans, which is not surprising since the event was billed as an anti-Trump protest.

March organizers and participants made much of uniting our community. Though we are willing to come together for Pride parades and

June 30-July 13 . 2017

rallies, the fact is that we not united. We have nothing in common but our unorthodox sexual orientation or our transgressive gender identity. We are divided by our race, sex, age, religion, HIV status, physical or mental ability, health, wealth, education level and/or immigration status, among other things. And we are divided by our politics — especially in a country that is as politically divided as ours is today. And there is no equality. The standard of living of a poor, HIV positive, transgender woman of color is different than the standard of living of an affluent, white, married man or woman. This is a fact that no Equality March or Rally for Unity and Pride can deny.

Even within subgroups, we have divisions.

Take my own example, as a gay member of the Latinx community. I was born in Havana, and my surname is Monteagudo, so I am obviously Latino. But I am also a light-skinned man of European descent; and my family and I benefitted from the U.S. government’s unusual leniency and generosity extended towards Cuban refugees in the 1960s. What do I have in common with a poor, dark-skinned Mexican or Central American trying to enter this country against the might of an anti-immigrant Trump administration? Growing up in Miami, a city with a large Cuban-American community, I

never experienced racism, though I knew some others who did. If I experienced any prejudice, it was from other CubanAmericans on account of my gay sexual orientation.

Thus, as time went by, I drifted away from other Cubans, except for my blood relatives.

Today, most of my close friendships are with gay men of Eastern European Jewish descent — my two late partners were Ashkenazi, as is the man that I am currently dating — who are also politically progressive. To be honest, I would rather spend time with a furry Jewish bear who is a Democrat than with Marco Rubio.

We need to unite. The stakes are too big; and our enemies are too powerful. We must work together against the forces that seek to destroy us or dehumanize us. At the same time, we must recognize and accept our differences and the individual issues that are important to each one of us. You are you and I am who I am; and no call for unity or equality will hide that fact. : :

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guest commentary

by Clover Barin :: guest contributor

To Be Queer and Latin in Charlotte: Reflections one year later after Pulse from a ghost queer For many of us, our life is our family. We grow up with the ingrained idea that no matter what, nothing is more important than our families.

Our mothers and fathers crossed oceans and borders and even sacrificed their liberty for us, and they’d do it again in a heartbeat. As I grew up, I learned that family is not biological, but rather experienced and gained through love, support, community and solidarity. It was my friends that offered me a place to crash when needed, the librarians that aided Photo Credit: me in graduating, Martina Thanner the staff at a thenvia Adobe Stock small org that supported me through legal troubles, and the people that stood in arms against the police during the uprising. However, my biological family is still my foundation, a core of who I am and who I see myself becoming. It’s something I refuse to give up, at least not yet, and it’s painful, and isolating.

Every year of Pride is not a source of enjoyment and carefree fun, but meticulous planning and fear. How do I go without being caught?

Every year I go, and get caught. My friends don’t see me for a while after that. One year, I even helped plan the first major Latin Pride event: a Latin dance in the basement of 1900 Plaza (what I call Charlotte’s Queer Haven). My only condition was that my name never be used (as both my parents are prominent in the Latin community). The night of the event was one of the greatest of my life. Here, everything I’d ever wanted — to be free to dance to salsa, to speak about queer gossip in Spanish, to meekly ask a girl to dance while eating our food and dance the night away to cumbia — here, I was free to be everything that I am and who I am and just dance. It is a feeling — a couple hidden hours of freedom of ourselves — I know that the victims of Orlando sought for that night, and were killed for. The next day, my name was published in a Spanish newspaper article

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When Charlotte held its candlelight vigil for Orlando last year, I went by myself. As usual, I lied to family where I was going for the night and made sure I had access to a quick exit if necessary. The amount of people I saw on arrival was equally suffocating and uplifting, and slowly, I made it to the makeshift front while greeting and hugging friends and people I knew. As one speaker ended, and there was a short lull before another speaker went up, an acquaintance on stage looked to me, pointing to the microphone. I looked around and realized I was one of the very few in a sea of people that embodied everything that was murdered that night: queer, immigrant, brown, Latin and bilingual. And, shamefully, hidden in the closet from the public and my family. For a split second, I headed towards the stage, but then stopped myself, shook my head no, and fled. It felt cowardly retreating, and an even greater shame enveloped me as I used my pre-determined exit strategy as quickly as possible.

A sickening feeling grew in me as I realized that the reality I lived was the reality that many victims of the massacre lived, and that there would be those that, rather than being mourned and remembered by their families, would instead be shunned, rejected and forgotten quickly once their identities were revealed. How lmuch onger do I have to live like this? Por qué?

Que tanto más tengo que sufrir en soledad?

It’s a question almost all of us in these communities go through, but if you’re queer, an immigrant, and Latin in Charlotte, it’s incredibly more layered and complicated. I grew up in Charlotte, in various communities that often intersect. I’ve been active in LGBT communities since I was a teenager (even serving as a youth board member at Time Out Youth, a small feat for somebody whose name can’t be published) and I was grateful for folks in the community for understanding my extreme precautions of not releasing my identity: Not one picture of my face, no connecting on social media, and always use alternative names. There’s always a moment of panic and fear when I introduce myself, presenting as queer, to Latin folk in Charlotte. Shit, do they know my parents?

Should I use my other name? Do I need to have the long talk about how it’s not safe? Christ, what do I do? Recently, I went through UNCC’s Special Archives, and the sign-in sheets of various LGBT orgs, communities, and events. I recognized my handwriting, and the plethora of names I’d utilized (Maria was common). I was there, present, but invisible, as my real name was never seen. Will I always be invisible?

It’s a complex thing to explain to my friends and community that I’m out to, when being out and proud is more common than ever, and though I’m grateful that not many have dared ask, I feel now it’s more important than ever.

online, my name was immediately recognized, and my father notified. I didn’t see my friends or community for a long time after that.

When Pulse happened, I cried myself to sleep for months. I didn’t talk to anybody about it because I no longer knew anybody else in my position. How do you cope when everything you are is gunned down? How do you cope when it could’ve easily been you? I’ve yet to even utter a word about how it makes me feel, to this day, to anybody. The closest would be with a couple of close Muslim queer friends who are in the exact same position as I am; in the closet publicly, but queer as hell with trusted friends. We have a good time discussing the things we face that a lot of our gay or white friends wouldn’t understand, and how the Pulse massacre was used to further oppress Muslim folk, especially those in position.

I write this, not for a better understanding from folks who aren’t in my position, but for people who live my reality. For those of us who can’t think of loving another romantically in our native tongue, who hide from the flash of a camera and who use different names so our double lives never intersect, and want it that way for now. There are some things that don’t get better: the annual “talk” with my parents around Pride that results in my disappearance for a little while, the juggling of two lives, two languages and various identities. However, there are some things that do: earlier this spring, I went to a gay nightclub (for the first time since Pulse) with my partner at the time and some friends, and though the fear and panic persisted as usual (I had my escape route ready to go), I had fun. I was free, for a couple of hours, to dance the night away with my partner, friends and drag queens. For the first time, I thought about my queer identities and my love for my partner…in Spanish! And for the first time, I wasn’t ashamed of myself. I’ve recently made friends who are Latin, and understand without ever uttering a word the pressures I face of being queer and in our community. I have a mentor at school, whom I can look to as somebody that is so proudly themselves (Latin, scholarly, queer and unafraid) and I can see myself maybe being one day. That, for now, is enough, at least for me.

For people, mi gente, that live my reality, this is for you. I see you, as much as you try not to be seen. You are not alone. No estás solo.

And I love you. : :

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qnotes connect June 30-July 13, 2017 Vol 32 No 05

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

contributors this issue

Clover Barin, Buff Faye, Maria Dominguez, Rev. Ken Fuquay, Lainey Millen, Mark Segal, Jeff Taylor, Trinity

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June 30-July 13 . 2017

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff of directors to become the new pastor of the Triad church.

A vote was held and Rev. Jon M. Hamby was affirmed as the new settled pastor.

