QNotes Aug. 1-14, 2014

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Levine opens LGBTQ history exhibits D onors, community leaders, project contributors and civic leaders gathered at the Levine Museum of the New South on July 24 to preview the museum’s new exhibit, “LGBTQ Perspectives on Equality.” The exhibit includes four installations exploring national, regional and local history as well as gender diversity. See our report from the preview event and a photo gallery online at goqnotes.com/30480/.

qnotes news & features

arts. entertainment. news. views. Briefs 10 News Notes: Regional 13 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs 14 Voronezh: One year later 20 McCrory mum on employment questions 22 Center appoints new board members

a&e / life&style 16 16 17 17 20 24 26 27

Queen City welcomes ‘Drag Race’ queen Charlotte Pride entertainers Charlotte Pride brings in big talent Pride week events Jane’s World Tell Trinity Q Events Calendar Our People: Richard Grimstad & Craig Hopkins

opinions & views 4 Editor’s Note 4 TalkBack 5 Guest Commentary

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nline only: Fourth Circuit strikes down Virginia’s anti-LGBT marriage ban as North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper says he’ll stop defending Amendment One. On July 28, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 overturning Virginia’s ban as unconstitutional. The decision means same-sex marriage may come to the commonewalth as soon as Aug. 18, though a stay might also hold the decision. Read all about the case and analysis from experts at goqnotes.com/ fourthcircuit/

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qnotes connect Aug. 1-14, 2014 Vol 29 No 07

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

contributors this issue

Paige Braddock, Matt Comer, Billy Kluttz, Lainey Millen, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer Photography: Magnus Hastings 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 Editor: Matt Comer, x202 editor@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Maria Dominguez Production: Lainey Millen, x205 production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2014 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.

editor’s note

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

McCrory can’t ignore LGBT equality Two weeks ago, in the July 18, 2014, print edition, I wrote that North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory had missed a unique opportunity to tip his hat in the direction of inclusion and set this state, his office and his party apart from anti-LGBT politics of division (“McCrory’s missed opportunity, goqnotes.com/30287/).

The opportunity came when the governor signed a new equal employment opportunity executive order protecting state workers from discrimination on the basis of a variety of traits. Notably — glaringly — protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity weren’t included.

“Most important is the seeming flippancy and disregard McCrory and his office seemed to have for LGBT North Carolinians who have chosen to work for the state and her people,” I wrote. “Ignoring their existence and refusing to offer much-needed employment protections must surely be a political move, for there are no legitimate reasons not to extend the protections.”

I continued, “By ignoring LGBT workers, McCrory missed his one, perfect opportunity to bring himself, his office and his state some good news for change — just one week after the second-highest ranking House Republican caused controversy with comments comparing homosexuality to pedophilia.”

McCrory’s and his staffers’ willingness to ignore LGBT workers has not gotten better, as originally reported on our website on July 23 and related again in this issue on page 20.

Repeated requests to McCrory’s press office and Deputy Communications Director Ryan Tronovitch for answers to two simple questions have gone unreturned for weeks. And, it’s clear by now that neither McCrory nor his staffers are willing to have any sort of direct engagement or dialogue with LGBT North Carolinians — people whom, whether the governor likes it or not, are his constituents. We are taxpayers, citizens and voters. We are parents, teachers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics. We are members of the clergy, non-profit staffers, charity volunteers.

But, none of that matters evidently. We aren’t worth wasting a few measly typed sentences in a statement answering two simple questions.

On the flip side of the debate is the North Carolina Values Coalition and the closely-associated North Carolina Pastors Network. And, it seems Gov. McCrory is ignoring them, too.

On July 15, the pastors network — including Charlotte First Baptist Church Pastor and failed U.S. Senate candidate Mark Harris — called on Gov. McCrory to uphold and defend the state’s anti-LGBT constitutional amendment passed in 2012.

The press conference was held mere feet from the governor’s office, but McCrory didn’t show. Neither has he spoken out on the amendment since its passage two years ago.

Tami Fitzgerald’s North Carolina Values Coalition is none too pleased.

“To this point, Governor McCrory has been silent about the law-

talkback Letters to the editor and comments from goqnotes.com. and facebook.com/qnotescarolinas. Web comments are not edited for grammar or punctuation.

Readers respond to and converse on our July 21 report on former Charlotte restaurant owner K.C. Terry (goqnotes.com/30421/), recently arrested for theft in Asheville and facing several charges relating to the solicitation and prostitution of teenagers: This guy should have just gone to Rub Maps if he really wanted some action. That site is like the Yelp of massage parlors.

— Ryan Page, July 21, goqnotes.com

charlotteobserver.com/1166/ a local news partner of The Charlotte Observer

upcoming issues: 08.15.14: InFocus Charlotte / Wine & Dine Advertising Space Deadline: Aug. 6 08.29.14: Fall & Winter Travel / School Advertising Space Deadline: Aug. 20

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suits, despite multiple attempts to get him to proactively announce the Administration’s plans for protecting and defending the Amendment in the event the Fourth Circuit overturns Virginia’s Marriage Amendment,” the anti-gay group wrote, continuing, “We are disappointed to report that Governor McCrory has been silent on the lawsuits, and has shown no leadership in protecting marriage. This week pastors stood up for marriage. It’s time for Governor McCrory to do the same.”

So, perhaps it’s becoming more clear then. McCrory isn’t just ignoring LGBT people. He’s also ignoring the people who would seek to take away the rights of LGBT citizens. Maybe he and his staff think this is fair.

Perhaps, he and his staff think they can play the moderate hand by engaging with neither side. Perhaps, I’m sure they’ve discussed behind closed doors, all the controversy will go away and none of it can be pinned on McCrory if he stays out of the fray.

And, they are wrong. The controversy isn’t going away. The debate isn’t dying down. The struggle for equality won’t disappear. Indeed, the movement toward equality is only getting stronger and more widespread each and every day — at an astonishingly rapid pace.

McCrory isn’t taking a “moderate stance” by staying quiet and attempting to avoid questions posed by this newspaper and other media outlets or by activist groups on either side of the debate. His cold shoulder — something well understood by LGBT Charlotteans who experienced it time and time again during his 14 years as mayor in the Queen City — is a sign unto itself. Silence is a chosen “side” in this multifaceted debate — a side that will go down in history as ambivalent, unfeeling aloofness devoid of care for the people entrusted to his care as leader of this great state.

When the history books are written and LGBT equality has become the law of the land, McCrory’s name will be synonymous with those who attempted to take away the rights of others. By choosing silence, McCrory has chosen the status quo. When that status quo changes forever, McCrory will be left in the dust — a relic of a time when people chose politics over what was right, a shameful choice considering the Republican right’s utter insistence on “moral values.”

It’s not too late, though. McCrory could speak out. He could answer this newspaper’s questions. He could more regularly engage with the citizens whose rights have been under attack by people in his party. He could become a true leader, a visionary. He could join the ranks of generations of Tar Heel governors who pushed forward toward a better Old North State for all. Heck, he could even call up organizers of the state’s largest LGBT Pride event, held right in the center of his old hometown, and offer to be a grand marshal of its parade!

McCrory could do any or all of these things or any of an innumerable other options. But, at this point, I sincerely doubt he will. He’s chosen his side: silent complacency. : :

I don’t think Georgetown “railroading” him had as much to do with him being gay as it did with him being a known pedophile.

— Raccoonman, July 21, goqnotes.com In response to Raccoonman: You are correct. He is simply trying to pass the blame like always. This guy is famous for rape. Everybody knows him in Charlotte NC. He is trying to push the ostrasized homosexual

angle in Ashville also. He isnt homosexual. He is a republican redneck rascist who used the charlotte gay scene to camouflage his activity… it didnt work but worked enough for him to continue… now he is just running from his sick past.

— Charlotte town, July 22, goqnotes.com So what happened with the smoker?

Maybe this article should have been titled “Former Openly Gay Charlotte restauranteur speaks about past charges. He’s charged with doing a bunch of stuff to minors who may/ may not have been underaged. He may have stolen a smoker. And he posted bail a week ago for something … On second thought we’ll get back to you when we can string some facts together.

It’ll be great!”

— Confused, July 23, goqnotes.com In response to Confused: You would probably have to wait for the

court case to resolve before hearing about the smoker. Isnt it a federal charge to go across state lines with stolen property worth over 1,000? SBI has to get the results back before they can drag him into a courtroom in SC. That takes a long time because of out of state servers being tapped. In the mean while we are going to keep talking about him. Be glad you aren’t in Charlotte! They are talking about him big time around these parts. The charges against him include “underage” activity. That kid is under age.

They checked with his parents to make sure (LOL) you see they have to know what to charge him with. All of Charlotte knows he is guilty. You spell very well and seem somewhat educated!

But you need to realize that he is going to prison for a very long time. They are going to hate him in there when they find out what he’s done. So get on back to me if you can. You posted at 2am!

Did he give you free beer to type this crap? Are you ok dude?????????

