QNotes, August 9, 2019

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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Aug. 9-22, 2019

inside this issue

Aug. 9-22, 2019 Vol 34 No 06

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front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: Staff Archives

4 Sheriff to Join Pride Parade 4 Buff Faye Wins

NEOY Crown 4 News Briefs 5 Gov. Cooper Issues Executive Order

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

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Out in Print: ‘Rainbow Warrior’ 10 Questions with Vic: Felix Maritaud Tell Trinity

life 6 Charlotte Pride Events 10 Charlotte Pride Entertainers 15 Queen City Events 16 LGBTQ Resources 20 Char-Meck Government Leadership 21 Government 411 22 Charlotte Ballot Box 27 Health & Wellness: Fat 31 Our People: Brisa Ramirez

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

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Mission:

The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ life and social justice issues.

Fat acceptance is a morbid idea that wellness coach Jack Kirven explains in his painful and emotionally challenging exploration of what it means to be seriously overweight..

news

contributors this issue

Joey Amato, Carlyle Addy, Camilla K. Cannon, Charlotte Pride, Vic Germani, Jack Kirven, Lainey Millen, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Trinity,

Health & Wellness: Fat is Not Fab

Gay Bars and Clubs: Charlotte’s History

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Pride Journey: Providence, R.I.

events

Hummingbird Festival Fortune Feimster

Out in Print: ‘Rainbow Warrior’

Gilbert Baker’s journey is shared through manuscripts compiled after the late author’s death in 2017.

As a gay activist during a turbulent time, his story gives a glimpse of the creator of the rainbow flag.

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Aug. 9-22, 2019

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BRIEFS

news Sheriff to join Pride parade CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden will be a participant in the upcoming Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade on Aug. 18 in Uptown Charlotte.

He will be joined by LGBTQ staffers and supporters from various departments across Mecklenburg County. This marks a first for the law enforcement office and others to walk in the parade.

“The First Responders Unit of the Parade is full of staff, their families and allies alike. When creating this endeavor, we wanted to be inclusive of all law enforcement agencies in the area.

For most, it is still a sensitive issue to be ‘out’ at work when in law enforcement. Unfortunately, not all agencies are supportive of this initiative. With that said, we invited everyone to shed their uniforms and march with the sheriff, under his cloak of acceptance. So maybe, just for a moment, they will truly feel completely accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they do,” the sheriff’s office emphasized.

“My decision [to walk in the parade] was based solely on my belief that I needed to serve and better understand my entire community. After meeting with several of the key members of my executive staff, it was easily decided that Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) needed a platform and vehicle to move us forward. That platform and vehicle was the LGBTQ committee,” McFadden stated.

In the meantime, the sheriff’s office with the help of Sgt. Aaron Sims has created an LGBTQ Committee to help address concerns of Mecklenburg County citizens, residents in the detention centers and sheriff’s office staff who identify as LGBTQ individuals. Its formation came after a call from office staff for change and serious self-analysis of the agency. Upon election, McFadden received a change proposal from staff. Paired with his own passion for unequivocal civil rights, the committee was created. From that moment, the numbers have steadily grown and projects realized.

The committee is an organization which supports LGBTQ sworn, civilian and retired members of Mecklenburg County Law Enforcement agencies. “We strive to build lasting relationships between Law Enforcement and Mecklenburg County’s LGBTQ communities by advocating equal and fair treatment for all. The vision of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) LGBTQ Committee is to provide service, education and protection on LGBTQ issues in Mecklenburg County for Law Enforcement personnel and the citizens alike,” the sheriff’s office said.

Currently, the committee has representation and composition of sworn and civilian staff, as well as medical personnel. (There are approximately 107 staffers who identify as part of the LGBTQ community.)

“Sheriff McFadden has expressed unprecedented support and commitment to ensure that LGBTQ rights are being addressed and analyzed to better both those on his payroll as well as the community he is charged to serve. For those within the agency moniker, the creation of the committee was just a necessity personified. In order to create change, it must first begin from within and that entailed support of staff who identify within the LGBTQ spectrum. Once there, analysis of current policies and practices ensued as well as development of training and workshops conducive in ensuring that LGBTQ rights of staff and those in custody are being addressed and protected. Sheriff McFadden has continued to show his commitment and support by personally meeting with prominent LGBTQ community organizations to advance his knowledge and seeking to better the time any queer offender has in the Detention Center or any exposure a queer individual may have with a Sheriff Deputy. While he is the sheriff, these policy changes and actions will be slow to start but once implemented, it’ll leave an everlasting effect on the jail and the community,” office representatives stated. This is essential considering the current political and societal climate.

Sheriff McFadden added, “In my career with CMPD [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department], I worked closely with members of the LGBTQ community who are also employees of the department. I’ve had the pleasure of establishing lifelong friendships and confidants. My interest in the LGBTQ community is nothing new. My new role as sheriff allows me the opportunity and platform to make a difference and implement positive changes. “ Accessibility to the community is key to the committee. They will continue reaching out to local organizations, assisting with fundraisers, community forums and donation drives. “We encourage the community to reach out with suggestions and needs as well,” the sheriff’s office shared.

They added, “Alongside Charlotte’s First Responders, the Sheriff’s Office has spearheaded a collaborative effort with [the] Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and MEDIC to participate and march in Charlotte Pride 2019. We want to celebrate the men and women who identify as part of the community and have taken an oath to protect and serve. In addition, we are currently in the process of teaming up with Time Out Youth to create an event where we open our ears to community and youth complaints surrounding LGBTQ confinement. Our goal is to hear the opposing side to identify the cause and then create a solution together.”

The MCSO LGBTQ Committee is the first organized effort to recognize and support civilian and retired members of Mecklenburg County Law Enforcement Agencies. info: mecklenburgcountync.gov.

— Lainey Millen

Buff Faye wins NEOY crown LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On July 28 Charlotte, N.C.’s Buff Faye was crowned Miss National Entertainer of the Year (NEOY) 2019 at the C2 Event Venue in Louisville, Ky. This was Buff Faye’s fifth year competing in NEOY — placing second alternate in 2018 and in the top five contestants in 2017. She was the former North Carolina Entertainer of the Year in 2017 and represented Michigan Entertainer of the Year the last two years. Buff Faye began doing drag in 2007 as a way to raise money for local and national charities.

Buff Faye, whose name is Shane Windmeyer, is a national LGBTQ author, longstanding civil rights leader and pioneer for LGBTQ youth across the country. He works as the founder and executive director of Campus Pride, an organization for LGBTQ youth at colleges and universities.

Windmeyer said, “I am humbled and honored to win National Entertainer of the Year and carry on the national legacy of creativity and excellence in entertainment.

This would not have been possible without the many fans locally who come to my brunches and shows. I am deeply appreciative and look forward to an amazing year ahead traveling the country.” Buff Faye will travel the country as EOY and promote preliminary pageant contest and plan next year’s 30th anniversary celebration.

This year’s NEOY first alternate is Jessica Jade from Roanoke, Va. and second alternate is Sabrina White from St. Louis, Mo. For the last 29 years, the NEOY pageantry system has served as a charitable contest raising funds for the non-profit SLS Pride Foundation which is “dedicated to the betterment of diverse cultures.” This was the third national titleholder and first National EOY FI titleholder from Charlotte area.

Next year, NEOY will celebrate its 30th Anniversary on July 24-26, 2020 in Louisville, Ky. The National Entertainer of the Year pageantry system started in 1991 showcasing drag creativity and entertainment honoring Emeritus Naomi Sims. info: EOY.net. campuspride.org.

— Lainey Millen

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Aug. 9-22, 2019

Community loses ally

Beverly A. McIntyre, an ally community member, died on July 29. She was formerly owner of Pink Lady Travels that catered to the gay and lesbian community. McIntyre was also active with PFLAG, the Metrolina AIDS Project and served on the boards of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and the Charlotte Business Guild. She also sang with One Voice Chorus of Charlotte and was honored by the LGBTQ community through Pride Charlotte as the inaugural Champion of Pride’s Outstanding Ally award which she shared with her husband Bill.

info: legcy.co/2ZwTYKP.

Pride honors champions, names grand marshals

Charlotte Pride has released the names of their annual Champions of Pride awards. Those recognized are: Time Out Youth Center staffer James Rice III (Harvey Milk Award for leadership), former PFLAG Charlotte President Ashley Nurkin (Outstanding Ally), and youth advocate Audrey Ansel (Young Catalyst Award). Each are honored for their commitment and dedication to the LGBTQ community and will be recognized on the Wells Fargo Stage on Aug.17. Grand marshals for the Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade are Charlotte Black Pride and The Hon. John S. Arrowood (North Carolina Court of Appeals). Arrowood is the first openly LGBTQ person to win a statewide election in the South. All will ride in and be honored in the parade on Aug. 18.

info: charlottepride.org.

‘Bathroom’ legislation settled

A federal judge approved a settlement in late July stating that HB142 cannot be used to ban transgender individuals from using public restrooms and other facilities in state government buildings under the purview of Gov. Roy Cooper, Equality North Carolina shared. The settlement, stemming from Gov. Cooper and the ACLU, applies only to public restrooms and similar facilities in state government buildings that are under Gov. Cooper’s control. The legislation still needs to be repealed in order to secure protections at the local governmental level. Additionally, the settlement does not do anything to address state agencies’ and local municipalities’ inability to protect LGBTQ North Carolinians in private employment and in public accommodations.

info: equalitync.org.

Couple tops marriage record

Michael McConnell and Jack Baker were featured in a story on Queerty. The two share the distinction of being the longest-married same-sex couple in the U.S. The tied the knot in 1970 during a time when the American Psychiatric Association still considered being gay a “mental disorder.” Three years after they wed, the association removed the black mark from its list of disorders. The couple published “The Wedding Heard ’Round The World” in 2016.

info: bit.ly/2YEasPV.

Fundraiser date announced

The Second Annual Stonewall Rainbow 5K Run will be held on Sept. 28 in Charlotte, N.C. It is produced by Stonewall Sports of Charlotte. The organization has completed its signup for runners and has completed the

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Governor issues executive order RALEIGH, N.C. — On Aug. 2 North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order directing the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services to ensure that no taxpayer dollars are used for conversion therapy for minors, including North Carolina Medicaid and North Carolina Health Choice, Equality North Carolina (ENC) announced.

This executive action makes North Carolina the first southern state to establish a state-level policy to protect minors from antiLGBTQ conversion therapy.

In March, ENC and the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) launched a joint statewide campaign to end conversion therapy in North Carolina, including through the passage of the Mental Health Protection Act (HB516/SB426). This legislation was proposed in March 2019 to protect minors across the state from the practice.

The campaign built momentum for the bill’s passage, including being sponsored by 35 legislators; a coalition of more than 65 organizations, clergy members and mental health agencies; press attention from dozens of outlets; and engagement from hundreds working to protect youth from conversion therapy.

According to polling conducted in February 2019, 80 percent of North Carolinians — including 87 percent of Republicans, 75 percent of Democrats, and 78 percent of Independents support protecting North Carolina’s young people from conversion therapy.

ENC said that in the months ahead, Protect Our Youth NC will share stories of LGBTQ young people, family members of LGBTQ people, faith leaders, mental health professionals, educators, and more who support protecting youth from conversion therapy. This storytelling effort will help educate decision-makers across the state and advocate for lawmakers to pass statewide legislation that definitively and expansively protects minors from conversion therapy.

“What leaders do matters,” said Mathew Shurka, Born Perfect co-founder and conversion therapy survivor. “Gov. Cooper’s executive order sends a clear message that he and his administration will protect LGBTQ youth and ensure that no taxpayer money is spent on this life-threatening practice, which has been condemned by every leading professional medical and mental health organization.

Now more than ever, LGBTQ children need to hear that they are born perfect.”

Other comments by LGBTQ rights groups and organizations include:

“Thanks to Gov. Cooper’s leadership, North Carolina is now the first state in the South to take statewide action to protect youth from conversion therapy,” said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).

“This year our campaign ignited a conversation among North Carolinians about the importance of protecting our kids from ‘conversion therapy.’ It’s gratifying to see Gov.Cooper take this critical step in the right direction. No child should be told that they must change their sexual orientation or gender identity; we’re grateful that Gov. Cooper agrees. We are committed to ending this debunked practice and will work for statewide protections,” ENC executive director Kendra R. Johnson stated.

“Gov. Cooper’s order will create a safer North Carolina for LGBTQ youth. Young LGBTQ people who endure ‘conversion therapy’ are at an immensely higher risk for depression and suicide than those whose identities are affirmed, a primary reason that we must do all we can to end this dangerous pseudoscience. As we continue our campaign to end conversion therapy once and for all, we’re looking forward to working across North Carolina to share a message of love and affirmation. We have the momentum, and now it’s time to amplify the voices of North Carolinians everywhere who are taking action to protect our youth,” added Allison Scott, director of policy and programs at CSE. The Born Perfect campaign to end conversion therapy was founded by NCLR in 2014 to bring survivors and legal experts together to end conversion therapy. Born Perfect has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign and state equality groups across the nation to pass state and local legislation protecting youth.

