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July 9-22 . 2011
inside July 9-22, 2011 Vol 26 No 05
So long, farewell and thank you!
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News Notes: Regional Briefs Census data reveals Carolina gays Justice a key issue at UU gathering Hundreds attend faith rally Changing of the guard House speaker promises vote
opinions & views 4 Editor’s Note 4 QPoll 5 General Gayety
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On Being a Gay Parent Drag Rag QList 2011: Readers’ Pick Out in the Stars Tell Trinity CLT, Triangle Black Prides Q events calendar
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Matt Comer, Jeanette Leardi, Kevin Grooms/Miss Della, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Leslie Robinson, David Stout, Trinity, Brett Webb-Mitchell
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editor’s note by matt comer matt@goqnotes.com
NC Pride’s tax-exempt revocation demands more transparency
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The NC Pride Festival and Parade that takes place in Durham every year has a significant place in North Carolina history. For more than 25 years, the parade and related festivities have made their mark on Durham, the Triangle and the state. Starting in the late 1980s and continuing throughout the next decade, the festival and parade toured North Carolina in cities and towns both large and small, including Asheville, Carrboro, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Winston-Salem. As it traveled the state, the group brought with it a message of change, equality and inclusion. There can be no argument: NC Pride is the longest-running LGBT Pride event in the state; itís also one of the largest and most influential. Tar Heel residents and folks from surrounding states flock to the group’s events each year. For such a successful run of events, it would seem the group’s leadership has a firm grasp on their responsibilities as leaders of a non-profit community organization. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. In 2010, it was revealed that NC Pride had failed to file the necessary annual returns all non-profit groups must submit to the Internal Revenue Service. Known as a Form 990, the annual return documents a non-profit group’s expenditures, revenue, organizational leadership and staff salaries, if any. The revelation, brought about by qnotes’ first Community Assessment Survey of non-profits across the state, couldn’t have come at a better time for NC Pride; the IRS had recently announced it would begin automatically revoking the tax-exempt status of organizations that had failed to file their necessary paperwork for a consecutive three or more years. At the time, NC Pride director John Short seemed apologetic and eager to fix the oversight. Yet, the issue soon faded into silence. The oversight was finally solved, though I imagine it wasn’t the solution Short or NC Pride supporters had hoped for. On June 8, the IRS released tax-exempt revocations for more than 275,000 non-profit groups across the country — NC Pride included. qnotes first reported on the revocation on June 11. Our efforts to reach out to Short were ignored, prompting us to dub him the “M.I.A. director” in a follow-up report on June 15. At
the same time, we reported on the resignation of NC Pride’s volunteer spokesperson. While former spokesperson Keith Hayes extolled the history of NC Pride and Short’s commitment to the group, he, too, found himself frustrated by the recent turn of events. “I cannot continue as a spokesperson for an organization when I am not kept aware of the public issues it is facing,”he told qnotes. For more than a week, Short refused to make contact with qnotes. Finally, just hours before we were to send our June 25 print issue to press, Short responded via email with a brief, four-sentence statement — one that left much to be desired. (Read that story, “NC Pride’s tax-exempt status revoked; M.I.A. director responds,” at goqnotes.com/ 11513/.) “At the present time, we are still in talks with the IRS about our 501(c)(3) status and the correct completion of all forms required to bring us back to full compliance,” Short said in an email to qnotes.”However in that process, we have also learned that since we receive no grants or private donations, and that all of our funding is from advertising revenue, we will not be affected in our yearly projects and operations of our websites while this process continues.” Short continued, “It is also important to remember that the Pride Committee of NC, Inc. is a group of part-time non-paid volunteers that assemble once each year in the summer to organize and direct the NC Pride Parade and Festival in September that has become the largest and most successful GLBT [event] in our state, and in its success encouraged at least eight other local Pride events around North Carolina. It is also important to note that all of our NC Pride events are always free to the public.” Short’s brief statement seems almost flippant and unconcerned with their tax-exempt revocation, and because he refused to speak directly with qnotes several concerns remain unaddressed. His statement that the group continues to work with the IRS is one we’ve heard before — an unfulfilled promise that all would be brought back to order last year. Short’s explanation of NC Pride revenue also seems inaccurate considering the group collects vendor fees for its day festival on the grounds
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July 9-22 . 2011
of Duke University’s East Campus. It’s also hard to imagine that the group has never, not once, collected a monetary or in-kind contribution or donation that wasn’t an exchange for advertising in its Pride Guide. Several other questions remain unanswered — questions whose responsibility to ask will undoubtedly now fall on individual NC Pride contributors and supporters. Among them: What is the amount of NC Pride’s annual revenue? Where does that money go and how is it spent? Are there adequate checks and balances to ensure accurate accounting? Other than Short, who is in charge of the organization’s direction and finances? Who are the members of NC Pride’s board of directors and do they provide adequate oversight of Short’s direction? Most importantly, in the face of their tax-exempt revocation, will NC Pride now begin to act as a for-profit venture? At whose expense will that profit be made and who will benefit? That NC Pride is an all-volunteer organization is of no consequence — scores of Carolina LGBT non-profits run on an all-volunteer basis have been transparent, compliant with IRS regulations and open to public scrutiny. Short’s excuses fall on deaf ears.
One cannot review the success of NC Pride’s events without also acknowledging Short’s years of hard work and dedication. Short’s place as an LGBT community leader in this state is one that he has earned. For the most part, Short has undertaken his responsibilities as NC Pride’s director with humility and grace. But, Short — and NC Pride’s board, if any — must be held responsible for his organization’s lack of transparency and lack of responsibility. qnotes encourages Short to reach out to us and to use this medium as a chance to clear the air and answer tough but necessary questions — answers to which NC Pride has a legal and moral obligation to provide to its donors, supporters and tax-paying public. We encourage him to step up and solve NC Pride’s current situation in a way that is responsibly transparent and open. It would be a shame to see NC Pride fall victim to a preventable tragedy. It is time for Short to open up, bring new leadership and partnerships to NC Pride’s table and ensure that the organization continues to perform the premier service it has offered this state since LGBT folks first took to the streets of Durham in 1981. : :
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on being a gay parent by brett webb-mitchell :: qnotes contributor
‘I Do’ and a whole lot more In many homes, one photograph proudly displayed is a wedding portrait. The wedding portrait can be of the homeowners, or often times, it is a photograph that captures the idyllic moment of the grown-up child of a parent or maybe the image of the parents’ parents renewing their wedding vows on a special anniversary. In the home of my friend David, he proudly showed me the photograph of his daughter and one of his sons from his daughter’s recent wedding in Mexico. The two grown children were both absolutely gorgeous and handsome. The daughter decided not to go with the traditional white gown, but instead wore a beautiful red dress, flowers in her hair. The son was handsome in a casual shirt and jeans. Both were smiling broadly. David beamed with pride as he told me about the day of his daughter’s wedding. What he was missing were photographs of his other son’s wedding. The wedding took place only a few months ago, but David was not invited to his own son’s wedding, because David is gay. David has not talked to his other son for over six years. While the rest of David’s grown children and former wife were at the wedding, the father was not invited. “There are only two times that I remember crying as an adult,” said David. “Once when my dad died and the other time was when I was not welcomed to my own son’s wedding.” David had waited to come out of his closet when the children had graduated from high school. In hindsight, he would not have done it that way, because the now-grown children were confused and bewildered that he had been less than honest about his life story with his children. But, the fear, the shame, the guilt of being gay had kept David from
acting earlier in his life, and he was now living with the consequences of his actions. As this nation continues its forward-moving march toward equality in marriage, these laws approving of marriage and civil unions for all LGBTQ and straight people will make an earth-shaking difference in the lives of thousands, if not millions, of Americans who are currently saddled with fear, guilt and shame. From the vantage point of the LGBTQ parent, who is reminded daily of what a loud, but growing minority of Americans think about us, the laws that affirm our unions — civil or marriage — cannot help but not only make us legitimate in the eyes of the law, but more importantly, feel affirmed for trusting our guts and living life to its fullest in our covenantal vows with our respective partners. And, for our children, our parents and extended family members, whose lives are shaped and nurtured by the very same forces that attempt to humiliate us, dredging up a needless phobia of all things related to LGBTQ people, the change in the laws in the United States will have a tremendous effect, for the good. The change in laws will swiftly shift the cultural matrix in which we live, tearing apart the larger closet of indignity that many of us have pulled our family and friends into (misery loves company). And, then, very soon, those of us with grown children will delight in dancing at our sons’ and daughters’ weddings — with our partners, spouses and other loved ones — dancing in the light of the moon! : :
by leslie robinson :: qnotes contributor
Let my people kiss Among the security guards at Target Field in Minneapolis, one stands out for his overriding moral concerns. The fellow is a little tin Moses and the stadium is his Mount Sinai. With mustard and relish. Taylor Campione and Kelsi Culpepper encountered him when they decided to take in a Minnesota Twins game on May 27. According to City Pages, the young women arrived a little late to the game and Culpepper headed for the restroom, first giving her girlfriend a quick peck. A middle-aged security guard immediately walked toward Campione, shaking his head. “I saw you kissing that girl, you can’t do that,” he said. “I can kiss whoever I want to,” she retorted, showing quicker reflexes than most infielders. “Well, we don’t play grab ass here,” said the guard. If the women shared only a quick kiss as they claim, this man’s sense of anatomy leaves something to be desired. He must think catchers squat on their ears. Campione told Culpepper what had transpired and Culpepper confronted the guard, saying, “I don’t understand what’s wrong with kissing my girlfriend.” After some arguing, the security guard declared, “Well here in the stadium, we adhere to the 10 Commandments.”
