Aug. 14-27 . 2015
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Aug. 14-27 . 2015
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CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE Annual LGBT Newcomer & Community Resource Guide OTTE
Annual LGBT Newcomer & Community Resource Guide Annual LGBT Newcomer & Community Resource Guide
infocus: charlotte 4 6 7 8 9 10 10
Kickball reshapes sports scene Nightlife listings Big changes for popular ‘hoods Events, government & recreation Community resources Charlotte brunches & brews Local restaurant reviews
news & features 12 14 17 22
County rescinds benefits News Notes: Regional Briefs News Notes: U.S./World Briefs Gay candidates run statewide
a&e / life&style 19 24 24 25 26 27
Young and Positive, Part 6 Jane’s World Tell Trinity Cartoonist takes hiatus Q Events Calendar Our People: Parker Smith
opinions & views 12 Editor’s Note
Presenting Sponsor:
Bar at 316 plans big for Pride Iconic bar also offers regular events each week, support for local LGBT groups
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pened in August 1989 as Liaisons, The Bar at 316 is one of the oldest, continuously-operating LGBT bars in the city. Under its current ownership and name since 2009, the bar has undergone remodeling and a transformation into a modernday lounge that caters to every stripe of the community — with a diversity of activities, parties and events planned every week throughout the year. But some of the biggest parties The Bar at 316 will host soon are its Charlotte Pride weekend festivities on Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15. The bar is partnering with SILVERLY, SILVERLY SPORT and Bud Light to host a weekend Pride parties like never before. The iconic historic Dilworth home the bar occupies will be bathed in rainbow lights. Bud Light is also bringing in professional body painters for Saturday’s glow party where revelers can head upstairs to a blacklight party and “glow in the dark with pride” and hang out with underwear models Topher DiMaggio and Matt O’Reilly. The bar will also have a photo booth at the front door and a professional photographer. DiMaggio and O’Reilly will be on hand Friday, too, when they’ll help host an underwear party and contest. Want to participate? Show up with your best pair of undies and sign up! The Bar at 316’s Kolby Brinkley said he was shocked when Bud Light told him they wanted to host their Pride after-party at the bar. “I was extremely surprised,” he says. “They came up to me and said they wanted to do a party. I asked them why us? They jus said they’ve seen how we give our support back to the community and they wanted to help us out and put on a big show for us.” The Bar at 316 does support the community — every week, all year. They’ve sponsored events or fundraisers for most local LGBT charities in town, including big events for the Human Rights Campaign, Charlotte Pride, Stonewall Sports - Charlotte, Time Out Youth and others.
Bringing them all together for a big blow out Pride party is what means the most to Brinkley. “It’s just everybody coming together for Pride. That’s my favorite part,” he says, “just seeing how many people come together and enjoy it all.” Throughout the rest of the year, The Bar at 316 offers customers a regular retreat and relaxation. It’s one of only a handful of LGBT bars open seven days a week, and each night the bar offers drink specials, fun times and friends. Every Sunday and Tuesday, The Bar at 316’s popular karaoke nights pull in the crowds. On Saturdays, the Big Fun comedy Drag Hour with Patti O’Furniture and Buff Faye keep the party going. On Wednesdays, come out and play some bingo on their game nights. Thursdays are time for the bar’s weekly House Party and, on Fridays, a house DJ rocks it out. Customers can enjoy two bars — upstairs where all the karaoke, drag and other parties keep things rolling or downstairs in a more relaxed lounge environment. On both floors, patrons can step outside to the balcony and enjoy the breeze as they have drinks with friends and family. The bar is the right mix of classic and contemporary. Its surrounding neighborhoods, Dilworth and South End, are historic and charming environments filled with a variety of restaurants, retail outlets and more. The Bar at 316 is a place to come with your friends and have a drink in a non-smoking, home-inspired environment. Our goal is to create intimate conversation areas to meet with friends as well as provide a relaxed neighborhood bar to have great drinks and listen to good music. learn more: See more about The Bar at 316’s regular activities and special events at bar316.com.
Aug. 14-27 . 2015
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Local LGBT sports league makes ‘middle school’ sport popular again Stonewall Kickball reshapes community sports while raising dollars for Time Out Youth, plans to expand to bowling, dodgeball and volleyball by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Photo courtesy Stonewall Sports - Charlotte
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ason Boone recounts the story as if it happened yesterday. It was in the fall of 2014, the first night of Stonewall Kickball’s free-agent social. Boone and other early organizers of the kickball league had invited community members to come out, learn more about playing and discover more about what the new league would do. “I had a lesbian come up to me and she told me that she was so happy to have found something she could be a part of,” Boone remembers. “She was going to be driving almost an hour to come to our games because where she lives there’s nothing she really felt she could be a part of.” It’s that kind of positive community-building and affirmation that keeps Boone and other organizers going as Stonewall Kickball readies to enter its third season this fall. “To me, that’s what it’s all about,” Boone says, proud of his league’s ability to bring people together across lines of difference to play sport for a good cause. “We would be fooling ourselves to say there are not cliques or social circles. But to see those groups break down and to see different people, who normally in a bar would not be interacting, come together with each other, have fun with each other, forge new friendships and in some cases new relationships, I think that has been a main driving factor.” The league’s “good cause” — raising nearly $20,000 for Time Out Youth since last fall — will be growing soon as Stonewall Kickball - Charlotte expands and rebrands into Stonewall Sports - Charlotte. The league is bringing on bowling, dodgeball and volleyball, with bowling rolling out this fall. The other sports will follow and alternate with the year’s seasons. “We don’t want the players to have to choose which sport they will play if they want to play multiple,” Boone explains. They’ll even be spreading out same-season sports throughout the week. This fall’s bowling is planned for Monday evenings, with kickball scheduled for Sundays and Tuesdays. The expansion to the three new sports — decided by a poll of current players and community members — is part of what Boone calls a “natural progression” in the growth of the fun, leisurely sports league that’s inspired hundreds
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of people to join in, raised thousands for LGBT youth, supported local LGBT- and ally- Other local LGBT-friendly sports leagues owned businesses and has been reshaping the local LGBT sports scene. Carolina Softball Alliance For years, Charlotte has been home to Local LGBT softball teams a widely diverse cross section of LGBT and www.carolinasoftball.org friendly sports teams — everything from Charlotte Rainbowlers tennis, a running club and softball to rugby, Several teams. Year-round competitive play. dragon boat racing and roller derby. But in www.charlotterainbowlers.com the past nearly two years, Stonewall’s local kickball league has brought fun physical Charlotte Roller Girls fitness and sports activities to a new crop of Annual new skater clinics and try-outs each spring community members. www.charlotterollergirls.com “The great thing about kickball is you Charlotte Royals Rugby don’t have to be a very athletic person Local LGBT rugby football club to come out and play with us,” explains www.charlotteroyals.org Boone, noting that Stonewall Sports offers One World Dragon Boat a less competitive, less “professional” asBoat races throughout year pect of community sports than other sports www.oneworlddragonboat.org leagues. “The last time I played kickball before Stonewall Sports was probably in Queen City Tennis Club middle school. You can be any shape or Competitive and social tennis matches size, any race, any age. We’ve had players www.qctc.org from 21 to, I think, our oldest was in his late 50s or early 60s.” The same will go for Stonewall Sports - Charlotte’s new bowling league, offering novice players or those who just want to have a fun night out with new friends and acquaintances an
opportunity to pick up a ball and roll it down the lanes. (Want more competitive, professional play? Boone suggests checking out the Charlotte Rainbowlers.) The fun-natured, laid-back atmosphere of the local league combined with its philanthropic giving is what Boone thinks has made kickball — and what will make the three new sports — so popular. “People can have fun, be outside of the bar, outside of the normal bar scene, be with the LGBT and ally community and at the same time give back to the community,” Boone says. That message has resonated with community members. Nearly 250 people registered to play with kickball teams in the spring. More than 1,000 people attended post-game events and more than 1,300 attended the league’s special events — like their charity drag fundraiser, flip-cup tournament and a party the weekend Charlotte hosted kickball teams from Greensboro, Raleigh and Wilmington for the statewide All Star Game. “The great thing about this league, is when you look at the numbers, you’re directly putting people back into the LGBT-owned businesses in our community,” Boone says. “That directly correlates to the health of and supporting LGBT and ally businesses.” Boone adds, “I’ve been completely blown away by what we’ve been able to do.” Stonewall Sports’ local expansion will come with more opportunities to give back. With the additional sports, the league is looking to add more non-profit and charity partners. They’re looking at their sister teams in Washington, D.C., as a model. That’s where Stonewall Sports started five years ago. The capital teams now include players in billiards, bocce, darts, dodgeball and kickball. Those teams recently raised $50,000 in a season for local charities there. Over five years, Stonewall Sports teams across the country — from Chicago, Philadelphia and others — have raised more than $250,000 for local groups, Boone reports. “It’s just simply phenomenal that we can come together as a community in a safe space to play sports, while at the same time raising that amount of money for local charities,” Boone says. : : learn more: Want to learn more about how you can support Stonewall Sports or get involved in a team? Visit stonewallcharlotte.leagueapps.com for more information.
