QNotes, August 6, 2021

Aug. 6-19, 2021

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Aug. 6-19, 2021

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L’Monique King, Jack Kirven, Julianna Peres, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Trinity, Connie Vetter

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inside this issue

feature

8 Affordable Housing Continues to be a Problem for Us All

Comparing the Costs

news

Affordable health care is extremely difficult to access in the United States, even more so for undocumented immigrants. What effects does this have on the population and economy?

4 Rapper and Former Charlotte Resident DaBaby Spews Anti-Gay Slurs 4 British Town Must Pay Franklin Graham for Pulling Bus Ads 4 Briefs 5 Deputy Indicted for Shooting Gay Virginian 5 Charlotte Band Performs August 14

a&e

13 Tell Trinity 14 Netflix Documentary ‘Pray Away’ Explores ‘Gay Reprogramming’

life

6 Queer Immigrants Are Being Left Out of the Conversation 10 Gender Affirmation Leads to Better Health 12 Comparing the Costs 15 Our People: Dr. Andrea Pitts

views

11 Can the Supreme Court Overturn Marriage Equality?

events

For event listings, visit goqnotes.com/events-calendar.

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Netflix Documentary ‘Pray Away’ Explores ‘Gay Reprogramming’

Director Kristine Stolakis speaks with qnotes about her journey in creating the film. “Pray Away” features a survivor and ex-leaders of a 1970s conversion camp, Exodus International.

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Aug. 6-19, 2021

qnotes

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news Rapper and Former Charlotte Resident DaBaby Spews Anti-Gay Slurs

Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, rapper name “DaBaby,” was born in Ohio but moved to North Carolina eight years later. After graduating from Charlotte’s Vance High School, he attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for two years. Now 29-years-old, Kirk is worth over three million dollars and has collaborated on singles with Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion and Post Malone.

While performing at the Rolling Loud music festival on July 25, DaBaby shocked the audience by saying, “put your cell phone lights up [if] you didn’t show up today with HIV/AIDS or other STDs that’ll make you die in two to three weeks.” He went on to rattle off other crude remarks, aimed at gay men.

Videos of DaBaby’s vulgar and homophobic words went viral. Immediately after an influx of concerned messages made their way into DaBaby’s inbox, he tweeted, “I told you y’all digested that wrong, but I ain’t gone lie I’m impressed. Now show this same amount of support when a racist cop kill one of our black ass… YA NOT.” His attempt at deflection, however, has gone largely ignored. Over 7,000 fans and fellow performers commented on DaBaby’s apparent lack of remorse. Nonbinary black rapper Dijah SB replied to the Tweet with, “there’s something seriously wrong with you.”

Sensing the public’s disquiet, DaBaby tweeted again on July 27, saying, DaBaby continues to dig himself into a deeper hole with each “anybody who has ever been effected by AIDS/HIV y’all got the right to be new social media post. (Photo Credit: Promo video screenshot) upset, what I said was insensitive even though I had no intention of offending anybody.” It was too little too late for musicians like Elton John and Dua Lipa.

Elton John took to Twitter as well, publishing a thread of information about HIV/AIDS. His original post reads, “This [DaBaby’s words] fuels stigma and discrimination and is the opposite of what our world needs to fight the AIDS epidemic.”

He was soon joined by Dua Lipa, who posted on Instagram, “I don’t recognize this as the same person I worked with.” She then clarified that she stands “100 percent with the LGBTQ community.”

DaBaby then made a shocking reversal in which he said the following on his Instagram account: “What me and my fans do at the live show, it don’t concern you n***as on the internet, or you bitter bi***s on the internet. It’s not your business.”

To make matters even worse for himself, DaBaby released a new music video on July 28.

Titled, “Giving What It’s Supposed to Give,” this video shows DaBaby sandwiched between two men who are fighting. He then holds up a sign that reads “AIDS” and shoots them both. The music video ends with the words “don’t fight hate with hate” in rainbow lettering and the phrase “my apologies for being me the same way you want the freedom to be you” underneath.

Robert Stafford, queer black singer Lil Nas X’s father, was not impressed with any of DaBaby’s antics. Lil Nas X had previously worked with DaBaby on the song “Panini.” Stafford’s Instagram story featured a photo of DaBaby along with the words “bruh sit down, you had your time.” A few days later, Lil Nas X tweeted, “some of y’all not even mad that I’m gay, some of y’all mad that i’m gay and still succeeding.” info: wapo.st/3idVfT1 — Julianna Peres

British Town Must Pay Franklin Graham for Pulling Bus Ads

Franklin Graham was born to well-known evangelist, Missionary Billy Graham, Franklin Graham says the LGBTQ community is destined for in Asheville, N.C. nearly seven decades ago. Since then, he has stayed close to his the ‘flames of hell.’ (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons) roots, placing the Franklin Graham Headquarters in Charlotte and maintaining a residence in Boone.

Not everyone in Boone and Charlotte is particularly thrilled that Graham spends as much time as he does between the two locations. His Christian-centric views and intolerant views have earned him the reputation of being a bigoted, racist and homophobic opportunist.

Within the past year, Graham led Samaritan’s Purse, a missionary-based organization that aims to provide humanitarian aid in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seemingly well-intentioned, the organization created a 68-bed field hospital for COVID-19 positive patients. However, the illusion of benevolence came toppling down when Graham announced that the hospital was looking for a specifically Christian staff of doctors, nurses and paramedics.

Although Graham apologized for this particular incident, he has no remorse for having published “[The] LGBT agenda wants to force everyone to accept and conFranklin Graham says the LGBTQ community is destined for done their lifestyle, which God’s Word defines as sin,” in 2016. A 2014 interview the ‘flames of hell.’ (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons) also shows Graham arguing that gay and lesbian individuals cannot have children because it is biologically impossible. He then reasons that, despite not being able to naturally create their own children, members of the LGBTQ community are “recruiting children.” Graham rationalizes, “you can adopt a child into a marriage, but you can also recruit children into your cause, and I believe in protecting children from all exploitations.”

In a more recent turn of events, Graham has been awarded reparations from the city of Blackpool in England for what Graham has referred to as “an important moment for religious freedom in the U.K.” The case began in July, 2018 when Graham purchased bus ads that read “Lancashire Festival of Hope with Franklin Graham: Time for Hope.” These advertisements were not religious or homophobic in nature, but the Blackpool Transport Services felt that they did not send a message of support and acceptance to the LGBTQ community and removed them.

Graham subsequently sued Blackpool for acting in a way the judge deemed as discriminatory on the basis of Articles Ten and Fourteen of the European Council of Human Rights Act. Graham will receive £84,000 to cover legal fees and £25,000 in “just satisfaction” damages (just over $150,000).

According to Graham, it’s not about the money. The outcome of this case was significant to him for one specific reason: to set precedence for a lawful combining of free speech and religious freedom.

But it is certainly a tidy little sum for Graham to add to his coffers: he has an estimated worth of $10 million dollars and earns a salary of over $622,000 every year.

In comes as a particularly disturbing thought that Graham has succeeded in spreading a taste of his toxic blend of philosophy into the U.K., but not surprising from an individual who has repeatedly said over the years he loves gay, lesbian and transgender individuals “enough to care to warn them that if they … continue living as they do, it’s the flames of hell for you.”

