QNotes, August 20, 2021

Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

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Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

inside this issue

Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021 Vol 36 No 09

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Joey Amato, Rev. Marty Bacher, Tonya Jameson, Kendra R. Johnson, L’Monique King, Julianna Peres, Jesse Reidy, Julia Schwenderman, Gregg Shapiro, Trinity

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4 Advice for Transgender and Non-Binary Students 10 Study of Gen Z Shows More Youth Identify as LGBTQ 11 College Search Process for LGBTQ High School Students 12 Getting Involved in LGBTQ Student Life 13 Choosing a Major and Career as Out LGBTQ Students 19 Our People: Peyton-Namire

The Spiritual Journey

Learn what the spiritual self is and how you can expand it within you with affirmations that will help you navigate the spiritual consciousness.

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news

6 News Notes 6 Briefs 8 ‘We’ve Always Created Our Own Resources’

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16 Barbra Streisand’s ‘Release Me 2’ and Morly’s ‘Til I Start Speaking’ 17 Tell Trinity

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life

Olympic City

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4 Resilience and Remembrance 14 The Spiritual Journey

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Olympic City

Plan your next gaycation to Colorado Springs, America’s Olympic City.

Explore hotspots, from dining to museums to clubbing and more.

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Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

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Resilience and Remembrance Political Voices

by Kendra R. Johnson, Equality NC Executive Director Contributing Writer

A

s we continue through the blazing heat of the end of summer, it’s time to take stock and reflect on recent events. This is even more true this month because this is Black August. Black August is a time of resilience and remembrance of Black resistance against racial oppression, especially in the prison system.

Black August began in 1979 following almost two decades of organizing and resistance by folks like George Jackson, James Carr, Hugo Pinell, W.L. Nolan, Khatari Golden and others while within the walls of the California penitentiary system. These men took it upon themselves to form a brotherhood that solidified a collective consciousness surrounding the unjust treatment of Blackness by the American judicial system and the horrific atrocities they experienced as Black individuals experiencing incarceration.

We know that it’s crucial to celebrate this important work — so let’s take this

time to celebrate our wins in the struggle for justice. And let’s spotlight one in particular — Charlotte passed a nondiscrimination ordinance.

On the evening of Monday the 9th, the Charlotte City Council passed a nondiscrimination ordinance, creating protections from discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, natural hair, veteran status and much more. It was an incredible moment for our communities, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredibly powerful coalition in Charlotte which has been working towards nondiscrimination for almost 30 years, well before I became ENC’s Executive Director. This fight was all the more important, given the dangerous situation for Black trans women in the city — Charlotte has been identified as one of the most dangerous cities in the country for the trans community.

The struggle began as far back as the 90s. More recently, Charlotte voted on nondiscrimination in 2015 — but due to some last minute changes, the ordinance failed. In 2016, Charlotte was finally able

to pass a comprehensive NDO — but it unfortunately became the target of backlash at the N.C. General Assembly, resulting in the infamous House Bill 2 and its later partial repeal in House Bill 142. With House Bill 142’s ban on local ordinances sunsetting in December 2020, local advocates and activists were poised to push through nondiscrimination legislation on the local level. A coalition assembled, with Equality NC and the Campaign for Southern Equality, the Carolinas LGTBQ Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte Black Pride, Charlotte Pride and Transcend Charlotte.

Our coalition worked and lobbied the city council hard — and in the end it was successful. Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, now protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in many walks of life.

The lesson of the Charlotte nondiscrimination ordinance is one of the importance of coalition building. In the face of unpredictable and powerful opposition, advocates fought for nondiscrimination through thick and thin, eventually achieving a resounding victory. Charlotte was able to accomplish this because of all of

you — the people who wrote letters to city council, the people who came out to protests, the people who said that they were ready for nondiscrimination. This spirit of collaboration and mutual aid in the struggle against oppression is what Black August is all about.

And Equality NC is working to build on this tradition of resistance this month. In celebration of Black August, Equality North Carolina is selling Black Resilience t-shirts — and donating proceeds to the QTIPOC Survival Fund, a mutual aid organization which gives money to queer and trans people of color in need in the Piedmont of North Carolina. You can donate here.

We strongly encourage you to honor the spirit of Black August this month by taking a stand against anti-Blackness and the carceral state in your community, whether it’s through helping out a bail fund, participating in a protest, or donating to mutual aid work through the QTIPOC Survival Fund.

We all have a role to play in the struggle for racial and social justice — let’s join together and make some change. : :

Advice for Transgender and Non-Binary Students For People Starting College and Those Returning to Campus

by Julia Schwenderman | Campus Pride Intern

I

am a Campus Pride intern and a fourthyear student at Syracuse University. As a college student, I have had the freedom to explore my gender and sexuality while living on my own. I did not come out as non-binary until my junior year of college, and it was difficult at first to navigate the challenges of being trans on campus.

Whether you’re a first-year student or are about to graduate, there are more resources available to you than you realize.

You are not the first or last student going through this, and you are not alone. Read below for some of the best advice and resources I’ve found in my time at Syracuse.

Campus Pride’s Trans Policy Clearinghouse is a resource for college and university transgender policies. The clearinghouse is updated regularly by Dr. Genny Beemyn, a scholar on trans issues in higher education and the Director of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Stonewall Center.

It is important to know whether trans and non-binary student rights are protected on your campus. In recent years, colleges and universities have updated their nondiscrimination policies to include gender identity and expression. If you attend a historically women’s college, make sure you are aware of your school’s trans admissions and graduation policies if you plan on coming out or transitioning as a matriculated student.

Trans-Inclusive School Records and Legal Identification

At Syracuse University, students can change their gender designation with legal documentation, but only if it matches their

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Bathrooms are often a point of contention for trans and non-binary students. Student housing at many universities and colleges still features community showers or “sex separate” floors and bathrooms. Contact your residential housing association to locate gender neutral bathrooms in the dorms. Check out your school’s website to see if they offer a map or list of other trans-inclusive facilities on campus.

Gender-Affirming Counseling and Healthcare Services It is important to ensure a college respects the needs of gender-expansive individuals.

(Photo Credit: Gender Spectrum Collection) “legal sex designation.” Your legal gender designation is provided on government documents, like a license or passport, which many trans individuals don’t have.

Schools like Elon University will allow you to update your name and pronouns on school records or through your student portal. Although you may be unable to update your “legal sex designation” on your records, your preferred name and pronouns will be available to all of your professors on their class rosters.

If you experience bias or discrimination in the classroom, you can use Campus Pride’s bias and hate crime prevention resources or go through your school’s official channels. LGBTQ discrimination is

illegal at government-funded institutions under Title IX. For more information about how the law protects LGBTQ students, visit bit.ly/3AIZxIh.

Trans-Affirming Campus Spaces and Facilities

Today, some colleges and universities offer gender-inclusive student housing. At Duke University, students living in dorms can request a gender-neutral rooming assignment to make their on-campus living arrangements more comfortable. Some universities offer LGBTQ Living Learning Communities for first-year students or gender-inclusive student housing, like Shore Hall at Guilford College.

Finding a LGBTQ health center in my college town helped me through my transition and to navigate my mental health struggles. At the University of Connecticut and other schools, students can receive gender-affirming health care and counseling services.

Student health centers at some schools offer a variety of gender health care services like hormone therapy, general wellness and gender-affirming consultations. Check out your student health care center’s pharmacy to see if they sell trans-inclusive health and wellness supplies, like chest binders, KT tape and hair-removal treatments.

But, there are other resources for finding LGBTQ-affirming therapists and healthcare providers. Find an LGBTQ healthcare provider using the GLMA Provider Directory. For students of color looking for BIPOC therapists, check out the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network. : :

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news CLT City Council Unanimously Votes Yes On NDO

A unanimous City Council vote August 9 signifies that all Charlotte residents will now be protected from discrimination in the workplace. The ordinance covers sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and natural hairstyles. It will also bar discrimination in public accommodations, such as hotels and housing.

The NDO was originally proposed to apply to businesses with only 14 or fewer employees. This meant that employees at larger companies would have been required to access protection and legal recourse on a federal level. City attorney Patrick Baker continues to advocate for this course of action, saying that Charlotte will receive an influx of complaints from larger organizations or businesses that the city is not equipped to handle.

Despite Baker’s somewhat less-than-logical claims, the nondiscrimination ordinance was passed without restrictions, meaning that all employers, no matter the company or corporation size, must abide by these regulations. What the NDO does not cover includes religious and political organizations, public restrooms, private clubs or membership-based groups.

