QNotes Aug. Sept. 1-14, 2012

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Sept. 1-14 . 2012

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13 Bar Events/Map 19 20 Questions 21 Tell Trinity 22 Fabulance 22 Jane’s World 23 Out in the Stars

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Sept. 1-14, 2012 Vol 27 No 09

arts. entertainment. news. views.

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contributors this issue

Paul Arons, MD, Paige Braddock, Rosendo Brown, Matt Comer, Kevin Grooms/Miss Della, Michael “The Rubberman” Harney, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Adam Romano, Don Rosenthal, David Stout, Trinity, Brett Webb-Mitchell

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Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photo Credit: Jimmie Cobb/JC Digital Photography Works

opinions & views   4   4  4   5

On Being a Gay Parent Guest Commentary QPoll  Editor’s Note

Note:

Due to our special DNC coverage, our regular QEvents and Drag Rag columns do not appear in this print edition, but are published online.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2012 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.

News Notes: Regional Briefs DNC: Explore LGBT Charlotte DNC: Preparing for the DNC DNC: Unity Party to rock out DNC: City/County closings DNC: Social agenda DNC: Party rockin’ DNC: Security plans set Historic AID Conference

LGBT Community Leaders ( left to right) Page 1: Rich Hurley, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Carolina Gala, 2012 Co-Chair; Debbie Warren, Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, Founder/CEO; Robert Dogens, HRC, Board Member; Roberta Dunn, The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte (LGBTCCC), Board Vice Chair. Page 3: Jermaine Nakia Lee, Power House Project, Program Coordinator; O’Neale Atkinson, LGBTCCC, Operations Manager; Richard Grimstad, 2012 Pride Charlotte, Sponsor Co-Chair; Gil Croy, LGBTCCC, Art Chair; Jonathan Hill, 2012 Pride Charlotte, Festival Co-Chair. Page 10: Jerry Ancrum, MeckPAC, Committee Member; O’Neale Atkinson, LGBTCCC, Operations Manager; Cate Eble, LGBTCCC, Programs Committee Chair; Gil Croy, LGBTCCC, Art Chair. Page 11: Don King, Retired; Clay Smith, Drag Performer; Bert Woodard, LGBTCCC, Board Member; Scott Coleman, LGBTCCC, Board Chair; Teresa Davis, Charlotte Business Guild, President; Chris Gray, LGBTCCC, Board Member. Page 14: Tommy Feldman, Pocket Rocket, Editor/Artist; Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride, Executive Director; Bishop Tonyia Rawls, Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte; Rodney Tucker, Time Out Youth, Executive Director. Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc. P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x207 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media 212.242.6863

Editor: Matt Comer x202 editor@goqnotes.com Assoc. Ed.: David Stout editor2@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen x205 production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

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

Sept. 1-14 . 2012

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on being a gay parent by brett webb-mitchell qnotes contributor

The new norm I sat across the table from my formerstudent-and-now-friend Michael and his boyfriend Jiro with a broad smile upon my face as we used chopsticks to pick up the neatly cut sushi roll in Honolulu’s Akasaka Japanese restaurant. The sushi was incredibly good, with a chance to feast not only on the body of the shrimp, but the head of the shrimp as well…amazing! The animated conversation had come to a lull and I was enjoying the new “norm” in how a gay couple plans out their future these days. Both men, in their late 30s, have been living together for the last month before Jiro moves to the East Coast to continue his graduate school education.They decided to

wed next spring at a lovely Episcopal church located on Long Island, N.Y., where a classmate of Michael’s is rector (Michael is an Episcopal priest). Not only do they get a great deal on the facility (a perk of us clergy folks), but also they’ll be able to invite friends and family from around the mainland, especially for Michael’s family from Mississippi, while Jiro’s family would have to fly in from Japan. While Michael is “out” to his entire family — immediate and extended — Jiro recently came out to his mother and father. Children in the future? Who knows! They would both make awesome dads if they decided to go that route and their respective parents will probably be super grandparents.

guest commentary by Don Rosenthal

Are you concerned about civil liberties?

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Attention Charlotte residents concerned about civil liberties: We need your help! The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina (ACLU-NC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to preserving the guarantees of individual liberty found in the U.S. Constitution, the North Carolina Constitution and various federal and state civil rights laws. Several years have passed since a local chapter of the ACLU-NC operated in Charlotte. (In contrast, several other urban areas and university campuses in the state have long-established chapters.) The ACLU-NC is now supporting an effort by residents of the Charlotte area to establish such a chapter. While Amendment One failed, the significant effort generated in Charlotte and throughout the state raised considerable public consciousness about the lack of LGBT rights in North Carolina. That is why we hope this is a particularly good time to restart an

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ACLU-NC chapter in the Charlotte region that would identify and bring issues of civil rights and civil liberties to public attention and focus efforts for change. An ACLU-NC chapter would address not only aspects of assuring constitutional rights to local LGBT citizens but would address a range of other concerns related to assuring legal protections for racial, ethnic, religious and ideological minorities. This organizing effort is just beginning. We welcome the participation of all people interested in working together to protect civil liberties for all people in the Charlotte area. You do not have to have a background in legal matters to get involved, only be a concerned resident of the Charlotte region and be willing to become a member of the ACLU. If you are interested in taking part in the planning process for a new chapter in Charlotte, please contact Don Rosenthal at dbrosenthal@bellsouth.net. : :

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Michael and Jiro’s relationship bodes well for our future as LGBTQ individuals, couples and families. With anti-LGBTQ groups like Tony Perkins and the national Family Research Council (FRC), Bryan Fischer and the American Family Association (AFA) and Brian Brown and the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) trying to throw together obstacles to impede such open declarations of love, let alone a healthy relationship, among LGBTQ people, Michael and Jiro’s relationship not only started, but continues to grow and mature with time. Closer to the vocational call that Michael and I share in common as priest and minister, there are still those Episcopalians, as well as those in other Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church, that continually publish hate-filled diatribes against the love we show to each other. And, the state of Hawaii recently ruled against two women who wanted to get married instead of entering into a civil union (Aug. 8, 2012). All that the lesbian couple wanted were certain federal benefits that are given to non-LGBTQ couples, like the benefit of helping a nonnative person change her or his immigration status when in a married relationship with a U.S. citizen. Nevertheless, couples like Michael and Jiro continue to live their lives out in the public, without apology, holding hands, kissing and sharing shrimp roll with one another.

qpoll Do you plan on attending any official or related events for the Democratic National Convention while it is in town? If not, what are your plans? See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll

Personally, I was heartened by (and envious of) the health of Michael and Jiro’s relationship. Having come out later in my life story, I enjoyed watching a couple who were at ease to express their love for one another in public at an establishment that catered to a wide-audience. I tried to keep my children un-touched by any disparagement I might suffer when I finally did come out, but was unable to shield them. I can write that, today, they are more courageous than I was at their age, having lived with an out-gay dad and his partner. Meanwhile, Michael and Jiro can consider growing their family without fear of the kind of recrimination I feared for my family only a few years earlier. Michael can be an out gay priest in his denomination and not fear being discriminated against. This is still a dream for many of us who are LGBTQ clergy within my own denomination of the Presbyterian Church USA, which allows for us to be ordained in only certain geographical areas known as Presbyteries. Each and every day, regardless of the obstacles put before us, more LGBTQ individuals, couples and families are living lives in the “new norm.” No longer scared for their physical safety, worried about their job status, abandoning dreams for growing a family, dreading who will “find out I’m gay,” is no longer the norm. Perhaps the biblical apocalypse has come after all, as we behold a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21, NRSV). : :

Corrections An article in our Aug. 4, 2012, print edition on construction projects in Plaza Midwood incorrectly noted the number of units in the planned Edison apartment complex on the corner of Pecan and Commonwealth Aves. The building will have 53 units. In our Aug. 18, 2012, print edition we unintentionally neglected to identify former Mecklenburg County Commissioner Dan Murray as CEO of the local Charlotte in 2012 host committee for the Democratic National Convention. Both articles have been updated in our online versions. We regret the errors.