Aug. 14-27 . 2015
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Nightlife establishments
The Bar at 316 Bar/Lounge; Popular with: Mix 316 Rensselaer Ave. bar316.com
Cathode Azure Lounge/Dance; Popular with: Mix 1820 South Blvd., #106 cathodeazure.com
Chasers Bar/Adult; Popular with: Men 3271 The Plaza chaserscharlotte.com ————––––––––––––––––––––
The Hide-A-Way Bar; Popular with: Mix 405 E. Baskins Rd., Rock Hill thehideawaysc.com ————––––––––––––––––––––
L4 Lounge Bar/Dance; Popular with: Women 2906 Central Ave. l4lounge.com ————––––––––––––––––––––
The Nickel Bar Bar/Dance; Popular with: Mix, African-American community 2817 Rozzelles Ferry Rd. facebook.com/thenickelbar –————–––––––––––––––––––
Petra’s Piano Bar/Cabaret/Lounge Popular with: Mix, Eccentric 1919 Commonwealth Ave. petraspianobar.com ————––––––––––––––––––––
The Scorpio Bar/Dance/Drag; Popular with: Mix 2301 Freedom Dr. thescorpio.com ————––––––––––––––––––––
Sidelines Sports Bar; Popular with: Mix 4544-C South Blvd. thesidelinesbar.com ————––––––––––––––––––––
The Woodshed Lounge Bar; Popular with: Men, Bear/ Leather 4000 Queen City Dr. woodshedlounge.com.
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Aug. 14-27 . 2015
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Big changes for popular neighborhoods as economy rebounds Close-in ‘hoods see new developments, influx of residents by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
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developments on Hawthorne Lane and new businesses — like Joe Hoopers, PINT Central and Central Coffee Co. — opened up, the Plaza Midwood area, at least in some locals’ minds, has expanded. The new construction will bring hundreds of new residents to the already popular neighborhood, where new businesses have begun opening up to serve new clientele. A new Irish pub, The Workman’s Friend, opened at the corner of Central and Thomas Aves. this summer. The shopping center at the corner of Central and Pecan Aves. has been rehabilitated with the presence of Bistro La Bon, Yama Izakaya and Healthy Home Market, a locally-owned health-foods store which relocated from South Blvd. In NoDa, the old Mecklenburg Mill building is getting new life. Once rehabbed for artists’ residences, the building was shut down due to structural problems. It’s open again now, taking new residences. A look at Cotswold from the air. The central business area and shopping center But the biggest change in NoDa sits hosting Harris Teeter is located in the top left of the photo. right at its heart at 36th and N. Davidson St. Photo Credit: Bz3rk, via Wikimedia. Licensed CC. There, hundreds of residences are being built around pre-existing street-facing Residents in the area say home values are taking off, too, businesses. The L-shaped complex, Mercury NoDa, with new construction and home renovations abounding. The is but one of several other projects planned. Crescent city is planning new bike lines to take commuters down the twoCommunities announced in July they plan to build up mile trip to the heart of Uptown. to 800 units in the area. Oh — and did we mention Krispy Kreme? The chain’s first The new development comes in no small part Charlotte location in a decade opened up several years ago and because of the extension of Charlotte’s light rail is still going strong. Stop by and get a sugary sweet treat next line. The construction of the Blue Line Extension, time you’re in the area. set to open in 2017, is currently snaking its way from The Common Market is a must go-to deli, bar and store in the heart of Plaza Uptown through NoDa and up to the University of FreeMoreWest Midwood. Filled with local and international beers, wine, food and more. North Carolina-Charlotte. Distinct. Diverse. Dynamic. That’s how boosters describe Photo Credit: James Willamor, via Flickr. Licensed CC. FreeMoreWest, a neighborhood immediately adjacent to Cotswold Plaza Midwood & NoDa Uptown’s western side. The West Charlotte neighborhood — Located directly south and southwest of 28205 and East Together with nearby NoDa, Plaza Midwood anchors the whose name was derived by boosters from combining the Charlotte, Cotswold is experiencing a rebirth of popularity among 28205 ZIP code, which has consistently ranked as one of the names of Freedom Dr. and Morehead St. — is home to a growing LGBT residents. most heavily LGBT-populated ZIP codes in the entire state. number of residences and businesses, including restaurants and The new interest comes as the area experiences new in-fill The East side’s diversity, affordability and inclusive culture has bars. They join long-established businesses already in the area development, like other areas of town. resulted in an eclectic mix of small business owners, many of like The Scorpio, Charlotte’s longest running LGBT nightclub. Harris Teeter, long the sole grocery anchor of the central whom are LGBT, operating clothing boutiques, restaurants, cofOne of the newest LGBT-friendly destinations is Taste Cafe & business district at Randolph and Sharon Amity Rds., will gain a fee shops, bars and art galleries. Lounge, the first permanent events venue operated by Starr of new competitor when Publix opens up sometime in 2016; conIn the last two years, Plaza Midwood has seen a building Sophisticated Lyfe Productions. Located at 2415 W. Morehead struction is due to begin late this year. boom and it continues today. Hundreds of new apartment units St., Taste hosts a variety of regular events. The neighborhood is home to an array of LGBT-friendly instihave already been built or are currently being built, with two Hundreds of new residential units are already under constructutions, businesses and shopping destinations. Down the street, massive complexes currently under construction. One is at tion, with hundreds more planned. Nearby, historic Wesley Heights is the LGBT-friendly Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte. the corner of Central and Louise Aves. The other is further up continue to experience a rejuvenation, with the opening of a new Restaurants and nightlife in the area have become increasingly Central Ave. near the railroad tracks that once separated Plaza greenway and other developments. By 2016, the neighborhood will popular with LGBT clientele, including Block & Grinder, Pizza Midwood’s central business district from establishments closer get its first local brewery when Blue Blaze Brewing opens up on S. Peel, Leroy Fox and others. to Uptown. As new residents poured in over the last decade in Turner Ave., just blocks from Johnson C. Smith University. : : harlotte’s close-in neighborhoods have always been popular with LGBT people. Walkable, friendly ’hoods like Plaza Midwood, NoDa, South End and others have played pivotal roles in the city’s LGBT history — hosting LGBT bars and clubs, LGBT events, attracting LGBT residents and, in many, where you’ll find LGBT organizations headquartered and serving their community. But all the characteristics that have made these neighborhoods homes for a diversity of residents — LGBT people, artists, people of color, small business owners and others — are attracting new development and new residents. Big changes have already been occurring in some, with more development on the way.
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Annual Events
Fun and relaxation
A listing of annual LGBT and other community events in and around the Queen City and approximately when they occur each year. Learn more about the events at the web addresses provided.
Sports
Human Rights Campaign Carolina Gala February An annual black-tie fundraising event, the largest of its kind in the Carolinas. hrccarolina.org. Charlotte Business Guild Gala March A fundraising dinner for the Charlotte Business Guild. charlottebusinessguild.org. Gay Charlotte Film Festival April An annual festival of established and up-and-coming LGBT films. gaycharlottefilmfestival.com. House of Mercy AIDS Walk April Hosted annually in downtown Belmont, this fundraiser provides support for House of Mercy’s clients. thehouseofmercy.org. Pride in Business Expo & Career Fair April Charlotte Business Guild hosts a chance to showcase your local business or find new career opportunities. The Happening May-June Annual Charlotte Gay and Lesbian Fund luncheon. fftc.org/clgf.
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Forté! May A fundraising dinner for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte. gmccharlotte.org. Queen City Drag Race May Local drag stars perform at this annual team relay drag race. queencitydragrace.com. RAIN AIDS Walk May This annual HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising event is the largest of its kind in the Carolinas. carolinarain.org. Speed Street May Uptown Charlotte is transformed by this celebration of motor sports featuring endless entertainment on two stages and countless vendors. 600festival.com. Taste of Charlotte June This foodie’s heaven event features a sampling of local culinary arts in Uptown Charlotte. tasteofcharlotte.com. Time Out Youth Gala June An evening of music, food and fun benefiting Time Out Youth. timeoutyouth.org.
Charlotte Black Gay Pride July Annual event celebrating the diversity of the LGBT community. Pride festivities, expos, town halls and events. cbgp.org. Charlotte Pride August Charlotte’s annual Pride festival takes Uptown Charlotte by storm. charlottepride.org. LGBT-Friendly College Fair August Campus Pride hosts its regional LGBT-Friendly National College Fair in Charlotte. campuspride.org. Festival in the Park September Charlotte’s annual arts festival overtakes Freedom Park. festivalinthepark.org. OUTSpoken October UNC Charlotte’s annual LGBT speaker series. outspoken.uncc.edu. Dinner With Friends An annual collection of private and public parties raising funds for the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network. carolinarain.org/dinner withfriends
Carolina Panthers (National Football League) Carolina Hurricanes (American Hockey League) Charlotte Hornets (National Basketball Association) Charlotte Hounds Lacrosse (Major League Lacrosse) Charlotte Checkers (National Hockey League) Charlotte Knights Baseball (International League, Minor League team for Chicago White Sox) NASCAR Sprint Cup (various teams, scattered race locations)
Charlotte Trolley Powerhouse Museum Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture ImaginOn Latibah Collard Green Museum Levine Museum of the New South Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Uptown Mint Museum of Art, Randolph Spirit Square Arts Center The Charlotte Museum of History The Art Room The Light Factory Wells Fargo History Museum
Attractions
Parks
Area 15 Carowinds Carolina History and Haunts “Beyond the Grave” Charlotte Raptor Center Discovery Place Latta Plantation Nature Preserve - Buzzard Rock Trail McColl Center for Visual Art McDowell Nature Center and Preserve McGill Rose Garden Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center 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)
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 accessibly for those with disabilities. For everything parks-related, visit charmeck.org/ mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec. Highlights of popular locations are listed below.
Museums Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Carolinas Aviation Museum Charlotte Nature Museum
Local government Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (elected in even-numbered years/six from districts/three at-large) Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center 600 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202 . 704-336-2472 charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/BOCC Regular Meetings: Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Meeting Chamber The commission is currently dominated by Democrats and is largely supportive of the LGBT community.