That one would’ve left me speechless. I wouldn’t have known whether to laugh, shriek or look around for Charlton Heston. What I do know is there is no commandment about kissing, same-sex or otherwise. So, which commandments was the man talking about? Which ones do they adhere to at Target Field? I suspect these are the Target 10 Commandments: 1. You shall have no other team but the Twins. Even if they’re in the cellar and playing like Muppets. 2. You shall have no other idols beyond Joe Mauer. You shall not bow down to Alex Rodriguez, Joey Votto or Big Papi, nor clothe yourself in their T-shirts or jerseys. 3. You shall not swear. At least not out loud. If the Twins hit into five double plays in one game, cursing under your breath is acceptable. 4. You shall keep the Sabbath day holy by attending a Sunday game and praying like crazy for a win. 5. You shall honor your father and mother by bringing them to the ballpark. Contact a service representative for more information on the special “Honor Your Parents, Pay for Their Tickets” package. 6. You shall not murder. Even if the guy behind you spills his Landshark Lager and soft shell tacos on you during the seventh-
drag rag by miss della :: qnotes contributor
Heavens to Betsy…the tea is overflowing on the pageant scene! Welcome back friends, and Happy late 4th (by the time you read this)! Hope you made some fireworks of your own. I come to you again with some things that I’m excited to talk about, like new pageants and new people. I’ll start by mentioning the nice time I had in Dayton, OH, when I went up to see my first All-American Goddess pageant at Club Masque. I had a great time visiting with the reigning Miss At-Large, Dena Cass, now living in Florida by way of Iowa, and my good sis Kelexis Davenport, a former Miss AAG at Large, who recognized me on the mic and found me a front row seat. That’s a good sister, but she’s always such a doll to me — when she’s not applying more paint. Ha! I also ran into the man of my dreams, Paul Lopez, and the child whom I wrote about three summers ago, Leyla Edwards O’Hara, who is a former Miss TX FFI and TX U.S.ofA. I’d never seen the baby out of drag and here was this hot little piece of Mexican-American trade. Brooke Divine LaReese was like, “That’s Leyla, mama!” I was floored — cute boy, gorgeous queen. Life is truly not fair. After two nights of preliminary competition and many numbers by the titleholders and special guests Celeste Holmes and Jennifer Warner, the Top 12 was announced: Chanel Cartier, Michelle Fighter, Shae Shae LaReese, Brittney Moore, Jasmine International, Summer H. Knight, Chanel Van
Cartier, 4th RU Mya Campbell Cassadine, 3rd RU Cartier Paris, 2nd RU Nina DeAngelo, 1st RU Aurora Sexton and winner, from Indianapolis, Alana Steele. The ole girl turned it out in Talent; she sent the chirrens left, baby. I must say, it seemed to be stiff competition and the outcome was very fair. Although I don’t personally care for downtown Dayton, I will definitely go back to see this contest. You may recall there is a preliminary here at Scorpio in December and I hear there may even be a Stars of AAG before then. Keep your eyes peeled — there’ll be plenty of advertisement! Since I did mention Miss TX FFI previously, here I am packing my bags to go out to judge the Miss and the At Large once more, this time in San Antonio. I’ll get to see Kelexis and Layla LaRue, maybe Alyssa Edwards, if I’m lucky, and I’ll be judging right beside the child whom I helped crown that hot summer night back in 2008 — Leyla, but it’ll be Alan (her creator) instead. Who can say excited? Here’s hoping her little brother Edgar comes too! I’ve just gotten home from Hickory for a few nights as I judged Miss and Mr. Unlimited At Large at Club Cabaret. I had a great time. I was able to spend some more time with the current Miss Classique, Erica Martinez, whom I met in Dayton, and I feel so cheated that I never knew her before. This is an old-school, rhinestone lady, painted for the Mason-Dixon Line. OMG, I almost cried when I saw her close-up for the first time. Amazing is all I can say and such a sweet person, as was her
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general gayety
inning stretch. 7. You shall not be gay and commit a display of affection. Try a National League park for that. 8. You shall not steal. But the team damn well better. 9. You shall not lie about being old enough to drink. If you attempt to deceive, Twins mascot T.C. Bear will stone you with peanuts and cheese curds. 10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s ass, your wife’s ass or anybody’s ass, for grab ass is not played at Target Field. However, teammates shall whack the ass of any player who hits a grand slam. These must be the commandments the security guard was thinking of when he scolded the lesbians. If he had carried two laminated stone tablets in his wallet to whip out on such occasions, things might’ve gone easier. Campione and Culpepper are filing a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. It’s unknown whether the guard is filing a complaint with God. The man has received a verbal and written reprimand for his “unacceptable” behavior, said a Twins spokesman. He’s still on the job, so anyone he catches misbehaving at Target Field will be subject to ejection and locusts. : : info: LesRobinson@aol.com . generalgayety.com partner, Chris, and sister, Pam. Good Cleveland folks, just like Miss Erica’s promoter, Felix Correa, who is a former Mr. Unlimited At Large and Bear! Anyway, congrats are going out to Holden Michaels and Loretta L’Amour who were relinquishing said titles and congrats are also going out to Ivy White who won the Miss title and Jerry Trollinger who won the Mr. Their RUs were, for the Miss, Paisley Parque (sick-o-ning gown!) and Harmony Breeze, and for the Mr., Tommy D. Michaels.Funny — I kinda felt like I was at a Kirby Kolby Fan Convention, but that’s another story. And, speaking of Miss America, Coti Collins has a great interview on the Miss America website that a guy did with her, but if you go back further, you will read one she did with former MGA and drag goddess Rachel Wells. There are links there to old tales of when Rachel was coming into her own and winning everything she wanted to and interviews with other drag superstars of the past — please look them up and know your history! Coti has been to two more prelims recently, Miss AZ which Celia Putty won (talk about a blast from the past!) and Western States, which Erica Chandler won. Prelim winners to Miss NC America, coming up in August, include Miss Charlotte Victoria Victors and RU Valarie Rockwell, Miss Hickory Jayda Clyne and RU Miss Understood, and Capital City Andrea “Chocolate” Carlisle and RU Felicia Monet. By the time I’m back from San Antonio, Jujubee and Erika Norell will have already been to the Scorpio in Charlotte. That’s where we’ll pick up the next go ‘round, along with tea from Miss Texas! : : info: Drop me a line, OK? TheTeaMissD@yahoo.com
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BRIEFS
news notes: from the carolinas, nation and world compiled by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com | David Stout :: david@goqnotes.com | Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Kiss sparks brouhaha
SALISBURY — A woman was ticketed and charged with simple assault when it was alleged that she kissed a street preacher, James Edward Belcher of Taylorsville, on the mouth during the Salisbury Pride festival held on June 25. Joan Parker, 74, of Colfax, claims that she did not kiss him on the mouth, but only on the cheek, according to the Salisbury Post. She wanted the preacher to know that she loved him, “even if he is on the other side of the fence.” The Associated Press reported that he did not claim that she kissed him on the mouth and felt that the kiss was an attempt to silence “the preaching to those in need of salvation who practice a death style that they call a lifestyle.” Dave Parker, president of PFLAG Transgender Network of Colfax and Joan Parker’s husband, said he was about two feet away when the incident happened and affirmed that the woman only kissed Belcher on the cheek. “The Salisbury police were respectful, friendly, and performed their duty correctly in a professional manner,” Dave Parker said in an incident report he shared with qnotes. Joan Parker has admitted she probably should not have kissed the protester, who was demonstrating without a permit. A Rowan County church had secured a permit to protest the festival but police eventually allowed as many as 200 other protesters to stay. Two protestors and Parker were asked to leave the event and complied. Parker’s court date is set for Sept. 12. Since this would be a first-time offense, if she is found guilty, she probably would be sentenced to community service for 30 days. The festival drew about 2,000 and was the first for this Rowan County town. — L.M.
Charlotte Royals award new crown
CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Royals, a local rugby football club founded in 2004, held its 4th Annual Crown Royal Pageant on June 10 at the Breakfast Club. The event, one of the club’s biggest fundraisers of the year, is an amateur drag show produced by the team. Proceeds for this year’s effort topped $1,000. This year’s theme was “Ladies of the 80s.” It was hosted by Rachel Haircherry (Charles Foesch), who was the 2010 winner. Five performers, ranging from players to supporters, graced the stage. At the end of the evening, Ferocia Starr (Michael Spangler) walked away with the 2011 crown. Sponsors were Sidelines Sports Bar and Toppers Pizza. Funds raised will be used to send the team to the Bingham Cup in Manchester, England, in 2012. The tournament was named after Mark Bingham, who was a cofounder of the Gotham Knights RFC and a former member of the San Francisco Fog RFC. Bingham died on Sept. 11, 2001, aboard United Airlines Flight 93. He and other passangers led an effort to reclaim their plane from terrorists, resulting in its crash in rural
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Pennsylvania. For more information, visit charlotteroyals.org. — L.M.