Pride event upcoming Rev. Hamby will transition from associate CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Black Gay pastor to settled pastor on July 2. His installaPride will be held from July 19-23 at various tion will occur at a service on July 15 at 3 p.m. locations across the Queen City. where special guest Rev. John McLaughlin On July 19, join the community for from St. Jude Metropolitan Community Church “Centerstage,” a one-act play series, at 7 in Wilmington, N.C. will be in attendance. p.m. at the Little Rock Cultural Center, 401 N. After the vote, Rev. Hamby shared, “Words McDowell St. cannot express how The following day, a town hall deeply honored and meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m., at blessed I am to have St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, a loving and caring 1600 Norris Ave. church family here at On July 21, there will be a meet MCCWS. … I am exand greet reception at 6:30 p.m. at the tremely pleased that so host hotel Embassy Suites Charlotte many have faith in God Uptown, 4800 S Tryon St. Participants and that God placed me can stay for the Pajama Jam at 10 here at MCCWS with p.m., which includes games, movies, a job to do along with and concessions. you!”

The Pride Expo will gear up at 12 Rev. Hamby is p.m. on June 22 at the Embassy Suites. employed by Members Then on July 23, 11 a.m., a jazz Credit Union where he brunch will be served at Farhenheit Rev. Jon M. Hamby serves in the marketRestaurant Uptown, 222 S. Caldwell St. ing department. He is also enrolled full-time at Later in the day, head over to the Nickel college with a trajectory to earn his degree in Bar, 2817 Rozzelles Ferry Rd., for a Sunday Cool biblical studies and theology.

Down event.

He has served as a music minister at four On June 25, the Miss Charlotte Black Pride Triad churches, plus being a youth pastor in 2017 competition was held at Chasers, 3217 The Clemmons, N.C. and a co-founder and associPlaza. Contestants were judged on Interview, ate pastor of a church in northern Davidson Evening Gown and Talent. D’asia Blush County.

Cassadine and Malayia Chanel Iman were honRev. Hamby has a partner, Brandon, whom ored and Ontario St. James, Dorae Saunders, he has been with since 2011.

Artez Bonet and Elaine Taylor were celebrated During July, Rev. Hamby will offer sermons during the evening’s event. on leadership at the weekly Sunday services Winners for the Charlotte Black Pride 2017 at 11 a.m. competition were: Mr. Charlotte Black Gay The congregation held a celebration Pride, Artez Bonet Cassanova; Miss Charlotte party for outgoing provisional Pastor Wendy Black Gay Pride, Danejah Bonet Cassedine; Woodruff and her wife Mary on June 25. This Sweetheart (2nd place), Dymond Cartier; 1st was the last service that Rev. Woodruff served Alternate (3rd place), Chardonnay DiAmarni; and the church. Her duties spanned a year-and-a2nd Alternate (4th place), Saniya Chanel Iman. half where she worked with the church and the info: charlotteblackgaypride.org. board. A reception was held after the morning Chamber hits silver anniversary service.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte LGBT In other news, Drag Queen Bingo will return Chamber of Commerce (formerly known as the on July 29 with host Macaria Rage with special Charlotte Business Guild), will celebrate its 25th guest Jamie Monroe. anniversary with its 25 in Twenty-Five celebration on July 25, 6:30 p.m., at Le Meridien/ Triangle Sheraton Hotel’s Craft City Social Club, 555 S. McDowell St. Volunteers celebrate milestone During the event, 25 leaders and busiRALEIGH, N.C. — Over recent months, nesses will be recognized for their contribution ReachOUT NC celebrated a major milepost on to the chamber. its journey toward helping the community.

Joining the celebration will be Mayor The LGBTQ service organization hit its 100th Jennifer Roberts, Sen. Jeff Jackson, Charlotte project. This was accomplished by its leaderCouncilmember LaWana Mayfield and ship team members, sponsors, local charitable Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham. organizations and volunteers.

Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be ReachOUT has now clocked more than provided.

2,100 contributed hours serving more than 34 Registration is available online at bit. causes in the Triangle, the organization said. ly/2t7JWlV. A celebratory appreciation event was held info: clgbtcc.org. on May 15 with The Green Monkey serving as host. Acknowledgement was given to those who have served the organization since its Triad inception.

New pastor chosen During June it worked with Note in the WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Metropolitan Pocket, Book Harvest and Haven House.

Community Church of Winston-Salem, 4105 ReachOUT will be back at Note in the Patsy Dr., held a congregational meeting on Pocket on July 15, 12 p.m., where it will sort, June 11 following its morning worship where fold and prep clothing to be distributed to those it presented a candidate selected by its board in need throughout the Triangle.

Charlotte

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June 30-July 13 . 2017

The organization is always looking for volunteers to work on service projects. Visit their website to learn more or to register for an opportunity to serve. info: reachoutnc.org.

Western Trans child’s story recounted

ARDEN, N.C. — USA Today published a lengthy story about a child who was born biologically male, but identified early on as female.

“Colton” was born to Amy and Kevin. The youngest of three sons, the baby loved to cuddle and snuggle.

Then things begin to change as the boy started to grow up into his toddler years.

“Colton” began to identify as a girl around the age of three and adopted “Emma” as her name.

The parents did not thwart this from happening, not wanting to force Emma into being someone she was not. She was allowed to dress as a girl at home and play with dolls.

However, as Emma began going to school, things became more difficult to navigate, especially in a state that was so strongly opposed to the transgender community as evidenced by laws such as HB2. Emma came home from kindergarten crying on her first day of school.

She told her parents that her teacher told her that she possessed a boy’s hair and body.

The second day was no different when her teacher forced her to use the boy’s bathroom.

Emma was basically outed as transgender which made her feel uncomfortable. She was even asked a lot of questions about her dress versus her biological gender which created embarrassment. In fact, Emma came home with “urine-soaked clothes in her backpack” saying that she did not want to use the boys’ bathroom “in gym class anymore and was not able to hold it.”

The parents began to communicate with a school counselor during the first week with a request to call their “transgender daughter” Emma, USA Today reported. But things got worse and eventually, Emma got a new teacher with a switched class assignment.

Eventually, Emma was able to use a singlestall restroom facility thus maintaining her privacy.

Struggles still persisted on the bathroom front. And other issues continue with regard to Emma’s acceptance by school personnel.

Visit USA Today to read the full story at usat.ly/2taVgyc. info: usatoday.com.

South Carolina AFFA hires new director

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA) has announced that it has hired Chase Glenn as its new executive director and he takes over the helm on July 17.

He succeeds Warren RedmanGress who will be retiring.

With this new era, Glenn becomes only the second executive director since the organization’s founding. He brings extensive expertise in non-profit management solutions and LGBTQ advocacy and leadership.

Glenn has held the position as chair of the 2016 and 2017 Chase Glenn Charleston Pride Festivals.

He has also served on several South Carolina

non-profit boards and committees including SC Equality, where he chaired the TransAction Committee, and the Awareness and Advocacy Advisory Committee at the Charleston Center for Women.

“As a transgender individual, Glenn brings deeper knowledge and experience to AFFA’s focus on the transgender community, an exciting supplement to the extensive efforts and progress AFFA has led on behalf of the lesbian, gay and transgender populations,” the organization said.

Glenn was a recipient of the AFFA Founder’s Award in 2015 for his community work on behalf of transgender rights.

The Illinois native holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Belmont University, as well as a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Webster University.

Glenn was previously employed by Blackbaud, Inc. where he managed customer success relationships with non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the National MS Society and Junior Achievement of America and was instrumental in increased awareness of transgender challenges and opportunities at the corporation.

Glenn is married to Colleen Call Glenn. info: affa-sc.org.

Camp showcase approaches

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Girls Rock Camp’s 7th Annual Showcase will be held on July 1, 2 p.m., at Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Tickets are $10-20 on a sliding scale. Those 17 years old and under are admitted free.

Camp began on June 26. Youth-led workshop art creations will be shown at the showcase. info: girlsrockcharleston.org.

Pride hosts summer events

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston Pride will be holding two events in July in advance of their September festivities.

On July 15, 9 p.m., join the organization for “A Toast to Charleston: Charleston Pride 2017 Empress and Emperor Pageant,” at Connections Niteclub, 1377 Ashley River Rd., as it crowns its new Pride royalty. Host will be Paris LeFaris. Admission is $10 which goes to support Charleston Pride. Registration for contestants is available online.

Then on July 31, 7:05 p.m., head out to the annual Charleston Rainbows Pride Night at Joe Riley Stadium, 360 Fishburne St., for an evening of fun and baseball which benefits Charleston Pride. Charleston RiverDogs team members will don their Charleston Rainbows uniforms to show their Pride. Jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit Charleston Pride. Seats are $9 and are available online. Use the “pride” code at checkout and the organization will receive $2 from each ticket sale. Club level tickets are $90 and include complimentary food, beer and wine as well as access to the new club level area at the stadium.