Aug. 14-27 . 2015
Freedom Park Kilborne Park Latta Park Little Sugar Creek Greenway Marshall Park McAlpine Creek Community Park Park Road Park Reedy Creek Park Romare Bearden Park
Events Bark in the Park Carolina Renaissance Festival Charlotte Oktoberfest First Night Charlotte Yiasou Greek Festival
See our full list online at goqnotes.com/infocus2015/ for local, state and national resources.
Charlotte City Council (elected in odd-numbered years/seven from districts/four at-large) Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center 600 E. 4th St.Charlotte, NC 28202 . 704-336-7600 charmeck.org/city/charlotte/citycouncil Regular Meetings: Mondays, 7 p.m., Meeting Chamber The current council is filled with Democrats who are supportive of the LGBT community. Members LaWana Mayfield and Al Austin are the only LGBT elected officials serving.
Charlotte LGBT Community Resources Advocacy
Charlotte Observer charlotteobserver.com
Campus Pride 704-277-6710 campuspride.org
QNotes goqnotes.com
Equality North Carolina equalitync.org
Visit Gay Charlotte visitgaycharlotte.com
HRC Carolina hrccarolina.org
Faith
Mecklenburg Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Political Action Committee (MeckPAC) meckpac.org
Caldwell Presbyterian Church 1609 E. Fifth St., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-334-0825 caldwellpresby.org
North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Attorneys 919-834-6861 ncgala.org
Charlotte Atheists and Agnostics charlotteatheists.com
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 704-342-2251 atcharlotte.org Charlotte Pride Band charlotteprideband.org Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte 704-549-9202 gmccharlotte.org One Voice Chorus onevoicechorus.com Queen City Theatre Company 704-372-1000 queencitytheatre.com StillOut LGBT Photography Club stillout.org
Media Creative Loafing clclt.com
First United Methodist Church 501 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 704-333-9081 charlottefirst.org Havurat Tikvah 2821 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209 980-225-5330 havurattikvah.org Holy Covenant United Church of Christ 3501 W. WT Harris Blvd., Charlotte NC 28269 704-599-9810 holycovenantucc.org
Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church 9704 Mallard Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262 704-510-0008 puuc.org ReBirth Cathedral 2229 Village Lake Dr., Charlotte NC 28212 980-819-2636 rebirthcathedral.org Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church 600 Seigle Ave. Charlotte, NC 28204 704-338-1914 seigleavenue.org Sacred Souls Community Church 2127 Eastway Dr., Charlotte, NC 28205 980-237-0260 sacredsoulschurch.org St. John’s Baptist Church 300 Hawthorne Ln., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-333-5428 stjohnsbaptistchurch.org St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 1510 E. 7th St., Charlotte NC 28204 704-376-8441 stmartins-charlotte.org
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 1900 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-377-5439 htlccharlotte.org
St. Peter’s Catholic Church 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 704-332-2901 stpeterscatholic.org/index.php/ community-outreach/ gaylesbian-ministry
MCC Charlotte 1825 Eastway Dr., Charlotte NC 28205 704-563-5810 mymcccharlotte.org
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 115 W. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28202 704-332-7746 web.st-peters.org
Myers Park Baptist Church 1900 Queens Rd., Charlotte, NC 28207 704-334-7232 mpbconline.org
The Spiritual Living Center of Charlotte 650 East Stonewall St., Charlotte, NC 28202 704-665-1886 slccharlotte.com
New Life MCC 1900 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-334-0350 newlifemcc@bellsouth.net newlifemccnc.org
Temple Beth El 5101 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28226 704-366-1948 keshet@beth-el.com beth-el.com
Temple Or Olam 5300 Poplar Tent Rd., Concord, NC 28027 or-olam.org Trinity United Church of Christ 38 Church St. N., Concord, NC 28025 704-782-1024 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 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
Giving Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund 704-973-4500 fftc.org/clgf Southern Country Charlotte Queen City Stomp southerncountrycharlotte.com
HIV/AIDS Carolinas Care Partnership 7510 E. Independence Blvd., Suite 105 Charlotte, NC 28227 704-531-2467 carolinascare.org Different Roads Home 15905 Brookway Dr., Suite 4203 Huntersville, NC 28078 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 601 E. 5th Street, Suite 470 Charlotte, NC 28202 704-372-7246 carolinarain.org
Carolina Transgender Society carolinatransgendersociety. com Charlotte Black Gay Pride charlotteblackgaypride.com Charlotte Business Guild 704-750-5224 charlottebusinessguild.org Charlotte Pride charlottepride.org Charlotte Tradesmen charlottetradesmen.org Chi Psi Omega Fraternity chipsiomegafraternity.org Convergence Riders convergenceriders.com
Rosedale Infectious Disease 103 Commerce Centre Dr., Suite 103 Huntersville, NC 28078 704-948-8582 rosedaleid.com
Genderlines paige.dula@gmail.com
Sports
PRISM prismcharlotte.org
Carolina Softball Alliance carolinasoftball.org Charlotte Front Runners charlottefrontrunners.com Charlotte Rainbowlers charlotterainbowlers.com Charlotte Roller Girls charlotterollergirls.cm
PFLAG Charlotte pflagcharlotte.org Prime Timers of Charlotte primetimersww.com/charlotte
Transcend trey13green@yahoo.com
Youth Time Out Youth 704-344-8335 timeoutyouth.org
Charlotte Royals Rugby charlotteroyalsrugby.com One World Dragon Boat oneworlddragonboat.org Queen City Tennis Club qctc.org
Compiled by
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arts. entertainment. news. views.
Carolina Bear Lodge carolinabears.org
Aug. 14-27 . 2015
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Brunches and brews for your Charlotte weekends Queen City offers tasty treats to fill you up and whet your whistle by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
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ne of Charlotte’s best pleasures are its relaxing weekend outings. Walks and biking on local greenways, lazy afternoons in our beautiful parks, trips to ball games and more. Start it out right with a trip to one of these best local brunches and work in a trip in the coming weeks and months to these new local breweries.
Brunch Flying Biscuit: A perennial favorite among locals, the Flying Biscuit offers the kind of southern breakfast comfort food you’d expect from your mamma’s cooking. The chain has two locations in Charlotte, one in the Park Road Shopping Center and another at Stonecrest Shopping Center. 4241 Park Rd., 7930 Rea Rd. flyingbiscuit.com. Dogwood Southern Table & Bar: If you’re looking for a good, local farm-totable brunch option, head out to Dogwood. With brunch on Sundays, 11 a.m.2- p.m., the restaurant’s menus often change up as they source new local ingredients. Try the steak and eggs, pimento cheese and Maw Maw’s Biscuits with butter and jam or sausage and yellow mustard. Don’t pass up the honeysuckle mimosa. 4905 Ashley Park Ln., Suite D. dogwoodsoutherntable.com. Napa on Providence: A popular choice for unique brunch options Saturdays and Sundays. Be sure to grab the smoked herb sausage frittata or chicken and waffles with spicy maple syrup. 110 Perrin Pl. napaonprovidence.com.
Breweries Several new local breweries have recently opened or are opening up in Charlotte soon. Be sure to work them into your afternoon after your brunch outing. Legion Brewing: Plaza Midwood will finally get into the local brewing craze when Legion Brewing opens this fall. The new brewery will occupy the old Brodt Music Company building at 1906 Commonwealth Ave. legionbrewing.com. Free Range Brewing: This new NoDa brewery just recently opened near Amelie’s and another popular local brewery, NoDa Brewing Company. Owners bill the pub as family friendly and incorporate local fruits, vegetables and other ingredients in their creations. 2320 N. Davidson St. facebook.com/FreeRangeBrewing. Red Clay CiderWorks: If beer is less your taste and you prefer cider, your in for a treat. Charlotte got its first hard cider producer in July, located in South End just off I-77 at 245 Clanton Rd. redclayhardcider.com. Great Wagon Road Distilling Co.: And if you’d prefer to skip both beer and cider, grab a glass of local whiskey when this new South End whiskey distillery opens in the fall. The distillery is moving to a new location at 227 Southside Dr., offering an 8,800-square-foot distillery and 5,000-square-foot bar. facebook.com/GWRdistillingco.
Why you should eat in restaurants in office buildings Skip work, head out to eat instead by Michael Weinstein :: Charlotte Observer
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t just seems like most restaurants in Charlotte are located in strip shopping centers. The others are in office buildings! All those people mashing keys at the computer or taking your blood pressure are working up an appetite. So it makes sense there’ll be some good eats in office buildings. Here are a few: Imani’s Fusion Cafe There are lots of doctors’ offices in this multiple-building office park at Randolph and Billingsley roads. Imani’s is in the Randolph building. Grilled marinated chicken chunks, bacon, tomato and spring mix were overflowing in the chicken ranch pita. An Israeli couscous side had zing from its vinaigrette, red onion, tomato, whole green olives and capers. For an unorthodox lunch special, three chicken wings (drummette and wing attached), choice of Buffalo, barbecue or lemon pepper. I enjoyed the variety. Lemon pepper was crispy and
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tangy, Buffalo was spicy, and barbecue was sweet and tangy. All three wings had enough heat for me to notice my eyes were watering, which was just fine. Vegetarian friendly? Three-veggie plate is $5.99. Eclectic selections include Israeli couscous salad, broccoli salad, fried okra, sweet potato fries, fried plantains, mashed potatoes and collards. 3535 Randolph Road (in the Randolph Building). imanisfusioncafe.com. Georges Brasserie Who orders a burger in a French restaurant? Hey, we were in an office building off Fairview Road. The burger was terrific. I couldn’t resist the special ($14), and it turned out to be a thick, juicy burger on a brioche bun with red dragon cheese and sriracha aioli. Coming
A juicy burger on a brioche bun with red dragon cheese and sriracha aoli at Georges Brasserie. Photo Credit: Michael Weinstein
from Wales, red dragon is made with brown ale and mustard seeds. Grilled onions provided some sweetness to contrast with the slightly spicy burger and cheese. It came with crispy shoestring fries. Lunch ranges from $8 for gratin de mac entree to $22 for fish. Vegetarian friendly? House-ground lentil burger, good salads and that mac-and-cheese. 4620 Piedmont Row Drive. georgesbrasserie.com.
