QNotes, Aug. 12-25, 2016

Aug. 12-25 . 2016

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InFocus: Charlotte Annual LGBT Newcomer & Community Resource Guide

qnotes news & features

news. views. arts.

9 entertainment.

HB2’s economic impact 9 Judge hears HB2 arguments 10 Candidates vie for Oval Office 11 Political conventions: + & 12 Intl’ AIDS Convention recap 12 Duke doctors present at IAC 15 News Notes: Regional Briefs 16 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs 24 Trans activist injured at DNC 25 Homeless youth documentary

infocus: charlotte

17 Transgender activist compiles bathroom list 18 Community resource listings 19 Allied Guard set to provide protections 19 Fun and relaxation options

20 21 21 22 22

Transgender support groups Nightlife: area bars Annual LGBT events Free HIV testing locations Voting registration tips

a&e / life&style 30 33 34 35

Tell Trinity Health & Wellness Q Events Calendar Our People: John Quillin

opinions & views 28 What does intersex mean?

more news & feature coverage

Trans activist injured in Philadelphia at DNC Democratic National Convention delegate Janice Covington took a spill and was hospitalized. page 17

Health & Wellness Finding good food to keep a body fit, satiated, energized and more. Discover the difference between simple and comlex carbs. page 33

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news

HB2 Update

Economic impact of HB2 continues Could cost state $5 billion a year, report finds

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

W

hen it comes to North Carolina’s economy, HB2 is the curse that won’t stop cursing.

The loss of the 2017 NBA All-Star Game is just the latest in a series of blows that have come in the wake of Gov. McCrory signing the discriminatory HB2 into law.

The inability to find a compromise between the state and the NBA, who had threatened on multiple occasions to pull the game from Charlotte unless suitable changes were made, means the loss of approximately $100 million, according to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Association.

The NBA has said that they will consider bringing the game back to Charlotte in 2019 if the situation around HB2 were to be remedied by then.

The list of concerts, conferences and companies that have pulled out grows longer every month, and includes such names as Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr, Demi Lovato with Nick Jonas, Cirque du Soleil, PayPal, Deutsch Bank, Lionsgate, Community Transportation Association of America and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Many cities and states have also banned non-essential travel to North Carolina.

The decision by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation not to bring their conference to Asheville after the passage of HB2 was among the biggest hits suffered by the Western North Carolina region.

It contributed to Buncombe County alone suffering a loss of $1 million in hotel bookings in the months immediately following the passage of HB2, Stephanie Pace Brown, executive director of the Asheville Convention Center and Visitor’s Bureau and a senior vice president with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce told Carolina Public Press.

Other events are on the line as well, as the NCAA has stated that they are beginning to take laws like HB2 into effect when they consider host cities for their tournaments. The PGA of America decided not to move the 2017 PGA Championship from Quail Hollow Club, in Charlotte, N.C., but released a statement opposing the bill and saying that their decision to hold future events in the state will be “severely impacted unless HB2 is overturned.”

Then there are the harder to quantify numbers, like how many companies will now skip even considering expanding into North Carolina. Or the effect this law may have on recruiting young talent into the state.

The biggest losses from here on out may be silent ones.

A recent report by The Williams Institute, a think tank at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, estimates that HB2 could cost the state a staggering $5 billion a year.

To arrive at this figure, they looked at the risk of losing federal funding, since the U.S. Department of Justice has made clear that it maintains the right to withhold those funds on the basis of sex discrimination, as well as a number of other categories.

These include: loss of business investment, reduced travel and tourism, litigation and enforcement costs, bullying in schools and Photo Credit: efile.com workplace discrimination, which could affect graduation rates, retention of employees, productivity and recruitment.

Developer and Quail Hollow President Johnny Harris told the News & Record that when he was in California recently all anyone wanted to talk about was HB2 and what was going on in the state. He said they asked why the state seemed to suddenly be moving backward, after building up a reputation as one of the more progressive states in the South.

“It clearly has a negative impact,” he said.

“Anyone who thinks it doesn’t is wrong. I’ve been saying to anyone that would listen to me from the very first day that it’s a train wreck.”

He believes it will have a serious impact on the state’s reputation and will affect whether companies decide to relocate here.

“For every one that’s still coming, there are probably ten that aren’t,” he said.

The All-Star Game was expected to sell out the Charlotte region’s 33,000 hotel rooms,

according to Sid Smith, executive director of the Charlotte Area Hotel Association, plus the ballrooms and other spaces that would have been rented out for parties.

The Mint Museum was holding the entire week of the All-Star Game, at both Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph.

“It is quite common for us to hold a venue and date for a client, but it’s not as common for us to hold an entire week, at both museums, and all venues,” said Chelsey Sanderson, special events manager at the Mint Museum.

“The last time this happened was probably for the DNC [Democratic National Convention] back in 2012.”

“It’s hard to put an exact dollar amount on how much business was lost,” Sanderson continued. “But at this point, it’s pretty safe to say that we lost not only the NBA’s events, but a lot of the clients that we turned away, because we were holding spaces for the tournament.”

Since many of the types of events they usually host at the museums are booked well in advance, there is a concern that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to get most or any of those clients back. It is revenue that will be missed.

“A couple of really solid events during AllStar week would have been a huge contribution towards our annual revenue goal,” she said. “There’s still about six months until the dates come up, so we have time, but it still hurt us to hear the news about the tournament being pulled.”

It seems until HB2 finally goes the way of so many discriminatory pieces of legislation before it, North Carolina will be paying for its sins against civil rights. : :

HB2 Update

Judge hearing HB2 arguments asks extensive questions, requests written briefs Federal judge demands evidence of “safety” justification for the law

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Aug. 1 found North Carolina in limbo over the controversial “bathroom bill,” House Bill 2 (HB2). The date was the start of the first court hearing concerning the legislation, which has inspired five federal lawsuits since its invention at a one-day special session in March. This particular hearing is preliminary, considering a request for an injunction to halt the parts of the bill that are most harmful to transgender residents of North Carolina — the commandment that all people use the public restrooms and changing rooms that coincide with their birth gender.

The federal judge assigned to the case, Thomas Schroeder, has a history that would give most LGBT advocates pause. Schroeder was once a young lawyer who represented the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, before being appointed to his current position by President

George W. Bush. Schroeder’s most controversial recent decision was to uphold North Carolina’s strict voter ID law, which has since been overturned in federal appeals court.

Although Schroeder’s history is conservative, his conduct on the HB2 case has yet to seem biased. In fact, Schroeder requested written briefs from both sides of the argument, signaling that the decision would not be impulsive but rather well-considered, and may take some time. Further, Schroeder’s questions to both defendant and plaintiff showed objectivity.

Schroeder asked Paul Smith, an attorney representing opponents of HB2, about the concerns over safety and privacy raised by supporters of the law. In response, Smith pointed out that the issue of which bathroom a transgender person should use was practically invisible before the bill was signed into law.

“The status quo was working for transgender people in that they could make these decisions, that they could use common sense,” Smith said in court.

Schroeder turned to Butch Bowers, a lawyer representing the McCrory administration’s defense of the bill.

“How does this law make bathrooms and changing facilities safer?” Schroeder asked.

Soon the issue of pre-existing bathroom laws arose. “Why aren’t those sufficient? Or are they?”

There were already laws on the books in North Carolina against molestation, indecent exposure and peeping in bathrooms. The fact that HB2 redoubles these existing laws is one point used by opponents of the legislation to prove its irrelevance. Bowers, on the other hand, argues that HB2 is a necessary extension

of these laws.

Schroeder seemed critical, asking, “So are we now going to have people dressed as women using the men’s room?”

Bowers’ response was a verbal shrug. “My guess is that some transgender people will use the restroom they always have, and no one will notice.”

As the court hearing is ongoing, no decision is definite yet. It remains for both sides to present evidence of their arguments to the judge in the form of written briefs. If Schroeder were to grant the plaintiff’s request for an injunction, the bathroom portion of the bill would remain inactive until all court cases concerning HB2 are decided. Most of these cases are assigned to Schroeder himself, so this hearing may set the tone for the future of this controversial legislation. : :

Aug. 12-25 . 2016

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qnotes connect Aug. 12-25, 2016 Vol 31 No 08

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

contributors this issue

Bill Allen, Paul D. Castillo, Maria Dominguez, Jack Kirven, Lainey Millen, Lee Storrow, Jeff Taylor, J. Wesley Thompson, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: Alex G via Flickr.

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Mission:

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

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

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

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Election 2016

Candidates vie for nation’s highest office Comparing the Democratic and Republican Parties on LGBT rights

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

T

he LGBT voting bloc overwhelming goes to the Democratic Party, who have themselves shown more support for LGBT rights and concerns than has the Republican Party as a whole.

A Gallup survey conducted during the last presidential campaign in 2012 found that just 13 percent of LGBT voters identified as Republican, compared with 44 percent identifying as Democratic and 43 percent as Independent. Non-LGBT voters in that same poll identified as 30 percent Republican, 32 percent Democratic and 39 percent Independent.

Exit polling from that election found that 76 percent of the LGBT vote went to Obama, with just 16 percent going to Romney.

A recent study by Whitman Insight Strategies founds that of the 338 likely voters who identified as LGBT, 84 percent backed Hillary Clinton compared to 16 who said they support Donald Trump.

In comparing the two party’s platforms and the candidates, it becomes clear why this is and what an uphill battle the GOP is facing if they hope to do any better with LGBT voters this time around.

The Candidates Hillary Clinton While Clinton took her time getting there, she supports same-sex marriage, announcing her stance on the issue in 2013 in a video produced with the Human Rights Campaign. Hillary and Bill Clinton signed a joint statement celebrating the overturning of the Defense of Marriage Act by the Supreme Court, which Bill Clinton had signed into law in 1996.

Clinton applauded President Barack Obama issuing a letter offering guidance to public schools in support of transgender students using the facilities matching their gender identity.

As secretary of state, Clinton oversaw a change allowing transgender people to change the gender on their passports with a doctor’s note, eliminating the requirement for sexual reassignment surgery, which not all transgender people can afford or wish to have done.

Also in her role as secretary of state in the Obama Administration, Clinton spoke out against Russia’s anti-LGBT laws, calling them a “cynical political ploy.” She says she got into heated “shouting matches” with top Russian officials over the issue.

She also supports updating service records for the thousands of soldiers who were forced to leave the military because of their sexual orientation to reflect an honorable discharge.

Clinton also supports the Equality Act, which she pledges to work to get passed with Congress, which would extend federal discrimination protections to LGBT people in employment, education, housing, obtaining credit, federal funding, jury service and public accommodations.

In 2000, Clinton became the first First Lady to march in a Pride Parade and this year became the first major presidential candidate to march in one.

Tim Kaine Vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine also supports same-sex marriage, although he too took time to “evolve” into that position. He finally officially came around in 2013 as well. In 2006, he signed an anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment despite saying he opposed it for going too far by forbidding civil unions.

He has long been in favor of the right of gay couples to adopt.

In a recent campaign stop in Greensboro, N.C. Kaine spoke out against HB2 and the way it was quickly pushed through.

“But you all have stood up in a major way, and you’ve said, ‘This is not who we are, this is not who North Carolina is, these are not our values,’” Kaine said, encouraging the crowd to continue moving “forward, not backward” on LGBT rights.

He also called out his Republican counterpart, vice presidential candidate Mike Pence, for his anti-LGBT actions and rhetoric as governor of Indiana.

As governor of Virginia, Kaine extended an executive order forbidding workplace discrimination.

Donald Trump While Donald Trump has been talking himself up to LGBT voters on the campaign trail, claiming he would be the better candidate to tackle their issues and protect them against the threat of terrorism, as he claimed in his speech at the Republican National Convention, his record is less than stellar to say the least.

Trump has repeatedly said he believes in “traditional marriage,” that is “between a man and a woman” and called the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage “shocking.” He tweeted that Justice John Roberts had “let us down” by ruling in favor of gay marriage.

While Trump initially seemed to signal support for transgender people who wished to use the bathroom matching their gender, he later backtracked.

“I’m going with the state,” he told The News & Observer when asked about HB2, adding that he had spoken with Gov. Pat McCrory about the issue.

Trump put together an evangelical advisory board to help with his campaign, which includes anti-gay and anti-transgender politicians and leaders, such as Michelle Bachmann, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr. and James Dobson of Focus on the Family.

Mike Pence Pence makes Trump look tame by comparison.

During his time as governor in Indiana, Pence supported a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, saying, “Societal collapse was always brought about following an advent of the deterioration of marriage and family.”