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editor’s note by matt comer matt@goqnotes.com

A tyranny of wealth and ignorance can be avoided Last March, U.S. Secretary for Education Arne Duncan addressed a conference on civic education and hit on some of the many ways America’s public institutions and education system are failing the next generation of our citizens. The statistics he shared should frighten every voter: Two-thirds of Americans cannot name our three branches of government, though 75 percent of people can name each of the Three Stooges. Not even half of the nation can name a single member of the U.S. Supreme Court. More than 25 percent do not know who our forebears fought during the Revolutionary War. Yet, more than 80 percent of the public can name who sang “Beat It” and “Billie Jean.” In a Newsweek survey, Duncan continued, almost 40 percent of America’s citizens failed the U.S. citizenship test and nearly a full third could not identify Joe Biden as vice president. “Our founders, from George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, understood that informed citizens were the lifeblood of a healthy democracy,” Duncan asserted. “They understood that civics education was the first bulwark against tyranny. A half century later, Abraham Lincoln said that education was ‘the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.’ Lincoln believed that, for every citizen, an appreciation of ‘the value of our free institutions’ was ‘an object of vital importance.’” Over the past half-century or longer, we have seen the level of civic education in America diminish to astonishingly pathetic levels. The result is increasing disengagement by the average citizen in political discourse. This disengagement is apparent at all levels of government, but, perhaps, most damaging at the local level where governments should be smaller, more accessible and more accountable. Conservatives are fond of small government. Perhaps there are valid arguments for times when smaller government is best. But, I can find no reason why the “small” in “small government” must mean low voter turnout. Yet, here we are — a nation faced with record-low voter participation with ballots cast by people with abysmal knowledge on who our elected officials are and how the government we elect actually works. Republicans want it that way. In jurisdiction after jurisdiction across this nation, GOP election board leaders, secretaries of state, governors, state legislators and other officials are using their power to limit voting rights. Republicans are pushing voter identification laws, restricting early voting and putting heavy and burdensome requirements on small, civic organizations that run voter registration drives. In places like Michigan, Republicans in state government even tried their novel and certainly unconstitutional “emergency manager” law, practically usurping locally-elected government in small (and mostly minority

towns) and replacing them with a single, governor-appointed manager with nearly totalitarian control over all city functions. All the while, most of America remains blissfully occupied by their favorite reality shows and pop singers despite the obvious encroachment of tyrannical government upon their lives and their liberties. No, no — I’m not talking about “Obamacare” or some radical socialism. This tyranny is worse — an insidious, barely seen and wantonly ignored movement to take the voice of the people out of the people’s government. This election season, corporations and the super-rich elite will spend a staggering amount of money on political ads and campaigns. Corporations are going after their opponents no holds barred and putting the average American citizen right in their sights as elected officials and candidates become increasingly indebted to people and organizations who, if possible, would return us to the days of the plantation economy when every institution of American government existed for the sole purpose of making the rich richer and keeping labor cheap and plentiful, the dignity of humanity all but ignored in the face of potential profit. But, ask any person on the street about the Michigan emergency manager law or voter identification laws and you’re more likely to be struck by lightning than get any sort of rational or informed discussion on the issues. And, that is where we, as a society, have failed. As American education has slipped, so too has our civic knowledge and awareness. As entertainment becomes increasingly omnipresent, so too do the numbers of fried brains unable to distinguish between Candidate A and Candidate B and their opposing political viewpoints. The good news is that we do have a choice. We can choose to change. We can opt to learn and to grow. We can better fund our public schools, where the overwhelming majority of the next generation’s leaders and voters are currently learning what it means to be an American. Individually, we can take the time to read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. We can start watching and reading the news. We can begin actually researching who we’re voting for and why. For many of the thousands attending the Democratic National Convention here in Charlotte already know the value of civic education and many could debate the finer points of policy and law for hours and days. These are the people with the ability and knowledge to lead and to move our country forward. These are the people who can help Americans turn off the silly TV shows and video games, get off the couch and really participate in the privileges afforded them. Until that happens, America will not change. And, if people never take action, the dream and the light that is our Great Experiment will be extinguished. I pray that day never comes. : :

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news notes: carolinas. nation. world. compiled by Lainey Millen | David Stout | Matt Comer

Charlotte PFLAG welcomes Charlotte author

CHARLOTTE — Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) will bring Charlotte author James Green to its Sept. 13 meeting at 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Rd. Green, a psychotherapist, will discuss spirituality of same-sex relationships, with reference to “Northern Lights,” the historical novel he has penned which was released recently. The book takes place during the French and Indian War, circa 1760. Green said, “The northern lights are symbolic of the beauty found in same-sex relationships. The northern lights remind me, as a gay man, that our relationships have the potential to be awe-inspiring.” For more information, call 704-542-2019 or email pflagcharlotte@yahoo.com. — L.M.

Potts to visit Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — The GayCharlotte Film Series will feature gay activist Randy Roberts Potts (pictured), the grandson of televangelist Oral Roberts, on Sept. 22, 6 p.m., at the Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte, 1825 Eastway Dr. A “For The Bible Tells Me So” screening will kickoff the evening, with Potts’ presentation following. He will entertain questions from the audience. Potts, who has worked with juvenile delinquents on the East Coast, was a social worker in Oklahoma City, spent five years as a middle school English teacher and is now a freelance writer for several publications, including The Washington Post, Box Turtle Bulletin, The Advocate, This Land Press, and D Magazine. He wrote about his coming out experience as the grandson of Oral Roberts in the recent, “It Gets Better,” book and spends his life spreading a hopeful message to LGBT youth. Potts has recently launched a new project called “The Gay Agenda,” a performance art piece designed for conservative areas across the country. The presentation is being made possible by a grant from The Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund. It is a signature event provided by the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. Tickets are $20, $15 for students and seniors (55+). Advance tickets can be purchased online at gaycharlottefilmfestival.com. For more information, call 704-962-1426 or visit gaycharlottefilmfestival.com, gaycharlotte.com and randyrobertspotts.com. — L.M.

Triangle New site to bolster ENC’s work

RALEIGH — On Aug. 21, Equality NC (ENC) and Equality NC Foundation launched two revamped, distinctive websites to better serve the informational and interactive needs of North Carolina’s LGBT community and allies.

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The retooled online presences mark the first major website redesign for ENC and the organization’s foundation educational arm. The new sites feature access to an array of fully-shareable LGBT news (“The Latest”), multimedia projects (“Know + Love”), easy access to a Twitter feed of the latest LGBT commentary, resources and information, as well as a robust set of online tools to organize and mobilize grassroots education and activism (“Take Action”). “Over the past year, we’ve seen a surge in online activity surrounding the Amendment One campaign, and now Equality NC has a website that really allows us to amplify the voices of North Carolina’s newly-energized LGBT community and allies,” said ENC’s Communications Director Jen Jones. “This new website is not only an online companion to our education and advocacy work on the ground, it compliments the new and exciting work we’re doing in multimedia, interactive media and social media.” With growth of over 50,000 online supporters, the new website launch corresponds with its increasing online membership base. ENC has also become the second-most popular state equality site on Facebook, quadrupled its Twitter followers, amassed thousands of online video and image views and shares on YouTube and Flickr and added new presences on sites like Pinterest and Tumblr. Executive Director Stuart Campbell said, “The launch of these websites is an exciting development for North Carolina, as it will provide every fair-minded individual or group, working towards LGBT equality, to have the tools to strengthen our various networks and the ability to benefit from each other’s work. Our coalition partnerships are our most important asset moving forward after Amendment One, and these new online channels allows us to communicate, educate and mobilize those communities and allies — like never before.” In other news, the organization is searching for undergraduate student ambassadors to work on grassroots initiatives across the state, as well as developing future, “fair-minded leaders.” For a full list of requirements, visit ENC’s website to obtain details. For more information, visit equalitync.org and equalityncfoundation.org. — L.M.

Center seeks volunteers

RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh, 411 Hillsborough St., is currently on the hunt for volunteers to work on a variety of committees and events. There are a number of spots available for Raleigh Is Coming Out. Some include helping with decorations, marketing and design. Email rico@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com to learn more. Want to help shape the center’s future? Then sign up for the marketing committee. It will be charged with the task of looking holistically at operations and outreach, Executive Director James Miller said. Contact him at jmiller@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com to jump in. Anyone with experience or connections is encouraged to join in. If funding is more your style, then be one of three people to round out the development committee. They work with marketing and programs to help find funding for the center.

Equality NC launches ‘Payback Challenge’ RALEIGH — The Equality NC Action Fund, the political action committee of the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocacy and education organization, announced a fundraising challenge on Aug. 22 meant to bolster support for and raise funds to elect fair-minded, LGBT-inclusive candidates in the state. The “Payback Challenge” aims to mobilize North Carolinians angered by the May 8 approval of Amendment One, the discriminatory, anti-LGBT state constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex couples from marriage and other relationship recognition. Equality NC says the months-long fundraising campaign will help it elect pro-equality candidates, oppose anti-LGBT politicians and bolster grassroots activism before the 2012 general election in November. In a video, Equality NC supporters, board members and staff say proponents of the discriminatory anti-LGBT amendment purposefully chose to single out and target a vulnerable minority. “The Equality NC Action Fund Payback Challenge is North Carolina’s first and best opportunity to payback anti-LGBT politicians who forced us into a very divisive Amendment One fight and support pro-equality candidates who can help move us forward,” Stuart Campbell, Equality NC executive director, said in a release. “Through the generous support given from now until Sept. 20, we can make a real difference in the fight for equality in November.” Donations made to the political action committee before midnight on Sept. 20 will be matched by 50 percent up to $60,000. Endorsements for the fall election will be released in early September. Learn more about the fundraising campaign at equalitync.org/pac_challenge. — M.C. Email Tom McEvoy at tmcevoy@lgbtcenterof raleigh.com to learn more. Sometime in the future, the center will undergo changes that may necessitate the need to find another location. Be part of the people who help shape this strategy over the next three to five years. Les Geller heads this up. Email him at lgeller@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. The front desk and the library are always places where volunteers are welcome. Those who staff these areas are at the hub of the buzz. Sign up by visiting lgbtcenterofraleigh. com/site/volunteering.html. — L.M.