Thwart Food Lion boycott
SALISBURY — Regional grocer Food Lion seems to be experiencing some flack as of late. Their support of LGBT rights and justice have thrown them into the fray against antiLGBT activists who have launched a boycott. All this started when Food Lion sent out an advertisement that touted “Partners in Pride” and “Celebrating our LGBT Customers and Associates.” Equality NC believes that this Tar Heel State company deserves to be applauded for their efforts to celebrate Pride month and the LGBT community. Take action by sending a letter to Food Lion President Cathy Green, thanking the company for “being a friend.” Visit equalitync. org to participate. — L.M.
Triangle
Protections top concern in merger
CHAPEL HILL — A proposed merger between the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA and the YMCA of the Triangle has Chapel Hill Town Council and Carrboro Board of Alderman concerned, the News & Observer reported. Triangle has 15 branches and facilities sprinkled over Lee, Johnston, Durham and Wake Counties. It seems that they are worried that if a merger takes place that members of the LGBT community could lose the protections they have enjoyed thus far. The rationale behind the merger is based upon expansion and improvement of services in Orange and Chatham counties, along with current facility improvements. On June 14, the Carrboro Board of Alderman passed a resolution stating that if the merger with Triangle did not include favorable treatment of employees and members, that it should be abandoned. “The Board of Aldermen is concerned that if the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA proceeds with this merger and is required to drop or modify its non-discrimination policies with regard to sexual orientation that this will be a terrible regression on this issue and the progressive policies of our Town and County,” the Carrboro board said in the resolution. “[We] urge the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA to not merge with the YMCA of the Triangle unless the YMCA of the Triangle passes a non-discrimination policy which includes sexual orientation, and implements a new appropri-
ate membership policy.”
— L.M.
LGBT-friendly Wild Goose Fest a success
SHAKORI HILLS — From June 23-26, 1,500 Christians and others gathered in a tiny remote community as a way to interact with “justice, spirituality and art” through the Wild Goose Festival. Although this does not sound on the surface as something remarkable, underneath it certainly is. According to promoters, it is “open to all regardless of belief, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, denomination or religious affiliation.” Named after a Celtic metaphor for Holy Spirit, Wild Goose brought together a wide range of people from a plethora of disciplines. It was co-sponsored by the North Carolina Council of Churches. This festival was non-conforming. On arrival, pales of water awaited visitors who were encouraged to baptize themselves. Buckets of earth were a reminder of “dust thou art.” Participants could spend time walking through a labyrinth, spend time in a beer garden while singing hymns and enjoy a tattooed female Lutheran minister espouse bluegrass liturgy, The Economist reported. Among its attendees and leaders were Revolution Church’s Jay Bakker, fundamentalist critic Frank Schaeffer and Paul Fromberg from San Francisco who spoke about his 2005 gay wedding, among others. “God is changing the church through the bodies of gay men,” Fromberg said in a session on human sexuality, The Economist reported. A handful of conservatives who participated felt that there was not enough talk about more traditional topics like abortion. Because of its success, organizers plan on hosting another Wild Goose Festival again next year, a positive outcome after taking seven years to mount it. The event was inspired by and modeled after the similar British event, Greenbelt Festival, in Cheltenham, which attracts about 20,000 annually. For more information, visit wildgoose festival.com. — L.M.
Gay youth enters Chapel Hill race
CHAPEL HILL — An openly gay youth and recent University of North Carolina graduate has announced he will run for a seat on the Chapel Hill Town Council. Lee Storrow, 21, studied political science while a student and has been civically engaged on numerous issues both on and off camps. Currently, he surves as the managing director of the North Carolina Alliance for Health. He also serves on the board of directors of the American Legacy Foundation, which operates youth smoking prevention programs. Last summer, Storrow interned with the American Heart Association in Washington, D.C. While in the nation’s capital, he had the opportunity to testify before the Health and Human Services Department’s Blood Safety and Availability Advisory Committee where he addressed the national policy banning blood donation by gay men.
In an interview with Metroweekly’s Chris Geidner, Storrow said he felt his story needed to be told. “I came out my first year of college, so I knew every time I would see that question — ‘If you’re a male, have you had sex with a male since 1977?’ — at some point [it was] going to make me ineligible,” he told the weekly magazine. “I wanted my story to be told because I think it’s powerful that I am someone who … would have been a lifetime donor — and could potentially be a lifetime donor — but isn’t eligible because of this policy.” Though they declined to change it, the committee later voted unanimously that the policy is “suboptimal” and recommended more research. As a student, Storrow was active in the campus’ Young Democrats, Campus Y, the UNC GLBTSA and was elected to Student Congress. — L.M.
Western
Community group fights back
ASHEVILLE — Just Us For All, a group of LGBTQ activists whose mission is to “gain support and inevitability get equality and justice for LGBTQ North Carolinians and their families,” has geared up for the good fight. They are taking an active role in fighting the state’s proposed anti-LGBT constitutional amendment that could ban both public and private relationship recognition for same-sex couples. The group will ramp up a letter writing and public awareness campaign, as well as facilitating sensitivity training with police, businesses and school through a safe streets campaign. They are also championing work with LGBTQ elderly, helping start gay-straight alliances in school, developing inroads into the school system through talks and workshops to prevent teen suicide and the proliferation of homophobia. On the event horizon is a femme conference which will explore the issue of patriarchy within and outside the LGBTQ community. On Aug. 2, they will hold their one-year anniversary celebration with a platform for sharing “queen journeys” through art, music and spoken work. Just Us For All holds weekly meetings every Sunday at 7 p.m. at The Chocolate Lounge, 10 S. Lexington Ave. For more information, contact President Sam Soper at 828-707-2052, email jufa. asheville@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/ pages/Just-Us-For-All/127528920626106. — L.M.
South Carolina Prosecutor suspended for remarks
LEXINGTON, S.C. — On May 24, Criminal Domestic Violence Prosecutor Nicole Howland was suspended due to a violation of sheriff’s department policy 1.12: Treatment of Person in the Performance of Duty. What was at the crux of the issue was her handling of State v. Staack in which she failed to abide by guidelines that state that employees should always be civil and courteous when dealing with the public. In the case in question, Marci Staack, an ex-girlfriend of Cyndi Roland was charged with harassment in January, but Howland dropped the charges against Staack on April 19. The two split in September 2010. Roland received nearly 300 texts and hundreds of calls, all documented. According to WIS-TV,
“Howland told Roland, ‘She said that she was not going to try the case because she felt she could not find six jurors to hear the case due to my alternative lifestyle.’ The case was not re-opened.” “I’m a taxpayer, just like everybody out there,” Roland told the station. “I have rights. I deserve equal justice just like everybody else does. I don’t care how I live my life. That’s nobody’s business. I’m asking for help and can’t get it.’” — L.M.
Healthcare facilities more welcoming
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island legislature approved a bill June 29 that would permit same-sex couples to enter into civil unions in the state. Unlike similar legislation passed in other states, however, the Rhode Island bill includes a sweeping exemption that would permit individuals and organizations, such as hospitals, schools and adoption agencies, to completely disregard the validity of a civil union because of their religious beliefs or affiliation. If signed into law, this measure would drastically curtail existing non-discrimination protections. At press time, LGBT equality groups were calling for Gov. Lincoln Chafee to veto the measure. — D.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new study by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation reveals that an increasing number of U.S. healthcare facilities are working toward a more welcoming environment for LGBT patients, however work remains to be done. The report details the results of the most recent Healthcare Equality Index, an annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This year’s survey found that nearly 90 percent of respondents include sexual orientation in their Patient’s Bill of Rights and/or NonDiscrimination Policy, but only 60 percent include gender identity in these policies. Additionally, only 49 percent of respondents have an explicitly inclusive visitation policy granting equal access for same-sex couples and 52 percent have such a policy inclusive of same-sex parents. In response to a memorandum from President Obama, the Department of Health and Human Services issued rules in January of this year requiring all hospitals that receive federal Medicare and Medicaid funding — nearly every hospital in America — to protect the visitation rights of LGBT people. Additionally The Joint Commission, which accredits U.S. hospitals, has new standards that encourage LGBT-inclusive policies. — D.S.
Bachman wants marriage amendment
Suit filed for marriage rights
National Gay activists against unions bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) responded to New York state’s June 24 legalization of same-sex marriage with an announcement that she will introduce a federal constitutional amendment limiting marriage to one man and one woman if she is elected president. Bachman, one of the country’s most influential social conservatives, officially declared her candidacy for the nation’s top office the week following the New York decision. She defended her position by noting, “Every time it’s [same-sex marriage] going on the ballot, the people have decided to keep the traditional definition. After all, the family is the fundamental unit of government.” — D.S.
TRENTON, N.J. — Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit June 29 seeking equal marriage rights on behalf of Garden State Equality, New Jersey’s statewide LGBT advocacy organization, and seven same-sex couples and their children harmed from the unequal civil union
system. The case combines both state and federal claims, arguing that the civil union law violates both the New Jersey Constitution and the Fourteenth Amendment of the federal Constitution. “The constitutional guarantee of equality under the law does not stop midway through the Lincoln Tunnel,” said Hayley Gorenberg, Lambda Legal Deputy Legal Director, in reference to New York’s passage of samesex marriage rights five days earlier. “Our clients have been kept from each other during medical crises, denied health insurance, and even discriminated against in funeral homes because their civil unions relegate them to second-class status. New Jersey’s same-sex couples have been stuck in a limbo caused by the confusion and indignity of living with an inferior status.” — D.S.