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The interior of Halcyon Flavors of the Earth at the Mint Museum Uptown. Photo via CharlotteFive.com.
Lola’s on Brevard Don’t work uptown? No problem. The restaurant is across from the Charlotte Convention Center and light rail. So if you’re in Pineville, you can hop on the train. There’s a sizable menu with salads, entrees and sandwiches. Baked chicken and dressing is wonderful comfort food (with two sides and bread for $7.95). Italian-style green beans were surprisingly firm and salty enough to compete with the creamy dressing and chicken. The collards were spicy and flavorful. The mac-and-cheese was light and creamy. You get a choice of roll or plain or jalapeno cornbread. The chicken and dressing usually beckons to me. Vegetarian friendly? Pintos or black-eyed peas can provide the protein on a three-veggie plate for $5.95 (four for $7.95). 305 S. Brevard St. in AT&T Plaza. lolascharlotte.com. More for your list Upscale dining at SouthPark: Del Frisco’s Steakhouse (delfriscos.com/steakhouse/charlotte), Brio at Piedmont Town Center (brioitalian.com). Upscale dining Uptown: The Capital Grille (thecapitalgrille.com), Ruth’s Chris (ruthschris. com/restaurant-locations/charlotte-uptown), Aria Tuscan Grill (ariacharlotte.com), Halcyon Flavors of the Earth (www.halcyonflavors.com), Bentley’s (bentleyson27.com). Non-upscale dining Uptown: Johnny Burrito (johnnyburrito.com), Nirvana II (plus.google.com/111915370324568733494/ about?gl=us&hl=en), Fujiyama (allmenus. com/nc/charlotte/89175-fujiyama/menu/), Fuel Pizza (fuelpizza.com), Pita Pit (pitapit.splickit. com/?authenticity_token=nzWRijBkLG9gOG3i DPz5Yjl2Q2dx8l62V8b8esoczSY%3D&utf8=%E 2%9C%93&zip=28202). : : — Originally published by The Charlotte Observer’s CharlotteFive.com on Aug. 7, 2015. qnotes is a member of the Observer’s Charlotte News Alliance.
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Paige Braddock, Matt Comer, Norena Gutierrez, Trevion Gutierrez, Jonathan McFadden, Lainey Millen, Trinity, Michael Weinstein
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The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBT and straight ally communities of the Charlotte region, North Carolina and beyond, by featuring arts, entertainment, news and views content in print and online that directly enlightens, informs and engages the readers about LGBT life and social justice issues. Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Editor: Matt Comer, x202 editor@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen, x205 production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper. Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2015 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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editor’s note by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Let’s turn ‘Charlotte’s got a lot’ into ‘Charlotte’s got it all’ The Queen City’s local tourism officials tout the city’s motto on billboards, in magazines, in commercials. “Charlotte’s got a lot,” they say. And they’re right. Charlotte is a great place to live, to work, to raise a family, to make lasting friendships, to cut loose on the weekends, get involved in civic affairs and more. In this issue, we publish our annual newcomer, visitor and residents guide. It’s chock full of local resource listings, nightlife listings, articles on life in the city and more. It’s just a glimpse of what it means, particularly for LGBT people, when the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority says, “Charlotte’s got a lot.” But though there’s a lot to offer and take in here in the Queen City, we could have a lot more. No, this isn’t some pessimistic, cynical take on life in this great city. Rather, it’s a simple reminder — as good as life is, it can be better. And “Charlotte’s got a lot” — of work to do to make our city more inclusive and affirming for all LGBT people and others. First up, we’ve got to protect all our residents and citizens. In March, City Council rejected a suite of non-discrimination ordinances that would have added sexual orientation and gender identity among characteristics protected from unjust discrimination. Efforts have been undertaken to build community awareness, educate elected officials and lobby candidates for city elections coming up in this fall. I’m confident we’ll be able to make a big dent in the obstacles that stood in the way of a successful ordinance passage. There are other crucial items Charlotte needs, chief among them economic development and opportunities for our increasingly impoverished communities and neighborhoods. Poverty is highly clustered in small close-in neighborhoods by Uptown. This kind of clustering is what has made Charlotte rank at the very bottom — 50 out of 50 top metro areas — in residents’ economic mobility. Fewer and fewer people born and raised in Charlotte are finding the means and access to rise out of poverty. It’s a problem that affects each and every one of us, including LGBT people — folks who face increased rates of unemployment due to anti-LGBT bias. The same holds true for people of color, undocumented immigrants and others.
Homelessness has also increasingly become a concern, an issue that equally affects LGBT people but in extraordinarily disproportionate ways. City and county leaders have begun to address these issues, planning toward longterm, assistive and sustainable housing models for the chronically homeless. But the city also needs to take into account how it is serving the LGBT homeless. According to some statistics, up to 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as LGBT. Time Out Youth is working diligently to raise awareness of the issues, in partnership with national and regional partners. But city officials working in homelessness need to begin asking themselves why none of their services are targeting LGBT people, why so little focus is placed on assisting high-risk communities like LGBT — and, in particular transgender — youth and why, at least at this point, there seems to be little if any awareness or sensitivity to LGBT people or their challenges among existing homelessness services. All of these issues — targeting at-risk populations, little programatic focus and a lack of sensitivity — also plagues our public systems addressing drug and alcohol abuse, mental health and physical or sexual health. Finally, together with city and county officials, individual community members — particularly gay, cisgender men and women — with power, influence, financial resources and other privileges need to come together as allies in a fight against racism, anti-immigrant sentiments and transphobia. People of color, undocumented immigrants and our trans residents are facing life-, career-, education-, health-and spirit-crushing circumstances every day of their lives. The causes and circumstances are myriad, as are possible solutions. We need to listen and champion these communities’ needs as best as allies can. As you flip through these pages and read about all the wonderful things this city has to offer, I encourage you to think about ways you can get involved — whether in LGBT community groups or in other civic spaces — to make Charlotte an even better, brighter place for all our people. Charlotte’s can-do spirit is unmatched. Let’s put our minds, hearts, hands, sweat-equity and commitment toward turning “Charlotte’s got a lot” into “Charlotte’s got it all.” : :
Mecklenburg County rescinds domestic partner benefits County follows city in telling same-gender couples to get married or lose benefits by Jonathan McFadden, jmcfadden@charlotteobserver.com
CHARLOTTE — Now that gay marriage is legal nationwide, eight Mecklenburg County employees whose partners received health benefits will have to marry if they want their partners listed as dependents. With little discussion, the board of county commissioners unanimously approved on Aug. 4 cutting benefits for domestic partners of gay employees in light of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage.
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Under the change, domestic partnerships — defined by the county as a long-term relationship between people of the same sex who live together and are financially interdependent — will no longer be an option when employees choose their health care plans this fall. Gay employees who wed will be able to list their spouses as dependents. Joel Riddle, county human resources director, asked the board to eliminate
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domestic partner coverage since issues surrounding the county’s decision to offer benefits to unmarried same-sex couples in 2011 have been addressed. He said the county could save about $32,000 by rescinding the health coverage if those employees remain unmarried. If they do marry and seek spousal benefits, then “we would save nothing” but expenses won’t change, either, Riddle said. Some of the workers affected have disclosed they are married, he said. The new policy, which goes into effect Jan. 1, treats gay employees the same as their heterosexual peers, Riddle said. The county does not offer benefits to unmarried straight couples. The change, he said, mimics other companies, such as Verizon Communications and Delta Airlines, that have cut benefits for partners. In late July, the city of Charlotte cut benefits for the domestic partners of 19 employees. Commissioner Pat Cotham said she spoke with some LGBT people ahead of the Aug. 4 meeting. “They were all very understanding and said this is equity,” Cotham said. : : — Originally published by The Charlotte Observer, Aug. 4, 2015. qnotes is a member of the Observer’s Charlotte News Alliance.
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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer
Film fest gearing up ‘Better Half’ film still
Tickets are $15 for the party. Admission is $15 to watch an evening of tennis under the lights which begins at 7 p.m. Secure tickets online and click on the tournament packages category. Use the “Pride” promotional access code to get the discounted price for match play. “Come out and see the stars,” promoters said. info: winstonsalemopen.com. — L.M.