South Carolina Exec to step down

COLUMBIA — SC Equality Executive Director Christine Johnson has resigned and will leave the organization effective in October. Johnson’s departure comes as SC Equality also unveils its new SC Equality PAC (political action committee). SC Equality Board Chair Jeff Ayers said the new PAC will “rally support for fair-minded candidates who support LGBT equality.” “It will give our community a voice in the political and legislative process of this state and has the potential to change the political landscape of South Carolina,” Ayers said in an emailed message to supporters and members. Ayers also thanked Johnson and her work with the organization, saying that she had been an asset to the organization. A South Carolina native, Johnson told supporters via email on Aug. 22 that returning to her homestate brought both challenges and “amazing opportunities.” She also said the organization’s visibility had grown. For more information, visit scequality.org. — M.C.

National/Global First out Brigadier General pinned

ARLINGTON, Va. — Former Army Col. Tammy Smith (pictured) has become the first openly gay flag officer to come out while currently serving in the U.S. military. She was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in a private ceremony Aug. 10 at the Women’s

Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Brig. Gen. Smith, who will serve as deputy chief in the Army Reserve’s Office of the Chief in D.C., received her stars from her wife, Tracey Hepner. “For years, gay and lesbian generals and admirals were forced to hide their families in order to protect their careers. It is a great day for our military and for our nation when this courageous leader is finally able to recognize her wife for her support and sacrifice in the same way that all military families should be recognized for their service to our country,” said Sue Fulton, a 1980 West Point graduate and member of the OutServe Board of Directors. OutServe is the association of activelyserving LGBT military personnel. It boasts more than 5,500 members and 50-plus chapters around the globe, making it one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. — D.S.

Critical resources for trans voters

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Center for Transgender Equality has released two new resources to help address the impact of a wave of specious voter ID laws enacted by 19 Republican-led state legislatures in the last two years. Conservative estimates from the Williams Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles reveal that more than 25,000 transgender people could lose their right to vote as a result of the changes. NCTE Executive Director Mara Keisling said, “Transgender people are already imagined to be committing gender fraud. Now these new voter ID laws could set us up to be accused of voter fraud. Most transgender people have never had problems voting before but this year is different. When a transgender person shows up to a polling place with a name or appearance that isn’t perceived to match their

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voter registration records or their photo ID, they could be turned away.” Voting While Trans: Preparing for the New Voter ID Laws explains what identification transgender people need to vote in their state. The Voting While Trans Checklist is a one-page guide to educate poll workers and election officials on the voting rights of transgender people. Both documents can be downloaded at www.votingwhiletrans.org/ download.html. — D.S.

Inn settles discrimination suit

MONTPELIER, Vt. — A Vermont resort that was sued last year for refusing to host a lesbian couple’s wedding reception and violating Vermont’s Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act finalized an agreement Aug. 23 to resolve the lawsuit. As part of the settlement, the resort will pay $10,000 to the Vermont Human Rights Commission as a civil penalty and will place $20,000 in a charitable trust to be disbursed by the couple. Kate Linsley (nee Baker) and Ming Linsley of New York contacted the ACLU and the ACLU of Vermont after Ming’s mother was told by the Wildflower Inn’s events manager that due to the innkeepers’ “personal feelings,” the inn did not host “gay receptions.” After the plaintiffs filed suit, the Vermont Human Rights Commission intervened as a co-plaintiff in the proceedings. The couple planned to have their wedding ceremony at a Buddhist retreat in northern Vermont and wanted to have the reception nearby. The 24-room inn described itself as an

award-winning resort and an ideal destination-wedding location. On its website, the inn lauded itself as “Four Seasons for Everyone,” and said that even the family dog is welcome. — D.S.

SLDN head criticizes VA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis sent a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki recently after reports from the Office of Inspector General were released alleging excessive spending and “questionable activities” by VA officials, including $5 million spent during conferences that included concert tickets and spa treatments for attendees. “If these allegations are substantiated, this misuse of taxpayer money — especially taxpayer money that was intended for the care and support of our nation’s veterans — is completely unacceptable,” Sarvis wrote. “This news is especially disconcerting to gay and lesbian veterans, who are blocked from providing their hard-earned VA benefits to their spouses because of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other federal statutes. It is insulting to be told by the VA that they will not provide the same benefits to same-sex spouses that they provide to opposite-sex spouses, only to then watch the VA allegedly waste money during conferences.” SLDN renewed its call for the VA to acknowledge more fully the open presence

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Record growth for Pride Charlotte Photo Credit: Jimmie Cobb/ JCdigitalPHOTOGRAPHYworks

Organizers of the annual Pride Charlotte Festival say they experienced record growth over past events at their festival this year, Aug. 25-26. A project of The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, Pride is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year. The activities this year didn’t disappoint. No firm numbers on the funds raised have yet to be released, but organizers did say they estimated their crowd to be as many as 45,000 over the course of their newly-expanded, two-day festival. In addition to the new second day, organizers also increased hours on Saturday, bringing in mainstream Hip Hop recording artist Trina as their headliner for an evening concert attended by thousands. Log on to goqnotes.com/pride2012 for more on the story and to see more photos from this year’s Pride Charlotte. : :

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Explore LGBT Charlotte Get out of the bubble — the locals are waiting by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

If you’re in town for the Democratic National Convention, odds are you’ll be tempted to stay in and around your hotel and official DNC or other convention-related events. But, if you have the opportunity, be sure to check out these great local LGBT hotspots for a bite to eat, a sip of coffee or breather from the all the hubbub of the Uptown bubble. Our staff picks below are organized by neighborhood, so you can grab a bite to eat, do a little shopping or head out to the local LGBT watering hole, all within walking distance of each other. Plaza Midwood The 2010 census showed Charlotte’s eastside and, in particular, the Plaza Midwood area as one of the gayest areas in town. Packed with LGBT-friendly stores, antique shops, restaurants and bars, a walk around this grungy gay village is well worth it. Start out with dinner at Dish (1220 Thomas Ave., 28205, 704-344-0343, eatatdish.com) with the perfect combination of down-home southern cooking and a flare of city tastes. Dish serves up a lunch and dinner you’ll be bragging about weeks from now. Stop

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in to enjoy their chicken-and-dumplings served up with their signature biscuit and deviled egg. Or, walk up and sit down for a relaxing bite on the balcony at SOUL Gastrolounge (1500 Central Ave., 28205, 704-348-1848, soulgastrolounger.com) with a view of the downtown skyline that shimmers and shines. Afterward, head downstairs to peruse art while sipping on the wine of your choice at TwentyTwo (1500 Central Ave., 704-334-0122), Charlotte’s premier art gallery and wine bar. For drinks and revelry later in the evening, walk around the corner to Petra’s, Plaza Midwood’s funky gay piano bar. (See more on Petra’s and their events during the DNC on page 12). And, if you’re in the need for LGBTthemed art, clothing, books or more, check out Plaza Midwood’s White Rabbit (920 Central Ave., 28204, 704-377-4067, facebook.com/whiterabbitstore). The only exclusively-LGBT book and novelty shop in North Carolina, you won’t miss this building with its bright, LGBT-themed rainbow mural freshly painted this summer by volunteers with The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte’s arts committtee. South End/Dilworth Quaint and historic with a burgeoning collection of modern condos and

Want more information on Charlotte’s gayest and hippest hoods, their attractions and other to-do’s? Visit qnotes’ partner, Visit Gay Charlotte, and their neighborhood spotlights at visitgaycharlotte.com/neighborhoods/. office buildings, South End and Dilworth offer an escape from Uptown that still keeps you close to the action. Stop in at 300 East, (300 East Blvd., 28203, 704-332-6507, 300east.net) for tasty southern-inspired meals. Known for their popular Sunday brunches and mimosas. After lunch, walk down just a few store fronts to Paper Skyscraper (330 East Blvd., 704-3337130, paperskyscraper.com) for unique gifts, books and funky home décor. In the evenings, cool down at The Bar at 316, located in an historic Dilworth home. Stand out on the balcony with a cocktail and enjoy the evening breeze. If you feel the need to dance, be sure to check out Marigny, a New Orleans-inspired LGBT dance club with great music, a light show and hot go-go dancers. (Learn more about The Bar at 316 and Marigny on page 12). NoDa Known for its eclectic feel, NoDa is Charlotte’s historic arts district. Peruse galleries and book shops, tattoo parlors and funky eateries like Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen (501 E. 36th St., 28205, 704-331-9898, boudreauxs.com), serving up traditional Cajun and Creole fare including their phenomenal gumbo! If you’re in the mood for sweets or coffee, visit the nearby Amelie’s French Bakery (2424 N. Davidson St., 28205, 704-3761781, ameliesfrenchbakery.com), an eclectic coffee shop, bakery and pastry shop rolled into one extravagant, Frenchinspired package. Friendly staff and a comfortable and relaxing environment will give you time to stop and reflect. A smaller, second location is located at 330 S. Tryon St., 28202, in Uptown, at the corner of S. Tryon St. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. : :


dnc 2012 goqnotes.com/dnc

LGBT Charlotteans prepare for DNC Influx of convention visitors expected by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE –Volunteers and business owners in the LGBT community have been hard at work ensuring their visitors and guests during the week of the Democratic National Convention receive star treatment. At The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, staffers and board members teamed up to give away 20 credentials to LGBT bloggers and others. The credentials will offer access to co-working and event space in Uptown organized by The PPL, an effort to involve independent artists, bloggers and citizen journalists in convention activities. “This is a great time for our voice to be heard,” says O’Neale Atkinson, operations manager for the center, located at the NC Music Factory in Uptown Charlotte. “This is historic. Something like this has never happened in Charlotte before and we’ll have national attention throughout this week and we want to make sure that we aren’t just there but that we actually have a voice and it is being heard.” Atkinson says the center will also be open for extended hours. “This is an opportunity for us to gain visibility not just for the center but for the whole community,” he says. “We’re definitely going to try to take advantage of the opportunity by

Members of the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte’s staff, board and volunteers talk about their plans for the upcoming DNC and their recent Pride Charlotte Festival, held Aug. 25-26.

