QNotes, July 15-28, 2016

July 15-28 . 2016

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inside

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History made!

qnotes news & features

views. in D.C. arts.

5 entertainment.

Pride Monthnews. observed 5 Lauper-ize in a post HB2 world 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 8 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs

a&e / life&style 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 22 23

Vivian Vaughn to pass torch Drag shows across the region Big name queens in the Carolinas Make way for drag kings 5 top drag movies Boom Boom LaTour remembered Pageant Resources Arts across the Carolinas Tell Trinity Health & Wellness Q Events Calendar Our People: Tiffany Storm

opinions & views

4 Jesse’s Journal 4 Letters to the Editor

Thie National Stonewall Monument got a lot of attention on July 27 when dignitaries and community members attended the dedication ceremony in New York City. page 4

more news & features

Queen for a qnotes day!

Tiffany Storm is more than a performer. She’s also a business owner, too. page 23

Health & Wellness In the final installment of our stacking series, learn how to create scrubs and more! page 20

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qnotes connect July 15-28, 2016 Vol 31 No 06

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

contributors this issue

Bill Allen, Miss Della Dietrich, Maria Dominguez, Stan Kimer, Jack Kirven, Lainey Millen, Jesse Monteagudo, Jeff Taylor, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: D.J. Bonet V’lentino & After Six Photography Studios Mission:

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

Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, editor@goqnotes.com Assoc. Editor: Lainey Millen, specialassignments@goqnotes.com Social Media Editor: Jeff Taylor, socialmedia@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen, x205 production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2016 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

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upcoming issues: 07.29.16: Charlotte Pride Preview Advertising Space Deadline: July 20 08.12.16: InFocus Charlotte/Guide Advertising Space Deadline: Aug. 3

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Jesse’s Journal

Stonewall National Monument A look at LGBT history

by Jesse Monteagudo :: guest contributor The United States has 122 federally-protected areas called national monuments. The Antiquities Act of 1906 authorizes the president to proclaim “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest” as national monuments. The first national monument, Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, was given the honor by President Theodore Roosevelt on Sept. 24, 1906. Since then every president except Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush has created one or more national monuments. President Barack Obama has created or expanded 24 monuments; the most of any president. There are national monuments in 30 states and several territories. They include such natural and historic landmarks as the Canyon de Chelly (Arizona); Castillo de San Marcos (Florida); George Washington’s Birthplace (Virginia); Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad (Maryland); Fort Sumter (South Carolina); Little Big Horn Battlefield (Montana); and the Statue of Liberty (New York and New Jersey). National monuments do not have to be “monumental” to qualify. Recent additions include significant places in the history of AfricanAmericans (Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers House, Ohio); JapaneseAmericans (Honouliuli Internment Camp, Hawaii); Mexican-Americans (Cesar Chavez House, California); American labor (Pullman, Illinois); and American Women (Belmont-Paul House, Washington, D.C.).

The Stonewall Inn, located at 51-53 Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, New York, certainly qualifies as a national monument. Though LGBT resistance in America pre-dates the Stonewall Riots of 1969 — queers revolted at Cooper’s Donuts in Los Angeles in 1959 and at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco in 1966, just to name two — the Stonewall Uprising led to a new demand for LGBT rights and equality, not only in the U.S., but around the world.

The Stonewall Inn closed after the riots and the locale was occupied by various businesses; it was a bagel shop when I visited the site in 1977. In 1990 a bar called “Stonewall” opened at 53 Christopher St. It became the Stonewall Inn in 2007, and became a popular photo op for LGBT tourists. Stonewall was named a National Historic Landmark in 2000 and a New York City Landmark in 2015.

On June 24, 2016, President Obama proclaimed the Stonewall National Monument, the first one honoring the LGBT rights movement. According to a statement issued by the White House, “President Obama designated a new national monument at the historic site of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City to honor the broad LGBT equality movement. The new ‘Stonewall National Monument’ will protect the area where, on June 28, 1969, a community’s uprising in response to a police raid sparked the modern LGBT civil rights movement in the United States.” The Stonewall National Monument consists of 7.7 acres of real estate in the West Village and includes the

Stonewall Inn, the nearby Christopher Park, and some surrounding areas.

The dedication of Stonewall National Monument took on special significance following the recent massacre of 49 LGBT people and supportive straights at the Pulse night club in Orlando. The National Park Foundation plans to raise $2 million to build a ranger station, a visitor center and interpretive exhibits for the Stonewall National Monument.

The Stonewall National Monument is an important and long-awaited addition to our list of national monuments. It proclaims that the fight for LGBT rights and equality is a major part of our American history, one which deserves a place alongside the struggles of Native Americans, African Americans, Latin Americans, American women, American labor and other groups. Justin Flippen, the openly gay “People’s Commissioner” of Wilton Manors (itself an LGBT landmark) called “the designation of Stonewall National Monument an important acknowledgment and incorporation of the LGBT civil rights movement and the contribution of the LGBT community to the history and evolving story of our nation. In the wake of the Orlando mass shooting, the importance and right of LGBT people to feel safe whether in places of our own like a gay bar or out in public at a restaurant for a dinner as a couple or with friends is reaffirmed by the United States with President Obama officially designating the Stonewall Inn as the first LGBT National Monument.” Located near the Statue of Liberty, the Stonewall National Monument reminds us that our hard-earned American liberties belong to all of us. : :

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell spoke to those present at the opening ceremony for the dedication of the Stonewall National Monument on June 27.

Photo Credit: Tami A. Heilman, Department of the Interior

letters to the editor Send your letters (please keep 200 words or less) or guest commentaries (600 words or less) to letters@goqnotes.com. All letters must be signed with your first and last name and your city/state. We do not accept unsigned letters or commentaries.

Readers have responded to the “Lawmakers take half a million dollars from disaster relief to put toward defending HB2, upon McCrory’s request” story found online at goqnotes.com/45201.

“Disaster Relief Funds stolen for H2B Defense.”

This is an outrageous use of public money earmarked for a real, needed purpose to further a political agenda. The hypocrisy of their actions is a reflection of their inability to see the morality in any of their shenanigans.

We as the electorate expect some basic common fiduciary responsibility from those who promised to be fiscally responsible. They have proven they are not up to the task.

— Tom Im, Charlotte, N.C. Waste This is a total embarrassment to the beautiful state of North Carolina.

This person’s personal agenda. As a retired Michigan corrections officer I do understand the concern for protecting females against perverted males, but a true transgender female is not the threat, especially one who has been physically altered.

It is ludicrous to spend disaster fund monies to defend such an outlandish, unpopular bill. There are much more intelligent ways to address the problem of men dressed as woman in public restrooms.

If a male’s intention is to do harm to a female in a public restroom, he will most likely not be wearing ladies’ clothing.

— Patricia Munsil, Arden, N.C. Man made disaster When in the course of human events, bigotry and injustice become too great a burden, certain laws must be repealed. In a costly special session, the governor, Senate, and representatives enacted such a law. Though widely criticized for injurious treatment to tax payers, the lawmakers chose to further punish the state by using money for storm relief to defend their man made disaster. Risk and burdens placed along the coast through this negligence cannot be measured by dollars alone, but lives. Those defending HB2 are placing N.C. in double jeapordy by spending tax payer dollars on enforcing intolerance.

— Elizabeth Woodside, Wilmington, N.C.

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news

BIZ BEAT

Pride month event held at nation’s capitol U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and Sen. Tammy Baldwin on hand

by Stan Kimer :: guest contributor

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez on the stage at the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2016 LGBT Pride Event.

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or the past two years, I have been invited to attend the U.S. Department of Labor’s LGBT Pride Month event.

Not living in Washington D.C., I am not normally able to attend, but this year I was in D.C. for two days of business at the same time. What a privilege to be able to attend this event on June 28, 2016 in our nation’s capital with two outstanding high-ranking U.S. government leaders. [Note: two years earlier I had attended a meeting with U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and a dozen other “faith leaders” representing the North Carolina Council of Churches.]

The 45-minute discussion was held like a “town hall meeting” with Secretary Perez starting with a five-minute address and then interviewing Sen. Tammy Baldwin. In his introduction, Mr. Perez quoted author Charles Dickens about it “Being the best of times and the worst of times” eluding to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on marriage a year ago followed by the recent massacre at the Pulse bar in Orlando. He also mentioned the absence of nationwide employment protections for LGBT people and said that a gay person could get married today and then go into work tomorrow and get fired.

Mr. Perez then introduced Sen. Baldwin, the first openly out LGBT U.S. senator. He praised her for what she had done and how she had also done it with “Midwestern kindness” in an overall caustic political climate. Here are some of the key points Sen. Baldwin made her comments: • She personally realized the importance of universal healthcare coverage for all Americans early in her life. She was raised by her grandparents, and when she suffered through a rare and long childhood serious disease, she was not covered on their insurance since she was a grandchild. Then later in college, she had many classmates who were unable to obtain health insurance.

•S he shared her journey as an out lesbian politician — from her county commission to the Wisconsin state house to U.S. House

to U.S. Senate. She spoke of the importance of working for all constituents and building relationships. She also mentioned she was very fortunate in that a few out gay politicians helped pave the way for her and served as role models.

• The day before this meeting, she was fortunate to be in Greenwich Village in New York City, where President Barack Obama designated the Stonewall Inn (gay bar in New York City) as an historic National Monument. Stonewall was the location of the 1969 rebellion against police harassment of LGBT people and considered the birthplace of the American gay rights movement. Sen.Baldwin poignantly spoke of how in the gay community, bars are actually places of safety and sanctuary, especially for people rejected by their families and communities for being gay.

Living in North Carolina where our politics are quite regressive, I am encouraged by these excellent diversity- and inclusion-embracing leaders at our national level working for the benefit of all Americans.

On a personal note, once again I got hopelessly lost driving in D.C.and arrived a little late, missing the introduction by Outreach and Recruiter Director for Presidential Personnel Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, the White House’s first openly transgender staff member. : : This year’s U.S Dept of Labor LGBT Pride Month poster featuring a quote from out NBA basketball player Jason Collins.