Use “prideclub” at checkout and $20 from each ticket will go to Pride. info: charlestonpride.org.

Church hires new pastor

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Charleston welcomed a new minister to its congrega-

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tion during an installation worship service on June 25. The Reverend Deb Coggin from New Light MCC in Hagerstown, Md., officiated.

Rev. R. David Smith has begun serving as senior pastor. His pastoral journey began with MCC in lay ministry at MCC Washington, D.C. in 1986 and he was ordained in 1996. After leaving the Washington congregation, he served MCC Baltimore from 1994-2009. And, most recently, he served an Rev. R. David Smith interim pastor at St. John’s MCC in Raleigh, N.C. Careers outside the ministry have included association work in public relations and meeting management at The Nature Conservancy, University Housing at American University,

HIV prevention planning and grant management and reporting at the Maryland AIDS Administration, as well as experience working in case management with formerly homeless individuals, as well as individuals and families who have experienced complications with regard to HIV/AIDS. info: mcccharleston.com.

ASO staff member nets award

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Affinity Health Center, 500 Lakeshore Pkwy., announced that Glenda Elder was awarded with South Carolina’s Clinical Support Staff of the Year by the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association. This occurred during the association’s clinical network retreat. info: affinityhealthcenter.org.

news

Share your news with us Does your organization or special interest group have events or great information to share with our readers? If so, be sure to send in your information to specialassignments@goqnotes.com. In the upcoming months, we’ll feature one of you in our news notes section in each issue. Are you a part of a Meetup, Yahoo or Google group and do you do something that’s really newsworthy? Do you provide a service for the community or hold fundraisers for worthy causes? Do you educate the public about LGBT issues or concerns? Of course, this is only a sampling of things we are interested in. It’s the aim of these pieces to inform, enlighten and educate our readers about what we’re doing here in the Carolinas to champion LGBT rights, as well as offer resources for those who may be interested in what your group is doing.

Research Roundup

as LGBTQ or allied individuals for a local queer history project.

The aim of the research is to develop an archive of recordings of LGBTQ history of Winston-Salem.

For more information, contact the study facilitators. info: calhsc16@wfu.edu. mazarise@wfu.edu.

History participants sought

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Researchers Sunny Calhoun and Dr. Angela Mazaris from Wake Forest University are seeking participants for a research study from former or current Winston-Salem residents who identify

news notes: u.s./world compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

News Shorts

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The Radical Faeries, co-founded in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1979 by Harry Hay and Don Kilhefner, will have its Summer Solstice Gathering for all “fae-spirited queer folk” from Dec. 16-23 in the Faeryland Sanctuary in Australia. Registration opens Sept. 1. Email ozfaeriegather2017@gmail.com for more information. info: ozfaeries.com.

MoveOn has been showcasing its Pride in Resistance video campaign throughout June, celebrating LGBTQ leaders who are opposed to Donald Trump and the “harmful” Republican agenda. The videos also feature lessons that these leaders have learned as members of the resistance, as well as celebrating the LGBTQ movement and highlighting the impact of Trump administration policies on the LGBTQ community. info: moveon.org.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde marched in Toronto’s 37th annual Pride Parade on June 25, thus becoming the first chief to march in the parade. The last year marked many milestones for First Nations LGBTQ2S. Last spring the city of Winnipeg hosted a Two-Spirit pow-wow, the first in Pride Winnipeg’s 30 year history. Additionally, the Saskatchewan’s Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation hosted a Two-Spirit Festival which included raising the Pride flag and a parade. According to the National Aboriginal Health Organization, a recent report found that Two-Spirited people are more likely to experience violence than straight First Nations. They are twice as likely to experience all forms of assault than LGBTQ individuals in the general population. info: afn.ca.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. (GMCW) embarked on its Southern Equality Tour from June 15-18. This was the chorus’ first-ever bus tour across the South. They traveled to states that have discriminatory laws against the LGBTQ community. Among its tour venues, GMCW performed a benefit concert at Binkley Baptist Church, sang at the

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Church in Knoxville, Tenn., and at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham in Alabama, where they were joined by the Steel City Men’s Chorus. The chorus collaborated with the Midlands Men’s Chorus at Reformation Lutheran Church in Columbia, S.C. to benefit the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center, and it sang with the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus at the Georgia State Capitol at the invitation of the office of Rep. Karla Drenner, the first-ever openly gay member of the Georgia General Assembly. GMCW also appeared at Tennessee’s Knoxville Pride, side by side with the Knoxville Gay Men’s Chorus, and ended the tour with a benefit concert at the Roanoke Diversity Center in Roanoke, Va. info: gmcw.org.

We Are One+Together launched its Mr. Gay Syria initiative to secure asylum for Mr. Gay Syria contestants, including financing legal aid, generating political and public support. The competition helps to illuminate urgent issues facing LGBTQ+ individuals in the Middle East.

It also premiered the short film “War Within” along with Visionaire World and Grindr. info: weareonetogether.org.

Cleve Jones, founder of the Names AIDS Quilt Project, received a VH1/Logo Trailblazer Award on June 23 for his gay rights activism and leadership work. He has also served as a union leader with UNITE HERE. A protégé of Harvey Milk, his life has been dedicated to championing HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ and other causes. He received his award alongside pop legend Cyndi Lauper. info: vh1.com. unitehere.org. clevejones.com.

The Williams Institute has released a report that says that over 150,000 same-sex couples have married since the U.S. Supreme Court extended marriage equality nationwide. In total, there are 547,000 married same-sex couples in the U.S., meaning that nearly 1.1 million LGBT individuals are married to a same-sex partner.

Prior to the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, 390,000 same-sex couples were married. The

fired during the Lavender Scare by the State Department in the 1950s and 1960s because of their perceived sexual orientation which was thought to render them vulnerable to blackmail, prone to getting caught in “honey traps” and a general security risk. Along with Baldwin the legislation is sponsored by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), and co-sponsored by Sens.

Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Tom Udall (D-NM). info: baldwin.senate.gov.

number of married same-sex couples increased to 513,000 by June 2016, one year after the Obergefell decision. info: williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu.

The American Military Partner Association responded to news that the Department of Defense may be poised to delay by six months the implementation of a new policy allowing transgender recruits to enter the military.

The proposed delay will not prevent currently serving transgender service members from continuing to serve, however, it would delay the change in policy allowing qualified and talented transgender people from entering the military.Two retired admirals, Michael Smith and Alan M. Steinman, published an op-ed in the Military Times urging opponents to stop using long-discredited arguments from the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era to justify a delay in lifting the ban on transgender enlistment, Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin shared. info: militarypartners.org. militarytimes.com.

New York City Council candidate Mel Wymore participated in the New York City Pride March on June 25. “For centuries, LGBTQ people have had to suppress the most life-giving aspects of their identity in order to survive in society. To be your authentic self was to attract ridicule, exclusion or violence. Pride marks a social shift—an attempt to end that suppression. Pride pushes each of us to bravely and openly love ourselves and each other without fear or shame. This year, we continue that tradition, prouder than ever and ready for the fights ahead,” Wymore shared. He is running a campaign on New York’s Upper West Side and if elected will become the first-ever transgender elected official in any major U.S. city. He is also New York’s first transgender candidate for public office, his organization said. info: melwymore.com.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin helped introduce the Lavender Offense Victim Exoneration Act of 2017, to correct the injustice perpetrated against approximately 1,000 people who were

National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects across the country in the National Endowment for the Arts’ second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017. Included in this announcement is an Art Works award of $25,000 to Lambda Literary to support the Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices, a residency designed to offer intensive and sophisticated instruction to selected writers over a carefully designed week; LGBTQ Writers in Schools which brings LGBTQ writers into high school and college classrooms for readings and discussions; and Lambda Literary national reading series surrounding the Lambda Literary Awards, the Writers Retreat, and Lambda’s LGBTQ literary journals, Emerge and Nepantla. info: lambdaliterary.org. arts.gov.

Absolut Vodka’s limited edition Absolut Mix bottle, which was designed in celebration of diversity and acceptance, returned to Canada this summer in honor of Pride Month. Inspired by the six colors of the Pride flag, the bottle’s label features overlapping semi-transparent triangles that symbolize the connection that is created when diverse individuals mix together. info: absolut.com/ca.