The changes that are being made in professional settings, however, are life-changing all the same. Vice President of the Charlotte chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Jenny Gunn stood before the Mecklenburg County Government and told her story. As a transgender woman, she has been the victim of job discrimination in Charlotte, often realizing that her pronouns and identity would not be respected in the workplace. Said Gunn: “This is about freedom.”

Despite dissenting opinions from a handful of individuals who spoke in Council Chambers, the City Council was not moved by their attempts at justifying discrimination. Instead, as each member voted in favor of the NDO, reaction from most of the crowd and council members was upbeat and supportive.

“My adopted city of Charlotte values me, values us,” Gunn offered excitedly, “This is a happy ending.”

In celebration of the victory, the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, along with Charlotte Black Pride, LGBTQ Democrats of Mecklenburg County, the Campaign for Southern Equality, Equality NC, Charlotte Pride, the Freedom Center and Transcend Charlotte held “Charlotte is Ready: A Community Celebration” at The NoDa Brewing Company. info: bit.ly/3yNvbnk — Julianna Peres

Campus Pride’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Continues

Campus Pride is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year by commemorating the work they have done with over 1,400 colleges and universities over the past 20 years. During that time, LGBTQ individuals aged 18 to 26 have and, going forward, will continue to reap the benefits of Campus Prides’ programs, grants and social groups.

This year has brought with it the promise of a greater media presence and several opportunities for community growth.

“Today we remain committed to our mission in building future leaders and creating stronger communities,” says Campus Pride Founder and Executive Director, Shane Windmeyer. “The work is never done.”

In advancing the far-reaching efforts of the organization, Campus Pride has also dedicated their Career Connect portal to the facilitation of relationships between LGBTQ-friendly enterprises, advisors and potential employees. With funds up to $600 each allocated to current and future students, Campus Pride has made 2021 a great year for those seeking to advance or begin their college education.

Campus Pride recognizes the difficulty that both out and closeted individuals have in finding affirming academic spaces. In response, the organization launched the Campus Pride Map in March. This online search engine acts as a cheat sheet of sorts for LGBTQ-related resources at each community college or state university.

Alumni and current staff and faculty (Allied and LGBTQ) at these schools are now recognized through Campus Pride’s Spotlight Series.

Since February 2021, those from universities around the country have been featured on Campus Pride’s Instagram Live.

Cultural Diversity is one of the main focuses of Campus Pride. In the interest of empowerment, education and inclusivity, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have their policies and campaigns prominently placed to keep all Campus Pride users informed.

This includes the HBCU Clearinghouse, an online program that alerts students and faculty about upcoming projects.

The Campus Pride’s Safe Space Training institutions and their members are asked to complete workshops regarding allied, LGBTQrelated and gender-expansive issues.

Additionally, Campus Pride’s Stop the Hate program extends to multiple racial and cultural groups, from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) individuals to those with disabilities, in an effort to help show how schools should create a more welcoming and tolerant environment.

Says Windmeyer, “Our Campus Pride family is strong as we continue to grow and plan for our future.” info: campuspride.org — Julianna Peres

Biden Names Another LGBTQ Community Member to His Cabinet

On August 6, President Biden nominated Scott Miller as ambassador to Switzerland and chief envoy to Liechtenstein; positions that are headquartered in Bern, Switzerland.

Miller and his husband, Tim Gill, have donated over $390,000,000 to LGBTQ causes. Among these causes are efforts to ensure that LGBTQ youth will no longer be forced into conversion therapy, experience harassment at school and to provide general protection from harassment.

Currently serving as Board Member of the Gill Foundation, Miller is responsible for navigating nonprofit and inter-organizational collaboration. The foundation is based in Denver, Colorado, interestingly enough, just about an hour away from the notoriously anti-gay organization, Focus on the Family, in Colorado Springs. Miller and Gill have funded local elementary, middle and high schools. During COVID-19, the pair worked with other volunteers to cook and distribute more than five million meals to those experiencing unemployment or homelessness.

In addition to his charitable efforts, Miller previously held the title of Vice President at UBS Wealth Management. There he acted as advisor to those seeking to enhance their portfolios or improve their finances.

“If I’m fortunate enough to be confirmed,” Miller says, “I hope to build on the work of my predecessors to strengthen the already solid relationship we have with the Swiss and Liechtensteiners, including our dynamic trade, investment and defense partnerships.”

The position of Swiss ambassador has been open since January 2021. Before this time, a South Carolinian native, Edward Thomas McMullen Jr., was acting United States Ambassador to Switzerland as appointed by former president, Donald Trump, and had served as vice chair for Trump’s inaugural committee.

Another plus on the Miller list, he has funded several Democratic candidates’ campaigns in the past decade. These donations included a $365,000 grant to President Biden during the general election. In his international endeavors, Miller has also acted as event planner for global corporations and entrepreneurs. His interest in politics stems directly from his passion for democracy and human rights advocacy.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Miller hopes to continue his advocacy work for the LGBTQ community in the United States, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. info: bit.ly/3CG92tH — Julianna Peres

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Briefs CHARLOTTE Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Facilitates “Visibility = Empowerment” Networking Event The Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is hosting an evening for Charlotte’s professional queer community on August 24 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the NoDa Company Store. This social gathering will feature live jazz music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and plenty of engaging conversation. Certified LGBTQ Business Enterprise representatives will be available to discuss diversification amongst workforces, fellowships and volunteer positions.

info: bit.ly/3fYW3t7

All-Gender Participants Welcome to the Charlotte Pride Pageant This annual drag competition is open to any interested parties who value inclusivity and fun. This family-friendly show will take place on August 28 at the Northwest School of Arts at 6 p.m. For those who would prefer to attend the performance as audience members, tickets are on sale both online and at the door. Winners will be determined by the former Mx. Charlotte Pride, Mr. Charlotte Pride and Ms. Charlotte Pride.

info: charlottepride.org/pageant

NATIONAL Founder of the University of Pennsylvania’s LGBT Center Has Passed Away Bob Schoenberg, age 76 at the time of his passing, was witness to a violent, homophobic beating on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus in 1982. It was after this event that Schoenberg decided to create an LGBT Center, in which he served as Director for 35 years. Holding the title of second-oldest and largest LGBTQ center in the United States, Penn’s queer students emphasize the safety and comfort that they feel at school.

info: bit.ly/3iImxB0

Transgender Woman Running for New Orleans City Council Mariah Moore believes that, in order for minoritized individuals to have a say in political decisions, they must first be represented in the government. She hopes to do just that, envisioning a world in which “Black trans lives matter,” will be uttered by a Black transgender woman in power.

With her background in the Transgender Law Center, the trans-specific permanent housing nonprofit, the House of Tulip, and having engaged in the world of sex work, Moore aims to bring her professional and personal experiences to the position of city council member.

info: bit.ly/3AF0e5u

INTERNATIONAL New Zealand Residents May Do Time for Performing Conversion Therapy In a new bill, Justice Minister Kris Faafoi and the New Zealand government states that conversion therapy is a harmful and ancient practice that has no place in the modern world. This bill would make it so that those performing conversation therapy on a minor will be sentenced to three years in prison and those who cause harm to minors will be sentenced to five years.

info: reut.rs/2VUOLzP — Compiled by Julianna Peres

HRC Takes Aim at Gen Z With Program to Create an HIV-Free Generation

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) launched the My Body, My Health campaign on June 22. Now, over a month later, the campaign has expanded with the creation of Generate.

“There is no question that the next generation of health activists will have a powerful role to play in putting an end to the HIV epidemic and boosting positivity around prevention and treatment measures,” says Alphonso David, president of HRC, “Marginalized people disproportionately bear the brunt of social and economic inequities that fuel HIV stigma and discrimination.”

The goal of Generate is to spark a conversation between one LGBTQ-identified Black or LatinX person and another, creating a system of role models for those in danger of contracting HIV or those living with HIV. With the collaborative efforts of Gilead Sciences, one of California’s top bio-pharmaceutical companies, the Human Rights Campaign has been able to study the correlation between Black, Indigenous and other people of color and their sexual health.

Through this research, HRC found that one of the primary factors in each of these cases is the limitation to adequate health care. Us Helping Us, an organization dedicated to finding holistic solutions to HIV/AIDS, partnered with HRC as well, allowing interested parties to have an in-home STD/HIV testing kit delivered to their front doorsteps.

Within the My Body, My Health campaign, the HRC has created an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Sexual Health Directory. This links university students to health care professionals and services both on and around campus.

Using a “find your school” search engine, prospective students may also see what contraceptives, testing or telemedicine is offered in over 50 colleges.