— Charlotte town, July 23, goqnotes.com

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views

guest commentary

by Billy Kluttz :: guest contributor

Being forced to freely choose: A note on agency and victim blaming in the UMC

Amidst great progress for LGBTQ people in The United Methodist Church, many friends and family members have asked me why I would leave a denomination that is showing great hope for the future inclusion of queer people. In truth, it is difficult for me to delineate whether I have been forced out or have freely chosen to leave The UMC. Personally, I feel that I have been forced to “freely choose” to leave a church that does not want my full self. Perhaps, however, I am simply tired of running.

This isn’t the first time I have been forced to freely choose to leave the church. When I was 16, my pastor in Concord, N.C., told me that if I was to continue to practice my deviant lifestyle, that I could no longer serve at our church; for me, this meant volunteering with the food ministry and on the trustees committee. So, at 16, I freely chose to leave my church — leaving behind the members of my immediate family and many of my childhood friends.

But, I didn’t leave the denomination altogether. Instead, I joined another UM church in my hometown. And, there, I flourished — until I began the ordination discernment process.

During my discernment, I was told that my status as an out queer man would make my progress through ordination all but impossible; so, once again, I freely chose to leave the Western North Carolina Conference.

I transferred to what I was told would be a slightly more progressive conference, The North Carolina Annual Conference. There, I was, once again, welcomed — until I formally began the ordination process. During my can-

didacy, I was told by progressive friends and clergy that closeting myself was the only way forward; so, I did. I lied through omission and played their sinful games of systemic silence.

Unable to see myself continuing in that climate, however, I freely chose, once again, to flee.

I began seminary at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. I served a church in New Windsor, Md., and attempted to transfer my membership, once again, to the more progressive Baltimore-Washington Conference.

There, I was told that I would finally be welcomed. … if I would continue to closet myself, refuse to perform weddings for all people and keep a low profile at the seminary. Again, progressive clergy friends and colleagues, and even LGBTQ friends, told me to closet myself, not be too outspoken in seminary classes and refuse full ministry to LGBTQ couples.

But, then, Sharon and Bonnie called. Sharon and Bonnie had been part of the church that took me in as a high school student. They had welcomed me and nurtured me after my first escape from the church’s homophobia. They had also been a couple for many years and had finally decided to be legally married in Maryland. They were living close by my parish and I knew what I had to do.

In the middle of their wedding, any fear that had held me in the closet of the church was finally stripped away. I knew simply by signing their marriage license I had put my entire ordination and career in jeopardy, but I was tired of running. A few weeks later, I came out to my district superintendent. I was met with kind words of welcome — until I informed him of my desire to eventually marry and raise a family. And, once again, I was told in very kind words that there was not a place for me in the denomination.

Today, I have freely chosen to leave The UMC for the last time. I have been a refugee of The United Methodist Church’s homophobia for the past eight years. I have fled the church’s hatred for the past three years in the candidacy and ordination process — running from conference to conference to conference. And, now, I am simply tired of running. Eight years of semi-closeting and self-hatred have born too great of a scar. The spiritual wounds have robbed me of the inner strength that sustained me when I first came out to family and friends.

As I prepare to leave one last time, my prayer is that we might have greater sympathy for other spiritual refugees. Within the context of the church’s continued homophobic

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Billy Kluttz with the wedding of Bonnie and Sharon, a couple whose marriage ceremony Kluttz oversaw before coming out to his district supervisor.

and transphobic violence, some have decided to stay and some have decided to leave.

Regardless of anyone’s choice, agency is never simple. As long as queer people are denied their full humanity by The UMC, no queer person can freely choose to stay or leave; rather, all must navigate the muddy waters of conscripted choices, as I have done.

As I prepare to finish seminary and pursue ordination in a different denomination, I hope that, for me, the violence might lessen. Although all denominations must confront their reinforcement of systemic oppression, I pray that I might find peace in the midst of a warring land. And, that is my prayer for all queer people in The UMC — that peace might be found either within or outside of our denominational borders. As progressive people of faith, I pray that we might avoid blaming the victims of our denomination’s sin; I pray that we might better understand and support those who continue to make conscripted choices in our church communities — and recommit ourselves to welcoming the strangers and refugees in our midst. : : — A native of North Carolina, Kluttz is a student at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a M.P.A. from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. In his free time, he enjoys skiing; country, folk, and bluegrass music; and watching UNC/SU basketball.

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer

Couple files for license MARION — Keisha and Dericka Hollifield defied convention and North Carolina state law when they went to the McDowell County Register of Deeds’ office on July 22 to request a marriage license.

They left empty-handed, but fulfilled in their attempt to bring attention to the plight of gay and lesbian couples who are seeking recognition in a state that does not recognize same-sex marriage as part of the WE DO Campaign.

The Campaign for Southern Equality reported that the clerk refused to accept the application and refused to write “denied” on it as well.

Keisha (left) and Dericka attempt to submit their application for a marriage license in McDowell County, North Carolina. Rev. Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Jasmine Beach-Ferrera stands behind them offering her support. executive director of the Campaign for Photo Credit: Campaign for Southern Equality Southern Equality, lead a group of supporters who stood by the couple as they made the attempt to receive the license.

Outside, a contingency of more than 100 counter protesters held a rally with signs debunking marriage equality, BuzzFeed reported.

“I hope that what we did today can help my future children have a better life,” Dericka Hollifield said in a posting on the organization’s website . “I hope that no child has to encounter some of the struggles I have.”

The Campaign for Southern Equality is planning more WE DO actions across the South in the coming months in South Carolina, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. info: southernequality.org.

— L.M.

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Charlotte Annual mass nears

CHARLOTTE — A Catholic, LGBT-inclusive mass and celebration will be held on Aug. 13, 7 p.m., at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St. Rev. Carl T. Del Giudice of Our Lady of Consulation in Charlotte will serve as the presider, with other Diocesan priests participating as well.

This event is sponsored by the Diocesan Ministry for Gay and Lesbian Catholics (DMGLC) and is open to the public. This ministry was started by the late Fr. Gene McCreesh, the late Fr. Richard Allen and Retired Bishop Emeritus William Curlin to address the needs of its LGBT members throughout the diocese. The mass was established in 1996 as part of the Diocese of Charlotte’s spiritual outreach to the gay and lesbian community.

A reception will follow downstairs in Biss Hall. Parking is free in The Green parking garage adjacent to the church.

This mass is part of the gay and lesbian ministry parish outreach. info: stpeterscatholic.org/gay_lesbian_ministry.

704-332-2901.

— L.M.

Foundation fundraiser approaches

CHARLOTTE — An 8 in 8 fundraiser for The Adam Foundation will be held on Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.

Attendees can enjoy rafting, kayaking, zipline and more.

The event is being hosted by former foundation president Crystal Simmons.

Contributions in any denomination will be gratefully accepted.

The 8 in 8 fundraisers are coordinated by individuals and businesses who wish to help sustain the work of The Adam Foundation during the late summer. The number eight has to be incorporated somewhere within the event. info/registration: facebook.com/ events/1380253482255815/.

— L.M.

Trans faith conference slated

CHARLOTTE — The Freedom Center for Social Justice will hold its Transgender Faith and Action Network 2014 Conference, “Education That Leads To Success,” from Aug. 29-31 at the Hilton Hotel, University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Dr. The three-day event focuses on the convergence of transgender and faith issues.

It is free to attendees and is open to the public.

Organizers expect upward of 250 attendees.

The conference will feature live performances, receptions and parties, workshops and seminars, activism and advocacy training, awards celebrations and interfaith workshop for transgender and gender-variant people of faith and allies.

Registration and accommodations are available online and are in limited numbers. info: tfaan.org.

— L.M.

see next page u

goqnotes.com/to/views

Triad Movie screening on horizon

WINSTON-SALEM — Out at the Movies will present “Anatomy of a Love Seen” on Sept.

13, 7 p.m., at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St. The film centers around Zoe and Mal who fell in love while filming a love scene.

Unfortunately, Mal walks away after five months, but three weeks later, when a lucrative broadcast deal comes down, they are requested to reshoot the love scene.

The film is directed by Marina Rice Bader.

Admission is $7/adult; $6/students, seniors.

Tickets will be available at 6:15 p.m. in the theatre lobby. For advance and discount information, call Rex at 336-918-0902. info: outatthemovieswinston.org.

— L.M.

Foundation awards grants

WINSTON-SALEM — On July 23, The Adam Foundation awarded $50,000 in grants

and sponsorships at a reception held at New Winston Museum.

Funded projects ranged from healthcare and research to arts and culture.

Awards were made to 17 organizations including: AIDS Care Service, Campaign for Southern Equality, Interfaith Voice, Interfaith Winston-Salem, Metropolitan Community Church of Winston-Salem, North Carolina AIDS Action Network, North Star LGBT Community Center, Positive Wellness Alliance, PRIDE Winston-Salem, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Theatre Alliance, Triad Health Project, Triad Pride Men’s Chorus, Triad Softball League, Wake Forest University Health Sciences Section on Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest University Division of Public Health Sciences and Youth Opportunities.

“Since 1990, The Adam Foundation has provided alternative funding to enrich our local LGBT community,” said Diane Spaugh, president of the board of directors. “During our 25-year history we’ve given back more than $500,000 in community support,” Spaugh continued. “We’re grateful to all our donors and advocates for this long-term legacy.”