If those words come from a man who thinks he’s loving and compassionate, just imagine what’s going on in his head when he’s feeling scornful. info: bbc.in/3feOdeR — Julianna Peres

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Aug. 6-19, 2021

Briefs CHARLOTTE LGBTQ Business Owners Discuss Their Wins and Losses Over Lunch Facilitated by the Carolinas LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Sunshine Media Network, this entrepreneurial exchange will take place on August 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the NoDa Brewing Company. Speakers include Anita Staton, owner of Miles Solution, Matthew Westheimer, owner of Precision Chiropractic, Nattiel Turner, owner of Your Custom Catering & Events and Jennifer Moxley, owner of Sunshine Media. These titans of industry will be available to answer questions from new, and seasoned, business owners. Lunch will be provided, but tickets are limited.

info: bit.ly/3rCqslO

NORTH CAROLINA Onslow County LGBTQ Center Host Discussion Featuring Author J.R. Gray-Heim J.R. Gray-Heim penned “Repentance of the Southern Burden” as a sort of fictitious homage ot his life as a closeted gay youth in Dallas, N.C. Now living with his husband in Fayetteville, N.C., J.R. is excited to discuss the themes of fear, religion and isolation scattered throughout his debut YA novel. He will be answering questions and speaking on his experience at the Onslow County Public Library on August 14 at 3:00 p.m.

This event is completely free.

info: bit.ly/3yd4U1p

NATIONAL Trump Supporter in Ohio Caught Defecating on Gay Neighbors’ Lawn At 70-years-old, Jack Detrick has no problem staying active. After being spotted in his neighbors’ lawn at 3:15 a.m., Detrick admitted to the Greenville Police Department that he had been defecating and urinating on that lawn for over 10 years. When asked why, Detrick replied, “because they are Democrats and support Joe Biden.” Detrick denies targeting the couple because they were gay, rather, he continues to argue that he was expressing his political opinion on the Democratic Party and nothing more.

He has been sentenced to 20 days in prison, 30 hours of community service, one year of probation and a $232 fine. These penalties have been filed under “littering.”

info: bit.ly/3A09iS4

INTERNATIONAL Rugby Player Will Not Be Forced to Return to Kenya Where He Says He Would Be Targeted for His Sexuality Kenneth Macharia, a 41-year-old rugby player from Kenya, has just had his refugee appeal granted. The Kenyan high court refuses to recognize same-sex marriage and persecution of members of the LGBTQ community is commonplace. Macharia arrived in the United Kingdom in 2009 on a student visa. Through the years, he has become a specialist mechanical engineer as well as a talented sportsman. He and his rugby teammates are overjoyed to find that he may stay in the U.K., where he feels welcomed, and most importantly, safe.

info: bit.ly/3A2jRnz — Compiled by Julianna Peres

Deputy Indicted for Shooting Gay Virginian

Isiah Brown, a 32-year-old gay Black man, was shot multiple times in front of his Virginia home following a call he placed to police for help on April 21. After telling the 911 operator that he was “going to kill his brother” but did not have a gun or any weapon, the 911 operator told Brown not to kill his brother and to wait outside for police to arrive on the scene. She also told him to raise his hands above his head.

Brown followed those instructions specifically, but reportedly continued to hold a household cordless phone in one of his hands. Spotsylvania County Deputy Sheriff David Turbyfill answered the 911 Isiah Brown was shot eight times by a shercall, after he had given Brown a ride to the iff who knew him. (Photo Credit: Facebook) same location earlier in the evening. When he arrived on the scene a second time, he claims he thought the phone in Brown’s hand was a gun.

Turbyfill’s name and bodycam footage were released to the media July 15, when he was officially charged with felony reckless handling of a firearm.

Brown is currently recovering from his extensive wounds, but the extent of long term physical damage he may have experienced is still unknown. The charge that Turbyfill now faces, according to Brown’s attorney David Haynes, is inadequate for what the attorney believes to be malicious intent.

Video footage of the encounter has been posted online and confirms Turbyfill did tell Brown multiple times to “drop the gun.” No response from Brown can be heard, and why Turbyfill purportedly believed that Brown was holding a gun, especially considering he had spent time with the man just a short time earlier, remains unclear.

Whether or not Turbyfill entered the scene with the express purpose of harming Brown is also unknown.

Haynes disagrees about Turbyfill’s intents and issued the following statement: “We are calling for the immediate termination of Deputy David Turbyfill.”

Since the incident in April and Brown’s discharge from the hospital in May, Turbyfill has not been taken off of the force. Instead, he has been placed on desk duty for the remainder of the investigation.

If he is convicted of the felony charge, the most time he will spend in prison is five years. info: bit.ly/3rQJRPZ — Julianna Peres

Charlotte Pride Band Performs August 14

50 members, the president and the directors of the Charlotte Pride Band (CPB) are more than excited to make their Freedom Park debut on August 14 at 6 p.m. Admission is free for this “Concert in the Park” and film fanatics are encouraged to attend to hear the band play the compositions of John Williams, among others. The musical medleys will include Williams’ compositions from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Star Wars,” “E.T.” and “Jurassic Park.” His “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” is another timely addition to accompany the Tokyo Games.

Says CPB President and member of the CPB’s trumpet section, Ron Vereen: “Because we are a relatively young organization in Charlotte, I don’t think people know much about us, and we want to change that.”

Things seemed to be looking up prior to the pandemic, with over 60 active members between the ages of 17 and 75. Unfortunately, the band took a hit when it became impossible for them to host indoor rehearsals and concerts.

Vereen is confident that the CPB will have 70-plus members by year’s end. Unlike other performance troupes, the CPB does not hold auditions and allows anyone of any musical talent to join. CPB holds four yearly concert band performances and participates in the annual Charlotte Pride Parade.

Founded in 2010, the Band also hosts non-ensemble events such as the Charlotte Pride Band brass quintet for Sunday Brunch Brass. Their primary tenet is openness for all interested participants and the encouragement and welcoming of diversity.

Flutist Kate Walters was overjoyed to find such a welcoming space. She found comfort in returning to her roots, so to speak. “Over the past few years I slipped away from playing as other priorities took over, but recently felt compelled to play again.

My fiancé is musical, and, honestly, his inclination to play for enjoyment pushed me to find a band of my own to play with.”

After mustering the courage to email CPB about rehearsals, Walters found community, welcomed challenges and a judgement-free ensemble. info: charlotteprideband.org — Julianna Peres

Staff

Locations

J. Wesley Thompson MHS, PA, AAHIVS, DFAAPA HIV Director and co-founder

East Charlotte (Practice & Pharmacy Hours: 8am-5pm) 6010 East W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28215

Richard T. Wynn, MD Primary Care Director and co-founder

Phone: 704-208-4134 Fax: 704-248-8068

Mandy Irvin, PharmD, CPP, AAHIVP Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner Jason L. Hardin, MSN, AGNP-C, AAHIVS Jerry A. Saunders, MD PhD Heather Manos, MD Shane Bentley, PharmD, CPP Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner Bill Kreft, PA-C Hana Kim, PA-C

PrEP • LGBTrans Care • HIV Care Primary Care • Diabetes Care Accepting new patients daily! amitymed.org Amity Medical Group, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that proudly serves the Charlotte community in providing medical care and linkage to community services to serve your daily needs.