Some of the North Carolina-based universities include Bennett College, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, St. Augustine’s College, Winston-Salem State University and Shaw University. The goal with Generate is similar: to find advocates in college campuses to spread sexual health information to their peers.

Sign-ups for the program will continue through August 19. For those interested, go to bit.ly/3CAaQEx. Facilitators urge applicants to keep in mind that advocates must be between 18 and 24 years of age, have access to technology that allows virtual training for webinar participation, be willing to share personal HIV-related stories, be of Black or LatinX heritage and be fully vaccinated.

Each fellow will receive a $1,000 stipend but will not receive hourly wages. Only 15 individuals will be selected for Generate in 2021. To pose any questions or concerns, contact HRC’s Associate Director of HIV and Health Equity Vanessa Castr at vanessa.castro@hrc.org. info: bit.ly/3iKmZ1z — Julianna Peres

P-Town Experiences COVID-19 Delta Variant Outbreak

Provincetown, Massachusetts, a town with 3,000 year-round residents, has been a haven for the LGBTQ community long before COVID-19 hit.

Their annual festivals and parties are dominated by the gay male circuit scene, but have grown to include events like Womxn of Color Weekend, Bear Week and Carnival, all bringing in tens of thousands of visitors. Although guests are always welcome to this stretch of mainland, Provincetown became concerned that they would bring more than just their enthusiasm; they feared they would also bring new strains of the COVID-19 virus.

The July 4 holiday weekend confirmed those fears. Thousands of guests poured into the town, participating in the legendary parties and activities without wearing any masks. Not long after, between July 3 and July 17, 469 Massachusetts residents were reported to have COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Over 75 percent of these individuals were fully vaccinated and, as per the state’s face mask restrictions, did not wear any coverings when engaging in the fun that Provincetown had to offer.

Once the numbers broke, Provincetown natives started to speak up. Director and curator of the AMP Gallery, Debbie Nadolney, said that she and her partner were one of the first to demand that all patrons use face coverings and social distance whenever possible.

“Provincetown is such a little place, but obviously we’ve been a petri dish for the country,” Nadolney explained.

Provincetown’s Manager, Alex Morse, told CNN, “What we’re taking from here is that this Delta variant is highly transmissible, more contagious, more likely to have a breakthrough infection, but it’s not likely you’re going to be hospitalized, and you’re certainly not going to die.”

Despite saying that this variant is not necessarily lethal, Morse laments the 103 new cases of COVID-19 in the town, saying that the most efficient way to rid the LGBTQ sanctuary from the virus is by getting the vaccine. With local entrepreneurs and employees taking it upon themselves to create stricter mask and vaccine regulations, numbers are dropping.

Hotel owner Ken Horgan shares, “if you’re planning to travel and you’re not vaccinated, please, please don’t come to Provincetown. We really take our health seriously, and for our local businesses to survive, we need to stay operational. And to stay operational, we need to stay healthy.” info: wapo.st/3COfuyE — Julianna Peres

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‘We’ve Always Created Our Own Resources’ Advocates Across the South Tackle Homelessness in Trans Community

by Tonya Jameson Guest Contributor

T

he year 2020 will be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic and the long overdue racial reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd. Ironically, the pandemic that will always be associated with the number of lives lost and the debate over masks, lockdowns and vaccine requirements, along with Floyd’s murder — which sparked an international movement against racism — were also the two catalysts that helped LGBTQ communities address the needs of its most marginalized members.

Yes, a deadly pandemic and yet another murder of an unarmed Black man by a law enforcement officer combined to create some of the most promising solutions in transgender homelessness.

It’s been well-reported that the shuttering of businesses left many Americans unable to pay rent and exacerbated homelessness in many cities. Tent cities like the ones in Charlotte popped up in large cities throughout the country. Visits to Charlotte’s uptown tent encampment revealed what many LGBTQ advocates already knew — a number of Black trans women lived on the streets.

The National Center for Transgender Equality reports that nearly one in five transgender people has experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.

Family rejection, discrimination and violence have contributed to a large number of transgender and other LGBQ-identified youth who are homeless in the United States. Social services and homeless shelters often deny them shelter based on their gender identity, according to the report.

The murders of Jaida Peterson and Remy Fennel in Charlotte hotels this spring brought mainstream attention to the crisis. Yet, it was nothing new for LGBTQ advocates. According to tracking by the Human Rights Campaign, at least six Black trans women died by violence in Charlotte since 2016, making it the second deadliest city in the nation for transgender and gender-nonconforming people. And, while the attention regarding the loss of life is important, it also highlights the tendency to only recognize trans individuals in death. The arrest of suspects in both murders has shoved the homelessness among trans people out of the spotlight locally. Instead, in Charlotte, local LGBTQ organizations turned their attention to the non-discrimination ordinance.

However, Black trans women are still homeless here and face the threat of violence daily. Housing initiatives in other Southern cities could offer solutions, but it’s going to take collaboration, coordination and trust. Advocates in Memphis, Atlanta and New Orleans have been in the national spotlight for their efforts to tackle homelessness among trans women.

Jesse Pratt Lopez, founder of the Trans Housing Coalition in Atlanta, can attest to the importance of collaboration. She started the organization with a friend to find long-term housing solutions for Black and brown trans women in the Atlanta area.

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Jayme, Trans Housing Coalition (THC) Case Manager and Peer Support Specialist (right), sits outside the apartments of one of the program participants. (Photo Credit: Trans Housing Coalition) The Coalition has helped trans women get long-term housing by acquiring two properties in recent years to house Black and brown trans women. They not only provide housing, but also connect the women with caseworkers and counselors to address everything from addiction to mental health issues. The coalition is also working with other organizations to challenge elected officials to prioritize the safety of trans women and end over-policing in Black and trans queer communities.

“It didn’t start with the intention of becoming an organization; it really started out of a need. It was a need that has existed in the trans community forever,” said Lopez, 24.

It was a need that Lopez and many other founders of housing initiatives knew personally, having experienced homelessness themselves. Providing housing isn’t cheap. Each organization that is carving a new path to housing stability found a different way to get seed money.

Lopez used her talent as a photographer to launch a GoFundMe campaign.

She became close to a group of trans women in Atlanta and began documenting their everyday lives. The photo project

became the basis of the fund. It raised $10,000 in late 2019. She secured temporary housing through the winter holidays and helped the women get necessities, but then the pandemic hit. By April 2020, they ran out of money while the need grew even larger.

This is the part where George Floyd’s death comes in.

The uprisings surrounding Floyd’s murder sparked an outpouring of charitable giving to non-traditional organizations fighting for Black people or against racism.

Progressive and racial justice groups experienced a windfall of donations, according to a June 2020 New York Times article.

According to the article, ActBlue, the goto site that collects online donations for Democratic causes and campaigns, had its busiest period since its founding in 2004.

It even surpassed the highest peaks of the 2020 presidential primary season. ActBlue confirmed to The Times that racial justice causes and bail funds led the way.

Lopez’s organization benefited from the generosity. That $10,000 that she initially raised and spent is ancient history.

Last June, Lopez’s fund raised $2 million.

This June, it hit the $3 million mark.

Jesse Pratt López, THC Founder & Current Executive Director, and Feroza Syed, Board member and realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International, sit at “Muffin’s Place,” the house THC purchased back in March. (Photo Credit: Trans Housing Coalition)

Lopez said the lesson learned in her journey is that the trans community cannot wait for others to help them.

“We’ve always created our own resources,” she said, “We’ve been taking care of each other. We take care of each other.”

Kayla Gore, co-founder of My Sistah’s House in Memphis, also relied on personal talent to help raise money for her organization, which initially started as a resource for temporary emergency housing for trans and gender-nonconforming people.

That was back in 2016, when the organization was basically a shelter, meaning Gore and co-founder Illyahnna Wattshall let people stay in their homes. They also provided advocacy, legal assistance, bail funds, job placement assistance and permanent housing.

Then the pandemic happened, and Gore said they started seeing clients who had never experienced homelessness before. People who had been couch surfing or staying with family members had no place to go. The eviction moratorium didn’t help them, Gore said.

Gore also had a GoFundMe donation page to raise money for their efforts. After Floyd’s murder she said celebrities and others started inviting her to takeover their Instagram pages to raise awareness about their efforts. Donations started pouring in, and as of June they raised about $600,000. As a result, they started a trust and acquired land to build tiny houses or renovate or rebuild existing homes. So far, Gore said they’ve built one tiny house, and have two duplexes under construction. They can house four people in their emergency shelter, which is a fourbedroom house with two bathrooms.