Grants and sponsorships from The Adam Foundation are made possible by charitable gifts and benefit events. The Adam Foundation’s signature annual fundraising event, The Adam Festival, will take place on Nov. 8 at Wake Forest Biotech Place in Innovation Quarter, 575 N Patterson Ave. Theme this year is “Silver Anniversary Celebration — Lights, Camera, Action.”

Grant applications for The Adam Foundation’s next funding cycle will be

accepted for consideration in spring 2015.

Sponsorship applications are considered throughout the year.

In other news, the foundation recently received Honorable Mention for Best Local Activist Group in the 2014 Smitty’s Notes Best of Winston-Salem awards. Smitty’s is a resource for downtown stories, business development, major local events and more. info: adamfoundation.org. smittysnotes.com.

— L.M. and releases

Pride float rolls on

YADKINVILLE — El Cambio and GetEQUAL teamed up for the second year by partnering on a float that was part of the annual Independence Day Parade, the Yadkinville Ripple reported.

The community-centered effort brought in people from all across the Yadkin Valley who helped make the You Are Not Alone float “a successful and empowering experience.”

Donations came in for candy, volunteers painted a banner and decorated the float, while others simply provided crowd support.

The contingency received both positive and negative response.

El Cambio member Wooten Gough told the Ripple that “several people in the crowd would call some of us out by name and wave as we passed. It was a good feeling to be among the other floats and part of this event that celebrates the idea of standing up for justice and freedom, especially in the place we know as home.”

However, “burn down their float” remarks were heard as well. These kinds of outbursts were few and far between as contrasted to the

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positive ones received.

The You Are Not Alone project serves to “create a local environment that promotes diversity, inclusivity and community building.”

The organizers provide whatever information and resources necessary to support the LGBT community and allies. And, they plan to offer office hours where the community can gather for community support and camaraderie in a safe environment. info: Wooten Gough, 336-306-3252, wooten. elcambio@gmail.com; Bradley Hardy, 336-4661703, bhardy2006@yahoo.com; Luis Aguilera, 336-244-0015, luis.aguileramail@gmail.com; Lizette Diaz, 714-955-8884, lizetteisbeast@gmail. com. facebook.com/elcambioyc.

— L.M.

Triangle Fest to showcase diverse films

DURHAM — Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St., will present its annual North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival from Aug. 15-24.

This event, the second largest of its kind in the Southeast, showcases well over 100 screenings of LGBT shorts, documentaries and feature films. A full list of offerings are available online, along with dates and times. Venues for the screenings include Fletcher Hall, Cinema One, Cinema Two. Some of the titles include: “I’m a Porn Star,” “But I’m a Genderqueer,” “Appropriate Behavior,” “Waiting in the Wings: The Musical,”

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Carolinas News Notes continued from page 11 “Real Heroes,” “My Straight Son,” “Lady Valor: The Kirstin Beck Story,” “Legend of Billie Jean,” “Kidnapped for Christ” and more. info/tickets: carolinatheatre.org/films/festivals/ ncglff.

— L.M.

Two gay plays to be mounted

RALEIGH — A play reading of “The Whirling Dervish” and “A Cheating Nirvana” will take place on Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m., at The Studio Theatre, Frank Thompson Hall, 2241 Dunn Ave. at North Carolina State University (NCSU).

The theatre presentations are directed by NCSU acting coach and instructor Rachel Klem and NCSU student Antrone Burke. Klem is also director of Common Ground Theatre in Durham.

“The Whirling Dervish” revolves around entertainment icon Dina Manili who is struggling with fame and her inability to find true human connection. Through an alternative universe fantasy, she explores the last evening of her broken life as desperate fans try to save her from herself.

“A Cheating Nirvian” tells the tale of Clem who is ready to settle down and start a family with his girlfriend Lupe. What’s at stake is how she will handle learning that Clem is bisexual who already has a life-long male companion named Tots.

Cuban-born Anthony Garcia-Copian wrote the two plays which are imbued with complex social issues using grey humor. While pursuing a degree in journalism, he was sidetracked when he met playwright Tennessee Williams and was engaged in a workshop with Edward Albee. Garcia-Copian grew up in Miami, Fla., and now resides in Raleigh where he continues to write and exhibits his abstract paintings in various galleries. His award-winning play,“Book of Revolutions,” was produced in Atlanta’s Gay Literary Festival.

There is no admission charge and reservations are not necessary. info: ncsu.edu/theatre. 919-698-3870.

— L.M.

Western Elders elect new board members

ASHEVILLE — LGBT Elder Advocates of WNC recently elected new advisory board members. They are Ed Hillman, Ed Heidel, Misty Davidson and Nathan Rice.

Remaining on the board are Amy Fowler, Bob Tomasulo, Dawn Sponseller, Eva Reynolds, Michael Harney, Rowan Lischerelli, Yvonne Cook-Riley and Zoe Love.

Stepping down from her role as chair is Rebecca Chaplin. info: lgbtelderadvocatesofwnc.org. facebook. com/LGBTElderAdvocatesofWNC. — L.M.

Leader training slated

ASHEVILLE — Living healthy leadership training for the LGBT community will be held on Aug. 7-8 and 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Eliada Homes, 2 Compton Dr., PARC Building.

The LGBT community experiences worse health outcomes than their heterosexual peers and are less likely to have healthcare coverage.

This workshop is geared toward learning more about how to make a difference in one’s health and the health of the community. Attendees will receive support on behavioral and perspective shifts and how it impacts individual and com-

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munity through the training module.

Lunch and supplies will be provided. There is no charge to participants from Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania counties who agrees to commit to leading one class in the next 12 months. However, registration is required and space is limited. info/registration: rebecca@landofsky.org. 828251-7438.

— L.M.

Fundraiser to benefit youth

ASHEVILLE — A fundraiser is currently in progress to support the work of Youth Outright through wine purchases at Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte St..

The shop is offering three best-selling wine selections, Honoro Vera Rueda, Garnacha and Picpoul. Upon purchase, 10 percent of sales goes to Youth Outright until the end of September.

Be sure to tell the wine shop’s staff to earmark the sale of the wines for the youth group.

Youth Outright serves LGBT youth, ages 14-24 in the Asheville/Hendersonville and surrounding areas. Youth meetings are at 4 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. info: youthoutright.org. metrowinesasheville.com.

— L.M.

South Carolina SC Equality exec heads to HRC

COLUMBIA — The executive director of South Carolina’s statewide LGBT advocacy organization announced on July 25 that he would resign in August to take a position as a southern senior regional field organizer for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights group.

Ryan Wilson, 30, began working as the executive director of SC Equality in 2012.

Previously, he had worked and volunteered with a variety of LGBT groups in South Carolina.

Wilson will be based in Columbia, working in several southern states as the Human Rights Campaign continues to shift advocacy efforts toward the South.

SC Equality Board Chair Jeff Ayers called Wilson’s tenure with the organization a “productive chapter,” in a message to SC Equality supporters on July 25.

Ayers pointed to several projects and initiatives begun or grown under Wilson’s leadership, including the group’s Know Your Rights Campaign and Gay Straight Alliance Network, the TransAction Committee and the Post-DOMA Litigation Task Force. Ayers also cited other important past or continuing work, including a workplace non-discrimination bill and new non-discrimination ordinances in Myrtle Beach.

Wilson will leave SC Equality early this month, following his and the group’s participation in Charleston Pride activities.

Wilson’s resignation letter can be read online at goqnotes.com/30474/. info: scequality.org. hrc.org.

— M.C.

news news notes: u.s./world. goqnotes.com/to/news

AIDS conference discusses prevention, stigma

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton during his speech ‘Put Patients Health First to Improve Outcomes Photo Credit: International AIDS Society/Steve Forrest. and Programme Efficienty.’

[Ed. Note — Contributor Michael Harney, who works as an educator at Asheville’s Western North Carolina AIDS Project, traveled to the International AIDS Conference July 20-25 and offered qnotes several commentaries and updates.

Below, we have compiled some of his updates.

You can read all of his dispatches from the conference online at goqnotes.com/in/aids-2014/.]

MELBOURNE, Australia — The XX International AIDS Conference attracted approximately 15,000 delegates from nearly 200 nations, but before the official events began, a pre-conference was held discussing HIV and men who have sex with men (MSM) from around the globe.

On July 19, the Global Forum on MSM and HIV (MSMGF) convened a gathering of several hundred MSM from around the world to discuss efforts related to reducing HIV infection, disparities, stigma, and criminalization.

This two-day forum included transgender people again, making it only the second time such distinct inclusion has occurred for this long-standing pre-International AIDS Conference meeting.

Presenters said that in order to “get to zero” new infections by 2030 we need to redouble efforts against stigma and assure that our concepts of “community” are inclusive, and do not

leave the most impacted populations behind.

Additionally, there is a disproportionate impact of HIV on the transgender population. A 2013 Lancet article with data from 15 countries showing the trans prevalence of HIV 48 times that of the cisgender population.

At the AIDS Conference itself, a variety of plenary speakers, workshops and other events focused on HIV prevention, treatment and cure. Also discussed was the end of HIV and criminalization.

Repressive penal codes targeted toward sex workers, women, MSM and others can promote violence and humiliation, leading to increased stigma and decreased access to healthcare.

