QNotes July 5-18, 2013

July 5-18 . 2013

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inside

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July 5-18, 2013 Vol 28 No 05

news & features 5 6 11 11 16

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Leader accused of bias News Notes: Regional Briefs Supreme Court strikes down DOMA Young Dems want Amendment One repeal Charlotte Black Gay Pride wants community to ‘G.R.O.W. U.P.’ Triangle Black Gay Pride hosts fourth annual event

arts. entertainment. news. views.

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twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas

contributors this issue

Paige Braddock, Rosendo Brown, Matt Comer, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Trinity, Brett WebbMitchell

front page Graphic Design by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer Photo Credit: torbakhopper, via Flickr. Licensed CC.

a&e / life&style 12 Tell Trinity 13 Out in the Stars 18 Fabulance 18 Jane’s World 19 Q events calendar

opinions & views 4 Editor’s Note 4 On Being a Gay Parent 4 QPoll

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

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July 5-18 . 2013

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editor’s note

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Lack of transparency casts doubt on LGBT Democrats’ ability to lead A year-and-a-half ago, LGBT Democrats in North Carolina banded together to form an official state caucus organization. The group’s founding was hailed as a step forward for LGBT North Carolinians at a time when the state found itself in the midst of an anti-LGBT state constitutional amendment campaign.

In its bylaws, the LGBT Democrats of North Carolina outlines several goals, including “encouraging LGBT persons to participate fully as Democrats at all levels of policymaking and public service.” Yet, the group finds itself today embroiled in a controversy that may very well undercut the organization’s otherwise worthy mission.

Allegations have surfaced that the group’s vice president, Concetta Caliendo, attempted to exclude a transgender woman, Charlotte’s Janice Covington, from membership in a separate Democratic women’s caucus. (See our story on page 5.)

These allegations are serious and deserve public debate. They cut straight into the group’s mission of inclusion and raise important questions about the broader inclusion of transgender people within the LGBT movement. Questions regarding the potential exclusion of transgender members of our community by fellow community leaders like Caliendo deserve quick, honest and straightforward answers.

Caliendo and LGBT Democrats President Ryan Butler instead chose to ignore all requests for comment, waiting nearly two weeks before issuing written statements.

Starting on June 18, this newspaper attempted several times to reach out to Caliendo by both telephone and email. We first reached out to Butler on June 19, again by email and phone. All of our requests were ignored.

Emails to other LGBT caucus leaders were also ignored.

Caliendo eventually did issue a statement, 11 days after this newspaper initially reached out to her. The emailed statement, which was also posted to the qnotes website, refuted Covington’s version of the alleged incident.

Then on July 1, just a mere six hours before this print edition was scheduled to go to press, the LGBT Democrats of North Carolina finally released an official statement.

Both statements were clear: The LGBT Democrats and Caliendo support full equality.

But, neither statements directly answered a bevy of questions qnotes had posed in the midst of Caliendo’s and the group’s severaldays-long silence. Most of those questions remain unanswered as of press time.

Among those questions: Why did Caliendo, Butler and other caucus officials either wait so long to respond or opt not to respond at all? Did they believe the issue of inclusion unimportant? Does Caliendo believe that a transgender woman or man should be able to join women’s and men’s organizations? Does Caliendo personally believe that a transgender person’s gender marker should prevent them from joining an organization or cast doubt on how that person identifies? Does Caliendo understand the barriers transgender people face when it comes to gender confirmation and does she understand the complexities of gender identity?

These questions and many more need answers. Caliendo, Butler and other caucus leaders must speak on these issues if they seriously seek to represent LGBT people and LGBT Democrats in this state. Refusal to address these questions and issues in an open and honest way is a failure of leadership and a failure to remain true to the organization’s mission and goals.

As this newspaper has often stated, transparency and accountability are not optional for community organizations or leaders.

Governing a non-profit and leading a community, especially if one is engaged in a political cause, can often be difficult, but transparency is among the most simple of actions any group can take. Transparency is easy and its reward is trust and strength. Unwisely, the LGBT Democrats of North Carolina chose to take a far more difficult path. : :

Network Social: Wednesday, July 10, 5:30-8:00 PM Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St. Dinner Meeting: Program: The Defeat of DOMA: What It Means To Carolinians Panel Discussion with Legal/HR Experts/Tax Experts Date/Time: Tuesday, July 16; Dinner, 6:00 pm; Program, 7:15 pm Place: The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte 2508 N. Davidson St. Information: Email businessguild@yahoo.com, visit our website at www.charlottebusinessguild.org or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CharlotteBusinessGuild, or call 704-750-5CBG (5224)

www.charlottebusinessguild.org

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on being a gay parent

by Brett Webb-Mitchell :: qnotes contributor

The Big Mo I am writing this column on Thursday, June 20, 2013. I was going to write about the Supreme Court of the U.S. coming down on the side of justice in terms of throwing both California’s Prop 8 and DOMA to the dustbin of history. Alas, the Supreme Court did not come out with a ruling today. By the time this this column is published, the nine in their black robes will invariably have changed the lay of the cultural landscape until the next set of judicial rulings and new laws are enacted within the country. Regardless of what the Supreme Court rules, it is evident that we who are LGBTQIA have what is called “the Big Mo” with us. “The Big Mo” was an expression from the 1960s, used as a way to explain how a sports team had the momentum in a game that would invariably take them over the finishing line, the final goal, the last basket in the game, the ending homerun. Borrowing from the sports teams, the “Big Mo” may also be used as a way of describing a change in a politician’s campaign, a way of describing economic recovery, or highlighting social transformation.

Almost regardless of what the Supreme Court of the U.S. decides, the die has been cast in terms of modern societies making significant moves in going beyond welcoming to including LGBTQ individuals, couples, and families as part of the fabric of the public square. For example, on a recent trip to Scotland and England, I delighted watching same-sex couples holding hands along the city streets of Edinburgh and London, with no one turning around and noticing such a personal display of affection. For fun, I went into a kilt shop — Howie Nicholsby’s 21st

Century Kilts — to get fitted for a kilt if and when I ever get married. I met Howie — a kilt maker extraordinaire — inside the shop to take my measurements for a denim kilt with a fringe on the side with the colors from the Ferguson tartan (my mom’s side of the family).

Howie didn’t bat an eye about the purpose of the kilt and regaled me with other stories of gay men who had come in to get kilts for their weddings. The following week, I was in London when the House of Lords surprised everyone in the country in voting overwhelmingly for marriage equality, even though there were some in the Anglican Church who were arguing strongly against the measure. Having already passed the House of Commons and the House of Lords, a committee works on the final wording, for one more final read in the House of Lords for a third and final vote. If it passes, then it is sent to the Queen for her signature or the Royal Assent. Since the House of Commons already gave the bill a final vote in May 2013, it will then become the law of England and Wales, with a similar law soon to pass in Scotland’s legislative body.