South Charlotte (Practice Hours: 9am-6pm) 10508 Park Rd. • Suite 130 Charlotte, NC 28201 Phone: 704-208-4134 Fax: 704-248-7845 New Location! (Opening July 2021) 9835 Monroe Rd. • Suite B Charlotte, NC 28270

Aug. 6-19, 2021

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life

Queer Immigrants Are Being Left Out of the Conversation Attorney Discusses Ways He Works to Improve Quality of Life

by Julianna Peres qnotes Staff Writer

L

GBTQ immigrants exist. Despite some of the outdated laws relating to immigration in North Carolina, queer people continue to flock to the state.

According to the 2019 census, eight percent of North Carolinians are foreign-born people. Why? In short: the alternatives of persecution, harassment, violence and even death in their home countries make North Carolina look like a promised land.

Candelario Saldana has worked with LGBTQ and immigration issues throughout his personal and professional life. “As an undocumented LGBTQ immigrant, the fear of calling the police surpasses all,” Saldana explains, “Unfortunately, within the community, these people experience high levels of domestic violence, but, in being unable to call the police, they may be forced to stay with an abuser.”

Saldana goes on to explain that those in such a position are often made to weigh the consequences. Calling the police may mean deportation and deportation may be a fate worse than mental, emotional or physical abuse. These types of decisions are nothing new to the 47 million undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States.

A 2014 study found that 32.1 percent of non-citizens lived below the poverty line in North Carolina. This same survey shows that 2.5 percent of North Carolinians were, at the time, naturalized citizens and 5.1 percent were noncitizens. The undocumented are also not permitted to get a driver’s license or pay in-state tuition.

As of July 16, 2021, a block has been placed on all recent and pending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. This includes the 35,000 immigrants in North Carolina who have been deemed eligible for the DACA program. As well, North Carolina has a far lesser likeli-

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North Carolina legislation aims to discredit undocumented people. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons) finally naturalized, but I remember living hood of providing immigrants with legal in fear every day of what was next.” Now representation in courts of law in general an accomplished lawyer, a majority of and in deportation cases.

Saldana’s cases are related to LGBTQ Republican North Carolinian immigrants. In Representative providing aid to Madison Cawthorn queer people from introduced the around the world, “No-Fly for Illegals Saldana says the Act.” This bill aims experience leaves to ban federal him in constant funds from being awe of the priviused to source airleges that many lines that allow for Americans take undocumented imfor granted. migrants to travel Saldana is curthroughout the rently working on country. The only a pro-bono case exceptions permitwith an HIV-positive ted in this bill are Jamaican man individuals who are who was residing in the process of in South Carolina. being deported.

“Even in a state that “I [was] unisn’t known as the documented for As a formerly undocumented LGBTQ immigrant, most welcoming 27 years,” Saldana Candelario Saldana has firsthand experience. to LGBTQ people reminisces, “I

in the U.S.,” Saldana says, “he [the client] said that it was so much better than his home country because he felt free to live as [himself].”

Although the United States is more accepting than other nations, it has yet to recognize the contributions and significance of non-documented immigrants.

Right now, there is a shortage of serviceproviding employees available to work in the midst of the pandemic, in additon to the lack of incoming migrants. Saldana emphasizes that, should all undocumented people be deported, the country would fall into economic turmoil.

In order to create a safer and more welcoming environment for immigrants, changes must be made on a national and local level. Thanks to the efforts of Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, Charlotteans will not be detained for ICE by local law enforcement. These seemingly small scale changes can lead to greater economic and social mobility.

There is an intense lack of comprehensive mental and physical healthcare for LGBTQ immigrants. Immigration Equality has been engaging the community for over 25 years in the hopes of creating an environment of inclusivity for all LGBTQ immigrants. Their ultimate goal is to obtain asylum for all HIV-positive and queer people who are unsafe in their home countries.

The Immigration Legal Resource Center has also published a comprehensive guide titled “LGBTQ Immigration: Ensuring Equality for All.” Making resources accessible may be as simple as voting in local elections, translating files into multiple languages and creating LGBTQ-inclusive religious organizations for those outside of the Catholic/ Christian denominations.

“Immigrants aren’t heard because they fear that if they speak, they will be arrested, deported or dismissed,” Saldana explains.

“Allow them to speak through you,” he adds, “rather than speaking for them.” : :

Aug. 6-19, 2021

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news

Affordable Housing Continues to be a Problem for Us All Successful Businesses and Gov’t Orgs Reaching Out to Those in Need

Community Support

by Julianna Peres qnotes Staff Writer

T

he Havens is a 25-unit property in Charlotte, originally built in 1995 to provide housing for those living with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities.

Charlotte residents Pete Mangum and partner Libby Jernigan were among the first to recognize that a place like The Havens could provide life-altering potential for patients in need.

Originally a board member of the HIV services organization Brothers Foundation, Mangum was no stranger to the challenges both clients and organizations faced during that time. While searching for potential funding, she came across a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that could potentially allow Mangum and Jernigan to start the process for the creation of the space they envisioned.

After filling out extensive paperwork, submitting the grant request and finally being awarded the funding, the two purchased a piece of land that would eventually become Haven House and one of the first ever affordable housing units for people living with HIV/AIDS in Charlotte.

It was Mangum who approached Rev. Debbie Warren about The Havens, asking her to bring it to the board of RAIN as a potential collaboration. Warren spent almost 30 years at RAIN after founding the organization and serving as the Executive Director Dedicated to providing education, medical and emergency assistance to those with HIV/AIDS, RAIN has been recognized by several local award committees for embodying their mission to “replace judgment with understanding, prejudice with compassion and ignorance with knowledge.”

“Pete, along with Mickey Helms, the Property Manager, are a very important part of the reason that The Havens has been sustained to this very moment,” said Warren.

In 2020, The Havens’ board requested RAIN’s expertise in support services, management, and fundraising. On March 1 of this year, The Havens expanded its board bringing on Warren as Board Chair and creating an advisory committee. Today, The Havens operates under its 501(c)3 nonprofit and RAIN provides programmatic and fundraising support. According to Warren, they are still getting to know each other and be good partners. “We just wanted to make sure this property is preserved for our community,” she said.

There are 6,665 people living with HIV in Mecklenburg County according to 2019 data from AIDSVu which tracks the impact of the virus on communities across the United States. Of those, only 70.7 percent are linked to HIV care.

Since that initial request from Mangum so many years ago, both RAIN and Haven House have evolved their offered services, client needs and the number of clients.

“What we’ve been able to do,” Warren

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Aug. 6-19, 2021

The Havens, an affordable housing community, recently received a surprise donation from Lowe’s that will allow them to make necessary repairs and updates. (Photo Credit: Jim Yarbrough) offers, “is to begin to understand, on a deeper level, what all the issues are and then what the priorities should be.”

Stable housing has been closely linked to positive health outcomes, and 25 years after the founding of The Havens, it is still a major priority for people living with HIV in Charlotte.

“Affordable housing is something that people are very interested in right now because there is no affordable housing in Charlotte [and] there is no affordable housing for people with disabilities,” says attorney Lee Robertson who chairs RAIN’s board of directors. The Haven’s model aims to eradicate the stigma surrounding both disabilities as well as homelessness.

According to the HOPWA 20 strategic plan, “many PLWHA (people living with HIV/AIDS) face multiple life challenges that present unique barriers to accessing housing, care and services. These challenges, especially if compounded by experiences of housing discrimination, stigma or limited local affordable housing options, often jeopardize individuals’ chances of remaining stably housed.”