On July 23, former U.S. President Bill Clinton spoke at the conference. He reminded the conference that the U.S. has seen a 13 percent increase in HIV infections among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). “Stigma and discrimination are actually on the rise,” continued Clinton, “especially among LGBTQ people — conditions that should no longer exist.”

Next year’s International AIDS Conference will be held in Durban, South Africa, under the leadership of newly-installed International AIDS Society President Chris Beyrer, the first openly gay man to take the role.

— Michael Harney, compiled by qnotes staff

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— includes the Keys.

From our news partner LGBTQ Nation more: bit.ly/1pked7e (LGBTNation.com): Researchers at Temple University announced during the week of July 20 that they have completely eliminated a dormant strain of HIV embedded in human cells, an advance that researchers on the project called a possible “game changer” by raising hopes that science is closer to not only suppressing, but actually curing, the virus that causes AIDS. more: bit.ly/1rJa3sQ A state judge in Miami, Fla., struck down that state’s marriage ban in a ruling that applies only to Miami-Dade County. It follows a similar decision from a judge in Monroe County, which

Long known for its refusal to adopt LGBTinclusive, non-discrimination policies, Exxon Mobil Corp. has said it will comply with new LGBT employment protections included in President Barack Obama’s July 21 executive order on federal contractors and subcontractors. more: bit.ly/1o415z4 A 24-year-old Saudi Arabian man was sentenced to three years in jail and 450 lashes after attempting to arrange a date with another man using the social networking service Twitter. more: bit.ly/1rq7wAd

Aug. 1-14 . 2014

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goqnotes.com/to/news

news

One year later, Voronezh hasn’t changed Young gay man from Charlotte’s Russian sister city speaks out

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

L

ast year, when anti-LGBT violence broke out in Charlotte’s Russian sister city of Voronezh, local LGBT activists in the Queen City stepped up and asked Charlotte City Council to sever its ties with the city. The local efforts in Charlotte came as anti-LGBT violence mounted across the Russian nation and political leaders there, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, pushed for draconian anti-LGBT legislation.

Calls to sever Charlotte’s Russian sister city ties weren’t successful, but they did result in discussions between then-Mayor Patsy Kinsey, several Council members, including LaWana Mayfield, the city’s sister city committee, the U.S. State Department and Human Rights Watch. (In Chapel Hill, town leaders did later drop their own Russian sister city relationship.) qnotes covered the incidents in-depth at about this time last year as Charlotte Pride was ramping up for its 2013 activities.

The violence in Voronezh was both verbal and physical, targeted toward several human rights activists and LGBT people, including leading local activist Pavel Lebedev, fellow activist Andrew Nasonov and his boyfriend Igor Bazilevsky.

Now, Nasonov, 25, and Bazilevsky are living in Washington, D.C., where they traveled after Nasonov says he was kidnapped by Russian police. He and Bazilevsky are seeking asylum in the U.S. (Lebedev also left Russia and is currently living in Germany.)

Violence and harassment in Voronezh has continued despite international attention to the Russian anti-LGBT crackdown.

“The city has engaged in a real persecution of human rights activists connected with the Human Rights House,” Nasonav told qnotes, referring to the home in which he and several human rights activists lived and worked. “One human rights activist, Andrei Yurov, was beaten and doused with green paint. Igor and I decided again to leave the country. We arrived in the United States on July 2, 2014, and are still here.”

Born in the Chamlyk-Nikolsky Lipetsk region, Nasonov moved in 2007 to Voronezh, a city of about one million people located 515 kilometers from Moscow and about 270 kilometers from the Russian-Ukranian border. He was 17 and entering school to study journalism at Voronezh State University. He’d realized he was gay as a teenager and college gave him some, though few and cautious, opportunities to meet others. He said he lived a double life, “conscious of each meeting, every action, every phrase, and every look” and regretting every visit he had with another gay man.

After an attempted suicide, Nasonov came to terms and came out. His mother “cried a lot,” he said, and was very worried, but remained supportive of him. He soon became acquainted with more LGBT people, meeting like-minded, activism-oriented individuals online and, later, at the Human Rights House, where he and local activists began Voronezh’s first LGBT activist group. They held their first meeting on April 2, 2010, he said, organizing demonstrations, events and meetings in Voronezh and traveling to St. Petersburg and Moscow for demonstrations there.

Harassment directed toward Nasonov began as he ramped up his activism in 2010.

He had been writing for Moscow’s Novaya

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Andrew Nasonov, center holding sign, with other LGBT demonstrators at the “March of the Millions” anti-government demonstration in Moscow, May 6, 2012. The sign reads: “Lesbian & Gays Against Crooks & Thieves.”

Photo courtesy Andrew Nasonov. Sign translated by Brody Levesque.

Gazeta, a liberal opposition newspaper. An article on Voronezh police torture irked local officials, he believes.

“At first I did not take all the threats seriously — I got used to it, and I learned to ignore it. But over time, the negative attacks against me began to intensify. Subsequently, nationalists and Orthodox radicals began to collect and publish incriminating and false reports about members of the Voronezh LGBT community.”

Meetings of the LGBT group went underground. Bazilevsky also received threats, lost his small business and was fired from a job at a children’s drama school. Nasonov said critics unfairly connected his activism to his boyfriend and were “playing into the false stereotype of gay men as pedophiles.”

Nasonov and fellow activist Pavel Lebedev worked together to organize the Jan. 20, 2013, Voronezh demonstration and one later demonstration as the Olympic torch wound its way through Voronezh on its way toward Sochi.

Death threats started pouring in immediately when news of the Jan. 20 protest spread through the city. This time, Nasonov took them seriously. “They were very specific and targeted, qualitatively different from those I received earlier,” he said. “Homophobes published the home addresses of LGBT activists, links to our social media accounts, and photos.”

One of the threats read, “I will come. I will come and kill you. When it’s over and you disperse home, I will catch you and smash your head.”

Nasonov said the police refused to address the threats, but they moved ahead with plans for the protest.

“We knew that many homophobes would attend our picket, but we still decided to do it because we were confident that the police would not allow mass brawls in the city center.

We hoped that the police would protect us,” Nasonov said.

At the demonstration, as many as 1,500 counter-protesters hurled snowballs, chunks of ice, stones and bottles as shouts of “kill the fags” and “beat the faggots” were heard.

At some point, Nasonov recalls, a large crowd rushed toward him and the few other demonstrators.

“I was beaten, knocked to the ground, and kicked repeatedly in the head, neck, and shoulders — so severely that I later had to have a scan to check for brain damage,” Nasonov recounted in a recent commentary published at The Bilerico Project.

After getting treatment, Nasonov went into hiding. A few days later, he went to police to file a complaint in the attack against him.

Instead of assistance, Nasonov was faced by four men who identified themselves as Moscow criminal investigators. They took him into custody and confiscated his cell phone, passport and personal belongings. For five hours, the men interrogated Nasonov about an alleged crime in Moscow to which Nasonov had no connection.

“I was intimidated, threatened, and beaten, and they also threatened the safety of my family and close friends. All of this lasted about five hours,” Nasonov wrote at Bilerico. “When they finally let me go, they warned me that if I tried to flee, I would be placed on the federal mostwanted list and they would find me. Because my kidnappers had threatened my safety and that of my family and friends, I was afraid to tell anyone about what they’d done to me.”

Police did open a criminal investigation in the Jan. 20 attacks, but no prosecutions ever came. For months, red tape kept the case from moving forward. Nasonov recently learned one assailant was eventually released and has received no punishment for the criminal assault.

“Voronezh authorities totally ignore the problems that are connected to the LGBT community,” Nasonov told qnotes. “They do not even try to understand the essence of the problems that sometimes arise, and they display a total ignorance and unwillingness to dialogue.”

Nasonov heard about efforts last year to address Charlotte’s sister city relationship with Voronezh and he publicly supported efforts

to sever ties. Such campaigns, he told The Moscow News last November, ”raise the question of homophobia not just on the federal, but on the regional, level.”

He added, “City authorities should feel a reaction to [the city’s] open homophobia, which they in fact support and encourage.”

Nasonov said he would still support cutting the sister city relationship. “Then and now I hold the same position: it is necessary to take every opportunity to make it clear to the authorities in Russia that homophobia is never acceptable — in Russia, or in other countries,” he said. “I think that the more serious the consequences are for their homophobia and ignorance, the more likely it is that the situation will change.”

Though Nasonov and Bazilevsky are now in Washington, D.C., thoughts of home are never far behind. Nasonov wants people to continue to speak out, especially in cities like Charlotte.

“It seems to me that from a distance, people can help Russian LGBTs only by disseminating truthful information about the situation in Russia, and through dialogue with their local authorities,” he said. “Those local authorities, in cities like Charlotte, can raise relevant questions on the diplomatic level or at the level of cultural interaction.”

Nasonov continues to plan to speak out. He wants change in his home country — change he says won’t come unless Putin is ousted from power. “I have always believed, and will continue to believe, that Vladimir Putin is criminal.

And Russia will never have peace while he is in power,” he said.