BIZ BEAT

North Carolina’s HB2 — don’t boycott us, Cyndi Lauper-ize us!

Solutions to combatting the effects of anti-LGBT legislation

by Stan Kimer :: guest contributor

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orth Carolina has become quite infamous for passing what is considered the most anti-LGBT state law in the country, also referred to as HB2. Provisions of this bill include dictating that transgender individuals must use the restroom of the gender on their birth certificate instead of their “current presenting gender” in public facilities, and municipalities and counties are forbidden to have local nondiscrimination ordinances that include sexual orientation and gender identity. In large part, HB2 was passed to invalidate an ordinance passed by the City of Charlotte that is equivalent to non-discrimination protections currently included in a vast majority of Fortune 500 companies’ corporate policies (see my letter to the News & Observer at bit.ly/29tYTTY).

I truly believe this arcane law was passed out of fear, misunderstanding and/or hatred of gay and transgender people. I also believe the law is meant as political fodder to divide the people of North Carolina and pit us against one another. Do check out a blog I wrote earlier this year, “Why do we all need someone to hate on — and now in NC it’s transgender people.” (bit.ly/29W1DJx).

In response, many music performing artists like Bruce Springsteen have boycotted North Carolina and cancelled their performances. They all articulated their displeasure with this law

impact of HB2 with them and expressed that there are many and their unwillingness to travel to a state which discriminates many adults who love and care about them as full equal human so blatantly against a segment of their population. I do agree beings despite what they may be hearing from our government that these cancellations raised the visibility of the issue and that leaders. And then she proceeded to donate the concert’s the economic impact may drive our profits toward working to have HB2 overturned. A quote leaders to reconsider their actions. from Ms. Lauper reads, “I will be donating all of the profits (A small concession was made at from the show to Equality NC’s efforts to repeal HB2 and I the end of the legislative session, but am proud of my manager and agent for joining me in this it did not go far enough.) However, effort by donating their commissions from the show to this these artists are also punishing the vital effort.” many fair-minded people and the I just know having a heart-to-heart chat with a megaLGBT citizens of North Carolina star like Cyndi Lauper is an experience that will remain who enjoy their music and want to with those teens the rest of their lives, and that her donated attend their concerts. Now if more funds will really help Equality NC’s efforts significantly. Read events that may appeal to those who the details in this Raleigh News & Observer article, “Singer support HB2 (like the NBA all-star Cyndi Lauper meets with LGBT youth in Raleigh to talk to game or NASCAR events) decide HB2” at bit.ly/29xfjNe. to boycott, that may really raise the Cyndi Lauper has taken a grand stand Though I respect artists and groups who are boycotvisibility of this issue. for the LGBT community. ting North Carolina due to HB2, I encourage them to So what is a viable alternative?

Photo Credit: cyndilauper.com. CC license. perhaps think differently and more creatively. Don’t desert Do what Cyndi Lauper did! us and isolate us in our time of need. Instead, come be part of the Instead of canceling her concert, she came early and met solution, and consider Cyndi Lauper-izing us instead! : : with LGBT youth at Raleigh’s LGBT Center. She discussed the

July 15-28 . 2016

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

Law awardee named GREENSBORO, N.C. — Rachel M. Blunk, an attorney with Sharpless & Stavola PA, has received the Young Lawyer Pro Bono Award from the North Carolina Bar Association, presented annually by the Young Lawyer’s Division.

Blunk is an active pro bono volunteer with the Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Pittsboro office. Through clinics in conjunction with North Carolina Central University’s School of Law and the Alamance County Bar, she has prepared wills, power of attorneys and healthcare power of attorneys, and she has provided advice about expungement to people who otherwise would not have access to legal advice and services.

Additionally, she has served in multiple leadership roles with the bar association, as well as the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys.

She is passionate about the rights of women and LGBT individuals and is an active speaker and pro bono volunteer with a variety of LGBTand woman-focused organizations across the state. Blunk has volunteered numerous hours on behalf of the Campaign for Southern Equality.

Blunk is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and the University of North Carolina School of Law. info: ncbar.org.

Charlotte Annual cookout slated

CONCORD/KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Concord/ Kannapolis will hold it annual cookout and celebration on Aug. 28, 4 p.m., at a members’ home.

For those who wish to attend, email ckpflag@gmail.com to sign up for a dish.

At the chapter’s July 12 meeting, a presentation by Laura Levin and Becky Stamler focused on straight and cisgender privilege. info: pflag.org/chapter/pflagconcordkannapolis.

Coastal OBX Pridefest going forward despite HB2

NAGS HEAD, N.C. — The OBX Pridefest will be held Sept. 9-11 in three-day-long beach weekend event. Organizers said that they are moving forward, despite the international notoriety HB2 has brought to the state.

This year’s headliners are international gay recording star Steve Grand and lesbian comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer. ”We’re thrilled that for the sixth year, the Outer Banks continues to embrace the LGBTQ community,” said David Miller, OBX Pridefest organizer. “Now more than ever, amidst the furor created by HB2, it’s time to show our Pride.”

The centerpiece event is the Outer Banks Pride Festival on the afternoon of Sept. 10 at the First Colony Inn, 6715 S. Croatan Hwy. It is free and open to the public.

All events take place in and around Nags Head and include a Sunset Booze Cruise, performances by transgender drag legends Jennifer Warner and Jamie Monroe, a Sunday Drag Brunch, nightly dance parties with Jammin Jimmie and DJ Sek Z, plus plenty of time for sun and fun at the beach.

“A vacation on the Outer Banks in September is actually one of our best kept secrets, which is why we hold Pridefest then,”

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said Miller. “The weather is at its late summer best, the hotel and rental rates are lower and the summer crowds have gone home. In other words, we have the run of the beach for an entire weekend!”

Tickets for all events are available online.

Choose from an all-inclusive Pride Pass or purchase a la carte event tickets. A complete event listing and lodging options are also online.

The Sixth Annual OBX Pridefest is funded by a grant from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, with the major support of Wabi Sabi Restaurant, and the support of The First Colony Inn, Kelly’s Restaurant & Tavern, the OBX Brewing Station, Pamlico Jack’s Restaurant and Outer Banks Media.

OBX Pride, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Proceeds from OBX Pride’s fundraisers and events support local LGBT youth through sponsorship of two Outer Banks Gay-Straight Student Alliances and the new Allen Aldridge Memorial Scholarship Fund.

All donations to OBX Pride, Inc. are fully tax deductible to the extent provided by law. info: obxpridefest.com.

Triad Parents’ ‘scream for ice cream’

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays will hold its monthly meeting and ice cream social on July 19, 7:30 p.m., at College Park Baptist Church, Youth Room, 161 Walker Ave. Enjoy camaraderie while partaking of a cold summertime confection during a hot summer. info: pflaggreensboro.org.

Triangle Post conference meeting slated

DURHAM, N.C. — A post 2016 United Methodist General Conference meeting will be held on July 23, 4 p.m., at Bethany United Methodist Fellowship Center, 2903 Guess Rd. Participants will be able to further explore and gain answers to questions that might be

prevail after the historic event last month.

Some questions on United Methodist’s mind now may be: Is human sexuality the only hot-button issue causing the denomination to consider splitting? How will actions taken at the General Conference impact local churches?

On hand will be Rev. Dr. F. Belton Joyner, Rev. Dr. Gray Southern and LaNella Smith.

Joyner is a member of the North Carolina Conference and has been a delegate to eight general conferences and served on the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church for the last two quadrennia. Southern is the lead pastor of Apex United Methodist Church and was a clergy delegate to the 2016 General Conference. Smith is a member of New Creation United Methodist Church and served as a lay delegate to the conference.

All are welcome to attend. info: rum-nc.org.

Housing survey seeks participants

RALEIGH, N.C. — Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) Raleigh is conducting a survey on current and future housing needs for seniors.

The organization is working with local government agencies, as well as non-profit and for-profit developers to promote affordable senior housing that is LGBT-friendly, safe and respectful. Participant feedback will provide the data necessary for SAGE Raleigh to move forward in its effort to establish affordable housing.

The survey is online at svy.mk/29oQSm9.

SAGE Raleigh is a program of the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Additional information about the work of the organization is available on the center’s website, including meeting minutes as it relates to the housing initiative. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

State budget includes HIV/AIDS assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina General Assembly in its last week of the legislative session passed a budget that included a provision authorizing AIDS Drug Assistance Program to create a health insurance premium assistance program, North Carolina AIDS Action Network (NCAAN) Executive Director Lee Storrow shared.

Additionally, the legislature passed legislation legalizing syringe exchange programs in the state.

“Even with these significant victories, I’ve been reminded of the challenges still ahead to make sure everyone in our community is afforded dignity and respect. The syringe exchange language was added at the last minute to a bill limiting public access to police body cameras opposed by many of our partners working in social justice. Even in light of big victories, we must recommit ourselves to advocating for our entire community,” he added.

“Studies in other states have shown that premium assistance programs lead to better health outcomes and better viral suppression rates for patients. When someone is virally suppressed, it means they have very low levels of HIV in their body and they’ve significantly reduced the risk of transmitting HIV to another person. Moving ADAP clients onto health insurance programs will help them access important health services to manage other health needs that are currently out of reach for many. This expansion of ADAP is good news for residents living with HIV in North Carolina.”

NCAAN, along with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, will host the HIV/ AIDS Advocacy Conference on Sept. 10 at

Winston-Salem State University. Although the agenda has not been released, some activities such as a pre-conference day focusing on PrEP access, workshops and networking with movement leaders from across the state have been revealed. qnotes will have more information at a later date once is is made available.

In other news, the organization is seeking a grassroots advocacy coordinator, a full-time position, that reports to the executive director. Responsibilities include developing and implementing grassroots advocacy and field organizing to support policy campaigns and voter education.

More information is available online. For those who wish to apply, send a cover letter, resume and references to jobs@ncaan.org. info: ncaan.org.