Global Soccer coach fights lesbianism
DATELINE NEEDED — Eucharia Uche, the coach of the Nigerian national women’s soccer team, the Super Falcons, has said she will use spirituality to combat lesbianism on the team. Speaking about what she termed “spiritual warfare,” she recently said, “I came to realize it is not a physical battle; we need divine intervention in order to control and curb it [lesbianism].” As soon as she was hired as the first female coach of Nigeria’s powerful women’s national soccer team, Uche expressed her concern about rumoured lesbians on the national squad, describing it as a “worrisome experience” at a seminar. — D.S.
New health guidelines applauded
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has outlined an action plan to improve health data collection for LGBT individuals. The June 29 announcement is an important step forward. Data collection that tracks the health status and experiences of LGBT individuals is essential since such data provide government agencies and community-based healthcare workers with information about how to offer the best health services for LGBT individuals and communities. It also will document and address health disparities experienced by LGBT people. The plan will allow HHS to more fully count and track the health of LGBT individuals by collecting and reporting sexual orientation and gender identity data on the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The plan establishes a timeline, including benchmarks along the way, for ensuring that sexual orientation and gender identity questions are added to the NHIS survey. This process includes field testing existing questions on sexual orientation as well as developing and field testing gender identity questions with the assistance of leading researchers in the field of LGBT data collection. — D.S.
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NEWS
New data reveals increased same-sex couples in N.C. Western N.C., Triangle and Charlotte among areas with highest density by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
CHARLOTTE — New data crunched and analyzed by a California think tank has revealed striking information on the number and density of same-sex couples living in North Carolina. The Williams Institute at the University of California Los Angeles’ School of Law released the data at the end of June, compiled from information gleaned from the 2010 U.S. Census. The new information shows high densities of samesex couples living in Buncombe, Durham, Avery, Orange and Mecklenburg Counties. The data also showed a surprising 68 percent increase in the number of same-sex couples living in the state, from a little over 11,000 in 2000 to more than 27,000 couples today. Gary Gates, the lead researcher at the Williams Institute, has cautioned against drawing conclusions based alone on the increase in the number of same-sex couples. “For a variety of technical reasons, the same-sex couple data are not completely comparable between 2000 and 2010, however, the observed increases are much more likely a result of increased reporting rather than a dramatic change in coupling behavior among lesbians and gay men,” he told qnotes in an interview via email. “The biggest increases tend to be in more conservative areas in the country, where stigma was likely greater in Census 2000, so more couples probably hid there status then and are more comfortable identifying themselves today.” Western North Carolina was among rural areas seeing a significant increase and high density of same-sex couples. Buncombe County, home to the overwhelmingly LGBT-inclusive Asheville, saw a 110 percent increase in the number of same-sex couples living there. The county’s rate of 15.5 same-sex couples per household is the highest of any county in the state. The City of Asheville itself reported 19.72 couples per 1,000 households, also the highest among the state’s cities. Avery County, another Western North Carolina county, also ranked in the top five counties with the highest density of same- sex couples. Most of the reported couples across the state are female; male same-sex couples accounted for only 36 percent of all same-sex couples in North Carolina. Among other interesting findings was the percentage of same-sex couples raising children — some of the highest percentages are found in rural areas in the west and east. Up to 25 percent of couples in Buncombe County are raising children. Some of their Western North Carolina neighbors — Alexander, Catawba, McDowell and Wilkes Counties — have as many as 36 percent of same-sex couples raising children. Even higher percentages were found in the Eastern North Carolina counties of Camden, Hyde, Lenoir and Onslow. There — as in Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Stokes and Vance Counties — 37 percent or more of same-sex couples are raising children. Gates says the incidence of rural families headed by same-sex couples in North Carolina isn’t surprising. “We have observed for quite some time now that same-sex couples that live in rural areas are much more likely to be raising children than their urban counterparts,” he said. Gates notes that the overwhelming major-
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ity of children with same-sex parents were not adopted. “...[I]t’s still likely that most children being raised by same-sex couples are the product of a prior relationship with a different-sex couple by one of the...partners,” he said. “This likely occured before the person was out. This scenario is more common in more conservative places where people come out later in life and are more likely to have had children.” Altogether, 23 percent of same-sex couples across the state are raising children. Though Gates’ research provides an interesting snapshot of LGBT life, it isn’t complete. For starters, the U.S. Census Bureau doesn’t ask demographic information based on sexual orientation or gender-identity. Regardless, Gates says some correlations can be made between the data on same-sex couples and the LGBT general population. “In the past, areas with concentrations of same-sex couples that exceed the national average have generally been areas with reputations for higher concentrations of LGBT people,” he said. “We don’t have quite enough data released from Census 2010 yet to draw firm conclusions, however, it’s probably not surprising the North Carolina’s concentration of 7.28 same-sex couples per 1,000 housholds falls in between Alabama at 5.98 and California at nearly 10.” North Carolina is the tenth-most populated state in the Union and considered by many to be more progressive on LGBT issues. In 2009, it became the first state in the South to pass a fully LGBT-inclusive safe schools law. That LGBT-friendliness will be tested this fall as legislators here are poised to consider an anti-LGBT constitutional amendment that could ban both marriage and other relationship recognition for same-sex couples. Rep. Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg), speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, recently confirmed the amendment would be heard in a special legislative session in September. (See story on page 24.) Statewide LGBT advocacy group Equality North Carolina said the amendment carries dire consequences for the state’s decades-old progressive and business-friendly reputation. “North Carolina has traditionally be seen as one of the best states in the nation to live, work, raise a family and start a business, based in large part on our state’s focus on freedoms and fairness for all citizens,” Alex Miller, the group’s interim executive director, said in a release. “One of the dangers with the proposed amendment is not only that it would prevent fair-minded people and businesses from seeing North Carolina as a welcoming place to relocate, and these new figures clearly show this type of discriminatory legislation would have an even greater negative impact among our current population.” Miller says the new census data should give legislators pause. “Legislators need to be aware that the proposed anti-LGBT amendment will affect a larger percentage of our citizens than was previously understood, and that the friends, neighbors and co-workers of these couples will be unwilling to support a measure that enshrines discrimination against them into our state’s constitution,” he said. : :
Same-sex couples per 1,000 households by census tract (adjusted)
Percent of same-sex couples raising children by county (adjusted)
Authors: Gary J. Gates, PhD, UCLA School of Law; Abigail M. Cooke, PhD candidate in the Department of Geography at UCLA and is affiliated with the California Center for Population Research. For more information on the data presented please reference the Williams Institute’s full “Census Snapshot” at www3.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute/pdf/Census2010Snapshot_ NorthCarolina.pdf. For more detailed information on the data adjustment procedure used to analyze this data, see www3.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute/pdf/AdjustmentProcedures.pdf. Graphics courtesy Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law.
BY THE NUMBERS Top five counties County Buncombe Durham Avery Orange Mecklenburg
Top five cities City Asheville Durham Carrboro Garner Charlotte
Same-sex couples 1,558 1,391 70 536 3,385
per 1,000 households 5.52 12.72 10.42 10.42 9.35
Same-sex couples 737 1,232 107 107 2,819
per 1,000 households 19.72 13.18 12.46 10.44 9.73
NEWS
LGBT justice a key issue at Unitarian Universalist assembly Sessions and public witness event highlight denomination’s ongoing civil rights work
by Jeanette Leardi :: special to qnotes
Unitarian Universalist Association President Rev. Peter Morales speaks at a plenary session of the denomination’s General Assembly in Charlotte. Photo Credit: Nancy Pierce
CHARLOTTE — On June 26, more than 4,000 Unitarian Universalists representing 585 congregations wrapped up their five-day annual General Assembly (GA) reaffirming their commitment to justice for all who are socially and politically disenfranchised, including LGBT people. Among their conference sessions were workshops in understanding and welcoming transgender people, identifying and counteracting the bullying of LGBT youth and appreciating the many social and political accomplishments of Unitarian Universalism in the denomination’s history of establishing sexual equality within and beyond the walls of its congregations. “We’re a religious movement that is committed to the acceptance of everyone and the belief in the inherent dignity and worth of all people,” said Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President Rev. Peter Morales. “And we walk that talk.” At a session called “50 Years of Sexual Justice,” the Rev. Dr. Debra Haffner, director of the Religious Institute, a multifaith organization dedicated to advocating for sexual health, education and justice in faith communities and society, discussed the UUA’s many milestones in promoting women’s rights, abortion and reproductive justice, sexuality education and full LGBT inclusion. Since the merger of the Unitarian and Universalist denominations 50 years ago, the UUA has come a long way in its own religious education about and acceptance of LGBT people. In 1967, for example, 88 percent of UUs, as they often refer to themselves, thought that homosexuality should be discouraged either by law or education. By 2009, more than 60 percent of all UU societies had gone through congregational training and had committed to being “Welcoming Congregations” that embrace complete inclusion of LGBT members. Furthermore, in 2010, 24 percent of UU ministers publicly identified as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex.