Eighteen U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have banned conversion therapy through state-level legislation. Governors in Utah, New York and Puerto Rico have taken executive action on the issue. info: equalitync.org. southernequality.org. nclrights.org. bornperfect.org. hrc.org.

— Lainey Millen

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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Charlotte Pride Event Schedule Entertainment and Activities Across the Queen City

AUGUST 9 | 5-8 PM OFFICIAL CHARLOTTE PRIDE EVENT CHARLOTTE PRIDE DOG DAY A PAWS-ITIVELY FIERCE! DOGGIE FASHION SHOW! Freedom Park, Shelter # 2 1908 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 FREE facebook.com/events/1418606578292780/.

Charlotte Pride will be hosting an evening out at the park for you and your four-legged friend. They will be hosting a PAWS-itively Fierce! Doggie Fashion Show! Dogs have the chance to win in two categories: Best in Pride (rainbow and Pride-themed wear) and Natural Beauty. First and second prizes will be given for each category. Light refreshments will be available for the humans and treats and water for the pups.

AUGUST 9 | 6:30-8:30 PM OUT WITH DANCE — YOUTH PRIDE DANCE 2019 Time Out Youth Center 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28205 FREE timeoutyouth.org.

Join an annual Pride dance sponsored by Charlotte Black Pride and Charlotte Pride.

They will have food, DJ, live drag performance and will celebrate the grand opening of Time Out Youth’s new David Bohnett Cyber Center. Participants will get a first look at the 2019 Youth and Family Zone for Charlotte Pride 2019.

AUGUST 10 | 6-9:30 PM UNI-TEA QUEERLESQUE SHOW & CANDIDATE FORUM C3 Labs 2525 Distribution St., Charlotte, NC 28203 $35 facebook.com/events/483844905717790/ CLT NOW is kicking off Charlotte Pride Week with the Queerlesque show. Queerly Beloved, based out of Atlanta, is a collective of queer artists of all spectrums entertaining in the arts of Burlesque, Drag and much more. In addition to the performance, Charlotte Pride will also conduct a forum with elected officials from Mecklenburg County to learn how they will engage the LGBTQ community. The candidates

have been invited as a joint effort with YDNC LGBT+ Caucus and CLT NOW. Snacks are available throughout the night and are included in the paid admission. A cash bar will be available to purchase alcoholic beverages. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show begins at 6:45 p.m.

AUGUST 11 | 4-6 PM OFFICIAL CHARLOTTE PRIDE EVENT CHARLOTTE PRIDE INTERFAITH SERVICE Caldwell Presbyterian Church 1609 E. Fifth St., Charlotte, NC 28204 FREE facebook.com/events/1158685434255075/.

Charlotte Pride’s annual LGBTQ-affirming Interfaith Service is open to all people of all faith backgrounds in the community.

This year, in recognition of Stonewall, the Interfaith service “comes home” to its original host, Caldwell Presbyterian Church.

AUGUST 13 | 11 AM-3 PM OFFICIAL CHARLOTTE PRIDE EVENT CHARLOTTE TRANS PRIDE JOB FAIR Leon Levine Opportunity Center Goodwill Opportunity Campus 5301 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208 FREE facebook.com/events/656361794875485/.

Trans-affirming employers will be present to discuss career opportunities for transgender community members. Other folks from the LGBQ community are welcome. Confirmed employers so far include Bank of America, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, FedEx, Goodwill, JetStream, Novant Health, Turner Construction Company, Year Up CPCC and others.

AUGUST 13 | 2 PM PRIDE SUMMIT Beatties Ford Road Regional Library 2412 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216 FREE cmlibrary.org/event/109660-lgbtq-summit.

Deepen your understanding of issues facing the LGBTQ community, network with others in our community from across Mecklenburg County, learn what organizations and individuals are doing to advance health, safety, fair-

ness and inclusion in the LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina, learn about efforts to ensure LGBTQ protections in North Carolina.

Meet established and emerging leaders, activists, advocates, community members and allies from throughout Mecklenburg County for an afternoon of learning and networking.

cast of drag queens where you can indulge in a selection of food from Mellow Mushroom.

The house DJ will keep the party going from 8-12. $10 house wine bottles along with a signature cocktail special for the night will be available. Door cover starts at 8 p.m.

Showtime begins at 9 p.m.

AUGUST 13 | 6-9 PM OFFICIAL CHARLOTTE PRIDE EVENT CHARLOTTE TRANS PRIDE MIXER Resident Culture 2101 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205 FREE facebook.com/events/733787003762553/ Join Charlotte Trans Pride for a social mixer at Resident Culture in Plaza Midwood following the Charlotte Trans Pride Job Fair earlier in the day. This event venue is accessible for those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, including accessible restrooms.

AUGUST 14 | 8PM WHISKEY SHTICK PRIDE EDITION Single Barrel Room 1221 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 FREE facebook.com/events/1360733904089181/.

A comedy show featuring the top LGBTQIA+ comics from Charlotte and the surrounding areas. It is hosted by Shaine Laine and Glass Ceiling Comedy Productions.

AUGUST 13 | 8:30 PM DRAG TRIVIA PRIDE KICKOFF Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 21+, $1 for new memberships www.facebook.com/events/927598967593917.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Attendees can enjoy drink specials. This is hosted by Trivia Vixen, Onya and Point Butch Will Charmer. Doors open at 7 p.m. Team registration starts at 8 p.m.

Check out at dragtrivia on Instagram at noon the day of for your hint of the day. Purchase your tickets and message Drag Trivia for table reservations.

AUGUST 14 | 8 PM WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY Mellow Mushroom Uptown 255 W Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202 $20 facebook.com/events/632751833912098/.

Join hostess Onya Nerves for Wine Down Wednesday on Aug. 14 starting at 9 p.m. to kick off Charlotte Pride with a cast of drag queens. Get your tickets in advance; your admission includes front row access to the

AUGUST 15 | 5:30 PM QUEEN CITY CONNECTS’ PRIDE CROSS COMPANY MIXER Bar Argon 4544 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209 FREE queencityconnects.com.

Take this opportunity to expand your business card list from over 45 Charlotte area organizations, and for your company’s LGBT+ ERG/BRG to mix, mingle and connect with those who support the LGBTQ+ community.

AUGUST 15, 2019 | 6PM MG PRIDE FAMILY PICNIC Missiongathering Charlotte 420 E 15th St., Charlotte, NC 28206 FREE facebook.com/events/1826325474137854/ Join Charlotte Pride for their first annual Pride Family Picnic. They will have free food, drinks, cotton candy, bounce house, music, activities, crafts, lots of rainbows and lots of love.

AUGUST 15 | 6-8 PM RISE WITH PRIDE Ascent Uptown 225 S Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202 FREE RSVP requested at bit.ly/2YMYPWV. Join Equality North Carolina as Charlotte

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Aug. 9-22, 2019

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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life Events

continued from page 6 Pride teams up with their friends at Greystar Properties to host a Pre-Pride mixer at Ascent Uptown Charlotte. Revel at the panoramic views of Uptown Charlotte and beyond, enjoy a premium open beer and wine bar, nibble on treats and learn more about how to become involved in Equality NC, featuring Kendra Johnson, the organization’s executive director, with surprise guests to join in at the event.

AUGUST 15 | 7 PM POUR PRIDE Pour Taproom 1212 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 FREE (registration required, via Facebook) facebook.com/events/2285970001479608/.

We’re excited to celebrate Charlotte Pride with Seabrooks Entertainment hosting Pride Music Bingo! There will also be drag performances and Shimmer Down will be in the house for all of your sparkle needs!

AUGUST 16, 2019 | 6PM OUTWOD CHARLOTTE Silver Wolf Crossfit 2128 Remount Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208 $30 iamout.org/events/charlotte/.

You’re invited to come #sweatforacause with OUTWOD. OUTWOD is not your typical workout fundraiser and is 100 percent inclusive and has something for every skill level. Register online at iamout.org/events/ charlotte.

AUGUST 16 | 6:30 PM PRIDE MASS Saint Martin’s Episcopal Church 1510 E 7th St. Charlotte, NC 28204 FREE facebook.com/events/635529626953314/.

A service to proclaim God’s love in all and especially within the LGBTQ+ community.

Everyone is welcome. (Special appearance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte.)

AUGUST 16 | 8 PM-MIDNIGHT OFFICIAL CHARLOTTE PRIDE EVENT CHARLOTTE PRIDE WOMEN’S TAKEOVER Taproom Social 430 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 FREE. facebook.com/events/2913927795344585/.

Open to all women-identified people. Drink specials, raffle prizes, and other goodies. Free gift bag for the first 150 people who attend!

AUGUST 16 | 8 PM BEAR HAPPY HOUR – PRIDE FRIDAY Crown Station 3629 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205 FREE facebook.com/events/1242855319226289/.

Annual Pride Friday Bear Happy Hour. An evening of drinks, music, and fun. The event is open to all.

AUGUST 16 | 8 PM CELEBRATING PRIDE FEATURING BAD ROMANCE: A TRIBUTE TO LADY GAGA The Fillmore Charlotte 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte, NC 28206 $12 presale, $15 day of show, $7.50 on Groupon facebook.com/events/447750569107704/.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and show begins at 8:30 p.m. Ticket prices will increase the day of the show.

AUGUST 16 | 10 PM STONEWALL BIRTHDAY PRIDE DANCE PARTY Visulite Theatre 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, North Carolina 28204 $10-$200 facebook.com/events/2352034605054921/.

Celebrate Stonewall Sports Charlotte’s 5th

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Aug. 9-22, 2019

birthday, while honoring the 50th anniversary milestone of the Stonewall uprising.

Featuring DJ “Neon the GlowGoBear,” with special guest entertainment and event host Arron Malachi.

AUGUST 16 | 9 PM NEON ‘90S PRIDE KICKOFF PARTY World of Beer 210 E Trade Suite E280, Charlotte, NC 28202 21+, $5 facebook.com/events/379116356129099/.

Pride Kickoff Party @ WOB Epicentre. Best of the ‘90s spun by DJ Eric B (Argon) plus two shows featuring: Skylar Michelle-Monet, Angela Lopez, Tia Douglas, Ashley Jordan, Breonna Tenae and Jayla Serena Mitchell.

Showtimes are 9:30 p.m. and Midnight.

AUGUST 17-18 OFFICIAL CHARLOTTE PRIDE EVENT CHARLOTTE PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE Uptown Charlotte FREE charlottepride.org.

The Carolinas’ largest celebration of LGBTQ Pride! A two-day, free street festival with national and regional entertainment and parade on Sunday. The festival is on Aug. 17, 12-10 p.m. and Aug. 18, 12-6 p.m. The parade is on Aug. 18 from 1-3 p.m.

AUGUST 17 | 1-5 PM OFFICIAL CHARLOTTE PRIDE EVENT FLOURISH: A CELEBRATION OF LGBTQ ARTS & CULTURE Bechtler Museum of Modern Art 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 FREE facebook.com/events/493848951364354/.

A mini- arts festival within the larger Charlotte Pride Festival, Flourish showcases the talents of local LGBTQ artists — including local LGBTQ choral and other musical groups, dancers, theatre, spoken word, visual art and more. It is open from 1-5 p.m. on Aug. 17.

AUGUST 17 | 10 PM ZŪTOPIA JUST TWIRL PRIDE PARTY WORLD Nightclub 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28206 $25+ for General Admission, $40+ for VIP facebook.com/events/307026879943505/.

Just Twirl Events proudly presents ZŪTOPIA featuring International DJ/Producer Dan Slater. A portion of proceeds will benefit Twirl to the World Foundation, including one of this year’s beneficiaries, Charlotte Pride.

AUGUST 17 | 10 PM RAINBOWTOPIA Basement Nightclub Dilworth Neighborhood Grille 911 E. Morehead St, Charlotte , NC 28204 $15 advance, $20 door, 21+ facebook.com/events/2346494405614714/.

RAINBOWTOPIA is an annual girls’ party, featuring two stages of sound with national DJs, gogo dancers, party favors, giveaways, photo booth and more.

AUGUST 17 | 10 PM CHASERS CHARLOTTE PRIDE AFTER PARTY: CREEPSHOW FEATURING ABHORA Chasers Charlotte NoDa 3217 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 $15 facebook.com/events/383377212527811/.

The Creepshow, featuring Abhora of “Dragula” Season 2 and Priscilla Chambers of “Dragula” Season 3. Also appearing at the party is Vegas Van Dank and Misster, with special guests Lolita Van Dank, Reptilian Anderson Chambers and Pride Spotlight Performance by Skylar Michelle-Monet.