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life

Looking Back

America’s newest museum recognizes LGBTQs in our revolution Museum of the American Revolution gives space for LGBTQ history in exhibits

by Mark Segal, Philadelphia Gay News :: guest contributor

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merica’s newest museum, Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pa. does something quite revolutionary: It recognizes the LGBTQ community as having played a part of that revolution. It does so with several exhibits.

This may seem strange to point out, as LGBTQ people have been a part of every facet of life and war throughout history — and at times the major historical players, from Alexander the Great to World War II codebreaker Alan Turing. But up until now, you might have thought that LGBTQ people were invisible at the founding of the United States, and had no role in our country winning its independence. Thanks to this museum, that notion ends here and now.

In addition to lauding the community’s historical efforts, another of the museum’s themes is that the revolution continues; we still have work to do. As Dr. Philip Mead, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs and chief historian, states: “We’re so pleased to have a story of the American Revolution here that we hope includes all Americans and messages for people around the world.”

Here’s how LGBTQ media played a part in getting that story to the museum.

It’s a rare experience when you actually get to see something that you’re passionate about take root. It’s even more special when academics in the field run with that material, embrace it and make it a major point of their own project. What the museum has done is a great leap in LGBTQ history. Those involved are well aware of that and embrace it, maybe more than me. And I just love when those who join the march begin to lead it or add to it to create discussion.

So what has me so euphoric? It’s a story that goes back about six years. I was watching a TV talk show on which LGBTQ rights were being debated when a conservative on the panel stated something to the effect of, “When our founding fathers created this nation, they didn’t have those [LGBTQ] people in mind.”

Well, this angered me and, as you’d expect, became a challenge.

In response to that TV show, I pitched a project entitled “We Are America,” as part of the LGBTQ History Project I coordinate that appears in numerous newspapers around the country each October (qnotes has been part of this in previous years). We commissioned writers and began research on LGBTQ people who were instrumental to the cause of the Revolutionary War. In our research, there was one character who stood out and fascinated me. His name was Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. He was a brilliant and somewhat flamboyant military genius. I read almost everything that I could find on the web and then the wonderful and revealing biography “The Drillmaster of Valley Forge.” The book was written by Paul Lockhart, who at this point most would say is the foremost expert on von Steuben and a teacher of military history. Von Steuben was outrageous and he was going to be my contribution to the project — never did I expect how passionate I’d become about him earning his rightful place in history.

Why von Steuben? Simply, his being acknowledged as a gay man would bring about major change in the way we look at the founding of this country. Without von Steuben, there would be no United States of America, and that means a gay man was a founding father. If we could prove that the founding fathers knew he was gay, then the founding fathers not only had us in mind when founding this country, but also expected us to have equality, or what could pass for equality at that time. Clearly, one of those equality points was the issue of gays in the military. For that is where von Steuben and founding father Benjamin Franklin come in.

Never did we expect that in our research we’d find such names touching on the subject as [George] Washington, [Thomas] Jefferson, Franklin and [John] Adams and many others. The project of explaining von Steuben’s impact became so

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big and touched on so many founding fathers that we had to break it into various segments: a piece on Franklin, another on Washington and so on.

Here in quick order is a short version of part of the von Steuben story: In the late 1700s, von Steuben had a somewhat-celebrated military leadership career in the various German states, though at numerous times he was accused of having sex with his male recruits. He never denied the allegations, but did leave (escape) those countries before he could be charged or arrested. He arrived

in Paris hoping to impress The Continental Congresses ambassador to the Court of Louis XVI, Benjamin Franklin, and get a commission in the Continental Army commanded by George Washington. At the first meeting, Franklin was unimpressed. Von Steuben left Paris, but another scandal brought him back. Von Steuben and his friends — connected either to the court of Louis XVI or to Franklin — asked Franklin to have another meeting with von Steuben, knowing of those scandals and the chances that he could be arrested in Paris if he did not escape Europe.

Franklin met with von Steuben and agreed on the plan to escape, but not before von Steuben went shopping and enlisted an entourage. How could one not find him fascinating?

There can be little doubt here that Franklin, the Bill Gates of his day and a major celebrity in Paris at that time, with spies at his disposal, would not have known of von Steuben’s “problems.”

This makes Franklin the father of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Before von Steuben boarded his boat, he ordered fine, new special uniforms made with epaulets and medals, found a personal staff and, just to look like royalty, brought along a couple of dogs. He was then smuggled out of Paris on a ship that had munitions for the Continental Army, along with letters of introduction to Washington and Congress by Franklin.

The ship arrived in New England, and von Steuben met members of the Adams family and John Hancock before heading to meet Congress, and then onto Valley Forge to meet Washington.

It was at Valley Forge that von Steuben pulled together Washington’s rag-tag Continental Army and began to make them into a cohesive, collective force. He taught them to drill, created a regulation book (which continued to be used by U.S. military

until the war of 1812), instituted standards of sanitation and became Washington’s chief of staff.

Today, there are few, if any, professional historians who would doubt that von Steuben was gay. In our research, we unearthed correspondence among members of the Adams family regarding the subject. The whispers about von Steuben led the Continental Congress to delay granting him a pension, and it was Washington’s last act as commander of the Continental Army to write the Congress on behalf of von Steuben’s “moral character.” And finally, at the urging of Hamilton, the first secretary of the treasury of the new country, Congress finally granted von Steuben an annual $2,500 pension.

According to the New York Public Library (“The Papers of von Steuben”), the following is a list of von Steuben’s major achievements: • February 1778: Arrives at Valley Forge to serve under Washington, having informed Congress of his desire for paid service after an initial volunteer trial period, a request with which Washington concurs.

• March 1778: Begins tenure as inspector general, drilling troops according to established European military precepts.

• 1778-79: Writes “Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States,” which becomes a fundamental guide for the Continental Army and remains in active use through the War of 1812, published in over 70 editions.

• 1780-81: Serves as senior military officer in charge of troop and supply mobilization in Virginia.

• 1781: Replaced by Marquis de Lafayette as commander in Virginia.

• 1781-83: Continues to serve as Washington’s inspector general, and is active in improving discipline and streamlining administration in the army.

• Spring 1783: Assists in formulating plans for the post-war American military.

Washington rewarded von Steuben with a house at Valley Forge (still in existence and open for visits), which he shared with his aide-de-camps, Capt. William North and Gen. Benjamin Walker. Walker lived with him through the remainder of his life, and von Steuben, who neither married nor denied any of the allegations of homosexuality, left his estate to North and Walker.

His last will and testament, which includes the line “extraordinarily intense emotional relationship,” has been described as a love letter to Walker.

Von Steuben, like many LGBTQ people and their histories and contributions, has remained invisible or unrecognized until recently. That is what is so revolutionary about what the Museum of the American Revolution has done.

The largest original mural in the $150-million museum features von Steuben drilling the troops along with key figures at Valley Forge. Each figure has a biography. Here’s what the museum wrote about von Steuben: “Baron von Steuben came to the encampment as a volunteer but left it as a general. A German nobleman with experience in Frederick the Great’s Army, von Steuben transformed the Continental Army’s drill and training.

In May, he was promoted to inspector general of the army. Here he sits on a horse directing the troops as they maneuver. Though the army didn’t ask, and he didn’t tell, von Steuben is thought by some historians to have been gay.”

On my recent visit to the museum, when Mead showed this to me, my response was, “What you’re going for is inclusion of the entire American family.” He smiled and responded, “Correct, the

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Revolutionary history continued from page 8 revolution belongs to all of us.”

He pointed out other LGBTQ exhibits.

One features a scene of two Quaker women visiting American prisoners of war at Independence Hall, then known as the Pennsylvania State House. The exhibit was based on the diary of a Quaker woman named Elizabeth Drinker, who wrote about the “two Hannah Catherells.”

“Now there’s ambiguity in this scene,” Mead noted. “It’s possible that this refers to a niece and an aunt who were both named Hannah Catherell in the Quaker community. It’s

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also possible that it refers to Hannah Catherell and Rebecca Jones, two women who lived together who were described at the time as ‘yolk mates.’”

When I inquired what “yolk mates” means, Mead explained, “They were co-workers, co-laborers in this place, in a school, for the good of the young people of Philadelphia. So some historians speculate that this may have been a same-sex couple. While we may not be able to prove that, we thought some of these displays were useful in getting people to think about the presence of the gay community here in Philadelphia in the 18th century.”