Dems break records

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Democratic Party’s delegation to the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Penn. will feature a record number of youth delegates — 44 of North Carolina’s 120 delegates, committee appointments and convention pages will be Young Democrats (under the age of 36).

“Young Democrats will play a historic role in Philadelphia,” said Timothy Webster, president of the Young Democrats of North Carolina (YDNC) and a 2016 delegate. “Our recordsetting youth delegates are ready to work hard to beat Donald Trump and other Republicans in November.” Youth delegates make up 37 percent of the state’s delegation. info: ydnc.org.

Retailer asks pointed question

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — Adam & Eve, an adult product store, has announced its findings in its sex survey.

Over 1,000 adults were asked if they had ever sexually experimented with someone of the same sex.

Thirty percent of females and 19 percent of males admitted they had.

“Same sex experimentation may involve anything from fantasy, to making out to sex. It can help us to learn who we are and what we desire as we develop a healthy sexuality. We have to remember that anyone can identify anywhere on the spectrum at different times of their life as well,“ the company resident “sexpert” Dr. Kat Van Kirk said. “For many people, sexuality is proving to be more fluid than we once thought.”

The web-based survey, conducted by an independent third party survey company of over 1,000 American adults age 18 and up, was sponsored by Adam & Eve to study sexual preferences and practices. info: adamandeve.com.

Western Yoga supports org

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The 4th Annual Yoga in the Park will commence its series on Aug. 6, 10 a.m., at Pack Square Park, 121 College St., and will continue every week through Sept. 3.

Asheville Yoga Center will facilitate the series on a contribution basis at $5-$15 on a sliding scale. Funds raised will benefit Our Voice, 35 Woodfin St., the organization that supports victims and survivors of sexual violence.

Volunteers are needed to provide brief announcements at the beginning of each session and speak to Our Voice’s mission and work. Direction on what to share will be

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provided. Facilitators will be able to stay for yoga afterward. info: ourvoicenc.org.

Bingo ‘ladies’ set to entertain

HICKORY, N.C. — In honor of the 2016 election season, the First Ladies of Bingo will welcome participants in the Sept. 16 installment of ALFA’s Not Your Mama’s Bingo being held from 7-10 p.m. at La Rumba De Cache, 534 U.S. Hwy. 70 SW. Host Queenie Gabor will be on hand to keep the event lively. She will also be accompanied by her Bingo Verifying Divas.

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $20 plus service fees and are available online. Included in the admission price are game sheets and use of daubers. A special 50/50 game sheet is an additional $5, the only one played for money. All others net prizes.

Reserved seating for groups of 8-10 is available. Light up commemorative raffle “ticket” pins are an additional $10 and T-shirts are free at the event or $5 in advance to cover shipping.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Email alfadirect@ alfainfo.org to learn more or visit the website to see levels.

In other news, ALFA has launched its NewU program which helps clients reach their personal goals. Participants can avail of workshop and solo sessions in a number of topics. Email Hollie Black at alfacms@alfainfo.org. info/tickets: alfainfo.org.

host of NBC OUT’s Queer 2.0 and a leading voice for genderqueer, non-binary and gender non-conforming people.

The conference has been approved by the National Association of Social Workers and the National Board for Certified Counselors for six continuing education credit hours.

Conference registration is open and required to attend. info/registration: bit.ly/2a0WWhM.

South Carolina SCE hires new staff

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Equality has announced the hiring of Will Bigger as its new development director.

He will be tasked with formulating and executing a strategic plan for supporter, community and corporate engagement to sustain the organization’s work.

Bigger is a native of York, S.C. He received his degree from Francis Marion University. During his collegiate career, he studied economics in Cuba, interned in Congress, was president of a Democratic student group and was active in student government.

His career began with work in the marketing field and he served three terms in AmeriCorps VISTA working in resource development for nonprofit organizations in the Midlands. With a short sojourn in Washington, D.C., he returned to South

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Carolina to work for Planned Parenthood until he joined South Carolina Equality.

When he is not engaged in professional pursuits, he spends time serving on Planned Parenthood’s Community Council and participates in Young Democrats as an officer. info: scequality.org.

Pride fest rolls out lineup

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston Pride’s 2016 celebration, Stand Out, will take place from Aug. 6-13, with the festival site on Aug. 13 at Brittlebank Park, 0 Lockwood Blvd. Its organizers have announced that the festival week’s schedule has been placed online.

Among activities planned are: a roller derby bout, social events, drag brunch and shows, interfaith service, gay bingo, speaker engagements, takeover events, comedy show, parade, festival and evening party after the festival closes.

For those who wish to march in the parade, application is available online. Deadline to sign up is July 30.

Vendors and organizations who wish to display their goods and services are welcome.

Applications must be received by July 29 and are available online.

Host hotel for the event is the Holiday Inn Historic Downtown Charleston. Rates are $149/ Aug. 11 and $179/Aug. 12-13. Group code for reservations is CPF. In other news, the organization will hold its final Paint the Town fundraising event for the series on July 24, 11 p.m., at Cure Nightclub, 28 Ann St. This rendition is the “purple” one, filling out the rainbow. info: charlestonpride.org.

Suicide conference approaches

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The North Carolina Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, will host “Stronger Communities: LBGTQ+ Suicide Prevention,” a full-day conference to teach local mental health providers how to address suicide risk in the LGBT community, on Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, 31 Woodfin St. The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention identifies groups at higher risk than the general population for suicide including LGBTQ+ populations. The conference is being held to address the need for mental health professional training so they can understand the unique discriminatory experiences that can contribute to an increased risk for suicide in this minority population.

At this conference, mental health care providers and community leaders will learn about LGBT suicide risk, the latest research findings and explore strategies for LGBT suicide prevention in local communities.

“Given the recent events involving the LGBT community, this conference is needed in North Carolina more than ever. As a queer survivor of suicide who lives with mental illness, I am especially excited that this conference has a focus on people who have lived experience,” said AFSP volunteer Dana M. Cea. Presentations will be given by national experts who are well-versed in dealing with the LGBT community. Multiple interactive breakout sessions featuring local suicide prevention experts and community leaders will include topics on LGBT military and veterans, suicide risk in older LGBT adults and the LGBT experience in faith-based communities.

The conference will include a special presentation by North Carolina native Jacob Tobia,

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

PTA adopts LGBT-focused resolution ALEXANDRIA, Va. — In early July 2016, the National PTA (known historically as the Parent Teacher Association) adopted the “Recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Individuals as a Protected Class” resolution at its annual convention and expo held in Orlando, Fla. The resolution calls for federal policies that specifically protect LGBT youth and local practices that create and maintain safe, affirming and inclusive learning environments for all students.

“Every child deserves to go to school excited to learn in a safe and nurturing environment, without the fear of bullying, violence or discrimination. However, the vast majority of LGBT students are bullied, physically assaulted and feel unsafe in school because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or identity,” said National PTA President Laura Bay. “National PTA delegates have taken a stand to push for policies and protections for LGBT youth to make sure they have positive school experiences.”

As outlined in the resolution, National PTA and its constituent associations will advocate for legislation that explicitly recognizes LGBT as a protected group and addresses discrimi-

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July 15-28 . 2016

nation based upon sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The association will also seek to ensure educators have the training to support all students and that health education standards appropriately address the issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

The association is now encouraging state, councils and local units nationwide to review district and school policies that address bullying and support revisions and amendments to these policies that specifically discuss sexual orientation and gender identification/expression as they relate to harassment and discrimination.

All of this has transpired at a time when President Barack Obama sent out a presidential order directing public schools to permit transgender students access to bathrooms that match their gender identity. Since that action, a number of states have sued the administration for what they feel is a forced policy.

Additionally, the National Education Association approved a new business item calling on the association to join a national effort to prevent acts of violence targeted at LGBT individuals and to protect their civil rights. info: pta.org. nea.org.

news

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— The U.S. Department of Justice is interested in setting up meetings or phone calls with transgender employees and prospective employees in North Carolina, as well as students as part of its litigation process and investigation. Call 844-664-0223 or email community. hb2@usdoj.gov to learn more. info: usdoj.gov.

“Americans Against Terrorism, Hate and Gun Violence” will take place at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. on July 23, 2 p.m. info: marchforamerica.us.

ChristianMingle must now allow lesbians and gays to avail of its services following a legal battle. info: huff.to/29nxGCS. During Ontario’s first Pride month celebration, its Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth walked in solidarity with children and youth who identify as LGBT in the annual Toronto Pride Parade. info: provincialadvocate.on.ca.

Mr. Sulu is the first official LGBT character in the “Star Trek” franchise. “Live long and prosper, Mr. Sulu!” info: bit.ly/29IHeJ1.

SPARTA celebrated the ban lift on transgender military members’ service. It was joined by OutServe-SLDN. Defense Secretary

Ash Carter made the announcement for the Department of Defense in late June. info: spartapride.org. outserve.org.

The Point Foundation is providing a new community college scholarship and educational advancement program to help expand opportunities for LGBT students. info: pointfoundation.org.

A new transgender awareness course seeks to end widespread workplace discrimination. It is being created between ZipMart and trainer Californian Carolyn Weiss. info: zipmart.com.

Freedom for All Americans Education Fund’s LGBT University is now accepting applications through July 22. info: freedomforallamericans.org.

“The Lost Ones” is currently in performance through the end of July at the The Duplex on Christopher St. in New York. info: purplepass.com/theduplex.

Sir Ian McKellen joined the Alliance of Straights and LGBT for Equality in Russia during his visit there. info: vk.com/straights_for_equality.

Lesbian and bisexual women can now have improved health behaviors through a new initiative. info: health.missouri.edu.

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life

Kind of a Drag

Pageant winner set to pass torch Miss Gay North Carolina Vivian Vaughn has spent a lifetime perfecting art

by Bill Allen :: qnotes contributor

H

first element of the pageant is a male interview, omeless at age 16 after his parents kicked where the contestant goes dressed in a suit to him out for being gay, Justin Natvig was looksit down with the judges. “The judges want to ing for answers as to what to do with his life. see how you have integrated female impersonHe found his purpose while watching a show at a ation with your male life,” Vaughn said. gay bar.