HOPWA, or Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS, was established as part of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. It provides funding to eligible jurisdictions to address the housing needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

A National Model

While The Havens still receives some of its funding from HUD grants and federal support, it is not currently receiving HOPWA funds. In April, HUD announced a $41 million grant program to fund efforts that use housing as an effective structural intervention to end HIV. “We know safe,

stable housing is critical for persons living with HIV to best manage their health,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge in a press statement.

Programs across the country are addressing these needs in similar ways.

Seattle’s Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) created a housing first model that has been featured in HOPWA’s “best practices series.” Founded in 1979, the organization grew from providing emergency shelter to being a nationally recognized leader in innovative strategies that end homelessness.

In 2020, they opened Hobson Place, providing 85 affordable studio apartments with supportive services on-site. A second phase is expected to be complete in early 2022 with physical and behavioral healthcare clinics in addition to 92 more affordable housing units. Hobson is part of 18 supportive housing facilities owned and managed by DESC in addition to a scattered site housing program.

In New Orleans, the Belle Reve was the first nonprofit assisted living facility in the state to serve people with HIV. The organization has expanded services to provide affordable housing for aging adults 62 years and older, but continue to provide on-site case management and at least forty percent of the apartment units serve tenants earning no more than 60 percent of area median income.

Throughout COVID-19, Belle Reve House has kept the virus contained and kept the residents safe in a city where transmission rates are incredibly high.

The Southern U.S. accounts for approximately 45 percent of all people living with an HIV diagnosis in the United States and more than half (51 percent) of all new diagnoses in 2018.

During her time at RAIN, Warren witnessed the impact that stigma has on the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. Its something that the national home improvement Lowe’s recognizes as well. The company is headquartered in Mooresville and recently made the decision to aim its Foundation’s funding efforts in and around the immediate Charlotte Metro region.

After interacting with RAIN for some time, the Lowe’s Foundation decided to pay The Havens a visit in June, 2021. “We want to make sure we have safe and affordable housing,” Chief Financial Officer for Lowe’s Dave Denton told WSOCTV. In a surprised check reveal, Lowes Foundation awarded The Havens $200,000 in grant money and another $50,000 in extra funds. The money will help renovate 25 accommodation units and common areas of the property.

In 2020, the foundation announced they would be allotting $9.25 million in total to Charlotte-area charitable organizations. Thus far, that has included Charlotte Museum of History, Central Piedmont Community College, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, Veterans Bridge Home, A Roof Above, Innovation Alley and Time Out Youth, among others.

The recognition of typically marginalized voices is something Lowe’s continually strives to achieve. The hardware and home-improvement corporation is headed

by Marvin Ellison, who is one of only four Black Fortune 500 CEOs. As part of that commitment, $3.87 million is supporting homeownership in Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties. Lowe’s also donated $200,000 to LISC Charlotte for neighborhood revitalization projects in the Historic West End. “Our immediate goal is to stabilize the property,” Warren explains. “In the last few years, when HUD funding no longer covered [all] the issues The Havens was having, our goal has become to take care of the immediate needs that have risen, while also working towards an attractive, comforting feel for the residents.”

Warren, Robertson and the boards of RAIN and The Havens maintain that when someone has a place to live, it immediately raises the bar on their quality of life by providing comforts everyone seeks, resulting in an improved sense of well-being and overall happiness. : : qnotes is part of six major media companies and other local institutions reporting on and engaging the community around the problems and solutions as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a project of the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative, which is supported by the Local Media Project, an initiative launched by the Solutions Journalism Network with support from the Knight Foundation to strengthen and reinvigorate local media ecosystems. See all of our reporting at charlottejournalism.org.

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Join Charlotte Pride for Our Weekend of Service, August 21-22 Charlotte Pride invites the entire community to a citywide and regional weekend of service and solidarity. The pandemic has taught us important lessons. One of the most important things we have learned from this pandemic is how important it is to give back and support each other.

How you can participate: Get together with your team at your nonprofit, community group, schools or student organizations, faith institution, business, ERG, or even an informal group of friends and plan out a community service or volunteer project that your team can lead and participate in, Aug. 21-22!

Ideas for service or volunteer projects: Park, stream, or road clean ups. Neighborhood or other community beautification projects. Community gardening or support. Food, clothing, and other resource drives/events/free stores. Soup kitchens. Elder or youth support. Community arts project. Animal shelter support. Free little library or pantry construction, installation, and/or stocking. And so much more!

Register your project: Once you’ve determined and chosen your project, register it with Charlotte Pride! We want to give you shout outs and keep track of our collective community impact! You can learn more, find a downloadable one-sheeter of this information in this article, and register your service project online by August 11th at charlottepride.org/service.

Want to volunteer as an individual? Sign up with Charlotte Pride!

Charlotte Pride is hosting three service projects and you’re invited to sign up! These are perfect opportunities for folks who aren’t already connected with a community organization planning their own service project. Join us on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 21 for farm support at the Urban Farm at Aldersgate or for a road clean-up on Statesville Ave. Afterward, we’ll have an ice cream social! We’re also hosting a remote and virtual service opportunity for those who can’t travel to or otherwise participate in inperson projects. If this is more your vibe, join us on Sunday, Aug. 22 as we phone bank for equality! Learn more and register for these projects at charlottepride.org/service.

Coming Soon: Charlotte Pride Clothing and Resource Drive Charlotte Pride will extend the spirit of its service and solidarity throughout August and September with a clothing drive! Brand new or gently used clothes will be accepted starting Aug. 21 through Sept. 12 at a variety of LGBTQ-friendly businesses and other locations in town.

Encouraged donation items include: masculine clothing in smaller sizes, feminine clothing in larger sizes, and items for business/professional wear.

Donors may also purchase and donate brand new, unopened packs of underwear and socks of any size, including those for children. Collected materials will be made available at the Charlotte Pride Free Store, hosted during the Pop-Up Pride Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18. Donation box locations will be announced soon. Prepare your donation items now!

Aug. 6-19, 2021

qnotes

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life

Gender Affirmation Leads to Better Health DEI and LGBTQ Community Health Care

by L’Monique King qnotes Staff Writer

I

n June of 2013 the world watched and held their breath as George Zimmerman went to trial, charged with shooting and killing Trayvon Martin, a Black teen who lost his life at Zimmerman’s hand on February 26, 2012, in Sanford, Florida.

Zimmerman was found not guilty — he insisted it was self-defense — and many took to the internet to express their grief, anger and disbelief.

One of those people was Alica Garza, a Black queer woman, activist and author. Lots of folks responded to Garza’s Facebook post. One of the respondents (a queer activist and LGBTQ rights advocate) was Patrisse Cullors. Cullors ended her response to Garza’s post with a hashtag, #BlackLivesMatter.

Shortly after and joined by human rights advocate and strategist, Opal Tometi, the three women organized a Black-centered political project that became the Black Lives Matter movement, aka BLM. The movement went national about a year later in 2017 after the deaths of Michael Brown in Missouri and Eric Garner in New York.

Prior to 2013, the letters BLM were just that, three letters. Although there probably were some environmentally conscious folks who might have recognized the letters as an acronym for the U.S. Department of Interior’s “Bureau of Land Management,” what is most commonly thought of today is the social justice movement these three women spearheaded.

Not as well-known, however, is their statement on inclusion: We affirm the lives of Black queer and trans folks, disabled folks, undocumented folks, folks with records, women and all Black lives along the gender spectrum.