“We never had a strategic plan,” she said, “We were basically putting Band-Aids on situations.”

Gore’s digital organizing background has been critical. She’s not only been able to secure funding, but also in-kind services such as the architect who designs the homes. She says she has been able to acquire land at a reasonable rate and skirt zoning skirmishes because she builds in underserved communities. These are forgotten Black communities, as she calls them, including her childhood neighborhood, Orange Mound, the first African American neighborhood to be built by and for African Americans.

“It’s full circle,” Gore said, “It wasn’t intentional. The neighborhood is recycling itself.”

My Sistah’s House is the model that activist Ash Williams, who recently moved to Asheville, would like to see happen in Charlotte. Williams recognizes the city’s dynamics make that vision a long-term goal, however, saying that there definitely isn’t alignment here.

Williams, 28, and other local advocates say they are just trying to handle each crisis as it occurs. There hasn’t been a windfall of cash to kick-start a housing program like what’s happening in Memphis or Atlanta. The murders this spring garnered a lot of press attention and goals to raise $10,000 to provide direct services to Black trans women in Charlotte.

“Folks don’t need to see us holding tens of thousands of dollars,” Williams said, “There’s immediate needs.”

Jayme, THC Case Manager and Peer Support Specialist, consoles Zakiyah, who is a program participant, as well as her trans “daughter.” (Photo Credit: Trans Housing Coalition) Rev. Debra Hopkins, who was also once homeless, runs There’s Still Hope in Charlotte. She self-funded the transitional housing program for homeless transgender and gender non-binary adults. Hopkins’ program also provides money for basic necessities, but it is also strict. Drugs and sex work are prohibited. Other organizations like My Sistah’s House advise against drugs and sex and explicitly prohibit the activities on their properties, but the women are free to do as they like off-site.

Hopkins has a zero-tolerance policy.

Her tough love approach is meant to help set women up to be successful and comes with counseling support to help them over the hurdles. She also requires clients to find full-time employment within 90 days of beginning the program.

These rules can be a turn off for young trans people, Williams said.

“The goal is to try to get them from the place that we find them in life, and we try to help them become respected sustaining individuals,” she said, “If we’re going to help them to get to be self-sustaining, then there’s rules that they have to play by.”

Program participants stay in extendedstay hotels rather than a single house.

Hopkins said she tried housing participants together, but many of the women have experienced so much trauma from living on the streets that interactions in the house often became combative. Hopkins was homeless for two and a half years, so she understands their struggle.

“When you put them under the same roof with the complexity of each individual, it becomes violent,” said Hopkins, 65.

Jermaine Nakia Lee, founder of the

nonprofit, Poor No More, would like to see something like New York-based Housing Works here. It’s an HIV/AIDS organization that provides quality housing, advocacy and healthcare services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS or at risk of infection.

Their financial model includes grants and donations along with profits from its thrift stores. Nakia-Lee is on his way with his nonprofit, which hosts pop-ups and provides free resources to help homeless and low-income people in Charlotte.

There isn’t a lot of alignment among LGBTQ organizations in Charlotte, which is what makes the success of programs elsewhere all the more exciting. Founders have consistently said that they didn’t have a plan, but they had a desire to address a need. There is no shortage of individuals doing their own thing to help the homeless trans community here.

And models elsewhere show that the collaboration will come once a visionary lays the foundation. It’s only a matter of time before determination, coincidence and a dash of magic will help their efforts coalesce into something groundbreaking.

Hopefully, a pandemic and the murder of another Black man at the hands of police won’t be the catalyst. : : This story is part of qnotes’ special project “Stories of Black LGBTQ Resilience and Economic Mobility” which seeks to connect responses to economic security and upward mobility to the lives and futures of Black LGBTQ people. It is supported by the Solutions Journalism Network.

To learn more about solutions journalism, visit solutionsjournalism.org.

Ricardo Hernandez, THC Case Manager, signs a lease with Zakiyah, a program participant.

(Photo Credit: Trans Housing Coalition)

Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

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Study of Gen Z Shows More Youth Identify as LGBTQ Research Covers Cultures Across 27 Countries

by L’Monique King qnotes Staff Writer

R

ight around the time when rapper DaBaby was deleting his suspect apology to the LGBTQ community for insensitive comments about gay men and HIV/AIDS, the Charlotte City Council was unanimously passing a nondiscrimination ordinance (NDO). That new legislation, which applies to large and small businesses, provides expanded protections for LGBTQ+ people and those who wear natural hairstyles.

Now, as we look to the future, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) discussions are finding their way into our politics, offices, schools, homes and communities. Inclusive rights and a respect for diversity and inclusion are what protect and make visibility possible and a progressive world more feasible.

In fact, a recent study on the amount of young people who do not identify as straight or heterosexual might actually be an indicator of the impending change of the progress and progression DEI efforts, like the NDO offer.

The global study was conducted in 27 countries and found that four percent of those in Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) identify as transgender, non-binary, gender-nonconforming or gendefluid. Conducted by Ipsos, a research organization, the survey captured the opinions of a relatively urban group of individuals with internet access.

The Ipsos survey found that respondents in Generation Z were nearly four times as likely than those over the age of 40 to identify as transgender, non-binary, gender-nonconforming, genderfluid or in another way.

“They were also the age group most likely to identify as something other than heterosexual,” says Nicolas Boyon, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Ipsos, “Overall, nine percent of respondents identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual or asexual.”

“For Generation Z, the figure doubles to 18 percent. The patterns that we see in the U.S. are definitely not unique to the [United States],” he continues, “It’s a global phenomenon.”

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With changing social ideals and legal protections, younger generations have more freedom in comfortably expressing their true selves. (Photo Credit: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash) Worldwide, 42 percent of those surveyed said they have a gay or lesbian relative, friend or colleague, while 24 percent said they know someone who is bisexual; 10 percent said they known someone who is transgender, and nine percent said they know someone who is non-binary, gender-nonconforming or genderfluid.

The likelihood is higher among women

than among men in all four groups, and there is wide national variation. In Brazil, for example, 66 percent report having a gay or lesbian relative, friend or colleague, but in Japan and South Korea, the number is only seven percent.

Closer to home, Leslie Oliver is an out K-8 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools art teacher who has seen more than a little of

how identity can show up in young people.

She’s been teaching for 19 years with most of her professional career spent in Charlotte middle school classrooms.

“10 years ago, even if students were queer or questioning, they would never say it aloud. I could sense it or see it, but they would never dare acknowledge it,” says Oliver, “They would see it in me or other teachers, and the subject was still touch-and-go.

“I’ve seen students beat up for just suggesting that another student was gay. Especially here in the south. Now students talk about it a bit more openly and more candidly. The bi children are very vocal about it now. More students ask me if I’m married and if I’m married to a woman. They seem to care less about what they [think they] know and who knows [who they are] than they [did] 10 years ago.”

Though delighted and relieved by the change, Oliver still cautioned that efforts in inclusion and a continued shift in atmosphere, which would make schools in general safe spaces, need to continue.

She is grateful for how many more teachers affirm their students’ identities today than did in the past, but acknowledged there is still work to be done.

“Until all students and teachers can sit in their seats and speak candidly and exist safely,” Oliver explains, “we still have more work to do.”

In reflecting upon the statistics the Ipsos study yielded, she questions their accuracy.

“I’ve had the pleasure of teaching trans students who are very clear as to their identity. I’m pretty sure the numbers are greater than that [one in five identifying as non-heterosexual].

I’d say four of six, but because of queer fear I’d say the statistics are probably off. You can’t have the type of ignorance that queer fear breeds and have accurate numbers.”

Accurate or not, one thing is clear, Generation X has raised children and teens who are living in a time that affords them more protection to to be who they are than it afforded earlier generations.

And many of those youth don’t mind letting the world know, either. : :

life

College Search Process for LGBTQ High School Students Ensuring Your School is LGBTQ-Friendly

by Julia Schwenderman | Campus Pride Intern

If you’re a high school student currently applying to colleges and universities, there are many factors for you to consider when picking the school that’s right for you.

For LGBTQ students, finding a LGBTQ-friendly campus is often a part of their college decision process. According to the HRC 2018 Youth Report, “only 27% of LGBTQ youth can ‘definitely’ be themselves in school as an LGBTQ person.”

For the graduating class of 2022, there are colleges and universities that look to recruit LGBTQ students and make them feel welcome on campus. Schools like Duke University participate in LGBTQ-friendly college fairs and offer LGBTQ scholarships. There are also schools like Guilford College that offer themed living communities and other social opportunities targeted at LGBTQ students.