Vaughn found quickly that he was very good He was going to be a drag queen. And he was at the male interview section, and has won that going to be one of the best. part of the pageant a number of times.

Eighteen years later, Natvig, who is better The other elements are done on stage, known by his stage name Vivian Vaughn, fulfilled including solo talent, with a three-minute prethe dream as she won the Miss Gay North Carolina sentation of something you can do by yourself.

America pageant last August.

Contestants may sing or dance or do other Vaughn will be in Charlotte Aug. 10-12 to help talent, but many lip-sync a piece of music. crown her successor at the 36th Miss Gay North Then comes the evening gown competition Carolina America pageant at the Scorpio nightclub. which Vaughn said demonstrates simplicity The winner of the state pageant will go on to comand modeling, showing off how closely the pete in the 44th annual Miss Gay America pageant, contestant can impersonate a woman. Then the world’s first and longest running female imperthere is an on-stage question where there is a sonator pageant. brief answer while wearing the evening gown.

Vaughn has had a busy year with pageant comThe biggest and final element is talent, petitions, but also with charity work. She is chair which is a seven-minute presentation which this year for the Crape Myrtle Festival, one of the can be anything you want. It is typically lipoldest non-profit organizations in the area which sync, Vaughn said, but may include backdrops, supports HIV/AIDS testing and service initiatives. scenery, props and dancers leading to a She is very proud of the fact that through various crescendo finish, much in the Hollywood or fundraisers such as drag brunches, raffles and Broadway style. date auctions, the organization is expected to raise Inspired by what she saw in the pageants, nearly $100,000 this year.

Vaughn set her sights high, and recognized She also got press coverage this year when that she could do anything she set her mind to. she was tagged in a Facebook post by a young So she moved to Greenville, N.C., where she 19-year-old woman who was at Duke Hospital got her GED and then an associate’s degree at awaiting a heart transplant. The young woman a community college. She also entered her first said she had been taken to Pride festivals when city preliminary there, finishing 13th out of 14 younger and would be so glad if a drag queen would come visit her. contestants.

Vaughn worked with three other drag queens Undeterred, she aimed to do something no and organized an event at the hospital and spent an one else in her family had ever done: graduate hour or two with her. But Vaughn said the opposite from a four-year college. She was accepted occurred. “We tried to cheer her up, but the gift as a transfer student to the University of North was more to us. She was inspiring. I realized I have Carolina at Chapel Hill and then graduated things so much better than I thought.” from there in 2010. She eventually ended up One of the best things that Vaughn said has getting the job where she currently works, for a come out of being in the pageants is the relationlogistics company that ships a large amount of ship with former winners. “There are amazing humanitarian aid around the world. people to look up to,” Vaughn said. “The sisterhood As the years passed, Vaughn did not give between Miss Gay North Carolinas is amazing! It’s up her dream, knowing she had so much to like you have been inducted into a family.” learn, so she waited for the right time. “I wasn’t That fellowship has been one of the many going to go back until I could hold my own,” things that has helped Vaughn. “I have had a lot of she said. tragedy in my life,” she said, “but it was worth it.

That right time came in 2014 when she Miss Gay North Carolina gives you structure.” entered the Miss Gay Raleigh America pageant For Vaughn, participating in pageants came and won. Vaughn finished in the top five in the naturally once she found out about them. “Since state competition, but then took a year off to I was a child, I used to go into my grandmother’s deal with health issues. She also took that time attic,” she said. “There was all of this vintage clothto watch the various pageants and began to ing, shoes and hats, and I used to lock myself in my plan carefully. room, dressing up in the clothes and doing shows The planning paid off as she worked all for myself in the mirror.” year and easily won the preliminary event, Moving to North Carolina at age 11, Vaughn then was named Miss Gay North Carolina knew she was different. After the confrontation last August. The cost was high, however, with Vivian Vaughn has always wanted to win Miss Gay America. For now, she has the accomplishment of with her parents, she was kicked out, dropped out Vaughn estimating that she spent $20,000 on winning the North Carolina title, but has her sights set on capturing it one day. of high school and began working to take care of props, costumes and dancers.

Photo Credit: D.J. Bonet V’lentino & After Six Photography Studios. herself. She also began to visit gay venues. That By the time she reached the national event, realized that it wasn’t as easy as it seemed. “I knew then I fateful night at CC’s nightclub in Raleigh, N.C., she she was exhausted, and finished 22 out of 50 wasn’t ready to be in a pageant,” Vaughn said. “But for me, it has was captivated by the show. “I had always enjoyed dressing as a contestants. But she is not done. always been the America system. I set my sights on it. I helped woman, and I realized that others did, too,” Vaughn said.

She is planning on going to a regional pageant in the near others with the pageant. I learned as I watched.”

Shortly after that she began to take her baby steps as a future and seek to qualify one more time with her goal to be Miss The Miss Gay America pageant system is modeled on the drag queen, but was mostly self-taught. “I would stare at their Gay America. And she believes it will happen.

Miss America pageant, Vaughn explained, with a focus on old faces, and then try to imitate them using drugstore makeup, but “I’m living proof that anything you want for yourself you can Hollywood or Broadway style of entertainment. It is the only one it wouldn’t work. I didn’t realize that you needed professional do. Who thought I would be a graduate of the University of North that requires that you be a man and prohibits the use of female make-up,” Vaughn said.

Carolina? And who thought I could be Miss Gay North Carolina?” hormones or having undergone any feminizing surgery. In fact, the She learned to make her own hair and wigs, but quickly “You just need to believe in yourself.” : :

July 15-28 . 2016

qnotes

9

Kind of a Drag

Taking it on the road Carolinas’ drag bars, shows dot the map

by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

F

or decades, drag has been a staple of the LGBT community. Dating back to the era of activism of drag queens at The Stonewall Inn in New York, N.Y., to today’s visibility through Pride festivals and television shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” it’s never been as open and accepted as it is today.

The Carolinas do not lack for options for entertainment — from the coast to the mountains — local, regional and national talent is abundant.

Take a look at the options below as you cruise around the Carolinas.

• • • • • • • • • •

North Carolina Asheville Scandals Nightclub Drag shows Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday, 12:30 a.m. scandalsnightclub.com.

O’Henry’s Drag shows Friday/Saturday, 12:30 a.m. ohenrysofasheville.com.

Charlotte Bar at 316 The Buff Faye and Patti O’Furniture Big Fun Drag Show Saturday, 11:30 p.m. bar316.com.

Cathode Azure Sunday Funday drag shows Sunday, 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m.

Red Light Drag Show, Sunday, Midnight cathodeazure.com.

The Scorpio Tiffany Storm’s Fabulous Friday Life’s A Drag Showcase Friday, 11:30 p.m.

Home to Miss Gay NC America pageant thescorpio.com. missgaynorthcarolinaamerica.com.

• • • • • • • • • •

South Carolina Campobello

Hickory

Charleston

Club Cabaret Drag shows Friday/Saturday/Sunday Home to USA Unlimited pageant system thecabarethickory.com. usa-unlimited.com.

Dudley’s On Ann Drag show with Patti O’Furniture Thursday, 11 p.m. dudleysonann.com.

Triad

The Capital Club Drag shows, drag events capitalclubsc.com.

Club Snap/Winston-Salem Gloss Friday, other shows, pageants facebook.com/LikeClubSnap.

Triangle The Bar/Durham Drag shows, events thebardurham.com.

Pinhook/Durham Occasional drag shows thepinhook.com.

Flex/Raleigh Trailer Park Prize Night Thursdays, drag/games/prizes Miss NC Pride and Miss Bolinwood pageants flex-club.com.

Legends/Raleigh Turn Up Tuesday Tuesday,11:45 p.m.

Drag Show

July 15-28 . 2016

Ibiza Nightclub Drag Me to Ibiza Friday, 10:30 p.m., Midnight ibizawilmington.com.

Club Paradise Drag shows, pageants, contests Thursday-Sunday paradiselgbt.wix.com/lgbt.

Q Bar/Greensboro Drag shows Friday, 6 p.m.; other drag events theqbar.com.

qnotes

Wilmington

Chaser’s Drag shows, events, pageants chaserscharlotte.club.

Chemistry Nightclub/Greensboro Drag shows Thursdays, 12:30 a.m. greensboro.chemistrynightclub.com.

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Saturday, 10:30 p.m. legends-club.com.

Columbia

Hilton Head Club Vibe Totally Fabulous Drag Night Thursday, 9 p.m. vibehhiben.wix.com/new#!.

Myrtle Beach Pulse Ultra Club Drag shows facebook.com/PulseUltraClub.

St. George Drag shows, pageants stgeorge.bar.

Rock Hill The Hide-A-Way Drag shows, pageants facebook.com/thehideawaysc.

[Editor’s Note: qnotes’ research into finding establishments that feature drag shows and pageants was only as good as what was available online and from other sources. Should readers find additions and corrections to the list, please send them to editor@goqnotes. com. qnotes wants to make these listings as accurate as possible to maintain integrity of the information provided]

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life

Kind of a Drag

Sashay this way Big drag shows coming to the Carolinas

by Jeff Taylor :: Social Media Editor “Big Fun Drag Show presents Tempest DuJour” > Saturday, Aug. 6 The Bar at 316, 316 Rensselaear Ave., Charlotte bar316.com.

Patti O’Furniture hosts another “Big Fun Drag Show” featuring another “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 7 standout. Tempest DuJour will hit the stage and display her performance and comedic chops. The fan favorite will display why she stole the hearts of so many despite her early elimination from the show. More information is available online.

(left to right) Dixie Longate (Photo Credit: Bradford Rogne), Kasha Davis and Tempest DuJour

“Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull” > now through July 24 Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte $24.50 and up, blumenthalarts.org.

Dixie Longate makes her triumphant return to the Queen City to host another Tupperware party like none you have ever known. She will tell tales of herself after a drunken night out where things got a little crazy. Find out what a jeweled crown, a cardboard cutout of Julie Andrews and a box of moon pies have in common. More information and tickets are available online.