Pence signed a so-called “religious freedom restoration act,” (RFRA) which would allow business owners to discriminate against LGBT people. He signed legislation revising the law to prevent discrimination in response to major backlash.

He signed a bill to jail same-sex couples who applied for a marriage license, as well as clerks who would issue one to them and any minister or other officiant who might marry them.

He also wanted to divert money from HIV prevention to conversion therapy, opposed the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, spoke out against the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes bill, sat on the board of Focus on the Family affiliate the Indiana Family Institute and voted against ENDA, which would offer federal workplace protections for LGBT people.

The Platforms Republican Party Platform The Republican Party platform is so anti-LGBT that even the Log Cabin Republicans objected, calling it “the most anti-LGBT platform” in party history. They have a point.

Not only does it call for a constitutional amendment banning samesex marriage, it also dismisses same-sex parenting, supports RFRAs, and gives an approving nod to the debunked practice of conversion therapy.

Democratic Party Platform The Democratic Party platform is much more pro-LGBT. It reads: “Democrats applaud last year’s decision by the Supreme Court that recognized LGBT people — like every other American — have the right to marry the person they love. But there is still much work to be done. LGBT kids continue to be bullied at school, a restaurant can refuse to serve a transgender person, and a same-sex couple is at risk of being evicted from their home. That is unacceptable and must change. Democrats will fight for comprehensive federal non-discrimination protections for all LGBT Americans and push back against state efforts to discriminate against LGBT individuals. We will combat LGBT youth homelessness and improve school climates, and we will protect transgender individuals from violence. We will promote LGBT human rights and ensure America’s foreign policy is inclusive of LGBT people around the world.” : : — Photo Credits: Clinton, Trump, Pence, Gage Skidmore via Flickr. CC license.

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life

Election 2016

The year of the queer conventions LGBT highlights from the 2016 RNC & DNC

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff The 2016 Republican National Convention and Democratic National Convention were historic in a number of ways, from Never Trump and Bernie Or Bust drama on the floor, to the first ever nomination of a woman to a major political party.

They were also perhaps the queerest conventions in history. Here is a rundown of what made the 2016 RNC and DNC stand out.

Republican Convention • Donald Trump’s speech was heavy on mentions of terrorism and violence, as well as on assurances that he would be able to protect the country, including the LGBT community.

• “As your President, I will do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful foreign ideology,” Trump said after mentioning the mass shooting in Orlando at Pulse nightclub.

• Trump also walked out onstage to Queen’s “We Are The Champions.” The band has asked Trump to stop using their music, but he continues to do so.

• Entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel became the first openly gay person to speak at the Republican National Convention in 16 years, and the first one to speak about his orientation from stage.

• Thiel drew applause when he declared himself proud to be “gay, a Republican and most of all an American.”

• “When I was a kid, the great debate was about how to defeat the Soviet Union, and we won. Now we are told that the great debate is about who gets to use which bathroom. This is a distraction from our real problems. Who cares?” Thiel also said.

• Washington, D.C. delegate Rachel Hoff became the first openly gay person to serve on the platform committee. Hoff tried to get an amendment through to make the platform less hostile to same-sex marriage. It failed, and she ended up making an emotional plea asking the party to hear her concerns.

She has since said that she believes the Republican Party, outside of the platform committee, is becoming more accepting of the LGBT community.

• A “Gays For Trump” rally took place on day two of the RNC in Cleveland, featuring Breitbart writer and now-banned Twitter troll Milo Yiannopoulos, as well as right-wing activist Pamela Geller and Dutch politician Geert Wilders. It was officially called “Wake Up! (the most fab party at the RNC). Most of the talk centered on the perceived threat of Islam and the belief that Trump was the best candidate to keep Americans safe.

• Third Eye Blind played a concert for RNC attendees, where they closed out the show with their hit song “Jumper,” which front man Stephan Jenkins told the crowd is “a noir about a guy who jumped off a bridge and killed himself because he was gay.” He asked them to be more accepting of gay people, like his cousins.

Democratic Convention • LGBT rights were mentioned in both Hillary Clinton’s speech and in the speech introducing her, given by her daughter Chelsea Clinton.

• “And we will defend, we will defend all our rights — civil rights, human rights and voting rights…women’s rights and workers’ rights…

LGBT rights and the rights of people with disabilities!” Hillary Clinton said.

• Chelsea Clinton said that her mother knew that “LGBT rights are human rights.”

• Activist Sarah McBride made history as the first transgender person to speak at a national convention.

• Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign; Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus; and Jason Collins, who became the first publicly gay athlete to play in one of the four major North American pro sports leagues, also spoke.

• The 2016 DNC was also historic for having the largest number of LGBT delegates to date, with some 600 identifying as gay and 28 as transgender, out of 4,765 total delegates.

• The Wells Fargo Center, where the convention was held, had all-gender restrooms to better accommodate transgender attendees. Five percent of the bathrooms were designated as all-gender. : :

queer insight. pure politics.

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life

Health Watch

International AIDS Conference 2016 brings worldwide community together Convened in Durban, South Africa

by J. Wesley Thompson, PA-C :: Ballantyne Family Medicine :: guest contributor

M

y husband Trey and I had the honor of representing North Carolina as delegates to the 2016 International AIDS Conference (IAC) held recently in Durban, South Africa.

The International AIDS Conference is held annually around the world, and is sponsored by the International AIDS Society.

Each year alternates between a “scientific” and “networking” focus. Both types of activities happen every year, but the primary focus alternates. This year’s event was primarily a networking year: a chance for clinicians, researchers, policy-makers, activists and others from around the globe to meet each other, share knowledge, experience and expertise, as well as plans, hopes and aspirations and, hopefully, find ways to work together, share information about what has/has not worked in their experience and why, and ideally, for example, prevent an AIDS service organization (ASO) or political advocacy organization in Thailand from reinventing something that an organization in Australia has already created. Through collaboration of this kind, rather than competition, countless lives and untold amounts of time and money have been saved.

As an HIV specialist, in addition to representing North Carolina, I also represented my new and growing medical practice, Ballantyne Family Medicine (BFM), and represented several local ASOs with which BFM collaborates in providing services to HIV/AIDS patients in the Charlotte region and across North Carolina, some of which I am also pleased to serve as a member of their boards. This includes groups such as the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN), Amity Group Foundation, CarolinasCare Partnership, Quality Home Care and NC AIDS Action Network (NCAAN). Trey was there as the acting executive director of Amity Group Foundation, the newest community-based organization (CBO) in the Charlotte region which focuses on healthcare issues, including providing HIV/AIDS services to the un- and under-insured in the Charlotte region.

Changing times Durban hosted the IAC in 2000 and the IAC returned this year to find a lot has changed. Sixteen years ago in Durban, the conference was a catalyst for bringing HIV medications to all countries. South Africa had one of the worst HIV programs in the world then, and today has the largest HIV treatment program.

white loaf bread.Think of Merita or Bunny bread loaf. Biltong and Droewors — local dried meat treats usually made from beef, bush meat and ostrich.

Think Jerky and Slim Jims.

Shisha Nyama or Braai — South Africans’ terms for a good old fashioned grilling party. And, of course, there are koeksisters, which are syrup infused doughnuts.

I had to run an extra mile or two!

The pride of Durban and South Africa shone from people of Durban.

Everyone knew their city history and was delighted to share.

THEN (2000) • Zero people on treatment • 70,000 HIV-infected babies born per year • 330,000 avoidable HIV deaths NOW (2016) • 3.4 million people on treatment • <6000 HIV-infected babies born per year • L ife expectancy increases by more than 10 percent in 5 years Globally, in the year 2000, less than 1,000,000 people worldwide were on HIV antiretroviral medication and today 17,000,000 people are receiving HIV antiretroviral medication. That’s over half of everyone living with HIV now on life saving medications worldwide! We still have a way to go but great improvement has been made.

What did we learn about South Africa?

Muthi Market No one told me about the beautiful at Victoria beaches or beautiful and charming people Street Station of Durban. From before sunrise until late at Victoria Street night, the beach and streets were alive with Station is a large, activities. The rich diversity of peoples and outdoor market selling cultures only added to our experience. almost anything one As I took my run each day, I watched can dream of, from young and old couples strolling, jogging iPhones to leather and and biking. There were fishermen and Trey Owen, acting executive director of Amity Group pleather bags to the sand dune artists along the way. Vervet Foundation, Lee Storrow, executive director of NC AIDS fish market section. Of monkeys were as plentiful as seagulls Action Network, and Wes Thompson, practice manager of particular interest to me and just as hungry, although signs enBallantyne Family Medicine too time out from meetings at the was the somewhat dark couraged you to not feed them.

International AIDS Conference held in Durban, South Africa. and secluded section The food was wonderful! South Africa dedicated to the traditional African, especially Zulu, and Asian has the largest Indian community outside of India and thus the Indian medicine and healing arts. The Zulu, part of the Bantu food is heavily influenced. Indians originally came to work the vast ethnic group populating Southern Africa, are the largest sugarcane fields. We had curry of some sort every day! Speaking of ethnic group in South Africa. Need ground Impala horn, tiger food, there are few local items to describe. Bunny Chow — I don’t know why it is called this, but it is a scoop of rich curry — usually mutton or goat, served in a hollowed-out piece of unbelievably soft see AIDS Conference on 29

Gathering was informative, thrilled to attend International AIDS Conference heavy on PrEP

by Lee Storrow :: Executive Director, North Carolina AIDS Action Network :: guest contributor

I

t was a thrill to be able to attend the International Conference on AIDS in Durban, South Africa last month. The convening is the largest conference on any global health or development issue and occurs every other year. Attending provided me the opportunity to connect with global leaders working on the front line of HIV treatment and prevention policy, and I hope to bring many of the lessons I learned back to our movement in North Carolina.

There were a number of North Carolina researchers and academics who presented at the conference, and I was excited to see several present some of the most cutting-edge research on PrEP and Truvada. PrEP stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis” and is a medication that HIV-negative individuals can take that will prevent them from becoming HIV+. PrEP works, and it’s time to move beyond effectiveness and start dedicating resources to get it in the hands of those most at risk of acquiring HIV. On July 20, I spoke with Dr. Mehri McKellar and Dr. Jessica Seidelman with Duke University School of Medicine about their research on the

Dr. Mehri McKellar and Dr. Jessica Seidelman (l-r) with Duke University School of Medicine were presenters at the International AIDS Conference.

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willingness of primary care providers within the Duke Healthcare system in Durham to prescribe PrEP. No surprise, their survey found far too few providers are prescribing PrEP. Seventy eight percent of those surveyed reported serving men who have sex with men, yet only 17 percent surveyed had prescribed PrEP! Providers described the traditional barriers, mainly a lack of knowledge and lack of comfort with PrEP. Luckily, these providers have the Duke PrEP Clinic for HIV Prevention in their backyard. In addition to serving patients, the clinic provides education and support for Duke primary care and community providers who need more information about PrEP. According to Dr. McKellar, “Our team has visited approximately 12 primary care clinics to date to provide information and answer questions.

We are also working closely with our community partners on outreach efforts to access persons who are at high risk for HIV and are not tapped into the healthcare system.”

As we ramp up HIV prevention efforts in North Carolina, PrEP is going to play a critical role. North Carolina research and best practices are being showcased on the world stage, and we must work aggressively to keep making progress here at home. : :

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

Charlotte Chamber requests feedback

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce is seeking member and community feedback on how to improve and sustain itself while creating a safe place to network, providing an individual a venue to grow professionally and assisting in services to make businesses thrive.

A five-minute planning survey is available for those who wish to complete it so that the organization’s board can better serve those of whom it represents.

To participate, visit svy.mk/2awqhQ5. info: clgbtcc.org.

Queer youth conference seeks workshop presenters

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 2016 Carolina Conference on Queer Youth has opened up its submission’s process for its upcoming event to be held on Oct. 14 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Student Union. It is being sponsored by Time Out Youth Center and the university’s Multicultural Resource Center.

Organizers are seeking presentation and workshop proposals from individuals (adults and youth) and organizations. Proposals should be clearly tied to the conference focus and grounded in the celebration and support of LGBT youth in the South. Standard presentation length is 60 minutes. Conference attendees will include healthcare professionals, educators, K-12 school and college staff, activists and youth.

This year’s conference will place an emphasis on supporting transgender and gender expansive youth. Topics for proposals may include supporting trans youth in schools, trans healthcare, empowering trans and gender expansive youth and centering trans individuals and topics within queer spaces and movements. Other proposal topics may include, but are not limited to policies and practices to support LGBT youth in public schools, supporting queer youth of color in their schools and communities, intersectionality, and professional development opportunities for school staff and healthcare professionals on LGBT topics.