— Compiled by Charlotte Pride

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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Charlotte Pride highlights queer talent in 2019 Entertainers at This Year’s Festival Dish on Their Art and Community

T

he Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade is just around the corner — and with it comes an awesome line-up of entertainment on both the Wells Fargo main stage and Truliant Federal Credit Union community stage.

For the second year in a row, Charlotte Pride’s organizers have put an intentional focus on attracting entertainers who represent a broad and wide spectrum of the LGBTQ community. Like last year, the Wells Fargo Stage headliner is a member of the LGBTQ community, and so are the overwhelming majority of entertainers taking to the stage!

Charlotte Pride asked short Q&As with many of its entertainers this year. Hear from some of them below — including their thoughts on the LGBTQ community, their art and their inspirations. Want to read more from Charlotte Pride entertainers this year? Be sure to check out the new Charlotte Pride Magazine, distributed across the city right now, or visit charlottepride.org.

Betty Who Charlotte Pride: Especially important this year with the Stonewall 50th Anniversary, Pride festivals are the opportunities for LGBTQ folks to see themselves visible and proud of their identities. What does Pride mean to you?

Betty Who: Pride, to me, is about community. It’s about representation and seeing people who are living their lives authentically and proudly and being inspired by that and trying to bring more of that to your own life. We excite and inspire each other through the celebration of love and joy.

Can you talk about your identities and how they inform your music and your artistry?

My strangeness, my individuality, my bisexuality, my queerness... It’s all a huge part of what informs my art.

I want to tell inclusive stories as well as explore myself through art-making. Playing with different characterversions of myself through song and film have proved to be an amazing outlet for experimentation. It’s a really safe way for me to explore and discover parts of myself I didn’t even know were there.

Frequently, we see news stories about violence against trans women of color, discrimination from governmental and healthcare agencies toward trans and queer people, conversations of homelessness, and a huge array of obstacles facing our community. What do you believe are some of the most important issues facing our LGBTQ community that need more attention? What are some issues that you are personally most passionate about?

I think it’s important to not forget about those in our community who are still seeking representation, legislation and acceptance. Our fight is not over and we have so many more hearts and minds to change. We have to stick together and take care of each other. We’re all on the same

side and want the same thing — for everybody to be able to live as they choose, in whatever body they feel most at home in, with whatever partner makes them happy.

TT The Artist Especially important this year with the Stonewall 50th Anniversary, Pride festivals are the opportunities for LGBTQ folks to see themselves visible and proud of their identities. What does Pride mean to you?

TT: Pride is all about taking a chance and being unapologetically you! Every Pride festival brings people of all backgrounds together to celebrate and uplift the voices of the LGBTQ community.

Can you talk about your identities and how they inform your artistry?

My art and identity are influenced by culture and the people around me. When I am making my club music I like to think about who the song is for. It can range between delivering a vogue track for all the queens to serve the

runway with, or my own personal narratives.

What do you believe are some of the most important issues facing our LGBTQ community that need more attention? What are some issues that you are personally passionate about?

Homophobia and bullying are huge issues that many LGBTQ+ people face. The amount of people committing suicide, as well as murders and harm to the LGBTQ+ community, has always struck a deep place in my soul.

Through the arts and media, I think we can create resources and a universal language promoting tolerance, peace, understanding, unity and love to fight against these issues.

Courtney Lynn & Quinn Henderson What are you hoping audience members and event attendees take away from either your performance or the event as a whole?

Courtney Lynn: Oh, gosh. I feel like I could say a 150 different things for that question. I remember my first Pride festival. I wasn’t out yet. I wasn’t out to my friends or my family. Nobody. It was the first time I had ever gone and I was totally wrapped up in the love and the support.

Looking back, now being in a happy marriage, I think if there’s anything that I hope people get, it’s hope. We’ve come a long way as a community. There’s still, obviously, a lot to be done. But events like these are a nice moment to stop, to hope, to enjoy love and enjoy each other and feel supported.

Quinn Henderson: I hope that what we bring is a message from our music that shows the love that we have for one another as openly as we do. But not just that — also that we can show a younger generation that just because sometimes you can feel lost or alone in a world that can be scary, there are still people who will wrap you up in love and support. We want young people to know that it’s okay to be who you are and it’s okay to love who you love.

It’s okay to be open with yourself.

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Kristen Merlin

Kristin Collins, 2018 Ms. Charlotte Pride

What do you believe are some of the most important issues facing our LGBTQ community that need more attention? What are some issues that you are personally passionate about?

Kristen Merlin: The fight for LGBTQ rights in the United States has come a long way since the Stonewall uprising.

However, there is still a ways to go regarding discrimination with parenting, employment, housing, public accommodations, health care, criminal justice and our homeless youth.

An issue that I’m personally passionate about is the lack of equality in the country music establishment. I’ve been a part of this community for over a decade, yet I still feel that I’m kept in the shadows and looked at as a “risk” and that I don’t belong.

You’re an artist — and often in the spotlight. Visibility is a key component of Pride events. Why do you think visibility and awareness is important?

Change comes with numbers. The more of us that show up, the more we can have an impact for change. We can also become more visible by banding together and writing to our Senators and pleading that the Equality Act be passed.

What is your favorite “Pride anthem”?

Kristin Collins: “I Am What I Am” and “This Is My Life” speak to who I am. I’ve enjoyed them for years. However, more recently, “Love Wins” by Carrie Underwood has become my favorite. It speaks to the message I’ve wanted to deliver during my reign as Ms. Charlotte Pride.

When was it that you first starting doing drag, and why? What attracted you to the art form?

I first became interested in drag, while I was a theatre student at Western Carolina University, in the early ‘90s. I was attracted to the art form, because it allowed me to express myself creatively and in an arena that was accepting of it.

What are some lessons you’ve learned from doing drag?

I’ve learned a lot in the past 25 years as a drag performer. I’ve learned that competition brings out the worst in some and the best in others. I’ve learned that everyone has a place on the stage and that at the end of the day, we’re all here to make you smile, laugh and have a good time. Don’t take yourself so seriously and step away from the art form when it’s no longer fun. It’s okay to pull back and do a reboot.

What advice would you give to drag performers who want to get more involved in their community?

My advice is to look beyond your comfort zone, try something new, and use that to better yourself as an entertainer and as a community member. For me, I wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger. I took that statement and a charge to mentor younger entertainers and queer kids, volunteering with Time Out Youth and doing my part to make the LGBTQ community in Charlotte a better place.

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Queen City LGBTQ Events Fundraisers, Film Screenings, Entertainment and More!

February Human Rights Campaign Carolina Gala hrccarolina.org.

Annual HRC black-tie fundraiser.

March After Dark|Unlimited gmccharlotte.org.

Charlotte Gay Men’s Chorus’ annual gala fundraising bash.

April Reel Out Charlotte reelout.org.

An annual festival of established and up-andcoming LGBTQ films.

House of Mercy AIDS Walk thehouseofmercy.org.

Hosted annually in downtown Belmont, this fundraiser provides support for House of Mercy’s clients.

RAIN AIDS Walk carolinarain.org.

This annual HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising event is the largest of its kind in the Carolinas.

Speed Street 600festival.com.

Uptown Charlotte is transformed by this celebration of motor sports featuring endless entertainment on two stages and countless vendors.

Time Out Youth Gala timeoutyouth.org.

An evening of music, food and fun benefiting Time Out Youth Center. (Shifted from June to May)

June Taste of Charlotte tasteofcharlotte.com.

This foodie’s heaven event features a sampling of local culinary arts in Uptown Charlotte.

May

July

The Happening fftc.org/clgf.

Annual Charlotte Gay and Lesbian Fund luncheon.

Charlotte Black Gay Pride charlotteblackpride.org Annual event celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ community. Pride festivities, expos, town halls and events.

August

October

Charlotte Pride charlottepride.org.

Charlotte’s annual Pride festival takes Uptown Charlotte by storm. Latin Pride and Trans Pride (programs of Charlotte Pride) are also part of the annual event and have their own separate programming in addition to participating during the festival’s celebration.

OUTSpoken outspoken.uncc.edu.

UNC Charlotte’s annual LGBTQ speaker series.

Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade charlottepride.org/parade.

Community-wide event with bands, organizations, businesses, arts groups, politicians and more that march in Uptown Charlotte.

LGBT-Friendly College Fair campuspride.org.

Campus Pride hosts its regional LGBTQFriendly National College Fair in Charlotte.

Flourish Queer Arts Consortium facebook.com/events/493848951364354.

A “Festival within a festival,” Flourish showcases Charlotte’s rich LGBTQ arts and cultural community during Charlotte Pride.

September Festival in the Park festivalinthepark.org.

Annual arts festival overtakes Freedom Park.

November World AIDS Day Luncheon carolinarain.org A meal in tribute to the millions of people living with HIV or AIDS. Gay Bingo Charlotte carolinarain.org.

A wild, fun, outrageous costumes, song, dance, and totally unconventional fundraiser for RAIN.

[Editor’s Note: qnotes’ research into finding community events was only as good as what was available online and from other sources.

Should readers find errors and wish to send corrections to the list or want to have an event listed, email qnotes with “InFocus addition” in the subject line to editor@ goqnotes.com. qnotes wants to make these listings as accurate as possible to maintain integrity of the information provided.]

— Compiled by qnotes Staff

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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Local & Regional LGBTQ Community Resources Providing Support for All Compiled by Qnotes Staff

Advocacy

Carolina Center for Spiritual Awakening

ACLU of North Carolina acluofnorthcarolina.org.

Campus Pride

12125 Statesville Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078 980-292-1062 awakeningcarolina.org.

704-277-6710 campuspride.org.

Charlotte Atheists and Agnostics

Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Charlotte Buddhist Vihara

charlotteatheists.org.

clgbtcc.org.

Elder Law Clinic at Wake Forest University elder-clinic.law.wfu.edu.

3423 Stonehaven Dr. Charlotte, NC 28215 charlottebuddhistvihara.org.

First Christian Church

Equality North Carolina equalitync.org.

HRC Carolina

hrccarolina.org.

1200 East Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-3771 fcc-charlotte.org.

First Presbyterian Church

Mecklenburg Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Political Action Committee (MeckPAC) meckpac.org.

North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Attorneys

114 W. Main St. Lincolnton, NC 28092 704-735-8671 fpclincolnton.org.

First United Methodist Church

919-834-6861 ncgala.org.

501 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704-333-9081 charlottefirst.org.

North Carolina Transgender Unity

Havurat Tikvah

nctgunity.org.

The Freedom Center for Social Justice fcsj.org.

Safe Schools NC

2821 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC 28209 980-225-5330 havurattikvah.org.

Holy Covenant United Church of Christ

safeschoolsnc.com.

Arts

3501 W. WT Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28269 704-599-9810 holycovenantucc.org.

Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

atcharlotte.org.

Big Mammas House of Burlesque bigmammasproductions.com.

Charlotte Pride Band

1900 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205 704-377-5439 htlccharlotte.org.

Inclusion Community United Methodist Church

charlotteprideband.org.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte gmccharlotte.org.

One Voice Chorus

21209 Catawba Ave. Cornelius, NC 28031 inclusioncommunity.org.

Interfaith Equality Coalition

onevoicechorus.com.

facebook.com/InterfaithEqualityCoalition.

Queen City Theatre Company queencitytheatre.com.

M2M: Matters to Mission

ReelOut Charlotte

charlottepride.org/reelout.

The Evening Muse 3227 North Davidson St. Charlotte, NC 28205 m2mcharlotte.org.

Stephen Seay Productions

MeckMin

bit.ly/2aBpAuC.

Faith

3900 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC 28209 704-565-5455 meckmin.org.

Caldwell Presbyterian Church

MCC Charlotte

1609 E. Fifth St. Charlotte, NC 28204 704-334-0825 caldwellpresby.org.

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17121 Orr Rd. Charlotte, NC 28213 704-563-5810 mymcccharlotte.org.

Aug. 9-22, 2019

Missiongathering Charlotte 420 E. 15th St. Charlotte, NC 28206 704-412-4028 mgclt.com.

Myers Park Baptist Church 1900 Queens Rd. Charlotte, NC 28207 704-334-7232 mpbconline.org.

New Life MCC

New Life MCC Gastonia 1201 S. New Hope Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 704-334-0350 newlifemccnc.org.

Park Road Baptist Church 3900 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC 28209 704-523-5717 parkroadbaptist.org.

Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church

9704 Mallard Creek Rd. Charlotte, NC 28262 704-510-0008 puuc.org.

ReBirth Cathedral

2229 Village Lake Dr. Charlotte, NC 28212 980-819-2636 rebirthcathedral.org.

Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church 600 Seigle Ave. Charlotte, NC 28204 704-338-1914 seigleavenue.org.

Sacred Souls Community Church 2127 Eastway Dr. Charlotte, NC 28205 980-237-0260

sacredsoulscommunitychurch.org.