“Big Fun Drag Show presents Mrs. Kasha Davis” > Saturday, July 23 The Bar at 316 , 316 Rensselaear Ave., Charlotte bar316.com.

Local drag stars Buff Faye and Patti O’Furniture present “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 7 star Mrs. Kasha Davis at The Bar at 316. The wine will be flowing, boxed or not, and the performances will be top notch as these queens are well seasoned and ready to entertain as always. More information is available online.

“Prism Party” featuring Latrice Royale and Laganja Estranja > Saturday, Aug. 13 Music Farm, 32 Ann St., Charleston 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m., $20 charlestonpride.org/prism.

With a double helping of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” standouts, the Charleston Pride Prism Party will feature Latrice Royale and Laganja Estranja. Musical guest Tiffany, Patti O’Furniture and DJ Trevor D will join them. More information and tickets are available online.

Bianca Del Rio’s “Not Today Satan Tour” > Wednesday, Oct. 26 Carolina Theater, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham 8 p.m., $35.02-$56.52, thebiancadelrio.com.

Bianca Del Rio came to national prominence during season six of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and has been touring heavily ever since, bringing her biting wit and insult comedy to the world. She will land in the Carolinas in October. More information and tickets are available online. : :

July 15-28 . 2016

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life

Kind of a Drag

Make way for the kings Spotlighting Carolinas’ drag kings

by Jeff Taylor :: Social Media Editor

D

rag queens get plenty of shine, but what about the kings? There is no drag king equivalent to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and they are often overlooked, even though they often perform alongside queens. Get to know a few of the Carolinas’ best drag kings.

Non-drag name: Stephanie Wood Drag name: E.M. Shaun How did you come up with your name?

When I started I was a paramedic so I used the initials EMS. Where are you from?

I’m originally from Washington, D.C. but I currently live in Greensboro. I came to North Carolina to go to college. I graduated from Elon University with a biology degree.

When did you start performing and what got you into it?

I have always loved musicals and the stage and it was a great memory I had with my Dad. When my Dad died of a brain tumor in September 2007, it put me into depression. I went to Raleigh Pride that year and at Legends I saw my first drag kings.

It piqued my interest and so I tried it and it gave me confidence and helped me have good feelings of doing plays with my father.

Where are some of the places you have performed?

Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham, Winston-Salem, Salisbury, Charlotte, Hickory, Rock Hill, Danville, Martinsville.

What do you get out of performing?

I love putting smiles on people’s faces. I make my own mixes of Old School and New School Music so it brings everyone together. I love to dance and have fun and to let the audience join in as well.

Accomplishments: Mr. Tarheel Unlimited 2013 FMI Mr North Carolina Unlimited 2014 FMI Also I’m very proud of all nine of my drag kids and I love helping any newcomer that comes my way.

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Non-drag name: KD Safran Drag name: Oliver Clothesoff Where are you from?

Columbia, SC When did you start performing and what got you into it?

I started performing in 2009. I had just come out, I didn’t know anybody, and it seemed that all of the people that knew everyone were doing drag. I had another friend who had also just come out and so we just said, why not? Let’s give it a try. So we did an amateur night…and I fell in love. I have a theater background, so I love being onstage.

Where are some of the places you have performed?

High Point, Charleston, Charlotte, Spartanburg.

What do you get out of performing?

My drag is different…When I go to someplace like Charlotte, you’re embraced for being different up there.

I started realizing that I could make mixes and that I could create these characters and tell a story, essentially. First I did Harry Potter, and saw how much everyone loved this character…[then] I did a “The Lord of The Rings,” Frodo number [telling] the whole story of “The Lord of the Rings” with Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” [“Put a Ring on It”]) and The Proclaimers…If it’s funny to me I’m going to find a way to make it funny to you.

Accomplishments: I recently hosted a queer youth prom for gay and transgender high school students, the South Carolina Queer Youth Prom, who couldn’t be themselves at their own prom.

Non-drag name: Donna Colston Drag name: Dakota Rain How did you come up with your name?

I was living in Las Vegas and me and some of the guys were sitting around the pool one night and they found out I have Cherokee and Creek in me and they gave me the name Dakota James Rain.

Where are you from?

Winston-Salem When did you start performing and what got you into it?

I started in 2008 in Las Vegas. The guys got me started in a talent show out there and I really enjoyed being onstage. I have always been a very shy person and being onstage has helped me be more open and way less shy. I love the alter ego, have been told several times a change comes in the attitude and presence once I start getting ready.

Where are some of the places you have performed?

Winston-Salem, Hickory, Lake Wylie, Rock Hill, Nags Head, Salisbury, Nashville.

What do you get out of performing?

I think what I get out of performing more than anything is that I love to make people smile. I enjoy doing fan requests and during Pride I love getting the kids onstage. I just love doing it. I perform because it lets me be me without judgment. I can be who I feel comfortable being. I love the support I get from people and the good and bad words of encouragement. It helps me be a better person in my personal life and my entertaining life.

Accomplishments: First alternate to Mr. SC Unlimited FMI 2011 Second alternate to MR. SC Unlimited FMI 2012

July 15-28 . 2016

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13

Kind of a Drag

Silver screen showcases drag Five must-see drag movies

by Bill Allen :: qnotes contributor

H

ollywood movies from early on found that audiences liked seeing people crossdressing. That includes scenes with men impersonating women, whether it was Bing Crosby and Danny Kay doing the musical number “Sisters” in “White Christmas” in the 1940s, or Tim Curry’s brilliant performance in “Rocky Horror Picture

Show” who plays a “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.”

There have also been numerous movies with women dressing as men, in order to achieve some goal. Some of the great movies like that include “Yentl,” where Barbra Streisand dresses as Polish Jewish man in order to study the Talmud in early 20th century Europe; “Sahara,” where Brooke Shields disguises herself as man in order to compete in a car race in the African desert;” and “She’s the Man,” a movie based on William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” in which Amanda Bynes dresses as a man to be on a soccer team to get revenge on another team. Even Disney has had crossdressers, including “Mulan,” where a young Chinese woman dresses as a soldier to help fight the Huns in place of her father.

However, there are some movies which are must-sees if you love drag shows. Here they are in no particular order (because they are all great!): “To Wong Fong, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.” Three drag queens change the lives of the people

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in a small town after their Cadillac breaks down on the way to Hollywood for the Miss Drag Queen of America pageant.

The performances of Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze and John Leguizamo in this 1995 classic are hysterical.

“The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” A 1994 comedy of three men traveling crosscountry through Australia to perform a drag show in the outback. Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving play two drag queens, while Terence Stamp is a post-operative male to female transsexual.

“The Birdcage.” A comedy of errors as Robin Williams who runs a drag bar in Miami and his hysterical partner/drag queen played

by Nathan Lane try to help Williams’ son as he becomes engaged to the daughter of a priggish ultra-conservative U.S. senator. The dinner which Williams hosts for the senator and his wife are

classic as Lane dresses as Williams’ wife.

“Victor, Victoria.” The 1982 musical stars Julie Andrews and focuses on all forms of transvestitism. Andrews is an impoverished soprano who then is presented as a gay Polish female impersonator.

Great performances were seen

by James Garner, Lesley Ann Warren, Robert Preston and Alex Karras.

“Kinky Boots.” Chiwetel Elijor’s character Simon is drag queen Lola in this hit musical who forges a friendship with straight-laced Charlie and helps save a small-town shoe factory in England. This 2005 British movie based on a true story is wonderful throughout, but the scene at the Milan fashion show is priceless.

Want more? Check out “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Tootsie” and “Stage Beauty”. : :

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life

In Memoriam

Boom Boom LaTour, drag legend Unforgettable performer remembered

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor

T

he best part about legends is that they never truly die. As the Charlotte LGBT community said goodbye to one of its pioneering performers, the message was clear from memes on social media to The Charlotte Observer’s own obituary: “Boom Boom LaTour may have died, but what she is to us never will.”

A true Charlotte native, Boom Boom was the epitome of pride in hometown, and pride in oneself. She continued to perform in Charlotte at the Scorpio, Oleen’s and more, despite accumulating fame and fans all along the East Coast.

As a teen, Ricky Carter was your typical senior class president before discovering a passion for drag and donning the unforgettable persona of Boom Boom LaTour. Although coming of age in the ’70s when homosexuality, let alone drag, was significantly stigmatized, Boom Boom LaTour’s performances put a memorable face to the concept of gay pride. Through dazzling costume and hysterical humor, LaTour made sure her audience could revel not only in who she was, but in who we are.

While Boom Boom LaTour was the face of Charlotte LGBT pride, her alter-ego Ricky Carter was memorable in his own way. A dedicated

brother to baby sister Christy, Ricky taught her how to wear make-up and pick outfits. Christy Carter reported to The Charlotte Observer that her brother “was always for the underdog,” a phrase that speaks volumes of his character.

On July 10, friends and fans of Boom Boom LaTour gathered at Chaser’s in memoriam. Over 100 people attended the memorial, including LaTour’s drag peers, Kelly Ray, Jamie Monroe, Kasey King, and Tina Terrell, among others.

Chaser’s owner, Terry Burris, who performs as Tiffany Storm, reminisced that “Boom Boom opened so many doors for people. She did drag in a time when it was not accepted by the general population. She always instilled in me to believe in yourself regardless of your size, regardless of what you think your talent level is, you do it and you do the best you can do and people will admire you for that.”

That is Boom Boom LaTour’s legacy: be yourself, and the rest will follow. This icon of the Charlotte drag scene will not be forgotten.