Grant recipients named
DURHAM — The North Carolina Gay + Lesbian Film Festival will be held from Aug. 14-22. It is presented by The Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W. Morgan St. The world premiere of “Better Half” will take place on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Other films include “54: The Director’s Cut,” “Beyond Just Male and Female,” “Enchantments,” “Liz in September,” “Seed Money: The Chuck Holmes Story,” “Super Awesome!,” “Upstairs Inferno” and more. Special events are being held during the festival. On Aug. 13, 7 p.m., there will be an invitation-only 20th Anniversary Kick-Off Party at Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St. There will also be a free family screening of “The Wizard of Oz” on Aug. 15 at 10:45 a.m. in Cinema One. Families are welcome to stop by the plaza in front of the theatre for free popcorn and soda, clown, balloon art, face-painting and other activities. Host is BASF. Additionally, there will be free screenings of “Out to Win” on Aug. 16, one at 5:15 p.m. and another at 7:15 p.m., at Full Frame Theatre, American Tobacco Campus, 318 Blackwell St. It is being co-hosted by The Carolina Theatre and the LGBTQ Center of Durham. Visit eventbrite. com/e/free-screenings-of-out-to-win-tickets-17929519676 to secure tickets. “Lesbians Eating a Quiche,” an audience-interactive celebration of sisterhood and survival presented by Tiny Engine, will take place on Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m., in Fletcher Hall. Tickets are $15. Space is limited, so purchase tickets quickly. Ten-pass holders have this event included in their package. Enjoy a center festival closing block party on Aug. 23, 12-4 p.m., at 114 Hunt St. Food trucks will be on hand, along with music by DJ Chaz. The event began in 1995 and this year marks the 20th annual celebration. The Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau considers it a signature event for the city. Individual tickets are $10 each and $85 for a 10-day pass and can be purchased online. info: carolinatheatre.org/films/festivals/ncglff. — L.M.
Charlotte Comedy comes to the Queen City
CHARLOTTE — Different Roads Home and signature sponsor Rosedale Infectious Diseases will bring three comedic icons to the stage for “A Sordid Affair” on Sept. 26, 7 p.m., at the McGlohon Theatre, Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., as a fundraiser for Different Roads Home. Performing will be writer/producer Del Shores, along with TV and movie actors Caroline Rhea and Leslie Jordan. During the evening there will be a silent celebrity item auction. For those purchasing VIP tickets, attendees will be seated in the first five rows, receive an event swag bag with signed memorabilia from the three artists and a private meet and greet cocktail reception following the show from 9:30-11 p.m. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be available. VIP tickets are made available to only 58 attendees. Early purchase is encouraged. For those who want the full theatre experience, purchase a fan package that entitles the
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WINSTON-SALEM — The Adam Foundation awarded nearly $25,000 in 2015 grants on July 8 at 6th and Vine Wine Bar and Cafe, 209 W 6th St. Awardees and usage are: AIDS Care Service (food pantry and Positive Action Club); Interfaith Voice (third annual Out of the Wilderness conference); Interfaith Winston-Salem/Compassionate Winston-Salem (Compassionate Corner program); North Carolina AIDS Action Network (HIV/ AIDS advocacy conference); NIA Community Action Center (HIV/STD counseling and testing); North Star LGBT Community Center (transgender community support and services); Positive Wellness Alliance (HIV medical case management, the women’s support group in Forsyth County and life skills classes); PRIDE Winston-Salem (2015 PRIDE Festival on Oct. 17); Theatre Alliance (January 2016 production of Martin Sherman’s “Bent”); and Triad Health Project (Higher Ground Day Center). A grant committee celebration was held on Aug. 12 at 6th and Vine. info: adamfoundation.org. — L.M.
Triangle Early registration deadline nears
ticket holder to entry into a performance watch party with Shores, dinner and drinks, open bar and entry and VIP access at the show. Cost is $232.09. Tickets are $32.09/orchestra, $25/balcony and $132.09/VIP. They are available online or through the box office. info: differentroadshome.org. blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/asordid-affair. — L.M.
RALEIGH — The Gay Christian Network’s 2016 Conference is providing registration at a 35 percent discount until Aug. 28. The conference’s focus will center around the concept of “What’s next for me?” It will be held from Jan. 7-10 in Houston, Texas. Mary Lambert will be in concert during the event. She is known as the singer/songwriter who crafted and sang the hook on Maclemore & Ryan Lewis’ marriage equality anthem, “Same Love.” Speakers slated to appear are: Allyson Robinson, Baptist preacher and national trans leader; Broderick Greer, Episcopal curate and social justice advocate; Justin Lee, founder and executive director of GCN; and Tracey Lind, dean of Trinity Cathedral. Super early bird rate is $119 single until the deadline date. Afterward, prices go up to $135/ early bird (Oct. 2), $150/regular (Dec. 4), $185/ last minute (Jan. 2) and onsite. Group rates are also available. A complete itinerary and more is available online. info: gcnconf.com. — L.M.
Triad
Seniors visit theatre
Pride night slated at tourney
WINSTON-SALEM — Pride Night at the Winston-Salem Open will be held on Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m., at Wake Forest University, Tennis Center, 100 W. 32nd St. This cocktail party and reception is being held in conjunction with the United States Tennis Association’s tournament. Charlotte and Raleigh Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance groups will participate. It is an outreach event for fans and prospective fans from the LGBT community.
RALEIGH — SAGE Raleigh will be taking in an evening of theatre reveling on “Spamalot” on Sept. 11, 8 p.m., at Raleigh Little Theatre, Cantey V. Sutton Theatre, 301 Pogue St. The musical comedy is a bit irreverent and spoof laden. Its storyline revolves around King Arthur and his Knights of the Roundtable as they embark on a quest. It is an adaptation of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Former “American Idol” and political candidate Clay Aiken played the role of Sir Robin on Broadway from 2008-09, with a break between June through August.
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Tickets are $24/general and $20/senior. info: lgeller@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. raleighlittletheatre.org. — L.M.
Western High Country set for dance
ASHEVILLE — A women’s dance hosted by ALPS will be held on Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m., at Eleven on Grove, 11 Grove St. Deanna the DJ will spin tunes throughout the evening. Attendees will be able to enjoy snacks, filtered water and a cash bar. Admission is $10. With a bartender’s hand stamp, participants can gain free access to Scandals downstairs afterward. info: faheyp8@yahoo.com. — L.M.
DineOUT around corner
BOONE — High Country Pride’s DineOUT will take place on Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Meet new people and socialize while enjoying a casual meal. Email organizers for location details. The group is also taking a “Come OUT and Play” road trip to the Virginia Creeper Trail on Sept. 12. Reservations are due by Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. Email reply will supply details and payment information. info: info@highcountrypride.org. — L.M.
Pride picnic nears
SHELBY — Shelby Pride will hold a picnic on Aug. 29, 6 p.m., at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 502 W. Sumter St. This is the second annual picnic for the organization. PFLAG Shelby serves as host. Attendees can enjoy a live band, karaoke, games and a marriage recognition and celebration. Children can have fun with face painting and a slip ’n slide. Food trucks will be available from 6-8 p.m. for those who wish to purchase food items. info: facebook.com/pflagshelby. — L.M.
Pride date announced
ASHEVILLE — Blue Ridge Pride will be held from Oct.1-3 featuring pageants, festival, worship and celebrations. Miss Blue Ridge Pride Pageant will take place on Oct. 2 at Scandals Night Club, 11 Grove St. On Oct. 3, a Pride night will roll out at Pack Square Park, 121 College St. The 7th Annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival and After Dark Pride celebrations will take place on Oct. 4. The festival will be held at Pack Square Park, 121 College St. Join the community for a worship service on Oct. 5. Full time and locations will be available as organizers firm up their plans. A lube wrestling benefit was held on Aug. 1 at O’Henry’s to raise funds for the festival. Organizers are seeking sponsors, vendors and volunteers. Vendor space is $175. Details on amenities and electrical requirements, etc., are available online. Sponsorships are available from $500$10,000. See the website for level benefits and registration. For those who wish to volunteer, email volunteer@blueridgepride.org. info: blueridgepride.org. — L.M.
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Carolinas News Notes continued from page 14
Foundation sets host date
HICKORY — AIDS Leadership FoothillsArea Alliance has announced that its Dining for Friends event slated for Oct. 23 is open for party hosts. Currently, a few individuals have signed up to participate, but ALFA hopes to secure more to help make the signature event a successful one. Hosts invite friends to their homes or a special venue where the guests are asked to purchase their dinner for a contribution to ALFA. The soirees can be everything from ultra casual to high-brow formal. The Roaring Twenties After-Party will be held at Warehouse 18, 18 2nd St. SE. Attendees will be able to enjoy food, live music, silent auction and more. Registration and information is available online. Kayla Early has joined ALFA as its case management team’s part-time medical case manager. She had previously been an intern with the organization. Early received her B.S in community health from Lenior-Rhyne University. Additionally, ALFA’s marketing team is searching for adult gay/bisexual men for a short survey that will give ALFA information to better their outreach efforts in those areas. A $1 donation will be made to ALFA’s food pantry for the first 100 participants. To join in, visit surveymonkey.com/s/GCYPZTP. info: alfainfo.org. — L.M.
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South Carolina
Campus Scene
Pride set in Palmetto State
NC college deemed most LGBT-friendly
SPARTANBURG — Upstate Pride SC will hold its 2015 March & Festival, “Peace, Love, Pride,” on Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at Barnet Park, 248 E St John St. In its seventh year, the annual event is free and open to the community. “We’ve always been a family-friendly event,” Keith Keppley, Upstate Pride SC president, said. The parade will begin at noon and return to the park at its completion. Food, entertainment and guest speakers will be on hand to keep the celebration going. Participants are welcome to bring camp chairs and blankets to the park. Additionally, many vendors may not accept credit/debit cards, so bring cash in preparation for purchases. And, smoking is not allowed on the park premises. The official after party will be held at Club South 29, 9112 Warren H. Abernathy Hwy., in Spartanburg, S.C. Vendor space is still available for businesses and organizations, as well as sponsorships for the event. It is also searching for entertainers for its Zimmerli Amphitheatre stage.Information is available online. info: upstatepridesc.org. advpubrelations@upstatepridesc.org. — L.M.