When I asked Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, the museum’s vice president of collections, exhibitions and programming, about the museum’s LGBTQ inclusion, he put it up this way: “You can’t tell the story of E pluribus unum without the pluribus.”

Another possible LGBTQ connection exists in the Revolution Gallery.

One of the people highlighted along a wall of revolutionaries is Deborah Sampson. A post-war, 1790s portrait depicting Sampson in a dress with a necklace and typical women’s haircut is featured alongside a summary of her contributions.

“You’ll learn here that, during the Revolutionary War, she dressed as a man to join the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment,” Mead explained. “She saw combat and was discovered after she was wounded. She was honorably discharged from the Continental Army on the basis

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of her gender and later published Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von a memoir of her experiences, ‘The Steuben Female Review.’” conducting military drills.

“This is the place where we talk about the highest aspirations of the revolutionary generation in 1776,” Mead added about the gallery in which Sampson’s story is featured. “We talk about the limitations of the revolution in immediately expanding voting rights and other civil liberties of many groups. But our point here is that the revolution continues; it’s an idea, it’s ongoing. So while the 1760-90 period might not have seen major changes for all of these people, the ideas of the revolution made advancement possible.

And along the way we meet people who have anticipation of those changes; they are pushing them forward with their own lives.”

Mead next took me to the final screening room before you leave the museum for a film about the continuing revolution of our nation.

The set-up features a clip of Abraham Lincoln and the words: “These revolutionaries were inspired and forged as a generation by their sacrifices and their belief that people have a right to liberty, equality and a role in governance.

“In 1858 Abraham Lincoln answers,” the narrator continued. “He sees a connection between the ideas of a revolution and the hopes of millions of immigrants arriving on U.S. shores. He describes these new arrivals

as American revolutionaries, people without family ties to the revolution itself. He says that the revolution includes all people who are inspired by those words of 1776 and who look for the Declaration of Independence and feel they have a right to claim it. He called that the electric cord that links the hearts of patriotic and liberty-loving men together.”

As these words played, we saw pictures of slaves winning their freedom, immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, laborers organizing, women fighting for the right to vote and then we saw a picture of the first Gay Pride March fill the entire screen. I cried.

Visit amrevmuseum.org for more information about The Museum of the American Revolution. : : —Photos courtesy of Scott Drake (Christopher Street and Valley Forge)

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Queer Arts in the QC

The futility of description: a portrait of John Love, Jr. Interdisciplinary artist, mystical guide

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff

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“Politically, socially, culturally, and creatively, y mother has a certain term for people Charlotte is consumed by fear and cowardice,” like John Love, Jr. The interdisciplinhe told Weird Charlotte in a 2006 interview. “In ary artist is her truest definition of a fashion, art, theatre, film, music, design, and all “character.” Eccentric, brilliant and endlessly things that define a culture, support the creation complex, Love creates his own evolving characof the product here, create the product here, use ters within his work. the product here, value the product here, evolve With a career spanning 12 pages in his curthe product here, and sell the product to everyone riculum vitae, Love doesn’t fit into any box. An else. Don’t just be a consumer or an interpreter. actor, writer, mystic, he is in all senses an artist.

Be an originator and make it all so exquisite that His projects — each its own blend of literature, everyone wants a piece.” performance, installation and film—are as The artist has undoubtedly taken his own “ancient and ageless” as Love himself denotes advice, producing exquisite work primarily in the his years.

Charlotte area. Though most of his reputation A Charlotte native, Love has risen to internaarose from a fine arts career, Love has many tional fame in the fine arts community. His latest other projects and interests. All come back to his achievement came with his April selection as a urge to create, and his philosophy of introspec2017 Guggenheim Fellow. Aside from a sizeable tion and mysticism. monetary prize, the fellowship is an honor with Guiding others through this introspective heavy weight behind it. From all across the U.S. process is one particular interest of Love’s. and Canada, less than six percent of nearly 3,000 Currently, he leads private sessions through applicants were chosen.

Okra, a yoga and meditation studio in Plaza “The nature of conversations has changed” Midwood. His method ranges from conversasince the award, Love told qnotes. “Some are tion, meditation or more spiritual tools. Love may more willing to talk, some take great pleasure in engage in divination in a longer session using not, others fly into assumptions of rose strewn his knowledge of astrology, numerology, and pathways and access to rooms without dangermethods such as Tibetan dice oracle and Zulu ous and invisible ceilings, while there are still bone oracle. those trusted few eager to play as hard and deep “[Love] has exceptionally clear vision,” as they always have.” according to Okra’s website. “Intrigued by the The Guggenheim Foundation profile praises architecture of your brilliance, he uses his intuiLove’s “creation of worlds defined by blurred tive abilities, wit, laughter, insight, and common lines, glimmering ephemera, and Absurdist sense to align you with your own magnificence. kisses to the psyche.” The artist’s seminal While he may be privy to information rustling work, “FECUND,” was a decisive factor in his around in your subconscious, Love is a guide application for the fellowship. in the truest sense in that he recognizes your “FECUND,” narrated by a character called answers already reside within you.” the Perpetually Pregnant Man, culminates when Guiding others is just one way that Love he births the world of Yes. The work “traverses delves into mysticism, a driving force in his purliterature, performance, installation, video, and suits. He believes that engaging such subjects is new media,” Love’s Guggenheim profile reads. It the key to his fulfillment, creative and emotional. traverses other boundaries as well, as the narra“I am overwhelmingly grateful for my tors’ title suggests. embrace of the ephemeral, for my love affair “When your main narrative voice is a charwith things that cling to the psyche far beyond acter known as The Perpetually Pregnant Man, the trace of the physical,” Love said. “It’s why I fluidity and the unfixed are orders of a lifetime,” like the inky and mercurial nature of video and Love said. In his work, “sexuality and gender performance, why I adore sculpture and objet race through like bad ass kids playing too feverd’art made of whispers, salt, crystals, and the ishly and naked to stop and explain shit.” earthen…simultaneously archival while poised Not one for explaining himself either, Love to return back to the source in a breath.” describes his sexuality as “penises make me Such unfailingly lyrical words flow from him chuckle.” In terms of gender, the artist identiconstantly. Another creative endeavor this elofies with a blend of the traditional binary: “The quence serves well is Love’s writing; from 2012 genitalia screams ‘Ooo baby, it’s a boy!’ and I’m to 2016, Love created an interdisciplinary column cool with that. However, while it makes the most for Charlotte Viewpoint called “Provocative sense to respond to ‘he,’ I have never been one Questions for Interesting People.” The series to give a [care] about making sense to anyone features anonymous subjects, intriguing visuals unable to recognize the formidable presence of and colorful prompts for the subjects to answer. ‘she’ in my situation.”

John Love, Jr. is an eclectic blend of countless artistic forms.

Photo Credit: John Love, Jr. The author’s profile on the Charlotte Viewpoint As for the future of Love and the Perpetually site notes that his work is “as deliciously comPregnant Man, a continuation — or evolution plex, circuitous, textural, and contextual as his — of “FECUND” is already in the works. The Darka joins the fray, “an ageless, blue skinned woman who own nappy hair.” character “falls into a postpartum depressive moment,” Love repeatedly sets fire to her and her Centaurian lover’s lives. Unafraid From past glories to future development, Love embraces the explained. “While unraveling his most insidious thought he of the hand of Change and its tendency to wipe slates clean, she ever-evolving nature of himself, his work and the universe that abandons his home that is still able to breathe, think, and speak obliterates her existences before fate has a chance to.” surrounds us all. In his own words, the artist pursues perpetual on its own.

Much like Darka, Love himself is unafraid of change. His growth: In these travels, the Perpetually Pregnant Man comes travels have taken him to Sweden, France and the farthest “More depth. More clarity. More power. More poignancy. across another mystic: Darka Burns Blue. The two “crash into reaches of the U.S., but he has continued to loyally return to his More life given. More life gotten. More breaths taken away. one another at a crossroads of discipline, obsession, freedom, birthplace. Loyalty is not blind, however, and Love admits that his More beautifully Absurdist.” : : and flight.” hometown is flawed in its hesitation to support local innovators.

June 30-July 13 . 2017

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You May Not Be as Alone as You Thought Finding help, acceptance and balance with mental health challenges, issues

Unfortunately, in today’s society, people can have a negative attitude toward others that have a legitimate mental illness. This can make people on the receiving end feel discriminated against.