In May 2015, upon hearing of LaTour’s first illness, qnotes contributor Buff Faye wrote in collaboration with LaTour’s fans messages of love, support and oneness. “Instead of dwelling on this tremendous loss, live the love and pride that Boom Boom showed throughout her time with us.” Read fans’ messages to this drag legend: goqnotes.com/35167/. : :

July 15-28 . 2016

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life

Kind of a Drag

Pageant system resources Something for everyone’s aspirations compiled by Miss Della Dietrich :: qnotes contributor

Current pageants • Miss Gay America (no separate divisions) •N ational Entertainer of The Year Divisions include: Miss EOY, Mr. EOY, EOY King, and EOY Femme •G ay USofA Divisions include: Miss, Mr., Miss At Large, Mr. At Large, Miss Classic, Mister US of A Male Impersonator, Mr. M.I. Classic, Miss DIVA, Miss Newcomer • Continental Divisions include: Miss, Mr., Miss PLUS, Miss Elite • All-American Goddess Divisions include Miss, Gent, Goddess At Large • Unlimited Divisions include: Miss, Mr., Mr. and Miss At Large, Mr., Miss, and Boy Leather, Mr. Bear and Cub, Miss Lipstick, Miss Classique, Mr. M.I., Mr. M.I. Classique, Mr. and Miss Newcomer • Duval Miss, Mr., Miss Plus, Mr. and Miss Newcomer, Miss Closetball • Universal ShowQueen • Female Impersonator’s Miss Florida (Miss Florida F.I.) • Don’t H8 Pageantry Divisions include: Miss, Mr., Diva, Icon, Teen • Miss’d America • Master Male Illusionist • United States Divisions include: Miss, Mr., M.I., Femme Fatale, Mr. and Miss At Large, Miss Icon • Miss Large and Lovely • Addicted to Glamour Divisions include: Miss, Miss At Large, Mr., and Miss Newcomer • Sweetheart International Divisions include M.I., Femme • Black National Divisions include: Mr. and Miss, Prince and Princess • Black America Divisions include: Mr., Miss and Miss Plus, Junior and Junior Miss • Black Universe • Black Continental • Miss Gay Latina

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• I nternational Florida Pageantry Divisions include: Mr. and Miss •R enaissance Divisions include: Mr. and Miss, Miss Plus • Envy International •H eavenly Pageant Divisions include: Miss and Miss At Large • E bony International Divisions include: Mr., Miss, and Plus • D’Elegance International •W essland Pageants Divisions include: Mr., Miss, Miss Grand Empress, Mr. and Miss Newcomer, M.I., Femme, and Closetball • L a Femme Magnifique International Divisions include: Miss and Miss Plus • International Queen • Miss Texas Fi and Miss TX At Large FI •D umarr International Pageantry Divisions include: Mr. and Miss Newcomer •D iamond of The South Divisions include: Mr., Miss, Mr. and Miss Newcomer, Miss Plus • Miss Diosa • Miss Essence International Classic • Miss Large and Lovely •N ational Showgirl Divisions include: Miss and Miss At Large •N orth America Divisions include: Mr. and Miss •M iss Platinum Gem City Newcomer •S apphire Divisions include: Mr. and Miss Inactive or possible inactive national pageantry •G ay International (possibly inactive) Divisions include: Miss and Miss Plus •M odels, Inc. (no recent information available or found) •V ogue International (no recent information available or found) •M iss Bold & Beautiful (no recent information available or found) •M iss World/World National (no recent information available or found) •S everal different Miss Universe and Universe At Large pageants in the last 30-35 years, none of which are current today.

— Sponsored Content —

Walking the Good Road Together

by Dale J. Pierce, President and CEO of Different Roads Home

Let’s Walk the Road Together Welcome to our new column here at QNotes!

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dale Pierce, and I am the president and CEO of Different Roads Home (DRH).

We are a local non-profit that offers support services for HIV positive clients, LGBT individuals, and people with other chronic illness.

We are excited to start this journey with QNotes, and I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts, experience, and musings here each issue. I felt it would be a nice time to take the opportunity for you to get to know me and the organization before we dive into content in the coming weeks.

As I write this article, I am sitting in class at the Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Executive Program at the University of California in Los Angeles. I was honored to attend this program, and I feel I will be able to share a lot of experience with the community and you from it. One thing we are talking about in classes is the patient experience. We want to make sure that at DRH we offer the best experience for all who “walk the road” with us.

Different Roads was founded in late 2012 and was based on the belief that we all take a different road, but inevitably

many end up at the same impasse. We offer a wide variety of services to clients to solve that issue and to enrich one’s life.

The cornerstone of our program has three arms. The first is the Jeanne White Ginder Food Pantry, an onsite pantry where the only criteria for availing of it is having a chronic illness. We offer this service with a brief application every 60 days to clients. I am very proud of what we offer in the “packages” that the client receives, and we offer personal care items as well as dry goods for the client.

We also have a support group called Positive Impact, and it is just that. It meets on Wednesday nights for HIV-positive individuals and does not focus solely on living with HIV, but all the struggles that might come along with that road. The group is highly attended and anyone can join, as long as they are HIV positive.

We find that individuals have started to form personal and meaningful relationships outside of the group.

The last piece is our Good Road Mentorship program. We pair a trained peer who is successful with their journey with a newly diagnosed client, someone new to our area, or someone who might be struggling. This program is always accepting applicants for both mentors and mentees on an ongoing basis.

In addition to our three current core services, we do a lot more. This column will be a great place to update you on changes as well.

As many of you know, the landscape of health and support services is always evolving and changing. We at DRH try to stay up with and ahead of that curve. Some current services we have are: housing assistance (deposits for housing and utilities for positive people); BLUSH (a trans support group); an on-site client computer lab (opening August 2016); and a MSM training program that offers HIV positive men of color a six-class program about the issues surrounding their journey. We also have a volunteer program (volunteers can help in the office or at events), and we also try to offer great fundraising events that are fun and educational as a way to engage the greater community on issues surrounding HIV and our mission. In 2017 we are looking to add more services around PREP, and other clinical programs that may tap into the health disparities in our area.

As mentioned, we have a lot going on and it is always changing, much like your journey on your road home. We all know that we experience bumps and curves that are unexpected, and we like to try to make that road easier, or as we say, we offer “help in the right direction.” On the pages here in QNotes, you will see a few of our many events we are offering this fall not only to raise funds for all these services, but to educate and entertain.

I look forward to writing more and sharing with you as we take this new journey together. Until next time, check us out on all social media, especially Facebook, and of course visit our site at www.differentroadshome.org. You can also call us at 704-237-8793 anytime to talk with one of our talented and educated staff members. Please consider joining us as a giving partner as well, so you can help support these programs.

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life

Around the Carolinas

Arts groups and events dot the landscape Arts council investment, trans model, ‘Bat Boy’ on stage

by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

Arts council makes investment

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Arts and Science Council (ASC) has announced on July 5 that it has set its initial and planned investments for the 2017 fiscal year.

The organization is the Charlotte/ Mecklenburg County’s regional cultural arts group which advocates for and serves as a resource hub and steward for the community.

ASC plans to use a combined $13.6 million to help ensure “Culture For All.” Pooled public and private dollars given to ASC provide the economic resources to spearhead such a vital undertaking, its organizers shared.

“These investments align with the tenants of the Cultural Vision Plan, the Cultural Life Task Force recommendations and ASC’s Strategic Plan,” ASC President Robert Bush said. “All of these plans imagine the impacts of arts and culture on our region’s quality of life, prosperity and lifelong learning. Once again, the community has rallied together to provide resources to attain that vision.”

The initial investment of $6.5 million includes support of diverse cultural festivals, cultural projects, arts and cultural experiences in all six Mecklenburg County towns, along with operating support for established and emerging cultural organizations. In addition to continuing support for 20 organizations, 11 cultural groups that did not receive operational funds in 2016 will receive them in 2017. Those groups are: A Sign of the Times of the Carolinas, Carolinas Latin Dance Company, Charlotte Art League, Charlotte Folks Society, Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte, Historic Rosedale, Jazz Arts Initiative, Mint Hill Arts, On Q Performing Arts, One Voice Chorus and The Light Factory.

Grant awards were bestowed by the ASC and its board of directors after engaging a panel of national and local financial and arts agency leaders to evaluate requests for support. info: artsandscience.org.

Model makes Carolina history

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Transgender Model Candis Cox hit the runway on June 18 when she sported Tumbler and Tipsy fashions at the Le Meridien Hotel as part of North Carolina Fashion Association Style Week.

The clothing collection, “Equally Tipsy,” created by Michael Kuluva is replete with pop culture influences.

The new “Equally Tipsy” pop fashion collection was inspired by the ongoing equality issues running globally, specifically the HB2 bill in North Carolina plus the tragic recent shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Fla. Tumbler and Tipsy partnered with Equality North Carolina (ENC). Having a transgender spokesperson walk the runway this season was history in the making, bringing this issue to the fashion forefront.

“Equality NC is grateful for the support of Michael Kuluva and Tumbler and Tipsy in this crucial time,” said Ben Graumann, ENC director of communications. “House Bill 2 [HB2] is a deeply discriminatory bill that does not represent North Carolina values. We applaud Michael Kuluva and Tumbler and Tipsy for standing up against discrimination and

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championing inclusivity and diversity in such a creative way.”

Candis Cox, NC Equality spokesperson, was chosen specifically to represent the transgender community in walking the finale of the Tumbler and Tipsy show. The “Equally Tipsy Gown” was designed by Kuluva. The inspiration of this handmade tulle dress came from the transgender flag colors (light blue, pink, and white), the yellow colored tulle bustier for human rights, plus featuring a slash of hot pink tulle as it is the signature color of the brand’s aesthetic. The dress featured over 50 meters of tulle plus over 100 hand-sewn gold sequins strategically placed around the front and back of the bustier.

“Tumbler and Tipsy has casted transgender models since we have hit the New York Fashion Week runway back in 2012 as we are an all inclusive pop fashion brand. Since debuting in New York, we have had the amazing privilege of having iconic transgender women grace our runways such as Candis Cayne, Amanda Lepore and Yasmine Petty,” Kuluva said.

As for the future, the Tumbler and Tipsy brand commits to supporting LGBT causes, initiatives and issues plus looks forward to creating other empowering fashion runway collections to bring awareness. info: tumblerandtipsy.net.