When applying to schools, Campus Pride suggests that students take time to think about what is most important to them when choosing a LGBTQ-friendly campus. Which of these qualities is most important to you at your future college or university? The Campus Pride Ultimate Queer College Guide lists 10 areas to consider during the college search process: • Active LGBTQ student organization • Out LGBTQ students on campus • Out LGBTQ faculty and staff • LGBTQ-Inclusive university policies • Visible signs of pride on campus • LGBTQ allies from the top down • LGBTQ-inclusive housing and gender-inclusive bathrooms

•E stablished LGBTQ center and support services • LGBTQ/queer studies academic program For students of color and trans students, there may be other considerations when choosing a LGBTQ-friendly college or university. For more information for LGBTQ students of color, visit the Point Foundation BIPOC Scholarship and Campus Pride HBCU Clearinghouse. Find information for trans and gender-nonconforming students from Trans Student Educational Resources, Gender Spectrum and Campus Pride’s Trans Policy Clearinghouse.

Campus Pride Index

The Campus Pride Index is an “overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policy, program and practice” for college campuses across the country.

Prospective college students can view Campus Pride’s rankings of LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities by using the Campus Pride Index at campusprideindex.org.

Campus Pride also does an annual roundup of the “best” and “worst” colleges and universities for LGBTQ students. For our list of Best of the Best LGBTQ-friendly schools, go to bit.ly/37Jri72. Also, check out our Worst of the Worst List of institutions that use Title IX exemptions to discriminate against LGBTQ students.

Campus pride has expanded its research to include LGBTQ inclusion and safety in college sports. If you are

interested in playing NCAA sports in college, check out the Campus Pride Sports Index for athletic programs rankings.

Find resources for trans athletes at transathlete.com.

LGBTQ-Friendly College Fairs

Campus Pride hosts a series of college fairs for students and families looking to attend LGBTQ-friendly colleges. The organization is the only in the nation that hosts an LGBTQ-friendly college fair program in six cities across the country.

LGBTQ Student Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants

When looking at prospective schools, cost of admission is a big concern for many students and families. In addition to financial aid and merit-based scholarships, many universities and other organizations offer scholarships, fellowships and grants for LGBTQ students.

National LGBTQ organizations have compiled databases for LGBTQ students to find scholarships available to them all in one place. To find scholarships you qualify for, visit the Campus Pride National LGBTQ Scholarship Network and HRC Scholarship Database. There are also minority scholarships for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander students. The Point Foundation also offers scholarships, mentorships and other LGBTQ student merit programs. : :

Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

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Getting Involved in LGBTQ Student Life How to Find Organizations on Your College Campus

by Jullia Schwenderman | Campus Pride Intern

T

he college experience is about more than just the program you’re in or the major you study. For many LGBTQ youth, going to college is their first time living away from home. When choosing to attend your college or university, you should know what resources are available to you as a LGBTQ student. Having active LGBTQ student groups and support services are important factors of a LGBTQfriendly campus.

Getting involved in LGBTQ student life on campus allows queer and trans youth to learn more about themselves and others like them. Also, it opens the door to leadership opportunities, support systems and professional networking.

At schools like Elon University, there are many ways for LGBTQ students to get involved on campus.

Finding LGBTQ On-Campus Groups and Organizations

Are you wondering what resources and groups are available to you on your campus? Check out the Campus Pride Map to find LGBTQ college groups and support services. Available resources include Pride student groups, LGBTQ alumni groups, LGBTQ resource centers and safe spaces.

Also, your campus’ LGBTQ-friendly rank-

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ing in the Campus Pride Index features evaluations of on-campus resources and student life.

Some schools have extensive lists of student-run LGBTQ groups, like the University of Michigan.

Groups like AHAVA, Stonewall Democrats and TransForm are led by students for students. These groups are a great way to make friends and find your LGBTQ community on campus.

If you attend a smaller college or university, you may be limited in your student group options. But no matter the size of your campus, there are other support systems in place for LGBTQ students. LGBTQ resource centers, like the one at Duke University, receive campus funding and are run by LGBTQ faculty and staff. Campus centers educate students and faculty, influence campus policy, host on-campus events and help enforce disciplinary action.

If you are struggling to get involved in your

on-campus LGBTQ community, resource centers are a great place to start.

LGBTQ Learning Communities and Residence Halls

A quintessential part of the first-year college experience is living in a residence hall.

Living in an on-campus dorm is an important social environment for students. If you are a student seeking LGBTQ-friendly housing, see if your school offers genderinclusive student housing.

Many colleges and universities offer specialized living learning communities.

These dorms plan programming around shared passions or identities among residents. Your school’s living learning communities may include LGBTQ housing for students looking to join a community.

Schools like Guilford College and Bucknell University host entire residence halls exclusively for LGBTQ housing.

Seeking a Community Elsewhere on Campus

There are many ways to find a community on campus outside of designated LGBTQ groups and spaces. Attend your activities fair or talk to your peers about other clubs that are LGBTQ inclusive.

Find out if your school has trans-inclusive intramural sports and other resources for transgender athletes from TransAthlete, a database of inclusion.

Lambda 10 Project and On-Campus Greek Life

College students can join social, professional and multicultural Greek organizations. Most students picture single-sex Greek chapters when they think of recruitment, but there are other gender-inclusive options for LGBTQ students who want to join. Sororities like Gamma Rho Lambda offer a social support system to LGBTQ college students. LGBTQ Greek College Tour brings information about Black LGBTQ Greek life to campuses across the country.

If you are a member of a Greek chapter, join the Lambda 10 Ally Network to make all Greek life a safe space for LGBTQ members. : :

life

Choosing a Major and Career as Out LGBTQ Students Finding the Right Fit for Your Future

by Jesse Reidy | Campus Pride Intern

W

hen they arrive at a new college or university, all students have a similar goal. Everyone wants to make the most of their time on campus. This could mean choosing the right major, making new friends or, often, finding a place in a huge campus community.

For LGBTQ students, finding a community can be even more stressful than for their cisgender, heterosexual peers. The questions begin before one even steps foot on campus. Can I be out safely? Will I be accepted by my roommate? Where can I find other people like me?

Complicating things further, a student’s choice of major can heavily influence their experience throughout college. And, for better or for worse, some departments have certain stereotypes. Do LGBTQ students choose certain majors more than their straight peers?

A 2017 study out of San Francisco State University found that, out of a sample of 11 gay male students, all but one chose an arts or humanities major. The students in the study acknowledged that other departments did not have a homophobic reputation. However, the openlygay students sought out environments they knew to be actively accepting of queer expression.

Clearly a student’s major can shape the community they’re a part of in college. Are LGBTQ students drawn to certain majors for this reason?

“At the time, no,” says Jerry, a doctoral student at George Washington University, of his experience choosing a major as an LGBTQ undergrad student. Jerry studied Psychology and Social Work and says his LGBTQ identity may not have influenced his choice, but it “did keep me there after I arrived. I was able to make friends and create a community.”

Campus Pride, a nationwide advocacy organization for college students, has found similar results. In a 2018 survey, 42 percent of students reported that they were pursu-

ing an arts- or social science-related major. For anyone who has attended college, these results are unsurprising.

“My identity as a member of the LGBT+ community did not necessarily influence the process of choosing my major program, but it did pique my interest in taking as many LGBT+ related courses as I could,” says Simone, a recent graduate in Mass Communications from Towson University. LGBTQ studies and history classes fall firmly into social sciences, so it makes sense that LGBTQ students are drawn to these areas.

At the same time, a full quarter of students did state that their major was in STEM: science, technology, engineering and math. While these fields may be traditionally conservative, it makes sense that responses are varied; after all, LGBTQ people are amazingly diverse, and that includes our interests and career paths. But are the career choices of queer students shifting over time?

Jerry believes so. He says, “I think we are starting to venture out of our ‘norms’ and select career goals that are more in-line with our passion.”

It certainly seems that way. As LGBTQ visibility increases, the focus on representation in traditionally white, cisgender, straight, male fields is also growing. Students

are having discussions about representation that might not have taken place even a few short years ago.

“One moment I will remember is how one student I talked to mentioned how prejudiced people will make jokes, saying one day there will be a gay, trans, disabled, autistic character and how Hollywood forces diversity, but for them, they actually were ALL of those things,” says Luke, a senior Communication, Media, & Rhetoric and Human Services student at the University of Minnesota Morris.

Luke says this experience reminded him how important positive representation of marginalized groups can be. When LGBTQ students are able to be out in their chosen major, they can help create a more welcoming environment for all students.