Meetings: Program: Time: Membership: Information:

making the center as accessible as possible throughout the week.” The center, usually open only in the evenings for events and for public drop-ins, will be open each day, Noon-8 p.m., during the week of the convention. Center organizers are also planning on extended hours on Sept. 1, the night DNC officials will host visiting media for a welcome party. Atkinson says the center will provide journalists with complimentary refreshments and with information about the local community. Refreshments and other services like work space and free Wi-Fi will be available to visitors during the week of the convention. In other parts of Uptown, Hartigan’s Irish Pub, a lesbian-owned restaurant, bar and club popular with LGBT clientele, is preparing for a big event on Thursday, Sept. 6. That night, President Barack Obama will give his nomination speech at Bank of America Stadium. Afterward, the entire Maryland delegation will have the opportunity to celebrate at Hartigan’s. “The DNC is going to be huge news,” co-owner Jill Phillips says with excitement. But she’s concerned about business before that Thursday. Located right next to Bank of America Stadium, Phillips says security checkpoints, traffic and street closures might keep many of her regulars away. “With the traffic, the proximity will hurt us before the Maryland delegation gets there,” she says. “A lot of people are going to stay away. We might have some specials and decorations to celebrate the DNC being here but we’re just looking forward to the Maryland delegates.” Phillips says she’ll enjoy the experience, one many have said is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She expects an influx of regular customers back to her business the weekend after the convention. : : info: Get more information on extended hours and other LGBT Community Center of Charlotte services during the DNC at gaycharlotte.com.

Third Tuesday of every month, except when there is specialized programming, plus monthly socials to promote networking and friendship A wide variety of topics of interest to appeal to the diverse LGBT community After work with a cash bar social and heavy hor d’oeuvres with dinner and program following Visit the website for application options and benefits. Call 704.565.5075 or email businessguild@yahoo.com for more details or write to The Charlotte Business Guild P.O. Box 33371 | Charlotte, NC 28233

www.charlottebusinessguild.org Sept. 1-14 . 2012

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9


‘Hard Working Diva’ to light up Unity stage Kristine W will headline special LGBT DNC welcome event by Adam Romano :: guest contributor

Visit goqnotes.com/dnc for more coverage.

Photo credit: Karl Giant

“Everything That I Got,” Kristine W’s first single from her soon-to-be-released “New and Number Ones” dance album, speaks to anyone who has had to overcome adversity. “The song sums up how people are feeling today,” explains the celebrated dance artist who has recorded 16 number one Billboard dance hits and currently ties Mariah Carey for most consecutive Billboard Club Play number ones. “It’s about persevering; not giving up. We are all working everything that we have to make a dollar in this challenging economy.” Even Kristine admits she has experienced hard times in these last few years. “It is the toughest time in history for anyone trying to make it in the recording business,” she says. “There are few brick and mortar music retailers left and half as many dance clubs as there were 10 years ago. “To be a recording artist today requires that a performer wear multiple hats. He or she must be the manager, the marketing exec, the band leader, the video producer…all with no financial support system other than what is in his or her own wallet. Pretty trying times for performers.” One of the most powerful lyrics Kristine sings in “Everything that I Got” is “I still got my pride.” “Most people do not understand the commitment and dedication I have to my music,” she continues. “I have confidence in what I’m contributing to the world. ’Everything that I Got’ is my story as well as anyone who has ever strived for greatness in any field of work.” “Everything that I Got” is on iTunes now. For more information, visit kristinew.com. : :

LGBT Charlotte welcomes the DNC

Unity Party set to roll out the red carpet Organizers for the Unity Party have spent the past few weeks putting the final touches on what they hope will be a perfect extravaganza welcoming LGBT and straight ally Democratic National Convention delegates and guests to the Queen City. Craig Snider, a sponsor and organizer, says the event is expected to draw a large crowd of visitors and locals. He aims to highlight Charlotte, its community and its people. The evening begins with an expo of community organizations. Throughout the night, entertainment as diverse as jazz and soul sounds and electro-dance music and comedy will be interwoven with special speakers and even a dancing aerialist. Kristine W will headline the event with other entertainers including singer-songwriter Lindsay Katt, comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer, DJ Justin Ryan, The Carrie Marshall Band, jazz artist Noel Freidline, dance artists from the Tryptych Collective and DJs Little Betty and Billy Waters. For more information on the event, visit unitycharlotte2012.com. Be sure to log on to goqnotes.com/dnc/ for special coverage of the party and other DNC activities, including photos, video and more. qnotes is a media sponsor of the Unity event.

City, county closings during DNC Here is a look at how some city and county services will be impacted during the Democratic National Convention. For more details, visit dncinfo.charlottenc.gov. City of Charlotte • 311 Information Center: Will run from 7 a.m.1 a.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 6 • Solid Waste Services: Residential trash and recycling will operate on a regular schedule from Sept. 3-7 for those outside of the security perimeter. For those inside the security perimeter, trash and recycling pickup will occur on normal days, but between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. Yard waste and bulky item collections are suspended for the week • Utility Payments: No payments will be taken from the Old City Hall drive-up stations Sept. 4-6. But stations at the CharlotteMecklenburg Government Center and the West Area Service Center will remain open. • Charlotte Area Transit System: The Charlotte Transportation Center will move Sept. 3-5 to

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Sept. 1-14 . 2012

a temporary site at the corner of S. Mint and Third Sts. It’ll be open from 5 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Service returns to the main transportation center on Trade on Sept. 6. • The LYNX Blue Line: Will stop at the Stonewall St. station from Sept. 3-5. Residents needing to connect to a bus should depart at the Carson St. station. Full service will be restored Sept. 6. • Gold Rush Service: The Orange Line will run on a modified route from 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sept. 4, and from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 5. It’ll run from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 6. The Red Line will run on a modified route from 6:30 a.m.-6:30p.m. Sept. 4-6. Routes are listed at www.ridetransit.org. • Human Resources: The city and county HR offices will be open, but job applications must be filed online from Sept. 4-6. No walkins will be accepted. • Police: The uptown Charlotte-Mecklenburg police headquarters will be closed from Sept. 1-6 and reopen on Sept. 7. Online services will be available.

Mecklenburg County • Courthouse: Courts will operate on a limited basis, but the Clerk of Superior Court and Trial Court Administrator Offices will be open normal hours • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center: The lobby level will be open to the public from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. during convention week. • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: The Main Branch and ImaginOn will be closed from Sept. 2-8. There also will be no access to book returns at those sites. Other library branches will remain open. • Register of Deeds: The deeds office will issue marriage licenses from Sept. 4-7, but magistrates will not perform marriage ceremonies that week. • Homeless Resource Center: The center will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 2-6. Water and snacks, and other services to be offered. • Park facilities: All parks will be open for business. But shelter and field reservations won’t be accepted at these parks in and around uptown: Alexander St.,