This year, the people of New Zealand, France and soon the United Kingdom moved forward in including LGBTQ couples and families with open arms. Stateside, more states are preparing to move legislatively in approving marriage equality. Even those states with anti-marriage-equality language in their constitutions, like Oregon and Florida, are preparing to amend (again) their state constitutions and move forward with marriage equality. Who knows what the Supreme Court will decide. Nevertheless, the “Big Mo” is on the side of justice. : :

qpoll Was it appropriate for LGBT Democratic Party leaders to ignore questions about potential anti-transgender bias and exclusion?

See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll

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Leader accused of bias VP of state LGBT Democratic Party caucus refutes charges; Caucus takes nearly two weeks to respond on transgender inclusion issues

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — A local transgender, Democratic Party activist is alleging that a fellow LGBT leader in the party told her she should join a men’s auxiliary group instead of receiving full membership in a local party women’s caucus. The leader with the statewide LGBT party caucus is refuting the charges while the group itself refused to comment for nearly two weeks.

Janice Covington, of Charlotte, said she joined the Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County in April. On June 12, Covington attended her first meeting where she alleges that Concetta Caliendo, who serves as vice president of the LGBT Democrats of North Carolina, questioned her membership in the organization.

“She said, ‘Some of us have a problem with your membership in the Democratic Women,’” Covington told qnotes. “She said, ‘We don’t have any transgender people and we don’t have any guidelines for transgender people but in reality you would be better suited to be in the auxiliary.’”

The group’s associate membership is for men. Covington, who is transgender and identifies as a woman, was the first openly transgender delegate from North Carolina to a Democratic National Convention when it was hosted in the Queen City last year. She has also been a delegate at county and district conventions.

News of the membership controversy was initially reported earlier in June by local media outlets. At the time, Covington did not disclose Caliendo’s identity. She later did so in an interview with qnotes. A second source close to the Democratic Women confirmed Covington’s allegations.

The Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County issued a statement on June 17 clarifying the situation and reaffirming Covington’s full membership. The group didn’t mention Caliendo, but in a separate Facebook post again reaffirmed Covington had full membership and apologized that she was “led to believe otherwise by someone who is not a current board member.” The group has also said Covington was the first transgender woman to apply for membership and that they and the statewide Democratic Women of North Carolina will be reviewing their membership policies.

Caliendo is a longtime lesbian activist and Democratic Party supporter. In addition to her role at the LGBT Democrats of North Carolina, Caliendo is also first vice president and president-elect of Democratic Women of North Carolina. She also served on Charlotte’s Democratic National Convention Host Committee last year.

Caliendo, other officials largely silent qnotes attempted reaching out to Caliendo and LGBT Democrats of North Carolina President Ryan Butler several times via email and phone for over a week. Neither returned

the newspaper’s multiple queries before a version of this story was published online on Friday, June 28. A June 27 email sent to other LGBT Democrats board members was also unreturned.

In a June 29 emailed statement entitled “The Truth,” also posted to the newspaper’s website, Caliendo refuted Covington’s version of her conversation.

“I am deeply saddened by the sullying of my name and questioning my representation of Equal Rights for All People,” Caliendo wrote. “When I spoke to Janice Covington, I never said you are not a member. I never said join the Men’s Auxiliary. There is no Men’s Auxiliary. I never said some members had a problem with her membership.”

Caliendo also said there were concerns from the membership chair of the local county caucus concerning Covington’s voter registration.

“The [Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County] checks the voter registration status of all new members to insure they are Democrats,” Caliendo wrote. “Upon doing so, DWMC discovered that Janice was registered as a male.”

The bylaws of the group say membership is open to “women who are registered Democrats.” According to the regulations, men can join as associate members.

LGBT Democrats of North Carolina released an official statement on Monday, July 1, six hours before qnotes was scheduled to send this print edition to press. In the statement, sent by caucus president Ryan Butler, the group claimed the newspaper’s reporting had contained “several inaccuracies,” though he declined to elaborate on them. The statement also said the paper’s reports included “allegations against Concetta Caliendo, which she has strongly denied.”

The group also said it advocates for the full inclusion of the LGBT community.

“Our all volunteer organization consists of many LGBT activists who have spent countless hours advocating on behalf of the rights of transgendered persons,” the statement read. “Any assertion that the LGBT Democrats are less than 100% behind our transgendered brothers and sisters in our fight for equality is absolutely absurd.”

LGBT Democrats of North Carolina said they support a fully-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and will be proposing amendments to the state party’s governing documents to add gender-identity to its nondiscrimination policy.

The caucus said they are a new organization and are still growing. As of yet, they have no openly transgender officers in their organization.

“We are a new and small organization.

We have no staff, little money and limited resources,” the group said. “While we do not ask our officers to disclose their gender

see Bias on 19 July 5-18 . 2013

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Spaulding takes a bow

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

Charlotte HRC prez to visit Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin will visit the Queen City on July 9. While here, Griffin will meet with community and business leaders. In the evening, Griffin will host a community reception at Cathode Azure, 1820 South Blvd., Suite 106, 6-8 p.m. RSVP online at bit.ly/1b2jwBA. — M.C.

Leader responds to Chick-fil-A tweet

CHARLOTTE — Shane Windmeyer, the executive director of the locally-based, national non-profit Campus Pride, responded in late June to a Twitter message sent by Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy following the Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage.

The tweet from Cathy read, “Sad day for our nation; founding fathers would be ashamed of our gen. to abandon wisdom of the ages re: cornerstone of strong societies.”

The tweet was later deleted by Cathy.

National LGBT activists have called for boycotts of Chick-fil-A due to their long history of anti-LGBT funding. Windmeyer says he has worked closely with Cathy over several

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months in an evolving conversation on the business’ funding priorities and Cathy’s views toward the LGBT community. Still, Windmeyer said the tweet left him “deeply disappointed.”

“I expect more from my friends,” Windmeyer said in a short written statement on June 29. “His tweet was insensitive to the newfound relationship between he and I promoting ‘civility.’ It brashly dismissed the 18 years of love and commitment between my husband and I — and more importantly his tweet was dismissive to kids growing up who deserve loving families of all kinds. It is one thing to have an opinion and respectfully share that. It is another to have disregard to the impact on those around you, those who you care about, in expressing those opinions.”

Read more about Cathy’s tweet and Windmeyer’s response at goqnotes.com/23750/.

— M.C.