‘Bat Boy’ on stage

RALEIGH, N.C. — “Bat Boy: The Musical” is coming to the state at the Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre, 301 Pogue St., with theatrical dates of July 15-24. It is being mounted by Raleigh Little Theatre’s Teens on Stage and Teens Backstage. Show times are 7 p.m. on July 15-16, 20-23 and 3 p.m. on July 16-17 and 23-24.

The teen intensive program runs for five weeks and allows students to become immersed in all things theatre, from conservatory classes, rehearsals and hands-on set construction and other aspects of behind-the-scenes work.

This project is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission.

“There is an incredible amount of talent shared by the 23 members of this year’s Teens on Stage conservatory allowing them to conquer with ease the challenges of this fantastic show. ‘Bat Boy, the Musical’ has an amazing score of songs people will be humming for days. The story is beautiful, bizarre, touching, strange, hilarious and sad, but the underlying theme of the struggle for acceptance in a world filled with prejudice and hypocrisy is a strong one to which everyone can connect,” said director Linda O’Day Young.

On July 22, there will be a post-show discussion led by Young and Kelly Taylor of the LGBT Center of Raleigh, along with members of the LGBT youth leadership team, WRAL News Executive Producer Scott Nagel and “Bat Boy” cast members on the themes of the play — “hypocrisy, prejudice and the loneliness of otherness.”

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online or at the box office at 919-821-3111. info: raleighlittletheatre.org.

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tell trinity

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

How to make the best out of breaking the law Hello Trinity, We all know the court system is biased and dependent upon whether a judge is having a good day or not. But even worse, I got in trouble and have to go to court. Do you have any suggestions for playing the “court” game?

Court Troubles, Cambridge, MA Hello Court Troubles, There are many ways to go to court, but only a few ways to win. First, if you can get a lawyer, then do. Ask him/her lots of questions and write down all the answers. Don’t try to remember them. Second, know the laws, the rules, your rights, your case and all the other cases that went through what you’re going through. Third, try to imagine your case from the “other side of the story” so you know what your opponent might say. In other words get well prepared, well dressed and have a winning attitude. And, pumpkin, if you do lose, pay your fine, do your time and stop breaking the law!

Hey Trinity, I’m starting to date someone who’s in AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). He says it’s no problem that I drink, but do you think it can really work if I still drink?

Stuck On Drinking, Santa Fe, NM

Hey Stuck, Anything can work if you both agree on it.

Yet, dating someone in AA, or anyone who has alcohol issues, means you may want to think a little deeper about drinking around them. Most people in AA wait past their first year before getting into any alcohol related situations. But if he doesn’t mind and/or is past that first year and you like to drink then what the hell drink but, darling, why not just do it with your friends when your date’s not around!

Dear Trinity, I am going to meet my girlfriend’s parents for the first time. Help!

Parent Quandaries, Dayton, OH Dear Parent Quandaries, “Should I dress respectfully? Should I have just one drink? Should I answer all their questions politely?” and “Should I be on my best behavior?” are all thoughts you should be asking yourself and answering “yes” to! Now if this is the case, then relax, enjoy yourself and expect to be interrogated like a criminal…and, honey, expect to lie like one too!

(See my cartoon for ways to be charming and respectful while in the face of being totally grilled! Just don’t get burnt.)

a&e

Dearest Trinity, I’m trapped in a marriage with someone who loves me even though I no longer love her. Must I sexually please my partner just to make our relationship work better?

Trapped, Lincoln, NE Dearest Trapped, When prisoners of war are trapped they learn a) to accept their situation or escape, b) to not complain or be shot, c) to make each day wonderful in order to avoid making everyone around them miserable and, lastly, d) to sexually please those around them who are trying to make their situation better. In other words, sweetie, start reading: Trinity’s Unselfish Tips For Why To Please Your Spouse (Partner, Lover or Other Half) 1. Because s/he’s younger and sexier than you!

2. Because s/he buys you beautiful, expensive things!

3. Because you can’t go through another divorce.

4. B ecause s/he asks for sex only a few times a month and the rest of the time you live like a queen/king!

5. B ecause s/he gives you everything you want, even when s/he’s doesn’t want to.

6. B ecause s/he will be pushed elsewhere, maybe even dangerous places for sex!

7. Because s/he puts up with your moody,

stubborn, spoiled attitude!

8. Because you are part of your relationship and sometimes you need to compromise!

9. Because s/he and everyone needs love and intimacy from their spouse!

10. Lastly, because it’s the right thing to do!

Pleasing your other half is what you’re supposed to do even when you’d rather be… shopping! info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

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health and wellness

by Jack Kirven :: personal trainer, qnotes contributor

Stacking, Part 4 of 4: Skin Care In parts one, two, and three of this series I described the importance of knowing what’s in the food and products that you put in your mouth or on your skin, as well as options for creating your own recipe for muscle building and energy, as well as another for fat burning.

This entry will break down the ingredients to make natural skin care products. The recipes included in this article will focus on a deeply moisturizing body butter, as well as a moisturizing and exfoliating sugar scrub. Please remember to consult with a doctor before using these recipes, and to check for allergies by testing each ingredient individually for allergic reactions prior to mixing them into your stack.

Carrier Oils Carrier oils form the bulk of the recipes, and they are used as the diluting agent for delivery of super concentrated essential oils (e.g., lavender oil). The carrier oils have many beneficial properties unto themselves. There are several types of oils that can be mixed together for topical use. Generally, thinner oils are more appropriate for oily skin (e.g., sesame oil), and thicker oils are helpful for dry skin types (e.g., cocoa butter). Some do not absorb well (e.g., peanut oil), or go rancid very quickly (e.g., flax seed oil). These recipes focus on oils that are beneficial to as many skin types as possible,

and which also have long shelf lives. Where possible, choose organic, virgin, unrefined, cold pressed carrier oils.

Essential Oils These strongly-scented substances are extracted from plants by a variety of methods; however, all of them are super-concentrated, and should not be used topically without dilution in a carrier oil. Different oils require different amounts of plants to create the essential oils. For example, it requires a ton of rose petals to create an ounce of rose essential oil.

Sandalwood is an endangered species of tree.

Lavender and Tea Tree are both plentiful and inexpensive. For this reason, authentically pure essential oils will have a variety of prices per bottle — a 1/3 ounce bottle of rose oil might be over $100, whereas a 1/3 ounce bottle of lavender oil might be under $10. Beware of brands that sell the same amount of “essential oils” for the same price. For example, if a brand’s frankincense costs the same as that brand’s lemon, avoid that brand. Where possible, choose organic essential oils.

Honey The honey in plastic bears is not really honey. It’s been pasteurized, filtered and depleted of everything that gives it any

Essesntiall oils, such as ones made from lavendar, can become natural key components in one’s stacking skin care formula.

Honey is not just for eating. Using it as one of a stacking component can provide a more natural method to one’s skin care regimen.

Pnoto Credit: Diana Vyshniakova

Photo Credit: Guzel Studio

nutritional benefits. Plastic bear honey is essentially fructose syrup. Raw, organic honey, however, is full of “impurities” that make it a staple for diet and beauty. You can tell the difference between the two products by holding them up to the light. The raw honey will have specks of beeswax, royal jelly, pollen, and other particulates. Processed honey will look “perfect.” Also, check the label for the specific term “Raw.” It is often sold in large mason jars, and although more expensive on the front end, will provide you with an excellent product for foods, beverages, and skin care.

Recipe: Body Butter This recipe is super concentrated, and creates a very dense, lush and deeply moisturizing lotion. Once it cools and solidifies, it will be like a heavy cream or thick frosting.

Because of its density, only a very tiny portion is needed. Be conservative: A dab the size of a dime can potentially be used on an entire leg, if the dollop is allowed to melt in your palm, and is then patted lightly all over the treated area. Once the patted oil covers the

desired skin, rub it into the skin with circular motions as if buffing polishing wax onto a car.

Bring 12 ounces of water to a low boil in a small or medium pot. Place the carrier oils and the beeswax into a glass bowl. Create a double boiler by placing the glass bowl containing the carrier oils and beeswax on the pot. Occasionally lift the bowl with an oven mitt to allow steam to escape. Using a wooden spoon, stir the oils and beeswax together as they gradually melt into a smooth liquid. Once the mixture is completely melted, remove the bowl from the heat, placing it to the side on a surface that is heat resistant.

Allow the mixture to cool for 10-15 minutes, so the glass doesn’t shatter when chilled.

Place the bowl into the refrigerator until the oils are halfway between liquid and solid (approximate 15-20 minutes). Remove the glass bowl, and stir in the honey. Once the honey is dispersed into the mixture, add the essential oils. Whip the mixture lightly for 5-10 minutes with a fork until the mixture takes on a creamy texture. Place the whipped body butter into the refrigerator for an hour to set.

Spoon some of the body butter into a mason

Body Butter Carrier Oils

1/2 Cup Shea Butter

1/2 Cup Cocoa Butter

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil

1/2 Cup Avocado Oil

Essential Oils

10 Drops Lavendar Oil

5 Drops Tea Tree Oil

3 Drops Geranium Oil

2 Drops Vetiver Oil

Honey 1 Tablespoon

Organic Beeswax

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1 Teaspoon Raw Organic Honey

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jar to keep handy, while storing the rest in the refrigerator for future use.

Recipe: Sugar Scrub This recipe is richly moisturizing, though lighter than the body butter. It is also an excel-

lent exfoliant that helps to diminish wrinkles.

Use very light pressure when applying scrub to the face, and avoid contact with the delicate area around your eyes. Take a quick rinse with warm water. While your skin is still wet, apply the product with moderate pressure in

Sugar Scrub Carrier Oils

2 Ounces Avocado Oil

1 Ounce Olive Oil

1 Ounce Coconut Oil

Essential 24 Drops 24 Drops 12 Drops 12 Drops 12 Drops Oils Myrrh Oil Sandlewood Benzoin Resin Fennel Oil Franincense Oil Honey

1 Tablespoon 1 Teaspoon Organic Raw Organic Beeswax Honey

Sugar

4 Ounces Organic Refined Sugar

4 Ounces Organic Brown Sugar

circular motions to buff your skin smooth. Once the scrub is applied, allow it to sit on your skin for a few minutes. Rinse off with warm water alone. If too much oil remains, use a very small amount of shampoo or bath gel to remove the excess - do not strip all the oil off with excess rinsing. Pat skin semidry with a clean towel, and allow the remaining water to air dry.