Deadline for submittal is Sept. 6 via an online form available at bit.ly/2b0Cxxz. Selection notification will occur on Sept. 12. info: timeoutyouth.org.

Pierce nets management certification CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dale Pierce, president and CEO of Different Roads Home, graduated from a specialized management training program at the University of California, Los Angeles/ John & Johnson Health Care Executive Program (HCEP) during the month of July.

Pierce was one of 38 individuals who underwent an intensive 11-day residential program at the university’s Anderson School of Management. It was designed to enhance the management and leadership skills of executives from community health centers (CHC) and executive directors of AIDS service organizations (ASO) that are devoted to expanding the quality and quantity of care, treatment and sup-

port delivered to underserved and vulnerable populations nationwide. The HCEP is designed and valuable for organizations to plan for and/ or implement shifts in their organizational strategies to confront the new environment for healthcare delivery.

Johnson & Johnson and UCLA Anderson developed the program in 2002 in response to the need for community based organizations to be better equipped to confront the mounting challenges in our nation’s health care system.

Participants are selected through a competitive application process and Johnson and Johnson subsidizes the majority of the program costs (tuition, training materials, lodging and meals) for both the participant and their co-participant.

Families and individuals who receive services from Different Roads Home will be the ultimate beneficiaries from Pierce’s training during the educational opportunity.

The HCEP program is conducted under the auspice of the Harold and Pauline Price Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a recognized leader in entrepreneurial education and research. info: anderson.ucla.edu/price/jnj/hcep.

Triad Foundation presents grants

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Adam Foundation bestowed its 2016 grant and sponsorship awards on July 28 at the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, 600 S. Main St. Recipients included AIDS Care Service, Positive Wellness Alliance, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Theatre Alliance, Equality North Carolina and OUT at the Movies International Film Festival.

In other news, the organization will hold a pancake brunch and concert fundraiser on Aug. 13, 10 a.m., at Parkway United Church of Christ, 2151 Silas Creek Pky. Pancake stacks are $6. Extra toppings can be purchased at 25 cents. Concert tickets are $5. A combination deal is available for $10 for pancakes and concert.

Donations help the Adam Foundation support the community through grant funding, HIV/ AIDS awareness campaigns and LGBT antidiscrimination and health initiatives.

The church will host an LGBT-focused Bible study on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. Facilitator for the group is Liam Hooper. Its focus is to deepen understanding, as LGBT persons, of one’s unique position in the church community in ways that

Victor Tabbush, faculty director of the UCLA/J&J Health Care Executive Program (left) and Professor Emeritus of UCLA Anderson School Conrad Person, director, corporate dontributions, Johnson & Johnson (right) congratulate Different Roads Home’s Dale Pierce on his successful program completion.

news

ENC wins Give Out Day competition RALEIGH, N.C. — In a clear show of discontent with the North Carolina legislature and the passage of HB2, the most stringently anti-LGBT law in the country, the Equality North Carolina Foundation received the highest number of donations of any national mid-size LGBT organization in the U.S. and any LGBT organization in the entire South over the 24-hour Give Out Day campaign held on Aug. 2.

“We are incredibly thankful and honored for the significant donations our organization received over Give Out Day,” said Equality North Carolina Executive Director Chris Sgro. “North Carolina has been the focus of national attention every single day since HB2 was first brought up. The support received is a clear sign that the LGBT community, and the country as a whole, unequivocally reject this law and understand North Carolina isn’t defined by this appalling legislation.”

With the passage of HB2, North Carolina has become the epicenter of the debate around transgender rights and LGBT non-discrimination protections. Countless shows have been cancelled in the state and numerous businesses have expressed concerns that the law will jeopardize the safety and comfort of their employees and clients. The NBA officially announced it would be pulling the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte, N.C. as a result of the legislation. In an effort to prevent further damage, Equality NC has been at the forefront of the fight against HB2, working for a singular demand: full repeal of HB2.

“Initiatives like Give Out Day are extremely important for the success of our foundation,” said Sgro. “Thanks to the help of grassroots donations such as this one, Equality NC will be able to continue educating North Carolinians on LGBT news and stories, and mobilizing the community in our effort to repeal HB2 and any other anti-LGBT legislation.”

Equality NC will receive $10,000 for being the top mid-size national organization and $5,000 for being the top in the South. This award was given by an anonymous donor. info: equalitync.org. giveoutday.org.

promote spiritual growth and transformation and increase participation. info: adamfoundation.org. parkwayunited.org.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Salisbury Pride has issued a request for the community to participate in its annual festival survey.

The organization is interested in knowing what is liked and what needs improvement.

Information gathered will be used to assist Salisbury Pride with its marketing efforts, as well as allow it to draw new sponsors and vendors. Visit bit.ly/2aRGiRM to lend a voice to the organization.

In other news, the Salisbury Pride bowling league will begin its season on Aug. 29, 7 p.m., Woodleaf Lanes, 1811 Jake Alexander Blvd. W. The league is non-competitive and gives individuals an opportunity to get together and have fun. Participants are asked to grab a team of three or simply show up and be paired with one. info: salisburypride.com.

exchange program in accordance with the new state syringe exchange law.

Conference organizers are currently accepting workshop proposals for topics that reflect the intersectionality and diversity of the movement. Interested parties should email Lee Storrow at lee@ncaan.org and Robert Childs at robert.bb.childs@gmail.com to learn more or to submit proposals.

Registration is available online at bit.ly/ 2aYpnQg. Prior to the conference there will be a kick-off summit, PrEPing for 2017: North Carolina Moves Forward, will be held on Sept.

9, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at The Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center, 420 High St. SW. This event is co-hosted with the the North Carolina AIDS Training and Education Center.

Registration is available online at bit.ly/ 2awIGMz. Following the summit is a reception at Foothills Brewing, 638 W. 4th St. info: ncaan.org. nchrc.org.

Advocacy conference slated

Triangle

Survey needs community input

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The 2016 Stronger Together: HIV/AIDS Advocacy Conference will be held on Sept. 10, 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Winston-Salem State University, FL Atkins Health Sciences Building, 601 Martin Luther King Dr. Hosts are the NC AIDS Action Network and the NC Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC).

Attendees will be able to participate in breakout sessions for experienced and beginning HIV/harm reduction advocates. Learn how to improve lives and fight for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, people who use drugs, sex workers and affected communities from grassroots leaders and respected experts.

NCHRC will also be providing technical assistance on how to start a legal syringe

Film fest rolls out

DURHAM, N.C. — The North Carolina Gay + Lesbian Film Festival (NCGLFF) begins on Aug. 12 and continues through Aug. 20.

Showcasing a cornucopia of films ranging from a variety of genres, the festival will screen at Fletcher Hall at Carolina Theatre, Cinema One and Cinema Two, 309 W. Morgan St., at varying times throughout the day. A complete list of films, descriptions, locations and times is available online.

Tickets can be purchased individually (online, in-person, phone) at $10 each or in a 10-Pass (online, in-person) at $85.

The festival is the second largest LGBTfocused event in the Southeast. It celebrates a

see Carolinas on 16 Aug. 12-25 . 2016

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

Naval ship named after Milk WASHINGTON, D.C. —LGBT rights icon, Harvey Milk, will be honored posthumously with the naming of a U.S. Navy ship.

A congressional notification signed by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said that the Navy will name a planned Military Sealift Command fleet oiler USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206).

The American Military Partner Association President Ashley Broadway Mack said, “Harvey Milk is an American hero and an icon for LGBT equality, and it’s phenomenal that the U.S. Navy is going to honor his legacy by naming a ship after him, Harvey Milk’s incredible leadership in the face of adversity continues to inspire all of us in our ongoing fight for full LGBT equality. By breaking down barriers and fighting for the dignity and worth of all Americans, he left behind an example for all of us in his service to our nation, both in and out of uniform.”

Milk came from a naval family and he was commissioned in the service in 1951. During his tour in the Korean War he served as a diving officer in San Diego, Calif. on the Kittiwake, a submarine rescue ship until 1955. He was a lieutenant junior grade when he was honorably discharged from service.

Upon his death due to a gun shot wound he received by an anti-gay assailant in San Francisco, Calif. where he served on the city’s board of supervisors, he wore his U.S. Navy Master Diver belt buckle, the USNI News Harvey Milk during his Navy service era. reported. info: news.usni.org.

Photo Credit: U.S. Navy

news

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— Former Charlottean David Ferebee, who is disabled, was the feature of an article in South Florida Gay News which told of the controversy he has had with his retirement home, Wilton Manor’s unwillingness to install a permanent lift poolside so that he and other disabled residents can more easily enter the pool to gain muchneeded therapeutical benefit. Ferebee has issued an alert to those who are thinking about moving there “that all that glitters is not gold.”

(Ferebee had previously served on the board of Time Out Youth Center, NC Pride PAC and was a Don King Community Service Award winner.) info: bit.ly/2b6aYTN. On August 4th Ugandan police forces raided the 2016 Uganda Pride, forcefully arrested prominent human rights activist Dr. Frank Mugisha and Pepe Julian Onziema, leaders of Sexual Minorities Uganda, among countless others. Uganda has one of the world’s worst anti-gay laws. info: outrightinternational.org. go.allout.org.

“No League of Their Own” debuted on television on Aug. 7 and asked the question, “Do transgender athletes have a competitive edge?” info: fusion.net.

Nearly two months after the U.S.’s worst mass shooting in history, two local Orlando lead-

ers have joined Pride Fund to End Gun Violence (Pride Fund) in its efforts to support and elect candidates who will act on sensible gun policy reforms and champion LGBT safety and equality. info: pridefund.org.

Chaz Bono will be joining “Where the Bears Are” in a guest appearance in its upcoming season which premiers on Sept. 1. info: wherethebearsare.tv.

“At The Flash,” a fast-paced dramatic comedy that depicts the history of a gay bar as seen through five stories that ricochet and collide over five eras of gay history, makes its New York City premiere in the 2016 New York International Fringe Festival on Aug. 13. info: attheflash.com.

Adam & Eve reported findings in a survey they conducted on whether someone would be open to having a relationship with a transgender individual. It revealed that 12 percent were open to it and 23 percent said they were undecided. info: adamandeve.com.

“The Village Voice” ran a feature, “Queer Teens Take On Tech,” spotlighting a week-long free summer camp for those who are interested in technology. info: villagevoice.com.

Carolinas continued from page 15

worldwide glimpse of today’s LGBT life, helps bring the community together and features films and filmmaking. info: carolinatheatre.org/films/festivals/ncglff.

Stage plays mounted

RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh Little Theatre has announced the staging of two adult plays during its 2016/17 season launch during August and September.

First on the calendar is “Memphis,” a musical inspired by actual events in which the story is told of a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. It will be presented from Aug. 19-Sept. 4 in the Cantey V. Sutton Theatre, 301 Pogue St. Tickets are $27/adult, $23/students and seniors and $15 for all on the first Sunday and are available for purchase online.

Next up will be “Mothers and Sons,” slated for Sept. 23-Oct. 9 in the Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre.

This play is a contemporary drama in which a woman pays an unexpected visit to the New York apartment of her late son’s partner. He is now married to another man and has a young son. This mother is challenged to face how society has changed around her. Generations collide as she revisits the past and begins to see the life her son might have led.

A panel discussion will be held after the Sept. 29 performance moderated by the show’s director, Timothy E. Locklear. Panel members are Patsy Clarke, co-author of “Keep Singing;” James Miller, the LGBT Center of Raleigh’s executive director; and Lee Storrow, NC AIDS Action Network executive director.

Tickets are $24/adult, $20/seniors and students and $15 for all on the first Sunday and are available for purchase online. info: raleighlittletheatre.org.

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Justice honorees announced

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Justice Center has announced its 2016 Champions of Justice and Award for Service recipients who will be honored at the organization’s 20th anniversary celebration on Sept. 10, 6 p.m., at the Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St. Justice honorees are N.C. State ALF-CIO president James Andrews, former Gov. Jim Hunt, Rep. Mickey Michaux, former Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation executive director Tom Ross and former state senator and retired Reynolds Foundation executive director Leslie Winner.

The Executive Director’s Award for Service to North Carolina will be given to Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake, Jr. for his work on criminal justice reform.

Tickets are $150 and are available online at bit.ly/2asQBOy. To pay by check made payable to North Carolina Justice Center, send to Melissa Wiggins, N.C. Justice Center, .PO. Box 28068, Raleigh, NC 27611. Tickets should be purchased by Aug. 26.