Bryant, Fourth Ward, Freedom, Frazier, Independence, Latta, Marshall, Ninth St. and Pearle St. • Memorial Stadium and the Grady Cole Center: Will be closed Aug. 31-Sept. 7. The Mecklenburg Aquatic Center will be closed Aug. 26-Sept.7 for maintenance • Parking decks: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center deck on Davidson St. will be closed for employees and customers from Sept. 1-6. It’ll reopen Sept. 7. The Bob Walton Center lot on Stonewall St. will be open, but you must enter off Stonewall St.. The Hal Marshall Services Center lots on North Tryon St. will be open. Those needing access to main parking lot will need to enter on Phifer St. The annex lot must be accessed from the College St. entrance near 11th St. — Information courtesy The Charlotte Observer, Mecklenburg County, City of Charlotte. Reprinted by permission from The Charlotte Observer via Charlotte News Alliance


dnc 2012 goqnotes.com/dnc

Social agenda LGBT and progressive convention-related events Sept. 1-7 Official Democratic National Convention events, other related activities and other fun to-do’s around the Queen City, Sept. 1-7. All events located in Charlotte. Saturday, Sept. 1 New South and the New Southerner 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. (also, Sept. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.) Learn the back story behind Charlotte’s history and development. Soda pop tasting. Public ticketed/credentialed event Levine Museum of the New South 200 E. 7th St., 28282 museumofthenewsouth.org Festivaliberación (Liberation Fest) Noon-10 p.m. This day-long concert and festival is a kick-off to March on Wall Street South (to be held Uptown on Sunday, Sept. 2). Festival focused on youth, students and immigrants and will feature teach-ins, workships, discussions, spoken word, speak outs and other educational events. Public/free event. Area Fifteen, 514 E. 15th St., 28206 facebook.com/events/138225476315222/ wallstsouth.org Sunday, Sept. 2 Social Politics: The Day Party 1-6 p.m. Kick-off event featuring Jamal Simmons (seen on CNN, MSNBC), Florida State Rep. Alan Williams, Charlotte Mayor Pro-Tem Patrick Cannon, plus entertainment. Public ticketed/credentialed event: $15 Fox & Hound Uptown 330 N. Tryon St., 28202 dnckickoff2012.eventbrite.com NWPC Welcome Reception for Women 2-4 p.m. The National Women’s Political Caucus welcomes supporters, attendees, electeds and candidates. Gov. Beverly Purdue, Sec of State Elaine Marshall, Feminist Majority Pres. Ellie Smeal, NWPC Pres. Linda Young and others

will welcome women to Charlotte. Public ticketed/credentialed event: $75 RiRa, 208 North Tryon St., 28202 nwpc.org Unity Through Community 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Welcome catered cocktail party for all LGBT and straight ally guests to Charlotte. Public ticketed/credentialed event North Carolina Dance Theatre 701 North Tryon St., 28202 unitycharlotte2012.com Monday, Sept. 3 2012 Presidential Election Symposium at the DNC 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This educational program is for high school students interested in presidential election politics. The program includes a high-level Speakers Program, along with hands-on learning activities, debates on important political issues and exercises in news reporting about the 2012 Democratic National Convention. $2,500 tuition for week-long program Stage Door Theatre 5th and College Sts., 28202 jsa.org

Tuesday, Sept. 4

LGBT Charlotte welcomes the DNC

Visit goqnotes.com/dnc Progressive Central for more coverage. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Progressive gathering plus lunch and reception to honor SinglePayer Movement. $30 at the door 500 South College St., 28202 Community Outreach Christian Ministries actprogressive.com 1800 Brewton Dr., 28206 PDAmerica.org LGBT Caucus 12-2 p.m. PFAW Foundation Celebrates the Right to Vote Meeting of the caucus. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Public ticketed/credentialed event Join People For the American Way Charlotte Convention Center Foundation and a host of entertainers, politi501 S. College St., 28202 cians, religious leaders and more for this Tickets: Room 203AB limited space event. (also repeats on Thursday, Sept. 6) RSVP required. Entry only to those with confirmed reservations. Politics & Pints Kazba, EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., 28202 6-9 p.m. pfaw.org/DNC2012 Pub trivia event focused on political, news and pop culture trivia. Progressive Action Summit Open to the public and no tickets/credentials 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. required A summit to bring together progressive leadRiRa, 208 North Tryon St., 28202 ers to discuss building power from within and washingtonpost.com from outside the party. Open to the public see Social agenda on 14 Charlotte Convention Center

AAPI Activist Training 12-6 p.m. Join your fellow Asian American and Pacific Islander progressives and allies as we learn the basics of GOTV, social media, communications, fundraising and more. Public ticketed/credentialed event Asian Library 1339 Baxter St., 28204 apaforprogress.org March Against Amendment One 1 p.m. Activists meet to march into Uptown Charlotte while speaking out against the anti-LGBT North Carolina constitutional amendment. Independence Park 300 Hawthorne Ln., 28204 facebook.com/events/514184888607728/

Sept. 1-14 . 2012

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dnc 2012 goqnotes.com/dnc

Party rockin’ Charlotte’s local LGBT scene will be popping with activity the week of the DNC LGBT and friendly bars and night clubs across the city have rolled out their plans to keep people entertained and feeling happy as some 35,000 or more delegates, other convention guests and journalists head into town for the Democratic National Convention. Below are a sampling of activities submitted to us. Saturday, Sept. 1 Men of Petra’s Reunion 10 p.m. Past contestants in Petra’s amateur and camp drag contest come back for another performance. $5 cover. 10 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave., 28205. 704-332-6608. Sunday, Sept. 2 DNC Drag Brunch Noon Local drag stars perform their hearts out with camp drag comedy especially made for the DNC. Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St., 28202. bufffaye.com. hartigans.com. One Kick Ass Party 9 p.m. NY Producer/DJ Johnny Vicious, Warner Brothers Records “Official Madonna Remixer” will be delivering his signature house sounds alongside local fav DJ Andy Kastanas for Soul’s “One Kick Ass Party. Soul welcomes diversity and appreciates its loyal LGBT fans! SOUL Gastrolounge, 1500 Central Ave., 28205. 704348-1848. soulgastrolounge.com/. Labor Day Show 10 p.m. Charlotte’s longest-running LGBT nightclub presents a special Labor Day show featuring hostess Buff Faye, Aiesha Paris, Gypsy Starr and Miss Gay NC U.S.ofA. 2012 Jamie Monroe. $2 vodka drinks. The Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Dr., 28208. 704-373-9124. thescorpio.com. Monday, Sept. 3 DNC kick-off 7 p.m. Petra’s opens up a week’s worth of activities with a night special-made for local and

See more events in the joint qnotes/LGBT Community Center/Visit Gay Charlotte calendar at goqnotes.com/calendar/. Don’t see your special event listed here? Log on to the calendar and get it submitted to our online version today! visiting pianophiles. Three of the best pianists in town will be on deck that night as Ethan Uslan, Gordon Gergory James and Ryan Stamey all take turns at the keyboard. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave., 28205. 704-3326608. Free cover. Democratic Divas Drag Show 9 p.m. Celebrate Labor Day and Kick off DNC week with some flair! Join Roxy C. Moorecox as she welcomes an all-star cast to the stage of Wet Willie’s at the NC Music Factory! The show will feature: Big Shirli Stevenz, Jamie Monroe, Beth Ann Phetamine and Charlotte’s own DNC delegate, Janice Covington! Wet Willie’s, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., 28206. Free cover. Tuesday, Sept. 4 LGBT Delegate and Elected Officials Reception, Watch Party and Dance Party 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Official 2012 Democratic National Convention reception for LGBT delegates and elected officials hosted by National Stonewall Democrats, Netroots Nation and The PPL. Convention procedings watch party 8-10 p.m., with dance party following. Free with DNC or PPL Credential; $25 otherwise. Packard Place (The PPL), 222 Church St., 28202. stonewalldemocrats.org. Wednesday, Sept. 5 Karaoke 9:30 p.m. Petra’s is known for its midweek Karaoke Party and with the DNC in town, this one is sure to be off the chain. The $6 pitchers of cold draft beer, along with other drink specials, will give you the courage you need to take to the mic even if you have sworn you never will. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave., 28205. 704-332-6608. Free cover for members. $3 for guests.

A scene from ‘Shiprocked,’ a special LGBT night hosted each Thursday at the grungy/hipster Snug Harbor in Plaza Midwood, 1220 Gordon St., 28205, snugrock.com.

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Miss At Large and Mister Scorpio Pageants 10 p.m. Local contestants vie for a chance to be crowned the next Scorpio royalty. The Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Dr., 28208. 704-373-9124. thescorpio.com. : :


on the map nightlife

Midwood Madness, Petra’s half-price bottles of wine Karaoke, The Woodshed starts at 9 p.m.

Sunday

Barbeque & Bloody Marys, Bar at 316 free BBQ from 3-6 p.m. The Sunday Social Spades/Card Games & House Muzik, Nickel Bar from 5 p.m.-Midnight House Cast Show, The Scorpio with DJ 4Real. 11:30 p.m. Woodshed Sundays, The Woodshed free dinner buffet served at 6:30 p.m. karaoke, 9 p.m.

Friday

Game Night, Bar at 316 Team Trivia and Line Dancing, Hartigan’s starts at 8 p.m. Karaoke, Petra’s hosted by Rachel Houdek. 9 p.m. Wicked and Wild Wednesdays, The Scorpio featuring Tiffany Storm with DJ 4Real. 11 p.m. Pool Tournament, The Woodshed starts at 10:30 p.m.

House DJ and Dancing, Bar at 316 Free HIV Testing, Connections the 4th Friday of every month. 8-10 p.m. A-List Fridays, Marigny hosted by SugaWalls Entertainment. 10 p.m. Feel Good Fridays Dance Night, Nickel Bar from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Live Performances, Petra’s Roxy’s Rainbow Review, The Rainbow In starts at 11p.m. Life’s a Drag, The Scorpio with Tiffany Storm. 11:30 p.m.