ASHEVILLE — eCollege Finder has named Warren Wilson College as the most LGBTfriendly North Carolina college or university, the university reported. The school’s Center for Gender and Relationships is credited with “bringing in ‘numerous LGBT activists’ and creating an open dialogue regarding transgender issues along with asexuality and bisexuality,” the college shared in a news release. Mike Simmons of eCollegeFinder, said “What makes Warren Wilson unique is its inclusiveness, which addresses the spectrum of (LGBTQ), while other colleges may still be caught up trying to accept lesbian and gay students. Not all colleges have an Asexuality Awareness week, which shows the initiative to educate and show more identities than just the two commonly addressed.” Among the accomplishments of the college in the last year, one significant one was Roberta Kaplan’s arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act. The college also made it on The Princeton Review, netting the number two spot in the LGBTQ-friendly category. Unfortunately, Wake Forest University made it to the bottom of the not-friendly list. info: warren-wilson.edu. ecollegefinder.org. — L.M.
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news notes: u.s./world. ‘Stonewall’ film attracts criticism
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were there — including Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Ray Castro — and all the brave people who sparked the civil rights movement which continues to this day. We are all the same in our struggle for acceptance.” Irvine responded the same day, writing: “To anyone with concerns about the diversity of the #StonewallMovie. I saw the movie for the first time last week and can assure you all that it represents almost every race and section of society that was so fundamental to one of the most important civil rights movements in living history. Marsha P Johnson is a major part of the movie, and although first hand ac-
see U.S./World News Notes on 18
A still from the new trailer for “Stonewall,” a film by director Roland Emmerich starring Jeremy Irvine in the lead role.
Some members of the LGBT community reacted swiftly with criticism after the first trailer for director Roland Emmerich’s film “Stonewall” was released in mid August. The film, which creators say is based on the true events surrounding the June 1969 Stonewall Riots, follows the story of Danny, a fictional character who moves from his midwestern home to New York City. Criticism centered primarily over Danny’s character. Played by “War Horse” actor Jeremy Irvine, the character is the film’s main protagonist. Danny ends up making friends with a group of young LGBT people who frequent the Stonewall Inn, but critics say the trailer leaves them worried that pivotal and iconic leaders — primarily young people of color, transgender people, drag queens and lesbians — in the Riots will be forgotten, overlooked or take a backseat to Danny’s story. Critics have claimed the movie is engaging in whitewashing and transgender erasure. Critics have started several online petitions asking community members to boycott the film. “When I started the petition, I was frustrated to learn that yet another history account will be told through the eyes of a white person,” writes Pat Cordova-Goff, a transgender woman of color behind a petition at GSANetwork. “‘History is written by those in power,’ and this is proof. Throughout the 2-minute trailer, I watched the passionate and diverse history of
our movement be whitewashed and ciswashed. While I am sure white cis people were involved in the riots, there was no need to fictionalize a character to tell this story. The lives of Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Ray Castro and Storme DeLarverie are fascinating enough. The fact that Stonewall’s screenwriter referenced the expectations of marketing proves that this is a systematic issue.” Director Emmerich and Irvine have responded to the criticism in posts on Facebook. “When I first learned about the Stonewall Riots through my work with the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, I was struck that the circumstances that lead to LGBT youth homelessness today are pretty much the same as they were 45 years ago,” Emmerich wrote on Aug. 6. “The courageous actions of everyone who fought against injustice in 1969 inspired me to tell a compelling, fictionalized drama of those days centering on homeless LGBT youth, specifically a young midwestern gay man who is kicked out of his home for his sexuality and comes to New York, befriending the people who are actively involved in the events leading up to the riots and the riots themselves. I understand that following the release of our trailer there have been initial concerns about how this character’s involvement is portrayed, but when this film — which is truly a labor of love for me — finally comes to theaters, audiences will see that it deeply honors the real-life activists who
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U.S./World News Notes continued from page 17 counts of who threw the first brick in the riots vary wildly, it is a fictional black transvestite character played by the very talented [Vlad Alexis] who pulls out the first brick in the riot scenes. My character is adopted by a group of street kids whilst sleeping rough in New York. In my opinion, the story is driven by the leader of this gang played by [Jonny Beauchamp] who gives an extraordinary performance as a Puerto Rican transvestite struggling to survive on the streets.” : : — Matt Comer
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QUICK HITS —————————— A 21-year-old transgender rights activist in Scotland was found dead in her apartment in early August. Danielle Robins was president of Abertay University’s LGBT Society. more: bit.ly/1MU1p5e Six people were stabbed by an ultraOrthodox Jewish man during Jerusalem’s Pride march on July 30. The perpetrator, Yishai Shlessel, attacked the marchers half way
through the event. He had just been released from prison where he had been serving a 10-year sentence for a similar attack at a Jerusalem Pride event in 2005. On Aug. 2, a 16-year-old teenager attacked by Shlissel died from her injuries. In a statement after teen Shira Banki’s death, Jerusalem’s Open House for Pride and Tolerance stated: “The LGBTQ community in Jerusalem and the Jerusalem Open House mourn her death at the hands of a fanatic, consumed with hatred and fear. The knife that fatally injured Shira was sharpened by years of incitement. That knife targeted all those who believe in a just society, where every woman and man can live freely, without fear of violence and persecution. That knife
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has wounded all those who believe in life and in God’s creation. Ignorance and fear will not discourage our uncompromising demand to live our lives as we are,” added the organization. “Knives will not stop us. With pride and pain, with broken hearts and tearful eyes, with Shira’s memory and our unanswered prayers, we will continue to march in Jerusalem.” more: bit.ly/1J2U42t LGBT Jamaicans held their first-ever Pride celebration in the island nation’s capital in early August. Events included a flash mob in a park, an art showing and performances with LGBT Jamaican artists. more: bit.ly/1MU1p5e
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life
Young and Positive: A Son’s and Mother’s Journey, Part 6 Our First Pride by Trevion and Norena Gutierrez :: special to qnotes [Ed. Note — qnotes continues with this sixth installment of this special series by mother and son, Norena Gutierrez and Trevion Gutierrez. Catch up on all past installments online at goqnotes.com/youngpoz/. Names mentioned in the column have been changed.] Norena: Trevion: My First Pride My First Pride It was Trevion’s I remember my first Pride. idea: Let’s go to Pride on Oh my God, I think it was like Saturday! the best day of my life. It was I was grateful to be just a day where I can be asked to do something myself, a day where I could with my then 17-yearrelax, a day where I could just old son when, clearly, feel free. “hangin” with friends is Now, I would like to say more important than ever that I didn’t do what a lot of at this age. Who wants to people did, but I did. Yeah I hang out with your mom was a total w**** the whole when you are in the prime weekend, but it was fun and I of your teenage years? felt free. I remember wading No one. through the crowds and thinkWe went early. I had ing, “Wow, this is really hap$60 bucks for refreshpening to me. I’m really here in ments for the day and the middle of all these people after paying $8 for a refilland no one cares that I’m gay. Trevion, center and right, in pink shirt at the front of the crowd gathered in front of able lemonade, I realized It’s just family.” last year’s Wells Fargo Stage at Charlotte Pride. it was going to be an exI was smiling constantly. pensive day just to have a There was no reason for me not Photo Credit: Matt Comer hot dog. However, the air to smile. The music was great. of excitement was contagious and everybody I met people and made new friends, and I was see Young: Trevion on 23
seemed so happy. There was this undeniable buzz of excitement. It was a beautiful Charlotte day when the humidity and the breeze is like Hawaii (sans ocean). I didn’t know what to wear though I thought about what “rainbow” items I might have — not a thing. So it was just a summer dress that I could keep cool in. As we neared the parade route, I insisted on shade and something to lean on. We found it at the corner of Trade and Tryon while we wondered how you got to sit in those bleachers on the other side. I heard my favorite radio personality Chirl Gurl being her funny authentic self. I knew she was straight and married so I was thrilled to see the support from her to the LGBT community. Another straight ally like me, we are everywhere. We settled in with our elbow space as an early arrival and soon two men who later revealed that they were lifelong partners planning to get married as soon as it was legal, joined our patch of shade. I shared that it was my first Pride parade and asked what I should expect to our new
see Young: Norena on 23
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ELECTION 2015
Openly gay candidates take to the ballot across Carolina Eyes on Charlotte council member’s race as former incumbent seeks to retake seat by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
CHARLOTTE — A record number of openly gay and lesbian people are tossing their hat into the ring for a chance to represent constituents in cities and towns across North Carolina. Many popular incumbents — like Chapel Hill and Carrboro Mayors Mark Kleinschmidt and Lydia Lavelle — are running for re-election, along with incumbents in Charlotte. Here, the city’s two openly gay City Council members are facing challengers in their Democratic primaries and two more openly gay candidates are running for an at-large and District 7 seat. District 3’s LaWana Mayfield was the first openly LGBT candidate elected to office in the city in 2011 — beating out then-incumbent Warren Turner in a bitter primary that included intense media and community scrutiny on 2010 allegations that Turner had sexually harassed a female city employee he thought was a lesbian. That same year, Turner was dismissed from his job as a probation officer; he was reinstated in a different position in 2012. Turner, now, is seeking to retake his District 3 seat, presenting a primary challenge to Mayfield. She also faces a third Democratic challenger, Rosa Hodge-Mustafa. Mayfield said she isn’t worried and is standing on her record for her re-election bid. “I’m able to run on my record,” she told qnotes. “In this short three-and-a-half years, I have done a lot of work. … Previously, a lot of the conversation was about the lack of development on the Westside. You can no longer say that.” Mayfield points to millions of dollars in investments coming from the Goodwill
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Opportunity Campus on Wilkinson Blvd., new housing developments uplifting real estate prices and new city infrastructure projects, including a new police station on West Blvd. and the construction of new sidewalks, including an expedited project on W. Tyvola Rd.,
LaWana Mayfield speaks from the stage at a 2013 Charlotte Black Gay Pride event.
where two brothers, aged 1 and 5, were struck and killed while walking on the side of the road with their father in 2012. Mayfield also pointed to the new UTC Aerospace and Sealed Air headquarters in her district and blossoming businesses in portions of South End. “There are so many opportunities that have happened, specifically on the Westside, that I’m proud to be a part of,” she said.