Artist fetes Court decision

CHARLOTTE — Artist Josh Starnes wasted no time putting his hands to work in celebration of the Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling striking down a key portion of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. His small mural

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DURHAM — Blogger Pam Spaulding has ended nearly a decade of nationallyrecognized, award-winning citizen journalism on July 1, posting her last story on her blog Pam’s House Blend.

The Durham-based blogger began her writing as a personal project in July 2004.

“In the beginning, I never really expected anyone to drop by and leave comments,” she wrote in her last post on the site. “But somehow, eventually, folks dropped by, from near and far, to share what they thought about a particular rant I had for the day.”

Spaulding’s unique voice as an AfricanAmerican woman in the South gave her credibility among the new and growing Durham blogger Pam Spaulding with Chapel national LGBT blogosphere. She became a Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt at the 2012 go-to commentator on LGBT issues.

White House LGBT Pride Month Reception.

Spaulding’s decision to shutter the blog Photo courtesy Pam Spaulding. was initially announced on June 16.

“All good things must come to an end, even after numerous awards and accolades, it’s time to acknowledge that I cannot continue to run on fumes alone,” she wrote. “The Blend could continue limping along, but my health and well-being come first; over the last few years burning the candle at both ends with a full-time offline job and PHB. It has taken a severe toll — most readers have learned that I am dealing with chronic pain conditions — fibromyalgia, and in the last couple of years, aggressive rheumatoid arthritis.”

News of Spaulding’s decision hit the LGBT community by storm. Many took to Facebook or Twitter to comment and wish Spaulding goodbye. MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry also chimed in, with a special on-air goodbye to Spaulding at the end of June 23 show. (Watch the segment at nbcnews.to/10unQ8l.)

Equality North Carolina helped pay special tribute to Spaulding on July 1. Fittingly, the tributes, which contained photos of Blend followers and one-line quotes, were shared online via Twitter and Facebook. Read more about the tributes, as well as a special commentary from this writer at goqnotes.com/23748/.

You can read more about Spaulding, her blog’s history and her decision to close the blog at bit.ly/12yMjdl andbit.ly/17yZrR0.

— M.C.

news

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Annual mass approaches

gracing the front of Central Station, a gay bar in Plaza Midwood, says it all: “RIP DOMA.” Bar owner Eddy Sansone says Starnes took only an hour to create the artwork on the day of the Supreme Court’s ruling. The Court’s decision opens the door to federal recognition for same-sex couples legally married in states where they are performed.

A separate ruling effectively overturned California’s Proposition 8. See our special coverage on page 11.

— M.C.

CHARLOTTE — A Catholic, LGBT-inclusive mass and celebration will be held on July 17, 7 p.m., at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St. This event is sponsored by the Diocesan Ministry for Gay and Lesbian Catholics (DMGLC) and is open to the public. This ministry was started by the late Fr. Gene McCreesh, the late Fr. Richard Allen and Retired Bishop Emeritus William Curlin to address the needs of its LGBT members throughout the diocese.

The mass was established in 1996 as part of the Diocese of Charlotte’s spiritual outreach to the gay and lesbian community.

A reception will follow downstairs in Biss Hall. Parking is free in The Green parking garage adjacent to the church. Simply write “St. Peter” on the ticket and sign it.

This mass is part of the gay and lesbian

see News Notes on 8

Charlotte to host LGBT funding summit

NEW YORK CITY — Funders for LGBTQ Issues, a national philanthropy group, will host a summit with several LGBT and southern funders to discuss LGBT non-profit funding in the South. The meeting is slated for July 29-30 and will assess organizations’ assetts, funding gaps and opportunities to expand LGBT funding in the South. Foundation for the Carolinas will host the weekend meeting.

Aloft Charlotte at the EpiCentre is the host hotel. The meeting is open only to grantmaking organizations.

Funders for LGBTQ Issues recently released a study documenting LGBT charitable funding in the South during 2011. North Carolina ranks fifth in total spending and sixth in per-capita spending.

The study looked at non-profit charitable grants awarded during 2011. Southern states saw only $4 million of the national $123 million total in grant funding that year.

North Carolina received $295,946 in grant funding, ranking behind Texas, Florida, Georgia and Kentucky. North Carolina’s percapita grant total stood at $0.92.

For more information on the study, visit bit. ly/129xyJv. For more information on the summit, visit bit.ly/12gMhDA. — M.C.

Stonewall anniversary remembered

CHARLOTTE — The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte hosted their third annual Stonewall Celebration on June 29. The event included catered BBQ and a cash bar, as well as several speakers, a performance troupe, a beat poet originally from New York City and a screening of last year’s PBS documentary, “Stonewall Uprising.”

The center’s day-time celebration was followed that evening by Charlotte Pride’s “A Night in the Village.” The evening bar event hosted at The Bar at 316 included raffle prizes and a Stonewall cake.

[Ed. Note — This writer is a Charlotte Pride board member.]

— M.C.

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News Notes

National/Global

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ministry parish outreach. Among other events and organizations it supports are a spring retreat, an annual retreat in Maggie Valley, N.C., annual House of Mercy AIDS Walk, Time Out Youth, among others.

The church supports human dignity and human rights of lesbians and gays and “affirm that all who are baptized are called to full participation in the life, worship and mission of the church.

For more information, email Marco Cippoliti at mrcipolletti@hotmail.com.

— L.M.

Triad Theatre group revives ‘Avenue Q’

WINSTON-SALEM — The Theatre Alliance will roll out the red carpet as it showcases the Tony Award-winning musical comedy “Avenue Q” from July 19-28 at 1047 Northwest Blvd.

The show has been compared as a cross between “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show,” but with an adult bent.

“Avenue Q” is a musical about the lively and off-the-wall characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues: love, work and relationships and more. It follows Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate who is new to the area as he tries to follow his dreams and discover his ever-elusive purpose in life.

Performances are July 19-20, 24-27 at 8 p.m., July 20 and 27 at 4 p.m. and July 28 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $16/adults, $14/students, seniors. Opening night tickets are $14/adults, $12/students. Purchases are available at the box office on Fridays from 12:30-3 p.m., Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006 or online at wstheatrealliance.org. info: wstheatrealliance.org. facebook.com/ WSTheatreAlliance.

— L.M.

Chorus seeks singers

GREENSBORO — The Triad Pride Men’s Chorus is accepting new singers for all voice parts (tenor 1, tenor 2, baritone and bass) for the upcoming season. Placements will be held on Tuesdays during August.

Singers do not have to be trained or exceptional singers, but should be able to carry a tune and follow the director’s instructions.

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‘Moment of Joy’

Also, being unable to read music is not an issue as rehearsal CDs are provided to assist with memorization.