Haffner cited numerous times in which the UUA led or joined other religious groups in calling for wider social and political reforms. For example, in 1970, the UUA was the first denomination to issue a resolution calling for an end to discrimination against homosexuals and bisexuals. In 1984, it began officially performing gay and lesbian services of union, and in 1996 endorsed marriage equality. In 2006, it opposed a federal anti-gay constitutional amendment on marriage and in 2007 demanded the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. While these accomplishments are a cause for UU pride, permeating the convention was a commitment to ongoing assessment of the denomination’s values and to expansion of its efforts. One of those directions, according to the Rev. Joshua Pawelek, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society: East, in Manchester, Conn., is to “increase focus on the T” in LGBT ministry. He, along with a transgender male, the Rev. Paul Langston-Daley of the Sedona (Ariz.) Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and Alex Kapitan, Congregational Justice Administrator of the UUA’s Office of Multicultural Growth and Witness (who self-identifies as “trans and gender queer”), conducted an educational workshop called “Crossing Paths: Transgender Welcome and Ministry.” In addition to helping UUs understand the complexities of sexuality, gender identity and gender expression, the three presenters emphasized the need for church members to be more proactive in calling transgender ministers to serve their congregations and for UUs to oppose transphobia within and beyond their congregations to the same extent that they oppose homophobia. “The experience of trans people today resembles being out and gay in 1980,” said Pawelek. “People are still on a learning curve about what transgender identity is.” Often that learning curve is flat. A GA session called “Countering Religious Bullying
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Best of LGBT Carolina 2011 Statewide u Best gay club/bar The Bar at 316 Honorable Mention: Scorpio Best lesbian club/bar Hartigan’s Irish Pub Honorable Mention: Steel Blue Best straight but LGBT-friendly club/bar Dharma Lounge Honorable Mention: Snug Harbor Club/bar with best drink value Scorpio Honorable Mention: Chasers, Petra’s, Sidelines Club/bar with hottest staff The Bar at 316
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Beginning in May and through mid-June, qnotes readers had the chance to submit their ballots in a contest judging their favorite bars and clubs, restaurants and eateries, coffee shops and cafés, community organizations and leaders and more. After hundreds of submitted ballots, our readers have spoken! We present this year’s QList, Best of LGBT Carolina — Readers’ Pick.
Club/bar with best drag show Scorpio Honorable Mention: Legends
Best LGBT community leader (female) Teresa Davis Honorable Mention: Roberta Dunn
Best drag performer in Carolina Roxy C. Moorecox Honorable Mention: Buff Faye
Best LGBT community leader (male) Ian Palmquist Honorable Mention: Dan Mauney
Best LGBT non-profit Equality North Carolina Honorable Mention: LGBT Community Center of Charlotte
Best LGBT young adult leader (under 30) Vincent Burris Honorable Mention: Loan Tran
Best AIDS Service Organization Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) Honorable Mention: Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina (AAS-C) Most effective grassroots advocacy Equality North Carolina Honorable Mention: Time Out Youth
Best LGBT politician/elected official Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt, Chapel Hill Honorable Mention: Rep. Marcus Brandon (D-Guilford), LaWana Mayfield Best Pride celebration in Carolina Pride Charlotte Honorable Mention: NC Pride
Charlotte u Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned retail store Paper Skyscraper Honorable Mention: White Rabbit
Best local LGBT non-profit Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte Honorable Mention: Time Out Youth
Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned restaurant 300 East Honorable Mention: Dish, Hartigan’s Irish Pub
Best LGBT-affirming faith institution MCC Charlotte New Life MCC Honorable Mention: Myers Park Baptist Church
Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned coffee shop Amelie’s French Bakery Honorable Mention: Smelly Cat Coffeehouse, Caribou Coffee (East Blvd.)
Best local drag performer Roxy C. Moorecox Honorable Mention: Tiffany Storm
Raleigh/Triangle u Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned retail store Cameron’s Honorable Mention: Dapper Style House, The Green Monkey Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned restaurant The Borough Honorable Mention: The Spotted Dog Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned coffee shop The Third Place Honorable Mention: Caffe Driade, Cafe Helios
Best local LGBT non-profit Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus Honorable Mention: LGBT Center of Raleigh Best LGBT-affirming faith institution Calvary United Methodist Church Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Pullen Memorial Baptist Church St. John’s MCC Best local drag performer Mary K. Mart Honorable Mention: Kirby Kolby
Triad u Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned restaurant Lucky 32
Best LGBT-affirming faith institution College Park Baptist Church MCC of Winston-Salem
Best LGBT-friendly, locally-owned coffee shop DeBeen Espresso
Best local drag performer Paisley Parque Honorable Mention: Raven Wood
Best local LGBT non-profit Triad Health Project Honorable Mention: Adam Foundation
There’s more u In addition to this year’s QList, be sure to check out dozens more LGBT-friendly businesses, community organizations and more at qnotes’ online QGuide: goqnotes.com/qguide/.
July 9-22 . 2011
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Justice key issue continued from page 13
Aimed at LGBT Youth” highlighted the effects on LGBT children and teens of transphobia and homophobia displayed by their conservative heterosexual peers as well as teachers and school administrators. Psychologist Dr. Donald Hoppe outlined effective strategies for confronting the “spiritual violence” done to LGBT youth through the misuse of religious authority and dogma. “Never engage in religious discussions of any kind with school personnel,” Hoppe advised. “Quit arguing about ‘what the Bible says.’ You are not going to change their minds and they are not going to change yours.…The issue is bullying, not sexuality.” Hoppe explained that the physical, psychological and spiritual harm being done to LGBT youth makes such violence a civil rights issue in need of immediate address. Another GA session highlighted the UUA’s Standing on the Side of Love (SSL) campaign, a civil rights effort to mobilize UU congregations to perform peaceful and loving acts of public witness against all social and political injustice, be it based on race, age, ethnicity, physical disability, immigrant status or sexuality. On June 25, more than 500 local clergy, organizations, community members and General
Assembly UUs rallied at Marshall Park to demonstrate their opposition to homophobia and transphobia and support of full rights for LGBT people, including marriage. (See sidebar on page 16.) According to SSL Campaign Manager Dan Furmansky, “The vast majority of [UU] congregations are constantly striving to create that beloved community where people aren’t just accepted –– they’re actually welcomed into the congregation. We consider ministry to the LGBT community as ministry to our community. The LGBT community is our community. There is no ‘you’ and ‘us.’” Calling for a special “Justice General Assembly,” the UUA is planning to expand its civil rights efforts at its 2012 convention, to be held in Phoenix, Ariz. In addition to workshops, there will be hands-on projects and various community engagement events. “The more we get outside of ourselves, the more energy we find,” said Morales, echoing the spirit of his denomination. “We have an enormous capacity as a movement.” : : info: Learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Association, its Welcoming Congregations program and the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign at uua.org.
Hundreds attend Uptown faith rally by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
CHARLOTTE — Hundreds of people marched and gathered for a rally in Uptown on the afternoon of June 24 to speak out against a proposed state constitutional amendment that could ban marriage and other relationship recognition for same-sex couples. The “Standing on the Side of Love” rally was planned by members of the Unitarian Universalist Association, which held its annual general assembly in Charlotte June 2226. Local organizations and clergy joined the association for a rally in Marshall Park easily attracting more than 500 people. “We are many religions gathered to declare a universal truth: we are all one human family,” Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte Pastor Jay Leach told the crowd. “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face discrimination, harassment and violence all over the world and right here in North Carolina. We are here to declare a vision of a beloved community where all are respected and valued.” At the forefront of the rally were concerns over a proposed state constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples. Ian Palmquist, the outgoing executive director of the statewide advocacy group Equality North Carolina, spoke at the rally. “We are facing real challenges right now in North Carolina,” Palmquist said. “Right-wing lawmakers have introduced an amendment, not only to deny marriage equality to same-sex couples, but also to potentially ban civil unions, domestic partnerships and even domestic partnerships that employers offer.” Palmquist added, “This
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amendment is bad for business, bad for North Carolina and bad for the faith community and we will not allow it to become a part of our state’s constitution.” Several clergy members from various faith traditions also spoke at the rally, including Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte’s Bishop Tonyia Rawls. “I am here to affirm that there are many people of faith who recognize the sacred worth and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,” Rawls said. “We stand solidly opposed to a constitutional amendment that would ban all forms of relationship recognition for same-sex couples. Rawls said the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement lives on today. “I am the beneficiary of liberties hard won through the Civil Rights Movement,” she said. “I am here because reasonable people took a stand and said no to unjust laws that wanted to rob me and people like me of our liberties. I stand today because it is my turn to fight. We all stand today against efforts to legislate discrimination and harassment.” : : more: Read our entire coverage of the faith rally online at goqnotes.com/11495/.