Thursday

Saturday

Wednesday

Monday

Movie Night, Bar at 316 starts at 9 p.m. Monday Madness, Chasers pool tournament at 11:30 p.m. $25 cash prize and $25 bar tab. Boxing & Monday Night Football, Sidelines Free Pool, The Woodshed all day.

Thursday Night House Party, Bar at 316 Pool Tournament, Central Station Rockin’ Well Thursdays, Chasers with Valerie Rockwell. Show starts at 12:30 a.m. Free HIV Testing, Connections the 2nd Thursday of every month. 8-10 p.m. Karaoke Night, Hartigan’s hosted by Roxxy C. Moorecox. 9 p.m. Team Boystown, Marigny starts at 10 p.m. $10 cover after 11 p.m. Drink-n-drown. SpeakEasy Thursday Open Mic Night, Nickel Bar from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Karaoke Night, The Rainbow In free for members. $5 guests. $6 under 21.

Tuesday

Karaoke with Metro Mike, Bar at 316 starts at 9 p.m. Pool Tournament, Central Station Twisted Trivia, Chasers with Tiffany Storm & Brooklyn Dior. Showtime at 12:30 a.m. Trivia Tuesdays, Marigny hosted by Roxxy C. Moorecox 7 p.m.

Community

Underwear Night, The Woodshed

LGBT Community Center of Charlotte Seeks to promote diversity, acceptance and visibility of the LGBT community through original and collaborative programming and events and by providing an inclusive, welcoming and affordable environment for all. 820 Hamilton St., Suite B11 Charlotte, NC 28206 704-333-0144 gaycharlotte.com

House DJ and Dancing, Bar at 316 The Angela Lopez Show, Chasers show starts at 12:30 a.m. Live DJ, Hartigan’s Krewe Saturdays, Marigny Sexy Saturdays Special Events, Nickel Bar from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Live Performances, Petra’s Urban Variety Show, The Scorpio with Elaine Davis. Midnight showtime.

White Rabbit North Carolina’s LGBT everything store. Complete line of Pride merchandise, plus magazines, books, DVDs, T-shirts, underwear, swimwear, athletic shorts, hats, hoodies, socks, and more. 920 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28204 704-531-9988 . phone 704-531-1361 . fax info@whiterabbitbooks.com

info: Don’t see your bar listed here? Submit your regularly scheduled events to editor@goqnotes.com Nightlife content the responsibility of each business listed.

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LGBT Charlotte welcomes the DNC

Social agenda

Visit goqnotes.com/dnc for more coverage.

continued from page 11

LGBT Delegate and Elected Officials Reception and Watch Party 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Official 2012 Democratic National Convention reception for LGBT delegates and elected officials. Free with DNC or PPL Credential; $25 otherwise Packard Place (The PPL) 222 Church St., 28202 stonewalldemocrats.org

ArtsJam 11 p.m.-12 a.m. An intimate concert performance featuring national recording artists, celebrating the arts and arts education. Pre-concert cocktail fundraiser meet-andgreet with celebrity guests will be held from 9-10:30 pm. Ticket prices vary. Open to the public. McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square Blumental Performing Arts Center

345 North College St., 28202 ArtsActionFund.org Wednesday, Sept. 5 Moving America Forward: Health Care Visionaries and Voices from the Front Lines of Care 9:30-11:30 a.m. Join the nation’s leading healthcare visionaries at a forum to celebrate the historic victory

of the Affordable Care Act and discuss what’s at stake for Americans and their health care in this election. Open to the public and no tickets/credentials required NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 28202 movingamericaforward.net NARAL Pro-Choice America Convention Reception 10 p.m.-2 a.m. NARAL Pro-Choice America will host NARAL Pro-Choice America Convention Reception to honor Nancy Keenan at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Public ticketed/credentialed event RSVP mandatory to SThornton@ ProChoiceAmerica.org Kanvas Gallery, 525 E. 6th St. #117, 28202 prochoiceamerica.org Thursday, Sept. 6 Celebrating Voting Rights — The Struggle Continues 9:30-11:30 a.m. Georgia Democratic Party serves as sponsor to honor Congressman John Lewis, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Lowery, and the Reverend Al Sharpton. Public ticketed/credentialed event Reserve tickets at 404-584-9605. Marriott Executive Hotel 5700 Westpark Dr., 28217 Friday, Sept. 7 One America, One American: Robert F. Kennedy Through the Lens of Bill Eppridge 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Open to the public. No tickets/credentials are required. A photographic exhibition depicting the leadership and legacy of Robert F. Kennedy. The Charlotte Observer Lobby 600 South Tryon St., 28202 echofoundation.org — Event listings provided courtesy Demlist. com, Charlottein2012.com, the QNotes/ LGBT Community Center/Visit Gay Charlotte Community Calendar and other sources.

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dnc 2012 goqnotes.com/dnc

Some locals not worried about DNC security plans Others say they’ll steer clear of Uptown by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — Local community memwill be exciting to see what it brings.” bers have mixed reviews of the planned Mauney said he won’t be inconvenienced street closures and security plans for the by the street closures around his home. 2012 Democratic National Convention hosted “We knew we were going to be in the in Uptown Sept. 4-6. zone when they announced it just because On Facebook and in short interviews with of our proximity to the stadium,” he noted. qnotes, some community members said they “We’re used to dealing with it on a regular were planning on staying in town and others basis because of the stadium events. I’m not said they would avoid Uptown at all costs. really surprised.” “I want to be here for it,” said Todd Hayes, Hayes, who is also volunteering to help a paralegal who lives and works Uptown. “I’m visitors navigate transportation, restaurants excited about it coming.” and other local needs, said he’ll plan on Hayes said he’ll continue to go to work in getting out and about during the convention. his Uptown office while the convention is in Being a part of the action will be stirring, he town. Other employees won’t be in the Center said, though he’ll probably stay at home during City offices, but he doesn’t expect any inconObama’s speech. veniences for his daily walk to and from work. “I’d just as soon watch it on TV where I “Both my home and work are outside any of can get a better view,” he said laughing. the street closures or checkpoints,” he said. Other community members offered On Aug. 8, law enforcetheir feedback on ment agencies including Facebook. One said See the street closures the U.S. Secret Service street closures in Log on to goqnotes.com/16497 to see released details of security Charlotte cause too the security and street closure maps for plans and street closures. many problems. He areas around Time Warner Cable Arena, Nearly three-to-four blocks and others say they’ll Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte on every side of Time spend time outside of Convention Center and the CharlotteWarner Cable Arena will the Center City. Mecklenburg Government Center. see vehicular and peAs for security, destrian restrictions. The Hayes said he’s consame goes for areas around Bank of America fident all will be well. His condo’s manageStadium, where officials are also planning on ment company is cautiously preparing for the shutting down the leg of I-277 between I-77 worst, but his condo association, of which and Independence Blvd. he is president, believes activity around the Dan Mauney lives at a condo building convention will be peaceful. near the stadium, where President Barack “When I hear what [the property Obama is scheduled to make his renomination management is] thinking could happen, speech. He’s leaving town for a portion of the I’m thinking 1968,” Hayes said, noting the convention due to prior travel arrangements. tumultuous protests and police response at “Part of me wonders if I made the right dethe 1968 Democratic National Convention in cision leaving all this activity,” Mauney said. Chicago. “I don’t think we’ll see that kind of “I think it is going to be a time to really get out thing happening.” and be proud that you live in Charlotte. It’s Mauney said he’s grateful for the steppedgoing to be a great time to meet other people. up security measures and hopes it will I’ve never been to a political convention before and the fact that it is in our home city, it see Street on 16

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News Notes

continued from page 7

of gay and lesbian service members. “The VA needs to be a welcoming place for all veterans — including LGBT veterans — and stories like this do not help promote the image of a wellfunctioning and effective VA,” said Sarvis. — D.S.

Companies provide protections

PHILADELPHIA — Equality Forum reported on Aug. 15 that 477 of the 2012 Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. include sexual orientation in their employment non-discrimination policies. Among those listed, were 14 businesses that have their roots in North Carolina. North Carolina companies included (city/ranking) are: Bank of America Corp., Charlotte/13; Lowe’s, Mooresville/54; Nucor, Charlotte/138; Duke Energy, Charlotte, 186; BB&T Corp., Winston-Salem/267; VF, Greensboro/277; Progress Energy, Raleigh/286; Family Dollar Stores, Matthews/301; Reynolds American, Winston-Salem/302; Goodrich, Charlotte/319; Sonic Automotive, Charlotte/330; Pantry, Cary/347; Laboratory Corp. of America, Burlington/443; and SPX, Charlotte/446. The forum collaborated with Professor Louis Thomas, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and Ian Ayres, William K. Townsend professor, Yale Law School. For more information, visit equalityforum.com. — L.M.