Additionally, sponsorships are still available at varying levels from $500-$10,000 and may be secured online at bit.ly/2aRGiRM. info: ncjustice.org.

Chairs announced at gala

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Crape Myrtle Festival (CMF) held its 36th annual event, “On the Brink of Change,” on July 30 at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences where it raised money for organizations within and beyond the local LGBT community. The previous evening, attendees were treated to the organization’s Queens Ball, held at Fifteen.

The theme is a “profound statement about how far we have come in the fight against HIV/ AIDS,” organizers said.

During the evening’s festivities, the chairs and court for the 2017’s 37th event were

announced. Co-chairs are Justin Natvig and Kasey Ashton. Joining them on the court are Benjamin Blackmon, Jessie Brandes, Alicia Brandes, Thomas Chancey, Kenny Coates, Micah Deasis, Randi Lee Eattock, Dillan Gay, Jason Holliday, Dan Hollis, Hannah Jacobson, MaRanda Kiser, Freddie Livingston, Jonathan McKee, Shia Morton, Daniel Portee, Brandon Pressley, Bryan Rawls, Spencer Rivers, Brian Senter, Dave Severence, Alex Stallings, Benjamin Stull, Cal Thompson and Tabor Winstead.

Tallies will be made available once all of the accounting has been audited and reconciled. info: craptemyrtlefest.org.

Western Benefit upcoming for transplant

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Kat Williams has broken the news that she is in end-stage kidney failure and is in need of a transplant.

The jazz and blues singer and community member, as well as a friend to LGBT and straight organizations, is being cared for by her partner and friends. Pressures are mounting to locate a kidney and to find the funds to handle costs that insurance fails to cover, all of which runs around $150,000.

A fundraising benefit will be held on Aug. 21, 5 p.m., at the Renaissance Hotel Ballroom, 31 Woodfin St. Music will be provided by Free Planet and West Sound. Attendees are able to enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres while contributing to the cause. Tickets are $20 and are available online at bit.ly/2b69M31.

For those who are unable to attend but want to assist in the effort, a crowdfunding page has been established. Visit bit.ly/2aZJTjB to learn more and make a contribution.

“Most all of you know how, when asked to help or do a benefit show, Kat has never turned

down anyone. Here is our chance to help her out in a great time of need,” said Gay Asheville NC’s Jerry Conner.

Williams’ story can be viewed on GayAshevilleNC’s magazine at bit.ly/2aZJTjB. info: gayashevillenc.com.

Org nets Unifour grant

HICKORY, N.C. — The AIDS Leadership Foothills-area Alliance (ALFA) has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Unifour Foundation.

The grant will be used to further ALFA’s mission to provide HIV education, testing and support services to individuals in the Unifour community. “Contrary to popular belief, HIV/ AIDS has not gone away. Southern states are currently experiencing an epidemic, with North Carolina ranking eighth in the country for new diagnoses. Despite advances in treatment and prevention options, which can increase quality of life, extend an individual’s lifespan and reduce transmission risk by over 90 percent, two-thirds of ALFA’s clients come to us with advanced stages of HIV. Funding from the Unifour Foundation is vital to the health of our community,” said ALFA Executive Director Christina Kliesch.

This year ALFA celebrates its 29th year of providing medical case management and fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS through education and testing. In 2015, ALFA provided HIV education to over 4,700 individuals; performed 960 HIV tests; provided 178 people living with HIV a variety of services including linkage to housing assistance, medical transportation and emergency utilities and nutrition assistance. Free and confidential HIV testing is available at their office at 1120 Fairgrove Church Rd. SE, Suite 28, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday.

The Unifour Foundation is an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF). info: alfainfo.org.

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Transgender activist compiles bathroom-safe venue list List records privately-owned businesses that are trans-friendly

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Since the advent of House Bill 2 (HB2), there has been an undeniable air of adversity in North Carolina, especially for transgender citizens of the state. As the public debate rages across the nation, one transgender North Carolinian has taken action. Janice Covington Allison, 69, decided to compile a list of Charlotte-area venues that allow transgender patrons to use the bathroom of their gender identity.

Many arguments surface on both sides of the issue. Supporters of HB2 claim that its purpose is to make bathrooms safe for women and children, implying or outright arguing that transgender citizens are less than wholesome. The beginnings of Allison’s project were motivated by this discriminatory rhetoric surrounding HB2.

“I am not a sex offender, a pedophile or sexual predator, but my governor and my state says that I am,” Allison wrote on the project’s website, justaskandtell.com. “You are being bamboozled and under the control of fear.”

The first venture to question a venue’s bathroom policy began as a whimsical visit to one of Allison’s regular haunts. Shortly after HB2 became law, she wondered how it would impact her life and the lives of fellow transgender North Carolinians. So, she decided on a social experiment of sorts.

“I went down to Plaza Midwood and walked into Whiskey Warehouse,” Allison reports. “I said if I’m eating here as a customer, can I use the ladies’ restroom? And they said yes.”

As it turns out, this first response was reaffirmed by over 100 businesses around the Charlotte area. These businesses do include known LGBT-friendly venues like Petra’s and Sidelines, but also many businesses that aren’t particularly associated with the LGBT scene, like the Charlotte Motor Speedway, NoDa Brewing Company and the Last Word bookstore.

Allison isn’t surprised, but is very pleased with the supportive responses from these venues. She says it makes perfect sense: “If you’re a business owner, you’d be an idiot to turn me away.”

Although this project was undertaken by a single individual, Allison has compiled quite comprehensive information on her website. Once the list gained some momentum and publicity, she didn’t even have to leave home to add new venues to her collection.

“A lot of businesses contacted me and wanted on the list,” she explained. “I’ve only found two businesses in the Charlotte area that were questionable.”

So what does this list mean to Allison and to the local LGBT community? According to its creator, the list was never meant to designate these spots as “safe spaces” for LGBT folk.

“One of the things that I’m against is, you know, we talk about safe places,” Allison argues. “We talk about transgender people being able to go here and there and be themselves and not be scared.

We’re human beings and we should be able to go anywhere. We shouldn’t need to create that safe place. Everywhere we go should be safe. To me, a safe place is just segregating ourselves.”

Segregation or not, many would argue that establishing LGBT-friendly venues is a move in the right direction. The places found on Allison’s list are not exclusively LGBT, but are affirming or allied businesses. The goal is not to separate, but to unite people and educate the ignorant.

“If you want a safe place, find a support group,” Allison told qnotes. “If you want to change the world, go out there and educate people on who you are. That way you won’t need to worry about a safe place.” : : Finding safe and comfortable bathrooms can be a challenge unless you are in-the-know.

Illustration Credit: Michele Paccione via Adobe Stock

Aug. 12-25 . 2016

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Dial 411 for the community A comprehensive listing of LGBT resources compiled by qnotes staff

One Voice Chorus onevoicechorus.com.

Advocacy ACLU of North Carolina acluofnorthcarolina.org.

Faith

[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]

New Life MCC 1900 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205 704-334-0350 newlifemcc@bellsouth net newlifemccnc.org.

Campus Pride 704-277-6710 campuspride.org.

Stephen Seay Productions bit.ly/2aBpAuC.

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

Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce clgbtcc.org.

StillOut LGBT Photography Club stillout.org.

Charlotte Atheists and Agnostics charlotteatheists.com

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

Equality North Carolina equalitync.org.

Affinity Groups

First United Methodist Church 501 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704-333-9081 charlottefirst.org.

Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church 9704 Mallard Creek Rd. Charlotte, NC 28262 704-510-0008 puuc.org.

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

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

Duke Energy We Are One for LGBT Equality (WeR1) ERG_WeR1 @duke-energy.com duke-energy.com/diversity/ ergs.asp.

Holy Covenant United Church of Christ 3501 W. WT Harris Blvd.

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

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

IBM Eagle home.earthlink. net/~eagleibm.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 1900 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205 704-377-5439 htlccharlotte.org.

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

Interfaith Equality Coalition facebook.com/ InterfaithEqualityCoalition.

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

Queen City Theatre Company queencitytheatre.com.

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

North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Attorneys 919-834-6861 ncgala.org.

North Carolina Transgender Unity nctgunity.org.

The Freedom Center for Social Justice fcsj.org.

Safe Schools NC safeschoolsnc.com.

Arts Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte atcharlotte.org.

Big Mammas House of Burlesque bigmammasproductions.com.

Charlotte Pride Band charlotteprideband.org.

Wells Fargo PRIDE Team Member Network wellsfargo.com.

Media

Charlotte Observer charlotteobserver.com.

GayCharlotte Film Festival charlottelgbtfilm.com.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte gmccharlotte.org.

qnotes

Time Warner Cable Out@TWC Mark Schichtel, executive sponsor mark.schichtel@twcable.com

Creative Loafing clclt.com.

Dalliance Films dalliancefilms.com.

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Bank of America Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Employee Network Group tracy.d.boyce@ bankofamerica.com LGBT Pride Resource Group kelly.e.sapp @bankofamerica.com

QNotes goqnotes.com.

Visit Gay Charlotte visitgaycharlotte.com.

Aug. 12-25 . 2016

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

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

Myers Park Baptist Church 1900 Queens Rd. Charlotte, NC 28207 704-334-7232 mpbconline.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/community-outreach/ gaylesbian-ministry.

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

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

The Spiritual Living Center of Charlotte 650 East Stonewall St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704-665-1886 slccharlotte.com.

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 135 Woodlawn School Loop 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.

Philanthropy Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund 704-973-45.00 fftc.org/clgf.

HIV/AIDS Ballantyne Family Medicine 6010 East W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28215 704-208-4134 ballantynefamilymedicine.com.

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

Different Roads Home 2320 N. Davidson St. Ste. B Charlotte, NC 28205 704-237-8793 differentroadshome.org.

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

House of Mercy 701 Mercy Dr. Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-4711 thehouseofmercy.org.

Mecklenburg County Department of Health 704-336-6500 PowerHouse Project 1416 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216 704-334-6076 powerhousecharlotte.org.

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) 601 E. 5th St. Ste. 470 Charlotte, NC 28202 704-372-7246 carolinarain.org.

Rosedale Infectious Disease 103 Commerce Centre Dr. Ste. 103 Huntersville, NC 28078 704-948-8582 rosedaleid.com.

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Protection when you need it Allied Guard provides added security for Charlotte Pride Festival goers

by Bill Allen :: qnotes contributor

T

he concept is simple: five glow sticks held together with a zip tie. The need is profound: find a way to make participants feel safe as they leave Charlotte Pride this year.

The result is the establishment of the Allied Guard, a looseknit organization of volunteers who will be carrying a “lantern” of glow sticks and accompany any person exiting Charlotte Pride to their vehicle or walk with them to their home in Uptown Charlotte.

Allied Guard is the brainchild of Anders Olson, a 31-year-old straight man who works in the financial sector and lives in Fourth Ward. The idea came to him as a result of conversations with his openly gay friend and neighbor, Tyler Bailey, 28, who works in real estate in the Uptown area as well.

“We were discussing what it is like to be out and living Uptown,” Olson said. “Tyler told me that in the places he has lived that at least once a week something has been said to him or thrown at him, and he has had at least one physical altercation.

There is not a lot that I can do, but I felt that there should be at least one day of the year when LGBT people should feel safe.”

The need became apparent after reports surfaced on social media about how celebrants at the New York City Pride event felt the need to remove flags, beads, stickers, etc., when they got on the subway in order to avoid being harassed on their way home.

In their conversations, Olson recognized that Charlotte Pride is a critical mass. “It is a target-rich environment for bigots,” he said. “On weekends, it is a touchpoint when people are drinking and they start saying or doing things.”

Olson saw that there was something simple that LGBT allies could do: help protect Charlotte Pride participants as they exited from people who might harass them. “One person is easy to attack, but it is more daunting coming up against five or 10 people,” he said. “Having a group of us walk together makes people think twice. And it is something easy to do.”

“One of the easiest things to say is that you support LBGT,” he added. “But we need to put our money where our mouth is.”

Bailey affirmed Olson’s ideas. “Sometimes you have to blend to feel safe,” he said. “But Pride is one weekend when you should feel safe.”

Olson then started jotting down some ideas on a loose-leaf paper and the Allied Guard was born.

“He ran with it,” Bailey said. “He turned what I thought to be a pipe dream into reaffirming my faith in straight men.”

Looking for a symbol for the organization, Olson rejected the idea of an armband since it seemed too gauche and a bit too far right. He remembered his favorite Greek philosopher, Diogenes, who carried a lantern and said he was looking for an honest man.