NEWS
Equality North Carolina’s changing of the guard As long-time exec. dir. Ian Palmquist bows out, interim leader Alex Miller steps up to the plate by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
RALEIGH — For more than 10 years, Ian Palmquist has played a strong role in his leadership and service at Equality North Carolina. On July 1, he worked his last day at the organization, heading off for a mid-career jaunt at graduate school. He’ll attend Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government this fall, where he’ll be pursuing a master’s of public administration. In 2009, qnotes named Palmquist our “Person of the Year.” It was a well-deserved honor stemming from his work in helping to shape Equality North Carolina into one of the most successful and influential state-based LGBT advocacy groups in the country. When he was a youth, Palmquist said he never could have imagined taking on such an important leadership role at such a young age. A 1999 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Palmquist began his work with the group as a student and volunteer. By the age of 25, Palmquist had worked on the staff for nearly four years and had been recently appointed assistant director. Soon thereafter, the group hired him and Hickory attorney Ed Farthing to serve as co-directors. Finally, in July 2006, Palmquist was appointed executive director. Palmquist is a humble one, though. He credits Equality North Carolina’s board leadership and other staff for the group’s growth and stability. His work as executive director, he
says, was made easier by the dedication of the group’s boards, his co-workers and Equality North Carolina’s supporters and volunteers. Equality North Carolina finds itself in transition as its foremost leader, recognized as the “public face” of the group across the state, is leaving. Palmquist, grateful for the opportunity to serve North Carolina’s LGBT communities, says the move is healthy for the group and will allow fresh faces and new ideas to bubble up to the top. As he departs, the board has placed leadership into the hands of a more-than-capable and determined leader, Palmquist says. Lobbyist takes the helm On June 21, the Equality North Carolina Board of Directors announced that Alex Miller, a former lobbyist for the organization, would take on Palmquist’s role as interim executive director. “I’m really grateful and honored by this opportunity and to take on this responsibility,” Miller told qnotes. “I have very big shoes to fill with Ian — enough can’t possibly be said about him and his work to build this organization into one of the premier statewide groups in the country.” Miller and Palmquist worked together extensively as Equality North Carolina
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Out-going Equality North Carolina Executive Director Ian Palmquist speaks to a crowd of hundreds gathered for a pro-LGBT faith rally in Charlotte on June 24.
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we want your who/what/where Submitting an event for inclusion in our calendar has never been easier: visit goqnotes.com/qguide/events/submit
ENC changes guard continued from page 17
worked with a coalition of other groups to pass 2009’s School Violence Prevention Act. Miller says he was honored to be a part of that campaign. “That was definitely one of the highlights of my political career so far,” he said. Miller has a long history of experience at the legislature. After working on the passage of the School Violence Prevention Act and as Equality North Carolina’s primary lobbyist, Miller went on to successfully manage a close campaign that resulted in reelection for Cumberland County Democratic Rep. Rick Glazier, a steadfast pro-LGBT advocate in the state House. Miller has also worked with a number of other legislators, both Republican and Democratic. Those bipartisan relationships, he says, will prove necessary components in the fight to defeat a proposed anti-LGBT constitutional amendment. “I have a lot of experience and relationships there [at the legislature] that I think will be beneficial as we strategize and it comes to looking at specific targets for field work,” Miller said. Miller’s primary task will be helping the organization prepare for that amendment battle. He says it’s an unfortunate reality that carries real benefits. “If there is any benefit to the introduction of these bills it’s that Equality North Carolina is well in the position to help lead and shape these issues at a crucial time,” he said. “This is a conversation that we need to have and will be introduced to some folks who may be engaged for the first time in having a real conversation or real enlightenment around issues of equality. It’s an opportunity to involve all North Carolinians — LGBT and straight allies and folks who have never had to come to grips with these questions.” Ultimately, Miller hopes he’ll have a chance to shape history in the state. “This is a question of what side of history we’ll be on,” he said. Miller, who is straight, doesn’t think he’ll hear any concerns about his sexual orientation. In fact, he says his identity will prove “wholly irrelevant” to his work at Equality North Carolina. “I haven’t heard any concerns directed at me and I think those concerns will be fairly minimal,” he said. “The goals of this organization are not about securing rights only for some but securing equal rights for everyone. I don’t think it takes any type of person to do that other than someone who is qualified and committed.” Miller, a former infantry squad leader in the U.S. Army, lives in Chapel Hill with his wife and two children. He’s a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and received his master’s of social work from the University of North Carolina in 2007. The search for a permanent executive director is currently underway by Equality North Carolina’s board of directors. A decision is expected within the next several months. For more information about the position, its description and job requirements, visit equalitync.org/jobs. : :
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Ask Dr. C…HIV and healthcare advice
Helping to keep you in the know with up-to-date information by Frederick Cruickshank ~ Medical Director
This is the second installment of Ask Dr. C. Great questions are coming into our office and we are doing our best to get them all answered in a timely manner in this column. Keep the questions coming, Charlotte. I am HIV positive. What does it mean when my doctors talks about my “viral load” and why do I want to keep it low? — Mark in Charlotte Mark, this is a good question because sometimes the medical pathology of HIV is hard to understand for patients and others who do not have a medical background. A patient’s viral load refers to the amount of active HIV in the blood of someone who is HIV positive. So, when your doctor tells you about your viral load, he is talking about how active HIV is in your body. By testing the amount of active HIV in your body, you and your doctor can see whether your medications are working or
whether you should try an alternative approach. Your care plan is made up of medications that work by decreasing the reproduction of HIV in your body. This will cause a lower amount of active HIV in your body and when you go to the doctor you will have a lower viral load measurement. It is important to keep your viral load as low as possible because with high levels of active HIV in your body, you are more likely to get sick. With a high viral load, you are more prone to immune system damage and opportunistic infections. To keep your viral load low, it is important to make a plan to ensure you always take all of your medications as prescribed by your doctor. It might help to buy a pill organizer that will allow you to organize what medications you need to take every day of the week. Is there a connection between HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases? — Whitney in Huntersville Whitney, the answer to your question is yes, there is a connection between HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Having an STD makes you more at risk for contracting HIV. One reason for this is that many STD infections cause irritation of the skin that can lead to breaks or sores that can make it easier for HIV to enter the body. Even STD infection that does not lead to skin irritation can cause an immune
response in the genital area that can make the person more prone to transmission of HIV. Also, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if an HIV-infected person is also infected with another STD, that person is three-to-five times more likely than other HIV-infected persons to transmit HIV through sexual contact. To protect yourself and your partners, it is important to always use protection (i.e., latex condoms) when engaging in sexual intercourse, including oral sex. It is also important for you and any of your partners to get tested for both STDs and HIV. My daughter is HIV positive and often fatigued. Are there ways to help her feel better by changing her diet? — Tammy in Charlotte Tammy, this is an important question to ask because many times people who are HIV positive overlook their changing nutritional requirements. There are certain things you can do to help your daughter change her diet to help her feel better. It is important to incorporate extra calories into her diet to help better fuel her immune system. This can be done by having your daughter drink a high calorie “power shake” before bed or drinking an instant breakfast shake with breakfast and lunch. Another important nutritional change for your daughter is to incorporate extra protein into
her diet to fight the virus and prevent muscle wasting. Protein rich foods include chicken, fish, meat, tofu, beans, eggs and cheese. One other thing to improve your daughter’s health is to make sure she takes a vitamin and mineral supplement to stay healthy longer. It is important to always discuss any changes in your health and nutrition with your doctor. It is important to discuss taking a supplement with your daughter’s doctor before she begins taking it as it may affect the effectiveness of her current medications. Also, if your daughter is experiencing extreme fatigue, your doctor needs to know to make sure everything is OK with her health. By incorporating nutrition and treatment, you and your doctor can create the most effective care plan for your daughter. Always remember that this is an advice column based on your questions and the best possible knowledge out there. We need your questions to help educate the community, so email them to info@rosedaleid.com and be sure to include a first name and location. All respondents will remain anonymous. We will try to do our best to answer, educate and inform from your responses to this column.Don’t forget to visit our website at rosedaleid. com and friend us on Facebook for community and clinical updates. — Sponsored Content —
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out in the stars by charlene lichtenstein :: qnotes contributor
July 9 - 22 Uranus, that planet of shocks and surprises, retrogrades and drags it’s sorry tail all over our best laid plans. Are you in the mood for stew? No matter what you expect, expect the unexpected. Ouch and ouch again! CANCER (06.22-7.23) Even though you have carefully cultivated a conservative professional path, there are potholes and detours developing on the horizon. So, don’t concentrate too much on projecting future scenarios. Think in the present and do the best apple polishing you can. The rest can be left to fate and past performance. In fact, it may be a good time to take a vacation. Hint. Hint. LEO (07.24-08.23) Getting “away from it all” may be very tempting. But, if your goal is relaxation, try to postpone your travel plans. Any international venture could prove to be way too stressful. Proud Lions with itchy paws could, instead, stay closer to home to get their relaxation jollies. How about a BBQ in the backyard? Or, maybe a small soireé in a neighborhood joint? Aim for the dull. VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Those queer Virgins who follow their hearts instead of their minds may find that their hearts lead them astray. And, maybe that is the plan? But, if not, try to keep your randy emotions in check and enter into any sexual liaison with your eyes wide open and legs together. There will be time to meet, greet and sweep a special someone off their feet in a few weeks. LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Expect some strange undercurrents in some relationships. And, don’t be surprised by the extent of the surprises. Proud Libras, who strive for harmony, balance and diplomacy, are reduced to bobbing and floating
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on a turgid sea of emotion. Ugh. Take a step back if you can and find other outlets to occupy your mind. Stamp collecting? Lint removal? Anything. SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) As much as you want to get things done and move on, there is something that pulls you back into the weeds. Try not to get involved in messy office politics. Avoid offering even a tame opinion of current comings and goings of co-workers. It cannot benefit you. In fact, avoid the worst of it by directing your excess energy into exercise. Just don’t trip on the treadmill. SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Nothing exceeds like excess and gay Archers have their duffel bag full of it. How much fun can you possibly pack into every single minute? Way too much and it can leave you dissipated and spent. Of course, that may be just what you are looking for. Plan ahead as best as you can and make sure that any sticky situation is anticipated so that you don’t get stuck. CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Even though you think that everything is under control at home, there may be a shocking event that captures all your attention and efforts. It could be a burst pipe, a mysterious short circuit or something family related. But, whatever it is, you handle it expertly and quickly. Fight the domestic gremlins. I think they are hiding under the bed with the dust bunnies. AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) Anything you say can be blown way out of proportion now. If your intent is to stir up a revolution, you are handed the big spoon to do it. Aqueerians who prefer to mull their thoughts before they shriek are advised to listen very carefully before they speak…or don’t even speak at all. Time will tell so learn to tell (and bide your) time. PISCES (02.20-03.20) Guppies can be emotional spenders. There is that one little trinket that you need that will make you feel all better. Of course, that is not really true but you are not focusing on truth. Expect some unanticipated expenses that can throw you off your budget. Try to rein in any unnecessary spending and save for a rainy day. Oh, no. Do I feel a drop? ARIES (03.21-04.20) Every attempt to gain the attention of “those in the know” will become a case of “those who say no.” Proud Rams ache to strut and fret their hour upon the stage, but will then be heard no more. Did someone say this a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury, signifying nothing? Yeah, some hack. Fade into the background if you can and plot from the sidelines. TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Secrets are secrets no longer, queer Bull. No matter how you try to hide the truth, it pops out at inappropriate times. But, it is a clarion call from the heavens so take it all in stride and pride. Before you know it, all potential embarrassments or gaffs become gist for the rumor mill and make you the one to know. Grab it, bank it, spank it and spend it while it is the currency. GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Pals provide the surprises, so act surprised! Their antics can send you into wasteful, unanticipated directions. Don’t become impatient and blow your top, pink Twin. Go with the flow and see where every errorprone social event leads. Who knows? You could wash ashore at some exclusive beach head full of water nymphs and pool boys. Or, is it just a hangover? : : © 2011 Madam Lichtenstein, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Entertainment. info: Visit www.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.