‘Gay Hate Day’ in Cameroon

YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Human rights leaders in the country and around the globe united to denounce the “Gay Hate Day” held here Aug. 21, as well as oppose the ongoing arrests of people suspected to be gay, lesbian or bisexual. The influential Archbishop of Yaoundé has kept the growing anti-gay sentiment churning by calling homosexuality “shameful” and “an affront to the family, enemy of women and creation” in his recent public addresses. Global gay rights group AllOut.org has asked Cameroonian President Paul Biya to take a stand against discrimination by decriminalizing homosexuality. “This anti-gay movement is misinforming Cameroonians,” said Yves Yomb, director of AlternativesCameroun, an organization working for the rights of sexual minorities in Cameroon. “A poster announcing the ‘Gay Hate Day’ claims that hemorrhoids, incontinence and various infections are consequences of homosexuality. Decriminalizing homosexuality is a fundamental step in responding to the misinformation, hate and violence.” In August 2011, Roger Jean Claude Mbédé was arrested, sentenced to three years in prison and fined for the crime of “homosexual behavior” because he texted another man the following: “My family says I am dangerous and that they can’t live with a homosexual.” — D.S.

Street closures continued from page 15 ensure a safe event for all attendees. “With all the elected officials, the president and cabinet members and others, you want them to be safe and make everyone else safe and you want to be able to control who is where and what people are doing,” Mauney said. An event of this magnitude, Mauney said, will bring its challenges but he’s anticipating the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” the DNC will give Charlotte. “You get the bad with the good and this is not that bad,” he said. : : — Originally published online on Aug. 8 at goqnotes.com.

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news

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An historic AIDS Conference Crucial HIV/AIDS questions face the nation as it prepares for a new election by Michael “The Rubberman” Harney and Paul Arons, M.D.

The housing crisis. The economy. Deficits and spending. War. There are more than enough topics to keep presidential candidates busy this year, but 2012 will be remembered as the year an AIDS conference set the stage for the campaign conventions and the election. How can that be? For openers, 24,000 people from 183 countries gathered in Washington, D.C., for the XIXth International AIDS Conference (IAC) after a 22-year world boycott, in one of the only bi-partisan achievements of recent U.S. political history. The HIV travel ban that so tarnished our image originated with North Carolina’s own Jesse Helms, abetted by Ronald Reagan. Although its repeal was proposed by George W. Bush, President Barak Obama and the Democratic Congress of 2009 were the folks who finally made it happen. President Bush, incidentally, was lauded at this conference for originating PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief, that commits millions of dollars toward two conference goals: lifesaving treatment for 15 million Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) worldwide and reducing HIV transmissions in pregnancy from the current annual 330,000 to zero, both by 2015.

The IAC theme was “Turning The Tide Together” for an “AIDS-Free Generation” as espoused by President Obama’s last World AIDS Day and reiterated by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressing the opening plenary. Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Laura Bush and Elton John also fortified the conference. Leaders such as Black AIDS Institute Founder Phill Wilson, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius presented National HIV/AIDS Strategy goals including: • Reducing new HIV infections by 25 percent; increasing HIV testing for everyone ages 13 to 64. • Increasing linkage to care for persons newly diagnosed; improving outcomes by maintaining PLWHAs in Ryan White and housing programs. • Reducing disparities in prevention and care access for gay and bisexual men; achieving undetectable viral loads in Black and Latino patients. As always, some IAC issues require further work, including; • Will the U.S. elect a government commit-

ted to HIV research, prevention and treatment? There’s already a $7 billion international gap, and domestic dollars have plateaued despite rising case numbers. • Will stigma attached to HIV/ AIDS itself, and to marginalized populations such as sex workers and injection drug users (denied visas to attend), as well as women, MSM, especially youth of color for whom the epidemic has become a catastrophe, and transgender persons, be addressed? • Can the spirit of the Global Village, a non-commercial powerhouse of cultural and artistic response to the epidemic be maintained? Was enough respect paid to the AIDS Memorial Quilt, dismissed by some as overemphasizing death? • Will the U.S. address HIV disparities in southeastern states, fully fund AIDS Assistance Drug Program, implement Obamacare, reinstate explicit sex-ed and reauthorize needle/syringe exchange? • Will costly new Hepatitis treatments and exotic genetic research

foreshadowing a cure and vaccine be financially viable outside the bubble of the conference? Such challenges affirm the observation of Peter Piot, retired director of the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, “AIDS both exposes and exacerbates multiple fault lines of social and economic inequalities and injustice…” We hope you’ll keep that in mind during the conventions and campaigns and resolve to work and vote for continued progress in the United States and worldwide. Also, visit aids2012. org, kff.org and AIDSVu. org for full coverage of the XIXth International AIDS Conference, and let’s continue this conversation in coming months. IAC 2014 will be in Melbourne Australia. : :

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life

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20 Questions Beverly Mitzel, Charlotte

by David Stout :: david@goqnotes.com

Beverly Mitzel’s life is devoted to caregiving and service. It’s what she does both on the job, as a CARE manager at the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, and at home, raising — along with her partner Sonja Austin — four adopted, special needs children, all under the age of 14. (Two more adopted daughters are now grown.) Many of you might be more familiar with Beverly’s oldest son (who’s also my godson) than with her. Jordan Mitzel has led the field in fundraising for the annual RAIN AIDS Walk so many times they’ve named the Top Individual Fundraiser award after him. Beverly never ceases to amaze me with her love, patience and stamina. I almost felt bad for asking her to take precious time to answer our questions. (I said “almost,” boo boo. Don’t get it twisted…you know how we do at 20-Q.) Who was the better ’70s superheroine: Wonder Woman, Isis or the Bionic Woman?

As a mom, I have to go with Isis since her main job was to teach a moral lesson to the kids she generally needed to get out of a jam. Wonder Woman had the best costume, though. How long has it been since you’ve had a TV dinner? An honest-to-goodness TV dinner with the tin foil tray? I would guess about 1975. But being a working mom, we survive on frozen quick meals more than I would like to admit.

Do you know how to play pokeno? No, but I play a mean game of Tripoly. Which London Olympics event had you on the edge of your seat? Women’s soccer. Hope Solo, Abby Wombach… they are both tough and gorgeous. What’s not to like?

What was the first concert ticket you bought with your own money? KISS in 1978. I was a junior in high school. This was back in the days of “festival seating,” which really meant get there early and push your way to the front and stand for the

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Which is the more perilous job: Being a mom or working with hazmat? I think owning a hazmat suit is a prerequisite to parenthood. Have you been into a teenager’s room recently? I rarely enter unless I am armed with a trash bag and a can of Lysol. Who was your big celebrity crush when you were a teen? Jodie Foster! I loved her. She was quite the tomboy in her early films. I adored her as Becky Thatcher in “Tom Sawyer.” Since we were about the same age, I thought we were just meant to be. By the time “Taxi Driver” came along I was in full-blown crush mode.

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a&e Sex changes, parents and outside thoughts, oh my! Recently, I got a letter, which said: Dear Trinity, I have a 27-year-old son who is gay and I love him very much. He now wants to have a sex change operation. This is something I am having an awful time dealing with. I feel you’d understand this situation somewhat better than me. Son Troubles, Baltimore, MD I asked you, my readers to help me answer this question and this is what you said. At the end of each letter I will give my answers. Dear Trinity, Transexuality is something that should not be discussed in a free publication. There are special magazines that deal with these social outcasts. I’m sorry for this man and his troubles, but Trinity, if you’re going to have an advise (sic) column, then print things that are socially conscious, not sexually deviant. Concerned Citizen, Kansas City, MO Dear Concerned Citizen, Social outcasts? Sexual deviants? Well, let me remind you, darling, about the Native American tribes where transgender people, Two Spirits and Brave Hearts, were revered as the highest of spiritual teachers and leaders. These trans men and women kept the culture and rituals alive, raised the children, took care of the men during battles and often acted as the diplomats between warring tribes. So, next time you want to stop free speech and free expression, then go to a book burning ceremony rather than to Tell Trinity. Love not fear! Hello Son Troubles, I’m a transgendered entertainer in my early 20s. My family still has difficulty with my lifestyle and my father and I do not speak. Anyone

tell trinity

by Trinity :: qnotes contributor

who has interest in changing their sex has to come to that decision on their own. Parents should love and support their children in anything they do when trying to develop themselves as happy human beings. One can only decide what path to take in life by one’s self. But having support from loved ones, lights the way when it is dark. Unsigned, Dallas, TX Hello Unsigned, Love and support, especially from parents, is paramount in life and in every situation. It does light the way in the darkness. Unfortunately, supporting one’s child when the child is going against everything the parent is taught is unbelievably hard for a parent. But, isn’t life a lesson in unconditional love? (Peaceful villages are a better place to live. My cartoon sure shows this.) Dearest Son Troubles, In the end, as a parent you must love your son and stand by him no matter what. So, get support for him and yourself through these tough times. Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) is in every major city. They have not only focused on outreach to trans people and to their families for some time now, but they also have excellent materials, which are available through the internet. Just type in “PFLAG” and that will bring you to all the info. Call them for support. Good luck. Concerned Parent, Boston, MA Dearest Concerned Parent, This is excellent advice. PFLAG is a great organization. Moreover, love your son until it alters your entire perception of everything you know. Honey, we must allow our children, as best we can to expand our understanding of what is right, not use our children to