Whether it’s unintentional or subtle, stigma can lead to harmful effects. People are often reluctant to seek help or treatment. You may have some inkling that you have something unfamiliar going on inside your body, but you can’t quite pinpoint the issues. So, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of mental issues that plague the LGBT community. Mental health issues can be depression, bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder to name a few. The issues can arise from anxieties of rejection from family and loved ones, the stigmatization of LGBT individuals that is ever-present in today’s society and discrimination that occurs within this community. Below are brief Photo Credit: descriptions of each of the more WavebreakMediaMicro via Adobe Stock common mental health disorders that affect those in the LGBT community.

Depression is usually described as having one or more symptoms including fatigue, insomnia, appetite changes, feelings of being sad (emptiness, on the verge of tears), loss of concentration, and loss in pleasure of daily activities.

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Bipolar disorder is characterized by rapid changes in mood, where the mood swings can vary in length. Within bipolar disorder, a person can experience episodes of mania where there are moments of euphoria (feelings of excitement) and moments of depression.

Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by persistent, excessive worry about many different things, with sufferers often expecting the worst outcomes when no concern is necessary.

Usually the worry experienced persists for six out of seven days in a week’s time.

It is important to know what resources are available to you, if you feel you are experiencing one of these mental disorders. Please do not hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider.

There are support groups within the community that could be a great resource to help push through difficult times and to have someone that is going through similar life events. It is important if you are diagnosed with a mental health disorder to try to find a counselor. Counselors specialize in mental disorders and can provide perspective on issues that other medical providers might not be able to.

Below are some statistics to show how much the LGBT community is at risk for mental health disorders: • 38-65% of the LGBT population experience suicidal ideation.

• LGBT youth are 6 times more likely to experience symptoms of depression.

• The LGBT community is 3 times more likely to experience a mental health condition.

• Rejection of sexual orientation by family increases a person’s chances of attempted suicide by eightfold.

According to an article by the Mayo Clinic, here are some steps to cope with the stigma of mental illness: 1. Get Treatment — Don’t be afraid to seek help. Treatment can help identify triggers and reduce the symptoms that interfere with your work or personal life.

2. Don’t let stigma create self-doubt and shame — Some people may mistakenly believe that mental illness is a sign of weakness.

You may feel like you’re just supposed to “handle it.” Mental health problems are diseases just like diabetes or hypertension, so why shouldn’t you seek help with treatment?

3. Don’t isolate yourself — Support from your family, friends, or members of your community can help provide compassion and set you up for success with your treatment plan.

4. Don’t equate yourself with your illness — You are not an illness.

For example, instead of saying “I’m a schizophrenic”, say “I have schizophrenia.”

5. Join a support a group — The National Alliance on Mental Illness operates a great website for national and local resources in your community. Visit it at www.nami.org/Find-Support/LGBTQ. 6. Speak out against stigma — Expressing your opinion at events or on the internet will not only help you communicate better about how you feel, but it can also help others and encourage them to speak out and seek treatment.

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Queer Arts in the QC

Paula Poundstone Comedian to perform at Knight Theater on July 21

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff

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ne night only on July 21, Paula Poundstone visits the Levine Center for the Arts’ Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., to perform her unforgettable stand-up comedy. Poundstone has served up decades of hilarity through radio, television and writing, but says stand-up is her truest medium.

“I consider myself a proud member of the endorphin-production industry, and I certainly get a contact high from being there,” Poundstone told qnotes. “Being in a room full of people who come out to laugh for the night is just such a treat.”

Known for a keenly reactive wit during her regular appearances on NPR’s weekly program “Wait, Wait — Don’t Tell Me,” Poundstone’s stand-up is largely driven by her audience.

“My favorite part of the night is talking to the audience. I kind of let that steer what direction I’m going in,” she said. “So the show’s different on different nights. And I’ll tell you my act is largely autobiographical.”

This autobiographical quality has served her well through the written medium. Poundstone’s recent book, “The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness,” is a humorous memoir of sorts.

On the day of its release, the book found its way to the Top 10 on Amazon’s Best Sellers Humor Hardcover list as well as making the number one spot for Humor CDs. The back cover features praise from comedy legends like Dick Van Dyke, Dick Cavett, NPR’s Peter Sagal, and many more.

“A remarkable journey,” Tony and Emmy Award-winner Lily Tomlin said of the book. “I laughed. I cried. I got another cat.”

Lily Tomlin, who married her wife in 2013, is not Poundstone’s only LGBTQ fan. In fact, Poundstone’s work has long appealed to people disenfranchised by many popular comedians. She says that recognizing those people was a memorable moment in her career.

“I remember thinking, this was back when I was 20, that there were whole communities of people that couldn’t go out to be entertained without feeling — you know, without having really thick skins,” she said. “I didn’t want that to be the case in my [act].”

Still interested in appealing to this loyal demographic, Poundstone occasionally references LGBTQ issues in her act.

When she’s not telling stories or talking with the crowd, she may take up current events. She once poked fun at North Carolina’s notorious HB2 at a show in Texas, where another bathroom bill was up for debate.

“I did this joke about the North Carolina bill …they did have sort of a squirrely response,” she said. “Some audience members that I was talking to afterwards, they said ‘oh yeah, we’re doing that here.’ And I’m like, oh, that explains a lot. I’m sorry to hear it.”

Poundstone was very open with qnotes regarding the “foolish” HB2. She commented that, though some performers opted to boycott the state in protest, she decided against it.

“My feeling was, a) me boycotting North Carolina would mean nothing, and b) I wanted the chance to talk to people.”

A true people person, Poundstone thrives on the energy of her crowd. Whether in live stand-up or on the radio, she tends to prefer witty exchange to fully-scripted jokes. That’s why, on her new weekly podcast launching on July 8, a studio audience was an absolute must.

The podcast, “Live from the Poundstone Institute,” is produced by her longtime colleagues at NPR. She says one of the show’s central concepts — examining odd research studies — originated from her tenure with “Wait, Wait,” when host Peter Sagal would quiz participants on such studies.

“One time [the topic] was — oh, that women liked men who dance like John Travolta. I just was thinking, I need some illumination on that study. Where was it done? How was it done? Who came up with that idea?” Poundstone said.

“Paula Poundstone is the funniest human being I have ever known,” Sagal said of the podcast. “Air becomes funny having been breathed by her.”

Indeed, the accolades seem to support Sagal’s point. Not only recognized by NPR, Comedy Central included Poundstone in its list of the 100 Best Standup Comics of All Time, and she won the American Comedy Award for Best Female Standup Comic.

Paula Poundstone is heading to the Queen City.

Photo Credit: Michael Schwartz

❝ My favorite part of the night is talking to the audience. ❞ — Paula Poundstone Poundstone’s performance at the Knight Theater on July 21 will be an event to remember. Though successful in writing and radio, the comedian’s passion for improvisational comedy comes through with every unique show.

“A lot of what I do is unscripted, but the truth is I think more than anything it’s just a matter of being comfortable over time,” Poundstone said. “The truth is we’re all unscripted all of the time.” : :

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dishing with buff faye

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

Take the quiz: Fierce enough to be a drag queen?

Practically anyone today thinks that they can be a drag queen. The good news is that this means that drag is popular as ever and that even Grandma can tell you who won Season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The bad news is how do you know if you truly are fierce enough to be a drag queen?

Well, I always loved those Teen Magazine quizzes on “what should you wear to prom?” or “does my best friend love me more than my boyfriend?” Or whatever ultimate test that could solve life’s problems in that moment. So I devised the “Are you fierce enough to be a drag queen?” quiz. Are you ready to learn the answer? Only choose your best answer! No cheating, ladies!