tell trinity
know how to do this myself, so catch my cartoon for some timely tips.)
by trinity :: qnotes contributor
Will coming out stop your life or start it Dear Trinity, About a month ago, I came out to my wife, two kids and to my very straight job. My wife was great, but my job couldn’t handle it so I was fired. Did I do the right thing? Ouch I’m Out, Ottawa, ON Dear Ouch, Being yourself, freeing yourself, saying who you are and surrounding yourself with supportive people, even if it means changing jobs, neighborhoods or family situations, will always be the greatest and holiest gift you can give yourself and the world around you. Yes, honey, you did a great thing! Hey Trinity, How do I meet more people when I only go out once in a while? Trapped At Home, Nashville, TN Hey Trapped, On those rare nights when you do go out, make sure to look overly attractive and talk to as many people as you can. Don’t waste these rare outings. The more people you get the attention of and talk to, the better your chances are. Meeting people is a numbers game, pumpkin, so play it big! (I sure
Dear Trinity, I’m gay, live in a small town and have trouble meeting dates. The population is small. Any ideas on how to survive not so alone? Population Troubles, Crescent Beach, FL
Dear Population Troubles, Honestly, the best way to find a date in a small town is to move out. Bigger cities mean bigger dating opportunities. Sorry, sweetie, but if finding a relationship is your priority, moving out may have to become your reality. I did it and my dating life, amongst many other things, soared! Dearest Trinity, Last week I made a date with the bouncer of a bar I frequent. But, he got excited and told people which weirded me out so I never showed up. Now he won’t let me in the bar. I apologized, but he says I’m not welcome there. What should I do? Stood Up/Kicked Out, Minneapolis, MN Dearest SU/KO, I know you’d like me to say he should forgive you and let you in, but what were you thinking when you stood him up? Don’t you know how evil and inhumane it is to stand someone up? Listen, baby, send flowers, an apology card and keep trying, but more importantly read:
Trinity’s Disastrous Tips For What You Did To Someone When You Stood Them Up 1. You made him leave work early, clean his apartment and get all dressed up just to spend the evening feeling confused, distrusting and dirty! 2. You got her all worked up for a good date just to waste a good night working on a good cry! 3. You made him cook a fancy dinner and open an expensive bottle of wine just to watch the wine age and the food get moldy. 4. You made her pace the floor, stare at the clock and check her voicemail endlessly hoping that she didn’t meet another loser! 5. You made him lie painfully on the couch wondering, “Did I say something wrong? Did I get the time right?” Or, “Am I going to be alone forever?” 6. You made her call friends, family and 1-900-4-C-R-I-S-I-S to get help and support for issues she hasn’t dealt with since 10th grade! 7. You made him wish angry, unhealthy and negative things about you and maybe himself, plus you ruined, once again, someone’s dream of a relationship! 8. You made her obsess about love, honesty, time and life… need I go on! 9. You set him up with all your promises just to let him down with all your narcissistic, egotistical and arrogant behavior! 10. Lastly, you made him wait alone, at a bar, a restaurant or at home like a prisoner, a victim, a punished criminal, when all he wanted to do was to get to know you better! : : — With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity was host of “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama, and now performs globally. info: www.telltrinity.com . Trinity@telltrinity.com Sponsored by: Provincetown Business Guild 800-637-8696 . www.ptown.org
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CLT Black Gay Pride Festivities take over the Queen city, July 14-17 Celebrating their 2011 theme, “Together we can,” Charlotte Black Gay Pride begins in earnest on July 14 and runs through July 17, complete with events as diverse as a community forum, a movie screening, the annual Pride expo, nightlife and more. Check out a quick summary of events below and be sure to log on to charlotte blackgaypride.com for more information on event locations, times and more. July 14 Community Forum Event topic and location are yet to be determined. July 15 Official Meet and Greet Join Charlotte Black Gay Pride for an official meet and greet mixer at the Hilton Lake Networking Event. July 16 Expo Charlotte Black Gay Pride hosts their annual expo, featuring workshops, vendors, live entertainment, food and a small film festival presented by LezView. The expo will be held at the Oasis of Charlotte, 604 Doug Mayes Pl. July 17 Worship Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte hosts a special Pride worship service in conjunction with Charlotte Black Gay Pride.
Triangle Black Pride Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill set for Pride festivities July 28-Aug. 1 For the second year in a row, Shades of Pride presents its Triangle Black Pride. Events include a kick-off party, a welcome reception and pajama jam, workshops and seminars, health screenings, a film festival and more. Check out our preview of Triangle Black Pride events below and visit triangleblackpride.org for more details. July 28 Kick-off Party Join Triangle Black Pride at 313 Hargett for a special beginning to this year’s events. July 29 Welcome and Jam A welcome reception and a Pride Pajama Jam liven up this year’s Triangle Black Pride host hotel, the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree. July 30 Expo The Triangle Black Pride community expo at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree includes workshops, health screenings, a special film festival and LGBTQ writers’ workshop. In the evening, join Pride-goers for a special club Night Out at various venues throughout the Triangle. Aug. 1 Jazz and Poetry Triangle Black Pride says a fond farewell to this year’s festivities with a special Inspirational Jazz Brunch in the early afternoon followed by a Triangle Black Pride Poetry Slam later in the evening.
July 9-22 . 2011
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N.C. House Speaker: Anti-LGBT amendment will be heard this fall Cornelius Republican says ‘traditional marriages’ more stable, nurturing; undecided on restrictions to domestic partner benefits by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
CHARLOTTE — North Carolina Speaker of the House Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) told Asheville’s Citizen-Times that he expects an amendment to ban recognition of same-sex couples’ relationships to be brought up during a special legislative session this fall and pass by the required majority needed to place it on the 2012 ballot. His comments were published by the newspaper on June 30, after Tillis met and spoke with the paper’s editorial board on a variety of issues including his staff’s salaries, the education budget and redistricting. Tillis and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Guilford) have both been relatively quiet about their views on the anti-LGBT
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amendment. “The defense of marriage is one that a number of folks in our base feel very strongly about,” Tillis told the Asheville paper. While noting that it would “definitely be brought up in a special fall session,” the paper said, Tillis added, “Generally speaking, it polls fairly high across the voter base. It’s not a particularly partisan thing.” Social conservatives in the legislature have circulated an opinion poll that showed as many as 70 percent of North Carolinians supporting the amendment, though an Elon University poll also showed a majority of Tar Heel residents supporting some sort of official recognition for same-sex relationships.