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prove ourselves right. Love conquers all. Dear Son Troubles I’m a Christian who empathizes with your problem. If it were my son, I’d put him into therapy and take him away from his environment. Furthermore, the Bible’s condemnation of homosexuality and cross-dressing remains unmistakable. The Bible is clear. All sex outside of heterosexual marriage is a sin. However, those who acknowledge their sin will find forgiveness through our Lord. Empathize, Louisville, KY Dear Empathize, I always give thanks for the plethora of cultural diversity that lives in our land. And, yes, I do agree, anyone who wants to undertake a major life change should absolutely seek counseling, whether it be marriage, work, sex, etc. And, yes, I also think that before making a major life change one should take a break. Get away and clear your thoughts. But, pumpkin, while the Bible definitely is an interpretive piece of work, it definitely is not clear on homosexuality and does not mention transexuality anywhere. If you send me a copy of the passage that mentions “transexuality” I’ll march down the center of my hometown with a zucchini sticking out of every orifice of my body while singing “Proud Mary.” : : 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. info: www.telltrinity.com . Trinity@telltrinity.com Sponsored by: WIG Ministries Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! www.wigministries.org

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20 Questions

Annie Lennox, Grace Slick, Pink, Tina Turner. I would pay to see any of them. A woman and an electric guitar is a beautiful thing.

continued from page 19

entire concert. My (then) boyfriend and I were in full makeup — I as the cat man Peter Criss and he as the starchild Paul Stanley. We were in the second row. Gene Simmons grabbed my 35mm camera and took pictures of himself doing that crazy tongue thing he does. Then he took pictures of the rest of the band and gave me back the camera. It was only after the concert that we realized my boyfriend had loaded the film incorrectly and none of the photos even took! I realized then that I should have taken a girl to the concert. How do these films rank based on the number of times you’ve seen them: “Conan The Barbarian,” “Predator,” “The Terminator,” “Twins”? I’ve seen “Terminator” about a dozen times — love Arnold in this film. Not crazy about him in the others. Ah-nold is best playing the strong silent type. “Twins”…really? Who’s MILFier: Marge Simpson, Peggy Hill or

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Lois Griffin? Too funny! I guess Peggy Hill because she’s got that sexy take-charge way about her. I relate to Peggy on a lot of levels. Her family and mine would get along great. And if they didn’t, she’d make them get along…and like it. What color do you never wear because it doesn’t look good on you? I’m not a big fan of green — especially dark green. Someone once told me “green is the color of scum on a pond.” Best to just leave green alone. How would you finish this sentence: “I don’t care if all the kids at your school have…” …an iPhone. I am not getting sucked into that data plan. No way, no how. Who is your all-time favorite female rock vocalist? Gosh, there have been so many over the years: Pat Benatar, Melissa Etheridge, Joan Jett,

What’s the last magazine you read or thumbed through? I am a celebrity gossip junkie, so I actually enjoy flipping through the National Enquirer or People magazine at the check-out line of the grocery store. Of course, I don’t believe any of it is true unless I can verify it online by Perez Hilton. How often do you carry a purse? Seriously, a purse? I am a lesbian. I carry a

leather wallet in my back pocket. Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? Yes, and it’s another camera story. Years ago I spent a day touring the Grand Canyon with my (then) partner who had grown up and gone to school near there. She took me to all of these beautiful overlooks and out-of-the-way spots. Leaving the last spectacular view, I inadvertently left the camera on the roof of the car. She pulled out and rolled right over it. That was probably the beginning of the end of that relationship, too.

see 20 Questions on 23


out in the stars by charlene lichtenstein qnotes contributor

September 1 - 14 The Sun enters Virgo and makes us more careful and helpful world citizens. So, roll up your sleeves, get involved and do some good. Them that deserves, gets. So get some. VIRGO (08.24-09.23) There is nothing quite so charming and engaging as a queer Virgin. You have ample opportunity to meet and greet. Plus, if you muster a bit of effort, you put new projects in place for guaranteed long-term payoff. Life seems pretty darn good…even excessively good. Will the glare of your pearlies entice, entertain or repel? Check for spinach to be sure. LIBRA (09.24-10.23) There are those who have taken great delight in stabbing you in the back whenever they darned pleased. Sometimes you didn’t realize it until the damage was done. Now a light goes on and you finally figure out who they are and what they are up to. Revenge is a dish best eaten cold, proud Libra. Enjoy your dinner and go for your just desserts. SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Surround yourself with pals and a few new acquaintances. You are especially sociable and seem to attract a delicious array of avid followers. Some of the folks you meet now are so impressed that they just can’t get enough of you and hang on your every word. Proud Scorps are in their element. Is that in deep water, down to earth, full of hot air or on fire? SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) If professional goals have seemed unattainable and difficult, thank your stars for the opportunities presented now. Instead of struggling in the dark, suddenly it all becomes clear. Implement all strategies in the right priority. Gay Archers are finally able to set things in motion that have considerable payoff. Don’t spend it all in one place, tempting as it might be. CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Gay Caps find that this is a good time to take stock of where they are and where they are going. Are you where you want to be in this life? Are you itching for more? Scratch that itch with anything that helps expand your horizons. There is nothing like new stimuli to move some old stasis. Travel, study or mingle with some new interesting cohorts. See what you can concoct. AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) Love is in the air. Okay, maybe it really isn’t love, but that doesn’t matter when the lights are low and so are you. Aqueerians seem to ooze that certain special sauce — a mixture of piquant charm, spicy wit and juicy charisma. Hurry and make your best moves while you are so delicious. By tomorrow you may revert back to just another overcooked slab. PISCES (02.20-03.20) This is no time to be alone and whether you decide to surround yourself with platonic or passionate company is entirely up to you. Whoever you choose will transform you in unimaginable ways and on very meaningful levels. Guppies are often considered to be incorrigible romantics and now the cosmos demands that you become a part of a pair. Hey, nice pair. ARIES (03.21-04.20) If you ever had an excuse to get down to work, this is the time to do so. Proud Rams are ambitious and can now clear off their desks and free themselves up for some real wheeling and dealing. A little effort has some considerable and dramatic payoff. Aim carefully, lest you upset a careful balance. You are a shooting star but watch where you point

that thing, buddy. TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Put a bit of zip in your doodah. What is it about queer Bulls that makes them so full of fun and so giddy right now? You seem to be unable to concentrate on anything serious or on highly detailed work because your wild imagination and sense of adventure crowds the scene. Embrace the inevitable. Tap a few kegs along with a few pals and dance to a different drummer. GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Make your home picture perfect — you will spend loads of time there right now. Pink Twins plan some wonderful get togethers and become a major presence in any beehive of activity. If you have a long domestic agenda, now is the time to get the necessary work done without a taxing effort. Good thing, too — you don’t want to create an unmanageable deficit. Ahem! CANCER (06.22-07.23) If you have something to say, say it. Gay Crabs express themselves with style and panache and get what they want without being pushy and obnoxious. What a nice change of pace! Go for the gold standard and don’t settle for the silver. While you are at top form, do a bit of press for a good cause. That might mean press as much flesh as possible.

LEO (07.24-08.23) Money is on the top of your list. This is the time to make as much of it as you can and enjoy it to the fullest. But, what is it that you really want? Love? Contentment? Self actualization? Proud Lions may just find that there is something that money simply can’t buy…but thank goodness they get over it! Champagne, truffles and a pack of twinkies anyone? : :

a&e

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© 2012 Madam Lichtenstein, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Entertainment. info: Visit www.TheStarryEye.com for e-greetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. My book “HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.

20 Questions continued from page 19

Cheddar, swiss or Kraft singles? Kraft singles. No time for the fancier things in life these days. Ham and cheese, bologna and cheese, grilled cheese…I make a mean sandwich. Who’s the sexiest “Jennifer” of all time? Jennifer Beals. Before there was “The L Word,” there was “Flashdance.” The body, the dancing, the water — oh, don’t get me started. Truly, “Flashdance” was a defining moment for me because I thought Jennifer Beals was the hottest woman I had ever seen. It was just hard to remain in denial after that. Which is greater, your ring-finger size or the number of Facebook updates and comments you post in a typical day? I have to admit: I’m an “over sharer” on Facebook. I love to update my status and share family photos. My kids refer to me as

“mama”razzi. I’m sure I embarrass them. Have you ever owned a pair of false eyelashes? No. Putting contacts in my eyes is traumatic enough for me. Would legalizing second-parent adoptions have a significant effect on your family? Most definitely. My partner and I have coparented six children together. Since North Carolina does not legalize second-parent adoptions, we made the decision that I would be the adoptive parents of our boys and she, of our girls. It is disheartening to know that if something were to happen to either of us, the children would not automatically stay in the care of the surviving parent, even though we have jumped through whatever legal hoops are available to us to insure this. : :

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