So the idea of the rainbow “lantern” was born. “We string up five glow sticks: red, yellow, green, blue and indigo, to approximate the rainbow flag,” Olson said. “Then we run a zip tie through them and have our lantern in the night.”

Groups of at least three volunteers carrying the lantern will be canvassing Pride on the night of Aug. 20 to offer to walk with LGBT people leaving the event.

Olson began to spread the word through social media and even made presentations at his financial institution, and he has been overwhelmed by the response.

“At least 50 volunteers have signed, and probably more may show up,” Olson said. “I’ve gotten donations from work. My boss’ boss gave $40. I was even asked to make a presentation at my work.”

He said there may not be a need for people to make more lanterns, but more volunteers are welcome. Nonetheless, he is aware that not everyone will react positively initially.

“I expect a good number of people to be suspicious, not having been aware of what we are doing,” Olson said. “If they see the lanterns, they should ask people if they are Allied Guard.”

Volunteer groups will be mainly at Pride, but a smaller group will also be available in areas near clubs and nightspots in Plaza-Midwood and South End such as Bar 316, Cathode Azure and Petra’s.

Bailey said the effort will be significant to his weekend. “I’m going to feel safer,” he said. “I will feel what Pride is all about: everyone coming together. After all it is not just for gay people.”

“You could never walk in another person’s shoes, but you can walk next to them,” Bailey added. “That feeling of isolation

begins to dissipate because of groups like this.”

He has been thrilled with the response, but what matters to him is what happens on the weekend of Pride. “If we prevent one person from being attacked or make one Rainbow colored glow sticks create an person feel safe, Allied Guard ‘lantern’ which is used we have succeedwhile escorting Charlotte Pride attendees ed,” Olson said. to their vehicles if they request it.

Bailey said he will be one of them. “Walking around the light rail, it is not uncommon for some drunk idiot to point out that I’m different,” he said.

“Anders’ (Olson’s) group diminishes the line between us and them,” Bailey said, “and makes people who think we are targets think twice.”

Even though he has been praised for coming up with the Allied Guard concept, Olson doesn’t want to be in the spotlight. “I decided to do this on my own volition,” he said. “It was not started with any idea of recognition.”

Bailey believes this is just the first step to something greater.

“I think this could be a starting point to establish a non-profit or social activist group,” Bailey said.

Olson said he is thinking of shopping the idea at Pride events in Raleigh and possibly other cities in the Carolinas. He added that he wants to make a difference.

“Is there more I can do?” Olson said. “Certainly. I don’t have it in me not to do anything….I wanted to start with something small to spark things.”

“I hope it catches fire.” : :

Fun and relaxation — entertaining options for enjoyment Sports Carolina Panthers (NFL) Carolina Hurricanes (AHL) Charlotte Hornets (NBA) Charlotte Hounds Lacrosse (MLL) Charlotte Checkers (NHL) Charlotte Knights Baseball (IL, Minor League team for Chicago White Sox) NASCAR Sprint Cup (various teams, scattered race locations) Attractions Charlotte Raptor Area 15 Center Carowinds Discovery Place Carolina Harbor Lake Norman Carolina History Lake Wylie and Haunts Latta Plantation Nature Preserve Rock Trail McColl Center for Visual Art McDowell Nature Center & Preserve

McGill Rose Garden Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center Mountain Island Lake NASCAR Hall of Fame Ray’s Splash Planet Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve Rosedale Plantation U.S. National Whitewater Center UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary Concord Mills Mall (Concord) Great Wolf Lodge (Concord) Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont) Reynolda House Museum of American Art (Winston-Salem) Museums Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Carolinas Aviation Museum Charlotte Nature Museum Charlotte Trolley Powerhouse Museum Discovery Place Harvey B. Gantt Center for AfricanAmerican Arts + Culture Historic Rural Hill ImaginOn Latibah Collard Green Museum Levine Museum of the New South Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Uptown Mint Museum of Art, Randolph Road Spirit Square Arts Center The Charlotte Museum of History The Art Room The Light Factory Wells Fargo History Museum Matthews Heritage Museum (Matthews)

Mint Hill Historical Society (Mint Hill) Museum of the Waxhaws (Waxhaw) North Carolina Music Hall of Fame (Kannapolis) The Schiele Museum of Natural History (Gastonia) Welcome Home Veterans Military Museum (Mooresville)

ParkandRec. Some of the popular locations are listed below.

McAlpine Creek Freedom Park Community Park Kilborne Park Park Road Park Latta Park Little Sugar Creek Reedy Creek Park Romare Bearden Greenway Park Marshall Park

Parks The area has a plethora of fun facilities for everyone, including ones for dogs, skating, swimming, fitness, recreation and more. Mecklenburg County is gaining ground as having one of the finest greenway systems in the nation. Some of the parks have shelters. A number of parks are accessible for those with disabilities.

For everything parks-related, visit charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/

Events Bark in the Park Carolina Renaissance Festival Charlotte Oktoberfest Festival in the Park First Night Charlotte Funny Bus Comedy City Tour Hola Charlotte Latin American Festival Mint Museum’s Potters Market Invitational Yiasou Greek Festival

Aug. 12-25 . 2016

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F CUS CHARLOTTE

sponsored by

Annual LGBT Newcomer & Community Resource Guide

Transgender support groups offer community, guidance in Charlotte Transcend Charlotte, 41 Percent and Genderlines connect trans people and their allies with one another

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

T

he transgender community is having its moment in the spotlight, after Gov. Pat McCrory signed the discriminatory HB2 into law, kicking off a legal battle with the U.S. Department of Justice. Transgender rights are now a national conversation.

While that increased visibility is a necessary component to winning protections and rights, it comes with a price. As is always the case when a minority group begins to grow more vocal and fight for their rights, some amount of pushback is inevitable.

The increased attention has come in both the positive and negative form for many, especially those who are actively speaking out.

It has also emboldened some who harbor transphobic feelings, since so much of the rhetoric coming from lawmakers and talking heads on the other side are intending to do just that, with language that often presents trans people as some kind of vague threat.

The transgender community faces a myriad of issues, from increased levels of poverty and housing instability, to higher rates of violence, harassment and discrimination compared with the general public. As of qnotes’ press time, 17 transgender people have been killed this year alone, 13 of whom are transgender women of color. Additionally, one was a genderfluid person of color, who alternately went by the names Kedarie Johnson and Kandicee Johnson and used the pronoun they.

The suicide attempt rate among transgender people is also staggering, and the above concerns play into this epidemic.

The Williams Institute published a study in 2014 that examined suicide rates among the LGBT community compared with the general public. They found that 41 percent of transgender people reported having attempted suicide at least once in their lives, compared with around 20 percent for lesbian, gay and bisexual people and 4.6 percent of the overall U.S. population.

It is from this study that the non-profit organization 41 Percent takes its name.

“We’re trying to make sure that people don’t want to kill themselves, very frankly,” said Ashley Williams, executive director of 41 Percent.

They do this by matching up transgender folks with one another, providing what Williams called a “mutual relationship of support.”

They are encouraged to meet up with one another at least once a week for the first six months, but how the pairings decide to go about building and maintaining that structure is up to them.

“We are trying to support trans people by just providing them with, at the very least, someone else to talk to,” they said.

The Williams Institute study found that those who felt the most “minority stressors,” such as isolation, rejection from family and friends, housing instability and discrimination, were most at risk for depression and suicide.

“After finally securing nonprofit insurance, we have officially launched our Sparrow Program, which serves the transgender community,” said board chairperson Charlie Comero, who cofounded the group along with Williams.

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Comero said they are actively looking for more individuals who wish to be paired up, and that the organization is also looking to start their “Raven Program,” which will match family members and friends of transgender individuals together for a similar type of one-on-one support system.

They are also currently looking for help with administrative support, IT assistance, match coordinators, and more, reported 41 Percent volunteer Hannah Hawkins, who started working with the group in the early part of this year after relocating to Charlotte, N.C. Those looking for support in more of a group setting can seek out Transcend Charlotte and Genderlines.

Transcend Charlotte holds a support group out of Wedgewood Church, 4800 Wedgewood Dr., on the second and fourth Sunday of every month.

Genderlines holds their support group at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1900 The Plaza, on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of every month.

Genderlines founder Paige Dula encourages cisgender allies to attend the support group as well.

“We open it up to allies and family members, because we want them to be able to come and learn from us and gain knowledge about our community,” Dula said. “And that’s a great way to do it. You can come into some really candid conversations about issues and things that may be affecting us, and that’s the perfect opportunity to do that.”

Both groups also organize events. Dula says Genderlines, which she formed in 2014 after spotting a need for more support for the community, gets together for activities such as bowling or miniature golf. They also hold a quarterly voice workshop for transgender women to “get together and work on our voices.”

Transcend Charlotte will hold its Genderfusion event on Aug. 20 at Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave., which is a party and celebration for transgender folks and their allies.

They also offers additional services such as providing clothing for those transitioning with their TransCloset program, as well as offering referrals to mental health professionals, doctors and mentor programs. They are currently working on starting a therapy program as well, so that transgender individuals can access low-cost therapy.

“Many of us have experienced trauma and need to talk with someone about our struggles with gender, with family, with society, and work through any discrimination and violence we may have endured,” said co-founders Trey Greene and Che Busiek in a joint statement. “We have licensed therapists working with us, and we are developing a model so everyone can have access to those services. We just need support from the community to make those options as affordable as possible. Ideally, people who can’t afford to pay anything or can pay very little would still be able to access a therapist who is trained in working with the trans community.”

Transcend Charlotte began in May of 2015 with the first meeting of what was intended to be solely a support group.

“We started getting phone calls in the middle of the night from people struggling and isolated who had never come out before,” said Greene and Busiek. They realized that the need was even greater than they had anticipated.

That need has only grown more intense since the passage of HB2, which is something all of the organizations agree on.

“My good friends at Trans Lifeline, a nationwide suicide hotline for transgender people, have experienced their call volumes doubling on the daily basis since HB2 passed!” Comero said.

“41 Percent can offer a longer-term solution for folks that are struggling, and we are working to bridge these two organizations so that the community has both short and long-term solutions for whatever they may be going through.”

Dula said that in the past several months she has seen an “uptick in inquiries into the group,” including referrals from therapists.

“All I can contribute it to, really, is HB2,” she added.

“Our support group has grown exponentially over the last year,” Greene and Busiek stated. “At our first meeting, we had four people. We grew fast and were excited before all the media attention on transgender issues and N.C. when we had grown to around 10-15 per meeting. After HB2, we had so many new people come in, we had people sitting on the floor at one point before we decided to do multiple smaller groups.”

Yet Williams cautions that even when HB2 is eventually history, the underlying issues won’t simply disappear.

“The work of fighting transphobia and white supremacy in the LGBTQ community is never done. I don’t think it will be done after the repeal of HB2. We have to actively work to change things,” Williams said.

To learn more, donate or get involved with these organizations, visit their websites by going to 41percent.org, transcendcharlotte.org, and genderlines.org. : :

IN

F CUS CHARLOTTE

sponsored by

Annual LGBT Newcomer & Community Resource Guide

Charlotte nightlife establishments ————––––––––––––––––––––

The Bar at 316 Bar/Lounge; Popular with: Mix 316 Rensselaer Ave. bar316.com.

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The Hide-A-Way Bar;

Popular with: Mix

405 E. Baskins Rd., Rock Hill thehideawaysc.com.

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Cathode Azure Lounge/Dance; Popular with: Mix 1820 South Blvd., #106 cathodeazure.com.

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L4 Lounge Bar/Dance;

Popular with: Women

2906 Central Ave. l4lounge.com.

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Chasers Bar/Adult; Popular with: Men 3271 The Plaza chaserscharlotte.com.

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The Nickel Bar Bar/Dance;

Popular with: Mix, African-

American community

2817 Rozzelles Ferry Rd. facebook.com/thenickelbar.

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Petra’s

Piano Bar/Cabaret/Lounge

Popular with: Mix, Eccentric

1919 Commonwealth Ave. petraspianobar.com.

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The Scorpio Bar/Dance/Drag;

Popular with: Mix

2301 Freedom Dr. thescorpio.com.

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Sidesides

Sports Bar;

Popular with: Mix

4544-C South Blvd. thesidelinesbar.com.

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The Woodshed Lounge Bar;

Popular with: Men, Bear/Leather

4000 Queen City Dr. woodshedlounge.com.

————–––––––––––––––––––– All lists in the InFocus Charlotte section were compiled by qnotes staff. 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 bar or 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.