The chorus began in 1999 and held its first concert in June of the same year. It is a member of The Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses. It performs choral music to “entertain, enlighten and enrich while promoting equality and social justice for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity — fostering pride, understanding and acceptance.” William Southerland serves as its artistic director and conductor. Mario Capano is the assistant artistic director and accompanist.

Rehearsals are on Tuesdays in Greensboro, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at the Greensboro Cultural Center, Room 121, 200 N. Davie St. For those who are interested in joining, call 336-589-6267 or email joinus@triadpride menschorus.org. info: triadpridemenschorus.org.

— L.M.

Foundation reaches goal

WINSTON-SALEM — The Adam Foundation’s Board of Directors has announced that its goal of establishing its Adam Legacy Fund has been achieved.

The organization has been able to deposit $25,000 in the fund, an endowment with The Winston-Salem Foundation that helps secure The Adam Foundation’s future in meeting its mission of serving the needs of the local LGBT community.

Over 70 Adam Foundation and local LGBT leaders watched as its President Larry Boles presented the ceremonial check to the Winston-Salem Foundation representative Jonathan Halsey on June 27 at Mary’s Gourmet Diner. They were recognized at the event.

Donors, sponsors and partners throughout Adam’s 24-year history were instrumental in achieving this milestone. It helps to strengthen Adam’s ability to contribute long term to grants in the Triad area.

More information is forthcoming on the endowment campaign launch.

The foundation will host its martini night on July 10, 6-9 p.m., at 6th and Vine Wine Bar, 209 W. 6th St., with a presentation of grant recipients at 7 p.m. info: adamfoundation.org.

— L.M.

NEW YORK — The New Yorker celebrated the Supreme Court rulings on the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8 with a distinctive and special cover for its July 8 & 15, 2013, print edition.

The cover was released by the magazine on June 28. “It’s amazing to witness how attitudes on gay rights have evolved in my lifetime,” Jack Hunter, the artist of the image, entitled “Moment of Joy,” told the publication. “This is great for our kids, a moment we can all celebrate.”

— M.C.

Ga. men sentenced in hate crime

ATLANTA — Two men have been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for their part in an anti-gay hate crime attack.

Christoper Cain, 19, and Dorian Moragne, 20, were sentenced in late June. Both were involved in the Feb. 4, 2012, beating of Brandon White. The attack on White occurred outside of a neighborhood store. The incident was caught on videotape and posted on the website WorldStarHipHop.com in a post entitled, “Dead Wrong: Man Wearing Skinny Jeans Gets Sucker Attacked & G’z Throw a Tire On Him for Being Gay.” The case marked the first time a federal court filed hate crime charges for an anti-gay crime in the state of Georgia.

Read more about the case and see a video via LGBTQ Nation at bit.ly/118poY1.

— M.C.

Quick Hits…

— Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into a law a measure that prohibits pro-LGBT advocacy. The measure is meant to stop “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.” more: bit.ly/11SK3Of — Gay Pennsylvania House Rep. Brian Sims is sponsoring a same-sex marriage bill in his state. Sims was also prevented from speaking about marriage equality on the House floor by a fellow legislator, whom he has asked to be reprimanded. more: bit.ly/13jrZhX

— Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy was none-too-pleased with the June 26 Supreme Court rulings on marriage. “Sad day for our nation; founding fathers would be ashamed of our gen. to abandon wisdom of the ages re: cornerstone of strong societies,” Cathy wrote on Twitter before deleting the message. more: goqnotes.com/23750/.

— Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in late June that he was “the first Prime Minister of Australia to be a full signed up supporter of marriage equality.” But, he has a suggested a national referendum on the issue, upsetting some LGBT advocates. more: bit.ly/15VXvOY

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Planning for retirement: Is it different for LGBT people?

by Judson Gee JHG Financial Advisors

Most communities often wonder if they will meet their financial goals for a myriad of reasons such as retirement, protection of assets and income, keeping taxes minimized, meeting educational needs, or simply outpacing the cost of living. Unfortunately the laws are skewed toward traditional families, not modern ones, and perhaps DOMA may be a thing of the past soon, but until then we must plan for the now and be nimble enough to change. We all have financial blindsides, both for straight and LGBT people, when it comes to planning for our future and the ones we care for most, but, by far, retirement is the most prevalent.

Retirement is one of the biggest concerns we all have, but the blindsides for LGBT people are much wider in scope. First, with the cost of health care averaging in the hundreds of thousands during the last years of our lives according to a study done by New York Life in 2012, and rising at a rate that’s twice that of inflation, it’s no wonder we are working longer.

If one doesn’t plan for that likely expense, then your days of traveling after you retire may be numbered. Second, we are living longer thanks to medical research and healthier lifestyles, but saving for retirement can be tough if you don’t start early and contribute often, as well as structure them correctly.

Most experts state that putting away 10% of one’s income into a company retirement plan, or the various choices of IRA’s, is the most effective way to plan. This is because retirement accounts offer many benefits which taxable accounts cannot. Certainly, federally and state tax-free municipal bonds are an option to assess, but there are other tax advantaged options to consider as well.

Tax Free ROTH IRA’s are often overlooked, and now ROTH 401ks are most often available at the company we work for. Investors pay taxes up front with a ROTH, just not on the money withdrawn in retirement. So, why are they often shunned? One reason is ROTH IRA’s have limits on income, and once one earns over a certain level, you cannot contribute and again.

This is where LGBT people are disadvantaged.

You see, federally-recognized married couples’ income limits are significantly higher than limits on single tax filers. ROTH 401ks don’t have income limits, so that’s a great way to do some future tax planning by having a combination of both pre- and after-tax contributions. Second is that most simply understand that pre-tax or deductible contributions benefit them today, whereas ROTH is a benefit for tomorrow because of after-tax contributions that grow both federally and state tax-free for life. In

traditional retirement accounts distributions are taxable upon receiving them.

Don’t forget also that ROTH IRAs have no Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s) when inherited. This is where LGBT people can benefit.

In 2010, same-sex couples living together in the USA were over 620,000 households according to U.S. Census data. Partners cannot inherit Social Security or a pension. So, under current federal law, same-sex marriages are essentially ignored when defining a legal spouse under qualified retirement plans. Thus, retirement plans cannot be inherited in the same way as heterosexual couples’ plans can.

For instance, if I die, my spouse can simply assume my retirement plan as if it were hers.

Not true for domestic partners. LGBT people can designate a specific beneficiary, however that beneficiary must start taking RMDs, without the early withdrawal penalty of 10%, thus depleting an asset potentially at an earlier age than the deceased. When one inherits a Traditional IRA or 401k, it becomes known as a Beneficiary IRA and continues to grow tax deferred; however, distributions start immediately and deplete over time based on a government IRS formula.