1. Pick your favorite accessory: A. Heels D. Bracelets B. Belt E. Fur C. Earrings 2. Choose where you like to go out on a first date: A. Movies D. Park B. Bar E. Back to his/her C. Shopping place 3. Who is your favorite female music artist: A. Cher B. Madonna

C. Miley Cyrus D. Britney

E. Lady Gaga F. Beyoncé

4. What is the dessert you love to eat: D. Strawberry Ice A. Doughnut B. Cheesecake Cream C. Cupcake E. Brownie 5. What’s your best dance move: A. Cabbage Patch D. Windmill B. Death Drop E. Somersault C. Grapevine F. Splits 6. Who is your favorite male celebrity: A. Tom Cruise D. Zac Efron B. George Clooney E. Channing Tatum C. Ryan Reynolds F. Denzel Washington 7. In drag who do you think you most look-a-like: A. Lady Bunny D. Bob the Drag Queen B. Divine E. Kim Chi C. RuPaul F. Sasha Velour 8. If it’s raining outside, what do you do: A. Use an umbrella B. Wait for your driver to pull around C. Sit and wait for rain to stop D. Have another cocktail E. Let your hair down and run out in the rain

9. What’s your spirit animal in the zoo: A. Gorilla E. Cheetah B. Penguin F. Lion C. Ostrich G. Tiger D. Panda H. Snake 10. What movie do you like best: A. “Pretty Woman” B. “The Little Mermaid” C. “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”

D. “Miss Congeniality” E. “Steel Magnolias” F. “Devil Wears Prada” Time to tally your score: Question 1: If you chose A, C, or E, give yourself 10 points. If you chose B or D, you get 5 points.

Question 2: If you chose D or E, give yourself 10 points. If you chose A, B or C, you get 5 points.

Question 3: If you chose A, B, or E,give yourself 10 points. If you chose C, D, or F, you get 5 points.

Question 4: If you chose B or D, give yourself 10 points. If you chose A, C or E, you get 5 points.

Photo Credit: Roxy Taylor Photography

Question 5: If you chose B, D, or F, give yourself 10 points. If you chose A, C, or E, you get 5 points.

Question 6: If you chose C, E, or F, give yourself 10 points. If you chose A, B, or D, you get 5 points.

Question 7: If you chose A, C, or E give yourself 10 points. If you chose B or D, you get 5 points.

Question 8: If you chose B, D, or E give yourself 10 points. If you chose A or C, you get 5 points.

Question 9: If you chose A, C, or F, give yourself 10 points. If you chose B, D, E, G, or H, you get 5 points.

Question 10: If you chose A, B, E or F, give yourself 10 points.

If you chose C or D, you get 5 points.

100 point = You are a Fierce Queen 85+ points = You are Queen Worthy 75+ points = Queen on the Rise 60 + points = Shante Maybe 60 or below points = Sashay Far Away Drag Tip: Guess what? The purple glue stick works best to cover eyebrows.

— Buff Faye calls the Queen City home and love to shoot bottle rockets at mean people (plus she loves to raise money for charities).

Find her at your favorite bars and hot spots.

Plus don’t forget her monthly Saturday night shows, Sunday drag brunch and regular Friday night party bus. Learn more at AllBuff.com.

Follow on Twitter @BuffFaye

Shout Out: Don’t miss the Red, White & BOOM Drag Show at Bar at 316 on Monday, July 3 at 11p.m. Best fireworks in town!

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spiritual reflections

by Rev. Ken Fuquay :: guest contributor

Finding a home to call your own

Photo Credit: Indiloo via Adobe Stock

When Dorothy famously clicked the heels of her ruby red slippers and said, “There’s no place like home,” we all knew exactly what she meant. We knew it even if the actual house in which we were raised was anything but a home. Innate within our being and sown into the fabric of who we are is the knowledge of home. At our core we know that home is a place of affirmation and validation; a place where we can know and be known without fear of intimidation or judgment. We know that home is a place where our gifts are cherished and our God-given identity is affirmed and treasured. We long for and seek it. Because, there really is no place like home!

I’m convinced the mission of God on earth, through the revelation of Jesus Christ, is to open up the household of God to all of God’s children and create a place easily recognizable and immediately identifiable as “home.”

Regrettably, organized religion has bastardized the message of Jesus Christ and perpetuated the ideology of a god who is brutal, angry and distant. In doing so, it has made the good news exclusive rather than inclusive, and that is the antithesis of home.

There is a scene in the movie “Spotlight” that is a defining moment for church and culture.

About three-quarters of the way through the movie, Mike Rezendes, an investigative reporter for the Boston Globe, is clearly angered by the level of bureaucracy at the paper and the stone-

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walling tactics of the church. But in a moment of vulnerability, he confesses that he is distraught over something much greater and more personal.

He confides to a co-worker, “I was raised in the church. My family went every week. And even though I don’t go anymore, I always knew one day I could go back. But now, after all of this, I realize I can never go home again.”

The sentiment that Mr. Rezendes shared with his co-worker is far too common in our culture. Countless numbers of human beings long for home but have resigned themselves to the pain of never having it. I understand that. I was wounded by the church. I know firsthand how genuinely painful it is to be ostracized and feel like you can never go “home” again.

I spent the majority of my adult life as a gay man seeking a surrogate for home. Not unlike so many other stories, my searching took me down crooked paths to dead end roads. It was an exhausting self-indulgent path of consumerism, parties and addiction. But, one Sunday morning after a weekend of binging, something stirred within me. I realized if I didn’t respond, it would cost my life. I gathered myself together, left my husband at home in bed and made my way to an unassuming church building in a less than desirable section of Charlotte.

As I parked my car and walked down Seigle Ave., I saw people from all walks of life spilling into that white frame church. The windows were thrown open and the harmonious sounds

views

of the choir singing “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder” enriched the air. The wooden pews in that sanctuary were filled with people who were young and old, black and white, rich and poor, gay and straight, cisgender and transgender. Seven strangers hugged me, and told me they loved me and wanted me to come back.

For the first time in my life, I caught a glimpse of the beloved kingdom and I experienced a taste of home. It was transformative. Through the embrace of that diverse community of Christfollowers living out the true message of Jesus Christ, I discovered that I was an object of divine grace, God loved me “just as I was” and I could find home. My life has renewed purpose.

My relationship with my husband is stronger.

We have a beautiful company of friends and family who know us and are known by us. We have discovered inclusion in the good news of the gospel and it feels good to finally be home.

But we are not the exception. All over this city people are finding home in communities that are partnering with God to create places where all of God’s children are welcomed, affirmed and treasured for who and what God made them to be. So, regardless of where you’ve been or what you’ve done; regardless of the labels society has placed on you or the stories that you might be telling yourself; you are loved and accepted. You are an object of divine grace and yes, you can go home. So, do a little seeking. I believe you’ll find what you’re longing for. Because, after all, there is no place like home! : : — Rev. Ken Fuquay is the planting pastor of M2M Charlotte: A Matters to Mission Worshiping Community. Visit him at M2MCharlotte.org.

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June 30-July 13 . 2017

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tell trinity

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

How to ‘move out’ right the first time Dearest Trinity, I’ve been living in a very dysfunctional relationship and will be moving out ASAP. But I want to move out with the least amount of drama if possible. Help?

Moving Drama, Austin, TX Dearest Moving Drama, When it comes to “moving out,” there’s always drama and often trauma. That’s why you need to do it right the first time, not when it’s too late. You need to strategically plan where you’re moving to, and who’s helping you, plus separating who gets what, and, most importantly, getting your name off all the bills. You may even want to seek the advice of a lawyer in advance. Then, my darling, once you’re out and free and have destroyed everything that reminds you of him or her, take a wonderful singles vacation somewhere intoxicating!

Hey Trinity, My girlfriend freaks out and lectures me about being late. She’s obsessive about being on time, but I can’t always be on time. How can I win with her?

Late Again, Columbus, OH Hey Late Again, Yes, in the perfect world she should learn to

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love you for your lack of integrity. However, when it comes to lateness it’s you that’s missing the train, not her. Sorry, pumpkin, you can always be on time, or when you know you’re going to be late, change the time by calling her 30 minutes to three hours in advance to say, “I need to move our meeting time!”

Moving the time makes everyone on time.

(Have a plan to be on time so you can get in sync with the “train” schedule and not be left on the platform or at the station as my cartoon shows.)

Dear Trinity, I’ve been dating and sleeping with a military man. But recently I found out he’s a priest, and aren’t priests supposed to be celibate? Should I be worried?

Celibate Date, Santa Fe, NM Dear Celibate Date, You should always be aware of your surroundings, as well as aware of military men who leave on “foreign affairs.” You should also find out if he’s a non-celibate priest like Episcopalian or Protestant. And lastly, sweetie, whatever he is, be in the moment, have wild walks, exciting talks and exhausting sex, especially with our soldiers!

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Hello Trinity, My roommate is on my case to “clean up” myself especially when I go out on a date. He says, “Men have to make themselves attractive too!” Shouldn’t a man be attracted to another man for who we naturally are?