Prior to BLM gaining the recognition that made them a household name and powerhouse political force, another closely related acronym existed that was not as widely recognized: DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). That has since changed.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a leader in DEI practices, defines Diversity as an appreciation and respect for the many differences and similarities in the workplace. This includes varied perspectives, approaches and competencies of coworkers and populations we serve.

To uncover the defining explanation for Equity, we look to YW Boston (YWB), a social justice organization (and offshoot of the YWCA) that has been at the helm of equality advancement and empowerment for women since 1866. From YWB’s website: “Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.”

The CDC goes a step further to offer the definition of Inclusion as a set of behaviors that encourages employees [and others] to feel valued for their unique qualities that result in a sense of belonging.

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Health care agencies need to respect a person’s pronouns and recognize that gender identity goes beyond a checkbox of male or female. (Photo Credit: The Gender Spectrum Collection) In the not-so-distant past, DEI was a phrase primarily echoed in Human Resources Departments. Post-BLM, however, more organizations and individuals are realizing what an important role DEI plays in the workforce, social settings and the world at large.

That said, companies who want to show their social consciousness (particularly in the wake of massive social justice unrest) have jumped to hire DEI Administrators and now offer their staff DEI training (virtually and in person) while promoting and marketing their efforts to clients and customers. The healthcare industry, which has largely evolved into a for-profit business in the United States, isn’t much different, but one does wonder, particularly during this era of political correctness and so-called “cancel culture,” just how good of a job is being done, and is needed change actually taking place?

In seeking answers to those questions, qnotes took a look at how DEI in the LGBTQ community is being handled in health care. More simply, we looked at how the power of words (and actions) finds its way onto medical forms and in the interactions and care received by LGBTQ community members.

Most people know that slurs and negative connotations cause pain, but many don’t think or realize how that same pain can occur when people have their very existence erased. For instance, if a non-binary (not identifying as male or female) or gender non-conforming person wanted to apply for health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, the largest health insurance organization in the state, they would immediately notice they are required to check one of only two boxes for gender.

The same can be said for many intake and assessment forms required for service by countless health care providers. Gender is frequently limited to male and female and most often there’s nothing that allows a transgender-identified individual representation. Once a person gets past that, they then have to interact with staff

and practitioners who may have missed the DEI class or simply do not realize that their language is hurtful and/or non-affirming.

Microaggressions like mis-gendering folks (referring to people by the wrong pronoun) has been linked with increased suicide rates among transgender individuals. Microaggressions are subtle statements, incidents or actions which are often unintentional, yet discriminatory toward a marginalized group. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health surveyed 129 transgender and gender nonconforming youth from three U.S. cities. It looked at the microaggression of mis-gendering and not using a person’s chosen name. Their findings echoed what many already know about the power of words that affirm or wound.

In assessing the use of chosen names and examining the association with depression, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior, the study revealed that after making the adjustment of using a trans youth’s chosen name in more contexts (home, school, work or with friends) those young people had lower rates of depression, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior. The same could also be said for LGBTQ adults who regularly deal with health care professionals and others who routinely do not affirm their identities with the language they use and the treatment they deliver.

Avilyn Grace Jac’El (aka Avi Grace) is a 30-year-old transgender woman and former lead processing clerk for a major hospital in the Carolinas. In recalling experiences surrounding the care of trans patients, Jac’El reflected upon an incident she “discovered almost by accident.”

“While collecting paperwork one day, there were nurses speaking about a transgender woman. They misgendered her, insisted on using Mister — right to her face and behind her back. They blatantly made fun of the patient — compromising the integrity of their care. I knew the patient and relayed the information to the person’s partner who said, “it was nothing new and that the treatment was infuriating.”

At the time, Jac’El was too afraid of personal reprisal to make a formal complaint against any of the involved hospital staff. “I said nothing because they were RNs and supervisors. With one call they could have had me fired. If I had to do it all over again, I’d speak up. I should have made a formal complaint. I spoke with one of the nurses later [and] nothing happened. That’s when I realized, trans people aren’t safe in health care.”

In recounting her own experiences with health care professionals, Jac’El said she’s been pretty fortunate. “Personally, having just come out [as trans] six months ago; for the most part everyone has been kind. There is a lot of ignorance and a lot of speculation but the two primary care physicians I’ve seen in the last 14 months have embraced my womanhood.”

Jac’El explained that individuals in the trans community talk about these things and support each other. “We know where to go, I don’t want to say the name, but everyone knows the hospital … where they treat us with dignity.”

Some health care professionals are already doing just that. They’re taking employer provided DEI training seriously and to heart. During a recent HIV testing event at Charlotte Black Pride’s Expo, qnotes spoke with a young trans man who confirmed that the person who tested him was very polite and affirming by beginning the assessment process with two questions, “What is your current gender?” and “What are your pronouns?”

The client was pleased with the interaction, and noted how something seemingly so small can go a long way.

In a statement about the importance of Diversity in the workplace, the CDC responded with this press release: “To be a truly effective public health agency, our workforce must continue to reflect the populations we serve. Diversity and inclusion drive innovation, creativity and improve performance. These improvements strengthen our work in public health promotion by eliminating health care disparities in underserved and minority communities and enhancing our work in disease prevention and control.”

It would seem there is plenty of validity to the CDC’s claims about diversity. The trans man who had a good experience received it from a community-based organization with a very diverse staff that includes Black and brown LGBTQ community members and allies that consistently aim to practice DEI with the empathy and respect all people deserve.

Jac’El is adamant that ensuring more positive health care interactions for the LGBTQ community still remains desperately needed.

“The education that’s needed is more than a two-hour seminar once a year,” she explains, “I know that’s a lot to ask, but a lot is needed. They [health care workers] are good with mental health referrals, but I think an overall understanding of the transgender story [is] understanding that every person is unique. Our lives and pain is real, you [should] care enough to educate yourself on your own time.” : :

views

Can the Supreme Court Overturn Marriage Equality?

Legal Eagles

by Connie Vetter, Attorney Guest Writer

O

ur right to marriage equality was confirmed by the United States Supreme Court on June 26, 2015, in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges. Fast forward six years and thousands of marriages later. Several Justices have been added to the Supreme Court, and they are not known for their support of LGBTQ+ equality. Some of my clients and friends have questioned whether the Supreme Court could overturn the Obergefell decision and take away marriage equality. I’ve paid close attention to discussions among my legal colleagues around this question and here’s my takeaway: marriage equality is safe, as a whole, though there may be religious exemptions carved out. Certainly, marriages that have already taken place are secure.

There are several reasons to believe marriage equality is secure.

1. T iming: It’s only been six years since the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell, and the Court does not have a history of overturning itself so quickly.

2. Opportunity: The Supreme Court has heard several cases in which it could limit LGBTQ+ equality, and it declined to do so in most of them. In fact, last year the Supreme Court actually expanded employment protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Bostock v. Clayton County. Notably, the Court’s decision was written by Neil Gorsuch, who was put on the Court by then-President Trump.

Also, just a few weeks ago the Supreme Court declined to hear a case from a florist who had refused to do flowers for a same-sex couple’s wedding. The Supreme Court let stand the lower court’s ruling against the florist. The Supreme Court also declined to take the appeal from a school system wanting to discriminate against a transgender student in Grimm v. Gloucester County School System and left in place a lower court ruling in the student’s favor.