St. John’s Baptist Church 300 Hawthorne Ln. Charlotte, NC 28204 704-333-5428 stjohnsbaptistchurch.org.

St. Luke Baptist Church 1600 Norris Ave. Charlotte, NC 28206 704-375-9650 stlukembc.org.

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 1510 E. 7th St. Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-8441 stmartins-charlotte.org.

St. Peter’s Catholic Church

507 S. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704-332-2901 stpeterscatholic.org/index.php/communityoutreach/gaylesbian-ministry.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 115 W. 7th St.

Charlotte, NC 28202 704-332-7746 web.st-peters.org.

South Park Christian Church 6650 Park South Dr. Charlotte, NC 28210 704-554-1066 southparkchristian.net.

Temple Beth El

5101 Providence Rd. Charlotte, NC 28226 704-366-1948 templebethel.org.

Temple Or Olam

5300 Poplar Tent Rd. Concord, NC 28027 704-720-7577 or-olam.org.

Trinity United Church of Christ 38 Church St. N. Concord, NC 28025 704-782-1024 commachurch.com.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte 234 N. Sharon Amity Rd. Charlotte, NC 28211 704-366-8623 uuccharlotte.org.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lake Norman 484 Presbyterian Rd. Mooresville, NC 28115 704-765-6088 uulakenorman.org.

Unity Fellowship Church 2508 N. Davidson St. Charlotte, NC 28205 704-567-5007 ufccharlottenc.org.

Wedgewood Church

4800 Wedgewood Dr. Charlotte, NC 28210 704-523-6108 wedgewoodchurch.com.

HIV/AIDS Amity Medical Group

East Charlotte 6010 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28215 704-208-4134 South Charlotte 10508 Park Rd., Suite 130 Charlotte, NC 28210 704-208-4134 info@amitymed.org amitymed.org.

Carolinas Care Partnership 5855 Executive Center Dr. Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28212 704-531-2467 carolinascare.org.

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Hearts Beat as One Foundation 888-349-5558 heartsbeatone.org.

House of Mercy

304 McAuley Cir. Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-4711 thehouseofmercy.org.

Lake Norman Free Clinic 14230 Hunters Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078 704-316-6611 lnchc.org.

Mecklenburg County Health Department 704-336-6500 Southeast Campus 249 Billingsley Rd. Charlotte, NC 28211 Northwest Campus 2845 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216 bit.ly/2YKpXpN.

6010 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28215 704-208-4134 South Charlotte 10508 Park Rd., Suite 130 Charlotte, NC 28210 704-208-4134 info@amitymed.org amitymed.org.

Queen City Tennis Club

Youth

Stonewall Sports

CPCC Spectrum Club cpccspectrum.weebly.com/index.html.

Novant Health Midtown Family Medicine

alphapsikappa.org.

qctc.org.

bit.ly/2YDutWY.

Social & Support Alpha Psi Kappa Fraternity

facebook.com/groups/CPCCSpectrum.

LGBTQ Caucus

Davidson College gecampbell@davidson.edu.

Gender Equity Center

335 N. Caswell Rd. Charlotte, NC 28204 704-384-7980 rhett.brown@novanthealth.org nhmidtownfamilymedicine.org.

Carolina Bear Lodge carolinabears.org.

Johnson & Wales University jwu.edu/content.aspx?id=62480.

Carolina Transgender Society

GLoBAL

Planned Parent — Charlotte Health Center

Charlotte Black Gay Pride

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic 700 S. Torrence St. Charlotte, NC 28204 704-536-7233 bit.ly/2GIKJzV.

carolinatransgendersociety.com. charlotteblackgaypride.org.

Winthrop University winthrop.edu/studentorgs/default. aspx?id=6197.

Pride JWU

Charlotte H2Os

charlotteh2os.ning.com.

Johnson and Wales University facebook.com/pridejwu.

Charlotte Latin Pride

PRISM

charlottepride.org/latin.

LGBT young adults

103 Commerce Centre Dr., Suite 103 Huntersville, NC 28078 704-948-8582 321 West 11th St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704-948-8582 info@rosedaleid.com rosedaleid.com.

Charlotte Trans Pride

facebook.com/prismcharlotte

Philanthropy

Charlotte Tradesmen

charlottetradesmen.org.

facebook.com/safeatqueens.

601 E. 5th St., Ste. 470 Charlotte, NC 28202 704-372-7246 carolinarain.org.

Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund

Convergence Riders facebook.com/ConvergenceRiders.

Spectrum University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Rosedale Medical

Sports

PowerHouse Project

1420 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216 704-334-6076 powerhousecharlotte.org.

Quality Comprehensive Health Center 3552 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 704-394-8968 qhcsnc.org.

RAIN

103 Commerce Centre Dr., Suite 103 Huntersville, NC 28078 704-948-8582 321 West 11th St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704-948-8582 info@rosedaleid.com rosedaleid.com.

Urban Ministry Center 945 N. College St. Charlotte, NC 28206 704-347-0278 urbanministrycenter.org.

Medical Amity Medical Group East Charlotte

Rosedale Medical

704-973-4500 fftc.org/clgf.

Carolina Softball Alliance carolinasoftball.org.

Charlotte Front Runners charlottefrontrunners.com.

Charlotte Rainbowlers

charlotterainbowlers.com.

Charlotte Roller Girls

charlotterollergirls.com.

Charlotte Royals Rugby charlotteroyalsrugby.com.

One World Dragon Boat oneworlddragonboat.org.

charlottepride.org/trans.

Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce clgbtcc.org.

Charlotte Pride

charlottepride.org.

Genderlines

paige.dula@gmail.com.

PFLAG Charlotte pflagcharlotte.org.

Prime Timers of Charlotte

primetimersww.com/charlotte.

PRISM

prismcharlotte.org.

Queer People of Color Collective bit.ly/2YK7kCi.

prismcharlotte.wordpress.com.

Queers & Allies

Davidson College davidsonqanda.weebly.com. facebook.com/DavidsonQueersandAllies.

Safe

Queens University safequeensgsa.wordpress.com.

unccspectrum.wix.com/spectrum.

Time Out Youth Center 704-344-8335 timeoutyouth.org.

[Editor’s Note: qnotes’ research into finding community resources was only as good as what was available online and from other sources. Should readers find errors and wish to send corrections to the list or want to have a group listed, email qnotes with “InFocus addition” in the subject line to editor@ goqnotes.com. qnotes wants to make these listings as accurate as possible to maintain integrity of the information provided.]

Southern Country

southerncountrycharlotte.com.

Transcend Charlotte

transcendcharlotte.org.

Transgender Healthcare Group cthcg.org.

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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Gay bars and Clubs: A Look at Charlotte’s History Taking a Journey Back to the Bar Scene in the Queen City

BY David Aaron Moore & Camilla K. Cannon | QNotes CONTRIBUTING WRITERs

A

s a young gay man in Charlotte of the 1980s, I managed to snag a fake ID that was realistic enough to convince bar owners I was five years older than I actually was. The fact that I was over six feet tall came in handy, too. There’s something about height that implies age.

Beginning at the age of 16, I was able to gain entree into a number of Charlotte’s gay bars.

My first experience came at a center city nightspot known as The Odyssey, At the time it was located at the corner of Morehead and Tryon Sts. in what had previously been a restaurant and its regional corporate headquarters.

It wasn’t all that large, really, but sizable enough to offer three separate bars and a dance floor.

Downstairs was another gay bar known as the Brass Rail.

Standing outside and waiting in a line to the stairs that took you to where the Odyssey was, I heard other young gay men referring to the Brass Rail as “The Wrinkle Room,” indicating it was a place The Odyssey was a popular bar during the 1980s. (Photo Credit: Staff Archives) where mostly older gays congregated. Even then I thought their assessment seemed crass and own unique experiences — each defined by their own flippant, but I was initially so nervous I just stood in the personal life journey, location and time period. line quietly.

Here’s a look back at what qnotes was able to uncover I can still recall making my way past a door man and about Charlotte’s LGBTQ bar history. into the main dance and social area.

It is by no means complete, but through research and I watched as mostly young gay men and a handful conversation, we’ve been able to reconstruct some of that of lesbian couples, mixed in with a smattering of drag past. qnotes welcomes additional information and shared queens, danced without care to a popular song by openly stories in the comments section online. gay and cross dressing disco artist Sylvester.

While there was mention of a Charlotte “homosexual hotspot” found in the pages of a True Crime magazine When we’re out there dancin’ on that floor, darlin’ dating back to the 1950s, very little is known about the And I feel like I need some more community’s nightlife culture of that time. There has also And I feel your body close to mine been talk of a lesbian bar dating back to that same period, And I know, my love reportedly located on Wilkinson Blvd., though confirmaIt’s about that time tion and details have yet to be uncovered.

Make me feel, mighty real The first concrete evidence of social night clubs for Make me feel, mighty real gays and lesbians dates back to the 1960s with the openYooooooooo make me feel, mighty real ing of Oleens and the Scorpio Lounge on South Blvd., Yooooooooo make me feel, mighty real reportedly within months of each other. Oleens was reportedly a former service station and auto repair shop.

Lights flashed, clouds from dry ice created faux smoke Brafford became part-owner of the iconic Oleens in that filled the room and the happiness of perceived free1984 and went on to open a second Brass Rail in 1985 in dom was palpable. It was a magical moment. I felt I had West Charlotte after the original downtown bar closed. come home.

Not one to overlook the growing gay population in the Plaza-Midwood area, he opened Central Station in — David Aaron Moore 1998 after closing Oleens. Later came The Woodshed in 2001, when the city forced the bar out to redevelop the • • • • • property. That allowed him to capture patronage from the city as a whole and the surrounding metro area simply by The history of oppressed people is always fragmentary. virtue of its location: less than a few hundred feet from It often goes undocumented for fear of unintentionally Interstate Highway 85. It also had the distinctive history providing oppressors with information that could lead of being a former residence turned barbecue restaurant to unwanted trouble for those suffering under irrational (previously owned and operated by Charlotte’s late drag scrutiny and harassment. legend Boom Boom Latour). The Woodshed continues to Such is the case for much of Charlotte’s LGBTQ history operate today, prior to the 1980s.

But back to Oleens: it was a popular destination for Tens of thousands of gay, lesbian and transgender ingay men, lesbians and transgender individuals. In fact, dividuals around the country who came out at a young age it became one of the city’s most popular drag bars, and in the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties have their remained so for several years. The club closed its doors in

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1997 after nearly 30 years in the business. The building still stands and is now a Dunkin’ Donuts.

The Scorpio Lounge, as it was known at the time, was also popular among the same crowd, though it eventually moved to Freedom Dr. for a larger space in then-brand new digs. Now known simply as Scorpio, the club continues to operate at that same location after more than 50 years in the business.

While it still identifies as a gay specific nightspot, in recent years it has become increasingly popular with an accepting straight crowd, too.

Throughout the ‘70s multiple clubs came and went, among them Nikki’s Express (previously located in a long-since demolished building that once stood at the corner of Morehead St. and Kings Dr.) and 20th Century Fox, located in Center City.

The Odyssey began its life at some point in the late 1970s at the corner of Morehead and Tryon Sts. It later moved to a location on The Plaza at Eastway Dr., where it boasted drag performances, a massive dance floor that included faux snow, rain and fog machines, as well as dancer cages. It thrived throughout the first half of the ‘80s attracting a fashionable LGBTQ crowd, curious straight visitors looking to trip the light fantastic and a bevy of media attention for performers like Cher impersonator Kelly Allman and transgender show host Johanna Reis (later Vegas showgirl Johanna Steele).

After its closing later in the decade, another club came along to take its place: City Nights.

City Nights was as much a ground breaker as the Odyssey had been and brought in the city’s gay club elite en masse.

It took up residence in the old Visulite Theater on Elizabeth Ave., across the street from what was then known as Presbyterian Hospital. It wowed the crowds with a sophisticated dance floor and imported guest DJs. After just a few short years, it abruptly closed, with the owners ripping out the expensive light and sound system on their way out.

The full story about its demise remains a mystery, as does the fly-by-night relocation of its owners. They were never seen or heard from again and reportedly left behind a massive debt, as well as extensive damage to the building.

In conversation, Brafford has acknowledged there was, on occasion, criminal elements involved in both the city’s gay and straight club scenes.

Among the most sensational criminal incidents in LGBTQ bar history were the Scorpio fires. The first took place during the late 1970s and closed the club for more than a year.

It is thought the fire was set by criminal elements seeking protection racket money to keep the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police at bay. Scorpio was only one of several clubs burned (the others were all straight) throughout a multi-year period during the last half of the 1970s.

The second fire took place during the mid-1980s.

After the closing of the Odyssey, another new club opened at the corner of Freedom Dr. and Morehead St. called Charades.

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At the time it, along with City Nights, pulled crowds away from Scorpio in droves and was a huge sensation.