Meanwhile, he and Bazilevsky are making their home in the U.S. The two were recently engaged last month. They’ve made friends with a variety of U.S. nationals, as well as other Russian refugees. Nasonov loves being in the U.S. This year’s Independence Day celebrations in D.C. was the first time he and his fiancé were able to hold hands publicly without fear.

“We are very pleased with the sense of freedom and security we have here,” Nasonov said.

But, the road to a stable home won’t be easy, Nasonov explained: “There are a number of problems associated with living here. One of these problems is the inability to get a job, which is forbidden under U.S. law. We are fleeing persecution in our home country, but have no opportunity to even make a living in our new one. It is very difficult.” : : — The interview with Nasonov was conducted via email, using Google Translate to assist with translation. The Bilerico Project’s John Becker assisted with translation clarity. Learn more about The Bilerico Project at bilerico.com.

Back to Voronezh Miss our indepth coverage on Voronezh last year? Read all of our past coverage, including last year’s “Got Pride?” issue at goqnotes.com/ in/voronezh/

Aug. 1-14 . 2014

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PRIDE 2014

Queen City welcomes ‘Drag Race’ queen Bianca Del Rio, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 6 winner, set to perform at Charlotte Pride

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

R

eigning “RuPaul’s Drag Race” queen Bianca Del Rio is slated to perform at Charlotte Pride this month, just weeks after winning season six on the famed Logo show and jetsetting around the globe to take in victorious applauses. Bianca, the creation of New Orleans native Roy Haylock, is, perhaps, best known for her biting comedy and satire. But, she’s got a big heart of gold, too — working to raise awareness and touched by the many ways she says she’s seen drag and “Drag Race,” in particular, change hearts and minds. qnotes had the opportunity to connect with Bianca, who has lived in New York since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, before her visit to the Queen City. Our interview below has been edited for clarity and brevity.

it’s a larger platform. I understand that some people won’t get it.

You’re not going to be everybody’s cup of tea and I’m fully aware of that. It doesn’t really bother me or affect me on that level. It’s either for you or it’s not. I’ve had people tell me that, “I think it’s wrong that you’re saying this or you’re saying that.” That’s fine, but I’m not on the steps of the White House leading a protest. I’m not creating a cult. I’m basically out doing a show in a bar. If you don’t like it, you can leave. But, I’ll be honest — I’ve seen many a queen who have gotten up there on stage and lip-synced to Beyonce who are far worse than what I could ever say! (laughs) You either have a sense of humor or you don’t. It’s not for everyone.

Matt Comer: Hey, Bianca!

Bianca Del Rio: Hey, how are you?!

What’s the relationship between the RuPaul’s girls like behind the scenes and when the cameras aren’t rolling?

You don’t have a relationship. You don’t spend time with one another.

You’re not in groups. Anytime we’re together is when we’re on camera.

That’s the process of the show. You really don’t get to know people until you’re in the room. Sometimes you click with people quickly and sometimes you butt heads, because you don’t have all the backstory of what is going on in their lives and what got them there. It’s pretty intense when you’re there. We’re all sequestered and we’re all separated. Now, of course, I’ve had amazing opportunities to get to know a lot of them through traveling and working together with them and having a chance to talk to one another after the show.

I’m well, and seems you are. You have been a busy, busy person these days.

I have been. I have been a busy bitch. I just got in from three and half weeks of being out. I was doing London, Amsterdam, Ireland, Scotland, Texas, Sacramento, San Jose. I’ve been just about everywhere. I’m back in town for just a day and then I leave tomorrow for Canada.

And, you’re coming to Charlotte for Charlotte Pride, too.

Are you excited?

I am looking forward to it. You know, I usually don’t get to spend time in the cities I visit, but I think I have an extra day there, which I’m looking forward to. Usually I just see the airport, the hotel, the venue and then I’m back. The great thing about this past summer is that we have got to do a lot of Prides. WorldPride in Toronto. Buffalo Pride in New York.

There’s been several events this summer.

You’ve been doing drag for a while. What first attracted you to it?

I started 18 years ago. In 1996. I came from theatre. I always did wigs, costumes and make up for theatre when I was a kid. I had all the makings of a drag queen. It evolved into acting in the shows and there was a drag role in a show I did. It was well received and local queens from the bars came and saw me and asked if I’d be interested in doing a guest spot and I did, and it evolved into five nights a week for 10 years in New Orleans.

Was comedy always a part of your routine or did that evolve later?

It did kind of evolve into that. I started out doing lipstick numbers and the things people usually do and then it led into me hosting. I have felt comfortable with comedy and it’s always been my strong point.

Photo Credit: Mathu Andersen

Some people think some of your comedy is offensive, though you do offend fairly. I’ve even seen one video of you performing where some guy was so upset that he walked up on stage and stole the microphone from you.

First off, everyone is offended by something nowadays and, sadly, we have to hear about it every five minutes. I think people don’t take the time to realize there are bigger things to worry about in the world than a drag queen at a venue at 1 a.m. on a Monday night.

I think what’s interesting is that I’m doing what I’ve done all these years and it’s never been an issue, but because I was on the show,

Charlotte Pride 2014

Wells Fargo Stage

PNC Bank Festival Zone Saturday, Aug. 16, Noon-10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 17, Noon-6 p.m.

Saturday headliner: Sevyn Streeter

Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade Sunday, Aug. 17, 3 p.m.

Time Warner Cable VIP Lounge Saturday, Aug. 16, Noon-10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 17, Noon-6 p.m.

Get more festival, parade, events and entertainment schedule information at charlottepride.org.

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Aug. 1-14. 2014

What was it that prompted you to try out?

I work here in New York and the guy who promotes a lot of “Drag Race” events, a friend of mine, had asked me to host the premiere and finale parties whenever they came to New York. I was backstage and Willam and Sharon Needles were there and they were being beyond douchy and drunk and rude. They made comments questioning why I was there. They thought I was a nobody. I resented that in my mind. I thought this is interesting, this is the way it works. You can do whatever you want to on stage, but backstage we are all kind of the same. We are all men in wigs. My response to them was that the reason I am here is because you people are too fucking stupid to pull off the show. I have to be here to move things along and that was that.

It always stuck in the back of my head, why not? What do I have to lose? It was just good timing. I wanted to see what it would be like and why not give it a shot?

What’s your life been like since winning the show this season?

It’s amazing. It’s truly amazing. It’s an unbelievably large platform.

Because of many years of me doing drag, I’ve had plenty of ups and downs. I’m fully aware this is a huge up and I’m beyond grateful for it — for being able to travel and meet all these people. And, when I started doing drag there was no Twitter, there was no Instagram or Facebook. None of that. To see all the support from tons of people online is really, really amazing. I’m doing what I’ve always done and I’m so appreciative it’s reached so many people because of this amazing show. You get to hear stories of people like mothers with 13-year-old sons who watch the show and how much they love it.

It’s amazing. When I was 13 there wasn’t anything like this on TV. It really is amazing the impact this show has and I’m really grateful for all of it. : :

Sunday headliner: LeAnn Rimes

Other entertainers this year: Bianca Del Rio — Presented by The Scorpio Rye Rye Luciana Blake Lewis Sharon Needles — Presented by The Scorpio Alyssa Edwards — Presented by The Scorpio Eryn Woods Pastele SHIPROCKED! Miami Dice The Reason You Stayed The Scorpio Review with Tiffany Storm

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life

PRIDE 2014

Charlotte Pride brings big talent to Uptown LeAnn Rimes, Sevyn Streeter to headline Aug. 16-17

by Matt Comer & Lainey Millen

doubled again as the event grew to Charlotte Pride has grown by leaps two days. At the beginning of 2013, and bounds over the past few years. organizers with Pride Charlotte and Organizers say the event, this year LGBT center leaders recognized the scheduled for Aug. 16-17, will grow again growth and announced the event as they welcome headliners LeAnn Rimes would continue as its own indepenand Sevyn Streeter to Uptown Charlotte. dent organization. Last year, organizIt’s the first time, organizers say, they’ve ers added a parade and, once again, been able to attract such a well-known nearly doubled their attendance. mainstream recording artist like Rimes.

“The challenges of the event has And, the rest of the line up, including been just managing the growth,” Saturday’s headliner Streeter, will provide says Grimstad. “We’re at a point right “something for everybody,” they say. now where it would take a substan“We’re excited for the entire line up tial change in the festival footprint this year,” says Jonathan Hill, Charlotte to be able to expand beyond where Pride’s entertainment co-chair. “This we are now. That alone will pose is the first year we’ve had a headliner multiple challenges we haven’t had from pretty much every single genre and to deal with before.” especially the top three — Country, Hip Grimstad says the growth has Hop and Dance.” also meant an increase in volunteer Hill hopes the name recognition and needs. diversity of the entertainment line up will “The number of volunteers it attract new visitors to the festival. takes to pull this off has grown year “These are headliners in their own over year,” he says. “It’s been a chalgenre and people will come to see them lenge of just trying to maintain that and hopefully stay to see the other artOrganizers said more than 80,000 people attended the two-day 2013 Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade, pictured above. base and drawing enough volunteers ists,” he says. “We always try to have a Photo Credit: Brandon Schauf to implement everything we do.” diverse line up and this is the first time Organizers say 2014 will be their we’ve ever had a Country artist, espe“We hope that it will help us grow,” says Grimstad, who also best year ever. It’s also only the second year Charlotte Pride cially a Grammy-winning Country artist.” thinks attendance might be affected by a pre-season Panthers will host a parade. In 2013, the Bank of America Charlotte Pride Hill adds, “On Saturday, we have something for everybody game scheduled the same weekend.