3. S tate Cases: Many states, including North Carolina and South Carolina, gained marriage equality through state court decisions separate from (and before) Obergefell.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia, decided Bostic v. Schaefer in 2014, paving the way for marriage equality in those states. Marriage equality came to North Carolina shortly thereafter in General Synod of the United Church of Christ v. Reisinger and Fisher-Borne v. Smith. South Carolina also gained marriage equality in 2014 in Condon v. Haley. The bottom line is that even if (and that’s a huge if) the United States Supreme Court does somehow overturn its own marriage equality decision, the court decisions based on state law are still intact. The states that gained marriage equality through state law would also remain.

4. M ultiple Avenues: While the current makeup of the United States Supreme Court is concerning, we always have other avenues to equality. When the Supreme Court has been hostile to LGBTQ+ equality in the past, the movement has turned to state courts and legislatures and gained victories there. The coordinated movement for marriage equality began in the 1990s with a decision in Hawaii and followed a path throughout the United States with state court decisions and state laws.

5. You Just Never Know: Finally, throughout the history of the United States Supreme Court there have been justices who have made decisions differently from what was expected of them. There have also been justices who have evolved and even changed how they view things. There is hope that some of the current Supreme Court Justices will come around to equality.

For these reasons, my colleagues and I believe marriage equality is safe. If you are married now, you are married. If you are thinking of getting married, get married.

Enjoy your lives together, happily ever after. : : Connie J. Vetter is the go-to LGBTQ+ Law attorney in the Charlotte area for over 25 years.

Her legal practice focuses on the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer individuals and couples as well as the larger community. Her practice areas include Wills, Medical Directives, Estate Planning, Adoption, Surrogacy, Name & Gender Marker Changes and Adult Guardianship. In addition, she is a mediator for the U.S. Postal Service. She can be reached at 704-333-4000 (talk/text) or CJVLaw.com.

Aug. 6-19, 2021

qnotes

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life

Comparing the Costs

Health & Wellness: Immigrants and Healthcare

by Jack Kirven qnotes Contributor

I

t should probably go without saying, but health care in the United States is complicated, expensive and unequally accessible. It depends upon whether you happen to be lucky enough to have health insurance. I went without it for 10 years from 2002 until 2012. I have been a very happy recipient of the Affordable Care Act, and even when my monthly premium got as high as $225 per month in 2014, most years was well below that. From 2016-2018 I paid less than $25 per month, and that was for excellent coverage. Right now I pay $75 per month, but it covers all my prescriptions at only $3 per medicine per month, my maximum out of pocket is $500 for the entire year, and I can access quite a range of providers within my network.

Like nearly everything else in this country, mental health is a glaring exception in all this, but overall it’s better than the alternative.

If you are a mental health care recipient, I would caution you specifically against a drug called Xyprexa. If your provider gives you this glibly, ask why. Using it from 2001-2002 put me unknowingly on a literal “Red List.”

When I contacted Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC in 2010, I was told I would have to pay $1,000 per month, shoulder a $12,000 annual deductible, and that they would then cover only 20 percent. (Like, are you kidding me?) I asked why, and the woman said, “You have a pre-existing condition. You’re on a red list as a suicide risk because you took Xyprexa in the past.” Despite preexisting conditions no longer being allowed, unless you have no other option, be very careful about allowing yourself to be

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given this medication (which was largely ineffective and exacerbated my symptoms).

All this while being a citizen of this country. But what does this look like for undocumented immigrants or other residents who cannot access even that level of inadequate care? It is a strange argument to make, but many people criticize immigrants for using both free clinics, as well as emergency rooms. In both cases people will make the argument that it is too costly to afford marginalized people care.

I did some preliminary digging, and this is what I found.

According to MedPageToday.com, the average community clinic operates on an annual budget of $460,000 — keeping in mind that half of clinics operate well below this level — and see an average of 6,000 patients in a year. This works out to $76.67 per visit. According to CBSNews.com, the average cost of a trip to the emergency room without insurance is $1,273.43. Debt.org puts it at $1,389.00, and GoodRx.com says it’s $2,000.00. Whatever the number, it is orders of degrees higher than clinics, which are really not equipped to handle most anything that is especially

dire. They can treat most minor conditions, thus avoiding trips to hospitals.

According to PewResearch.org, there were 11.1 million undocumented immigrants in the United States in 2014.

This amounted to roughly 3 percent of the nation’s population at the time. Given the severe immigration policies enacted during the Trump administration, it is plausible that these numbers are lower now. With this in mind, even if one were to make the unreasonable assumption that 30 percent of patients at a clinic are illegal aliens, it would amount to $138,006.00 per year ($76.67 x 1,800 patients). That percentage is probably patently absurd, but it makes the point that it actually costs very little to tax payers to fund clinics. If those 1,800 immigrants go to the emergency room, it could cost on average as much as $3.6 million to the people paying into insurance. It really cannot be logically compared.

In addition, especially during the pandemic, immigrants who cannot access care of any kind risk becoming spreaders of communicable infections. Those who cannot access or afford treatment — or refuse it for fear of deportation — not only sicken and show up in emergency rooms as a last resort, they also remain vectors for all sorts of preventable diseases. This in turn leads to more visits to more clinics and emergency rooms.

Whether from a spirit of compassion and empathy, or looking stoically at numbers, it seems clear that immigrants of any status really do need access to health care.

The costs of denying care in terms of lives and treasure are simply too great. Immigrants already contend with trauma and stress before arriving and during their residence in a foreign land. It is an unnecessary burden and counterproductive obstacle to block them from getting the care many of them so desperately need. : :

a&e

How Many Secrets Does Your Date Have?

Tell Trinity

by Trinity | Contributing Writer Dear Trinity, My boyfriend of several months insists on staying at my place. I don’t mind, but he refuses to let me see his home, claiming the family he rents from are total slobs. I respect his privacy, but I have a difficult time trusting someone so secretive. Am I being obsessive or scammed?

Secrets, Pasadena, CA

Dear Secrets, If you have to, insist on seeing where he lives! It’s been several months, you’re allowed! And if he still refuses, start doing a little investigating, like visiting his workplace, his gym or his detention center. Honey, everyone has secrets, especially adults.

Don’t get too obsessive, but DO follow your intuition with some investigation work!

Good luck, Trinity

Hello Trinity, I’ve been dating a few guys, at the same time. There’s nothing wrong with it, is there?

Powerdating, Hoboken, NJ Hello Powerdating, “Powerdating,” or dating many people at once, is as smart as shopping for the best-priced diamond. There’s not only noth-

Q-mmunity

connections

ing wrong with it, but I say, you go for it!

Knowing how to powerdate is way smarter than not dating or dating one loser at a time!

Hey Trinity, I went to the bar and met someone really great, who charmed me for hours. They gave me their number and insisted on talking in a couple days. Great, right, well I’ve called three times in a week and nothing. Is it me, them, the bar or just bad karma?

Bar Karma, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Hey Bar Karma, Yes, it’s you, them, the bar and just bad karma. I know you want one right answer, but it’s many answers. Remember the four rules for “meeting someone at the bar,” 1) bar dates are rarely taken seriously, 2) after the drinks wear off, they may not remember you, 3) bar flies love to charm and sting and 4) sometimes the stars are just not in your favor!