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Turner’s and Hodge-Mustafa’s challenge could be a part of an effort to unseat Mayfield. She thinks some of her positions — including her controversial stand for a fully-inclusive LGBT non-discrimination ordinance which Council rejected on March 2 — have been unpopular with more conservative-minded Democrats in the city. “Yes, there’s definitely a movement I’m seeing on the ground to look for more conservative leadership,” she said. “I stand by my record. I have always fought for equality and the working poor and the unemployed.” Mayfield added, “If the community wants to have an independent voice not led by any particular group or individual, then they’ll keep me in office so I can continue to fighting for all of my district and community and not just segments of it.” Mayfield has received an endorsement from the Victory Fund, a national LGBT candidates training and leadership institute. Record number of candidates In addition to Mayfield, District 2’s Al Austin is seeking re-election. He became the first openly gay man popularly elected to Council in 2013. He faces a primary challenge from Steven Jones, a relatively unknown political newcomer. Austin has received an endorsement from the Victory Fund. Two other openly gay candidates are also running for Council, bringing the number of LGBT candidates to a record high in Charlotte. Billy Maddalon, owner of the Van Landingham Estate in Plaza Midwood, is seeking a return to Council after his brief service there in 2013. He
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had been appointed to fill Patsy Kinsey’s District 1 seat; she had been appointed mayor following Anthony Foxx’s appointment as U.S. transportation secretary. Maddalon is seeking an at-large seat and was the number two fundraiser among Council candidates so far. Like Austin and Mayfield, Maddalon has received a Victory Fund endorsement. Chris Turner rounds out Charlotte’s slate of openly gay candidates. A Democrat, she’s running against incumbent Republican Councilmember Ed Driggs in the heavily Republican-leaning District 7 in southwest Charlotte. Other candidates statewide An historic number of openly LGBT candidates are running for election or seeking re-election statewide and in South Carolina, including: Chapel Hill: Mark Kleinschmidt, mayor; Lee Storrow, council member. Charleston, S.C.: Ginny Deerin, mayor Carrboro: Lydia Lavelle, mayor Franklinton: Elic Senter, mayor Greensboro: Brian Hoss, council member Kleinschmidt faces two challengers and has received a Victory Fund endorsement. Lavelle faces no challengers in her re-election bid. Deerin, who also received a Victory Fund nod, is the top fundraiser in her Charleston race, raising $260,000 in the second quarter this year. If elected, Deerin, who is bisexual, would be the highest-ranking openly LGBT elected official in South Carolina and one of the most prominent openly bisexual officials in the nation, according to the Victory Fund. : :
2015 Election Information
Local primaries: Sept. 15 General election: Nov. 3 (Early voting for the primary begins: Sept. 3) (Early voting for the general begins: Oct. 22) Deadline to register to vote for primaries is Aug. 21. Some local primaries will be the most important elections of the season, since so many seeking office do not face challengers in a general election or hold seats in districts which swing largely Democratic or largely Republican. Need information on how to register? Visit ncsbe.gov. Want more election and politics news coverage? Visit us online at goqnotes.com/in/politics/.
Young and Positive continued from page 19
Trevion
Norena
intrigued by the many different faces of the gay community because I honestly didn’t know we had that broad of a spectrum. I met this guy. Eric Jamison was his name I think. And he was just the cutest guy I had ever seen. We exchanged numbers and texted constantly the next few weeks. I think my plan was to have him as mine…a boyfriend. But that was never his intentions. The sex was great and I was not able to complain until a doctor’s visit confirmed that he had given me gonorrhea. And I think that will forever taint my memory of Pride. I think that the gay community uses Pride as hookup day. If you wanna have sex so bad, get on Jack’d or Grindr…duh. Don’t use someone’s innocence and exploration as a way to exploit them. I was only 17. Yeah, I thought maybe I might hookup that day, but it wasn’t my ultimate plan. So please, don’t be so into intercourse that you forget what Pride is about. Enjoy the family. Pride is about self exploration and freedom, not sex. Get online for that. : :
friends. Trevion rolled his eyes “It’s a parade, mom…geez.” But my new gay friends were cordial and shared that this parade could set a record outside of New York City as one of the largest gatherings, that it would be family friendly (as opposed to a NYC or San Francisco Pride) and that I could just relax and enjoy it. OK. Good advice. Need more lemonade. The parade began and I was enchanted by the creativity of the parade and the corporate sponsorships. The number of parade watchers quadrupled in minutes and I was caught up in the excitement. I looked over at Trevion, “What do you think?” He couldn’t take his eyes off of the magic before him. “This is so cool, Mom. I just love it and I just love myself right now.” I saw the transformation right in front of my eyes. Later, we would discuss this moment and my son would confirm, “I am not the only one who is gay. I am not alone. It’s OK to be me.” And with that, the $8 refillable lemonade was a complete bargain. : :
— Norena Gutierrez is the adoptive mother of Trevion and his brother. Trevion is a student at Central Piedmont Community College. They can be reached at momandtrevion@yahoo.com.
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tell trinity by Trinity :: qnotes contributor :: trinity@telltrinity.com
When it comes to stalkers, be clear, insistant and tough Dear Trinity, I broke up with someone about two months ago, but he constantly calls, comes by and is now bothering my friends. What do I do? Stalker Troubles, Winston-Salem, NC
tell them to stop him or you’ll see them in court (also think restraining order). Lastly, sweetie, take a vacation. Sipping a martini on a beach is much healthier than sitting around waiting for trouble! Give ‘em hell!
Dear Stalker Troubles, First, try plan A, clearly say, “I don’t want anything to do with you!” Second, insist that he stop calling, coming by or bothering your friends. Third, be tough, stern and aggressive, even if it’s not your nature. Now, if this fails, then go to plan B. First, go to his work and publicly embarrass him by making a big scene! Second, call his friends and family and
To Trinity, Everyone is so phony nowadays. People bleach their teeth, have plastic surgery, dye their hair and even take steroids. What happened to being real. What happened to being yourself? Really Real, Santa Fe, NM To Real, I think the GenX generation is getting older and
it’s frightening us, I mean them. And, besides, if you can afford to look fabulous, then really, honey, why not? (My cartoon shows you how to be totally fab, even if you have to figure out what to do and not do based on your budget.) Hey Trinity, Recently, I was dumped because, “I blew my nose at the dinner table, spit on the sidewalk and didn’t cover my mouth when I coughed.” Really! What’s up with that? Mr. Natural, Eugene, OR Hey Mr. Natural, You must be new to dating, so let me bring you up to speed. When blowing your nose at the table, turn your head! Blowing your nose towards the food is gross! Spiting on the sidewalk in public is also gross and very American. Hold your spit or excuse yourself to a dark alley! But coughing without covering your mouth, pumpkin, is clearly a sign that you’re either French Canadian or in need of a lobotomy. Try again! Dearest Trinity, For a first date I invited someone over for dinner. She was polite, but I sensed something was wrong with her food. Then I never heard from her again. Did I serve the wrong thing? Dinner Disaster, Green Bay, WI Dearest Disaster, Knowing what to serve can make your head explode, especially when someone is too polite to tell you their dietary needs. So, darling, here are: Trinity’s Tasty Tips For Foods Not To Serve On A First Date (or any date) 1. Dry Or Plain Foods: Think sauces and spices, think toppings galore, think colors and flavors think fruits and much more. 2. Vegetables: Asparagus, mushrooms and broccoli are chic, but for a safer first meal, serve vegetables more meek. Try corn, string beans, carrots or zucchini. 3. Garlic/Onions: As the perfect breath destroyers these garnishes should be
missed so at the end of the night someone may be kissed. 4. Beans: These gaseous little devils should be avoided from the start or your evening will be filled with trying to control a fart. 5. S hellfish: If on your table you serve a bad clam, you’ll be swearing forever, “I should have served lamb!” 6. Veal: If political incorrectness is really not your deal, then start with chicken or fish, it’s a much safer meal! 7. W hite Trash Foods: Pasta and sauce or macaroni and cheese will always impress a date you don’t want to please. 8. Heavy Cream Sauces: While some guests may have dairy indifference, other guests are embarrassed about their lactose intolerance. Try chicken broth or tomato pastes. 9. Cigarette Smoke: If your date doesn’t smoke, then hear the bell toll, smoking while eating is better done in a whole. 10. Lastly, Too Much Wine: Yes, a great wine is what the kings like to serve, but when you get your date drunk, the queen says, “What nerve!” 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.
hey! what’s happening?
We want your news and event notices today. Be sure to send them to editor@goqnotes.com. Thank you!