Heterosexual couples are allowed to wait until the regular age of 70.5 before RMDs are required, so this is where a ROTH IRA or ROTH 401k, which is inherited, can be a great planning tool for LGBT people if a legacy is important.

Space is limited, or I could go on and on about retirement accounts and strategic planning tools centered around that type of planning as there are many techniques for both heterosexual and LGBT communities usage. However, over my eighteen-year career as a Wealth Planner, I’ve discovered they are often underutilized. At JHG Financial Advisors, attention to each client’s unique needs is key, and we’ll help minimize blindsides through information, strategic planning, and communication. With proper implementation and monitoring, we can help you plan for most outcomes today or tomorrow.

Follow me on Twitter: @JhgFinancial.

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

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Member FINRA/SIPC The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

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Supreme Court strikes down DOMA Separate ruling effectively overturns Proposition 8

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

In a pair of stunning and historic decisions on June 26, Washington and people in Raleigh and people in hickthe U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal Defense towns like where I grew up make it big deal and that is no of Marriage Act (DOMA) and dismissed a case seeking to more. We have to end that,” she said. “We have to end uphold California’s Proposition 8, effectively overturning that today and its through our actions that we end those that state’s anti-LGBT marriage amendment. things. We end discrimination by taking back our rights.”

The Court ruled 5-4 to strike down Section 3 of DOMA J.R. Joaquin said the June 26 rulings were a watershed. on the grounds of Equal Protection, saying that it is an “I am gay and I have a passion for the cause, this is a unconstitutional deprivation of liberty and a violation of due very big day for me and a lot of my friends, we have been process rights. waiting for quite awhile,” he told The Charlotte Observer.

“The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose Williams said the Court’s rulings were a step in the overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to right direction, but stressed that work toward equality is injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought not done. to protect in personhood and dignity,” the court ruled, the “I don’t want anybody to be fooled that this is the end, majority opinion written by Justice Anthony Kennedy. “By that all of a sudden because a key provision of DOMA seeking to displace this protection and treating those perwas struck down that we can’t still be fired in North sons as living in marriages less respected than others, the Carolina for being gay, that we still can’t be fired for being federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment.” non-gender-conforming,” she said. “We have a long ways Kennedy was joined in the majority by Justices Ruth to go before we sleep, but this is a giant leap forward…

Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Today, they see us out of the closet, into the streets and Elena Kagan. know that they don’t have to be ashamed anymore.”

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Antonin Scalia Other celebrations were held elsewhere across wrote dissenting opinions. Both said the Court did not have Charlotte and the Carolinas. Supporters of the Human jurisdiction to rule on the matter.

Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights orThe decision to strike down Section 3 of DOMA will enganization, gathered for drinks at a celebratory reception able same-sex couples with state-recognized marriages to reat Cathode Azure, a gay bar in South End. In Columbia, SC ceive federal benefits and recognition, including tax benefits Equality held a march to the South Carolina State House. and survivor benefits among some 1,100 federal rights and In Raleigh, Equality North Carolina convened supporters privileges afforded to marriage. It may also give bi-national for an event at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. couples the option to apply for permanent resident status for California’s Proposition 8, an anti-gay constitutional immigrant spouses, just as heterosexuals can. amendment passed in 2008, was also overturned. The Ryan Wilson, executive director of South Carolina Court voted 5-4 on a procedural matter. State officials Equality, married his partner, Shehan Welihindha, originally in California had opted not to defend the anti-gay law. A from Sri Lanka, earlier this year. After the DOMA ruling, private group of amendment proponents then took up the Wilson will be able to sponsor his husband for a green card. law’s defense. The Supreme Court ruled that the Ninth Brian Helms and Jeff Enochs at an Uptown Charlotte rally celebrating the “I think this sends a clear signal from the country’s Circuit Court of Appeals had no jurisdiction to consider the Supreme Court’s decisions on marriage equality. highest court that same-sex couples that are granted the appeal. A stay on the performance of same-sex marriages Photo Credit: rcraigsnider@gmail.com. in California was lifted following the ruling. Marriages freedom to marry should be treated equally,” he said.

Same-sex couples like Charlotte’s Lacey Williams and serving of the same rights of anyone else and our relationship there resumed on June 28.

Laura Maschal said they are ready to push for full equality in is just as valid.”

The Court’s decisions came 10 years to the day of the their home state. The two were married in Vermont last year, At a rally in Uptown Charlotte on the evening of the deciLawrence v. Texas ruling, which struck down anti-gay crime but their relationship is not legally recognized in North Carolina, sions, Williams, a co-organizer for the Charlotte Rainbow Action against nature laws. something they hope to change.

Network for Equality, told a crowd of about 30 people that the de[Ed. Note — This writer helped organize the Charlotte rally on “Today is a step in the direction of full personhood under cisions were a milestone in the continued movement for equality.

June 26 and is a co-organizer of the Charlotte Rainbow Action the law,” she said. “It’s an affirmation that we are people de“Getting married is not a big friggin’ deal, but people in Network for Equality.]

After DOMA ruling, Young Dems want Amendment One repeal LGBT Democrats president more cautious

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — The Young Democrats of North Carolina are calling for an immediate repeal of Amendment One, North Carolina’s anti-LGBT state constitutional amendment passed by voters in May 2012.

The amendment passed with 61 percent of approval and forbids the state from recognizing or performing same-sex marriages. Young Democrats President Sam Spencer said the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the federal Defense of Marriage Act on June 26 shows the state is out of step with the nation.

“Our position is that Amendment One should be repealed,” Spencer told qnotes the day of the court’s ruling.

The Supreme Court struck down a key portion of DOMA in its landmark decision on June 26, saying the statute is a violation of equal protection and due process rights. The federal

see Young Dems on 15 Young Democrats of North Carolina issued an action alert on June 26 pushing for repeal of Amendment One.

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tell trinity

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

At least acknowledge me Dear Trinity, After seeing your wonderful performance in Wilton Manors, Fla., a few months back, I went backstage to see you. You greeted everyone but me. Why didn’t you acknowledge me?

Ex-Fan, Saint Paul, MN

Dear Ex-Fan, Why didn’t you just say, “Excuse me! I love you!” I might have married you on the spot! I always travel with a rabbi! I’m truly sorry. It’s common not to know how to get the attention of someone. It happens to me every time I see

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Bill Goldberg, a former WCW champion. After I finally get near him, I get so tongue-tied that he thinks I’m some neurotic stalker and runs away grunting. I end up hating him and myself until my next Drama Therapy Forgiveness Workshop. Sometimes, honey, in life we must just step up to the plate.