Better luck next time, Trinity

Dearest Trinity, I vowed never to date a smoker again, but here I am again. How do I do it this time without sounding like a certified complainer?

Nonsmoker’s Hell, Columbus, OH

Dearest Nonsmoker’s Hell, Nonsmokers who date smokers eventually end up certified complainers. That’s why, pumpkin, you must start this relationship by sharing:

Trinity’s “Never To Do” Tips for Dating a Nonsmoker

1. N ever smoke IN THE HOUSE. The smell of smoke and lack of oxygen are torturous to nonsmokers, sort of like slowly being eaten by an alligator.

2. N ever smoke IN THE CAR even if it’s a convertible. Nothing’s worse than a romantic wind blowing while gasping for air.

3. N ever smoke IN AN OUTDOOR CAFE because you’ll both have to sit in the smoking (to death) section plus smoke, ashtrays and food don’t mix.

4. N ever let IT SIT IN THE ASHTRAY. Even if someone says, “It doesn’t bother me” It does!

Keep the ashtray far away.

5. N ever assume YOUR BREATH IS OK. If you smoke, it stinks, period. After a smoke, swallow a mint and wash your smelly hands.

6. N ever just BRUSH YOUR TEETH. After every cigarette (if you’re home), brush your teeth, tongue and upper palate.

7. N ever assume THREE’S COMPANY and two’s a crowd. Bringing a cigarette on a date is like bringing your nagging mother along!

8. N ever let the OUTDOORS FOOL YOU. Smoke is attracted to nonsmokers. So smoke far away from them. (Trick: incense disguises cigarette smoke).

9. N ever assume ONLY SMOKERS GET MOODY. Just like smokers, nonsmokers can get moody when they can’t breathe.

10. L astly, never take A NONSMOKER to a smoking party without a nonsmoking area.

Being trapped in a group of smokers is like... being trapped in quicksand with a group of smokers. : : With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking” a weekly radio drama, performed globally and is now minister of WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings. Sponsored by: WIG Ministries, www.wigministries.org Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation!

Send e-mails to: Trinity@telltrinity.com

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

Bright Businesses deserve well-lit

AD SPACE Call Q-Notes 704.531.9988

Aug. 6-19, 2021

qnotes

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Netflix Documentary ‘Pray Away’ Explores ‘Gay Reprogramming’ Director Kristine Stolakis Discusses Her Foray Into Filmmaking

by L’Monique King qnotes Staff Writer

A

new documentary, “Pray Away,” is now available for viewing from the popular streaming service Netflix beginning this month. The film chronicles the experiences of five evangelicals in the 1970s who come together to form Exodus International, a group that claimed gay people could become straight through prayer and conversion therapy.

Of course, we all know it really doesn’t work that way, but “Pray Away” makes for an informative and thought-provoking documentary that covers a topic you might be shocked to learn still continues. Even in today’s America, according to a study conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA, an estimated 700,000 people have experienced some attempted method of religion-based or misguided therapy for sexual orientation modification.

Director Kristine Stolakis’ film is an exploration of the history and legacy of the “pray the gay away” or “ex-gay” movement, most often referred to today as “conversion therapy” and debunked by mental health professionals as implausible, irresponsible and potentially dangerous.

In an exclusive interview with qnotes, New York born and North Carolina bred filmmaker Solakis (a former Chapel Hill resident who now makes her home in Mount Clair, New Jersey) talks about her experience and motivation for making the film.

Where did the idea for “Pray Away” come from?

“Pray Away” comes from a personal place. I made the film because my uncle went through conversion therapy when he came out as trans as a child.

What followed was depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, obsessive compulsive disorder and addiction. These are all really common consequences for people who go through some form of conversion therapy. He passed away a few

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weeks before I went to film school, and I decided I wanted to create a film about conversion therapy.

That type of empathy and support is invaluable. Who have been the biggest supporters of your career?

I’m really lucky to have a really supportive partner and great friends. What I can say is I started this project alone and over the years it’s grown to be a team of people who all have a personal connection to this issue. Filmmaking is really a team sport and I have a great team.

Are you part of the LGBTQ community and have you ever had personal issues with reconciling your identity with religious ideology?

I’ll say this. I identify as straight and have benefited from straight privilege all my life. But on the other side, I’m not convinced that anyone is entirely straight.

We live in a culture where we dismiss and pathologize being attracted to someone of the same sex or questioning your gender identity. I have come to believe that straightness does not exist. I really believe, in terms of making films, that you must and should have a true stake in the community you’re covering in making your film. Then it’s your job to want to know more and have a team that supports that. My team is filled with conversion therapy survivors, queer people who were raised religiously and queer people in general.

What was it like gathering all the footage of past events for the film?

It took a lot of work to gather all the footage you see in the film, both archival and observational. It took years. The film took four years [to complete].

The film focuses on Exodus International, a religious organization that promoted the “ex-gay” or “pray the gay away” movement. While working on the direction of “Pray Away,” was there anything you were surprised to learn about these kinds of movements?

One thing I often say is it’s not just the Exodus Movement. When Exodus closed, the “conversion therapy” movement continued. What surprised me in my research was the fact that this is a present tense issue. We know that nearly 700,000 people in the U.S. alone have gone through some version of this. We also know it continues on every major continent. Truly understanding that surprised me and made me even more determined to make a film about this.

“Pray Away” is resonating. Not just because of the subject matter but also because of how you incorporated imagery in the telling of the story. Can you talk a little about the cinematic decisions of using imagery to reify spoken words, like when an ex-chairman was recounting an experience. For example, when he says traveling — viewers see train tracks.

When he says he was drinking to intoxication — viewers see an escalator ascending into darkness.

Everything in the film is intentional. We shot that sequence on cameras from that era, using visual language to communicate something thematically. [For instance] the fact that we weave in the visual motif of people listening when you hear people who are claiming to have changed from gay to straight or trans to cis. We always tried to show the audience, onlookers - showing that this is how disinformation spreads. It starts in intimate places; our homes, at a local fundraiser, at your local church, at a bible study, and then reverberates out into our broader culture.

Congratulations on this project, by the way. I understand it’s your feature film debut. What made you decide to take this journey as an art form?

I wish I had a really succinct answer, but it was a very winding and long journey.

I circled the dream for a while of admitting to myself that I wanted to make art.

I worked in a lot of different manifestations of how art intersects social change, but I really found my calling when I admitted to myself, I wanted to specifically

direct film. I think for a lot of women, we haven’t always been given permission to admit that we want to lead, especially something with a large technical component. I think it took me as long as it did because I was afraid of technology. So, it’s a combination of storytelling, research, journalism, cultural anthropology and social justice and social change [that led me to filmmaking].

What’s next for Kristine Stolakis?

I am working on an animated documentary project about the inner lives of middle school girls that will be rooted in one girl’s journey in eating disorder recovery. It will also explore how sexism manifests in the lives of young girls. It touches on themes that have become really important to me like the importance of mental health in our lives and the way large forces of oppression get internalized and taken out on our bodies. In “Pray Away” you see that in the patterns of how self-harm shows up. I’ve learned that eating disorders are the second deadliest mental health disorder only second to opioid use.

Before we let you go, do you have any advice for those who want to enter the filmmaking industry with plans on addressing hard hitting issues like you have done?