Tillis declined to say how he personally feels about same-sex relationships and marriage equality, but did tell the paper that “data” shows that “traditional marriages between men and women are more stable and nurturing.” Tillis has not taken a formal position on whether the amendment should also ban civil unions and domestic partner benefits offered by private businesses or local governments. “We’re doing our homework. We do need to understand that and have that factor in to what will ultimately be put into the language,” he said. Two versions of the amendment have been filed in the legislature. In February, Gaston
County Republican Sen. James Forrester introduced his amendment, which could ban both public and private relationships among same-sex couples including marriage, civil unions and domestic partner benefits. The House version targets only marriage. He said he expects the measure to pass the House by 72 votes, the minimum threefifths majority necessary for an amendment’s passage. Such a tally would require the solid support of the House’s 66 Republican members and six others. One unaffiliated member, Rep. Bert Jones (Rockingham), usually caucuses with House Republicans and is a sponsor of the amendment. Ian Palmquist, the out-going executive
director of the statewide advocacy group Equality North Carolina, says there might yet be hope for stopping the amendment in the House or Senate. “There are a great many Republicans, I believe, who realize that this is ultimately an issue that could hurt them,� he said, noting the recent passage of a marriage equality bill by New York’s Republican-controlled Senate. The amendment cannot be vetoed by the governor. If passed by the legislature, the amendment will be placed on the 2012 ballot. : : more: Keep up with news on the antiLGBT amendment and other updates from the legislature in our Legislative Watch: goqnotes.com/in/ncga/. N.C. Speaker of the House Thom Tillis says he expects the anti-LGBT amendment to pass by the required three-fifths needed to send it to the ballot in 2012. Photo Credit: N.C. General Assembly
Equality NC responds Equality North Carolina, the state’s LGBT advocacy group, responded to comments on the anti-LGBT amendment made by N.C. Speaker of the House Thom Tillis. The group cites several polls, including a February 2011 Elon University poll, that show increasing support for marriage equality and other recognition of same-sex couples’ relationships. One March 2011 poll by Durham’s Public Policy Polling showed that 52 percent of North Carolina voters would support marriage or some other form of legal recognition for same-sex couples. “Recent local and national polling and data, not to mention the bipartisan victory for NY marriage equality, clearly shows that attitudes are changing on the side of marriage equality, and not in favor of blatant marriage discrimination legislation like the anti-LGBT amendment,� said Alex Miller, the organization’s newly-appointed interim executive director. (See story on page 17.) “When you combine these polls with the recent census
data showing that same-sex couples are among the fastest-growing demographics in our state, we believe there are a great many legislators who realize that support for such an amendment could ultimately hurt them.� Equality North Carolina also fired back on Tillis’ assertion that heterosexual marriages were more “stable� and “nurturing.� “In truth, every major organization devoted to child health and welfare in this country agrees that the children of same-gender couples are just as likely to be healthy and well-adjusted as the children of opposite-gender couples,� the group’s July 1 statement read. “The American Psychological Association found that ‘There is no scientific evidence that parenting effectiveness is related to parental sexual orientation: Lesbian and gay parents are just as likely as heterosexual parents to provide supportive and healthy environments for their children.’ Period. The APA also said that those children will benefit if their parents are able to marry.� To read Equality North Carolina’s full response to Tillis, visit equalitync.org. : :
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Faith communities to hold conference July 29-31• Charlotte • TransFaith In Color
The Freedom Center for Social Justice, a project of Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte’s Bishop Tonyia Rawls, presents this special conference for transgender people of faith hosted at the Hilton University Place, 8629 J.M. Keynes Dr. Conference activities will include exhibits, workshops and plenaries with special guest speakers and presenters, receptions, cultural events and an interfaith worship service. TransFaith In Color is supported by the Arcus Foundation, Freedom Center for Social Justice, the Human Rights Campaign, Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte, Metropolitan Community Church People of Color Conference, Infinity Diamond Club, Charlotte African American Giving Circle, Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference, qnotes and others. To learn more, register or make hotel reservations, visit transfaithincolor.org. July 9 • Winston-Salem Film: ‘e-Cupid’ OUT at the Movies, Winston-Salem will screen the 2011 romantic comedy, “e-Cupid.” UNC School of the Arts ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St. 7 p.m. $7/general. $6/students and seniors. outatthemovieswinston.org. July 13 • Charlotte CBG Social: The Penguin The Charlotte Business Guild hosts their annual monthly social for July at PlazaMidwood’s Penguin. Drop by for networking and socializing, drink specials and free appetizers. The Penguin, 1921 Commonwealth Ave. 5:30-7:30 p.m. penguinrestaurant.com. charlottebusinessguild.org. July 14 • Charlotte Out on the Town The Charlotte Business Guild and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Out on the Town invite LGBT community members to a special production of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize and 2009 Tony Award winning play “Next to Normal.” $10 discount on all tickets (excluding premium seats) with free mixers before and after the performance, including a free post-show reception at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Uptown with free drinks, hors d’oeuvres and play cast members. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets call 704-376-1000 or visit blumenthalarts.org/OutontheTown. July 14 • Raleigh Miss Bolinwood Pageant Flex hosts the Miss Bolinwood Pageant, a fundraiser for the Crape Myrtle Festival. Events begin at midnight. Flex, 2 S. West. St. July 15-17 • Charlotte Charlotte Black Gay Pride The annual black LGBT Pride event in
Charlotte, attracting 3,000-4,000 annually. For more information on various Pride and related events visit charlotteblackgaypride.com. July 15 • Raleigh United at the Union Equality North Carolina hosts a special social event to raise awareness and funds to fight the anti-LGBT marriage amendment. Have a special “Equalitini for Equality;” $2 of every purchase goes to Equality North Carolina. Featuring DJ Myles of Chapel Hill’s STIR Sunday nights. Admission is free, though a donation at the door is encouraged. The Union Tavern, 327 Davie St., Suite 114. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. equalitync.org. July 20 • Charlotte ‘Rocky Horror’ benefit The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte hosts a special performance of “The Rocky Horror Show” to benefit the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) with 50 percent of ticket price going toward the organization. A pre-performance reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. carolinarain.org. actorstheatrecharlotte.org. July 22 • Charlotte Free Music Night NoDa’s Neighborhood Theatre hosts a free music night with The Mantras and The Werks. Free admission. 18 and up. Doors open at 9 p.m. with showtime at 9:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. neighborhoodtheatre.org. July 22 • Charlotte Takeover at High Cotton Home Takeover Friday visits High Cotton Home Co., the newly opened furniture store of Rodney Hines. Join Takeover for socializing, cocktails
we want your who/what/where Meetings: Program: Time: Membership: Information:
and hors d’oeuvres. High Cotton Home Co., 2137 South Blvd. 7-11 p.m. takeoverfriday.com. July 23 • Charlotte Community Unity Car Wash Come get your ride all squeaky clean and sparkly while raising money for great causes! All the hot guys and gals from Sidelines, Petra’s, Hatrigan’s, the Woodshed and the Bar at 316 team up to host a community car wash raising money for Pride Charlotte and the Human Rights Campaign. H&H Automotive, 1909 South Blvd. Noon-5:30 p.m. July 27 • Winston-Salem Premiere: ‘Gun Hill Road’ OUT at the Movies, Winston-Salem presents the Southeastern premiere of the 2011 drama, “Gun Hill Road,” starring Esai Morales and transgender actress Harmony Santana in a breakout role. “An ex-con (Morales) returns home to the Bronx after three years in prison to find his wife estranged and his teenage son (Santana) exploring a sexual transformation that will test the fragile bonds of their family.” a/perture cinema, 311 W. 4th St. 8 p.m. For tickets, visit aperturecinema.com. July 28-Aug. 1 • Charlotte Triangle Black Gay Pride The annual black LGBT Pride event in the Triange, attracting approximately 2,000 annually. For more information, visit triangleblackpride.org. July 30 • Charlotte Pride visits Whitewater Center Join Pride Charlotte for their Gay Splash Day at the Whitewater Center. Special discounted tickets and admission prices are available for U.S. National Whitewater Center attractions via pridecharlotte.com. Come for a day of fun in the sun: drink a little, eat a little, raft a little
Q
events qnotes goqnotes.com/qguide/events
arts. entertainment. news. views. and rock out to the tunes of band One Night Stand. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. 9 a.m.-dusk. For more information and access to discounted admission/tickets, visit pridecharlotte.com. Aug. 13 • Winston-Salem Film: ‘Longhorns’ OUT at the Movies, Winston-Salem will screen the 2011 comedy, “Longhorns.” Contains male frontal nudity. UNC School of the Arts ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St. 7 p.m. $7/general. $6/students and seniors. outatthemovieswinston.org.
Pride Charlotte Pageantry System
Join Pride Charlotte for the finales to its Pageantry System, with winners crowned in three separate contests. July 16 • Charlotte Mr. Pride Charlotte Judges make their pick for best male entertainer. Chasers, 3217 The Plaza. 10 p.m. July 22 • Charlotte Mr. Pride Charlotte MI Judges choose from a slate of male impersonators. Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St. 10 p.m. July 29 • Charlotte Miss Pride Charlotte Judges crown the next Miss Pride Charlotte, chosen from a field of finalists from across the metro area. Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Dr. 9 p.m. For more information, visit pridecharlotte.com.
Submitting an event for inclusion in our calendar has never been easier: visit goqnotes.com/qguide/events/submit
Third Thursday of every month, except when there is specialized programming, plus monthly socials to promote networking and friendship A wide variety of topics of interest to appeal to the diverse LGBT community After work with a cash bar social and heavy hor d’oeuvres with dinner and program following Visit the website for application options and benefits. Call 704.565.5075 or email businessguild@yahoo.com for more details or write to The Charlotte Business Guild P.O. Box 33371 | Charlotte, NC 28233
www.charlottebusinessguild.org July 9-22 . 2011
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