Charlotte LGBT and other community annual events A listing of annual LGBT and other community events in and around RAIN AIDS Walk • carolinarain.org. the Queen City and approximately when they occur each year. Learn This annual HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising event is the largmore about the events at the web addresses provided. est of its kind in the Carolinas.

February Human Rights Campaign Carolina Gala • hrccarolina.org.

An annual black-tie fundraising event, the largest of its kind in the Carolinas.

April Gay Charlotte Film Festival • gaycharlottefilmfestival.com.

An annual festival of established and up-and-coming LGBT films.

House of Mercy AIDS Walk • thehouseofmercy.org.

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

Pride in Business Expo & Career Fair • clgbtcc.org.

Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosts a chance to showcase your local business or find new career opportunities.

Speed Street • 600festival.com.

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

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

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

Queen City Stomp (on hiatus) • southerncountrycharlotte.com.

Organized by Southern Country Charlotte. An an annual country dance hoedown weekend festival benefiting various LGBT organizations in Charlotte.

Flourish Queer Arts Consortium • queerartsconsortium.com.

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

June Taste of Charlotte • tasteofcharlotte.com.

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

Time Out Youth Gala • timeoutyouth.org.

An evening of music, food and fun benefiting Time Out Youth.

May

July

The Happening • fftc.org/clgf.

Annual Charlotte Gay and Lesbian Fund luncheon.

Charlotte Black Gay Pride • cbgp.org.

Annual event celebrating the diversity of the LGBT community. Pride festivities, expos, town halls and events.

Forté! • gmccharlotte.org.

A fundraising dinner for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte.

Queen City Drag Race • queencitydragrace.com.

Local drag stars perform at this annual team relay drag race.

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.

August Charlotte Pride • charlottepride.org.

Charlotte’s annual Pride festival takes Uptown Charlotte by storm.

LGBT-Friendly College Fair • campuspride.org.

Campus Pride hosts its regional LGBT-Friendly National College Fair in Charlotte.

September Festival in the Park • festivalinthepark.org.

Charlotte’s annual arts festival overtakes Freedom Park.

October OUTSpoken • outspoken.uncc.edu.

UNC Charlotte’s annual LGBT speaker series.

November Dinner With Friends • carolinarain.org/dinnerwithfriends.

November An annual collection of private and public parties raising funds for the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network.

Aug. 12-25 . 2016

qnotes

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sponsored by

Annual LGBT Newcomer & Community Resource Guide

Free HIV/AIDS testing locations in Charlotte

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

O

nly around half of all Americans have ever been tested for HIV, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and a survey by The Washington Post and The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

The CDC believes that around 13 percent of those infected with HIV are unaware of their status and that of the thousands of new cases each year, many are likely transmitted by those who do not know they are HIV-positive.

In addition to preventing transmission, testing is important so that those who test positive can begin seeking treatment as soon as possible.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expanded HIV testing coverage in April of last year, approving a once-a -ear voluntary screening for those ages of 15-65, as

well as those under 15 and over 65 if they are deemed at increased risk for contracting HIV. HIV testing can also be obtained free of charge in many locations. Some also offer testing for other STDs as well as vaccines for hepatitis and HPV. Call for information on days, times and for information on all the services they offer. You can also visit gettested.cdc.gov to search for more testing sites in your area.

Carolinas Care Partnership 7510 E. Independence Blvd., Ste. 105, Charlotte 704-531-2467 carolinascare.org.

CMC-NorthPark Family Medicine 251 Eastway Dr., Charlotte 704-446-991 carolinashealthcare.org.

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

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) 601 E. 5th St., Ste. 470, Charlotte 704-372-7246 carolinarain.org.

Mecklenburg County Health Department Southeast Campus 249 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte 704-336-4700 charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ HealthDepartment/ClinicServices.

Mecklenburg County Health Department Northwest Campus 2845 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte 704-336-4700 charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ HealthDepartment/ClinicServices.

Rosedale Infectious Disease 103 Commerce Centre Dr. #103, Huntersville 704-948-8582 rosedaleid.com.

Quality Home Care Services Inc. 3552 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte 704-394-8968 qhcsnc.org.

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

Voter registration locations, tips Statewide North Carolina State Board of Elections ncsbe.gov.

Voter tools, registration, precinct lookup, campaign finance reports, data and statistics and more.

Deadline to register is 25 days before the date of an election.

Local Mecklenburg County Board of Elections 741 Kenilworth Ave. # 202 Charlotte, N.C. bit.ly/1lBBOSg. Registration may also be available at libraries, Department of Transportation driver’s license bureaus, public high schools or college admis-

sion offices, as well as various service agencies and the Employment Security Commission. Call ahead to ensure they are prepared for registration processing.

On another note, precincts are always on the lookout for reliable, responsible workers who are willing to be part of the election process. Check with local boards of election to learn more.

Also, become engaged in voter contact is to volunteer for one’s party at the campaign office.

Make calls, canvass neighborhoods, assemble mailing pieces, or whatever is needed to aid in a candidate’s successful bid for election. Meetings on a precinct, county or state will bring volunteers together to make the American voting experience more energized. : :

Resources continued from page 18

Sports Carolina Softball Alliance carolinasoftball.org.

Charlotte Front Runners charlottefrontrunners.com.

Charlotte Rainbowlers charlotterainbowlers.com.

Charlotte Roller Girls charlotterollergirls.com.

Charlotte Royals Rugby charlotteroyalsrugby.com.

Honey Badgers Dragon Boat honeybadgersdbc.org.

One World Dragon Boat oneworlddragonboat.org.

Queen City Tennis Club qctc.org.

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Stonewall Sports facebook.com/stonewall kickballcharlotte.

Social & Support

Charlotte Latin Pride charlottepride.org/latin.

Charlotte Trans Pride charlottepride.org/trans.

41 Percent 41percent.org.

Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce clgbtcc.org.

Alpha Psi Kappa Fraternity alphapsikappa.org.

Charlotte Pride charlottepride.org.

Carolina Bear Lodge carolinabears.org.

Charlotte Tradesmen charlottetradesmen.org.

Carolina Transgender Society carolinatransgender society.com.

Chi Psi Omega Fraternity chipsiomegafraternity.org.

Charlotte Black Gay Pride charlotteblackgaypride.org.

Charlotte H2Os charlotteh2os.ning.com.

Aug. 12-25 . 2016

Convergence Riders convergenceriders.com.

Genderlines paige.dula@gmail.com.

PFLAG Charlotte pflagcharlotte.org.

Prime Timers of Charlotte primetimersww.com/ charlotte.

LGBT Legal Society Charlotte School of Law bnicholson@charlottelaw.edu.

PRISM prismcharlotte.org.

LGBTQ Caucus Davidson College gecampbell@davidson.edu.

Queer People of Color Collective queerpoccollective.com.

Southern Country southerncountrycharlotte.com.

Transcend Charlotte transcendcharlotte.org.

Youth African-American Alliance for Gay & Lesbian Education Johnson C. Smith University a3gle.tripod.com.

CPCC Spectrum Club facebook.com/groups/ CPCCSpectrum.

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

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

Pride JWU Johnson and Wales University facebook.com/pride.jwu.7.

PRISM LGBT young adults facebook.com/prismcharlotte

Queers & Allies Davidson College davidson.edu/student-life/ multicultural-life/lgbtqacommunity-resources.

Queens Friends of Lesbians and Gays qflag.tumblr.com.

Safe Queens University safequeensgsa.wordpress. com.

Spectrum UNC Charlotte unccspectrum.wix.com/ spectrum.

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

Compiled by qnotes Send additions or corrections to editor@goqnotes.com

Aug. 12-25 . 2016

qnotes

23

Election 2016

Janice Covington injured outside DNC Transgender delegate hospitalized for a week

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—The 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) was memorable for many reasons. The party nominated its first-ever female presidential candidate, held an LGBT caucus and hosted the first-ever transgender speaker. But for North Carolina’s own Janice Covington, known for her passionate fight for fellow transgender inclusion, the convention was memorable in a different way — and not pleasantly so.

Covington came to the convention as a delegate, and took part in the LGBT caucus and discussions with delegates from all 50 states.

Unfortunately, on July 26, things took a turn for the worse as Covington was involved in an accident just outside of the DNC. A folding chair left on the crowded sidewalk outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center was the culprit of the mishap. Covington describes seeing people falling around her before she herself went down. Covington has been hospitalized since July 27, first in Pennsylvania before being transferred to the W. G. Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury.

“People are cutting the VA short,” Covington asserts. “They’ve always taken care

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Aug. 12-25 . 2016

of me. They treat me, they gender me, they call me Ms. Janice. What else do I need? I’ve been in the VA system for years and they’ve always been good to me.”

After a week of heavy antibiotic treatments four times a day, Covington was told that she does have a bone infection in her leg. There had been talk of amputation, but as of Aug. 3 the hospital was planning to release her with a prescription for a four-week antibiotic regimen and further tests after said treatment.

Covington, long a pillar of the LGBT community in Charlotte and the Carolinas, seemed more concerned with her community than herself.

Instead of soliciting hospital visits or get-well cards, Covington declared, “The way people can reach out and show support is to donate to LGBT organizations, whether money or time.”

We at qnotes wish our friend Janice a speedy recovery and will update readers with any further developments. : : Democratic delegate Janice Covington was seriously injured during her stay in Philadelphia, Pa. and was hospitalized.

Photo Credit: Janice Covington’s Facebook page

goqnotes.com/to/life

life

Youth film highlights homelessness Pre--trailer developed by students at Methodist University

by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff Movie still, production crew with ‘A Place Called Home.’

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Sherry Kelley, a film producer from California, had the opportunity to speak to the television and video production class at Methodist University about her documentary project, “A Place Called Home,” which tells the story of what it is like to be a homeless LGBT youth.

The class was so inspired that several students volunteered their time and talents to produce a pre-trailer video under the guidance and supervision of their instructor, Associate Professor Paul Joseph. He was also instrumental in the approval of students using the school’s equipment to handle the assignment.

“A Place Called Home” is a film committed to bringing attention and meaningful change

to the harsh reality of the lives of homeless LGBT kids — to bring to life the hardships they endure as only a film can, Kelly said. “I once read ‘A film alone won’t change the world, but a lot of good can come out of it.’, — a good that can change people’s hearts and minds. An article in Variety entitled ‘Why More LGBT Rights Stories Need to Be Brought to the Screen’ summed it up best: ‘It is also about touching their hearts.’

And, that’s what happens when people see the stories of LGBT people reflected on their television screens and in movie theaters.”

Overwhelming statistics show that onein-four LGBT youth become homeless once they come out to their families. For those who are allowed to remain in the home, 46 percent choose homelessness due to the harshness of their home life. Unfortunately, once on the streets, they turn to “survival sex” in order to have a place to sleep at night so they do not have to undergo the abuses they endure at shelters, including their staff. Tragically, a conservative estimate shows that 1,500 commit suicide annually and one homeless LGBT youth dies on the streets every four hours. And six die daily from lack of shelter, healthcare and food, in addition to street violence.

“These kids suffer in plain sight — faceless, nameless and completely marginalized

without hope or self-esteem,” Kelly shared.

“They are, unfortunately, mere statistics on a page. But, they aren’t just statistics. They are children who have been thrown away by their families, friends, churches and society in general and who live lives of complete lack.

They are also the catalyst of ‘A Place Called Home,’ a coming of age drama about Ally, an All-American girl, who struggles to accept her sexuality and ends up fighting for her life in more ways than one,” she added.

More information is available online including a link to the film’s crowdfuning page. Individuals, businesses or organizations are welcome to contribute to “A Place Called Home.” Email skelly@ aplacecalledhomethemovie.com to learn more. info: aplacecalledhomethemovie.com.

Aug. 12-25 . 2016

qnotes

25

— Sponsored Content —

Walking the Good Road Together

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

Time for a “Holliday”!

As PRIDE and August 20th grows closer, we at Different Roads Home are so excited to be welcoming to the stage at the McGlohon theatre, the original Dreamgirl, Miss Jennifer Holliday. The night of Saturday August 20th is sure to be a night to remember as Jennifer takes the stage in Charlotte to share her unique style of music and memories. Tickets are currently on sale at carolinatix. org or by calling 704-3721000 or logging on to our site at www.differentroadshome.org. A few tickets still remain for the VIP Meet and Greet with your favorite diva as well. If you use the discount promo code “SALE,” you can save $10 off ANY ticket to the event!