It may appear as if LGBTQ students are choosing different majors over time. It’s important to remember that queer students, like all students, have incredibly diverse interests and goals. The shift in major choice probably coincides with larger trends. More likely, students are more comfortable being out at school, no matter what they’re studying.

Simone describes the importance of out role models at school. When classes, majors and schools as a whole are more diverse, everyone benefits.

“Representation matters, and when someone who may be apprehensive to study something because they don’t see anyone similar to them in the field sees that person doing exactly what they hope to do someday, it’s encouraging.”

Ultimately the choice of a major and then a career is personal. For LGBTQ young people, the choice is often more complicated and more challenging. This fall, the Campus Pride Career Connect online platform launches to help college students find their passion and future career path. The goal is to break down barriers and connect students early with LGBTQ and allied employees as mentors for job prep and career readiness. Learn more at CampusPride.org/CareerConnect. : :

SPECIAL THANKS TO CAMPUS PRIDE & SHANE WINDMEYER FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN THIS ISSUE Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

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The Spiritual Journey Spiritual Reflections

things. In the Bhagavad Gita it is written: “This self is never born nor does it ever perish; nor having come into this existence will it again cease to be. It is birthless, eternal, changeless, ever-same, unaffected by the usual processes associated with time. It is not slain when the body is killed.”

We free ourselves from mental bondage when we learn to identify more and more with the Spiritual Self.

Three simple affirmations help us to remain in a spiritual consciousness and navigate the journey: 1. Whatever I am grateful for, I will increase. Gratitude recognizes the blessings the Divine has brought into our lives and attracts greater blessings.

2. Whatever I am responsible for, I can change.

Responsibility allows us to recognize our participation in whatever is happening in our lives and what we did to create, promote or allow it.

3. Whatever I am compassionate toward, I can heal.

Compassion literally means “to suffer together.” As we extend compassion, we help elevate and shift awareness to wholeness and healing.

by Rev. Marty Bacher Contributing Writer

T

he courage to grow spiritually includes the courage to face the unknown. Our greater good often lies outside of what is currently known, and therefore what is comfortable. The change we seek — whether it is to create greater prosperity, attract a new relationship or to learn a new skill — requires us to move into the realm of discomfort and the unknown. However, it seems our brains are hardwired to keep us safe and to avoid discomfort. It’s ironic that we seek change, yet we also inherently resist it.

Faith is not about having all the answers. Instead, authentic faith allows us to enter more deeply into the questions. There is a part of us that is deeply connected with the Divine, even if we don’t yet recognize it. This is called the Spiritual Self.

The egoistic self sees itself as a human being in search of a spiritual experience, whereas the Spiritual Self sees Itself as a spiritual being having a human experience. The egoistic self sees itself as a noun — a person, place or thing.

It identifies itself with the physical realm: the body, the roles we play, the positions we hold, the wealth we have or don’t have.

Plato described the journey of the soul. He said that before entering the body the soul knows all things. But just before it enters an earthly existence, the body is dipped in the River of Forgetfulness. This myth reminds us of the mystery inherent in the spiritual journey. Our lives are about remembering what we already know at some deep spiritual level. The great spiritual teachers throughout the ages have come to remind us of who and what we truly are.

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Whereas the egoistic self sees itself as a noun, the Spiritual Self sees itself as a verb, as an extension of being, of loving and of expressing. When Moses encounters the Divine and asks, “Who shall I say sent me?” God replies, “I am that I am,” which more properly translated, means I am that which causes all things to be.

The Spiritual Self identifying with the eternal and radiant Source, recognizes the transitory nature of

Gandhi taught us that “we must widen the circle of our love until it embraces the whole village; the village in turn must take into its fold the district; the district the province, and so on till the scope of our love encompasses the whole world.”

Let us move forward together on the spiritual journey with gratitude, responsibility and compassion. : : Rev. Marty Bacher is a speaker, consultant and ordained New Thought minister. He has served as openly gay spiritual leader for over 30 years.

* * * SPONSORED CONTENT * * *

Couch Talks at Dudley’s Place Getting a diagnosis of HIV, living with HIV, or being part of someone else’s journey are all very difficult waters to navigate.

The news and the related fallout can be devastating to many.

That is why, for many reasons, having a solid circle of support can be just as instrumental in helping someone battle this disease as is the medication. At Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place, we understand this need. The clinical needs of every patient are handled at Rosedale with the upmost care and concern of qualified and compassionate staff in the area.

They always go the extra mile to make a new client or a client that has been seeing us since the day we opened feel like part of a family. The patient centered care model is something that both Rosedale and Dudley’s Place work hard to perfect every day so that your experience as a patient is focused on you.

Dudley’s Place offers “Couch Talks” every other week on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm at their offices. Couch Talks are a form of a support group, but not like all the others. When we launched the program prior to COVID, we talked with a variety of clients and community members to hear from them what they would want a group to look like. Many said they simply wanted a chance to talk, share and connect. So, that is what we are doing. The group is lead and facilitated by staff of Dudley’s Place that are also HIV positive.

Currently the groups are limited to only HIV positive individuals in order to protect their anonymity and to create a safe space for sharing. Aside from sharing stories and experiences, the groups help to connect people with others in similar situations.

Dale Pierce, Executive Director has said, “the great thing that has come out of these groups are the connections being made.

The relationships are blossoming from a room of strangers into a family of sorts that supports, listens and assists each other inside and outside the confines of the setting.” Members are saying that it has opened them up to new experiences and perspectives. The traditional meeting settings are helpful and needed, but we are also instituting some other options to make it a more social experience. Plans are in the works for a picnic this summer, painting classes, and maybe even a trip to Carowinds, along with a Thanksgiving potluck and holiday party.

Many factors and feelings can come into play with a diagnosis.

Feeling like fear, anxiety, isolation, depression, sadness, anger, even a fear of the future. One client, an African American heterosexual woman that attends Couch Talks and has been positive for almost two decades, says the group saved her. “Especially during the pandemic, I retreated even further into myself and self-isolated more than ever. Having HIV can be scary, it made me feel like I wasn’t worthy of being around people, that I was somehow less than others. The Couch Talks at Dudley’s Place changed all that.

I have a whole new support system of friends I consider family.”

If you would like to know more about Dudley’s Place, Rosedale Health and Wellness, and Couch Talks; visit our websites at Dudleysplace.org and Myrosedalehealth.com. You can also follow both organizations on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

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Barbra Streisand’s ‘Release Me 2’ and Morly’s ‘Til I Start Speaking’ Streisand’s Collection of Previously Unreleased Material is Now Available

by Gregg Shapiro Contributing Writer

W

ith the arrival of her new album, Release Me 2 (Columbia, available on LP, CD and MP3), the compilation follow-up to 2012’s Release Me, comprised of previously unreleased material, Barbra Streisand has entered hipster territory by including the vinyl version. Of course, the question remains how many of Barbra’s devoted alter kocker fans have made the return trip to the world of turntables (let alone downloading and streaming music), along with the so-called “younger generation.”

Nevertheless, Streisand and Columbia Records, her home for nearly 63 years, deserve kudos for making the effort.

Streisand, who has long been an outspoken activist and voice for social causes, opens Release Me with “Be Aware,” a Burt Bacharach/Hal David chestnut that was also recorded by the late queer singer/songwriter Laura Nyro.

The song, recorded in 1971, deals with the subjects of homeless children and

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world hunger, proving that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Barbra Joan Streisand, her second album of 1971, featured three Carole King compositions — “Where You Lead,” “Beautiful,” and “You’ve Got A Friend,” so it’s not surprising to learn that she recorded another King tune, “You Light Up My Life” (no, not THAT “You Light Up My Life”), in 1974.

A pair of duets, “Rainbow Connection” with Kermit the Frog, from 1979, and “I’d Want It To Be You” with Willie Nelson, from 2014, prove that Barbra plays well with others. Her 1971 cover of Randy Newman’s “Living Without You” may lack the oomph of versions by Kelly Hogan and Nilsson, but it’s still pleasant. Arlen and Harburg’s “Right As The Rain,” from 1962, serves as a

reminder of the spell early Streisand was able to cast on listeners.

After releasing three EPs from 2015 to 2017, singer/songwriter and visual artist, Morly, a.k.a. Katy Morley, returns with her full-length debut LP, “‘Til I Start Speaking” (Cascine), after having battled chronic illness. The immediate impressions one gets from these 10 songs is of their timelessness and beauty. The borderline retro arrangements on songs such as “Wasted,” complete with soulful backing vocals, “Sleeping in My Own Bed,” from her 2017 EP of the same name, “Twaine Harte,” “Up Above,” “Jazz Angel (Bill)” and “Superlunar” are nothing less than exquisite.