However, that only lasted for a brief time. Charades owners realized that Scorpio was reclaiming its clientele, so they hatched the plan to put an end to the club’s returning success.

Set in the early morning hours of a night when the business was closed, the damage from the second fire once again resulted in the closing of the club, leaving very little in the form of a dance club for the LGBTQ community to congregate at on the westside other than Charades.

Although details on how the determination was made are unclear, two owners and one employee of Charades were arrested, charged and convicted with setting the fire.

Eventually, all of them spent time in prison.

Needless to say, by decade’s end, Charades quickly faded into history and Scorpio had reopened.

As the bars battled it out in Charlotte, The Hide-AWay in Rock Hill, S.C. was getting the late night business.

Tucked away in the woods off the beaten path Hide-AWay was and still is a great laid back getaway.

The 1990s ushered in a completely different era for Charlotte’s gay bars. The city saw a trend begin to develop that had already taken place in cities like Atlanta and New York: the mixed club. Pterodactyl, Mythos, Park Elevator and Tonic were among many clubs that urged a co-mingling of both gay and straight.

Often referred to as cool clubs, fashion clubs and places to see and be seen, straight and gay generally dressed in their best alterna-clothing and engaged in intellectual conversation, casual dancing, creative networking and never-ending attempts to out-fabulous each other.

That’s not to say there wasn’t an atmosphere of sexuality or flirtation, it simply wasn’t as prevalent as what one might find in a standard gay club. Some of these clubs survived well into the first decade of the 2000s, though all have since closed.

Also opened in the 1990s were The Charlotte Eagle and Illusions. The Charlotte Eagle modeled after the Atlanta Eagle and the D.C. Eagle was a leather/fetish bar complete with a leather store and barber shop. It closed around 2009 or 2010 and the location is now home to Sidelines and Bar Argon.

Illusions, located on South Blvd. not far from South End, was a drag and dance bar that was opened for several years.

There were still additions to the gay specific club scene during that era that were tremendously successful, like Stonewall, which took over a building that was previously an Asian restaurant. Before its demolition, it was located in the lot next to the Westin Hotel in Center City Charlotte.

Its unique early 1970s architecture blended with a hint of of Pagoda made the two story building the perfect downtown dance club and a go-to attraction for both straight and gay, even though the owners made it clear it was gay territory. The same goes for another gay-specific club popular during the 1990s known as Genesis. It boasted several years of a successful run, as well. Both closed down near the turn of the 21st century.

It’s important to note that Charlotte boasted three lesbian-specific clubs during this same time. Garbo’s

Oleens brought people in to see drag shows and enjoy the laid back atmosphere. (Photo Credit: Staff Archives) was opened by members of the band Doubting Thomas.

Hartigan’s was an on-again, off-again straight, gay and lesbian club, but spent most of its thriving years as a popular destination intown for Charlotte’s lesbian crowd.

L4 was in a small building on Central Ave. easts of the Plaza-Midwood neighborhood. Now there is Hattie’s Tap & Tavern on The Plaza.

One bar has sustained an LGBTQ customer base over decades with a few name changes. First it was a bar/ restaurant named Amanda Rose, then Steven’s, Liaisons and now the popular Bar at 316. Another bar of note is Chaser’s. Opened as a male strip bar in 1991, it is still going strong. However, because of zoning laws, the strippers are a bit more tame.

While there were only a few complaints of racism at Charlotte gay bars (one at Scorpio in the early 1990s), it is clear that the city’s black gay population did not tend to frequent most of the mainstream gay bars.

“It wasn’t that I was made to feel unwelcome,” recalls Larry Sanders, an African-American gay male native to Charlotte.

“I just didn’t usually care too much for the music,” he laughs. “It was too...white.”

Sanders and many of his friends got their first taste of a gay club directed at a black clientele with Club Mixx, located at the corner of Wilkinson Blvd. and Morehead St., later moving to S. Tryon St. near Clanton Rd. While it remained active for a number of years, it soon closed,

leaving a vacuum that would not be filled until the opening of The Nickel Bar in Charlotte’s West End in 2009.

With the closing of The Nickel Bar earlier this year, owner Milton Howard has since opened Jewels on Beatties Ford Rd., less than 10 minutes away from Northlake Mall. Like The Nickel Bar, he wants the environment to be inclusive of everyone who wants to come.

Although detailed history may be lacking, many club names continue to linger on the tip of gay history’s lips.

What was once known as TAGS later became Manford’s and then Masquerade before closing. Other names like Dax, Cell Block, Closet, the Crystal Room, Cathode Azure, The Golden Cock, Road House, Spike’s, Twist and Shout, Marigny and Velocity are all a part of Charlotte’s gay nightlife history, though they are no longer with us.

Currently opened now are: Bar at 316, Chaser’s, Petra’s, The Scorpio, Sidelines, The Woodshed, Hattie’s Tap & Tavern, Bar Argon and The Hide-A-Way. While the Internet, cruising and dating apps, marriage equality and the largely positive attitude Americans now maintain toward LGBTQ citizens, it left many smaller towns and cities without a traditional LGBTQ watering hole. The bars and clubs that remain will keep doing what they always have: weathering storms and adapting to the changing face of the queer community in order to remain a place for congregation, family and solace. : :

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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Char-Meck Government Leadership City Council and Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners

By Camilla K. Cannon | QNotes CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Charlotte Mayor and City Council Mayor Viola Alexander Lyles Democrat Elected 2017; seeking re-election 2019 mayor@charlottenc.gov 704-336-2241 Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member at-Large Julie Eiselt Democrat Elected 2015; seeking re-election 2019 Committees: Transportation & Planning, Economic Development, Intergovernmental Relations 704-336-4099 julie.eiselt@charlottenc.gov At Large Dimple Ajmera Democrat Elected 2017; seeking re-election 2019 Committees: Intergovernmental Relations, Transportation and Planning, Well-Managed Government (Budget) 704-336-2777 dimple.ajmera@charlottenc.gov James Mitchell, Jr. Democrat Elected 2015; seeking re-election 2019 Committees: Economic Development (chair), Intergovernmental Relations 704-336-3430 james.mitchell@charlottenc.gov Braxton Winston Democrat

Elected 2017; seeking re-election 2019 Committees: Neighborhood Development (chair), Transportation & Planning 704-336-3185 braxton.winston@charlottenc.gov District 1 (Dilworth, Plaza-Midwood, Grier Heights, Freedom Park, Myers Park, Eastover, Elizabeth, Chantilly) Larken Egleston Democrat Elected 2017; seeking re-election 2019 Committees: Intergovernmental Relations (chair), Neighborhood Development 704-336-3433 larken.egleston@charlottenc.gov District 2 (Central Business District, Third and Fourth Wards, Wesley Heights) Dr. Justin Harlow Democrat Elected 2017; not seeking re-election Committee: Neighborhood Development (chair), Economic Development 704-336-6105 justin.harlow@charlottenc.gov District 3 (West Charlotte) LaWana Mayfield Democrat Elected 2011; seeking election for at-large councilmember 2019 Committees: Transportation & Planning (vice chair),

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners

Charlotte City Council: (left to right): Matt Newton, Tariq Bokhari, Gregory Phipps, LaWana Mayfield, Dimple Ajmera, James Mitchell, Mayor Vi Lyles, Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt, Braxton Winston, Ed Driggs, Justin Harlow and Larken Egleston. (Photo Credit: City of Charlotte)

Well-Managed Government (Budget), Intergovernmental Relations 704-336-3435 lmayfield@charlottenc.gov District 4 (northeast Charlotte, from The Plaza to the City Limits. I-85 North runs through) Gregory A. Phipps Democrat Elected 2013; not seeking re-election 2019 Committees: Well-Managed Government (Budget) (chair), Transportation & Planning 704-336-3436 gaphipps@charlottenc.gov District 5 (East Charlotte, near N Sharon Amity Rd., Albemarle Rd., Rama Rd., and Idlewild Rd.) Matt Newton Democrat Elected 2017; seeking re-election 2019 Committees: Economic Development, Neighborhood At Large Pat Cotham Democrat Elected 2014 980-314-2874 pat.cotham@mecklenburgcountync.gov Trevor M. Fuller Democrat Elected 2014 980-314-2871 trevor.fuller@mecklenburgcountync.gov Ella B. Scarborough Democrat Elected 2014 980-314-2879 ella.scarborough@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners: (left to right, front to back) Pat Cotham, Ellla B. Scarborough, Chair George Dunlap, Vice Chair Elaine Powell, Vilma D. Leake, Mark Jerrell, Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, Trevor M. Fuller and Susan B. Harden. (Photo Credit: Mecklenburg County) The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners are responsible for adopting the annual county budget, setting the county property tax rate and assessing and establishing priority of the many community needs, especially relating to health, education, welfare, mental health and

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Aug. 9-22, 2019

the environment. The board also makes appointments to citizen advisory committees.

Elections for the Board are held in November of even-numbered years. Six commissioners are elected by district and three are elected at large.

District 1 Elaine Powell, Vice Chair Democrat Elected 2018 980-314-2876 elaine.powell@mecklenburgcountync.gov District 2 Vilma D. Leake Democrat Elected 2008

Development 704-336-3432 matt.newton@charlottenc.gov District 6 (South Charlotte) Tariq Bokhari Republican Elected 2017; seeking re-election 2019 Committees: Intergovernmental Relations (chair), Well-Managed Government (Budget) 704-336-3431 tariq.bokhari@charlottenc.gov District 7 (Southeast Charlotte, along Highway 51) Edmund H. Driggs Republican Elected 2013; seeking re-election 2019 Committees: Well-Managed Government (Budget) (vice chair), Economic Development (vice chair), Neighborhood Development 704-432-7077 edriggs@charlottenc.gov 980-314-2875 vilma.leake@mecklenburgcountync.gov District 3 George Dunlap, Chairman of the Board Democrat Elected 2012 980-314-2873 george.dunlap@mecklenburgcountync.gov District 4 Mark Jerrell Democrat Elected 2018 980-314-2872 mark.jerell@mecklenburgcountync.gov District 5 Susan B. Harden Democrat Elected 2018 980-314-2877 susan.harden@mecklenburgcountync.gov District 6 Susan Rodriguez-McDowell Democrat Elected 2018 980-314-2878 susan.rodriguez-mcdowell@mecklenburg countync.gov

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Government 101

How the City of Charlotte Runs and Who Runs It

By Carlyle Addy | QNotes Contributor

C

harlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Charlotte metropolitan area is home to about 2.4 million people. In other words, running the city means making policy decisions that impact a lot of people.

The city’s website outlines 10 traits that the government wants to model in order to confront changing demographics and cultural trends, continuing to be a major U.S. city. Among these are an increase in affordable housing and being an inclusive community. Ideally, elected officials will further those goals.

The main official responsible for reaching those goals is City Manager Marcus D. Jones. Charlotte’s form of government leaves the city manager with the task of carrying out decisions made by the city council and the mayor, effectively making Jones the executive head of local government. The city manager is not an elected position, but the manager is appointed by the mayor and the city council.

The city’s mayor is a representative of the city at the state and federal level.

Officially, the mayor presides over city council meetings and official city ceremonies. The current mayor of Charlotte is Vi

Lyles, who is up for re-election on Nov. 5.

Lyles is the first African-American woman to be the mayor of Charlotte.

Running against Lyles in the Democratic primary are: • Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel, who has two degrees related to agriculture.

• Roderick Davis, who was also a mayoral candidate in 2015 and a city council candidate in 2017.

• Joel Odom, who is running on a platform involving economic growth and crime reduction.

• Lucille Puckett, who was a candidate for the N.C. House of Representatives in 2018 and a mayoral candidate in 2017.

There are no Republican candidates running for the office of mayor.

A majority of the legislative power in the city belongs to members of the city council.

Up this year are four at-large city council seats and a race for every district seat.

The at-large candidates for CIty Council are: • Incumbent Dimple Ajmera • Incumbent Julie Eiselt • Incumbent Braxton Winston • Incumbent James Mitchell • Jorge Millares • Former City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield

• F ormer State Senate candidate Chad Stachowicz There are four at-large seats on the city council, and the four winning candidates on Nov. 5 will take office.

Ajmera, Eiselt, Winston, Mitchell, Millares, Mayfield and Stachowicz are Democrats. There are no Republicans running at-large for city council.

The candidates for the seat for District 1 are: • Incumbent Larken Egleston • Sean Smith Smith and Egleston are Democrats.

There are no Republican candidates for this district.

The candidates for the seat for District 2 are: • Jeremy Arey • Jessica Davis • Antoinette (Toni) Green • Former State Sen. Malcolm Graham Arey, Davis, Green and Graham are Democrats. There are no Republican candidates for this district.

The candidates for the seat for District 3 are: • Terry Brown • Caleb Theodros • Victoria Watlington Brown, Theodros and Watlington are Democrats. There are no Republican candidates for this district.