Parade was the first time an LGBT Pride parade had been held and on Sunday, with the parade leading into LeAnn Rimes’ per“We are certainly anticipating and expecting an increase in in the Queen City for nearly two decades. This year’s parade is formance, I expect record numbers.” attendance,” he says. “Given the factor of the home game for the scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 17, 1-3 p.m. Rimes will perform at 4 The Grammy Award-winning Rimes is best known for her Panthers, we’re not certain what it’s going to be. It’s going to give p.m. the same day. Festival hours are Saturday, Aug. 16, Noon-10 Country and Pop career which began with the 1996 release of us access to a crowd we wouldn’t normally have access to and p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 17, Noon-6 p.m. Streeter will headline on her debut album, “Blue.” It reached number one on top Country we don’t know how much spill over we’ll have from that.”

Saturday evening. albums charts and was later certified multiplatinum.

Managing the events growth has been challenging, Grimstad Presenting sponsors for this year’s event are Bank of America, Streeter, an R&B recording artist and singer-songwriter, is says, but it hasn’t been insurmountable.

PNC Bank, The Scorpio, Time Warner Cable and Wells Fargo. : : best known as a former member of the groups TG4 and RichGirl, In 2010, the event — then called “Pride Charlotte” and more: Get more information on this year’s Charlotte Pride, enterwhere she was known as Se7en. She’s written songs for Chris operated under the umbrella of the LGBT Community Center of tainers and related activities at charlottepride.org.

Brown, Brandy, Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys and others.

Charlotte — was held at the NC Music Factory. It attracted about [Ed. Note: Matt Comer has volunteered with Charlotte Pride in Richard Grimstad, a Charlotte Pride co-director, shares Hill’s 12,000 people, organizers have estimated. In 2011, the event various roles for several years.] enthusiasm for this year’s entertainers. moved to S. Tryon St. and more than doubled in size. In 2012, it

Charlotte Pride Week A highlight of community events in the lead up to this year’s Charlotte Pride Aug. 9 Charlotte Roller Girls Grady Cole Center 210 N. Kings Dr. 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The Charlotte Roller Girls B-Dazzlers take on Classic City Roller Girls. Family friendly. Wear rainbow colors and show your Charlotte pride to win great prizes. $12/advance. $16/door. charlotterollergirls.com Aug. 10 Buff Faye’s Sunday Drag Brunch Cathode Azure 1820 South Blvd.

Noon Join Buff Faye for a, well, buffet (and don’t forget the cash bar) at this special Pride Sunday Drag Brunch. facebook.com/events/1488646798032422/

Aug. 10 Interfaith Pride Service and Dinner Caldwell Presbyterian Church 1609 E. Fifth St. 4 p.m.

Clergy from a variety of faith traditions join with members of the LGBT community to partake in an interfaith worship service kicking off this year’s slate of Charlotte Pride activities. A dinner will follow. Free. charlottepride.org Aug. 14 Young at Heart Lunch Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 1900 The Plaza Noon This lunch is a gathering for all those who are “young at heart.” Guests are invited to join the group for fellowship, support and, on Aug. 14,

celebration of this year’s Charlotte Pride including surprise Loving Not Judging Entertainment.

RSVP is requested to canochristian@yahoo. com. $2.50.

Aug. 14 A Night at the Museum, Sip and Play 2014 McColl Center for Visual Arts 721 N. Tryon St. 7 p.m.

Charlotte Black Gay Pride hosts a special game night at the McColl Center. Music, food and cash bar. Board games, card games, a couples dating game and karaoke. Free. charlotteblackgaypride.com Aug. 15 Charlotte Pride Takeover The Westin 601 S. College St.

7 p.m.

Takeover Friday hosts one of its most popular events of the year, taking to the lobby bar of The Westin for good drinks and fun time with friends. Free. takeoverfriday.com Aug. 17 Special Worship Service and Reception New Life Metropolitan Community Church 1900 The Plaza 7 p.m.

Rounding out Charlotte Pride’s weekend activities, head to a special worship service and reception with singing, prayer, communion and a reception with light refreshments. Free. newlifemccnc.org

Aug. 1-14 . 2014

qnotes

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Ask Dr. C…HIV and healthcare advice

Helping to keep you in the know with up-to-date information

by Frederick Cruickshank ~ Medical Director

his boyfriend. What is a female condom and how does it work? Is it okay to use for anal sex?

— ­Jeff from Charlotte

After many installments of “Ask Dr.C,” this is yet another opportunity to offer our readers information about HIV from basic questions to in-depth explanations. We are still receiving many of your questions and are working hard to provide responses to as many questions as possible to provide information for you and the community.

The questions have provided us a forum to debunk myths and remove stigma from those living with HIV and AIDS. It is important to educate yourself, get tested, and protect yourself. We appreciate every question we receive! Dr. C looks forward to responding to as many emails as possible.

My friend said that he uses a female condom when he has anal sex with

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Aug. 1-14. 2014

Female condoms are effective in preventing transmission of STIs including HIV in both heterosexual and homosexual anal intercourse. It can give ownership of protection to the receptive partner. The female condom is a pouch that is used during intercourse. It was originally created to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually-transmitted diseases for females. It has flexible rings at each end. Just before vaginal intercourse, it is inserted deep into the vagina. The ring at the closed end holds the pouch in the vagina. The ring at the open end stays outside the vaginal opening during intercourse.

Similarly, during anal intercourse, it is inserted into the anus. The ring at the closed end holds the pouch in the anus. The ring at the open end stays outside the anal opening during intercourse. If you are interested in trying out a female condom, we do have them for free at Rosedale ID! Also, our educated staff would be glad to answer any of your

questions about how to use them properly.

What’s the difference between water-based and silicone-based lubricants? ­— Adam from Charlotte Adam, this is a great question that I get often. Some people don’t know that there are different lube options. In an Indiana University study, water-based lubricants were rated highest for pleasure during anal sex.

They mimic natural lubrication very well.

What not to use this lube for? Hand jobs. It dries out rather quickly as it’s exposed to air.

Silicone-based lubricants are slippery and often referred to as an “all-purpose” lubricant. It is extremely slick, usually fairly thin and many people like it for vaginal, anal and manual play. Its disadvantage — which might also be considered an advantage — is that it stays and stays, which means it can be a little harder to wash away than the water-based products. It’s safe to use with condoms. There are also oil-based lubricants. Oil-based lubes are great for hand jobs and sensual massage.

Many people prefer to use oil-based lubes

for anal sex as they are thicker. However, it is important to note that oil-based lubricants are not safe to use with latex condoms. Also, there are an assortment of flavored lubricants that can be used to increase pleasure during oral sex. We have different lubricants that you can try out free at Rosedale ID. Also, our staff would love to help you pick a lubricant that is best for you.

Always remember that this is an advice column based on your questions and the best possible knowledge out there. We need your questions to help educate the community, so email them to info@rosedaleid. com and be sure to include a first name and location. All respondents will remain anonymous. We will try to do our best to answer, educate and inform from your responses to this column.

Don’t forget to visit our website at rosedaleid.com and friend us on Facebook for community and clinical updates.

— Sponsored Content —

Aug. 1-14 . 2014

qnotes

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news

McCrory refuses to answer LGBT employment question Requests following Obama executive orders again ignored

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Gov. Pat McCrory. Courtesy UNC-TV and NCABEF.

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory’s press officials have declined repeatedly to elaborate on the governor’s views on LGBT employment protections for more than three weeks since his approval of a state equal employment opportunity executive order. qnotes repeatedly reached out to the governor’s press office and Deputy Communications Director Ryan Tronovitch for answers to two specific questions: Did McCrory make a conscious choice to exclude protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and does McCrory feel LGBT workers are not deserving of the same protections as other employees and should not be judged on merits alone?

The latest requests for comment came the same week President Barack Obama signed two separate executive orders on July 21 extending LGBT-inclusive employment protections. Federal employees had long been protected on the basis of sexual orientation and rulings from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had extended similar protections on the basis of gender identity. On July 21, Obama ensured protections for transgender workers in his executive order specifically including gender identity in federal employee protections. His second executive order bars anti-LGBT discrimination by federal contractors and subcontractors — a move bound to protect countless LGBT workers employed by compa-

nies doing business with North Carolina’s large military presence.

On June 30, McCrory signed his own employment executive order protecting state workers on the basis of “race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability and genetic information.”

The measure specifically excluded sexual orientation and gender identity.

Tronovitch and McCrory later attempted to claim the new rules “mirror” federal language — a comment that was as false three weeks ago as it is today.

“It does mirror federal regulation. It does mirror state law. And it does mirror the previous governors who have signed similar orders, including Gov. Perdue, Gov. Easley and Gov. Martin before me,” McCrory told Raleigh news station WRAL on July 1.

Though McCrory and his staff have ignored qnotes — the state’s only community news publication for LGBT North Carolinians — they did respond to WRAL, which asked him why he left out LGBT workers.