Additionally, the visual component to the LP, the 12-page lyric book, features Morly’s artwork, which is breathtaking to behold. Don’t hesitate to add this striking album, which is reminiscent of early Feist, to your record collection.

As for Streisand, if she wants to continue her stay in the hipster haven of Vinylville, she might consider covering a Morly tune, such as “Sleeping in My Own Bed,” on her next studio album.

Stranger things have happened. : :

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Open Relationships vs. Cheating Tell Trinity

by Trinity | Contributing Writer Dear Trinity, There’s no such thing as an open relationship. A relationship is a “contract,” a “commitment,” and if that contract is broken, there’s no relationship. So, if my partner came home after screwing around on me, then said, “I love you,” I’d ram a pipe up their backside!

Commitment or Pipe, Kansas City, MO

Dear Commitment or Pipe, Did you know, some people have “closed” committed relationships like what you’re describing, while others have open committed relationships, which includes sex outside the relationship, and that, believe it or not works great for them? Talking to many folks in long, long-term relationships has exposed me to many ideas about relationships, opening my (closed) eyes. If you have an agreement to be monogamous, then you don’t have an open relationship, period. But, honey, if your partner one day does “cheat,” then hopefully you’ll love them enough to deal with it “openly.” Agreements change throughout a relationship and throughout time whether you pipe it… I mean, like it or not!

Love, Trinity

for him. Lately, he keeps insisting that my pleasure of people watching or shopping at the mall is something he wants me to stop.

Will I ever get to be me?

Sincerely, I Gotta Be Me, Dallas, TX

Hello I Gotta Be Me, Sure you will. When one becomes two, there’s a little give and take, sometimes even a lot. Good for you for being flexible.

And, pumpkin, if you start feeling disrespected or being disrespectful to your own needs, you and he may need to have a “lets’ compromise” pow-wow!

connections

Hey Trinity, I’m dating a woman who drives like a maniac. How do I get her to drive normally when I’m in the car without sounding like a neurotic date?

Thanks, Driving Complaints, Cincinnati, OH

Hey Driving Complaints, When some folks drive, they forget they’re on a date, and not at the Daytona 500. So sweetie, besides offering to drive (for the rest of your lives together) try sending her:

Trinity’s Cautious Tips for Driving With a Date

1. NO tailgating. It’s guaranteed to scare your date! One car length for every 10 mph please!

2. NO road raging. Having to listen to someone yelling, being aggressive AND driving is awful and unattractive!

3. N O speeding. It always makes someone feel like they’ve been kidnapped!

4. N O breaking the law. If you’re trying to impress a date, running lights and stop signs definitely won’t do it!

5. N O talking on the cellphone. Not even your loving mother wants to watch you drive and chat. Plus, you’re on a date, so TURN OFF the cellphone!

6. N O driving offensively. It makes your passengers fear for their lives!

7. H owever, DO drive defensively. Let others make mistakes around you without having to reprimand them. A date is a time to act light, peaceful and forgiving!

8. DO drive patiently, like you have Lady Gaga in the car.

9. DO wear your seatbelt.

10. A nd lastly, DO remember, a car is a weapon that can kill you and your date, who is just trying to get to know you… not trying to share a funeral with you! : : With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking” a weekly radio drama, performed globally and is now minister of WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings. Sponsored by: WIG Ministries, www.wigministries.org Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation!

Send e-mails to: Trinity@telltrinity.com

Hello Trinity, My boyfriend loves me but wants me to be things I’m not, like playing or watching lots of sports. I don’t enjoy them, but I do it

Q-mmunity

and eventually you’ll find a Quebecois… with an American joie de vie.

Love, Trinity

Dearest Trinity, I’m originally from America, but I’ve been living in Montreal, Canada for the past three years. The gay men here are tres gorgeous but are lacking personality, unlike men from the states. Help!

Montreal Men, Montreal, QC

Dearest Montreal Men, Americans do have an open spirit that may lack amongst some beautiful and gay Quebecois. Why do you think the Webster Dictionary puts “looks” and “personality” 320 pages apart! But don’t be discouraged by what you’ve seen so far in the dating scene. Darling, keep meeting people, keep kissing cheeks

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

Bright Businesses deserve well-lit

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Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

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life

Olympic City

Pride Journey: Colorado Springs

by Joey Amato Guest Contributor

D

id you know that Colorado Springs is also known as Olympic City, U.S.A.?

Neither did I. Not only is the city home to the U.S. Olympic Training Center, but Colorado Springs recently celebrated the grand opening of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, a stunning state-ofthe-art building showcasing the history of the Olympic games as well as athletes that competed. The 60,000 square-foot facility focuses on the core values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements: friendship, respect and excellence, determination, equality, inspiration, and courage. The museum was voted “Best New Attraction”

by USA Today, and it’s easy to see why.

Visitors enter a grand lobby and take an elevator to the top level of the building where they can view a chronological history of the Olympic and Paralympic torches, medals and other items. The museum is divided between the summer and winter games, and the self-guided tour includes an emotional video highlighting the greatest U.S. Olympic triumphs as well as some struggles Team U.S.A. has faced along the way.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is within walking distance from the new Kinship Landing hotel, so it is well worth the visit. After a morning at the museum, grab a quick bite at the hotel’s restaurant, Home Café + Bar. I ordered the North Park sandwich, consisting of roasted pork, caramelized onions, banana peppers and served with a black garlic aioli. It was a messy, but delicious way to begin my stay at Kinship Landing.

The hotel is meant to be a gathering place. Many spaces in the lobby are designed so guests can mingle and socialize with each other. The hotel gears towards a younger, more adventurous traveler who is looking to make friends and create wonderful memories along the way. This in no way means the hotel skimps on luxury.

The bed was probably one of the most comfortable I’ve slept on.

A brief 15 minute ride from the property is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which was recently voted one of the best zoos in the country. While the setting is truly breathtaking, the zoo itself was a bit

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Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

Joey at Pike’s Peak. (Photo Credit: Joey Amato) challenging to navigate. There were a few times my guest and I had to backtrack and ask zoo staff for directions, as some of the exhibits weren’t clearly marked. Some of my favorite areas of the zoo included the penguin habitat as well as the Australian exhibit. Visitors can also purchase unique experiences, including the chance to feed elephants and giraffes.

For dinner, head over to Paravicini’s Italian Bistro, an old-school Italian restaurant located in Old Colorado City, or “OCC” as the locals call it. The restaurant was featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, and I can now see why Fieri was so in love with this place.

The chicken marsala and side of penne Bolognese were prepared to perfection.

I wasn’t expecting a great Italian meal in Colorado, but I sure got one.

Colorado Springs is home to two LGBTQ bars, Club Q and ICONS. Although I didn’t have a chance to visit Club Q, I did swing

by ICONS, which is located in the heart of downtown. The piano bar is probably one of the best LGBTQ bars I’ve been to in recent memory, not only for the theme, but also the friendliness of the staff and quality of the cocktails. The venue opened in 2020 and features a talented group of bartenders, who also perform throughout the evening, singing a variety of music from old standards to more recent hits, from icons including Whitney Houston and Lady Gaga.

The next part of my trip focused on wellness and nature. I began the

morning with an incredible yoga class from Dragonfly Paddle Yoga, where we did yoga on a paddleboard in the middle of a lake. Get ready to engage your core muscles for this one, or you will be drenched before class is over. The class meets at the boat ramp of a man-made lake near downtown and paddles to an alcove surrounded by lush trees with mountains soaring in the background.

At first, I was hesitant to try to stand on the paddleboard, but as time went on, I gained confidence in my yoga skills (or lack thereof) and was able to stand and perform yoga poses on the paddleboard.

Some were more challenging than others, but I did get a fabulous workout while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

After grabbing a light snack and latte from Loyal Coffee located directly across from Kinship Landing, head to the Cog Railway and prepare to ascend to an elevation of over 14,000 feet to the top of Pike’s Peak. The entire journey takes a little over an hour but is well worth it. The view from Pike’s Peak is spectacular and was said to be the inspiration for the song, “America the Beautiful.” The original railway opened in 1891 and was recently restored, making it the highest in the United States and longest cog railway in the world. Bring your camera for this journey!

End your vacation in Colorado Springs with a visit to the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, the resort is positioned on

the edge of Garden of the Gods Park, and the view is nothing short of extraordinary.

Guests can dine on the mesa while watching the sunset over the mountains or wake up early for some sunrise mediation.