Caution: The tub or shower may become slippery from the oils in the scrub. *Authentic Benzoin comes bottled as a solid resin. In order to dispense it from the dropper bottle, give the bottle a warm bath for 10 minutes to melt the resin. Once liquid, pour the drops into the mixture.

Pour the refined and brown sugars into a glass bowl. Use a wooden spoon to stir these together into an evenly combined mixture. In a separate glass bowl, place the carrier oils and beeswax over slowly boiling water on a double

life

burner (see recipe for Body Butter above). Stir the mixture until evenly melted. Remove the melted oils from the heat and allow them to set - hot oils will dissolve the sugar, which should remain gritty when combined with the oils. Heat will also cause the essential oils to evaporate or break down more quickly. Once cooled to a semi-solid, pour or scoop the carrier oils and beeswax into the sugar mixture. Add the honey and stir the ingredients briefly. Add the essential oils and gently fold until the mixture has a consistent texture. Avoid over-stirring: The sugar should not dissolve. Place the sugar scrub in a mason jar and keep handy in the bathroom. : :

info: Jack Kirven completed the MFA in Dance at UCLA, and earned certification as a personal trainer through NASM. His wellness philosophy is founded upon integrated lifestyles as opposed to isolated workouts. Visit him at jackkirven.com and INTEGRE8Twellness.com.

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EVENTS July-August 2016 Free Your Mind, Charlotte SEP JUL MO Black Gay Pride Meet & Greet L4 Lounge 2906 Central Ave., Charlotte 7-9 p.m.

Charlotte Black Gay Pride and Conscious Productions present a meet and greet event at L4 Lounge with poetry, singers, spoken word and painters.

There will be a performance by Miss Charlotte Black Gay Pride 2016. Personal hygiene product donations are encouraged and will be accepted at the door.

More information is available online. charlotteblackgaypride.org.

Goodyear Arts Preview Party Goodyear Arts 516 N. College St., Charlotte 6-9 p.m.

Artworks by incoming and alumni artists will be on display at the Goodyear Arts show, as well as musical performances by guest artists Clint Sleeper and Huw Webb and incoming resident artist Dylan Gilbert. Visual artists include incoming and alumni artistsin-residence Leah Mulligan Cabinum, Micah Cash, Robert Childers, Renee Cloud, de’Angelo Dia, Lisandro Herrera, Holly Christine Keogh, Chris Thomas, Andy McMillan, Matthew Steele, Todd Stewart, Grace Elizabeth Stott and Andrea Vail. Free beer while it lasts provided by Birdsong Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada PBR Charlotte. More information is available online. goodyeararts.com.

SEP JUL MO

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Bear-B-Que Woodshed Lounge 4000 Queen City Dr., –––––––––––––––––––– Charlotte The Jazz Room: Victor Atkins Performs 7 p.m. the Music of Horace Silver Hosted by Charlotte Pride, Bear-BThe Stage Door Theater Que returns to the Woodshed Lounge.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Enjoy music, food and drinks and meet 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte adult film stars Rocco Steele and Billy 6 & 8:15 p.m.

Pianist Victor Atkins will perform the mu- Santoro. Advance tickets $10, $15 at the sic of Horace Silver as part of Charlotte’s door. More information and tickets are available online.

Jazz Arts Initiative’s Jazz Room series. charlottepride.org/bbq.

There will be two performances, one at 6 p.m. and one at 8:15 p.m., as is the case with all of the shows in this series.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, with a limited number available online or by calling 704-372-1000. carolinatix.org.

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Submit your event to our calendar!

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

Movies in the Park Bradford Park 17005 Davidson-Concord Rd., Huntersville 7 p.m.

Huntersville Parks and Recreation presents a free movie in the park.

“Zootopia,” which tells the tale of a rookie bunny cop and a con artist fox who must work together, will begin playing at dusk. Refreshments will be available for purchase. More information is available online. huntersville.org/Departments/ ParksRecreation

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Campus Pride Homecoming SEP JUL MO and Awards Banquet Johnson & Wales University Wildcat Center 235 S. Cedar St., Charlotte 7 p.m.

Campus Pride celebrates the 15-year anniversary of their organization’s founding and the 10-year anniversary of their Camp Pride signature event, the nation’s LGBT student leadership academy. Jasika Nicole, “Scandal” and “Fringe” actor and artist, and Miss Lawrence, fashion icon, celebrity stylist and actor from the Golden Globe nominated TV series, “Empire,” “Fashion Queens” and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” will be the featured speakers at the celebration.

Cost is $42.50/camp alumni/current students and $85/general admission. Table sponsorships can be purchased as well at $650 for a table of 10. Tickets and more information are available online. campuspride.org/homecoming.

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

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Puerto Rican Festival 2016 SEP JUL MO Marshall Park 800 E. 3rd St., Charlotte 12-8 p.m.

The annual Puerto Rican Festival, hosted by the Puerto Rican Cultural Society of Charlotte, is the largest in the Carolinas. The event features live music, dancing, food, games and more. Guest artists this year include NG2, Odilio Gonzalez and DJ Carlos Lebron. Admission is free. More information is available online. prcsc.org.

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Stand Against HB2 Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews 516 N. 4th St., Wilmington 12-11:30 p.m.

Over two dozen North Carolina musicians will come together to raise their voices against discriminatory HB2.

Performers include Jon Lindsay, Bruno Rose, Johnny Folsom 4, Tres Chicas and 6 String Drag.

Tickets cost $15 in advance, $25 for VIP balcony seats and children 12 and under get in free.

Tickets and more information are available online. facebook.com/events/1750959401784707/ .

SEP JUL MO

Rowan Chamber Dragon SEP JUL MO Boat Festival High Rock Lake, Salisbury 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The third annual Rowan County dragon boat race will be held in Salisbury, where local and regional teams of all skill levels will compete against one another in a series of heats. Food vendors and entertainment throughout the day.

There will also be a drummer parade.

Families are welcome but pets are not.

More information is available online. rowanchamberdragonboat.com.

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Continues through Aug. 13 SEP AUG MO Charleston Pride Various locations and times Charleston Pride 2016 will feature events all week, culminating in the Charleston Pride Parade on Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. on King St. The parade route will travel from Ann St. down King St. to Broad St. and then to Colonial Lake. Other key events include a roller derby, drag shows and a comedy show.

More information is available online. charlestonpride.org.

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Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

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life

OUR PEOPLE:

Q&A with Terry Burris aka Tiffany Storm Female impersonator opens up about her art

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor What’s your perspective on the relationship between female impersonation and the trials the LGBT community are currently going through, with HB2 and the Orlando massacre?

It was the drag queens who started the Stonewall riots and stood up. I think people look up to female impersonation as more of an art form now, and I know a lot of people still look down on it. But Ru Paul has kind of put female impersonation on the front burner, as in it’s okay to dress as a woman and entertain. HB2 is crazy because people just don’t understand that if you’re a transsexual woman, you’re not going into a bathroom to do any violence.

That’s who you believe in your heart and soul that’s who you are. Janice Covington is the only one who’s had the courage to stand up until recently.

Terry Burris is a well-known figure in the Charlotte drag scene, after growing up in the Concord area. Now 48, Burris owns Chaser’s gay bar on The Plaza and performs there and at The Scorpio as Tiffany Storm, award-winning female impersonator. Having been involved with the art of impersonation since the early 1990s, Burris has seen it all and remains passionate about the out-and-proud face of the LGBT community that is the drag industry.

How long have you been doing female impersonation?

I started female impersonation at Oleen’s in 1991.

Have you seen the art of it change over the years?

Oh yeah, a lot, tremendously. You know, in the ’90s, I got to Oleen’s. I was underage but somehow I ended up getting inside. I met a few of the girls who were outside and that’s kind of how I got introduced to the art of female impersonation . . . Drag has changed a lot. Then, the gay bars were sanctuaries. They were safe havens for us, our release in life. A lot of them live two lives. They’d do their banking or professional jobs during the day and then come to gay clubs where there were female impersonators. [Impersonators] were their Chers and Madonnas, they were like icons. Back in those days, there was no Ru Paul. If you were in drag and you had a good following, you were admired by the gay community. These shows were their release, and the place would be packed every weekend. People drove for miles just to go to these certain gay clubs, because there were only so many.

What’s the hardest part of doing female impersonation?

A lot of people don’t understand that just because I dress up as a woman and entertain, I have no desire to be a female. This is an entertainment, like a singer or a dancer. There’s a misconception, and it’s hard to make a relationship with someone once they find out you’re a female impersonator.

Who inspires you?

The first queen that I met in Charlotte who inspired me is Kasey King. She was the show director at Oleen’s. I was young, and I looked horrible, and Kasey said “you’re a pretty queen. You’re going to be really good.” I always identify with her because she had a tough road being the first African American female impersonator who broke onto the scene, and she was the first to transition over to the Scorpio where all the big name girls worked. She taught me to always be classy and to treat people the way you want to be treated.

Do you have a persona when you perform?

I always just try to make people laugh. I have the gift of gab. When I’m on the stage and the spotlight hits, the wit goes to work, and it just seems to work. The mouth is wicked.

What is your favorite pageant system or a rewarding memory of female impersonation?

I started off doing the U.S. of A. and won a few regionals. Then I met Thom Guinn and he suggested I do Miss North Carolina America pageant. My first year I got runner-up, and Thom and I worked together. With a little determination and a little hard work, I thought I really could win that pageant. . . When all was said and done, they called my name and I won the pageant. That year I went to the Miss Gay America pageant. There were 61 contestants, and I was 11th place. After that, I never did any more pageants. I had achieved my dream of being Miss North Carolina. : :

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