Dearest Trinity, I rented a room from a close friend and promised to pay the rent by a certain time. Recently, I had to ask him to let me slide for a while because I unexpectedly changed jobs and got a new Jeep. He freaked out on me. How do I get him to let me slide?

Renter’s Woes, Santa Fe, NM

Dearest Renter’s Woes, Do you mean that he won’t let his close friend slither his way out of paying the rent? I have one word for you, integrity, when your word is better than a binding contract, better than the word of God. If I was you, I would, a) take a cash advance from my job or credit card, b) start sleeping in my new Jeep or c) find some other friends, cause, sweetie, in my book, money and friendship requires one thing, integrity! (Either you be a good steward of your agreement or you don’t. My cartoon shows you how I feel about the situation.)

Hello Trinity, Recently, my girlfriend announced that she wants to “practice celibacy.” I’m now thinking of letting her move in, even if it means separate bedrooms. Do you think this could work?

Separate Bedroom Love, Madison, WI

Hello Separate Bedroom Love, Celibacy, the life of monks, priests, eunuchs and many drag queens, has been practiced for millenniums. But, pumpkin, I smell trouble outside the church walls and you’re part of it! If you really want this to work, then send her off to a Celibacy Summer Camp and when she returns, if you’re still not living in a healthy, passionate,

sexually fulfilling relationship then — send her back. You deserve more!

Hey Trinity, I’ve been hanging out a lot with this guy whom I can’t quite figure out if he’s gay or not.

When I went to his house, I looked for clues, but I’m still clueless. Any thoughts?

Clueless, Baltimore, MD

Hey Clueless, Sometimes it’s hard to tell who is or is not gay.

So, I asked all of my sources and, darling, here is what we came up with:

Trinity’s Undercover Tips For Telling If Someone Is Not Gay

By Searching For Clues In Their Home 1. Living room — no throw rugs, throw pillows nor throw fabrics. Not gay!

2. Kitchen — no pesto, gourmet crackers nor fresh flowers. Not gay!

3. Bedroom — no matching lamps, bed skirts nor Warhol knockoffs. Not gay!

4. Bathroom — no hand towels, hand soaps nor hand-carved sculptures. Not gay!

5. CD rack — no Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand nor Broadway musicals. Not gay!

6. Wall Decor — Street signs, beer signs or signs of old wallpaper. Not gay. (Thank God!) 7. The bar — does not have Pinot Noir or martini glasses, but does have imitation Kahlua.

Not gay!

8. Answering machine — uses words like, “Stoked,” Shit ya,” or “No way man.” Definitely not gay!

9. Cutlery drawer — only has plastic forks, cafeteria spoons and steak knives with Denny’s logo. Not gay!

10. Lastly — no signs of anything with Marilyn Monroe, wrapped in leopard, singing a club version of “Diamonds.” Not gay! : : 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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out in the stars

by Charlene Lichtenstein :: qnotes contributor

July 5 - 18 Learn to steer your vehicle and don’t go off course when Mars moves into Cancer and conjuncts retrograde Mercury. Our search for love, power and all the goodies that go with success revs into massive overdrive. You can fill your tank to the brim, but don’t slip on the spillage. Oops!

CANCER (06.22-07.23) Things propel you into the epicenter of the social swirl. Gay Crabs are endowed with extra dollops of charisma and are the ones to see and be seen with. Try to be discerning as the hoi poloi scramble to get a piece of you. But, it can all become much too much. What is your outer limit? You won’t know until you push the boundaries and they begin to push back. Ooph!

LEO (07.24-08.23) Not only do you have a number of great advisors, some of them are especially intuitive and wise and come to you unexpectedly.

But, do you know which voices lead you on the right path? Go with the cosmic flow and you can get mystical directions and important answers.

Perhaps, the most valuable information you will divine is the ability to tell fact from fiction.

VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Friends ask a lot of you, and while you are happy to oblige, be sure to set limits on your generosity. They can lead you into extreme situations that require too much personal effort. Where does that leave caring, queer Virgins? Hopefully fading into the background where they cannot see you. Bide your time. Later on the dust settles and you can play the big shot without risk.

LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Miffed, proud Libras are apt to take matters in their own hands at work.

Recent events seem to tell you that you are under-appreciated and being taken for granted.

Very true, but don’t bite just yet. Swallow your bile and wait for a less stressful time to air your grievances. Catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Then you can squash ‘em!

SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) They say that travel is broadening, but during this time period you may find that travel is more stressful, less engrossing and generally unpleasant. No one wants to help you, small incidents become international fiascos and even after landing on shore you may still feel at sea. Queer Scorps are advised to relax and recharge closer to home, at least for now.

SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Haven’t we met someplace before? Sure seems that way. Gay Archers are madly in lust and are raring to

a&e

experiment with a few close bosom buddies.

Normally a fine idea, but now there is a risk of increased possessiveness and jealousies. Why ruin a perfectly good friendship on a momentary hit of bliss? I guess maybe that is a good enough reason.

CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) As hard as you work (and you are working very hard right now) there is something to be said for taking a breather, pulling back and seeking greater life balance. Pink Caps refuse to see the connection between time spent with partners and overall stress reduction. Just wait. Certain events drive the point home right now. Maybe you will get the point? Ouch!

AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) This may be the perfect time to take a vacation. There is a lot of work to be done and Aqueerians are feeling like rats on an ever-increasing treadmill. There is nothing to be gained from putting in that extra effort now. Before you fall off and become grist for the mill, jump off the rat track and make tracks for parts unknown. Let it all hang out.

PISCES (02.20-03.20) Fun may be much more trouble than it is worth now. Guppies think they can party hearty and go overboard in their pursuit of assorted jollies. You may also gamble more than you can afford now. The payoff will either be enormous or catastrophic. Let’s guess what happens. Your love knows no bounds.

Unless, of course, that turns you on.

ARIES (03.21-04.20) Count to at least 10 in relationships. Your actions can create frictions and extra, unnecessary stress.

Proud Rams want major and quick changes around the house, but partners or family members vehemently disagree. It is better to create a different friction between consenting adults and get something going. Let’s see what happens when you rub someone the right way.

TAURUS (04.21-05.21) You think you are eloquent, inspiring and dramatic. Sadly, you may come off as shrill now. Store up your ferocious opinions for at least another week or so. You can use this time to refine them. Queer Bulls speak from the heart, but now you may get heartburn from some unexpected sources.

Watch, look and listen and contemplate your next move quietly.

GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Just when you thought enough was enough, you suddenly decide to go for much, much more. Pink Twins get into all sorts of high-priced mischief (no names please!) and have a jolly time spending and spreading their generosity around. Seek comrades in arms as you stimulate your gay muse.

Will you watch the bottom line as you pay the piper? Nasty thing! : : © 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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Young Dems want repeal continued from page 11

government will now recognize same-sex marriages performed legally in states where they are recognized.