The candidates for the seat for District 4 are: • Richmond Baker • Gabriel (Gabe) Cartagena • Charlene Henderson El • Renee Perkins Johnson • Charles Robinson • Sean Thompson Baker, Cartagena, Henderson El, Johnson, Robinson and Thompson are Democrats. There are no Republican candidates for this district.

The candidates for the seat for District 5 are: • Incumbent Matt Newton • Former city council candidate Vinroy Reid • Mark Vincent Newton, Reid and Vincent are Democrats. There are no Republican candidates for this district.

The candidates for the seat for District 6 are: • Incumbent Tariq Bohkari • Co-president of Charlotte Women’s March Gina Navarette Bohkari is a Republican. Navarette is a Democrat.

The candidates for the seat for District 7 are: • Incumbent Edmund Driggs • Victoria Nwasike Driggs and Nwasike are Republicans.

There are no Democratic candidates for this district. : :

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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Charlotte’s Ballot Box Upcoming Special Elections and Primaries

By Camilla K. Cannon | QNotes CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Sept. 10, a primary election for the offices of mayor and city council will take place in Charlotte, N.C. A primary runoff is scheduled for Oct. 8 should the need arise. The city’s general election for mayor, and city council will take place on Nov. 5.

Also on Sept. 10 will be the special election for North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. The special election was initiated following allegations of absentee ballot fraud during the 2018 race.

A list of the individuals running for each office can be found below. To register to vote and find your polling place, visit vote.org. To verify your registration status, visit mecknc.gov/BOE. •••

Joel Odom, Democrat Joelodomforcharlotte.com.

Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel, Democrat seetigressrun.com.

••• City Council

Sean Smith, Democrat Seanforcharlotte.com.

••• District 2 (Central Business District, Third and Fourth Wards, Wesley Heights) Jessica C. Davis, Democrat jessicadavisfordistrict2@gmail.com.

At-Large Dimple Ajmera, Democrat Dimpleajmera.com.

Julie Eiselt, Democrat votejulieeiselt@gmail.com.

Malcolm Graham, Democrat m.graham.12@aol.co.

Antoinette (Toni) Green votegreenfordistrict2@gmail.com.

Jacob Robinson, Republican robinsonjn22@gmail.com.

Charlene Henderson facebook.com/charlene4charlotte.

Renee Perkins Johnson reneeperkinsjohnson.com.

Brandon Pierce, Republican Votebrandonpierce.com.

Charles Robinson electcharlesrobinson.com.

••• District 5 (East Charlotte, near N. Sharon Amity Rd., Albemarle Rd., Rama Rd., and Idlewild Rd.) Matt Newton, Democrat (incumbent) mattnewtonfor5.com.

9th Congressional District

Jorge Millares, Democrat Jorge4clt.com.

Dan Bishop, Republican votedanbishop.com.

James (Smuggie) Mitchell, Democrat Jamesworks4clt.com.

District 3 (West Charlotte)

Vinroy Washington Reid, Democrat vinroyreid8@gmail.com.

Dan McCready, Democrat danmccready.com.

Joshua Richardson, Republican pwforcharlotte.com.

Terry Brown, Democrat voteterrybrown.com.

Mark L. Vincent, Democrat mvincen123@gmail.com.

Allen Smith, Green Party allenforcongress.com.

LaWana Slack-Mayfield, Democrat Votelawanamayfield.com.

Caleb Theodros, Democrat calebnc.com.

Jeff Scott, Libertarian jeffscottforcongress.com.

Chad Stachowicz, Democrat cs@chadforclt.com.

Victoria Watlington, Democrat winwithwatlington.com.

•••

Braxton David Winston II, Democrat Votebraxton.com.

Mayor Roderick Davis, Democrat roderickdavis.com.

Vi Lyles, Democrat (Incumbent) vilyles.com.

David Michael Rice, Republican kingdavid28205@gmail.com.

••• District 1 (Dilworth, Plaza-Midwood, Grier Heights, Freedom Park, Myers Park, Eastover, Elizabeth, Chantilly) Larken Egleston, Democrat (incumbent) Votelarken.com.

•••

••• District 4 (Northeast Charlotte, from The Plaza to the city limits. I-85 North runs through)

••• District 6 (South Charlotte) Tariq Scott Bokhari, Republican (incumbent) Tariqscottbokhari.com.

Gina Navarette, Democrat facebook.com/ginaforcitycouncil.

•••

Richmond V. Baker, Democrat richmondbaker.com.

District 7 (Southeast Charlotte, along Hwy. 51)

Gabriel (Gabe) Cartagena facebook.com/gabeincharlotte.

Ed Driggs, Republican (incumbent) edriggs.com.

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

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news News Briefs

continued from page 4 application process from local charities to be a beneficiary from monies raised. Three recipients will be selected to receive funds.

The event is comparable to The Spartan Race, Tough Muddler and Susan G. Komen Walk/ Run and is open to all age groups.

info: stonewallrainbowrun.org.

GBO Pride fest upcoming

Greensboro Pride will take place on Sept.

15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., along S. Elm St. in Downtown Greensboro between E. Market St and Smothers Place. Presenting sponsor is Ralph Lauren. Leading up to the event will be a volunteer social on Aug. 25 and a Dinner With the Queens on Sept. 9. The organization is currently accepting applications for entertainers, vendors, sponsors and volunteers. Additionally, Green Queen Bingo will have its quarterly event on Sept. 13 at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex to benefit both Greensboro Pride and the Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center.

info: greensboropride.org. guilfordgreenfoundaiton.org.

Republican officiates same-sex wedding

Virginia Republican Congressman Denver Riggleman has officiated a same-sex wedding despite his party’s platform, RVA reported.

The party vote to censure him failed in getting the necessary backing. Riggleman has maintained a hands-off approach to marriage equality. After the wedding, he shared with the Washington Post, “My real belief is that government shouldn’t be involved in marriage at all, but if it is, everybody has to be treated equally before the law.”

to creating a great workplace environment, supporting our community, and leading with fairness,” Page stated.

info: bit.ly/2GNrbu4.

Woman fights for trans prisoner rights

The Associate Press reported that transgender Deon “Strawberry” Hampton of Chicago, Ill. was recently released from prison and will continue to fight for the rights of transgender inmates. Hampton underwent abuses, sexual assault, taunting and beating while incarcerated in a men’s prison. She was later moved to a women’s prison to avoid these actions.

info: bit.ly/2YDz6Ah.

NCAAP votes thumbs up for resolutions

On July 23, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) voted unanimously on three pro-LGBTQ resolutions with far reaching impact on their 2,000+ units/chapters across the country.

The NAACP was a champion for marriage equality and remains a strong advocate for the Equality Act and is now taking action to do deeper work with their units and chapters to invoke change locally. The resolutions marked the next chapter in the NAACP’s support for the LGBTQ community and are: ending murders and violence against transgender women and supporting the transgender community, prevention and earlier detection of HIV virus, and inclusion of LGBTQ diversity and sensitivity training for units/chapters.

info: naacp.org.

info: bit.ly/2YMeYME.

Upstate gets first youth center

Spartanburg PFLAG and Fernwood Baptist Church are establishing their LGBTQ Uplift Outreach Youth Center at the church. The space will serve as a safe, judgment-free zone.

It opens on Aug. 27 on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m. PFLAG is now searching for volunteers to serve as supervisors for the youth participants. They must pass a SLED check, WSPA reported. Now funds are being raised to build a facility in the next five years.

info: bit.ly/2YG8sH1. pflagspartanburg.org. fernwoodchurch.org.

ENC set for 40th anniversary

Equality North Carolina will welcome LGBTQ leaders from across the state when the organization celebrates its 40th anniversary with a gala at The Cookery in Durham, N.C. Founders will be honored during the festivities. Starting in 1979 at the NC Human Rights Fund, it provided legal assistance to gays and lesbians facings discriminatory enforcement of the Crime Against Nature Law. The gala will be catered by James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in America’s Ashley Christensen. The chef is from Raleigh, N.C. and is a member of the LGBTQ community.

She has been a staunch advocate for equality. Tickets for the gala are available online.

info: equalitync.org.

Page speaks out for LGBTQ protections LGBTQ community member Bob Page, founder and CEO of Replacements, Ltd., shared in a guest commentary in the Winston-Salem Journal that companies are stronger when they protect LGBTQ workers from discrimination. He has spent years defending LGBTQ individuals’ rights. “As I built my company from the ground up, I wanted to be sure that we were always committed

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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life

Pride Journey — Providence, Rhode Island Queer Travelogue: Plenty of Fun in the Nation’s Smallest State

BY Joey Amato | Guest WRITER

B

eing a proud gay journalist, I’ve travelled to dozens of Pride events around the world. From São Paulo, Brazil to Nashville, Tenn., I’ve seen just about everything. But, the one thing I had never seen was a night-time parade.

That all changed in Providence. Yes… Providence, R.I.!

I was thoroughly impressed by the scope and attendance of this Pride festivity called Illuminated Night Parade, part of Rhode Island Pride Fest. The over two-hour parade dazzled spectators with dozens of floats from the traditional to over-the-top masterpieces, most notably the recreation of the Stonewall Inn, which closed out the parade.

Just as the sun set over downtown Providence, the parade began, with floats decked out in lights, glitter and lots of color. Hundreds of people marched in the parade, which continues to grow each year.

From age 5 to 75, the people of Rhode Island came out in full force to show their support for the LGBTQ community.

Some of the most memorable participants in the parade included Youth Pride and Proud Moms & Dads who held signs offering free hugs.

After the parade, it seemed like the entire crowd headed to Ego, a nightclub

Providence, R.I, goes all out for Pride festivals and shows its support along its streets and thoroughfares. (Photo Credit: GoProvidence) which organizes a massive block party every year, ironically called Massive. This year the celebration was brought to new heights with DJ Nina Flowers and Alex Acosta at the turntables. Thousands of people lined the street and partied to amazing music and a spectacular laser light show. I never would have known this type of event would take place in Providence.

Block parties are apparently a thing here, as the night prior, many of the

other gay bars in the city including Stable, Dark Lady, Alley Cat and The Eagle all threw block parties of their own during the weekend-long celebration. The Dark Lady/Alley Cat party was headlined by musical group Exposé, which brought me back to my teen years. I may have shed a bit of a tear when they sang “I’ll Never Get Over You,” which they dedicated to Chris Harris, one of the pillars of the Providence LGBTQ community who re-

cently passed away and was an honorary Grand Marshall of the parade.

My host hotel for the weekend was the beautiful Omni Hotel, and everywhere I turned there were rainbow flags, glitter and scores of LGBTQ people in the lobby gathering with friends. It was wonderful to see a city of its size have such a large celebration that brings in visitors from around the region.

I continued the Pride celebration at The Official Rhode Island Pride Drag Brunch, which was held at The Graduate hotel. The festive brunch was hosted by Miss Gay Rhode Island 2019, Pulp and Mr. Gay Rhode Island 2019, Bret Jacob and featured performances by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” All Stars 4 alumni Jasmine Masters, Jaqueline DiMera, Kira Stone, Onyx, Assa Sination and Complete Destruction. A big shout out to Rhode Island Pride president Joe Lazzerini and his team for organizing a truly incredible festival.

In addition to being an extremely gay-friendly city, Providence also has a bustling foodie scene, so head to Yoleni’s, a wonderful Greek-inspired eatery and market which serves delicious sandwiches, aromatic coffee and freshly squeezed juices. My favorite item on the menu was the authentic Greek yogurt, which is offered in a variety of flavors. You can also choose from over a dozen toppings. I, of course, opted for rainbow sprinkles.

Another restaurant worth visiting is Rosalina (Yoleni’s sister restaurant). A truly authentic Italian experience, I was drawn to the Caprese salad prepared with burrata cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil and olive oil, with rolled slices of prosciutto de Parma.

The cheese simply melts in your mouth and the pairing of the prosciutto is delectable. I could have made this my meal.

Not too far away is Sarto, an Italian Osteria and Salumeria that offers a creative and modern take on rustic Italian fare. While there, I enjoyed the Pan Roasted Skate, which was served with Green Almond Salsa Verde, Charred Lemon and Riso Nero. The skate was cooked perfectly, and the portion size was enough to feed two people. Providence doesn’t lack Italian eateries, and the ones I had an opportunity to visit on this trip were unique and delicious.

Since the focus of my trip was centered around Rhode Island Pride, I didn’t have a ton of time to explore many of the city’s neighborhoods and attractions like I normally do. However, I did have a chance to visit the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which was constructed to honor the 1,727 Rhode Islanders who gave their lives in the Civil War. There is so much more to explore in Providence as well as the rest of Rhode Island, so I guess that means I need to go back for an extended visit.

Enjoy the Journey! : : Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, a website dedicated to LGBTQ travel. He has spent over a decade in LGBTQ media and public relations and currently resides in Indianapolis, Ind. He can be reached at joey@pridejourneys.com.