“It’s my job to follow state law, and I will add that, as governor, I will not put up with any kind of discrimination,” McCrory responded. “We deal with employees based upon their work performance and their work performance only. That’s the type of policies I’ve exhibited as governor, and I will continue to exhibit those policies.”

North Carolina’s neighbor to the north, Virginia, does protect its LGBT state employees. : :

we want your opinions and feedback Whether it’s letters to the editor, web comments, general suggestions, comments or ideas, qnotes staff welcomes your input. See, without you we’d really have no reason to be here. So, we delight in hearing what our readers have to say. Be sure to send in your thoughts, praises, criticisms and more to editor@goqnotes.com for general feedback or letters@goqnotes.com for letters to the editor. Thank you!

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Charlotte LGBT center appoints four new board members Board chair: Center is alive, center is open

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — Four new board members were installed to lead the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte on July 22 as the organization continues to move toward a more strategic operating plan and rebuild trust in the community.

The move comes after several recent shake-ups at the center, which had suffered from dwindling support in the face of leadership and board accountability challenges, a lack of transparency and financial hardships.

At the beginning of June, the center had just $650 cash on hand and owed as much as $7,000 in outstanding federal and state payroll taxes for a single employee who was later laid off last month.

New board members The new board members — Clay Smith, Ashley Love, Edward McCray and Nate Turner — join board Chair Ranzeno Frazier and remaining board members Jenny Richeson and Judson Gee. At the July 22 meeting, each of the new board members were appointed to lead specific tasks.

“I am excited to welcome our newest Board members Clay, Ashley, Edward and Nate,” Frazier said in a release. “At this critical

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LGBT Community Center of Charlotte board members (L-R): Clay Smith, Nate Turner, Jenny Richeson, Ranzeno Frazier, Ashley Love, Edward McCray. Photo courtesy LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. time for our Community Center, the driven passion and diverse areas of expertise that our

new board members bring will help ensure that our Center remains successful and continues

to offer relevant programming and a safe place for all to enjoy.”

Smith is a former center staffer, having worked as the center administrator and co-chairing Pride Charlotte in 2010. He is best known for his work as a comedian, actor, singer and drag queen personality Roxy C. Moorecox. Smith is a graduate of Clemson University and will chair the center’s Community Relations Committee.

Love is a Philadelphia, Penn., native who worked with several community organizations there for 10 years before moving to Charlotte.

She is a graduate of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. Love will chair the Grants Committee.

McCray is a graduate of East Carolina University and currently works as the events and donor relations manager at the McColl Center for Visual Art and Innovation. He has experience in volunteer management, event planning, donor relations and non-profit board management. McCray, who was among several community leaders who volunteered to replace the center board in June, will chair the center’s Development Committee.

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news

Turner, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, is the owner of a local, small business, Your Custom Catering. He has served on the board of Charlotte Black Gay Pride. His experience includes event planning, production and execution, as well as branding and advertising. Turner will chair the center’s Communications and Social Media Committee.

The center said applications from other potential board members are still being reviewed. Several other vacancies will soon be filled.

“Moving forward the board will begin the work of building a sustainable center, seek community input through a needs assessment and to regain the trust and support of our community as a whole,” the center said in a release.

Continued planning In an interview with qnotes in midJuly, Frazier said the center was on the path toward regained sustainability. Volunteer engagement has increased, he said, along with some donations.

“We have had minor donations come in,” he said. “Money is always a big help, whether a small amount or large amount. We ask that everyone give as much as they can when they can.”

The center’s future plans include working on new strategic fundraising and development goals — a requirement of continued support from one of its largest funders, the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund. The center has received a portion of its 2014 grant worth $19,950. It will receive the remainder when it meets new fundraising, leadership and sustainability benchmarks.

Frazier said the center will move forward with its plans while also remaining transparent and open.

“We want to be 100 percent transparent with everything going on,” he said. “The community doesn’t know what we need if we don’t tell them. I don’t see any point in hiding anything. You can’t get any results from hiding things. You don’t know who will be out there to put out a willing hand to help if you don’t tell them what you need or what you’re struggling with.”

As the center rebuilds, it is continuing to operate and keep its doors open. On one night in mid-July, the center hosted a half-dozen groups and meetings, including its young adults group PRISM, MeckPAC, Charlotte Black Gay Pride, a Charlotte Business Guild meeting, men’s yoga and Chi Psi Omega Fraternity.

“We had all that in one night. It was great. It was packed,” Frazier said. “The center is alive and the center is open.”

He added, “I think that’s what we really need to focus on — the center is open. We are here for all the organizations to meet, whether you’re LGBT or not. If you need a space to meet, we’re going to open our doors for you.” : :

More New LGBT center Chair Ranzeno Frazier recounts the racist harassment he received after becoming chair in an interview with The Charlotte Post. Read more about those incidents and Frazier’s personal story in the Post at bit.ly/ VOTDSh. Stay tuned to qnotes for a forthcoming feature exploring those incidents and the topic of racism in the local LGBT community. See an archive of LGBT center news coverage at goqnotes.com/in/lgbtcentercharlotte/.

Aug. 1-14 . 2014

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goqnotes.com/to/arts

tell trinity

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

The sexual identity, addictions and cheating boyfriend issue Hello Trinity, I’m a young man thinking of having a sex change. Any suggestions?

Sex Changes, Chicago, IL Hello Sex Changes, Thinking about it is great, but researching about it is even more important! While sexual reassignment has many freedoms, it also has

many trials and tribulations! So, sweetie, before doing anything absolute, let’s find you a gender specific counselor to help determine what’s appropriate for you. Contact resources such as Gender Spectrum for Gender Education, genderspectrum.org, Dr. Anne Lawrence, a transgendered M.D., annelawrence.com, Chicago Gender Society, 708-863-7714 and pflag.org. Good luck and keep me posted.

Dearest Trinity, I’ve been living with my stepbrother’s family since our father died. I have to hide my sexuality, creativity, religious and political beliefs. I can’t leave for financial reasons. What can I do?

The Cinderella Trap, Providence, RI Dearest Trapped, If you can’t leave or stay, then you need a prince or a plan. And, until a prince comes along, then let’s make a plan. Let’s try going to trade school and getting some skills so that you can get out on your own. Trade schools often help you get financial assistance and start for free. Let’s also try getting a part-time job, saving money and getting out. Otherwise, baby, if that doesn’t work, then let’s try doing what

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a&e

Hey Addicted, Besides direct confrontation or an intervention, there are many ways to check, but, pumpkin, first read:

2. Notice her daily habits to see if it includes a drink, a toke, a line or a spanking.

3. I ntroduce yourself to his friends and ask, “Have you ever needed to dump out or destroy any of his excess drugs or alcohol?”

4. Go to your local AA, SLA or NA meeting places to see if there’s a “wanted” sign on the wall with her picture on it.

5. V isit his work to see if he locks himself in the bathroom during lunch or spends time bidding on Ebay for XXX videos or chatting in hookup apps.

6. Check the obituaries to see if her friends have either died from liver disease or overdosed.

7. Drive to the local strip joints to see if his car is there. Also, check his bed for blow-up dolls.

8. Read the newspaper’s “arrest” listings to see if his or her close friends have been locked up for prostitution or public sexual indecencies, again.

9. Noticing his or her physical deterioration, emotional irritability and very late-night visitors means something’s up!

10. L astly, if his or her “bedside draw” has more sex toys, drug paraphernalia and/or miniature liquor bottles than most little girls have Barbies, then someone has an addiction or has found an irresistible sale!

Trinity’s Tips For Finding Out If Someone Is A Sex, Alcohol Or Drug Addict 1. Check his living space for bottles of booze, i.e., closets, bathroom cabinets, storage cellars or his car.

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.

I do every year, getting someone to fall in love with me and take me away. Then your problems will be, ah…different. (My cartoon shows you all about getting out and finding a prince.)

Dear Trinity How do you know if a boyfriend is cheating?

Mystery Boyfriend, Olympia, WA Dear Mystery, Ben Franklin once said, “Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes.” Thus, you never really know unless you: a) catch him, b) rent a video camera and film him, c) hire a detective to take pictures or d) do your own detective work. Lastly, if it is true, honey, and you do disclose your proof, do it in a safe, possibly public place and make sure a close ally knows what you’re doing so you don’t suddenly disappear!

Hey Trinity, I think my boyfriend is hiding an addiction for sex, alcohol and maybe even drugs. How do I find out so that I can help him?

Addicted, Raleigh, NC

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Q

C A L E N DA R AUGUST 2014

To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/ Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

South End Bicycle Takeover QueenCity Bicycles 128-A East Park Ave., Charlotte 6-9 p.m.

Join the gang for an evening of fun.

Enjoy the South End Food Truck Fridays, Gallery Crawl, and, most importantly, a bike ride around South End/Uptown Charlotte. DJ and vendors begin at 6 p.m. At 9 p.m., take a leisurely group ride around South End, Dilworth and Uptown Charlotte. Bicycle valet in the Brakes for Less parking lot. Safely store bikes for the evening while enjoying everything South End has to offer.