“It’s incumbent upon all of us to really keep up the fight…now that the federal government has said pretty clearly at the federal level we recognize that discrimination against people based on who they love is unconstitutional,” Spencer said.

Spencer’s organization issued an action alert calling upon its members to push for an amendment repeal and to contact Gov. Pat McCrory, state Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and state House Speaker Thom Tillis, all Republicans.

Ryan Tronovitch, a McCrory spokesperson, said on June 26 that the governor was aware of the decisions, but was not planning on releasing a statement. Tillis press secretary Jordan Shaw did not respond to an email seeking comment.

During the amendment campaign last year, Tillis told a group of students at North Carolina State University that Amendment One would be repealed in a generation.

“It’s a generational issue,” Tillis said at the time. “The data shows right now that you are a generation away from that issue. If it passes, I think it will be repealed within 20 years.”

Spencer said the chances for repeal are slim.

“I don’t think we will have a chance to overturn Amendment One as long as we have a Republican General Assembly,” he said.

Still, he thinks leaders like Tillis can take a proactive step toward fixing last year’s civil rights setback.

“Tillis has never been the fiery social issues guy in the North Carolina House and I think Tillis has an opportunity, like [former Charlotte City Councilmember] Edwin Peacock took last year,” Spencer said.

“Peacock was in a GOP primary and still showed the courage to speak out against Amendment One.” Spencer said Tillis’ opposition to LGBT equality could hurt his future political career.

The same goes for Berger. Both are considered potential Republican challengers to incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan in her race next year.

“Their support of Amendment One will end up hurting them in the long run,” Spencer said. “This decision today [June

26] is evidence the country is moving in the right direction.”

Other Democratic Party leaders took a more cautious approach. Ryan Butler, president of the LGBT Democrats of North Carolina, stopped short of calling for an amendment repeal in a statement he released through the state party on June 26.

“Today’s historic ruling striking down DOMA is a victory for all fair-minded North Carolinians,” Butler said, “Democrats have

led the charge to repeal DOMA and continue to champion the cause of marriage equality. While today is certainly an enormous victory for those ideals, we are reminded that we still live in a state where you can be fired, not based on the quality of your work, but for who you love. The discriminatory Amendment One also remains enshrined in our state’s constitution.”

In the statement, Butler also said the state was being “governed by the most

extreme and out of touch Republicans we’ve ever seen.” Legislative leaders, he said, are “attacking the middle class, minorities and ordinary working people all over North Carolina.”

He added, “Our fight is far from over.

Democrats in North Carolina will continue this fight, because, as the President said today, ‘when all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.’” : :

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Charlotte Black Gay Pride wants community to ‘G.R.O.W. U.P.’ Annual event scheduled for July 18-21

by Maria Dominguez :: maria@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — Organizers are gearing up for this year’s Charlotte Black Gay Pride (CBGP), slated for July 18-21. This year’s theme is “G.R.O.W. U.P. — Gay Rights: Openly Working Towards Unity and Peace.”

CBGP Chair William Singleton told qnotes that the importance of black gay Pride goes back to the time of the Stonewall Inn riots.

“It was still a time of racial disharmony,” Singleton said. “Black people didn’t really have a voice in the community.”

Now, black Pride events are still significant, according to Singleton: “It is a movement to celebrate who you are, not only in your sexuality, but also celebrate our ethnicity. It’s not to segregate, because we do participate with Charlotte Pride, but it is important to celebrate the uniqueness that is our community.”

CBGP’s host hotel is the Crowne Plaza in Uptown Charlotte, 201 S. McDowell

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St. A special rate of $99 per night will be given to all guests who mention CBGP at the time of reservation.

On Thursday, July 18, 7-9 p.m., CBGP will host an official town hall meeting at the LGBT Community Center, 2508 N. Davidson St., moderated by City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield (D-Dist. 3), the city’s first and only openly LGBT elected official.

“We’ll be talking about issues of our community, where we want to go as a whole and goal-setting for the next year,” Singleton said. The second half of the event will feature speed-dating, couples’ games, mixers and hors d’oeuvres.

CBGP’s signature Expo Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center, 750 Beal St. The Expo will feature Zumba sessions, open mic for singers and poets, a drag show and food vendors.

The following day the group will host a Sunday Fun Day, also at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center. Singleton describes it as “an old-school-type field day” with kickball, tug-ofwar and other favorite activities. Cookout-style food will be served and prizes awarded, as well as worship services provided.

Singleton expects this year’s activities to have a new tone and direction. The organization underwent a transition with an entirely new board of directors this year.

“The former board of directors in charge of Charlotte Black Gay Pride, they had a lot of disharmony with the community. They kind of did things on their own,” Singleton told qnotes. “Our biggest challenge was coming in with a whole new board and erasing the stigma that existed before. It’s about getting out there and rebranding us as a board.”

Scheduled Events: G.R.O.W. U.P. Official Town Hall Meeting Thursday, July 18, 7-9 p.m.

LGBT Community Center of Charlotte

2508 N. Davidson St. Discussion of community goals featuring City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield.

Mix & Match Meet & Greet Friday, July 19, 7p.m.

Crowne Plaza host hotel 201 S. McDowell St. CBGP Expo Saturday, July 20, 10a.m.-2p.m.

Naomi Drenan Recreation Center 750 Beal St. There will be Zumba sessions, food vendors, a drag show and an open mic event for singers and poets.

Ole’ School Field Day Sunday, July 21, 2-6p.m.

Naomi Drenan Recreation Center 750 Beal St. Fun games like tug-of-war, kickball and other favorites will be played and prizes awarded.

A cookout and outside-the-box worship services will be provided.

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Triangle Black Pride hosts fourth annual events Slated for Durham, July 25-28

by Maria Dominguez:: maria@goqnotes.com

DURHAM — Triangle Black Pride’s fourth annual Shades of Pride Weekend will be held from July 25-28, most activities taking place in the Durham Convention Center, 301 W. Morgan St. Akil Campbell, chairperson for Triangle Black Pride, told qnotes that the event is an opportunity to bridge community. “We’re not separate from other Prides, but the culture is just different,� said Campbell, a Jamaica native who has lived in the U.S. for 17 years. “It is to introduce and include others in that culture, a celebration of culture open to all.�

According to Campbell, Triangle Black Pride has faced serious challenges with funding this year.

“It’s just not there,� Campbell told qnotes. “We operate as a non-profit and rely on donations and sponsorships, but it’s just not there.�

Still, Campbell and other organizers have pulled together an impressive array of events.

Registration and Pride packet pick-up will happen on Thursday, July 25, from 3-7 p.m. and Friday, July 26, from 3-6 p.m.