As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I went for a walk around the property and was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the resort and the park itself. My room featured two queen size beds and an enormous bathroom with a walk-in shower and separate soaking tub. I really didn’t spend much time there as I was too busy enjoying the natural wonders.

After a few days spent touring the city, I was most excited about my treatments at STRATA Integrated Wellness and Spa. I began my spa day with Functional Neurology, a complex science which uses signals from the body to reset the brain.

The alternative treatment is used to properly align the body’s musculoskeletal structure and restore mobility. It’s like a combination of chiropractic and touch therapy. Speaking of touch therapy, I had the chance to experience a wonderful treatment in which the therapist used her hands to help treat aches and pains. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the treatment was quite relaxing and something I would do again. I was able to feel the heat and energy from her hands as she ever so slightly touched problem areas.

My favorite treatment of the day, however, was the Royal Thai Poultice Massage, an 80 minute experience which combines an organic herbal poultice with Thai stretching and aromatherapy. How’s that for a day of pampering?

Begin the following morning with Breathwork and Mindfulness on the mesa led by the STRATA’s wellness coach, Kelly Stoinski. It’s rare that I have a chance to slow down, especially in the morning, but this was a perfect way to end an incredible visit.

Colorado Springs is a great place for LGBTQ travelers seeking a combination of outdoor adventures as well as city life.

While the city itself isn’t as large as its neighbor to the north, it is very walkable, easy to navigate and everything you need to experience is within a 15-20 minute drive from the airport.

To book your Colorado Springs gaycation, visit Orbitz.com/Pride.

Enjoy the Journey! : :

life

Our People: Peyton-Namire

Transgender Youth Discusses Safe Spaces and Misguided Words of DaBaby

by L’Monique King qnotes Staff Writer

derstand why it took this for him to get canceled.

There was a time when he knocked one of his fans on stage, a girl. He should have been cancelled long ago. His apology video was bullshit — I put nothing past him, especially since he hangs with Lil Boosie, who had so much mean stuff to say about Dewayne Wade and Gabrielle Union’s [trans] daughter.

B

orn in North Carolina, Peyton-Namire has lived in Charlotte for most of his 22 years. On a balmy Friday evening he hangs out at a playground where a celebration of his girlfriend’s mother’s birthday is about to begin. Children can be heard playing in the background, a puppy frolics and the smell of sweet barbeque sauces wafts up from a nearby grill. In the midst of all this, a young trans man with an easy smile makes time to talk to qnotes about what it’s like to be him/them.

DaBaby was raised in Charlotte, and the impact of religion is a big thing in the south. Are you religious? If so, how have you been able to reconcile your identity with your religion?

I practice Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism. I know a lot of queer people that practice and do yoga.

Through Buddhism I’ve learned how to become one with myself to achieve Nirvana. Nirvana is another word for enlightening, finding peace, happiness. So, I’m okay.

How do you identify?

When I’m out in public I’m a regular cis male. I don’t live stealth; I just don’t choose to have my transness out there. Because I live in a red state and I really don’t feel safe knowing that people can just go into a fit of rage just from me saying I’m transgender.

When I’m out as Peyton, I’m at an event or anything that has to do with people of color or trans people, and I let people know that I am trans. I want people to know that there are trans people everywhere — especially trans men of color. I see more white trans men [in the media] when I see them at all.

Outside of the peace you find in practicing Buddhism, is there anyone in particular in your life that has supported you? Maybe a role model or a mentor that you’ve learned any valuable lessons from?

Yes, James Rice III. I met him at Time Out Youth when I was 18. He works there. He’s helped me from the beginning of my transition, and he introduced me to Shaq Clarke, my Housing Administrator. She helped me get housing and taught me a lot about budgeting and other things.

James has been more of a father figure to me than my actual dad, though he’s in my life but doesn’t do nuttin’. James taught me that many of the feelings that I have are okay. He taught me that it’s okay to be angry. He’s always told me that he’s going to accept me for who I am and what I come with, and that he’s always going to love me for who I am.

Have you always known you’re trans?

No. I figured it out when I was 14. I can’t say that I’ve always been trans. It took me a year and a half to come to that conclusion. At the time I had a partner that helped me, helped me pick out a name for myself. I’ll never forget what they did for me. Coming out to my parents was not an easy experience. Anytime I tried to come out about anything different or unique, it was not accepted and I was seen as rebellious.

How’s your family accepting your trans identity now?

I can’t say that my family has fully accepted me; I don’t even think they really know what that means. I think it’s because we’re Black people and already at great risk for discrimination and death. Adding me being trans on top and transitioning into a Black male is even more frightening for them.

Is that the most difficult part about being young, Black and trans in the south, the risk of being taken for a cis Black man?

Funny thing is, when I tell someone that I am transgender, they’re always surprised. They don’t think that we exist. I get people thinking I’m a male trying to be a woman. I tell them that I’m female to male and most people don’t seem to know what that means. We’re so invisible. Many are so stealth that people don’t know we exist, they [stealth trans men] go about as cis men while I have to prove my transness to people.

Sounds like a bit of a burden. Is visibility part of your activism or advocacy for LGBTQ youth? Would you share a little with qnotes readers about what your role in LGBTQ advocacy and activism looks like?

It looks like me going on stage and telling you about me as a person and then me telling you that I’m trans.

I need you to see me as a person before you see me as a trans person.

Going on stage? Can you elaborate?

I team up with Time Out Youth and do Speakers Bureaus for colleges and organizations that would like to know how to best support LGBT kids — the right way. If you teach the teachers a little bit about pronouns or how to address a child, that makes a big difference in kids coming to school.

Many are frightened, but having just one staff member, one teacher they can talk to, helps a lot. It can even decrease suicide rates. That’s why I want to go state to state to help

establish programs for trans and non-binary kids, [so they] can comfortably transition while they’re in school. I don’t understand why schools don’t protect trans kids or trans kids with disabilities. If I could create a safe space in every state, I would, a safe space for LGBT kids to go.

What led you to become involved in LGBTQ youth issues?

I’ve never been the type to sit back and let something happen. So, when it was time to speak, I’ve always been able to speak up for myself and other people. It’s been a long journey. My doing this, it just happened, and I took the responsibility and ran with it. I try to speak for all LGBT kids if I can. Those that are silent are often the ones contemplating suicide. So, I try to create change — that’s what I aim to do.

Do you have any trans role models, celebrity or otherwise?

Yes, there’s a person on Instagram, his name is SteroidBeyonce, and I like him so much because he’s both masculine and feminine. I think people get too hung up on gender norms, what’s supposed to be for boys and what’s supposed to be for girls. They don’t pay attention to what their kids really like or who they really are. They just want them to fit in. There are so many simps — I call them simps, for simple minded people — in the world, and there’s no need for that. You can find out anything you want; all you have to do is Google it or YouTube it. You can learn about trans people by hearing people tell their transition stories. So, I just think [those who aren’t informed] don’t want to learn. And you don’t have to want to learn, but you will respect my pronouns.

So, what do you think about the recent drama surrounding some homophobic and HIV-stigmatizing comments made by rapper DaBaby?

He’s been canceled for me a while ago. He’s been doing things like what he said during that festival; it’s not new. Rappers that act like that are not new. I don’t un-

Wow! It’s wonderful that you have such supportive people like them in your life. The world is changing. When you think about the lives of the trans community of color 25 years from now, what do you think things might look like?

I think everyone is gonna’ wanna’ look like trans and nonbinary people because it’s the style, though they don’t want the life [many trans and non-binary people live], like a trend. I could see that. Androgynous looks are already becoming fashionable.

What’s a typical day like in the life of Peyton-Lamire?

I go to work around 11:00 a.m. at an uptown restaurant, my shift ends around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., I’m a host. When I get off, I go home, play with my dog and try to ground myself. I put my feet in the grass and try to unwind fully with a little bit of nature. Once I go in the house, I try to eat something healthy, like salad with chicken, berries and pecans, shower and meditate for as long as I feel like I need to. Depends on the type of day. My happy place is sleeping to thunder and rain. Being an introvert, I think I enjoy more alone time than lots of people, so I fill time with painting or going to a movie by myself. I’ve learned that I don’t have to be around people to feel accepted. I work at a job where there are a lot of people, so I really need to use my downtime as self-care time. My company is the best company.

What makes you smile?

Seeing others happy and knowing that I put that smile on your face.

Any advice for trans or non-binary kids navigating the difficult journey of living as their authentic selves?

I’d tell them, you are not crazy, you are exactly who you say you are. Who others say you’re supposed to be is not important. You can transition. It is possible, and even if you don’t transition, you are valid, you are loved and you can be you.: :

Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021

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