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a&e

‘Rainbow Warrior: My Life in Color’ Out in Print

BY terri schlichenmeyer | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Author and LGBTQ rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker proudly poses with a sea of color.

(Photo Credit: Mark Maxwell) “Rainbow Warrior: My Life in Color”

by Gilbert Baker ©2019 Chicago Review Press $26.99 256 pages At its most basic, it’s just a piece of cloth.

A nice poly-blend, perhaps, or a hank of nylon in a fade-resistant color. There are holes in one end to fasten to a pole or rope, but it’s otherwise just a piece of cloth. Yet, people have died for it and, as in the new book “Rainbow Warrior” by Gilbert Baker, that flag could be the fabric of revolution.

Even as a small child, Gilbert Baker knew that he was gay.

He grew up in Kansas, a child who loved to draw, create, wear fancy dresses and dream of being an artist. Alas, art wasn’t a career in his parents’ eyes, so Baker, as a young man, lied about his gayness and enlisted in the Army, where he quickly realized that he was in for years of abuse (at best) or Vietnam (at worst). He “lived in terror” before filing as a conscientious objector; the Army instead listed him as a medic and sent him to San Francisco.

It was the perfect accidental gift.

“When I got to San Francisco,” he said, “I knew I wasn’t ever going back to Kansas.”

Five days a week, Baker worked in an Army laboratory; the rest of the time was his to fall in love, explore his new city and work on his sewing skills. Stitching became an obsession and by 1977, he was making costumes and banners for demonstra-

tions. When he was asked to make something special for the city’s Gay Freedom Day Parade of 1978, he thought about the rainbow as a flag, and dived right in.

While that first flag was a big hit, Baker writes that the symbol didn’t take off quite as much as he’d hoped. Still, it was present in every “street activists” event he was part of, at every parade and protest. “One pair of scissors” and a mile of fabric could “change the whole dynamic,” he wrote later. It was “a pure act of rebellion…”

“Rainbow Warrior” was compiled from several manuscripts that the late author Gilbert Baker left after his death in 2017, a fact that would have been helpful to have, early-on. You’ll be more forgiving of the overly-florid prose, knowing that.

Aside from that annoyance — one appearing throughout the book — readers may also notice a bit of pretentiousness, lot of snarky fighting, endless drugs and getting naked in Baker’s narrative, which is likewise forgivable because much of it takes place post-Stonewall, post-Summerof-Love, pre-AIDS. And thus is the appeal here.

Baker was one of the more ferociously involved protesters, by his own account, and his anecdotes are priceless. He gives readers a good first-person look at early efforts for gay rights, and eye-opening, sometimes jaw-dropping, behind-thescenes peeks at life as a young gay man during an uprising. It’s a lively, outrageous look at outrage, in an account that seems not to have held one thing back. That makes “Rainbow Warrior” readable and entertaining and, despite its overly-ornate verbosity, a good look at revolution cut from a different cloth. : :

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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life

Fat is not fab

Health & Wellness: Fat Acceptance Is a Morbid Idea

BY Jack Kirven | qnotes contributor

F

who would shame her for being herself. She or many years I would cheer and concelebrates the idea that all sorts of people can gratulate people when they would say be attractive. I love that. I agree. It’s a great something along the lines of, “I’m fat, but I message. However… love myself as I am. And anyone who doesn’t Lizzo, and many other fat famous people, agree isn’t my friend!” Or there’s also this selftend to justify their self love within the padefeating gem: “It’s just how I am. Genetics rameters of humor or sassiness. And what is blah blah blah…” I am all about personal emthat? It’s an inverted fat joke, and how is that powerment, and given my own struggles with actually helpful or healthy? How is it embody image, I am certainly not trying to body powering to be huge and knowingly eat crap shame anyone. However, it has gone too far. food in a music video while simultaneously I was right there nodding my head in apacknowledging to some degree that it’s oddly proval when shampoo commercials started repulsive and needs to be softened with featuring “plus size” models. I was proud whimsy? But the moment that gave me a viswhen the magazines (which had been teachceral response? When umpteen huge women ing us all terrible body image ideals all along) in ridiculously small shorts (so, it’s now equal suddenly “woke up,” and realized that “real” opportunity sexual objectification?) formed a people are beautiful, too. So… the same circle around Lizzo and started twerking. publications that didn’t know what they were Appalling. talking about when they were pushing evNot because these women were celebrateryone to be skinny and/or ripped are now ing themselves. Not that they want to be being celebrated for pushing another false attractive. Not that they want to dance and narrative? The narrative that you should be be happy. But because they are feeding into exactly as you are? What if exactly as you are the utterly false narrative that their weight is is as terrible for your health as what they Accepting how one looks when issues of obesity are at stake is not always the healthy way to normal. It is not. “I was born this way!” Bitch, were serving before? We celebrate that flip approach life. Being overweight impacts the quality of life of a person. And, it can lead to an no you weren’t! You didn’t pop out of your as enlightenment or liberation? early death, all of which can be avoided. mama weighing as much as two or three First and foremost, I am not suggesting babies. Miss me with that nonsense. everyone should be thin. I’m not suggesting There is a famous Buddhist mantra that not use euphemisms here. A fat person isn’t cushioned, everyone should be fit. I’m not suggesting has been misquoted so much that it no longer means plus sized, curvy, thick, cuddly or pleasantly plump. A fat everyone who isn’t is ugly, stupid, dirty, bad or immoral. anything. The first half is, “You are perfect as you are.” And person is fat. This coddling has already been done too I’m not suggesting fat people should be bullied, harassed, people conveniently stop there. The full quote is, “You are much, and it has created a normalizing effect that really ignored, ridiculed or humiliated. I’m not suggesting fat perfect as you are, and you can be better.” That isn’t so needs to be questioned and challenged. people should be ashamed of themselves. What I am sugsweet, but it’s far more empowering. In its full form this This does not mean I blame people for being fat, or gesting is that everyone should be below morbid obesity. means that you are deserving of every goodness, joy, and that I think they are failures by default. Far from it. I have And if that’s too much to ask, then standards have sunk so success. You are a sentient being full of light, love and talexplained to many people that we are being sabotaged by low that we deserve the healthcare disaster to come. ent. And you also have room to improve yourself with eduthe food industry.

But first, let’s take a moment to define fat. When I say cation, relationships, adventures, and hard-won wisdom.

They pump “food” full of chemicals to rev up our ap“fat,” I don’t mean a man with up to 25 percent body fat, or No, it is not healthy, helpful, empowering, desirable, petites, then pump it full of other substances that block a woman up to 35 percent. That is the upper edge of oversmart or kind to feed into the idea that fat is fab. It is not. our ability to feel full. They include massive amounts of weight, and it would be ideal for that man to be between 10 Accepting it from others, or promoting it yourself, means sugar in practically everything, so that our pleasure and percent-20 percent (or the woman to be 20 percent-30 peryou are contributing to the idea that expecting someone reward responses are constantly innervated, perhaps cent). The problem is when a man slips past 25 percent, or to take care of themself is an insult or inconvenience. And to the point of addiction. And then they make up stua woman edges up above 35 percent. After that, a person is how are you helping then? Of 350 million Americans, 70 pid theories like the famine mode to encourage health fat. What’s more, when a man gets above 30 percent body percent are fat (245 million people). If you wouldn’t cheer conscious people to come back into the fold by eating so fat (and a woman gets above 40 percent), that individual and celebrate when someone starves themself to death frequently (six times a day??? REALLY??) that their insulin is obese. And what is even more alarming is when a man with one eating disorder, why would you do it when they responses become constantly elevated. Add to this all edges past 40 percent (or a woman slides past 50 percent), are engorging themselves to death? : : the fat-storing hormones released by the fight or flight and then lands right into morbid obesity. Look at that response to stress, as well as sedentary jobs, and what term: Morbid obesity. That which is morbid, by definition, Jack Kirven completed the MFA in Dance at UCLA, and earned would anyone expect to happen? is associated with the unpleasant or abnormal, especially certification as a personal trainer through NASM. His wellness The final straw for me was the new video by Lizzo, “Tempo.” concerning disease and death. And that is very specifically philosophy is founded upon integrated lifestyles as opI fell in love with her the moment I heard her for the first what obesity creates in the body: Morbidity. posed to isolated workouts. Visit him at jackkirven.com and time. Her sense of confidence was inspiring. Her accepThere is not a single situation I can think of wherein INTEGRE8Twellness.com. tance of herself was admirable. She speaks truth to people someone’s health is improved by being fat. And no, I will

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a&e

10 Questions with Vic: Featuring Felix Maritaud French Film Star

By Vic Gerami | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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udiences were still talking about Felix Maritaud’s performance in the 2017 hit French film, “120 Beats Per Minute,” about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 1990s France, when another critically acclaimed film, “Sauvage” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Felix, hailed as the top leading man of French cinema gives an outstanding performance as a Strasbourg street hustler in director Camille VidalNaquet’s film. In the film, Maritaud alternates between walking the streets with a rock-star smirk — and surrendering himself to moments of deep tenderness.

I interviewed Felix on the phone while he was driving to the premiere of the film in New York City.

You have been in several highly successful and critically acclaimed films back to back. Do you feel on top of the world?

That’s really not my goal. I trust that my honesty and my work have been moving that many people and that they’ve been touched by what I am doing. I feel exactly the way as before. Just that now, I have more possibilities. I don’t feel on the top of the world at all.

What gravitated you to the character of “Leo” in “Sauvage?”

The main reason is that I never met someone like him in my life.

Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?

I think that the director has made many research, but my character is a

night character, for the prostitution. I wanted to keep him like a virgin, a virgin sensation who goes through these situations.

cal or sociological.

With the risk of sounding presumptuous, does Hollywood seem appealing to you?

You know what is attractive to me is artists that work in the profession, so that can be applied anywhere in the world.

Are there any directors and/or actors that you would like to work with that you haven’t done so yet?

I am wishing to make movies with people about courage and change.

How about your fans? What is their feedback?

I decided in my life to focus on what I’m doing with my own, and if this makes people happy, then I’m proud of it.

Are there any charities or causes that are special to you?

I like to create safe spaces where people can be themselves.

Do you have any upcoming projects?

I have many plans; I shoot a film in English at the end of the year for an Australian director.

Tell me a secret- a good one.

I was an Altar Boy. : :

Felix Maritaud in a scene from ‘Sauvage.’ (Photo Credit: film still)

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What did you try to avoid in creating the character?

I didn’t want to make it psychologi-

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When In Rome Do As The Romans Do Tell Trinity

BY Trinity | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Hello Trinity, Recently, I moved in with my father and his new wife. But she wants me to be quiet about being gay. She’s afraid she will lose custody of her grandchildren because a gay man is living in her house. I told her it won’t happen. It’s against the law. Unfortunately, I don’t have a job or the money to move. What should I do?

Upset & Depressed, Billings, MT Hello Upset, You’ve the right to be upset. It’s awful being closeted. BUT if you choose to live in their house, then you must live under their rules. She’s not so awful for wanting to protect her grandchildren. And if she’s afraid it will end up in court, or even if she’s making the whole thing up, it’s her house! When you have your own house you can make the rules up too. For now, get a job, save your money and get out ASAP! Oh, and, pumpkin, give yourself a pat on the back for being able to make adult compromises in tough situations.

Hugs, Trinity

having lots of sex, and I’m falling in love. But he doesn’t want to get serious or even call it dating. Am I going to need a heart transplant in the end?

Thanks, Falling Hard From Just Sex, Atlanta, GA, Dearest Falling Hard, If you’re falling in love when he wants you to just enjoy a sexual relationship with him, then you’re a healthy man in a

qonexions

Dear Avid Reader, It’s taken me years of research to find just the right moment to kill, I mean end, a relationship. So, honey, here are:

Trinity’s Final Tips For (TRM) “The Right Moment” To File For Divorce

1. With a bouquet of flowers and tickets for a cruise, you throw open the door to find him on top of… your best friend. TRM! 2. Your entire family has flown in for your wedding, and guess who comes stumbling drunk up the aisle?

TRM! 3. He suddenly announces, “I’m fasting from sex for six months, and my mother is moving in.” TRM! 4. After two months of dieting, liposuc-

Dearest Trinity, I met a guy who is new to gay life. We’re

qomunity

world where many men have a “fear of D-A-T-I-N-G.” This is life, and the situation you chose to get into. For now, enjoy the moment, but heed his warning that he’s “not ready,” period! And when you’ve had enough, enjoy your “I’ve had enough” moment as well. Otherwise, sweetie, you may want to start shopping for a new heart. (But don’t run away scared like my cartoon shows. Be brave!)

Love, Trinity Dear Trinity, Not too long ago you did a Trinity’s Tips for “the wrong moment” to end a relationship. What about “the right moment” to get out of one?”