Jennifer Holliday has been proclaimed a Broadway legend by critics and fans alike. Her show-stopping, heart-wrenching performance of the torch ballad “And I am Telling You, I’m Not Going” in the 1981 smash hit, “Dreamgirls,” is considered one of the all-time best performances in a Broadway musical. The iconic role made Jennifer Holliday a household name and introduced her big, soulful voice to the world. Now, Jennifer is showing the world a new musical look with her latest CD project,

26

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Aug. 12-25 . 2016

“This Song Is You.” The album showcases her extraordinary vocal range and mastery of multiple musical genres.

Jennifer Holliday is celebrated as a “singer’s singer.” She is a truly electrifying performer who delivers her songs with deep passion and sincere emotion. She is a vocal powerhouse with a remarkable vocal range from contralto to soprano and a soulful and throaty style, which touches hearts and leaves her audiences moved and inspired. She feels that she is at her absolute best when she is singing live in front of an audience. To witness her in concert is an unforgettable experience.

In preparation for the event, I was given the great honor of talking to Ms. Holliday and asking her a few questions to share here with the readers.

Dale: Jennifer, thanks so much for taking time to talk to me and through me your legion of LGBT fans in Charlotte, NC. We are all looking forward to you taking the stage on August 20th, at the McGlohon Theatre during Pride weekend. So many know you from “Dreamgirls” and other Broadway sensations. What else can we expect to see from you in Charlotte?

Jennifer: Of course I’ll be singing my signature song from “Dreamgirls,” but I’ll also be singing some classic jazz standards and some of my favorite love songs…This year will be the 35th Anniversary of “Dreamgirls,” and I’m very anxious to show my fans, and to all the music lovers who will be attending the concert, how much I’ve grown as a vocalist as well as my new discovery and my great appreciation for different genres of music!

Dale: What are some of your favorite Broadway roles and memories?

Jennifer: One of my favorite Broadway roles was playing Mama Morton in “Chicago” because Mama is such a feisty character for me and they allowed me to sing my songs in my own style. I had so much fun working on that show! One role that I would love to play is Dolly Levi in “Hello Dolly.” I love this show and I loved Streisand in the movie...Anything STREISAND! Dale: Many people know that you have been open about battling multiple sclerosis. How is your health doing?

Jennifer: My health is much better these days...I’ve suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years now which is a very painful and unpredictable debilitating disease, but I’m happy to share with you and your readers that I am presently in remission, although there is still no cure for those of us living with MS so I’m so very grateful to God to be able to travel again and to perform concerts all over the world.

Dale: If you had one thing to say to your fans about the upcoming performance in Charlotte, what would it be?

Jennifer: Please say — “Thank You To My Beautiful Beloved Fans and The Wonderful Patrons of DIFFERENT ROADS HOME for their support of this very important cause that is so very dear to my heart...The LGBTQ Community has been so loving and so very faithful to me throughout my entire career, and I owe them a tremendous debt of which I can never repay...I, myself, have personally been consistent in my love and my support for this community by using my gift as a singer, as well as lending my name to raise funds and awareness for numerous charity organizations.”

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life

Ask Lambda Legal

What does “intersex” mean?

Exploring gender

by Paul D. Castillo :: Lambda Legal Staff Attorney :: guest contributor Q: What does “intersex” mean?

Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of natural bodily variations. Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of bodies designated “male” or “female.” In some cases, intersex traits are visible at birth, while in others they are not apparent until puberty. Some intersex variations may not be visibly apparent at all.

Experts estimate that between 0.05 percent and 1.7 percent of people are born with intersex traits.

Moments after a child is born, the general practice in the U.S. is for a physician to visually assess the newborn’s genitalia and assign the newborn’s sex as “male” or “female” on that basis. But sex is much more complex, and

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is determined by a number of factors, including chromosomes, gonads, hormones, genitalia and gender identity.

A person’s gender identity, meaning the innate sense of being male, female, both, or neither, is the most important determinant of that person’s sex.

Although there is not yet one definitive explanation for what determines gender identity, recent research points to the influence of biological factors, most notably the role of sex differentiation in the brain in gender identity development.

When a child is born with mixed or ambiguous markers of sex, doctors often assign a sex they guess is likely to match the child’s gender identity. But it is impossible to

predict with certainty how an intersex infant’s gender identity will develop. As with any other person, an intersex person eventually may identify as male, female, both or neither.

Lambda Legal filed Zzyym v. Kerry on October 26, 2015, a challenge to secure a U.S. passport without a “male” or “female” gender marker for our client, Dana Zzyym, an intersex person who identifies as neither of those genders and uses the singular genderneutral pronouns “they,” “them,” and “their.” Dana is a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Beirut and the Persian Gulf.

For more information on intersex issues, see the “Intersex Fact Sheet” published by the United Nations Office of the High Commission of Human Rights (published September 7, 2015) online at bit.ly/1VZRCg5. To learn more about Zzyym v. Kerry, visit bit.ly/2aUcHKD. : :

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dung, monkey paw, hippopotamus penis or any number of other animal parts and plants?

This is your market!

I found any number of AIDS “cures” that included tinctures of different tree barks and roots and animal parts. The traditional “healer’s” section, called the Muthi Market, stands in stark contrast to the modern medicine and HIV testing, treatment and prevention program that has made SA a wonderful example to the rest of the world on how to take on the challenges of a modern-day plague in the face of myths and ancient cultural misunderstandings.

The visit to the market was a fascinating glimpse into very old and traditional Indian and Zulu cultures. The smell of “herb” was quite prevalent despite being illegal in South Africa, but many tour guides weren’t slow to tell you which street corners might be the best options for “getting lucky!”

to vote. He chose Ohlange High School in particular because this is where John Dube was buried and he wanted to lay a wreath. Dupe also founded and was president of the South Africa Native National Congress (SANNC), which later became the African National Congress (ANC).

After voting, Mandela stood by the grave and said “Mr. President, I have come to report to you that South Africa is free today.” At the IAC, I had the honor to hang out with Mr. Mandela’s grandsons Adjao and Kweku. Of course, I invited them to come visit Charlotte!

Mahatma Gandhi We also visited Gandhi’s home in South Africa where his revolutionary movement for peaceful political change began. He came to India as a lawyer at age 17 at the request of a friend, and after arriving in South Africa was thrown from the First Class section of a train

because of his brown skin. This experience changed his life. During his time, he more fully developed the Seven Social Sins listed here: • Wealth without work.

• Pleasure without conscience.

• Knowledge without character.

• Commerce without morality.

• Science without humanity.

• Worship without sacrifice.

• Politics without principle.

Gandhi is one of my heroes. I try to live by these principles.

Tala Reserve What would a trip to Africa be without a safari? Even a little one! We spent part of a day at the Tala Reserve, where we got to see three of the Big Five of Africa. We saw lions (way too close!), hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, and many, many others. But no elephants or giraffes — that will be our next trip!

What did we learn in the non-scientific sessions?

Access to HIV treatment and prevention is not equitable in a great many parts of the world. If you are not white or not male or not rich, or are LGBT or a sex worker or an IV drug user, your care is frequently not equal.

These are currently somewhat better in America, but we must make better efforts to treat all humans equally. The forgotten segment of patients is our youth. Over half of the world’s new cases of HIV are occurring in the under-25 age group. HIV/AIDS has gone from a death sentence in 1985 with 18 months to live; to now, with adherence to medications and a healthy lifestyle, those living with HIV can now live as long as HIV negative patients. Technology is helping to reach more patients worldwide than

see AIDS Conference on 30

Nelson Mandela We visited Ohlange High School (also known as Ohlange Institute) which was founded by John Dube and his wife Nokutela Dube née Mdima in 1900. It was the first school in South Africa founded by a black person.

Despite being able to vote in any location in the country, Nelson Mandela, at 75, chose Ohlange to cast his first vote as a free man on April 27, 1994 in post-apartheid South Africa.

Mandela chose the area because he wanted to give the native black population the confidence

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we could have imagined. We have every tool we need to completely stop the epidemic: condoms, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), ART (antiretroviral therapy) awareness and education. And yet 2.1 million people, 150,000 of them children, were infected with HIV last year.

On a more upbeat note, at the 2008 IAC there were zero presentations on HIV and transgender.

At IAC 2016 there were 50 presentations.

Charlize Theron delivered the opening address to IAC with these words: “The real reason we haven’t beaten this epidemic boils down to one simple fact: We value some lives more than others. We value men more than women, straight love more than gay love, white skin more than black skin, the rich more than the poor, adults more than adolescents. I know this because AIDS does not discriminate on its own. It has no biological preference for black bodies, for women’s bodies, for gay bodies, for youths or for the poor. It doesn’t single out the vulnerable, the oppressed or the abused. We single out the vulnerable, the oppressed and the abused. We ignore them. We let them suffer and then, we let them die. HIV is not just transmitted by sex. It’s transmitted by sexism, racism, poverty and homophobia. If we’re going to end AIDS, we must cure the disease within our own hearts and within our own minds, first.”

Nelson Mandela said: “Young people are capable, when aroused, of bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom.” Our young people are not only our

future, but the key to this epidemic. We must fully support them, effectively educate them using facts and science, and give them the confidence to speak out against bigotry and injustice.

What did I learn in the scientific sessions?

The PARTNER study which studies HIV positive patients who keep their viral load undetectable, is now several years old with more than 58,000 episodes of sex without a single new HIV seroconversion to positive. These are HIV positive patients whose HIV negative partners are not on PrEP. Undetectable is truly the new negative. PrEP is 99.99 percent effective when taken every day. On demand use indicated ~95 percent protection. For sero-discordant couples, (one HIV positive and one HIV negative) PrEP is not needed if the HIV positive partner is undetectable (see PARTNER Study at bit.ly/2aUOWDa), but if you are the type to wear suspenders and a belt to keep your pants up, then both PrEP and your partner maintaining undetectable is the right path for you. Over 80,000 Americans are now on PrEP with less than 1 percent considered to be high risk flyers (See “Truvada Whores?” at huff.to/2aMrFAy). Atripla and Sustiva again correlated with suicide — get patients off Atripla and Sustiva now! No vaccine anytime soon. We currently do not have the technology to create a mutating vaccine that would keep up with the rate at which HIV mutates. Current literature suggests that we are more than 10 years away from a cure.

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What did Trey and I bring away from this adventure?

The conference brought together scientists, advocates, people living with HIV, implementers and many others. The conference gave everyone much to work with as we continue efforts to bring an end to AIDS. And the take-home message?

We are stronger when we work together. : :

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tell trinity

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

Threeway sex means taking care of everyone Hello Trinity, Why would anyone have threeway sex? And if I do try it, isn’t it complicated and unfair to one of the three?

Three’s a Crowd, San Diego, CA Hello Three’s a Crowd, Why would anyone want two people at once attending to their erotic desires, their erogenous zones and their endless fantasies?

Darling, people end up in threeways because it’s fun, exciting, and BTW, it’s been part of sexual pleasure for thousands of years! So to make it work right the first time, remember 1) everyone must be attracted to each other, 2) everyone must promise to sexually please the others (or at least fake it) and 3) if you’re a non-monogamous couple “no fighting in front of the guest!”

Hey Trinity, I love eating and I don’t like dieting. Is that wrong?

Food Fight, Roanoke, VA Hey Food Fight, It’s great to eat everything you want, but isn’t it even greater to feel attractive, confident and have your mate yearn to rip your clothes off?

Pumpkin, having boundaries, eating healthy, living long and staying medically fit is…is…

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is so boring, hey pass the Ben & Jerry’s Hubby Hubby! (Decide whether you want to be fit or fat, sweetie. My cartoon shows you what’s in store for you either way!)

Dear Trinity, After dating many different guys, I still keep getting dumped. Help!

Dumped Enough, Fort Lauderdale, FL Dear Dumped Enough, Finding the right date means you first have to sift through the pile of wrong dates. And that could take a while, especially if you live in Fort Lauderdale. Sorry, honey, but that’s the way life goes, for most of us! But more importantly ask friends, family and some past dates to come clean and tell you what you may keep doing wrong! Good luck.

Dearest Trinity, My roommate goes nuts when I’m late, but he knows I’m always late. And it’s not always my fault. How do I get him to see things my way?

Late Excuses, Lincoln, NE Dearest Late Excuses, Before you try to get him to see things your way, first see things my way! It starts with you being totally responsible for your actions and com-

a&e

pletely accepting that it’s always your fault when you’re late, not because you don’t have a good excuse, but because you made a promise, a commitment, a contract and you broke it. Now, sweetie, to help you understand how to be late and have integrity here are: Trinity’s Hard Tips For Being Late 1. Call if you’re going to be more than 300 seconds late! And if you don’t think 300 seconds is a long time, stop now and count to 300 with your watch!