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Paige Braddock’s strip on last view in this issue by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com
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also written under a pseudo name, Missouri aige Braddock, our syndicated cartoonist Vaun, telling lesbian romance stories in fictionwho brings you “Jane’s World,” will take alized novels. her leave from qnotes after this issue in Braddock has order to pursue work on words of wisdom for the first “Jane’s World” youth who are considgraphic novel which is due ering entering the carout in June 2016 through tooning field. “I usually Bold Strokes Books. tell young, aspiring “The Case of the Mail cartoonists that if they Order Bride,” recounts how want to create comics Jane’s online account gets or graphic novels then hacked and she accidenthey should work on tally purchases a mail order both their drawing bride, only she does not and writing skills with realize this has happened equal focus. You need until the woman shows up On set with Paige Braddock to be good at both on her doorstep with rolling to succeed, unless luggage, Braddock quipped. you’re going to partner with someone else as a According to Braddock, “Jane’s World” writer or artist. And the second thing I would say was the first gay-themed work to receive online is practice, practice, practice!” distribution by a national media syndicate in When she is not working, she and her wife the U.S. Evelyn, spend time with their adopted rescue So, where did her passion originate? terrier-mix dog Buddy Barker. : : Braddock knew from the time that she was seven [Ed. Note: qnotes wishes Braddock continued years old that she wanted to be a cartoonist, success in her future adventures and thanks but it took awhile to figure out how to make that her for being a part of the qnotes family of happen, she shared. Her major in college was ilcontributors.] lustration and the first 12 years of her career was info: paigebraddockcomics.wordpress.com. spent in newspaper work doing illustrations and humorous cartoon drawings, as well as location maps and other news-related graphics. “I loved working for newspapers,” she said. Braddock currently serves at creative director for Charles M. Schultz Creative Associates which features the “Peanuts” crew. Her illustration talents have been showcased in several “Peanuts” books. The studio is in the process of producing it’s first ever “Peanuts” movie and that is keeping Braddock busy overseeing product development based upon the movie. She was recently in attendance at ComicCon working at the studio’s booth, as well as signing books for “Stinky Cecil in Operation Pond Rescue,” a children’s graphic novel. She is currently working on the second installment in the series. “Jane” will not go away, Braddock said. She said that she would be “doing ‘Jane’… probably forever.” Previously, she has penned other works, such as “The Martian Confederacy,” which she co-created with Jason McNamara. She has
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EVENTS
Submit your event to our calendar!
August-September 2015 UNCG Open House Elliot University Center, UNC-Greensboro 1400 Spring Garden St., Greensboro 5 p.m. The University of North CarolinaGreensboro’s Queer Student Union hosts an open house and reception for the new academic year. In partnership with and hosted in the Elliot University Center’s Office of Intercultural Engagement.
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Continues on Aug. 16 SEP AUG MO Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade Tryon St., Uptown Charlotte The Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade return to Uptown for two days of community engagement, over 100 vendors, a Sunday parade and two days of entertainment. Headliners this year include Estelle and Billy Gilman, along with a host of other national, regional and local acts. See our Charlotte Pride Preview features online at goqnotes.com/in/pride/ or visit Charlotte Pride’s website for more information. charlottepride.org.
Stonewall Takeover SEP AUG MO Wet-’n-Wild 3910 S. Holden Rd., Greensboro Stonewall Sports leagues from across the state join together for a takeover at the Wet-’n-Wild water park. Tickets are $36.99 at the park or pay in advance at a discounted rate of $28 online. mkt.com/stonewall-takeover. ––––––––––––––––––––
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You can submit your event to our comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the Charlotte Business Guild and Visit Gay Charlotte. Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ and get a three-for-one entry. All Charlotte-area events will appear on each of the three calendars at qnotes (goqnotes.com), Charlotte Business Guild (charlottebusinessguild.org) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).
Shelby Pride SEP AUG MO The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 502 W. Sumter St., Shelby 6 p.m. Shelby’s LGBT and ally community comes together for a second annual Shelby Pride picnic. Stay tuned for more information and learn more at facebook. com/events/1610714215855598/.
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Pride Bar Crawl Various locations, Winston-Salem 7 p.m.-Midnight Pride Winston-Salem hosts a Pride Bar Crawl. Ticket purchase and information are available online. pridews.org.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes NoDa Brewing Company 2229 N. Davidson St., Charlotte 9 a.m. Hearts Beat as One Foundation teams up with Safe Alliance and Beards BeCAUSE to present a day of fundraising and awareness. Sign up is available online. safeallianceevents.org. ‘What Marriage Means f or LGBT Couples’ VanLandingham Estate 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte 6:30 p.m. A free tax and legal presentation for LGBT couples by attorneys Connie Vetter, Janice Coulter and Lynn Bishop and CPA Walter Kerns. No registration needed. CJVLaw.com. 704-333-4000.
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Greensboro Pride S. Elm St., Downtown Greensboro 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Second Chance Prom SEP SEP MO Club Cabaret 101 N. Center St., Hickory 7 p.m. Club Cabaret hosts their Second Chance Prom. The second annual event’s theme this year build’s on “Alice in Wonderland” with a “T* Party” vibe raising awareness for transgender youth. Proceeds benefit OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley’s work with transgender youth. Door prizes, dancing, raffle, silent auction and more. Photographer available. King and queen will be crowned. Tickets are $15/single, $20/ couple.
To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/
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Archive Naming and Reception UNC-Charlotte Student Union 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte 7-9 p.m.
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The Charlotte LGBTQ Community Archive hosts a reception and art showing to unveil its official naming. Materials from the collection will also be exhibited. RSVP requested to joshua.burford@uncc.edu by Aug. 15. Brief remarks, light hors d’oeuvres, casual attire.
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Greensboro Pride returns to celebrate its 10th anniversary, moving their event to the middle of Downtown Greensboro. greensboropride.org. Walk to End Alzheimer’s Charlotte Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Rd 9 a.m.
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Not Your Mama’s Bingo La Rumba De Cache 534 U.S. Hwy. 70 SW, Hickory 7:30 p.m.
ALFA hosts their “Under a Big Top” bingo fundraising event. Doores open at 6:30 p.m., with games starting at 7:30 p.m. Ticket purchase and information are available online. notyourmamasbingo.com.
Bring your walking shoes to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s come rain or shine. Registration is at 9 a.m. Ceremony at 10 a.m. Walk follows at 10:15 a.m. Route Length is 2.3 miles. Want to volunteer? Email Jacob Wilkins at JWilkins@alz.org to learn more about what you can do to help out. hact.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2015/NCWesternCarolina?pg=entry&fr_id=7629.
Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/
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life
OUR PEOPLE:
Q&A with Parker Smith Trans outreach worker at Time Out Youth by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Parker Smith, 23, just moved to Charlotte two months ago, hired after they graduated from Appalachian State University to work as Time Out Youth’s trans outreach worker. There, Smith runs Q-tribe, the organization’s transspecific support group. Smith, who identifies their gender as non-binary, jumped headfirst into organizing the first week they were in town, running a clothing drive for trans youth and other clients at Time Out Youth. Sitting down for coffee at Amelie’s in NoDa, Smith chatted a bit about their life, likes and thoughts. Where did you grow up? I sort of grew up in the Taylorsville area. I grew up on Lake Hickory. What did you study? I started with anthropology. I was very interested in cultural studies and activism and I thought it intersected very well. Then I realized I absolutely love digging through dead people’s trash. It’s so fun. I had a six-week-long testing, excavated three different sites in the Boone area. Another was on a farm in Todd, N.C., and one was on Grandfather Mountain. How are you liking Charlotte? It’s such a big city. I’m not used to this. I lived in Boone and in Hickory and in Newton. It’s the biggest town I’ve ever been in. The biggest transition has been all the driving. Here you have to find a ride. You have to have transportation. Since you studied film, I have to ask — what’s your favorite genre and film? My favorite genre is horror and within that genre my favorite film would be “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” It is a German expressionism movie and it was made in either the ‘10s or ‘20s and it is considered one of the first horror movies ever created. It’s weird, sort of like Tim Burton, who took some from it. Emotions are represented in set pieces and it’s freaky and awesome and I love it. So what do you think about the controversy
over director Roland Emmerich’s film on the Stonewall Riots? Some people are mad about the film excluding trans people and people of color. Others say you shouldn’t “judge a book by its cover” and hold off until seeing the film. I am basing my judgment not only on my personal beliefs, but also the director. He’s not had a very good record as far as films go. He did that “10,000 BC” film. It’s a travesty. Most of his work is not something I enjoy. The trailer looks quality. It looks like it will look good and like it will have a good plot, but based on history, I can’t support it; throwing people to the wayside, like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Mis Major. I can’t support it at all. I think the issue is that people are going to watch it as if it is historically accurate, and if it is portrayed as a based on a true story and these are the true people, then it will misrepresent the entire movement, which has already been happening for years. But now it will misrepresent the movement to a much larger group of people and it will stick around for a while. What about music? What’s your fave? I’m from Boone, so I love bluegrass. I love radical folk music. I’m in jam with that. People like the Carolina Chocolate Drops. I also like pschobilly music — the Nekromatix, the Koffin Kats. It’s like rockabilly, but a little more rough and tumble. I will listen to just about anything — weird, weird stuff and then mainstream stuff, too. Favorite food? Endless money and opportunities? Steak and lobster. I’m classic. What’s your favorite season? Winter is my favorite season. I’m going to struggle a lot here in the winter. There’s not much snow and I’m used to snow. Fave color? Burgundy or copper. My favorite colors are what I like to wear. I’m big on earthy tones. Dark greens, browns. Burgundy is my favorite red option. Trans rights and inclusion are really coming up as big community issues. What should folks in the LGB community be doing to help increase trans awareness and equality? I think there’s a lot of misinformation. I think there’s a large lack of information out there circulating in the LGB community, and not everyone, but a lot of people are not willing to put in the research. I feel like sometimes, people are willing to look at what they are doing and say this is a problem and this is the reason why it is a problem. I think in the LGB community — and as a bi person, I am a part of the LGB community — there’s this tendency to think that you can’t be transphobic or mysogynistic just because you’re already in an oppressed group. People need to learn to start realizing to let go a little bit, be more self critical and willing to learn a little more, because that’s going to help us out a lot and forward the movement and get people more interested in trans rights. : :
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