My biggest piece of advice for people who want to enter the film industry is first, go for it! There’s no accrediting body telling you — “you are a director” — you have to proclaim it and believe in it. You are your film’s first audience member. If you think a topic is worth investing or exploring, listen to that. Film is filled with rejection, so you really have to hold tight to your voice. That doesn’t mean that you don’t let research change your mind or the process of making art lead you to making a surprising discovery — it just means that you should feel confident in staying true to your point of view to the world and your interest. : : Special thanks to Ryan Turrin of The Karpel Group for making this interview possible.

life

Our People: Dr. Andrea Pitts A Gender Non-Conforming Philosophy Professor

by L’Monique King qnotes Staff Writer

E

arly in the evening on a hot and humid Friday, Dr. Andrea Pitts, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), sits at home in East Charlotte, working on fundraising proposals for LGBTQ Grad Students of Philosophy. The only known gender non-conforming tenured professor on UNCC’s campus looks to be barely over 16 years old, yet is in possession of the knowledge, grace and wisdom of contemporaries twice the professor’s actual age of 37.

Within this home office space, walls are decorated with photos from travel: a map of central America, a painting by a favorite uncle and a framed Cannonball Adderley album, African Waltz. The walls are void of any degrees, but speak volumes on personal accomplishments that echo sentiments of intersectionality.

The easy-going Professor Pitts is happy to talk about life and attempts to make some complicated issues surrounding race, gender and orientation a little more plain.

What’s it been like being you at work?

In terms of gender, it’s kinda lonely because so far as I know there aren’t any other trans or non-binary folks. There are on staff and maybe there are some adjuncts, but as far as I know of when it comes to full time faculty — I’m the only one. For a while, I was president of the LGBTQ+ Staff and Faculty Caucus to try to build better representation on campus.

How’s it going?

It’s alright. It also serves a social function in assisting staff and faculty find and connect with each other. But I’m no longer president.

I’m currently the vice president of the Latinx/ Hispanic Faculty and Staff Caucus.

You’ve mentioned your connections and involved with race and ethnicity a few times. What do you think about the recent legislation banning the teaching of Critical Race Theory? Has it impacted your teaching?

I think it’s misdirected and another attempt to prevent future generations from understanding the deep systemic forms of racism that exist in the United States.

Has the recent fervor impacted your Thank you for taking time out of your teaching at this point? schedule to speak to qnotes readers today.

‘Critical Race Theory is one of the most helpful ways to address issues of systemic racism that is No, not at all, and nor will it. Critical Race Are you originally from the Carolinas? available to educators today.’ — Dr. Andrea Pitts (Photo Credit: Elisabeth Paquette) Theory is one of the most helpful ways No. I was born in Panama City, Florida and to address issues of systemic racism that grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. And here’s Wow, what a lane change. So, what’s it like being a is available to educators today. CRT can the funny thing, I was born in Panama City, philosophy professor at UNCC? be considered a fundamental method that’s used to Florida and my mother was born in Panama City, Panama.

To be honest I feel lucky. It’s a job that I am happy to examine institutional histories and practices to show how have and grateful for. One of the things I love about it is they have developed patterns and ways of excluding and What brought you to Charlotte and how long have you that I’m fortunate to be in a job where I work with young diminishing the lives of people of color. If we don’t look at been living here? people a lot. The student just out of high school, the how our institutions have failed people of color, then we I’ve been here for six years. I moved here from Nation, student returning after having a career, the student who are at risk of perpetuating harm towards people of color Tennessee where I was completing my PhD. I moved here is in college for the first time — all on different journeys — specifically Black folks. for my position at UNCC. and pathways. Each semester I’m working with a new group of people. I get to continue to work with young When you’re not reading, teaching or philosophizing, How do you identify? people and learn from them. Emotionally I feel very lucky what do you do for fun?

Mixed-raced Latinx genderqueer. The broader umbrella to have that relationship with young people. Especially I like to Rock Climb, although I haven’t done much of would be trans, but I identify with the term genderqueer because I’m not a parent and don’t plan on becoming a that during the pandemic. I’ve climbed in Mexico, Puerto more directly. parent. I still get to be part of their learning process and Rico, the U.S. and Canada. And Salsa dancing, I really have an impact in their lives. enjoy Cuban Casino; it’s a particularly Cuban style of What does all that mean for you?

Salsa dancing.

I guess it means that, I’m understanding the term nonWould you mind elaborating on not wanting to bebinary in how it shows up in my life. I would say I’m more come a parent?

Sounds like you’ve got a lot going on and have figured masculine identified in terms of my clothing and gender I love kids, holding babies, playing games, being around out how to balance academics and recreation. What presentation, but I also deeply identify with some of the children and all that stuff. My brother had a daughter do you see yourself doing 20 years from now? women in my family in a way that I’m more connected to when I was 18 and he was 16. I watched her grow, but I think in 20 years I’ll likely still be teaching and researchand intently related. I described myself in college as a dyke I think I got to the point where I don’t know if my life ing. Both of which I really adore. I also enjoy history, storyand a butch. includes having our own children. We talked about this telling and traveling — so I hope to continue enjoying that I liked dyke, the fuck you mentality — the “I’m not here years ago and decided against it. We found that in our in the future and I hope to still be Salsa dancing. to please men mentality.” With butch, it was more the lives, it wasn’t something we needed to do to find our erotic relation to a lover, but now there are newer terms, lives meaningful. Also, I have a gay uncle, a Latinx gay For someone who isn’t even 40 years old, you really and I’m thinking about those terms. It’s probably why I like man who never had children who has been involved in seemed to have a handle on navigating some comgenderqueer because it has the erotic in it — the erotic as my life since I was young. He didn’t strike me as having plicated waters. What word of advice would you give power, which is in the Audre Lorde sense. lost anything for not having children. His life seemed full, to a 12-year-old trans child that’s struggling with the and he didn’t seem to have regretted the decision of not journey of being transgender?

Why philosophy? having children.

Follow your passions. Try to learn to love and care for I didn’t know what philosophy was until I was in college [at your body in a way that feels right. Try to find people who the University of North Florida]. I’m the only person in my You mentioned “we” talked about the decision not to reflect back that love to you, that love that you have and generation in my family to go to college. While learning about have children. Who is “we”? Do you have a partner? want to have for your body. jazz [in college], I realized I wasn’t going to be a musician.

Yes. My partner is also a faculty member at UNCC. She I had been studying music, I love jazz, and was also teaches Women and Gender Studies and Philosophy. We That’s perfect, and what a perfect day it will be when studying the history of jazz music as a Black art form, as a met in Grad school and moved together to Charlotte to body acceptance becomes the norm. What’s a perfect Black resistance art form. This was the thing that turned begin our jobs here at the university. day for Andrea Pitts looks like? Can you describe it? my head to philosophy. I had been studying how small Good coffee, sunshine, not much to do and good people. changes in musical form or tonality would shift to new Are you out on campus? genres and new trajectories in the art form. So, I took an Oh yeah, absolutely. It’s a condition of my employment.

Is there anything else you’d like qnotes readers to introduction to philosophy class, and it seemed very simiI’m not gender conforming, and I can’t hide who I am. I know about you? lar to the way that I understood the history of jazz. It had a wouldn’t want to work somewhere that I couldn’t be out.

I love connecting with people, and I’m happy to chat with similar structure in that small changes led to entirely new Which is a privileged position I’m aware of. just about everybody. I like learning about people. : : ways of thinking.

Aug. 6-19, 2021

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Aug. 6-19, 2021