A welcome reception will also be held on Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m., where Campbell said he is expecting Durham Mayor Bill Bell and N.C. House Rep. Marcus Brandon (D-Guilford). He also hopes Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt will be in attendance.

Evening events on Friday include two separate “Express Yourself! Pajama Jam� parties, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., one for men at the Durham Convention Center and one for women at The Bar, 711 Rigsbee Ave. Both events will charge a $10 cover fee or $15 for in-and-out.

Workshops and seminars will be held on Saturday, July 27.

Health screenings, an expo and film festival are also slated. An LGBTQ writer’s workshop will also be held, along with several other events. “Our last two events, I’m very eager to see and be a part of,� see Triangle on 18

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Triangle Black Pride continued from page 17

Campbell said. “We have an Inspirational Jazz Brunch on Sunday and we are closing out with a music and comedy event.”

Later on Saturday an event called the Treasure Palace will take place at The Bar from 10 p.m.2 a.m. with a $20 cover.

On Sunday, July 28, the organization will host an Inspirational Jazz Brunch with Byron Jamal from Noon-3 p.m. at the convention center.

Scheduled Events: Registration and Pride Packet Pick-up Thursday, July 25, 3-7 p.m. and Friday, July 26, 3-6 p.m.

Durham Convention Center 301 W. Morgan St. Welcome Reception with Mayor Bill Bell and Rep. Marcus Brandon Friday, July 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Durham Convention Center

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Express Yourself! Pajama Jam Friday, July 26, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 regular cover, $15 in-and-out HIS Bed — Durham Convention Center, featuring SUKI HER Bed — The Bar, 711 Rigsbee Ave. Workshops/Seminars Saturday, July 27, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Durham Convention Center

Health Screenings Saturday, July 27, Noon-4 p.m.

Durham Convention Center

Expo and Film Festival Saturday, July 27, Noon-5 p.m.

Durham Convention Center

Live Music, Comedy and Open Mic Event Saturday, July 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Durham Convention Center

LGBTQ Writer’s Workshop Saturday, July 27, 3-5 p.m.

Durham Convention Center

Inspirational Jazz Brunch with Byron Jamal Sunday, June 28, Noon-3 p.m.

Durham Convention Center

The Treasure Palace Saturday, July 27, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

The Bar, 711 Rigsbee Ave., $20 Cover

Q

events

Fun-day for all awaits at the Whitewater Center

July 13 • Charlotte Pride Splash Day Charlotte Pride presents its third annual Pride Splash Day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Enjoy good food, good drinks and phenomenal outdoor activities and challenges with friends and fellow community members. Purchase event and attraction tickets using Charlotte Pride’s group code and a portion of proceeds will benefit this year’s Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade. A special evening social mixer is planned for 5 p.m., after which the center hosts Chapel Hill’s Mipso Trio for their Whitewater RiverJam. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. For more information and ticket purchases, visit charlottepride.org/splashday/.

goqnotes.com/qguide/events

Through July 7 • Charlotte Metrolina Expo Enjoy four full days of shopping bliss at the Metrolina Expo Marketplace, featuring collectibles and antiques, home decor, art, jewelry, crafts and more. Metrolina Tradeshow Expo Center, 7100 Statesville Rd. 9-5 p.m. each day. $5/entry. Free parking. icashows.com.

July 9 • Charlotte HRC President visits Charlotte Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin visits Charlotte for a community reception.

Cathode Azure, 1820 South Blvd., Suite 106. 6-8 p.m. Free. RSVP online at bit.ly/1b2jwBA. July 13 • Gastonia PFLAG Pancake Breakfast PFLAG Gaston hosts a pancake breakfast fundraiser. Applebee’s, 3628 E. Franklin Blvd.

8-10 a.m. $7.

July 13 • Winston-Salem Screening: ‘G.B.F.’ OUT at the Movies WInston-Salem will screen the 2013 comedy, “G.B.F.” UNC School of the Arts, ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St. 7 p.m. outatthemovieswinston.org.

July 14 • Charlotte Prime Timers Prime Timers hosts its monthly meeting and dinner. Wedgewood Church Fellowship Hall, 4800 Westwood Dr. 5-6:30 p.m. 704-523-6108. primetimersww.com/charlotte.

B11. 8 p.m. southerncountrycharlotte.com.

July 18-21 • Charlotte Charlotte Black Gay Pride Celebrate with Charlotte Black Gay Pride and a week-long series of special events. cbgp.org.

July 26 • Charlotte Electric Run The boys of Just Twirl invite you to join them on their team in the Electric Run Charlotte. A unique twist on the traditional 5k. A takeover event and after party are also planned. electricrun.com/charlotteand justtwirl.com.

July 20 • Charlotte Center Bingo The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte hosts its monthly bingo. July theme and guest bingo diva yet to be announced. 2508 N. Davidson St. 7-10 p.m. gaycharlotte.com.

July 20 • Charlotte SCC ‘Saddles Up’ The guys and gals of Southern Country Charlotte head back out for a night of fun at Saddle Up Saloon, Charlotte’s newest Country Western bars. The group visited last month and it is returning for another night of line dancing, good drinks and good fun.

Saddle Up Saloon, 820 Hamilton St., Suite

July 25-28 • Durham Triangle Black Pride Shades of Pride presents the fourth annual Triangle Black Pride. shadesofpride.org.

July 27 • Charlotte Campus Pride Pool Party Come out and support Campus Pride, the Charlotte-based national non-profit serving LGBT college students, at a special pool party featuring 2012 Athlete of the Year Jack Mackenroth, all-American swimmer, HIV activist, celebrity fitness model and “Project Runway” fashion designer. Home of Greg Jenkins and Shawn Rawleigh, 447 Wonderwood Dr. 1:30-4 p.m. Minimum $75 donation requested. Drinks & hors d’oeuvres.

Pool attire. campuspride.org.

Bias accusations made continued from page 5

identity, we do not currently have any officers who have self identified as transgendered. To our knowledge we have not had any persons who identified as transgendered attend any of our initial meetings.”

The group, which is an official caucus of the state Democratic Party, says in its bylaws that it will take efforts “to balance the com-

mittee with respect to age, gender, gender identity, race, and ethnicity.”

The group added, “The current officers are the initial first set of elected officers within the organization and we are hopeful that we will be able to add to our diversity at our next election later this year by adding a transgendered officer or member of the executive committee.”

Several questions posed both to Caliendo and other LGBT Democrats officials went unanswered in Caliendo’s June 29 statement and the caucus’ official statement. You can read the full statement posted in its entirety at goqnotes.com/23693/. : : — Visit goqnotes.com for the latest on this story.

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