Naturally Handsome, Trenton, NJ Hello Naturally Handsome, Of course, everyone should be themselves, honey, but why not be your best self, your groomed self, your clean self? If women spend hours at the beauty parlor, shouldn’t men spend a little time too? So here are: Trinity’s Preparatory Tips For Men Just Before Going Out On A Date 1. Clipping or pulling out your (visual) nose hairs makes looking at you less like looking at a zoo animal.

2. Trimming your eyebrows (especially the curly, runaway ones) means you’ll never force someone to remember Einstein or Mr. Hyde.

3. S having the hair off the back of your neck assures you’ll look younger and less prehistoric.

4. G etting rid of the hairs sprouting from your ears says, “I have a job. I have a mirror. And I won’t eat you!”

5. B rushing and flossing before you go out keeps people from covering their noses while talking to you.

6. Styling your hair or trimming or shaving your somewhat baldhead gives the idea that you’re not a lonely, introverted unabomber.

7. Dyeing the gray, especially from your beard, takes an immediate 10 years off your age and your sexual history.

8. Manicures are not only healthy, but a sign of class.

9. Doing a few pre-date exercises — like pushups, pull-ups, dips and curls — will give you an immediate shape, cut and curve.

10. Lastly, dressing in plaids, stripes and polka dots promises you’ll be hard to look at and do well avoiding moving vehicles! : : 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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EVENTS June-August 2017 $1 Movie Night SEP JUN MO ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ FROCK Shop 901 Central Ave., Charlotte 8-11:30 p.m.

FROCK Shop and Powder Studio team up to host a $1 movie night, with an interactive viewing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Proceeds go to LGBTQ advocacy organization Time Out

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Youth Center. Refreshments will be on sale. This show is for adults only. More information is available online. facebook.com/events/253435625135350.

–––––––––––––––––––– Continues through July 2 ‘Fun Home’ Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte Times vary The hit Broadway musical, adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by former qnotes cartoon contributor Alison Bechdel, “Fun Home” brings audiences into the life of Alison at three different ages as she grapples with the mysteries of her childhood. Those themes include discovering her own sexuality, as well as that of a close family member, and the effects born out of those realizations.

Ticket prices vary. More information and tickets are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

SAGE Raleigh 4th of July SEP JUL MO Cookout Umstead State Park - Reedy Creek 1800 N. Harrison Ave., Shelter #2 1:30 p.m.

SAGE Raleigh will hold its annual July 4th cookout for a day of fun and fellowship.

Organizers will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and more.

Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. RSVP to Les Geller at lgeller@ lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

Submit your event to our calendar!

You can submit your event to our comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Visit Gay Charlotte. Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ and get a three-forone entry. All Charlotte-area events will appear on each of the three calendars at qnotes (goqnotes.com), Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce (clgbtcc.org) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).

Latin Night in Plaza Midwood Snug Harbor 1228 Gordon St., Charlotte 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

A night of dancing and celebration of Latin culture, with music by La Nueva Sensacion, Sharey y su Grupo Klave and DJs Mvee and Crossfade. Styles of music performed will include salsa, merengue, bachata and cumbia. $10 will be collected at the door. Tickets and more information are available online. snugrock.com.

SEP JUL MO

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‘90s Tribute SEP JUL MO Neighborhood Theatre 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte 8-11 p.m.

Some of Charlotte’s best bands will perform the hits of the 1990s in a benefit concert for Levine Children’s Hospital. Music by the likes of Nirvana, Counting Crows, Radiohead, TLC, Weezer and more will be performed by bands like Ancient Cities, Sam The Lion, The Business People, and Modern Primitives with Astrea Corp. The show has a $10 suggested donation. More information and tickets are available online. neighborhoodtheatre.com.

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SEP JUL MO

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Non-profit gallery and organization the Charlotte Art League presents a Starving Artists Popup Market with local vendors selling their creations.

Admission is free, and food trucks will be on hand. Those wishing to be added to the vendor list for future events can do so at eepurl.com/cCIt61. More information is available online. charlotteartleague.org.

Continues through July 23 SEP JUL MO ‘The Little Mermaid’ Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte Times vary The Broadway musical based on the beloved Hans Christian Andersen story, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, comes to Charlotte for a weeklong run. And more perfect for all ages, the public is invited to experience the tale again, or for the first time, with classics like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl, “Part of Your World” and more. Tickets and more information are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

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Kasey King’s Birthday Night SEP JUL MO Celebration Chaser’s 3217 The Plaza, Charlotte 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

North Carolina’s own drag legend Kasey King will celebrate her birthday with a cast of divas, Chaser’s male dancers and DJ Randall.

Free hors d’oeuvres will be served. More information is available online. chaserscharlotte.club.

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Starving Artist Popup Market Charlotte Art League 1517 Camden Rd., Charlotte 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

LGBTQ & Ally Cross SEP JUL MO Company Mixer The Underground at the Fillmore Charlotte 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte 5-8 p.m.

Queen City Connects invites individuals and organizations to participate in the next LGBTQ & Ally Cross Company Mixer. Over 30 companies are expected to be present to meet and mingle with community members. Your organization can have its logo displayed on TV screens throughout the private room and on the main projector. If interested, email queencity.connects@gmail.com with a copy of your logo. The event is free, and free parking is available in the new parking garage across the street. facebook.com/QueenCityConnects.

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LGBT & Allies Rooftop 2nd SEP AUG MO Chance Prom The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 7-11 p.m.

A married couple who were unable to go to their high school proms are recreating the experience and want to share it with others. The LGBTQ and ally community is invited to this second chance prom at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Tickets vary from $35-$500. est8387.com.

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Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

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life

Our People:

Q&A with Deonté Wilbourn Photographer captures beauty in small moments and big ideas

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff adolescent years, with being a man who likes men…It took me some time to appreciate that it is okay to push the standard “man” status quo. It’s the same in my photography. I think sometimes you must push the normalcy of the normal frame of a man or object.

Of all your photography projects, which did you do for personal passion (as opposed to assignments you weren’t super interested in)?

“Modern Day War,” a six-series project that consists of 36 pictures. This project is very powerful to me because it captures the daily wars that we as mankind face and fight on a daily. I try to capture that through the lens of Beyond Deon. [That’s] opposed to other projects where it’s the normal family portrait, wedding, baby shower, etc. This excludes fashion shows and gowns.

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ome artists strive to be glamorous or chic, to make money and become famous.

Deonté Wilbourn of Beyond Deon Photography aims at something a little different: to be relatable and accessible. He wants his work to be a part of your daily life — to hang in your home, your places of comfort.

Currently a bank teller by day, Wilbourn’s goal is to advance his creative work and career, but he also uses his talents to connect with others and communicate ideas. With a down-to-earth quality and naturally charismatic personality, this artist will make you feel at ease before his lens. He aims to shine a light on the beauty of his subjects, just as photography allowed him to see the beauty in his own identity as a proud pansexual man.

What inspired you to pursue photography?

You want the sentimental version? Time and light are what inspired me to pursue photography. I remember my mother having all these photographs of family, friends, my siblings and myself. She had like six huge three-ring photo album books. I used those photo albums to go back. “Throwback,” reminisce on moments captured. “My greatest joy in life is capturing precious moments and making them longlasting memories.” That’s my motto.

Does your LGBTQ identity influence your work as a photographer? How so?

It does in a way. I struggled during my

Who in your life has been especially influential, inspiring, or supportive?

My mother and my father, always telling me to do whatever I want to do…My gay father inspired me when he first let me put my hands on an over-$5,000 Canon EOS camera. That’s when I really saw a different world in the lens I look through. My best friend, Christine, whom I watched grind at an early age…My business partner and friend, Tevin, has played a role in inspiring me and challenging me by expanding my mind beyond some of the things I’ve learned in school. My boyfriend, Stephon, who believed in me from day one, two and three. He stresses how I need to shoot for bigger and better things in this world. He believes my photography is love. So, it takes a village. The support is everything!

If stranded on a desert island (with minimal food, water, and shelter), what could you not go without?

Lip Balm! I have to have my lip balm. I can’t go without lip balm. I don’t have none now and I’m losing it!

What’s your ideal way to spend a Sunday off from work?

My idea of a Sunday off is relaxing. It’s Sunday Fun Day. I get to sleep in with my boyfriend. Sit in bed [and] plan what we will eat. Cook breakfast and watch cartoons, or go get brunch. Then we have to prepare for the upcoming weekday: go do laundry, clean and try to stay off by not editing pictures. : :

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June 30-July 13 . 2017