2. Communicate as soon as you know you‘ll be late, which usually occurs way before you’re actually late. That’s what successful people do!

3. Leaving a message with someone or sending a text, even if they won’t get it in time, helps to cover your behind!

4. Excuses are for courtrooms and kindergartens. Just say, “I’m late. It will not happen again. And, please forgive me.” Give no elaborate excuses!

5. B eing late is wrong, not evil or nasty, but wrong. So be understanding, be ready to listen to a complaint and don’t act all righteous and innocent!

6. W hen you’re late for the third time, you owe a free meal, flowers plus at least three consecutive times when you arrive early!

7. W aiting makes normal, healthy people crazy. And if you’re unreasonably late, then bring a present!

8. A nd, eventually, you must realize that being early means no stress, no worries, no excuses and no problem getting lost.

9. Unacceptable lateness is when you both have active cell phones and you still don’t communicate your lateness!

10. L astly, if you’re late more than three times in five meetings, get therapy, take integrity workshops and understand that you may always be… lonely! : : info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

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health and wellness

by Jack Kirven :: personal trainer, qnotes contributor

Complex Carbs vs. Simple Carbs: Understanding the difference between the two

The terms “starch,” “carbs” and “sugars” seem to get conflated quite frequently into one concept in today’s cacophony of nutritional advice. But this is an oversimplification.

Remember your geometry lessons: All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. Something similar happens here: All complex carbohydrates (starches) are composed of simple carbohydrates (sugars), but not all sugars combine to form starches. In fact, during the industrial processing of foods, often all that remains of a whole plant is its simple sugar. Let’s chat a little bit about understanding the differences in all these inappropriately consolidated terms.

Cellulose/Fiber Plants contain a very strong fiber called cellulose. It is what gives plants their shape, and is what allows them to maintain a barrier between the outside world and their internal cells. It isn’t digestible by humans, it’s that tough. Even grazing mammals require bacteria in their guts to break down the cellulose for them. In nutrition we call cellulose by the name fiber. There are different kinds, but that isn’t the focus right now. What matters is that whole plant foods contain it, and many processed foods do not (or have the natural fiber stripped out, just to have some other source of fiber supplemented back in).

The reason fiber is important to this discussion is because it slows down digestion (it provides many other important benefits as well).

Your body has to work harder to more gradually extract the energy and nutrition from whole plant foods. That sheath of cellulose is what causes the body to release less insulin and to do it over a longer period of time, which is what maintains energy levels. This in turn also makes you feel satiated, which encourages you to eat less. There really aren’t any downsides to eating whole foods. And if you are gluten intolerant or gluten sensitive, there are plenty of plant foods that don’t contain it. Quinoa, so long as you aren’t allergic to it, is a fantastic gluten-free source of fiber, starch and complete protein.

Complex Carbohydrates/ Starches I just used the term starch. Starches are comprised of three or more simple sugars that have been joined together at the molecular level to create long chains and coils. When they are accompanied by fiber, they require much more time to be metabolized. These are called “good carbs,” because they have a lower glycemic index, and therefore won’t

cause you to have insulin spikes and energy crashes.

They also tend to be rich in vitamins and minerals, because the nutrients haven’t been stripped out by chemicals and heat in a factory somewhere.

So then, starchy carbs aren’t bad for you unto themselves.

Complex carbs/starches should comprise the largest portion of your calories, because this is the body’s most Photo Credit: bit24 efficient source of energy. It via Adobe Stock also supports muscle repair.

Vegetables, tubers, nuts, seeds, quinoa and whole grains are all sources of complex carbohydrates.

What you do not need much of is simple carbohydrates.

Simple Carbohydrates/ Sugars Simple carbohydrates are one or two sugars on their own, often served to us without any fiber accompanying them. Thus they dissolve very quickly, are generally devoid of vitamins and minerals and hit your blood stream almost immediately. Without cellulose/fiber encasing them, there is no barrier between them and your intestinal acids and enzymes. This sudden onset of a huge amount of energy elicits a panic response in your body, a much larger amount of insulin is released to absorb all the sugar, most of it gets stored as fat, and then you have an energy crash.

You will also become hungry again, because simple sugars have no real mass to them. A great example of making a nutritious whole food into a dangerous sugar is orange juice.

Whole fruit vs. drinking juice When you eat an entire orange, you get its succulent juice along with all the fleshy cellulose. Although fruit is nature’s candy and should be limited in your diet, a whole fruit will practically always be better than its juice alone.

Consider this: Even if you hand press an orange thoroughly, your glass will have hardly any juice in it. You will therefore need to squeeze anywhere from 6-12 oranges to fill the glass. Think about that: You have just vastly increased your number of calories in the form of sugar, and you haven’t gotten any of the fiber from those oranges.

You will not get full. You will have to eat other foods along with the juice to make a meal (increasing your calories even more) and you will have an insulin spike to contend with all the food. The same is true of other juices, the skins and flesh contain fiber and minerals in addition to the nutrition of the juice. Eat your potatoes with their skins! Avoid fruit juices, limit whole fruits (especially dried fruits) and focus on vegetables and other sources of complex carbohydrates that are accompanied with fiber. : :

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

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EVENTS

Submit your event to our calendar!

August-September 2016 Continues through Aug. 21 Stronger Communities: SEP AUG MO Charlotte Pride 2016 LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Pride Week Renaissance Asheville Hotel Various locations and times 31 Woodfin St., Asheville Charlotte Pride will host a 9 a.m.-5 p.m. week of events The North Carolina Chapter of the around the city, American Foundation for Suicide culminating in a Prevention (AFSP), the nation’s largest two-day street suicide prevention organization, will festival, Aug. 20-21, host a conference for local mental and a parade on health providers and other interested Aug. 21, 1-3 p.m. parties concerning the increased The festival is on S. suicide risk in the LGBTQ community.

Tryon St. between Trade and Stonewall Those in attendance will learn about Sts. The parade route will travel from suicide risk, the latest research findings 9th and N. Tryon Sts. to Independence and explore strategies for improving the Square at Tryon and Trade Sts. Some situation. Presentations will be given of the events that will take place by national experts and will include a during Pride Week include the Time special presentation by North Carolina Out Youth Charlotte Pride Dance, native Jacob Tobia, host of NBC OUT’s Aug. 12, for youth ages 13-20, at Holy Queer 2.0. Conference registration is Trinity Lutheran Church; the Charlotte open and required to attend.

Latin Pride Expo, Aug. 13, at Midwood bit.ly/2a0WWhM. International & Cultural Center; Trans Pride Keynote & Social, Aug. 15, at OUT Step Levine Museum of the New South and SEP AUG MO L4 Lounge the Charlotte Pride Kickoff Cookout, 2906 Central Avenue, Aug. 19, at Bar at 316. More information Charlotte and more event listings are available 7:30 p.m. online.

OUT Step is a new, free, bi-monthly charlottepride.org/calendar.

LGBT event bringing no-cost salsa/ swing/shag lessons to Charlotte’s LGBT Charleston Pride Parade SEP AUG MO community. For King St., Charleston participants without 9 a.m. a partner, every The Charleston Pride effort is made to pair Parade route will travel from attendees with a partner who’s the genAnn St. down King St. to Broad St. and der of their choice. No previous dance then to Colonial experience is necessary (or expected!).

Lake. It is one of Registration for free admission requires the biggest paan email with name/phone number to rades in the region.

OUTStepCharlotte@gmail.com. NonMore information is available online. registrants pay $2 at the door. charlestonpride.org.

SEP AUG MO

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

Continues through Aug. 21 South Carolina Black Pride Various locations and times, Columbia South Carolina Black Pride 2016 takes place over several days with the goal of unifying and celebrating the diversity the South Carolina black LGBTQ community and allies.

There will be a kick off at Ms Scotto’s, 8712 Two Notch Rd., where there will be food, drinks and karaoke. There will also be a community expo event on Aug. 20, at Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Rd., and a closing community picnic at Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Rd. More information is available online. southcarolinablackpride.com.

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An Intimate Evening with SEP AUG MO Jennifer Holliday McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square 345 N College St., Charlotte 7 p.m.

Singer and actress Jennifer Holliday has been called a Broadway legend by critics and has won both a Grammy and a Tony Award. Different Road Home brings her to Charlotte, where she will both be interviewed and perform a vocal concert. Tickets range from $39.50-$150 for a VIP package, which includes a meet-and-greet and an autographed photograph of Holliday. More information and tickets are available online. differentroadshome.org.

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PFLAG Concord/Kannapolis Cookout Member’s home 4 p.m.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Concord/ Kannapolis will hold its annual cookout and celebration at a member’s home.

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to email ckp-flag@gmail.com for further details and to sign up to bring a dish.

More information is available online. pflag.org/chapter/pflag-concord kannapolis.

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We Are Family Feud Theatre Charlotte 501 Queens Rd., Charlotte 5:30 p.m.

Different Roads Home and Carolinas Care Partnership bring another edition of “We Are Family Feud,” with an appearance by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season six star Trinity K. Bonet.

Lana Cane and Mink Shoals will bring their campy drag hosting abilities to round out this fun, laugh-filled event.

VIP tickets cost $50 and include a meet and greet with Bonet starting at 5:30 p.m., which comes with an autographed photograph. The after party will take place at Bar at 316. More information and tickets are available online. differentroadshome.org.

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Genderfusion: Charlotte SEP AUG MO Pride Edition Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte 8 p.m.

Transcend Charlotte presents Genderfusion, a party for the transgender community and their allies. Karaoke starts at 8:30 p.m. with a variety show beginning at 11 p.m. Food and drink specials will be available. Tickets cost $15 at the door and $10 in advance online. transcendcharlotte.org/events.

SC Pride 2016 SEP SEP MO Main St., Columbia The SC Pride 2016 festival and parade continues the legacy of the longest running and largest pride event in South Carolina. The parade will take place at noon down Main St. Performers at this year’s SC Pride include Jordin Sparks, Jessica Sutta, Erika Jayne, Stacey Q, and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars Phoenix, Raven, Naysha Lopez and Yara Sofia. More information is available online. scpride.org.

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Our People:

Q&A with John Quillin Music is happiness for the Gay Men’s Chorus director

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor At age 57, Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte Managing Artistic Director John Quillin says he is “old enough to know better.” This is just one example of the friendly wit that makes conversation with Quillin an enjoyable experience. Originally from Kingsport, Tenn., Quillin moved to Charlotte in 1981 and has been inspiring the local LGBT community with his creativity ever since. The Gay Men’s Chorus has two events upcoming: they are a part of Flourish, the “festival within a festival” during Charlotte Pride from Aug 20-21. The chorus is also holding recruitments at the Google Fiber headquarters on Sept 5.

What can you tell me about the upcoming show at the Bechtler?

We are part of “Flourish,” which is during Pride. So we’ll be performing for Pride. What “Flourish” is, it used to be that we would sing on the stage during Pride, but it wasn’t a very satisfactory experience for anybody…So we started “Flourish” four years ago. We started working with a wider group of lesbian and gay artists in town. We wanted to do something that was in an indoor space, was a little bit more controlled…So we started doing “Flourish,” which we call a festival within a festival.

What has been your involvement with the LGBT community over the years?

I moved to Charlotte in 1981, and in about 1983 I was involved with what was then the Gay & Lesbian Switchboard. So I had been involved since then. I worked at the switchboard for probably until ’89, then I started in One Voice and I was their assistant director for several years…I did that until 2004, and then I founded the Gay Men’s Chorus in 2006. I’ve also been on the

board of the Lesbian and Gay Fund. I have done some statewide organizing in AIDS and HIV. I’ve done two stints on the board for the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses.

Is music what makes you happiest in the world?

It’s definitely music.

How does it feel when you’re on stage or watching a production that you took part in?

What’s the most fun for me is to see the looks on the faces of the performers. If you’re not a performer it’s hard to know that experience of when you’re able to really communicate something that’s inside of you and to know that you’re really reaching your audience.

To see that on the faces of the performers is a magical moment.

What does your job with the Gay Men’s Chorus entail?

I do manage the shows and the administrative side.

Pretty much everything you see on stage is my fault [laughs].

Why do you think it’s important that the LGBT community share in musical performances?

One of the most important things that the gay and lesbian people do is to help create culture…The gay and lesbian movement is only since 1969, when we began to be visible… When we talk about gay culture, it’s really important that we acknowledge that we have a unique and valuable culture and I think gay and lesbian choruses work very hard to create and present that culture. : :

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