Yours, Avid Reader, Seattle, WA

tion and getting off antidepressants, she reminds you, “You’re still an overweight mess who’ll never be happy.”

TRM! 5. Your partner of five years says, “Either change everything you do, or I’m leaving!” TRM! 6. Not only has he been a lunatic from the steroids, the gym and his sleep schedule, now he insists on replacing all “our” meals with protein drinks.

TRM! 7. Your friends are around the piano singing happy birthday to you, when your partner starts screaming (again), “Why is it always about you!” TRM! 8. You give up your great job, move to his country and change your last name to his. But now he wants you to give up all ties to your (very large) family! TRM! 9. While on a business trip, you call and call, but no answer. Finally, your neighbor calls to say, her husband has left her… for yours. TRM! 10. A fter five years of working on your Ph.D., you’re finally two days away.

But he gets jealous, destroys your computer, yelling, “Your career is always more important than me!”

TRM! : : 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, Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! Learn more at telltrinity.com.

Send emails to: trinity@telltrinity.com.

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

Aug. 9-22, 2019

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events Aug. 9-30 Architecture of the Immaterial LaCa Projects

1429 Bryant St., Charlotte Times Vary Latin American Contemporary Art (LaCa) Projects presents Architecture of the Immaterial, a collective exhibition featuring six prominent artists of Latin American origin.

Gallery times and ticket information can be found online. lacaprojects.com.

August 9 Queen City Anime Convention

Charlotte Sheraton Hotel 555 S McDowell St., Charlotte 5 p.m.

This three-day event celebrating the world of anime features a cosplay contest, vendors, fan programming, and video game contests. Children’s tickets are free and adult passes start at $30. Day and weekend passes are available online. queencityanimecon.com.

August 10 Comunidad Colectiva Community Yard Sale Fundraiser

Oakhurst Common Market 4420 Monroe Rd., Charlotte This community yard sale will benefit Comunidad Colectiva, an immigration advocacy organization in Charlotte that fights to keep families together. Those looking to donate are asked to drop items off at 6769 Albemarle Rd., Suite B by Aug. 8. Additional information can be found online. bit.ly/2OoxUkr.

August 10 City of Immigrants 5k

Latin American Coalition 4938 Central Ave., Charlotte 6-9 p.m.

Charlotte’s Latin American Coalition hosts a run through the beautiful Plaza Midwood neighborhood in support of Charlotte’s immigrant communities. All proceeds will benefit Latin American Coalition’s Immigrant Welcome Center, which provides language specific, culturally attuned programs and services to Latinx families seeking crisis intervention, access to resources and capacity building opportunities. Registration closes July 31 and is available online. cltcityofimmigrants.org.

August 11 Sunday Funday with Jaymes Mansfield

The Comedy Zone 211 N. Main St., Greenville S.C. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Drag superstar Jaymes Mansfield presents two wig-snatching shows spreading love, fabulousness and glitter. bit.ly/2MbTSnU.

August 13-14 ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Queens University 1900 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte Times Vary The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents an retelling of Shakespeare’s classic play. The production will serve as the inagural play in a planned annual “Shakespeare in the Park” festival taking place on the campus of Queens University.

Admission is free and attendees are welcome to bring blankets, picnic food and, for those over 21, beer and wine. A full schedule of performances is available online. atcharlotte.org/midsummer.

August 13 Pride: Commemorating 50 Years of Progress

Hosted by Capco, this event will bring together leaders and supporters in the professional LGBTQ community that have served as change agents. It features Kimberly Melton (keynote speaker), Scott Mealus, Matt Singleton, Bobby Wilkinson

Queer southern comic Fortune Feimster holds a live taping for an upcoming comedy release at the McGlohon Theater. Tickets start at $20 and are available online. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St., Charlotte. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. bit.ly/2YvcyFU.

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Submit your events: editor@goqnotes.com

and Joshua Carlile (moderator).

Free admission, but registration is required in advance. bit.ly/2YJbREU.

August 15-18 NC Gay + Lesbian Film Festival 2019

The Carolina Theatre 309 W. Morgan St., Durham Various Times The Carolina Theatre’s 24th Annual North Carolina Gay + Lesbian Film is among the largest gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer-centric film festivals in the U.S. It has attracted hundreds of thousands of filmmakers, artists and guests to the Carolina Theatre over more than two decades.

Discover Durham named NCGLFF a Signature Event for Durham, the highest honor bestowed on a cultural event or attraction by the city’s marketing agency. Visit the website for films being featured.

Tickets and Ten-Passes are on sale now online. Tickets to individual film screenings are $10. 10-Passes, which enable guests to choose 10 film screenings at NCGLFF, cost $85. ncglff.org. bit.ly/2ZtI9Fl.

August 15 Drago!: Not Your Grandmother’s Bingo

Single Barrel Room Whiskey Warehouse 1221 The Plaza, Charlotte 8 p.m.

This edition of Whiskey Warehouse’s weekly drag bingo night is hosted by CiCi Deelite and benefits the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte. bit.ly/2yKLQe9.

August 16 Stonewall Sports Birthday Pride Dance Party

Visulite Theatre 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte 10 p.m.

Stonewall Sports, Charlotte’s LGBTQ community sports league, celebrates its fifth birthday with a dance party hosted by DJ Neon the GlowGoBear. Tickets start at $10 and are available online. This is a 21+ event. bit.ly/2ZbgybI.

August 16 Pride Fest Friday

September 28: Fortune Feimster

August - September 2019

Ink N Ivy 222 S. Church St., Charlotte 11:55 p.m.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Nina West leads a star-studded night of drag hosted by Candis Cox and featuring The Vanity House’s Erica Chanel, Riley Malicious, and Chloe Cassidy. A signature cocktail will be provided with each ticket free of charge to each customer of legal drinking age. Tickets start at $25 and are available online. bit.ly/2ygjqIz.

August 24: Hummingbird Festival

Celebrate the beginning of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird’s amazing 500+ mile journey from Charlotte back to their winter home in Central America. The festival will feature guest speakers, nature walks, food trucks, and games. Admission is free. Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Rd., Charlotte. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

August 16-September 1 ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’

Raleigh Little Theatre 301 Pogue St., Raleigh Time Vary Raleigh Little Theatre presents “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” a laugh-out-loud romp following a scheming heiress, a pinch murder and a war of succession. Tickets start at $27 and are available online. sforce.co/2OkZIGl.

August 17 Campus Pride College Fair

Charlotte Pride Festival 135 Levine Ave. of the Arts, Charlotte 12:30-3 p.m.

Prospective college students and families and college and university representatives alike are welcome to learn about and showcase LGBTQ-friendly campuses. RSVP and registration is available online. campuspride.org/collegefair.

August 18 August Drag Brunch with Kahanna Montrese

Chemistry Nightclub 2901 Spring Garden, Greensboro 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Kahana Montrese and host Anjelica Dust lead a brunch of drag performances, food, and drink specials.

Tickets start at $15 and are available online. bit.ly/2GxUvof.

August 20 Foreplay! Goes South

Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte 7 p.m.

Foreplay! Goes South provides a fun and safe venue for sharing one’s stories of sex, desire and romance. Stories can be as innocent

as a first kiss or as salacious as one’s last orgy. Admission is free. bit.ly/2Y4SSt4.

August 22-25 South Carolina Black Pride Week

Multiple Locations, Columbia S.C. Times Vary South Carolina Black Gay Pride hosts a jam-packed weekend celebrating Columbia’s vibrant LGBTQ community, featuring welcome reception, the 14th Annual Cultural Arts & Wellness Festival and a Unity Block Party. Information about individual events can be found online. bit.ly/2OihVnR.

August 22-23 MSM HIV Prevention Institute: #Zero

Brookland Banquet & Conference 1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, S.C. Time Vary The Black Gay Men’s Research Group presents two days of educational sessions aimed at improving sexual health outcomes and influence healthy life choices of South Carolina’s same-genderloving men. Registration begins at $25 and is available online, as well as a scholarship application for free admission. bit.ly/2YskCHj.

September 15 Lizzo: Cuz I Love You Too Tour

Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte 8 p.m.

Superstar Lizzo brings her positive, energizing music to Charlotte.

Tickets start at $39.50 and are available online. bit.ly/2Gnw7WC.

life

REGULAR EVENTS

Our People: Brisa Ramirez

Charlotte Latin Pride

Spanish-language support nights, second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., Charlotte Pride offices at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1900 The Plaza, Charlotte. info: charlottepride.org/latin/

PFLAG Charlotte

Support meetings, second Monday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m., Time Out Youth Center, 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: pflagcharlotte.org

Prime Timers

Monthly meeting including dinner, speaker, games and more for gay men ages 21 and up, 5-7 p.m., Park Road Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 3900 Park Rd., Charlotte. info: primetimersww.com/charlotte/

Trans Youth Group

Weekly discussion groups for transgender youth ages 13-20 each Thursday, 4:30-6 p.m., 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org

Transcend Charlotte

Support groups for partners, friends and family of transgender and gender non-conforming adults ages 18 and older, second and fourth Sundays of each month, 6-7 p.m., Time Out Youth Center, 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: transcendcharlotte.org

Youth Drop-In Space

Drop-in space Monday-Friday, 3-6:30 p.m., 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org

Youth Discussion Group

Weekly discussion groups for LGBTQ youth ages 13-20 each Wednesday, 6:308:30 p.m., 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org

Youth of Color Group

Weekly discussion groups for LGBTQ and ally people of color each Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m., 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org

UPDATES/ADDITIONS?

Do you have a regular and reoccurring community event you’d like listed? A listing to update? Email us at editor@ goqnotes.com.

Charlotte Pride Board Member, Analyst, Community Volunteer

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BY Camilla K. Cannon |qnotes staff WRITER

risa Ramirez is a member of the board for Charlotte Pride and an analyst at 25 Capital. Ramirez is one of the United States’ 600,000+ beneficiaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an immigration policy that allows individuals brought to the U.S. as children to continue to live, work and gain an education in the country. Ramirez has done extraordinary things with those opportunities, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S.B.A. in Finance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte while holding leadership roles in multiple student organizations. Since completing her education, Ramirez has established herself in the competitive capital markets industry and strives to inspire more women and minorities to join her in the field. Of her many accomplishments, Ramirez is most proud of being the favorite aunt to her seven-year-old niece and six-year-old nephew (as voted by Ramirez herself).

What inspired you to become a member of the Charlotte Pride Board?

I became involved with Charlotte Pride as a volunteer several years ago.

It was actually how I experienced Pride for the first time. There was something about the atmosphere, the community and the people at Pride that made it feel like home.

The more I got involved, the more I fell in love with the organization.

I vividly remember having “a moment” at Pride last year. I stood back, and it was as if everything went silent for a few seconds as I took note of my surroundings; people from all walks of life, coming together, selflessly giving their time and dedication to make the Festival and Parade a success — it was beautiful! I think that was the moment I decided to become more involved as a member of the board.

What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?

Where can I get some coffee? (Once the coffee has kicked in) Do we live in a society where EVERYONE is equally empowered to live their best life?

In your day job, you work in the capital markets industry. What do you do to unwind from a long day of research and analytics?

At the end of a good workday, I like to reset with a nice workout.

What artist, whether it be a musician, poet, visual artist, etc,

has most helped you through difficult times in your life?

“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou is my go-to anytime the going gets tough.

You have a chance to win $1 million, but you must win a board game against the world’s best player. What game do you choose?

Cards Against Humanity (I think it qualifies as a board game). I can’t think of a time that I’ve played that game where the room was not full of laughter and comradery.

Best case scenario I win $1,000,000, worst case, I’ll get a good laugh (win/win).

Name one of your LGBTQ+ heroes whom more people should know about.

I am a huge fan of Robin Roberts from GMA [“Good Morning America”], she has a tremendous life story that’s just inspiring!

She’s a total Boss — Great role model!

She has a podcast called “Everybody’s Got Something”… a nice one to add to the playlist.

What is your favorite Charlotte hang-out spot?

I am a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I make it a point to try new coffee places in Charlotte. So far, Trade and Lore in NoDa makes the best oat vanilla latte in town and hence is my favorite spot in Charlotte.

If I could wave a magic wand and give an unlimited amount of any resource to Charlotte Pride, what would it be and what would you use it for?

We have a tremendous team, from our staff, our volunteers, and the board; the strength and heart of our organization is our team. One resource that I think either makes or breaks an organization is its human capital, so that would be the resource I would want to have unlimited access to for Charlotte Pride. I’d use it to find more ways to serve our community and expand our reach.

What non-professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m very proud of how I manage my finances today. It wasn’t always the case; I have a personal bank statement from over 10 years ago when I paid over $1,000 in overdraft fees in a single year. The art of frugality is something that I proudly employ today.

What do you hope to accomplish next?

As far as personal goals go, I’d like to become a better cook. Looking forward to taking a few cooking classes in the coming months. : :

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