704-522-7006 queencitybicycles.com –––––––––––––––––––– Contemporaries Breathe :: Massage & Breathwork 2901 N. Davidson St. Unit 22, Charlotte 6:30-8 p.m.

Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the practice and benefits of breathwork from owner Jonathan Winn and hear a brief discussion by local artist, Nico Amortegui, whose work is currently on display at the venue.

Nico is a Columbian artist whose work is full of color and is a product of expressed energy — meaning there are no sketches or previous drawings. Complimentary wine and snacks. Free for Contemporaries and Charlotte Business Guild members. $5 for non-members. Register online at bit. ly/1o0J70p.

SEP AUG

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Continues through Aug. 2 SEP AUG ‘Dead End Road’ St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 258 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia 7:30 p.m.

PFLAG Gaston presents “Dead End Road: No Turn Around,” a theatrical experience focusing on the theme of homelessness and its effects on individuals, neighborhoods, communities, counties, states, the nation and the world. $5. For more information, contact Jim Kellogg at freenowgo@yahoo.com or 315-681-1135.

Sidelines 7th Anniversary Sidelines Sports Bar & Billiards 4544 South Blvd., Charlotte 7 p.m.-2 a.m.

SEP AUG

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Continues through Aug. 17 SEP AUG Charlotte Pride Week City-Wide A variety of community organizations, businesses, nightlife venues and more host events and activities counting down to Charlotte Pride. See qnotes’ Pride Week highlights on pages 6-7 and see a full calendar of events at charlottepride.org/calendar/.

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EPride Mixology Lake Lissara Clubhouse 7585 Shallowford Rd., Lewisville 7-11 p.m.

It’s that time again to drink cocktails, vote for the best one and raise money for PRIDE Winston-Salem. Help choose the Signature Cocktail for PRIDE 2014 No Place Like Home Festival & Food Truck Rodeo. $10 donation at the door for sampling. $5 donation for drink tickets. pridews.org –––––––––––––––––––– ‘The Way He Looks’ UNC School of the Arts ACE Theatre Complex 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem 7 p.m.

SEP AUG

Annual anniversary and member appreciation party. Great drink specials, special gifts for members, lots of new and familiar faces and always a lot of fun! Come out and let Sidelines thank its patrons for its success of seven years as a favorite watering hole and sports bar. thesidelinesbar.com –––––––––––––––––––– Furnace Soho 4544 South Blvd., Charlotte 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Remember that time at the Eagle?

A new bear dance party arrives this Summer! Come dance butts off at the old Charlotte Eagle location as it is taken over. This place is bear friendly and has a huge dance floor, good drink prices and a patio. $5 cover before 10 p.m. $7 after.

SEP AUG

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HRC Family Picnic Freedom Park, Shelter 3 1900 East Blvd., Charlotte 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

OUT at the Movies, Winston-Salem secures the southeastern regional premiere of Brazilian gay-themed, comingof-age film “The Way He Looks.” The series will also screen “A Last Farewell.” $8. $7/students and seniors. outatthemovieswinston.org Interfaith Service SEP AUG Caldwell Memorial Presbyterian Church 1609 East 5th St., Charlotte 4 p.m.

Clergy from diverse faith traditions join to host a special interfaith worship service preceding Charlotte Pride. Stay afterward for dinner. charlottepride.org

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Join HRC for its family picnic with food, non-alcoholic beverages, face painting and other family activities. BYOB.

Submit your event to our calendar! qnotes

Aug. 1-14. 2014

Sing for the Cure Halton Theatre 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

Sing for the Cure is a gala concert featuring a 100-voice choir, an orchestra and critically-acclaimed jazz singer Ann Hampton Callaway, benefiting Susan G. Komen Charlotte. Information and tickets available online. singforthecurecharlotte.org

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Continues through Aug. 31 SEP AUG Transgender Faith and Action Network Conference Hilton Charlotte University Place 8629 JM Keynes Dr., Charlotte A conference for trans community, friends and allies. Dynamic inclusion of networking, faith, workshops and updated information regarding health/ wellness, legal protections and more.

Visit website for more information on workshops, sponsorship and registration. fcsj.org

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Continues through Aug. 17 SEP AUG Charlotte Pride Uptown Charlotte Join Charlotte Pride for a two-day street festival, entertainment and the Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade. Events span both Saturday and Sunday, with the parade on Sunday. Headlining entertainers include LeAnn Rimes, Sevyn Streeter, Bianca Del Rio and more. A full schedule of events can be found online. charlottepride.org

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Recurring Charlotte Events: PRISM Young Adults: Weekly discussion held each Monday, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. For young adults ages 18-25. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. lgbtcharlotte.org.

Men’s Yoga: Weekly yoga sessions for men hosted by certified instructor. Each Monday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

Time Out Youth Center: Weekly support and discussion groups, TuesdayThursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monthly group for youth ages 11-14. timeoutyouth.org.

MeckPAC: Monthly meeting of local LGBT political action committee. First Tuesdays of each month, 6:30-8 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

StillOut Photography: Local LGBT photography club. Meets monthly on fourth Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. facebook.com/ StillOutPhotography.

Friends Indeed: Men’s depression support group. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m.

LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

Weekly HIV & Syphilis Testing: Hosted at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte each Wednesday, 5-7 p.m.

HIV Support Group: Open support group for men and women who are HIVpositive. Hosted second Wednesdays of each month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Different Roads Home. differentroadshome.org.

LGBTQ Adult Education and Discussion Group: Weekly on Thursdays, a safe place for LGBTQ adults to meet and discuss important issues and topics. Hosted at LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. Each Thursday, 6-8 p.m.

Men of all Cultures Together: Local chapter of National Association of Black and White Men Together. Every other Thursday, 6:30 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

PFLAG Charlotte: Monthly support group meeting. Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., Time Out Youth Center. pflagcharlotte.org.

Tradesmen: Monthly social meeting first Saturday of each month. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. The Woodshed Lounge. charlottetradesmen.org.

Have a recurring weekly or monthly event, social, support or discussion group?

Let us know. Submit your event at our online calendar at goqnotes.com/ eventsubmit/.

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

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life

OUR PEOPLE:

Q&A with Richard Grimstad and Craig Hopkins Co-directors of Charlotte Pride

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com Richard Grimstad, 35, and Craig Hopkins, 49, have been co-directors of Charlotte Pride for two years, overseeing its growth in Uptown Charlotte and the reintroduction of a local LGBT Pride parade. With Charlotte Pride just two weeks away, qnotes thought it’d be a great time to catch up with the two leaders, chat a bit and learn more about them. Grimstad grew up in Charlotte from the ages of four to 16, moved away and moved back in 2002. Hopkins, born in Columbia, S.C., has lived in the Charlotte area for more than 30 years. “I might as well be a native,” he says. Learn more abotu the two chaps below. Our interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Have any favorite restaurants or types of food?

Grimstad: I like ethnic foods. All the ethnicities — Thai, Japanese, Ethiopian, Indian, Columbian, Peruvian. Anything unique. Multicontinental.

Hopkins: Nothing that is a chain. I like to support local.

Do you two have any hobbies you enjoy outside of work and volunteering?

Grimstad: It used to be that I like playing softball, but I haven’t done that in a couple years.

I’m not an avid cycler, but I do love a big challenge and I participate annually in 24 Hours of Booty and the MS150 Breakaway to the Beach.

Hopkins: Traveling and cooking. I like to explore new areas of the state or going Craig outside of the state. I really enjoy finding Hopkins new restaurants to go to.

What kind of traveling have you done and where was your fave?

Grimstad: I spent a year in Germany several years ago. I really love Europe and Germany, but probably the most unique and interested and most unbelievable place I’ve visited was India.

Hopkins: I’ve been to Paris, Amsterdam, London and a lot of cities in Canada. Paris

Matt Comer: How have you seen Charlotte grow and change and how has the LGBT community played a role?

Richard Grimstad: There has been substantial growth in the last handful of years, in terms of the city and expansion.

Craig Hopkins: And people are becoming more secure in who they are.

People are more willing to put themselves out there and help the community grow. People like Scott Bishop or the kids at Time Out Youth who are taking a stand and having a voice in the community.

Grimstad: The LGBTQ and ally community has really stepped up to foster growth by being visible and letting everyone know that there are LGBTQ people here.

What are your favorite Charlotte neighborhoods? Are they generally more LGBT-friendly areas?

Grimstad: There’s not a place I’m not really comfortable. My preferred areas generally are NoDa, Plaza Midwood and South End, just because of the variety of the food and breweries and entertainment in the area.

Hopkins: I don’t limit myself. I feel comfortable going anywhere, but I also probably prefer NoDa and Plaza Midwood. They are the biggest places I spend most of my time.

Richard Grimstad is probably my favorite. I’ve been their twice and spent five weeks there.

What are you most excited about for this year’s Charlotte Pride?

Grimstad: For me, I’m really just excited to see the growth, to see the community coming together and I’m really excited about our second parade. We have a very diverse line up of entertainment, particularly with headliners.

Hopkins: I’m excited about the way we are expanding on everything from entertainment to the VIP experience to even brining the Bud Light Experience, so even someone who doesn’t go to VIP can still have a fun area. We are developing a kids area this year with the help of Discovery Place.

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